U.S. patent application number 10/654005 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-10 for hair styling devices and methods.
Invention is credited to Moore, Melanie E., Schurian, Michael M..
Application Number | 20050051189 10/654005 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34225957 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050051189 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Moore, Melanie E. ; et
al. |
March 10, 2005 |
Hair styling devices and methods
Abstract
A hair styling and holding device is provided which includes a
pair of elongated tapered members joined together by an elastic
element connected to two members at or near the top thereof. In one
embodiment, a tubular sleeve at least partially encloses the
elastic element. In an important implementation, detachable end
caps are removably affixed to the tops of the tapered members. The
end caps are joined together by the elastic element so that the end
caps and the elastic element (and the sleeve, if present) can be
removed as a unit from the tapered members. Different shapes and
forms of the tapered members are provided, and different methods
are provided for using the device in styling and holding hair
styles such as a bun, French twist, and the like.
Inventors: |
Moore, Melanie E.;
(Maiden-On-Hudson, NY) ; Schurian, Michael M.;
(Maiden-On-Hudson, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STITES & HARBISON PLLC
1199 NORTH FAIRFAX STREET
SUITE 900
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Family ID: |
34225957 |
Appl. No.: |
10/654005 |
Filed: |
September 4, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/273 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 8/10 20130101; A45D
8/12 20130101; A45D 8/34 20130101; A45D 2007/002 20130101; A45D
8/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/273 |
International
Class: |
A45D 008/00 |
Claims
What is claimed:
1. A hair styling device comprising: first and second elongate
members each including a first end portion of smaller diameter that
an opposite end portion; an elastic element connected to the
opposite end portion of said first and second members for joining
said first and second members together; and a tubular sleeve at
least partially enclosing said elastic element.
2. A device according to claim 1 wherein said first and second
members include detachable end caps removably affixed thereto at
said opposite end portions thereof, said end caps being joined
together by said elastic element so that said end caps and said
elastic element and said sleeve can be removed as a unit from first
and second members.
3. A device according to claim 2 wherein said end caps each include
a recess in an end surface thereof and wherein the opposite end
portions of said first and second members each include a head part
received in the recess of the corresponding end cap.
4. A device according to claim 3 wherein each said head part is
received as a snap-fit in the corresponding recess.
5. A device according to claim 3 wherein each said head part
includes external screw threading which mates with internal screw
threading of the corresponding recess.
6. A device according to claim 3 wherein each said head part
includes a spring-biased pushbutton for, when released, securing
the corresponding elongate member to its associated end cap and
for, when depressed, enabling separation of the corresponding
elongate member from its associated end cap.
7. A device according to claim 3 wherein each said end cap includes
a slot in a wall thereof which defines said recess and wherein each
of said first and second members includes an outwardly projecting
part received in said slot so as to secure the corresponding
elongate member to its associated end cap.
8. A device according to claim 7 wherein said slot extends from a
lower edge of said wall, is of an inverted L-shape and includes
catch means for releasably securing the projecting part of the
corresponding elongate member in said slot.
9. A device according to claim 8 wherein said catch means comprises
oppositely projecting portions of the corresponding end cap that
form a transverse leg of said L-shaped slot, said oppositely
projecting portions defining a narrowed passage therebetween.
10. A device according to claim 1 further comprising at least one
separate element secured by said elastic element to at least one
member of said first and second members at said opposite portion
therefor.
11. A device according to claim 10 wherein said at least one
separate element is secured by said elastic element so as to abut
an end surface of said at least one member.
12. A device according to claim 11 wherein said at least one member
includes a throughhole therein extending between said end surface
and a side wall surface of said at least one member and said
elastic element is received in said throughhole.
13. A device according to claim 12 wherein said at least one
separate element includes a further separate element secured by
said elastic element in abutment with said side wall surface.
14. A device according to claim 10 wherein said at least one
separate element is secured by said elastic element so as to abut a
side wall surface of said at least one member.
15. A device according to claim 14 wherein said at least one member
includes a transverse throughhole therein and said elastic element
extends through said throughhole.
16. A device according to claim 15 wherein said at least one
separate element comprises a further separate element secured by
elastic element to at least one member at an opposite side wall
surface thereof.
17. A device according to claim 2 further comprising at least one
separate element secured by said elastic element to the end cap of
at least one of said first and second members.
18. A device according to claim 17 wherein said at least one
separate element is secured by said elastic element so as to abut
an end surface of the end cap of said at least one member.
19. A device according to claim 18 wherein said at least one member
includes a throughhole therein extending between said end surface
and a side wall surface of the end cap of said at least one member
and said elastic element is received in said throughhole.
20. A device according to claim 19 wherein said at least one
separate element includes a further separate element secured by
said elastic element in abutment with said side wall surface.
21. A device according to claim 17 wherein said at least one
separate element is secured by said elastic element so as to abut a
side wall surface of the end cap of said at least one member.
22. A device according to claim 21 wherein said at least one member
includes a transverse throughhole therein and said elastic element
extends through said throughhole.
23. A device according to claim 22 wherein said at least one
separate element comprises a further separate element secured by
elastic element to at least one member at an opposite side wall
surface thereof.
24. A device according to claim 1 wherein at least one of said
elongate members includes external ridges.
25. A device according to claim 24 wherein said ridges form
screw-like threads.
26. A device according to claim 1 wherein at least one of said
elongate members comprises a plurality of outwardly projecting
protuberances thereon.
27. A device according to claim 1 wherein at least one of said
elongate members includes a plurality of undulations along the
length thereof.
28. A hair styling device for holding the hair of a user in place,
said device comprising an elongate member including a first end
portion of smaller diameter than that of an opposite end portion,
said elongate member having a center line and including a plurality
of portions projecting outwardly different distances from the
center line thereof on opposite sides of said centerline for
enhancing holding of the hair of a user.
29. A device according to claim 28 wherein said projecting portions
comprise external ridges.
30. A device according to claim 29 wherein said ridges form
screw-like threads.
31. A device according to claim 28 wherein said projecting portions
comprise a plurality of outwardly projecting protuberances.
32. A device according to claim 28 wherein said projecting portions
are formed by a plurality of undulations along the length of said
elongate member.
33. A device according to claim 28 further comprising a further
said elongate member, and a connecting element for connecting the
first mentioned elongate member to the further said elongate
member.
34. A hair styling device for holding the hair of a user in place,
said device comprising an elongate member including a first end
portion of smaller diameter than that of an opposite end portion,
and a removable end cap detachably secured to said opposite end
portion of said elongate member.
35. A device according to claim 34 wherein said end cap includes a
recess in an end surface thereof and wherein the opposite end
portion of said elongate member includes a head part received in
the recess of the end cap.
36. A device according to claim 35 wherein said head part is
received as a snap-fit in the recess.
37. A device according to claim 35 wherein said head part includes
external screw threading which mates with internal screw threading
of the recess.
38. A device according to claim 35 wherein said head part includes
a spring-biased pushbutton for, when released, securing the
elongate member to the end cap and for, when depressed, enabling
separation of the elongate member from the end cap.
39. A device according to claim 35 wherein said end cap includes a
slot in a wall thereof defining said recess and wherein said
elongate member includes an outwardly projecting part received in
said slot so as to secure the elongate member to the end cap.
40. A device according to claim 39 wherein said slot extends from a
lower edge of said wall, is of an inverted L-shape and includes
catch means for releasably securing the projecting part of the
elongate member in said slot.
41. A device according to claim 40 wherein said catch means
comprises oppositely projecting portions of the end cap that form a
transverse leg of said L-shaped slot, said oppositely projecting
portions defining a narrowed passage therebetween.
42. A device according to claim 34 further comprising a further
elongate member including a further end cap and a connecting
element for connecting the first mentioned end cap to said further
end cap.
43. A method of styling and holding hair using a device comprising
first and second elongate members joined together at locations
therealong at least near one end thereof by an elongate connecting
element, said method comprising: arranging hair on the back of the
head so that a portion of the hair is gathered together into a
gathered mass in the form of a roll or a bun; inserting the first
elongate member into the gathered mass of hair so that an end
portion thereof opposite said one end is disposed against the head;
while keeping the first elongate member disposed against the head,
pivoting said one end of said first elongate member in a direction
away from an initial position assumed thereby when the first member
is inserted into the gathered mass of hair; disposing the
connecting element relative to the hair so as to secure at least a
portion of the connecting element in place on the head; and
inserting the second elongate member into the gathered mass of hair
to hold the gathered mass of hair in place.
44. A method according to claim 43 wherein the gathered mass
comprises a hair bun and the connecting element is wrapped around
the bun so as to pass under portions of the first elongate member
extending outwardly from the bun on opposite sides thereof, prior
to inserting the second elongate member.
45. A method according to claim 43 wherein the gathered mass
comprises a hair roll and the connecting member is hooked below an
outwardly extending portion of the first elongate member, prior to
the insertion of the second elongate member.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to devices, such as
so-called hair sticks and the like, used in the styling of hair
and/or in holding styled hair in place, and to hair styling methods
using such devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Many, many different devices have been developed for styling
and holding the hair, ranging from common items such as bobby pins,
pony elastics, combs, individual hair sticks, barrettes, hair
clamps and the like to less commonplace or more unusual items or
devices such as some of those described in the patented cited
art.
[0003] Patented hair styling and/or holding devices include those
described in the following U.S. patents and applications: U.S.
application Ser. No. 2002/0195116 A1 to Lloyd; U.S. Pat. No.
6,484,729 B1 to Silva; U.S. Pat. No. 6,311,697 B1 to Gibson; U.S.
Pat. No. 6,263,884 B1 to Minnelli; U.S. Pat. No. 5,979,465 to
Marrese et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,954,065 to Silva; U.S. Pat. No.
5,873,376 to Howley; U.S. Pat. No. 5,826,593 to Haubrich; U.S. Pat.
No. 5,806,538 to Keltner; U.S. Pat. No. 5,787,904 to Michaud; U.S.
Pat. No. 5,778,904 to Elsner; U.S. Pat. No. 5,249,589 to Moore;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,638 to Ripley; U.S. Pat. No. 5,293,884 to
Chapman et al; U.S. Pat. No. 5,289,834 to Lawrence; U.S. Pat. No.
5,097,854 to Smith; U.S. Pat. No. 4,667,860 to Feuerman; U.S. Pat.
No. 763,597 to Daughters; U.S. Pat. No. 66,599 to Lavis et al; U.S.
Pat. No. 1,707,392 to Fulton; U.S. Pat. No. 2,630,810 to Solomon;
and U.S. Pat. No. DE 292,030 to Revson.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is
provided a hair styling or hair holding device which eliminates the
necessity for conventional hair holding devices such as those
mentioned above, e.g., bobby pins, pony elastics, combs, individual
hair sticks, barrettes, hair clamps and the like. According to a
further aspect of the invention, methods are provided which use the
device of the invention in styling and holding the hair in various
different hair styles such as a bun, a "French twist," and a
"Gibson Girl" style.
[0005] In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is
provided a hair styling device comprising: first and second
elongate members each including a first end portion of smaller
diameter that an opposite end portion; an elastic element connected
to the opposite end portion of said first and second members for
joining said first and second members together; and a tubular
sleeve at least partially enclosing said elastic element.
[0006] In an important implementation, the first and second members
include detachable end caps removably affixed thereto at said
opposite end portions thereof, said end caps being joined together
by said elastic element so that said end caps and said elastic
element and said sleeve can be removed as a unit from first and
second members. Preferably, the end caps each include a recess in
an end surface thereof and wherein the opposite end portions of
said first and second members each include a head part received in
the recess of the corresponding end cap.
[0007] In one embodiment, each said head part is received as a
snap-fit in the corresponding recess. In another embodiment, each
said head part includes external screw threading which mates with
internal screw threading of the corresponding recess. In yet
another embodiment, each said head part includes a spring-biased
pushbutton for, when released, securing the corresponding elongate
member to its associated end cap and for, when depressed, enabling
separation of the corresponding elongate member from its associated
end cap. In a further embodiment, each said end cap includes a slot
in a wall thereof which defines said recess and wherein each of
said first and second members includes an outwardly projecting part
received in said slot so as to secure the corresponding elongate
member to its associated end cap. Advantageously, the slot extends
from a lower edge of said wall, is of an inverted L-shape and
includes catch means for releasably securing the projecting part of
the corresponding elongate member in said slot. Preferably, the
catch means comprises oppositely projecting portions of the
corresponding end cap that form a transverse leg of said L-shaped
slot, said oppositely projecting portions defining a narrowed
passage therebetween.
[0008] In a further important implementation, the device further
comprises at least one separate element secured by said elastic
element to at least one member of said first and second members at
said opposite portion therefor. Preferably, the at least one
separate element is secured by said elastic element so as to abut
an end surface of said at least one member. Advantageously, the at
least one member includes a throughhole therein extending between
said end surface and a side wall surface of said at least one
member and said elastic element is received in said throughhole. In
another embodiment, the at least one separate element includes a
further separate element secured by said elastic element in
abutment with said side wall surface. In a further embodiment, the
at least one separate element is secured by said elastic element so
as to abut a side wall surface of said at least one member.
Advantageously, the said at least one member includes a transverse
throughhole therein and said elastic element extends through said
throughhole. Preferably, the at least one separate element
comprises a further separate element secured by elastic element to
at least one member at an opposite side wall surface thereof.
[0009] In another important implementation employing an end cap,
the device further comprises at least one separate element secured
by said elastic element to the end cap of at least one of said
first and second members. Preferably, the at least one separate
element is secured by said elastic element so as to abut an end
surface of the end cap of said at least one member. Advantageously,
the at least one member includes a throughhole therein extending
between said end surface and a side wall surface of the end cap of
said at least one member and said elastic element is received in
said throughhole. Preferably, the at least one separate element
includes a further separate element secured by said elastic element
in abutment with said side wall surface. Advantageously, the at
least one separate element is secured by said elastic element so as
to abut a side wall surface of the end cap of said at least one
member. Further, the at least one member preferably includes a
transverse throughhole therein and said elastic element extends
through said throughhole. In another embodiment, the at least one
separate element comprises a further separate element secured by
elastic element to at least one member at an opposite side wall
surface thereof.
[0010] In one embodiment, at least one of said elongate members
includes external ridges. In one advantageous implementation of
this embodiment, the ridges form screw-like threads.
[0011] In another embodiment, at least one of said elongate members
comprises a plurality of outwardly projecting protuberances
thereon.
[0012] In yet another embodiment, at least one of said elongate
members includes a plurality of undulations along the length
thereof.
[0013] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is
provided a hair styling device for holding the hair of a user in
place, said device comprising an elongate member including a first
end portion of smaller diameter than that of an opposite end
portion, said elongate member having a center line and including a
plurality of portions projecting outwardly different distances from
the center line thereof on opposite sides of said centerline for
enhancing holding of the hair of a user.
[0014] In one preferred embodiment, the projecting portions
comprise external ridges. In an advantageous implementation of this
embodiment, the ridges form screw-like threads. In another
preferred embodiment, the projecting portions comprise a plurality
of outwardly projecting protuberances. In a further preferred
embodiment, the projecting portions are formed by a plurality of
undulations along the length of said elongate member.
[0015] In a preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention,
the device further comprises a further said elongate member, and a
connecting element for connecting the first mentioned elongate
member to the further said elongate member.
[0016] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention,
there is provided a hair styling device for holding the hair of a
user in place, said device comprising an elongate member including
a first end portion of smaller diameter than that of an opposite
end portion, and a removable end cap detachably secured to said
opposite end portion of said elongate member.
[0017] Preferably, the end cap includes a recess in an end surface
thereof and wherein the opposite end portion of said elongate
member includes a head part received in the recess of the end cap.
Advantageously, the head part is received as a snap-fit in the
recess. In another preferred embodiment, the head part includes
external screw threading which mates with internal screw threading
of the recess. In yet another preferred embodiment, the head part
includes a spring-biased pushbutton for, when released, securing
the elongate member to the end cap and for, when depressed,
enabling separation of the elongate member from the end cap. In a
further preferred embodiment, the end cap includes a slot in a wall
thereof defining said recess wherein said elongate member includes
an outwardly projecting part received in said slot so as to secure
the elongate member to the end cap. Advantageously, the slot
extends from a lower edge of said wall, is of an inverted L-shape
and includes catch means for releasably securing the projecting
part of the elongate member in said slot. Preferably, the catch
means comprises oppositely projecting portions of the end cap that
form a transverse leg of said L-shaped slot, said oppositely
projecting portions defining a narrowed passage therebetween.
[0018] In a preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention,
the device further comprises a further elongate member including a
further end cap and a connecting element for connecting the first
mentioned end cap to said further end cap.
[0019] According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is
provided a
[0020] method of styling and holding hair using a device comprising
first and second elongate members joined together at locations
therealong at least near one end thereof by an elongate connecting
element, said method comprising:
[0021] arranging hair on the back of the head so that a portion of
the hair is gathered together into a gathered mass in the form of a
roll or a bun;
[0022] inserting the first elongate member into the gathered mass
of hair so that an end portion thereof opposite said one end is
disposed against the head;
[0023] while keeping the first elongate member disposed against the
head, pivoting said one end of said first elongate member in a
direction away from an initial position assumed thereby when the
first member is inserted into the gathered mass of hair;
[0024] disposing the connecting element relative to the hair so as
to secure at least a portion of the connecting element in place on
the head; and
[0025] inserting the second elongate member into the gathered mass
of hair to hold the gathered mass of hair in place.
[0026] In one preferred embodiment, the gathered mass comprises a
hair bun and the connecting element is wrapped around the bun so as
to pass under portions of the first elongate member extending
outwardly from the bun on opposite sides thereof, prior to
inserting the second elongate member.
[0027] In another preferred embodiment, the gathered mass comprises
a hair roll and the connecting member is hooked below an outwardly
extending portion of the first elongate member, prior to the
insertion of the second elongate member.
[0028] Further features and advantages of the present invention
will be set forth in, or apparent from, the detailed description of
preferred embodiments thereof which follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a hair styling and/or
holding device in accordance with a first embodiment of the
invention;
[0030] FIGS. 2 to 8 are perspective views of different embodiments
of one of the elongate styling members of FIG. 1, it being
understood that the second elongate member can also be one of those
shown and that some embodiments also have separate, individual
utility;
[0031] FIG. 9 is a front elevational view, partially broken away,
of a hair styling and/or holding device in accordance with a
further embodiment of the invention, also showing different
implementations of the interconnecting arrangement between styling
members;
[0032] FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 are cross sectional views, partially
broken away, of three different embodiments of interconnecting
arrangements for the device of the invention;
[0033] FIG. 13 is a front elevational view of a detachable end cap
assemblies for the device of the invention, in accordance with yet
another embodiment of the device;
[0034] FIGS. 14 to 16 are front end elevational views, partially in
section, of three different embodiments of an attachment
arrangement for the end caps of the assembly of FIG. 12;
[0035] FIG. 17 is an exploded front elevational view of a further
preferred embodiment;
[0036] FIG. 18 is an exploded front elevational view of yet another
preferred embodiment;
[0037] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a styling element
incorporating a further embodiment of an end cap attachment
arrangement;
[0038] FIG. 20 is a front elevational view of the end of FIG.
19;
[0039] FIG. 21 is a detail, drawn to enlarged scale and partially
broken away, of the end cap attachment arrangement of FIG. 19;
[0040] FIGS. 22 to 24 are front elevational views of an end cap
corresponding to that of FIGS. 19 to 21, showing three different
interconnecting arrangements for the end cap;
[0041] FIGS. 25(a) to 25(f) are rear elevational views of the head
of a user of the device of FIG. 1, showing use of the device in
styling and holding a bun, and depicting different steps in the
styling process or method;
[0042] FIGS. 26(a) to 26(f) are rear elevation views of the head of
a user of the device of FIG. 1, showing use of the device in
styling and holding a French twist hair style; and
[0043] FIGS. 27(a) to 27(f) are rear elevation views of the head of
a user of the device of FIG. 1, showing use of the device in
styling and holding a "Gibson Girl" hair style.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0044] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a first embodiment of
the hair styling and holding device of the invention. The device,
which is generally denoted 10, comprises a pair of relatively
rigid, elongate, shaped elements 12 and 14 joined by an elasticized
member 16 comprising a fabric tube or sleeve 18 which surrounds an
elongate elastic element 20.
[0045] The elements 12 and 14 are, in this embodiment, generally in
the form of hair sticks and are preferably of a larger diameter at
one end, i.e., the upper end as viewed in FIG. 1, at which an
elasticized member 16 is attached, than the other end, i.e., the
lower end. Although elasticized member 16 is shown as being
attached to points on elements 12 and 14 spaced from the upper ends
thereof, it will be appreciated that the member 16 can be attached
directly at the upper ends as well. As discussed below, elements 12
and 14, which are also referred to herein as sticks, can be made of
many different materials and can be made of many different shapes
or forms, some of which are illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 8.
[0046] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 8, as illustrated therein for stick
12, sticks 12 and 14 can be rectangular or square as shown in FIG.
2, round as shown in FIG. 3 or triangular, with a tapered lower
end, as shown in FIG. 4.
[0047] Other shapes of special importance include round (or other
shapes) with spiral or screw shaped ridges 24 as shown in FIG. 5 or
with corresponding recesses or notches (shown in FIG. 8 discussed
below). Further, the ridges 24 can also be separate spaced
circumferential ridges rather than part of a spiral, and the spaced
notches or recesses can be similar. Both the embodiments with
notches and with a screw or spiral ridge design are inserted in the
same way as the sticks of FIGS. 1 to 3 but must be turned when
pulled out of the hair.
[0048] As shown in another embodiment in FIG. 6, stick 12 includes
bumps or protuberances 26. In yet another embodiment stick 12 has
an undulating or wavy shape as shown in FIG. 7. In a further
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, stick 12 includes a plurality of
notches 25 along the length thereof. It is to be understood that
all of these embodiments (FIGS. 5 to 8 and the variations thereon)
provide additional holding power and are of separate utility apart
from device 10, i.e., the elements of these embodiments can be used
singly or separately as hair sticks per se.
[0049] As indicated above, sticks 12 and 14 can be made of many
different materials including wood, metals (including precious
metals), plastics, bone, horn, glass and other compositions such as
cellulose acetate, as well as various combinations of these
materials. Further, the sticks 12 and 14 as well as the elasticized
member 16 can be embellished by the addition of various decorative
items such as glass items (including beads), plastic items
(including beads), false or natural hair, springs, metal, wood,
bone, semi-precious stone, coral, shells, feathers or other
decorative elements.
[0050] Referring again to FIG. 1, in this embodiment, elastic
element 20 is secured to hair sticks 12 and 14 by drilling, or
otherwise providing, transverse holes 12a and 14a in sticks 12 and
14 and threading the opposite ends of elastic element 20 through
the holes 12a and 14a. These ends are then simply knotted, crimped
or the like to secure elasticized member 16 in place. Other
securing methods are discussed below.
[0051] Sleeve or tube 18 is shown as being transparent in FIG. 1 so
that elastic element 20 can be seen therethrough in FIG. 1 but
would normally be opaque so that element 20 would not be visible.
Sleeve 18 is stitched at 22 along the length thereof so as to
produce its tubular shape.
[0052] Although an embodiment employing the elasticized member 16
comprised of fabric sleeve or tube 18 and elastic element 20 is
particularly advantageous, and is preferred in a number of
applications, the device 10 can, as shown in FIG. 8, also employ a
simple elastic element 28 (corresponding to elastic element 20
shown in FIG. 1). It will be appreciated that other elasticized
members or elements can be used alone or in combination with other
materials, and that, further, other non-elastic materials can also
be used alone. For example, these materials include elastic of any
type or style (braided, thick, woven, latex or the like), vinyl
(including vinyl plastisol), leather, fabric, metals including
precious metals, rubber, neoprene, cord (including cord with
battery operated lights), day-glo plastic, bendable and rigid wire,
twisted wire, plastic and the like. In embodiments using a
combination of elastic and non-elastic materials, the fabric,
leather or other non-elastic material can be attached to an elastic
element by sewing, crimping, knotting or the like.
[0053] FIG. 9 also shows two further methods of attachment of
elastic element 28. As shown for stick 12, and is also shown, to an
enlarged scale, in FIG. 10, elastic element 28 can be connected,
through an angled hole 12b drilled from the top of stick 12 to a
side wall thereof, to a bead 30 located on the top of stick 12. As
best seen in FIG. 10, elastic element 28 is knotted, at 28a, at the
terminus thereof and is also knotted, at 28b, at the front where
elastic element 28 exits from hole 12b.
[0054] FIG. 9 also shows a second attachment approach for attaching
elastic element 28 to stick 14 which is illustrated more clearly in
FIG. 11 for stick 12. As shown in FIG. 11, a transverse hole 12c is
drilled in stick 12 and a bead 32 is attached by elastic element 28
by knots provided at 28c, adjacent bead 32, and at 28d, adjacent
stick 12. A related attachment approach is shown in FIG. 12 in
which a second bead, denoted 34, is used. This embodiment is
otherwise similar to that of FIG. 11.
[0055] It will be appreciated that the various beads 30, 32 and 34
described above can take a number of different decorative shapes
and forms, and can also be made of many different materials.
[0056] In accordance with an important implementation of the
invention, the sticks 12 and 14 are provided with removable caps or
tops and, in accordance with a particularly important embodiment,
the caps for both sticks 12 and 14 are attached to an elasticized
member or element (such as that shown at 16 in FIG. 1 and at 28 in
FIG. 9) so that the elasticized member can be removed and replaced
by a different member similarly attached to a pair of caps. Such an
arrangement or assembly is shown in FIG. 13, wherein the caps or
tops are indicated at 36 and the elasticized member at 40. The
elasticized member 40 is of a lesser diameter than that of FIG. 1,
and this is, of course, only one of many differences that the
different sets of caps with a joining elasticized member can
exhibit.
[0057] The caps can be removably attached to the corresponding
sticks in a number of different ways. For example, as shown in FIG.
14, cap 36, with associated elasticized member 40, can be attached
to a stick 42 by a snap-fit connection indicated at 44, between the
shaped head 42a of stick 42 and the internal walls of cap 36 which
define a recess 36a.
[0058] In another embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 15, the cap 36 is
screwed onto the head 42a of stick 42 by mating screw threads
indicated at 46.
[0059] In yet another embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the head 42a of
stick 42 includes a transverse recess 48 that receives a pushbutton
50 biased by a spring 52. Pushbutton 50 extends through an opening
54 in cap 36 to secure cap 36 in place. Pushbutton 50 is depressed
inwardly, against the force of spring 52, into recess 48 to release
cap 36.
[0060] It will be appreciated that the sticks 12 and 14 can be
joined or attached together by elasticized member 16 in other ways,
without caps. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, screws 49 received
in screw threaded holes 51 in sticks 13 and 14 can be used, or, as
shown in FIG. 18, dowels 53 received in respective holes 55 can
also be used. In addition, other methods of attachment include the
use of hooks and loops (VELCRO.RTM.) fasteners (not shown) or a
loop and cord lock (not shown) which would be attached to a notch
(not shown) in the corresponding stick 12 or 14.
[0061] Referring to FIGS. 19 to 21, a further cap attachment
embodiment is shown wherein a cap 36 includes an inverted L-shaped
slot 56 therein extending from the lower edge of cap 36. The
transverse or horizontal leg of slot 56 includes oppositely
projecting catch elements or protuberances 56a, as shown in FIG.
21, which define a narrowed portion of the leg. As shown in FIG.
19, and also in FIG. 21, stick 42 includes a projecting cam element
or protuberance 58 which is of a size adapted to be received in
slot 56 and to form a snap-fit with catch elements or protuberances
56a. Thus, cap 36 can be secured to stick 42 by lining up the axial
or vertical leg of slot 56 with projecting element 58, pressing cap
36 down so that element 58 moves up the axial or vertical leg of
slot 56 until element 58 encounters the top of slot 56, and then
rotating cap 36 so that element 58 moves along the transverse or
horizontal leg of slot 56 until element 58 snaps in place in slot
56 beyond catch elements 52a.
[0062] Although a simple attachment for attaching the elastic
element 40 to the corresponding cap 36 (or 38) is shown in the
embodiments of FIGS. 14, 15, 16 and 19 to 21, other attachments
can, of course, be used including those described above. Exemplary
attachments are shown in FIGS. 22 to 24 for the embodiment of FIGS.
19 to 21, although it will, of course, be understood that these and
other different attachments, can be used for the embodiments of
FIGS. 14, 15 and 16. In FIG. 22, an attachment for cap 36 is shown
which is similar to that of FIG. 10 and in which a bead 60 is used.
The attachment of FIG. 23 is similar to that of FIG. 11 although a
bead 62 is provided on the exit side of cap 36. As illustrated, the
embodiment of FIG. 24 uses aspects of both of the embodiments of
FIGS. 10 and 12 and employs two beads 64 and 66.
[0063] As indicated above, the styling and holding device of the
invention can be used in styling and holding a number of different,
distinct hair styles. Referring to FIGS. 25(a) to 25(f), there are
illustrated exemplary steps in a method of using the hair styling
device of the invention in securing and holding a hair bun in
place. As shown in FIGS. 25(a) to 25(f), the device used in the
illustrated method generally corresponds to device 10 of FIG. 1 and
includes first and second elongate styling elements or hair sticks
12 and 14 joined by elasticized member 16 comprised of an elongate
elastic element (not shown in FIGS. 25(a) to 25(f)) which is
covered by a tubular sleeve 18.
[0064] FIG. 25(a) shows a completed bun B being held tightly in
place by one hand of a user, denoted H1. The bun B is preferably
pre-prepared by initially pulling back the hair as if to make a
ponytail, then holding the hair in the hand and twisting it up
once, and holding the loose hanging hair securely with the opposite
hand, and then wrapping the hanging hair around and under the first
section of hair. It will be appreciated that long hair requires
extra wrapping in this manner. In the next step, the remaining hair
is tucked tightly under the wrapped hair to form a bun. It is
important to pull the hair taut and to keep pressure on the bun to
keep it from getting becoming loose. If the bun is formed in
another manner, the method of the invention begins holding the bun
securely in place with the hand H1 as shown in FIG. 25(a).
[0065] Referring to FIG. 25(b), in the next step, the other hand,
denoted H2, is used to insert one of the sticks, stick 12 in the
illustrated embodiment, into top right quadrant of bun B at an
angle of approximately 45.degree. to the head. Although an angle of
approximately 45.degree. is used in a preferred embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 25(b), in general, this angle can be an angle
between about 15.degree. and 85.degree.. (It will, of course, be
appreciated that the top left quadrant can also be used, with the
pivoting of the stick described below then being in the opposite
direction.) The stick 12 must be pushed through the bun B so as to
come into contact with the head.
[0066] In the next step, which is illustrated in FIG. 25(c), and
while hair stick 12 is still touching the head, the uppermost
portion of stick 12 is pivoted in the opposite direction, as shown
by arrow A1, from the position shown in dashed lines, so that stick
12 is positioned out and away from the other side of the head. The
stick 12 is then pushed at an angle of, preferably, approximately
45.degree. (and, more generally, between about 15.degree. and
85.degree.) through the bun, as indicated by arrow A2, while
keeping the stick 12 against the head. Thus, the opposite end of
stick 12 will project through the bun B as shown. Although not
illustrated in FIG. 25(c) for purposes of clarity, the bun B is
still gripped tightly by the first hand, hand H1, during the entire
process.
[0067] In the next step, which is illustrated in FIG. 25(d), while
still securely gripping the bun with the first hand H1, the
elasticized member 18 is pulled taut with the other hand (not
shown) and is wrapped around the bun B, as indicated by arrow A3,
while making certain that elasticized member 18 passes under the
stick 12 that has been inserted into the bun B as indicated
above.
[0068] Referring to FIG. 25(e), after wrapping the elasticized
member tightly around the bun B, the second hair stick 14 is
inserted into the opposite quadrant into which the first stick 12
was inserted, as shown. As before with the first hair stick 12, the
second stick 14 is inserted at an angle of, preferably,
approximately 45.degree. (and, more generally, between about
15.degree. and 85.degree.), and with stick 14 still touching the
head, the uppermost portion thereof is pivoted in the opposite
direction as indicated by arrow A4 from the position shown in solid
lines to a position, shown in dashed lines, out and away from the
other side of the head.
[0069] The hair stick 14 is then pushed through the bun B while
keeping the stick 14 against the head so that stick 14 projects
through bun B as shown in FIG. 25(f). This arrangement of sticks 12
and 14 and joining elasticized member 22 will then hold the bun in
a very secure bun hair style as shown. It is noted that very long
hair can be first braided and then styled in the manner just
described. Further, a styling device such as that of FIG. 9, i.e.,
without the external elasticized sleeve or tube, can also be used
in this method.
[0070] Referring to FIGS. 26(a) to 26(f), there are shown exemplary
steps in another method of using the hair styling device of the
invention to produce a different hair style, in this case, a French
twist. As shown in FIG. 26(a), in a first step, the hair is held
tight with one hand, H1, at the nape of the neck with the back of
the hand against the neck.
[0071] Next, as shown in FIG. 26(b), the hand H1 is turned
upwardly, twisting the hair against the head.
[0072] In the following steps, using both hands, the hair is
twisted two or three more times up the back of the head following
the curve of the head, towards the head, to form a roll R (see FIG.
26(c)), and, with the roll R so formed held securely in one hand
and the loose hair in the other hand, the loose hair is folded down
and pushed under the roll R as shown in FIG. 26(c). It is noted
that all or part of the loose hair can be left out on the top or
bottom, as desired.
[0073] In the next step, one of the hair sticks 12 is inserted
through the middle of the French twist roll R at an angle of
approximately 45.degree. (and, more generally, between about
15.degree. and 85.degree.), so as to extend past the edge of the
roll R and touch the head. This position of the stick is indicated
in dashed lines in FIG. 26(e). Then, as discussed above in
connection with FIG. 25(c), and is also illustrated in FIG. 26(e),
with the stick 12 still touching the head, the topmost portion of
the stick 12 is pivoted in the opposite direction so that the stick
is positioned out and away from the other side as shown in solid
lines in FIG. 26(e).
[0074] As shown in FIGS. 26(d) and 26(e), the stick 12 is then
pushed through the roll R at approximately a 45.degree. angle (and,
more generally, an angle of between about 15.degree. and
85.degree.) so as to extend through the roll R past the edge
thereof, as illustrated, and so as to touch the head.
[0075] In a further step, as is also shown in FIG. 26(d), while
stick 12 still touches the head, the other stick 14 is used to hook
the elasticized member 16 below the tip of the first stick 12 that
is holding the roll R.
[0076] In the next step, the second stick 14 is inserted into the
roll R above or below stick 12, (a position below stick 12 is
illustrated in FIG. 26(f)) so that stick 14 is positioned adjacent
the first stick 12, at angle of approximately 45.degree. (and, more
generally, between about 15.degree. and 85.degree.). The sticks 12
and 14 and member 16 then securely hold the hair, as shown in FIG.
26(f). As indicated above, loose hair can be left out of the roll R
if desired.
[0077] It is also noted that the method of FIGS. 26(a) to 26(f) is
effective irrespective of the direction in which the hair is
twisted. More specifically, although the hair is shown as being
twisted in a counter-clockwise direction, and the roll R is "open"
on the right side (as viewed in the drawings) at which the hair is
tucked in, and at which the sticks 12 and 14 are inserted, the hair
can be twisted in the opposite direction so that the roll would be
open on the left and the sticks 12 and 14 would be inserted from
the left.
[0078] Referring to FIGS. 27(a) to 27(f), there are shown exemplary
steps in yet another method of using the hair styling device of the
invention to produce a different hair style, in this case, a
"Gibson Girl" style. As shown in FIG. 27(a), the method begins with
lifting a section of the hair over one ear, and, using the hands H1
and H2, in twisting the hair up and over to begin a roll. More
sections of hair are added as twisting of the hair up and over in
the manner described above is continued, with the hands being moved
across the back of the head towards the other ear. This continues
until an area close to the other ear is reached.
[0079] After a final section of hair is taken into the hand and
when one last turn is made, the loose hair is pulled down and
tucked under the roll R, while holding the hair securely, as
illustrated in FIG. 27(b).
[0080] At this point, as illustrated in FIG. 27(c), one of the
sticks, stick 12, is inserted into the thick part of the roll R and
is caused to touch the head. Next, while keeping stick 12 against
the head, the uppermost part of stick 12 is pivoted in the opposite
direction, as indicated, so that the stick 12 is positioned out and
away from the other side of the head. The stick 12 is then pushed
through the roll R towards the nape of the neck, with care being
taken that the stick 12 is kept close to the head.
[0081] Next, as illustrated in FIG. 27(d), the elasticized member
16 is wrapped under the tip of the first stick 12.
[0082] In the following step, which is illustrated, in part, in
FIG. 27(e), the second stick 14 is inserted through the roll R and
touched to the head, and, while keeping the tip of the stick 14
against the head, the uppermost portion of the stick 14 is pivoted
in the opposite direction so that the stick 14 is positioned out
and away from the other side of the head. The second stick 14 is
then pushed into the roll R next to the first stick 12 as shown in
FIG. 27(f). The second stick 14 can go over or under the
elasticized member 16. The resultant configuration, shown in FIG.
27(f), holds the hair in a very secure manner in this hair
style.
[0083] Although the invention has been described above in relation
to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that variations and modifications can be
effected in these preferred embodiments without departing from the
scope and spirit of the invention.
* * * * *