Budge-Free Hair Accessories

An apparatus for holding the hair and also the headwear stationary consists of a headwear, at least one comb piece, and an attachment mechanism. The headwear is made of a soft fabric material which can also be moisture absorbent. An elastic material allows the headwear to be worn conveniently. When the headwear is worn, the at least one comb piece secures the headwear with the user's hair. In order to do so, the at least one comb piece is attached to the headwear with the attachment mechanism. More specifically, a shaft of the at least one comb piece is attached to an inner annular surface of the headwear. Resultantly, the at least one comb piece will be positioned in between a top edge and a bottom edge of the headwear.

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Description

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 61/903,007 filed on Nov. 12, 2013.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to headwear and head accessories. More specifically, the present invention is a hair accessory that assists in keeping headwear stationary on a wearer's head. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the teethed hair accessories are attached or integrated with headwear that is prone to unseating, slipping, and separating from the wearer's head.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Headwear and hair accessories are often worn for athletic, hygienic, and aesthetic purposes. Headwear and hair accessories are available in a wide variety of styles and are often worn for cultural and religious purposes as well. Headbands are worn by athletes who wish to keep hair away from the eyes as well as to absorb sweat before it reaches the eyes. Cooks and other food service workers wear hairnets in order to keep hair contained and to prevent the hair from contaminating food. While headbands and hairnets are practical and utilitarian examples of commonly worn headwear and hair accessories, oftentimes headwear and hair accessories are worn for fashion purposes in order to round out an outfit. Beauty headbands, hair wraps, bandanas, and do-rags are several examples of fashion headwear and hair accessories that are commonly worn to complement an outfit. While headwear and hair accessories are available in a wide variety for a diverse array of purposes, it is oftentimes a chore to keep the headwear and hair accessories in place during use. Headwear and hair accessories tend to become unseated, slip, and separate from the head. While some types of headwear and hair accessories have means of retention on a wearer's head, oftentimes it is simply not effective in retaining the headwear and hair accessories on the head. This is particularly the case for headwear and hair accessories that are worn during physical activity, such as sweatbands. The present invention seeks to address the aforementioned issues as well as provide users with a practical, convenient, and functional solution.

The present invention is a hair accessory that is designed to aid in keeping headwear in place on a wearer's head. In its preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a plurality of comb pieces that is integrated or attached to the interior surfaces of headwear. The number of comb pieces may vary based on the specific type of headwear. Furthermore, the teeth of the plurality of comb pieces may vary in terms of design and size as well. The present invention is not limited with respect to the specific type of mechanism for attaching the teethed hair accessories to the headwear. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the teethed hair accessories are sewn to the interior surfaces of the headwear that come into contact with the wearer's hair.

However, the attachment mechanism may vary based on the material and type of the headwear used. The present invention is not limited with respect to the specific material of the plurality of comb pieces as well. However, because the plurality of comb pieces is worn in conjunction with conventional headwear, it is important that the accessories are composed of a lightweight material.

The object of the present invention is to aid in retaining multiple types of headwear in place on a wearer's head. The teethed hair accessories are tucked into the wearer's hair as the wearer dons the headwear. This effectively interlocks the teethed hair accessories with the wearer's hair, preventing the headwear from unseating, slipping, or otherwise separating from the wearer's head during use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the headwear with the plurality of comb pieces attached.

FIG. 2 is an isometric internal view of the headwear with plurality of comb pieces attached.

FIG. 3 is an alternate isometric view of the headwear with the plurality of comb pieces attached.

FIG. 4 is an alternate isometric internal view of the headwear with the plurality of comb pieces attached.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the headwear with the plurality of comb pieces attached.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the headwear, wherein the plurality of comb pieces is attached with non-toxic adhesive.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the at least one comb piece, wherein the comb piece is attached with the plurality of stitches.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the headwear, wherein the plurality of loops is attached to the inner annular surface.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the at least one comb piece being attached, wherein the plurality of loops are utilized.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the headwear, wherein the first fastener is mounted onto the inner annular surface.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the comb piece, wherein the second fastener is mounted onto the shaft.

FIG. 12 is a top view of the first fastener being engaged to the second fastener.

 DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

As experienced by many individuals, unruly hair can be a major distraction when engaging in daily activities. The present invention is an apparatus that can be used to hold a user's hair in place. More specifically, the present invention serves the purpose of a headwear which holds a user's hair steady to some extent. If a user is engaged in a rigorous physical activity, the traditional headwear has a tendency to move about on the user's head. The effective design of the present invention allows the headwear to be stationary on the head while keeping the hair still.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the present invention comprises a headwear 1, at least one comb piece 6, and an attachment mechanism 10. Similar to the conventional headwear, the headwear 1 of the present invention is utilized to hold hair in place. The headwear can be, but is not limited to, a headband, a cap, a hair cover, a bandana, and a bonnet. The at least one comb piece 6 is utilized to keep the headwear 1 stationary on the user's head. In order to do so, the at least one comb piece 6 is attached to the headwear 1 through the attachment mechanism 10.

The headwear 1 comprises an inner annular surface 2, and outer annular surface 3, a top edge 4, and a bottom edge 5 as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. The size of the headwear 1 can be varied by changing the distance between the inner annular surface 2 and the outer annular surface 3 when manufacturing the headwear 1. Similarly, the size of the headwear 1 can also be changed by varying the distance between the top edge 4 and the bottom edge 5. The effective design of the present invention allows the headwear 1 to be used both as a fashion accessory and also when engaging in physical activities. In order to use the present invention as a fashion accessory, the headwear 1 is made of a soft fabric material. The soft fabric material can be, but is not limited to, silk, cotton, and nylon. Similarly, the headwear 1 can be made of a moisture absorbent material such that the present invention can be used when participating in a physical activity. However, the headwear 1 also can be designed with a soft fabric material which is also moisture absorbent. Furthermore, the present invention comprises an elastic material 16 which is integrated throughout the headwear 1. The elastic material 16 enables the present invention to be worn in multiple configurations. For instance, some users may prefer to wear the headwear 1 close to the forehead and other users may prefer to wear the headwear 1 differently. The elastic material 16 provides flexibility to all configurations. Most importantly, users with different head sizes and different hair styles can utilize the present invention due to the elastic material 16.

As seen in FIG. 4 and FIG. 7, each of the at least one comb piece 6 comprises a shaft 7 and a plurality of teeth 9. The shaft 7 is used as an attachment point in different embodiments of the present invention. The plurality of teeth 9 is utilized to secure the headwear 1 on the user's head while securing the user's hair in place. In order to do so, each of the at least one comb piece 6 is positioned in between the top edge 4 and the bottom edge 5. When positioned, each of the plurality of teeth 9 extends from the shaft 7 towards the bottom edge 5. Moreover, the shaft 7 is positioned adjacent to the top edge 4.

As illustrated in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, when a plurality of comb pieces 6 is utilized, the plurality of comb pieces 6 is radially positioned about the inner annular surface 2. The number of the plurality of comb pieces 6 can vary according to user preference. When positioned, each of the plurality of comb pieces 6 will be equally spaced within the inner annular surface 2.

As mentioned earlier, each of the plurality of comb pieces 6 is connected to the headwear 1 through the attachment mechanism 10. More specifically, the shaft 7 is attached onto the inner annular surface 2 with the attachment mechanism 10. In doing so, an exterior surface 8 of the shaft 7 is adjacently connected to the inner annular surface 2. Depending on the attachment mechanism 10, the plurality of comb pieces 6 can be either fixed to the headwear 1 or removable from the headwear 1.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention in which the attachment mechanism 10 is a non-toxic adhesive 11. The non-toxic adhesive 11 secures the plurality of comb pieces 6 against the headwear 1. More specifically, the exterior surface 8 of the shaft 7 is fixed to the inner annular surface 2 with the non-toxic adhesive 11. Since the non-toxic adhesive 11 is not visible when the headwear 1 is worn, it does not affect the aesthetically pleasing appearance of the headwear 1. Using the non-toxic adhesive 11 is especially beneficial if the distance between the outer annular surface 3 and the inner annular surface 2 is minimal. More specifically, the non-toxic adhesive 11 can be used to attach the plurality of comb pieces 6 to a thin headwear.

In addition to using the non-toxic adhesive 11, the plurality of comb pieces 6 can also be secured by sewing. When the plurality of comb pieces 6 is sewn into the headwear 1, the attachment mechanism 10 is a plurality of stitches 12. The plurality of comb pieces 6 being attached to the headwear 1 is illustrated in FIG. 7. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the exterior surface 8 of the shaft 7 is pressed against the inner annular surface 2 with the plurality of stitches 12. Attaching the plurality of comb pieces 6 with the plurality of stitches 12 is especially beneficial when there is sufficient thickness in between the inner annular surface 2 and the outer annular surface 3. Furthermore, the plurality of stitches 12 can also be used to incorporate a design to the headwear 1.

The needs of the headwear 1 can vary from one user to the other. In order to cater the varied needs, another embodiment of the present invention can be designed such that the plurality of comb pieces 6 is interchangeable. In order to do so, the attachment mechanism 10 is a plurality of loops 13 as illustrated in FIG. 8. The plurality of loops 13 is fixed to the inner annular surface 2 such that the plurality of comb pieces 6 can be inserted into the plurality of loops 13. When inserted, each of the plurality of teeth 9 of the plurality of comb pieces 6 traverses through a corresponding loop 130 of the plurality of loops 13. As a result, the shaft 7 will be pressed against the plurality of loops 13. A similar procedure can be followed when inserting a different plurality of comb pieces. The different plurality of comb pieces can differ in size and the number of the plurality of teeth 9. However, the different plurality of comb pieces is also secured in the same manner.

In another embodiment of the present invention, wherein each of the plurality of comb pieces 6 is removable, the attachment mechanism 10 comprises a first fastener 14 and a second fastener 15. As shown in FIG. 10, the first fastener 14 is mounted onto the inner annular surface 2. Similarly, the second fastener 15 is mounted onto the shaft 7 as illustrated in FIG. 11. By engaging the first fastener 14 with the second fastener 15, the plurality of comb pieces 6 can be secured with the headwear 1 as illustrated in FIG. 12. The first fastener 14 can be, but is not limited to, a hook portion. Correspondingly, the second fastener 15 can be, but is not limited to, a loop portion.

Since some users prefer to wear the headwear 1 for a long time period, comfort needs to be a priority of the present invention. In order to provide comfort, the plurality of comb pieces 6 is made of a plastic material. The plastic material is lightweight such that the present invention causes no burden when worn. Additionally, the plastic material adds more durability to the present invention. However, in another embodiment of the present invention, a different lightweight material can also be utilized.

When utilizing the present invention, the following process flow is followed. Initially, the headwear 1 is worn at a desired location. The elastic material 16 allows the user to wear the headwear 1 at a preferred position. When the headwear 1 is worn, only the outer annular surface 3 will be visible. Next, the user adjusts the headwear 1 such that the plurality of teeth 9 secures the headwear 1 with the user's hair. If the user is not satisfied with the plurality of comb pieces 6, the attachment mechanism 10 can be used to interchange the plurality of comb pieces 6.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

1. An apparatus for holding the hair and the headwear stationary comprises:

a headwear;
at least one comb piece;
an attachment mechanism;
the headwear comprises an inner annular surface, an outer annular surface, a top edge, and a bottom edge;
each of the at least one comb piece comprises a shaft and a plurality of teeth;
each of the at least one comb piece being positioned in between the top edge and the bottom edge;
the shaft being attached onto the inner annular surface by the attachment mechanism;
the shaft being positioned adjacent to the top edge; and
each of the plurality of teeth extending from the shaft to the bottom edge.

2. The apparatus for holding the hair and the headwear stationary as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the at least one comb piece being a plurality of comb pieces;
the plurality of comb pieces being radially positioned about the inner annular surface; and
each of the plurality of comb pieces being equally spaced within the inner annular surface.

3. The apparatus for holding the hair and the headwear stationary as claimed in claim 1, wherein an exterior surface of the shaft is being adjacently connected to the inner annular surface.

4. The apparatus for holding the hair and the headwear stationary as claimed in claim 3 comprises:

the attachment mechanism being a non-toxic adhesive; and
the exterior surface of the shaft being fixed to the inner annular surface with the non-toxic adhesive.

5. The apparatus for holding the hair and the headwear stationary as claimed in claim 3 comprises:

the attachment mechanism being a plurality of stitches; and
the exterior surface of the shaft being pressed against the inner annular surface by the plurality of stitches.

6. The apparatus for holding the hair and the headwear stationary as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the attachment mechanism being a plurality of loops;
the plurality of loops being fixed about the inner annular surface;
each of the plurality of teeth traversing through a corresponding loop from the plurality of loops; and
the shaft being pressed against the plurality of loops.

7. The apparatus for holding the hair and the headwear stationary as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the attachment mechanism comprises a first fastener and a second fastener;
the first fastener being mounted onto the inner annular surface;
the second fastener being mounted on the shaft; and
the first fastener and the second fastener being engaged to each other.

8. The apparatus for holding the hair and the headwear stationary as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

an elastic material; and
the elastic material being integrated throughout the headwear.

9. The apparatus for holding the hair and the headwear stationary as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the at least one comb piece is made of a plastic material.

10. The apparatus for holding the hair and the headwear stationary as claimed in claim 1, wherein the headwear is made of a moisture absorbent material.

11. The apparatus for holding the hair and the headwear stationary as claimed in claim 1, wherein the headwear is made of a soft fabric material.

12. An apparatus for holding the hair and the headwear stationary comprises:

a headwear;
at least one comb piece;
an attachment mechanism;
the headwear comprises an inner annular surface, an outer annular surface, a top edge, and a bottom edge;
each of the at least one comb piece comprises a shaft and a plurality of teeth;
each of the at least one comb piece being positioned in between the top edge and the bottom edge;
the shaft being attached onto the inner annular surface by the attachment mechanism;
the shaft being positioned adjacent to the top edge;
each of the plurality of teeth extending from the shaft to the bottom edge;
the at least one comb piece being a plurality of comb pieces;
the plurality of comb pieces being radially positioned about the inner annular surface;
each of the plurality of comb pieces being equally spaced within the inner annular surface; and
an exterior surface of the shaft being adjacently connected to the inner annular surface.

13. The apparatus for holding the hair and the headwear stationary as claimed in claim 12 comprises:

the attachment mechanism being a non-toxic adhesive; and
the exterior surface of the shaft being fixed to the inner annular surface with the non-toxic adhesive.

14. The apparatus for holding the hair and the headwear stationary as claimed in claim 12 comprises:

the attachment mechanism being a plurality of stitches; and
the exterior surface of the shaft being pressed against the inner annular surface by the plurality of stitches.

15. The apparatus for holding the hair and the headwear stationary as claimed in claim 12 comprises:

the attachment mechanism being a plurality of loops;
the plurality of loops being fixed about the inner annular surface;
each of the plurality of teeth traversing through a corresponding loop from the plurality of loops; and
the shaft being pressed against the plurality of loops.

16. The apparatus for holding the hair and the headwear stationary as claimed in claim 12 comprises:

the attachment mechanism comprises a first fastener and a second fastener;
the first fastener being mounted onto the inner annular surface;
the second fastener being mounted on the shaft; and
the first fastener and the second fastener being engaged to each other.

17. The apparatus for holding the hair and the headwear stationary as claimed in claim 12 comprises:

an elastic material; and
the elastic material being integrated throughout the headwear.

18. The apparatus for holding the hair and the headwear stationary as claimed in claim 12, wherein at least one comb piece is made of a plastic material.

19. The apparatus for holding the hair and the headwear stationary as claimed in claim 12, wherein the headwear is made of a moisture absorbent material.

20. The apparatus for holding the hair and the headwear stationary as claimed in claim 12, wherein the headwear is made of a soft fabric material.

Patent History
Publication number: 20150128988
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 11, 2014
Publication Date: May 14, 2015
Inventor: Ellen Marie Thompson (Long Beach, CA)
Application Number: 14/538,534
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Hair Fastener (132/273)
International Classification: A45D 8/12 (20060101);