PONYTAIL ENHANCER

Abstract

A ponytail enhancer includes a head portion with a first radius, a band portion with a second radius, and a tail portion with a third radius. The first radius and the third radius are greater than the second radius. The head portion includes a head resting surface shaped to rest against the back of a human head. The band portion is shaped to allow a ponytail band to fit and stay in place. The tail portion is shaped to add fullness to a ponytail.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from U.S. Pat. No. 6,565,431, entitled “PONYTAIL ENHANCER”, filed on Dec. 3, 2009.

The field of this invention is hair enhancing devices, and in particular ponytail enhancing devices.

BACKGROUND

It may be desirable for a person to create the impression that their hair is fuller and thicker than in its natural state. This may especially be true when putting hair in a ponytail as it is more difficult to create an illusion of full and thick hair when using this style. Creams and jells exist that give hair more fullness, but must be applied after each shampoo. Techniques to add real or artificial human hair also are known, such as braiding or pinning hairpieces to existing hair. These hair pieces are generally expensive and it is time consuming and sometimes painful to attach them to existing hair.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A ponytail enhancer includes a head portion with a first radius, a band portion with a second radius, and a tail portion with a third radius. The first radius and the third radius are greater than the second radius. The head portion includes a head resting surface shaped to rest against the back of a human head. The band portion is shaped to allow a ponytail band to fit and stay in place. The tail portion is shaped to add fullness to a ponytail.

A method of creating an enhanced ponytail with a ponytail device, including a head portion, a band portion, and a tail portion, includes separating hair on a human head into at least two sections. The head portion is rested on the head between the hair sections. Hair is drawn around the ponytail device and secured with a band placed around the hair and the band portion. Hair is arranged around the tail portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments or features of the disclosure and, together with the description, help explain principles of the disclosure. In the drawings,

FIG. 1 depicts a first view of an exemplary embodiment of a ponytail device.

FIG. 2 depicts a second view of an exemplary embodiment of a ponytail device.

FIG. 3 depicts a second view of an exemplary embodiment of a ponytail device.

FIG. 4 depicts a cross section of an exemplary embodiment of a ponytail device along line A in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an exemplary method of creating a ponytail with a ponytail enhancer.

FIG. 6 depicts a step in an exemplary method of creating a ponytail with a ponytail enhancer.

FIG. 7A depicts a ponytail without a ponytail enhancer.

FIG. 7B depicts a ponytail with an exemplary embodiment of a ponytail enhancer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Generally, the same or corresponding reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a ponytail enhancer 100 is depicted. The enhancer 100 includes a shape such that when the enhancer is utilized to form a ponytail from hair on a human head, with the method described below in relation to FIG. 5, such that the hair appears thicker or fuller. Having thicker than normal human hair is often a desirable quality. The enhancer 100 may aid a human being in creating the illusion that their hair is thicker than it actually is.

The enhancer 100 includes a generally asymmetrical hourglass configuration. The enhancer 100 includes a head portion 102, a band portion 104, a tail portion 106, and an outside surface 108. The band portion 104 is between the head portion 102 and tail portion 106, and is generally smaller.

The enhancer 100 may include heights in a direction and widths in a direction perpendicular to the heights as shown in relation for FIG. 2. The enhancer 100 may include an axis X in the direction of heights. The enhancer 100 may be radially symmetrical is relation to the axis X. Radially symmetrical includes any object which has radial cross sections which are generally identical at any angle degree around an axis. Generally identical includes differences which would be considered acceptable by an ordinary person skilled in the art now or in the future. These differences may, for example, be due to normal manufacturing tolerances. They may also be due to slight changes in dimensions due to environmental issues.

The enhancer 100 may include a flexible or elastic material, such as foam. For example, the enhancer 100 may include soft closed cell foam. The enhancer 100 may be formed totally of the flexible or elastic material, or portions of the enhancer 100 may be formed of the flexible or elastic material, with other portions including other materials such as plastic, wood, or metal. The enhancer 100, or portions of the enhancer 100, may be colored to match hair colors. For example, the enhancer may include, but are not limited to, colors matching blond, brunette, red, black, or grey hair.

The head portion 102 may be shaped and designed to rest comfortably on a human head. The head portion 102 may aid in giving an illusion that the hair at the base of a ponytail is thicker.

The head portion 102 includes a head resting surface 110 (seen more clearly in relation to FIGS. 3 and 4). People have heads of many different shapes and sizes. A person may want to form a ponytail at the back of the head, or in other locations. For example, many people put their hair in a ponytail on the top of their head, or on the side. The head resting surface 110 may be designed to conform to the shape of a human head and the placement of the ponytail, and include a variety of sizes and shapes. The head resting surface 110 may include flexible material such that the surface 110 conforms more readily to different shapes and sizes of heads and is more comfortable for the wearer.

The head portion 102 includes a first radius R1. The first radius R1 is the longest straight line that can be drawn on a cross section of the head portion 102, the cross section taken perpendicular to the height of the enhancer 100, from the center of mass (or center of gravity) of the cross section to the outer surface 108 of the cross section. When the enhancer 100 is radially symmetrical to the axis X, the first radius R1 includes a straight line, perpendicular to axis X, from axis X to the outside surface 108. When the enhancer 100 is radially symmetrical to the axis X, the center of mass of a cross section of the head portion 102 perpendicular to the height may include the point where the axis X intersects the cross section.

The head portion 102 in the embodiment depicted includes a first end 112 (shown more clearly in relation to FIG. 3). The first end 112 may be convex (shown more clearly in relation to FIGS. 2 and 4). The first end 112 may include the head resting surface 110.

The head portion 102 depicted includes a first circular edge 114 and a base 128. The base 128 may begin at the first circular edge 114 and have a height (H4 in FIG. 2). Cross sections of the base 128 perpendicular to the enhancer 100 height, and axis X in the depicted embodiment, may have identical radii.

In the depicted embodiment, cross sections of the head portion 102, perpendicular to axis X, may have increasingly smaller radii moving from the base 114 towards the band portion 104.

A band (not shown) may be placed around the enhancer 100 and hair being made into a ponytail to secure the hair around the enhancer 100. The band portion 104 may be shaped and designed to aid in keeping a band in place.

The band portion 104 includes a second radius R2. The second radius R2 is the shortest straight line that can be drawn on a cross section of the band portion 104, the cross section taken perpendicular to the height of the enhancer 100, from the center of mass (or center of gravity) of the cross section to the outer surface 108 of the cross section. When the enhancer 100 is radially symmetrical to the axis X, the second radius R2 includes a straight line, perpendicular to axis X, from axis X to the outside surface 108. When the enhancer 100 is radially symmetrical to the axis X, the center of mass of a cross section of the band portion 104 perpendicular to the height may include the point where the axis X intersects the cross section. The first radius R1 has a greater length than the second radius R2.

The band portion 104 may intersect the head portion 102 on a first band end defining a first intersection plane 120. The band portion 104 may intersect the tail section 106 on a second band end defining a second intersection plane 122. The radii of cross sections of the band portion 104 moving from the first intersection plane 120 to the second intersection plane 122 may decrease and then increase. The outside surface 108 on the band section 104 may be shaped in a circular arc in the direction of axis X.

The radius of a cross section of the band portion 104 on the first intersection plane 120 may equal the radius of a cross section of the band portion 104 on the second intersection plane 122.

The ends of human hair held in place by the band around the band portion 104 may be arranged around the tail portion 106. The tail portion 106 may aid in creating an illusion that the hair is thicker. In the depicted embodiment the tail end 106 is generally egg shaped with ends cut off.

The tail portion 106 includes a third radius R3. The third radius R3 is the longest straight line that can be drawn on a cross section of the tail portion 106, the cross section taken perpendicular to the height of the enhancer 100, from the center of mass (or center of gravity) of the cross section to the outer surface 108 of the cross section. When the enhancer 100 is radially symmetrical to the axis X, the third radius R3 includes a straight line, perpendicular to axis X, from axis X to the outside surface 108. When the enhancer 100 is radially symmetrical to the axis X, the center of mass of a cross section of the tail portion 106 perpendicular to the height may include the point where the axis X intersects the cross section. The third radius R3 has a greater length than the second radius R2.

The tail portion may include a second end 116 and a second circular edge 118. The second end 116 may be convex and include a second center point 126. The radii of cross sections of the tail portion 106 moving from the second intersection plane 122 to the second end 116 may increase and then decrease.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a second view of an exemplary embodiment of a ponytail enhancer 100 is depicted. The first end 112 may include a first center point 124. The first circular edge may define a first edge plane 130. The first circular edge 114 may include a first diameter D1. First diameter D1 may be a straight line on the first edge plane 130. First diameter D1 may start at a point on the first circular edge 114, pass through the intersection of axis X with the first edge plane 130, and end at an opposite point on the first circular edge 114. In some embodiments, the value of the first diameter D1 may be equal to or greater than 1.5 inches, and equal to or less than 3.0 inches. In one embodiment the value of the first diameter D1 may equal 2.25 inches.

A first end angle θ1 may be formed between a line drawn from the first center point 124 and the first diameter D1. In some embodiments, the value of the first end angle θ1 may be equal to or greater than 4 degrees, and equal to or less than 16 degrees. In one embodiment value of the first end angle θ1 may include 8 degrees.

The second circular edge 118 may define a second edge plane 132. The second circular edge 118 may include a second diameter D2. Second diameter D2 may be a straight line on the second edge plane 132. Second diameter D2 may start at a point on the second circular edge 118, pass through the intersection of axis X with the second edge plane 132, and end at an opposite point on the second circular edge 118. In some embodiments, the value of the second diameter D2 may be equal to or greater than 0.5 inches, and equal to or less than 1.5 inches. In one embodiment the value of the second diameter D2 may equal 0.91 inches.

A second end angle θ2 may be formed between a line drawn from the second center point 126 and the second diameter D2. In some embodiments, the value of the second end angle θ2 may be equal to or greater than 20 degrees, and equal to or less than 40 degrees. In one embodiment value of the second end angle θ2 may include 31 degrees.

The circular arc formed by the outside surface 108 of the band portion 104 may have an arc radius RA. In some embodiments the value of the arc radius RA may be equal to or greater than 0.23 inches, and equal to or less than 0.43 inches. In one embodiment the value of the arc radius RA may equal 0.33 inches.

The length of a straight line drawn from the first edge plane 130 to the second edge plane 132, and perpendicular to both defines a first height H1. In some embodiments, the value of the first height H1 may be equal to or greater than 1.5 inches, and equal to or less than 2.5 inches. In one embodiment the value of the first height H1 includes 1.75 inches.

The length of a straight line drawn from the first edge plane 130 to the second center point 126, and perpendicular to the first edge plane 130 defines a second height H2. In some embodiments, the value of the second height H2 may be equal to or greater than 1.25 inches, and equal to or less than 2.25 inches. In one embodiment the value of the second height H2 includes 1.45 inches.

The length of a straight line drawn from the first edge plane 130 to the first center point 124, and perpendicular to the first edge plane 130 defines a third height H3. In some embodiments, the value of the third height H3 may be equal to or greater than 0.05 inches, and equal to or less than 0.25 inches. In one embodiment the value of the second height H2 includes 0.15 inches.

The base 128 may include a first base end 134 and a second base end 136. The first circular edge 114 may include the first base end 134. A straight line drawn from the first base end 134, to the second base end 136, and parallel to the axis X defines a fourth height H4. In some embodiments, the value of the fourth height H4 may be equal to or greater than 0.03 inches, and equal to or greater than 0.23 inches. In one embodiment the value of the fourth height H4 includes 0.13 inches.

A cross section of the enhancer 100 on the second intersection plane 122 may include a fourth radius R4. In some embodiments, the value of the fourth radius R4 may be equal to or greater than 0.5 inches, and equal to or greater than 1.0 inches. In one embodiment the value of the fourth radius R4 includes 0.625 inches.

A cross section of the enhancer 100 on the first intersection plane 120 may include a radius with a value equal to R4.

Referring now to FIG. 3, A third view of an exemplary embodiment of the enhancer 100 is depicted. FIG. 3 is a view of the first end 112 of the enhancer 100. The first end 112 in the depicted embodiment includes the head resting surface 110, the first circular edge 114, and the first center point 124. The first radius R1 may include a straight line drawn from the axis X to the first circular edge 114, perpendicular to the axis X.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a cross section of an exemplary embodiment of the enhancer 100 along the dotted line marked “A” in FIG. 3 is depicted.

Referring now to FIG. 5, an exemplary method of creating an enhanced ponytail is depicted in a flow chart. The enhanced ponytail may be created with the ponytail enhancer 100.

In step 102, hair on a human head is separated into at least two (2) sections. Depending on what type of ponytail is desired and the desired location of the ponytail, more than two sections may be formed.

In step 104, the head portion 102 may be rested between hair sections on the head. The head resting surface 110 may be directly against the head. This may be at the back of the head as in the depicted embodiment, but may also be on the top of the head, the side of the head, or anywhere a ponytail is desired.

Referring to FIG. 6, a depiction of the enhancer 100 between hair sections, resting on a human head is shown.

Referring back to FIG. 5, in step 106 hair is drawn around the enhancer 100. All hair desired in the ponytail may be held in place around the head portion 102 by a hand at the band portion 104.

In step 108, the hair is secured around the enhancer 100 by sliding a band around the hair and enhancer and securing it around the band portion 104. Many types of bands may be used. Rubber bands, hair holder bands of elastic material with fibers around it to protect hair, hair “scrunchies”, and ribbons are non-limiting examples of bands that may be used.

In step 110, the hair is arranged around the tail section after being secured.

Referring now to FIG. 7A, a ponytail without an enhancer 100 is depicted. In contrast, FIG. 7B depicts a ponytail with an exemplary embodiment of an enhancer.

From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications or variations may be made without deviating from the spirit or scope of inventive features claimed herein. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and figures and practice of the arrangements disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and disclosed examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true inventive scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A ponytail enhancer, comprising:

a head portion including a first radius and a head resting surface, the head resting surface shaped to rest against the back of a human head;

a band portion attached to the head portion and including a second radius, the band portion shaped to allow a ponytail band to fit and stay in place around the band portion, and the second radius less than the first radius,

a tail portion including a third radius greater than the second radius, the tail portion configured to add fullness to a ponytail.

2. The ponytail enhancer of claim 1,

further comprising an axis, and

wherein the enhancer is generally radially symmetrical in relation to the axis.

3. The invention of claim 2, further comprising a first intersection plane between the head portion and the band portion, and

wherein: the head portion includes a first end including a first circular edge, the radius of the head portion is greatest at the first circular edge, and the radius of the head portion is least at the first intersection plane.

4. The invention of claim 2, further comprising a first intersection plane between the head portion and the band portion, and a second intersection plane between the band portion and the tail portion, and

wherein the radius of the band portion at the first intersection plane is essentially equal to the radius of the band portion at the second intersection plant

5. The ponytail enhancer of claim 1, wherein the first radius is greater than the third radius.

6. The ponytail enhancer of claim 1,

further comprising an axis, and

wherein the head portion includes a first end, the first end includes the head resting surface and a first circular edge, and the head resting surface is generally convex and radially symmetrical in relation to the axis.

7. The ponytail enhancer of claim 6, wherein:

the head resting surface includes a first center point,

the first circular edge includes a first diameter, and

a first end angle between a line drawn from the first center point to the first circular edge and the first diameter equals a value between 4 and 16 degrees.

8. The ponytail enhancer of claim 1,

further including an axis, and

wherein the band portion includes an outside surface, and the outside surface in the direction of the axis is shaped in a circular arc.

9. The ponytail enhancer of claim 8, wherein the circular arc includes an arc radius, the arc radius equal to a value between 0.23 and 0.43 inches.

10. The ponytail enhancer of claim 1,

further comprising an axis, and

wherein the tail section includes a second end, the second end including a second circular edge and generally convex and radially symmetrical in relation to the axis.

11. The ponytail enhancer of claim 10, wherein:

the second end includes a second center point,

the second circular edge includes a second diameter, and

a second end angle between a line drawn from the second center point to the second diameter equals a value between 20 and 40 degrees.

12. The ponytail enhancer of claim 1,

wherein; the head portion includes a first end including a first circular edge, the first circular edge defining a first edge plane; and the tail portion includes a second end including a second circular edge, the second circular edge defining a second edge plane; and

further comprising a first height, the first height including a length of a straight line drawn from the first edge plane to the second edge plane, the line normal to the first edge plane and the second edge plane, the length equaling a value between 1.5 and 2.5 inches.

13. The ponytail enhancer of claim 1,

wherein; the head portion includes a first end including a first circular edge, the first circular edge defining a first edge plane; and the tail portion includes a second end including a second center point; and

further comprising a second height, the second height including a length of a straight line drawn from the first edge plane to the second center point, the line normal to the first edge plane, the length equaling a value between 1.25 and 2.25 inches.

14. The ponytail enhancer of claim 1, wherein the head portion includes a first end including a first circular edge, the first circular edge including a diameter, the first diameter equaling a value between 1.5 and 3.0 inches.

15. The ponytail enhancer of claim 1, wherein the tail portion includes a second end including a second circular edge, the second circular edge including a second diameter, the second diameter equaling a value between 0.5 and 1.5 inches.

16. The ponytail enhancer of claim 1, wherein the head portion includes:

a first end, including a first circular edge and a first center point, the first circular edge including a first edge plane, and

a third height, the third height including a length of a straight line drawn from the first edge plane to the first center point, the line normal to the first edge plane, the length equaling a value between 0.05 and 0.25 inches.

17. The ponytail enhancer of claim 1, further comprising an axis, and

wherein the head portion includes a base radially symmetrical in relation to the axis and including a base first end, a base second end and a constant base radius.

18. The ponytail enhancer of claim 17, wherein the base includes a fourth height, the fourth height including a length of a straight line drawn parallel to the axis from the base first end to the base second end, the length equaling a value between 0.03 and 0.23 inches.

19. The invention of claim 1, further comprising a flexible material.

20. A method of creating an enhanced ponytail with a ponytail enhancer, the enhancer including a head portion, a band portion, and a tail portion, comprising:

separating hair on a human head into at least two hair sections;

resting the head portion on the human head between the at least two hair sections;

drawing the hair around the ponytail device;

securing the hair around the ponytail device with a band placed around the band portion and the hair; and

arranging hair around the tail portion.