Abstract
Hair rollers that can be collapsed to a substantially flat configuration when not in use and formed into a standard roller configuration when in use.
Claims
1. A collapsible hair roller that can be unfolded into a near flat configuration when not in use and can be folded into an assembled roller shape when in use; said collapsible hair roller includes first and second roller frame sections; each of said first and second roller frame sections include a frame body that has first and second ends; said first ends of said first and second frame sections include a first connection arrangement that forms a releasably connection between said first ends of said first and second frame sections; said second ends of said first and second frame sections includes an second connection arrangement that forms a movable connection between a) said second ends of said first and second frame sections or b) an intermediate roller frame system and said second ends of said first and second frame sections, and wherein said intermediate roller frame system includes one or more intermediate frame sections; said first connection arrangement is different from said second connection arrangement; said second connection arrangement forms a hinge or pivotable connection.
2. The collapsible hair roller as defined in claim 1, wherein said first connection arrangement is selected from the group consisting of an adhesive connection, a magnetic connection, a hook and loop fastener connection, a snap connection, a latch connection, and a friction connection.
3. The collapsible hair roller as defined in claim 1, wherein said second connection arrangement is selected from the group consisting of a living hinge and a mechanical hinge.
4. The collapsible hair roller as defined in claim 1, wherein said frame body of said first and second roller frame sections has the same shape and size.
5. The collapsible hair roller as defined in claim 4, wherein said frame body of said first and second roller frame sections are each arcuate shaped.
6. The collapsible hair roller as defined in claim 1, including one or more of said intermediate frame sections; each of said intermediate frame sections has an intermediate frame body; said intermediate frame body of each of said intermediate frame sections has the same shape and size of said frame body of said first and second roller frame sections.
7. The collapsible hair roller as defined in claim 1, wherein one or both of said frame body of said first and second roller frame sections include one or more body openings therethrough that are configured to allow air and liquid to pass therethrough.
8. The collapsible hair roller as defined in claim 1, further including a hair attachment arrangement that is connected to an outer surface of one or both of said first and second roller frame sections; said hair attachment arrangement is formed of a different material from said body of said first and second roller frame sections; said hair attachment arrangement is form of one or more materials selected from the group consisting of hook and loop fastener, plastic, adhesive, paper, and static cling material.
9. The collapsible hair roller as defined in claim 8, wherein said hair attachment arrangement is a single piece of flexible material that is connected to both said first and second roller frame sections.
10. The collapsible hair roller as defined in claim 8, wherein said hair attachment arrangement is a plurality of pieces material, and wherein each of said plurality of pieces of material are connected to one of said first and second roller frame sections.
11. The collapsible hair roller as defined in claim 8, wherein said hair attachment arrangement has a thickness that is less than a thickness of said frame body of each of said first and second roller frame sections.
12. The collapsible hair roller as defined in claim 1, wherein said frame body of said first and second roller frame sections a) includes one or more electric heating elements, b) is be partially or fully formed of or include materials that can rapidly absorb heat when heated, c) is be partially or fully formed of or include materials that can be inductively heated and/or microwave heated, and/or d) is partially or fully formed of or include materials that can be heated when said frame body is placed in a heating system.
13. The collapsible hair roller as defined in claim 1, wherein each said first and second ends of said first and second frame sections has a thickness that is greater than a thickness of a region between said first and second ends; said first and second ends of said first and second frame sections are configured to extend inwardly into a central opening of said collapsible hair roller when said collapsible hair roller is in said assembled roller shape.
14. A method for forming a collapsible hair roller into an assembled hair roller configuration from a collapsed orientation comprising: providing said collapsible hair roller that is in an unfolded and near flat configuration; said collapsible hair roller includes first and second roller frame sections; each of said first and second roller frame sections include a frame body that has first and second ends; said first ends of said first and second frame sections include a first connection arrangement that forms a releasably connection between said first ends of said first and second frame sections; said second ends of said first and second frame sections include an second connection arrangement that forms a movable connection between a) said second ends of said first and second frame sections or b) an intermediate roller frame system and said second ends of said first and second frame sections, and wherein said intermediate roller frame system includes one or more intermediate frame sections; said first connection arrangement is different from said second connection arrangement; said second connection arrangement forms a hinge or pivotable connection; and moving said first ends of said first and second frame sections together to form a releasably connection between said first ends of said first and second frame sections to form said collapsible hair roller into said assembled hair roller configuration, and wherein said second ends of said first and second frame sections pivot or hingably move when said first ends of said first and second frame sections are releasably connected together.
15. The method as defined in claim 14, wherein said first connection arrangement is selected from the group consisting of an adhesive connection, a magnetic connection, a hook and loop fastener connection, a snap connection, a latch connection, and a friction connection; said second connection arrangement is selected from the group consisting of a living hinge and a mechanical hinge.
16. The method as defined in claim 14, wherein said frame body of said first and second roller frame sections has the same shape and size; said frame body of said first and second roller frame sections are each arcuate shaped.
17. The method as defined in claim 14, including one or more of said intermediate frame sections; each of said intermediate frame sections has an intermediate frame body; said intermediate frame body of each of said intermediate frame sections has the same shape and size of said frame body of said first and second roller frame sections; one or both of said frame body of said first and second roller frame sections include one or more body openings therethrough that are configured to allow air and liquid to pass therethrough.
18. The method as defined in claim 14, further including a hair attachment arrangement that is connected to an outer surface of one or both of said first and second roller frame sections; said hair attachment arrangement is formed of a different material from said body of said first and second roller frame sections; said hair attachment arrangement is form of one or more materials selected from the group consisting of hook and loop fastener, plastic, adhesive, paper, and static cling material.
19. The method as defined in claim 18, wherein said hair attachment arrangement is a) a single piece of flexible material that is connected to both said first and second roller frame sections, or b) a plurality of pieces material, and wherein each of said plurality of pieces of material are connected to one of said first and second roller frame sections; said hair attachment arrangement has a thickness that is less than a thickness of said frame body of each of said first and second roller frame sections.
20. The method as defined in claim 14, wherein said frame body of said first and second roller frame sections a) includes one or more electric heating elements, b) is be partially or fully formed of or include materials that can rapidly absorb heat when heated, c) is be partially or fully formed of or include materials that can be inductively heated and/or microwave heated, and/or d) is partially or fully formed of or include materials that can be heated when said frame body is placed in a heating system.
21. The method as defined in claim 14, wherein each said first and second ends of said first and second frame sections has a thickness that is greater than a thickness of a region between said first and second ends; said first and second ends of said first and second frame sections are configured to extend inwardly into a central opening of said collapsible hair roller when said collapsible hair roller is in said assembled hair roller configuration.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described with reference to the following drawings, wherein like labels refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of various elements are selected, enlarged, and positioned to improve drawing legibility. The particular shapes of the elements as drawn have been selected for ease of recognition in the drawings. Reference may now be made to the drawings, which illustrate various embodiments that the disclosure may take in physical form and in certain parts and arrangement of parts wherein:
[0028] FIG. 1 is a front-top isometric view a non-limiting example implementation of a collapsible hair roller in an assembled or formed configuration that includes one non-limiting type of hair connection arrangement on the outer surface of the frame of the collapsible hair roller in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0029] FIG. 2 is front-top isometric view of the collapsible hair roller of FIG. 1 in a collapsed or unassembled and substantially flat configuration;
[0030] FIG. 3A is a side plane view of the collapsible hair roller of FIG. 2;
[0031] FIG. 3B is an enlarged side plane view of the collapsible hair roller of FIG. 3A that better illustrates the living hinge positioned between roller frame sections of the frame of the collapsible roller;
[0032] FIG. 4 is front-bottom isometric view of the collapsible hair roller of FIG. 2 in a collapsed or unassembled and substantially flat configuration;
[0033] FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the collapsible hair roller of FIG. 4;
[0034] FIG. 6 is a front-top isometric view another non-limiting example implementation of a collapsible hair roller in an assembled or formed configuration that is absent a hair connection arrangement on the outer surface of the frame of the collapsible roller, and wherein the collapsible hair roller uses a different type of hinge arrangement to movably connect together the roller frame sections;
[0035] FIG. 7 is a front-top isometric view of the collapsible hair roller of FIG. 6 wherein two of the roller frame sections are disconnected from one another;
[0036] FIG. 8 is a front-top isometric view of the collapsible hair roller of FIG. 6 shown in a collapsed or unassembled and substantially flat configuration;
[0037] FIG. 9 is a top plane view of the collapsible hair roller of FIG. 8;
[0038] FIG. 10 is a front-top isometric view of the collapsible hair roller of FIG. 8 wherein the roller frame sections are all disconnected from one another;
[0039] FIG. 11 is a front-top isometric view another non-limiting example implementation of a collapsible hair roller in an assembled or formed configuration that is absent a hair connection arrangement on the outer surface of the frame of the collapsible roller, and wherein the collapsible hair roller uses a living hinge arrangement to movably connect together the roller frame sections;
[0040] FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the collapsible hair roller of FIG. 11;
[0041] FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view of the collapsible hair roller of FIG. 11;
[0042] FIG. 14 is a side view of the collapsible hair roller of FIG. 11;
[0043] FIG. 15 is a front-top isometric view of the collapsible hair roller of FIG. 11 shown in a collapsed or unassembled and substantially flat configuration;
[0044] FIG. 16 is a front-bottom isometric view of the collapsible hair roller of FIG. 11 shown in a collapsed or unassembled and substantially flat configuration;
[0045] FIG. 17 is a front-top isometric view a non-limiting example implementation of a collapsible hair roller in an assembled or formed configuration that includes another non-limiting type hair connection arrangement on the outer surface of the frame of the collapsible hair roller in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0046] FIG. 18 is a top plan view of the collapsible hair roller of FIG. 17;
[0047] FIG. 19 is a front-top isometric view of the collapsible hair roller of FIG. 17 shown in a collapsed or unassembled and substantially flat configuration;
[0048] FIG. 20 is a front-bottom isometric view of the collapsible hair roller of FIG. 17 shown in a collapsed or unassembled and substantially flat configuration;
[0049] FIG. 21 is a front-top isometric view of the collapsible hair roller of FIG. 17 shown in a collapsed or unassembled and substantially flat configuration and wherein the releasable connection arrangement in the form of magnets that are separated from the end portions of two of the roller frame sections;
[0050] FIG. 22 is a front-top isometric view of the collapsible hair roller of FIGS. 17 which includes the use of a mechanical clip that is used to a) facilitate in releasably securing hair to an outer surface of collapsible hair roller and/or b) facilitate in maintaining the collapsible hair roller in the assembled or formed configuration; and
[0051] FIG. 23 is a side view of the collapsible hair roller and mechanical clip of FIG. 22.
DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENTS
[0052] A more complete understanding of the articles/devices, processes and components disclosed herein can be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings. These figures are merely schematic representations based on convenience and the ease of demonstrating the present disclosure, and are, therefore, not intended to indicate relative size and dimensions of the devices or components thereof and/or to define or limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments.
[0053] Although specific terms are used in the following description for the sake of clarity, these terms are intended to refer only to the particular structure of the embodiments selected for illustration in the drawings and are not intended to define or limit the scope of the disclosure. In the drawings and the following description below, it is to be understood that like numeric designations refer to components of like function.
[0054] The singular forms a, an, and the include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0055] As used in the specification and in the claims, the term comprising may include the embodiments consisting of and consisting essentially of. The terms comprise(s), include(s), having, has, can, contain(s), and variants thereof, as used herein, are intended to be open-ended transitional phrases, terms, or words that require the presence of the named ingredients/steps and permit the presence of other ingredients/steps. However, such description should be construed as also describing compositions or processes as consisting of and consisting essentially of the enumerated ingredients/steps, which allows the presence of only the named ingredients/steps, along with any unavoidable impurities that might result therefrom, and excludes other ingredients/steps.
[0056] Numerical values in the specification and claims of this application should be understood to include numerical values which are the same when reduced to the same number of significant figures and numerical values which differ from the stated value by less than the experimental error of conventional measurement technique of the type described in the present application to determine the value.
[0057] The terms about and approximately can be used to include any numerical value that can vary without changing the basic function of that value. When used with a range, about and approximately also disclose the range defined by the absolute values of the two endpoints, e.g., about 2 to about 4 also discloses the range from 2 to 4. Generally, the terms about and approximately may refer to plus or minus 10% of the indicated number.
[0058] Percentages of elements should be assumed to be percent by weight of the stated element, unless expressly stated otherwise.
[0059] The present disclosure provides a monolithically formed (i.e. single-pieced) hair roller that can transition between a collapsed configuration when not in use and a formed configuration when in use. The collapsible hair roller, in accordance with the present disclosure, can unfold into a near flat configuration when not in use to, for example, utilize space when traveling, transporting, storing, packaging, or the like. In one non-limiting embodiment, a plurality of the disclosed collapsible hair rollers, in their collapsed configuration, can be transported, stored, and/or packaged in a single bag, box, container, or the like, thereby reducing the amount of dead-space between each roller and allowing for an increased number of rollers to fit within the bag, box, container, etc. It is to be understood that the disclosed collapsible hair roller, when in its formed configuration, can be used on its own, inserted onto a handle component of another curling device, or combinations thereof to obtain the desired number of curls in a user's hair.
[0060] With reference to FIGS. 1-5, there is illustrated one non-limiting exemplary collapsible hair roller 50 in accordance with the present disclosure. The collapsible hair roller 50 is transitionable between a formed or assembled configuration (FIG. 1) and a collapsed or unassembled and substantially flat configuration (FIGS. 2-5). In the present non-limiting embodiment, the collapsible hair roller 50 includes a plurality of roller frame sections 100a, 100b, 200a, 200b. The roller frame sections are movably connected together by a hinge arrangement 400. In one non-limiting configuration, the hinge arrangement can be in the form of a living hinge as best illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3B. As can be appreciated, other types of hinges can be used. As can also be appreciated, the hinge arrangement 400 can be formed of the same type of hinge for movably connecting together the roller frame sections, or multiple different hinge arrangements can be used to connect together different adjacently positioned roller frame sections.
[0061] As illustrated in FIG. 1, when the collapsible hair roller 50 is in the formed or assembled configuration (FIG. 1), the cross-sectional shape of the outer perimeter of the collapsible hair roller 50 50 is substantially circular shaped; however, other shapes can be used (e.g., oval shaped, shape shaped, rectangular shaped, triangular shaped, polygonal shaped, etc.). The cross-sectional area, cross-sectional shape and/or diameter along the longitudinal length of the collapsible hair roller 50 can be constant or vary. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the outer shape of the collapsible hair roller 50 in the formed or assembled configuration (FIG. 1) is generally cylindrical shaped and has a generally constant cross-sectional area or diameter along the longitudinal length of the collapsible hair roller 50. The outer diameter or cross-sectional area is non-limiting, and thus can be selected to obtain the desired size of the collapsible hair roller when in the formed or assembled configuration (FIG. 1) (e.g., size of diameter depending on the desired curl type (i.e. size of outer diameter or cross-sectional area can be selected to achieve small diameter curls or large diameter curls).
[0062] When the collapsible hair roller 50 in the formed or assembled configuration (FIG. 1), the collapsible hair roller 50 can have an opening 75 that passes the partial or full longitudinal length of the collapsible hair roller 50. In one non-limiting configuration, the collapsible hair roller 50, when in the formed or assembled configuration (FIG. 1), has an opening 75 that passes the full longitudinal length of the collapsible hair roller 50, and such opening 75 can optionally have a constant cross-sectional shape and/or cross-sectional area along the full longitudinal length of the collapsible hair roller 50.
[0063] Each of the roller frame sections 100a, 100b, 200a, 200b includes a body 110a, 110b, 210a, 210b. The number of roller frame sections used to form the frame 52 of collapsible hair roller 50 is non-limiting. As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3A and 4, the frame 52 is formed of four roller frame sections. As can be appreciated, the frame can be formed of any number of roller frame sections (e.g., 2-20 and all values and ranges therebetween). As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3A and 4, roller frame section 100a is movably connected to roller frame section 200a. Roller frame section 200a is also movably connected to roller frame section 200b. Roller frame section 200b is also movably connected to roller frame section 100b. Roller frame sections 100a, 100b are configured to be releasably connectable to one another. The outer perimeter shape and size of each of roller frame sections 100a, 100b, 200a, 200b is generally the same, namely arcuate shaped. The shape and size of roller frame sections 200a, 200b is generally the same. The shape and size of roller frame sections 100a, 100b can also be generally the same, or can slightly differ by having a different configuration at the first outward face 122a and first outward face 122b.
[0064] As illustrated in FIG. 2, end member 100a includes a body 110a that has an inner surface 112a and an outer surface 114a. Body 100a includes a first edge 120a and a second edge 130a. The maximum thickness of the first and second edges 120a, 130a is illustrated as being greater than the maximum thickness of the portion of the body 100a that is located between the first and second edges 120a, 130a. The first and second edges 120a, 130a are illustrated as having a generally triangular shape; however, this is not required. When the collapsible hair roller 50 is in the formed configuration as illustrated in FIG. 1, the first and second edges 120a, 130a extend inwardly toward the center of opening 75. Likewise, end member 100b includes a body 110b that has an inner surface 112b and an outer surface 114b. Body 100b includes a first edge 120b and a second edge 130b. The maximum thickness of the first and second edges 120b, 130b is illustrated as being greater than the maximum thickness of the portion of the body 100b that is located between the first and second edges 120b, 130b. The first and second edges 120b, 130b are illustrated as having a generally triangular shape; however, this is not required. When the collapsible hair roller 50 is in the formed configuration as illustrated in FIG. 1, the first and second edges 120b, 130b extend inwardly toward the center of opening 75. The first edge 120a of the end member 100a includes a first outward face 122a having at least one male end 124a and at least one female end 126a. The second edge 130a of the end member 100a includes a second outward face 132a. The first edge 120b of the end member 100b includes a first outward face 122b having at least one male end 124b and at least one female end 126b. The second edge 130b of the end member 100b includes a second outward face 132b. The bodies 110a, 110b of the end members 100a, 100b each include a plurality of body openings 150a, 150b. The shape of the body openings is non-limiting. The body openings 150a, 150b can have the same or different size, shape and/or spacing from one another. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the shape and size of body openings 150a, 150b are the same, and the pacing between the body shapes is the same. In one non-limiting configuration, the shape of the body openings 150a, 150b hexagonal shaped; however, it will be appreciated that other body shapes can be used (e.g., circular, triangular, square, rectangular, polygonal, etc.).
[0065] The roller frame sections 100a, 100b can include a connection arrangement 350 that enables the roller frame sections 100a, 100b to be releasably connected to one another when the collapsible hair roller 50 is in the formed or assembled configuration. The type of connection arrangement is non-limiting (e.g., magnet, snap, adhesive, buttons, clips, hook and loop fastener, or similar fasteners, etc.). As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 21, the first outward faces 122a, 122b on bodies 110a, 110b of the end members 100a, 100b can optionally include a cavity 128a, 128b that is configured to hold a connection arrangement 350 such as magnets, magnets and a material that is magnetically connectable to a magnet, etc. The size and shape and depth of the cavity is non-limiting. Generally, the material inserted into the cavity has a top surface that is even with or slightly recessed from the first outward faces 122a, 122b.
[0066] The first outward faces 122a, 122b on bodies 110a, 110b of the end members 100a, 100b can optionally include male ends 124a, 124b that are in the form of prongs, pins, or other protrusion elements that are configured to slidably engage the female ends 126a, 126b (i.e., slots, channels, or the like) that can be used to facilitate in maintaining the collapsible hair roller 50 in its formed configuration. In one non-limiting configuration, the male ends 124a, 124b are be releasably snap-locked with the female ends 126a, 126b.
[0067] Still referring to FIGS. 1-4, the plurality of inner segments 200a, 200b each include a body 210a, 210b having an inner surface 212a, 212b and an outer surface 214a, 214b. The body 210a, 210b of the inner segments 200a, 200b include a first edge 220a, 220b, and a second edge 230a, 230b. The maximum thickness of the first and second edges 220a, 230a is illustrated as being greater than the maximum thickness of the portion of the body 210a that is located between the first and second edges 220a, 230a. The first and second edges 220a, 230a are illustrated as having a generally triangular shape; however, this is not required. When the collapsible hair roller 50 is in the formed configuration as illustrated in FIG. 1, the first and second edges 220a, 230a extend inwardly toward the center of opening 75. Likewise, the maximum thickness of the first and second edges 220b, 230b is illustrated as being greater than the maximum thickness of the portion of the body 210b that is located between the first and second edges 220b, 230b. The first and second edges 220b, 230b are illustrated as having a generally triangular shape; however, this is not required. When the collapsible hair roller 50 is in the formed configuration as illustrated in FIG. 1, the first and second edges 220b, 230b extend inwardly toward the center of opening 75. The first edge 220a of the inner segment 200a includes a first outward face 222a, and the second edge 230a of the inner segment 200a includes a second outward face 232a. The first edge 220b of the inner segment 200b includes a first outward face 222b, and the second edge 230b of the inner segment 200b includes a second outward face 232b. The bodies 210a, 210b of the inner segments 200a, 200b each include a plurality of body openings 250a, 250b. The shape of the body openings is non-limiting. The body openings 250a, 250b can have the same or different size, shape and/or spacing from one another. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the shape and size of body openings 250a, 250b are the same, and the pacing between the body shapes is the same. In one non-limiting configuration, the shape of the body openings 250a, 250b hexagonal shaped; however, it will be appreciated that other body shapes can be used (e.g., circular, triangular, square, rectangular, polygonal, etc.).
[0068] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the collapsible hair roller 50 includes two inner segments 200a, 200b; however, it is to be appreciated that one or more inner segments can be included in the collapsible hair roller 50 to obtain different sized rollers having a wide variety of opening diameters depending on the desired curl type (i.e. small diameter curler leads to tighter curls; large diameter curler leads to looser curls). As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B, inner segments 200a, 200b are connected together by a living hinge 400; however, it will be appreciated that other types of movable or hangable connection arrangements can be used (e.g., See FIGS. 6-10 for a mechanical hinge connection, etc.). In the one non-limiting configuration, FIGS. 3A-3B illustrates a plurality of hinges 400 that are movably couple to the end members 100a, 100b and the plurality of inner segments 200a, 200b. Specifically, (i) the second edge 130a of end member 100a is movably coupled with the first edge 220a of the inner segment 200a by a living hinge 400; (ii) the second edge 230a of the inner segment 200a is moveably coupled with the first edge 220b of the inner segment 200b by a living hinge 400; and (iii) the second edge 230b of the inner segment 200b is movably coupled with the second edge 130b of the end member 100b by a living hinge 400. As can be appreciated, other types of hinges can be used. As can be appreciated, the connection arrangements can be all the same (e.g., all living hinges 400, all mechanical hinges as illustrated in FIGS. 6-10, etc.), or a combination of different type of hinges. When living hinges 400 are used, the thickness of the living hinges is generally less than the thickness of either of the bodies of the inner segments 200a, 200b, or either of the bodies of the end members 100a, 100b. The living hinges can be formed of the same material as inner segments 200a, 200b, and end members 100a, 100b; however, this is not required. The width of each of the living hinges can be 20-100% (and all values and ranges therebetween) the width of each of the inner segments 200a, 200b, and end members 100a, 100b to which the living hinge is connected thereto. The length of each of the living hinges can be 0.01-20% (and all values and ranges therebetween) the longitudinal length of each of the inner segments 200a, 200b, and end members 100a, 100b to which the living hinge is connected thereto.
[0069] The outer region of the collapsible hair roller 50 can optionally include a liner 300. When used, the liner 300 can be coupled to at least a portion of the outer surfaces 114a, 214a, 114b, and/or 214b of the end member 100a, the inner segment 200a, the inner segment 200b, and/or the end member 100b, respectively. As best illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3B, the liner 300 is optionally uncoupled in proximity to hinges 400. This uncoupling allows the liner 300 to conform to the full outer surface of the collapsible hair roller 50 when in the formed configuration (see FIG. 1). When the collapsible hair roller 50 is in the collapsed or unassembled and substantially flat configuration (FIGS. 2-5), the liner 300 can be configured to buckle or fold in the hinge regions 400. In the present non-limiting embodiment, the liner 300 is a single, uniform piece of material. In other non-limiting embodiments, the liner 300 can be separate pieces of material. The liner 300 can be used to facilitate in releasably securing the hair to the outer surface of the collapsible hair roller 50. The composition of the liner is non-limiting (e.g., hook and loop fastener, plastic sheet, paper sheet, non-woven material, woven material, material having an adhesive outer surface, material having a static electricity outer surface, etc.). The thickness of the liner 300 is non-limiting (e.g., 0.001-40 mm and all values and ranges therebetween). The liner 300 is generally is formed of a flexible material. The liner 300 can be permanently or releasably connected to the outer surface of the inner segments 200a, 200b, and end members 100a, 100b of the collapsible hair roller 50. The type of connection is non-limiting (e.g., adhesive connection, melted connection, magnetic connection, mechanical connection [e.g., clip, clamp, friction connection, compression connection, etc.), hook and loop fastener, mushroom head connection, etc.). The liner 300 can be configured to overlie 5-100% (and all values and ranges therebetween) the outer surface of the inner segments 200a, 200b, and end members 100a, 100b of the collapsible hair roller 50. In one non-limiting configuration, the width of the liner 300 is 80-110% (and all values and ranges therebetween) the width of one or more of the inner segments 200a, 200b, and end members 100a, 100b. In another non-limiting configuration, the liner is spaced from the front-end portion of the end members 100a, 100b as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3A, 4 and 5.
[0070] Now referring to FIG. 5, the collapsible hair roller 50 can optionally include one or more strips of hair attachment means 500 configured to releasably secure and hold the hair in place (e.g., adhesive strips, hook-and-loop fasteners, etc.). In one non-limiting embodiment, each of the hair attachment means 500 can be optionally heat-stacked (i.e., thermoplastically stacked/connected, etc.) at a predetermined location on the exterior of the liner 300 and/or the outer surface of the inner segments 200a, 200b, and end members 100a, 100b of the collapsible hair roller 50. In one non-limiting embodiment, the predetermined location can be optionally connected directly to the outer surface of one or more of inner segments 200a, 200b, and end members 100a, 100b, and optionally between the hexagonal spaces 150a, 250a, 250b, 150b. In another non-limiting embodiment, the predetermined location can optionally be on one or more portions of the outer surface of the liner 300. In another non-limiting embodiment, the predetermined location can optionally be between closer to the sides than to the mid-region of the inner segments 200a, 200b, and end members 100a, 100b of the collapsible hair roller 50 as illustrated in FIG. 5. The hair attachment means 500 can be formed of the same or different material from the liner 300 when both are present on the collapsible hair roller 50. In another non-limiting embodiment, each of the hair attachment means 500 are sized to overlie 0.1-20% (and all values and ranges therebetween) of the one of the inner segments 200a, 200b, or end members 100a, 100b. Generally, the surface area of the hair attachment means 500 is at least 10% smaller (e.g., 10-100000% small and all values and ranges therebetween) the surface area of the liner 300 when used. When the liner 300 and hair attachment means 500, one or more of the hair attachment means 500 can be located below and/or above the top surface of the liner 300. The thickness of the hair attachment means 500 is non-limiting (e.g., 0.001-40 mm and all values and ranges therebetween). The shape and/or size of each of the hair attachment means 500 can be the same or different (e.g., circular, oval, square, rectangular, triangular, polygonal, etc.);
[0071] With reference to FIGS. 1-4, in one non-limiting example, to transition the collapsible hair roller 50 from the collapsed configuration to the formed configuration: (i) the end members 100a, 100b and the inner segments 200a, 200b are pivoted about the hinges 400 such that the second outward face 132a is flush with the first outward face 222a, the second outward face 232a is flush with the first outward face 222b, and the second outward face 232b is flush with the second outward face 132b; and (ii) the at least one female ends 126a, 126b correspond to and releasably receive the at least one male ends 124b, 124a, respectively, to define the opening 75. In one non-limiting embodiment, the male ends 124b, 124a can be ejected or disengaged from their respective female ends 126a, 126b to collapse the collapsible hair roller 50 into its substantially flat configuration.
[0072] Now referring to FIGS. 6-10, there is illustrated another exemplary collapsible hair roller 60 that includes similar components, and functions similarly, to that of the collapsible hair roller 50 that is illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, thus will not be repeated herein. The primary difference between collapsible hair roller 50 and collapsible hair roller 60 are the type of movable connection arrangement positioned between the inner segments 200a, 200b, and end members 100a, 100b. As discussed above, the movable connection arrangement positioned between the inner segments, and end members of collapsible hair roller 50 is a living hinge. The movable connection arrangement positioned between the inner segments, and end members of collapsible hair roller 60 is a plurality of snap hinges 4000 that couple together end members 1000a, 1000b and a plurality of inner segments 2000a, 2000b. The collapsible hair roller 60 is illustrated as being absent a liner 300 and hair attachment means 500; however, it will be appreciated that the collapsible hair roller 60 can include a liner 300 and/or hair attachment means 500 as described above with respect to the collapsible hair roller 50 of FIGS. 1-5.
[0073] Still referring to FIGS. 6-10, the collapsible hair roller 60 includes end members 1000a, 1000b and a plurality of inner segments 2000a, 2000b. In the present non-limiting embodiment, each of the inner segments 2000a, 2000b and inner segment 2000b includes a plurality of snap hinges 4000. In other non-limiting embodiments, each of the inner segments 2000a, 2000b and inner segment 2000b can include one snap hinge 4000. In the present non-limiting embodiment, each snap hinge 4000 includes one or more protrusions 4005. In the present non-limiting embodiment, each of the inner segments 2000a, 2000b and inner segment 2000a includes a plurality of cavities 5000 that receive their respective snap hinge 4000. In the present non-limiting embodiment, each cavity 5000 includes one or more indents 5005 that receives the respective protrusions 4005 of the snap hinge 4000. In one non-limiting example: (i) cavities 5000 on end member 1000a receive snap hinges 4000 on inner segment 2000a; (ii) cavities 5000 on inner segment 2000a receive snap hinges 4000 on inner segment 2000b; and (iii) cavities 5000 on inner segment 2000b receive snap hinges 4000 on end member 1000b.
[0074] It will be appreciated that the snap hinges 4000 are pivotable within their respective cavities 5000 to transition the collapsible hair roller 60 between its formed configuration (FIG. 6) and its substantially flat configuration (FIG. 8). It will be appreciated that in some non-limiting embodiments, the snap hinges 4000 can be removed from the cavities 5000 to separate the end members 1000a, 1000b and the inner segments 2000a, 2000b (see FIG. 10).
[0075] In the present non-limiting embodiment, end members 1000a, 1000b include one or more coupling devices 1028a, 1028b that aid in holding the collapsible hair roller 60 in its formed configuration. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, the one or more coupling devices 1028a, 1028b can be magnets, adhesive strips, snaps, buttons, hook and loop fastener, or similar fasteners that function to releasably maintain the collapsible hair roller 60 in its formed configuration.
[0076] Still referring to FIGS. 6-10, the end member 1000a can further include at least one male end 1024a and at least one female end 1026a; and the end member 1000b can further include at least one male end 1024b and at least one female end 1026b. In one non-limiting embodiment, the male ends 1024a, 1024b are prongs, pins, or other protrusion elements that slidably engage the female ends 1026a, 1026b (i.e., slots, channels, or the like) and maintain the collapsible hair roller 60 in its formed configuration. In other non-limiting embodiments, the male ends 1024a, 1024b can be releasably snap-locked with the female ends 1026a, 1026b.
[0077] Still referring to FIGS. 6-10, in one non-limiting embodiment, hook and loop fastener, adhesive strips, static cling strips, etc. or other similar hair attachment means/material can optionally be bonded to the outside faces of the end members 1000a, 1000b and the inner segments 2000a, 2000b (not shown) so attachment means/material is able to hold the user's hair immediately when the collapsible hair roller 60 is folded into its formed configuration.
[0078] Referring now to FIGS. 11-16, a modification of the collapsible hair roller 50 illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 is shown. The collapsible hair roller 50 illustrated in FIGS. 11-16 is shown to be absent liner 300, absent hair attachment means 500, and the bodies of the end members and the inner segments may or may not have plurality of body openings, and the body openings, when used, may or may not be hexagon-shaped. The other structures and functionality of the components of the collapsible hair roller 50 illustrated in FIGS. 11-16 is the same or similar to the structures and functionality of the components of the collapsible hair roller 50 illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, thus will not be repeated herein.
[0079] Referring now to FIGS. 17-20, another modification of the collapsible hair roller 50 illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 is shown. The collapsible hair roller 50 illustrated in FIGS. 17-20 is shown to include a non-transparent liner 300, and is absent hair attachment means 500, and the bodies of the end members and the inner segments may or may not have plurality of body openings, and the body openings, when used, may or may not be hexagon-shaped. The other structures and functionality of the components of the collapsible hair roller 50 illustrated in FIGS. 17-20 is the same or similar to the structures and functionality of the components of the collapsible hair roller 50 illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, thus will not be repeated herein. The non-transparent liner 300 on the collapsible hair roller 50 of FIGS. 17-20 can be made of the same or different material from the liner 300 described with respect to the collapsible hair roller 50 illustrated in FIGS. 1-5. The functionality of the non-transparent liner 300 on the collapsible hair roller 50 of FIGS. 17-20 can be made of the same or different material from the liner 300 described with respect to the collapsible hair roller 50 illustrated in FIGS. 1-5. The means to connect the non-transparent liner 300 on the collapsible hair roller 50 of FIGS. 17-20 can be the same or different as described with respect to the collapsible hair roller 50 illustrated in FIGS. 1-5.
[0080] Referring now to FIG. 22, there is illustrated a collapsible hair roller 50 that is the same or similar to the collapsible hair roller 50 of FIGS. 1-21, and wherein a removable clip 600 is positioned about a portion of the outer surface of the collapsible hair roller 50. The removable clip can be used to maintain the roller frame sections of the collapsible hair roller the formed configuration. The size, shape, configuration and material of the removable clip is non-limiting. The removable clip can also be used to facilitate in maintaining hair on the collapsible hair roller 50 collapsible hair roller 50.
[0081] Although not shown in the Figures, the collapsible hair rollers disclose herein can optionally include one or more heating elements that allow the user to heat the collapsible hair roller either prior to or while the rollers are in the user's hair. The disclosed collapsible hair rollers can be optionally heated by other means prior to being placed in the hair (e.g., placed in a heater to heat the collapsible hair rollers, etc.). The collapsible hair rollers can be made of materials (e.g., metal, ceramic, etc.) that allows the collapsible hair rollers to be heated in the assemble and/or unassembled configuration.
[0082] In the present non-limiting embodiment, the end members and the plurality of inner segments disclosed herein are semicircular or crescent shaped. In other non-limiting embodiments, the disclosed end members and the plurality of inner segments are semi-square, semi-rectangular, semi-triangular, semi-elliptical, or semi-polygonal.
[0083] The collapsible hair rollers and their components, disclosed herein, can be made from any thermoplastic polymer and/or lightweight, versatile metals such as aluminum, ceramic materials, or other desirable materials. The thermoplastic polymer or ceramic materials, when used, can include metal particles or structures that are partially or fully embedded in the polymer or ceramic materials so as to facilitate in the heating and/or heat retention of the collapsible hair rollers.
[0084] Although not shown, it will be appreciated that the top surface of the one or more frame structures of the collapsible hair roller can optionally include one or more ribs, dimples, grooves, etc., that can be used to orient and/or maintain the hair in position in on the collapsible roller.
[0085] Reference throughout the specification to various embodiments, some embodiments, one embodiment, some example embodiments, one example embodiment, or an embodiment means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with any embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases in various embodiments, in some embodiments, in one embodiment, some example embodiments, one example embodiment, or in an embodiment in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
[0086] It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained, and since certain changes may be made in the constructions set forth without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The disclosure has been described with reference to preferred and alternate embodiments. Modifications and alterations will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the detailed discussion of the disclosure provided herein. This disclosure is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the present disclosure. It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the disclosure herein described and all statements of the scope of the disclosure, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall there between. The disclosure has been described with reference to the certain embodiments. These and other modifications of the disclosure will be obvious from the disclosure herein, whereby the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims.
[0087] To aid the Patent Office and any readers of this application and any resulting patent in interpreting the claims appended hereto, Applicant does not intend any of the appended claims or claim elements to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the words means for or step for are explicitly used in the particular claim.
