METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR VOLUMIZING HAIR
An accessory for volumizing the hair of a user which includes first and second joined accessory portions. The hair of the user of the accessory is separated into two bundles, with the placement of the hair accessory therebetween. The bundles of hair are arranged about the hair accessory to form a single large bundle and then secured.
This application is a continuation of Provisional Application No. 60/628,041 filed Nov. 15, 2004, and claims the benefit thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for volumizing hair, providing an accessory with two portions and a method for placing hair securely about the two portions to create a volumizing effect.
2. Description of the Background of the Invention
Hair accessories to create varied effects in hair have existed for centuries. It is widespread practice in the styling of hair to secure hair by accessories such as clips, elastic bands, and the like, to form a large bundle or bundles of hair, such as a ponytail or pigtails.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,655 describes a hair bundling core and a method of use, where a trio of hairpins is used to secure the core to the head of a user. Further proposed is a bundle of hair inserted into a coaxial hole formed by the inner wall of the core and secured, so that the core encloses the bundle.
According to other hair styling accessories, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,845,657 and 6,276,368, a bundle of hair must also be pulled through a cylinder to form a certain style in the hair of a user. As such, inherent in such devices is that a portion of the user's hair is reserved for securement of the various hair accessories and is not available for use in effecting a volumized style.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIt is an object of the present invention to provide an accessory for volumizing hair with two portions, preferably joined at an oblique angle to each other. One portion is provided to secure the accessory against the head of a user, while the second portion is adapted to accommodate the hair of the user.
In a separate, independent feature of the invention, a method is proposed to create a volumizing effect in the hair of a user. This is accomplished by first separating the hair into a top bundle and bottom bundle on a user's head. Next, the first portion of the hair accessory is placed against the head of the user between the top and bottom bundles of hair, while pressure is placed on the accessory to maintain its position against the head. Finally, the top and bottom bundles of hair are arranged about the two portions of the hair volumizing accessory to form a single large bundle, while a band, or similar securement, is placed over both the single large bundle of hair and hair accessory, fixing the hair accessory within the individual's hair.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of the illustrated embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention, exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention.
A hair accessory 10 for use in creating a volumizing effect in the hair of a user is described with reference to
The second accessory portion 30 may include protrusions 32 covering its outer surface. These protrusions 32 aid in gripping the hair when the accessory 10 is in use. In one embodiment of the accessory 10, the second accessory portion 30 is cylindrical and hollow, defining a tubular opening or inner space 34. Such hollowing reduces the overall weight of the accessory 10, making it easier to secure the accessory 10 to a user's head.
Hair accessory 10 is preferably manufactured of a shape-retaining, flexible rubber, allowing the protrusions 32 to grip hair while the hair accessory 10 is in use.
In
The procedure illustrated in
1. Separate the hair of a user 50 into a top bundle 52 and a bottom bundle 54 (see
2. While holding the top bundle 52 of hair, place the first accessory portion 20 against the head of the user 50 between the top bundle 52 and bottom bundle 54 of hair (see
3. Arrange the top bundle 52 of hair over and around the first accessory portion 20 and second accessory portion 30 and the bottom bundle 54 of hair under and around the first accessory portion 20 and second accessory portion 30 (see
4. Secure the hair accessory 10 within the formed single large bundle 56 of hair with band 40, or a similar securement (see
Using the hair accessory 10 in accordance with the above method steps, a user 50 is able to removably fix the hair accessory 10 within his or her hair, either with the aid of another individual, as shown in
The detailed description related herein is meant only to exemplify the invention to enable those skilled in the art to make and use it. It is not intended to be a limitation from other minor and obvious variations on the embodiments described, all of which variations are expressly included herein.
Claims
1. An accessory for volumizing the hair of a user, said accessory comprising:
- a first accessory portion adapted to be placed against the head of the user; and
- a second accessory portion joined to the first accessory portion and adapted to accommodate said hair placed about both the first and the second accessory portions.
2. The hair accessory of claim 1, wherein said second accessory portion is joined to said first accessory portion at an oblique angle.
3. The hair accessory of claim 2, wherein said first accessory portion is disk-shaped.
4. The hair accessory of claim 2, wherein said second accessory portion is cylindrical.
5. The hair accessory of claim 4, wherein said second accessory portion is hollow.
6. The hair accessory of claim 1, wherein said first accessory portion and said second accessory portion are of rubber.
7. The hair accessory of claim 1, wherein said second accessory portion includes protrusion means for gripping said hair.
8. A method of style for hair using an accessory for volumizing the hair of a user, said accessory comprising:
- a first accessory portion adapted to be placed against the head of the user; and
- a second accessory portion joined to the first accessory portion and adapted to accommodate said hair placed about both the first and the second accessory portions;
- said method comprising:
- separating the hair of the user into a top bundle and a bottom bundle;
- placing said first accessory portion against the head of the user, between the top and bottom bundles of hair;
- arranging the top bundle of hair over and around said first and second accessory portions;
- arranging the bottom bundle of hair under and around said first and second accessory portions; and
- removably fixing said hair accessory within the hair of the user by securing the top and bottom bundles of hair about said second accessory portion.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein said arranging of the top and bottom bundles of hair creates a ponytail in the hair of the user.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein said securing of said top and bottom bundles of hair is by the placement of a band about the bundles and said second accessory portion.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein said band is secured about said second accessory portion and the top and bottom bundles of hair, at the junction of said first accessory portion and said second accessory portion.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein said band is elastic.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 15, 2005
Publication Date: Mar 19, 2009
Inventors: Jane Lee Szlanfucht (Niles, MI), Julie Anne Kelver (Elkhart, IN)
Application Number: 11/719,197
International Classification: A45D 8/00 (20060101);