Multi-Use Hair Styling Apparatus and Methods of Use
20190142131 ยท 2019-05-16
Inventors
Cpc classification
A45D7/00
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A45D8/001
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A45D2007/004
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A45D2/00
HUMAN NECESSITIES
International classification
A45D7/00
HUMAN NECESSITIES
Abstract
A hairstyling apparatus has a cushioning sheath that defines an enclosed opening and a flexible frame positioned within the cushioning sheath. The frame extends along an inner perimeter of the cushioning sheath such that end portions of the frame are adjacent the ends of the cushioning sheath. First and second sides of the cushioning sheath are capable of being twisted with respect to each other such that first and side portions of the frame cause the enclosed opening to become smaller.
Claims
1. A hairstyling apparatus, comprising a cushioning sheath and a frame positioned within the cushioning sheath; the cushioning sheath having an upper layer and a lower layer; the upper and lower layers each having opposing first and second sides and opposing first and second ends; the upper and lower layers each having openings that are in alignment with each other such that the cushioning sheath defines an enclosed opening; the enclosed opening extending between the first and second ends, and extending longitudinally along a plane defined by the first and second sides of the cushioning sheath; the frame having opposing first and second side portions, and opposing first and second end portions; the frame extending along an inner perimeter of the cushioning sheath; the first end portion of the frame being adjacent the first end of the cushioning sheath, and, the second end portion of the frame being adjacent the second end of the cushioning sheath; the first end and second ends of the cushioning sheath being capable of being twisted in opposite directions with respect to each other such that the first and side portions of the frame cause the enclosed opening to become smaller.
2. The hairstyling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a flat or ribbon-shaped material that provides dimensional stability, flexibility and resiliency to the hairstyling apparatus.
3. The hairstyling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the opposed first and second end portions are connected by first and second sides, such that the frame can be formed into a generally elliptical or oblong shape.
4. The hairstyling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the ribbon-shaped material of the frame has a height greater than its thickness.
5. The hairstyling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cushioning sheath has a top layer and a bottom layer which are in an opposing planar relationship, the top and bottom layers defining the opposing first and second ends.
6. The hairstyling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cushioning sheath has a rectangular shape, where the opposing first and second ends are substantially shorter in length than opposing first and second sides.
7. The hairstyling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cushioning sheath is about 30 to about 35 mm long, and about 5 to about 6 mm wide.
8. The hairstyling apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the enclosed opening is about 15 mm long, and is positioned equidistant from the first and second ends of the cushioning sheath.
9. The hairstyling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame extends along an inner perimeter of the cushioning sheath such that the frame end portions are adjacent the ends of the cushioning sheath.
10. The hairstyling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cushioning sheath is a single fabric.
11. The hairstyling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cushioning sheath comprises cushioning sheath is fabrics stitched together.
12. The hairstyling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cushioning sheath is made of a fabric that stretches or a fabric that provides a loose-coverage to the frame, thereby, providing room for the frame to be manipulated into different shapes.
13. The hairstyling apparatus of claim 12, wherein fabric has a surface that gently grasps the hair, while not allowing hair to be ensnarled.
14. The hairstyling apparatus of claim 13, wherein fabric comprises one or more of: velvet-type materials, velveteen materials and velour-type materials.
15. A method of containing a wearer's hair using the hairstyling apparatus of claim 1, comprising: inserting at least a portion of the wearer's hair into the enclosed opening, rotating the hairstyling apparatus in a direction toward the wearer' head, and bringing the opposing first and second ends of the cushioning sheath into contact with each other in order to secure the hair within the hairstyling apparatus.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first end of the cushioning sheath and the second end of the cushioning sheath are twisted in opposite directions with respect to each other such that the first and side portions of the frame cause the enclosed opening to become smaller.
17. A method of curling a wearer's hair using the hairstyling apparatus of claim 1, comprising: inserting at least a portion of the wearer's hair into the enclosed opening, rotating the hairstyling apparatus in a direction toward the wearer' head, bringing the opposing first and second ends of the cushioning sheath into contact with each other in order to secure the hair within the hairstyling apparatus; and after a desired period of time, unwrapping the hair from the hairstyling apparatus to provide curls to the wearer's hair.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first end of the cushioning sheath and the second end of the cushioning sheath are twisted in opposite directions with respect to each other such that the first and side portions of the frame cause the enclosed opening to become smaller
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The patent or application file may contain one or more drawings executed in color and/or one or more photographs. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawing(s) and/or photograph(s) will be provided by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office upon request and payment of the necessary fees.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0065] Throughout this disclosure, various publications, patents and published patent specifications are referenced by an identifying citation. The disclosures of these publications, patents and published patent specifications are hereby incorporated by reference into the present disclosure to more fully describe the state of the art to which this invention pertains.
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[0068] In certain embodiments, the frame 12 has a shape of a strip, or flat ribbon, such that the height is much greater than its thickness. For example, in certain embodiments, the frame 12 has a height of about 3.0-3.5 mm, and a thickness of about 0.5 mm. The frame 12 is made of a material that is selected based on its flexibility as well as ability to maintain the shape once it's twisted. In certain embodiments, the frame can be made of an aluminum material.
[0069] The frame 12 has a linear ribbon-shape where distal ends 17, 18 of the ribbon are suitably connected (e.g., mated, welded or otherwise interconnected, etc.) so as to give the frame 12 its oblong shape. In the embodiment shown, the frame 12 is a single linear ribbon of material where the distal ends 17, 18 are folded over a clip 19 that secures the distal ends 17, 18. It is to be understood, however, that other mechanisms for forming a closed looped frame 12 are within the contemplated scope of the present invention.
[0070] The ribbon-shape of the frame 12 provides the hairstyling apparatus 10 with a desirable dimensional stability, and yet also provides the frame 12 with a desirable flexibility and resiliency that is not achievable through the use of round or square wires.
[0071] The soft cushioning sheath 20 has a top layer 21 and a bottom layer 22 which are in an opposing planar relationship. The top and bottom layers 21, 22 thus define first and second opposing fabric ends 23, 24 that are adjacent to first and second fabric sides 25, 26. The cushioning sheath 20 has a generally rectangular shape, where the fabric ends 23, 24 are substantially shorter in length than the opposing fabric sides 25, 26.
[0072] The cushioning sheath 20 defines an enclosed opening 30 that is longitudinally situated between the first and second fabric ends 23, 24. In the embodiment shown, the enclosed opening 30 is formed by sewing together portions 32 of the top and bottom layers 21, 22 of the cushioning sheath 20 that are adjacent the enclosed opening 30. That is, the cushioning sheath 20 and the enclosed opening 30 act to form a generally tubular shape covering the frame 12. It is to be understood, however, that other mechanisms for forming the enclosed opening (other than sewing) are within the contemplated scope of the present invention.
[0073] The enclosed opening 30 is where the wearer inserts her hair, as fully explained further herein. In one embodiment, the cushioning sheath 20 is about 30 to about 35 mm long, and about 5 to about 6 mm wide. In the embodiment shown, the enclosed opening 30 is about 15 mm long, and is positioned equidistant from the first and second fabric ends 23, 24. The frame 12 generally extends along the perimeter of the cushioning sheath 20 such that frame end portions 13, 14 of the frame 12 are adjacent the fabric ends 23, 24 of the cushioning sheath 20, as shown in
[0074] The cushioning sheath 20 can be a single fabric or multiple fabrics stitched together. The fabrics used are selected based on durability, aesthetic, and cushioning to the hair. The cushioning sheath 20 is made of a fabric that stretches or a fabric that provides a loose-coverage to the frame 12, thereby, providing room for the frame 12 to be manipulated into different shapes.
[0075] It is desired that the fabric have a surface that gently grasps the hair, while not allowing hair to be ensnarled. Useful fabrics include velvet-type materials that have a type of woven tufted fabric in which the cut threads are evenly distributed, with a short dense pile, giving it a distinctive feel. Other fabrics include velveteen materials that have a rib of velvet pile alternating with a plain depression. This fabric has a pile that is short, and is closely set. It has a firm hand, and a slightly sloping pile. Other fabrics includes velour-type materials that are a plush, knitted fabric or textile similar to velvet, which can be made from cotton but can also be made from synthetic materials such as polyester.
[0076] The frame 12 can be manipulated, bent and/or twisted by the wearer since the frame end portions 13, 14 are near the four-squared corner perimeter of the fabric ends 23, 24 of the cushioning sheath 20. This allows the wearer to manipulate the shape of the hairstyling apparatus 10 according to her preference (see, for example,
[0077] In use, the wearer will insert the hair that she wishes to roll on to the hairstyling apparatus 10 through the enclosed opening 30. This enclosed opening 30 provides a hook so the wearer can effectively roll her hair onto the apparatus 10. The opening 30 is shaped in a narrow yet prolonged shape to capture as much hair as possible. This is useful especially for wearers with sheathed hair.
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[0081] The fabric ends 23, 24 (with the frame end portions 13, 14 positioned therein) can be formed into any shape the wearer wishesdue to the bendable nature of the frame 12. The wearer can gather, twist or tie the fabric ends 23, 24 to create a decorative bow, or tuck the fabric end 23, 24 behind the hair. In the embodiments shown in the FIGURES, the fabric ends 23, 24 have a rectangular shape. The hairstyling apparatus 10 can be applied vertically or horizontally to make various hair styles. Due to flexible frame 12 and the soft cushioning sheath 20, the wearer can adjust the tightness of hairstyle to hold the hair comfortably and firmly in place by twisting the apparatus 10 more or less. Conventional hairstyling tools such as bobby pins, claw clips, and straight pins can be burdensome to use when the wearer is doing her own hair. The hairstyling apparatus 10 is a stand-alone hairstyling styling 10; there is no need for clips or pins to keep the hair in place. With the hairstyling apparatus 10, the wearer can simply insert her hair into the enclosed opening 30, roll, and twist to accomplish decorative hairstyles, as is demonstrated below. The hairstyling apparatus 10 provides a consistent and simple means for styling hair. When the wearer removes the hairstyling apparatus 10, there is no tangling or damage to hair due to the smooth soft surface of the hairstyling styling 10.
[0082] In addition, when the hairstyling apparatus 10 is worn, even for a short period of time, the wearer will enjoy full-bodied and wavy hair, similar to what the wearer would achieve by using a curling iron. The hairstyling apparatus 10 functions as a portable and wearable curling tool in addition to its decorative features. This is especially suitable for those who want to enjoy different hairstyles in one day. For an example, the wearer can wear her hair in a ballerina bun during the office hours, then take the hairstyling apparatus 10 out at the end of the business day and enjoy a soft wavy hair at an office happy hour. If the wearer wants to have a more defined wavy hair, the wearer will twist the fabric ends 23, 24 more. If the wearer wants to have more loose wavy hair, the wearer can twist the fabric ends 23, 24 less.
[0083] Thus, the hairstyling apparatus 10 provides effortless and timesaving ways to style hair. Another advantage is that the hairstyling apparatus 10 is attractive and can be manipulated in various ways to construct different hair arrangements and presentations. Yet another advantage is that the hairstyling apparatus 10 provides the wearer with an easy-to-use way to obtain beautiful wavy hair as result of using the hairstyling styling 10. These and other advantages of one or more aspects of the hairstyling apparatus 10 will become apparent from following description and accompanying examples.
EXAMPLES
[0084] Certain embodiments of the present invention are defined in the Examples herein. It should be understood that these Examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only. From the above discussion and these Examples, one skilled in the art can ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention, and without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications of the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions.
[0085] Horizontal Application (Rolling Outward)
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[0087] When the hairstyling apparatus 10 is applied horizontally and rolled outward, the wearer will secure the bun by putting the fabric ends 23, 24 of the hairstyling apparatus 10 at the bottom of the bun as shown in
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[0089] Horizontal Application (Rolling Inward)
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[0093] When the wearer rolls the hairstyling apparatus 10 inward, this will result in the wearer securing the fabric ends 23, 24 of the hairstyling apparatus 10 above the bun as shown in
[0094] Horizontal ApplicationStarting with Ponytail
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[0096] The wearer then slides the hairstyling apparatus 10 down and rolls her hair onto the hairstyling apparatus 10, as shown in
[0097] Vertical Application
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[0100] Next, the wearer uses a twisting motion (rotating the fabric ends 23, 24, in opposite directions to make the enclosed opening smaller) to tighten the hairstyling apparatus 10 and to secure the hair within the enclosed opening 30. The ends 22, 24 of the hairstyling apparatus 10 can be bent or twisted and tucked into the hairstyle to secure the hair arrangement. The wearer can choose to adjust the application of the hairstyling apparatus 10 such that the hairstyling apparatus 10 is more or less visible when viewed by others.
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[0102] Hairstyling with Ends Application for Decoration
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[0104] Hairstyling and Curling
[0105] When the hairstyling apparatus 10 is worn, even for a short period of time, the wearer will enjoy full-bodied and wavy hair, similar to what the wearer would achieve by using a curling iron.
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[0107] While the invention has been described with reference to various and preferred embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the essential scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof.
[0108] Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed herein contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.