Abstract
Presented is an improved and multifunctional headband. The headband includes an annular band portion to be worn about the head of a user for restraining and controlling user's wet hair strands, and extensions having a predefined shape and length and attached to the annular band portion extending away therefrom. The extensions are made of a fabric having absorption capability so that when inserted penetrating within the wet hair strands of the user, the extensions absorb water or water moisture from the wet hair strands of the user to dry them up. Further, the headband can be used to wring the hair to efficiently dry the user's wet hair without damaging user's hair. Furthermore, the headband can be worn as an accessory for decorative or ornamental purpose.
Claims
1. A headband (100), comprising: an annular band portion (102) to be worn about the head of a user (200) for restraining and controlling user's wet hair strands (202), the annular band portion (102) consists of a top portion (102a) that covers top of the head, and a bottom portion (102b) that is laid behind and underneath the user's ears, when the annular band portion (102) is worn by the user; and a plurality of extensions (104) having a predefined shape and length and attached to the annular band portion (102) extending away therefrom, wherein the plurality of extensions (104) are made of a fabric having absorption capability so that when inserted penetrating within the wet hair strands (202) of the user (200), the extensions (104) absorb water or water moisture from the wet hair strands (202) to dry them up.
2. The headband (100) of claim 1, wherein the annular band portion (102) comprising of at least an elongated band of elastic material with two opposing ends coupled together, an elongated band of a fabric material with two opposing ends coupled together with two opposing ends of an elastic portion, or an elongated band of a fabric material embodying an elastic portion disposed therein with two opposing ends of the elongated band of a fabric coupled together.
3. The headband (100) of claim 1, wherein the annular band portion (102) consists of a top layer (102d) and a bottom layer (102e) foldably sewn (102c) circumferentially at least at one side along with one end of the plurality of extensions (104) inserted therein.
4. The headband (100) of claim 1, wherein the plurality of extensions (104) are sewn (102c) directly underside the top portion (102a) of the annular band portion (102).
5. The headband (100) of claim 2, wherein the elongated band of a fabric material comprising a single layer of a fabric or multiple layers of fabric.
6. The headband (100) of claim 2, wherein the annular band portion (102) is configured to have one or more decorative items (103) attached thereto or itself configured to give an aesthetic appearance to the headband (100).
7. The headband (100) of claim 6, wherein the one or more decorative items (103) are selected from a group consisting of a knot, a tie ribbon, a button, a bead, and a sequin.
8. The headband (100) of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of extensions (104) is made flat and substantially rectangular in shape having two opposing sides (104a, 104b) that can go within penetrating the wet hair strands (202) of the user (200) for drying the wet hair strands (202), and wringing the wet hair strands (202).
9. The headband (100) of claim 8, wherein each of the flat and substantially rectangular shaped extensions (104) are uniform in length and width or non-uniform in length and width with respect to each other.
10. The headband (100) of claim 8, wherein the two opposing sides of each of the flat and substantially rectangular shaped extensions (104) are hemmed or unhemmed.
11. The headband (100) of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of extensions (104) is tubular in shape with an optional insert (104f), each of the tubular extensions (104) can go within penetrating the wet hair strands (202) of the user (200) for drying the hair strands (202), and wringing the hair strands (202).
12. The headband (100) of claim 11, wherein the insert (104f) are bendable or nonbandable.
13. The headband (100) of claim 11, wherein the insert (104f) is fixedly disposed inside the tubular extension (104).
14. The headband (100) of claim 13, wherein the insert (104f) is fixed at its two ends within the tubular extension (104) by sewing or gluing.
15. The headband (100) of claim 13, wherein the insert (104f) is selected from a group consisting of a metallic insert, a plastic insert, or any other material or any combination thereof.
16. The headband (100) of claim 11, wherein each of the tubular extensions (104) are uniform or non-uniform in length and width with respect to each other.
17. The headband (100) of claim 1, wherein the extensions (104) are further configured to have one or more decorative items (106) to give an aesthetic appearance to the headband (100).
18. The headband (100) of claim 17, the one or more decorative items (106) are selected from a group consisting of a knot, a tie ribbon, a button, a bead, a sequin, any other decorative items, or any combinations thereof.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0013] FIGS. 1A-1C shows perspective views of a headband of the present invention, according to various embodiments;
[0014] FIGS. 2A-2B shows a plurality of extensions substantially flat and rectangular in shape attached to an annular band portion of the headband, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIGS. 2C-2D shows different configurations for the plurality of extensions of FIGS. 2A-2B;
[0016] FIGS. 3A-3D shows a process of making an extension substantially tubular in shape that can then be attached to the annular band portion of the headband, according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 4A-4B shows cross sectional side views of the headband with the extensions of FIG. 3D or FIG. 2A;
[0018] FIG. 5 shows a top view of the headband with the extensions attached to the annular band portion;
[0019] FIG. 6A-6B shows cross sectional views of the headband with the annular band portion and the extensions attached thereto, according to various embodiments;
[0020] FIG. 7 shows the headband of the present invention being used to wring the wet hair to efficiently dry the user's wet hair;
[0021] FIGS. 8-9 shows the headband of the present invention in use with the plurality of extensions inserted penetrating within the user's wet hair; and
[0022] FIGS. 10-14 shows the headband of the present invention being used as an accessory for decorative or ornamental purpose.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] As used in the specification and claims, the singular forms a, an and the include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The words comprising, having, containing, and including, and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. Those with ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated, relative to other elements, in order to improve the understanding of the present invention. References to one embodiment, an embodiment, another embodiment, an example, another example, some embodiment, an aspect, another aspect and so on, indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) or aspect(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation, but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element or limitation.
[0024] Before describing the present invention in detail, it should be observed that the present invention utilizes a combination of components which constitutes an improved headband that can be used for restraining and controlling a user's hair to ensure the user's hair remains in place so that it does not interfere with the user's activities. Further, the improved headband can be used to wring the hair to efficiently dry the user's wet hair without damaging user's hair. Furthermore, the improved headband can be worn as an accessory for decorative or ornamental purpose. Accordingly, the components, their interconnectivity and operation have been represented, showing only specific details that are pertinent for an understanding of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
[0025] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.
[0026] The improved headband of the present invention, various embodiments associated therewith will now be discussed in detail with respect to the accompanying drawings FIGS. 1-14.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 1A-1C, the headband 100 of the present invention includes an annular band portion 102 to be worn about the head of a user 200 for restraining and controlling user's wet hair strands 202 (as shown in FIGS. 7-13). Typically, the band portion 102 consists of a top portion 102a that covers top of the head of the user 200, and a bottom portion 102b that is laid behind and underneath the user's ears when the band portion 102 is worn by the user 200. As seen in FIG. 1, the annular band portion 102 consists of a top layer 102d and a bottom layer 102e.
[0028] In an embodiment, the band portion 102 may include elongated band of a fabric material 102h with two opposing ends coupled together with two opposing ends of an elastic portion 102i (as shown in FIG. 1C). In another embodiment, the band portion 102 may include an elongated band of a fabric material embodying an elastic portion disposed within the band, with two opposing ends of the elongated band of fabric coupled together (as shown in FIG. 1A). According to the embodiments, the elongated band of a fabric material may include a single layer of a fabric or multiple layers of fabric. FIG. 1B in particular shows use of two layers of fabrics. The multiple layers of fabric may be of same type of fabric material or different types of fabrics. In another embodiment, the band portion 102 may include an elongated band of elastic material with two opposing ends coupled together (this may appear similar to FIG. 1A). Further, according to various embodiments, the annular band portion 102 may be configured to serve decorative or ornamental purpose and thus be configured to embody a knot or include a tie down ribbon for example The knots or tie down ribbon may be made of the same fabric material with which the band portion 102 is made or be made with different fabric material (as separate attachment). Further, in some other embodiments, the annular band portion 102 may include one or more external decorative items attached thereon. The one or more external decorative items may include but not limited to a button, a bead, a sequin, or any other decorative items or any combinations thereof. Although, some of the possible configurations for the annular band portion 102 are discussed with respect to FIGS. 1A-1C, some other embodiments or variations are possible.
[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1A-1C in conjunction with FIGS. 2A-2B, the headband 100 further includes a plurality of extensions 104 having a predefined shape and length and attached to the annular band portion 102 extending away from the band portion 102. The plurality of extensions 104 are made of various suitable fabrics having water absorption capability so that when inserted penetrating within the wet hair strands 202 of the user 200 (as seen in FIG. 7), the extensions 104 absorb water or water moisture from the wet hair strands 202 to dry the hair. The disclosed invention is not limited to specific absorbent fabric material, rather encompasses any kind of absorbent material.
[0030] According to one embodiment, each of the plurality of extensions 104 is made flat and substantially rectangular in shape having two opposing sides 104a, 104b as shown in FIG. 2C. Each of the extensions 104 can be made uniform in length and width or non-uniform in length and width with respect to each other based on the design requirements depending upon several factors such as the thickness and style of hair of the user. The two opposing sides 104a, 104b of each of the extensions 104 may be hemmed or unhemmed. In order to understand, how these extensions 104 are made, referring to FIG. 2D, according to an embodiment, a rectangular piece of fabric, preferably having a length (L) more than a width (W) is scissored lengthwise to form a plurality of extensions 104 (having length less than L), and where all of the extensions 104 share a common connecting base 110. In another embodiment, the piece of fabric may be scissored lengthwise to form discrete extensions (having length equal to L) such as one shown in FIG. 2C. Once the extensions 104 are formed either as shown in FIG. 2C or FIG. 2D, then these extensions 104 can be attached to the annular band portion 102 of the headband 100. In an embodiment, the extensions 104 may be sewn or attached directly underside (at the bottom layer 102e) of the top portion 102a of the annular band portion 102 as shown represented in dotted lines in FIG. 2B or shown in FIG. 4B. In another embodiment, one end of the extensions 104 may be inserted in between the top layer 102d and the bottom layer 102e of the band portion 102 and sewn or attached together circumferentially at least at one side of the band portion 102 as shown represented in FIG. 2A or FIG. 4A. In FIG. 2A, the sewing line 102c is represented in dotted form. When the headband 100 is in use, these extensions 104 can go within the wet hair strands 202 of the user 200 penetrating the wet hair strands 202 for drying the wet hair strands 202, and wringing the wet hair strands 202 as seen in FIGS. 6-7.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 3A-3D shows an alternative form of the extensions 104 and a process of making these extensions which are substantially tubular in shape and can be attached to the annular band portion 102 of the headband 100, as discussed above with respect to FIGS. 2A-2B or FIGS. 4A-4B. As seen, an extension according to this embodiment may be made of a fabric 104c having dimensions (say length of A and breadth/width of B). At first step, a fold line 104d along the length and middle of the fabric 104 is located as shown in FIG. 3A. At next step, the fabric 104 is folded along the fold line 104d and then the two open ends (out of three), one along the lengthwise direction and one along the width of the folded fabric 104 is closed (preferably by sewing 104e) as shown in FIG. 3B. The sewn folded fabric 104 is then reversed to form a pouch or tubular structure (referred as tubular extensions for the purpose of this invention) as shown in FIG. 3C. At next step, an insert 104f is fixedly disposed inside the tubular extension 104. The insert 104f is pushed within the cavity of the tubular extensions 104 as shown in FIG. 3D and is fixed at its two ends within the tubular extension 104 by sewing or gluing. In some other embodiment, the insert 104f may be fixed at one end within the tubular extension 104 and the other end may be free which may then be stitched or sewn directly to the band portion 102 to fix the insert 104f at other end. According to the embodiment, the insert 104f may be a metallic insert, or a plastic insert or any other inserts that may be bendable or nonbendable in nature. Once the extensions 104 with the insert 104f are ready, then these extensions 104 can either be directly attached/sewn underside the top portion 102a of the head band portion 102 or sewn together between the top 102d and bottom layers 102e of fabrics of the band portion 102 as discussed with respect to FIGS. 2A-2B (or also shown in FIGS. 4A-4B). Each of the extensions 104 can be made uniform or non-uniform in length and width with respect to each other based on the design requirements depending upon several factors such as the thickness and style of hair of the user 200.
[0032] According to the embodiment, the extensions 104 of the headband 100 may further have one or more decorative items 106 configured thereon to give an aesthetic appearance to the headband 100 (thus making the proposed headband socially acceptable). In an example, the decorative items 106 may be sewn on the extensions 104 or directly glued on the extensions 104 or may be attached using some other means. The decorative items 106 may include but not limited to knots, ribbons, buttons, beads, sequins, or any other decorative items or any combinations thereof. The chosen decorative items 106 may be attached onto the extensions or even on the annular band portion 102.
[0033] FIG. 4A-4B shows cross sectional side views of the headband with the extension 104 of FIG. 3D or FIG. 2A. In the example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4A, the tubular extension 104 with or without insert (not seen) or plain extensions as shown in FIG. 2A may be inserted between the top layer 102d and the bottom layer 102e and sewn together with the two layers. The extensions 104 may be sewn with single or multiple lines of stitching with the band portion 102. The extensions 104 are attached under the top portion 102a of the band portion 102 that covers the head of the user 200. For the tubular extensions 104 as detailed in FIGS. 3A-3D, the extension 104 is closed from all sides after is it attached to the band portion 102. The user 200 after wearing the headband 100 can then insert these extensions within the wet hair strands 202 and wring the wet hair strands 202 to efficiently dry the user's wet hair, similar to a way depicted in FIG. 7. The wring or twisting and rolling of the extensions 104 is facilitated by the inserts 104f present within the extensions 104. Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, the extensions 104 (the tubular extensions 104 or plain extensions 104 of FIG. 2A) may be sewn or attached directly underside (at the bottom layer 102e) of the top portion 102a of the annular band portion 102.
[0034] FIG. 5 shows a top view of the headband 100 with the extensions 104 attached to the annular band portion 102. The tubular extensions 104 may be attached to the annular band portion 102 similar to the way explained above with respect to FIGS. 2A-2B and FIGS. 4A-4B.
[0035] FIG. 6A-6B shows cross sectional views of the headband 100 with the annular band portion 102 and the extensions 104 attached thereto, according to various embodiments of the present invention. As explained above with respect to FIGS. 2A-2B and FIG. 4A-4B, the extensions 104 may be sewn together with the two layers 102d, 102e of the top portion 102a. The extensions 104 may be sewn with single or multiple lines of stitching with the band portion 102. The extensions 104 are attached under the top portion 102a of the band portion 102 that covers the head of the user 200. With respect to the tubular extensions 104 as detailed in FIGS. 3A-3D, the extension 104 is closed from all sides after it is attached to the band portion 102. The user 200 after wearing the headband 100 can then insert these extensions 104 within the wet hair strands 202 and wring the wet hair strands 202 (using extensions) to efficiently dry the user's wet hair, similar to a way depicted in FIG. 7.
[0036] FIGS. 8-9 shows the headband 100 of the present invention in use with the extensions 104 inserted penetrating within the user's wet hair. In particular, FIG. 8 shows the headband 100 worn by the user 200. When the user 200 initially puts on the headband 100 over his/her head, the annular band portion 102 goes around the head portion of the user 200 and firmly sits on top of the head restraining and controlling a user's wet hair to ensure the user's hair remains in place and does not interfere with the user's activities (or distract the user's vision). The band portion 102 is preferably elastic in nature and is sized such that it can conform to the anatomy of various human heads. Once the band portion 102 is placed on top of head, the extensions as seen falls back or over rear part of the human head covering the wet hair strands 202 of the user 200. The user 200 can then using his/her fingers or hands to insert or guide these extensions 104 within the hair strands as shown in FIG. 9. Since, the proposed extensions 104 are made of absorbent material, the extensions 104 can suck/absorb the water from the hair which can then be wringed to throw away the absorbed water and then the process can be repeated with other strands of hair 202 until the wet hairs are satisfactorily dried naturally. Unlike existing techniques, the proposed headband and the process associated therewith naturally dries up the hair thereby greatly avoiding any risks of fizziness, breakages, and splitting of hair.
[0037] FIG. 10 shows the proposed headband essentially same as shown in FIG. 8, with the annular band portion 102 esthetically designed to include a button 103 for ornamental or decorative purpose. The extensions 104 may be similar to that explained above with respect to FIGS. 1-9.
[0038] FIG. 11 shows the proposed headband essentially same as shown in FIG. 8, with the annular band portion 102 esthetically designed to incorporate a knot 103 for ornamental or decorative purpose. The knot may be made of the same fabric material with which the band portion 102 is made or of different fabric material. The extensions 104 may be similar to that explained above with respect to FIGS. 1-9 with a plurality of sequins 106 (for example) attached to the extensions 104 for decorative purpose. The sequins 106 may be sewn or glued onto the extensions 104. Although FIG. 11 shows extensions embodying the sequins 106, it should be understood, it can be any other ornamental items in general or any combinations of those items. Further, FIG. 12 shows the proposed headband essentially same as shown in FIG. 11, with the annular band portion 102 being plain without any knot 103.
[0039] FIG. 13 shows the proposed headband essentially same as shown in FIG. 8, with the extensions 104 incorporating a plurality of hangs 106 attached to the extensions 104 for decorative purpose. The decorative hangs 106 may be sewn or glued onto the extensions 104 at different locations along the length of the extensions 104.
[0040] FIG. 14 shows the proposed headband essentially same as shown in FIG. 8, with the annular band portion 102 esthetically designed to incorporate a tie down ribbon 103 for ornamental or decorative purpose. The ribbon 103 may be made of same fabric material with which the annular band portion 102 is made or may be made of other fabric material and attached over the annular band 102.
[0041] Although not discussed above, the proposed headband described above can also be used with a hair dryer, where the hair is not kept loose and is supported by the extensions 104 while being exposed to the hair dryer, thus disallowing fizziness in the hair after being dried by the hot or cold air from the hair dryer. The simultaneous use of the proposed headband with the hair dryer can even fasten the drying process.
[0042] It is important to note that the proposed headband will keep any wet hair much more organized and can be worn on the go while the user is at a beach, swimming pool, in spa, or while applying makeup and so on.
[0043] Further, it is important to note that, the proposed headband may be made using a wide range of absorbent fabrics (available in the market) specifically for the extensions 104. This facilitates the possibility of wringing the wet hair, and allow air circulation within the wet hair strands. The drying feature of the proposed headband also prevents water dripping on the floor or clothes of the user.
[0044] Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications and enhancements may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
