Hair styling apparatus and method of using same

Abstract

A hair styling apparatus and method of use is provided. The apparatus comprises a shaft having a first end and a second end, the shaft having an opening disposed along the length of the shaft and between the first end and the second end, and an elastic ring, the ring being threaded through the shaft and moveable along the shaft opening.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims priority from Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/650,672 filed on Feb. 7, 2005, which is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to hair styling devices and methods. More particularly the present invention relates to a hair styling device and method for producing a hairdo such as a stylized bun or chignon.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Hair styling devices for tying back medium to long hair in an attractive yet practical manner exist in the art. Buns and chignons have been used for years to retain hair in a neat and attractive style. Means known for forming such hairdos include the use of hair ties, bobby pins, claw clips and straight pins. However, these conventional hair styling devices can be cumbersome to manipulate, especially when the user is attempting to style her own hair. A number of these hair pins must be evenly clipped along the length of hair to be rolled into the hairdo. It is often difficult to render a neat and even style without experience or assistance, especially when the user is pressed for time. Additionally, these devices require facility and deftness of a user. Moreover, conventional hair styling devices fail to provide a method for providing a consistent and simple means for creating an updo.

Furthermore, conventional hair styling devices for producing a bun, chignon or other updo are typically plain in appearance. In fact, some devices known in the art are not visible at all once the updo is complete.

Therefore, a need exists for a hair styling device that enables a user to simply and easily form a stylized updo. Moreover, a need exists for such a hair styling device having adornment that provides an attractive aspect to a conventional updo.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a hair styling apparatus that enables a user to quickly and easily form an attractive updo.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a hair styling apparatus that enables a user to form several different updo styles including a simple pony tail, a basic knot, a stick knot, a twisted ponytail , a bauble knot, a Chinese knot, a braided knot and an inverted knot.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a hair styling apparatus that provides decoration to the finished updo.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a method of quickly, simply and consistently forming and securing an updo.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention are achieved by a hair styling apparatus comprising a shaft having a first end and a second end, the shaft having an opening disposed along the length of the shaft and between the first end and the second end, and an elastic ring, the ring being threaded through the shaft and moveable along the shaft opening. The hair styling apparatus may have an adornment disposed on the shaft or the elastic ring. These objects are further achieved by a method of styling hair into an updo using a hair styling apparatus having a shaft and an elastic ring attached thereto, the method comprising the steps of forming a ponytail having hair ends; tightening the elastic ring of the hair styling apparatus above the ponytail hair ends; twisting the ponytail in a spiral to form a knot; tucking the ponytail hair ends under the knot; pulling the hair styling apparatus free of the hair so that it can be inserted into the knot; and inserting the hair styling apparatus into the knot and the underlying hair to anchor the knot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and still other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed explanation of the preferred embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1a is a front view of a first embodiment of the hair styling apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 1b is a front view of a second embodiment of the hair styling apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of a third embodiment of the hair styling apparatus according to the present invention;

FIGS. 3 through 7 illustrate the steps for styling hair into a basic knot according to the present invention;

FIGS. 8 through 13 illustrate the steps for styling hair into a stick knot according to the present invention;

FIGS. 14 through 19 illustrate the steps for styling hair into a twisted ponytail according to the present invention;

FIGS. 20 through 23 illustrate the steps for styling hair into a bauble knot according to the present invention;

FIG. 24 illustrates a Chinese knot formed according to the present invention;

FIG. 25 illustrates a braided knot formed according to the present invention;

FIG. 26 illustrates an inverted knot formed according to the present invention;

FIG. 27 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the hair styling apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 28 illustrates a tightly secured pony tail formed according to the present invention; and

FIG. 29 illustrates an alternative style of a tightly secured pony tail formed according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings and, in particular, FIG. 1a, there is illustrated a hair styling apparatus according to the present invention generally represented by reference numeral 2. Hair styling apparatus 2 has a shaft 2a having a first end 2b and a second end 2c. Shaft 2a further has an opening or slit 4 formed therein. Slit 4 is formed along a substantial portion of the length of shaft 2a. Hair styling apparatus 2 further has an elastic ring 6. Elastic ring 6 is threaded through shaft 2a and moveable along shaft opening 4.

Slit 4 extends into an end of hair styling apparatus 2 that is insertable into the hair of the user. Elastic ring 6 is slidable along slit 4 and close to an end 2a or 2b to enable a user to maneuver hair styling apparatus 2 during use.

Shaft 2a may be pointed at one or both ends. Shaft 2a may be of varied length. One embodiment of the present invention has a shaft 2a that is about six inches long and a slit 4 that is about five inches long.

Referring to FIG. 1b, an alternate embodiment of the present invention, hair styling apparatus 3 is shown. Hair styling apparatus 3 has a decorative aspect on one of a first end 3b or a second end 3c. In this embodiment, elastic ring 6 is slidable along slit 4 only up to the point that marks the decorative end of hair styling apparatus 3. In still another embodiment of the present invention, both first end 3a and second end 3b have decorative aspects. The decorative aspect may include any means for adornment known in the art including, without limitation, carving, beading, feathering or wire wrapping. It is conceivable that combinations of these means may be employed.

Elastic band 6 may have a means for adornment 8. Adornment 8 may include, without limitation, one or more jewels, baubles or cord stoppers.

FIG. 2 illustrates yet another embodiment according to the present invention, a hair styling apparatus 9. Hair styling apparatus 9 has an arcuate shaft. In this embodiment, one of side 9b and 9c is wide, the opposite side being narrow.

FIGS. 3 through 7 illustrate the steps for styling hair into a basic knot using hair styling apparatus 2 according to the present invention. It should be noted that hair styling apparatus 3 and 9 may also be used. FIG. 3 shows the back of a wearer's head wearing a ponytail 10. FIG. 4 shows elastic band 6 tightened around ponytail 10 slightly above the hair ends. The arrows illustrate the direction in which ponytail 10 is wrapped or twisted in a spiral to form a knot or bun 12. FIG. 5 illustrates the ends of ponytail 10 being tucked under bun 12. Hair styling apparatus 2 is then gently pulled free of the wearer's hair so that it can be inserted into knot 12 in the following step. FIG. 6 shows how hair styling apparatus 2 may be inserted into bun 12 and the underlying hair to anchor bun 12 and trap hair ends under bun 12. Hair styling apparatus 2 can be easily manipulated because elastic band 6 is slidable within slit 4, thus allowing easy positioning of hair styling apparatus 2. FIG. 7 shows completed bun 12. Hair styling apparatus 2 helps anchor bun 12 by preventing the hair ends from unraveling. Hair styling apparatus 2 also provides a sleek and chic look to bun 12.

It should be noted that hair styling tool 2, 3, and 9 may also be used to make ponytail 10. As illustrated in FIG. 3, elastic ring 6 is used to form ponytail 10. Hair styling tool 2, 3 or 9 is then positioned at the top or base of ponytail 10. After ponytail 10 is twisted and wrapped, hair styling tool 2, 3 or 9 is then used to anchor bun 12, ensuring that hair styling tool 2, 3 or 9 pierces both bun 12 and some hair from the scalp of the user. A bauble 8, if included on the elastic end of hair styling tool 2, 3 or 9 would then appear at the center of bun 12, thereby adding a touch of elegance to the hairdo.

FIGS. 8 through 13 illustrate a method of using hair styling tool 2 to make a stick knot 16. Again, it should be noted that hair styling tools 3 and 9 may also be employed to make stick knot 16. FIG. 8 illustrates a ponytail 14 formed by loosely placing elastic band 6 around a bundle of hair. Ponytail 14 is then twisted until it is slightly taught. FIG. 9 illustrates hair styling tool 2 being positioned in front of twisted ponytail 14. That is, hair styling tool 2 is positioned horizontally between ponytail 14 and the front of the head of the wearer. FIG. 10 illustrates twisted ponytail 14 being looped over hair styling tool 2. Hair styling tool 2 is then rotated about a half-circle to the other side in a vertical plane. Hair styling tool 2 is then rotated inwards, as shown in FIG. 11. The ends of ponytail 14 are trapped under the twisted portion of ponytail 14. Hair styling tool 2 is then inserted firmly such that it pierces both twisted ponytail 14 as well as the hair under the ponytail, as illustrated in FIG. 12. FIG. 13 shows completed stick knot 16. Thus, hair styling apparatus 2 allows creation of stick knot 16 in a simple and fluid manner, providing a secure and stable knot.

FIGS. 14 to 19 illustrate a method of using hair styling apparatus 2 to make a twisted ponytail 18. Again, hair styling apparatus 3 and 9 may also be employed. As illustrated in FIG. 14, hair is first bundled in one hand to make a ponytail 14. As shown in FIG. 15, the hair is twisted close to the head, the gentle twisting creating twisted ponytail 18. Elastic ring 6 is then tightened at the base of ponytail 14, as illustrated in FIG. 16. Hair styling apparatus is then inserted horizontally into the forming twisted ponytail 18 as illustrated in FIG. 17. Hair styling apparatus is then rotated in a horizontal plane by about a half circle and then woven into a twist while also picking up hair from under the twist as shown in FIG. 18. The completed twisted ponytail is shown in FIG. 19.

FIGS. 20 to 23 illustrate how hair styling tools 2, 3 and 9 can be used to create a bauble knot. FIG. 20 illustrates a ponytail 14 formed with elastic ring 6. Ponytail 14 is then twisted until taught, as illustrated in FIG. 21. Twisted ponytail 14 is wrapped around bauble 8, as illustrated in FIG. 22. The ends of twisted ponytail 14 are tucked under knot 20, as illustrated in FIG. 23. Hair styling tools 2, 3 or 9 is then woven through the hair so that it picks up hair both from knot 20 as well as hair from under knot 20, thereby securing knot 20.

FIG. 24 illustrates a Chinese knot 22, formed with hair styling tools 2, 3 or 9. Chinese knot 22 is made by first forming a ponytail with elastic ring 6. The ponytail is then wrapped around hair styling tools 2, 3 or 9 in a figure-eight fashion followed by wrapping the ponytail in a circle and securing the hair ends.

FIG. 25 illustrates a braided bun 24, formed with hair styling tools 2, 3 or 9. Braided bun 24 is made by first braiding the hair. The hair is then formed into a knot in the manner shown in FIGS. 3 to 7.

FIG. 26 illustrates an inverted knot 26, formed with hair styling tools 2, 3 or 9. To form inverted knot 26, the user first forms a loose ponytail. She then twists the ponytail and makes a knot in the manner described above. Finally, she turns the knot inwards, tucking it under, thereby creating inverted knot 26, that is secured by weaving hair styling tools 2, 3 or 9 through inverted knot 26.

FIG. 27 illustrates yet another embodiment of the hair styling tool of the present invention. Hair styling tool 30 employs an elastic cord 38 for securing hair. Cord 38 is attached to slit 32 by a loop 36 formed on an end of cord 38. A variable loop 34 is formed at the opposite end of cord 38.

FIGS. 28 to 29 illustrate use of hair styling tool 30 for making a tight ponytail. Loop 36 is slidable along slit 32. Loop 34 is employed to make ponytail 14. Hair styling tool 30 is then pulled so that loop 34 tightens on ponytail 14, thus gripping ponytail 14 tightly. Cord 38 may then be looped several times around ponytail 14. Finally, hair styling tool 30 is woven into the hair at the base of ponytail 14, thereby securing ponytail 14. Unlike conventional ponytail circles that can only be looped a discrete number of times, a length of cord such as cord 38 can be made as tight as necessary to secure ponytail 14, thus allowing for a tighter ponytail. A small bead or knot 40 may be placed on cord 38 to prevent loop 34 from slipping off cord 38 when the tool is not in use. Such a bead or knot or other stopper attached to cord a38 will make it easier for a user to pull open loop 34 for placement around a ponytail.

The present invention has been described with particular reference to the preferred embodiments. It should be understood that the foregoing descriptions and examples are only illustrative of the present invention. Various alternatives and modifications thereof can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A hair styling apparatus comprising:

a shaft having a first end and a second end, said shaft having an opening disposed along the length of said shaft and between said first end and said second end, and

an elastic ring, said ring being threaded through said shaft and moveable along said shaft opening, wherein at least one of said shaft ends forms a point.

2. The hair styling apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a decoration disposed on at least one shaft end.

3. The hair styling apparatus of claim 2, wherein said decoration is selected from the group consisting of carving, beading, feathering and wire wrapping.

4. The hair styling apparatus of claim 1, wherein said elastic has a decoration disposed thereon.

5. The hair styling apparatus of claim 4, wherein said decoration is a jewel.

6. The hair styling apparatus of claim 4, wherein said decoration is an adorned button.

7. The hair styling apparatus of claim 4, wherein said decoration is a cord stopper.

8. The hair styling apparatus of claim 1, wherein said shaft is arcuate.

9. The hair styling apparatus of claim 1, wherein said slit extends into an end of said hair styling apparatus that is insertable into the hair of the user.

10. A hair styling apparatus comprising:

a shaft having a first end and a second end, said shaft having an opening disposed along the length of said shaft and between said first end and said second end, and

an elastic having a first end and a second end, said elastic first end being attached to said shaft such that said elastic is movable along said shaft opening, said elastic second end having a loop formed therein such that said loop is sizable to accommodate varying diameters of gathered hair,

wherein at least one of said shaft ends forms a point.

11. The hair styling apparatus of claim 18 further comprising a decoration disposed on at least one shaft end.

12. The hair styling apparatus of claim 11, wherein said decoration is selected from the group consisting of carving, beading, feathering and wire wrapping.

13. The hair styling apparatus of claim 10, wherein said elastic has a decoration disposed thereon.

14. The hair styling apparatus of claim 11, wherein said decoration is a jewel.

15. The hair styling apparatus of claim 11, wherein said decoration is an adorned button.

16. The hair styling apparatus of claim 11, wherein said decoration is a cord stopper.

17. The hair styling apparatus of claim 10, wherein said shaft is arcuate.

18. A method of styling hair into an updo using a hair styling apparatus having a shaft and an elastic ring attached thereto comprising the steps of:

forming a ponytail having hair ends;

tightening the elastic ring of said hair styling apparatus above the ponytail hair ends;

twisting said ponytail in a spiral to form a knot;

tucking the ponytail hair ends under said knot;

pulling said hair styling apparatus free of the hair so that it can be inserted into said knot; and

inserting said hair styling apparatus into said knot and the underlying hair to anchor said knot.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein said method is employed to form an updo styles selected from the group consisting of a simple pony tail, a basic knot, a stick knot, a twisted ponytail, a bauble knot, a Chinese knot, a braided knot and an inverted knot.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising a step of adjusting said hair styling apparatus so that a decoration disposed thereon is visible.