US20160213121A1

US20160213121A1 - Loose Fitting Hair Restraining Band

Info

Publication number: US20160213121A1
Application number: US15/008,389
Authority: US
Inventors: Wendy Rice
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-01-28
Filing date: 2016-01-27
Publication date: 2016-07-28

Abstract

A loose fitting hair restraining band is configured to fit loosely on the head to restrain a portion of the hair without disrupting the natural hairstyle. The band is defined by a generally arced shape that creates an inward tension. The inward tension helps maintain the band on the head despite the generally loose fit. The band is also defined by a pliable material composition. The pliable composition of the band provides easy manipulation and a generally loose fit on the head. Furthermore, the band is configured to form a space relative to the surface of the head. The space creates partial separation between the band and the hair, such that there is minimal disruption to the natural hair style. The space also forms a passage for the air to circulate through the hair.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE OF RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefits of U.S. provisional application No. 62/108,645 filed Jan. 28, 2015 and entitled LOOSE FITTING HAIR RESTRAINING BAND, which provisional application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a loose fitting hair restraining band. More so, the present invention relates to a hair restraining band that loosely restrains a portion of the hair on the head in a nondisruptive manner by having a pliable composition, an arced shape, and at least one space formed between the band and the head that enables the hair to maintain a natural hair style and air circulation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.
Typically, a hair restraint band, or headband, is clothing accessory worn in the hair or around the forehead, usually to hold hair away from the face or eyes. The hair restraint band generally consist of a loop of elastic material or a horseshoe-shaped piece of flexible plastic or metal. The hair restraint band often comes in assorted shapes and sizes and is used for both fashion and practical/utilitarian purposes.
Hair-holding mechanisms, such as the hair restraint band, are known in the prior art. The earliest known hair-holding mechanism was a primitive clip made of animal bone and simple cloth ribbons and bows. More recently, a variety of elastic devices have become popular. Many of these devices comprise or include coarse elastic or rubber bands. These elastic devices frequently include charms, jewelry or other small ornamental objects.
It is known that groupings of hair due to fashion is desirable. This is a large function of the hair restraining band. For individual users, the organization of a hair style sets forth a structure wherein the hair restraining band is selectively positioned and secured about the head to restrain and configure various widths and configurations of hair groupings.
Other proposals have involved hair restraining mechanisms. The problem with these hair restraining mechanisms gripping devices is that they do not leave sufficient space for air to flow and for styles to be maintained. Also, they do not reflect sunlight away from the head. Even though the above cited hair restraining mechanisms meets some of the needs of the market, a hair restraining band that loosely restrains a portion of the hair on the head in a nondisruptive manner by having a pliable composition, an arced shape, and at least one space formed between the band and the head that enables the hair to maintain a natural hair style and air circulation is still desired.

SUMMARY

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.
Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure are generally directed to a loose fitting hair restraining band. The loose fitting hair restraining band, hereafter “band”, is configured to fit loosely on the head to restrain a portion of the hair without disrupting the natural hairstyle. The band is defined by a generally arced shape that creates an inward tension. The inward tension helps maintain the band on the head despite the generally loose fit. The band is also defined by a pliable material composition. The pliable composition of the band provides easy manipulation and a generally loose fit on the head. Furthermore, the band is configured to form a space relative to the surface of the head. The space creates partial separation between the band and the hair, such that there is minimal disruption to the natural hair style. The space also forms a passage for the air to circulate through the hair.
One aspect of the hair restraining band for loosely restraining a portion of the hair, comprises:

- a pair of legs, the pair of legs defined by a substantially arced shape configured to create an inward tension, the pair of legs further defined by a substantially pliable material composition, each leg comprising a junction end and a free end; and
- a restraint member, the restraint member defined by an inner surface, an outer surface, a top edge, a bottom edge, and a pair of lateral edges, the pair of lateral edges configured to integrally join the junction end of the pair of legs,
- the restraint member further defined by a substantially arced shape configured to create an inward tension, the restraint member further defined by a substantially pliable material composition,
- the restraint member further defined by a substantially uneven surface, the uneven surface arranged to form at least one space along the length of the inner surface.

In a second aspect, the band is configured to be operable to restrain a portion of hair on a head.
In another aspect, the pair of legs are configured to be operable to rest on ears.
In another aspect, the free end of the pair of legs pivots on the ears.
In another aspect, the inward tension is configured to help secure the band on the head.
In another aspect, the junction end is fixed to the lateral edges of the restraint member.
In another aspect, the junction end is pivotally attached to the lateral edges of the restraint member.
In another aspect, the pliable material composition of the restraint member includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of: zylonite, polycarbonate, polyurethane, thermoplastics, polymers, fiberglass, aluminum, and metal alloys.
In another aspect, the uneven surface comprises a substantially V-shaped pattern.
In another aspect, the outer surface comprises an ornamental member.
In another aspect, the outer surface comprises a reflective member.
In another aspect, the band is hypoallergenic.
One objective of the present invention is to provide a loose fitting hair restraining band that creates partial separation between the band and the hair, such that there is minimal disruption to the natural hair style.
Yet another objective is to configure the band, such that a space forms between the band and the hair to form a passage for the air to circulate through the hair.
Yet another objective is to provide a lightweight, portable band for restraining hair.
Yet another objective is to provide a loose fitting hair restraint band that does not compress or disrupt a hairstyle.
Another objective is to secure the hair restraining band on the head with an inner tension from the arced shape of the legs and the restraint member.
Another objective is to create sufficient inward tension to maintain the band on the head hands free.
Another objective is to provide an uneven surface on the restraint member that both creates at least one space on the inner surface, and provides a decorative appearance on the outer surface.
Another objective is to provide an outer surface with a reflective member to help block sunlight.
Another objective is to provide an inexpensive hair restraining band that is inexpensive to manufacture and easy to use.
Other systems, devices, methods, features, and advantages will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective front view of an exemplary hair restraining band, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective rear view of an exemplary hair restraining band, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of an exemplary hair restraining band, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates an elevated side view of an exemplary hair restraining band, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a frontal view of an exemplary hair restraining band, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
Referring initially to FIGS. 1-5 of the drawings, an illustrative embodiment of a hair restraining band 100, hereinafter “band 100”, is depicted. In some embodiments, the band 100 may be configured to fit loosely on the head to help restrain a portion of the hair without disrupting the natural hairstyle. The generally loose fit and pliable disposition of the band 100 helps maintain the loose, adjustable fit on the head. Furthermore, the band forms at least one space 120 relative to the head to minimize disruption to a hairstyle and allow for air circulation through the hair. The band 100 may be configured to provide multiple spaced-apart spaces 120 to provide various benefits discussed below. Nonetheless, the space 120 does not restrict the band's 100 capacity to remain loosely, yet securely affixed on the head.
In some embodiments, the band 100 may be defined by a generally arced shape that creates an inward tension. The inward tension helps maintain the band 100 on the head despite the generally loose fit. The band 100 is also defined by a pliable material composition. The pliable composition of the band 100 provides easy manipulation and a generally loose fit on the head. In some embodiments, the band 100 is configured to form a space 120 relative to the surface of the head. The space 120 creates partial separation between the band 100 and the hair, such that there is minimal disruption to the natural hair style. The space 120 also forms a passage for the air to circulate through the hair. The band 100 may be configured into assorted shapes and sizes and used for both fashion and practical/utilitarian purposes.
As referenced in FIG. 1, the band 100 is wearable about the head and ears for covering a portion of hair without disrupting a hairstyle. In some embodiments, the band 100 may be arranged as a uniform body defined by a pair of legs 102 a, 102 b and an integrally joined restraint member 108. Each leg 102 a, 102 b comprises a junction end 104 and a free end 106. The junction end 104 integrally joins with the restraint member 108. The free end 106 at least partially hangs over the ear. In some embodiments, the free end 106 may be slightly hooked to wrap partially around the ear. The free end 106 pivots on the ear to pivotally move the restraint member 108 across the surface of the head.
As referenced in FIG. 2, the pair of legs 102 a, 102 b are disposed in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the restraint member 108. In some embodiments, the legs 102 a, 102 b remain rigid relative to the restraint member 108. However, in other embodiments, the legs 102 a, 102 b hinge at their junction end 104 with the restraint member 108. In either case, the restraint member 108 utilizes the legs 102 a, 102 b for support and positioning on the head.
The pair of legs 102 a, 102 b pivotally rest on the ears to enable manipulation of the restraint member 108 along the surface of the head. In one embodiment, the pair of legs 102 a, 102 b enable the restraint member 108 to pivotally move over the surface of the head. In this manner, a portion of the hair can be restrained by selectively pivoting the legs 102 a, 102 b on the ears. For example, covering a front section of the head with the restraint member 108 restrains the bangs of a hairstyle, while covering a rear section of the head with the restraint member 108 helps restrain a pony tail. In either case, the legs 102 a, 102 b pivot on the ears to move the restraint member 108 across the sections of the head.
The pair of legs 102 a, 102 b are generally elongated and configured to rest on the ears. The pair of legs 102 a, 102 b are defined by a substantially arced shape configured to create an inward tension on the ears for securing the band 100 to the head. The arced shape may have a similar circumference as the side of the head to help hold the band 100 in place on the head. The pair of legs 102 a, 102 b are further defined by a substantially pliable material composition that helps maintain the inward tension. Suitable materials for the pair of legs 102 a, 102 b may include, without limitation, zylonite, polycarbonate, polyurethane, thermoplastics, polymers, fiberglass, aluminum, and metal alloys.
Looking back at FIG. 2, the restraint member 108 may be defined by an inner surface 110, an outer surface 112, a top edge 114, a bottom edge 116, and a pair of lateral edges 118 a, 118 b. The inner surface 110 engages the hair. The outer surface 112 may include an ornamental member for creating a decorative appearance to the band 100. The ornamental member may include, without limitation, an image, a color, a texture, a pattern, a color, a bead, and a fabric. The outer surface 112 may also include a reflective member configured to deflect sunlight from the head.
The pair of lateral edges 118 a, 118 b on the restraint member 108 are configured to integrally join the junction end 104 of the pair of legs 102 a, 102 b. In some embodiments, each junction end 104 is fixed to a lateral edge 118 a, 118 b of the restraint member 108. However, in other embodiments, each junction end 104 is hingedly joined to a lateral edge 118 a, 118 b of the restraint member 108. Similar to the legs 102 a, 102 b, the restraint member 108 has a substantially arced shape that creates an inward tension. The arced shape may have a similar circumference as the top of the head to help hold the band 100 in place on the head.
The restraint member 108 is further defined by a substantially pliable material composition that helps maintain the inward tension. Suitable materials for the restraint member 108 may include, without limitation, zylonite, polycarbonate, polyurethane, thermoplastics, polymers, fiberglass, aluminum, and metal alloys. In one embodiment, the restraint member 108 is hypoallergenic.
As shown in FIG. 3, the restraint member 108 has a substantially uneven surface. The uneven surface is both functional and decorative. In one embodiment, the uneven surface includes a substantially V-shaped pattern. However in other embodiments, the uneven surface may include, without limitation, a wavy pattern, a zigzag pattern, and a sine wave pattern. The uneven surface is arranged to form at least one space 120 along the length of the inner surface 110 (FIG. 4). The at least one space 120 may extend transversely or longitudinally across the restraint member 108, depending on the type of pattern formed. It is significant to note that an uneven surface forms supportive bridges on the inner surface 110 that balance on the head, but does not fully compress the hair.
As referenced in FIG. 5, the at least one space 120 formed by the uneven surface creates separation between the hair and the inner surface 110. The space 120 is sufficient to enable the hair to maintain a natural hair style by not compressing the hair. This creates a generally loose fit around the head that serves to help restrain the hair, without constricting the hair to the point of compressing a natural hair style. Furthermore, the bridges between the spaces 120 serve to partially engage the hair. This helps restrict the band 100 from slipping and also tends to hold the band 100 slightly away from the head, for increased air circulation and comfort to the user. In some embodiments, the uneven surface creates a decorative pattern on the outer surface 112.
These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.
Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.

Claims

What I claim is:

1. A hair restraining band for loosely restraining a portion of the hair, the band comprising:

a pair of legs, the pair of legs defined by a substantially arced shape configured to create an inward tension, the pair of legs further defined by a substantially pliable material composition, each leg comprising a junction end and a free end; and

a restraint member, the restraint member defined by an inner surface, an outer surface, a top edge, a bottom edge, and a pair of lateral edges, the pair of lateral edges configured to integrally join the junction end of the pair of legs,

the restraint member further defined by a substantially arced shape configured to create an inward tension, the restraint member further defined by a substantially pliable material composition,

the restraint member further defined by a substantially uneven surface, the uneven surface arranged to form at least one space along the length of the inner surface.

2. The band of claim 1, wherein the band is configured to be operable to restrain a portion of hair on a head.

3. The band of claim 1, wherein the pair of legs are configured to be operable to rest on ears.

4. The band of claim 1, wherein the free end of the pair of legs pivots on the ears.

5. The band of claim 1, wherein the inward tension is configured to help secure the band on the head.

6. The band of claim 1, wherein the junction end is fixed to the pair of lateral edges of the restraint member.

7. The band of claim 1, wherein the junction end is pivotally attached to the pair of lateral edges of the restraint member.

8. The band of claim 1, wherein the pliable material composition of the pair of legs includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of: zylonite, polycarbonate, polyurethane, thermoplastics, polymers, fiberglass, aluminum, and metal alloys.

9. The band of claim 1, wherein the pliable material composition of the restraint member includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of: zylonite, polycarbonate, polyurethane, thermoplastics, polymers, fiberglass, aluminum, and metal alloys.

10. The band of claim 1, wherein the uneven surface comprises a V-shaped pattern.

11. The band of claim 1, wherein the band is hypoallergenic.

12. The band of claim 1, wherein the outer surface comprises a reflective member for reflecting light.

13. The band of claim 12, wherein the reflective member includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of: metal, a reflective tape, glass, and a polymer.

14. A hair restraining band for loosely restraining a portion of the hair, the band comprising:

a pair of legs, the pair of legs defined by a substantially arced shape configured to create an inward tension, the pair of legs further defined by a substantially pliable material composition, each leg comprising a junction end and a free end;

the restraint member further defined by a substantially uneven surface, the uneven surface arranged to form at least one space along the length of the inner surface; and

a reflective member, the reflective member disposed to overlay the outer surface of the restraint member, the reflective member configured to at least partially reflect light.

15. The band of claim 14, wherein the junction end is fixed to the pair of lateral edges of the restraint member.

16. The band of claim 14, wherein the junction end is pivotally attached to the pair of lateral edges of the restraint member.

17. The band of claim 14, wherein the pliable material composition of the pair of legs includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of: zylonite, polycarbonate, polyurethane, thermoplastics, polymers, fiberglass, aluminum, and metal alloys.

18. The band of claim 14, wherein the pliable material composition of the restraint member includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of: zylonite, polycarbonate, polyurethane, thermoplastics, polymers, fiberglass, aluminum, and metal alloys.

19. The band of claim 14, wherein the uneven surface comprises a V-shaped pattern.

20. The band of claim 14, wherein the reflective member includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of: metal, a reflective tape, glass, and a polymer.