Hair Covering

Abstract

An adjustable hair covering includes a body member with at least one channel, a draw string and a fixing member. The body member includes a top opening and an enclosed space for storing a user's hair. The channel extends from the body member top end and to a position intermediate the body member top and bottom ends. The second end of the channel includes a channel opening. The draw string is operably coupled with the body member top end and positioned within the channel with the draw string extending from the channel opening. The fixing member is releasably coupled to the draw string so that in an extended state the draw string length is greater than the channel length, and in a retracted state the draw string length is less than the channel length, thereby reducing the distance between the top and bottom ends of the body member.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to hair coverings in general, and in particular to an adjustable hair covering.

BACKGROUND

Hair coverings are used for many purposes. Hair coverings are used while showering or bathing to protect hair from getting wet. Hair coverings are also used in hair salons to enclose hair while being treated with materials such as hair coloring, perm solution and the like, so exposure of such materials, sometimes harmful to human health and/or susceptible to producing permanent stains on clothing, is minimized. As well, hair coverings are used to simply confine hair during other activities such as sleeping, cooking and exercising. Hair coverings could also be used as a fashion accessory.

It is desirable to users to wear a hair covering that is large enough to store the user's hair unimpeded. At the same time, it is also desirable not to have too much empty space within the hair covering. That is, users prefer to wear a hair coverings that are sized appropriate with the user's hair.

However, hair coverings are not sold as a one-size-fits-all product. This is because users have different lengths of hair and different volumes of hair, which may vary with time. As such, users purchase hair coverings based on hair length and volume at the time of purchase. In many instances, however, the user may change her hair style. For example, a user who has long hair may have her hair cut to a shorter length. As a result, the user is required to purchase a new hair covering fit for shorter hair. As the user's hair grows, the user would then be required to purchase another hair covering to accommodate the growing length and volume of her hair.

Therefore, a need exists for a hair covering that is adjustable for different lengths and volumes of hair.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

In one aspect, the present invention provides an adjustable hair covering comprising: an elastic head band substantially circular in shape and configured to be fixed on a user's head proximate the forehead and upper neck area; a body member having a top end and an opposing bottom end, the body member top end operably coupled with the elastic head band and extending therefrom to form a head band opening proximate the body member top end and an enclosed space between the body member top end and body member bottom end, the enclosed space configured to store the user's hair; first and second channels each having a first end and an opposing second end, the first and second channels formed on the body member with the channel first ends coinciding with the body member top end, and the channel second ends extending to a position intermediate the body member top and bottom ends, the channel second ends each having a channel opening, wherein each first and second channels have a channel length defined by the length between respective channel first and second ends; a draw string having opposing first and second ends and a lower loop therebetween, the draw string first end operably coupled with the body member top end, the draw string having a first section extending between the draw string first end and the lower loop, the first section positioned within the first channel, the draw string second end operably coupled with the body member top end, the draw string having a second section extending between the draw string second end and the lower loop, the second section positioned within the second channel, and the lower loop extending from respective channel second ends; and a fixing member releasably coupled to the draw string first and second sections between the respective draw string first and second ends, and the lower loop, wherein a first draw string length is defined by the length between the draw string first end and the fixing member, and a second draw string length is defined by the length between the draw string second end and the fixing member; wherein in an extended state the first and second draw string lengths are greater than the first and second channel lengths, respectively, and in a retracted state the first and second draw string lengths are less than the first and second channel lengths, respectively, thereby reducing the distance between the top and bottom ends of the body member.

In another aspect, the present invention provides an adjustable hair covering comprising: a head band substantially circular in shape and configured to be fixed on a user's head; a body member having a top end and an opposing bottom end, the body member top end operably coupled with the head band and extending therefrom to form a head band opening proximate the body member top end and an enclosed space between the body member top end and body member bottom end, the enclosed space configured to store the user's hair; at least one channel having a first end and an opposing second end, the at least one channel formed on the body member with the first end of the at least one channel positioned proximate the body member top end, and the second end of the at least one channel extending to a position intermediate the body member top and bottom ends, the second end of the at least one channel having a channel opening, wherein the at least one channel having a channel length defined by the length between the first and second ends of the at least one channel; a draw string having opposing first and second ends, and a lower loop therebetween, the draw string first end operably coupled with the body member top end, the draw string having a first section extending between the draw string first end and the lower loop, the first section positioned within the at least one channel, the draw string second end operably coupled with the body member top end, the draw string having a second section extending between the draw string second end and the lower loop, the second section positioned within the at least one channel, and the lower loop extending from the second end of the at least one channel; and a fixing member releasably coupled to the draw string first and second sections between the respective draw string first and second ends, and the lower loop, wherein a first draw string length is defined by the length between the draw string first end and the fixing member, and a second draw string length is defined by the length between the draw string second end and the fixing member; wherein in an extended state the first and second draw string lengths are greater than the channel length, and in a retracted state the first and second draw string lengths are less than the channel length, thereby reducing the distance between the top and bottom ends of the body member.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides an adjustable hair covering comprising: a body member having a top end and an opposing bottom end, a top opening formed proximate the body member top end and an enclosed space formed between the body member top end and body member bottom end, the enclosed space configured to store a user's hair; at least one channel having a first end and an opposing second end, the at least one channel formed on the body member with the first end of the at least one channel positioned proximate the body member top end, and the second end of the at least one channel extending to a position intermediate the body member top and bottom ends, the second end of the at least one channel having a channel opening, wherein the at least one channel having a channel length defined by the length between the first and second ends of the at least one channel; a draw string having opposing proximal and distal ends, the draw string proximal end operably coupled with the body member top end, the draw string positioned within the at least one channel with the draw string distal extending from the channel opening; and a fixing member releasably coupled to the draw string between the draw string proximal and distal ends; wherein a draw string length is defined by the length between the draw string proximal end and the fixing member; wherein in an extended state the draw string length is greater than the channel length, and in a retracted state the draw string length is less than the channel length, thereby reducing the distance between the top and bottom ends of the body member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a hair covering of the present invention in use in an extended state;

FIG. 2 shows a front perspective view of the hair covering of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a rear view of the hair covering of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a front view of the hair covering of FIG. 1 in a retracted state;

FIG. 5 shows a fixing member of the hair covering of FIG. 1 engaged with a draw string extending from channel openings;

FIG. 6 shows the draw string coupled with a body member of the hair covering of FIG. 1 in a partially disassembled state;

FIG. 7 shows a sectional view the configuration of the body member of the hair covering of FIG. 1 in a disassembled state;

FIG. 8 shows a sectional view of the body member of FIG. 7 in an assembled state; and

FIG. 9 shows a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the body member of the hair covering of the present invention.

To facilitate an understanding of the invention, identical reference numerals have been used, when appropriate, to designate the same or similar elements that are common to the figures. Further, unless stated otherwise, the features shown in the figures are not drawn to scale and are shown for illustrative purposes only.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The article “a” is intended to include one or more items, and where only one item is intended the term “one” or similar language is used. Additionally, to assist in the description of the present invention, words such as top, bottom, side, upper, lower, front, rear, inner, outer, right and left are used to describe the accompanying figures. The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, an embodiment of a hair covering 1 of the present invention is shown. In general, the hair covering 1 includes a head band 10 coupled to a body member 20 having a channels 50a, 50b. A draw sting 70 is positioned within the channels 50a, 50b and extend therefrom. A fixing member 90 is attached to the draw string 70 for adjusting the length of the hair covering 1.

Still referring to FIGS. 1-3, the head band 10 is generally circular in shape and is dimensioned to fit on a user's head around the user's forehead and a lower portion of the back of the user's head. The head band 10 includes a free outer end 12 and an opposing inner end 14. Depending on how the hair covering 1 is worn by the user, the head band 10 could engage with an upper neck portion of the user. In this embodiment, the head band 10 is constructed of an elastic fabric so that a snug fit could be accomplished. In this embodiment, the elastic fabric used for the head band 10 is a polyester-spandex blend but other materials, including blends of materials could be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The head band 10 in this embodiment is 1½ inches in width to provide sufficient surface area for contact with the user's head. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the elasticity of the material used for the head band 10 could vary and as such, the width of the head band 10 could also vary depending on the elasticity of the material used for the head band 10. One of ordinary skill in the art will also recognize that other means could be used for the head band 10 to accomplish a snug fit. For example, the elastic fabric could be replaced with or include hook-and-loop fasteners.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-3, the body member 20 is generally constructed of a single piece of fabric having a top end 22, an opposing bottom end 24, a left end section 26 and an opposing right end section 28. In this embodiment, the body member 20 is constructed of a flexible, light weight and breathable material such as polyester-spandex blend but other materials and blends of materials could be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. When the single piece of fabric is folded such that the left and right end sections 26, 28 are joined, as will be described in more detail below, the bottom end 24 is aligned and stitched together by conventional sewing methods to form a lower seam 21.

Now referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 7, the body member 20 includes a left channel 50a and a right channel 50b extending from the top end 22 to a position intermediate the top and bottom ends 22, 24. Each channel 50a, 50b is formed by folding the left and right end sections 26, 28 as shown in FIG. 7. The left end section 26 includes a first portion 30a, which is generally the outer surface of the body member 20, followed by a second portion 32a, and a third portion 34a having a free end 36a. The third portion 34a is folded under the second portion 32a. As shown in FIG. 7, a first intersection line 38a is formed between the first and second portions 32a, 34a, and a second intersection line 40a is formed between the second and third portions 34a, 36a. Similarly, the right end section 28 includes a first portion 30b, which is generally the outer surface of the body member 20, followed by a second potion 32b, and a third portion 34b having a free end 36b. The third portion 34b is folded under the second portion 32b. As shown in FIG. 7, a first intersection line 38b is formed between the first and second portions 32b, 34b, and a second intersection line 40b is formed between the second and third portions 34b, 36b.

Referring to FIG. 8, the left and right end sections 26, 28 are stitched together along the second intersection lines 40a, 40b as indicated by “X,” to form a center seam 31. On the left end section 26, the first portion 30a is stitched together with the free end 36a along the first intersection line 28a as indicated by “X,” to form a left seam 41. Similarly, on the right end section 28, the first portion 30b is stitched together with the free end 36b along the first intersection line 28b as indicated by “X,” to form a right seam 51. The stitching along the first and second intersection lines 28a, 28b extends from the body member top end 22 to a position intermediate the top and bottom ends 22, 24, as shown in FIG. 2. A lower portion 42 of the body member 20 is formed by stitching only the left and right end sections 26, 28 along the second intersection lines 40a, 40b to the bottom end 24, but not the first portions 30a, 30b with the respective free ends 36a, 36b. As such, the lower portion 42 includes only one stitch line or center seam 31, as shown for example in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, the fabric at lower ends 43, 53 proximate the left and right seams 41, 51 are cut open between respective lower ends 43, 53 and the center seam 31, and the edges of cut fabric 43, 53 are heat pressed for reinforcement to form channel openings. As a result, the left and right channels 50a, 50b are formed, extending from a first end 52 to a second end 54.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the draw string 70 includes a first end 72 and an opposing second end 74, with a lower loop 76 intermediate the first and second ends 72, 74. The first and second ends 72, 74 are stitched to the channel first ends 52, as shown in FIG. 6. The draw string 70 includes a first section 78 between the first end 72 and the lower loop 76, and a second section 80 between the second end 74 and the lower loop 76, with the first section 78 positioned within the left channel 50a, and the second section 80 positioned within the right channel 50b. As such, the lower loop 76 extends from the channel second ends 54. The lower loop 76 includes a fixing member 90 with the first and second sections 78, 80 positioned therein through apertures of the fixing member 90. In this embodiment, the fixing member 90 includes a spring-loaded release member 92 which fixes the positions of the first and second sections 78, 80 within the fixing member 90 when disengaged and allows a user to adjust the positions of the first and second sections 78, 80 within the fixing member 90 when engaged. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the fixing member 90 could be replaced with other devices that are capable of releasably engaging the draw string 70. For example, clips and the like could be used to function as such.

In this embodiment, the first and second ends 72, 74 are free ends having a reinforcing fabric 73, 75. The purpose of the reinforcing fabric 73, 75 is to aid in attaching the first and second ends 72, 74 to the body member 20 and head band 10 as well as to provide comfort for the user by minimizing unevenness of an upper seam 11 formed when the components are attached together. In alternative embodiments, the first and second ends 72, 74 could be integral, i.e., the draw string 70 could be one continuous loop without having free ends, and also include reinforcing fabric attached thereto. In this embodiment, the draw string 70 is elastic and constructed of a durable material such as polyester, but other materials or combinations of materials could be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As well, the lower loop 76 could be replaced with free ends having a greater width or diameter than the apertures of the fixing member 90.

Referring to FIG. 9, in an alternative embodiment, the body member 20 could be constructed with a single channel 50 by stitching the left and right end sections 26, 28 together to form the center seam 31, indicated by “X,” and positioning a top fabric 4 above the center seam 31 by stitching the top fabric 4 to the left and right end section 36, 28 to form left and right seams 41, 43, indicated by “X.”

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 6, when the single piece of fabric is folded such that the left and right end sections 26, 28 are joined, the body member top end 22 is sized and shaped substantially similar to the head band inner end 14 and operably coupled therewith as shown in FIG. 6. In this embodiment, the body member top end 22 and inner end 14 are stitched together by conventional sewing methods to form the upper seam 11. As such, a head band opening or top opening 16 is formed around the head band 10 and the body member top end 22. Also, with this configuration, an enclosure within the body member 20 is formed for storing the user's hair.

For purposes of clarity, the hair covering 1 is manufactured by first constructing the body member 20, including the channels 50a, 50b as described above. The fixing member 90 is attached to the draw string 70 by extending the first and second ends 72, 74 through apertures of the fixing member 90 such that the lower loop 76 is formed on one side of the fixing member 90, and the draw string first and second sections 78, 80 are positioned an opposite side of the fixing member 90. The draw string first and second ends 72, 74 are extended through respective left and right channels 50a, 50b. Once extended, reinforcing fabric 73, 75 is applied to the draw string first and second ends 72, 74 and aligned with the channel first ends 52. Finally, the body member top end 22, draw string first and second ends 72, 74 with respective reinforcing fabric 73, 75, and the head band 10 are stitched together to form the upper seam 11.

In use, the user places her hair within the body member 20 and fixes the head band 10 around her head, as shown in FIG. 1. To adjust the length of the hair covering 1, the user engages the lower loop 76 with one hand and the fixing member 90 with her other hand. The release member 92 is engaged and the fixing member 90 is moved to a desired position where the release member 92 is disengaged and fixed thereto. To retract the hair covering 1, the fixing member 90 is moved toward the body member top end 22, and to expand the hair covering 1, the fixing member 90 is moved toward the body member bottom end 24. In the alternative, the user can adjust the length of the hair covering 1 prior to wearing the hair covering 1.

In the embodiments described herein, the hair covering 1 is 26 inches in length in the extended state, as shown for example in FIGS. 1-3, and retractable to a length of 18 inches, as shown for example in FIG. 4. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the hair covering 1 could be manufactured with other dimensions.

One of ordinary skill in the art will also recognize that the hair covering 1 could be used for many different purposes and depending on the purpose, the materials used to manufacture the hair covering 1 could vary. For example, if the hair covering 1 is used as a shower cap, water-resistant or water-proof materials could be used. As another example, if the hair covering 1 is used for every-day use during warm weather, air permeable materials such as mesh could be used.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention will be, therefore, indicated by claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes, which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims, are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. An adjustable hair covering comprising:

an elastic head band substantially circular in shape and configured to be fixed on a user's head proximate the forehead and upper neck area;

a body member having a top end and an opposing bottom end, the body member top end operably coupled with the elastic head band and extending therefrom to form a head band opening proximate the body member top end and an enclosed space between the body member top end and body member bottom end, the enclosed space configured to store the user's hair;

first and second channels each having a first end and an opposing second end, the first and second channels formed on the body member with the channel first ends coinciding with the body member top end, and the channel second ends extending to a position intermediate the body member top and bottom ends, the channel second ends each having a channel opening, wherein each first and second channels have a channel length defined by the length between respective channel first and second ends;

a draw string having opposing first and second ends and a lower loop therebetween, the draw string first end operably coupled with the body member top end, the draw string having a first section extending between the draw string first end and the lower loop, the first section positioned within the first channel, the draw string second end operably coupled with the body member top end, the draw string having a second section extending between the draw string second end and the lower loop, the second section positioned within the second channel, and the lower loop extending from respective channel second ends; and

a fixing member releasably coupled to the draw string first and second sections between the respective draw string first and second ends, and the lower loop, wherein a first draw string length is defined by the length between the draw string first end and the fixing member, and a second draw string length is defined by the length between the draw string second end and the fixing member;

wherein in an extended state the first and second draw string lengths are greater than the first and second channel lengths, respectively, and in a retracted state the first and second draw string lengths are less than the first and second channel lengths, respectively, thereby reducing the distance between the top and bottom ends of the body member.

2. The adjustable hair covering of claim 1, wherein the draw string first and second ends are free ends.

3. The adjustable hair covering of claim 1, wherein the draw string first and second ends are integral with each other forming an upper loop.

4. The adjustable hair covering of claim 1, wherein the draw string is elastic.

5. The adjustable hair covering of claim 1, wherein the fixing member comprises a release member for releasing the draw string from the extended state, and positioning and fixing the fixing member to the retracted state.

6. An adjustable hair covering comprising:

a head band substantially circular in shape and configured to be fixed on a user's head;

a body member having a top end and an opposing bottom end, the body member top end operably coupled with the head band and extending therefrom to form a head band opening proximate the body member top end and an enclosed space between the body member top end and body member bottom end, the enclosed space configured to store the user's hair;

at least one channel having a first end and an opposing second end, the at least one channel formed on the body member with the first end of the at least one channel positioned proximate the body member top end, and the second end of the at least one channel extending to a position intermediate the body member top and bottom ends, the second end of the at least one channel having a channel opening, wherein the at least one channel having a channel length defined by the length between the first and second ends of the at least one channel;

a draw string having opposing first and second ends, and a lower loop therebetween, the draw string first end operably coupled with the body member top end, the draw string having a first section extending between the draw string first end and the lower loop, the first section positioned within the at least one channel, the draw string second end operably coupled with the body member top end, the draw string having a second section extending between the draw string second end and the lower loop, the second section positioned within the at least one channel, and the lower loop extending from the second end of the at least one channel; and

a fixing member releasably coupled to the draw string first and second sections between the respective draw string first and second ends, and the lower loop, wherein a first draw string length is defined by the length between the draw string first end and the fixing member, and a second draw string length is defined by the length between the draw string second end and the fixing member;

wherein in an extended state the first and second draw string lengths are greater than the channel length, and in a retracted state the first and second draw string lengths are less than the channel length, thereby reducing the distance between the top and bottom ends of the body member.

7. The adjustable hair covering of claim 6, wherein the at least one channel comprises first and second channels, the draw string first and second sections positioned within the first and second channels, respectively.

8. The adjustable hair covering of claim 6, wherein the draw string first and second ends are free ends.

9. The adjustable hair covering of claim 6, wherein the draw string first and second ends are integral with each other forming an upper loop.

10. The adjustable hair covering of claim 6, wherein the draw string is elastic.

11. The adjustable hair covering of claim 6, wherein the fixing member comprises a release member for releasing the draw string from the extended state and positioning and fixing the fixing member to the retracted state.

12. An adjustable hair covering comprising:

a body member having a top end and an opposing bottom end, a top opening formed proximate the body member top end and an enclosed space formed between the body member top end and body member bottom end, the enclosed space configured to store a user's hair;

at least one channel having a first end and an opposing second end, the at least one channel formed on the body member with the first end of the at least one channel positioned proximate the body member top end, and the second end of the at least one channel extending to a position intermediate the body member top and bottom ends, the second end of the at least one channel having a channel opening, wherein the at least one channel having a channel length defined by the length between the first and second ends of the at least one channel;

a draw string having opposing proximal and distal ends, the draw string proximal end operably coupled with the body member top end, the draw string positioned within the at least one channel with the draw string distal extending from the channel opening; and

a fixing member releasably coupled to the draw string between the draw string proximal and distal ends; wherein a draw string length is defined by the length between the draw string proximal end and the fixing member;

wherein in an extended state the draw string length is greater than the channel length, and in a retracted state the draw string length is less than the channel length, thereby reducing the distance between the top and bottom ends of the body member.

13. The adjustable hair covering of claim 12, further comprising a head band operably coupled to the body member top end, the head band configured to be fixed on the user's head.

14. The adjustable hair covering of claim 12, wherein the draw string proximal end comprises draw string first and second ends, and the draw string distal end comprises a lower loop,

the draw string first end operably coupled with the body member top end, the draw string having a first section extending between the draw string first end and the lower loop, the first section positioned within the at least one channel,

the draw string second end operably coupled with the body member top end, the draw string having a second section extending between the draw string second end and the loop, the second section positioned within the at least one channel, and

the lower loop extending from the second end of the at least one channel.

15. The adjustable hair covering of claim 14, wherein the at least one channel comprises first and second channels.

16. The adjustable hair covering of claim 15, wherein the draw string first and second sections are positioned within the first and second channels, respectively.

17. The adjustable hair covering of claim 14, wherein the draw string first and second ends are free ends.

18. The adjustable hair covering of claim 14, wherein the draw string first and second ends are integral with each other forming an upper loop.

19. The adjustable hair covering of claim 12, wherein the draw string is elastic.

20. The adjustable hair covering of claim 12, wherein the fixing member comprises a release member for releasing the draw string from the extended state, and positioning and fixing the fixing member to the retracted state.