HAIR SLEEVE

Abstract

A hair sleeve includes a cap portion and a sleeve portion integrally formed with the cap portion. The cap portion includes a fastening band and an elastic member for securing the hair sleeve on the head of a person. The fastening band includes separate first and second portions defining a hook and loop fastener for adjusting the hair sleeve on the head of the person. The elastic member extends along only a portion of the periphery of the cap portion and is positioned opposite the fastening band so that an opening is defined between the fastening band and the elastic member. The hair sleeve may be made of a material selected from acetate, rayon, nylon, and silk, and may be formed with a satin weave that defines a matte surface on the exterior of the hair sleeve and a non-abrasive surface of the interior of the hair sleeve.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/014,519, filed Dec. 18, 2007, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of hair care, and more particularly, to a hair sleeve made of a satin weave material having a matte surface on the exterior and a non-abrasive and non-absorbent surface on the interior.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Each year individuals spend large sums of money on hair braiding, hair extensions, hair locking, and maintaining relaxed hair and natural hair. In between hairstyling or haircuts, it is critically important that the shape and appearance of the hair be maintained.

In the past, hair coverings have been made with uncomfortable elastic which encircles the perimeter of the head, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,948,190 issued to McGregor. Many people find hair coverings with elastic around the perimeter of the head to be uncomfortable. The elastic leaves unattractive marks on the forehead and the hair covering cannot be worn for long periods of time since the elastic inhibits blood circulation, oftentimes causing a headache. The aforementioned problem may be corrected by minimizing the portion of the head that contacts the elastic.

Hair coverings are frequently worn close to the head, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,437,777 issued to Marquardt and U.S. Pat. No. 5,621,919 issued to Graham. The hair covering of Marquardt is specifically designed for workers of the restaurant and health care industries so that long hair can be restrained in a “sack” or a “pouch” keeping hair up and away from the neck. While such hair coverings are useful for individuals working in a sterile environment, they tend to bunch or knot the hair restrained inside the “sack” or “pouch.” This is particularly problematic if the hair has been braided or weaved as it can seriously damage an expensive hairstyle. The hair covering of Graham is specifically designed to retain hair which is held in a bun or French roll. By definition, a bun or a French roll hairstyle requires the bunching or knotting of hair. Therefore, this device is not intended to be worn with hair which has been braided, extended, or locked. These latter hairstyles are best protected by allowing the hair to extend from root to tip in some form of enclosure.

A further problem encountered with existing hair coverings is that the material used to make the hair covering can be damaging to the hair. Cotton material absorbs moisture from hair, causing it to become dry and brittle. Fleece material causes hair, particularly fine hair, to be electrostatic. Spandex and highly elastic materials cut off circulation causing discomfort and headaches, and thus, the hair covering cannot be worn for extended periods of time.

It is well known that a satin weave protects and enhances the shininess and quality of hair, leaving it feeling hydrated and supple without the undesirable abrasion and moisture absorbency of other materials. As a result, satin is a material preferred for use with a hair covering. Webster's Dictionary defines a satin weave as: “A weave in which the filling and warp threads intersect in such a way as to give a smooth compact surface with no distinguishable twill line.” Even in the case of a material manufactured with a satin weave, it is critical to hair care that the smooth side be placed against the hair so that the matte side does not cause the hair to snag or break.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a hair sleeve that does not encircle the forehead with uncomfortable elastic, and instead, sits comfortably on the head of a person without decreasing circulation so that the hair sleeve can be worn for extended periods of time. There exists a further need for a hair sleeve that does not bunch, knot, or otherwise damage hair, thereby ruining an expensive hairstyle. There exists a further need for a hair sleeve made of a material that does not dry, electrify, or otherwise damage hair.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The aforementioned problems and disadvantages are overcome by, and the above needs, objectives and advantages, as well as others that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, are provided by a hair sleeve according to the present invention.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a hair sleeve for receiving the hair of a person that includes a cap portion and a sleeve portion. The cap portion and the sleeve portion together define an interior volume for receiving the hair of the person. The cap portion is configured to be positioned on the head of a person and the sleeve portion is integral with the cap portion. The cap portion includes a fastening band and an elastic member for securing the hair sleeve on the head of the person. The elastic member extends along only a portion of the outer periphery of the cap portion opposite the fastening band so that an opening is defined between the elastic member and the fastening band.

In an exemplary embodiment, the elastic member extends between the ears of the person and along the nape of the neck of the person when the cap portion of the hair sleeve is positioned on the head of the person. The elastic member is extensible to conform to the nominal diameter of the head of the person. In another exemplary embodiment, the fastening band may include a first portion and a second portion wherein one of the first portion and the second portion includes a hook fastener, while the other of the first portion and the second portion includes a loop fastener.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a hair sleeve for containing the hair of a person including a cap portion and a sleeve portion. The cap portion is adapted to be positioned on the head of a person and the sleeve portion is configured to depend from the cap portion. The cap portion and the sleeve portion together define an interior volume for receiving the hair of the person. The hair sleeve is made of a material that defines a matte surface on an exterior of the hair sleeve and defines a non-abrasive surface on an interior of the hair sleeve.

In an exemplary embodiment, the sleeve portion has an operable length that is at least about 9 inches and is not greater than about 15 inches. In another exemplary embodiment, the sleeve portion has an operable length that is at least about 15 inches and is not greater than about 60 inches. In another exemplary embodiment the fastening band may include a first portion and a second portion wherein one of the first portion and the second portion includes a hook fastener, while the other of the first portion and the second portion includes a loop fastener.

In yet another aspect, a hair sleeve has an exterior and an interior for containing the hair of a person. The hair sleeve made of a material that defines a matte surface on the exterior of the hair sleeve and defines a non-absorbent surface on the interior of the hair sleeve.

In an exemplary embodiment, the material of the hair sleeve is selected from the group consisting of acetate, rayon, nylon, and silk. In another exemplary embodiment, the material is formed with a satin weave in which a plurality of filling threads are interlaced with warp threads at widely separated intervals, producing the effect of an unbroken surface on the interior. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the filling threads and the warp threads intersect in such a way as to produce a non-abrasive surface with no distinguishable twill line on the interior of the hair sleeve.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the invention as described herein. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present exemplary embodiments of the invention, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the invention as it is claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention are better understood when the following detailed description of the invention is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a hair sleeve according to the invention with the hair sleeve shown positioned on the head of a person.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a short length version of a hair sleeve according to the invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an extended version of a hair sleeve according to the invention.

FIG. 4 is a front elevation of the hair sleeve of FIG. 1 shown with the cap portion in a partially opened configuration.

FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the hair sleeve of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of the hair sleeve of FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. However, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the representative embodiments set forth herein. The exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be both thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention and enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make, use and practice the invention. Like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout the various drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a hair sleeve according to the invention, indicated generally at 22, shown as it would appear when positioned on the head of a person. The hair sleeve 22 comprises a cap portion 14 and a sleeve portion 12. As shown herein, the sleeve portion 12 is integrally formed with the cap portion 14 and depends from the cap portion. Together, the sleeve portion 12 and the cap portion 14 define an interior volume for receiving the hair of a person.

In use, the hair sleeve 22 protects the hair of the person from damage, such as breakage caused by dehydration. The hair sleeve 22 also protects the hair of the person when the hair has been braided, extended, or locked so that expensive hairstyles can be better maintained for a longer period of time.

The hair sleeve 22 can be provided in a short length version, as depicted in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2. In the short length version, the operable length of the sleeve portion 12 is at least about 9 inches and is not greater than about 15 inches. The hair sleeve 22 can also be provided in an extended version, as depicted in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3. In the extended version, the operable length of the sleeve portion is at least about 15 inches, and typically, is not greater than about 60 inches. The short length version or the extended version may be selected to accommodate the volume of hair of the person using the hair sleeve 22.

The hair sleeve 22 is made of a material that defines a matte surface on the exterior of the hair sleeve and a non-abrasive surface on the interior of the hair sleeve. The material may be selected from the group consisting of acetate, rayon, nylon, and silk, and may be formed with a satin weave. The satin weave consists of filling threads and warp threads. By definition, Webster's Dictionary defines a satin weave as. “A weave in which the filling and warp threads intersect in such a way as to give a smooth compact surface with no distinguishable twill line.”

As depicted herein, the cap portion 14 comprises a fastening band 10 and an elastic member 16. The elastic member 16 extends along only a portion of the entire outer periphery of the cap portion 14 so as to not inhibit blood circulation. As best shown in FIG. 4, an opening 20 is defined between the fastening band 10 and the elastic member 16. The fastening band 10 of the cap portion 14 may comprise a first portion 24 and a second portion 26. In the exemplary embodiments, one of the first portion 24 and the second portion 26 comprises a hook fastener, while the other of the first portion 24 and the second portion 26 comprises a loop fastener. The hook and loop fastener 18 enables the fastening band 10 to adjust the size of the cap portion 14 to comfortably fit around the nominal diameter of the head of the person. In a preferred configuration, the elastic member 16 extends between the ears of the person and along the nape of the neck of the person when the hair sleeve 22 is properly positioned on the head of the person. The elastic member 16 is extensible so that the cap portion 14 conforms to the nominal diameter of the head of the person.

With the first portion 24 and the second portion 26 separated as a result of the hook and loop fastener 18 being unengaged, a person is able to stretch the elastic member 16 to its maximum length of extensibility to thereby comfortably and easily guide the volume of hair down into the sleeve portion 12. Next, the elastic member 16 is released and the fastening band 10 is attached and adjusted to fit the nominal diameter of the head of the person by engaging the hook and loop fastener 18 of the first portion 24 and the second portion 26.

FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the short length version of the hair sleeve 22 shown in FIG. 2. The short length version of the hair sleeve 22 is best suited for hair styles that are less than about 15 inches in length. FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of the extended version of the hair sleeve 22 shown in FIG. 3. The extended version of the hair sleeve 22 is best suited for hair styles that are greater than about 15 inches in length. In most instances, the extended version of the hair sleeve 22 will be configured to receive a hair style having a length no greater than about 60 inches.

While the invention has been shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is envisioned that various details of the invention may be changed without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the invention and best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation.

Claims

1. A hair sleeve for receiving the hair of a person comprising:

a cap portion configured to be positioned on the head of a person, the cap portion including a fastening band and an elastic member for securing the hair sleeve on the head of the person; and

a sleeve portion integral with the cap portion, the cap portion and the sleeve portion together defining an interior volume for receiving the hair of the person;

wherein the elastic member extends along only a portion of the outer periphery of the cap portion opposite the fastening band so that an opening is defined between the elastic member and the fastening band.

2. A hair sleeve according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member extends between the ears of the person and along the nape of the neck of the person when the hair sleeve is positioned on the head of the person.

3. A hair sleeve according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member is extensible to conform to the nominal diameter of the head of the person.

4. A hair sleeve according to claim 1, wherein the fastening band includes a first portion and a second portion and wherein one of the first portion and the second portion comprises a hook fastener, while the other of the first portion and the second portion comprises a loop fastener.

5. A hair sleeve for containing the hair of a person comprising:

a cap portion configured to be positioned on the head of a person; and

a sleeve portion depending from the cap portion, the cap portion and the sleeve portion together defining an interior volume for receiving the hair of the person;

wherein the hair sleeve is made from a material that defines a matte surface on an exterior of the hair sleeve and defines a non-abrasive surface on an interior of the hair sleeve.

6. A hair sleeve according to claim 5, wherein the sleeve portion has an operable length that is at least about 9 inches and is not greater than about 15 inches.

7. A hair sleeve according to claim 5, wherein the sleeve portion has an operable length that is at least about 15 inches and is not greater than about 60 inches.

8. A hair sleeve according to claim 5, wherein the fastening band includes a first portion and a second portion and wherein one of the first portion and the second portion comprises a hook fastener, while the other of the first portion and the second portion comprises a loop fastener.

9. A hair sleeve having an exterior and an interior for containing the hair of a person, the hair sleeve made of a material that defines a matte surface on the exterior of the hair sleeve and defines a non-absorbent surface on the interior of the hair sleeve.

10. A hair sleeve according to claim 9, wherein the material is selected from the group consisting of acetate, rayon, nylon, and silk.

11. A hair sleeve according to claim 9, wherein the material is formed with a satin weave.

12. A hair sleeve according to claim 9, wherein the material is formed with a satin weave in which a plurality of filling threads are interlaced with warp threads at widely separated intervals, producing the effect of an unbroken surface on the interior.

13. A hair sleeve according to claim 12, wherein the filling threads and the warp threads intersect in such a way as to produce a non-abrasive surface with no distinguishable twill line on the interior of the hair sleeve.