EASY RELEASE BUNDLER

Abstract

Hair is often bundled together using a hair band, hair elastic, scrunchie, clip, or a similar apparatus. The difficulty with these products is the inability to remove them from hair without pulling out hair follicles and causing pain or discomfort. An advantage of this apparatus and method is the quick, easy release of hair without needing to put tension on hair to remove the apparatus. This allows for versatile styling that reduces tangles, pulling, and breakage. The inability to remove these existing products from hair can also be time-consuming. Disclosed is an apparatus and method for bundling items such as hair using an apparatus comprising a material connected by a fastener and then unbundling the items by disconnecting the fastener with one hand. Furthermore, the apparatus can be customized with different designs and include various technologies, such as activity monitors, microphones, cameras, speakers, digital wallets, and the like.

Claims

1. An apparatus for bundling items, comprising: a. a fastener having a first part of the fastener and a second part of the fastener, wherein the first part of the fastener is configured to be releasably connected to the second part of the fastener; and b. a material having a first end connected to the first part of the fastener and a second end connected to the second part of the fastener; and wherein the apparatus is configured to bundle items with the first part of the fastener and the second part of the fastener connected to each other, and further wherein the apparatus is configured to unbundle the items when the first part of the fastener and the second part of the fastener are disconnected from each other.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first part of the fastener and the second part of the fastener are configured to be disconnected with one hand.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fastener comprises at least one of: a magnet, clip, hook, buckle, click lock buckle fastener, field repair buckles, carabiner, carabiner, spring clasp, release keychain, release clip, paracord buckle, magnetic buckle, bayonet clasp, push lock bayonet clasp, magnetic buckle, spring clasp, magnetic lace, press lock, latch release, clamp, clamp and ball lock fastener, lobster clasp, panic snap, panic hook, bolt snap, snap hook, chain clip, button, button press, sliding claps, toggle and bar clasp, box clasp, hook and eye claps, S hook clasp, fish hook clasp, bead and loop clasp, bead and clasp, button clasp, barrel screw, ball and chain link, or cam lock lever.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fastener is detachable and replaceable with a different fastener.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the material is elastic.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the material is covered with a fabric material.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the material between the first part of the fastener and the second part of the fastener can be shortened by advancing material through the first part of the fastener, the second part of the fastener, or both the first part of the fastener and the second part of the fastener.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the material is detachable from the first part of the fastener and the second part of the fastener, and replaceable with a different material.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein further comprises of electrical components such as lights, global positioning satellite transponders, radio frequency identification technology, near-field communication technology, a payment method, or a radio receiver/transmitter.

10. A method of using an apparatus for bundling items, comprising: a. Utilizing the apparatus of claim 1 (i) connecting or verifying the first part of fastener is connected with second part of fastener; (ii) gathering items; (iii) bundling the items with the apparatus of claim one; and (iv) releasing first part of the fastener from the second part of the fastener with one hand to unbundle the items.

11. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of tightening the apparatus of claim one around the bundle by advancing the material through the first part of the fastener, the second part of the fastener, or both the first part of the fastener and the second part of the fastener.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein releasing the first part of the fastener from the second part of the fastener occurs without physically touching the fastener.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Advantages and other aspects of the invention will be readily appreciated by those having skill in the art and may be better understood with further reference to the accompanying drawings in which like reference numbers designate like or similar elements throughout the several figures of the drawings and wherein:

[0007] The detailed description will be better understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings as follows:

[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates the invention with the fastener connected, wherein the fastener is a side release buckle.

[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates the invention with the fastener disconnected, wherein the fastener is a side release buckle.

[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates the invention with the fastener connected, wherein the fastener is a center release button.

[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates the invention with the fastener disconnected, wherein the fastener is a center release button.

[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates the invention with the fastener connected, wherein the fastener is a magnetic buckle.

[0013] FIG. 6 illustrates the invention with the fastener disconnected, wherein the fastener is a magnetic buckle.

[0014] FIG. 7 illustrates the invention with the fastener connected, wherein the fastener is a ClicLock fastener.

[0015] FIG. 8 illustrates the invention with the fastener disconnected, wherein the fastener is a ClicLock buckle fastener.

[0016] FIG. 9 illustrates the invention with the fastener connected, wherein the fastener is a field repair buckle.

[0017] FIG. 10 illustrates the invention with the fastener disconnected, wherein the fastener is a field repair buckle.

[0018] FIG. 11 illustrates the invention with the fastener connected, wherein the fastener is a quick release carabiner buckle.

[0019] FIG. 12 illustrates the invention with the fastener disconnected, wherein the fastener is a quick release carabiner buckle.

[0020] FIG. 13 illustrates the invention with the fastener connected, wherein the fastener is a release keychain.

[0021] FIG. 14 illustrates the invention with the fastener disconnected, wherein the fastener is a release keychain.

[0022] FIG. 15 illustrates the invention with the fastener connected, wherein the fastener is a center release clip.

[0023] FIG. 16 illustrates the invention with the fastener disconnected, wherein the fastener is a center release clip.

[0024] FIG. 17 illustrates the invention with the fastener connected, wherein the fastener is a paracord buckle side release.

[0025] FIG. 18 illustrates the invention with the fastener disconnected, wherein the fastener is a paracord buckle side release.

[0026] FIG. 19 illustrates the invention with the fastener connected, wherein the fastener is a magnetic buckle.

[0027] FIG. 20 illustrates the invention with the fastener disconnected, wherein the fastener is a magnetic buckle.

[0028] FIG. 21 illustrates the invention with the fastener connected, wherein the fastener is a push lock bayonet clasp.

[0029] FIG. 22 illustrates the invention with the fastener disconnected, wherein the fastener is a push lock bayonet clasp.

[0030] FIG. 23 illustrates the invention with the fastener connected, wherein the fastener is a magnetic lace.

[0031] FIG. 24 illustrates the invention with the fastener disconnected, wherein the fastener is a magnetic lace.

[0032] FIG. 25 illustrates the invention with the fastener connected, wherein the fastener is a side release buckle.

[0033] FIG. 26 illustrates the invention with the fastener disconnected, wherein the fastener is a side release buckle.

[0034] It should, however, be understood that the above figures and summary are not intended to limit the invention to any particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention disclosure is intended to cover all modifications, alternatives, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined within the claim's broadest reasonable interpretation consistent with the specification.

[0035] The embodiments of the present disclosure are detailed below with reference to the listed Figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0036] Before explaining the present disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the specifics of particular embodiments as described and that it can be practiced, constructed, or carried out in various ways.

[0037] While embodiments of the disclosure have been shown and described, modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and teachings of the disclosure. The embodiments described herein are exemplary only and are not intended to be limiting.

[0038] Specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis of the claims and as a representative basis for teaching persons having ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the present embodiments. Many variations and modifications of embodiments disclosed herein are possible and are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0039] Where numerical ranges or limitations are expressly stated, such express ranges or limitations should be understood to include iterative ranges or limitations of like magnitude falling within the expressly stated ranges or limitations.

[0040] The word about, when referring to values, means plus or minus 5% of the stated number.

[0041] The use of the term optionally with respect to any element of a claim is intended to mean that the subject element is required, or alternatively, is not required. Both alternatives are intended to be within the scope of the claim. Use of broader terms such as comprises, includes, having, etc. should be understood to provide support for narrower terms such as consisting of, consisting essentially of, comprised substantially of, and the like.

[0042] When methods are disclosed or discussed, the order of the steps is not intended to be limiting, but merely exemplary unless otherwise stated.

[0043] Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the description herein, but is only limited by the claims which follow, encompassing all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. Each and every claim is hereby incorporated into the specification as an embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the claims are a further description and are an addition to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0044] The inclusion or discussion of a reference is not an admission that it is prior art to the present disclosure, especially any reference that may have a publication date after the priority date of this application. The disclosures of all patents, patent applications, and publications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference, to the extent they provide background knowledge; or exemplary, procedural or other details supplementary to those set forth herein.

[0045] The embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to an apparatus and a method for bundling items and unbundling the items by means of disconnecting a fastener on the apparatus used to secure items.

[0046] The present invention relates generally to the bundling of items, such as hair, and a method for unbundling of items by means of disconnecting with one hand, a fastener on the material used to secure the items. An exemplary use is specifically, the bundling of hair through the use of a material connected by a fastener, thereby creating a closed loop, and then disconnecting the fastener in order to allow the hair to become unbundled without being pulled or tugged from the scalp. In other embodiments the invention can be used to bundle other items such as pens, papers, books, yoga mats, and the like.

[0047] The user connects the first part of the fastener to the second part of the fastener prior to bundling the items. To release the bundled items the user uses one hand to disconnect the first part of the fastener from the second part of the fastener. In another embodiment the user can wrap the material around the items to be bundled and then connect the first part of the fastener and the second part of the fastener.

Material

[0048] The material which makes up the apparatus can be comprised of an elastic material that is able to resume its normal shape spontaneously after contraction, dilation, or distortion. In embodiments, elastic material can be knit elastic, woven elastic, braided elastic, clear elastic, fold over elastic, lingerie elastic, cord elastic, neoprene, nylon, corded elastic, drawstring, Lycra, non-roll elastic, rubber, gum, wool, silicon, or polyester. The material can be about two to nine inches in length for embodiments relating to bundling of hair. In other embodiments the material can be any length as desired by persons having ordinary skill in the art for a specific application. In other embodiments the user can connect multiple apparatus together by connecting the second part of the fastener of one apparatus to the first part of the fastener of another apparatus, and so on, in order to create a longer apparatus to bundle items.

[0049] The material can be covered with a fabric material like cotton. In embodiments, the fabric material can be silk, leather, linen, polyester, wool, satin, lace, spandex, canvas, crpe, hemp, velvet, chiffon, cashmere, chenille, muslin, bamboo, corduroy, damask, denim, fabric quarters, georgette, gingham, jersey, modal, organza, suede, taffeta, toile, tweed, twill, viscose, or the like. In embodiments, the fabric material is interchangeable with another fabric material. The fabric material can comprise different designs, textures, shapes, or the like. In lieu of a fabric material, a covering material of any other composition as desired by persons having ordinary skill in the art can be utilized.

Fastener

[0050] The material can be connected in a loop by a fastener having a first part and a second part affixed to each end of the material. The first part of the fastener can be connected with the second part of the fastener to create a closed loop. The first part of the fastener can be released from the second part of the fastener with one hand. In embodiments, the first part of the fastener can be released from the second part of the fastener without using a hand. For example, the first part of the fastener can be released from the second part of the fastener by means of a remote or smart lock release. Wherein the remote or smart lock can be released using a remote control, mobile device, computer, or other electronic device. In embodiments, the user can advance the material through the first part of the fastener, the second part of the fastener, or both the first part of the fastener and the second part of the fastener which can reduce the material wrapped around the bundled items in order to tighten the bundled items. In other embodiments the fastener contains an automated tightening system to advance the material through the first part of the fastener, the second part of the fastener, or both the first part of the fastener and the second part of the fastener. The fastener can comprise different designs, textures, shapes, or the like.

[0051] In embodiments, the fastener can be a quick side release buckle. In embodiments, the fastener can be a center release button. In embodiments exemplary fasteners can be: a magnet, clip, hook, buckle, click lock buckle fastener, field repair buckles, carabiner, carabiner, spring clasp, release keychain, release clip, paracord buckle, magnetic buckle, bayonet clasp, push lock bayonet clasp, magnetic lace, press lock, latch release, clamp, clamp and ball lock fastener, lobster clasp, panic snap, panic hook, bolt snap, snap hook, chain clip, button, button press, sliding claps, toggle and bar clasp, box clasp, hook and eye claps, S hook clasp, fish hook clasp, bead and loop clasp, bead and clasp, button clasp, barrel screw, ball and chain link, cam lock lever, and the like. The fastener can be comprised of plastic, metal, polymer, ceramic, alloy, bamboo, silicone, cork, acrylic, wood, nylon, carbon fiber, fiberglass, polycarbonates, biodegradable material, or recycled material.

[0052] In embodiments, the fastener affixed to the material can be detached from the material and replaced with a different fastener.

Additional features

[0053] In embodiments, the apparatus can contain technology that monitors the environment or location the apparatus is in. For example, the apparatus contains radio technology, carbon dioxide sensors, ultraviolet detection, or air quality monitoring. In another embodiment, the apparatus can contain radio frequency identification. In other embodiments, the apparatus can contain a payment processor module, user identification, electronic keys, or an electronic wallet. In embodiments, the apparatus may contain a clock. In another embodiment, the apparatus contains a small electronic screen to allow the user to project images. In another embodiment the apparatus can contain storage, which can be secured using a zipper, hook and loop, button, or magnet, for the user to place items into such as ChapStick, keys, money, headphones, or candy. In embodiments, the apparatus can contain a speaker to play music through. In other embodiments, the apparatus can contain a microphone to transmit audio communications. In other embodiments, the apparatus can contain a camera to capture images of the user's surroundings. In embodiments, the apparatus can contain health monitoring technology or technology to track the user's activity.

Exemplary Use

[0054] In one exemplary use, the user has long hair and wants to use the apparatus to bundle her hair into a ponytail. The user starts off by connecting or verifying that the first part of fastener is connected with second part of fastener. The user then gathers her hair into a ponytail. The user then bundles her hair with the apparatus. In other embodiments, the user can bundle her hair again a plurality of times by looping the apparatus around her hair. In embodiments the user can tighten or loosen her bundled hair by disconnecting the first and second parts of the fastener, then reconnecting them after wrapping them around one more or one fewer times. In embodiments the user can tighten or loosen her bundled hair by advancing the material through the first part of the fastener, the second part of the fastener, or both the first part of the fastener and the second part of the fastener. The user then is able to conduct activities, such as running, while the apparatus holds the hair in the shape of a ponytail. Once the user decides to remove the ponytail, the user uses one hand to release the first part of the fastener from the second part of the fastener to unbundle her hair. In other embodiments, the user is able to disconnect the first part of the fastener from the second part of the fastener without physically touching the fastener by means of a mobile application, remote control, hand gesture recognized by motion control sensor in the apparatus, or the like.

Other Uses

[0055] Bundling pens, markers, crayons, office supplies, kitchen utensils, hardware tools: can start as closed loop and wrap around or start as open loop and tie around to store or put away writing utensils. Then when ready to use, you can quickly unclip/unbuckle the fastener to access the writing utensils

[0056] Organizing or packing chargers and cables: loop the cables in a circle, then wrap the apparatus around, seal the fastener, and then unclip when ready to use the chargers. Most people these days use a cable organizer that is stiff, inflexible, or bulky and not easy to universally fit different cable sizes, or they don't organize the cables at all, which results in tangled cords

[0057] Flat items rolled up like yoga mats, mats, maps, sleeping bags, rugs, carpets, posters, documents: can be large or too long to roll a rubber band or loop off or inconvenient/damaging to cut a string off to unravel,

[0058] Bags like chip bags, bread bags, vegetable bags: rubber bands take too long to roll off because they get stuck

[0059] Vegetables like celery, radishes, carrots that don't come in a bag: this way it won't damage them when you remove a bundler. Plants if they need to be staked or tied to a brace or stick to secure them or grow a certain way but require a gentle, reusable way of separating the plant and brace

[0060] Rolled up clothing, towels, linens, fabric, textiles: easy, secure storage for packing and easy release to unpack, access, and use

[0061] Turning now to the Figures, FIG. 1 illustrates the apparatus 100 having a fastener 110 comprised of a first part of the fastener connected to a second part of the fastener, wherein in this embodiment the fastener 110 is shown as a side release buckle affixed to the material 105. In embodiments the material 105 can be covered by a fabric material or other covering.

[0062] FIG. 2 shows the apparatus 100 comprised of the first part of the fastener 115 disconnected from the second part of the fastener 120. In FIG. 2 the fastener is shown as a side release buckle affixed to the material 105. The apparatus can contain anywhere on the apparatus 130 lights, speakers, pockets, microphones, cameras, radio frequency identification, sensors of any kind, battery, circuits, writing apparatus, Bluetooth WiFi, electronic wallets, or the like.

[0063] FIG. 3 illustrates the apparatus 100 having a fastener 110 comprised of the first part of the fastener connected to the second part of the fastener, wherein in this embodiment the fastener 110 is shown as a center release button affixed to the material 105. In embodiments the material 105 can be covered by a fabric material or other covering.

[0064] FIG. 4 shows the apparatus 100 comprised of the first part of the fastener 115 disconnected from the second part of the fastener 120. In FIG. 4 the fastener is shown as a center release button affixed to the material 105.

[0065] FIG. 5 illustrates the apparatus 100 having a fastener 110 comprised of the first part of the fastener connected to the second part of the fastener, wherein in this embodiment the fastener 110 is shown as a magnetic buckle affixed to the material 105. In embodiments the material 105 can be covered by a fabric material or other covering.

[0066] FIG. 6 shows the apparatus 100 comprised of the first part of the fastener 115 disconnected from the second part of the fastener 120. In FIG. 6 the fastener is shown as a magnetic buckle affixed to the material 105.

[0067] FIG. 7 illustrates the apparatus 100 having a fastener 110 comprised of the first part of the fastener connected to the second part of the fastener, wherein in this embodiment the fastener 110 is shown as a ClicLock fastener affixed to the material 105. In embodiments the material 105 can be covered by a fabric material or other covering.

[0068] FIG. 8 shows the apparatus 100 comprised of the first part of the fastener 115 disconnected from the second part of the fastener 120. In FIG. 8 the fastener is shown as a ClicLock fastener affixed to the material 105.

[0069] FIG. 9 illustrates the apparatus 100 having a fastener 110 comprised of the first part of the fastener connected to the second part of the fastener, wherein in this embodiment the fastener 110 is shown as a field repair buckle affixed to the material 105. In embodiments the material 105 can be covered by a fabric material or other covering.

[0070] FIG. 10 shows the apparatus 100 comprised of the first part of the fastener 115 disconnected from the second part of the fastener 120. In FIG. 10 the fastener is shown as a field repair buckle affixed to the material 105.

[0071] FIG. 11 illustrates the apparatus 100 having a fastener 110 comprised of the first part of the fastener connected to the second part of the fastener, wherein in this embodiment the fastener 110 is shown as a quick release carabiner buckle affixed to the material 105. In embodiments the material 105 can be covered by a fabric material or other covering.

[0072] FIG. 12 shows the apparatus 100 comprised of the first part of the fastener 115 disconnected from the second part of the fastener 120. In FIG. 12 the fastener is shown as a quick release carabiner buckle affixed to the material 105.

[0073] FIG. 13 illustrates the apparatus 100 having a fastener 110 comprised of the first part of the fastener connected to the second part of the fastener, wherein in this embodiment the fastener 110 is shown as a release keychain affixed to the material 105. In embodiments the material 105 can be covered by a fabric material or other covering.

[0074] FIG. 14 shows the apparatus 100 comprised of the first part of the fastener 115 disconnected from the second part of the fastener 120. In FIG. 14 the fastener is shown as a release keychain affixed to the material 105.

[0075] FIG. 15 illustrates the apparatus 100 having a fastener 110 comprised of the first part of the fastener connected to the second part of the fastener, wherein in this embodiment the fastener 110 is shown as a center release clip affixed to the material 105. In embodiments the material 105 can be covered by a fabric material or other covering.

[0076] FIG. 16 shows the apparatus 100 comprised of the first part of the fastener 115 disconnected from the second part of the fastener 120. In FIG. 16 the fastener is shown as a center release clip affixed to the material 105.

[0077] FIG. 17 illustrates the apparatus 100 having a fastener 110 comprised of the first part of the fastener connected to the second part of the fastener, wherein in this embodiment the fastener 110 is shown as a paracord buckle side release affixed to the material 105. In embodiments the material 105 can be covered by a fabric material or other covering.

[0078] FIG. 18 shows the apparatus 100 comprised of the first part of the fastener 115 disconnected from the second part of the fastener 120. In FIG. 18 the fastener is shown as a paracord buckle side release affixed to the material 105.

[0079] FIG. 19 illustrates the apparatus 100 having a fastener 110 comprised of the first part of the fastener connected to the second part of the fastener, wherein in this embodiment the fastener 110 is shown as a magnetic buckle affixed to the material 105. In embodiments the material 105 can be covered by a fabric material or other covering.

[0080] FIG. 20 shows the apparatus 100 comprised of the first part of the fastener 115 disconnected from the second part of the fastener 120. In FIG. 20 the fastener is shown as a magnetic buckle affixed to the material 105.

[0081] FIG. 21 illustrates the apparatus 100 having a fastener 110 comprised of the first part of the fastener connected to the second part of the fastener, wherein in this embodiment the fastener 110 is shown as a push lock bayonet clasp affixed to the material 105. In embodiments the material 105 can be covered by a fabric material or other covering.

[0082] FIG. 22 shows the apparatus 100 comprised of the first part of the fastener 115 disconnected from the second part of the fastener 120. In FIG. 22 the fastener is shown as a push lock bayonet clasp affixed to the material 105.

[0083] FIG. 23 illustrates the apparatus 100 having a fastener 110 comprised of the first part of the fastener connected to the second part of the fastener, wherein in this embodiment the fastener 110 is shown as a magnetic lace affixed to the material 105. In embodiments the material 105 can be covered by a fabric material or other covering.

[0084] FIG. 24 shows the apparatus 100 comprised of the first part of the fastener 115 disconnected from the second part of the fastener 120. In FIG. 24 the fastener is shown as a magnetic lace affixed to the material 105.

[0085] FIG. 25 illustrates the apparatus 100 having a fastener 110 comprised of the first part of the fastener connected to the second part of the fastener, wherein in this embodiment the fastener 110 is shown as a side release buckle affixed to the material 105, wherein the user can tighten or loosen the apparatus around the bundled items by pulling on the material through the fastener 135. In embodiments the material 105 can be covered by a fabric material or other covering.

[0086] FIG. 26 shows the apparatus 100 comprised of the first part of the fastener 115 disconnected from the second part of the fastener 120. In FIG. 24 the fastener is shown as a side release buckle affixed to the material 105.

[0087] While the present disclosure emphasizes the presented embodiments and Figures, it should be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the disclosure might be embodied other than as specifically enabled herein.