U.S. patent application number 12/469016 was filed with the patent office on 2010-11-25 for hair retaining device.
Invention is credited to Cindy Blasingame.
Application Number | 20100294301 12/469016 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43123726 |
Filed Date | 2010-11-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100294301 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Blasingame; Cindy |
November 25, 2010 |
HAIR RETAINING DEVICE
Abstract
Disclosed is a hair retaining device for preventing long hair of
a wearer of the hair retaining device from getting tangled and
damaged. The hair retaining device includes a cap member configured
to cover a head portion of the wearer thereof, a pair of straps
configured on a rear end portion of the cap member, a tail member
extending from the rear end portion of the cap member, and a flap
member configured on an inner surface of the tail member. The pair
of straps is capable of securing the cap member to the head portion
of the wearer thereof. Further, the flap member and the inner
surface of the tail member configures a space therebetween for
receiving at least a portion of the hair of the wearer thereof.
Inventors: |
Blasingame; Cindy;
(Greenwood, AR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JAY M. SCHLOFF
6960 Orchard Lake Road, Suite 315
West Bloomfield
MI
48322
US
|
Family ID: |
43123726 |
Appl. No.: |
12/469016 |
Filed: |
May 20, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/274 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 8/40 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/274 |
International
Class: |
A45D 8/40 20060101
A45D008/40 |
Claims
1. A hair retaining device comprising: a cap member configured to
cover a head portion of a wearer of the hair retaining device; a
pair of straps configured on a rear end portion of the cap member,
wherein the pair of straps is capable of securing the cap member to
the head portion of the wearer; a tail member extending from the
rear end portion of the cap member; and a flap member configured on
an inner surface of the tail member, wherein the flap member and
the inner surface of the tail member configure a space therebetween
for receiving at least a portion of the hair of the wearer.
2. The hair retaining device of claim 1, wherein the flap member
comprises a first peripheral edge portion and a second peripheral
edge portion, the first peripheral edge portion of the flap member
fixedly attached to a first longitudinal edge of the inner surface
of the tail member, and the second peripheral edge portion of the
flap member detachably attached to a second longitudinal edge of
the inner surface of the tail member.
3. The hair retaining device of claim 2, wherein the second
peripheral edge portion of the flap member is detachably attached
to the second longitudinal edge of the inner surface of the tail
member by one or more fastening mechanisms.
4. The hair retaining device of claim 3, wherein the one or more
fastening mechanisms is one of a hook and loop fastener, a zipper,
a snap fit fastener, a button, and an adhesive.
5. The hair retaining device of claim 1, wherein the flap member
comprises a first peripheral edge portion and a second peripheral
edge portion, the first peripheral edge portion of the flap member
fixedly attached to a first longitudinal edge of the inner surface
of the tail member, and the second peripheral edge portion of the
flap member fixedly attached to a second longitudinal edge of the
inner surface of the tail member.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to hair retaining
devices, and, more particularly, to a hair retaining device to be
worn during outdoor activities such as scuba diving, horseback
riding, driving an open vehicle, extreme or action sports, and the
like.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] Typically, people having long hair use hair retaining
devices for securing their hair. Examples of hair retaining devices
include clips, ties, bows and the like. People use such hair
retaining devices while indulging in outdoor activities such as
scuba diving, horseback riding, driving or riding in an open
vehicle, and the like (hereinafter referred to as outdoor
activities), to avoid tangling of hair. If kept loose while
participating in the outdoor activities, a person's long hair may
be exposed to dirt, smoke, heat, humidity and the like (hereinafter
referred to as harmful conditions), thereby resulting in hair
damage. Hair damage caused due to these harmful conditions may
range from dry hair, split ends in hair, frizzy and brittle hair,
to complete loss of luster or sheen. Moreover, exposure to windy
conditions during outdoor activities may cause the long hair of the
person to tangle, thereby resulting in formation of knots in the
hair. The knots may damage or break the person's hair while combing
such knotted hair. Also, loose hair may be difficult to manage and
may cover a person's eyes, thereby obscuring one's eyesight during
such activities.
[0003] Currently, people indulging in the outdoor activities prefer
wearing a cap to protect their long hair. For example, a person
having long hair may wear a cap or a helmet while riding a
motorcycle. The cap or the helmet covers only a head portion of the
person and leaves out a length of the hair extending out of the cap
or the helmet, uncovered. The extended length of the hair may get
tangled, resulting in the formation of knots. In order to avoid
such a situation, the extended length of the hair may be tied into
a braid, or may be pulled together and secured by means of a
conventional hair securing device, such as a rubber band, a clip,
and the like. However, the use of hair securing devices, such as
rubber bands causes breaking of the hair, thereby resulting in hair
damage. As another example, a person having long hair may face
discomfort while indulging in outdoor sports such as scuba diving.
Typically, while scuba diving, people tie the extended length of
the hair thereof into a ponytail, a bun, and the like. However, the
hair tied into the ponytail or the bun may become uncomfortable for
a scuba diver, since the ponytail or the bun may get squeezed in a
hood of a wetsuit worn by the scuba diver.
[0004] Further, the extended length of the hair may be troublesome
to manage for a person while working. For example, the long hair
may obstruct a worker's vision. Moreover, while going to office,
the person may prefer to wear a hard hat for covering the hair.
However, in this case also, the hair may get knotted, thereby
causing discomfort to the person. Currently, people use the
available hair retaining devices, such as bands, bows, and the like
for tying hair thereof into a ponytail, thereby securing loose hair
thereof. However, such hair retaining devices may be unable to
handle the extended length of the person's hair.
[0005] Accordingly, there exists a need for preventing a person's
long hair from getting tangled and damaged. Further, there exists a
need for a hair retaining device that avoids discomfort to a wearer
thereof while indulging in outdoor activities, such as scuba
diving, driving or riding in an open vehicle, and other "extreme"
or action sports (such as bungee-jumping, zip-lining, etc.) and the
like. Furthermore, there exists a need for a hair retaining device
that facilitates in managing extended length of hair of a wearer
thereof while working. Also, there exists a need for a hair
retaining device that may be worn under a hard hat, helmet, and the
like. In addition, there exists a need for a hair retaining device
that protects a head portion and extended length of hair of a
wearer thereof from exposure to undesirable weather conditions,
such as direct sunlight, dust, debris, and the like.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0006] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior
art, the general purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a
hair retaining device for protecting hair of a wearer thereof,
configured to include all the advantages of the prior art, and to
overcome the drawbacks inherent therein.
[0007] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to prevent
long hair of people from getting tangled and damaged.
[0008] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a
hair retaining device that avoids discomfort to a wearer thereof
while indulging in outdoor activities, such as scuba diving,
driving or riding in an open vehicle, extreme or action sports, and
the like.
[0009] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a
hair retaining device that facilitates in managing extended length
of hair of a wearer thereof while working.
[0010] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide
a hair retaining device that may be worn under a hard hat, a
helmet, and the like.
[0011] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to protect a
head portion and extended length of hair of a wearer thereof from
exposure to undesirable weather conditions, such as direct
sunlight, dust, debris, and the like.
[0012] To achieve the above objects, in an aspect of the present
disclosure, a hair retaining device is provided which is capable of
preventing long hair of a wearer thereof from getting tangled and
damaged. The hair retaining device includes a cap member configured
to cover a head portion of the wearer, a pair of straps configured
on a rear end portion of the cap member, a tail member extending
from the rear end portion of the cap member, and a flap member
configured on an inner surface of the tail member. The pair of
straps is capable of securing the cap member to the head portion of
the wearer. Further, the flap member and the inner surface of the
tail member configure a space therebetween for receiving at least a
portion of the hair of the wearer.
[0013] The at least a portion of the hair of the wearer of the hair
retaining device may be an extended length of the hair of the
wearer that may extend away from the head portion of the wearer.
The space configured between the flap member and the inner surface
of the tail member may receive the extended length of the hair for
protecting the hair of the wearer.
[0014] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the hair
retaining device includes one or more fastening mechanisms for
detachably attaching the flap member to the inner surface of the
tail member. More specifically, a peripheral edge portion of the
flap member is detachably attached to a longitudinal edge of the
inner surface of the tail member by means of the one or more
fastening mechanisms. Examples of the one or more fastening
mechanisms may include, but are not limited to, a zipper, and a
hook and loop fastener.
[0015] The hair retaining device, as disclosed herein is capable of
preventing the hair of a wearer thereof from getting tangled and
damaged, specifically while the wearer is indulged in outdoor
activities, such as scuba diving, horseback riding, driving an open
vehicle, extreme or action sports, and the like. Upon being worn,
the cap member covers a head portion of the wearer while the tail
member covers a portion of the length of hair extending away from
the head portion of the wearer. The pair of straps enables the
wearer to secure the cap member to the head portion thereof,
thereby avoiding any discomfort upon wearing the hair retaining
device. Moreover, the space configured between the flap member and
the inner surface of the tail member receives at least a portion of
the hair of the wearer, such as the length of hair extending away
from the head portion of the wearer, thereby protecting the hair
from undesirable weather conditions such as dust, rain, and the
like.
[0016] These together with other aspects of the present disclosure,
along with the various features of novelty that characterize the
present disclosure, is pointed out with particularity in the claims
annexed hereto and form a part of this present disclosure. For a
better understanding of the present disclosure, its operating
advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses,
reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and
descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary
embodiments of the present disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The advantages and features of the present disclosure will
become better understood with reference to the following detailed
description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, wherein like elements are identified with like symbols,
and in which:
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an upper-side of a
hair retaining device, according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an under-side of
the hair retaining device of FIG. 1, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an under-side of
the hair retaining device of FIG. 1, in accordance with another
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0021] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the
description of several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0022] The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for
illustrative purposes are subject to many variations in structure
and design. It should be emphasized, however, that the present
disclosure is not limited to a particular hair retaining device, as
shown and described. It is understood that various omissions and
substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may
suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the
application or implementation without departing from the spirit or
scope of the claims of the present disclosure.
[0023] The terms "first," "second," and the like, herein do not
denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to
distinguish one element from another, and the terms "a" and "an"
herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote
the presence of at least one of the referenced item.
[0024] The present disclosure relates to a hair retaining device
for preventing long hair of a wearer of the hair retaining device
from getting tangled and damaged, specifically during outdoor
activities such as scuba diving, horseback riding, driving an open
vehicle, extreme or action sports, and the like. The wearer of the
hair retaining device may hereinafter be referred to as `the
wearer`. The hair retaining device may also facilitate management
of extended length of hair of the wearer while indulging in indoor
activities, such as cleaning, washing, working on a computer, and
the like. Further, the disclosed hair retaining device covers a
head portion as well as the long hair of the wearer, thereby
protecting the head portion and the extended length of the hair of
the wearer from exposure to undesirable weather conditions, such as
direct sunlight, debris, dust, and the like.
[0025] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, a hair retaining device 100
is illustrated, in accordance with various embodiments of the
present disclosure. The hair retaining device 100 is capable of
securing and protecting long hair of a wearer during outdoor
activities such as scuba diving, horseback riding, driving an open
vehicle, extreme and action sports, and the like. Moreover, the
hair retaining device 100 may be worn while performing indoor or
house activities, such as cooking, washing laundry, and the like.
More particularly, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an
upper-side of the hair retaining device 100. FIG. 2 illustrates a
perspective view of an under-side of the hair retaining device 100
of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Furthermore, FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an under-side
of the hair retaining device 100 of FIG. 1, according to another
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0026] Now referring to FIG. 1, the hair retaining device 100
includes a cap member 102, a pair of straps such as a first strap
104a and a second strap 104b, and a tail member 106. The first
strap 104a and the second strap 104b are hereinafter collectively
referred to as straps 104.
[0027] The cap member 102 is configured to cover a head portion of
a wearer (not shown) of the hair retaining device 100. More
specifically, the cap member 102 is adapted to be removably placed
on the head portion of the wearer. The straps 104 are fixedly
attached to a rear end portion (not numbered) of the cap member
102.
[0028] The tail member 106 of the hair retaining device 100 is
capable of wrapping the long hair of the wearer. The tail member
106 extends from the rear end portion of the cap member 102. In the
present embodiment, the tail member 106 is shown to assume a shape
terminating in a triangular end. However, it may be evident to a
person skilled in the art that the tail member 106 may assume any
other shape also, such as a trapezoidal shape, a rectangular shape,
and the like, without departing from the teachings of the present
disclosure. In use, the tail member 106 is long enough to provide
protection to the long hair of the wearer from a plurality of
harmful conditions such as dirt, smoke, heat, humidity and the
like. The tail member 106 may be provided with a decorative strap
108 for enhancing aesthetic appearance of the tail member 106.
[0029] The hair retaining device 100 also includes a flap member
112 (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) configured on an inner surface 110
of the tail member 106 such that the inner surface 110 of the tail
member 106 and the flap member 112 configure a space therebetween.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the flap member 112 may
be detachably attached to the tail member 106. A perspective view
of the under-side of the hair retaining device 100 illustrating the
detachable attachment of the flap member 112 with the tail member
106 is explained further in detail in conjunction with FIG. 2. In
another embodiment of the present disclosure, the flap member 112
may be fixedly attached to the tail member 106. A perspective view
of the under-side of the hair retaining device 100 illustrating the
fixed attachment of the flap member 112 with the tail member 106 is
explained further in detail in conjunction with FIG. 3.
[0030] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of an under-side of the
hair retaining device 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present disclosure. Specifically, the under-side of the hair
retaining device 100 is shown to include an inner surface of the
cap member (not numbered) and the inner surface 110 of the tail
member 106. The tail member 106, and hence the inner surface 110 of
the tail member 106 includes a first longitudinal edge 110a and a
second longitudinal edge 110b. Further, a flap member 112 may be
configured on the inner surface 110 of the tail member 106.
[0031] The flap member 112 includes a first peripheral edge portion
112a fixedly attached to the first longitudinal edge 110a of the
inner surface 110 of the tail member 106, and a second peripheral
edge portion 112b detachably attached to the second longitudinal
edge 110b of the inner surface 110 of the tail member 106. The
attachment of the flap member 112 and the inner surface 110 of the
tail member 106 configures a space therebetween for receiving and
securing the extended length of the hair of the wearer.
[0032] The first peripheral edge portion 112a may be fixedly
attached to the first longitudinal edge 110a by means of stitches,
such as stitches 114 (shown in FIG. 2). In the present embodiment,
the fixed attachment is assumed to be stitches, such as the
stitches 114. However, it will be evident to a person skilled in
the art that in alternative embodiments, the first peripheral edge
portion 112a of the flap member 112 may be fixedly attached to the
first longitudinal edge 110a of the inner surface 110 of the tail
member 106, by other means known in the art, such as an adhesive
attachment, and the like. Further, the second peripheral edge
portion 112b of the flap member 112 is detachably attached to the
second longitudinal edge 110b of the inner surface 110 of the tail
member 106, by means of a fastening mechanism, such as a zipper
116. More specifically, a zipping component 116a of the zipper 116
may be disposed on the second peripheral edge portion 112b of the
flap member 112. Moreover, a complementary zipping component 116b
of the zipper 116 may be disposed on the second longitudinal edge
110b of the inner surface 110 of the tail member 106.
[0033] In use, the extended length of the hair of the wearer may be
gathered and, received in the space defined between the flap member
112 and the inner surface 110 of the tail member 106. Thereafter,
the second peripheral edge portion 112b of the flap member 112 and
the second longitudinal edge 110b of the inner surface 110 may be
brought together and the zipper 116 may be closed, thereby securing
the wearer's hair.
[0034] The wearer's hair may be received in the space configured
between the flap member 112 and the inner surface 110 of the tail
member 106, such that an extended length of the hair may emerge out
of a lower end of the space. As the space formed for receiving the
hair is opened from a top portion 118a and a bottom portion 118b
thereof, the hair received therein may simply emerge out, thereby
avoiding a need of folding the hair to accommodate in the
configured space. Accordingly, the disclosed hair retaining device
is capable of receiving any length of hair of the wearer.
[0035] Alternatively, the extended length of the hair of the wearer
may be tied for instance, into a loose braid (not shown) and the
loose braid may be received in the space defined between the flap
member 112 and the inner surface 110 of the tail member 106.
Thereafter, the second peripheral edge portion 112b of the flap
member 112 and the second longitudinal edge 110b of the inner
surface 110 may be brought together and the zipper 116 may be
closed, thereby securing the wearer's hair.
[0036] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second
peripheral edge portion 112b of the flap member 112 may be
detachably attached to the second longitudinal edge 110b of the
inner surface 110 of the tail member 106, by means of a hook and
loop fastener (not shown). More specifically, a hook component (not
shown) and a loop component (not shown) of the hook and loop
fastener may be attached to the second peripheral edge portion 112b
of the flap member 112, and the second longitudinal edge 110b of
the inner surface 110 of the tail member 106, respectively. In the
present embodiment, the second peripheral edge portion 112b of the
flap member 112 and the second longitudinal edge 110b of the inner
surface 110 may be brought together and the hook and loop
components of the hook and loop fastener may be pressed against
each other, thereby configuring the space for securing the long
hair of the wearer. Furthermore, it will be evident to a person
skilled in the art that the present embodiments are explained
herein with reference to a zipper, such as the zipper 116, and a
hook and loop fastener. However, alternate embodiments with other
fastening mechanism such as a snap fit fastener, a button fastener,
and the like are possible for detachably attaching the second
peripheral edge portion 112b of the flap member 112 with the second
longitudinal edge 110b of the inner surface 110 of the tail member
106.
[0037] Now referring to FIG. 3, a perspective view of the underside
of the inner surface 110 of a tail member such as the tail member
106, of a hair retaining device such as the hair retaining device
100, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is
illustrated. In the present embodiment, the first peripheral edge
portion 112a and the second peripheral edge portion 112b of the
flap member 112 are fixedly attached to the first longitudinal edge
110a and the second longitudinal edge 110b of the inner surface 110
of the tail member 106, respectively. More specifically, the first
peripheral edge portion 112a and the second peripheral edge portion
112b of the flap member 112 may be attached to the first
longitudinal edge 110a and the second longitudinal edge 110b of the
inner surface 110 of the tail member 106 respectively, by means of
stitches, such as stitches 114, thereby configuring a space
therebetween. As explained herein, the fixed attachment is by means
of stitching the second peripheral edge portion 112b of the flap
member 112 to the second longitudinal edge 110b of the inner
surface 110 of the tail member 106. However, it will be evident to
a person skilled in the art that the second peripheral edge portion
112b of the flap member 112 may be fixedly attached to the second
longitudinal edge 110b of the inner surface 110 of the tail member
106, by other means known in the art, such as an adhesive
attachment, and the like.
[0038] Further, as the space configured between the flap member 112
and the inner surface 110 of the tail member 106 is open from a top
portion, such as the top portion 118a and a bottom portion, such as
the bottom portion 118b thereof. The said space conveniently
accommodates the long hair of the wearer therethrough. As explained
in conjunction with FIG. 2, the extended length of hair of the
wearer may be gathered and received through the top portion 118a of
the space. Such that, the extended length of the hair may emerge
through the bottom portion 118b of the space. The space thereby
avoids a need of folding the long hair and thus prevents tangling
of hair. The hair retaining device as disclosed herein is capable
of accommodating any length of hair of the wearer.
[0039] Alternatively, the extended length of the hair of the wearer
may be tied for instance, into a loose braid (not shown). The loose
braid may thereafter be received through the top portion 118a of
the space configured between the flap member 112 and the inner
surface 110 of the tail member 106. The loose braid may thereafter
be allowed to hang through the bottom portion 118b of the space
configured between the flap member 112 and the inner surface 110 of
the tail member 106. Specifically, the bottom portion 118b of the
space being open prevents the extended length of the hair of the
wearer from getting tangled.
[0040] As disclosed herein, the present disclosure provides a hair
retaining device that is capable of protecting hair of a wearer
during outdoor activities such as scuba diving, horseback riding,
driving or riding in an open vehicle, extreme or action sports, and
the like. Various embodiments of the present disclosure offer
following advantages. The hair retaining device, such as the hair
retaining device 100, as described herein, is capable of receiving
hair of the wearer thereof. Specifically, the cap member secures
the hair on the head portion of the wearer thereof while the tail
member receives the extended length of the hair of the wearer,
thereby preventing tangling and breaking of the long hair of the
wearer thereof. Further, the hair retaining device is capable of
being comfortably worn under a hard hat, a helmet, and the like.
Additionally, the present disclosure is capable of preventing the
hair of the wearer thereof from undesirable weather conditions,
such as sunlight, dirt, and the like.
[0041] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the
present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration
and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit
the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and
obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light
of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in
order to best explain the principles of the present disclosure and
its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in
the art to best utilize the present disclosure and various
embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the
particular use contemplated. It is understood that various
omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as
circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions
and substitutions are intended to cover the application or
implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the
claims of the present disclosure.
* * * * *