US20200196730A1 - Headband and/or hair accessory for restraining, controlling and drying user's wet hair - Google Patents
Headband and/or hair accessory for restraining, controlling and drying user's wet hair Download PDFInfo
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- US20200196730A1 US20200196730A1 US16/801,199 US202016801199A US2020196730A1 US 20200196730 A1 US20200196730 A1 US 20200196730A1 US 202016801199 A US202016801199 A US 202016801199A US 2020196730 A1 US2020196730 A1 US 2020196730A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- headband
- extensions
- user
- hair
- band portion
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
- A41D20/00—Wristbands or headbands, e.g. for absorbing sweat
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
- A45D20/00—Hair drying devices; Accessories therefor
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
- A45D8/00—Hair-holding devices; Accessories therefor
- A45D8/004—Hair-holding devices; Accessories therefor with decorative arrangements or form
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
- A45D8/00—Hair-holding devices; Accessories therefor
- A45D8/36—Hair straps; Hair rings
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
- A45D20/00—Hair drying devices; Accessories therefor
- A45D20/02—Lay frames for long open hair
-
- A45D2008/004—
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to headbands in general, and particularly to an improved headband particularly one that can be used for restraining and controlling a user's hair to ensure the user's hair remains in place so that it does not interfere with the user's activities. Further, the improved headband can be used to wring the hair to efficiently dry the user's wet hair without damaging user's hair. Furthermore, the improved headband can be worn as an accessory for decorative or ornamental purposes.
- Headbands are well known to the general population. Typically, headbands are worn over the hair or around the forehead to restrain and control user's hair and ensure that the user's hair remains in place so that it does not interfere with the user's activities, e.g., keep the user's hair from getting in the user's face and interfering with vision or distracting the user while participating in or conducting various activities.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,560,783 discloses a headband for holding hairs off of forehead and out of face.
- U.S. Pat. No. 1,146,934 discloses a hair fastener that is easily and quickly attached and removed and that will firmly grip and hold the hair in place.
- U.S. Pat. No. 2,290,455 discloses a protective device for use on the hoods of hot air hair driers to protect the face and eyes of the user from hot air permitting a lower drying temperature and a shorter drying period.
- U.S. Pat. No. 1,796,384 discloses a commercial hair dryer designed to overcome problem of a rapid swirling air current produced at the discharge end of the conventional drier setting up a vacuum.
- 1,543,423 discloses a hair-drying apparatus and more particularly to a novel form of enclosure or hood for the hair which permits an efficient circulation of the warm air from the blower in and about the hair and thereafter out through the sides of the hair.
- U.S. Pat. No. 1,907,215 discloses a hood for a hot air drying apparatus adapted to fit about the hair and being pervious to air so that the warm air forced down about the head will pass out through the hood near the hair in all directions.
- a conventional way of drying hair mostly used within the households where wet hair is dried using a towel.
- women with long hair are seen firmly wrapping the head with the towel until their hair is dry enough to be styled or left exposed.
- This method usually requires lot of time for the hair to get dry.
- this method only effectively dries outer strands of the hair leaving the inner strands wet which may lead the scalp to get exposed to humidity and dampness and can cause scalp or skin problems, dandruff, and even hair loss in some occasions especially for children and elderly women.
- the hair wrapping can drastically discourage movement of the user.
- rubbing the hair with towel can damage the hair, increase frizz, cause breakage, degrading, and hair splitting.
- the inventor herein proposes a multifunctional improved headband that can be used for restraining and controlling the hair to ensure the user's hair remains in place so that it does not interfere with the user's activities. Further, the proposed invention presents a reliable solution to drying hair using natural air. Further, the proposed invention proposes a headband that can act as a hair accessory for decorating the hair to enhance the look of the wearer.
- the general objective of this invention is to provide an improved headband.
- a more particular object is to provide a multifunctional headband that substantially remain in place when worn by a user and effectively bind and restrain a user's wet hair in place ensuring the user's hair remains in place so that it does not interfere with the user's activities, e.g., keep the user's hair from getting in the user's face and interfering with vision.
- the proposed headband includes an annular band portion that can be worn around the head (just like any traditional headband is worn).
- the proposed headband further includes a plurality of extensions attached to the band portion and extending away therefrom. These extensions are preferably made of fabric having high absorption capacity and when these extensions are inserted penetrating within the wet hair strands or comes in contact with the wet hair of the user then these extensions absorb the water or water moisture from hair to dry the wet hair.
- these extensions can also be wringed with the wet hair strands of the user to extract the water from it, and used again with the wet hair to further absorb the water from the wet hair, this ensures efficient drying of the user's wet hair naturally without damaging one's hair.
- Another objective of the present invention is to provide a headband that can be worn as an accessory for decorative or ornamental purpose.
- the headband may be decorated with attachments such as tie ribbons, a camouflage or tie dye pattern, sprinkling of sequins or stones, buttons, and so on.
- This decorative or ornamental features facilitates in wide acceptance of the proposed headband among users.
- Another objective of the present invention is to provide a headband that allows a wearer to wring his/her hair freely without damaging his/her hair and to dry the wet hair without the need of scrubbing hair and thus deteriorating the quality and features of hair.
- FIGS. 1A-1C shows perspective views of a headband of the present invention, according to various embodiments
- FIGS. 2A-2B shows a plurality of extensions substantially flat and rectangular in shape attached to an annular band portion of the headband, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
- FIGS. 2C-2D shows different configurations for the plurality of extensions of FIGS. 2A-2B ;
- FIGS. 3A-3D shows a process of making an extension substantially tubular in shape that can then be attached to the annular band portion of the headband, according to another embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 4A-4B shows cross sectional side views of the headband with the extensions of FIG. 3D or FIG. 2A ;
- FIG. 5 shows a top view of the headband with the extensions attached to the annular band portion
- FIG. 6A-6B shows cross sectional views of the headband with the annular band portion and the extensions attached thereto, according to various embodiments
- FIG. 7 shows the headband of the present invention being used to wring the wet hair to efficiently dry the user's wet hair
- FIGS. 8-9 shows the headband of the present invention in use with the plurality of extensions inserted penetrating within the user's wet hair
- FIGS. 10-14 shows the headband of the present invention being used as an accessory for decorative or ornamental purpose.
- the present invention utilizes a combination of components which constitutes an improved headband that can be used for restraining and controlling a user's hair to ensure the user's hair remains in place so that it does not interfere with the user's activities.
- the improved headband can be used to wring the hair to efficiently dry the user's wet hair without damaging user's hair.
- the improved headband can be worn as an accessory for decorative or ornamental purpose. Accordingly, the components, their interconnectivity and operation have been represented, showing only specific details that are pertinent for an understanding of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
- FIGS. 1-14 The improved headband of the present invention, various embodiments associated therewith will now be discussed in detail with respect to the accompanying drawings FIGS. 1-14 .
- the headband 100 of the present invention includes an annular band portion 102 to be worn about the head of a user 200 for restraining and controlling user's wet hair strands 202 (as shown in FIGS. 7-13 ).
- the band portion 102 consists of a top portion 102 a that covers top of the head of the user 200 , and a bottom portion 102 b that is laid behind and underneath the user's ears when the band portion 102 is worn by the user 200 .
- the annular band portion 102 consists of a top layer 102 d and a bottom layer 102 e.
- the band portion 102 may include elongated band of a fabric material 102 h with two opposing ends coupled together with two opposing ends of an elastic portion 102 i (as shown in FIG. 1C ).
- the band portion 102 may include an elongated band of a fabric material embodying an elastic portion disposed within the band, with two opposing ends of the elongated band of fabric coupled together (as shown in FIG. 1A ).
- the elongated band of a fabric material may include a single layer of a fabric or multiple layers of fabric.
- FIG. 1B in particular shows use of two layers of fabrics. The multiple layers of fabric may be of same type of fabric material or different types of fabrics.
- the band portion 102 may include an elongated band of elastic material with two opposing ends coupled together (this may appear similar to FIG. 1A ).
- the annular band portion 102 may be configured to serve decorative or ornamental purpose and thus be configured to embody a knot or include a tie down ribbon for example
- the knots or tie down ribbon may be made of the same fabric material with which the band portion 102 is made or be made with different fabric material (as separate attachment).
- the annular band portion 102 may include one or more external decorative items attached thereon.
- the one or more external decorative items may include but not limited to a button, a bead, a sequin, or any other decorative items or any combinations thereof.
- the headband 100 further includes a plurality of extensions 104 having a predefined shape and length and attached to the annular band portion 102 extending away from the band portion 102 .
- the plurality of extensions 104 are made of various suitable fabrics having water absorption capability so that when inserted penetrating within the wet hair strands 202 of the user 200 (as seen in FIG. 7 ), the extensions 104 absorb water or water moisture from the wet hair strands 202 to dry the hair.
- the disclosed invention is not limited to specific absorbent fabric material, rather encompasses any kind of absorbent material.
- each of the plurality of extensions 104 is made flat and substantially rectangular in shape having two opposing sides 104 a , 104 b as shown in FIG. 2C .
- Each of the extensions 104 can be made uniform in length and width or non-uniform in length and width with respect to each other based on the design requirements depending upon several factors such as the thickness and style of hair of the user.
- the two opposing sides 104 a , 104 b of each of the extensions 104 may be hemmed or unhemmed. In order to understand, how these extensions 104 are made, referring to FIG.
- a rectangular piece of fabric preferably having a length (L) more than a width (W) is scissored lengthwise to form a plurality of extensions 104 (having length less than L), and where all of the extensions 104 share a common connecting base 110 .
- the piece of fabric may be scissored lengthwise to form discrete extensions (having length equal to L) such as one shown in FIG. 2C .
- the extensions 104 may be sewn or attached directly underside (at the bottom layer 102 e ) of the top portion 102 a of the annular band portion 102 as shown represented in dotted lines in FIG. 2B or shown in FIG. 4B .
- one end of the extensions 104 may be inserted in between the top layer 102 d and the bottom layer 102 e of the band portion 102 and sewn or attached together circumferentially at least at one side of the band portion 102 as shown represented in FIG. 2A or FIG. 4A .
- the sewing line 102 c is represented in dotted form.
- these extensions 104 can go within the wet hair strands 202 of the user 200 penetrating the wet hair strands 202 for drying the wet hair strands 202 , and wringing the wet hair strands 202 as seen in FIGS. 6-7 .
- FIG. 3A-3D shows an alternative form of the extensions 104 and a process of making these extensions which are substantially tubular in shape and can be attached to the annular band portion 102 of the headband 100 , as discussed above with respect to FIGS. 2A-2B or FIGS. 4A-4B .
- an extension according to this embodiment may be made of a fabric 104 c having dimensions (say length of A and breadth/width of B).
- a fold line 104 d along the length and middle of the fabric 104 is located as shown in FIG. 3A .
- the fabric 104 is folded along the fold line 104 d and then the two open ends (out of three), one along the lengthwise direction and one along the width of the folded fabric 104 is closed (preferably by sewing 104 e ) as shown in FIG. 3B .
- the sewn folded fabric 104 is then reversed to form a pouch or tubular structure (referred as “tubular extensions” for the purpose of this invention) as shown in FIG. 3C .
- an insert 104 f is fixedly disposed inside the tubular extension 104 .
- the insert 104 f is pushed within the cavity of the tubular extensions 104 as shown in FIG. 3D and is fixed at its two ends within the tubular extension 104 by sewing or gluing.
- the insert 104 f may be fixed at one end within the tubular extension 104 and the other end may be free which may then be stitched or sewn directly to the band portion 102 to fix the insert 104 f at other end.
- the insert 104 f may be a metallic insert, or a plastic insert or any other inserts that may be bendable or nonbendable in nature.
- Each of the extensions 104 can be made uniform or non-uniform in length and width with respect to each other based on the design requirements depending upon several factors such as the thickness and style of hair of the user 200 .
- the extensions 104 of the headband 100 may further have one or more decorative items 106 configured thereon to give an aesthetic appearance to the headband 100 (thus making the proposed headband socially acceptable).
- the decorative items 106 may be sewn on the extensions 104 or directly glued on the extensions 104 or may be attached using some other means.
- the decorative items 106 may include but not limited to knots, ribbons, buttons, beads, sequins, or any other decorative items or any combinations thereof.
- the chosen decorative items 106 may be attached onto the extensions or even on the annular band portion 102 .
- FIG. 4A-4B shows cross sectional side views of the headband with the extension 104 of FIG. 3D or FIG. 2A .
- the tubular extension 104 with or without insert (not seen) or plain extensions as shown in FIG. 2A may be inserted between the top layer 102 d and the bottom layer 102 e and sewn together with the two layers.
- the extensions 104 may be sewn with single or multiple lines of stitching with the band portion 102 .
- the extensions 104 are attached under the top portion 102 a of the band portion 102 that covers the head of the user 200 .
- the extension 104 is closed from all sides after is it attached to the band portion 102 .
- the user 200 after wearing the headband 100 can then insert these extensions within the wet hair strands 202 and wring the wet hair strands 202 to efficiently dry the user's wet hair, similar to a way depicted in FIG. 7 .
- the wring or twisting and rolling of the extensions 104 is facilitated by the inserts 104 f present within the extensions 104 .
- the extensions 104 (the tubular extensions 104 or plain extensions 104 of FIG. 2A ) may be sewn or attached directly underside (at the bottom layer 102 e ) of the top portion 102 a of the annular band portion 102 .
- FIG. 5 shows a top view of the headband 100 with the extensions 104 attached to the annular band portion 102 .
- the tubular extensions 104 may be attached to the annular band portion 102 similar to the way explained above with respect to FIGS. 2A-2B and FIGS. 4A-4B .
- FIG. 6A-6B shows cross sectional views of the headband 100 with the annular band portion 102 and the extensions 104 attached thereto, according to various embodiments of the present invention.
- the extensions 104 may be sewn together with the two layers 102 d , 102 e of the top portion 102 a .
- the extensions 104 may be sewn with single or multiple lines of stitching with the band portion 102 .
- the extensions 104 are attached under the top portion 102 a of the band portion 102 that covers the head of the user 200 .
- the tubular extensions 104 as detailed in FIGS.
- the extension 104 is closed from all sides after it is attached to the band portion 102 .
- the user 200 after wearing the headband 100 can then insert these extensions 104 within the wet hair strands 202 and wring the wet hair strands 202 (using extensions) to efficiently dry the user's wet hair, similar to a way depicted in FIG. 7 .
- FIGS. 8-9 shows the headband 100 of the present invention in use with the extensions 104 inserted penetrating within the user's wet hair.
- FIG. 8 shows the headband 100 worn by the user 200 .
- the annular band portion 102 goes around the head portion of the user 200 and firmly sits on top of the head restraining and controlling a user's wet hair to ensure the user's hair remains in place and does not interfere with the user's activities (or distract the user's vision).
- the band portion 102 is preferably elastic in nature and is sized such that it can conform to the anatomy of various human heads.
- the extensions as seen falls back or over rear part of the human head covering the wet hair strands 202 of the user 200 .
- the user 200 can then using his/her fingers or hands to insert or guide these extensions 104 within the hair strands as shown in FIG. 9 .
- the proposed extensions 104 are made of absorbent material, the extensions 104 can suck/absorb the water from the hair which can then be wringed to throw away the absorbed water and then the process can be repeated with other strands of hair 202 until the wet hairs are satisfactorily dried naturally.
- the proposed headband and the process associated therewith naturally dries up the hair thereby greatly avoiding any risks of fizziness, breakages, and splitting of hair.
- FIG. 10 shows the proposed headband essentially same as shown in FIG. 8 , with the annular band portion 102 esthetically designed to include a button 103 for ornamental or decorative purpose.
- the extensions 104 may be similar to that explained above with respect to FIGS. 1-9 .
- FIG. 11 shows the proposed headband essentially same as shown in FIG. 8 , with the annular band portion 102 esthetically designed to incorporate a knot 103 for ornamental or decorative purpose.
- the knot may be made of the same fabric material with which the band portion 102 is made or of different fabric material.
- the extensions 104 may be similar to that explained above with respect to FIGS. 1-9 with a plurality of sequins 106 (for example) attached to the extensions 104 for decorative purpose.
- the sequins 106 may be sewn or glued onto the extensions 104 .
- FIG. 11 shows extensions embodying the sequins 106 , it should be understood, it can be any other ornamental items in general or any combinations of those items.
- FIG. 12 shows the proposed headband essentially same as shown in FIG. 11 , with the annular band portion 102 being plain without any knot 103 .
- FIG. 13 shows the proposed headband essentially same as shown in FIG. 8 , with the extensions 104 incorporating a plurality of hangs 106 attached to the extensions 104 for decorative purpose.
- the decorative hangs 106 may be sewn or glued onto the extensions 104 at different locations along the length of the extensions 104 .
- FIG. 14 shows the proposed headband essentially same as shown in FIG. 8 , with the annular band portion 102 esthetically designed to incorporate a tie down ribbon 103 for ornamental or decorative purpose.
- the ribbon 103 may be made of same fabric material with which the annular band portion 102 is made or may be made of other fabric material and attached over the annular band 102 .
- the proposed headband described above can also be used with a hair dryer, where the hair is not kept loose and is supported by the extensions 104 while being exposed to the hair dryer, thus disallowing fizziness in the hair after being dried by the hot or cold air from the hair dryer.
- the simultaneous use of the proposed headband with the hair dryer can even fasten the drying process.
- the proposed headband will keep any wet hair much more organized and can be worn on the go while the user is at a beach, swimming pool, in spa, or while applying makeup and so on.
- the proposed headband may be made using a wide range of absorbent fabrics (available in the market) specifically for the extensions 104 . This facilitates the possibility of wringing the wet hair, and allow air circulation within the wet hair strands.
- the drying feature of the proposed headband also prevents water dripping on the floor or clothes of the user.
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Abstract
Description
- The present disclosure relates to headbands in general, and particularly to an improved headband particularly one that can be used for restraining and controlling a user's hair to ensure the user's hair remains in place so that it does not interfere with the user's activities. Further, the improved headband can be used to wring the hair to efficiently dry the user's wet hair without damaging user's hair. Furthermore, the improved headband can be worn as an accessory for decorative or ornamental purposes.
- Headbands are well known to the general population. Typically, headbands are worn over the hair or around the forehead to restrain and control user's hair and ensure that the user's hair remains in place so that it does not interfere with the user's activities, e.g., keep the user's hair from getting in the user's face and interfering with vision or distracting the user while participating in or conducting various activities. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,560,783 discloses a headband for holding hairs off of forehead and out of face. U.S. Pat. No. 1,146,934 discloses a hair fastener that is easily and quickly attached and removed and that will firmly grip and hold the hair in place.
- Users (usually women or people with long hair in general) often need to dry their hair after shampooing or washing their hair, applying color to their hair and so on. The drying is often accomplished by using commercial electrical hair dryers. These commercial electrical hair dryers causes several problems when used for drying thick and thin hair. Many times, the hair gets burnt when it comes in contact with the excessive amount of heat or hot air from the dryers, causes wind burn to the face of the user, when hot air comes down to the face, it causes parching of skin, and the like. Further, movement of the user's head in the dryers is very restricted or reduced (particularly in a dome-shaped commercial hair dryer used in saloons). Besides these shortcomings, such hair dryers require electricity to operate, and maintenance, these can add cost burden onto the users. Further, if the hair is dried with the hair dryers regularly, the natural moisturizer oils of hair gets dried up making the hair frizzy and brittle thus accelerating the hair fall. Further, using heat to dry wet hair can usually lead to splitting of hair ends, and making hair more prone to breakage. This is in addition to the noise coming out from hair dryers either early in the morning or late at night. Some experts recommend using low temperature drying of hair, however this may also lead to major health problems or problem related to hair due to wet head scalp being exposed to relatively colder air streams.
- Several efforts have been made in the past for controlling effect of hot air generated by these hair dryers but the solutions are still unable to overcome disadvantages of using conventional hot air hair dryers. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,290,455 discloses a protective device for use on the hoods of hot air hair driers to protect the face and eyes of the user from hot air permitting a lower drying temperature and a shorter drying period. U.S. Pat. No. 1,796,384 discloses a commercial hair dryer designed to overcome problem of a rapid swirling air current produced at the discharge end of the conventional drier setting up a vacuum. U.S. Pat. No. 1,543,423 discloses a hair-drying apparatus and more particularly to a novel form of enclosure or hood for the hair which permits an efficient circulation of the warm air from the blower in and about the hair and thereafter out through the sides of the hair. U.S. Pat. No. 1,907,215 discloses a hood for a hot air drying apparatus adapted to fit about the hair and being pervious to air so that the warm air forced down about the head will pass out through the hood near the hair in all directions.
- Further, a conventional way of drying hair, mostly used within the households where wet hair is dried using a towel. In this method, women with long hair are seen firmly wrapping the head with the towel until their hair is dry enough to be styled or left exposed. This method usually requires lot of time for the hair to get dry. Further, this method only effectively dries outer strands of the hair leaving the inner strands wet which may lead the scalp to get exposed to humidity and dampness and can cause scalp or skin problems, dandruff, and even hair loss in some occasions especially for children and elderly women. Further, in this method, the hair wrapping can drastically discourage movement of the user. Further, rubbing the hair with towel can damage the hair, increase frizz, cause breakage, degrading, and hair splitting. Wet hair breaks more easily than dry hair. Another major problem is that wrapping wet hair with a towel not originally designed for this purpose may cause the towel to become loose, keep dropping, and generally all the users of this technique realize that they cannot move freely with the towel being loosely wrapped around their head. Furthermore, the users are discouraged to move with wrapping the towel on their heads as this doesn't give an elegant look to the users, thus the users might choose to stay at home until hair is acceptably dry or leave their home with wet hair.
- Further, in the past, it is seen that users use different types of headbands as a decorative accessory, where the headband besides being able to restrain and manage hair also embody different ribbons, fabrics, clips etc. as a part of the headband for hair decoration. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 9,265,323 discloses a decorative headband having modular detachable decorative ribbons or other attachments. Further there are lots of prior arts such as U.S. Pat. No. 8,919,354 that describes headbands and one or more decorative features that can be magnetically attached to the headbands.
- In the light of aforementioned background, the inventor herein proposes a multifunctional improved headband that can be used for restraining and controlling the hair to ensure the user's hair remains in place so that it does not interfere with the user's activities. Further, the proposed invention presents a reliable solution to drying hair using natural air. Further, the proposed invention proposes a headband that can act as a hair accessory for decorating the hair to enhance the look of the wearer.
- The general objective of this invention is to provide an improved headband. A more particular object is to provide a multifunctional headband that substantially remain in place when worn by a user and effectively bind and restrain a user's wet hair in place ensuring the user's hair remains in place so that it does not interfere with the user's activities, e.g., keep the user's hair from getting in the user's face and interfering with vision.
- Another objective of the present invention is to provide a flexible elastic multifunctional headband. The proposed headband includes an annular band portion that can be worn around the head (just like any traditional headband is worn). The proposed headband further includes a plurality of extensions attached to the band portion and extending away therefrom. These extensions are preferably made of fabric having high absorption capacity and when these extensions are inserted penetrating within the wet hair strands or comes in contact with the wet hair of the user then these extensions absorb the water or water moisture from hair to dry the wet hair. Further, these extensions can also be wringed with the wet hair strands of the user to extract the water from it, and used again with the wet hair to further absorb the water from the wet hair, this ensures efficient drying of the user's wet hair naturally without damaging one's hair.
- Another objective of the present invention is to provide a headband that can be worn as an accessory for decorative or ornamental purpose. The headband may be decorated with attachments such as tie ribbons, a camouflage or tie dye pattern, sprinkling of sequins or stones, buttons, and so on. This decorative or ornamental features facilitates in wide acceptance of the proposed headband among users.
- Another objective of the present invention is to provide a headband that allows a wearer to wring his/her hair freely without damaging his/her hair and to dry the wet hair without the need of scrubbing hair and thus deteriorating the quality and features of hair.
- These and other features, advantages and objectives of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description below, in light of the accompanying drawings.
-
FIGS. 1A-1C shows perspective views of a headband of the present invention, according to various embodiments; -
FIGS. 2A-2B shows a plurality of extensions substantially flat and rectangular in shape attached to an annular band portion of the headband, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIGS. 2C-2D shows different configurations for the plurality of extensions ofFIGS. 2A-2B ; -
FIGS. 3A-3D shows a process of making an extension substantially tubular in shape that can then be attached to the annular band portion of the headband, according to another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 4A-4B shows cross sectional side views of the headband with the extensions ofFIG. 3D orFIG. 2A ; -
FIG. 5 shows a top view of the headband with the extensions attached to the annular band portion; -
FIG. 6A-6B shows cross sectional views of the headband with the annular band portion and the extensions attached thereto, according to various embodiments; -
FIG. 7 shows the headband of the present invention being used to wring the wet hair to efficiently dry the user's wet hair; -
FIGS. 8-9 shows the headband of the present invention in use with the plurality of extensions inserted penetrating within the user's wet hair; and -
FIGS. 10-14 shows the headband of the present invention being used as an accessory for decorative or ornamental purpose. - As used in the specification and claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The words “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” and “including,” and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. Those with ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated, relative to other elements, in order to improve the understanding of the present invention. References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “another embodiment”, “an example”, “another example”, “some embodiment”, “an aspect”, “another aspect” and so on, indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) or aspect(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation, but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element or limitation.
- Before describing the present invention in detail, it should be observed that the present invention utilizes a combination of components which constitutes an improved headband that can be used for restraining and controlling a user's hair to ensure the user's hair remains in place so that it does not interfere with the user's activities. Further, the improved headband can be used to wring the hair to efficiently dry the user's wet hair without damaging user's hair. Furthermore, the improved headband can be worn as an accessory for decorative or ornamental purpose. Accordingly, the components, their interconnectivity and operation have been represented, showing only specific details that are pertinent for an understanding of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
- As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.
- The improved headband of the present invention, various embodiments associated therewith will now be discussed in detail with respect to the accompanying drawings
FIGS. 1-14 . - Referring to
FIG. 1A-1C , theheadband 100 of the present invention includes anannular band portion 102 to be worn about the head of auser 200 for restraining and controlling user's wet hair strands 202 (as shown inFIGS. 7-13 ). Typically, theband portion 102 consists of atop portion 102 a that covers top of the head of theuser 200, and abottom portion 102 b that is laid behind and underneath the user's ears when theband portion 102 is worn by theuser 200. As seen inFIG. 1 , theannular band portion 102 consists of atop layer 102 d and abottom layer 102 e. - In an embodiment, the
band portion 102 may include elongated band of afabric material 102 h with two opposing ends coupled together with two opposing ends of an elastic portion 102 i (as shown inFIG. 1C ). In another embodiment, theband portion 102 may include an elongated band of a fabric material embodying an elastic portion disposed within the band, with two opposing ends of the elongated band of fabric coupled together (as shown inFIG. 1A ). According to the embodiments, the elongated band of a fabric material may include a single layer of a fabric or multiple layers of fabric.FIG. 1B in particular shows use of two layers of fabrics. The multiple layers of fabric may be of same type of fabric material or different types of fabrics. In another embodiment, theband portion 102 may include an elongated band of elastic material with two opposing ends coupled together (this may appear similar toFIG. 1A ). Further, according to various embodiments, theannular band portion 102 may be configured to serve decorative or ornamental purpose and thus be configured to embody a knot or include a tie down ribbon for example The knots or tie down ribbon may be made of the same fabric material with which theband portion 102 is made or be made with different fabric material (as separate attachment). Further, in some other embodiments, theannular band portion 102 may include one or more external decorative items attached thereon. The one or more external decorative items may include but not limited to a button, a bead, a sequin, or any other decorative items or any combinations thereof. Although, some of the possible configurations for theannular band portion 102 are discussed with respect toFIGS. 1A-1C , some other embodiments or variations are possible. - Referring to
FIGS. 1A-1C in conjunction withFIGS. 2A-2B , theheadband 100 further includes a plurality ofextensions 104 having a predefined shape and length and attached to theannular band portion 102 extending away from theband portion 102. The plurality ofextensions 104 are made of various suitable fabrics having water absorption capability so that when inserted penetrating within thewet hair strands 202 of the user 200 (as seen inFIG. 7 ), theextensions 104 absorb water or water moisture from thewet hair strands 202 to dry the hair. The disclosed invention is not limited to specific absorbent fabric material, rather encompasses any kind of absorbent material. - According to one embodiment, each of the plurality of
extensions 104 is made flat and substantially rectangular in shape having two opposingsides FIG. 2C . Each of theextensions 104 can be made uniform in length and width or non-uniform in length and width with respect to each other based on the design requirements depending upon several factors such as the thickness and style of hair of the user. The two opposingsides extensions 104 may be hemmed or unhemmed. In order to understand, how theseextensions 104 are made, referring toFIG. 2D , according to an embodiment, a rectangular piece of fabric, preferably having a length (L) more than a width (W) is scissored lengthwise to form a plurality of extensions 104 (having length less than L), and where all of theextensions 104 share a common connectingbase 110. In another embodiment, the piece of fabric may be scissored lengthwise to form discrete extensions (having length equal to L) such as one shown inFIG. 2C . Once theextensions 104 are formed either as shown inFIG. 2C orFIG. 2D , then theseextensions 104 can be attached to theannular band portion 102 of theheadband 100. In an embodiment, theextensions 104 may be sewn or attached directly underside (at thebottom layer 102 e) of thetop portion 102 a of theannular band portion 102 as shown represented in dotted lines inFIG. 2B or shown inFIG. 4B . In another embodiment, one end of theextensions 104 may be inserted in between thetop layer 102 d and thebottom layer 102 e of theband portion 102 and sewn or attached together circumferentially at least at one side of theband portion 102 as shown represented inFIG. 2A orFIG. 4A . InFIG. 2A , thesewing line 102 c is represented in dotted form. When theheadband 100 is in use, theseextensions 104 can go within thewet hair strands 202 of theuser 200 penetrating thewet hair strands 202 for drying thewet hair strands 202, and wringing thewet hair strands 202 as seen inFIGS. 6-7 . - Referring to
FIG. 3A-3D shows an alternative form of theextensions 104 and a process of making these extensions which are substantially tubular in shape and can be attached to theannular band portion 102 of theheadband 100, as discussed above with respect toFIGS. 2A-2B orFIGS. 4A-4B . As seen, an extension according to this embodiment may be made of afabric 104 c having dimensions (say length of A and breadth/width of B). At first step, afold line 104 d along the length and middle of thefabric 104 is located as shown inFIG. 3A . At next step, thefabric 104 is folded along thefold line 104 d and then the two open ends (out of three), one along the lengthwise direction and one along the width of the foldedfabric 104 is closed (preferably by sewing 104 e) as shown inFIG. 3B . The sewn foldedfabric 104 is then reversed to form a pouch or tubular structure (referred as “tubular extensions” for the purpose of this invention) as shown inFIG. 3C . At next step, aninsert 104 f is fixedly disposed inside thetubular extension 104. Theinsert 104 f is pushed within the cavity of thetubular extensions 104 as shown inFIG. 3D and is fixed at its two ends within thetubular extension 104 by sewing or gluing. In some other embodiment, theinsert 104 f may be fixed at one end within thetubular extension 104 and the other end may be free which may then be stitched or sewn directly to theband portion 102 to fix theinsert 104 f at other end. According to the embodiment, theinsert 104 f may be a metallic insert, or a plastic insert or any other inserts that may be bendable or nonbendable in nature. Once theextensions 104 with theinsert 104 f are ready, then theseextensions 104 can either be directly attached/sewn underside thetop portion 102 a of thehead band portion 102 or sewn together between the top 102 d andbottom layers 102 e of fabrics of theband portion 102 as discussed with respect toFIGS. 2A-2B (or also shown inFIGS. 4A-4B ). Each of theextensions 104 can be made uniform or non-uniform in length and width with respect to each other based on the design requirements depending upon several factors such as the thickness and style of hair of theuser 200. - According to the embodiment, the
extensions 104 of theheadband 100 may further have one or moredecorative items 106 configured thereon to give an aesthetic appearance to the headband 100 (thus making the proposed headband socially acceptable). In an example, thedecorative items 106 may be sewn on theextensions 104 or directly glued on theextensions 104 or may be attached using some other means. Thedecorative items 106 may include but not limited to knots, ribbons, buttons, beads, sequins, or any other decorative items or any combinations thereof. The chosendecorative items 106 may be attached onto the extensions or even on theannular band portion 102. -
FIG. 4A-4B shows cross sectional side views of the headband with theextension 104 ofFIG. 3D orFIG. 2A . In the example embodiment, as shown inFIG. 4A , thetubular extension 104 with or without insert (not seen) or plain extensions as shown inFIG. 2A may be inserted between thetop layer 102 d and thebottom layer 102 e and sewn together with the two layers. Theextensions 104 may be sewn with single or multiple lines of stitching with theband portion 102. Theextensions 104 are attached under thetop portion 102 a of theband portion 102 that covers the head of theuser 200. For thetubular extensions 104 as detailed inFIGS. 3A-3D , theextension 104 is closed from all sides after is it attached to theband portion 102. Theuser 200 after wearing theheadband 100 can then insert these extensions within thewet hair strands 202 and wring thewet hair strands 202 to efficiently dry the user's wet hair, similar to a way depicted inFIG. 7 . The wring or twisting and rolling of theextensions 104 is facilitated by theinserts 104 f present within theextensions 104. Further, as shown inFIG. 4B , the extensions 104 (thetubular extensions 104 orplain extensions 104 ofFIG. 2A ) may be sewn or attached directly underside (at thebottom layer 102 e) of thetop portion 102 a of theannular band portion 102. -
FIG. 5 shows a top view of theheadband 100 with theextensions 104 attached to theannular band portion 102. Thetubular extensions 104 may be attached to theannular band portion 102 similar to the way explained above with respect toFIGS. 2A-2B andFIGS. 4A-4B . -
FIG. 6A-6B shows cross sectional views of theheadband 100 with theannular band portion 102 and theextensions 104 attached thereto, according to various embodiments of the present invention. As explained above with respect toFIGS. 2A-2B andFIG. 4A-4B , theextensions 104 may be sewn together with the twolayers top portion 102 a. Theextensions 104 may be sewn with single or multiple lines of stitching with theband portion 102. Theextensions 104 are attached under thetop portion 102 a of theband portion 102 that covers the head of theuser 200. With respect to thetubular extensions 104 as detailed inFIGS. 3A-3D , theextension 104 is closed from all sides after it is attached to theband portion 102. Theuser 200 after wearing theheadband 100 can then insert theseextensions 104 within thewet hair strands 202 and wring the wet hair strands 202 (using extensions) to efficiently dry the user's wet hair, similar to a way depicted inFIG. 7 . -
FIGS. 8-9 shows theheadband 100 of the present invention in use with theextensions 104 inserted penetrating within the user's wet hair. In particular,FIG. 8 shows theheadband 100 worn by theuser 200. When theuser 200 initially puts on theheadband 100 over his/her head, theannular band portion 102 goes around the head portion of theuser 200 and firmly sits on top of the head restraining and controlling a user's wet hair to ensure the user's hair remains in place and does not interfere with the user's activities (or distract the user's vision). Theband portion 102 is preferably elastic in nature and is sized such that it can conform to the anatomy of various human heads. Once theband portion 102 is placed on top of head, the extensions as seen falls back or over rear part of the human head covering thewet hair strands 202 of theuser 200. Theuser 200 can then using his/her fingers or hands to insert or guide theseextensions 104 within the hair strands as shown inFIG. 9 . Since, the proposedextensions 104 are made of absorbent material, theextensions 104 can suck/absorb the water from the hair which can then be wringed to throw away the absorbed water and then the process can be repeated with other strands ofhair 202 until the wet hairs are satisfactorily dried naturally. Unlike existing techniques, the proposed headband and the process associated therewith naturally dries up the hair thereby greatly avoiding any risks of fizziness, breakages, and splitting of hair. -
FIG. 10 shows the proposed headband essentially same as shown inFIG. 8 , with theannular band portion 102 esthetically designed to include abutton 103 for ornamental or decorative purpose. Theextensions 104 may be similar to that explained above with respect toFIGS. 1-9 . -
FIG. 11 shows the proposed headband essentially same as shown inFIG. 8 , with theannular band portion 102 esthetically designed to incorporate aknot 103 for ornamental or decorative purpose. The knot may be made of the same fabric material with which theband portion 102 is made or of different fabric material. Theextensions 104 may be similar to that explained above with respect toFIGS. 1-9 with a plurality of sequins 106 (for example) attached to theextensions 104 for decorative purpose. Thesequins 106 may be sewn or glued onto theextensions 104. AlthoughFIG. 11 shows extensions embodying thesequins 106, it should be understood, it can be any other ornamental items in general or any combinations of those items. Further,FIG. 12 shows the proposed headband essentially same as shown inFIG. 11 , with theannular band portion 102 being plain without anyknot 103. -
FIG. 13 shows the proposed headband essentially same as shown inFIG. 8 , with theextensions 104 incorporating a plurality of hangs 106 attached to theextensions 104 for decorative purpose. The decorative hangs 106 may be sewn or glued onto theextensions 104 at different locations along the length of theextensions 104. -
FIG. 14 shows the proposed headband essentially same as shown inFIG. 8 , with theannular band portion 102 esthetically designed to incorporate a tie downribbon 103 for ornamental or decorative purpose. Theribbon 103 may be made of same fabric material with which theannular band portion 102 is made or may be made of other fabric material and attached over theannular band 102. - Although not discussed above, the proposed headband described above can also be used with a hair dryer, where the hair is not kept loose and is supported by the
extensions 104 while being exposed to the hair dryer, thus disallowing fizziness in the hair after being dried by the hot or cold air from the hair dryer. The simultaneous use of the proposed headband with the hair dryer can even fasten the drying process. - It is important to note that the proposed headband will keep any wet hair much more organized and can be worn on the go while the user is at a beach, swimming pool, in spa, or while applying makeup and so on.
- Further, it is important to note that, the proposed headband may be made using a wide range of absorbent fabrics (available in the market) specifically for the
extensions 104. This facilitates the possibility of wringing the wet hair, and allow air circulation within the wet hair strands. The drying feature of the proposed headband also prevents water dripping on the floor or clothes of the user. - Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications and enhancements may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (18)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/801,199 US20200196730A1 (en) | 2020-02-26 | 2020-02-26 | Headband and/or hair accessory for restraining, controlling and drying user's wet hair |
CN202022700645.XU CN215125132U (en) | 2020-02-26 | 2020-11-20 | Hair band |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/801,199 US20200196730A1 (en) | 2020-02-26 | 2020-02-26 | Headband and/or hair accessory for restraining, controlling and drying user's wet hair |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20200196730A1 true US20200196730A1 (en) | 2020-06-25 |
Family
ID=71099069
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US16/801,199 Abandoned US20200196730A1 (en) | 2020-02-26 | 2020-02-26 | Headband and/or hair accessory for restraining, controlling and drying user's wet hair |
Country Status (2)
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US (1) | US20200196730A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN215125132U (en) |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD937485S1 (en) * | 2018-11-13 | 2021-11-30 | Durham Enterprises Corporation | Hair elastic |
USD938650S1 (en) * | 2018-11-13 | 2021-12-14 | Durham Enterprises Corporation | Hair elastic |
US20210386149A1 (en) * | 2018-11-26 | 2021-12-16 | Gina Nicole McGrath | Water resistant hair pouch |
USD944495S1 (en) | 2021-07-16 | 2022-03-01 | Nanjing Migratory Bird Apparel Co., Ltd | Headband with an adjustable strap |
USD944496S1 (en) | 2021-07-16 | 2022-03-01 | Nanjing Migratory Bird Apparel Co., Ltd | Headband with an adjustable strap |
US12004634B2 (en) | 2018-11-13 | 2024-06-11 | Durham Enterprises Corporation | Thick hair elastic |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3668707A (en) * | 1970-11-09 | 1972-06-13 | Gathalee H Williams | Lady{40 s headpiece |
USD910916S1 (en) * | 2018-11-01 | 2021-02-16 | Lynn White | Headband |
-
2020
- 2020-02-26 US US16/801,199 patent/US20200196730A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2020-11-20 CN CN202022700645.XU patent/CN215125132U/en active Active
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3668707A (en) * | 1970-11-09 | 1972-06-13 | Gathalee H Williams | Lady{40 s headpiece |
USD910916S1 (en) * | 2018-11-01 | 2021-02-16 | Lynn White | Headband |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD937485S1 (en) * | 2018-11-13 | 2021-11-30 | Durham Enterprises Corporation | Hair elastic |
USD938650S1 (en) * | 2018-11-13 | 2021-12-14 | Durham Enterprises Corporation | Hair elastic |
US12004634B2 (en) | 2018-11-13 | 2024-06-11 | Durham Enterprises Corporation | Thick hair elastic |
US20210386149A1 (en) * | 2018-11-26 | 2021-12-16 | Gina Nicole McGrath | Water resistant hair pouch |
USD944495S1 (en) | 2021-07-16 | 2022-03-01 | Nanjing Migratory Bird Apparel Co., Ltd | Headband with an adjustable strap |
USD944496S1 (en) | 2021-07-16 | 2022-03-01 | Nanjing Migratory Bird Apparel Co., Ltd | Headband with an adjustable strap |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN215125132U (en) | 2021-12-14 |
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