ADJUSTABLE HEATLESS HAIR CURLER WITH DECORATIVE ELEMENTS AND METHODS FOR USE THEREOF

Abstract

A heatless animal-styled hair curler provides an adjustable-length headband for fitting different-sized heads, two adjacent curling rods for wrapping hair, and an animal-themed exterior surface which mimics the look of an animal when worn in order to encourage use by a child or young adult. The adjustable-length headband is formed from a thin, flat piece of elastic material which comfortably rests flush and secure on top of a user's head, and which is adjustable via a buttonhole elastic adjustment mechanism accessible from an opening in an underside portion of the exterior surface. Cylindrical curling rods made from a polyester fiber fill material are attached with each end of the headband to provide a curling area where a user can wrap their hair to create curls. The animal-themed surface includes patterns and shapes extending from the headband, such as ears or eyes, to mimic the look of an animal.

Claims

1. An adjustable length heatless hair curler, comprising: an adjustable-length headband with a first end and a second end; a first semi-rigid cylindrically shaped hair curler attached with the first end of the adjustable-length headband; a second semi-rigid cylindrically shaped hair curler attached with the second end of the adjustable-length headband; and an animal-themed decorative exterior surface covering the adjustable length headband and the pair of semi-rigid cylindrically shaped hair curlers which mimics the look of an animal.

2. The hair curler of claim 1, wherein adjustable-length headband is formed from a first portion of buttonhole elastic and a second portion of non-buttonhole elastic with a button affixed thereto which is configured to removably attach with a button hole in the buttonhole elastic.

3. The hair curler of claim 2, wherein the adjustable-length headband includes an opening in a center underside portion of the exterior surface to access the buttonhole elastic.

4. The hair curler of claim 1, wherein the first semi-rigid cylindrically shaped hair curler and second semi-rigid cylindrically shaped hair curler are formed from a polyester foam fill material.

5. The hair curler of claim 4, wherein an amount of foam fill material in each of the semi-rigid cylindrically shaped hair curlers can be adjusted.

6. The hair curler of claim 1, wherein the animal-themed decorative exterior surface is a fabric material with an animal print pattern.

7. The hair curler of claim 6, wherein the animal-themed decorative exterior surface includes at least one animal-themed feature extending from the adjustable-length headband.

8. The hair curler of claim 7, wherein at least one animal-themed feature includes at least one of: a set of ears, a set of eyes, or one or more horns.

9. The hair curler of claim 8, wherein adjusting the length of the adjustable-length headband also adjusts the spacing of the set of ears or set of eyes.

10. The hair curler of claim 1, further comprising a first removable elastic band which surrounds an end portion of the first semi-rigid cylindrically shaped hair curler and a second removable elastic band which surrounds an end portion of the second semi-rigid cylindrically shaped hair curler.

11. A method of curling hair, the method comprising: adjusting a length of an elastic headband; positioning the adjustable-length headband laterally across a top portion of a user's head such that a first end and a second end are disposed on opposing left and right sides of the user's head; twisting a first portion of the user's hair around a first semi-rigid cylindrically shaped hair curler attached with the first end of the adjustable-length headband; and twisting a second portion of the user's hair around a second semi-rigid cylindrically shaped hair curler attached with the second end of the adjustable-length headband.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising adjusting the length of the elastic headband by repositioning a button from a non-buttonhole elastic portion into one of a plurality of holes in a non-buttonhole elastic portion.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising accessing the button via an opening in a center underside portion of the exterior surface to access the buttonhole elastic.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising adjusting an amount of fill of the first semi-rigid cylindrically shaped hair curler and second semi-rigid cylindrically shaped hair curler.

15. The method of claim 11, further comprising securing a first removable elastic band around an end portion of the first semi-rigid cylindrically shaped hair curler and the first portion of the user's hair, and securing a second removable elastic band around an end portion of the second semi-rigid cylindrically shaped hair curler and the second portion of the user's hair.

16. A method of producing an adjustable length heatless hair curler, the method comprising: forming an adjustable-length headband with a first end and a second end; attaching a first semi-rigid cylindrically shaped hair curler with the first end of the adjustable-length headband; attaching a second semi-rigid cylindrically shaped hair curler with the second end of the adjustable-length headband; and covering the adjustable length headband and the pair of semi-rigid cylindrically shaped hair curlers with an animal-themed decorative exterior surface to mimic the look of an animal.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising forming the adjustable-length headband from a first portion of buttonhole elastic and a second portion of non-buttonhole elastic.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising forming the first semi-rigid cylindrically shaped hair curler and second semi-rigid cylindrically shaped hair curler from a polyester foam fill.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising forming the animal-themed decorative exterior surface from a fabric material with an animal print pattern, and forming at least one animal-themed feature to extend from the adjustable-length headband.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The structure and operation of the present invention will be understood from a review of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like parts and in which:

[0015] FIG. 1A is an illustration of an adjustable hair curler with an animal-themed decorative surface, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0016] FIG. 1B is an image of the adjustable hair curler with the animal-themed decorative surface, according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0017] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a main body of the adjustable hair curler illustrating an elastic band and foam curling rod portions, according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0018] FIG. 3 is an illustration of an opening in a headband portion of the adjustable hair curler for adjusting the length of the headband portion, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0019] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a buttonhole elastic portion interfacing with a button on a non-buttonhole elastic portion to adjust the length of the headband portion, according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0020] FIG. 5 is an illustration of an adjustable hair curler with an alternative decorative animal theme representing a pig, according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0021] FIG. 6 is an illustration of an adjustable hair curler with an alternative decorative animal theme representing a frog, according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0022] FIG. 7 is an illustration of an adjustable hair curler with an alternative decorative animal theme representing a lion, according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0023] FIG. 8A is an illustration of a first step of fitting and securing the adjustable hair curler onto a head of a user, according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0024] FIG. 8B is an illustration of the adjustable hair curler after the user has twisted portions of hair around the curling rods, according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0025] FIG. 8C is an illustration of the user's hair after the adjustable hair curler has been removed to reveal the curled hair, according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0026] FIG. 9 is an illustration of a method for using an adjustable hair curler to curl a user's hair, according to one embodiment of the invention; and

[0027] FIG. 10 is an illustration of a method for manufacturing the adjustable hair curler with the animal-themed decorative surface and features, according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Certain embodiments disclosed herein provide for a hair curler with an adjustable-length flat headband, the headband connected on each end with adjacent cylindrical curling rods, and an animal-themed decorative exterior surface to mimic the look of an animal when worn. The adjustable-length headband is formed from two thin, flat pieces of elastic material which comfortably rest flush and secure on top of a user's head while allowing for the overall length of the headband to be adjusted to more comfortably fit a user's head. Cylindrical curling rods made from a polyester fiber fill material are attached with each end of the headband to provide a curling area where a user can wrap their hair to create curls.

[0029] The animal-themed decorative exterior surface provides both an animal-like pattern on the surface as well as one or more animal-like features extending from the headband area to mimic the look of an animals, such as ears, eyes, horns, nose, fur, etc. The decorative elements help to entertain and encourage a child to wear the hair curler for a long enough period of time to allow their hair to curl, which often requires wearing the hair curler to bed or for several hours during the day when they would otherwise not want a traditional heatless hair curler on their head.

[0030] Other aspects of the invention provide additional benefits for the use of the hair curler as a safe, effective and entertaining way to engage children in the process of curling their hair.

Adjustable Hair Curler

[0031] FIG. 1A is an image of one embodiment of the adjustable hair curler with an animal-themed decorative surface similar to a cow. In this embodiment, the hair curler 100 includes three primary components: an adjustable headband 102, two cylindrical curling rods 104 disposed on either side of the headband 102, and an animal-themed decorative exterior covering 106 which covers the entire body of the hair curler including the headband 102 and curling rods 104. In one embodiment, the exterior covering 106 includes additional animal-like features extending from the exterior covering 106 in order to better represent the animal. In FIG. 1A, the exterior covering 106 has a black and white pattern resembling that of a cow, as well as a pair of ears 108 and a pair of horns 110 extending from the headband 102 which are positioned to extend from a top portion of the user's head. FIG. 1A also illustrates two circular elastic bands 112 (sometimes referred to as scrunchies) which also have the decorative animal-like pattern and which may be used to secure hair that has been twisted around the curling rods 104 in order to keep the hair secured around the curling rods until the hair has sufficiently curled.

[0032] FIG. 1B is an image of one embodiment of the adjustable hair curler 100 more clearly depicting the decorative exterior covering 106 and the animal-print pattern 107 that may be provided thereon.

[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates an internal structure of the adjustable hair curler without the animal-themed decorative covering 106 to show one embodiment of an interior body portion 200 which carries out many of the primary functions of the device. The body portion 200 of the adjustable hair curler includes an adjustable fastening mechanism which includes a first portion of buttonhole elastic 114 attached with a first polyester-filled foam portion 120 and a second portion of non-buttonhole elastic 116 attached with a second polyester-filled foam portion 122. The body portion 200 is secured together via the adjustable fastening mechanism by passing a button 118 through one of a plurality of buttonholes 115 in the buttonhole elastic 114 to form the single body portion 200, where the buttonhole elastic portion 114 and non-buttonhole elastic portion form the adjustable fastening mechanism of the adjustable headband 102, and the polyester-foam filled portions 120 and 122 form the curling rods 104.

[0034] In one embodiment, the buttonhole elastic 114 and non-buttonhole elastic 116 may be formed from two thin, flat pieces of elastic material which comfortably rest flush and secure on top of a user's head, and which are adjustable via an adjustable attachment of a first portion of buttonhole elastic 114 which includes multiple buttonholes 115 that are capable of being secured with the button 118 sewn onto the non-buttonhole elastic portion 116.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 3, the adjustable fastening mechanism is hidden from view by the positioning its opening on the underside portion of the exterior surface of the headband so that the buttonhole portion 116 and button 118 can be easily accessed to adjust the length without ruining the overall look of the curler.

[0036] FIG. 4 more clearly shows how a user 124 may expose a sufficient portion of the adjustable fastening mechanism (in the form of the buttonhole elastic 114 and non-buttonhole elastic 116) in order to remove and place the button in a different buttonhole on the elastic piece. While this adjustable attachment mechanism provides the benefits of simplicity and a low profile, one of skill in the art will appreciate that other types of adjustable attachment mechanisms could be used here, from Velcro to hooks to clasps.

Curling Rods

[0037] The curling rods need to be somewhat rigid to keep the twisted hair in place while also not being uncomfortable or heavy, which is why they are typically made from a polyester foam fill material (often sold under the name Poly-fil). Another advantage of the illustrated embodiments is that since the curling rods are separate from one another and do not extend across the top portion of a user's scalp, their ability to lie flat against a side portion of the user's head is increased, making them more comfortable and easier to wrap portions of hair around when in use. The separate curling rods also provide the advantage of having their length, diameter and even fill customized to the size of a child instead of selecting an industry standard (which has traditionally been 32 inches) which may be designed for adults, not children. The user can further shorten the length in which the rods are connected by adjusting the headband in order to reduce the amount of the curling rods extending down the side of the user's face, which can be irritating for a child.

[0038] Lastly, the headband portion in the middle with the opening allows for users to access the internal aspect of the rods to adjust the amount of fill to increase or decrease rod density to either achieve a more comfortable sleeping experience or create a different curl pattern. It is designed where it is easy enough to access to adjust, but also where the poly-fil cannot migrate on its own no matter how many uses to enter the headband portion space to come out of the opening.

ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS

[0039] It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the fastening mechanism for connecting the adjustable portion of the headband can be a multitude of attachment mechanisms, such as a button, snap, snapback, D-ring, Velcro, hook, clasp, etc.any of which allow the headband portion to be easily adjusted while also being capable of being substantially hidden by the decorative exterior covering. Additionally, the elastic portion can be any type of stretchable material which may be selected to work with the type of fastening mechanism described immediately above while still allowing the headband portion to stretch and provide a more comfortable fit for the user.

[0040] Additionally, it should be appreciated that the particular animal may vary and have different features relating to the ears, nose, horns, fur, patterns and other external features to mimic the look of the animal, some of which are described below.

[0041] FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of an alternative animal-decoration for the hair curler, this time in the shape, look and feel of a pig, with an overall pink color on the outer covering 506, large pig-shaped ears 508 and a pig-shaped nose 510 disposed between the ears 508 on the headband 502.

[0042] A unicorn-themed embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 6, showing a green, spotted pattern on the outer covering 606, along with two horse-shaped ears 608 extending from the headband area and a unicorn horn 610 disposed between the ears 608.

[0043] Finally, FIG. 7 illustrates yet another embodiment of an alternative animal-decoration for the hair curler, this time in the shape of a lion, with a yellow coloring on the outer covering 706, two large ears 708, and a fur-like material 710 covering the headband and mimicking the mane of a lion.

[0044] One of skill in the art will appreciate that other animal-themed configurations can be created and utilized to appeal to children with different interests in different animals. The animals could be existing animals like a giraffe, or a supposedly non-existent animal like a unicorn.

Methods of Use

[0045] FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C illustrate the method of using the adjustable-length hair curler to curl a user's hair, starting off by illustrating a woman 126 who has positioned the headrest 102 over her head, such that the curling rods 104 fall comfortably down the side of her head adjacent to her hair 128. An additional element shown in this illustration is a clip 130 which can be used to further secure the headband portion with the user's hair in order to provide a more secure connection of the headband, if needed. The clips can be removed once the hair has been twisted around the curling rods. In FIG. 8B, the woman 126 has now wrapped her hair 128 around the curling rods 104 and secured the hair at the end of the rod with the elastic bands 112. At the end of a period of time, in some cases approximately 6-8 hours, the woman 126 can remove the hair curler to reveal their new curly hair 128, as shown in FIG. 8C.

[0046] FIG. 9 illustrates the step-wise methods steps taken in an exemplary method for curling a user's hair using the aforementioned adjustable, decorative hair curler. In step 902, the length of the elastic headband is adjusted to properly fit the width of the head of the user to provide a more secure and comfortable fit. In step 904, the headband is positioned on the user's head, disposing it laterally across the length of the user's head from left to right. In step 906, the user twists portions of their hair around each of the hair curlers disposed along the left and right sides. In an optional step 908 discussed above with regard to FIGS. 8A-8C, the.

Methods of Use

[0047] FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C illustrate the method of using the adjustable-length hair curler to curl a user's hair, and FIG. 9 illustrates the step-wise methods steps taken in an exemplary method for curling a user's hair using the aforementioned adjustable, decorative hair curler. In step 902, the length of the elastic headband is adjusted to properly fit the width of the head of the user to provide a more secure and comfortable fit. In step 904, the headband is positioned on the user's head, disposing it laterally across the length of the user's head from left to right. In step 906, the user twists portions of their hair around each of the hair curlers disposed along the left and right sides. In an optional step 908 discussed above with regard to FIGS. 8A-8C, the headband may be further secured to the user's hair using some type of clip or elastic band. In step 910, the twisted portions of hair may be secured to the curling rods using elastic bands, some of which are commonly known as scrunchies. After a period of time, in step 912, the user may remove their hair from the curling rods and remove the headband to reveal their curled hair.

Methods of Manufacturing

[0048] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary method for producing the adjustable-length hair curler, according to one embodiment. In step 1002, the adjustable length headband is formed out of the buttonhole and non-buttonhole elastic material. A first curling rod made from a poly-fil is then attached with one side of the adjustable length headband, in step 1004. A first curling rod made from a poly-fil is then attached with one side of the adjustable length headband, in step 1006. Next, in step 1008, the main body which comprises the headband and pair of separately attached curling rods is covered with a decorative fabric intended to mimic the look of an animal. In step 1010, additional animal-like features may be attached with the decorative fabric covering the headband area to provide additional similarities to that of an animal, such as ears, eyes, horns, etc.

[0049] The above description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles described herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is to be understood that the description and drawings presented herein represent a presently preferred embodiment of the invention and are therefore representative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated by the present invention. It is further understood that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments that may become obvious to those skilled in the art and that the scope of the present invention is accordingly not limited.