Hair Styling Mechanisms And Hair Styling Dolls

Abstract

A hair styling doll with a hair styling mechanism is disclosed. The doll includes a body with a head to which a lock of hair is coupled. The doll includes an adjustment mechanism that can be manipulated to adjust the length and shape or configuration of the lock of hair. The hair is braided and the adjustment mechanism includes an elongate member that is coupled to the different sections of the braided hair. The elongate member is coupled to the hair in an alternating configuration or pattern such that pulling the elongate member results in the braided hair coiling and forming a bun-like structure.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/201,988, filed Dec. 16, 2008, Attorney Docket No. MAT3Z118P, entitled “Hair Styling Mechanism and Hair Styling Dolls,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is directed to hair styling mechanisms and hair styling dolls, particularly hair styling mechanisms and hair styling dolls with one or more strings and string feeding mechanisms. Examples of hair styling mechanisms and hair styling dolls include U.S. Pat. No. 3,156,999, U.S. Pat. No. 3,162,976, U.S. Pat. No. 3,477,170, U.S. Pat. No. 3,670,451, U.S. Pat. No. 3,694,957, U.S. Pat. No. 3,696,551, U.S. Pat. No. 3,696,552, U.S. Pat. No. 3,698,134, U.S. Pat. No. 3,704,542, U.S. Pat. No. 3,808,736, U.S. Pat. No. 3,834,071, U.S. Pat. No. 4,170,085, U.S. Pat. No. 4,685,893, U.S. Pat. No. 4,801,286, U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,647, U.S. Pat. No. 5,116,277, U.S. Pat. No. 5,586,696, U.S. Pat. No. 7,063,590, U.S. RE27,267; and Great Britain No. GB 2,149,678. The complete disclosures of the above patents and patent applications are herein incorporated by reference for all purposes.

Some conventional hair styling dolls have straight hair, the length of which can be adjusted by a user. Typically, the straight hair of the doll is pulled into an opening formed in the head of the doll, thereby creating the appearance that the length of the hair has been changed. The hair for those dolls is moved linearly.

However, braided hair for a doll moves in a different manner than straight hair when the length of the hair is adjusted relative to the doll. Thus, there is a need for a hair styling mechanism that can be used by a child to adjust the length of braided hair for a doll.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a doll includes a head defining an opening, an extension of hair coupled to the head proximate to the opening, the hair being braided along at least a portion of its length, an elongate member coupled to the hair at multiple locations, the elongate member extending into the opening of the head, and an adjustment mechanism coupled to the elongate member such that the adjustment member can move the elongate member relative to the head, and movement of the elongate member changes the shape of the hair.

In one embodiment, the extension of hair includes three braided sections and each of the braided sections includes at least one of the multiple locations. Alternatively, the extension of hair includes three braided sections and the elongate member is alternately coupled to the three braided sections. Alternatively, the elongate member is a first elongate member and the doll further comprises a second elongate member coupled to the hair, the second elongate member being coupled to the adjustment mechanism and movable simultaneously with the first elongate member.

In one embodiment, the extension of hair includes three braided sections and each of the first elongate member and the second elongate member is alternately coupled to each of the three braided sections along the length of the respective elongate member.

In another embodiment, the extension of hair includes a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being located proximate to the head of the doll, the distal end being moved upwardly when the elongate member is drawn into the head of the doll.

In another embodiment, the extension of hair has curled configuration when the distal end is raised to its upper position. The adjustment mechanism includes a take-up device to which the elongate member is coupled, and rotation of the take-up device moves the elongate member relative to the head.

In one embodiment, a doll has adjustable hair that includes a head, a lock of braided hair having a base end and a distal end opposite to the base end, the base end being coupled to the braided head, and an elongate member engaged with the lock of braided hair proximate the distal end and to at least one intermediate position between the distal end and the base end, the elongate member being engaged with the lock of braided hair in a coiled configuration that causes the elongate member to move the lock of braided hair into a predetermined curled configuration when the elongate member is tensioned.

In another embodiment, the head includes a cavity with an opening, and the elongate member extends through the opening from the cavity. In another embodiment, the elongate member is attached to the lock of braided hair proximate to the distal end, at a first intermediate position along the lock of braided hair, and at a second intermediate position along the lock of braided hair. In yet another embodiment, the lock of braided hair includes a first section, a second section, and a third section, the first intermediate position being located on the first section, and the second intermediate position being located on one of the second section or the third section.

In one embodiment, a hair styling mechanism for a doll having a body and a head includes a bundle of hair supported by the head, the bundle of hair including a first attachment region and a second attachment region spaced from the first attachment region, and an elongate member coupled to the first attachment region and to the second attachment region, wherein pulling the elongate member moves the first attachment region toward the second attachment region to alter the shape of the bundle of hair.

In one embodiment, the head includes a cavity with an opening, and the elongate member extends through the opening from the cavity. In another embodiment, the bundle of hair includes a first braided section and a second braided section, the first attachment region being located on the first braided section and the second attachment region being located on the second braided section.

In another embodiment, the bundle of hair includes a first braided section, a second braided section, and a third braided section, the first attachment region being located on the first braided section, the second attachment region being located on the second braided section, and the bundle of hair includes a third attachment region spaced from the first attachment region and the second attachment region, the third attachment region being located on the third braided section.

In one embodiment, the bundle of hair includes a first braided section, a second braided section, and a third braided section, and the first attachment region and the second attachment region are located on the first braided section.

In an alternative embodiment, the bundle of hair has a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being located proximate to the head, the distance between the distal end and the head when the first attachment region is moved toward the second attachment region.

In another embodiment, the mechanism includes a take-up mechanism, the elongate member being coupled to the take-up mechanism so that movement of the take-up mechanism adjusts the length of the bundle of hair. In another embodiment, the take-up mechanism includes a spool rotatably mounted within the cavity of the body, and a release mechanism operatively coupled to the spool and configured to selectively allow rotation of the spool.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a hair styling mechanism supported within a simulated head of a hair styling doll.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing an embodiment of an adjustment mechanism for a hair styling doll.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing another embodiment of an adjustment mechanism for a hair styling doll.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of some components of another embodiment of an adjustment mechanism for a hair styling doll.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of an alternative embodiment of a head of a hair styling doll.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of another embodiment of a head of a hair styling doll.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of an embodiment of some components of a hair styling mechanism including a lock of hair, a string, and a counterweight in a first style or configuration.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of multiple hair styling mechanisms, each having a lock of hair and a string, in a first style or configuration.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the hair styling mechanisms illustrated in FIG. 8 in a different style or configuration.

FIG. 10 is a close-up view of a portion of one of the locks of hair illustrated in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a close-up view of another portion of one of the locks of hair illustrated in FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of the hair styling mechanisms illustrated in FIG. 8 in another style or configuration.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of a hair styling mechanism, which includes a lock of hair, multiple strings, and a counterweight, in a first style or configuration.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of the hair styling mechanism illustrated in FIG. 13 in another style or configuration.

Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elements throughout this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer” and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points or portions of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration. Further, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., merely identify one of a number of portions, components and/or points of reference as disclosed herein, and do not limit the present invention to any particular configuration or orientation or any particular quantity of such elements. The disclosed hair styling mechanisms and hair styling dolls are set forth in the following detailed description and the drawings. The detailed description and drawings provide merely examples of the various inventions described herein.

A doll including a hair styling mechanism is referred to herein alternatively as a hair styling doll. Referring to FIG. 1, a portion of an exemplary doll is illustrated. In various embodiments, a hair styling doll may support a hair styling mechanism in a variety of locations on the doll. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the hair styling mechanism may be supported in a cavity of a head of the doll. Additionally or alternatively, the hair styling mechanism may be supported in a cavity of a body of the doll.

Referring to FIG. 1, the doll 10 includes a body 12 that includes a cavity 14 formed therein. The doll 10 also includes a head 20 that has a scalp or scalp region 22 that has several strands of hair 36 coupled thereto (only a few of which are illustrated). Formed in the scalp 22 is an opening or aperture 26 that is defined by an edge 24. The head 20 includes an inner surface 28 that defines an inner chamber or receptacle 32. In various embodiments, the shape and configuration of the head 20 of the doll 10 can vary. In addition, the location, color, appearance, and length of hair 36 can vary.

The doll 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a hair styling mechanism 100 that has a feed mechanism or adjustment mechanism 110, an elongate member or string 150, and a lock or bundle of hair 200. The feed mechanism can be referred to alternatively as a take-up device. The lock of hair 200 can be referred to alternatively as an extension of hair. The elongate member 150 can be referred to alternatively as a strand. As shown in FIG. 1, the feed mechanism 110 is supported within a cavity 30 of a head 20 of the hair styling doll 10. In alternative examples, the feed mechanism 110 is supported within a cavity 14 of a body 12 of the hair styling doll 10. The hair styling mechanism 110 of FIG. 1 allows a user, such as a child, to adjust the style of the lock of hair 200, which may provide amusement and entertainment to the user.

The feed mechanism 110 is configured to feed and retract the elongate member or string 150 to respectively increase and decrease the apparent length of the string 150 and as a result, the length of the hair coupled to the string 150. The apparent length of the string 150 refers to the length of string 150 extending beyond the feed mechanism 110 to support the lock of hair 200. However, in alternative embodiments of dolls, the hair styling mechanism does not include a feed mechanism. Instead, in those embodiments, a user simply pulls on the string 150 or lets the string 150 go slack to increase or decrease its apparent length and thereby adjust the length of the lock of hair 200.

The feed mechanism 110 may be any structure suitable for feeding and retracting the string 150. For example, the feed mechanism 110 may be a rotatably mounted cylinder 120, such as a spindle, drum, or spool. The feed mechanism 110 may be configured to wind the string 150 or to translate the string 150. In some embodiments, the feed mechanism 110 includes a motor 130, which may be powered by a power source, such as batteries.

The motor 130 may be actuated by an input from a user, such as the pressing of an actuator or button or the closing of a switch. Referring to FIG. 2, a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an adjustment mechanism is illustrated. In this embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 60 includes a feed mechanism 62, such as a cylinder or drum, that has an elongate member or string 64 coupled thereto. The elongate member 64 is coupled to the lock of hair 66. The rotation of the feed mechanism 62 is limited by a dampener 68 that is coupled to the feed mechanism 62 and/or the axle of the feed mechanism 62. The adjustment mechanism 60 includes a drive mechanism 70, such as a motor, that is activated in response to a user input 72, such as a button 74 or lever 76. When a user provides the input 72, the drive mechanism 70 is activated.

The adjustment mechanism 62 includes a release mechanism 80 that is used to maintain the feed mechanism 62 in a particular position until a change in the length of the elongate member 64 is desired. In one embodiment, the release mechanism 80 includes a latch 82 with an engagement portion 84, such as one or more teeth, that engages the feed mechanism 62 directly or indirectly. A biasing mechanism 88, such as a spring, biases the latch 82 into engagement with the feed mechanism 62 to hold the feed mechanism 62 in place. When movement of the feed mechanism 62 is desired, the latch 82 is moved against the force of the biasing mechanism 88 and out of engagement from the feed mechanism 62. The release mechanism 80 may also include an additional brake mechanism 86 that controls the movement of the feed mechanism 62.

In other embodiments, the feed mechanism 110 relies on human motive force and manually adjusted. For example, the doll may include a gear or roller that can be moved by a user to rotate the cylinder 110. Referring to FIGS. 3-4, such an exemplary embodiment is illustrated. In FIG. 3, the adjustment mechanism 90 includes a user input 92 that is coupled to a feed mechanism 94 such that the input 92 directly controls the movement of the feed mechanism 94. An elongate member 96 is coupled to the feed mechanism 94 and the length of the elongate member 96, which is coupled to the hair 98, is adjusted by movement of the feed mechanism 94.

Referring to FIG. 4, an exemplary embodiment of some components of an adjustment mechanism is illustrated. Adjustment mechanism 170 includes a user input 172 that is rotatably mounted to the body of the doll. The user input 172 includes an engagement portion 174 that is contacted by a user. The input or disk 172 is engaged with gear 176 having teeth that are engaged with teeth on gear 178. Gear 178 is mounted on axle 180 which is coupled to the cylinder 182 around which elongate member 150 is wound. As the user moves input 172 back and forth along the direction of arrows “D,” the cylinder 182 rotates back and forth along the direction of arrows “E” and the elongate member 150 moves along the direction of arrows “F.” In different embodiments, the quantity of gears and the particular components of the gear mechanism can vary.

To guide the retraction and release of the string 150, the hair styling mechanism 100 may include a guide element. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the guide element is an opening 26 in the head 20 through which the string 150 extends from inside 32 of the head 20 to outside of the head 20. The opening 26 is relatively small to reduce its visibility and to make the doll 10 appear more life-like. Further, the head 20 of the hair styling doll 10 may include hair 36 that is distinct from the lock of hair 200 and that covers most of a scalp 22 of the head 20 except the opening 26.

In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the guide element 50 is a ring or loop 52 that is fixed in a position where the string 150 passes through an opening 54 in the loop 52 when the string 150 is tensioned or released. For example, the ring or loop 52 may be coupled to the head 20 of a hair styling doll 10. In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the guide element 58 is a rod 58 or a pulley (not shown) that the string 150 moves around.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the string 150 functions to raise and lower the lock of hair 200 into different styles or configurations. For example, FIG. 1 shows a first style or configuration in which the lock of hair 200 is fully extended. A second style or configuration may be similar to a “bun” hairdo where the lock of hair 200 is gathered or folded upon itself into a compact or collapsed mound. (See FIG. 12 for examples of the second style, which are discussed below.) In the compact mound, the lock of hair 200 is curled up on itself. Several intermediate styles exist between the first style or configuration and the second style or configuration. (See FIG. 9 for examples of intermediate styles, which are discussed below.)

The string 150 may be any elongate tension bearing member. For example, the string 150 may be formed of cord, fibers, thread, fishing line, wire, or any elongate member. In some embodiments, the string 150 is formed of a material having significant elasticity. The string 150 may be selected to be transparent or of a color that is similar to the color of the lock of hair to reduce the visibility of the string 150.

The lock or bundle of hair 200 shown in FIG. 1 includes a root end or base end 210 near the head 20 of the hair styling doll 10 and a tip end or distal end 212 opposite the root end 210. In one embodiment, the lock of hair 200 includes several fibers or strands that are bundled or coupled together. For example, referring to FIG. 2, the lock of hair 200 may simulate human hair.

As shown in FIG. 1, the lock of hair 200 may include one or more attachment regions or locations at which the string 150 is coupled to the hair 200. In this embodiment, attachment regions 160, 162, and 164 are the locations at which the string 150 is attached or secured to the lock of hair 200. The string 150 may be attached or secured to the lock of hair 200 at one of the attachment regions by any suitable mechanism or technique, including tying, sewing, adhering, mechanical fastening, and/or coalescing with heat.

In some embodiments, a single attachment region is defined on the lock of hair 200. For example, a single attachment region may be defined near the tip end of the lock of hair 200, such as attachment region 164 in FIG. 1. In other embodiments, a single attachment region is defined at a point between the tip end 212 and the root end 210 of the lock of hair 210.

As shown in FIG. 1, several attachment regions 160, 162, and 164 may be defined on the lock of hair 200. Region 164 may be proximate to the distal end 212, and regions 160 and 162 may be intermediate along the lock of hair 200. The attachment regions may define and be set forth in a pattern, such as a coiling or styling pattern. The attachment regions may be arranged to cause the lock of hair 200 to fold, coil, or retract in a desired manner when the string 150 is tensioned.

In some embodiments, the attachment regions for a lock of hair can be located along a single braided section. In other embodiments, the attachment regions for a lock of hair can be located on different braided sections. The movement of the attachment regions relative to each other causes the configuration of the lock of hair to change.

For example, the pattern of attachment regions may be arranged to cause the lock of hair 200 to coil into a bun-style hairdo when the string 150 is tensioned and the distal end 212 of the hair 200 is raised. Alternatively, the pattern of attachment regions may be arranged to cause the lock of hair 200 to form one or more loops when the string 150 is tensioned. In some examples, the attachment regions are arranged into a pattern designed to reduce the apparent length of the lock of hair 200.

Referring to FIG. 7, an embodiment of a lock of hair is illustrated. In this embodiment, the lock of hair 300 includes a proximal end or root end 310 that is located proximate to the head of a doll. The lock of hair 300 also includes a distal end 312 that is opposite the proximal end 310. The lock of hair 300 includes several strands 314 that are gathered into sections or portions 320, 322, and 324 that are braided together as illustrated.

The lock of hair 300 shown in FIG. 7 includes a counterweight 340 that is located near the tip end 312. The counterweight 340 biases the lock of hair 300 toward the first style 302 (shown in FIG. 7), which is the lock of hair 300 in a substantially linear configuration, when tension on the string 350 is reduced. In FIG. 7, the counterweight 340 is a nut, such as a metal nut, and is intended to be exemplary of an object that can be coupled to the lock 300 to help effect the movement of the lock 300. In other embodiments, the counterweight 340 is designed or configured as a hair accessory, such as a barrette, clip, or other object.

Four different examples of locks of hair bundled together in braids are shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 12. Referring to FIG. 8, in different embodiments, the braids may be braided relatively tightly or relatively loosely. The tightness of braiding may be selected based on desired folding characteristics of the particular lock of hair. Referring to FIG. 8, the different tightness of the various braids is illustrated. Lock of hair 400 is the tightest braid with lock of hair 500 being the loosest braid. Locks 300 and 600 are intermediate braids as compared to locks 400 and 500. In one embodiment, the braiding lock of hair 300 is a preferred tightness as the tightness determines how the locks are collapsed or retracted.

Each of the locks of hair illustrated in FIGS. 8, 9, and 12 includes a single string that is coupled to the lock of hair in a pattern of attachment regions. The single string in each lock is passed along the length of the locks through the different portions of the braid, through the spaces or gaps between the different portions of the braid, or a combination of both. The locks are moved from a deployed configuration having a length “L1” in FIG. 8, to an intermediate configuration having a length “L2” in FIG. 9, to a collapsed or folded configuration having a length “L3” in FIG. 12.

Referring to FIG. 8, lock of hair 400 includes a proximal end 410, a distal end 412, and several strands of hair that are collected into three sections 420, 422 and 424 that are braided together. The single strand 450 is visible for a majority of the length of the lock 400 as the lock 400 is tightly braided and the strand 450 is inserted through the lock 400. The strand 450 is woven through the crossing center of the braid at interval point locations as shown.

Proximate to end 412 is a coupler 445 that keeps the braided sections 420, 422, and 424 together and maintains the distal end 412 in contact with the string 450. In this embodiment, the string 450 is coupled to lock 400 at attachment or coupling locations 460, 462, 464, 466, and 468, which are spaced apart along the length of the lock 400. The distance between adjacent locations determines the particular collapsed configuration. The greater the distance between attachment locations results in bigger loops being formed by the lock 400.

Similarly, lock of hair 500 includes a proximal end 510, a distal end 512, and strands that are collected into three sections 520, 522, and 524 that are braided together. A single strand 550 is visible only for a portion of the length of the lock 500 because the strand 550 is inserted into the sections 520, 522, and 524 in an alternating pattern along the length of the lock 500. In particular, the strand 550 goes down the center of the braid 500 and is attached proximate to end 512. A coupler 545 is located proximate to end 512 to maintain the braided sections 520, 522, and 524 together.

Also, lock of hair 600 includes a proximal end 610, a distal end 612, and braided sections 620, 622, and 624. A single strand 650 is inserted into the sections 620, 622, and 624 in an alternating pattern along the length of the lock 600. A coupler 645 is located proximate to end 612 to maintain the braided sections 620, 622, and 624 together.

Referring to FIG. 9, each of the locks 300, 400, 500, and 600 has been moved to an intermediate style or configuration. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the locks of hair coil into an intermediate style or configuration that is defined and determined by the pattern of attachment regions when the string is tensioned. The attachment regions can be the locations at which the string is coupled to a lock of hair and/or the locations on the lock of hair through which are inserted.

The strings 350, 450, 550, and 650 of the locks 300, 400, 500, and 600, respectively, have been pulled along the direction of arrow “G.” When the locks 300, 400, 500, and 600 are coupled to a doll, arrow “G” can be referred to as an upward direction. The particular collapsing or folding patterns of the different locks are illustrated by the locks 300, 400, 500, and 600 being in their respective intermediate positions 304, 404, 504, and 604.

String 450 of lock 400 is visible as the string 450 extends through the lock 400 from side-to-side because string 450 is inserted through gaps or spaces between the braided sections. Lock 400 is tightly braided and as the string 450 is pulled, the lock 400 folds over on itself. As a result, the distal end 412 is pulled upwardly and the lock 400 folds on itself based on the locations through which the string 450 passes through the lock 400. In particular, lock 400 folds randomly aligning the woven point locations as the center of the collapsed configuration.

String 550 of lock 500 is visible as string 550 is pulled, thereby moving end 512 toward end 510 because the lock 500 is loosely braided and spacing between adjacent braided sections increases. As shown, as string 550 is pulled, the loose braids bunch up and the lock 500 widens. In this embodiment, the hair 500 is loosely braided to accommodate space for maximum clumping during full retraction of the string 550.

Strings 650 and 350 of locks 600 and 300, respectively, pass through and along the braided sections of the respective locks. In other words, the strings 650 and 350 are sewn primarily internally along the length of the locks 600 and 300. As a result, the strings 650 and 350 are not visible, even when the strings 650 and 350 are pulled and the locks 600 and 300 collapse and move to their intermediate positions 604 and 304, respectively. The strings 650 and 350 are inserted and woven through a combination of the center, right, and left sides or the three sections of the braids to achieve a specific bun-style. When the strings 650 and 350 are pulled, each of the locks 600 and 300 coils and wraps around itself. In other embodiments, a string may be inserted or sewn through only one of the braided sections along its length.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, partial sectional views of lock 300 are illustrated. Each of the braided sections 320, 322, and 324 is made up of several fibers or strands that are grouped together and braided. In FIG. 10, the string 350 is illustrated as being inserted into a side wall 328 of a braided section between different fibers. The string 350 then passes through portions of the braided sections 320, 322, and 324 in an alternating manner as shown so that the string 350 is alternately coupled to the braided sections 320, 322, and 324. In FIG. 11, only braided section 322 is illustrated for ease of reference. String 350 is inserted into the section 322 and illustrated in phantom lines as traveling through the section 322. The arrangements illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 are representative of the locks 600 and 300 illustrated in FIGS. 8, 9, and 12.

Referring to FIG. 12, the folding characteristics of a given lock of hair depends on several factors. One factor is how tightly the lock of hair is braided. Another factor is how many strings are used or coupled to a lock of hair. Another factor is how many locations the string is coupled to the lock. An additional factor is where the coupling locations and the spacing between the locations. By varying these factors, the resulting folded or collapsed configuration can be varied.

The second or collapsed style or configuration resulting from the pattern of attachment regions and further tensioning of the string is shown in FIG. 12. As can be seen in FIG. 12, the second style may resemble a bun hairdo. The strings 450, 550, 650, and 350 of each of the locks 400, 500, 600, and 300 has been pulled so that the distal end of each of the locks is proximate to its proximal end and is in its upper position. As a result, the locks 400, 500, 600, and 300 are illustrated as being in their collapsed configurations 406, 506, 606, and 306.

As shown, collapsed lock 400 has a flower-like appearance in that it has several petal-shaped extending portions. Collapsed lock 500 is simply squashed down on itself and has a beehive like appearance. Collapsed locks 600 and 300 resemble typical bun-like structures and have a generally tight appearance.

An alternative example of a hair styling mechanism for a hair styling doll is illustrated in FIGS. 13-14. Referring to FIG. 6, the hair styling mechanism includes a lock of hair 700, multiple strings 750 and a counterweight 740. The lock of hair 700 has a proximal end 710 that is coupled to a mounting component 705, which is representative of a portion of a doll's head or a structure coupled to the doll's head. The lock of hair 700 also has a distal end 712 that has a counterweight 740 coupled thereto.

The multiple strings 750 of the hair styling mechanism of FIG. 13 are attached to different portions of the lock of hair 700. For example, some of the different strings 750 can be alternately coupled to each of the braided sections of the lock of hair 700. In addition, each of the multiple strings 750 has a different length, which results in the pulling of different parts of the lock of hair 700 as the strings 750 are tensioned simultaneously. Tensioning one or more strings 750 causes the lock of hair 700 to retract at that particular string's point of attachment or points of attachment. In FIG. 13, the lock of hair 700 is illustrated in a first configuration in which it is in its longest length and deployed in a substantially linear configuration.

FIG. 14 shows the lock of hair 700 of FIG. 13 in an intermediate style or configuration 704 that is achieved upon tensioning certain strings 750 by a given amount. The intermediate style 704 resembles a spiral. Further tensioning of the strings 750 causes the lock of hair 700 to coil into a mound resembling a bun style hairdo. Reducing tension on the strings 750 allows the counterweight 740 to return the lock of hair 700 to the first style 702. In some embodiments, using a single elongate member design is simpler than using a multiple elongate member design.

Referring to FIG. 14, some of the features and attributes of the hair styling mechanism example shown in FIG. 13 are illustrated. In this embodiment, the externally connected strings are visible. In this embodiment, the use of multiple strings and corresponding attachment locations enables the lock 700 to have a spiraling retraction pattern when one or more of the strings 750 is pulled. The spiraling manner of retraction is indicated by the arrows “I,” “J,” “K,”, “L,” and “M” as illustrated in FIG. 14. The result is a varying diameter of the lock of hair 700 when it is coiled and a general bun-like appearance in this configuration 704.

In some examples, the hair styling mechanism includes a release to selectively trigger the feed mechanism to unwind or otherwise supply string. For instance, the release may include ratchet teeth or a brake that is biased to selectively engage the feed mechanism to prevent it from rotating in a string feeding direction. Additionally or alternatively, the release may include a user input device, such as a button or lever, that overcomes the bias of the ratchet teeth or brake when engaged by a user. Thus, engaging the user input device allows the feed mechanism to rotate in a string feeding direction.

Additionally or alternatively, the hair styling mechanism may include a dampener to dampen or smooth the release of string and, correspondingly, dampen or smooth the motion of the lock of hair as it moves back to the first style. The dampener may include a restrictor that restricts or retards the rotation of the feed mechanism in a given direction, such as by reducing the rate at which the feed mechanism may rotate. In some examples, the dampener includes a weight, which serves to offset some of the pull of the counterweight, attached to the string opposite the guide member from the counterweight.

The hair styling mechanisms and hair styling dolls described above may additionally and alternatively be described as follows.

In one embodiment, the doll has a head that includes a scalp, an adjustable lock of hair attached to the scalp at a root end and having a tip end opposite the root end, a string attached to the lock of hair near the tip end, and a guide element supported by or defined by the scalp, the string interacting with the guide element to move the tip end of the lock of hair towards the guide element when the string is pulled.

In another embodiment, the doll has a bundle of hair for use with the doll. The bundle of hair includes a first attachment region, a second attachment region spaced from the first attachment region, and a string attached to the first attachment region and to the second attachment region, wherein pulling the string draws the first attachment region toward the second attachment region to alter the shape of the bundle of hair.

In another embodiment, the doll includes a mechanism that can be used to change the appearance of a lock of hair extending from a doll. The mechanism includes a string coupled to the lock of hair, a feed mechanism configured to release and retract the string to change the appearance of the lock of hair, and a dampener configured to smooth the release of string from the feed mechanism.

In another embodiment, the doll includes a string or elongate member that is attached in more than one position to alter shape of the hair of the doll. The doll includes a head defining an opening, an extension of hair attached to the head near the opening, and a string coupled to the extension of hair in multiple positions and extending into the opening of the head, wherein the string changes the shape of the extension of hair when tensioned.

In another embodiment, the doll includes a string or elongate member that is coupled to a lock of hair in a predetermined pattern. The doll includes a head, a lock of hair coupled to the head at a root end and including a tip end opposite the root end, and a string coupled to the lock of hair proximate the tip end and to at least one intermediate position between the tip end and the root end, the string being coupled to the lock of hair in a predetermined coiling pattern that causes the string to move the lock of hair into a predetermined style when tensioned.

In another embodiment, the doll includes an external lock of hair that is adjustable. The doll includes a head defining a scalp, a guide element attached to or supported by the scalp, an adjustable lock of hair attached to the scalp at a root end and having a tip end opposite the root end, and a string having a first end coupled to the adjustable lock of hair proximate the tip end and extending through or around the guide element to cause the first end of the string to move to the guide element when the string is tensioned.

In another embodiment, the doll includes a system or mechanism including a spool, a release, and a dampener to regulate the length of the string. The doll includes a body defining a cavity, a head coupled to the body and defining an aperture, a lock of hair coupled to the head and having a tip end distal the head, a spool rotatably mounted within the cavity of the body, a release mechanism operatively connected to the spool and configured to selectively allow rotation of the spool, a string passing through the aperture of the head and having a first end and a second end, the first end being coupled to the spool and the second end being coupled to the tip end of the lock of hair, and a dampener operatively connected to the spool to limit the rate at which the spool may rotate when released by the release mechanism.

In another embodiment, the doll head includes a scalp region for the attachment of doll hair, an aperture formed in the scalp region, a plurality of strands of doll hair attached to the scalp region, with distal end portions, and a separate strand extending through the doll head and out of the aperture, the separate strand movable through the aperture and operatively attached to different portions of the plurality of strands of doll hair.

While embodiments of a toy and methods of use have been shown and described, many variations may be made. This disclosure may include one or more independent or interdependent embodiments directed to various combinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties. Other combinations and sub-combinations are regarded as included within the subject matter of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the foregoing embodiments are illustrative, and no single feature or element, or combination thereof, is essential to all possible combinations that may be claimed in this or a later application. Each example defines an embodiment disclosed in the foregoing disclosure, but anyone example does not necessarily encompass all features or combinations that may be eventually claimed.

Claims

1. A doll, comprising:

a head defining an opening;

an extension of hair coupled to the head proximate to the opening, the hair being braided along at least a portion of its length;

an elongate member coupled to the hair at multiple locations, the elongate member extending into the opening of the head; and

an adjustment mechanism coupled to the elongate member such that the adjustment member can move the elongate member relative to the head, and movement of the elongate member changes the shape of the hair.

2. The doll of claim 1, wherein the extension of hair includes three braided sections and each of the braided sections includes at least one of the multiple locations.

3. The doll of claim 1, wherein the extension of hair includes three braided sections and the elongate member is alternately coupled to the three braided sections.

4. The doll of claim 1, wherein the elongate member is a first elongate member and the doll further comprises:

a second elongate member coupled to the hair, the second elongate member being coupled to the adjustment mechanism and movable simultaneously with the first elongate member.

5. The doll of claim 4, wherein the extension of hair includes three braided sections and each of the first elongate member and the second elongate member is alternately coupled to each of the three braided sections along the length of the respective elongate member.

6. The doll of claim 1, wherein the extension of hair includes a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being located proximate to the head of the doll, the distal end being moved upwardly when the elongate member is drawn into the head of the doll.

7. The doll of claim 6, wherein the extension of hair has curled configuration when the distal end is raised to its upper position.

8. The doll of claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism includes a take-up device to which the elongate member is coupled, and rotation of the take-up device moves the elongate member relative to the head.

9. A doll with adjustable hair, comprising:

a head;

a lock of braided hair having a base end and a distal end opposite to the base end, the base end being coupled to the braided head; and

an elongate member engaged with the lock of braided hair proximate the distal end and to at least one intermediate position between the distal end and the base end, the elongate member being engaged with the lock of braided hair in a coiled configuration that causes the elongate member to move the lock of braided hair into a predetermined curled configuration when the elongate member is tensioned.

10. The doll of claim 9, wherein the head includes a cavity with an opening, and the elongate member extends through the opening from the cavity.

11. The doll of claim 9, wherein the elongate member is attached to the lock of braided hair proximate to the distal end, at a first intermediate position along the lock of braided hair, and at a second intermediate position along the lock of braided hair.

12. The doll of claim 11, wherein the lock of braided hair includes a first section, a second section, and a third section, the first intermediate position being located on the first section, and the second intermediate position being located on one of the second section or the third section.

13. A hair styling mechanism for a doll having a body and a head, the mechanism comprising:

a bundle of braided hair supported by the head, the bundle of hair including a first attachment region and a second attachment region spaced from the first attachment region; and

an elongate member coupled to the first attachment region and to the second attachment region, wherein pulling the elongate member moves the first attachment region toward the second attachment region to alter the shape of the bundle of hair.

14. The hair styling mechanism of claim 13, wherein the bundle of hair includes a first braided section and a second braided section, the first attachment region being located on the first braided section and the second attachment region being located on the second braided section.

15. The hair styling mechanism of claim 13, wherein the head includes a cavity with an opening, and the elongate member extends through the opening from the cavity.

16. The hair styling mechanism of claim 13, wherein the bundle of hair includes a first braided section, a second braided section, and a third braided section, the first attachment region being located on the first braided section, the second attachment region being located on the second braided section, and the bundle of hair includes a third attachment region spaced from the first attachment region and the second attachment region, the third attachment region being located on the third braided section.

17. The hair styling mechanism of claim 13, wherein the bundle of hair includes a first braided section, a second braided section, and a third braided section, and the first attachment region and the second attachment region are located on the first braided section.

18. The hair styling mechanism of claim 13, wherein the bundle of hair has a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being located proximate to the head, the distance between the distal end and the head when the first attachment region is moved toward the second attachment region.

19. The hair styling mechanism of claim 13, wherein the mechanism further comprises:

a take-up mechanism, the elongate member being coupled to the take-up mechanism so that movement of the take-up mechanism adjusts the length of the bundle of hair.

20. The hair styling mechanism of claim 19, wherein the take-up mechanism includes a spool rotatably mounted within the cavity of the body, and a release mechanism operatively coupled to the spool and configured to selectively allow rotation of the spool.