U.S. patent application number 11/970034 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-01 for hair retention device and method of using same.
This patent application is currently assigned to FRESHWATER DESIGNS, INC.. Invention is credited to Jannine Crowley, Anne Hall.
Application Number | 20080099036 11/970034 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34198253 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080099036 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Crowley; Jannine ; et
al. |
May 1, 2008 |
HAIR RETENTION DEVICE AND METHOD OF USING SAME
Abstract
A spiral or helical structure for retaining hair or hair-like
strands is constructed from one or more rigid, semi-rigid, and/or
flexible materials. Rigid or substantially rigid portions of the
structure can be inter-spaced with flexible portions of similar
spiral or helical structures to accommodate the ability to create
desired bends, curves and/or curls. Elastomeric bands can be
employed to secure the spiral or helical structures to hair
strands, to other spiral or helical structures and/or other hair
retention devices. Applying hair dye/stain to bundled hair within
the spiral or helical structures provides an ability to "tie dye"
hair strand bundles to create desired highlighting and/or hair
coloring. The spiral or helical structure can be made of hollow or
partially hollow material. Decorative items can be attached or
interconnected to the various embodiments of the present invention.
In a separate embodiment, an interior component is coupled with an
outer component.
Inventors: |
Crowley; Jannine; (Colorado
Springs, CO) ; Hall; Anne; (Littleton, CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SHERIDAN ROSS PC
1560 BROADWAY
SUITE 1200
DENVER
CO
80202
US
|
Assignee: |
FRESHWATER DESIGNS, INC.
12612 White Deer Drive
Littleton
CO
80127
|
Family ID: |
34198253 |
Appl. No.: |
11/970034 |
Filed: |
January 7, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10881109 |
Jun 29, 2004 |
7328710 |
|
|
11970034 |
Jan 7, 2008 |
|
|
|
60497242 |
Aug 21, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/275 ;
132/273 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 2/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/275 ;
132/273 |
International
Class: |
A45D 8/00 20060101
A45D008/00 |
Claims
1. A hair retention device adapted to receive a bundle of human or
animal hair, said device comprising: a structure comprising a
substantially spiral or a substantially helical shape, said
structure having at least first and second ends, said structure
further comprising a projection near said at least one of said
first or second ends, said structure adapted to receive the hair
bundle by winding the hair bundle into an interior diameter of said
structure; and an elastomeric band operatively associated with said
structure, wherein said elastomeric band is positioned near the
same said at least one of said first or second ends as said
projection and is at least partially extended around said structure
and the hair bundle and interconnected to said structure to hold
the hair bundle to said structure.
2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said elastomeric band
is positioned near at least one of said first or second ends of
said structure.
3. The device as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a
projection near said at least one of said first or second ends of
said structure.
4. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said projection
extends radially outward from an exterior surface of said
structure.
5. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said projection
further comprises a hook or a spur.
6. The device as claimed in claim 5, wherein said hook or said spur
is sized to retain at least one portion of said elastomeric
band.
7. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said structure
comprises pitch openings that are equal to or larger than said
interior diameter of said structure.
8. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said spiral or helical
structure is a single spiral or a single helix.
9. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said substantially
spiral shape is not symmetrical.
10. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of said
at least first and second ends of said structure tapers inward
within said interior diameter of said structure.
11. The device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising first and
second projections, said elastomeric band interconnected to each of
said first and second projections.
12. A hair retention device adapted to receive a bundle of human or
animal hair, said device comprising: a substantially helical member
adapted to receive the bundle of hair within an interior diameter,
the helical member comprising a rigid or semi-rigid interior
component and a flexible exterior component encompassing at least a
portion of said interior component.
13. The device as claimed in claim 12, wherein said interior
component comprises a helical shaped metal wire.
14. The device as claimed in claim 12, wherein said interior
component comprises a plastic helix.
15. The device as claimed in claim 12, wherein said exterior
component comprises fibers.
16. The device as claimed in claim 12, further comprising a
flexible member interconnectable to said helical member and means
for interconnecting said flexible member to said helical member,
wherein said flexible member is at least partially extended around
said helical member using said means for interconnecting, whereby
the bundle of hair is held to said helical member.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Priority is claimed from co-pending application Ser. No.
10/881,109, filed on Jun. 29, 2004, which in turn claimed priority
from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/497,242 filed Aug.
21, 2003 entitled "Hair Retention Device And Method of Using Same"
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is directed to a device for the
retention hair or the restraining hair of humans and animals, and
associated methods for using the device in restraining hair, as
well as in dyeing and/or highlighting hair. Other aspects of the
present invention are directed to restraining and/or dying other
strand-like articles, such as strings, wires, shoelaces, backpack
strings, etc.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Devices for holding or ornamenting hair are well known. For
example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,878,755 to Crabtree et al. is directed to
a helical hair wrap device wherein the pitch openings between
adjacent turns of the helix are larger than the inside diameter of
the helix. The device is a one-piece design and is made of a short
piece of rigid material that is not able to flex.
[0004] There exists a need for a hair retention device that, in
some embodiments, is not necessarily of a unitary rigid design and
that is not confined to particular pitch/diameter restrictions.
Moreover, provision of a device that facilitates the retention of
hair (or other strand material as discussed herein) within a
generally spiral or helical configuration is desirable, especially
if it has flexible characteristics, the ability to secure the ends
thereof, is light weight, adjustable in length and/or adjustable
with respect to other physical characteristics, etc. Additionally,
methods of using a hair retention device in order to accomplish
highlighting and/or dyeing of hair, and specifically the ability to
"tie dye" hair, is a long-felt, but unsolved need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] One particular embodiment of the present invention is
directed to a hair retention device comprising a substantially
helical structure having a pitch opening or gap that is smaller
than, equal to, or larger than the interior diameter of the helical
structure. The helical structure is adapted to receive hair bundles
within its interior diameter. The device includes an elastomeric
band operatively associated with at least one end of the helical
structure.
[0006] In a separate aspect of the invention, a hair retention
device adapted to receive a bundle of human or animal hair is
provided, wherein the device comprises a structure comprising a
substantially spiral or a substantially helical shape. The
structure has at least first and second ends, and the structure is
adapted to receive the hair bundle by winding the hair bundle into
an interior diameter of the structure. In addition, the device
includes an elastomeric band operatively associated with the
structure, wherein the elastomeric band is at least partially
extended around the structure and the hair bundle and
interconnected to the structure to hold the hair bundle to the
structure.
[0007] It is a separate aspect of the present invention to provide
alternate means for attaching the device to a bundle of hair. Thus,
in a separate aspect of the invention, a hair retention device
adapted to receive a bundle of human or animal hair is provided
wherein the device comprises a substantially helical member adapted
to receive the bundle of hair within an interior diameter. The
device includes a flexible member interconnectable to the helical
member, and the device further includes means for interconnecting
the flexible member to the helical member, wherein the flexible
member is at least partially extended around the helical member
using the means for interconnecting, whereby the bundle of hair is
held to the helical member.
[0008] Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a
substantially helical member adapted to receive a bundle of hair
within an interior diameter. The helical member comprises a rigid
or semi-rigid interior component and a flexible exterior component
encompassing at least a portion of the interior component.
[0009] A further embodiment of the present invention is directed to
a method for dyeing a person's hair, comprising providing a helical
structure that has a central opening that permits a bundle of hair
to be accommodated therein; inserting a desired bundle of hair into
the central opening of said helical structure; applying a hair dye
to the hair within the helical structure; allowing the hair dye to
reside on the hair for a desired period of time; and removing the
helical structure from the hair bundle. Other embodiments of the
present invention are set forth below.
[0010] Various embodiments of the present invention are set forth
in the attached figures and in the detailed description of the
invention as provided herein and as embodied by the claims. It
should be understood, however, that this Summary of the Invention
is not meant to be restrictive in any manner and that the invention
as disclosed herein is and will be understood by those of ordinary
skill in the art to encompass obvious improvements and
modifications thereto.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
present invention showing a helical structure with a connecting
band associated with one end of the structure.
[0012] FIG. 2 is plan view of the helical member shown in FIG.
1;
[0013] FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the device shown in
FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 4 is an elevation view of the elastomeric member
portion of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 5 is plan view of one embodiment of the present
invention wherein attachment pegs or projections are operatively
connected to opposite regions of a helical member;
[0016] FIG. 6 is plan view of another embodiment of the present
invention wherein a single attachment peg or projection is
operatively connected to a helical member;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
the present invention having a plurality of elastomeric
members;
[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of the
present invention wherein the material forming the structural
member has a triangular cross section and wherein the diameter of
the structural member varies from one end to the other in the form
of a spiral;
[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective view that illustrates a separate
embodiment wherein the helical structure is formed from a helical
member having a groove running therethrough to further reduce
weight, add to strength characteristics, etc.;
[0020] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of
the present invention wherein indentations are included throughout
the helical structure to reduce the weight thereof;
[0021] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
invention where separate helical structures are connected together
at their ends in a telescoping/nesting relationship;
[0022] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of two devices of the present
invention being intertwined;
[0023] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a finished arrangement of
the devices shown in FIG. 12;
[0024] FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of a interior core portion
of a separate embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 15 is a side elevation view of an exterior or sheath
portion of a separate embodiment; and
[0026] FIG. 16 is a combination of the devices shown in FIGS. 14
and 15 to form yet a separate embodiment of the present
invention.
[0027] While the following disclosure describes the invention in
connection with those embodiments presented, one should understand
that the invention is not strictly limited to these embodiments.
Furthermore, one should understand that the drawings are not
necessarily to scale, and that in certain instances, the disclosure
may not include details which may be necessary to manufacture
particular embodiments, such as conventional details of fabrication
and assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT
INVENTION
[0028] The present invention is generally directed to a device
having a generally helical or spiral configuration, such device
facilitating the enclosure of a desired bundle of string-like or
strand-like material, such as hair, within the confines of the
device. In one particular embodiment, the spaced helical turns,
defining a "pitch" of the helical structure, are not equally spaced
apart. In other embodiments, the helical turns are equally spaced
apart, and in still other embodiments, the diameter of the helix is
either greater than, less than, or equal to the pitch openings of
the helical structure. Other embodiments are directed to spiral or
helical structures having varying diameters, pitches, number of
turns per inch, etc., even within a certain length of a single
device. In one particular embodiment, a hair bundle has a diameter
greater than the pitch opening of the helical structure. It should
be understood, however, that the present invention is not intended
to be so limited. Indeed, the inventors incorporate by reference
the disclosure in U.S. Pat. No. 5,878,755, which is incorporated in
its entirely by this reference. The use of the particular structure
shown in the '755 patent can be employed in other inventive
embodiments of the present invention, including methods for dyeing
and/or highlighting hair or other string-like structures (as
described in more detail below).
[0029] In one particular embodiment of the present invention, the
material utilized to manufacture the spiral or helical structure is
rigid and/or semi-rigid. In other embodiments, however, rigid
and/or semi-rigid lengths of a spiral or helical configuration are
operatively associated with other lengths of less-rigid material.
For example, in one embodiment, rigid and/or semi-rigid material
forming the spiral or helical configuration is connected to a
similar spiral or helical structure made from more flexible
material. In such a manner, a user of the device is not necessarily
relegated to having a straight length of spiral or helical
configuration and instead, can "bend" the structure to accomplish
unique and desired hairstyle designs. The material comprising the
structure may therefore be metal, glass, ivory, ceramic, rubber,
plastic, wood, composite material, or similar materials, or any
combination thereof. Preferably, the material is plastic suitable
for being manufactured from a mold.
[0030] Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to the
provision of a "tying" device associated with at least one end of
the spiral or helical structure. For example, a stretchable,
elastomeric band (either circular or linear) is provided at
substantially the end of one (or both) terminus of the spiral or
helical structure, such band being stretchable and attachable
either back to the spiral or helical structure itself, or to hair
bands, other adjacent spiral or helical structures, and/or other
hair retaining elements, etc. The elastomeric band itself can be
operatively associated with the end of the spiral or helical
structure by being threaded through one or more apertures at the
end of the spiral or helical structure, or may be wrapped around
peg-like structures that are connected to and/or integral with the
spiral or helical structure. After hair is wrapped inside the
structural spiral or helical features of the present invention, the
elastomeric band(s) can be pulled around the back of the structure
(preferably in the same direction that the spiral or helical
structure is projecting) in order to loop the elastomeric band
material around a button, peg, through an aperture, etc., in order
to secure the hair band in a desired manner. The elastomeric band
is preferably circular in shape, but may also be a simple length of
straight material, etc., just as long as it performs the function
of securing one end of the spiral or helical device in the hair.
Other types of connecting elements can be utilized other than an
elastomeric band. For example, more rigid clasps can be utilized at
the ends or anywhere along the extent of the spiral or helical
structure in order to accommodate the securement of hair bundle
within the interior spiral or helical confines of the present
device.
[0031] Still other embodiments of the present invention include the
provision of a "knob" or "hook" of material situated at or within
the central aspect of the spiral or helical structure. In other
words, if one were to look through the center of the spiral or
helical structure to the other end, a knob of material would appear
at the far end of the central "hole" of the spiral or helical
structure.
[0032] Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, a first embodiment of a hair
retention device 10 of the present invention is illustrated. The
hair retention device 10 preferably includes at least one
structural member 12, where the structural member has a first end
14 and a second end 16. The structural member 12 preferably has a
twisting or winding shape, and in at least one embodiment, the
structural member 12 is a spiral or helical shape. The structural
member 12 can include any number of rotations, and can have a
uniform shape or can have a variable shape with uneven turns and
irregular openings.
[0033] For the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the structural member
12 preferably comprises a substantially helical shape, and is
formed of a single helical shaped member 18. The single helical
shaped member 18 preferably has a constant inside diameter Di,
where the inside of the single helical shaped member 18
substantially forms an open cylinder. As is known to those skilled
in the art, a "pitch opening" is the opening or gap between turns
on the helix. For the device shown in FIGS. 1-4, preferably the
pitch opening PO can be either less than, equal to, or greater than
the inside diameter Di, and more preferably, the pitch opening PO
is greater than or equal to the inside diameter Di, and in one
version of the present embodiment, the pitch opening PO is
substantially equal to the inside diameter Di of the single helical
shaped member 18.
[0034] The hair retention device 10 further includes an elastomeric
member 20 that is interconnected to the single helical shaped
member 18. More particularly, the elastic member 20 preferably
comprises an endless elastomeric loop, or an elastomeric band that
is attachable to the single helical shaped member 18. In one
embodiment, the single helical shaped member 18 includes an
aperture or hole 22 through which at least a first portion 24 of
the elastomeric member 20 is placed. For example, for an
elastomeric member 20 that is in the shape of an endless loop, as
for example, a rubber band or an elastic band, the elastomeric
member 20 can be interconnected to the single helical shaped member
18 by passing a portion of the elastomeric member 20 through the
hole 22 such that a portion of the loop is present on either side
of the member 18, and then taking one end of the elastomeric
material and passing it through the opening in the loop of the
elastomeric member on the other side of the hole and pulling the
elastomeric member 20 snug. This method of interconnecting the
elastomeric member 20 to the single helical shaped member 18 is
essentially a larks neck knot. Alternatively, an elastomeric member
20 having a knot at one end can be interconnected by passing the
unknotted end through the hole 22, such that the elastomeric member
20 is retained in the hole by the knotted end. In yet a different
alternative, the elastomeric member 20 can be tied in a knot to the
material surrounding the hole 22.
[0035] Still referring to FIGS. 1-4, preferably, the hair retention
device 10 further includes a protrusion or projection 26 for
receiving a second portion 28 of the elastomeric member 20 that is
interconnected to the single helical shaped member 18. The
projection 26 is preferably of a shape for retaining the second
portion 28 of the elastomeric member 20. Accordingly, the
projection 26 is preferably hook shaped or otherwise further
comprises additional structure, such as a spur 30, that is
positioned on the projection 26, and wherein the spur 30 acts as a
barb for retaining the second portion 28 of the elastomeric member
20 when the second portion 28 is interconnected to the projection
26, such as by looping the second portion 28 over the spur 30 of
the projection 26.
[0036] In use, the person using the hair retention device 10 winds
all or a portion of a bundle or lock of hair H into the hair
retention device 10 and then attaches the elastomeric member 20 to
frictionally hold the lock of hair within the hair retention device
10. For example, for a retention device 10 that has a single
helical shaped member 18, a lock of hair is separated and wound
through at least one turn of the single helical shaped member 18.
Next the elastomeric member 20 is looped around the lock of hair
and interconnected to the single helical shaped member 18 to hold
the hair in the device 10. More particularly, the elastomeric
member 20 is interconnected to the single helical shaped member 18
using the projection 26 to hold a second portion 28 of the
elastomeric member 20, where a first portion 24 of the elastomeric
member 20 is interconnected to the single helical shaped member 18
by hole 22.
[0037] Alternatively, other means for interconnecting an
elastomeric member 20 to the hair retention device 10 are possible.
For example, as shown in FIG. 5, two projections may be used. That
is, instead of a hole 22 and one projection 26, a single helical
shaped member 18 having two separate projections 26 can be used.
Alternatively, a single projection could be provided wherein the
projection is shaped for retaining both first and second portions
of the elastomeric member 20. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, a
T-shaped projection 32 can be used, where one side of the T-shaped
projection 32 retains a first portion 24 of the elastomeric member
20 and the second side of the T-shaped projection 32 retains a
second portion 28 of the elastomeric member 20. Thus, a variety of
means for retaining an elastomeric member 20 to the single helical
shaped member 18 are possible, and are within the scope of the
present invention. Furthermore, such means pertain to any hair
retention device of the present invention, whether the structural
member comprises, for example, a helical shaped member or spiral
shaped member.
[0038] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, in one embodiment, the elastomeric
member 20 is interconnected to the single helical shaped member 18
at one end of the single helical shaped member 18, that is, at
either the first end 14 or the second end 16 of the single helical
shaped member 18. Alternatively, the elastomeric member 20 may be
interconnected to the single helical shaped member 18 at any
position along single helical shaped member 18, including either
the first or second ends 14 and 16.
[0039] In yet a different alternative, a plurality of elastomeric
members may be used with a hair retention device. Indeed, one
aspect of the present invention relates to the use of particular
spiral/helical structures in bundling of horse manes and/or horse
tails. For example, numerous spiral or helical structures can be
used to bundle particularly desired diameters of hair from the mane
of a horse, and various ornamental attachments can be associated
with such bundles and/or with the spiral or helical structures
retaining such bundles. In a embodiment for use with horse manes,
rubber band-like connecting structures are associated with each end
of the helical structures to further enhance the ability to secure
the hair bundles to the spiral or helical structure itself. Thus,
one aspect of the present invention has application in "braiding" a
mane of a horse, where the present invention offers an alternative
to traditional methods of braiding a horse's mane that can be
relatively labor intensive, difficult, time consuming and/or
expensive.
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 7, a preferable embodiment for such a
hair retention device 10' is shown, where the device comprises a
structural member 12 used in combination with a plurality of
elastomeric members 20, and more preferably, two elastomeric
members 20. The device of FIG. 7 includes a first elastomeric
member 20 positioned substantially at a first end 14 of the
structural member 12, such as a single helical shaped member 18,
and a second elastomeric member 20 positioned at substantially the
other end or the second end 16 of the structural member 12. In use,
the person "braiding" the horse's mane first winds all or portion
of a bundle of hair into the hair retention device 10' and then
attaches the elastomeric members 20. For example, for a retention
device 10' that has single helical shaped member 18, a lock of hair
is separated and wound through at least one turn of the single
helical shaped member 18. Next a first elastomeric member 20 is
looped around the lock of hair to hold the hair in the device 10'.
More particularly, the first elastomeric member 20 is
interconnected to the single helical shaped member 18 using a first
projection 26 to hold a second portion 28 of the elastomeric member
20, where a first portion 24 of the elastomeric member 20 is
interconnected to the single helical shaped member 18 by either a
hole 22, a second projection 26, or a single projection such as a
T-shaped projection 32, depending upon the structure of the hair
retention device 10' that is employed. Subsequently, after winding
the remaining portion of the lock of hair through the hair
retention device 10', the second elastomeric member 20 is used in a
manner similar to that described for the first elastomeric member
20. This method is repeated for the length of the horse's mane that
is desired to be prepared.
[0041] The particular girth of any specific spiral or helical
material can be varied depending on the particular use of the
spiral or helical configuration. For example, the spiral or helical
material (as opposed to the diameter of the spiral or helical
structure formed by the spiraling/curling structure itself) can be
as small as about 1/16th of an inch, more preferably about 1/8th of
an inch, but also can be 1/4 of an inch or greater in girth. A
larger diameter material accommodates a larger surface area upon
which decorative or functional features can be imprinted, attached,
applied and/or embodied.
[0042] As one will appreciate, the particular geometric shape of
the material forming the spiral or helical member can vary. For
example, instead of a round cross section of such material, such
cross section can also be of any geometric configuration, such as a
half moon, an oval, a triangle, a rectangle, a square, an octagon,
etc. FIG. 8 depicts a hair retention device 34 that has a spiral
shaped structural member 12, with a hole 22 and single projection
26, and wherein the cross section of the material forming the
structural member 12 is substantially triangular in shape, as shown
at first end 14.
[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, to facilitate the wearing
of the present invention in a person's hair, especially when the
girth of the material used is large, the spiral or helical
structure can be made in a hollow or partially hollow
configuration, thereby reducing the overall weight of the device.
FIG. 9 depicts a hair retention device that includes a groove 36
along the interior portion of the structural member 12.
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10, the spiral or helical device
may have indentations, apertures, cavities or dimples 38 through
the coiled/spiraled material at various places to further reduce
the weight of the device. Other weight-lessening constructions are
also included within the present invention, such as the provision
of cavities, grooves, etc., in combination together.
[0044] The dimples 38 offer a location along the structural member
12 for adding decorative items, such as rhinestones. Alternatively,
any of the embodiments of the present invention may include divots,
slits, grooves, holes, indentations, etc. in the device that can be
used to attach, glue, or otherwise interconnect jewels,
decorations, suspended chains, etc. Additionally, a plurality of
spaced apart hair retention devices of the present invention can be
used to suspend a common decorative item. For example, although not
shown, a first hair retention device can be interconnected to a
first portion of a decorative item, such as chain made of faux or
precious metals and/or jewels, and a second portion of the
decorative item can be interconnected to a second hair retention
device. Thus, decorative items can be strung from one hair
retention device to another. Furthermore, other decorative items
can be implanted, attached to the surface, or otherwise
interconnected from any of the devices of the present invention.
The decorative aspects disclosed herein and modifications thereof
are within the scope of the present invention.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 11, another aspect of the present
invention includes the ability to interconnect different spiral or
helical members in order to construct different length spiral or
helical structures, and/or combine different pitch, number of turns
per inch, girth of spiral or helical material, etc. with each
other. For example, using a telescoping connector 40 comprising a
female end 42 and a male end 44, the spiral/helical structures can
be made so that their ends are telescopically connectable to the
corresponding ends of other separate helical/spiral structures,
thus permitting one to "build" longer length spiral or helical
structures, including structures having rigidity/flexibility
characteristics, color, and/or any one or more of the other
attributes mentioned above. Each such interchangeable length of the
structural member may include means for interconnecting an
elastomeric member 20, such as the first structural member 12a
shown in FIG. 11, or alternatively, the added section may not
include the means for interconnecting an elastomeric member, such
as the structural member 12b, also shown in FIG. 11.
[0046] Referring now to FIG. 12, in a yet a separate embodiment,
two hair retention devices may be intertwined. For example, as
shown in FIG. 12, a first hair retention device 10a is paired with
a second hair retention device 10b by intertwining the two devices
with each other and also around a bundle of hair H. The arrangement
shown in FIG. 12 is of particular interest if contrasting devices
and are used together. For example, first hair retention device 10a
may be a first color and second hair retention device 10b may be a
second color. Alternatively, the devices 10a and 10b may have
different and/or complimentary surface finishes, features, and/or
decorations.
[0047] In use, the first hair retention device 10a is
interconnected to a bundle of hair H as previously described above.
The second hair retention device 10b is then intertwined with the
bundle of hair H associated with the first hair retention device
10a, and further intertwined with the first hair retention device
10a. The intertwining process is preferably achieved by turning the
second hair retention device 10b into the first hair retention
device 10a, such as by arrows A. Preferably, the structure of each
device 10a and 10b is similar to the structure shown and described
above for the device 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.
[0048] In a separate aspect of this embodiment not shown, the first
device 10a may include a hole 22 and elastic member 20, and the
second device may include a projection 26 that receives the elastic
member associated with the first device 10a. Thus, one device
connects to the other via the elastic member. Thus, the elastic
member connected to first end 14a of device 10a, may interconnect
to the second end 16b of the second device 10b. Likewise, the
elastic member connected to first end 14b of second device 10b, may
be interconnected to the second end 16a of the first device
10a.
[0049] Referring now to FIGS. 14-16, yet a separate embodiment of
the present invention is illustrated. Device 46 is a combination of
at least two components, namely, an interior component 48 and an
exterior component 50. FIG. 14 illustrates interior component 48,
which is preferably a semi-rigid skeletal structural component of
the device 46. Interior component 48 may be a rigid or semi-rigid
material, such as stone, ceramic, metal, glass, rubber, plastic, or
even organic material. As yet another example, the interior
component may include one or more fluids contained in a casing, the
one or more fluids having a number of possible characteristics,
such as being a light emitting substance or a glow-in-the-dark
material.
[0050] FIG. 15 illustrates exterior component 50. The exterior
component 50 is preferably a flexible material that can be
manipulated to form a covering or sheath for interior member 48.
Exterior component 50 is preferably made of one or more of a
cellophane, mesh, netting, rope, fabric, cloth, rubber, flexible
plastic, foil, or similar material. The exterior component 50 may
fit loosely or tightly over the interior component 48. The exterior
component 50 is able to be manufactured or manipulated to
substantially conform to the shape of the interior component 48.
Preferably, during manufacture of device 46, interior component 48
is slid into exterior component 50, or exterior member 50 is
otherwise applied or interconnected to the interior component 48.
Thus, device 46 is formed of a plurality of members and/or
materials. For the example of the device 46 shown in FIG. 16, the
exterior component 50 comprises a bundle of stands. However, it is
to be understood that the exterior component 50 may be formed of a
single sheath-like material, or it may be formed of a plurality of
strands or items that form an exterior wrapping. The device 46 may
also include a hole 22 and an elastic member 20 to interconnect to
a projection 26 as described above, or the device 46 may not
include these structures.
[0051] In use, if applied to a bundle of hair H, the hair H can be
intertwined into the spiral or helical structure of the device 46
and an elastic member 20 (not shown in FIG. 16) applied if
appropriate or desired. Alternatively, the device may be deformable
and adaptable to frictionally engage a bundle of hair H or fiber
without use of an elastic member 20.
[0052] The device 46 may also include one or more decorative
members 52 at its ends, or it may have decorative items interwoven
into, attached, or otherwise interconnected to it. The interior
component 48 may or may not extend beyond one or both ends of the
exterior component 50. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the
interior component 48 may extend beyond the ends of the exterior
component 50 and into an interior of the decorative members 52.
[0053] In another aspect of the invention, the present invention
can be used to create so-called "banana curls." Such curls are
created by restraining particular hair bundles in a manner that
permits large rounded curves of hair bundles to be formed without
the traditional use of less cosmetically acceptable traditional
hair rollers.
[0054] Still yet another aspect of the invention relates to a
method of using one or more of the devices described herein in a
method for tie-dyeing hair (or similar strand-like objects, e.g.,
shoe strings, etc.). In operation, the present method involves
encircling bundles of hair within the spiral or helical structure
of one or more devices of the present invention. Hair coloring dye
is then applied to the hair as bundled, and a sufficient amount of
dwell time is permitted prior to rinsing the hair dye from the
person's hair. The spiral or helical device of the present
invention is then removed to reveal hair strands that are
alternately dyed and un-dyed, as desired. Various different styles
can be accommodated using such a method, especially in view of the
distinct types of devices that can be employed. For example, one
can employ: different sized spiral or helical structures
operatively associated with each other; rigid and flexible spiral
or helical structures connected together and being capable of
winding about each other and/or other objects, and; use of spiral
or helical structures of varying pitch, diameter, number of turns,
apertures within the structure to permit dye to pass therethrough,
etc. A wide variety of different dyeing and/or highlighting
techniques can be facilitated using the present device as will
occur to one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0055] Another aspect of the present invention relates to the
ability to attach desired articles to spiral or helical structures.
For example, the spiral or helical structures of the present
invention can be used to form a bridal headgear with flowers being
attachable to the spiral or helical structure and/or interwoven
with hair bundled by the spiral or helical structures, thereby
presenting an ornamental desired effect. In addition, the spiral or
helical structure itself can be configured so that it has
ornamental designs included on the surface or attached thereto,
such as a filigreed pattern, attachments of extending articles
(e.g., leaves, flowers, various geometrical configurations
extending from the spiral or helical structure and/or hanging down
or projecting upwards therefrom) so as to create a desired style of
hair decoration.
[0056] In a separate aspect of the present invention, the spiral or
helical structure is provided in a desired length, "tight" spiral
curl (e.g., desired pitch in relationship to the diameter of the
spiral) in order to facilitate the formation of "dreadlock"
structures. One of the long encountered difficulties in forming
dreadlocks is that traditional methods involve the rather random
clumping of hair together to form string-like mats of various
sizes, configurations, etc. Using the present invention, it is
possible to reversibly attach the spiral or helical structures of
the present invention in order to form particular sized dreadlocks
and to facilitate the cleaning of such dreadlocks without loss of
desired hair bundle orientations.
[0057] Other embodiments of the present invention include the use
of spiral/helix structures made from sponge-like material, such
material being relatively porous, absorbent, light-weight and
preferably bendable. This particular material may have preferable
application when used with the hair dyeing method as disclosed
herein since such sponge-like material can absorb and retain
amounts of hair dye. In other words, whereas the present invention
can be used as a shield to prevent hair coloring from contacting
portions of the hair bundle underlying the spiral or helical
structure, it can alternatively be used in a manner such that hair
dye is applied to particular portions of the hair bundle underlying
the spiral/helical structure (e.g., by using a helix made of
absorbent material).
[0058] Still other embodiments of the present invention include
spiral/helical structures that harden and/or become flexible under
various conditions, such as hardening when dry, but becoming
flexible when wet. Hair dryers and/or heaters can be used to
facilitate a change in the rigidity and/or flexibility of
particular helical/spiral structures, dependent upon what
particular material is used to manufacture the same.
[0059] Yet another aspect of the present invention is directed to
heated or heatable spiral or helical structures that can be used in
a fashion similar to traditional "curlers." Instead of hair being
wrapped about a cylindrical body, as in traditional curler uses,
hair bundles are encircled by heated spiral or helical structures
of the present invention, thereby providing the desired heat
characteristics to dry such hair bundles in desired orientations.
Indeed, in certain aspects of the present invention, long spiral or
helical structures are provided with energy so as to adjust the
heat emanating therefrom (e.g., spiral or helical structures can be
associated with electrical devices when the spiral or helical
structures are associated with bundles of hair).
[0060] The materials used to manufacture the spiral/helical
structures can also be selected so that they are prone to change
color in the sun and/or are suitable for increasing the amount of
heat to particular hair bundles when exposed to sunlight, thus
promoting the natural sun bleaching of hair.
[0061] The present invention also includes spiral/helical
structures that glow in the dark, thus providing a cosmetic element
when the present invention is worn at night, or under black lights,
etc. The present invention can also be adapted so that it will
light up, either by having luminescent materials added thereto,
provided with light emitting diodes, etc., thus further enhancing
the visual attractiveness and spectacle of wearing such device,
especially in low light conditions.
[0062] While the majority of the above discussion focuses upon the
retention of hair in the described spiral or helical structures,
one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the present
invention has varied applications outside the field of hair
retention and decoration. For example, the present invention finds
application in restraining other strand-like articles, such as
shoelaces, strings, wires, backpack strings, ropes, etc. The
particular shapes, sizes, etc. of the invention as described for
use with human hair can be readily adjusted to facilitate the use
of the present invention in these other environments and for uses
quite distinct from the retention of human hair. Moreover, the
present invention is not restricted to the use with human hair, but
also finds application when used with companion animals, such as
pets.
[0063] While various embodiments of the present invention have been
described in detail, it will be apparent that further modifications
and adaptations of the invention will occur to those skilled in the
art. It is to be expressly understood that such modifications and
adaptations are within the spirit and scope of the present
invention. Other aspects and embodiments of the present invention
will occur to those of skill in the art upon review of the
disclosure herein, and especially in view of the drawings
included.
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