U.S. patent application number 14/860665 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-30 for headband with integral compartment and hair accessory.
The applicant listed for this patent is Karen Karam. Invention is credited to Karen Karam.
Application Number | 20160183656 14/860665 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50680468 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160183656 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Karam; Karen |
June 30, 2016 |
HEADBAND WITH INTEGRAL COMPARTMENT AND HAIR ACCESSORY
Abstract
A headband assembly includes a lower band element and an upper
band element. The lower band element has upstanding flanges that
define a cavity to provide for storage of personal items such as
eyeglasses, lipstick, lip balm, etc., and the flanges include a
plurality of reliefs or notches therein for making the lower band
flexible. The upper band element pivots with respect to the lower
element and includes a lock mechanism. The lower band element also
includes a plurality of coupling members in the form of rows of
rod-shaped bar members for receiving and coupling with a clip. The
clip member may be coupled to a hair accessory which may include
any known or appropriate accessory. The coupling members are
integrated in the lower band on the front and back sides of the
upstanding flanges as well as on the bottom surface of the lower
band to provide greater flexibility and accessorizing options. The
ornamental designs of the headband, eyeglass frame, and clips are
also disclosed.
Inventors: |
Karam; Karen; (Pompano
Beach, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Karam; Karen |
Pompano Beach |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50680468 |
Appl. No.: |
14/860665 |
Filed: |
September 21, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14077921 |
Nov 12, 2013 |
9138023 |
|
|
14860665 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
132/275 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41G 5/0093 20130101;
A41D 20/00 20130101; A45D 2008/004 20130101; A45D 8/36
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45D 8/36 20060101
A45D008/36; A41G 5/00 20060101 A41G005/00 |
Claims
1. A headband assembly comprising: a lower band member having
opposing first and second distal end portions, the lower band
member having a lower inside surface that, in position, faces the
wearer's head; an upper band member having first and second distal
end portions, the first and second distal end portions being
pivotably attached to the lower band member; a hair accessory
attached to the lower band member, the hair accessory underlying or
overlying layers of natural or artificial hair in any desired
location on the head of a wearer.
2. The headband assembly of claim 1 wherein each the upper band
member and lower band member is generally shaped to conform to a
human head when positioned over the top of a wearer's head, the
lower band member including a plurality of notches for making the
lower band member flexible, and wherein the upper band element and
the lower band element define a cavity for securing an article.
3. The headband assembly of claim 1 wherein one of the upper and
lower band elements having an indentation portion therein; wherein
the other of the upper and lower band elements having a raised
dimple portion complimentary to the indentation portion, the
indentation portion and the raised dimple portion located about a
peripheral edge of each of the respective upper and lower band
elements.
4. The headband assembly of claim 1 wherein the first and second
distal end portions of each the upper and lower band elements
further comprises a pivotable coupling such that the upper band
element pivots with respect to the lower band element.
5. The headband assembly of claim 1 further comprising: a lower
band member having opposing first and second distal end portions,
the lower band member having a lower side surface that, in
position, faces the wearer's head; an upper band member having
opposing first and second distal end portions, the first and second
distal end portions having means for pivotally attaching the upper
band member to the lower band member at each the first and second
distal end portions; the upper band member and the lower band
member defining a compartment there between; a hair accessory
secured to the lower band member such that the hair accessory
attached to the headgear can be sandwiched between layers of
natural or artificial hair on the wearer's head.
6. A headband assembly comprising: an upper band member; a lower
band member juxtaposed the upper band member, the upper band member
and lower band member shaped as respective open loops that conform
to the shape of the head of a wearer when positioned on the top of
a wearer's head, the upper band member and the lower band member
extend from a first end portion proximate the wearer's ear, across
the head, and continues over the head to a second end portion
proximate the wearer's other ear on the opposite side of the head;
the lower band member having an upstanding flange about its entire
periphery to define a storage compartment within the peripheral
upstanding flange, the upstanding flange terminating in an end
portion having a plurality of reliefs along the upstanding flange
for providing flexibility to the lower band; the upper band member
having an upper top surface and a lower surface opposite to the
upper surface, the upper band member further having a front edge, a
rear edge and a raised dimple portion peripherally extending from
the first end portion to the second end portion of the upper band
member spaced adjacent the front edge and the rear edge of the
upper band member; a clip for coupling the upper band member to the
lower band member.
7. The ornamental design for a headband as shown in the Figures.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application
Ser. Nos. 61/172,4348 filed Nov. 9, 2012, and 14/077,921 filed Nov.
13, 2013 both entitled Headband With Integral Compartment And Hair
Accessory, to Karen Karam, the entire contents of which are
incorporated herein for all purposes.
[0002] The present disclosure relates in general to a decorative
device adapted to be worn by a person. More particularly, the
present disclosure relates to a decorative device incorporating, in
a combined structure, a temporary storage compartment for items,
such as eyewear, and a retainer for retaining artificial or natural
hair secured to the headgear.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Generally, it is known to combine a headband or hair band
with a hair gathering device are known. For example, U.S. Pat. No.
5,590,422, to Donna J. Henderson, discloses a combined headband and
hair retainer comprised of an elastic headband and a malleable tie
device secured thereto, wherein the malleable tie device would be
wrapped and/or twisted around gathered hair with the malleable tie
device having sufficient rigidity to form a ponytail holder. The
Henderson patent discloses an arrangement wherein a separate device
is furnished for securing the ponytail, wherein the device holds
the ponytail as a result of malleable deformation.
[0004] Further, U.S. Design Pat. No. 344,176, to Gary D. Lawrence,
discloses an ornamental design for a headband wherein the headband
is terminated at the rear of the head with a pouch and wherein the
pouch would be used for receiving and covering a ponytail. The
Lawrence patent discloses a fabric pouch forming the rear portion
of a headband, wherein the pouch can be used for storing, or for
containing a gathered ponytail.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,723,325 to Perry discloses a combination
sweatband and facial towel and which are twisted into two loops.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,186,186, to Hamilton discloses a multi-purpose
ornament and method for use in retaining hair. The body ornament
includes an elastic retainer member which releasably engages the
body ornament to the mass of the hair. U.S. Pat. No. 5,293,884 to
Chapman et al. discloses a loop strap hair tie of a certain shape.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,472,003 to Frame et al. discloses a hair accessory
for a ponytail. A bottom loop 16 grips the hair to position the
bottom loop 16 and set the effective length of the sleeve 12
relative to the ponytail. U.S. Pat. No. 5,511,249 to Higgins
discloses a cap with a crown opening. U.S. Pat. No. 5,546,603 to
Takashima discloses a generally straight shape or a widely curved
shape. A portion of the wearer's hair is held in contact with the
hair-retaining member, and the first and second ends of the
hair-retainer member are wrapped or twisted around the hair
portion, thereby retaining the hair portion in a ponytail form. The
closed-loop is preferably a closed-loop band of a resilient fabric.
Preferably the fabric is both elastic and absorbent, or the
closed-loop is provided with an absorbent liner for absorbing
perspiration. Headgear articles have been devised which include a
hair retaining feature. U.S. Pat. No. 4,998,544, for example,
discloses a headband having an aperture therein through which long
hair may be passed for retaining the hair in what is commonly
termed a "ponytail." U.S. Pat. No. 5,321,854 discloses a
baseball-style cap having a hole in a wall thereof through which
hair may be passed to form a ponytail. U.S. Pat. No. 5,239,705 also
discloses a cap having a hole therein through which hair may be
passed to form a ponytail. U.S. Pat. No. 5,174,312 discloses a
headband having hingedly coupled combs attached thereto. Long hair
is retained by closing the combs thereon, the combs are held in a
closed position by a retaining device.
[0006] U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010/0095977 to Schmitz et al.
discloses a headband assembly that includes lower and upper band
elements which define a cavity there between. Eyeglasses are
pivotally connected to the headband assembly via a connection that
allows the eyeglasses to pivot between two positions; an extended
position on the user's face, and a pivotally retracted position
within the cavity of the hair band. In Lynd et al., U.S. Pat. No.
5,105,475, a headgear is provided having a head element adapted to
be worn by a person and includes in combination an eye shield
carried by the head element and which may be selectively positioned
relative to the head element in either a shielding or covering
position relative to the wearer's eyes or in a stored position. The
head element has a section that is positionable on a wearer's
forehead in secured relationship by a headband and is formed with a
forwardly projecting visor and a storage compartment to contain the
eye shield. The eye shield is of a configuration to extend across
the wearer's eyes terminating in rearward extending support arms
that pivotally interconnect with the head element such that the eye
shield may be pivoted between a stored position in the compartment
and an operative position in front of the wearer's eyes.
[0007] It is believed that the above-described devices have certain
shortcomings. Any device which relies on catches or closure devices
for retaining hair invites the possibility of catching or tangling
hair in the catch or closure. Pulling hair through an aperture or
extricating tangled hair from a catch or closure may be damaging to
the hair and painful to the wearer. Further, few of these devices
offer the storage feature in addition to the fashionable hair
accessory integrated with the headgear. None of the above prior art
devices of the noted patents include eyewear, such as sunglasses,
that can be stored within the headgear worn on top of the head when
the eyewear is not in use by the wearer and wherein the headgear
further provides an attachment for attaching any of a plurality of
devices included but not limited to an artificial or natural hair
piece secured to the headgear.
SUMMARY
[0008] In one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure there
is provided a headband that defines a closed storage cavity between
a lower portion and a pivotally connected upper portion. The
headband or headgear assembly includes a lower band portion that is
shaped as an open loop that conforms to the wearer's head when
positioned on the wearer's head. The headband assembly also
includes an upper portion that is connected to the lower portion,
wherein the upper portion is shaped as an open loop that conforms
to a wearer's head when positioned on the wearer's head. The upper
portion and lower portion define a closed cavity there between when
the upper portion is pivoted to a position above the lower portion
when both the upper portion and lower portion are positioned on the
wearer's head. The closed cavity is capable of storing any one of a
number of personal items used by the wearer, i.e., sunglasses, lip
balm, lip stick, etc.
[0009] The headband of the present disclosure may also provide the
wearer with a hair accessory attachment or coupling feature for
connecting any number of attachments and accessories to the
headband in numerous positions and combinations. In one exemplary
embodiment, the hair accessory may include, but not be limited to,
hair extensions, hair wefts, hair wigs, hair falls, hair mini wigs,
hair ponytails, hair braids, hair bangs, hair tendrils, hair buns,
hair pieces, hair domes, hair bumps, hair curls, hair bands, hair
nets, hair combs, beads, feathers, ribbons, bows, lace, crowns,
visors, party hats, standard hats, beanies, game day head
accessories, holiday and celebration themed accessories (e.g.,
Christmas, New Year's Eve, etc.). The headband and its components
may further be adorned with any kind of beads, semi and precious
stones, crystals, animal figures, cartoon character figures, animal
ears, scarfs, and etc.
[0010] The surface of the lower band portion facing the wearer's
head is provided with a fastening element to which can be
temporarily attached a hair accessory, i.e. hair extension, hair
braids, hair netting, or hair adornment in the form of jewelry,
etc. The hair accessory may be used to highlight or decorate the
hair to maintain the hair in position such as a hairnet.
[0011] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to
provide headgear which includes a storage compartment for
eyeglasses or sunglasses which are not being worn by the user. It
is another object of the present invention to provide headgear that
provides for storing eyeglasses or sunglasses which are not in use
and that is economical to manufacture.
[0012] It is yet a further object of the present invention to
provide a headgear which includes a storage compartment for
eyeglasses or sunglasses which are not being used by the wearer and
also further provides an attachment feature for an artificial or
natural hair accessory which may be temporarily or permanently,
conveniently attached to the headband and adapted to be sandwiched
between layers of natural or artificial hair on the user's head. By
non-limiting example, such hair feature may be a hair extension,
hair braids, hair highlighter, and/or hair netting.
[0013] It is yet a further object of the present invention to
provide headgear with a storage feature for eyeglasses and an
attachment feature for hair accessories which is easy to use,
simple to assemble and economical to manufacture. Another object of
the invention is to provide a means whereby hair of contrasting
shades may be used wherefore the effect of "streaking" in the hair
is secured, if desired, without the need to bleach or color the
natural hair. These and other objects will become apparent
hereinafter in the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiment which follows, taken with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a headband according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of the headband of
FIG. 1 highlighting the storage compartment between the upper and
lower portions.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a cross-section taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2
with the headband assembled (without eyeglasses) and the hair
accessory attachment feature as shown in the illustrative of FIG.
1.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a graphic perspective view of a lower portion of a
headband according to an alternate exemplary embodiment of the
present disclosure including an eyeglass frame stored in the lower
portion of the headband.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a side graphic view of the headband of FIG. 4.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a top graphic view of the headband of FIG. 4.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a graphic perspective view of the lower portion of
the headband of FIG. 4 according to an alternate exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a front graphic view of the lower portion of the
headband of FIG. 7.
[0022] FIG. 9 is a perspective graphic view of the lower portion of
the headband of FIG. 7.
[0023] FIG. 10 is a perspective graphic view of the upper portion
of the headband of FIG. 4.
[0024] FIG. 11 is a partial perspective graphic view of the upper
portion of FIG. 10.
[0025] FIG. 12 is a perspective graphic view of an eyeglass frame
having a design according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure having particular utility with the headband of the
present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 13 is an alternate perspective graphic view of the
eyeglass frame of FIG. 12.
[0027] FIG. 13A is a front graphic view of the eyeglass frame of
FIG. 12.
[0028] FIG. 13B is a top graphic view of the eyeglass frame of FIG.
12.
[0029] FIG. 13C is a bottom graphic view of the eyeglass frame of
FIG. 12.
[0030] FIG. 13D is a side graphic view of the eyeglass frame of
FIG. 12.
[0031] FIG. 14 is a perspective graphic view of a front cover of
the headband of FIG. 4.
[0032] FIG. 15 is a partial perspective graphic view of an end of
the front cover of FIG. 16.
[0033] FIG. 16 is an alternate partial perspective graphic view of
the front cover of FIG. 14.
[0034] FIG. 17 is a graphic perspective view of a clip according to
an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0035] FIG. 18 is a graphic perspective view of a design of a
headband according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0036] FIG. 19 is a front graphic view of the headband of FIG.
18.
[0037] FIG. 20 is a back graphic view of the headband of FIG.
18.
[0038] FIG. 21 is a right side graphic view of the headband of FIG.
18.
[0039] FIG. 22 is a left side graphic view of the headband of FIG.
18.
[0040] FIG. 23 is a top graphic view of the headband of FIG.
18.
[0041] FIG. 24 is a bottom graphic view of the headband of FIG.
18.
[0042] FIG. 25 is a partial section view of the headband of FIG.
18.
[0043] FIG. 26 is an alternate partial section perspective view of
the headband of FIG. 18.
[0044] FIG. 27 is a perspective graphic view of an eyeglass frame
having a design according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure having particular utility with the headband of the
present disclosure.
[0045] FIG. 28 is a top graphic view of the eyeglass frame of FIG.
27.
[0046] FIG. 29 is a right side graphic view of the eyeglass frame
of FIG. 27.
[0047] FIG. 30 is a left side graphic view of the eyeglass frame of
FIG. 27.
[0048] FIG. 31 is a bottom graphic view of the eyeglass frame of
FIG. 27.
[0049] FIG. 31 is an end graphic view of the eyeglass frame of FIG.
27.
[0050] FIG. 32 is an alternate end graphic view of the eyeglass
frame of FIG. 27.
[0051] FIG. 33 is an alternate perspective graphic view of the
eyeglass frame of FIG. 27.
[0052] FIG. 34 is a perspective graphic view of a design of a clip
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0053] FIG. 35 is an end graphic view of the clip of FIG. 34.
[0054] FIG. 36 is a side graphic view of the clip of FIG. 34.
[0055] FIG. 37 is an alternate side graphic view of the clip of
FIG. 34.
[0056] FIG. 38 is an alternate end graphic view of the clip of FIG.
34.
[0057] FIG. 39 is a partial side graphic view of a headband
including the clip installed thereon according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0058] FIG. 40 is a perspective graphic view of a clip according to
an alternate exemplary embodiment of present disclosure.
[0059] FIG. 41 is a side graphic view of the clip of FIG. 40.
[0060] FIG. 42 is an end graphic view of the clip of FIG. 40.
[0061] FIG. 43 is an alternate side graphic view of the clip of
FIG. 40.
[0062] FIG. 44 is an alternate end graphic view of the clip of FIG.
40.
[0063] FIG. 45 is an alternate side graphic view of the clip of
FIG. 40.
[0064] FIG. 46 is an alternate side graphic view of the clip of
FIG. 40.
[0065] FIG. 47 is a top graphic view of a pair of lenses for
coupling to the eyeglass frames according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0066] FIG. 48 is a front graphic view of the pair of lenses of
FIG. 47.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0067] There is illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3 an improved
headband or hair gear formed in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention and generally designated by
reference character 10. The headband 10 is conventional in that it
is a continuous band fabricated from plastic or any other
convenient material having an upper band element 12 and a lower
band element 14. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the upper and lower band
elements 12, 14 are shaped as respective open loops that conform to
the shape of the head of a wearer when positioned over the top of
the wearer's head. In one embodiment, the headband 10 defines an
opening that fits over the top of the wearer's head, and the hair
band 10 extends from a first end portion 16 proximate the wearer's
ear, across the top of the head, and continuous over the head to a
second end portion 18 proximate the other ear on the opposite side
of the head.
[0068] FIG. 1 illustrates one of the embodiments of the invention
being worn. When worn, the headband 10 is positioned substantially
vertically on the wearer's head so that a top portion 20 of the
upper band element 12 is positioned substantially above the top of
the wearer's head. The lower band element 14 includes a lower
inside surface 22 that includes provisions for a fastening element
which will be described hereinafter in detail. The fastening
element or clip may help secure the hair band 10 on the wearer's
head.
[0069] In one exemplar embodiment of the present disclosure, the
headband 10 provide a combination eye wear storage and hair
accessory. The eye wear may be stored entirely enclosed within the
hair band. For this purpose, the lower band element 14 is provided
with a lower surface 26 which is peripherally defined by an
upstanding flange 28 which may be of varying heights to accommodate
eye wear frames of different configurations. Since the lower band
element 14 as well as the upper band element 12 is fabricated from
plastic, different size molds can simply be used to obtain lower
band elements 14 that have varying upstanding flanges 28 with
different heights.
[0070] The headband assembly 10 may include the upper band, cover
or element 12 and the lower band, base or element 14. In one
exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure the upper
band element 12 and the lower band element 14 are connected to form
the overall single hair band assembly 10 that stores the eyewear
when not being worn by the user. The upper band element 12 and the
lower band element 14 may be connected near the first end portion
16 and near the second end portion 18 on either side. Coupling
element 30 is used to connect the upper band element 12 to the
lower band element 14. The coupling element 30 may be a rivet, a
post with a bushing, a screw, or any other convenient fastening
means. In an alternate exemplary embodiment according to the
present disclosure, as best shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the coupling
element 30 may include a T-shaped member 30 for being received in a
hole 31 located in the side of the lower member 14 as best shown in
FIGS. 7 and 26.
[0071] In one exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1 through 3, the
coupling element 30 may preferably be generally loose fitting to
allow the upper band element 12 and lower band element 14 to
frictionally interfere and interlock with each other. The degree of
frictional interference may also dictate the type of coupling that
may best fit the application of opening, closing and securing the
upper band element 12 to the lower band element 14 while in use by
a wearer in all types of situations and manner.
[0072] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the headband assembly 10
and viewed along line 3-3 of FIG. 2. The upper band element 12 is
provided with a small dimple or raised portion 32 along a
peripheral portion of the lower surface 33 that is continuous from
the first end portion 16 to the second end portion 18 of the
headband assembly 10. The dimple 32 is provided along the front
edge 34 as well as along the rear edge 36 of the upper band element
12. The flanges 28 of the lower band element 14 are provided with a
comparable recessed dimple or indentation portion 38 to receive the
dimple 32 on the lower surface 33 of the upper band element 12.
This arrangement allows the storage compartment 40 to be sealed
from ambient environmental elements when the upper band element 12
is pivoted towards the lower band element 14 and securely becomes
attached to the lower band element 14 as the dimples on the upper
band element 12 find the indentations in the flanges 28 of the
lower band element 14 and reside therein. The seal is frictional so
it may easily be released by simply pushing the upper band element
12 in either a forward or rearward direction and overcoming the
frictional seal to provide access to the storage compartment
40.
[0073] As earlier disclosed, the size of the storage compartment 40
may be varied by simply providing a lower band element 14 with
higher or taller flanges 28, or alternatively a wider, lower band
element 14. It is understood that in the case of a larger lower
band 14 with taller flanges 28, the upper band element 12 may also
be lengthened since the circumferential distance has increased due
to the higher flanges 28 on the lower band element 14. However, the
devices for coupling or attaching the upper band element 12 to the
lower band element 14 or the method of closure of the upper band
element 12 to receive the lower band element 14 may remain the same
or may be varied. If eyewear is to be stored in the storage
compartment 40 it may be stored with the eyeglasses and frame 42
folded as illustrated in FIG. 2 or, where applicable, the arms of
the eyeglasses frame 42 may remain open or extended and stored as
best shown in FIG. 1 in phantom lines and in FIGS. 4 through 6.
[0074] The headband 10 is unique in its combination of providing a
storage compartment 40, having particular functionality for
receiving glasses 42, and also integrating the use of a hair
accessory 44 with the headgear 10. In one exemplary embodiment, the
hair accessory 44 may be an artificial or natural hair extension
that may be secured to the headband 10 and is adapted to be
sandwiched between layers of natural or artificial hair on the
wearer's head as best shown in FIG. 1. This combination of features
enables a user to add volume to the natural hair on the wearer's
head and to dispose the hair accessory 44 in a preferred position
so that additional length, additional volume, highlights or the
like may be obtained. Other types and kinds of hair accessory 44
may include, but not be limited to artificial or natural hair which
may be attached to the headband 10 and adapted to be sandwiched
between layers of natural or artificial hair on the wearer's
head.
[0075] With particular reference to FIG. 3, there is illustrated a
hair accessory 44 adapted to be sandwiched between layers of
natural or artificial hair on a wearer's head as best shown in FIG.
1. The hair accessory 44 has on one end thereof a first coupling
element or clip 46, which may be part of a retaining means, that is
adapted to be removably attached to a second coupling element 48,
which may also be part of the retaining means, which may be
integrated, attached, formed or secured in the lower inside surface
22 of the lower band element 14. It is understood that the
retaining means portion mounted on the lower band element may be
mounted on any inconspicuous surface such as the flanges 28 or even
the lower surface 26. The retaining means may be clips or snaps as
shown in FIG. 3 but may also be any one of a variety of retainers
or fasteners such as hooks, Velcro, hook and catch strip, quick
connect fasteners and the like. In an alternate exemplary
embodiment according to the present disclosure, the clip 46 may
include a base 47 including an ornamental design as best shown in
FIG. 35. In another alternate exemplary embodiment according to the
present disclosure the clip 46 may include the ornamental design as
shown in FIGS. 34 through 38. Preferably, the base 47 of the clip
46 may be coupled to the accessories 44 for coupling and accessory
44 to the lower band 14 of the headband 10 as shown in FIGS. 3 and
39.
[0076] In an exemplary embodiment according to the present
disclosure, to retain the hair accessory 44 on the headband 10 it
may also be possible to provide the second element as a lateral
slot on the lower band element 14 and use the base 47 of the clip
or fastening element 46 to attach to the hair accessory and
thereafter slide the T-form into the lateral groove made in the
lower band element. The hair accessory 44 may be permanently or
temporarily attached to the fastening element 46 as by gluing,
sewing, or any other convenient attaching method as the user
chooses. The first element 46 is thereafter attached to the
fastening element 24 and depending on the user's preference, may be
placed on the frontal portion of the head as shown in FIG. 1
beneath, on top of or between the portions of the natural hair.
Alternatively, the hair accessory 44 may be placed on the sides or
back of the wearer's head and brushed backward or sideways to allow
portions of the hair accessory 44 to overlie the wearer's own
natural or artificial hair as shown in FIG. 1. The lower band
element may also be used to retain a hair adornment such as jewelry
which after attachment may be placed between or on top of the
natural or artificial hair on the wearer's head.
[0077] The hair accessory 44 may be used in any preferred manner
since there is a plurality of coupling posts or elements located on
the lower inside surface 22 of the lower band element 14. For
example, where the user's natural hair is thin or there is a bald
spot, a suitable amount of hair and several individual hair
accessory 44 elements may be massed together and over the thin or
bald spot so it may be better covered. Further, the wearer may
desire a lesser or greater amount of volume of hair on the hair
accessory 44 and this would be made available as desired on the
individual hair accessory pieces 44. The hair the hair accessory 44
may be adjustably moved to whatever location dictated by the
artistry of the user or wearer.
[0078] The hair accessory 44 of the present disclosure may be, due
to its secure anchorage by the coupling described, dressed, brushed
and washed in the same manner and with or without removal of same
but together with dressing and brushing of the wearer's natural
hair. The headband 10 may be worn when swimming or slept in as well
while still providing a safe, convenient and readily accessible
location for the user's eyeglass frame 42.
[0079] In one exemplary embodiment, the hair accessory 44 may
include, but not be limited to, hair extensions, hair wefts, hair
wigs, hair falls, hair mini wigs, hair ponytails, hair braids, hair
bangs, hair tendrils, hair buns, hair pieces, hair domes, hair
bumps, hair curls, hair bands, hair nets, hair combs, beads,
feathers, ribbons, bows, lace, crowns, visors, party hats, standard
hats, beanies, game day head accessories, holiday and celebration
themed accessories (e.g., Christmas, New Year's Eve, etc.). The
headband 10 and its sides 28, cover 18 and top 12 may further be
adorned with any kind of beads, semi and precious stones, crystals,
animal figures, cartoon character figures, animal ears, scarfs, and
etc.
[0080] Referring now in general to FIGS. 4 through 17, there is
disclosed an alternate embodiment of a headband 10 according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The headband 10 may
still include an upper band or cover 12 and a lower band or base
14. In one exemplary embodiment according to the present
disclosure, the lower band 14 may further include a first or front
upstanding member 28 and a second or back upstanding member 28.
Each upstanding member includes a plurality of notches, cutouts or
reliefs 38 for providing flexibility to the lower member 14 so it
may be more easily put on and taken off. Each of the upstanding
members 28 also further include a plurality of coupling members 48
in the form of a row of bars or rods formed therein and for
coupling with the clips of the hair accessory 44. The bottom
surface 22 of the lower portion 14 further includes a plurality of
coupling members 48 formed therein as well. As best shown in FIGS.
7 and 9, the plurality of coupling members 48 are accessible from
either side of the bottom surface 22 and either side of the
upstanding members 28 of the lower portion 14 of the headband 10.
The back upstanding member 28 may further include a centrally
located passage or opening 58.
[0081] The upper band or cover portion 12 may include a generally
curved, U-shaped design including ends for coupling to the lower
band 14. Each end of the upper band 12 may include a T-shaped tab
or extension 52 for being rotatably received in a respective hole
62 in the side of the lower band 14. The hole 62 is also keyed or
shaped so that the tab 52 may only be inserted or removed from the
hole 62 in a given position preferably outside of the normal
operating range of the headband 10. It may be appreciated that it
is possible to reverse the extension 52 and the hole 62 such that
the extension 52 is located on the lower band 14 and the hole 62 is
located on the upper band 12 will still providing the opening and
closing function of the upper band 12 with respect to the lower
band 14. A particularly suitable T-shaped tab or extension member
52 is shown in FIGS. 40 through 46 and includes a unique ornamental
design on a base portion for coupling to one of the lower band 14
and the upper band 12.
[0082] The upper band 12 may further include a centrally located
tab or extension member 13 located at one edge of the upper band 12
and generally extending downward. The extension member 13 may
preferably be shaped and located to align with and generally match
the hole or opening 58 in the upstanding member 28 of the lower
band 14. Since only one upstanding member 28 of the lower band 14
includes the opening 58, the location of the tab 13 of the upper
band 12 will provide an opening and closing direction for the upper
band 12 on the lower band 14 as the upper band 12 pivots on the
lower band 14 about the tabs 52.
[0083] The lower band 14 may further include an integral (or even
unitary) flexible tab lock member 66 on the other of the upstanding
members 28 for locking the upper band member 12 in the closed
position as best shown in FIGS. 6 and 25. The tab lock member 66
may include an end accessible from the front of the headband and
may be flexed downward to unlock the lock member 66 from the edge
34 of the upper band 12 from the lower band 14 so the upper band 12
may be moved or rotated from the closed position as shown in FIG.
25.
[0084] In one alternate exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure, the headband 10 includes a front cover 18 for covering
the upstanding flange 28. As best shown in FIGS. 14 through 17, the
front cover 18 is a generally U-shaped, planar member and includes
a plurality of recesses 19 on one side thereof. The front cover 18
is coupled or connected to the upstanding flange 28 of the base or
lower band 14 using a plurality of clips 46. Each clip 46 includes
a generally rectangular base portion 49 which is designed to be
received in the recess 19 of the front cover 18. The clip 46 may be
coupled to the recess 19 in the front cover 18 using any known or
appropriate coupling mechanism including an interference fit and/or
an adhesive material or any other known or appropriate structure or
material. The front cover 18 provides greater flexibility to the
design and functionality of the headband 10 so the user may cover
the bars 48 to provide a finished look or the cover 18 may be
removed to allow the user to couple additional accessories 44 to
the bars 48 on the upstanding flange 28 using a plurality of clips
46.
[0085] In an alternate exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure as shown in FIGS. 27 through 33 there is disclosed an
ornamental design for an eyeglass frame 42. The frame 42 may be
located in the storage compartment 40 of the headband 10 as best
shown in FIGS. 4 through 6. In particular, the location of the
eyeglass frame 42 with in the cavity 40 of the headband 10 is such
that the lock tab 66 is centrally located in the nosepiece of the
frame 42.
[0086] In a further alternate exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure as shown in FIGS. 27 through 33 there is disclosed an
ornamental design for an eyeglass frame 42. The frame 42 may be
located in the storage compartment 40 of the headband 10 as best
shown in FIGS. 4 through 6. In particular, the location of the
eyeglass frame 42 with in the cavity 40 of the headband 10 is such
that the lock tab 66 is centrally located in the nosepiece of the
frame 42.
[0087] In a further alternate exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure as shown in FIGS. 18 through 24, there is disclosed an
ornamental design for a headband 10. In yet a further alternate
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 47
and 48, there is disclosed a pair of glasses or lenses 50 including
an upper member 51 from which a pair of spectacle lenses 52 depend.
The lenses 50 include a pair of clips 46 having their bases 47
coupled to an upper surface of the member 51. The lenses 50 may be
coupled to the frame 42 using the clips 46 coupled to the coupling
member 48 located on the frame 42. It should be appreciated that
the flexible nature of the design of the headband 10 and the frame
42 and lenses 50 provide for a highly customizable combination of
components and features. In particular, the use of a standardized
clip 46 may allow the accessories 44 to also be coupled to the bar
48 of the frame 42 as well as the coupling members are bars 48 of
the lower band 14. Further, the use of the clip 46 with the lenses
50 may allow a user to have different shape lenses 50 that may be
clipped and unclipped with the frame 42. Additionally, the
combination of the frame 42 the lenses 50 and the headband 10, as
well as the accessories 44, provide for a highly usable and
customizable headband 10 that provides protection to the lenses 50
and the frame 42 when located in the compartment 40 of the headband
10.
[0088] Any numerical values recited herein or in the Figures are
intended to include all values from the lower value to the upper
value in increments of one unit provided that there is a separation
of at least 2 units between any lower value and any higher value.
As an example, if it is stated that the amount of a component or a
value of a process variable such as, for example, temperature,
pressure, time and the like is, for example, from 1 to 90,
preferably from 20 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, it is
intended that values such as 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32
etc. are expressly enumerated in this specification. For values
which are less than one, one unit is considered to be 0.0001,
0.001, 0.01 or 0.1 as appropriate. These are only examples of what
is specifically intended and all possible combinations of numerical
values between the lowest value and the highest value enumerated
are to be considered to be expressly stated in this application in
a similar manner. As can be seen, the teaching of amounts expressed
as "parts by weight" herein also contemplates the same ranges
expressed in terms of percent by weight. Thus, an expression in the
Detailed Description of the Invention of a range in terms of at
"`x` parts by weight of the resulting polymeric blend composition"
also contemplates a teaching of ranges of same recited amount of
"x" in percent by weight of the resulting polymeric blend
composition."
[0089] It is understood that the present description is intended to
be illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments as well as
many applications besides the examples provided will be apparent to
those of skill in the art upon understanding the present
disclosure. The scope of the claimed invention should, therefore,
not be determined with limiting reference to the description, but
should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims,
along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are
entitled. Any disclosure of an article or reference, including
patent applications and publications, is incorporated by reference
herein for all purposes. Any omission in the following claims of
any aspect of subject matter disclosed herein is not a disclaimer
of such subject matter.
[0090] Unless expressly stated, all ranges are intended to include
both endpoints and all numbers between the endpoints. The use of
"about" or "approximately" in connection with a range applies to
both ends of the range. Thus, "about 20 to 30" is intended to cover
"about 20 to about 30", inclusive of at least the specified
endpoints.
[0091] The use of the term "consisting essentially of" to describe
a combination shall include the elements, ingredients, components
or steps identified, and such other elements ingredients,
components or steps that do not materially affect the basic and
novel characteristics of the combination. The use of the terms
"comprising" or "including" to describe combinations of elements,
ingredients, components or steps herein also contemplates
embodiments that consist essentially of the elements, ingredients,
components or steps. By use of the term "may" herein, it is
intended that any described attributes that "may" be included are
optional.
[0092] The disclosure of "a" or "one" to describe an element,
ingredient, component or step is not intended to foreclose
additional elements, ingredients, components or steps. Plural
elements, ingredients, components or steps can be provided by a
single integrated element, ingredient, component or step.
Alternatively, a single integrated element, ingredient, component
or step might be divided into separate plural elements,
ingredients, components or steps.
* * * * *