Abstract: Apparatus for curling hair comprises first and second side portions ((12), (14)) which are secured together in a spaced apart relationship via a connector portion (16). The connector portion (16) is positioned substantially centrally with respect to each side portion. The connector portion (16) has a length of not more than 20 mm. The side portions ((12), (14)) are fabricated from a material which is both resilient and thermally conductive. The first side portion (12) is substantially flat and the second side portion (14) is configured such that it is provided with two fixed states: a first state in which the first side portion is convex in shape and bends away from the second plate; and a second fixed state in which the first side portion is concave in shape and folds over to cover both the connector portion and the first side portion.

Abstract: Various examples of a configurable cable holder for firearms are described. One example of the configurable cable holder includes an elastic band. The elastic band is configured to wrap around a portion of the firearm in one of a plurality of configurations when installed on the firearm. The elastic band has a clamp portion configured to elastically clamp a portion (e.g., cable) of an accessory of the firearm.

Abstract: A portable door stop comprising a wedge shaped unit, a first arm, and second arm. The wedge shaped unit has a tapered front end and an enlarged back end and tapers from the back end to the front end. The first arm and the second arm extend away from the wedge shaped unit and are configured for being removably engageable to each other to form a loop. The wedge shaped unit is configured for being pushed in a gap between a door and a floor under the door to prevent the door from moving, while the first and second arms are configured for enabling the portable door stop to be removably joined to a desired object by forming the loop around a portion of the desired object.

Abstract: There is provided a hair fastener. The hair fastener has an elongate body made of an elastic material stretchable under tension for maximizing holding capability of hair and a locking means at least part of which made of a stiff material. The locking means includes a first member and a second member arranged at opposite ends of the body. The first member and the second member are releasably engageable with each other by way of a mechanical interference fit in that engagement of the first and second members is achieved independent of degree of tension of the elastic body and engagement or disengagement of the first and second members is achieved by way of one hand operation of a user.

Abstract: A system and method for curling a lock of hair. A hair curling assembly contains a bi-stable ribbon spring. The ribbon spring is biased into a coiled configuration. The ribbon spring has positional stability in both its coiled configuration and its linear configuration. The ribbon spring is manipulated into its linear configuration within the hair curling assembly. The hair curling assembly is then positioned proximate the lock of hair to be curled. The ribbon spring is triggered back to its coiled configuration. The lock of hair winds with the ribbon spring into its coiled configuration, therein forming a curl in the lock of hair.

Abstract: A disclosed decorative device includes an elongate, flexible foam body, an elongate, pliable core element, a pair of adapters, and a pair of end pieces. A method for making the decorative device is described, as is a method for retaining hair using the decorative device. The decorative device includes the elongate, flexible foam body surrounding the elongate, pliable core element along its length. The pair of adapters are each configured to fixably receive an end of the elongate, pliable core element, with the pair of end pieces, each being configured to connect to one of the pair of adapters.

Abstract: A hair protection, retention and styling apparatus has a triangular shape. The left and right base corners comprise hair protection flaps that extend from either side of a rectangular hair retention channel roll. A top hair retention flap extends from the top thereof to form the top corner. A cylindrical style bar is attached near the top of the triangular body. Once a user places her hair on the channel roll, the hair protection flaps are folded in over the hair, thereby containing, retaining, and protecting the hair. The ends of the user's hair are wrapped around the style bar and the top hair retention roll is wrapped over the bar and the hair and bar are rolled approximately to the user's scalp. First and second wrap ties attach near the top of the triangular body and are used to secure the apparatus to the user's head.

Abstract: The presently disclosed technology teaches a hair accessory for receiving and restraining a bundle of hair, a method of making the hair accessory, and methods of styling hair and instructing others to style hair using the hair accessory. The hair accessory comprises a pair of opposing ductile metallic members. In one implementation, the ductile metallic members are generally rectangular and each has a pair of longitudinal ends. The ductile metallic members are covered by at least one backing member. The ductile metallic members are generally configured in an opposing relationship to each other with at least one closed end. The ductile metallic members may be separated from each other along a portion of their longitudinal lengths to define an opening for receiving a bundle of hair. The opposing ductile metallic members may also be closed about the bundle of hair to secure the hair accessory within a wearer's hair.

Abstract: A ponytail holder includes an outer covering with a front surface and a hook fabric with a hook surface. The ponytail holder may include a tube with inner and outer surfaces and a longitudinal slit forming opposing longitudinal edges. The ponytail holder may also include end caps. A storage device for storage a plurality of the ponytail holders is described along with a kit for making the ponytail holder and a method of manufacturing the ponytail holder. Various embodiments of the ponytail holder, storage device, kit, and method of manufacturing the ponytail holder are described. The ponytail holder is configured for placement around a constricted area of a bundle of hair and over an existing elastic band that surrounds the bundle and forms the constricted area. The hook fabric is configured to mate with the existing elastic band such that the outer covering adorns the bundle of hair.

Abstract: A hair curling device has a flexible flat base portion, a stem having a bottom end secured to the base portion, and a bowl portion having a frusto-conical wall extending upwardly from a top end of the stem in an open position. The frusto-conical wall has a top edge and a flange extending from the top edge, the frusto-conical wall adapted to be folded over in position around the stem so as to enclose the stem and the base portion in a folded position where the flange of the frusto-conical wall extends around the outer edge of the base portion and is aligned with the bottom of the base portion. The base portion, the stem and the bowl portion are made in one piece from a silicone material. The frusto-conical wall has a greater thickness in a region adjacent the stem than the thickness along the rest of the frusto-conical wall.

Abstract: A hair roller designed to divide the curl into layers allowing for better penetration of air throughout the hair. This, in turn, leads to shorter drying times.

Abstract: A portable self-contained hair drying helmet is taught that has thermal storage, desiccants, a phase change material, and thin lithium ion polymer batteries to allow one to dry their hair while walking around and performing personal and household duties.

Abstract: A unitary device for curling hair that can be described as comprising three portions: an upper head portion having a generally circular shape with a throughbore in its general radial center; an elongated body portion integrally extending from the upper head portion and having a generally shaft-like shape with at least one notch along its longitudinal axis; and a lower tip portion integrally extending from the elongated body portion and generally tapering to a tip. Furthermore, the hair curler device is capable being resiliently looped along a generally lengthwise axis and locked in a looped configuration when at least one notch is passed through the throughbore.

Abstract: A hair roller designed to divide the curl into layers allowing for better penetration of air throughout the hair. This, in turn, leads to shorter drying times.

Abstract: A hair curler made from an elongated tubular member that is divided into three sections by constrictors. At least one of the sections is filled with a filler material, preferably tapioca. The tubular member is placed in a microwave oven for between 30 seconds and 1 minute 30 seconds and is then placed in the individual's hair. The hair curler is removed from the hair after 20 to 30 minutes. The elongated tubular member is made from a decorative stretchy fabric and consequently the hair curler has the appearance of a decorative hair accessory. The curler can therefore be worn out in public thereby allowing the individual to style their hair while conducting other tasks.

Abstract: A hair curler is formed from a gel of crosslinked polyacrylamide including a humectant, and encased in a moisture-permeable flexible sheath, preferably of fabric.

Abstract: By employing the teaching of the present invention, all of the difficulties and drawbacks found in conventional prior art hair curlers/rollers are eliminated. By providing a fully integrated, elongated body member which comprises an elongated central section having a generally rod-like construction, an enlarged loop or eyelet formed at one end of the central section, and elongated continuous, multi-segmented finger member formed at the opposed end of the central section, an easily used, one-piece, clipless hair curler/roller is provided. In addition, all portions of the hair roller/curler are inherently flexible, enabling the central section to be used for receiving the user's hair is wound thereon in the desired manner, and once completely wound thereon, the hair fibers are quickly and easily held in place by flexibly moving the multi-segmented finger member into the loop or eyelet until the hair fibers are locked in place about the central section thereof.

Abstract: A device for styling hair includes a flexible, relatively long body portion having a separating opening therein through which to receive a user's hair. This body portion has clasp portions extending from either end which can be closed into a corresponding clasp by the insertion of one portion in the other so as to prevent rotation of one with respect to the other, and to engage a detent arrangement therebetween. A suitable surface finish on a synthetic polymer material for the side members provides a desired coefficient of friction on that surface with respect to hair thereagainst. A styling enhancement maybe provided as part of the hair styling device.

Abstract: An adjustable flexible hair curler including an elongated flexible strip having a generally rectangular configuration. The strip has long opposed side edges and short opposed end edges. The strip has a front surface and a back surface. The front surface and the back surface each is divided in a wide central section and a pair of narrow side sections. The narrow side sections of the front and back surfaces have corresponding securement means for coupling together when the strip is rolled into a cylindrical orientation.

Abstract: A device for styling hair includes a flexible. relatively long body portion having a separating opening therein through which to receive a user's hair. This body portion has clasp portions extending from either end which can be closed into a corresponding clasp by the insertion of one portion in the other so as to prevent rotation of one with respect to the other, and to engage a detente arrangement therebetween. A suitable surface finish on a synthetic polymer material for the side members provides a desired coefficient of friction on that surface with respect to hair thereagainst. A styling enhancement may be provided as part of the hair styling device.

Abstract: A hair curler comprised of a flexible hollow tube, the interior of which contains heat absorbent material. The heat absorbent material is capable of being heated in a microwave oven to elevated temperatures, and capable of maintaining such elevated temperatures for a substantial period of time. The tube has ties attached to both ends for securing the tube in place on the head of a user after hair has been wrapped around it for curling. The tube is preferably constructed of a rubberized fabric having a plurality of protrusions extending from the outer surface thereof. The heat absorbent material is preferably a cereal grain, such as rice.

Abstract: A hair setting strip for retaining a plurality of strands of hair and thereby setting a retained plurality of strands of hair in a desired style, comprises a thin resiliently pliant base member in the form of a strip having greater length than width, opposed first and second faces, and a longitudinal axis. A layer of hair-retentive material is securely mounted on the first face of the thin resiliently pliant base member. The hair setting strip is bendable along the longitudinal axis to a plurality of curved configurations, and is thereby selectively formable to any of the plurality of curved configurations. The hair setting strip may be retained in any selected curved configuration, whereby the retained plurality of strands of hair will become set in the desired style.

Abstract: A resiliently flexible and deformable hair styling accessory which imparts waves and style to hair, includes an elongated body and a head integrally formed at a first end of the body. The head includes an aperture which is configured to allow the forcible insertion of a second end of the elongated body therethrough and to thereafter retain a portion of the elongated body therein. The elongated body and head may form a unitary body constructed of a plurality of material components laminated along a longitudinal axis of the body. In use, a portion of wetted hair is rolled onto the elongated body and the second end is forcibly pushed through the aperture, retaining the elongated body and rolled hair in place. Once the hair has dried sufficiently to achieve the desired style, the inserted portion of the elongated body is withdrawn from the head aperture and the hair styling accessory is released from the hair.

Abstract: A threaded hair twister that is flexible, easy to use, and light-weight and enables the user to coil the hair into a variety of twists comprised of an elongated resilient body having an opening at one end and an elastic cord attached to a needle-like member at the other end, wherein the needle-like member is threaded into the opening of the elongated body for securing the hair after being rolled into a twist style.

Abstract: A hair curling device which has an elongated flexible member in the form of a strip which has a self coiling capability from an at-rest storage configuration, and when initially moved from a longitudinally straight configuration will automatically form a coiled configuration of a substantially circular shape. An attachment is mounted on the strip to connect the outer side of the strip with the overlapped inner side of the strip when in the coiled configuration and maintain the substantially circular shape. Depending on the point of connection of the attachment, coiled configuration can comprise various different diameters.

Abstract: A device for styling hair is disclosed. The device includes a flexible, elongated body portion having an elongated opening for receiving hair. The main body portion is deformed to create a continuous hair receiving opening. The elongated body portion also has a first female end and a second male end. A hair styling device comprising an elongated body portion with an elongated slot is also described.

Abstract: An adjustable hair curler includes a thin sheet of a flexible resilient material. A coating on a first side of the resilient sheet includes a soft material for contacting and gripping the hair. A coating is also applied to the second opposite side of the resilient sheet. The coatings are able to withstand repeated heat cycling. Application of heat from a heat source to the curler causes heat to flow into the curler, heating the resilient sheet and coatings. The thermal mass of these elements keeps the curler heated for some period of time after the curler is removed from the heat source. By rolling the sheet to form a cylinder so that a portion of the sheet overlaps another portion of the sheet, and clipping the two portions together with a clip such as a bobby pin or the like, the cylinder's shape may be established and held with relative ease and simple adjustability of cylinder diameter. For storage, the sheets may be completely flattened for storage or transport in a very minimal volume.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel adjustable diameter hair curler which is extremely lightweight, portable, and suitable for travel. The novel adjustable curler includes a substrate of a flexible material such as a plastic or fabric or backing material which may optionally include a thin spring steel lamination for added resilience. The substrate has a first planar side and a second planar side opposite said first planar side. Attached to the first side of the substrate are an array of hook-type elements from a hook and loop-type fastening system such as VELCRO.RTM. brand hook and loop fasteners available from Velcro Industries of Manchester, N.H. The hook-type elements are generally arrayed over the majority of the first side. Strips of engaging materials are provided on each side of the substrate to secure the adjustable curler in a cylindrical form having a selected diameter.

Abstract: An improved hair curling device comprising a strip of fabric having a central portion containing a cushion formed of resilient material, such as foam rubber, and having a central core formed of microwave-heatable material.

Abstract: A length of fabric or other sheet material for use as a decorative hair decorative has a pocket in which a conventional pipe cleaner, i.e., a ductile wire with a cushioning fiber covering, is secured. A gripping member is attached medially the length of fabric for gripping a hair bundle. The gripping member can comprise Velcro type hook member, high friction elastomeric material or other high friction material for securing the device to the hair to preclude sliding of the device off of the bundle. The pipe cleaner serves as a twist tie member so that the device ends can be quickly and easily secured and released from the hair bundle. The device is wrapped about the bundle and secured thereto with a twist of the device ends.

Abstract: A flexible hair roller having a soft cylindrical central core surrounded by and sealed within a soft towel-like outer covering. A snap and a snap catch are located at opposite ends of the flexible hair roller so that the roller can be folded back and closed upon itself with the opposite ends being detachably connected together to form a loop configuration. By virtue of the foregoing, the wearer is able to achieve a variety of hair styles (e.g. a spiral curl) without using caustic chemicals or damaging heat or requiring that the hair be wet. Moreover, the flexible hair roller is washable, lightweight so as to be easily packaged and transported, and comfortable to wear through the night.

Abstract: A hair fastening device and a method of holding hair in place employing a device for holding hair inside an elongated, cylindrically shaped, hair fastener made from a flexible material. The hair fastener is formed from a single rectangular piece of flexible material having mating connectors formed on opposite, parallel sides of the material. The material is used to hold hair in place by sliding the material around the hair to be fastened. The hair fastener has hooking mechanism by which the fastener is held in place by attaching to a conventional hair fastening device.

Abstract: A hairstyling device includes a material that is elongated soft, resilient, lightweight in combination with a semi-rigid loop that is bendable enough to shape, but stiff enough to assume and retain any shape it is bent into. The loop extends beyond the material and along the outer surface of the material. The loop has second and third pliable extensions attached to it beneath the ends of the material. The extensions can be retained beneath the material or extended outwardly and bent back for securing hair, or bent and attached to each other to hold the material in a circular oval or other shape.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for curling and managing hair. The device has a soft deformable core with two ends and a rolling surface. The rolling surface is adapted so that the user's hair may be wrapped around it. The device also has two protruding members, one protruding member extending from each end of the core. Preferably, the protruding members are pliable such that they may be releasibly interlocked to pinch the hair to the core. An envelope covers the core and the protruding members. Finally, ornamental members are attached to the protruding members using an attachment mechanism.

Abstract: A hair curler with an aerated, elastic and elongated body for setting waves in wet, damp or dry hair; the aerated and elastic body is covered in whole or in part by an aerated elastic sheath provided in its-central part with protruding filament-like elements to facilitate winding hair onto the curler. The ends of the curler body are fitted with interlocking elements which allow the curler to be locked into a circular or semi-circular shape after the hair has been wound onto it.

Abstract: A hair styling method utilizes an elongated flexible mold member having hollow end portions, two elongated rigid handle members each more than half the length of the mold member, with each of the elongated rigid handle members having an inner end portion and an outer handle end. The inner end portion of each of the elongated rigid handle members is inserted into a corresponding end portion of the mold member so that the elongated flexible mold member may then be bent into a generally U-shaped configuration and the handle ends of the elongated rigid handle members then occupy a generally parallel relationship in close proximity to each other. The outer handle ends of the elongated handle members have an interfitting relationship so that they may be placed in that interfitting relationship and thereby draw the outer end portions of the flexible mold towards each other.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel adjustable diameter hair curler which is extremely lightweight, portable, and suitable for travel. The novel adjustable curler includes a sheet of a flexible material such as a plastic or fabric or backing material. The sheet has a first planar side and a second planar side opposite said first planar side. Attached to the first side of the sheet are an array of hook-type elements from a hook and loop type fastening system such as VELCRO.RTM. brand hook and loop fasteners available from Velcro Industries of Manchester, N.H. The hook-type elements are generally arrayed over the bulk of the first side. Attached to at least a porion of the second side are loop-type fasteners or a material which will stick to the hook-type fasteners.

Abstract: A hair braiding tool allows the user to simulate a French braid style hair-do. The apparatus includes an elongated body member comprising a continuous curving web. The body is formed of a plurality of generally C-shaped or horseshoe shaped alternating loops each providing a socket into which a section of hair can be placed when simulating a French braid style hair-do. In a second embodiment, an elongated curved comb like member has first and second sets of opposed teeth. The user simply braids alternating sections of hair into the combs in creating the French braid style hair-do.

Abstract: A hair styling device comprising an elongated shaped outer covering, a deformable elongated structure within the interior of said device capable of being repeatedly bent to form said device into a variety of shapes, and an essentially centrally located elongated opening within the material to expose a central region of the deformable elongated structure, the essentially centrally located elongated opening being adapted for partial withdrawal of the central portion of the deformable structure to permit hair to be passed through a region lying between the withdrawn portion of the deformable structure and the elongated opening.

Abstract: A hair roller for rolling hair, with a roller core provided with openings or macropores and a selfgripping fabric tape fixed thereto having openings formed by webs on the reverse side of the adhesive fabric tape to permit moisture to escape when wet hair is being dried. The roller core has on its outer wall at least one stud which may be pushed through the open webs of the reverse side of the selfgripping fabric tape.

Abstract: A hair curler is disclosed which comprises a pretensioned helical spring covered by a foam rubber sleeve. A clamp is attached to one end of the curler which allows the hair to be curled around the body of the curler and the curler bent in a ring shape and retained in this shape by fixing the clamp to the curler body. The curler is heated by inserting a heating element in the center core of the curler. An alternative embodiment comprises a helical spring embedded in a hollow cylinder of a flexible material. The cylinder has a foam rubber sleeve and a clamp fixed to one end.

Abstract: A hairstyling device and method include forming a hollow tubular member that is semi-rigid but that includes opposed first and second circumferential cuts to accommodate flexing of the device. Midpoints of the first circumferential cuts are diametrically opposed to midpoints of the second circumferential cuts. Connecting mechanisms, such as fastening devices or materials, a handkerchief or a scarf, may be used to secure the device in an arcuate configuration, so as to achieve a desired hairstyle. In operation, the device is rolled through a person's hair to wrap the hair about the exterior of the tubular member. Preferably, hook material or the like is formed on the outside of the device to facilitate the wrapping of the hair. Then, the device is bent into the desired shape and is secured in place.

Abstract: A bendable hair curling and waving roller has a length of bendable wire which is surrounded by a cylindrical foam cushion intermediate its ends and the wire and cushion are enclosed in an outer jacket of non-absorbent, machine washable material, such as satin, silk, or a satin-like synthetic fiber material. The wire is bendable yet has sufficient stiffness to enable it to retain its bent shape. The foam cushion gives the roller softness, enabling the wearer to lay her head against another surface with comfort. Hair is wrapped around the central portion of the roller and the outer ends of the roller are folded back onto itself to retain the wrapped hair in this position. The hair is held on the non-absorbent surface of the outer jacket by the inward folded ends until the hair has been set to the desired wave or curl and the non-absorbent outer jacket prevents depletion of hair's natural oils and moisture.

Abstract: A hair styling device comprising a generally peanut-shaped outer covering of material capable of clinging to hair, at least one intermediate layer of a resilient film attached along its periphery to said outer covering to form a unitary structure, and a deformable structure in the interior of said device capable of being repeatedly bent to form said device into a variety of shapes.

Abstract: Using rollers having roller members which are adjacent on both sides to a center flexible longitudinal section capable of remaining in a respective bent position and have at each end an outer longitudinal section, previously perm or water-waved (pretreated) hair sections of a strand of hair are spirally rolled up, starting with the tips of the hair, first onto one outer longitudinal section, continuing then also onto the center longitudinal section, and finally the previously untreated hair section (hairline) is rolled substantially onto the other outer longitudinal section. The one outer longitudinal section is then bent approximately normally relative to the other outer longitudinal section such that the one outer longitudinal section and a portion of the center longitudinal section with the rolled-up previously treated hair section project substantially vertically upwardly from the head.

Abstract: Presented is a permanent wave rod formed from an elongated elastically flexible synthetic resinous body devoid of embedded bendable wire and symmetrical about its longitudinal axis and having push-to-engage and pull-to-disengage cooperable fastener elements associated with opposite ends whereby a tress of hair may be spirally wound on the elongated body and the opposite ends engaged to form the elongated body into an ovate configuration to retain the tress of hair on the rod body.

Abstract: A retaining device integrally formed of a single piece of resiliently flexible material for retaining a flattened and rolled portion of a collapsible tube in a rolled condition. The retaining device is formed with two body portions, a first portion which is attached to an end of a tube, and a second portion which acts as a shackle to retain the tube in a rolled up condition. The second portion is integrally attached to the first portion an one end thereof and is releasably engageable with the first portion at an opposite end thereof. The retaining device has a perimeter which is shaped to permit interlocking of a plurality of the retaining devices when the retaining devices are juxtaposed in alternating directions forming a tessellation in a continuous strip of resiliently flexible material.

Abstract: A bobbin or spool type hair curler having a cylindrical hair roller portion formed between a pair of opposing parallel flanges and provided with a pliable, integrally formed, cup-shaped closure member. The closure member is axially aligned to one of the end flanges of the spool shaped hair roller portion. The wall of the cup-shaped closure member extends away from the spool shaped portion and, after the hair is wound upon the spool shaped portion, the wall may be flipped substantially 180.degree. about its point of attachment to its corresponding flange in order to place the rim of the cup-shaped closure member proximate to the other flange to thereby retain the hair around the spool shaped portion. The invention additionally includes a method for curling hair with the aforementioned device and, in one embodiment the hair curler is provided with an axial throughbore and the invention further includes a method for heating same.

Abstract: A hair curler for providing a variable curl on human hair is disclosed. The hair curler comprises a first elongated portion that is situated for wrapping receipt of hair. This first elongated section has a cross-sectional area A that is substantially constant over a length of the first elongated portion. A second elongated portion extends axially from the first portion and is situated for wrapping receipt of hair therearound. The second portion has a cross-sectional area B that differs from cross-sectional area A. Cross-sectional area B is substantially constant over a length of the second elongated portion of the curler.

Abstract: A hair roller having a cushioning medium integrally associated therewith for protection of a wearer's scalp. The roller includes an elongated body having a central portion provided with the cushioning medium carried therein. Fasteners are provided on the extending ends of the elongated body which are foldable for secured relation along the central portion of the body to retain the hair in wrapped relation around the central portion.