Hair Volumizing Device

Abstract

A hair volumizing device for creating the appearance of added volume to the user's hair and which is worn under a section of the hair so it cannot be seen by others. The hair volumizing device of the present invention provides a “bump” in the hair that is a desired style by many. The hair volumizing device comprises a body member and a securing mechanism to secure the body member to the hair. The body member has a first end, a second end and one or more sides and is made from or covered with a material that helps keep the user's hair in place over the hair volumizing device. In the preferred embodiment, the securing mechanism is attached to or made integral with the bottom side of the body member. A preferred securing mechanism is configured and utilized in a manner similar to commonly available barrettes.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/074,547 filed Mar. 4, 2008, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/904,953 filed Sep. 27, 2007, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/888,205 filed Jul. 30, 2007.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Field of the Invention

The field of the present invention relates generally to hair styling devices configured to be worn in the user's hair in order to affect the appearance of the hair. More particularly, the present invention relates to such hair styling devices which give the user's hair the appearance of greater volume. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to hair volumizing devices that are adapted to be worn in the hair without being seen.

B. Background

A wide variety of devices are available for styling hair to obtain a certain type of look and enhance the beauty of the hair and, as a result, the person. Many of the available devices are utilized by the person or by his or her hair stylist, including curling irons, rollers, blow dryers and hair clamps, to impart a particular style to the hair. Unfortunately, many of the most desirable hair styling effects are not easy for most men or women to accomplish themselves, thereby requiring a visit to a hair stylist to achieve the desired look. Even if the person is able to accomplish the hair style him or herself, many of the hair styles require a relatively significant amount of time and effort to achieve. Although much effort, and in many circumstances money, may be put into obtaining the desired hair style, the styling work is usually only temporary, lasting until the next hair wash or exposure to wind, rain or other weather elements. As a result, many people only have the hair style they desire on a relatively infrequent basis.

To counter the difficulty and generally temporary nature of many hair styles, a number of barrettes, hair clips and other styling tools are available. A number of these hair clips have hair engaging members that are configured to grasp a portion of the hair to effect a particular look to the hair. An example of a barrette which has been in use for many years is shown in FIGS. 28 and 29. The barrette has a slotted upper member that receives a portion of the lower member in the slot with a portion of the user's hair between the upper and lower members in a manner that secures the barrette to the hair. As well known, one end of the lower member is fixedly attached near one end of the upper member in a manner that allows the lower member to flex relative to the upper member. When the lower member is flexed into the slot, typically with hair between the members when in use, the upper member is bent in the direction of the lower member to place the two members in abutting relationship at the end opposite where they are attached, locking a portion of the user's hair therebetween and securing the barrette in the hair. The barrette is worn with the upper member being generally visible when looking at the user. Examples of other barrettes and hair clips are set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,441,061 to Jordan, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,988,184 to Shu, 5,881,741 to Chen, U.S. Pat. No. 5,842,485 to Potut and U.S. Pat. No. 6,619,296 to Potut. A common feature of these hair clips and many others like them is that they grab onto a portion of the person's hair and are worn with a significant portion of the clips worn on the outside of the hair, meaning that they are visible to others. In fact, many of these types of hair clips are intended to be seen. As a result, some of the clips utilize decorative features, such as ribbons, flower-shaped elements and the like, to substantially cover the hair clip as it is worn in the user's hair. Some of these hair clips and other styling tools, as an example U.S. Pat. No. 5,036,870 to Edmark, are utilized to effectuate a particular hair style or effect to the user's hair (i.e., an inverted hair tail).

A number of hair styling combs or picks are available to manipulate a person's hair to achieve a desired look. An example of one such hair pick is set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 7,231,925 to Wall. This patent discloses a base member having a plurality of teeth extending therefrom. The base member is configured to allow the user to flex the pick in a manner that orients the teeth in either a converging closed position or a diverging open position for pulling the pick through the hair to effect a desired combing, untangling, holding and spraying of the hair. Another example of such a hair comb or pick is set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,129 to Olson, which describes a device for teasing the hair to provide more volume with less tangling and knotting. This device has a handle from which a plurality of teeth extend from at different lengths (i.e., short, medium and long tooth lengths). As with many other such hair combs or picks, these devices are intended to be used to manipulate the hair during the styling process and are not intended to be left in the hair.

One desirable hair treatment or style is to manipulate the hair so as to appear to increase the volume of a person's hair. In particular, many women desire to have hair that is full of volume so as to achieve a look that is commonly referred to as the “big hair” appearance. Generally, achieving this look requires the hair to be teased or bumped, as may be accomplished by the device of Olson above, and then finished to hold in place. Most women have much difficulty in obtaining this look on their own and, as a result, must go to a hair stylist to obtain the desired volumizing of their hair. Several known hair styling devices or clips are intended for providing the appearance of increased volume in the hair. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,778,905 to Adam discloses a volume hairpin that comprises a support member which protrudes from the side of one of the legs of the hairpin. Hair flows between the upper and lower legs of the hairpin and then over the support member, which raises the hair to give it the appearance of increased volume. As with other hairpins, a portion of this hairpin is outside of the hair and, as a result, generally visible. U.S. Pat. No. 7,004,179 to Lunde describes a hair styling article for providing increased volume to a switch of hair. This article comprises a base and a plurality of outwardly extending, arcuate-shaped members that hold the switch of hair in place in a flared-out fashion in a ponytail configuration. U.S. Pat. No. 6,209,549 to Lunde describes a hair root volumizing clip having a pair of arms that are each connected to tabs that are squeezed together to open the hair clip. Hook fibers are applied to the interior faces of the arms to apply tension to the hair. The hair clip is only intended to be in the person's hair while the stylist is styling the hair in a manner to provide the appearance of increased volume. The clip is removed once the styling activity is completed.

Although there are numerous hair styling devices available, what is needed is an improved hair styling device that is specially configured to be worn in the hair to provide the appearance of increased volume. The preferred hair volumizing device should be configured to be substantially or completely hidden in the person's hair so that the device is not visible to others while providing the desired volumizing effect. Preferably, the hair volumizing device will be easy for the user to correctly place in her hair so that she may quickly obtain the desired appearance of an increase in hair volume without having to go to a hair stylist or other hair care professional. The preferred hair volumizing device should be configured and made out of materials such that the device is relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The improved hair volumizing device of the present invention solves the problems and provides the benefits identified above. That is to say, the present invention discloses a hair volumizing device which is worn in the hair and useful for providing the appearance of increased volume in the user's hair. The hair volumizing device of the present invention is an easy to use device that can be placed by the user in her own hair and then worn under the hair to provide the appearance of increased volume without the device being seen by others. The present hair volumizing device is adapted to securely engage a portion of the user's hair just above the scalp and raise/bump the hair up to give the user the appearance of increased hair volume without the user having to schedule an appointment with a hairstylist or having to tease the hair herself to have the desired bump. In a preferred embodiment, the hair volumizing device of the present invention is made out of components and materials that results in a relatively inexpensively manufactured hair styling device.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the hair volumizing device comprises a plurality of elongated members, each having a first end and a second end, that are disposed generally in a side-by-side relation and a flexing mechanism disposed generally at the first ends of the elongated members. The elongated members comprise at least a forward member and a rearward member. The flexing mechanism, which can comprise a spring disposed between the first ends of the elongated members, is configured to flex the elongated members from a closed position to an open position. In the closed position at least the second ends, but preferably the entire length, of adjoining members are in abutting relation. In the open position the adjoining members are in spaced apart relation. The flexing mechanism is configured to bias the elongated members in the closed position, requiring the user to operate the flexing mechanism to place the device in the open position. In the preferred configuration of this embodiment, the user squeezes the device at or near the first ends of the elongated members. In another configuration of this embodiment, the elongated members are configured in pairs of members, each having a first and second elongated member, and the flexing mechanism biases the first and second elongated members together in the closed position and is operated to spread them apart in the open position. In either configuration, the hair volumizing device is sized and configured to be received in a section of hair of the user and worn by the user such that the hair volumizing device is substantially covered by the section of hair so as to appear to add volume to the section of hair without the hair volumizing device being seen.

The elongated members can be molded out of plastic in a fixed arcuate-shaped configuration or they can be made out of a bendable material that allows the user to bend the elongated members to the desired arcuate shape. The hair volumizing device can include a hair engaging mechanism, such as a textured material or the like, at an outer face of the forward member to help keep the hair in place over the device. The hair volumizing device can also include a gripping mechanism disposed on at least one of an inward face of an elongated member, the side facing the cooperatively opposing member, that is configured to more securely grip the hair so as to better prevent the device from unintentionally dislodging from the hair. The hair volumizing device can also be configured with a hair extension component comprising hair that is glued or otherwise attached to the one or more of the elongated members to increase the quantity of the user's hair.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the hair volumizing device comprises a single elongated member having a center section, a first end and a second end, with the elongated member being sized and configured to be received in a section of hair of the user and worn by the user such that the hair volumizing device is substantially covered by the section of hair so as to appear to add volume to the section of hair without the hair volumizing device being seen. Preferably, the elongated member is generally tapered toward the ends such that the first and second ends are substantially planar at and near the edges thereof. The center section can comprise one or more openings therein to improve the look, reduce the weight and lower the manufacturing cost of the hair volumizing device. In one configuration, the elongated member is molded out of plastic, such as by an injection molded process, in a fixed arcuate-shaped that generally matches or conforms to the curved shape of a user's head. In another configuration, the elongated member is made out of a bendable material that allows the user to bend the elongated member into an arcuate shape that generally matches or conforms to the curvature of their head. With either configuration, the hair volumizing device of this embodiment includes one or more hair engaging mechanisms, such as Velcro or other textured material, on one or more sides or outer surfaces of the elongated member to help keep the hair in place over the hair volumizing device. If desired, the hair volumizing device of this embodiment can also be configured with a hair extension component comprising hair that is glued or otherwise attached to the elongated member to increase the quantity of the user's hair.

In another embodiment, the hair volumizing device utilizes a specially configured fastener, comprising a plurality of fiber-engaging members on the body member of the device, to securely anchor the hair in place about the body member to provide the desired hidden bump effect for the person's hair. In this embodiment, each fiber-engaging member has a stem and an engaging head. The stem is configured with a first end located at the outer surface of the body member and a second end that is outwardly disposed from the outer surface. The engaging head is positioned at the second end of the stem and configured with a fiber-engaging surface that is in spaced apart relation to the outer surface of the body member. In a preferred embodiment, the engaging head is generally triangular or cone shaped and the fiber-engaging surface is generally planar. The fiber-engaging members can be spaced across the outer surface in a non-row pattern. Preferably, the fiber-engaging members are disposed in two or more rows comprising at least a first row and a second row that are spaced apart to define a gap therebetween. In one embodiment, the gap is 1/16th of an inch. Preferably, the height of the fiber-engaging members in the first row is different, meaning either lower or higher, than the height of the fiber-engaging members in the second row. The fiber-engaging members can be integrally formed with the body member to reduce the cost of manufacturing the fastener or the product with which it is used. The fiber-engaging members and body member can be made out of plastic by an injection molded process.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hair volumizing device comprises a body member and a hair securing mechanism associated with the body member to secure the hair volumizing device in a section of hair to provide the appearance of an increase in volume. The body member has a first end and a second end and is sized and configured to be received in a section of hair of the user and worn by the user such that the hair volumizing device is covered by the section of hair so as to appear to add volume to the section of hair without the hair volumizing device being seen. The body member of the present embodiment is sized to be somewhat shorter in length than prior hair volumizing devices to better hide the device with a height and width sufficient to provide the desired bump effect. The hair securing mechanism is provided on one or more sides of the body member, preferably the bottom side, to secure the device to the user's hair in a manner which keeps the user's hair over the device so it cannot be seen by others while providing the desired bump appearance. In one embodiment, the hair securing mechanism is configured in a manner similar to commonly available barrettes, having a lower member that this flexed up into or against the bottom side of the body member in a manner which securely traps a portion of the user's hair to secure the device in the hair. In use, the hair volumizing device is clipped into the section of hair near the roots of the clipped hair and then the hair is teased over the body member to cover hit so it is not seen and the user is provided with the desired bump. The body member can be made out of plastic, foam, rubber, metal, wood or a variety of other materials. In a preferred embodiment, the body member made out of foam and covered with a grippable cover material, such as velvet or a velvet-like material, to better hide the device in the hair. Preferably, the body member and/or the grippable cover material are provided in colors which will be able to closely match the color of the user's hair to better hide the device in the user's hair. The body member can be provided in a variety of different lengths, widths and heights.

Accordingly, the primary objective of the present invention is to provide a hair volumizing device that provides the advantages discussed above and overcomes the disadvantages and limitations associated with presently available hair volumizing devices.

It is also an important object of the present invention to provide a hair volumizing device that is configured to be worn in the user's hair to create the appearance of increased hair volume without the device being visible.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a hair volumizing device that is relatively easy for the person to use so she may place the device in her hair herself to create the appearance of greater hair volume.

It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a hair volumizing device comprising a body member having a hair securing mechanism associated therewith, such as integral with or attached to the bottom side of the body member, to securely attach the hair volumizing device in the user's hair with the body member being sized and configured to provide the desired appearance of greater hair volume.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a hair volumizing device that can incorporate a hair extension component to increase the quantity of the user's hair.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a hair volumizing device that can be made of components and materials which result in a relatively inexpensive device for creating the appearance of increased volume in the user's hair.

The above and other objectives of the present invention will be explained in greater detail by reference to the attached figures and the description of the preferred embodiment which follows. As set forth herein, the present invention resides in the novel features of form, construction, mode of operation and combination of processes presently described and understood by the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings which illustrate the preferred embodiments and the best modes presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a woman utilizing a hair volumizing device, shown in hidden lines, configured according to one embodiment of the present invention to create the appearance of increased hair volume;

FIG. 2 is a top side perspective view of a hair volumizing device configured according to one embodiment of the present invention shown in its open position;

FIG. 3 a top right end perspective view of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 2 shown in its closed position;

FIG. 6 is an end view of the left end of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a front side view of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the hair volumizing device shown in its closed position;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the hair volumizing device shown in its closed position;

FIG. 10 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the hair volumizing device having a hair extension component included therewith;

FIG. 11 is a front view of a woman utilizing a hair volumizing device configured according to another alternative embodiment, shown in hidden lines, to create the appearance of increased hair volume;

FIG. 12 is a front view of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 11 shown with a hair engaging mechanism on the top side thereof;

FIG. 13 is a front view of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 12 shown with hair engaging mechanisms on the top and front sides thereof;

FIG. 14 is a front view of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 11 shown without the hair engaging mechanisms;

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a top view of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a hair volumizing device configured with a fastener having a plurality of fiber-engaging members on the top side of the body member;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged, isolated side view of a portion of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 17 showing the preferred embodiment of the fastener;

FIG. 19 is an enlarged, isolated side view of a fiber-engaging member utilized with the preferred configuration for the fastener;

FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 17 showing two rows of fiber-engaging members;

FIG. 21 is an enlarged, isolated top plan view of a portion of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is an end perspective view of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 17;

FIG. 23 is an end view of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 17 particularly showing the two rows of fiber-engaging members;

FIG. 24 is a side view of a hair volumizing device utilizing an alternative configuration of the fastener;

FIG. 25 is a top plan view of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 24 showing the two rows of fiber-engaging members;

FIG. 26 is an enlarged, isolated side view of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 24;

FIG. 27 is an end perspective view of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 24 particularly showing the two rows of fiber-engaging members;

FIG. 28 is a top view of a prior art barrette shown in its closed position;

FIG. 29 is a side view of the prior art barrette of FIG. 28 shown in its open position;

FIG. 30 is a front view of a woman utilizing a hair volumizing device configured according to another alternative embodiment, shown in hidden lines, to create a bump and the appearance of increased hair volume;

FIG. 31 is a side view of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 30 shown in its open position;

FIG. 32 is a back perspective view of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is a bottom perspective view of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 31;

FIG. 34 is a side view of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 31 shown in its closed position;

FIG. 35 is a side view of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 31 shown with a textured material on the body member; and

FIG. 36 is a bottom perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 31 shown using the bottom surface of the body member as part of the closure mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the figures where like elements have been given like numerical designations to facilitate the reader's understanding of the present invention, the preferred embodiments of the present invention are set forth below. The enclosed figures and drawings are merely illustrative of a preferred embodiment and represent several different ways of configuring the present invention. Although specific components, materials, configurations and uses are illustrated, it should be understood that a number of variations to the components and to the configuration of those components described herein and in the accompanying figures can be made without changing the scope and function of the invention set forth herein. For instance, although the figures and description provided herein are primarily directed to a hair volumizing device having generally rectangular or round members, those skilled in the art will readily understand that this is shown merely for purposes of simplifying the present disclosure and that the present invention is not so limited.

A hair volumizing device that is manufactured out of the components and configured pursuant to the preferred embodiments of the present invention is shown generally as 10 in the various figures. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 11, hair volumizing device 10 is preferably and beneficially worn in the hair 12 of user 14 to create the appearance of increased hair volume. In the preferred configuration and use of hair volumizing device 10, it is hidden in the hair 12 so that others cannot readily see that user 12 is utilizing hair volumizing device 10 to increase the volume of her hair 12. In FIGS. 1, 11 and 30, hair volumizing device 10 is shown in use in a section of the user's hair, shown generally as 16, at or near the top of her head to provide the appearance of increased hair volume at that location. As discussed below, an embodiment of hair volumizing device 10 can be utilized at or near the side of her head to provide the appearance of increases hair volume at that location. In the preferred use of the present invention, hair volumizing device 10 is received in the section 16 of hair 12 such that it is substantially covered by the section 16 of hair 12 so that it is unseen by others, who will only notice that the user 14 appears to have increased volume at that location. As set forth above, typically the appearance of increased volume of hair 12 requires preparation by the user or the cost and effort to have a stylist prepare the hair 12.

In the embodiment of hair volumizing device 10 shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the hair volumizing device 10 comprises a plurality of elongated members 18 that are disposed in a generally side-by-side relation, as shown in FIGS. 2 through 10, and a flexing mechanism 20 configured to flex the elongated members 18 from their normally closed position, shown as 22 in FIG. 5, to their open position, shown as 24 in FIGS. 2 through 4. Each of the elongated members 18 have a first end 26, which is generally proximal to where the user 14 holds and operates device 10, and a second end 28 that is at the distal end of elongated members 18. The plurality of elongated members 18 comprises at least a forward member 30 that is generally in the direction of the user's face when used at the top of the head or generally in the direction of the ground when used on the side of the head. Rearward member 32 is generally facing in the direction opposite the forward member 30, as best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. As explained in more detail below, flexing mechanism 20 is preferably disposed at or near the first end 26 of the elongated members 18.

For use to create the appearance of increased volume in the hair 12 of user 14, the elongated members 18 should be shaped and of sufficient size, length and width, to impart the desired effect on the hair 12. In one embodiment, such as that shown in FIGS. 2 through 7, elongated members 18 are generally rectangular shaped having a height of approximately three-fourths of an inch to two inches and a width of one-eighth to one-fourth of an inch and approximately four to six inches in length. In another embodiment, such as that shown in FIG. 8, elongated members 18 are generally circular shaped having a diameter of approximately three-fourths of an inch to two inches and a length of four to six inches. Various other cross-sectional shapes, including square, oval, triangular and the like, can also be utilized for the elongated members 18. While smaller dimensions can be used, they are not believed to impart the desired “lift” to the hair 12 to give it the desired appearance of increased volume. Larger diameters of elongated members 18 may be somewhat difficult to conceal in the hair 12. If desired, the various elongated members 18 can have different configurations and sizes. For instance, the inner elongated members (i.e., those between the forward 30 and rearward members 32) can have a larger diameter or other dimension to provide a more graduated bump for the hair 12. Likewise, different elongated members 18 may have different cross-sectional shapes.

Elongated members 18 can be manufactured out of a variety of different materials and configurations. In a preferred embodiment, elongated members 18 are made out of stiff molded plastic and in a generally arcuate-shaped configuration, as shown in FIGS. 2 through 7. As well known in the art, molded plastic allows the elongated members to be relatively easily made into different shapes, colors and configurations. Although other materials can be used, it is preferred that the materials be generally lightweight, durable and corrosion resistant. The use of an arcuate-shaped configuration allows the elongated members 18 to generally correspond to the shape of the typical user's head so that the hair volumizing device 10 fits more comfortably on the head and is easier to conceal within the user's hair 12. Alternatively, elongated members 18 can be made out of a bendable material that allows the user 14 to bend the elongated members 18 to more closely correspond to the shape of her head and, therefore, be better concealed in her hair 12. Examples of flexible curlers and like devices which are utilized in hair styling are well known in the art. Elongated members 18 can be provided with openings 34 to reduce their weight and add aesthetics, such as shown in FIGS. 2 through 7, or they can be solid as shown in FIG. 8.

In a preferred configuration of this embodiment, shown in FIGS. 2 through 7, hair volumizing device 10 comprises one or more, preferably a plurality of, pairs of members (shown as 36) that each comprise a first elongated member 38 and a second elongated member 40. As best shown in FIG. 5, first 38 and second 40 elongated members 18 are in a cooperative arrangement such that, in the closed position 22, at least the second ends 28, but preferably the entire length, thereof are generally in abutting relation to engage a portion of the section of hair 16 therebetween so that hair volumizing device 10 will be secured in hair 12. Although it may not be necessary for the entire length of two adjacent elongated members 18 to be in abutting relation, the abutting contact must be adequate to sufficiently engage the section of hair 16 so that hair volumizing device 10 is not easily dislodged (unintentionally) from hair 12. As shown, the various separate pairs of members 36 can be spaced apart from each other to provide a wider scope for the volumizing effect. Alternatively, the flexing mechanism can be configured such that the various pairs of members 36 are also in abutting relation when hair volumizing device 10 is in the closed position. As best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, adjoining pairs of members 36 are joined by one or more pair connecting pins 37 or like device that pivotally connects the pairs 36 together (i.e., the first end of second elongated member 40 of a forward pair pivotally connected to the first end of the first elongated member 38 of the rearwardly adjacent pair) and a spring wire 41 that pulls the pairs 36 generally together.

In another configuration of this embodiment, shown in FIG. 8, hair volumizing device 10 comprises a plurality of single elongated members 18 with the adjacent elongated members 18 in abutting relation when device 10 is in the closed position 22. For either of the embodiments, the flexing mechanism 20 is configured to move the second ends 28 of first 38 and second 40 elongated members to a spaced apart relation, the open position 24 (as best shown in FIGS. 2 through 4), so the user 14 may more easily place hair volumizing device 10 in the hair 12 to obtain the desired volumizing effect and remove it therefrom when the effect is no longer desired.

Flexing mechanism 20 is configured to bias the pairs of members 36 (FIG. 2) or the elongated members 18 (FIG. 8) together in the closed position 22 such that the user must operate flexing mechanism 20 to move the pairs of members 36 or elongated members 18 to the open position 24. In this manner, the default closed position 22 will secure hair volumizing device 10 in the hair 12 of the user 14. Flexing mechanism 20 should be configured to be easy to operate so the user 14 can put it in her hair 12 without much difficulty. In a preferred configuration, flexing mechanism 20 can be moved to its open position with only one hand of the user 14 so that the user's other hand may be free to manipulate the hair 12 as necessary or desired to place hair volumizing device 10 therein. In one embodiment, flexing mechanism 20 may comprise a handle type of configuration such as those utilized with many of the prior art hair clips known in the art (i.e., as described above). In a preferred configuration, flexing mechanism 20 comprises a spring 42 disposed between each of the elongated members 18 with a spring support pin 43 supporting spring 42 and connecting the adjacent elongated members, as best shown in FIGS. 4 through 6. The placement and/or configuration of springs 42 should be selected such that the user 14 can grasp the first ends 26 of the forward member 30 and rearward member 32 between her fingers and squeeze so as to move hair volumizing device 10 to its open position 24. Preferably, squeezing the first ends 26 of the forward 30 and rearward 32 members will somewhat uniformly open the elongated members 18 to place device 10 in the open position 24. Releasing the flexing mechanism 20 biases elongated members 18, or pairs of members 36, back to the closed position 22.

To help keep the section of hair 16 over the hair volumizing device 10, the present invention can also include a hair engaging mechanism 44 at one or more locations on the device 10. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 8, but also applicable to other embodiments, hair engaging mechanism 44 can comprise a length of textured material 46 positioned generally at the outer face 48 of the forward member 30. The textured material 46 should be configured to essentially grab onto the a portion of the hair 12 so that the hair 12 can be held in place above the hair volumizing device 10 to help keep it hidden from view. Typically, it will only be necessary to have the hair engaging mechanism 44 at or near the forward member 30 of the device 10, as the hair 12 will generally stay in place (i.e., lay over) above the device 10 elsewhere. The textured material 46 can entirely cover the outer face 48 of forward member 30 or, as shown in the figures, only partially cover the outer face 48 thereof. The textured material 46 can be half of a hook and loop material, commonly known as Velcro®, foam or other various materials, including coatings and the like, which will effectively grab the hair 12 so that wind or activity by the user 14 will not cause the hair to move away from the forward side of hair volumizing device 10 and expose it to view, thereby reducing one of the main advantages of the present invention.

Hair volumizing device 10 can also comprise a gripping mechanism 50 to more securely grab the portion of the section of hair 16 that is between the elongated members 18. A variety of configurations for gripping mechanism 50 are well known in the art. In one configuration, shown in FIGS. 2 through 6, gripping mechanism 50 can comprise a plurality of small, outwardly projecting protrusions (e.g., small bumps) disposed on an inward face 54, that being the sides of elongated members 18 facing an abutting elongated member 18, of at least one of the first elongated member 38 or second elongated member 40 that make up the pairs of members 36. In the configuration of FIG. 8, the outwardly projecting protrusions 52 are in the form of elongated bars. Various other types of configurations can also be utilized. If desired, the inward face 54 of both first 38 and second 40 elongated members can comprise the gripping mechanism 50 to further improve the hair gripping ability of hair volumizing device 10. The protrusions 52 on the opposing inward faces 54 of first 38 and second 40 elongated members can be spaced apart and configured to be somewhat interlocking so that the portion of hair 12 therebetween is even more tightly held to better secure device 10 in hair 12 and to keep device 10 hidden by hair 12.

As shown in FIG. 10, the device 10 of the present invention can also include a hair extension component 56 that, as well known in the art, can be used to increase the thickness and/or length of the user's hair. In one configuration, hair extension component 56 comprises a plurality of hairs 58, generally much thicker than that shown, that are fixedly connected to one or more elongated members 18. The plurality of hairs 58 can be glued or otherwise secured to elongated members 18 using materials that are well known and readily available in the art. In addition to providing the hair volumizing effect desired by many users, device 10 provides an improved hair engaging device for more securely placing a hair extension in the user's hair than the currently available devices for securing hair extensions.

To use the above embodiment, the user 14 moves the device 10 from the biased closed position 22 to the open position 24 by grasping the first ends 26 of the elongated members 18 with one hand, generally at the forward 30 and rearward 32 members, and squeezing to cause the flexing mechanism 20 to space apart elongated members 18. Other types of flexing mechanisms 20, such as those having a “handle” component, will require different operation. With device 10 in the open position 24 and with the section of hair 16 where the device 10 is desired raised by the user 14 with her other hand, the user 14 directs the device 10 into her hair 12 at the location of the section of hair 16 where she desires to have increased volume. With the hair volumizing device 10 in place, the user 14 releases the grip on the first ends 26, causing the flexing mechanism 20 to bias the elongated members 18 or pairs of members 36 together to place the device 10 in its closed position 22 and secure device 10 in hair 12. Once in place, the user 14 releases the section of hair 16 in the other hand to allow it to fall on top of the device 10, thereby covering it and hiding it from view. If utilized, hair engaging mechanism 44 will help hold the hair 12 in place, particularly at the forward side of the device 10, and gripping mechanism 50 will help secure device 10 in the hair 12. If the hair volumizing device 10 comprises flexible elongated members 18, as opposed to fixed arcuate-shaped elongated members 18 (i.e., molded plastic), then the user 14 will first bend the elongated members 18 to the desired bend for the shape of her head and/or the location (i.e., top or side) where she desires to place the device 10 to achieve the appearance of increased volume. If the hair extension component 56 is utilized with device 10, the user places device 10 in her hair in a similar manner as described above while taking into consideration the additional hair provided by device 10.

Another alternative embodiment of the hair volumizing device 10 is shown in FIGS. 11 through 16. The hair volumizing device 10 of this embodiment comprises a single elongated member 18 having a first end 26, a second end 28 and a center section 60 disposed therebetween. The elongated member 18 has a top side 62, bottom side 64, forward facing front side 66 and a rearward facing back side (not specifically shown) opposite that of front side 66. As discussed above, elongated member 18 can be manufactured out of a variety of different materials and configurations. Preferably, the elongated member 18 is made out of stiff molded plastic and is formed in a generally arcuate-shaped configuration, as best shown in FIGS. 12 through 14, with curvilinear shaped top side 62 and bottom side 64. As well known in the art, molded plastic allows elongated member 18 to be relatively easily (i.e., by an injection molded process) made into different shapes, colors and configurations. Although other materials can be used, it is preferred that the materials be generally lightweight, durable and corrosion resistant. The use of the arcuate-shaped configuration allows the elongated member 18 to generally correspond to the shape of the typical user's head so that the hair volumizing device 10 fits more comfortably on the head and is easier to conceal within the user's hair 12. In an alternative embodiment, the elongated member 18 can be made out of a bendable material or comprises a bendable component (i.e., a wire embedded in elongated member 18) that allows the user 14 to bend, as desired, elongated member 18 so as to correspond to the shape of her head and, therefore, be better concealed in her hair 12. If desired, the center section 60 of elongated member 18 can also be provided with one or more openings 34 to reduce its weight, lower the manufacturing/material costs and add aesthetics, such as shown in FIGS. 12 through 15. The size, shape and number of openings 34 in elongated member 18 can be varied as desired by the manufacturer. In addition, openings 34 can be configured to be completely pass through elongated member 18 or only partially through (i.e., not a complete hole) elongated member 18. Alternatively, elongated member 18 can be solid.

Examples of flexible curlers and like devices which are utilized in hair styling are well known in the art. Although some of the components of such devices can be utilized in the hair volumizing device 10, the present invention is much different than these prior art devices in its configuration, purpose and use. For instance, hair curling devices are utilized in wet hair to impart a curl to the user's hair 12 while it is drying, whereas hair volumizing device 10 is utilized in a section 16 of dry hair 12 to give it the “bump” that is associated with increased hair volume. The hair volumizing device 10 does not curl hair and the hair curling devices do not provide the bump. In addition, prior art hair curling devices are intended to be left in the hair 12 only long enough to provide a curl when the hair 12 is dry and they do not have the concern with regard to not being seen by others. In contrast, the hair volumizing device 10 is placed in a section 16 of dry hair 12 to give it the bump and then left in the hair 12 for as long as the user 14 wants the bump effect without the device 10 being seen by others.

To create the appearance of increased volume in the hair 12 of user 14, the elongated member 18 is shaped and of sufficient size, length and width, to impart the desired bump effect on hair 12. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 11 through 16, elongated member 18 has a height of approximately three-eighths of an inch to one and one-half inches, a width of one-fourth to three-fourths of an inch and a length of approximately one and three fourths to six inches. The cross section of elongated members can be generally rectangular, rectangular with curved sides, circular or various other shapes, including square, oval, triangular and the like, can also be utilized for the elongated member 18. While smaller dimensions can be used, they are not believed to impart the desired “lift” to the hair 12 to give it the desired appearance of increased volume. Larger diameters of elongated member 18 may be somewhat difficult to conceal in the hair 12.

In a preferred configuration of this embodiment, the first 26 and second 28 ends are generally tapered towards the outer edges, shown as first edge 68 and second edge 70 thereof, to make it easier for user 14 to hide hair volumizing device 10 in the section 16 of her hair 12. Preferably, the outer edges 68 and 70 of elongated member 18 are substantially planar at or near the edges 68 and 70 thereof. In one configuration, this results in a duck-bill like shape at the ends 26/28 of elongated member 18. In the preferred configuration, both ends 26 and 28 are configured with the same shape. Alternatively, the two ends 26 and 28 can be configured different from each other.

To maintain the section 16 of hair 12 over the hair volumizing device 10, the present invention also includes a hair engaging mechanism 44 at one or more locations on the elongated member 18. As shown in FIG. 12, hair engaging mechanism 44 can comprise one or more lengths of textured material 46 placed generally on the top side 62 of elongated member 18. If desired, one or more lengths of textured material 46 can also or alternatively to be placed on front side 66, as shown in FIG. 13, and/or the back side of elongated member 18. The textured material 46 should be configured to essentially grab onto a portion of the hair 12 so that the hair 12 can be held in place above hair volumizing device 10 to help keep it in hair 12 and hidden from view. Typically, it will only be necessary to have hair engaging mechanism 44 along a portion of elongated member 18 as the hair 12 will generally stay in place (i.e., lay over) above the device 10 elsewhere. If desired, the textured material 46 can entirely cover the sides of elongated member 18. The textured material 46 can be half of a hook and loop material, commonly known as Velcro®, attached to elongated member or foam or other various materials, including coatings and the like, which will effectively grab the hair 12 so that wind or activity by the user 14 will not cause the hair to move away from the hair volumizing device 10 and expose it to view, thereby reducing one of the main advantages of the present invention. Various adhesives, staples or other connecting mechanisms can be utilized to attach the textured material 46 to elongated member 18. In an alternative configuration, hair engaging mechanism 44 can be integral to, such that it is manufactured with, elongated member 18.

As shown in FIG. 10 with regard to the previously described embodiment, the hair volumizing device 10 of the present invention can also include a hair extension component 56 that, as well known in the art, can be used to increase the thickness and/or length of the user's hair 12. In one configuration, hair extension component 56 comprises a plurality of hairs 58, generally much thicker than that shown, that are fixedly connected to elongated member 18. The plurality of hairs 58 can be glued or otherwise secured to elongated member 18 using materials that are well known and readily available in the art. In addition to providing the hair volumizing effect desired by many users, device 10 provides an improved hair engaging device for more securely placing a hair extension 56 in the user's hair 12 than the currently available devices for securing such hair extensions 56.

For use on the sides of the user's head, the hair volumizing device 10 will be generally shorter in length and have less curvature than those utilized for the top of the user's head. For instance, the length of device 10 for the side of the head can be one to two inches in length and can have only a slight curvilinear bottom side or be essentially planar. The side use devices 10 is otherwise configured essentially the same as described above, such as having the hair engaging mechanism 44 and, if desired, openings 34 and the taper at ends 26 and 28.

A hair volumizing device 10 utilizing an improved fastener, identified as 100, is shown in FIGS. 17 through 27. As with the hair volumizing devices 10 set forth above, the hair volumizing device 10 having fastener 100 is utilized to grasp the section 16 of hair 12 in which the bump effect is desired. Although specific configurations of a hair volumizing device 10 are shown in FIGS. 17 through 27, those skilled in the art will understand that the improved fastener 100 can be utilized as a component of a wide variety of different configurations of hair volumizing devices 10, including those set forth above. In fact, as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, fastener 100 is also suitable for a wide variety of different uses other than as hair volumizing device 10. For instance, fastener 100 is believed to be suitable for use with many different types of products as a substitute or replacement for other connectors, including standard types of connectors such as hook-and-loop connectors (i.e., Velcro®). Although not intended to limit the scope of the fastener 100 of the present invention, one of the primary uses of fastener 100 would be with plastic products that are formed by an injection molding process in which the fastener 100 is jointly molded with the product so as to be integrally formed therewith.

The fastener 100 of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 17 through 27 as integrally formed with the hair volumizing device 10. For purposes of use with hair volumizing device 10, fastener 100 is integrally formed with the elongated member 18. For use with products other than a hair volumizing device 10, the fastener 100 is attached to or formed integrally therewith (the preferred embodiment) a body member, which for purposes of consistency herein, is identified as 18 in FIGS. 17 through 27. Although shown as a body member 18 suitable for use as the hair volumizing device 10, those skilled in the art will understand that body member 18 can take on many different types of configurations depending on the use with which fastener 100 is intended. In some circumstances, body member 18 can be one or more layers of backing material configured generally similar to that commonly utilized in Velcro® and like products which can be joined to another product to add connecting/disconnecting ability to the product or it can be a component or part of the product itself that is utilizing fastener 100, such as one of two opposing sides of an article that are to be joined together. As utilized herein in conjunction with describing the fastener 100, the term “body member” is intended to refer to any component that supports fastener 100, whether by being attached or connected thereto or formed integrally therewith, so that a fiber product may be joined to fastener 100 in order to hold the fiber product in place or to removably connect to the fiber product.

Fastener 100 comprises two or more spaced apart engaging rows, such as first row 102 and second row 104 as best shown in FIGS. 21, 23 and 25, that each have a plurality of specially configured fiber-engaging members 106. In the preferred embodiment, fastener 100 has only the two rows 102 and 104. As explained in more detail below, the two rows 102/104 of fiber-engaging members 106 are configured to cooperatively engage a fiber material, such as hair, fibrous materials or materials configured with loops or other hook-engaging elements. Each of the fiber-engaging members 106 have an outwardly extending stem 108 and an engaging head 110, as best shown in FIG. 19. The stem 108 has a first or proximal end 112 that connects to, attaches to or is integral with the outer surface 48 of body member 18 and a second or distally disposed end 114 that is at the outward end, relative to the outer surface 48 of body member 18, of stem 108. In the preferred embodiment, as shown, the base of the stem 108 at its first end 112 is wider than the second end 114 to improve the stability of the fiber-engaging member 106 and to improve the engagement of the fiber with fastener 100. The engaging head 110 is positioned at the second end 114 of stem 108 and is configured with a lower edge 116 that, as explained below, defines the fiber-engaging surface 118 which secures the fiber in place in fastener 100 or secures the fastener 100 against the fiber, as may be appropriate depending on the use of fastener 100.

As best shown in FIGS. 21 and 25, the engaging rows 102 and 104 of fastener 100 are in spaced apart relation to define a gap 120 between the rows 102/104. In the preferred embodiment of fastener 100, shown in FIGS. 17 through 23, gap 120 is sized so as to place first row 102 and second row 104 in nearly adjacent to each other, with a spacing of approximately 1/16th (0.0625) of an inch apart. In the embodiment of the hair volumizing device 10 of FIGS. 17 through 23, the use of the narrow gap 120 set forth above has been found to advantageously engage the hair 12 of the user 14 to provide the desired bump in the section 16 of hair 12. Although a narrow gap 120 such as this has some advantages, typically depending on the particular type of fiber that is intended to connect with fastener 100, gap 120 between rows 102/104 can be spaced further apart or even much further apart. For instance, in the embodiment of FIGS. 24 through 26, the rows 102/104 are spaced approximately ½ (0.50) an inch apart. As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of different spacing can be utilized for gap 120 to achieve the desired level of engagement for the particular fiber that will be held by fastener 100 or to which the fastener 100 will attach. Some trial and error is likely to be required to determine the optimum spacing of gap 120 for desired amount of which the intended fiber is to be engaged.

The fiber is engaged by fastener 100 by being received past the shaped engaging head 110 to the stem 108, which preferably angles outward from second end 114 to first end 112, of the fiber-engaging member 106. The relationship between the gap 120 between rows 102/104, the adjacent or side-by-side spacing of the fiber-engaging members 106 and the fiber being received along stem 108 of fiber-engaging member 106 provides the desired engagement of the fiber to the fastener 100. In the preferred embodiment, as shown in the figures, the engaging head 110 has a generally triangular, cone or cone-like shape with a generally planar fiber-engaging surface 118. One of the primary benefits of this type of shape is that the pointed distal end of engaging head 110 facilitates the fiber-engaging member 106 sliding into or past the fiber and the planar fiber-engaging surface 118 prevents the fibers from being easily (e.g., unintentionally) disengaged from fastener 100. Other shapes can also be utilized with fastener 100 of the present invention. For instance, engaging head 110 can be configured in a generally mushroom shape with a smooth, generally rounded upper end, a half oval shape or even a rounded shape, with the fiber-engaging surface 118, to achieve the benefits of the present invention. Preferably, the individual fiber-engaging members 106 are spaced sufficiently close together, which will typically depend on the fiber material, that the outer ends of the lower edge 116 of the engaging head 110 of two adjacent fiber-engaging members 106 cooperate together to engage the fiber below their respective fiber-engaging surfaces 118 to hold the fiber in place or to attach the fastener 100 to the fiber.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 24 through 27, the height of the various fiber-engaging members 106, as measured above the outer surface 48 of body member 18, are substantially the same across body member 18. For many uses, including some uses as a hair volumizing device 10, this type of configuration will achieve the desired connection between fastener 100 and the fiber material to which the fastener 100 is intended to securely engage. To further improve the grasping ability of fastener 100 of the present invention with other fibers or for other uses, including as a hair volumizing device 10, the preferred embodiment of fastener 100 has the vertical height of the first row 102 and second row 104 being different, as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 17 through 23. The inventor has found that having first row 102 being of a different height than the second row 104 provides improved engagement of the fiber to be held by fastener 100 or which will attach to fastener 100. For instance, first row 102 can be of a shorter height than second row 104. When combined with a relatively close row spacing provided by a narrow gap 120, as is shown in the embodiment FIGS. 17 through 23, a fiber material that is engaged with fastener 100 will have its fibers securely received into the plurality of fiber-engaging members 106 that define the rows 102/104 in a manner which facilitates fastener 100 holding the fibers in place or the fastener 100 securely attaching to the fiber material.

The body member 18 can have two or more rows, such as rows 102 and 104 of fiber-engaging members 106, across its outer surface 48. In fact, if desired, the outer surface 48 of body member 18 can be substantially or even completely covered with fiber-engaging members 106 in a spaced apart (i.e., non-row pattern). If desired, only the upper portion of the body member 18 can have fiber-engaging members 106 thereon, as shown in FIGS. 17 through 23. Alternatively, both the upper and lower portions of the body member 18 can comprise fiber-engaging members 106, such as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 24 through 27. Although not shown, those skilled in the art will also readily appreciate that the entire outer surface 48 of body member 18 can be covered by a plurality of fiber-engaging members 106 to provide a fastener 100 that can engage or be engaged by a fiber material on all sides.

In one use, fastener 100 of the present invention is utilized on the outer surface 48 of the body member 18 of a hair volumizing device 10 that is used to add a “bump” effect to a section 16 of hair 12. Preferably, fastener 100 is integrally formed with body member 18, such as being made out of plastic by an injection molded process, to reduce the cost of manufacturing the fastener 100 and the product (i.e., hair volumizing device 10) with which it is utilized. When used with hair volumizing device 10, having the curvilinear-shaped bottom side 64 that is intended to be placed along the user's head, the device 10 is placed in the section 16 of hair 12 (as the fiber material) of the user 14 where the bump is desired in a manner such that hair fibers are forced between pairs of adjacent fiber-engaging members 106 to secure the hair fibers therein and the hair volumizing device 10 in the hair 12. The fastener 100 can be utilized to grasp the hair 12 from fiber-engaging members 106 on the bottom side 64 and top side 62, such as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 24 through 27, or just top side 62, as shown in FIGS. 17 through 23.

The hair volumizing device 10 of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 30 through 36. This embodiment provides an alternative configuration that addresses various limitations of the previously described embodiments of hair volumizing device 10. Specifically, in some uses the previously described embodiments may be too tall and provide a bump that is too high, the fastener 100 or other hair engaging mechanism 44 may show through the section of hair 16, particularly with regard to persons having fine hair 12, not work well with persons having short hair 12, and for some persons the hair volumizing device 10 may have trouble staying in the user's hair 12. The hair volumizing device 10 of the present invention solves these problems by, as described in further detail below, having less length and height (i.e., lower profile), eliminating the fiber-engaging members 106 and having a hair securing mechanism that secures the hair volumizing device 10 to the user's hair 12.

As shown in FIGS. 30 through 36, the hair volumizing device 10 of the present invention generally comprises a body member 18 and a securing mechanism 150 associated therewith for securing the hair volumizing device 10 in a section 16 of the user's hair 12 in a manner that provides the user 14 with the appearance of increased volume, due to bump 140, at section 16 of hair 12. As with the above-described embodiments, the embodiment of the present invention is sized and configured so as to not be seen by others, thereby allowing the user to have the effect of a salon-provided volumizing treatment without having to go to the salon and pay someone to work with her hair. The body member 18 has a first end 26, second end 28, top side 62, bottom side 64, front side 66 and back side 152. As best shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, the distance between the first end 26 and second end 28 is defined as length L, the distance between the top side 62 and bottom side 64 is defined as height H and the distance between the front side 66 and back side 152 is defined as width W. The hair volumizing device 10 of the present invention is primarily configured for use at the crown and sides of the head of user 14. As such, the body member 18 should be dimensioned to provide the desired bump from increased volume at the relevant section(s) 16 of hair 12. In general, the length L of body member 18 will be controlled by the section 16 of hair 12 at which the increase in volume is desired. As shown in the figures, preferably the bottom side 64 of body member 18 is generally planar (except for securing mechanism 150), in contrast to the curvilinear embodiments described above. As such, the length L of body member 18 will preferably be in the range of 0.75 to 3.0 inches. In general, a shorter length L is limited by the user's ability to manipulate the securing mechanism 150 and a longer length L is limited by the curvature of the user's head and the need to keep hair volumizing device 10 hidden from view. As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, very short lengths L for body member 18 may be difficult for the user 14 to manipulate into position and/or to open or close securing mechanism 150. The width W of body member 18 will typically range between 0.10 to 0.70 inches. In general, the width W for body member 18 is limited by the bump 140 desired from hair volumizing device 10 and the need to keep hair volumizing device 10 hidden from view. The height H of body member 18 should be sufficient to provide the desired amount of volumizing effect or bump 140 without being noticeable outside the user's hair 16. In a preferred embodiment, the height H of body member 18 is between 0.25 and 0.75 inches. Alternatively, the body member 18 can have a height H of up to 1.50 inches. The body member 18 is elongated and has a generally rectangular, oval, triangular (such as shown in FIGS. 32 and 33) or the like shape.

Body member 18 can be made out of a wide variety of materials, including plastic, foam, fiberglass, composites, metal or wood. In a preferred embodiment, at least the surface of top side 62, front side 66 and back side 152 are configured to help hold the hair 12 in place around hair volumizing device 10. In a preferred configuration, the ends 26/28 are also configured to hold the hair 12 in place. In one embodiment, the material for body member 18 is selected so that it will at least partially engage the hair 16 when in use in section 16 of hair 12 to hold the hair 12 in place generally above hair volumizing device 10. Various cushy or minimally “sticky” plastics, foams and like materials may be suitable for body member 18. In an alternative embodiment, a hair engaging mechanism 44 is utilized on the body member 18 to help hold hair 12 in place. In a preferred embodiment, the hair engaging mechanism 44 is a textured material 46, shown in FIG. 35, that covers or substantially covers the top side 62, front side 66, back side body 152 and ends 26/28 (and, if utilized, the sides at ends 26/28) of body member 18. If desired, the textured material 46 can only partially, as described with the embodiments above, cover the top side 62, front side 66 and back side 152 of body member 18. In the preferred embodiment of the hair volumizing device 10 of the present invention, body member 18 is manufactured out of generally rigid foam or plastic that is substantially covered or coated with a textured material 46 that helps hold the hair 12 at section 16 in place over the hair volumizing device 10 to keep it hidden from view. In one preferred embodiment, the textured material 46 is a velvet or velvet-like material. As set forth above, a variety of other materials are likely to be useful for textured material 46.

Body member 18 and/or the hair engaging mechanism 44 (e.g., the textured material 46) can be modified as desired to achieve additional objectives. For instance, in a preferred embodiment the body member 18 or the textured material 46 covering body member 18 is provided in a variety of different tints or shades of color that can generally match the color of the user's hair 12 to even better hide the hair volumizing device 10 in and under the hair 12. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the body member 18 or the textured material 46 can be provided in different shades of blonde, brown, black and red that are considered to most closely match the hair color of the likely user 14 of hair volumizing device 10. Because the size and configuration of body member 18 and the material for body member 18 or textured material 46 are chosen to fit under the hair 12 and at least moderately engage the hair 12, it will generally not be necessary to exactly match the user's hair color. If desired, body member 18 and textured material 12 (if utilized) can be provided with openings 34 completely or partially therethrough to reduce the weight of hair volumizing device 10 worn by user 14 and the cost of manufacturing hair volumizing device 10.

As set forth above, the securing mechanism 150 is associated with body member 10 and configured to securely attach hair volumizing device 10 in the section 16 of the user's hair 12 where the volumizing effect or bump 140 is desired. In a preferred embodiment, the securing mechanism 150 is positioned at one or more of the sides of body member 18. In the preferred embodiment, shown in FIGS. 30 through 36, the securing mechanism 150 is positioned at the bottom side 64, where it can be utilized to grasp the hair and best be hidden from view to others. The selected securing mechanism 150 should be suitable for use with body member 18 to secure hair volumizing device 10 in hair 12, configured so as to be easily hidden in the user's hair 12, easy for the user 14 to manipulate in and out of her hair 12 and relatively inexpensive to manufacture. The securing mechanism 150 should be manufactured out of a material or coated, covered or otherwise protected such that it is suitable for use in the hair 12.

In the preferred embodiment of the hair volumizing device 10 of the present invention, shown in FIGS. 30 through 36, the securing mechanism 150 is based on or comprises the prior art barrette 154 shown in FIGS. 28 and 29. As well known in the art, this barrette 154 has a slotted upper member 156 that receives part of the lower member 158 in the slot 160 with a portion of the user's hair 12 between the upper member 156 and lower member 158 in a manner that secures the barrette 154 to the hair 12. A first end 162 of the lower member 158 is fixedly attached near the first end 164 of the upper member 156 in a manner that allows lower member 158 to bend or flex relative to the upper member 156. When the lower member 158 is flexed into the slot 160, with some of the hair 12 between the members 156/158 when in use, the upper member 156 is bent or flexed in the direction of lower member 158 to place the two members 156/158 in abutting relationship at the second end 166 of lower member 158 and the second end 168 of upper member 156, thereby locking a portion of the user's hair 12 therebetween and securing the barrette 154 in the hair 12. In use, the prior art barrette 154 is worn with the upper member 156 on the outside of the hair 12 and being visible when looking at the user 14.

With the hair volumizing device 10 of the present invention, barrette 154 is utilized, in a modified form, as the securing mechanism 150 to secure the body member 18 in the user's hair 12. In a preferred embodiment, the securing mechanism 150 is configured by attaching the upper member 156 to the bottom side 54 of the body member 18, leaving the bottom member 158 to flex between the open position 24 of FIGS. 31, 32, 33, 35 and 36 and the closed position 22 of FIG. 34. The upper member 156 is attached to the bottom side 64 in a variety of different ways, including utilizing adhesives, sonic welding, standard welding, use of connectors and the like attachment mechanisms. Alternatively, upper member 156 can be attached during the molding process for body member 18 or made integral with body member 18. In another alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 36, the upper member 156 is eliminated and the lower member 158 is attached to directly to the body member 18 and configured to closingly engage a specially configured bottom side 64 of body member 18. In this embodiment, the lower member 158 is flexed into engagement with the bottom edges 170 of bottom side 64 to close the securing mechanism 150 around a portion of the user's hair 12 (when in use). A cavity 172 or like area is provided at the bottom side 64 of body member 18 to provide room for the notched portion 174 of lower member 158. In either configuration, the securing mechanism 150 is configured to be placed in the open position 24 to place hair volumizing device 10 in the hair 12 or remove it from the hair 12 and be placed in the closed position 22 to secure the device 10 to the hair 12. As with barrette 154, the preferred securing mechanism 150 and body member 18 of hair volumizing device 10 are configured to be flexed in order to move the lower member 158 of securing mechanism 150 between its open 24 and closed 22 positions. As with barrette 154, the securing mechanism 150 of hair volumizing device 10 will securely grasp a portion of the user's hair 12 between the lower member 158 and the upper member 156 or side edges 170 at the lower side 64.

As stated above, in the preferred embodiment of the hair volumizing device 10 of the present invention the securing mechanism 150 is at the bottom side 64 of the body member 18. Alternatively, the securing mechanism 150 can be placed at the top side 62, front side 66, back side 152 or, if configured accordingly, the ends 26/28. The bottom side 64 of body member 18 is preferred because it will generally be easier to hide the hair volumizing device 10 in the hair 12 with the securing mechanism 150 at the bottom side 64. Although the securing mechanism 150 is shown in the figures using the features of barrette 154, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various other securing mechanisms, some of which are well known in the art and utilized on other barrettes or hair clips, can be modified to be useful for hair volumizing device 10 of the present invention. The primary requirements for securing mechanism 150 is that it be suitable for use with body member 18, effective at securing device 10 in the hair 12, easy to open and close for placement in or removal from hair 12 and, preferably, relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

As shown with regard to the previously described embodiments, and shown in FIG. 10, the hair volumizing device 10 of the present invention can also include a hair extension component 56 that, as well known in the art, can be used to increase the thickness and/or length of the user's hair 12. In one configuration, hair extension component 56 comprises a plurality of hairs 58, generally much thicker than that shown, that are fixedly connected to elongated member 18. The plurality of hairs 58 can be glued or otherwise secured to body member 18 using materials that are well known and readily available in the art. In addition to providing the hair volumizing effect or bump 140 desired by many users, the hair volumizing device 10 provides an improved device for more securely placing a hair extension 56 in the user's hair 12 than the currently available devices for securing such hair extensions 56.

In use, hair volumizing device 10 of the present invention is placed in the section 16 of hair 12 where user 14 desires to have the volumizing effect or bump 140. In general, the user 14 selects a hair volumizing device having body member 18 and securing mechanism 150 that will provide the desired bump 140 in the section 16 of hair 12 and then directs the hair volumizing device 10 into that section 16 of her hair 12 and moves the hair 12 around to place the securing mechanism 150 into position to secure the hair volumizing device 10 to the hair 12. More specifically, to create the volumizing effect or bump 140, the user 14 places securing mechanism 150 in its open position 24, positions the hair volumizing device 10 in the section 16 of hair 12 where the volumizing effect or bump 140 is desired, closes the securing mechanism 150 around a portion of the hair 12 in that section 16 at or near the roots of the hair 12 and then teases or otherwise manipulates hair 12 to cover the hair volumizing device 10. The user 14 then wears hair volumizing device 10 in her hair 12 for as long as she desires to have the volumizing effect or bump 140 and give the appearance of increased hair volume for her hair 12. When the volumizing effect or bump 140 is no longer desired, the user 14 simply reaches into the section 16 of hair 12 and removes the hair volumizing device 10 from her hair 12 by placing the securing mechanism 150 in its open position 24 and pulling hair volumizing device 10 from hair 12.

While there are shown and described herein a specific form of the invention, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not so limited, but is susceptible to various modifications and rearrangements in design and materials without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In particular, it should be noted that the present invention is subject to modification with regard to any dimensional relationships set forth herein and modifications in assembly, materials, size, shape, and use. For instance, there are numerous components described herein that can be replaced with equivalent functioning components to accomplish the objectives of the present invention.

Claims

1. A hair volumizing device for use in adding volume to a section of hair of a user, said hair volumizing device comprising:

a body member having a first end, a second end, and one or more sides, said one or more sides including a top side, a bottom side, a front side and a back side, said front side and said back side having a height of at least 0.25 inches; and

securing means on one or more sides of said body member for securing said body member to the section of hair of the user,

wherein said hair volumizing device is sized and configured to be received in the section of hair of the user and worn by the user such that said hair volumizing device is covered by the section of hair so as to appear to add volume thereto without said hair volumizing device being seen.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said body member has a width of at least 0.10 inches.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein said body member has a length between approximately 0.75 inches and 3.0 inches.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein said body member is made from a material which is selected to maintain said hair volumizing device covered with hair.

5. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a hair extension component attached to said elongated member.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein said securing means is at the bottom side of said body member.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein said securing means is a barrette attached to or integrated into said body member.

8. The device according to claim 6, wherein said securing means comprises a lower member configured to flexibly engage the bottom side of said body member to place said hair volumizing device in a closed position.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein said securing means further comprises an upper member attached to said bottom side of said body member and said lower member flexibly engages said upper member to place said hair volumizing device in a closed position.

10. The device according to claim 1 further comprising a hair engaging means on at least one of said on said one or more sides of said body member for engaging said section of hair so as to maintain said hair volumizing device covered with said section of hair.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein said hair engaging means comprises a textured material.

12. The device according to claim 1, wherein said body member is covered or coated by a textured material selected to maintain said hair volumizing device covered with said section of hair.

13. A hair volumizing device for use in adding volume to a section of hair of a user, said hair volumizing device comprising:

an elongated body member having a first end, second end, top side, bottom side, front side and a back side;

a textured material on said body member, said textured material selected to generally maintain said hair volumizing device covered with said section of hair; and

securing means on said bottom side of said body member for securing said body member to the section of hair,

wherein said hair volumizing device is sized and configured to be received in the section of hair of the user and worn by the user such that said hair volumizing device is substantially covered by the section of hair so as to appear to add volume thereto without said hair volumizing device being seen.

14. The device according to claim 13, wherein said securing means is a barrette attached to or integrated into said body member.

15. The device according to claim 13, wherein said securing means comprises a lower member configured to flexibly engage the bottom side of said body member to place said hair volumizing device in a closed position.

16. The device according to claim 15, wherein said securing means further comprises an upper member attached to said bottom side of said body member and said lower member flexibly engages said upper member to place said hair volumizing device in a closed position.

17. A method of adding volume to a section of hair of a user, said method comprising the steps of:

a) selecting a hair volumizing device having a body member and a securing means on one or more sides of said body member, said hair volumizing device selected so said body member will provide a bump in the section of hair of the user;

b) placing said hair volumizing device in an open position by opening said securing means;

c) positioning said hair volumizing device in the section of hair where said bump is desired;

d) closing said securing means around hair of the user; and

e) manipulating the section of hair to cover the hair volumizing device,

wherein said hair volumizing device provides said bump in the section of hair and gives the appearance of increased volume of the section of hair.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein said body member is made from or covered with a material which is selected to maintain said hair volumizing device covered with hair.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein said securing means comprises a lower member configured to flexibly engage the bottom side of said body member to place said hair volumizing device in a closed position.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein said securing means further comprises an upper member attached to said bottom side of said body member and said lower member flexibly engages said upper member to place said hair volumizing device in a closed position.