PONYTAIL FORMING DEVICE

Abstract

A ponytail forming device that allows the wearer to create an effortless, thick, and volumized ponytail is disclosed. The ponytail forming device will stay in place all day, even if the wearer is active. The ponytail forming device includes a base and a cylindrical support tube that grips hair that is gathered around the ponytail forming device, such that it provides an aesthetically pleasing ponytail for the wearer. In some embodiments, the ponytail forming device allows the wearer to use interchangeable cylindrical support tubes that have different diameters and/or lengths, which allows for a customizable shape and/or size of the ponytail, thereby creating a more attractive shape to a ponytail by giving the ponytail a support structure that gives the ponytail a symmetrical look and by allowing the wearer to choose and change the volume and length of the ponytail.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a device for securing hair, and in particular to a device for forming a ponytail and securing the hair that forms the ponytail in place.

BACKGROUND

People with long hair often put their hair up into a ponytail, either for looks, convenience, or both. There are different ways of securing a ponytail in place, such as with an elastic band or a spring-loaded clip.

The prior art includes ponytail-shaping devices, such as Conair's Perfect Pony, that attempt to create an attractive ponytail for the wearer. These prior-art ponytail-shaping devices suffer from numerous drawbacks. For example, one drawback is that the diameter and/or length of the ponytail created by these ponytail-shaping devices does not work for all types of hair. Some hair requires a thinner ponytail with a long base, whereas other hair requires a thicker ponytail with a short base. Another drawback is that the prior-art ponytail-shaping devices do not allow for different volumes/thicknesses of the ponytail, which is desirable in many instances. A third drawback is that the prior-art ponytail-shaping devices often fall out of the ponytail or slouch/move over the course of the day and particularly when the wearer is engaged in physical activity such as working out, causing the wearer to have to take the ponytail-shaping device out and redo to the ponytail numerous times throughout the day. A fourth drawback with the prior-art ponytail-shaping devices is that plastic from the device pokes out through the back of the ponytail, which is unsightly for the wearer.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved ponytail holder that will allow a wearer to create an effortless, thick, and volumized ponytail that will stay in place all day, even if the wearer is active and/or participating in sports or working out. Such a device should be easy to put in place and should reliably stay in place to securely hold a ponytail even with continual movement of the person over the course of a day. The device should also be invisible when worn and provide a simple and professional-looking ponytail. In addition, such a needed device would be relatively inexpensive to manufacture and easy to use.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce in a simplified form concepts that are further described in the following detailed descriptions. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it to be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

The present invention is a ponytail forming device that allows the wearer to create an effortless, thick, and volumized ponytail that will stay in place all day, even if the wearer is active. The ponytail forming device described herein includes a base and a cylindrical support tube that grips hair that is gathered around the ponytail forming device, such that it provides an aesthetically pleasing ponytail for the wearer. In some embodiments, the ponytail forming device allows the wearer to use interchangeable cylindrical support tubes that have different diameters and/or lengths, which allows for a customizable shape and/or size of the ponytail, thereby creating a more attractive shape to a ponytail by giving the ponytail a support structure that gives the ponytail a symmetrical look and by allowing the wearer to choose and change the volume and length of the ponytail.

Disclosed herein is a ponytail forming device. The ponytail forming device includes a base that is approximately circular in shape at a proximal end, having a plurality of flexible grips extending radially from a center axis for engaging a portion of a wearer's head, each flexible grip including a slot that approximates the outer shape of each flexible grip. The ponytail forming device includes a cylindrical support tube that is approximately circular in shape. The cylindrical support tube of the ponytail forming device is connected to the base and extends along the center axis of the base. The cylindrical support tube of the ponytail forming device is angled at a distal end from the base. The cylindrical support tube of the ponytail forming device has an outer surface that includes a plurality of hair grips for gripping hair when in use. The ponytail forming device has a hollow opening centered on the center axis of the ponytail forming device.

In one embodiment of the ponytail forming device, the ponytail forming device is a single piece.

In one embodiment of the ponytail forming device, the flexible grips include a plurality of bumps on the underside of the flexible grips for gripping the portion of the wearer's head when being worn by the wearer.

In one embodiment of the ponytail forming device, the plurality of hair grips are comprised of hook material.

In one embodiment of the ponytail forming device, the plurality of hair grips are comprised of rubber nubs.

Disclosed herein is an adjustable ponytail forming device. The adjustable ponytail forming device includes a base that is approximately circular in shape at a proximal end, the base having a plurality of flexible grips extending radially from a center axis for engaging a portion of a wearer's head, each flexible grip including a slot that approximates the outer shape of each flexible grip. The base of the adjustable ponytail forming device includes an attachment collar. The base of the adjustable ponytail forming device includes an attachment notch indented on the attachment collar. The base of the adjustable ponytail forming device includes an interchangeable cylindrical support tube that is approximately circular in shape. The interchangeable cylindrical support tube of the adjustable ponytail forming device includes an outer surface that includes a plurality of hair grips for gripping hair when in use. The interchangeable cylindrical support tube of the adjustable ponytail forming device includes a collar receiver. The interchangeable cylindrical support tube of the adjustable ponytail forming device includes a notch engagement nub protruding from the collar receiver. The cylindrical support tube of the adjustable ponytail forming device is angled at a distal end from the base. The interchangeable cylindrical support tube is removably attachable to the base by rotatably engaging the notch engagement nub of the interchangeable cylindrical support tube with the attachment notch.

In one embodiment of the adjustable ponytail forming device, the flexible grips include a plurality of bumps on the underside of the flexible grips for gripping the portion of the wearer's head when being worn by the wearer.

In one embodiment of the adjustable ponytail forming device, the plurality of hair grips are comprised of hook material.

In one embodiment of the adjustable ponytail forming device, the plurality of hair grips are comprised of rubber nubs.

In one embodiment of the adjustable ponytail forming device, the attachment notch of the base is L-shaped.

In one embodiment of the adjustable ponytail forming device, the notch engagement nub protruding from the collar receiver is circular in shape.

In one embodiment, the adjustable ponytail forming device is made of rubber.

Other features, objects, and advantages of this invention will be better appreciated from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective drawing of an exemplary embodiment of a ponytail forming device.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective drawing of another exemplary embodiment of a ponytail forming device in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3A depicts an exemplary embodiment of an interchangeable multi-diameter ponytail forming device.

FIG. 3B depicts an exemplary embodiment of an interchangeable multi-diameter ponytail forming device being assembled into an assembled position.

FIG. 3C depicts an exemplary embodiment of an interchangeable multi-diameter ponytail forming device in an assembled position.

FIG. 4A depicts an example of an assembled ponytail forming device with a medium-diameter support tube and rubber nub hair grips.

FIG. 4B depicts an example of an assembled ponytail forming device with a large-diameter support tube and rubber nub hair grips.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description and figures are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. In certain instances, however, well-known or conventional details are not described to avoid obscuring the description. References to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” in the present disclosure may be (but are not necessarily) references to the same embodiment, and such references mean at least one of the embodiments.

Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. Multiple appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not for other embodiments.

The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used to describe the disclosure are discussed below, or elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to the practitioner regarding the description of the disclosure.

It will be appreciated that same thing can be said in more than one way. Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein, nor is any special significance to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification, including examples of any terms discussed herein, is illustrative only, and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification.

Without intent to limit the scope of the disclosure, examples of devices and their related results according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions, will control.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective drawing of an exemplary embodiment of a ponytail forming device.

Referring to FIG. 1, ponytail forming device 100 is a device comprised of base 102 and cylindrical support 104. In one embodiment, ponytail forming device 100 is a one-piece device, with the base 102 and cylindrical support 104 being formed from a single mold for ease of manufacturing. In other embodiments, ponytail forming device 100 may be more than one piece, such that, for example, base 102 and cylindrical support 104 are each separate pieces.

Base 102 approximates the shape of a cone, with an approximately circular footprint at the proximal end (i.e., the end closest to the wearer's head) and a decreasing radius toward the distal end (i.e., the end furthest from the wearer's head), as shown, for example, in FIG. 1. Base 102 includes a plurality of flexible grips 106a-106f that extend radially from the center axis of the base and that together make up the approximately circular footprint. The flexible grips 106a-106f act as feet to secure ponytail forming device 100 against a portion of the wearer's head. The flexible grips 106a-106f are made of a flexible or resilient material, such as rubber or plastic. The material of the flexible grips may be such that the flexible grips provide a non-slip surface to grab the hair and hold the base securely in place against the wearer's head (e.g., silicone). The flexible grips 106a-106f conform to the head of the wearer and flex when in use to allow for movement of the ponytail (e.g., as the ponytail bounces or swings) throughout the course of the day, without the ponytail forming device 100 itself moving from its desired position. The flexible grips 106a-106f may further include non-slip rubber bumps (which may be various shapes, such as circular, spiked, rectangular, etc.) on the bottom of the grips to provide a comfortable surface to grip the portion of the wearer's head. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, ponytail forming device 100 includes six flexible grips. In other embodiments, additional or fewer flexible grips may be used (for example, four or eight flexible grips).

The flexible grips 106a-106f may include slots 107a-107f for attaching hair extensions, if the wearer so chooses. As shown in FIG. 1, each flexible grip 106a-106f may include a single slot 107a-107f, which approximates the shape of the flexible grips 106a-106f.

The ponytail forming device 100 includes a hollow opening 108 that runs the axial length of the ponytail forming device 100. In one embodiment, hollow opening 108 may be in a circular (i.e., annular) shape. In other embodiments, hollow opening 108 may be other shapes, for example, oblong, elliptical, triangular, square, etc.

The cylindrical support 104 includes an outer surface 112 and a top surface 105. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the outer surface 112 includes hair grips 110. The hair grips 110 hold in place the hair that makes up the ponytail. In one embodiment, the hair grips 110 are made of hook material from a hook-and-loop system (e.g., one side of Velcro® or its equivalent). The outer surface 112 of cylindrical support 104 may be made of material or covered with material that is or is similar to hook fabric. In other embodiments, the hair grips 110 may be rubber bumps or nubs that hold in place the hair that makes up the ponytail. In still other embodiments, the hair grips 110 may be tapered spikes or barbs. The hair grips 110 may be arranged in vertical rows (as shown in FIG. 1, for example), or they may be randomly placed over the outer surface 112 of the cylindrical support 104. Hair grips 110 bind the hair that forms the ponytail.

The top surface 105 of cylindrical support 104 is angled, as shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1. This angle helps create volume in the ponytail being held, and the wearer can adjust the location and orientation of the angled top surface to change the appearance of the ponytail. The diameter and/or length of the cylindrical support 104 may be altered to suit the intended purpose of the ponytail forming device. In addition, the shape of the cylindrical support 104 in cross-section could be round-like, oval-like, or any other suitable shape. In other embodiments, the top surface of the cylindrical support 104 may include a notch or groove that allows the hair of the ponytail to fall in a slightly different shape (for example, more naturally with less volume).

Hair that forms the ponytail may be gathered around the ponytail forming device. Additionally, some of the hair that forms the ponytail may be pulled through hollow opening 108. In addition to allowing hair to be pulled through, hollow opening 108 also reduces the weight of the ponytail forming device 100, which allows it to be more comfortable for the wearer.

In use, the wearer positions ponytail forming device 100 on an upper portion near the back of the wearer's head, where the wearer would like for the ponytail to be positioned. The flexible grips 106a-106f adapt to the spherical shape of a portion of the wearer's head. The wearer then gathers hair from all directions around the ponytail forming device 100 and pulls the hair up and around the ponytail forming device 100 such that the hair covers the ponytail forming device 100 and engages the hair grips 110. If the wearer chooses, the wearer may also pull some hair through the hollow opening 108 in addition to gathering hair from around the base 102. The wearer then secures the hair around ponytail forming device 100 using an elastic hair band, or other known hair securing device. In some embodiments, the ponytail forming device 100 may include an integrated hair band such that the wearer need not provide a separate elastic hair band (e.g., a hook-and-loop strap or an elastic band that is attached to and wraps around cylindrical support 104). When completed, the ponytail forming device 100 will be completely hidden by hair, and the ponytail forming device 100 will provide the ponytail with an aesthetically pleasing shape.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective drawing of another exemplary embodiment of a ponytail forming device in accordance with the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, the ponytail forming device 200 is similar to ponytail forming device 100 shown in FIG. 1. Similar to ponytail forming device 100 shown in FIG. 1, ponytail forming device 200 is comprised of base 202 and cylindrical support 204 and may be either a one-piece device or a device made of more than one piece. Base 202 includes a plurality of flexible grips 206a-206f, and flexible grips 206a-206f may include slots 207a-207f that approximate the shape of the flexible grips for attaching hair extensions. Ponytail forming device 200 includes a hollow opening 208 that runs the axial length of the ponytail forming device 200 and that may be circular (i.e., annular) in shape.

The cylindrical support 204 includes an outer surface 212 and a top surface 205 that may be angled (as discussed in the context of FIG. 1). In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the outer surface 212 includes hair grips 210. The hair grips 210 hold in place the hair that makes up the ponytail. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the hair grips 210 are rubber bumps or nubs that hold in place the hair that makes up the ponytail.

FIG. 3A depicts an exemplary embodiment of an interchangeable multi-diameter ponytail forming device.

Referring to FIG. 3A, interchangeable multi-diameter ponytail forming device 300 is comprised of two pieces—base 302 and interchangeable cylindrical support tube 304. Base 302 and interchangeable cylindrical support tube 304 can be removably attached to one another by interlocking to each other.

Base 302 is similar to base 102 shown in FIG. 1 and base 202 shown in FIG. 2 (and, therefore, the features described with respect to base 102 and base 202 similarly apply to base 302), with a main difference being that base 302 includes an attachment mechanism for attaching interchangeable cylindrical support tubes. The attachment mechanism of base 302 includes attachment collar 318 and attachment notch 310. Base 302 approximates the shape of a cone, with an approximately circular footprint at the proximal end (i.e., the end closest to the wearer's head) and a decreasing radius toward the distal end (i.e., the end furthest from the wearer's head), as shown, for example, in FIG. 3A.

Interchangeable cylindrical support tube 304 is similar to cylindrical support 104 shown in FIG. 1 and cylindrical support 204 shown in FIG. 2 (and, therefore, the features described with respect to cylindrical support 104 and cylindrical support 204 similarly apply to interchangeable cylindrical support tube 304), with a main difference being that interchangeable cylindrical support tube 304 includes an attachment mechanism for attaching to base 302. The attachment mechanism of interchangeable cylindrical support tube 304 includes a collar receiver 322 and a notch engagement nub 324. The attachment mechanisms of the base 302 and interchangeable cylindrical support tube 304 are configured such that they can mate with each other to form a removable attachment. When attached, ponytail forming device 300 operates as a single-piece device, even though it is made up of two removable pieces.

A multi-diameter ponytail forming device 300 in accordance with the present disclosure may include a plurality of interchangeable cylindrical support tubes 304, each tube having a different diameter, that can be interchanged by removably attaching to base 302 to provide for a ponytail of varying thickness.

Interchangeable cylindrical support tube 304 includes an outer surface 312 and a top surface 305. Interchangeable cylindrical support tube 304 further includes a hollow opening 308. Hollow opening 308 is an annular (i.e., circular) opening that runs the axial length of interchangeable cylindrical support tube 304. In the exemplary embodiment of the multi-diameter ponytail forming device 300 shown in FIG. 3, the outer surface 312 may include hair grips as shown in FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 2 above (and as described in the accompanying text) to hold in place the hair that makes up the ponytail. The top surface 305 of interchangeable cylindrical support tube 304 may be angled, as shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3. This angle helps create volume in the ponytail being held, and the wearer can adjust the location and orientation of the angled top surface to change the appearance of the ponytail. In some embodiments, the top surface 305 may further include a notch or groove that allows the hair of the ponytail to fall in a slightly different shape (for example, more naturally with less volume). The diameter/thickness of the interchangeable cylindrical support tube 304 may vary from small to large, to match the desire of the wearer. A thicker tube 304 will provide more volume of the ponytail, whereas a thinner tube 304 will provide less volume. In addition, the length of interchangeable cylindrical support tube 304 may vary as well (from short to long), allowing the user to create a bun or a very long, accentuated ponytail.

Base 302 includes a plurality of flexible grips 306a-306f that extend radially from the center axis of the base and that together make up the approximately circular footprint. The flexible grips 306a-306f act as feet to secure the ponytail forming device against a portion of the wearer's head. The flexible grips 306a-306f are made of a flexible or resilient material, such as rubber or plastic. The material of the flexible grips may be such that the flexible grips provide a non-slip surface to grab the hair and hold the base securely in place against the wearer's head (e.g., silicone). The flexible grips 306a-306f may further include non-slip rubber bumps (which may be various shapes, such as circular, spiked, rectangular, etc.) on the bottom of the grips to provide a comfortable surface to grip the portion of the wearer's head. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, base 302 includes six flexible grips. In other embodiments, additional or fewer flexible grips may be used (for example, four or eight flexible grips).

The flexible grips 306a-306f may include slots 307a-307f for attaching hair extensions, if the wearer so chooses. As shown in FIG. 3, each flexible grip 306a-306f may include a single slot 307a-307f, which approximates the shape of the flexible grips 306a-306f.

Base 302 includes a hollow opening 316 that runs the axial length of the ponytail forming device 300. In one embodiment, hollow opening 316 may be in a circular (i.e., annular) shape. In other embodiments, hollow opening 316 may be other shapes, for example, oblong, elliptical, triangular, square, etc.

As mentioned above, base 302 includes attachment collar 318 and attachment notch 320. Attachment collar 318 is a collar on the outside surface of the top portion of base 302, and it engages collar receiver 322 of interchangeable cylindrical support tube 304. Attachment collar 318 and corresponding collar receiver 322 both have the same annular (i.e., circular) shape and are of approximately the same diameter (allowing for a small tolerance so that collar receiver 322 can slip over attachment collar 318 with very little play in the connection between the two.

Attachment collar 318 includes attachment notch 320. Attachment notch 320 is L-shaped and is indented or set back from attachment collar 318 such that the diameter of the base inside the notch is smaller than the diameter of the attachment collar 318.

Collar receiver 322 of interchangeable cylindrical support tube 304 includes a notch engagement nub 324. Notch engagement nub 324 may be circular in shape and has a diameter that is approximately the same as the width of the attachment notch 320 (allowing for tolerances so that the notch engagement nub fits inside the attachment notch). Notch engagement nub 324 protrudes from collar receiver 322 towards the axial center of the cylindrical support tube hollow opening 308. Interchangeable cylindrical support tube 304 is mated with base 302 by vertically aligning notch engagement nub 324 with the top or upper portion (i.e., the vertical portion) of the L-shaped attachment notch 320. When properly aligned, notch engagement nub 324 slides vertically down the vertical portion of attachment notch 320, and then interchangeable cylindrical support tube 304 can be rotated (e.g., clockwise in the example shown in FIG. 3A) such that notch engagement nub 324 slides horizontally into notch 320 until it cannot be twisted any further. This creates a strong engagement between base 302 and interchangeable cylindrical support tube 304 such that multi-diameter ponytail forming device 300 becomes one piece until twisted apart. Opening 326 fits over base 302 when the cylindrical support tube is engaged. For clarity of the drawing, FIG. 3A shows only one pair of attachment notch 324 and notch engagement nub 324; however, in some embodiments, the attachment mechanism may include multiple pairs of the attachment notch/notch engagement nub combinations, such that, for example, two pairs are located 180 degrees from one another or three pairs are located 120 degrees from one another to create a stronger, more stable connection between the base and the cylindrical support tube. Other types of attachment mechanism between the interchangeable cylindrical support tube 304 and base 302 are envisioned as within the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B depicts an exemplary embodiment of an interchangeable multi-diameter ponytail forming device being assembled into an assembled position.

Referring to FIG. 3B, interchangeable multi-diameter ponytail forming device 350 is shown being assembled such that the collar receiver 322 and notch engagement nub 324 of interchangeable cylindrical support tube 304 have removably engaged attachment collar 318 and attachment notch 320 of base 302 to form the assembled ponytail forming device. As shown in FIG. 3A, notch engagement nub 324 is aligned with the vertical portion of attachment notch 320 of interchangeable cylindrical support tube 304 and slid downward such that the notch engagement nub 324 reaches the bottom portion of attachment notch 320.

FIG. 3C depicts an exemplary embodiment of an interchangeable multi-diameter ponytail forming device in an assembled position.

Referring to FIG. 3C, once the notch engagement nub 324 reaches the bottom portion of the attachment notch 320, interchangeable cylindrical support tube 304 is rotated horizontally such that notch engagement nub 324 rotates to the end of the bottom portion of the attachment notch 320, thereby locking the interchangeable cylindrical support tube 304 into place.

In use, the wearer first assembles ponytail forming device 350 using the desired size of interchangeable cylindrical support tube, as discussed above, and positions ponytail forming device 350 on an upper portion near the back of the wearer's head, where the wearer would like for the ponytail to be positioned. The flexible grips 306a-306f adapt to the spherical shape of a portion of the wearer's head. The wearer then gathers hair from all directions around the ponytail forming device 350 and pulls the hair up and around the ponytail forming device 350 such that the hair covers the ponytail forming device 350 and engages the hair grips 310. The wearer then secures the hair around ponytail forming device 350 using an elastic hair band, or other hair securing device. In some embodiments, the ponytail forming device 350 may include an integrated hair band such that the wearer need not provide a separate elastic hair band (e.g., a hook-and-loop strap or an elastic band that is attached to and wraps around interchangeable cylindrical support tube 304). When completed, the ponytail forming device 350 will be completely hidden by hair, and the forming device 350 will provide the ponytail with a nice shape. The wearer may change the size/volume of the ponytail by using a larger or smaller interchangeable cylindrical support tube 304.

Although the attachment mechanism described in the context of FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C uses a notch and engagement nub, other attachment mechanisms as known in the art may be used. For example, the attachment mechanism may use resilient plastic that snaps the pieces into place.

FIG. 4A depicts an example of an assembled ponytail forming device with a medium-diameter support tube and rubber nub hair grips.

Referring to FIG. 4A, medium-sized tube 404 includes rubber nubs 410 and is attached to base 402 to make ponytail forming device 400, as explained in the context of FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B above.

FIG. 4B depicts an example of an assembled ponytail forming device with a large-sized support tube and rubber nub hair grips.

Referring to FIG. 4B, large-sized tube 454 includes rubber nubs 460 and is attached to base 452 to make ponytail forming device 400, as explained in the context of FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B above.

The circumference, width, structure, surface texture, thickness, color, edge-detail, shape, and other dimensions and characteristics of the embodiments of the ponytail forming device described herein and its components may vary. The material(s) used for the embodiments of the ponytail forming device described herein may be any of numerous materials, such as rubber, silicone, plastic, leather, and/or neoprene. The ease of use and reduction of manufacturing costs are prime considerations for selecting the material used for the ponytail forming devices described herein.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described to explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A ponytail forming device, comprising:

a base that is approximately circular in shape at a proximal end, the base having a plurality of flexible grips extending radially from a center axis for engaging a portion of a wearer's head, each flexible grip including a slot that approximates the outer shape of each flexible grip;

a cylindrical support tube that is approximately circular in shape, wherein the cylindrical support tube is connected to the base and extends along the center axis of the base, wherein the cylindrical support tube is angled at a distal end from the base, and wherein the cylindrical support tube has an outer surface that includes a plurality of hair grips for gripping hair when in use;

wherein the ponytail forming device has a hollow opening centered on the center axis of the ponytail forming device.

2. The ponytail forming device of claim 1, wherein the ponytail forming device is a single piece.

3. The ponytail forming device of claim 1, wherein the flexible grips include a plurality of bumps on the underside of the flexible grips for gripping the portion of the wearer's head when being worn by the wearer.

4. The ponytail forming device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of hair grips are comprised of hook material.

5. The ponytail forming device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of hair grips are comprised of rubber nubs.

6. An adjustable ponytail forming device, comprising:

a base that is approximately circular in shape at a proximal end, the base having a plurality of flexible grips extending radially from a center axis for engaging a portion of a wearer's head, each flexible grip including a slot that approximates the outer shape of each flexible grip, the base comprising: an attachment collar; and an attachment notch indented on the attachment collar; and

an interchangeable cylindrical support tube that is approximately circular in shape, the interchangeable cylindrical support tube comprising: an outer surface that includes a plurality of hair grips for gripping hair when in use; a collar receiver; and a notch engagement nub protruding from the collar receiver; wherein the cylindrical support tube is angled at a distal end from the base;

wherein the interchangeable cylindrical support tube is removably attachable to the base by rotatably engaging the notch engagement nub of the interchangeable cylindrical support tube with the attachment notch.

7. The adjustable ponytail forming device of claim 1, wherein the flexible grips include a plurality of bumps on the underside of the flexible grips for gripping the portion of the wearer's head when being worn by the wearer.

8. The adjustable ponytail forming device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of hair grips are comprised of hook material.

9. The adjustable ponytail forming device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of hair grips are comprised of rubber nubs.

10. The adjustable ponytail forming device of claim 1, wherein the attachment notch of the base is L-shaped.

11. The adjustable ponytail forming device of claim 1, wherein the notch engagement nub protruding from the collar receiver is circular in shape.

12. The adjustable ponytail forming device of claim 1, wherein the adjustable ponytail forming device is made of rubber.