U.S. patent application number 14/302499 was filed with the patent office on 2015-12-17 for waterproof hair sleeve.
This patent application is currently assigned to J BONNET INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is J BONNET INC.. Invention is credited to Jessica Watson.
Application Number | 20150359284 14/302499 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54832652 |
Filed Date | 2015-12-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150359284 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Watson; Jessica |
December 17, 2015 |
Waterproof Hair Sleeve
Abstract
A hair sleeve for maintaining a collection of the free end
portions of a user's hair in a substantially dry state. The hair
sleeve has a flexible and substantially waterproof body that
extends from an open end to a closed end. The body defines an
interior cavity that is sized for receiving the collection of free
end portions through an opening in the body. A closure assembly
selectively constricts the opening against the rooted portions of
the user's hair to seal the collection of tip portions within the
interior cavity, leaving the user's scalp exposed for washing.
Inventors: |
Watson; Jessica; (Toronto,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
J BONNET INC. |
Toronto |
|
CA |
|
|
Assignee: |
J BONNET INC.
Toronto
CA
|
Family ID: |
54832652 |
Appl. No.: |
14/302499 |
Filed: |
June 12, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/174 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 1/12 20130101; A42B
1/22 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A42B 1/12 20060101
A42B001/12; A42B 1/22 20060101 A42B001/22; A42B 1/00 20060101
A42B001/00 |
Claims
1. A hair sock for maintaining part of a user's hair in a
substantially dry state, the hair comprising a plurality of hair
strands, each hair strand having a rooted portion that is attached
to the user's scalp and an associated free portion that extends
from the rooted portion, the hair sock comprising: a flexible and
substantially waterproof body extending from a proximal end having
an opening to a closed distal end, the body defining an interior
cavity open to said opening and sized for receiving a gathered
collection of the free portions of a grouping of the hair strands;
and a closure assembly for selectively constricting the opening
against the associated rooted portions of the grouping of hair
strands to seal the gathered collection of free portions within the
interior cavity, leaving the user's scalp substantially exposed for
washing.
2. The hair sock according to claim 1, wherein the closure assembly
comprises a draw string.
3. The hair sock according to claim 2, wherein the body comprises a
closed channel arranged circumferentially about the opening, the
channel defining a hollow interior and having at least one hole
formed therein that is open to the hollow interior; wherein said
draw string comprises: a constricting portion at least partially
disposed within the hollow interior of the channel; and a gripping
portion extending out of the hole.
4. The hair sock according to claim 3, further comprising an anchor
member that is connected to the body at the proximal end; wherein
the gripping portion of the draw string comprises a connector
selected for mechanical engagement with the anchor member; and
wherein the draw string is configured to be held in a tensioned
state by engagement of the connector with the anchor member.
5. The hair sock according to claim 4, wherein the anchor member
comprises a button, and the connector comprises a loop.
6. The hair sock according to claim 4, wherein the draw string
comprises an elastic cord that is resiliently deformable between a
relaxed state wherein the elastic cord has a relaxed length, and a
stretched state wherein the elastic cord has a stretched length
that is greater than the relaxed length.
7. The hair sock according to claim 6, wherein the stretched length
of the elastic cord is selected to permit the gripping portion to
be wound circumferentially about the proximal end of the body at
least once before the connector is engaged with the anchor
member.
8. The hair sock according to claim 4, further comprising a second
connector attached to the distal end of the body, the second
connector provided for mechanical engagement with the anchor member
to selectively hold the body in a bundled state.
9. The hair sock according to claim 1, wherein the body has an
arcuate shape.
10. The hair sock according to claim 1, wherein a length of the
body from the proximal end to the distal end ranges from about 30
cm to about 60 cm.
11. The hair sock according to claim 1, wherein the opening has a
constricted state and an unconstricted state, and has a maximum
circumference when in the unconstricted state that ranges from
about 20 cm to about 45 cm.
12. The hair sock according to claim 1, wherein the rooted portion
of each hair strand is a portion of the hair strand that is within
20 cm of a point of attachment to the user's scalp; and wherein the
free portion of each hair strand is a portion of the hair strand
that is more than 20 cm from the point of attachment to the user's
scalp.
13. A method for maintaining part of a person's hair in a
substantially dry state while washing the person's scalp, the hair
comprising a plurality of hair strands, each hair strand having a
rooted portion that is attached to the person's scalp and an
associated free portion that extends from the rooted portion, the
method comprising: inserting a gathered collection of the free
portions of a grouping of the hair strands through an opening in a
substantially waterproof sleeve and into an internal cavity of the
sleeve; tightly securing the opening of the sleeve against the
associated rooted portions of the grouping of hair strands to
substantially prevent water from flowing into the interior cavity;
and washing the person's scalp.
14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the sleeve is
flexible and extends from a first end to a second end, the opening
being positioned at the first end and the second end being closed,
the method further comprising: winding the sleeve into a bun; and
fastening an anchor member arranged at the first end of the sleeve
to a connector arranged at the second end of the sleeve to hold the
bun together.
15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the sleeve comprises
a draw string arranged circumferentially about the opening, the
draw string having a second connector; wherein securing the opening
of the sleeve against the rooted portions of the grouping of hair
strands comprises: pulling on the second connector to tighten the
draw string; and fastening the second connector to the anchor
member to hold the draw string in a tightened state.
16. A hair sock for maintaining part of a user's hair in a
substantially dry state while the user's scalp is washed, the hair
comprising a plurality of hair strands, each hair strand having a
rooted portion that is within 20 cm of a point of attachment to the
user's scalp and an associated free portion that is more than 20 cm
from the point of attachment, the hair sock comprising: a
substantially waterproof body for selectively covering the free
portions of a grouping of the hair strands, the body defining an
interior cavity sized for receiving the free portions of the
grouping of hair strands through an opening formed in the body, the
opening having a maximum circumference selected to be smaller than
a maximum circumference of the user's scalp; and a holding assembly
for releasably securing the opening against the associated rooted
portions of the grouping of hair strands so that water is
substantially prevented from flowing into the interior cavity.
17. The hair sock according to claim 16, wherein the body comprises
a flexible tube that extends from the opening to a closed end.
18. The hair sock according to claim 17, further comprising: a
first fastening member attached to the body proximate to the
opening; and a second fastening member attached to the body at the
closed end; wherein the first fastening member and the second
fastening member are selected to be releasably fastenable to one
another.
19. The hair sock according to claim 18, wherein the holding
assembly comprises a third fastening member selected to be
releasably fastenable to the first fastening member; wherein at
least one of a size, a texture and a shape of the second fastening
member is different from a size, a texture or a shape,
respectively, of the third fastening member, such that the second
fastening member is distinguishable from the third fastening member
by touch.
20. The hair sock according to claim 17, further comprising at
least one storage pocket arranged on the body that defines a cavity
sized for receiving part of the body therein in a compacted state.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to hair accessories, and in
particular a waterproof hair sleeve for use in keeping the free end
portions of a user's hair dry, while permitting the user's scalp
and the rooted portions of the user's hair adjacent to the scalp to
be washed.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] For individuals with longer hair, the process of washing,
conditioning, drying, and styling their hair can require a
significant amount of time. Shampooing too frequently can
furthermore lead to frizzy, damaged hair. On the other hand,
infrequent shampooing can result in a build-up of oil from the
sebaceous glands of the scalp, resulting in hair that is greasy
looking.
[0003] Many individuals with longer hair use dry shampoo to reduce
the oiliness of their hair. Dry shampoo is a powder or aerosol that
is applied to the hair in order to absorb excess oil. While dry
shampoos are useful in that they quickly reduce hair oiliness
without getting the hair wet, they do not thoroughly clean the hair
as effectively as regular shampooing, and they can leave an
unsightly powdery residue.
[0004] Shower caps are often used by individuals with longer hair
in order to prevent their hair from getting wet while they shower.
While this eliminates the need to dry and restyle their hair after
every shower, it does nothing to clean the hair or reduce its
oiliness.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention addresses the need in the art for a
product that can be used to reduce the oiliness of a user's hair,
while avoiding at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art.
In particular, the present invention provides a generally
waterproof hair sock or sleeve, and more preferably a hair sock
that selectively covers a collection of the free end portions of
the user's hair, while leaving the user's scalp and the rooted
portions of the hair exposed. This permits the scalp and rooted
portions of the hair to be washed, thereby reducing the oiliness of
the user's scalp and hair. Furthermore, because much of the user's
hair remains dry, the hair damage caused by excessive shampooing,
and the time required for washing, conditioning, drying, and
styling the hair, can be significantly reduced.
[0006] In one aspect, the hair sock is provided as an elongated
container or bag. Preferably, the hair sock is formed from a
light-weight, flexible material that is waterproof or water
resistant, such as latex, polytetrafluoroethylene, vinyl, or any
other suitable treated or untreated, synthetic or natural
fabrics.
[0007] The hair sock has a hollow interior chamber or cavity, and
an opening through which a gathered collection of the free end
portions of the user's hair can be introduced into the interior
cavity. Preferably, the opening is smaller than the user's
scalp.
[0008] A closure assembly is provided near the opening for
selectively sealing the opening around the rooted portions of the
user's hair. This prevents water from flowing into the interior
cavity while the user's scalp is being washed. The closure assembly
can include, for example, a draw string, a collection of elastic
bands, an adjustable hook and loop strap, a series of ties, clasps,
buttons, or magnets, or a combination of one or more of the
foregoing. Preferably, the closure assembly includes an elastomeric
draw string that encircles the opening.
[0009] The hair sock is preferably designed to be rolled-up into a
bun-like configuration that sits on top of the user's head. An
arrangement of fasteners can be used to hold the bun together while
the user's scalp is being washed.
[0010] When not in use, the hair sock can preferably be bundled-up
into a compact form for easy storage. For example, a set of
built-in pockets can be used for gathering the hair sock into a
self-contained storage configuration. Alternatively, a system of
fasteners, such as buttons or magnets, could be used to hold the
hair sock in a folded or rolled-up state.
[0011] Accordingly, in one aspect the present invention resides in
a hair sock for maintaining part of a user's hair in a
substantially dry state, the hair comprising a plurality of hair
strands, each hair strand having a rooted portion that is attached
to the user's scalp and an associated free portion that extends
from the rooted portion, the hair sock comprising: a flexible and
substantially waterproof body extending from a proximal end having
an opening to a closed distal end, the body defining an interior
cavity open to said opening and sized for receiving a gathered
collection of the free portions of a grouping of the hair strands;
and a closure assembly for selectively constricting the opening
against the associated rooted portions of the grouping of hair
strands to seal the gathered collection of free portions within the
interior cavity, leaving the user's scalp substantially exposed for
washing.
[0012] Preferably the closure assembly comprises a draw string, and
the body comprises a closed channel arranged circumferentially
about the opening, the channel defining a hollow interior and
having at least one hole formed therein that is open to the hollow
interior; wherein said draw string comprises: a constricting
portion at least partially disposed within the hollow interior of
the channel; and a gripping portion extending out of the hole.
[0013] In one embodiment, the hair sock further comprises an anchor
member that is connected to the body at the proximal end; wherein
the gripping portion of the draw string comprises a connector
selected for mechanical engagement with the anchor member; and
wherein the draw string is configured to be held in a tensioned
state by engagement of the connector with the anchor member. The
anchor member preferably comprises a button, and the connector
preferably comprises a loop.
[0014] In an especially preferred embodiment, the draw string
comprises an elastic cord that is resiliently deformable between a
relaxed state wherein the elastic cord has a relaxed length, and a
stretched state wherein the elastic cord has a stretched length
that is greater than the relaxed length. The stretched length of
the elastic cord can be selected to permit the gripping portion to
be wound circumferentially about the proximal end of the body at
least once before the connector is engaged with the anchor
member.
[0015] A second connector is optionally attached to the distal end
of the body, and is provided for mechanical engagement with the
anchor member to selectively hold the body in a bundled state.
[0016] The body of the hair sock preferably has an arcuate shape,
and a length from the proximal end to the distal end that ranges
from about 30 cm to about 60 cm.
[0017] In preferred a embodiment, the opening has a constricted
state and an unconstricted state, and has a maximum circumference
when in the unconstricted state that ranges from about 20 cm to
about 45 cm.
[0018] In some embodiments of the invention, the rooted portion of
each hair strand is a portion of the hair strand that is within 20
cm of a point of attachment to the user's scalp; and the free
portion of each hair strand is a portion of the hair strand that is
more than 20 cm from the point of attachment to the user's
scalp.
[0019] In another aspect, the present invention resides in a method
for maintaining part of a person's hair in a substantially dry
state while washing the person's scalp, the hair comprising a
plurality of hair strands, each hair strand having a rooted portion
that is attached to the person's scalp and an associated free
portion that extends from the rooted portion, the method
comprising: inserting a gathered collection of the free portions of
a grouping of the hair strands through an opening in a
substantially waterproof sleeve and into an internal cavity of the
sleeve; tightly securing the opening of the sleeve against the
associated rooted portions of the grouping of hair strands to
substantially prevent water from flowing into the interior cavity;
and washing the person's scalp.
[0020] Preferably, the sleeve is flexible and extends from a first
end to a second end, the opening being positioned at the first end
and the second end being closed, and the method further comprises:
winding the sleeve into a bun; and fastening an anchor member
arranged at the first end of the sleeve to a connector arranged at
the second end of the sleeve to hold the bun together.
[0021] Optionally, the sleeve comprises a draw string arranged
circumferentially about the opening, the draw string having a
second connector; and securing the opening of the sleeve against
the rooted portions of the grouping of hair strands comprises:
pulling on the second connector to tighten the draw string; and
fastening the second connector to the anchor member to hold the
draw string in a tightened state.
[0022] In a further aspect, the present invention resides in a hair
sock for maintaining part of a user's hair in a substantially dry
state while the user's scalp is washed, the hair comprising a
plurality of hair strands, each hair strand having a rooted portion
that is within 20 cm of a point of attachment to the user's scalp
and an associated free portion that is more than 20 cm from the
point of attachment, the hair sock comprising: a substantially
waterproof body for selectively covering the free portions of a
grouping of the hair strands, the body defining an interior cavity
sized for receiving the free portions of the grouping of hair
strands through an opening formed in the body, the opening having a
maximum circumference selected to be smaller than a maximum
circumference of the user's scalp; and a holding assembly for
releasably securing the opening against the associated rooted
portions of the grouping of hair strands so that water is
substantially prevented from flowing into the interior cavity.
[0023] In preferred embodiments of the invention, the body
comprises a flexible tube that extends from the opening to a closed
end; and the hair sock further comprises a first fastening member
attached to the body proximate to the opening; and a second
fastening member attached to the body at the closed end; wherein
the first fastening member and the second fastening member are
selected to be releasably fastenable to one another.
[0024] Optionally, the holding assembly comprises a third fastening
member selected to be releasably fastenable to the first fastening
member; wherein at least one of a size, a texture and a shape of
the second fastening member is different from a size, a texture or
a shape, respectively, of the third fastening member, such that the
second fastening member is distinguishable from the third fastening
member by touch.
[0025] Preferably, the hair sock further comprises at least one
storage pocket that is arranged on the body and defines a cavity
sized for receiving part of the body therein in a compacted
state.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] Reference may now be made to the following detailed
description taken together with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0027] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a hair sock according to a
preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0028] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the hair sock of FIG. 1,
illustrating a second side of the hair sock;
[0029] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the hair sock of FIG. 1,
illustrating an opening formed at one end thereof;
[0030] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the hair sock of FIG.
3 taken along line 4-4', illustrating a draw string arranged within
a channel that encircles the opening;
[0031] FIG. 5 shows a front view of the draw string illustrated in
FIG. 4;
[0032] FIGS. 6 to 8 show perspective views illustrating the manner
of folding the hair sock of FIG. 1 for storage;
[0033] FIG. 9 shows a side view of a user of the hair sock of FIG.
1, illustrating the rooted and free portions of the user's
hair;
[0034] FIG. 10 shows a side view of the user of FIG. 9, with the
hair sock of FIG. 1 covering the free portions of the user's
hair;
[0035] FIG. 11 shows a side view of the user of FIG. 10, with the
draw string constricting the opening of the hair sock against the
rooted portions of the user's hair;
[0036] FIG. 12 shows a side view of the user of FIG. 11, with the
hair sock wrapped up in a bun; and
[0037] FIG. 13 shows a close-up view of the hair sock illustrated
in FIG. 12.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0038] Reference may first be had to FIG. 1, which depicts a hair
sleeve or sock 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the
invention. The hair sock 10 includes a body 12, a closure assembly
14, a fastening loop 16, and a pair of cooperating storage pockets
18, 20 which, as will be described, allow the hair sock 10 to be
rolled and retained in a compacted state for storage.
[0039] The body 12 is shown best in FIGS. 1 to 3 as an elongated,
arcuate tube that extends from an open end 22 to a closed end 24.
The body 12 is formed from a pair of coplanar side panels 26, 28
that provide the body 12 with an overall length 30 and width 32 and
a radial curvature. The side panels 26, 28 are sealed together
along their longitudinal sides 34, 36 and at the closed end 24,
leaving an opening 38 at the open end 22 that opens into an
interior cavity 40. As will be described, the interior cavity 40 is
sized for selectively receiving a gathered collection 42 of the
free portions 44 of the user's hair through the opening 38.
[0040] The side panels 26, 28 are made from a flexible,
light-weight, and waterproof or water resistant material such as
latex, polytetrafluoroethylene, or vinyl, although any other
suitable flexible and water resistant materials could be used
instead. The side panels 26, 28 can be joined together along their
longitudinal sides 34, 36 and at the closed end 24 by stitching,
adhesive, heat sealing, or any other suitable method that provides
a substantially water-tight seal. This ensures that the body 12 is
substantially impervious to water, which prevents the gathered
collection 42 of the free portions 44 of the user's hair from
getting wet when the hair sock 10 is in use. As will be described,
the flexibility of the side panels 34, 36 permits the hair sock 10,
together with the gathered collection 42 of the free portions 44 of
the user's hair, to be rolled up into a bun configuration during
use. The arcuate shape of the body 12 also facilitates rolling the
sock 10 up into a bun. In particular, the radial curvature of the
body 12 makes the hair sock 10 less resistant to being rolled-up,
compared to a body 12 having a straight configuration. Preferably
the body 12 is light-weight, which improves the comfort and
stability of the hair sock 10 when in place on the user's head
during use.
[0041] The length 30 of the body 12 from the open end 22 to the
closed end 24 is preferably within the range of about 30 cm to
about 60 cm. Preferably the hair sock 10 is available in a variety
of different lengths 30. This allows a user to select a hair sock
10 having an appropriate length 30 based on the user's hair length.
In particular, the length 30 can be selected to ensure that the
interior cavity 40 is long enough to be capable of receiving the
gathered collection 42 of the free portions 44 of the user's hair
without leaving a large empty space at the bottom of the closed end
24. In an especially preferred embodiment, the length 30 is about
45 cm. This length 30 permits the hair sock 10 to be used by
individuals having a variety of typical longer hair styles.
[0042] The body 12 preferably has a generally uniform width 32 of
about 10 cm to about 20 cm, although the open end 22 is optionally
slightly wider than the rest of the body 12. This ensures that the
opening 38 is large enough to easily receive the gathered
collection 42 of the free portions 44 of the user's hair. The
opening 38 is sized to provide a maximum circumference that is
preferably within the range of about 20 cm to about 45 cm. As will
be described, the opening 38 does not receive the user's scalp 46
when the hair sock 10 is being used, but rather leaves the scalp 46
exposed for washing. The maximum circumference of the opening 38
can therefore be selected to be smaller than the maximum
circumference of the user's scalp 46. In an especially preferred
embodiment, the maximum circumference of the opening 38 is about 30
cm. Preferably, the opening 38 is arranged on a slant which mimics
the shape of the user's scalp 46.
[0043] The closure assembly 14 includes an elastomeric draw string
48 which is housed within a string channel 50, and an anchor button
52. The string channel 50 is shown best in FIGS. 3 and 4 as being
formed as a closed channel extending circumferentially around the
opening 38 at the open end 22 of the body 12. The channel 50
defines a hollow interior 54 that is sized to receive the draw
string 48 therein. A pair of access holes 56, 58 are provided at
radially opposed locations extending into the channel interior
54.
[0044] The draw string 48 is best shown in FIG. 5 as being formed
from an elastomeric cord 60 having a first end 62 and a second end
64. To position the draw string 48 in place around the opening 38,
the first end 62 of the cord 60 is threaded into the access hole
56, through half of the channel 50, and out the access hole 58. The
first end 62 is then drawn through the anchor button 52, inserted
back in the access hole 58, and threaded through the other half of
the channel 50 and out of the access hole 56. To maintain the draw
string 48 in position, the first end 62 is then fastened to the
second end 64. This can be done, for example, by tying the first
end 62 and the second end 64 together in a knot 66. As will be
described, the arrangement of the draw string 48 within the channel
50 permits the opening 38 to be selectively constricted around the
rooted portions 68 of the user's hair.
[0045] The anchor button 52 is best shown in FIG. 5 as having a
generally oblong shape. The button 52 has holes 70 formed therein
through which the cord 60 is threaded for holding the button 52 in
place adjacent to the opening 38. As will be described, the button
52 is provided for mechanical engagement with the knot 66 to hold
the draw string 48 in a tensioned state. The oblong shape is
preferred because it provides a more secure engagement with the
knot 66 as compared with a circular shape. An oblong shaped button
52 is furthermore easier to locate by touch and manually
manipulate. This is advantageous, as the user must rely solely on
her sense of touch to find and manipulate the button 52 when the
hair sock 10 is in use.
[0046] A short elastic fastening loop 16 is preferably provided at
the closed end 24 of the body 12, as shown in FIG. 1. As will be
described, the loop 16 is provided for mechanical engagement with
the button 52 to hold the body 12 in a bundled or bun-like
configuration. The loop 16 preferably has a different size,
texture, and/or shape than the cord 60, so that the loop 16 and the
cord 60 can be distinguished from one another by touch. This is
advantageous, as the user will need to rely solely on her sense of
touch when connecting and disconnecting the loop 16 and the knot 66
from the button 52. In a preferred embodiment, the loop 16 has a
ribbon shape and the elastic cord 60 is cylindrical.
[0047] FIGS. 1 and 2 best show the storage pockets 18 and 20 as
formed on panels 26 and 28, respectively, toward the closed end 24
of the body 12. The pocket 18 has an opening 72 that faces away
from the closed end 24, and defines a cavity 74 with a size
selected to permit the rest of the body 12 to be folded and
received therein in a compacted state, as shown in FIG. 6. The
pocket 20 has the opposite orientation, with an opening 76 that
faces towards the closed end 24, as shown in FIG. 7. The flexible
nature of the body 12 allows it to be refolded and received within
the pocket 20 in an inverted arrangement, as shown in FIG. 8. When
inverted, the pocket 20 covers over the opening 72 of the pocket
18, preventing the folded-up body 12 from falling out of the cavity
74. The loop 16 remains accessible, and can be used for example to
hang the hair sock 10 on a garment hook on a bathroom door.
[0048] In a most preferred use, the hair sock 10 is for maintaining
a gathered collection 42 of the free portions 44 of a user's hair
in a substantially dry state while the user's scalp 46 is being
washed.
[0049] FIG. 9 provides a schematic representation of the user's
hair. The hair is made up of a plurality of individual hair strands
78 that are each attached to the user's scalp 46 at a point of
attachment 80. Each hair strand 78 has a rooted portion 68 that is
closest to the point of attachment 80, and a free portion 44 that
extends from the rooted portion 68. For the purpose of describing
the preferred embodiments of the invention, the rooted portion 68
can be described as the portion of the hair strand 78 that is
within 20 cm of the point of attachment 80, and the free portion 44
can be described as the portion of the hair strand 78 that is more
than 20 cm from the point of attachment 80.
[0050] To use the hair sock 10, the user first gathers a collection
42 of the free portions 44 of the user's hair strands 78, for
example in a ponytail as shown in FIG. 9. The collection 42 of free
portions 44 are then inserted through the opening 38 of the hair
sock 10 and into the interior cavity 40. As can be seen in FIG. 10,
the opening 38 is large enough to receive the collection 42 of the
free portions 44 of the user's hair strands 78, but is not large
enough to receive the user's scalp 46.
[0051] The user then pulls on the knot 66 to tighten the draw
string 48, constricting the opening 38 around the rooted portions
68 of the user's hair. Preferably, the user's head is held
upside-down while this is done, which helps to prevent the free
portions 44 of the user's hair from falling out of the interior
cavity 40 while the opening 38 is being constricted.
[0052] Because the cord 60 is elastomeric, pulling on the knot 66
also causes the cord 60 to stretch. In order to form a tight seal
between the opening 38 and the rooted portions 68 of the user's
hair, the cord 60 is stretched as much as possible, and is wrapped
around the open end 22 of the body 12 as many times as possible,
before the knot 66 is looped around the button 52. The engagement
of the knot 66 with the button 52 holds the draw string 48 in a
tensioned state, as shown in FIG. 11. Furthermore, because of the
elasticity of the cord 60, the portion of the cord 60 that is
wrapped around the open end 22 of the body 12 tightly squeezes the
open end 22 against the rooted portions 68 of the user's hair. This
produces a substantially water tight seal.
[0053] The hair sock 10 is then rolled up into a bun-like
configuration, as shown in FIG. 12. This helps to hold the hair
sock 10 in place and out of the way so that the user's scalp 46 can
be washed. To hold the bun together, the loop 16 is fastened to the
button 52. A close-up view showing in detail the connections of the
knot 66 and the loop 16 to the button 52 is provided in FIG.
13.
[0054] Once the hair sock 10 is secured in place, the user's scalp
46 can be washed with water and shampoo. The tight seal between the
opening 38 and the rooted portions 68 of the user's hair prevents
water from flowing into the interior cavity 40 and wetting the
collected free portions 44 of the user's hair that are held
therein. After the scalp 46 has been washed, the hair sock 10 can
be left in place while the exposed rooted portions 68 dry.
Alternatively, the hair sock 10 can be removed immediately. By
allowing the user to wash her scalp 46 without getting the
collected free portions 44 of her hair wet, the hair sock 10
reduces the hair damage that would otherwise occur with frequent
shampooing, and furthermore significantly reduces the amount of
time that is required in washing, drying, and styling the user's
hair.
[0055] While the hair sock 10 has been described in the preferred
embodiments as having an elongated tube shaped body 12, this shape
is not strictly necessary. Rather, a skilled artisan would
appreciate that other shapes could also be used if so desired, such
as rectangular, triangular, elliptical, or irregular shapes. While
an elongated arcuate tube is preferred, any other shape that
adequately covers the collected free portions 44 of the user's hair
could be used instead.
[0056] The body 12 has been described in the preferred embodiments
as being flexible. While the flexibility of the body 12 has a
number of advantages, such as permitting the hair sock 10 to be
rolled up into a bun and folded into a compact form for easy
storage, a skilled artisan would realize that this flexibility is
not strictly necessary. For example, the body 12 could
alternatively be formed from a material that is generally
inflexible, so long as the opening 38 is provided with a suitable
mechanism for tightly sealing against the rooted portions 68 of the
user's hair.
[0057] While the hair sock 10 has been described as using a draw
string 48 for sealing the opening 38 against the rooted portions 68
of the user's hair, other closure mechanisms could be used instead.
For example, in alternate embodiments of the invention the draw
string 48 is replaced with a set of removable elastic bands, or an
adjustable hook and loop strap. Any closure mechanism known to a
skilled artisan that suitably seals the opening 38 against the
rooted portions 68 of the user's hair could be used.
[0058] The length 30 of the body 12 has been described in the
preferred embodiments as within the range of about 30 cm to about
60 cm. While this range is preferred, a skilled reader will
appreciate that a length 30 that falls outside of this range could
be used if desired. For example, an individual with unusually long
hair might require a hair sock 10 with a length 30 that is greater
than 60 cm.
[0059] While the hair sock 10 has been described in the preferred
embodiments as using engagement of the knot 66 with the button 52
to hold the draw string 48 in a tensioned state, and engagement of
the loop 16 with the button 52 to hold the hair sock 10 in a bun,
other fastening mechanisms could be used instead. For example, hook
and loop fasteners, clasps, ties, magnets, or any other suitable
fastening mechanisms could be used if so desired. It is furthermore
to be appreciated that the button 52 need not be attached to the
cord 60, but could instead be directly attached to the body 12 at
the open end 22.
[0060] In the preferred embodiments, the rooted portion 68 of each
hair strand 78 has been described as the portion of the hair strand
78 that is within 20 cm of the point of attachment 80 to the scalp
46, and the free portion 44 has been described as the portion of
the hair strand 78 that is more than 20 cm from the point of
attachment 80. It is to be understood that the rooted portion 68
more generally refers to that portion of the hair strand 78 that is
closest to the point of attachment 80, and which remains outside of
the interior cavity 40, or is located within the interior cavity 40
only up to the point where the opening 38 constricts around the
hair strand 78. In other words, the rooted portion 68 is the
portion of the hair strand 78 that will become wet when the user
washes her scalp 46 while using the hair sock 10. The free portion
44 is the portion of the hair strand 78 that is contained within
the interior cavity 40 such that it does not become wet when the
scalp 46 is washed.
[0061] A skilled reader will appreciate that the size of the user's
head, the curliness of the user's hair, and the precise size and
configuration of the hair sock 10 will affect how much of each hair
strand 78 remains outside of the interior cavity 40 when the hair
sock 10 is being used. As such, in some circumstances the point at
which the hair strand 78 transitions from the rooted portion 68
(i.e. the portion of the hair strand 78 that is closest to the
point of attachment 80 and which will become wet when the user's
scalp 46 is washed) to the free portion 44 (i.e. the portion of the
hair strand 78 that is completely contained within the interior
cavity 40 such that it remains dry when the scalp 46 is washed)
could be more or less than 20 cm from the point of attachment 80.
It is therefore to be understood that the terms "rooted portion" 68
and "free portion" 44 as used herein are not intended to be
strictly limited to the definitions provided in the preferred
embodiments.
[0062] While the hair sock 10 has been described in the preferred
embodiments as being wrapped up in a bun-like configuration when
the hair sock 10 is being used, a skilled reader will appreciate
that it is not strictly necessary to do so. In particular, while
this bun-like configuration keeps the body 12 of the hair sock 10
out of the way while the scalp 46 is being washed, and helps to
prevent the hair sock 10 from sliding off of the collection 42 of
the free portions 44 of the user's hair, it is not absolutely
necessary in order for the invention to function. For example, so
long as the opening 38 is held against the rooted portions 68 of
the user's hair with a sufficiently tight grip so that the hair
sock 10 is held firmly in place, and water is prevented from
entering the interior cavity 40, the collected free portions 44 of
the user's hair will remain dry regardless of whether the body 12
is rolled up into a bun.
[0063] The draw string 48 has been described in the preferred
embodiments as being formed from an elastic cord 60. It is to be
appreciated that the draw string 48 does not necessarily need to be
formed from an elastic cord 60, and could instead be formed from a
non-elastic material. An elastic cord 60 is preferable, however,
because the inherent tendency of an elastic cord 60 to return from
a stretched state having a stretched length to a relaxed state
having a shorter, relaxed length facilitates the formation of a
tight seal between the opening 38 and the rooted portions 68 of the
user's hair.
[0064] While the body 12 has been described in the preferred
embodiments as having a closed end 24, it is to be appreciated that
the end 24 does not necessarily need to be closed. For example, the
length 30 of the body 12 could be selected such that there is a
large gap between the collected free portions 44 of the user's hair
and the end 24. The hair sock 10 could furthermore be allowed to
lie against the user's shoulders or back rather than being rolled
up into a bun. With such a configuration the end 24 could be left
open, because gravity would prevent any water from flowing up into
the interior cavity 40 through the end 24.
[0065] It is to be understood that the hair sock 10 does not
necessarily need to cover the free portions 44 of all of the user's
hair strands 78. For example, a user with bangs could leave her
bangs outside of the hair sock 10 while using the sock 10 to cover
the free portions 44 of the rest of her hair. In other words, the
hair sock 10 could be used to cover a gathered collection 42 of the
free portions 44 of a selected subset or grouping of the user's
hair strands 78. When the hair sock 10 is used in this way, the
opening 38 is constricted only around the associated rooted
portions 68 of the selected subset or grouping of hair strands 78,
and not around the rooted portions 68 of all of the user's hair
strands 78.
[0066] It will be understood that, although various features of the
invention have been described with respect to one or another of the
embodiments of the invention, the various features and embodiments
of the invention may be combined or used in conjunction with other
features and embodiments of the invention as described and
illustrated herein.
[0067] Although this disclosure has described and illustrated
certain preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be
understood that the invention is not restricted to these particular
embodiments. Rather, the invention includes all embodiments which
are functional or mechanical equivalents of the specific
embodiments and features that have been described and illustrated
herein.
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