HAIRBAND FOR SECURING HAIR

Abstract

A hairband is provided for selectively securing hair. The hairband includes a first band extending between opposite free ends, the first band including a first predetermined length up to thirty-five inches, and a first midpoint between the opposite free ends, the first band being formed from a rolled up first layer of textile material that includes elastic fibers; and a second band extending between opposite free ends, the second band including a second predetermined length up to thirty-five inches, and a second midpoint between the opposite free ends, the second band being formed from a rolled up second layer of textile material that includes elastic fibers, and the first midpoint of the first band is knotted to the second midpoint of the second band to secure the first band to the second band, thereby forming four legs extending from the knotted first and second midpoints.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a hairband. In particular, the present invention relates to a hairband for selectively securing hair in a desired position and which can be tied around a user's head.

There are many different types of devices and accessories for use on one's hair. Most, if not all, serve some type of purpose and/or function whether that be to hold hair up, back or down, to part hair, to accessorize, and/or for visual appeal. Short, elastic bands/hair ties are used to control small portions of hair, typically to pull hair away from the face. For example, a ponytail holds long hair that has been gathered together, usually away from one's face. Hairnets and caps of various kinds cover most of, if not the entire, head of hair to contain or control hair keeping it in place. Wigs and hair extensions are often expedient in the event of thinning hair or hair loss, for example, due to chemotherapy or alopecia, and are also desirable for those who wish to create an appearance of longer hair. A headband or hairband is a clothing accessory worn in the hair or around the forehead, usually to hold hair away from the face or eyes, consisting of a closed loop of elastic material or a horseshoe-shaped piece of flexible plastic or metal. A bandana tied around one's head is also sometimes used to hold hair back or down. The foregoing solutions are not particularly adapted to maintaining both short and long hair and/or lifting facial skin. There is a need for a decorative and easy to use hairband that addresses these and other disadvantages.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure, a hairband for selectively securing hair is provided. The hairband includes a first band extending between opposite free ends, the first band including: a first predetermined length up to thirty-five inches, and a first midpoint between the opposite free ends, wherein the first band is formed from a rolled up first layer of textile material that includes elastic fibers; and a second band extending between opposite free ends, the second band including: a second predetermined length up to thirty-five inches, and a second midpoint between the opposite free ends, wherein the second band is formed from a rolled up second layer of textile material that includes elastic fibers, and wherein the first midpoint of the first band is knotted to the second midpoint of the second band to secure the first band to the second band, thereby forming four legs extending from the knotted first and second midpoints.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure, a hairband for selectively securing hair is provided. The hairband includes a first band extending between opposite ends and having a first predetermined length and a first midpoint, the first band including a rolled up first layer of material that includes elastic fibers; and a second band extending between opposite ends and having a second predetermined length and a second midpoint, the second band including a rolled up second layer of material that includes elastic fibers, wherein the first midpoint of the first band is secured to the second midpoint of the second band.

In accordance with still another exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure, the elastic fibers are a polyester-polyurea copolymer.

In accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure, the rolled up first layer of material further includes cotton and/or cotton-polyester.

In accordance with still another exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure, the rolled up first layer of material comprises at least two revolutions.

In accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure, the rolled up first layer of material consists essentially of two revolutions.

In accordance with still another exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure, the rolled up first and second layers each include a hollow interior.

In accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure, the first midpoint of the first band is knotted to the second midpoint of the second band.

In accordance with still another exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure, the knotted first and second bands form four legs extending from the knotted first and second midportions.

In accordance with still another exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure, the hairband further includes a fastener for securing the first midpoint of the first band to the second midpoint of the second band.

In accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure, the second predetermined length differs from the first predetermined length.

In accordance with still another exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure, the first predetermined length is between about 20-40 inches.

In accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure, the second predetermined length is between about 15-35 inches.

In accordance with still another exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure, the first predetermined length is about 32 inches, and the second predetermined length is about 32 inches.

In accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure, the hairband further includes a third band extending between opposite ends and having a third predetermined length and a third midpoint, the third band including a rolled up third layer of material that includes elastic fibers, wherein the first midpoint of the first band, the second midpoint of the second band, and the third midpoint of the third band are secured together.

In accordance with still another exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure, the first band further comprises a first print pattern and the second band comprises a second print pattern that differs from the first print pattern.

In accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure, the first band further comprises a first color pattern and the second band comprises a second color pattern that differs from the first color pattern.

In accordance with still another exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure, a hairband for selectively securing hair is provided. The hairband consists essentially of a first band extending between opposite ends and having a first predetermined length up to thirty-five inches and a first midpoint, the first band including elastic fibers; and a second band extending between opposite ends and having a second predetermined length up to thirty-five inches and a second midpoint, the second band including elastic fibers, wherein the first midpoint of the first band is knotted to the second midpoint of the second band to secure the first and second bands together forming four legs extending from the knotted first and second midpoints.

In accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure, the first band comprises a rolled up first layer of material having at least 1.5 revolutions; and the second band comprises a rolled up second layer of material having at least 1.5 revolutions.

In accordance with still another exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure, a method is provided for positioning and securing hair using a hairband having a first band extending between opposite ends and having a first predetermined length and a first midpoint, the first band including a rolled up first layer of material that includes elastic fibers; and a second band extending between opposite ends and having a second predetermined length and a second midpoint, the second band including a rolled up second layer of material that includes elastic fibers, wherein the first midpoint of the first band is secured to the second midpoint of the second band, the method including the steps of positioning the first and second midpoints about the occipital bone region of the head; pulling the ends of the first band upward and forward and tying the first band in a band knot at about a top front region of the head; pulling the ends of the second band upward and forward and loosely tying the second band at about the top front region of the head; tucking the ends of the first and second bands under at least one of the first and second bands; and sliding the first and second bands toward the rear of the head.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure, a hairband for selectively securing hair is provided. The hairband includes a single band, a first band, extending between opposite ends and having a predetermined length, the band including a rolled up first layer of material that includes elastic fibers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the exemplary 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 exemplary embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the subject disclosure is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a rear elevational view of a hairband in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2A is a side view of a first band of the hairband of FIG. 1 in a partial rolled-up configuration;

FIG. 2B is an end view of a first band of the hairband of FIG. 1 in a rolled-up configuration;

FIG. 2C is an end view of another exemplary embodiment of a first band of the hairband of FIG. 1 in a rolled-up configuration;

FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the hairband of FIG. 1 adjacent a rear portion of a user's head;

FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of a hairband in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the hairband of FIG. 1 partially engaged with a user's head showing the first band knotted;

FIG. 6 is another side view of the hairband of FIG. 1, showing the first band knotted and the ends tucked under the first band (between the band and the user's head);

FIG. 7 is another side view of the hairband of FIG. 1, showing the second band loosely tied;

FIG. 8 is another side view of the hairband of FIG. 1, fully assembled to a user's head with the second band end tucked in; and

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of a method of using a hairband in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the various exemplary embodiments of the subject disclosure illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same or like reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like features. It should be noted that the drawings are in simplified form and are not drawn to precise scale. Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. Directional terms such as top, bottom, left, right, above, below and diagonal, are used with respect to the accompanying drawings. The term “distal” shall mean away from the center of a body. The term “proximal” shall mean closer towards the center of a body and/or away from the “distal” end. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the identified element and designated parts thereof. Such directional terms used in conjunction with the following description of the drawings should not be construed to limit the scope of the subject disclosure in any manner not explicitly set forth. Additionally, the term “a,” as used in the specification, means “at least one.” The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

“About” as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of ±20%, ±10%, ±5%, ±1%, or ±0.1% from the specified value, as such variations are appropriate.

“Substantially” as used herein shall mean considerable in extent, largely but not wholly that which is specified, or an appropriate variation therefrom as is acceptable within the field of art. “Exemplary” as used herein shall mean serving as an example.

Throughout this disclosure, various aspects of the subject disclosure can be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the subject disclosure. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 2.7, 3, 4, 5, 5.3, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages and characteristics of the exemplary embodiments of the subject disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, in light of the description herein, that the present disclosure can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular exemplary embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all exemplary embodiments of the subject disclosure.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3 and 5-8, there is shown an exemplary hairband 20 for selectively positioning and anchoring hair. Hairband 20 is configured as best shown in FIGS. 1-3, though other configurations are possible and contemplated by various other embodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 1, hairband 20 includes a first band 22 having opposite free ends 24, 26 and a midpoint 28 therebetween and a second band 30 having opposite free ends 32, 34 and a midpoint 36 therebetween. As shown best in FIG. 1, first and second bands 22, 30 are secured together at their respective midpoints 28, 36 to form four legs extending therefrom with respective free ends. In accordance with an exemplary aspect, each of the four legs can be about 16 inches in length but can alternatively be more or less than 16 inches, including, e.g., 10, 12, 14, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, and 30 inches.

Bands 22, 30 are secured using a knot 40, such as, e.g., a square knot, a reef knot, an overhand knot, a prusik knot, a slip knot, a figure eight knot or the like. In another embodiment, bands 22, 30 are secured via threaded stitching or a fastener (see FIG. 4), such as, e.g., an annular ring encircling first and second bands 22, 30, a clip, a circular band, a tie, an adhesive, a staple, a rivet or the like. It should be appreciated that bands 22, 30 may be secured in other ways, and that various embodiments of the subject disclosure are not intended to be limited to any specific manner for securing bands 22, 30 at respective midpoints 28, 36.

As best shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, either or both of first and second bands 22, 30 (and preferably at least first band 22) is formed from a substantially rectangular layer of material 23 rolled-up along a longitudinal axis “A” and forming a generally cylindrical shaped exterior with a hollow interior 25 extending along the longitudinal length of band 22, 30. Each band 22, 30 may be constructed or formed from the same or different material 23, and materials 23 forming bands 22, 30 may have the same or different thicknesses. As shown in FIG. 2B, material 23 is rolled-up into a spiral configuration having two (2) revolutions, though it should be appreciated that any number of revolutions may be used, such as, for example, 1, 1.5, 2.5 or 3 or more revolutions. Material 23 has a thickness sufficient to allow first and second bands 22, 30 to be easily tied into knots while allowing for a reasonable degree of elasticity. For example, material 23 may have a thickness of about 0.0005-0.015 inches, including 0.001 inches, 0.002 inches, 0.003 inches, 0.004 inches, 0.005 inches, 0.006 inches, 0.007 inches, 0.008 inches, 0.009 inches, 0.010 inches, 0.011 inches, 0.012 inches, 0.013 inches, and 0.014 inches, or more than 0.015 inches, such as up to 0.020 inches, 0.025 inches, or 0.030 inches.

In accordance with an alternative exemplary embodiment, the first and second bands may be formed as a non-rolled up layer of material. For example, the first and second bands may be formed as a folded or multi-layered (e.g., V-shaped or W-shaped or N-shaped) band folded along its longitudinal axis, a tubular shaped band, a parallelepiped shaped band, a planar rectangular shaped band, or an elongated band with various contours such as a wave-shaped profile.

Material 23 may include, for example, any of a variety of textile materials, including those having elastic fibers, such as, for example, polyester-polyurea copolymer, synthetic fibers, elastane, neoprene, and/or composite materials having elastic fibers and cotton and/or cotton-polyester, stretch velvet (e.g., a polyester and Spandex blend, such as, for example, a material consisting of approximately 90% polyester and 10% spandex), and stretch denim (e.g., a cotton/polyester and elastane blend). Material 23 also may be (but need not be) provided with a decorative print which may include, for example, a print pattern and/or a color pattern. In one embodiment, bands 22, 30 are provided with the same print and/or a color pattern, though it should be appreciated that different print and color patterns may be provided. It should also be appreciated that the materials forming bands 22, 30 may be washable and/or selected to provide compressibility, flexibility and/or resiliency throughout an entire length of either or both bands 22, 30.

With respect to one embodiment, material 23 having a blend of elastic fibers and e.g., velvet or denim, advantageously results in hairband 20 having improved characteristics for gripping hair. That is, due to the surface texture and/or plushness of the velvet or denim, material 23 provides a superior non-slip characteristic or gripping ability. Additionally, combination of the hairband materials with a multi-banded configuration advantageously provide superior griping properties for use on both short and long hair.

Each of first and second bands 22, 30 has a predetermined length. In one embodiment the predetermined length ranges up to 35 inches, though it should be appreciated that the predetermined length may be greater than 35 inches, such as 36 inches, 38 inches, 40 inches, 42 inches, 44 inches and 45 inches. In another embodiment, the predetermined length ranges from 15 to 35 inches, including about 16 inches, 18 inches, 20 inches, 22 inches, 24 inches, 26 inches, 28 inches, 30 inches, 32 inches, and 34 inches. The predetermined length may also range from about 20-40 inches, about 25-35 inches, or about 30-35 inches. In still another embodiment, the predetermined lengths of bands 22, 30 are the same or substantially the same, though it should be appreciated that the predetermined lengths of bands 22, 30 may be different, and that various embodiments of the subject disclosure are not intended to be limited to any particular predetermined length(s).

In accordance with various exemplary embodiments of the subject disclosure, the rolled-up layer of material 23 forming either or both bands 22, 30 consists essentially of 1.5 revolutions (FIG. 2C), consists essentially of two revolutions (FIG. 2B), or consists essentially of three revolutions. In accordance with other exemplary embodiments of the subject disclosure, the rolled-up layer of material 23 forming either or both bands 22, 30 consists of 1.5 revolutions (FIG. 2C), consists of two revolutions (FIG. 2B), or consists of three revolutions.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure, the hairband consists essentially of a first band extending between opposite ends and having a first predetermined length up to thirty-five inches and a first midpoint, the first band including elastic fibers. The hairband includes a second band extending between opposite ends and having a second predetermined length up to thirty-five inches and a second midpoint, the second band including elastic fibers.

FIG. 4 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a hairband 120. Hairband 120 is similar to hairband 20 but includes a third band 46 having opposite free ends 48, 50 and a midpoint 52 therebetween. Similar to first and second bands 22, 30, third band 46 comprises a rolled-up layer of a material 23 that may be the same or different than a material 23 used for either or both of bands 22, 30. First, second and third bands 22, 30, 46 are secured at their respective midpoints 28, 36, 52 in a manner similar to that described herein with respect to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and 5-8. It should be appreciated that more than three bands may be provided (such as four bands, five bands, or six bands), and that various embodiments of the subject disclosure are not intended to be limited to any particular number of bands.

Referring now to FIG. 9, there is shown a flowchart of a method of using hairband 20, though it should be appreciated that a similar method may be practiced also with respect to hairbands 20 and 120, as well as other hairbands contemplated by the present invention. The method begins at step 60 and proceeds to step 62, at which a user positions midpoints 28, 36 of bands 22, 30 (which may be tied into knot 40) about a rear lower portion of his/her head below a lower region of the occipital bone (see FIG. 3). In this manner, hairband 20 is better prevented from slipping upward off the head of the user. The method then proceeds to step 64, at which the user pulls ends 24, 26 of first band 22 upward and forward and ties ends 24, 26 into a band knot 42 about the top front of the user's head. At step 66, the user pulls ends 32, 34 of second band 30 upward and forward and loosely ties ends 32, 34 into a tie 44 about the top front of the user's head adjacent band knot 42 (though, it should be appreciated that ends 32, 34 may alternatively be tied into a band knot rather than being loosely tied). Additional bands of other embodiments (such as, e.g., a third band, a fourth band, or a fifth band) are pulled upward and tied at this step in a similar manner. The method then proceeds to step 68, at which the user tucks ends 24, 26 and ends 32, 34 under at least one of first and second bands 22, 30, and preferably under both bands 22, 30. Then, at step 70, the user slides hairband 20 toward the rear of the user's head into a comfortable position. In at least some embodiments, the sliding back of hairband 20 at this step causes a facelift effect by stretching skin of the face and forehead. The method then ends at step 72.

The band knot used to secure first band 22 can be any of a variety of configurations, such as a bow, a turban, a knot, braided, twisted, and the like as desired by the user.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure, the hairband consists essentially of a first band extending between opposite ends and having a first predetermined length of about 36 inches, the first band including elastic fibers. An illustration of the hairband according to this embodiment is the single band shown in FIG. 2A with a length sufficient to wrap the first band around the user's head twice. The method of use is the user wraps the hairband around the users head twice and pulls ends 24, 26 of first band 22 upward and forward and ties ends 24, 26 into a band knot 42 about the top front of the user's head. The user then slides the headband 20 toward the rear of the user's head into a comfortable position.

As is seen in the foregoing description and drawings, the disclosed hairband addresses the aforementioned problem of controlling hair without slipping off. The hairband further solves the problem of controlling the entire head of hair, not just portions of hair, or controlling various spaced apart sections of hair. In addition, the hairband addresses the problem of presenting hair loss in an attractive manner. A further advantage of the hairband is the ability to pull back the skin on one's face when also pulling back the hair. Yet another advantage is the ability of attaching accessories securely onto hair. The hairband can be secured quickly and easily onto the head by simply tying knots.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the various aspects described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is to be understood, therefore, that the subject application is not limited to the particular exemplary embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the subject application as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A hairband for selectively securing hair, the hairband comprising:

a first band extending between opposite free ends, the first band including: a first predetermined length up to thirty-five inches, and a first midpoint between the opposite free ends, wherein the first band is formed from a rolled up first layer of textile material that includes elastic fibers; and

a second band extending between opposite free ends, the second band including: a second predetermined length up to thirty-five inches, and a second midpoint between the opposite free ends,

wherein the second band is formed from a rolled up second layer of textile material that includes elastic fibers, and

wherein the first midpoint of the first band is knotted to the second midpoint of the second band to secure the first band to the second band, thereby forming four legs extending from the knotted first and second midpoints.

2. A hairband for selectively securing hair, the hairband comprising:

a first band extending between opposite ends and having a first predetermined length and a first midpoint, the first band including a rolled up first layer of material that includes elastic fibers; and

a second band extending between opposite ends and having a second predetermined length and a second midpoint, the second band including a rolled up second layer of material that includes elastic fibers,

wherein the first midpoint of the first band is secured to the second midpoint of the second band.

3. The hairband of claim 2, wherein the elastic fibers are a polyester-polyurea copolymer.

4. The hairband of claim 2, wherein the rolled up first layer of material further includes cotton and/or cotton-polyester.

5. The hairband of claim 2, wherein the rolled up first layer of material comprises at least two revolutions.

6. The hairband of claim 2, wherein the rolled up first layer of material consists essentially of two revolutions.

7. The hairband of claim 2, wherein the rolled up first and second layers each include a hollow interior.

8. The hairband of claim 2, wherein the first midpoint of the first band is knotted to the second midpoint of the second band.

9. The hairband of claim 8, wherein the knotted first and second bands form four legs extending from the knotted first and second midportions.

10. The hairband of claim 2, further comprising a fastener for securing the first midpoint of the first band to the second midpoint of the second band.

11. The hairband of claim 2, wherein the second predetermined length differs from the first predetermined length.

12. The hairband of claim 2, wherein the first predetermined length is between about 20-40 inches.

13. The hairband of claim 12, wherein the second predetermined length is between about 15-35 inches.

14. The hairband of claim 2, wherein the first predetermined length is about 32 inches, and the second predetermined length is about 32 inches.

15. The hairband of claim 2, further comprising a third band extending between opposite ends and having a third predetermined length and a third midpoint, the third band including a rolled up third layer of material that includes elastic fibers, wherein the first midpoint of the first band, the second midpoint of the second band, and the third midpoint of the third band are secured together.

16. The hairband of claim 2, wherein the first band further comprises a first print pattern and the second band comprises a second print pattern that differs from the first print pattern.

17. The hairband of claim 2, wherein the first band further comprises a first color pattern and the second band comprises a second color pattern that differs from the first color pattern.

18. A hairband for selectively securing hair, the hairband consisting essentially of:

a first band extending between opposite ends and having a first predetermined length up to thirty-five inches and a first midpoint, the first band including elastic fibers; and

a second band extending between opposite ends and having a second predetermined length up to thirty-five inches and a second midpoint, the second band including elastic fibers,

wherein the first midpoint of the first band is knotted to the second midpoint of the second band to secure the first and second bands together forming four legs extending from the knotted first and second midpoints.

19. The hairband of claim 18, wherein the first band comprises a rolled up first layer of material having at least 1.5 revolutions; and the second band comprises a rolled up second layer of material having at least 1.5 revolutions.

20. A method for positioning and securing hair using a hairband, the hairband including a first band extending between opposite ends and having a first predetermined length and a first midpoint, the first band including a rolled up first layer of material that includes elastic fibers; and a second band extending between opposite ends and having a second predetermined length and a second midpoint, the second band including a rolled up second layer of material that includes elastic fibers, wherein the first midpoint of the first band is secured to the second midpoint of the second band, the method comprising:

positioning the first and second midpoints about the occipital bone region of the head;

pulling the ends of the first band upward and forward and tying the first band in a band knot at about a top front region of the head;

pulling the ends of the second band upward and forward and loosely tying the second band at about the top front region of the head;

tucking the ends of the first and second bands under at least one of the first and second bands; and

sliding the first and second bands toward the rear of the head.