US20050081280A1

US20050081280A1 - Foldable headband

Info

Publication number: US20050081280A1
Application number: US10/605,647
Authority: US
Inventors: Melanie Allgood
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-10-15
Filing date: 2003-10-15
Publication date: 2005-04-21

Abstract

A foldable headband including a central part having two ends and headband shanks having curved ear pieces. The headband may also include a hinge that swingably couples each of the headband shanks to the central part and each of the two curved earpieces, similar to eyeglasses. The headband is providing the wearer's hair to be held in a desired position away from the face. The curved earpieces allow comfort for extended periods of use. The shape allows any hair type to be styled around headband.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a headband to be worn in hair primarily to hold a wearer's hair in a desired position for the purpose of convenience and decoration.
2. Discussion of Background Information
The use of a headband is to hold the wearer's hair in a desired position and or decoration. The arched shape headbands of prior art conformed tightly to the wearer's head causing pain after a short use of time. This results in discomfort to the wearer for any prolonged use. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a headband that will hold the wearer's hair, of any hair type, in a desired position for extended comfortable use.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a foldable headband with curved earpieces similar to eyeglasses; which comprises a domed midsection and two straight end sections with curved earpieces. Due to the curved earpiece and fold ability feature of the present invention the wearer will have unlimited comfort and convenient storage capabilities.
According to the present invention, the headband may include a central domed section having hinged ends coupled to respective foldable band shanks of the headband with curved end pieces to fit around ear. The engagement of the two hinge parts, results in an unfolded or open position of the headband in which the headband achieves a bow stiff connection in all directions between the central domed part of headband and the band shanks. In this manner, any stress that may arise while the headband is being put on or taken off may arise across the surfaces of the headband and be transferred to the headband hinge without any risk of damage.
The contact surface of the headband bodies is, preferably, approximately semi-globular, while the pressure exerted against the wearer's head by the ends of the headband may be almost the same in all positions.
A primary object of the present invention is to provide a headband that will hold a wearer's hair in a desired position. A further object of the present invention is to provide a comfortable fit to the wearer's head, allowing any hair type to be styled around the headband for extended use. The prior art headbands which are ring shaped caused pain to the wearer's head after a short period of time. The present invention having said hinged sides and curved earpieces similar to sunglasses will provide extended comfort for any desired hairstyle.
Many possible embodiments of the invention may be made and will be readily evident upon a study of the following specification and accompanying images comprising a part thereof. Various features and sub combinations of invention may be employed without reference to other features and sub combinations. Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying images, wherein is set forth by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of this invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The present invention may be further described in the detailed description which follows, in reference to the noted plurality of illustrations by way of non-limiting examples of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, in which like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the images, and wherein:
FIG. 1 illustrates a headband in an unfolded (open) position; and
FIG. 2 illustrates the headband depicted in FIG. 1 in a storage (folded) position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention are hereinafter described with reference to the accompanying images.
A headband according to the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Headband 1 includes top section 8 and side portions 4. A top portion 1 of elastic band 8 may be coupled to two headband shanks 4 via headband hinges 3. An end of headband shanks 4 opposite headband hinges 3 may be inwardly curved to form end pieces 6 as a protecting body (end caps).
In preferred embodiment, side portions 4 is pivotally connected to the first top section 8 via hinges 3 and side shanks 4. End pieces 6 is curved to fit around ear. Hinges 3 can be closed making side portions 4 generally parallel to top portion 8. The hinges allow for easy storage of headband 1 when it is in a folded, or closed, position.
Foldable band shanks 4 connecting to end earpiece 6, provide comfort to the wearer's head without substantial discomfort, resulting in comfortable extended use.
A headband shank 4 is shorter than the midsection 8 so as to facilitate its folding.
Although the preferred embodiment of the headband 1 is foldable or collapsible, the instant invention can include a fixed bow stiff or generally rigid design.
Headband 1 can be constructed of virtually any material that provides adequate rigidity to hold the wearer's hair in position and maintain the curved earpiece 6 for comfort. A plastic material is preferred due to its flexibility and weight. Additionally, a slightly flexibly material can be utilized to allow for variations in the size and shape of the wearer's size, e.g. children and adult. Furthermore, headband 1 can be constructed as a single component including a living hinge.
Headband 1 can be provided in a variety of colors and including a virtually unlimited range of ornamentation. Headband 1 can be of solid color, or multiple colors can be used. Other objects can be attached to the headband to increase its overall aesthetic appearance. Overall size, e.g. width, headband 1 can be constructed of virtually any size, so long as the relationship to the side portions and the top portion is maintained.
It is noted that the foregoing examples have been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the present invention. While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it is understood that the words which have been used herein are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made, within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention in its aspects. Although the invention has been described herein with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1-3. (canceled)

4. A headband comprising;

two rounded end curved end sections,

wherein, said curved end sections are disposed for engaging behind a person's ears;

further comprising two band shanks fixably attached to said curved end section;

further comprising a central part having a midsection; and two ends,

wherein, said two ends are hindgeably attached to said band shanks; and said rounded end curved end sections are foldable toward said midsection.

5. The headband according to claim 4, being made of any bow stiff material.

6. The headband according to claim 5, wherein the headband is comprised of a solid color.

7. The headband according to claim 5, wherein the headband is comprised of multiple colors.

8. The headband according to claim 4, further comprising decorative objects affixed to said midsection.