Multi-Use Hair Styling Apparatus and Methods of Use

Abstract

A hairstyling apparatus has a cushioning sheath that defines an enclosed opening and a flexible frame positioned within the cushioning sheath. The frame extends along an inner perimeter of the cushioning sheath such that end portions of the frame are adjacent the ends of the cushioning sheath. First and second sides of the cushioning sheath are capable of being twisted with respect to each other such that first and side portions of the frame cause the enclosed opening to become smaller.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application which claims the priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/333,302 filed May 9, 2016, the entire disclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In this busy time, people often have to make the daily choice between waking up an hour earlier to make their hair presentable for work or get a much-needed extra hour of sleep.

As such, is a need to reduce the amount of time required to style their hair, and for ways to get ready quickly.

Also, people are looking for versatile hairstyles that they can do for a special occasion, a hairstyle that is classic and does not go out of style.

There is also a need to great hairstyles without constant heat styling that results in hair damage.

It is reported that, in the United States, on average, women spend 76 minutes getting ready on Monday—with almost one third of that spent on their hair. According to a poll conducted in U.K, the average woman spends 40 minutes each day making sure her hair looks perfect. This equates to 10 days in a years. The poll also showed that 12 percent of women have cancelled plans due to a bad hair day.

There is no admission that the background art disclosed in this section legally constitutes prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first broad aspect, this invention relates to a hairstyling apparatus, and more particularly, an improved hairstyling apparatus that is flexible, comfortable, simple, versatile, and decorative.

The hairstyling apparatus has a cushioning sheath and a flexible frame positioned within the cushioning sheath.

The cushioning sheath has an upper layer and a lower layer where each of the upper and lower layers have opposing first and second sides and opposing first and second ends. The upper and lower layers each having openings that are in alignment with each other such that the cushioning sheath defines an enclosed opening;

The enclosed opening extends between the first and second ends of the cushioning sheath. That is, the enclosed opening extends longitudinally along a plane defined by the first and second sides of the cushioning sheath.

The frame has opposing first and second side portions, and opposing first and second end portions. The frame extends along an inner perimeter of the cushioning sheath such that the first end portion of the frame is adjacent the first end of the cushioning sheath, and the second end portion of the frame is adjacent the second end of the cushioning sheath.

The first end and second ends of the cushioning sheath are capable of being twisted in opposite directions with respect to each other such that the first and side portions of the frame cause the enclosed opening to become smaller.

In use, the first end of the cushioning sheath (having the first end portion of the frame contained therein) and the second end of the cushioning sheath, having the end portion of the frame contained therein) can be twisted in opposite directions with respect to each other such that the first and side portions of the frame cause the enclosed opening to become smaller.

The hairstyling apparatus is both simple to use and beautiful, and is soft and comfortable to wear all day. Use of the hairstyling apparatus provides a method in which wearer can obtain wavy hair without the use of heated hair curling appliances which damages hair. The hairstyling apparatus enables the wearer to form multiple hairstyles including, but not limited to, French twist, ballerina bun, and high knot. The hairstyling apparatus also enables the wearer to add uniqueness by arranging the ends of the hairstyling apparatus into different shapes. In addition, the hairstyling styling can be easily applied by the wearer herself without assistance and effortlessly create hairstyles that most conceive as difficult to do by oneself.

Various objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The patent or application file may contain one or more drawings executed in color and/or one or more photographs. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawing(s) and/or photograph(s) will be provided by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office upon request and payment of the necessary fees.

FIG. 1A is a top schematic illustration of a hairstyling styling apparatus having an enclosed opening.

FIG. 1B is a perspective schematic illustration of a hairstyling styling apparatus without a top layer.

FIG. 2A is a top schematic illustration of a hairstyling styling apparatus, shown in a slightly twisted position.

FIG. 2B is a top view of a frame of the hairstyling styling apparatus of FIG. 2A, shown in a slightly twisted position.

FIG. 2C is a top view of a hairstyling styling apparatus, shown in a tightly twisted position.

FIG. 2D is a top view of a frame of the hairstyling styling apparatus of FIG. 2A, shown in a tightly twisted position.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of a wearer's head prior to applying the hairstyling apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of a wearer's head as she inserts her hair to an enclosed opening of the hairstyling apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of a wearer's head as she slides the hairstyling apparatus towards the end of her hair and prepares to roll her hair onto the hairstyling apparatus.

FIG. 6 is another rear view of a wearer's head from the right side as she rolls her hair outward with the hairstyling apparatus and twists each end of the apparatus to tighten the hold.

FIG. 7 is a rear view of a wearer's head from the right side as she brings the ends of the hairstyling apparatus together to make a bun and prepare to secure her updo.

FIG. 8 is a rear view from a wearer's heard from the right side showing the wearer twisting and putting together the ends of the hairstyling apparatus to secure the updo.

FIG. 9 is a rear view of a wearer's head with finished look.

FIG. 10 is a right side view of a wearer's head with finished look.

FIG. 11 is a view from a wearer's right side as she inserts her hair to the enclosed opening of the hairstyling apparatus.

FIG. 12 is a view from a wearer's right side as she rolls her hair inward with the hairstyling apparatus.

FIG. 13 is a view from a wearer's right side as she completes rolling her hair then twists each end of the apparatus to tighten the hold.

FIG. 14 is a rear view of a wearer's head as she completed rolling her hair then twists each end of the apparatus to tighten the hold of her updo.

FIG. 15 is a front view of a wearer's head as she completed rolling her hair, twist each end of apparatus to tighten the hold, and getting ready to bring the ends of the hairstyling apparatus together.

FIG. 16 is a rear view of a wearer's head as she brings the ends of the hairstyling apparatus 10 together.

FIG. 17 is a rear view of a wearer's head as she twists the ends of the hairstyling apparatus 10 together to secure her updo.

FIG. 18 is a rear view of a wearer's head with finished look.

FIG. 19 is a right side view of a wearer's head with finished look.

FIG. 20 is a side view of a wearer's head with a ponytail as a starting point for another horizontal application of the hairstyling apparatus.

FIG. 21 is a rear view of a wearer applying the hairstyling apparatus horizontally to a ponytail to create high knot.

FIG. 22 is a rear view of a wearer rolling ponytailed hair onto the hairstyling apparatus and twists each end of the apparatus to tighten the hold.

FIG. 23 is a rear view of a wearer, bringing ends together to secure high knot.

FIG. 24 is a side view of a wearer with finished look.

FIG. 25 is a rear view of a wearer's head prior to using the hairstyling apparatus.

FIG. 26 is a right side view of wearer applying hairstyling apparatus vertically to construct what is commonly known as a French twist. The user twists each end of the apparatus to tighten the hold of updo.

FIG. 27 is a rear view of wearer rolling hair onto a hairstyling apparatus vertically to construct a French twist. The user twists each end of the apparatus to tighten the hold of updo.

FIG. 28 is a side right view of wearer with finished look where the ends of the hairstyling apparatus 10 are inserted into hair to lock the French twist.

FIG. 29 is side view opposite of FIG. 28 of wearer with finish French twist.

FIG. 30, FIG. 31, and FIG. 32 are rear views of wearer's head when wearer applied the hairstyling apparatus by rolling hair inward, demonstrating the decorative flexibility of the hairstyling apparatus.

FIG. 30 shows the wearer simply twisting the ends of the hairstyling apparatus to secure the updo and create a bow on the top of the bun.

FIG. 31 shows the wearer tucking the ends of the hairstyling apparatus behind the bun to secure the updo.

FIG. 32 shows the wearer tucking both ends of the hairstyling apparatus to right side of the bun to secure the updo.

FIG. 33, FIG. 34, and FIG. 35 are possible rear views of wearer's head when wearer applied the hairstyling apparatus by rolling hair outward.

FIG. 33 shows the wearer simply twisting the ends of the hairstyling apparatus to secure the updo and create a bow at the bottom of the bun.

FIG. 34 shows the wearer tucking the ends of the hairstyling apparatus behind the bun to secure under the bun.

FIG. 35 shows the wearer tucking both ends of the hairstyling apparatus to the left side of the bun to secure.

FIG. 36 shows a front view of wearer before using the hairstyling apparatus where the wearer's hair is straight before the use.

FIG. 37 shows a rear of wearer showing before using the hairstyling apparatus where the wearer's her hair is straight before the use.

FIG. 38 shows right side view of wearer wearing the hairstyling apparatus.

FIG. 39 shows a rear view of wearer wearing the hairstyling apparatus.

FIG. 40 shows a front view of wearer after using the hairstyling apparatus for a period of time where the wearer with straight hair now has added waves.

FIG. 41 shows a rear view of wearer after using the hairstyling apparatus for a period of time where the wearer with straight hair now has added waves.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Throughout this disclosure, various publications, patents and published patent specifications are referenced by an identifying citation. The disclosures of these publications, patents and published patent specifications are hereby incorporated by reference into the present disclosure to more fully describe the state of the art to which this invention pertains.

FIG. 1A is a top view of a hairstyling styling 10.

FIG. 1B is a schematic, schematic illustration, partially broken away, showing the hairstyling styling 10 having an internal frame 12 and a soft cushioning sheath 20 that extends over the frame 12. The frame 12 is made of flexible and durable material. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the frame 12 has opposed first and second end portions 13, 14 that are connected by first and second sides 15, 16. The frame 12 thus can be formed into a generally elliptical or oblong shape, where the end portions 13, 14 each define a somewhat curved shape on a plane that is defined by the frame 12, as further explained herein.

In certain embodiments, the frame 12 has a shape of a strip, or flat ribbon, such that the height is much greater than its thickness. For example, in certain embodiments, the frame 12 has a height of about 3.0-3.5 mm, and a thickness of about 0.5 mm. The frame 12 is made of a material that is selected based on its flexibility as well as ability to maintain the shape once it's twisted. In certain embodiments, the frame can be made of an aluminum material.

The frame 12 has a linear ribbon-shape where distal ends 17, 18 of the ribbon are suitably connected (e.g., mated, welded or otherwise interconnected, etc.) so as to give the frame 12 its oblong shape. In the embodiment shown, the frame 12 is a single linear ribbon of material where the distal ends 17, 18 are folded over a clip 19 that secures the distal ends 17, 18. It is to be understood, however, that other mechanisms for forming a closed looped frame 12 are within the contemplated scope of the present invention.

The ribbon-shape of the frame 12 provides the hairstyling apparatus 10 with a desirable dimensional stability, and yet also provides the frame 12 with a desirable flexibility and resiliency that is not achievable through the use of round or square wires.

The soft cushioning sheath 20 has a top layer 21 and a bottom layer 22 which are in an opposing planar relationship. The top and bottom layers 21, 22 thus define first and second opposing fabric ends 23, 24 that are adjacent to first and second fabric sides 25, 26. The cushioning sheath 20 has a generally rectangular shape, where the fabric ends 23, 24 are substantially shorter in length than the opposing fabric sides 25, 26.

The cushioning sheath 20 defines an enclosed opening 30 that is longitudinally situated between the first and second fabric ends 23, 24. In the embodiment shown, the enclosed opening 30 is formed by sewing together portions 32 of the top and bottom layers 21, 22 of the cushioning sheath 20 that are adjacent the enclosed opening 30. That is, the cushioning sheath 20 and the enclosed opening 30 act to form a generally tubular shape covering the frame 12. It is to be understood, however, that other mechanisms for forming the enclosed opening (other than sewing) are within the contemplated scope of the present invention.

The enclosed opening 30 is where the wearer inserts her hair, as fully explained further herein. In one embodiment, the cushioning sheath 20 is about 30 to about 35 mm long, and about 5 to about 6 mm wide. In the embodiment shown, the enclosed opening 30 is about 15 mm long, and is positioned equidistant from the first and second fabric ends 23, 24. The frame 12 generally extends along the perimeter of the cushioning sheath 20 such that frame end portions 13, 14 of the frame 12 are adjacent the fabric ends 23, 24 of the cushioning sheath 20, as shown in FIG. 1B. As such, the frame 12, when enclosed within the cushioning sheath 20, is constrained by the perimeter of the cushioning sheath 20.

The cushioning sheath 20 can be a single fabric or multiple fabrics stitched together. The fabrics used are selected based on durability, aesthetic, and cushioning to the hair. The cushioning sheath 20 is made of a fabric that stretches or a fabric that provides a loose-coverage to the frame 12, thereby, providing room for the frame 12 to be manipulated into different shapes.

It is desired that the fabric have a surface that gently grasps the hair, while not allowing hair to be ensnarled. Useful fabrics include velvet-type materials that have a type of woven tufted fabric in which the cut threads are evenly distributed, with a short dense pile, giving it a distinctive feel. Other fabrics include velveteen materials that have a rib of velvet pile alternating with a plain depression. This fabric has a pile that is short, and is closely set. It has a firm hand, and a slightly sloping pile. Other fabrics includes velour-type materials that are a plush, knitted fabric or textile similar to velvet, which can be made from cotton but can also be made from synthetic materials such as polyester.

The frame 12 can be manipulated, bent and/or twisted by the wearer since the frame end portions 13, 14 are near the four-squared corner perimeter of the fabric ends 23, 24 of the cushioning sheath 20. This allows the wearer to manipulate the shape of the hairstyling apparatus 10 according to her preference (see, for example, FIG. 30 to FIG. 35 further explained below).

In use, the wearer will insert the hair that she wishes to roll on to the hairstyling apparatus 10 through the enclosed opening 30. This enclosed opening 30 provides a hook so the wearer can effectively roll her hair onto the apparatus 10. The opening 30 is shaped in a narrow yet prolonged shape to capture as much hair as possible. This is useful especially for wearers with sheathed hair.

FIG. 2A shows the hairstyling styling 10 in a twisted position where the first and second opposing sides 25, 26 are twisted in opposite directions with respect to each other. By twisting, the enclosed opening 30′ can be made smaller. That is, the wearer can insert a desired amount of hair into the enclosed opening 30, and then twist the opposing sides 25, 26 in opposite directions around a longitudinal axis defined by the hairstyling apparatus 10. This allows the hairstyling apparatus 10 to be used by the wearer with various hair volumes: thick to thin.

FIG. 2B shows the frame 12 of the hairstyling styling apparatus 10 of FIG. 2A in a tightly twisted position. The frame 12 (and an opening 30′ formed by the twisted sides 15, 16) allows the wearer to twist the ends to tighten the updo. This allows the wearer to form beautiful curls. As the wearer twists the ends, enclosed openings 30/30′ become smaller, thereby hold is tighter. For tighter waves, the wearer can choose to twist more. For loose waves, the wearer can twist less. Also, this allows the wearer to adjust the size of enclosed opening/s 30/30′ prior to inserting the hairstyling apparatus 10 to the wearer's hair—which is useful for someone with thinner hair volume.

FIG. 2C shows the hairstyling styling apparatus 10 in a tightly twisted position where the side portions 25, 26 are more tightly coiled around each other. FIG. 2D shows the frame 12 of the hairstyling styling apparatus 10 of FIG. 2A where the sides 15, 16 are more tightly coiled around each other.

The fabric ends 23, 24 (with the frame end portions 13, 14 positioned therein) can be formed into any shape the wearer wishes—due to the bendable nature of the frame 12. The wearer can gather, twist or tie the fabric ends 23, 24 to create a decorative bow, or tuck the fabric end 23, 24 behind the hair. In the embodiments shown in the FIGURES, the fabric ends 23, 24 have a rectangular shape. The hairstyling apparatus 10 can be applied vertically or horizontally to make various hair styles. Due to flexible frame 12 and the soft cushioning sheath 20, the wearer can adjust the tightness of hairstyle to hold the hair comfortably and firmly in place by twisting the apparatus 10 more or less. Conventional hairstyling tools such as bobby pins, claw clips, and straight pins can be burdensome to use when the wearer is doing her own hair. The hairstyling apparatus 10 is a stand-alone hairstyling styling 10; there is no need for clips or pins to keep the hair in place. With the hairstyling apparatus 10, the wearer can simply insert her hair into the enclosed opening 30, roll, and twist to accomplish decorative hairstyles, as is demonstrated below. The hairstyling apparatus 10 provides a consistent and simple means for styling hair. When the wearer removes the hairstyling apparatus 10, there is no tangling or damage to hair due to the smooth soft surface of the hairstyling styling 10.

In addition, when the hairstyling apparatus 10 is worn, even for a short period of time, the wearer will enjoy full-bodied and wavy hair, similar to what the wearer would achieve by using a curling iron. The hairstyling apparatus 10 functions as a portable and wearable curling tool in addition to its decorative features. This is especially suitable for those who want to enjoy different hairstyles in one day. For an example, the wearer can wear her hair in a ballerina bun during the office hours, then take the hairstyling apparatus 10 out at the end of the business day and enjoy a soft wavy hair at an office happy hour. If the wearer wants to have a more defined wavy hair, the wearer will twist the fabric ends 23, 24 more. If the wearer wants to have more loose wavy hair, the wearer can twist the fabric ends 23, 24 less.

Thus, the hairstyling apparatus 10 provides effortless and timesaving ways to style hair. Another advantage is that the hairstyling apparatus 10 is attractive and can be manipulated in various ways to construct different hair arrangements and presentations. Yet another advantage is that the hairstyling apparatus 10 provides the wearer with an easy-to-use way to obtain beautiful wavy hair as result of using the hairstyling styling 10. These and other advantages of one or more aspects of the hairstyling apparatus 10 will become apparent from following description and accompanying examples.

EXAMPLES

Certain embodiments of the present invention are defined in the Examples herein. It should be understood that these Examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only. From the above discussion and these Examples, one skilled in the art can ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention, and without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications of the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions.

Horizontal Application (Rolling Outward)

FIGS. 3-10 demonstrate one example a wearer can apply the hairstyling apparatus 10 horizontally. FIG. 3 shows the view from the back of the wearer's head prior to applying the hairstyling apparatus 10. In the past, for some hair accessories such as bobby pins, teasing the hair or twisting the hair may be required. However, to use the hairstyling apparatus 10, there is no pre-work required to use the hairstyling styling 10. FIG. 4 shows the view of the wearer from the rear starting to apply the hairstyling apparatus 10. In FIG. 4, the wearer has inserted her hair to the enclosed opening 30 of the hairstyling apparatus 10. The wearer then slides the hairstyling apparatus 10 towards the end of her hair to prepare to roll the hair around the hairstyling apparatus 10. FIG. 5 shows the rear view of the wearer's head as the wearer rolls her hair onto the hairstyling apparatus 10. The wearer can choose to roll the hairstyling apparatus 10 inward or outward, which changes where she secures the hairstyling apparatus 10, as demonstrated in following examples. FIG. 6 shows the wearer rolling her hair to the hairstyling apparatus 10 outward. The user twist each end to tighten the hold of her updo.

When the hairstyling apparatus 10 is applied horizontally and rolled outward, the wearer will secure the bun by putting the fabric ends 23, 24 of the hairstyling apparatus 10 at the bottom of the bun as shown in FIG. 7. Next, the wearer uses a twisting motion (rotating the fabric ends 23, 24, in opposite directions to make the enclosed opening smaller) to tighten the hairstyling apparatus 10 and to secure the hair within the enclosed opening 30.

FIG. 8 shows the rear view of the head as the wearer twists the ends of the hairstyling apparatus 10 together to complete the updo. There are many ways to arrange the fabric ends 23, 24 together (as demonstrated in FIG. 30 to FIG. 35). FIG. 9 is a rear view of a wearer's head with finished look. FIG. 10 is a right side view of a wearer's head with finished look.

Horizontal Application (Rolling Inward)

FIGS. 11-19 demonstrate the application of the hairstyling apparatus 10 horizontally rolled inward. FIG. 11 shows the wearer from right side as she inserts her hair to the enclosed opening 30. FIG. 12 is a view from wearer's right side as she rolls her hair inward with the hairstyling apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 12, the wearer slides the hairstyling apparatus 10 to the end of her hair, but leaving tips of hair to easily roll the hair onto the hairstyling apparatus 10. FIG. 13 is a view from wearer's right side as she completes rolling her hair. The wearer can twist the hairstyling apparatus 10 more or less to control tightness of hair roll.

FIG. 14 is a rear view of wearer's head as she completed rolling her hair. Next, the wearer uses a twisting motion (rotating the fabric ends 23, 24, in opposite directions to make the enclosed opening smaller) to tighten the hairstyling apparatus 10 and to secure the hair within the enclosed opening 30.

FIG. 15 is a front view of wearer as she completed rolling her hair and getting ready to bring the ends of the hairstyling apparatus 10 together. Next, the wearer uses a twisting motion to tighten the hairstyling apparatus 10 and to secure the hair within the enclosed opening 30.

When the wearer rolls the hairstyling apparatus 10 inward, this will result in the wearer securing the fabric ends 23, 24 of the hairstyling apparatus 10 above the bun as shown in FIG. 16. FIG. 17 continues to shows the view from the back of the head where the wearer secures the arranged hair by twisting the fabric ends 23, 24 of hairstyling apparatus 10 together above the bun. FIG. 18 shows rear view of finished look. FIG. 19 shows the finished look from the right side.

Horizontal Application—Starting with Ponytail

FIGS. 20-24 demonstrate another way wearer can apply the hairstyling apparatus 10 horizontally. FIG. 20 shows side view of the wearer having her hair secured in a ponytail as the starting point to apply the hairstyling apparatus 10. FIG. 21 shows a rear view of the wearer applying the hairstyling apparatus 10 to her ponytail hair by inserting her hair through the opening 30 of the hairstyling apparatus 10.

The wearer then slides the hairstyling apparatus 10 down and rolls her hair onto the hairstyling apparatus 10, as shown in FIG. 22. Next, the wearer uses a twisting motion (rotating the fabric ends 23, 24, in opposite directions to make the enclosed opening smaller) to tighten the hairstyling apparatus 10 and to secure the hair within the enclosed opening 30. FIG. 23 shows the wearer bringing the fabric ends 23, 24 of the hairstyling apparatus 10 and securing updo by twisting the ends of hairstyling apparatus 10 together. FIG. 24 shows the finished look from the wearer's right side.

Vertical Application

FIGS. 25-29 demonstrate one of ways which wearer can apply the hairstyling apparatus 10 vertically. FIG. 25 shows a back view of the wearer's head prior to applying the hairstyling styling 10. FIG. 26 shows a side view of how a wearer applies the hairstyling apparatus 10 vertically to create a hair arrangement commonly referred as a French twist. The wearer first inserts the hair into the enclosed opening 30, pulls down the hairstyling apparatus 10 until the hairstyling apparatus 10 reaches three quarters of the hair length—at which point the wearer is ready to roll the hair onto the hairstyling apparatus 10 as shown in FIG. 26. Next, the wearer uses a twisting motion (rotating the fabric ends 23, 24, in opposite directions to make the enclosed opening smaller) to tighten the hairstyling apparatus 10 and to secure the hair within the enclosed opening 30.

FIG. 27 shows a rear view of how wearer will roll the hairstyling apparatus 10 until the hairstyling apparatus 10 is near the head. The wearer can adjust the tightness of the hair arrangement by the amount of twist applied to the hairstyling apparatus 10.

Next, the wearer uses a twisting motion (rotating the fabric ends 23, 24, in opposite directions to make the enclosed opening smaller) to tighten the hairstyling apparatus 10 and to secure the hair within the enclosed opening 30. The ends 22, 24 of the hairstyling apparatus 10 can be bent or twisted and tucked into the hairstyle to secure the hair arrangement. The wearer can choose to adjust the application of the hairstyling apparatus 10 such that the hairstyling apparatus 10 is more or less visible when viewed by others.

FIG. 28 shows the right side view of the finished look when the hairstyling apparatus 10 is vertically applied to create a hair arrangement. FIG. 29 shows the rear left side view of the finished look.

Hairstyling with Ends Application for Decoration

FIGS. 30-33 demonstrate various ways the wearer can manipulate the fabric ends 23, 24 of the hairstyling apparatus 10 together to create different finished look presentations. The drawings are enlarged details exaggerated in size to more clearly show how the fabric ends 23, 24 of the hairstyling styling 10 can be gathered. As described in above examples, when the hairstyling apparatus 10 is applied horizontally, the direction, which the wearer rolls the hairstyling apparatus 10 outward or inward, determines where the ends of the hairstyling apparatus 10 will end up. When the wearer rolls the hair inward, the hairstyling styling 10 ends will be at above the bun as the case shown in FIG. 30, FIG. 31, and FIG. 32. The wearer can twist, bend, and manipulate the shape of fabric ends 23, 24. FIG. 30 shows when the wearer twists the fabric ends 23, 24 to secure the bun and create a bow. FIG. 31 shows when the wearer twists and tucks the fabric ends 23, 24 behind the bun to make the fabric ends 23, 24 of the hairstyling apparatus 10 less visible. FIG. 32 shows when the wearer twists and tucks the fabric ends 23, 24 to the right side of the bun. If the wearer rolls the hair on to the hairstyling apparatus 10 and wrap the hair outward, the fabric ends 23, 24 of the hairstyling apparatus 10 will end below the bun. Again, the wearer can secure the hair in many ways by manipulating the fabric ends 23, 24 of the hairstyling apparatus 10—as shown in FIG. 33, FIG. 34, and FIG. 35. FIG. 33 shows when the wearer twists the fabric ends 23, 24 to secure the bun and create a bow below the bun. FIG. 34 shows when the wearer twists and tucks the fabric ends 23, 24 behind the bun to make the fabric ends 23, 24 of the hairstyling styling 10 less visible. FIG. 35 shows the wearer when she twists and tucks the fabric ends 23, 24 to the left side of the bun.

Hairstyling and Curling

When the hairstyling apparatus 10 is worn, even for a short period of time, the wearer will enjoy full-bodied and wavy hair, similar to what the wearer would achieve by using a curling iron.

FIGS. 36-41 demonstrate various looks of before, during, and after using the hairstyling apparatus 10, even when the hairstyling apparatus 10 is worn for a short period of time. FIG. 36 is a front view of user before applying the hairstyling apparatus 10. FIG. 37 shows a rear views user before using the hairstyling apparatus 10. FIG. 36 and FIG. 37 show user with a straight hair before the application of the hairstyling apparatus 10. FIG. 38 shows right side view of user wearing the hairstyling apparatus 10, and FIG. 39 shows a rear view of user wearing the hairstyling apparatus 10. When user takes the hairstyling apparatus 10 off after a period of time, the user will enjoy full-bodied and wavy hair. FIG. 40 shows a front view of user after using the hairstyling apparatus 10 for a period of time. FIG. 41 shows a rear view of user after using the hairstyling apparatus 10 for a period of time. Her hair has added waves. In addition to decorative features, the hairstyling apparatus 10 functions as a portable and wearable hairstyling apparatus 10.

While the invention has been described with reference to various and preferred embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the essential scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof.

Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed herein contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A hairstyling apparatus, comprising a cushioning sheath and a frame positioned within the cushioning sheath;

the cushioning sheath having an upper layer and a lower layer; the upper and lower layers each having opposing first and second sides and opposing first and second ends;

the upper and lower layers each having openings that are in alignment with each other such that the cushioning sheath defines an enclosed opening;

the enclosed opening extending between the first and second ends, and extending longitudinally along a plane defined by the first and second sides of the cushioning sheath;

the frame having opposing first and second side portions, and opposing first and second end portions;

the frame extending along an inner perimeter of the cushioning sheath; the first end portion of the frame being adjacent the first end of the cushioning sheath, and, the second end portion of the frame being adjacent the second end of the cushioning sheath;

the first end and second ends of the cushioning sheath being capable of being twisted in opposite directions with respect to each other such that the first and side portions of the frame cause the enclosed opening to become smaller.

2. The hairstyling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a flat or ribbon-shaped material that provides dimensional stability, flexibility and resiliency to the hairstyling apparatus.

3. The hairstyling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the opposed first and second end portions are connected by first and second sides, such that the frame can be formed into a generally elliptical or oblong shape.

4. The hairstyling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the ribbon-shaped material of the frame has a height greater than its thickness.

5. The hairstyling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cushioning sheath has a top layer and a bottom layer which are in an opposing planar relationship, the top and bottom layers defining the opposing first and second ends.

6. The hairstyling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cushioning sheath has a rectangular shape, where the opposing first and second ends are substantially shorter in length than opposing first and second sides.

7. The hairstyling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cushioning sheath is about 30 to about 35 mm long, and about 5 to about 6 mm wide.

8. The hairstyling apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the enclosed opening is about 15 mm long, and is positioned equidistant from the first and second ends of the cushioning sheath.

9. The hairstyling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame extends along an inner perimeter of the cushioning sheath such that the frame end portions are adjacent the ends of the cushioning sheath.

10. The hairstyling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cushioning sheath is a single fabric.

11. The hairstyling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cushioning sheath comprises cushioning sheath is fabrics stitched together.

12. The hairstyling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cushioning sheath is made of a fabric that stretches or a fabric that provides a loose-coverage to the frame, thereby, providing room for the frame to be manipulated into different shapes.

13. The hairstyling apparatus of claim 12, wherein fabric has a surface that gently grasps the hair, while not allowing hair to be ensnarled.

14. The hairstyling apparatus of claim 13, wherein fabric comprises one or more of:

velvet-type materials, velveteen materials and velour-type materials.

15. A method of containing a wearer's hair using the hairstyling apparatus of claim 1, comprising:

inserting at least a portion of the wearer's hair into the enclosed opening,

rotating the hairstyling apparatus in a direction toward the wearer' head, and

bringing the opposing first and second ends of the cushioning sheath into contact with each other in order to secure the hair within the hairstyling apparatus.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first end of the cushioning sheath and the second end of the cushioning sheath are twisted in opposite directions with respect to each other such that the first and side portions of the frame cause the enclosed opening to become smaller.

17. A method of curling a wearer's hair using the hairstyling apparatus of claim 1, comprising:

inserting at least a portion of the wearer's hair into the enclosed opening,

rotating the hairstyling apparatus in a direction toward the wearer' head,

bringing the opposing first and second ends of the cushioning sheath into contact with each other in order to secure the hair within the hairstyling apparatus; and

after a desired period of time, unwrapping the hair from the hairstyling apparatus to provide curls to the wearer's hair.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first end of the cushioning sheath and the second end of the cushioning sheath are twisted in opposite directions with respect to each other such that the first and side portions of the frame cause the enclosed opening to become smaller