US20230078472A1

US20230078472A1 - Head towel for wavy and curly hair

Info

Publication number: US20230078472A1
Application number: US17/964,902
Authority: US
Inventors: Leticia Cabrera-Calvo
Original assignee: Vera Mona LLC
Current assignee: Vera Mona LLC
Priority date: 2021-09-08
Filing date: 2022-10-12
Publication date: 2023-03-16

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to head towel for wavy and curly hair. Aspects of the present disclosure further relate to a mechanism and methods to help curl and shape wavy and curly hair while drying. Embodiments of the present disclosure may help make wavy and curly hair strands tighter as well and giving them a more defined curl.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application 63/254,887 filed Oct. 12, 2021 entitled HEAD TOWEL FOR WAVY AND CURLY HAIR, the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technical Field

The present invention relates to hair care products, and more particularly, to towels for conditioning and drying hair.

Related Art

Hair type and curl pattern describe the specific shape of hair strands, the way it naturally grows. Hair type is dependent on the shape of the hair follicle, the more oval shaped the hair follicle is, the curlier the hair will be. “Hair types,” or the classification of each hair's texture, is most often broken down into four main groups (1, 2, 3, and 4) describing curl shape, with “1” being Straight, “2” as Wavy, “3” Curly, and “4” as the Curly/Kinky. Further, each group further divided into three subcategories (a, b, and c) describing the width or diameter of the curls themselves with “a” being widest, “b” as medium, and “c” as the tightest curl. Heat and chemical damaged hair may lose it curl, requiring the application hair conditioners, moisturizers, creams, and other treatments. Daily hair care will typically include wetting/cleaning, detangling while the hair is wet, and manual application of hair care products. Hair care product may be left in or washed out after application. Drying too soon after application may unintentionally remove hair care products and require applying extra to compensate. Further, it is often the case that a morning routine is time sensitive and must be completed quickly.
Drying hair typically consists of, in order of expediency, blower drying, towel drying, and ambient air drying, or any combination thereof. First, blower drying typically straightens hair and can be damaging. However, curlers may be added (in a time consuming process) to maintain body and shape, but may result in an unnatural look. Second, conventional towels are made of an absorbent material such as terry cloth and are typically shaped as a rectangle sized as a bath towel or even a hand towel. A bath towel is typically sized and dimensioned as 20×40 or 27×54 inches (thus, having a surface area of approx. 800 sq. inches to 1500 sq. inches) and is typically used to dry off after bathing. A hand towel is typically sized and dimensioned as 15×25 or 16×27 inches (thus, having a surface area in the range of approx. 375 sq. inches to 430 sq. inches). To dry hair, a bath towel is typically applied about the entire head and rubbed around, although in some cases, the much smaller hand towel may work. With wavy and curly hair however, drying this way may tend to flatten out the hair. Further, the very absorbent towel material may unintentionally remove hair care products if dried too soon after application.. Third, ambient air drying may take an excessive amount of time, leave hair and clothes unnecessarily wet when going out, and may straighten hair somewhat due to added wet weight. Currently, there is no adequate solution in existence to apply hair care products rapidly, maintain hair shape and pattern, and provide drying. Moreover, there is not a hair shaping towel in the market.
U.S. Pat. No. 10,694,799, issued to Gonzalez, discloses a hair towel having a towel, and a tightening assembly with a cord assembly and a fastener. The cord assembly has an external and internal cord section, first and second ends, and a knot. The fastener has a body, an actuator, and a hole. The towel has an elongated channel to receive the cord assembly. The elongated channel has lateral ends, and defines a hole to receive the cord assembly. The elongated channel has at least one edge with stitching, whereby the stitching secures the elongated channel to the towel. The towel has exterior and interior faces, lateral edges, and first and second edges. The elongated channel is closer to the first edge than to the second edge, whereby the elongated channel is a first predetermined distance from the first edge without reaching the second edge. Furthermore, the elongated channel is approximately parallel to the first edge.
US Patent Application Publication No. 20170202429, by Cooper, discloses a gripping towel. The gripping towel includes a body formed from a first material and having a first side and an opposed second side. A first gripping area is disposed on at least a first portion of the first side of the body. The gripping area includes a plurality of friction elements formed from a second material that is different from the first material.
The present disclosure is directed toward overcoming known problems and problems discovered by the inventor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to head towel for wavy and curly hair. Aspects of the present disclosure further relate to a mechanism and methods to help maintain curl and shape of wavy and curly hair while conditioning and drying. Embodiments of the present disclosure may help make wavy and curly hair strands tighter as well and giving them a more defined curl.
A head towel for wavy and curly hair is disclosed herein. The head towel includes an absorbent base and a standoff array. The absorbent base has an application side and a grip side opposite the application side, the application side has a surface area of less than 250 square inches. The standoff array is affixed to the application side of the absorbent base, the standoff array is distributed across the application side of the absorbent base, with each standoff having a height of at least 2 millimeters extending away from the absorbent base.
According to one embodiment, a head towel for wavy and curly hair is disclosed herein. The head towel includes an absorbent base and a standoff array. The absorbent base is configured to envelop a user's hand. The absorbent base includes an application side joined to an opposing grip side, a hand cavity between and formed by the application side and the grip side, and a hand opening configured to receive user's hand and provide access to the hand cavity. The application side has a surface area of less than 250 square inches. The standoff array is affixed to the application side of the absorbent base, and is distributed across the application side of the absorbent base, where each standoff has a height of at least 2 millimeters extending away from the absorbent base.
According to another embodiment, a head towel for wavy and curly hair is disclosed herein. The head towel includes an absorbent base and a standoff array. The absorbent base includes an application side and a grip side opposite the application side, where the application side has a surface area of less than 250 square inches. The standoff array is affixed to the application side of the absorbent base, and is distributed across the application side of the absorbent base. Each standoff is sized and positioned so as to cover at least ⅓ of a surface of the application side absorbent base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a front view schematic diagram of an exemplary head towel for wavy and curly hair (showing its application side), according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 1B is a back view schematic diagram of the head towel of FIG. 1A (showing its grip side), according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 1C is a side view of an exemplary head towel for wavy and curly hair, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 1D is a front view of the head towel of FIG. 1C.

FIG. 1E is as back view of the head towel of FIG. 1C.

FIG. 1F is a side section schematic diagram of an exemplary head towel for wavy and curly hair, according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 1G is a back view schematic diagram of the head towel of FIG. 1F (showing its grip side), according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 1H is a front view schematic diagram of the head towel of FIG. 1F (showing its application side), according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a head towel, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a head towel, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a head towel, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a head towel, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5B is a first plan view of the head towel of FIG. 5A, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5C is an opposing plan view of the head towel of FIG. 5A, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6A is a front view schematic diagram of a head towel (fingered for left hand), according to one disclosed head towel variation.

FIG. 6B is a back view schematic diagram of the head towel of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C is a front view schematic diagram of a head towel (mitten for left hand), according to one disclosed head towel variation.

FIG. 6D is a back view schematic diagram of the head towel of FIG. 6C.

FIG. 6E is a top (ref. fingertip) view of an exemplary head towel for wavy and curly hair (in mitten form for a left hand), according to one embodiment of the disclosure

FIG. 6F is an outer (ref. small finger) view of the head towel of FIG. 6E.

FIG. 6G is a front (ref. palm) view of the head towel of FIG. 6E.

FIG. 6H is an inner (ref. thumb) view of the head towel of FIG. 6E.

FIG. 6I is a bottom (ref. heel) view of the head towel of FIG. 6E.

FIG. 6J is a back (ref. back hand) view of the head towel of FIG. 6E.

FIG. 6K is a perspective (ref. cavity) view of the head towel of FIG. 6E.

FIG. 6L is an environmental (ref. worn) view of the head towel of FIG. 6E.

FIG. 6M is a plan view of a head towel, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6N is an opposing plan view of the head towel of FIG. 6M, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 7A is a back perspective view of a head towel, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 7B is a back perspective detail view the head towel of FIG. 7A, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 8A is a front perspective view of the head towel of FIG. 7A, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 8B is a first front perspective detail view of the head towel of FIG. 7A, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 8C is a second front perspective detail view of the head towel of FIG. 7A, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 9A is a back view (grip side) of the head towel of FIG. 7A, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 9B is a back detail view of the head towel of FIG. 7A, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 10A is a front view (application side) of the head towel of FIG. 7A, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 10B is a first front detail view of the head towel of FIG. 7A, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 10C is a second front detail view of the head towel of FIG. 7A, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 11A is a side view of the head towel of FIG. 7A, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 11B is a side detail view of the head towel of FIG. 7A, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 12 is an environmental view of the head towel of FIG. 7A, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to head towel for wavy and curly hair. Aspects of the present disclosure further relate to a mechanism and methods to help curl and shape wavy and curly hair while conditioning and drying. Beneficially, embodiments of the present disclosure may help make wavy and curly hair strands tighter as well and giving them a more defined curl. For example, the presently disclosed head towel may be a hand held, absorbent cotton or terrycloth material (to help dry excess water in the hair) combined with silicone beads (that do not absorb hair product and instead help push in product into hair). For clarity, orientation axes may track commonly understood hand reference directions (i.e., front/back, top/bottom, inner/outer sides), as appropriate.
FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are front view and a back view schematic diagrams, respectively of an exemplary head towel, according to one embodiment of the disclosure. As illustrated, and for reference, a head towel 10 may have an application side 108 (pointing backward) and a grip side 109 (pointing forward) opposite the application side. Here, the head towel 100 is embodied in a rectangular form, as viewed from its face or front side (corresponding to the palm side of a reference hand).
According to the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the head towel 100 may include an absorbent base 110 and a standoff array 120 affixed to one side (the application side 108) of the absorbent base 110. The absorbent base 110 may be configured to dry a user's hair, while the standoff array 120 may be configured to assist in applying hair care products into the user's hair, and/or assist in making wavy and curly hair strands tighter as well and giving them a more defined curl. As shown, the standoff array 120 may be distributed across substantially the entire application side 108.
To use, the user takes the grip side 109 and places it on the palm of his or her hand (or inserts his or her hand—as discussed below). With application side 108, the user can press the elements of the standoff array 120 onto the hair and push the hair all the way up to the scalp. Likewise, the user can the hair between both hands, where at least one hand has the head towel. Beneficially, this may help shape and tighten the curl or wavy hair strands.
FIG. 1C is a side view of an exemplary head towel for wavy and curly hair, according to one embodiment of the disclosure. FIGS. 1D and 1E are a front view and a back view of the head towel of FIG. 1C, respectively. As throughout, the head towel 100 may be embodied in a variety of designs and configurations. In particular, the standoff array 120 may be uniform or varied, and the head towel 102 may include may include any and all of the features taught herein, consistent with the teachings herein. For example, and as shown, design of the head towel 102 may have a rectangular shape and include a standoff array 120 that has both radial and annular aspects that are concentric with the shape of the absorbent base 110. As discussed below and to further illustrate, FIGS. 6E-6L show another design of the head towel 102 that incorporates another combination of the several of the teachings herein.
FIG. 1F is a side section view schematic diagram of an exemplary head towel for wavy and curly hair, according to another embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 1G and FIG. 1H are a back view and a front view schematic diagram of the head towel of FIG. 1F, respectively. Here, the head towel 100 is embodied in a round form (also as viewed from the front). As above, the head towel 100 may have the application side 108 and the grip side 109 opposite the application side, and include the absorbent base 110 and the standoff array 120. Here however, the head towel 100 may further include a distributed grip 130 affixed to the other side (the grip side 109) of the absorbent base 110. The distributed grip 130 may be configured to provide high coefficient of friction properties, even in wet conditions. This may be based on material selection, geometry, or a combination thereof. For example, the distributed grip 130 may be made up of a pattern of silicone elements that helps grip the hand while styling hair.
The absorbent base 110 may be made of any conventional drying material, for example a towel material, such as cotton fabric, terry cloth, microfiber, and the like. According to one embodiment, the elements of standoff array 120 and/or distributed grip 130 (e.g., silicone beads) may be printed on to the absorbent base 110 (e.g., terrycloth or cotton towel).
The absorbent base 110 of the head towel 100 may be shaped, sized, and dimensioned to fit a human hand (as contrasted with the entire head), such as an average adult female hand size, which has an average length of 6.8 inches. In particular, the absorbent base 110 may be sized substantially smaller than a bath towel, or even a hand towel. For example, the absorbent base 110 may be sized and dimensioned, independent of its shape or form, to have a frontal surface area (i.e., application side 108) of less than 375 sq. inches. Also for example, the absorbent base 110 may be sized and dimensioned to have a frontal surface area of less than 300 sq. inches. Preferably, the absorbent base 110 may be sized and dimensioned to have a frontal surface area of less than 250 sq. inches. Beneficially, by the absorbent base 110 being shaped, sized, and dimensioned to fit a human hand, the head towel 100 may be easily manipulated, and the hair may be easily manipulated between both hands without excess absorbent material inadvertently removing hair care products or flattening the hair.
The absorbent base 110 may be generally embodied as a flat fabric sheet having a diameter (or maximum dimension) of approximately 7.6 inches. Also for example, the absorbent base 110 may have a diameter (or maximum dimension) on the order of 7 inches. Also for example, the absorbent base 110 may have a diameter (or maximum dimension) within the range of 6 inches to 8 inches. Also for example, the absorbent base 110 may have a diameter (or maximum dimension) within the range of 5 inches to 10 inches (thus, having a frontal surface area between approx. 20 sq. inches to 80 sq. inches). Preferably, the absorbent base 110 will have a diameter (or other characteristic limiting dimension, such as a maximum dimension in any direction on its face) of at least 5 inches, for improved performance. It is understood that while the above sizing is directed toward an average adult female hand, the sizing of the absorbent base 110 described above may be shifted to accommodate different sized hands.
According to one embodiment, the absorbent base 110 may have an oversized diameter (or maximum dimension), for example, between 8 inches and 10 inches (thus, having a single-side surface area between approx. 50 sq. inches to 80 sq. inches). In particular, where the head towel 100 is sufficiently rigid to not buckle downward under its own weight while resting in a horizontal orientation (i.e., application side 108 and a grip side 109 pointing in a vertical direction) in a user's hand.
The head towel 100 may be stiffened or made more rigid in a variety of ways. In particular, the head towel 100 may be squeezable by a user or otherwise manually collapsible (see ref. FIG. 12 ), yet be sufficiently rigid so as to remain substantially flat when resting horizontally in the user's hand. For example, the absorbent base 110 may be made of a thick, dense, and/or stiff material. Also for example, ribs or other stiffeners may be inserted into the absorbent base 110 for added rigidity. Also for example, one or both of the standoff array 120 and the distributed grip 130 configured to provide stiffness (e.g., dense arrays, material selection, element shape, element linkages, etc.). Beneficially, the head towel 100 may remain deployed or otherwise generally flat during use, but squeezable to remove accumulated moisture.
The absorbent base 110 of the head towel 100 may be made in a variety of shapes. For example, and as shown above, the absorbent base 110 may be common forms or shapes such as rectangular, circular, or rounded. Also for example, the absorbent base 110 may any regular or convenient geometric shape, such as a hexagon (see FIG. 2 ). Also for example, the absorbent base 110 may made into an ergonometric shape, such as being elongated and including finger cut outs for improved grip (see FIG. 3 ). Also for example, the absorbent base 110 may any ornamental or otherwise fanciful shape, such as a heart (see FIG. 4 ), flower (not shown), a trade dress (not shown), etc., just to name a few.
As above, the head towel 100 may include the distributed grip 130 affixed to the other side (the grip side 109) of the absorbent base 110. The distributed grip 130 may then include or otherwise be made up of multiple grip beads 132 affixed to the grip side 109 of the absorbent base 110. For example, the multiple grip beads 132 of the distributed grip 130 may be printed onto, molded into, or otherwise fixed to the fabric of the absorbent base 110. As with the standoff array 120, the grip beads 132 may be regular or functional in design, ornamental, or any combination thereof.
Each grip bead 132 may be made of any conventional gripping material, in particular, materials that will provide a friction surface for the user's hand that is greater than the towel alone. For example, each grip bead 132 of the distributed grip 130 may be made an elastomer like silicone, rubber, and the like. Also for example, each grip bead 132 of the distributed grip 130 may have a pointed or otherwise convex tip, providing a more friction and/or mechanical grip. Further, the grip bead's 132 materials may be selected from conventional materials based on secondary considerations as well, such as ease/cost of manufacture, inadvertent detachment, regular washing, wet environment for use, etc.
In addition to material properties, the multiple grip beads 132 may be shaped, sized, and dimensioned to provide high coefficient of friction properties. In particular, during use, one or more grip beads 132 may naturally sink or otherwise recess into the absorbent base 110. As such, the multiple grip beads 132 may be sized and dimensioned to extend beyond the surface of the absorbent base 110 when pressure is applied by the user. For example, where the absorbent base 110 is embodied as a single ply terry cloth sheet, each grip bead 132 may be a hemisphere having a diameter of approximately 3 mm (while a hemisphere may provide for ease of manufacturability, other shapes are contemplated). Also for example, each grip bead 132 may have a radius (or height, as measured away from the absorbent base 110) on the order of 2 mm. Also for example, each grip bead 132 may have a radius (or height) within the range of 1 mm and 4 mm. Also for example each grip bead 132 may have a radius (or height) within the range of 1 mm to 5 mm. Preferably, the grip bead 132 will have a radius (or height) of at least 1.5 mm, for improved performance. It is understood that while the above sizing is directed toward a single ply terry cloth towel, the sizing of the radius described above may be shifted to accommodate an absorbent base 110 of a significantly different thickness/bead sinkage (or number of plies), density, recess, etc.
According to one embodiment, the distributed grip 130 may include one or more grip bars. In particular, rather than multiple independent or otherwise isolated grip beads 132 the distributed grip 130 may include grip beads 132 connected together and expanding across an outer surface of the absorbent base 110 in one or more directions. For example, the distributed grip 130 may include grip bars that traverse the entire length (or width) of the absorbent base 110 (FIG. 3 ). Also for example, the distributed grip 130 may include grip bars that intersect as a grid (FIG. 2 ), or alternate directions so as to zig zag across the absorbent base 110. Also for example, the distributed grip 130 may include grip bars that only partially traverse the absorbent base 110 such as a series of chevrons or scales (not shown). According to one embodiment, the distributed grip 130 may include both grip bars and grip beads 132 together in combination. Further, the grip bars and/or the grip beads 132 may be strategically positioned in an ornamental design that is distributed across the application side 108 of the absorbent base 110.
The standoff array 120 may include multiple standoffs 122 affixed to the application side 108 of the absorbent base 110. For example, the multiple standoffs 122 of the standoff array 120 may be printed onto, molded into, or otherwise fixed to the fabric of the absorbent base 110. The multiple standoffs 122 may cover substantially all of the application side 108 of the head towel 100.
Each standoff 122 may be made of any conventional nonabsorbent material, in particular, materials which don't absorb hair care products. In this way, the standoff array 120 may interact with some portions of the hair, further applying hair care products, while exposed portions of the absorbent base 110 may interact with other portions of the hair, further accelerating drying. Preferably, each standoff 122 of the standoff array 120 will be made of a resilient material (e.g., that is comfortable when applied against the user's head) such as an elastomer like silicone, rubber, and the like.
Each individual standoff 122 may be spaced sufficiently apart to provide sufficient exposure to the absorbent base 110, in order to provide a desired degree of drying. For example, each standoff 122 may be spaced apart on the order of 1 diameter (or similar characteristic metric). Also for example, each standoff 122 may be spaced apart between 0.5 and 1.5 diameters (or similar characteristic metric). Also for example, each standoff 122 may be spaced apart between 0.25 and 2 diameters (or similar characteristic metric). Also for example, each standoff 122 may be spaced apart no more than 2 diameters (or similar characteristic metric). Alternately, each standoff 122 may be spaced apart so as to provide a desired ratio of the absorbent base 110 surface (i.e., footprint) to the standoff array 120 surface (i.e., footprint). For example, it may be desirable to maintain a 1:1 ratio or a range between 1:3 ratio to 3:1 ratio.
The multiple standoffs 122 of the standoff array 120 may be of any convenient shape, such an outward facing cylinder or truncated pyramid, as shown. Further, each individual shape may factor in manufacturing considerations. For example, as illustrated by the truncated pyramid shape, one or more standoffs 122 may have a draft angle for ease of mold separation. The multiple standoffs 122 may all have the same uniform shape and size, a complete diversity of shapes and sizes, or any combination thereof.
The multiple standoffs 122 of the standoff array 120 may be sized, and dimensioned for a particular curl profile or for complex curl profiles. In particular, each standoff 122 may be have a height (measured from the absorbent base surface) and cross-section/footprint (measured over the absorbent base surface) directed toward a desired curl pattern. For example, with regard to height, each standoff 122 may be of the same height. Also for example, a portion of the standoffs 122 may have a first height and another portion of the standoffs 122 may have another height. Some preferred heights may include 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 3-4 mm, 2-4 mm, 2-5 mm, and any combination thereof. Advantageously, a standoff 122 with greater height may interact with a curl quicker or for more time than a standoff 122 with lesser height.
Similarly, with regard to cross-section/footprint (“diameter”), the standoffs 122 may all have the same diameter, a complete diversity of diameters, or any combination thereof. For example, a first portion of the standoffs 122 may have a first diameter and second portion of the standoffs 122 may have second diameter different from the first. Some preferred diameters may include 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 10-15 mm, 5-20 mm, and any combination thereof. It is understood that “diameter” is used here as a representative metric and is not intended to be limiting. It is further understood that a multitude of combinations may be made by varying height and diameter of one or more standoffs 122 of the standoff array 120, thus providing for more complex curl patterns (e.g., tighter, looser, and both).
According to one embodiment, one or more standoffs 122 may include a hair catch 123 configured for increased engagement of a curl or wave of hair during application and drying. In particular, the hair catch 123 may include a tip configured to engage the hair rather than evade engagement. For example, as illustrated, the hair catch 123 may be embodied as a flattened tip of the standoff 122 (see e.g., FIG. 1F), where the standoff 122 has a naturally flat tip (e.g., cylinder) or a truncated/flattened tip (e.g., truncated cone/pyramid). This is contrasted to a pointed or rounded tip (e.g., grip bead 132), which might tend to avoid discourage curl/wave engagement. Also for example, and as discussed further below, the hair catch 123 may be embodied as a dimpled, recessed, or otherwise concave tip of the standoff 122 (see e.g., FIGS. 8B & 8C), providing a more positive hold. More complex shaped hair catches 123 are contemplated as well. Beneficially, the inclusion of the hair catch 123 may help make wavy and curly hair strands tighter as well and giving them a more defined curl.
Referring now to FIGS. 7A-12 , shown are various views of a head towel, according to one preferred embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, the head towel 100 may include the absorbent base 110, the standoff array 120, and the distributed grip 130. As above, the absorbent base 110 may be made of a towel material (e.g., cotton, terry cloth, etc.), and the standoff array 120 and the distributed grip 130 may be made up of standoffs 122 and grip beads 132 made of an elastomeric material such as silicone.
As illustrated, the distributed grip 130 may include the grip beads 132 evenly distributed across and affixed to the grip side 109 of the absorbent base 110. Similarly, the standoff array 120 may include multiple standoffs 122 concentrically distributed and affixed to the application side 108 of the absorbent base 110. Further, each ring of the standoffs 122 may be made of alternatingly sized standoffs 122, each of which include a hair catch 123. For example, and as illustrated, the outer ring of “small” standoffs 122 may each have a diameter of 10 mm and height of 3 mm. Also for example, the next ring of “large” standoffs 122 may each have a diameter of 15 mm and height of 4 mm. It is understood that these dimensions are merely representative and not limiting, as each may be sized, and dimensioned for a particular curl profile.
According to one embodiment, the hair catch 123 may have a compound shape configured for increased engagement of a curl or wave of hair during application and drying. In particular, each standoff 122 may include the hair catch 123 atop a base 125, where the base 125 is configured to elevate the curl a predetermined amount and the hair catch 123 is configured to provide a more positive hold. For example, as shown, the base 125 may be embodied as a truncated bead (similar to an oversize grip bead 132 having a flat or even recessed landing area). Further, as shown, the hair catch 123 may be embodied as four standoff prongs 127 positioned across the hair interfacing surface of the base 125 (similar to four grip beads 132 about a perimeter of the flat landing area). As described above, the four standoff prongs 127 of the “small” standoff 122 may have a 3 mm diameter, and the four standoff prongs 127 of the “large” standoff 122 may have a 5 mm diameter. As above, it is understood that these dimensions are merely representative and not limiting, as each may be sized, and dimensioned for a particular curl profile.
By positioning the four standoff prongs 127 atop the base 125 and positioned about its perimeter, a series of individual detents or recesses are formed between each and all of the grip beads. Advantageously, this embodiment of the hair catch 123 may provide for both a more positive curl hold when the head towel 100 is pressed toward the user's head, and a smooth curl release when the head towel 100 is drawn away from the user's head, which is particularly beneficial use (e.g., when the user is rapidly applying and releasing the head towel 100 during application and drying).
According to one embodiment, the absorbent base 110 may be made of at least two plies of towel material attached together. In particular, each ply may be sewn, glued, or otherwise fastened together, one ply on top of another. In addition to additional absorption and towel stiffness, by joining two (or more) plies, the standoff array 120 and the distributed grip 130 (or second standoff array 140—discussed below) may be efficiently printed or otherwise attached to individual plies, thus simplifying its manufacture.
According to one preferred embodiment, a termination such as a hem 114 may be added about the perimeter of the absorbent base 110, providing further adherence of distinct plies. For example, a 5 mm hemmed edge may be added to the absorbent base 110. The hem 114 may be configured to further secure both plies of the absorbent base 110 that are fused together, and provides a border the absorbent base 110 and the head towel 100 as a whole. Beneficially, the hem 114 may also provide for improved stiffness of the head towel 100 as well as improved grip and towel manipulation for the user.
According to one embodiment, the absorbent base 110 mat include visual indica associated with each side's use. In particular, application side 108 may include a first indica of its use, and the grip side 109 (or second application side) may include a second, distinct indica of its use. For example, the indicia may include a printed indica such as a hand on the grip side 109 and a head or curls on the application side 108. Preferably, the visual indica will be embodied as the application side 108 being made of a towel ply having a first color, and the grip side 109 being made of a towel ply having a second, distinct color. In this way a user may be quickly and easily alerted to each side's intended use.
FIGS. 5A-C are a perspective view, a first plan view, and an opposing plan view, respectively, of a head towel, according to one embodiment of the disclosure. Here, a head towel 101 is arranged as a mitt, which allows the user to insert his or her hand. As above, the head towel 101 may include an absorbent base 111, and the standoff array 120 affixed to each side. Alternately, the head towel 101 may include the absorbent base 111, and the standoff array 120 affixed to only one side (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the absorbent base 111 may be substantially similar in function and material to the absorbent base 110 above. In contrast, however, the absorbent base 111 will be made with at least two plies opposite each other and forming a cavity therebetween. Further, the absorbent base 111 will include at least one hand opening 112 configured to receive the user's hand into the cavity, thus the cavity may be deformable between substantially closed when empty, to fully expanded when the user's hand is inserted. It is understood that the two plies may be two separate plies coupled together or one ply forming a loop.
According to one embodiment, the head towel 101 may further include the distributed grip 130 described above affixed to at least one side of the of the absorbent base 111 within the mitt's cavity. Alternately, where the standoff array 120 is affixed to only one side, the distributed grip 130 may be affixed to the other side, and/or within the cavity.
As shown, the head towel 101 may further include a second standoff array 140, similar to the (first) standoff array 120, configured to assist in applying hair care products into the user's hair, and/or assist in making wavy and curly hair strands tighter as well and giving them a more defined curl. In particular, while the head towel 101 may include the grip side 109 opposite the application side with the distributed grip 130 affixed (not shown), the head towel 101 will preferably include a second standoff array 140 affixed to a second application side 106, where the second ply of the absorbent base 111 defines the second application side 106. Similar to the (first) application side 108 the user will press the elements of the second standoff array 140 on the second application side 106 onto the hair and push the hair all the way up to the scalp. Beneficially, this may help shape and tighten the curl or wavy hair strands. In alternate embodiments, the head towel 101 may further include the second standoff array 140 as described, and at least one distributed grip 130 affixed to the absorbent base 111 within its cavity.
While the second standoff array 140 may be substantially similar to the (first) standoff array 120, the second standoff array 140 will preferably differ in at least one of size, material, pattern, shape, spacing, etc., of its standoffs 142. For example, as shown, the first standoffs 122 may be sized, positioned, and shaped differently from the second standoffs 142. Beneficially, this may provide for the head towel 101 to function as two “flat” head towels 100.
FIGS. 6A-6D are front and back view schematic diagrams of two head towel variations, respectively, according to different variations of the disclosed head towel. In particular, and as shown here, a head towel 102 may be arranged as a glove that allows the user to insert his or her hand. In particular and as shown, the glove may include at least one separation between the fingers (or the thumb). For example the head towel 102 may be arranged as a full-fingered glove (FIGS. 6A-6B) or as a partially-fingered glove or “mitten” (FIGS. 6C-6D).
In this embodiment, the head towel 102 may be similar to the head towel 101 above, and include an absorbent base 112 and the (first) standoff array 120 affixed to one side (the first application side 108). As above and throughout, the standoff array 120 may be uniform and/or varied, consistent with the teachings herein. Further, the head towel 102 may include any and all of the features taught herein. For example, FIGS. 6E-6L show one preferred embodiment of the head towel 102 arranged as a partially-fingered glove or “mitten”, incorporating several of the teachings herein.
FIGS. 6M and 6N are a first plan view and an opposing plan view, respectively, of an ambidextrous head towel, according to one embodiment of the disclosure. In this embodiment, the head towel 102 may be substantially similar to the head towel 101 above. For example, the head towel 102 may include the absorbent base 112, the (first) standoff array 120 affixed to one side (the first application side 108), and the second standoff array 140 affixed to a second application side 106. As above both the first standoff array 120 and the second standoff array 140 are configured to assist in applying hair care products into the user's hair, and/or assist in making wavy and curly hair strands tighter as well and giving them a more defined curl.
According to one embodiment and as shown here, at least one the first standoff array 120 and second standoff array 140 may incorporate messaging, or otherwise communicate to a user. In particular, whereas one of the first standoff array 120 and second standoff array 140 may be arranged in merely functional patterns (e.g. geometrical, even distribution, multi-use/complex pattern, etc.), the other (or both) of the first standoff array 120 and second standoff array 140 may vary the positioning of one or more individual standoffs 122, 142 the so as to visually communicate to the user. For example, as shown, the first standoffs 122 may arranged in a uniform pattern (no communication), whereas the second standoffs 142 may be organized in the shape of a logo, brand, or other marketing (with communication). Also for example, at least one of the first standoffs 122 and the second standoffs 142 may be organized in the form of a simple image (e.g., any ornamental or otherwise fanciful shape) Beneficially, this may provide for the first standoff array 120 and second standoff array 140 to function as a hair care tool, as well as communicate to the user or just be visually pleasing/entertaining.
The disclosure has been sufficiently described so that a person of ordinary skill in the art can reproduce and obtain the results mentioned in the present disclosure. However, any skilled person in the field of the art of the present disclosure may be able to make modifications not described in the present application. Notwithstanding, if these modifications require a structure or manufacturing process not described in the present disclosure, the modifications should be understood to be within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1-3. (canceled)

4. A head towel for wavy and curly hair, the head towel comprising:

an absorbent base having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the first side having a first surface area of less than 250 square inches; and

a first standoff array including a plurality of first standoffs affixed to the first side of the absorbent base, the first standoff array distributed across the first side of the absorbent base, each first standoff having a height of at least 2 millimeters extending away from the absorbent base.

5. The head towel of claim 4, wherein each first standoff of the first standoff array has a first maximum width of less than 20 millimeters measured perpendicular to its height; and

wherein a plurality of the first standoffs of the first standoff array are spaced between 0.25 and 2 times the first maximum width from any adjacent first standoff.

6. The head towel of claim 5, wherein each first standoff of the first standoff array includes a first hair catch at an end distal from the absorbent base, said first hair catch configured for increased engagement of a first curl or wave of hair during application and drying.

7. The head towel of claim 6, wherein each first standoff of the first standoff array includes a first base having the first maximum width, said first base fixed to the absorbent base and extending therefrom; and

wherein each first hair catch includes a plurality of first standoff prongs having a first prong-width of less than one quarter of the first maximum width, each first standoff prong fixed atop its respective first base and extending therefrom.

8. The head towel of claim 5, wherein the second side has a surface area of less than 250 square inches, the head towel further comprising a second standoff array affixed to the second side of the absorbent base, the second standoff array distributed across the second side of the absorbent base, each second standoff having a height of at least 2 millimeters extending away from the absorbent base.

9. The head towel of claim 8, wherein each second standoff of the second standoff array includes a second hair catch at an end distal from the absorbent base, said second hair catch configured for increased engagement of a second curl or wave of hair during application and drying;

wherein each second standoff of the second standoff array includes a second base having the second maximum width, said second base fixed to the absorbent base and extending therefrom;

wherein each second hair catch includes a plurality of second standoff prongs having a second prong-width of less than one quarter of the second maximum width, each second standoff prong fixed atop its respective second base and extending therefrom; and

wherein the first maximum width is sized and dimensioned at least twenty five percent larger than the second maximum width.

10. The head towel of claim 9, wherein the absorbent base configured to envelop a user's hand.

11. The head towel of claim 8, wherein each second standoff of the second standoff array is configured for increased grip for a user's hand during application and drying; and

wherein each second standoff of the second standoff array has a second maximum width that is at least fifty percent smaller than the first maximum width.

12. The head towel of claim 8, wherein the first standoff array has a first color and the second standoff array has a second color different from the first color.

13. The head towel of claim 4, wherein absorbent base is made of a towel material; and

wherein the first standoff array is made of elastomeric material.

14. The head towel of claim 4, wherein the absorbent base is configured to envelop a user's hand.

15. A head towel for wavy and curly hair, the head towel comprising:

an absorbent base configured to envelop a user's hand, the absorbent base including a first application side joined to an opposing second application side, a hand cavity between and formed by the first application side and the second application side, and a hand opening configured to receive user's hand and provide access to the hand cavity, the first application side having a first surface area of less than 250 square inches; and

a first standoff array including a plurality of first standoffs affixed to the first application side of the absorbent base, the first standoff array distributed across the first application side of the absorbent base, each first standoff having a height of at least 2 millimeters extending away from the absorbent base.

16. The head towel of claim 16, wherein the absorbent base configured to envelop a user's hand further includes at least one separation between digits of the user's hand within the hand cavity where the first application side is joined to the second application side.

17. The head towel of claim 16, wherein each first standoff of the first standoff array has a first maximum width of less than 20 millimeters measured perpendicular to its height;

wherein a plurality of the first standoffs of the first standoff array are spaced between 0.25 and 2 times the first maximum width from any adjacent first standoff; and

wherein each first standoff of the first standoff array is sized and positioned such that the first standoff array covers at least ⅓ of the first application side of the absorbent base.

18. The head towel of claim 16, wherein each first standoff of the first standoff array includes a first base having the first maximum width, said first base fixed to the absorbent base and extending therefrom;

wherein each first standoff of the first standoff array includes a first hair catch at an end distal from the absorbent base, said first hair catch configured for increased engagement of a first curl or wave of hair during application and drying; and

19. The head towel of claim 16, wherein the second application side has a surface area of less than 250 square inches, the head towel further comprising a second standoff array affixed to the second application side of the absorbent base, the second standoff array distributed across the second application side of the absorbent base, each second standoff having a height of at least 2 millimeters extending away from the absorbent base;

wherein each second standoff of the second standoff array includes a second hair catch at an end distal from the absorbent base, said second hair catch configured for increased engagement of a second curl or wave of hair during application and drying;

20. A head towel for wavy and curly hair, the head towel comprising:

a first standoff array including a plurality of first standoffs affixed to the first side of the absorbent base, the first standoff array distributed across the first side of the absorbent base, each first standoff sized and positioned so as to cover at least ⅓ of a surface of the first side of the absorbent base.

21. The head towel of claim 21, wherein each first standoff of the first standoff array has a height of at least 2 millimeters extending away from the absorbent base.

22. The head towel of claim 21, wherein the second side has a surface area of less than 250 square inches, the head towel further comprising a second standoff array affixed to the second side of the absorbent base, the second standoff array distributed across the second side of the absorbent base, each second standoff sized and positioned so as to cover at least ⅓ of a surface of the first side of the absorbent base; and

wherein each first standoff of the first standoff array has a first maximum width of less than 20 millimeters measured perpendicular to its height;

wherein a plurality of the first standoffs of the first standoff array are spaced between 0.25 and 2 times the first maximum width from any adjacent first standoff;

wherein each first standoff of the first standoff array includes a first base having the first maximum width, said first base fixed to the absorbent base and extending therefrom;

wherein each first standoff of the first standoff array includes a first hair catch at an end distal from the absorbent base, said first hair catch configured for increased engagement of a first curl or wave of hair during application and drying;

wherein each first hair catch includes a plurality of first standoff prongs having a first prong-width of less than one quarter of the first maximum width, each first standoff prong fixed atop its respective first base and extending therefrom;

23. The head towel of claim 21, wherein the absorbent base is configured to envelop a user's hand.