HAIR WRAPPING DEVICE AND METHOD

Abstract

In one embodiment, a hair wrapping device includes: a sleeve including a first opening, a second opening, and a lumen extending between the first opening and the second opening; a band having a middle segment coupled to a portion of a circumference of the sleeve proximal to the first opening, a first end, and a second end; and a closing mechanism disposed proximal to the second opening. In another embodiment, a method of protecting hair of a user includes: reaching a first hand through the sleeve; grasping the hair of the user with the first hand; pulling the hair of the user into the lumen; grasping the band with a second hand; sliding the band over a head of the user; aligning the middle segment of the band over a hairline of the user; and tying the first end to the second end of the band.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/219,287, titled HAIR WRAPPING DEVICE AND METHOD and filed Jul. 7, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to devices and methods for protecting hair of a user with a hair wrapping device.

State of the Art

Hair wraps are cloth head coverings used by men and women to cover their hair.

Designers and manufacturers of hair wraps have long recognized a need for hair wraps that protect hair from damage, keep hair smooth, and keep hair styles intact, particularly during sleeping.

However, current hair wraps and hair wrapping methods enclose the hair in the wrap, which compacts the hair, causes kinks or bends in the hair, and limits air flow, trapping heat, moisture, and sweat inside. Thus, current hair wraps and hair wrapping methods fail to preserve the user's hair style and protect the user's hair from damage.

For these reasons, there is a need for improved devices and methods for wrapping hair that protect hair from damage, keep hair smooth, and keep hair styles intact.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a hair wrapping device is provided. The hair wrapping device includes: a sleeve defined by a first portion of a first fabric, the sleeve having a first opening, a second opening, and a sleeve interior surface defining a lumen extending between the first opening and the second opening; a band defined by a second portion of a second fabric, the band having a first end, a second end, and a middle segment, wherein the middle segment is coupled to a portion of a circumference of the sleeve at the first opening of the sleeve, and wherein the first end and the second end of the band are not attached to the sleeve; and a closing mechanism disposed proximal to the second opening of the sleeve, wherein the closing mechanism is configured for operably opening and closing the second opening of the sleeve.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for protecting hair of a user is provided. This method can include: obtaining a hair wrapping device including (i) a sleeve defined by a first portion of a first fabric, the sleeve having a first opening defined by a top edge of the first portion, a second opening defined by a bottom edge of the first fabric, and an interior surface defining a lument extending between the first opening and the second opening, and (ii) a band including a first end, a second end, and a middle segment, wherein the middle segment of the band is coupled to a portion of a circumference of the sleeve at the top edge of the sleeve; reaching a first hand through the first opening, the lumen, and the second opening of the sleeve of the hair wrapping device; grasping the hair of the user with the first hand; pulling the hair of the user through the first opening and into the lumen of the hair wrapping device; grasping the band of the hair wrapping device with a second hand; sliding the band of the hair wrapping device over a head of the user; aligning the middle segment of the band of the hair wrapping device along a hairline of the user; and tying the first end of the band to the second end of the band of the hair wrapping device.

In any of the embodiments described herein, the first fabric may be the same as the second fabric.

In any of the embodiments described herein, the first fabric may be different from the second fabric.

In any one of the embodiments described herein, at least one of the first fabric and the second fabric may include synthetic fibers. In some embodiments, the synthetic fibers may be selected from the group consisting essentially of polyester, spandex, nylon, rayon or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, one of the first fabric and the second fabric may not include natural fibers.

In any one of the embodiments described herein, at least one of the first fabric and the second fabric may include natural fibers. In some embodiments the natural fibers may be selected from the group consisting of cotton, silk, rayon, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, at least one of the first fabric and the second fabric may not include synthetic fibers.

In any one of the embodiments described herein, the first fabric and the second fabric each may be selected from the group consisting of a jersey knit fabric and a satin weave fabric. In some embodiments, the satin weave fabric is a charmeuse satin weave fabric.

In any one of the embodiments described herein, the first fabric and the second fabric may be a satin weave fabric having a one-way stretch, a two-way stretch, or a four-way stretch.

In any one of the embodiments described herein, the first portion may be a tubular portion of the first fabric having a top edge defining the first opening of the sleeve and a bottom edge defining the second opening of the sleeve.

In any one of the embodiments described herein, the first portion of the first fabric may have a top edge defining the first opening of the sleeve, a bottom edge defining the second opening of the sleeve, a left edge, and a right edge coupled to the left edge.

In some embodiments described herein, the left edge of the first portion may be coupled to the right edge of the first portion by stitching, and the middle segment of the band may be coupled to the portion of the circumference of the sleeve at the first opening by stitching.

In any one of the embodiments described herein, the portion of the circumference of the sleeve at the first opening that is coupled to the middle segment of the band may include between 80 to 85% of the circumference of the sleeve at the first opening, between 85 to 90% of the circumference of the sleeve at the first opening, or between 90 to 95% of the circumference of the sleeve at the first opening.

In any one of the embodiments described herein, the circumference of the sleeve at the top edge of the first portion may be between 18 to 24 inches, between 20 to 22 inches, or may be 22 inches.

In any one of the embodiments described herein, the band may have a length between 55 and 70 inches.

In any one of the embodiments described herein, the band may have a length of 66 inches.

In any one of the embodiments described herein, a first end length of the first end of the band and a second end length of the second end of the band may be the same in length.

In any one of the embodiments described herein, a first end length of the first end of the band and a second end length of the second end of the band may be different in length.

In any one of the embodiments described herein, a first end length of the first end of the band may be between 18 to 24 inches, between 20 to 22 inches, or may be 22 inches, and a second end length of the second end of the band may be between 18 to 24 inches, between 20 to 22 inches, or may be 22 inches.

In any one of the embodiments described herein, the band may not include elastic.

In any one of the embodiments described herein, the bottom edge of the sleeve may be sinusoidal in shape, having at least two peak portions and at least two valley portions, the at least two peak portions and the at least two valley portions define the closing mechanism, and wherein the at least two peak portions are operable to be tied together to close the second opening.

In any one of the embodiments described herein, a method may further include obtaining the hair wrapping device, the hair wrapping device further including a closing mechanism disposed proximal to the bottom edge of the sleeve, wherein the closing mechanism is configured for operably opening and closing the second opening; and the method may further include closing the closing mechanism to close the second opening of the sleeve of the hair wrapping device. In some embodiments, a method may further include obtaining the hair wrapping device, wherein the bottom edge of the sleeve is sinusoidal in shape, having at least two peak portions and at least two valley portions, wherein the at least two peak portions and the at least two valley portions define the closing mechanism configured for operably opening and closing the second opening; and closing the closing mechanism by tying the at least two peak portions together.

In any one of the embodiments described herein, a method may further include wrapping the first end and the second end of the band around the head of the user prior to tying the first end of the band to the second end of the band.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For purpose of illustration, certain embodiments of the present inventive concept are shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the present inventive concept is not limited to the precise embodiments and features shown. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present disclosure will be obtained by reference to the foregoing summary, the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the present disclosure are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is a front top perspective view of one embodiment of a hair wrapping device of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the embodiment of the hair wrapping device of FIG. 1, wherein the left edge of the first portion is disjoined from the right edge of the first portion to show features of the hair wrapping device not shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front top perspective view of a first portion and a second portion of another embodiment of the hair wrapping device of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a front bottom perspective view of the embodiment of the hair wrapping device of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the embodiment of the hair wrapping device of FIG. 3, wherein the left edge of the first portion is disjoined from the right edge of the first portion to show features of the hair wrapping device not shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a front top perspective view of the embodiment of the hair wrapping device of FIG. 3, wherein the closing mechanism is closed.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view the hair wrapping device of FIG. 3 secured to the head of a user, wherein the closing mechanism is open.

FIG. 8 is a back perspective view of the hair wrapping device of FIG. 3 secured to the head of a user, wherein the closing mechanism is open.

FIG. 9 is a back perspective view of the hair wrapping device of FIG. 3 secured to the head of a user, wherein the closing mechanism is closed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to devices and methods for wrapping hair. The presently disclosed hair wrapping device and method of use decreases hair damage and breakage, allows air flow to the hair, is inexpensive, easy to use and secure in place, and care for the hair wrapping device is time and cost efficient.

In the present disclosure, orientation language such as top, bottom, front, back, left, and right, etc., may be used to help the reader navigate the drawings. Such language is for orientation purposes only and is not intended to be limiting.

Further, any one of the features of the present disclosure may be used separately or in combination with any other feature of the present disclosure. For example, references to the term “embodiment” means that the feature or features being referred to are included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Separate references to the term “embodiment” in this description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and are also not mutually exclusive, unless so stated and/or except as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. For example, a feature, structure, process, step, action, or the like described in one embodiment may also be included in other embodiments but is not necessarily included. Thus, the present disclosure may include a variety of combinations and/or integrations of the embodiments described herein. Additionally, all aspects of the present disclosure as described herein are not essential for its practice.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, a hair wrapping device 100 includes a sleeve 120 joined or coupled to a band 160. In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the sleeve 120 is defined by a first portion 110 of at least one layer of a first fabric, and the band 160 is defined by a second portion 150 of at least one layer of a second fabric. In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 110 (defining the sleeve 120) has a top edge 112, a bottom edge 114, a left edge 116 (shown in FIG. 2), and a right edge 118 and the sleeve is defined by joining the left and right edges 116 and 118 of the first portion 110 (see FIG. 2). However, it is foreseen that the first portion (defining the sleeve 120) may be a tubular portion of the first fabric without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. The second portion 150 (defining the band 160) has a top edge 152, a bottom edge 154, a left edge 156, and a right edge 158.

In accordance with embodiments described herein, the seams, for example, where the sleeve 120 is joined to the band 160 and/or where the left edge 116 is joined to the right edge 118 of the first portion 110, may be formed by any suitable method known in the art for joining fabric, such as gluing, sewing (also referred to herein as “stitching”), chemical welding, and heat welding. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the sleeve 120 is joined to the band 160 and the left edge 116 is joined to the right edge 118 of the first portion 110 (defining the sleeve 120) by stitching 121. The stitching 121 may include any suitable stitches known in the art. Non-limiting examples of suitable stitches include a running stitch, an invisible or ladder stitch, or a serge stitch.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the embodiment of the hair wrapping device of FIG. 1, wherein the left edge 116 is disjoined from the right edge 118 of the first portion to show features of first portion 110 and the second portion 150 of the hair wrapping device 100 not shown in FIG. 1. In particular, the left edge 116 and the shape of first portion 110 and second portion 150 are shown.

Although the first portion 110 of FIG. 2 is depicted as being rectangular and having four sides or edges, the first portion 110 may be any shape suitable for the hair wrapping device 100 and may have any number of sides or edges, which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, in view of the present disclosure. As a non-limiting example, FIG. 5 shows a plan view of a first portion 210 and a second portion 250 of another embodiment of a hair wrapping device 200 of the present disclosure, wherein the first portion 210 is non-rectangular and a bottom edge 214 is sinusoidal in shape.

The first portion 110 has a length, measured between the top edge 112 and the bottom edge 114 of the first portion 110. In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the length of the first portion 110 may be between 10 and 30 inches long. In some embodiments, the length may be 25 inches. However, it is foreseen that the length of the first portion 110 may be any length suitable to accommodate a length of the head and hair of the user. In some embodiments, the length of the first portion 110 may be the same along a width of the first portion 110. In other embodiments, the length of the first portion 110 may vary along the width of the first portion 110, as shown in FIG. 5.

The width of the first portion 110 is measured between the left edge 116 and the right edge 118 of the first portion 110. In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the width of the first portion 110 may be any width that is suitable to fit around the head and hair of the user and to accommodate for a seam allowance of the fabric. The seam allowance may be any suitable seam allowance known in the art. Non-limiting examples of suitable seam allowances may be between ¼ inch and 2 inches. The width of the first portion 110 may be the same along the length of the first portion 110, as shown in FIG. 2, or may vary along the length of the first portion 110. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the width of the first portion 110 decreases toward the bottom edge 214 of the first portion 110.

Referring to FIG. 2, the second portion 150 is depicted as a ribbon or band having an elongated rectangular shape, having four sides or edges. However, it is foreseen that the second portion 150 may be any elongated shape suitable to form the band 160 and may have any number of sides or edges, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. In a non-limiting example (not shown), the second portion 150 may be trapezoidal in shape, such that the left edge 156 and the right edge 158 of the second portion 150 are angled with respect to the top edge 152 and the bottom edge 154 of the second portion 150, and do not form right angles. In another non-limiting example (not shown), the left edge 156 and the right edge 158 of the second portion 150 may be rounded.

The second portion 150 has a length, measured between the left edge 156 and the right edge 158. In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the length of the second portion 150 may be between 56 and 76 inches. In some embodiments, the length of the second portion 150 may be between 59 and 71 inches. In at least one embodiment, the length of the second portion 150 may be 66 inches. In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the length of the second portion 150 is longer than the circumference of an average user's head. In some embodiments, the length of the second portion 150 is longer than twice the circumference of an average user's head.

The second portion 150 also has a width, measured between the top edge 152 and the bottom edge 154. The width of the second portion 150 may be the same or may vary along the length of the second portion 150. In a non-limiting example, as shown in FIG. 1, the width of the second portion 150 is the same or substantially the same along the length of the second portion 150.

Referring to FIG. 1, the sleeve 120 includes a first opening 126 defined by the top edge 112, and a second opening (not shown) defined by the bottom edge 114. The sleeve 120 further includes an interior surface 123 that defines a lumen extending between the first opening 126 and the second opening (not shown in FIG. 1). The first opening 126 is operable to fit around the head of the user and the lumen is operable to receive the hair of the user therethrough.

In one embodiment, the second opening may be open to allow air flow to the hair of the user and to allow the hair of the user to flow toward or even out of the second opening, depending on the length of the hair of the user. A second open end is advantageous because it allows sweat and excess moisture to escape from the scalp and hair of the user and does not compact the hair style of the user. Also, the second open end assists in placing the hair wrapping device on the user's head, as described in greater detail below.

The sleeve 120 has a circumference that is determined by the width of the first portion 110. In embodiments where no seam allowance or very little seam allowance is needed, for example, where chemical welding is used to join the left edge 116 and right edge 118 of the first portion 110, or where the first portion 110 is a tubular portion, the circumference may be equal to or substantially equal to the width of the first portion 110. In other embodiments where the left edge 116 and the right edge 118 of the first portion 110 require a seam allowance, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, where the left edge 116 and the right edge 118 of the first portion are joined or coupled together by stitching 121, the circumference is equal to the width of the first portion 110, less the seam allowance on the left edge 116 of the first portion 110 and the seam allowance on the right edge 118 of the first portion 110.

In some embodiments, the circumference of the sleeve 120 may be the same along the length of the sleeve 120. For example, as seen in FIG. 1, the circumference of the sleeve 120 is the same or substantially the same along the length of the sleeve 120. In other embodiments, the circumference may vary along the length of the sleeve 120. For example, FIGS. 3 and 4 show a sleeve 220 of the hair wrapping device 200, wherein the circumference of the sleeve 220 decreases from the top edge 212 to the bottom edge 214 of the first portion 210 (i.e., the lumen is tapered).

The circumference of the sleeve 120 at the first opening 126 (i.e., at the top edge 112 of the first portion 110) may be any circumference suitable to allow the first opening 126 to fit around the head of a user and receive the hair of the user therethrough. For example, in one embodiment, the circumference of the sleeve 120 at the first opening 126 may be between 18 and 24 inches. In some embodiments, the circumference of the sleeve 120 at the first opening 126 may be between 20 and 22 inches. In at least one embodiment, the circumference of the sleeve 120 at the first opening 126 may be 22 inches.

The circumference of the sleeve 120 at the second opening (i.e., at the bottom edge 114 of the first portion 110), may be any circumference suitable to fit around the hair of the user and receive the hair of the user therethrough.

In some embodiments, the hair wrapping device 100 may further include a closing mechanism (not shown in FIG. 1) disposed on the sleeve 120, proximal to the bottom edge 114 of the first portion 110, for operably opening and closing the second opening. The closing mechanism may be any closing mechanism, closure, or fastener known in the art for operably opening and closing fabric, such as one or more buttons, ties, snap fasteners, hook-and-eye closures, hook-and-loop closures, toggle closures, or frog closures. In at least one embodiment, for example, in FIGS. 3 and 4, the bottom edge 214 of the sleeve 220 defines a closing mechanism 240. The closing mechanism is advantageous because it allows the user to open the closing mechanism to allow air flow to the user's hair or to close the closing mechanism to protect the hair from dirt, debris, rain, and anything that may damage the hair or hairstyle.

Referring to FIG. 1, the band 160 has a first end 162, a second end 164, and a middle segment 166. The middle segment 166 is joined or coupled to a portion of the circumference of the sleeve 120 at the first opening 126 (i.e., at the top edge 112 of the first portion 110). The portion of the circumference of sleeve 120 at the first opening 126 of the first portion 110, to which the middle segment 166 is joined, is less than 100% of the circumference of the sleeve 120. For example, the portion of the circumference of the sleeve 120 to which the middle segment 166 is joined may be between 80 to 85% of the circumference of the sleeve 120 at the first opening 126, 85 to 90% of the circumference of the sleeve 120 at the first opening 126, or 90 to 95% of the circumference of the sleeve 120 at the first opening 126. For example, in one embodiment, the middle segment 166 of the band 160 may be joined to 90% of the circumference of the sleeve 120 at the first opening 126.

The band 160 has a length measured between the left edge 156 and the right edge 158. In some embodiments, the length of the band 160 may be between 55 and 70 inches. In one embodiment, the length of the band 160 may be 66 inches.

The first end 162 and the second end 164 of the band 160 extend from the middle segment 166 of the band 160 and are not attached to the sleeve 120. The first end 162 and the second end 164 of the band 160 are operable to be tied at the base of the neck of the user or to be wrapped around the hair line of the user and tied at the top of the head. In some embodiments, the first end 162 and the second end 164 of the band 160 may be the same in length. In other embodiments, the first end 162 and the second end 164 of the band 160 may be different in length. In at least one embodiment, a first end length of the first end 162 and a second end length of the second end 164 are between 18 to 24 inches, between 20 to 22 inches, or are 22 inches. However, the first end 162 and the second end 164 of the band may have any length suitable to allow the user to wrap the first end 162 and the second end 164 of the band 160 around the hairline of the user and tie to secure the hair wrapping device 100 to the head of the user.

Although the second fabric of the band 160 may have elastic qualities or properties, meaning that the second fabric may be stretchy, the band 160 preferably does not include a sewing notion or notions, known in the art as “elastic” or “elastics.” Elastics should not be used in the band 160 because elastics cause the band 160 to contract too tightly, damaging the hair line of the user.

The at least one layer of the first fabric of the first portion 110 may include one layer of the first fabric or two layers of the first fabric. However, it is foreseen that any number of layers may be used without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments where the at least one layer of the first fabric of the first portion 110 includes two or more layers, each of the two or more layers may be separate pieces of fabric joined or coupled by stitching, or another suitable method of joining fabric, along the edges 112, 114, 116, and 118 of the first portion 110. In other embodiments where the at least one layer of the first fabric of the first portion 110 includes two or more layers, each of the two or more layers may be formed defined by a single piece of fabric folded over and joined by stitching, or another suitable method of joining fabric, along one or more of the edges 112, 114, 116, and 118 of the first portion 110. Thus, the edges 112, 114, 116, and 118 of the first portion 110 may be defined by folds in the first fabric and/or stitching.

The at least one layer of the second fabric of the second portion 150 may include one layer of the second fabric or two layers of the second fabric. However, it is foreseen that any number of layers may be used without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments where the at least one layer of the second fabric of the second portion 150 includes two or more layers, each of the two or more layers may be separate pieces of fabric joined or coupled by stitching, or another suitable method of joining fabric, along the edges 152, 154, 156, and 158 of the second portion 150. In other embodiments where the at least one layer of the second fabric of the second portion 150 includes two or more layers, each of the two or more layers may be formed defined by a single piece of fabric folded over and joined by stitching, or another suitable method of joining fabric, along one or more of the edges 152, 154, 156, and 158 of the second portion 150. Thus, the edges 152, 154, 156, and 158 of the second portion 150 may be defined by folds in the second fabric and/or stitching.

Referring to FIGS. 3-5, in another embodiment of the present disclosure, the hair wrapping device 200 includes a sleeve 220 joined or coupled to a band 260. In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the sleeve 220 is defined by a first portion 210 of at least one layer of a first fabric, and the band 260 is defined by a second portion 250 of at least one layer of a second fabric. In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 210 (defining the sleeve 220) includes a top edge 212, a bottom edge 214, a left edge 216, and a right edge 218, and the sleeve 220 is defined by joining the left and right edges 216 and 218 of the first portion 210 (see FIGS. 3 and 4. However, it is foreseen that the first portion 210 may be a tubular portion of the first fabric, where the tubular portion defines the sleeve 220, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. The second portion (defining the band, has a top edge 252, a bottom edge 254, a left edge 256, and a right edge 258.

In accordance with embodiments described herein, the seams, for example, where the sleeve 220 is joined to the band 260 and/or where the left edge 216 is joined to the right edge 218 of the first portion 210, may be formed by any suitable method known in the art for joining fabric, such as gluing, sewing (also referred to herein as “stitching”), chemical welding, and heat welding. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the sleeve 220 is joined to the band 260 and the left edge 216 is joined to the right edge 218 of the first portion 210 (defining the sleeve 220) by stitching 221. The stitching 221 may include any suitable stitches known in the art. Non-limiting examples of suitable stitches include a running stitch, an invisible or ladder stitch, or a serge stitch.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the embodiment of the hair wrapping device of FIGS. 3 and 4, wherein the left edge 216 is disjoined from the right edge 218 to show features of the first portion 210 and the second portion 250 of the hair wrapping device 200 not shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. In particular, the left edge 216 and the shape of the second portion 250 are shown.

Although the first portion 210 of FIG. 5 is depicted as being non-rectangular, with the bottom edge 214 being sinusoidal in shape, the first portion 210 may be any shape suitable for the hair wrapping device 200 and may have any number of sides or edges, which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, in view of the present disclosure.

The first portion 210 has a length, measured between the top edge 212 and the bottom edge 214. In some embodiments, the length of the first portion 210 may be between 10 and 30 inches long. In at least one embodiment, the length of the first portion 210 may be 25 inches. However, it is foreseen that the length of the first portion 210 may be any length suitable to accommodate the length of the head and hair of the user. In at least one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the length of the first portion 210 may vary along the width of the first portion 210. In other embodiments, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, the length of the first portion 110 may be the same along a width of the first portion 110.

The width of the first portion 210 is measured between the left edge 216 and the right edge 218. In some embodiments, the width of the first portion 210 may be any width that is suitable to fit around the head and hair of the user to and accommodate for a seam allowance of the fabric. The seam allowance may be any suitable seam allowance known in the art. Non-limiting examples of suitable seam allowances may be between ¼ inch and 2 inches. In some embodiments, the width of the first portion 210 may vary along the length of the first portion 210. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the width of the first portion 210 decreases toward the bottom edge 214. In other embodiments, the width of the first portion 210 may be the same along the length of the first portion 210, for example, as shown in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 3, the second portion 250 is depicted as having an elongated rectangular shape, having four sides or edges. However, it is foreseen that the second portion 250 may be any elongated shape suitable to form the band 260 and may have any number of sides or edges, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. In a non-limiting example (not shown), the second portion 250 may be trapezoidal in shape, such that the left edge 256 and the right edge 258 of the second portion 250 are angled with respect to the top edge 252 and the bottom edge 254 of the second portion 250, and do not form right angles. In another non-limiting example (not shown), the left edge 256 and the right edge 258 of the second portion 250 may be rounded.

The second portion 250 has a length, measured between the left edge 256 and the right edge 258 of the second portion 250. For example, in some embodiments, the length of the second portion 250 may be between 56 and 76 inches. In some embodiments, the length of the second portion 250 may be between 59 and 71 inches. In at least one embodiment, the length of the second portion 250 may be 66 inches. In some embodiments, the length of the second portion 250 is longer than the circumference of an average user's head.

The second portion 250 also has a width, measured between the top edge 252 and the bottom edge 254. The width of the second portion 250 may be the same or may vary along the length of the second portion 250. In a non-limiting example, as shown in FIG. 3, the width of the second portion 250 is the same along the length of the second portion 250.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the sleeve 220 has a first opening 226 defined by the top edge 212, and a second opening 228 defined by the bottom edge 214. The sleeve 220 has an interior surface 223 that defines a lumen extending between the first opening 226 and the second opening 228. The first opening 226 is operable to fit around the head of the user and the lumen is operable to receive the hair of the user therethrough.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the second opening 228 may be open to allow air flow to the hair of the user. The second opening 228 may also be open to allow the hair of the user to flow out of the second opening 228, depending on the length of the hair of the user. A second open end is advantageous because it allows sweat and excess moisture to escape from the scalp and hair of the user and does not compact the hair style of the user.

The sleeve 220 has a circumference that is determined by the width of the first portion 210. In embodiments where no seam allowance or very little seam allowance is needed, for example, where chemical welding is used to join the left edge 216 and right edge 218, or where the first portion 210 is a tubular portion, the circumference may be equal to or substantially equal to the width of the first portion 210. In other embodiments where the left edge 216 and the right edge 218 require a seam allowance, for example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, where the left edge 216 and the right edge 218 are joined together by stitching 221, the circumference is equal to the width of the first portion 210, less the seam allowance on the left edge 216 of the first portion and the seam allowance on the right edge 218 of the first portion 210.

In some embodiments, the circumference of the sleeve 220 may vary along the length of the sleeve 220. For example, as seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the circumference of the sleeve 220 decreases from the top edge 212 to the bottom edge 214 (i.e., the lumen is tapered), such that the circumference of the sleeve 220 at the first opening 226 (i.e., at the top edge 212) is greater than the circumference of the sleeve 220 at the second opening 228 (i.e., at the bottom edge 214). In other embodiments, the circumference of the sleeve 120 may the same along the length of the sleeve 120, for example, as shown in FIG. 1.

The circumference of the sleeve 220 at the first opening 226 may be any circumference suitable to allow the first opening 226 to fit around the head of a user and receive the hair of a user therethrough. For example, in one embodiment, the circumference of the sleeve 220 at the first opening 226 may be between 18 and 24 inches. In some embodiments, the circumference of the sleeve 220 at the first opening 226 may be between 20 and 22 inches. In another embodiment, the circumference of the sleeve 220 at the first opening 226 may be 22 inches.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, in some embodiments, the hair wrapping device may further include a closing mechanism 240 disposed on the sleeve 220, proximal to the bottom edge 114, for operably opening and closing the second opening 228. The closing mechanism 240 may be any closing mechanism, closure, or fastener known in the art for operably opening and closing fabric, such as one or more buttons, ties, snap fasteners, hook-and-eye closures, hook-and-loop closures, toggle closures, or frog closures. In some embodiments, the bottom edge 214 of the sleeve 220 may define the closing mechanism 240. For example, in FIGS. 3-6, the bottom edge 214 is sinusoidal in shape, having at least two peak portions 242 and at least two valley portions 244. The at least two peak portions 242 and the at least two valley portions 244 define the closing mechanism 240 and are operable to be tied together to close the second opening 228 or untied to open the second opening 228, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. The closing mechanism is advantageous because it allows the user to open the closing mechanism to allow air flow to the user's hair or to close the closing mechanism to protect the hair from dirt, debris, rain, and anything that may damage the hair or hairstyle.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the band 260 has a first end 262, a second end 264, and a middle segment 266. The middle segment 266 is joined or coupled to a portion of the circumference of the sleeve 220 at the first opening 226 (i.e., at the top edge 212 of the first portion 210). The portion of the circumference of the sleeve 220 at the first opening 226, to which the middle segment 266 is joined, is less than 100% of the circumference of the sleeve 220. For example, the portion of the circumference of the sleeve 220 to which the middle segment 266 is joined may be between 80 to 85% of the circumference of the sleeve 220 at the first opening 226, 85 to 90% of the circumference of the sleeve 220 at the first opening 226, or 90 to 95% of the circumference of the sleeve 220 at the first opening 226. For example, in one embodiment, the middle segment 266 of the band 260 may be joined to 90% of the circumference of the sleeve 220 at the first opening 226.

The band 260 has a length measured between the left edge 256 and the right edge 158. In some embodiments, the length of the band 260 may be between 55 and 70 inches. In one embodiment, the length of the band 260 may be 66 inches.

The first end 262 and the second end 264 of the band 260 extend from the middle segment 266 of the band 260 and are not attached to the sleeve 120. The first end 262 and the second end 264 of the band 260 are operable to be tied at the base of the neck of the user or to be wrapped around the hair line of the user and tied at the top of the head. The first end 262 and the second end 264 of the band 260 may be the same or different in length. In at least one embodiment, the length of each of the first end 262 of the band 260 and the second end 264 of the band 260 are between 18 to 24 inches, between 20 to 22 inches, or are 22 inches. However, the first end 262 and the second end 264 of the band 260 may have any length suitable to allow the user to wrap the first end 262 and the second end 264 of the band 260 around the hairline of the user and tie to secure the hair wrapping device 200 to the head of the user.

Although the second fabric of the band 260 may have elastic qualities or properties, meaning that the second fabric may be stretchy, the band 260 preferably does not include a sewing notion or notions, known in the art as “elastic” or “elastics.” Elastics should not be used in the band 260 because elastics cause the band 260 to contract too tightly, damaging the hair line of the user.

The at least one layer of the second fabric of the second portion 250 may include one layer of the second fabric or two layers of the second fabric. However, it is foreseen that any number of layers may be used without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments where the at least one layer of the second fabric of the second portion 250 includes two or more layers, each of the two or more layers may be separate pieces of fabric joined or coupled by stitching, or another suitable method of joining fabric, along the second portion edges 252, 254, 256, and 258. In other embodiments where the at least one layer of the second fabric of the second portion 250 includes two or more layers, each of the two or more layers may be formed defined by a single piece of fabric folded over and joined by stitching, or another suitable method of joining fabric, along one or more of the second portion edges 252, 254, 256, and 258. Thus, the second portion edges 252, 254, 256, and 258 may be defined by folds in the second fabric and/or stitching.

The at least one layer of the second fabric of the second portion 250 may include one layer of the second fabric or two layers of the second fabric. However, it is foreseen that any number of layers may be used without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments where the at least one layer of the second fabric of the second portion 250 includes two or more layers, each of the two or more layers may be separate pieces of fabric joined or coupled by stitching, or another suitable method of joining fabric, along the second portion edges 252, 254, 256, and 258. In other embodiments where the at least one layer of the second fabric of the second portion 250 includes two or more layers, each of the two or more layers may be formed defined by a single piece of fabric folded over and joined by stitching, or another suitable method of joining fabric, along one or more of the second portion edges 252, 254, 256, and 258. Thus, the second portion edges 252, 254, 256, and 258 may be defined by folds in the second fabric and/or stitching.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure described herein, the first fabric and the second fabric may be the same fabric. However, it is foreseen that in other embodiments, the first fabric may be different from the second fabric without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure described herein, the first fabric and the second fabric may consist or consist essentially of synthetic fibers, such as polyester, spandex, nylon, or combinations thereof and do not include fabrics made from natural fibers such as cotton, rayon, or silk. However, it is foreseen that in other embodiments, the first fabric and the second fabric may include natural or non-synthetic fibers without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Although cotton and silk fabrics are breathable and allow some air flow to the hair, both cotton and silk may not be as effective as fabrics made from synthetic fibers. Cotton tends to strip the hair of moisture and natural oils, drying the hair and causing damage and breakage, and silk is slippery and has no natural stretch, which may make it difficult to use and keep in place, and it is expensive in comparison to other fabrics. Additionally, some silk fabrics perform best when dry cleaned or hand washed, making care for silk hair wraps costly and time consuming.

In accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure, the first fabric and/or the second fabric may include spandex to allow the first fabric and/or the second fabric to stretch. For example, the first fabric and/or the second fabric may consist of a polyester/spandex blend. The polyester/spandex blend may be a 95% polyester/5% spandex blend, a 96% polyester/4% spandex blend, a 97% polyester/3% spandex blend, or a 98% polyester/2% spandex blend.

The stretch of the fabric may be a one-way stretch, a two-way stretch, or a four-way stretch. The fabric may have a stretch percentage of 5%-10% stretch.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the first fabric and/or the second fabric may consist of a 97% polyester/3% spandex blend with a 10% stretch. Such fabric is advantageous for the sleeve and the band because it allows the first opening of the sleeve and the middle segment of the band to provide a snug fit that stays in place, with enough stretch to accommodate the head and hair of the user.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the first fabric and the second fabric may comprise a satin weave fabric. As used herein, the term “satin weave fabric” refers to a woven fabric with a satin weave. However, it is foreseen that first fabric and the second fabric may comprise knit fabric, such as a jersey knit fabric, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

The satin weave fabric may be charmeuse satin weave fabric with a shiny side and a matte side. For example, where the first fabric of the sleeve comprises a charmeuse satin weave fabric, the shiny side may comprise the exterior surface of the sleeve and the matte side may comprise the interior surface of the sleeve. Alternatively, the matte side may comprise the exterior surface of the sleeve and the shiny side may comprise the interior surface of the sleeve. However, it is foreseen that other satin weave fabrics may be used, such as double-faced satin with a shiny surface on both the front and back sides, crepe back satin with a shiny side and a crepe side, or messaline satin.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first fabric and the second fabric may comprise a jersey knit fabric or a dri-weave fabric.

In another embodiment, a method protecting hair of a user is provided. In the present disclosure, the method may be performed by the user, a third person, or both the user and third person. Terms such as “first hand” and “second hand” may refer to a hand of a user or a hand of a third person.

The method includes obtaining a hair wrapping device of the present disclosure, such as the hair wrapping device 200. As a non-limiting example, the method for protecting the hair of the user is described herein as being performed with the hair wrapping device 200. However, any hair wrapping device of the present disclosure may be used to perform the method.

The method includes reaching a first hand into the second opening 228, through the lumen, and out the first opening 226 of the hair wrapping device 200, grasping the hair of the user with the first hand, and pulling the hair through the first opening 226 and into the lumen of the hair wrapping device 200. After pulling the hair of the user into the lumen of the hair wrapping device 200, the method includes grasping the band 260 of the hair wrapping device 200 with a second hand and sliding the band 260 of the hair wrapping device 200 around a head of the user.

The method further includes aligning the middle segment 266 of the band 260 along a hairline of the user and tying the first end 262 of the band 260 to the second end 264 of the band 260 to secure the hair wrapping device 200 to the head of the user.

In some embodiments, the first end 262 of the band 260 is tied to the second end 264 of the band 260 at a nape of a neck of the user. However, it is foreseen that the first end 262 and the second end 264 of the band 260 may be tied at any point around the head suitable to secure the hair wrapping device 200 to the head of the user. For example, in at least one embodiment, shown in FIG. 7, the method includes wrapping the first end 262 of the band 260 around the head of the user in a first direction and wrapping the second end 264 of the band 260 around the head of the user in a second direction, prior to tying the first end 262 to the second end 264 of the band 260. The first end 262 may be tied to the second end 264 of the band 260 at a top of the head of the user, along the hairline, to secure the hair wrapping device 200 to the head of the user. The first end 262 may be tied to the second end 264 of the band 260 in a knot or a bow, such as bow 268.

In some embodiments, the method may further include closing the closing mechanism 240 to close the second opening 228 of the hair wrapping device 200. For example, wherein the bottom edge 214 includes at least two peak portions 242 and at least two valley portions defining the closing mechanism 240, the method includes tying the at least two peak portions 242 together to close the second opening 228. FIG. 8 shows the closing mechanism 240 in an open configuration, with the at least two peak portions 242 untied, and FIG. 9 shows the closing mechanism in a closed configuration, with the at least two peak portions 242 tied together to close the second opening 228.

Claims

1. A hair wrapping device, comprising:

a sleeve defined by a first portion of a first fabric, the sleeve having a first opening, a second opening, and a sleeve interior surface defining a lumen extending between the first opening and the second opening;

a band defined by a second portion of a second fabric, the band having a first end, a second end, and a middle segment, wherein the middle segment is coupled to a portion of a circumference of the sleeve at the first opening of the sleeve, and wherein the first end and the second end of the band are not attached to the sleeve; and

a closing mechanism disposed proximal to the second opening of the sleeve, wherein the closing mechanism is configured for operably opening and closing the second opening of the sleeve.

2. The hair wrapping device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first fabric and the second fabric include synthetic fibers.

3. The hair wrapping device of claim 2, wherein the synthetic fibers are selected from the group consisting essentially of polyester, spandex, nylon, or a combination thereof.

4. The hair wrapping device of claim 2, wherein at least one of the first fabric and the second fabric do not include natural fibers.

5. The hair wrapping device of claim 1, wherein the first fabric and the second fabric are a satin weave fabric having a one-way stretch, a two-way stretch, or a four-way stretch.

6. The hair wrapping device of claim 1, wherein the first portion is a tubular portion of the first fabric having a top edge defining the first opening of the sleeve and a bottom edge defining the second opening of the sleeve.

7. The hair wrapping device of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the first fabric has a top edge defining the first opening of the sleeve, a bottom edge defining the second opening of the sleeve, a left edge, and a right edge coupled to the left edge.

8. The hair wrapping device of claim 7, wherein the left edge of the first portion is coupled to the right edge of the first portion by stitching, and wherein the middle segment of the band is coupled to the portion of the circumference of the sleeve at the first opening by stitching.

9. The hair wrapping device of claim 7, wherein the bottom edge of the first portion is sinusoidal in shape, having at least two peak portions and at least two valley portions, wherein the at least two peak portions and the at least two valley portions define the closing mechanism, and wherein the at least two peak portions are operable to be tied together to close the second opening.

10. The hair wrapping device of claim 1, wherein the portion of the circumference of the sleeve at the first opening that is coupled to the middle segment of the band includes between 80 to 85% of the circumference of the sleeve at the first opening, between 85 to 90% of the circumference of the sleeve at the first opening, or between 90 to 95% of the circumference of the sleeve at the first opening.

11. The hair wrapping device of claim 1, wherein the circumference of the sleeve at the first opening is between 18 to 24 inches, between 20 to 22 inches, or is 22 inches.

12. The hair wrapping device of claim 1, wherein the band has a length between 55 and 70 inches.

13. The hair wrapping device of claim 1, wherein the band has a length of 66 inches.

14. The hair wrapping device of claim 1, wherein a first end length of the first end of the band and a second end length of the second end of the band are the same in length.

15. The hair wrapping device of claim 1, wherein a first end length of the first end of the band is between 18 to 24 inches, between 20 to 22 inches, or is 22 inches, and wherein a second end length of the second end of the band is between 18 to 24 inches, between 20 to 22 inches, or is 22 inches.

16. The hair wrapping device of claim 1, wherein the band does not include elastic.

17. A method for protecting hair of a user, the method comprising:

obtaining a hair wrapping device including (i) a sleeve defined by a first portion of a first fabric, the sleeve having a first opening defined by a top edge of the first portion, a second opening defined by a bottom edge of the first fabric, and an interior surface defining a lumen extending between the first opening and the second opening, and (ii) a band including a first end, a second end, and a middle segment, wherein the middle segment of the band is coupled to a portion of a circumference of the sleeve at the top edge of the sleeve;

reaching a first hand through the first opening, the lumen, and the second opening of the sleeve of the hair wrapping device;

grasping the hair of the user with the first hand;

pulling the hair of the user through the first opening and into the lumen of the hair wrapping device;

grasping the band of the hair wrapping device with a second hand;

sliding the band of the hair wrapping device over a head of the user;

aligning the middle segment of the band of the hair wrapping device along a hairline of the user; and

tying the first end of the band to the second end of the band of the hair wrapping device.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the hair wrapping device further includes a closing mechanism disposed proximal to the bottom edge of the sleeve, wherein the closing mechanism is configured for operably opening and closing the second opening, and wherein the method further includes closing the closing mechanism to close the second opening of the sleeve of the hair wrapping device.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the bottom edge of the sleeve is sinusoidal in shape, having at least two peak portions and at least two valley portions, wherein the at least two peak portions and the at least two valley portions define the closing mechanism, and wherein closing the closing mechanism includes tying the at least two peak portions together.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

wrapping the first end and the second end of the band around the head of the user prior to tying the first end of the band to the second end of the band.