US20100012140A1 - Hair Volumizing Device - Google Patents
Hair Volumizing Device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20100012140A1 US20100012140A1 US12/567,786 US56778609A US2010012140A1 US 20100012140 A1 US20100012140 A1 US 20100012140A1 US 56778609 A US56778609 A US 56778609A US 2010012140 A1 US2010012140 A1 US 2010012140A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- hair
- body member
- user
- volumizing
- volumizing device
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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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
- A45D8/20—Hair clamps, i.e. elastic multi-part clamps, the parts of which are pivotally connected between their ends
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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
- A45D8/38—Hair fillers, e.g. wire gratings
Definitions
- the field of the present invention relates generally to hair styling devices configured to be worn in the user's hair in order to affect the appearance of the hair. More particularly, the present invention relates to such hair styling devices which give the user's hair the appearance of greater volume. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to hair volumizing devices that are adapted to be worn in the hair without being seen.
- a wide variety of devices are available for styling hair to obtain a certain type of look and enhance the beauty of the hair and, as a result, the person. Many of the available devices are utilized by the person or by his or her hair stylist, including curling irons, rollers, blow dryers and hair clamps, to impart a particular style to the hair. Unfortunately, many of the most desirable hair styling effects are not easy for most men or women to accomplish themselves, thereby requiring a visit to a hair stylist to achieve the desired look. Even if the person is able to accomplish the hair style him or herself, many of the hair styles require a relatively significant amount of time and effort to achieve.
- FIGS. 28 and 29 An example of a barrette which has been in use for many years is shown in FIGS. 28 and 29 .
- the barrette has a slotted upper member that receives a portion of the lower member in the slot with a portion of the user's hair between the upper and lower members in a manner that secures the barrette to the hair.
- one end of the lower member is fixedly attached near one end of the upper member in a manner that allows the lower member to flex relative to the upper member.
- a common feature of these hair clips and many others like them is that they grab onto a portion of the person's hair and are worn with a significant portion of the clips worn on the outside of the hair, meaning that they are visible to others.
- many of these types of hair clips are intended to be seen.
- some of the clips utilize decorative features, such as ribbons, flower-shaped elements and the like, to substantially cover the hair clip as it is worn in the user's hair.
- Some of these hair clips and other styling tools are utilized to effectuate a particular hair style or effect to the user's hair (i.e., an inverted hair tail).
- a number of hair styling combs or picks are available to manipulate a person's hair to achieve a desired look.
- An example of one such hair pick is set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 7,231,925 to Wall.
- This patent discloses a base member having a plurality of teeth extending therefrom. The base member is configured to allow the user to flex the pick in a manner that orients the teeth in either a converging closed position or a diverging open position for pulling the pick through the hair to effect a desired combing, untangling, holding and spraying of the hair.
- Another example of such a hair comb or pick is set forth in U.S. Pat. No.
- One desirable hair treatment or style is to manipulate the hair so as to appear to increase the volume of a person's hair.
- many women desire to have hair that is full of volume so as to achieve a look that is commonly referred to as the “big hair” appearance.
- achieving this look requires the hair to be teased or bumped, as may be accomplished by the device of Olson above, and then finished to hold in place.
- Most women have much difficulty in obtaining this look on their own and, as a result, must go to a hair stylist to obtain the desired volumizing of their hair.
- Several known hair styling devices or clips are intended for providing the appearance of increased volume in the hair. For example, U.S. Pat. No.
- 5,778,905 to Adam discloses a volume hairpin that comprises a support member which protrudes from the side of one of the legs of the hairpin. Hair flows between the upper and lower legs of the hairpin and then over the support member, which raises the hair to give it the appearance of increased volume. As with other hairpins, a portion of this hairpin is outside of the hair and, as a result, generally visible.
- U.S. Pat. No. 7,004,179 to Lunde describes a hair styling article for providing increased volume to a switch of hair. This article comprises a base and a plurality of outwardly extending, arcuate-shaped members that hold the switch of hair in place in a flared-out fashion in a ponytail configuration.
- 6,209,549 to Lunde describes a hair root volumizing clip having a pair of arms that are each connected to tabs that are squeezed together to open the hair clip. Hook fibers are applied to the interior faces of the arms to apply tension to the hair.
- the hair clip is only intended to be in the person's hair while the stylist is styling the hair in a manner to provide the appearance of increased volume. The clip is removed once the styling activity is completed.
- the preferred hair volumizing device should be configured to be substantially or completely hidden in the person's hair so that the device is not visible to others while providing the desired volumizing effect.
- the hair volumizing device will be easy for the user to correctly place in her hair so that she may quickly obtain the desired appearance of an increase in hair volume without having to go to a hair stylist or other hair care professional.
- the preferred hair volumizing device should be configured and made out of materials such that the device is relatively inexpensive to manufacture.
- the improved hair volumizing device of the present invention solves the problems and provides the benefits identified above. That is to say, the present invention discloses a hair volumizing device which is worn in the hair and useful for providing the appearance of increased volume in the user's hair.
- the hair volumizing device of the present invention is an easy to use device that can be placed by the user in her own hair and then worn under the hair to provide the appearance of increased volume without the device being seen by others.
- the present hair volumizing device is adapted to securely engage a portion of the user's hair just above the scalp and raise/bump the hair up to give the user the appearance of increased hair volume without the user having to schedule an appointment with a hairstylist or having to tease the hair herself to have the desired bump.
- the hair volumizing device of the present invention is made out of components and materials that results in a relatively inexpensively manufactured hair styling device.
- the hair volumizing device comprises a plurality of elongated members, each having a first end and a second end, that are disposed generally in a side-by-side relation and a flexing mechanism disposed generally at the first ends of the elongated members.
- the elongated members comprise at least a forward member and a rearward member.
- the flexing mechanism which can comprise a spring disposed between the first ends of the elongated members, is configured to flex the elongated members from a closed position to an open position. In the closed position at least the second ends, but preferably the entire length, of adjoining members are in abutting relation. In the open position the adjoining members are in spaced apart relation.
- the flexing mechanism is configured to bias the elongated members in the closed position, requiring the user to operate the flexing mechanism to place the device in the open position.
- the user squeezes the device at or near the first ends of the elongated members.
- the elongated members are configured in pairs of members, each having a first and second elongated member, and the flexing mechanism biases the first and second elongated members together in the closed position and is operated to spread them apart in the open position.
- the hair volumizing device is sized and configured to be received in a section of hair of the user and worn by the user such that the hair volumizing device is substantially covered by the section of hair so as to appear to add volume to the section of hair without the hair volumizing device being seen.
- the elongated members can be molded out of plastic in a fixed arcuate-shaped configuration or they can be made out of a bendable material that allows the user to bend the elongated members to the desired arcuate shape.
- the hair volumizing device can include a hair engaging mechanism, such as a textured material or the like, at an outer face of the forward member to help keep the hair in place over the device.
- the hair volumizing device can also include a gripping mechanism disposed on at least one of an inward face of an elongated member, the side facing the cooperatively opposing member, that is configured to more securely grip the hair so as to better prevent the device from unintentionally dislodging from the hair.
- the hair volumizing device can also be configured with a hair extension component comprising hair that is glued or otherwise attached to the one or more of the elongated members to increase the quantity of the user's hair.
- the hair volumizing device comprises a single elongated member having a center section, a first end and a second end, with the elongated member being sized and configured to be received in a section of hair of the user and worn by the user such that the hair volumizing device is substantially covered by the section of hair so as to appear to add volume to the section of hair without the hair volumizing device being seen.
- the elongated member is generally tapered toward the ends such that the first and second ends are substantially planar at and near the edges thereof.
- the center section can comprise one or more openings therein to improve the look, reduce the weight and lower the manufacturing cost of the hair volumizing device.
- the elongated member is molded out of plastic, such as by an injection molded process, in a fixed arcuate-shaped that generally matches or conforms to the curved shape of a user's head.
- the elongated member is made out of a bendable material that allows the user to bend the elongated member into an arcuate shape that generally matches or conforms to the curvature of their head.
- the hair volumizing device of this embodiment includes one or more hair engaging mechanisms, such as Velcro or other textured material, on one or more sides or outer surfaces of the elongated member to help keep the hair in place over the hair volumizing device.
- the hair volumizing device of this embodiment can also be configured with a hair extension component comprising hair that is glued or otherwise attached to the elongated member to increase the quantity of the user's hair.
- the hair volumizing device utilizes a specially configured fastener, comprising a plurality of fiber-engaging members on the body member of the device, to securely anchor the hair in place about the body member to provide the desired hidden bump effect for the person's hair.
- each fiber-engaging member has a stem and an engaging head.
- the stem is configured with a first end located at the outer surface of the body member and a second end that is outwardly disposed from the outer surface.
- the engaging head is positioned at the second end of the stem and configured with a fiber-engaging surface that is in spaced apart relation to the outer surface of the body member.
- the engaging head is generally triangular or cone shaped and the fiber-engaging surface is generally planar.
- the fiber-engaging members can be spaced across the outer surface in a non-row pattern.
- the fiber-engaging members are disposed in two or more rows comprising at least a first row and a second row that are spaced apart to define a gap therebetween.
- the gap is 1/16th of an inch.
- the height of the fiber-engaging members in the first row is different, meaning either lower or higher, than the height of the fiber-engaging members in the second row.
- the fiber-engaging members can be integrally formed with the body member to reduce the cost of manufacturing the fastener or the product with which it is used.
- the fiber-engaging members and body member can be made out of plastic by an injection molded process.
- the hair volumizing device comprises a body member and a hair securing mechanism associated with the body member to secure the hair volumizing device in a section of hair to provide the appearance of an increase in volume.
- the body member has a first end and a second end and is sized and configured to be received in a section of hair of the user and worn by the user such that the hair volumizing device is covered by the section of hair so as to appear to add volume to the section of hair without the hair volumizing device being seen.
- the body member of the present embodiment is sized to be somewhat shorter in length than prior hair volumizing devices to better hide the device with a height and width sufficient to provide the desired bump effect.
- the hair securing mechanism is provided on one or more sides of the body member, preferably the bottom side, to secure the device to the user's hair in a manner which keeps the user's hair over the device so it cannot be seen by others while providing the desired bump appearance.
- the hair securing mechanism is configured in a manner similar to commonly available barrettes, having a lower member that this flexed up into or against the bottom side of the body member in a manner which securely traps a portion of the user's hair to secure the device in the hair.
- the hair volumizing device is clipped into the section of hair near the roots of the clipped hair and then the hair is teased over the body member to cover hit so it is not seen and the user is provided with the desired bump.
- the body member can be made out of plastic, foam, rubber, metal, wood or a variety of other materials.
- the body member made out of foam and covered with a grippable cover material, such as velvet or a velvet-like material, to better hide the device in the hair.
- a grippable cover material such as velvet or a velvet-like material
- the body member and/or the grippable cover material are provided in colors which will be able to closely match the color of the user's hair to better hide the device in the user's hair.
- the body member can be provided in a variety of different lengths, widths and heights.
- the primary objective of the present invention is to provide a hair volumizing device that provides the advantages discussed above and overcomes the disadvantages and limitations associated with presently available hair volumizing devices.
- It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a hair volumizing device comprising a body member having a hair securing mechanism associated therewith, such as integral with or attached to the bottom side of the body member, to securely attach the hair volumizing device in the user's hair with the body member being sized and configured to provide the desired appearance of greater hair volume.
- FIG. 1 is a front view of a woman utilizing a hair volumizing device, shown in hidden lines, configured according to one embodiment of the present invention to create the appearance of increased hair volume;
- FIG. 2 is a top side perspective view of a hair volumizing device configured according to one embodiment of the present invention shown in its open position;
- FIG. 3 a top right end perspective view of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4 is a top view of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 5 is a top view of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 2 shown in its closed position
- FIG. 6 is an end view of the left end of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 7 is a front side view of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the hair volumizing device shown in its closed position
- FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the hair volumizing device shown in its closed position.
- FIG. 10 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the hair volumizing device having a hair extension component included therewith;
- FIG. 11 is a front view of a woman utilizing a hair volumizing device configured according to another alternative embodiment, shown in hidden lines, to create the appearance of increased hair volume;
- FIG. 12 is a front view of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 11 shown with a hair engaging mechanism on the top side thereof;
- FIG. 13 is a front view of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 12 shown with hair engaging mechanisms on the top and front sides thereof;
- FIG. 14 is a front view of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 11 shown without the hair engaging mechanisms;
- FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 14 ;
- FIG. 16 is a top view of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 14 ;
- FIG. 17 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a hair volumizing device configured with a fastener having a plurality of fiber-engaging members on the top side of the body member;
- FIG. 18 is an enlarged, isolated side view of a portion of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 17 showing the preferred embodiment of the fastener;
- FIG. 19 is an enlarged, isolated side view of a fiber-engaging member utilized with the preferred configuration for the fastener
- FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 17 showing two rows of fiber-engaging members;
- FIG. 21 is an enlarged, isolated top plan view of a portion of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 20 ;
- FIG. 22 is an end perspective view of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 17 ;
- FIG. 23 is an end view of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 17 particularly showing the two rows of fiber-engaging members;
- FIG. 24 is a side view of a hair volumizing device utilizing an alternative configuration of the fastener
- FIG. 25 is a top plan view of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 24 showing the two rows of fiber-engaging members;
- FIG. 26 is an enlarged, isolated side view of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 24 ;
- FIG. 27 is an end perspective view of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 24 particularly showing the two rows of fiber-engaging members;
- FIG. 28 is a top view of a prior art barrette shown in its closed position
- FIG. 29 is a side view of the prior art barrette of FIG. 28 shown in its open position
- FIG. 30 is a front view of a woman utilizing a hair volumizing device configured according to another alternative embodiment, shown in hidden lines, to create a bump and the appearance of increased hair volume;
- FIG. 31 is a side view of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 30 shown in its open position
- FIG. 32 is a back perspective view of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 31 ;
- FIG. 33 is a bottom perspective view of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 31 ;
- FIG. 34 is a side view of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 31 shown in its closed position
- FIG. 35 is a side view of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 31 shown with a textured material on the body member;
- FIG. 36 is a bottom perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the hair volumizing device of FIG. 31 shown using the bottom surface of the body member as part of the closure mechanism.
- hair volumizing device 10 that is manufactured out of the components and configured pursuant to the preferred embodiments of the present invention is shown generally as 10 in the various figures.
- hair volumizing device 10 is preferably and beneficially worn in the hair 12 of user 14 to create the appearance of increased hair volume.
- it is hidden in the hair 12 so that others cannot readily see that user 12 is utilizing hair volumizing device 10 to increase the volume of her hair 12 .
- hair volumizing device 10 is shown in use in a section of the user's hair, shown generally as 16 , at or near the top of her head to provide the appearance of increased hair volume at that location.
- hair volumizing device 10 can be utilized at or near the side of her head to provide the appearance of increases hair volume at that location.
- hair volumizing device 10 is received in the section 16 of hair 12 such that it is substantially covered by the section 16 of hair 12 so that it is unseen by others, who will only notice that the user 14 appears to have increased volume at that location.
- typically the appearance of increased volume of hair 12 requires preparation by the user or the cost and effort to have a stylist prepare the hair 12 .
- the hair volumizing device 10 comprises a plurality of elongated members 18 that are disposed in a generally side-by-side relation, as shown in FIGS. 2 through 10 , and a flexing mechanism 20 configured to flex the elongated members 18 from their normally closed position, shown as 22 in FIG. 5 , to their open position, shown as 24 in FIGS. 2 through 4 .
- Each of the elongated members 18 have a first end 26 , which is generally proximal to where the user 14 holds and operates device 10 , and a second end 28 that is at the distal end of elongated members 18 .
- the plurality of elongated members 18 comprises at least a forward member 30 that is generally in the direction of the user's face when used at the top of the head or generally in the direction of the ground when used on the side of the head.
- Rearward member 32 is generally facing in the direction opposite the forward member 30 , as best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 .
- flexing mechanism 20 is preferably disposed at or near the first end 26 of the elongated members 18 .
- the elongated members 18 should be shaped and of sufficient size, length and width, to impart the desired effect on the hair 12 .
- elongated members 18 are generally rectangular shaped having a height of approximately three-fourths of an inch to two inches and a width of one-eighth to one-fourth of an inch and approximately four to six inches in length.
- elongated members 18 are generally circular shaped having a diameter of approximately three-fourths of an inch to two inches and a length of four to six inches.
- elongated members 18 can also be utilized for the elongated members 18 . While smaller dimensions can be used, they are not believed to impart the desired “lift” to the hair 12 to give it the desired appearance of increased volume. Larger diameters of elongated members 18 may be somewhat difficult to conceal in the hair 12 . If desired, the various elongated members 18 can have different configurations and sizes. For instance, the inner elongated members (i.e., those between the forward 30 and rearward members 32 ) can have a larger diameter or other dimension to provide a more graduated bump for the hair 12 . Likewise, different elongated members 18 may have different cross-sectional shapes.
- Elongated members 18 can be manufactured out of a variety of different materials and configurations.
- elongated members 18 are made out of stiff molded plastic and in a generally arcuate-shaped configuration, as shown in FIGS. 2 through 7 .
- molded plastic allows the elongated members to be relatively easily made into different shapes, colors and configurations.
- the materials be generally lightweight, durable and corrosion resistant.
- the use of an arcuate-shaped configuration allows the elongated members 18 to generally correspond to the shape of the typical user's head so that the hair volumizing device 10 fits more comfortably on the head and is easier to conceal within the user's hair 12 .
- elongated members 18 can be made out of a bendable material that allows the user 14 to bend the elongated members 18 to more closely correspond to the shape of her head and, therefore, be better concealed in her hair 12 .
- Examples of flexible curlers and like devices which are utilized in hair styling are well known in the art.
- Elongated members 18 can be provided with openings 34 to reduce their weight and add aesthetics, such as shown in FIGS. 2 through 7 , or they can be solid as shown in FIG. 8 .
- hair volumizing device 10 comprises one or more, preferably a plurality of, pairs of members (shown as 36 ) that each comprise a first elongated member 38 and a second elongated member 40 .
- first 38 and second 40 elongated members 18 are in a cooperative arrangement such that, in the closed position 22 , at least the second ends 28 , but preferably the entire length, thereof are generally in abutting relation to engage a portion of the section of hair 16 therebetween so that hair volumizing device 10 will be secured in hair 12 .
- the abutting contact must be adequate to sufficiently engage the section of hair 16 so that hair volumizing device 10 is not easily dislodged (unintentionally) from hair 12 .
- the various separate pairs of members 36 can be spaced apart from each other to provide a wider scope for the volumizing effect.
- the flexing mechanism can be configured such that the various pairs of members 36 are also in abutting relation when hair volumizing device 10 is in the closed position. As best shown in FIGS.
- adjoining pairs of members 36 are joined by one or more pair connecting pins 37 or like device that pivotally connects the pairs 36 together (i.e., the first end of second elongated member 40 of a forward pair pivotally connected to the first end of the first elongated member 38 of the rearwardly adjacent pair) and a spring wire 41 that pulls the pairs 36 generally together.
- hair volumizing device 10 comprises a plurality of single elongated members 18 with the adjacent elongated members 18 in abutting relation when device 10 is in the closed position 22 .
- the flexing mechanism 20 is configured to move the second ends 28 of first 38 and second 40 elongated members to a spaced apart relation, the open position 24 (as best shown in FIGS. 2 through 4 ), so the user 14 may more easily place hair volumizing device 10 in the hair 12 to obtain the desired volumizing effect and remove it therefrom when the effect is no longer desired.
- Flexing mechanism 20 is configured to bias the pairs of members 36 ( FIG. 2 ) or the elongated members 18 ( FIG. 8 ) together in the closed position 22 such that the user must operate flexing mechanism 20 to move the pairs of members 36 or elongated members 18 to the open position 24 . In this manner, the default closed position 22 will secure hair volumizing device 10 in the hair 12 of the user 14 .
- Flexing mechanism 20 should be configured to be easy to operate so the user 14 can put it in her hair 12 without much difficulty. In a preferred configuration, flexing mechanism 20 can be moved to its open position with only one hand of the user 14 so that the user's other hand may be free to manipulate the hair 12 as necessary or desired to place hair volumizing device 10 therein.
- flexing mechanism 20 may comprise a handle type of configuration such as those utilized with many of the prior art hair clips known in the art (i.e., as described above).
- flexing mechanism 20 comprises a spring 42 disposed between each of the elongated members 18 with a spring support pin 43 supporting spring 42 and connecting the adjacent elongated members, as best shown in FIGS. 4 through 6 .
- the placement and/or configuration of springs 42 should be selected such that the user 14 can grasp the first ends 26 of the forward member 30 and rearward member 32 between her fingers and squeeze so as to move hair volumizing device 10 to its open position 24 .
- squeezing the first ends 26 of the forward 30 and rearward 32 members will somewhat uniformly open the elongated members 18 to place device 10 in the open position 24 .
- Releasing the flexing mechanism 20 biases elongated members 18 , or pairs of members 36 , back to the closed position 22 .
- the present invention can also include a hair engaging mechanism 44 at one or more locations on the device 10 .
- hair engaging mechanism 44 can comprise a length of textured material 46 positioned generally at the outer face 48 of the forward member 30 .
- the textured material 46 should be configured to essentially grab onto the a portion of the hair 12 so that the hair 12 can be held in place above the hair volumizing device 10 to help keep it hidden from view.
- it will only be necessary to have the hair engaging mechanism 44 at or near the forward member 30 of the device 10 as the hair 12 will generally stay in place (i.e., lay over) above the device 10 elsewhere.
- the textured material 46 can entirely cover the outer face 48 of forward member 30 or, as shown in the figures, only partially cover the outer face 48 thereof.
- the textured material 46 can be half of a hook and loop material, commonly known as Velcro®, foam or other various materials, including coatings and the like, which will effectively grab the hair 12 so that wind or activity by the user 14 will not cause the hair to move away from the forward side of hair volumizing device 10 and expose it to view, thereby reducing one of the main advantages of the present invention.
- Hair volumizing device 10 can also comprise a gripping mechanism 50 to more securely grab the portion of the section of hair 16 that is between the elongated members 18 .
- gripping mechanism 50 can comprise a plurality of small, outwardly projecting protrusions (e.g., small bumps) disposed on an inward face 54 , that being the sides of elongated members 18 facing an abutting elongated member 18 , of at least one of the first elongated member 38 or second elongated member 40 that make up the pairs of members 36 .
- small, outwardly projecting protrusions e.g., small bumps
- the outwardly projecting protrusions 52 are in the form of elongated bars. Various other types of configurations can also be utilized. If desired, the inward face 54 of both first 38 and second 40 elongated members can comprise the gripping mechanism 50 to further improve the hair gripping ability of hair volumizing device 10 .
- the protrusions 52 on the opposing inward faces 54 of first 38 and second 40 elongated members can be spaced apart and configured to be somewhat interlocking so that the portion of hair 12 therebetween is even more tightly held to better secure device 10 in hair 12 and to keep device 10 hidden by hair 12 .
- the device 10 of the present invention can also include a hair extension component 56 that, as well known in the art, can be used to increase the thickness and/or length of the user's hair.
- hair extension component 56 comprises a plurality of hairs 58 , generally much thicker than that shown, that are fixedly connected to one or more elongated members 18 .
- the plurality of hairs 58 can be glued or otherwise secured to elongated members 18 using materials that are well known and readily available in the art.
- device 10 provides an improved hair engaging device for more securely placing a hair extension in the user's hair than the currently available devices for securing hair extensions.
- the user 14 moves the device 10 from the biased closed position 22 to the open position 24 by grasping the first ends 26 of the elongated members 18 with one hand, generally at the forward 30 and rearward 32 members, and squeezing to cause the flexing mechanism 20 to space apart elongated members 18 .
- Other types of flexing mechanisms 20 such as those having a “handle” component, will require different operation.
- the user 14 With device 10 in the open position 24 and with the section of hair 16 where the device 10 is desired raised by the user 14 with her other hand, the user 14 directs the device 10 into her hair 12 at the location of the section of hair 16 where she desires to have increased volume.
- the user 14 releases the grip on the first ends 26 , causing the flexing mechanism 20 to bias the elongated members 18 or pairs of members 36 together to place the device 10 in its closed position 22 and secure device 10 in hair 12 .
- the user 14 releases the section of hair 16 in the other hand to allow it to fall on top of the device 10 , thereby covering it and hiding it from view.
- hair engaging mechanism 44 will help hold the hair 12 in place, particularly at the forward side of the device 10
- gripping mechanism 50 will help secure device 10 in the hair 12 .
- the hair volumizing device 10 comprises flexible elongated members 18 , as opposed to fixed arcuate-shaped elongated members 18 (i.e., molded plastic), then the user 14 will first bend the elongated members 18 to the desired bend for the shape of her head and/or the location (i.e., top or side) where she desires to place the device 10 to achieve the appearance of increased volume. If the hair extension component 56 is utilized with device 10 , the user places device 10 in her hair in a similar manner as described above while taking into consideration the additional hair provided by device 10 .
- FIGS. 11 through 16 Another alternative embodiment of the hair volumizing device 10 is shown in FIGS. 11 through 16 .
- the hair volumizing device 10 of this embodiment comprises a single elongated member 18 having a first end 26 , a second end 28 and a center section 60 disposed therebetween.
- the elongated member 18 has a top side 62 , bottom side 64 , forward facing front side 66 and a rearward facing back side (not specifically shown) opposite that of front side 66 .
- elongated member 18 can be manufactured out of a variety of different materials and configurations.
- the elongated member 18 is made out of stiff molded plastic and is formed in a generally arcuate-shaped configuration, as best shown in FIGS.
- molded plastic allows elongated member 18 to be relatively easily (i.e., by an injection molded process) made into different shapes, colors and configurations. Although other materials can be used, it is preferred that the materials be generally lightweight, durable and corrosion resistant.
- the use of the arcuate-shaped configuration allows the elongated member 18 to generally correspond to the shape of the typical user's head so that the hair volumizing device 10 fits more comfortably on the head and is easier to conceal within the user's hair 12 .
- the elongated member 18 can be made out of a bendable material or comprises a bendable component (i.e., a wire embedded in elongated member 18 ) that allows the user 14 to bend, as desired, elongated member 18 so as to correspond to the shape of her head and, therefore, be better concealed in her hair 12 .
- the center section 60 of elongated member 18 can also be provided with one or more openings 34 to reduce its weight, lower the manufacturing/material costs and add aesthetics, such as shown in FIGS. 12 through 15 .
- the size, shape and number of openings 34 in elongated member 18 can be varied as desired by the manufacturer.
- openings 34 can be configured to be completely pass through elongated member 18 or only partially through (i.e., not a complete hole) elongated member 18 .
- elongated member 18 can be solid.
- hair volumizing device 10 Examples of flexible curlers and like devices which are utilized in hair styling are well known in the art. Although some of the components of such devices can be utilized in the hair volumizing device 10 , the present invention is much different than these prior art devices in its configuration, purpose and use. For instance, hair curling devices are utilized in wet hair to impart a curl to the user's hair 12 while it is drying, whereas hair volumizing device 10 is utilized in a section 16 of dry hair 12 to give it the “bump” that is associated with increased hair volume. The hair volumizing device 10 does not curl hair and the hair curling devices do not provide the bump.
- prior art hair curling devices are intended to be left in the hair 12 only long enough to provide a curl when the hair 12 is dry and they do not have the concern with regard to not being seen by others.
- the hair volumizing device 10 is placed in a section 16 of dry hair 12 to give it the bump and then left in the hair 12 for as long as the user 14 wants the bump effect without the device 10 being seen by others.
- the elongated member 18 is shaped and of sufficient size, length and width, to impart the desired bump effect on hair 12 .
- elongated member 18 has a height of approximately three-eighths of an inch to one and one-half inches, a width of one-fourth to three-fourths of an inch and a length of approximately one and three fourths to six inches.
- the cross section of elongated members can be generally rectangular, rectangular with curved sides, circular or various other shapes, including square, oval, triangular and the like, can also be utilized for the elongated member 18 . While smaller dimensions can be used, they are not believed to impart the desired “lift” to the hair 12 to give it the desired appearance of increased volume. Larger diameters of elongated member 18 may be somewhat difficult to conceal in the hair 12 .
- first 26 and second 28 ends are generally tapered towards the outer edges, shown as first edge 68 and second edge 70 thereof, to make it easier for user 14 to hide hair volumizing device 10 in the section 16 of her hair 12 .
- the outer edges 68 and 70 of elongated member 18 are substantially planar at or near the edges 68 and 70 thereof. In one configuration, this results in a duck-bill like shape at the ends 26 / 28 of elongated member 18 .
- both ends 26 and 28 are configured with the same shape. Alternatively, the two ends 26 and 28 can be configured different from each other.
- the present invention also includes a hair engaging mechanism 44 at one or more locations on the elongated member 18 .
- hair engaging mechanism 44 can comprise one or more lengths of textured material 46 placed generally on the top side 62 of elongated member 18 .
- one or more lengths of textured material 46 can also or alternatively to be placed on front side 66 , as shown in FIG. 13 , and/or the back side of elongated member 18 .
- the textured material 46 should be configured to essentially grab onto a portion of the hair 12 so that the hair 12 can be held in place above hair volumizing device 10 to help keep it in hair 12 and hidden from view.
- the textured material 46 can entirely cover the sides of elongated member 18 .
- the textured material 46 can be half of a hook and loop material, commonly known as Velcro®, attached to elongated member or foam or other various materials, including coatings and the like, which will effectively grab the hair 12 so that wind or activity by the user 14 will not cause the hair to move away from the hair volumizing device 10 and expose it to view, thereby reducing one of the main advantages of the present invention.
- Various adhesives, staples or other connecting mechanisms can be utilized to attach the textured material 46 to elongated member 18 .
- hair engaging mechanism 44 can be integral to, such that it is manufactured with, elongated member 18 .
- the hair volumizing device 10 of the present invention can also include a hair extension component 56 that, as well known in the art, can be used to increase the thickness and/or length of the user's hair 12 .
- hair extension component 56 comprises a plurality of hairs 58 , generally much thicker than that shown, that are fixedly connected to elongated member 18 .
- the plurality of hairs 58 can be glued or otherwise secured to elongated member 18 using materials that are well known and readily available in the art.
- device 10 provides an improved hair engaging device for more securely placing a hair extension 56 in the user's hair 12 than the currently available devices for securing such hair extensions 56 .
- the hair volumizing device 10 will be generally shorter in length and have less curvature than those utilized for the top of the user's head.
- the length of device 10 for the side of the head can be one to two inches in length and can have only a slight curvilinear bottom side or be essentially planar.
- the side use devices 10 is otherwise configured essentially the same as described above, such as having the hair engaging mechanism 44 and, if desired, openings 34 and the taper at ends 26 and 28 .
- a hair volumizing device 10 utilizing an improved fastener, identified as 100 is shown in FIGS. 17 through 27 .
- the hair volumizing device 10 having fastener 100 is utilized to grasp the section 16 of hair 12 in which the bump effect is desired.
- FIGS. 17 through 27 specific configurations of a hair volumizing device 10 are shown in FIGS. 17 through 27 , those skilled in the art will understand that the improved fastener 100 can be utilized as a component of a wide variety of different configurations of hair volumizing devices 10 , including those set forth above.
- fastener 100 is also suitable for a wide variety of different uses other than as hair volumizing device 10 .
- fastener 100 is believed to be suitable for use with many different types of products as a substitute or replacement for other connectors, including standard types of connectors such as hook-and-loop connectors (i.e., Velcro®).
- Velcro® hook-and-loop connectors
- one of the primary uses of fastener 100 would be with plastic products that are formed by an injection molding process in which the fastener 100 is jointly molded with the product so as to be integrally formed therewith.
- the fastener 100 of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 17 through 27 as integrally formed with the hair volumizing device 10 .
- fastener 100 is integrally formed with the elongated member 18 .
- the fastener 100 is attached to or formed integrally therewith (the preferred embodiment) a body member, which for purposes of consistency herein, is identified as 18 in FIGS. 17 through 27 .
- body member 18 can take on many different types of configurations depending on the use with which fastener 100 is intended.
- body member 18 can be one or more layers of backing material configured generally similar to that commonly utilized in Velcro® and like products which can be joined to another product to add connecting/disconnecting ability to the product or it can be a component or part of the product itself that is utilizing fastener 100 , such as one of two opposing sides of an article that are to be joined together.
- body member is intended to refer to any component that supports fastener 100 , whether by being attached or connected thereto or formed integrally therewith, so that a fiber product may be joined to fastener 100 in order to hold the fiber product in place or to removably connect to the fiber product.
- Fastener 100 comprises two or more spaced apart engaging rows, such as first row 102 and second row 104 as best shown in FIGS. 21 , 23 and 25 , that each have a plurality of specially configured fiber-engaging members 106 .
- fastener 100 has only the two rows 102 and 104 .
- the two rows 102 / 104 of fiber-engaging members 106 are configured to cooperatively engage a fiber material, such as hair, fibrous materials or materials configured with loops or other hook-engaging elements.
- Each of the fiber-engaging members 106 have an outwardly extending stem 108 and an engaging head 110 , as best shown in FIG. 19 .
- the stem 108 has a first or proximal end 112 that connects to, attaches to or is integral with the outer surface 48 of body member 18 and a second or distally disposed end 114 that is at the outward end, relative to the outer surface 48 of body member 18 , of stem 108 .
- the base of the stem 108 at its first end 112 is wider than the second end 114 to improve the stability of the fiber-engaging member 106 and to improve the engagement of the fiber with fastener 100 .
- the engaging head 110 is positioned at the second end 114 of stem 108 and is configured with a lower edge 116 that, as explained below, defines the fiber-engaging surface 118 which secures the fiber in place in fastener 100 or secures the fastener 100 against the fiber, as may be appropriate depending on the use of fastener 100 .
- the engaging rows 102 and 104 of fastener 100 are in spaced apart relation to define a gap 120 between the rows 102 / 104 .
- gap 120 is sized so as to place first row 102 and second row 104 in nearly adjacent to each other, with a spacing of approximately 1/16th (0.0625) of an inch apart.
- the use of the narrow gap 120 set forth above has been found to advantageously engage the hair 12 of the user 14 to provide the desired bump in the section 16 of hair 12 .
- gap 120 between rows 102 / 104 can be spaced further apart or even much further apart.
- the rows 102 / 104 are spaced approximately 1 ⁇ 2 (0.50) an inch apart.
- a variety of different spacing can be utilized for gap 120 to achieve the desired level of engagement for the particular fiber that will be held by fastener 100 or to which the fastener 100 will attach.
- the fiber is engaged by fastener 100 by being received past the shaped engaging head 110 to the stem 108 , which preferably angles outward from second end 114 to first end 112 , of the fiber-engaging member 106 .
- the relationship between the gap 120 between rows 102 / 104 , the adjacent or side-by-side spacing of the fiber-engaging members 106 and the fiber being received along stem 108 of fiber-engaging member 106 provides the desired engagement of the fiber to the fastener 100 .
- the engaging head 110 has a generally triangular, cone or cone-like shape with a generally planar fiber-engaging surface 118 .
- engaging head 110 facilitates the fiber-engaging member 106 sliding into or past the fiber and the planar fiber-engaging surface 118 prevents the fibers from being easily (e.g., unintentionally) disengaged from fastener 100 .
- Other shapes can also be utilized with fastener 100 of the present invention.
- engaging head 110 can be configured in a generally mushroom shape with a smooth, generally rounded upper end, a half oval shape or even a rounded shape, with the fiber-engaging surface 118 , to achieve the benefits of the present invention.
- the individual fiber-engaging members 106 are spaced sufficiently close together, which will typically depend on the fiber material, that the outer ends of the lower edge 116 of the engaging head 110 of two adjacent fiber-engaging members 106 cooperate together to engage the fiber below their respective fiber-engaging surfaces 118 to hold the fiber in place or to attach the fastener 100 to the fiber.
- the height of the various fiber-engaging members 106 are substantially the same across body member 18 .
- this type of configuration will achieve the desired connection between fastener 100 and the fiber material to which the fastener 100 is intended to securely engage.
- the preferred embodiment of fastener 100 has the vertical height of the first row 102 and second row 104 being different, as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 17 through 23 .
- first row 102 being of a different height than the second row 104 provides improved engagement of the fiber to be held by fastener 100 or which will attach to fastener 100 .
- first row 102 can be of a shorter height than second row 104 .
- a fiber material that is engaged with fastener 100 will have its fibers securely received into the plurality of fiber-engaging members 106 that define the rows 102 / 104 in a manner which facilitates fastener 100 holding the fibers in place or the fastener 100 securely attaching to the fiber material.
- the body member 18 can have two or more rows, such as rows 102 and 104 of fiber-engaging members 106 , across its outer surface 48 .
- the outer surface 48 of body member 18 can be substantially or even completely covered with fiber-engaging members 106 in a spaced apart (i.e., non-row pattern).
- only the upper portion of the body member 18 can have fiber-engaging members 106 thereon, as shown in FIGS. 17 through 23 .
- both the upper and lower portions of the body member 18 can comprise fiber-engaging members 106 , such as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 24 through 27 .
- the entire outer surface 48 of body member 18 can be covered by a plurality of fiber-engaging members 106 to provide a fastener 100 that can engage or be engaged by a fiber material on all sides.
- fastener 100 of the present invention is utilized on the outer surface 48 of the body member 18 of a hair volumizing device 10 that is used to add a “bump” effect to a section 16 of hair 12 .
- fastener 100 is integrally formed with body member 18 , such as being made out of plastic by an injection molded process, to reduce the cost of manufacturing the fastener 100 and the product (i.e., hair volumizing device 10 ) with which it is utilized.
- the device 10 When used with hair volumizing device 10 , having the curvilinear-shaped bottom side 64 that is intended to be placed along the user's head, the device 10 is placed in the section 16 of hair 12 (as the fiber material) of the user 14 where the bump is desired in a manner such that hair fibers are forced between pairs of adjacent fiber-engaging members 106 to secure the hair fibers therein and the hair volumizing device 10 in the hair 12 .
- the fastener 100 can be utilized to grasp the hair 12 from fiber-engaging members 106 on the bottom side 64 and top side 62 , such as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 24 through 27 , or just top side 62 , as shown in FIGS. 17 through 23 .
- the hair volumizing device 10 of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 30 through 36 .
- This embodiment provides an alternative configuration that addresses various limitations of the previously described embodiments of hair volumizing device 10 . Specifically, in some uses the previously described embodiments may be too tall and provide a bump that is too high, the fastener 100 or other hair engaging mechanism 44 may show through the section of hair 16 , particularly with regard to persons having fine hair 12 , not work well with persons having short hair 12 , and for some persons the hair volumizing device 10 may have trouble staying in the user's hair 12 .
- the hair volumizing device 10 of the present invention solves these problems by, as described in further detail below, having less length and height (i.e., lower profile), eliminating the fiber-engaging members 106 and having a hair securing mechanism that secures the hair volumizing device 10 to the user's hair 12 .
- the hair volumizing device 10 of the present invention generally comprises a body member 18 and a securing mechanism 150 associated therewith for securing the hair volumizing device 10 in a section 16 of the user's hair 12 in a manner that provides the user 14 with the appearance of increased volume, due to bump 140 , at section 16 of hair 12 .
- the embodiment of the present invention is sized and configured so as to not be seen by others, thereby allowing the user to have the effect of a salon-provided volumizing treatment without having to go to the salon and pay someone to work with her hair.
- the body member 18 has a first end 26 , second end 28 , top side 62 , bottom side 64 , front side 66 and back side 152 .
- the distance between the first end 26 and second end 28 is defined as length L
- the distance between the top side 62 and bottom side 64 is defined as height H
- the distance between the front side 66 and back side 152 is defined as width W.
- the hair volumizing device 10 of the present invention is primarily configured for use at the crown and sides of the head of user 14 . As such, the body member 18 should be dimensioned to provide the desired bump from increased volume at the relevant section(s) 16 of hair 12 .
- the length L of body member 18 will be controlled by the section 16 of hair 12 at which the increase in volume is desired. As shown in the figures, preferably the bottom side 64 of body member 18 is generally planar (except for securing mechanism 150 ), in contrast to the curvilinear embodiments described above. As such, the length L of body member 18 will preferably be in the range of 0.75 to 3.0 inches. In general, a shorter length L is limited by the user's ability to manipulate the securing mechanism 150 and a longer length L is limited by the curvature of the user's head and the need to keep hair volumizing device 10 hidden from view.
- the width W of body member 18 will typically range between 0.10 to 0.70 inches. In general, the width W for body member 18 is limited by the bump 140 desired from hair volumizing device 10 and the need to keep hair volumizing device 10 hidden from view.
- the height H of body member 18 should be sufficient to provide the desired amount of volumizing effect or bump 140 without being noticeable outside the user's hair 16 . In a preferred embodiment, the height H of body member 18 is between 0.25 and 0.75 inches. Alternatively, the body member 18 can have a height H of up to 1.50 inches.
- the body member 18 is elongated and has a generally rectangular, oval, triangular (such as shown in FIGS. 32 and 33 ) or the like shape.
- Body member 18 can be made out of a wide variety of materials, including plastic, foam, fiberglass, composites, metal or wood.
- at least the surface of top side 62 , front side 66 and back side 152 are configured to help hold the hair 12 in place around hair volumizing device 10 .
- the ends 26 / 28 are also configured to hold the hair 12 in place.
- the material for body member 18 is selected so that it will at least partially engage the hair 16 when in use in section 16 of hair 12 to hold the hair 12 in place generally above hair volumizing device 10 .
- Various cushy or minimally “sticky” plastics, foams and like materials may be suitable for body member 18 .
- a hair engaging mechanism 44 is utilized on the body member 18 to help hold hair 12 in place.
- the hair engaging mechanism 44 is a textured material 46 , shown in FIG. 35 , that covers or substantially covers the top side 62 , front side 66 , back side body 152 and ends 26 / 28 (and, if utilized, the sides at ends 26 / 28 ) of body member 18 .
- the textured material 46 can only partially, as described with the embodiments above, cover the top side 62 , front side 66 and back side 152 of body member 18 .
- body member 18 is manufactured out of generally rigid foam or plastic that is substantially covered or coated with a textured material 46 that helps hold the hair 12 at section 16 in place over the hair volumizing device 10 to keep it hidden from view.
- the textured material 46 is a velvet or velvet-like material. As set forth above, a variety of other materials are likely to be useful for textured material 46 .
- Body member 18 and/or the hair engaging mechanism 44 can be modified as desired to achieve additional objectives.
- the body member 18 or the textured material 46 covering body member 18 is provided in a variety of different tints or shades of color that can generally match the color of the user's hair 12 to even better hide the hair volumizing device 10 in and under the hair 12 .
- the body member 18 or the textured material 46 can be provided in different shades of blonde, brown, black and red that are considered to most closely match the hair color of the likely user 14 of hair volumizing device 10 .
- body member 18 and the material for body member 18 or textured material 46 are chosen to fit under the hair 12 and at least moderately engage the hair 12 , it will generally not be necessary to exactly match the user's hair color. If desired, body member 18 and textured material 12 (if utilized) can be provided with openings 34 completely or partially therethrough to reduce the weight of hair volumizing device 10 worn by user 14 and the cost of manufacturing hair volumizing device 10 .
- the securing mechanism 150 is associated with body member 10 and configured to securely attach hair volumizing device 10 in the section 16 of the user's hair 12 where the volumizing effect or bump 140 is desired.
- the securing mechanism 150 is positioned at one or more of the sides of body member 18 .
- the securing mechanism 150 is positioned at the bottom side 64 , where it can be utilized to grasp the hair and best be hidden from view to others.
- the selected securing mechanism 150 should be suitable for use with body member 18 to secure hair volumizing device 10 in hair 12 , configured so as to be easily hidden in the user's hair 12 , easy for the user 14 to manipulate in and out of her hair 12 and relatively inexpensive to manufacture.
- the securing mechanism 150 should be manufactured out of a material or coated, covered or otherwise protected such that it is suitable for use in the hair 12 .
- the securing mechanism 150 is based on or comprises the prior art barrette 154 shown in FIGS. 28 and 29 .
- this barrette 154 has a slotted upper member 156 that receives part of the lower member 158 in the slot 160 with a portion of the user's hair 12 between the upper member 156 and lower member 158 in a manner that secures the barrette 154 to the hair 12 .
- a first end 162 of the lower member 158 is fixedly attached near the first end 164 of the upper member 156 in a manner that allows lower member 158 to bend or flex relative to the upper member 156 .
- the upper member 156 When the lower member 158 is flexed into the slot 160 , with some of the hair 12 between the members 156 / 158 when in use, the upper member 156 is bent or flexed in the direction of lower member 158 to place the two members 156 / 158 in abutting relationship at the second end 166 of lower member 158 and the second end 168 of upper member 156 , thereby locking a portion of the user's hair 12 therebetween and securing the barrette 154 in the hair 12 .
- the prior art barrette 154 is worn with the upper member 156 on the outside of the hair 12 and being visible when looking at the user 14 .
- barrette 154 is utilized, in a modified form, as the securing mechanism 150 to secure the body member 18 in the user's hair 12 .
- the securing mechanism 150 is configured by attaching the upper member 156 to the bottom side 54 of the body member 18 , leaving the bottom member 158 to flex between the open position 24 of FIGS. 31 , 32 , 33 , 35 and 36 and the closed position 22 of FIG. 34 .
- the upper member 156 is attached to the bottom side 64 in a variety of different ways, including utilizing adhesives, sonic welding, standard welding, use of connectors and the like attachment mechanisms.
- upper member 156 can be attached during the molding process for body member 18 or made integral with body member 18 .
- the upper member 156 is eliminated and the lower member 158 is attached to directly to the body member 18 and configured to closingly engage a specially configured bottom side 64 of body member 18 .
- the lower member 158 is flexed into engagement with the bottom edges 170 of bottom side 64 to close the securing mechanism 150 around a portion of the user's hair 12 (when in use).
- a cavity 172 or like area is provided at the bottom side 64 of body member 18 to provide room for the notched portion 174 of lower member 158 .
- the securing mechanism 150 is configured to be placed in the open position 24 to place hair volumizing device 10 in the hair 12 or remove it from the hair 12 and be placed in the closed position 22 to secure the device 10 to the hair 12 .
- the preferred securing mechanism 150 and body member 18 of hair volumizing device 10 are configured to be flexed in order to move the lower member 158 of securing mechanism 150 between its open 24 and closed 22 positions.
- the securing mechanism 150 of hair volumizing device 10 will securely grasp a portion of the user's hair 12 between the lower member 158 and the upper member 156 or side edges 170 at the lower side 64 .
- the securing mechanism 150 is at the bottom side 64 of the body member 18 .
- the securing mechanism 150 can be placed at the top side 62 , front side 66 , back side 152 or, if configured accordingly, the ends 26 / 28 .
- the bottom side 64 of body member 18 is preferred because it will generally be easier to hide the hair volumizing device 10 in the hair 12 with the securing mechanism 150 at the bottom side 64 .
- securing mechanism 150 is shown in the figures using the features of barrette 154 , those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various other securing mechanisms, some of which are well known in the art and utilized on other barrettes or hair clips, can be modified to be useful for hair volumizing device 10 of the present invention.
- the primary requirements for securing mechanism 150 is that it be suitable for use with body member 18 , effective at securing device 10 in the hair 12 , easy to open and close for placement in or removal from hair 12 and, preferably, relatively inexpensive to manufacture.
- the hair volumizing device 10 of the present invention can also include a hair extension component 56 that, as well known in the art, can be used to increase the thickness and/or length of the user's hair 12 .
- hair extension component 56 comprises a plurality of hairs 58 , generally much thicker than that shown, that are fixedly connected to elongated member 18 .
- the plurality of hairs 58 can be glued or otherwise secured to body member 18 using materials that are well known and readily available in the art.
- the hair volumizing device 10 provides an improved device for more securely placing a hair extension 56 in the user's hair 12 than the currently available devices for securing such hair extensions 56 .
- hair volumizing device 10 of the present invention is placed in the section 16 of hair 12 where user 14 desires to have the volumizing effect or bump 140 .
- the user 14 selects a hair volumizing device having body member 18 and securing mechanism 150 that will provide the desired bump 140 in the section 16 of hair 12 and then directs the hair volumizing device 10 into that section 16 of her hair 12 and moves the hair 12 around to place the securing mechanism 150 into position to secure the hair volumizing device 10 to the hair 12 .
- the user 14 places securing mechanism 150 in its open position 24 , positions the hair volumizing device 10 in the section 16 of hair 12 where the volumizing effect or bump 140 is desired, closes the securing mechanism 150 around a portion of the hair 12 in that section 16 at or near the roots of the hair 12 and then teases or otherwise manipulates hair 12 to cover the hair volumizing device 10 .
- the user 14 then wears hair volumizing device 10 in her hair 12 for as long as she desires to have the volumizing effect or bump 140 and give the appearance of increased hair volume for her hair 12 .
- the user 14 When the volumizing effect or bump 140 is no longer desired, the user 14 simply reaches into the section 16 of hair 12 and removes the hair volumizing device 10 from her hair 12 by placing the securing mechanism 150 in its open position 24 and pulling hair volumizing device 10 from hair 12 .
Landscapes
- Hair Curling (AREA)
Abstract
A hair volumizing device for creating the appearance of added volume to the user's hair and which is worn under a section of the hair so it cannot be seen by others. The hair volumizing device of the present invention provides a “bump” in the hair that is a desired style by many. The hair volumizing device comprises a body member and a securing mechanism to secure the body member to the hair. The body member has a first end, a second end and one or more sides and is made from or covered with a material that helps keep the user's hair in place over the hair volumizing device. In the preferred embodiment, the securing mechanism is attached to or made integral with the bottom side of the body member. A preferred securing mechanism is configured and utilized in a manner similar to commonly available barrettes.
Description
- This patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/074,547 filed Mar. 4, 2008, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/904,953 filed Sep. 27, 2007, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/888,205 filed Jul. 30, 2007.
- A. Field of the Invention
- The field of the present invention relates generally to hair styling devices configured to be worn in the user's hair in order to affect the appearance of the hair. More particularly, the present invention relates to such hair styling devices which give the user's hair the appearance of greater volume. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to hair volumizing devices that are adapted to be worn in the hair without being seen.
- B. Background
- A wide variety of devices are available for styling hair to obtain a certain type of look and enhance the beauty of the hair and, as a result, the person. Many of the available devices are utilized by the person or by his or her hair stylist, including curling irons, rollers, blow dryers and hair clamps, to impart a particular style to the hair. Unfortunately, many of the most desirable hair styling effects are not easy for most men or women to accomplish themselves, thereby requiring a visit to a hair stylist to achieve the desired look. Even if the person is able to accomplish the hair style him or herself, many of the hair styles require a relatively significant amount of time and effort to achieve. Although much effort, and in many circumstances money, may be put into obtaining the desired hair style, the styling work is usually only temporary, lasting until the next hair wash or exposure to wind, rain or other weather elements. As a result, many people only have the hair style they desire on a relatively infrequent basis.
- To counter the difficulty and generally temporary nature of many hair styles, a number of barrettes, hair clips and other styling tools are available. A number of these hair clips have hair engaging members that are configured to grasp a portion of the hair to effect a particular look to the hair. An example of a barrette which has been in use for many years is shown in
FIGS. 28 and 29 . The barrette has a slotted upper member that receives a portion of the lower member in the slot with a portion of the user's hair between the upper and lower members in a manner that secures the barrette to the hair. As well known, one end of the lower member is fixedly attached near one end of the upper member in a manner that allows the lower member to flex relative to the upper member. When the lower member is flexed into the slot, typically with hair between the members when in use, the upper member is bent in the direction of the lower member to place the two members in abutting relationship at the end opposite where they are attached, locking a portion of the user's hair therebetween and securing the barrette in the hair. The barrette is worn with the upper member being generally visible when looking at the user. Examples of other barrettes and hair clips are set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,441,061 to Jordan, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,988,184 to Shu, 5,881,741 to Chen, U.S. Pat. No. 5,842,485 to Potut and U.S. Pat. No. 6,619,296 to Potut. A common feature of these hair clips and many others like them is that they grab onto a portion of the person's hair and are worn with a significant portion of the clips worn on the outside of the hair, meaning that they are visible to others. In fact, many of these types of hair clips are intended to be seen. As a result, some of the clips utilize decorative features, such as ribbons, flower-shaped elements and the like, to substantially cover the hair clip as it is worn in the user's hair. Some of these hair clips and other styling tools, as an example U.S. Pat. No. 5,036,870 to Edmark, are utilized to effectuate a particular hair style or effect to the user's hair (i.e., an inverted hair tail). - A number of hair styling combs or picks are available to manipulate a person's hair to achieve a desired look. An example of one such hair pick is set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 7,231,925 to Wall. This patent discloses a base member having a plurality of teeth extending therefrom. The base member is configured to allow the user to flex the pick in a manner that orients the teeth in either a converging closed position or a diverging open position for pulling the pick through the hair to effect a desired combing, untangling, holding and spraying of the hair. Another example of such a hair comb or pick is set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,129 to Olson, which describes a device for teasing the hair to provide more volume with less tangling and knotting. This device has a handle from which a plurality of teeth extend from at different lengths (i.e., short, medium and long tooth lengths). As with many other such hair combs or picks, these devices are intended to be used to manipulate the hair during the styling process and are not intended to be left in the hair.
- One desirable hair treatment or style is to manipulate the hair so as to appear to increase the volume of a person's hair. In particular, many women desire to have hair that is full of volume so as to achieve a look that is commonly referred to as the “big hair” appearance. Generally, achieving this look requires the hair to be teased or bumped, as may be accomplished by the device of Olson above, and then finished to hold in place. Most women have much difficulty in obtaining this look on their own and, as a result, must go to a hair stylist to obtain the desired volumizing of their hair. Several known hair styling devices or clips are intended for providing the appearance of increased volume in the hair. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,778,905 to Adam discloses a volume hairpin that comprises a support member which protrudes from the side of one of the legs of the hairpin. Hair flows between the upper and lower legs of the hairpin and then over the support member, which raises the hair to give it the appearance of increased volume. As with other hairpins, a portion of this hairpin is outside of the hair and, as a result, generally visible. U.S. Pat. No. 7,004,179 to Lunde describes a hair styling article for providing increased volume to a switch of hair. This article comprises a base and a plurality of outwardly extending, arcuate-shaped members that hold the switch of hair in place in a flared-out fashion in a ponytail configuration. U.S. Pat. No. 6,209,549 to Lunde describes a hair root volumizing clip having a pair of arms that are each connected to tabs that are squeezed together to open the hair clip. Hook fibers are applied to the interior faces of the arms to apply tension to the hair. The hair clip is only intended to be in the person's hair while the stylist is styling the hair in a manner to provide the appearance of increased volume. The clip is removed once the styling activity is completed.
- Although there are numerous hair styling devices available, what is needed is an improved hair styling device that is specially configured to be worn in the hair to provide the appearance of increased volume. The preferred hair volumizing device should be configured to be substantially or completely hidden in the person's hair so that the device is not visible to others while providing the desired volumizing effect. Preferably, the hair volumizing device will be easy for the user to correctly place in her hair so that she may quickly obtain the desired appearance of an increase in hair volume without having to go to a hair stylist or other hair care professional. The preferred hair volumizing device should be configured and made out of materials such that the device is relatively inexpensive to manufacture.
- The improved hair volumizing device of the present invention solves the problems and provides the benefits identified above. That is to say, the present invention discloses a hair volumizing device which is worn in the hair and useful for providing the appearance of increased volume in the user's hair. The hair volumizing device of the present invention is an easy to use device that can be placed by the user in her own hair and then worn under the hair to provide the appearance of increased volume without the device being seen by others. The present hair volumizing device is adapted to securely engage a portion of the user's hair just above the scalp and raise/bump the hair up to give the user the appearance of increased hair volume without the user having to schedule an appointment with a hairstylist or having to tease the hair herself to have the desired bump. In a preferred embodiment, the hair volumizing device of the present invention is made out of components and materials that results in a relatively inexpensively manufactured hair styling device.
- In one embodiment of the present invention, the hair volumizing device comprises a plurality of elongated members, each having a first end and a second end, that are disposed generally in a side-by-side relation and a flexing mechanism disposed generally at the first ends of the elongated members. The elongated members comprise at least a forward member and a rearward member. The flexing mechanism, which can comprise a spring disposed between the first ends of the elongated members, is configured to flex the elongated members from a closed position to an open position. In the closed position at least the second ends, but preferably the entire length, of adjoining members are in abutting relation. In the open position the adjoining members are in spaced apart relation. The flexing mechanism is configured to bias the elongated members in the closed position, requiring the user to operate the flexing mechanism to place the device in the open position. In the preferred configuration of this embodiment, the user squeezes the device at or near the first ends of the elongated members. In another configuration of this embodiment, the elongated members are configured in pairs of members, each having a first and second elongated member, and the flexing mechanism biases the first and second elongated members together in the closed position and is operated to spread them apart in the open position. In either configuration, the hair volumizing device is sized and configured to be received in a section of hair of the user and worn by the user such that the hair volumizing device is substantially covered by the section of hair so as to appear to add volume to the section of hair without the hair volumizing device being seen.
- The elongated members can be molded out of plastic in a fixed arcuate-shaped configuration or they can be made out of a bendable material that allows the user to bend the elongated members to the desired arcuate shape. The hair volumizing device can include a hair engaging mechanism, such as a textured material or the like, at an outer face of the forward member to help keep the hair in place over the device. The hair volumizing device can also include a gripping mechanism disposed on at least one of an inward face of an elongated member, the side facing the cooperatively opposing member, that is configured to more securely grip the hair so as to better prevent the device from unintentionally dislodging from the hair. The hair volumizing device can also be configured with a hair extension component comprising hair that is glued or otherwise attached to the one or more of the elongated members to increase the quantity of the user's hair.
- In another embodiment of the present invention, the hair volumizing device comprises a single elongated member having a center section, a first end and a second end, with the elongated member being sized and configured to be received in a section of hair of the user and worn by the user such that the hair volumizing device is substantially covered by the section of hair so as to appear to add volume to the section of hair without the hair volumizing device being seen. Preferably, the elongated member is generally tapered toward the ends such that the first and second ends are substantially planar at and near the edges thereof. The center section can comprise one or more openings therein to improve the look, reduce the weight and lower the manufacturing cost of the hair volumizing device. In one configuration, the elongated member is molded out of plastic, such as by an injection molded process, in a fixed arcuate-shaped that generally matches or conforms to the curved shape of a user's head. In another configuration, the elongated member is made out of a bendable material that allows the user to bend the elongated member into an arcuate shape that generally matches or conforms to the curvature of their head. With either configuration, the hair volumizing device of this embodiment includes one or more hair engaging mechanisms, such as Velcro or other textured material, on one or more sides or outer surfaces of the elongated member to help keep the hair in place over the hair volumizing device. If desired, the hair volumizing device of this embodiment can also be configured with a hair extension component comprising hair that is glued or otherwise attached to the elongated member to increase the quantity of the user's hair.
- In another embodiment, the hair volumizing device utilizes a specially configured fastener, comprising a plurality of fiber-engaging members on the body member of the device, to securely anchor the hair in place about the body member to provide the desired hidden bump effect for the person's hair. In this embodiment, each fiber-engaging member has a stem and an engaging head. The stem is configured with a first end located at the outer surface of the body member and a second end that is outwardly disposed from the outer surface. The engaging head is positioned at the second end of the stem and configured with a fiber-engaging surface that is in spaced apart relation to the outer surface of the body member. In a preferred embodiment, the engaging head is generally triangular or cone shaped and the fiber-engaging surface is generally planar. The fiber-engaging members can be spaced across the outer surface in a non-row pattern. Preferably, the fiber-engaging members are disposed in two or more rows comprising at least a first row and a second row that are spaced apart to define a gap therebetween. In one embodiment, the gap is 1/16th of an inch. Preferably, the height of the fiber-engaging members in the first row is different, meaning either lower or higher, than the height of the fiber-engaging members in the second row. The fiber-engaging members can be integrally formed with the body member to reduce the cost of manufacturing the fastener or the product with which it is used. The fiber-engaging members and body member can be made out of plastic by an injection molded process.
- In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hair volumizing device comprises a body member and a hair securing mechanism associated with the body member to secure the hair volumizing device in a section of hair to provide the appearance of an increase in volume. The body member has a first end and a second end and is sized and configured to be received in a section of hair of the user and worn by the user such that the hair volumizing device is covered by the section of hair so as to appear to add volume to the section of hair without the hair volumizing device being seen. The body member of the present embodiment is sized to be somewhat shorter in length than prior hair volumizing devices to better hide the device with a height and width sufficient to provide the desired bump effect. The hair securing mechanism is provided on one or more sides of the body member, preferably the bottom side, to secure the device to the user's hair in a manner which keeps the user's hair over the device so it cannot be seen by others while providing the desired bump appearance. In one embodiment, the hair securing mechanism is configured in a manner similar to commonly available barrettes, having a lower member that this flexed up into or against the bottom side of the body member in a manner which securely traps a portion of the user's hair to secure the device in the hair. In use, the hair volumizing device is clipped into the section of hair near the roots of the clipped hair and then the hair is teased over the body member to cover hit so it is not seen and the user is provided with the desired bump. The body member can be made out of plastic, foam, rubber, metal, wood or a variety of other materials. In a preferred embodiment, the body member made out of foam and covered with a grippable cover material, such as velvet or a velvet-like material, to better hide the device in the hair. Preferably, the body member and/or the grippable cover material are provided in colors which will be able to closely match the color of the user's hair to better hide the device in the user's hair. The body member can be provided in a variety of different lengths, widths and heights.
- Accordingly, the primary objective of the present invention is to provide a hair volumizing device that provides the advantages discussed above and overcomes the disadvantages and limitations associated with presently available hair volumizing devices.
- It is also an important object of the present invention to provide a hair volumizing device that is configured to be worn in the user's hair to create the appearance of increased hair volume without the device being visible.
- It is also an object of the present invention to provide a hair volumizing device that is relatively easy for the person to use so she may place the device in her hair herself to create the appearance of greater hair volume.
- It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a hair volumizing device comprising a body member having a hair securing mechanism associated therewith, such as integral with or attached to the bottom side of the body member, to securely attach the hair volumizing device in the user's hair with the body member being sized and configured to provide the desired appearance of greater hair volume.
- It is also an object of the present invention to provide a hair volumizing device that can incorporate a hair extension component to increase the quantity of the user's hair.
- It is also an object of the present invention to provide a hair volumizing device that can be made of components and materials which result in a relatively inexpensive device for creating the appearance of increased volume in the user's hair.
- The above and other objectives of the present invention will be explained in greater detail by reference to the attached figures and the description of the preferred embodiment which follows. As set forth herein, the present invention resides in the novel features of form, construction, mode of operation and combination of processes presently described and understood by the claims.
- In the drawings which illustrate the preferred embodiments and the best modes presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention:
-
FIG. 1 is a front view of a woman utilizing a hair volumizing device, shown in hidden lines, configured according to one embodiment of the present invention to create the appearance of increased hair volume; -
FIG. 2 is a top side perspective view of a hair volumizing device configured according to one embodiment of the present invention shown in its open position; -
FIG. 3 a top right end perspective view of the hair volumizing device ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is a top view of the hair volumizing device ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 5 is a top view of the hair volumizing device ofFIG. 2 shown in its closed position; -
FIG. 6 is an end view of the left end of the hair volumizing device ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 7 is a front side view of the hair volumizing device ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the hair volumizing device shown in its closed position; -
FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the hair volumizing device shown in its closed position; -
FIG. 10 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the hair volumizing device having a hair extension component included therewith; -
FIG. 11 is a front view of a woman utilizing a hair volumizing device configured according to another alternative embodiment, shown in hidden lines, to create the appearance of increased hair volume; -
FIG. 12 is a front view of the hair volumizing device ofFIG. 11 shown with a hair engaging mechanism on the top side thereof; -
FIG. 13 is a front view of the hair volumizing device ofFIG. 12 shown with hair engaging mechanisms on the top and front sides thereof; -
FIG. 14 is a front view of the hair volumizing device ofFIG. 11 shown without the hair engaging mechanisms; -
FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of the hair volumizing device ofFIG. 14 ; -
FIG. 16 is a top view of the hair volumizing device ofFIG. 14 ; -
FIG. 17 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a hair volumizing device configured with a fastener having a plurality of fiber-engaging members on the top side of the body member; -
FIG. 18 is an enlarged, isolated side view of a portion of the hair volumizing device ofFIG. 17 showing the preferred embodiment of the fastener; -
FIG. 19 is an enlarged, isolated side view of a fiber-engaging member utilized with the preferred configuration for the fastener; -
FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the hair volumizing device ofFIG. 17 showing two rows of fiber-engaging members; -
FIG. 21 is an enlarged, isolated top plan view of a portion of the hair volumizing device ofFIG. 20 ; -
FIG. 22 is an end perspective view of the hair volumizing device ofFIG. 17 ; -
FIG. 23 is an end view of the hair volumizing device ofFIG. 17 particularly showing the two rows of fiber-engaging members; -
FIG. 24 is a side view of a hair volumizing device utilizing an alternative configuration of the fastener; -
FIG. 25 is a top plan view of the hair volumizing device ofFIG. 24 showing the two rows of fiber-engaging members; -
FIG. 26 is an enlarged, isolated side view of the hair volumizing device ofFIG. 24 ; -
FIG. 27 is an end perspective view of the hair volumizing device ofFIG. 24 particularly showing the two rows of fiber-engaging members; -
FIG. 28 is a top view of a prior art barrette shown in its closed position; -
FIG. 29 is a side view of the prior art barrette ofFIG. 28 shown in its open position; -
FIG. 30 is a front view of a woman utilizing a hair volumizing device configured according to another alternative embodiment, shown in hidden lines, to create a bump and the appearance of increased hair volume; -
FIG. 31 is a side view of the hair volumizing device ofFIG. 30 shown in its open position; -
FIG. 32 is a back perspective view of the hair volumizing device ofFIG. 31 ; -
FIG. 33 is a bottom perspective view of the hair volumizing device ofFIG. 31 ; -
FIG. 34 is a side view of the hair volumizing device ofFIG. 31 shown in its closed position; -
FIG. 35 is a side view of the hair volumizing device ofFIG. 31 shown with a textured material on the body member; and -
FIG. 36 is a bottom perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the hair volumizing device ofFIG. 31 shown using the bottom surface of the body member as part of the closure mechanism. - With reference to the figures where like elements have been given like numerical designations to facilitate the reader's understanding of the present invention, the preferred embodiments of the present invention are set forth below. The enclosed figures and drawings are merely illustrative of a preferred embodiment and represent several different ways of configuring the present invention. Although specific components, materials, configurations and uses are illustrated, it should be understood that a number of variations to the components and to the configuration of those components described herein and in the accompanying figures can be made without changing the scope and function of the invention set forth herein. For instance, although the figures and description provided herein are primarily directed to a hair volumizing device having generally rectangular or round members, those skilled in the art will readily understand that this is shown merely for purposes of simplifying the present disclosure and that the present invention is not so limited.
- A hair volumizing device that is manufactured out of the components and configured pursuant to the preferred embodiments of the present invention is shown generally as 10 in the various figures. As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 11 ,hair volumizing device 10 is preferably and beneficially worn in thehair 12 ofuser 14 to create the appearance of increased hair volume. In the preferred configuration and use ofhair volumizing device 10, it is hidden in thehair 12 so that others cannot readily see thatuser 12 is utilizinghair volumizing device 10 to increase the volume of herhair 12. InFIGS. 1 , 11 and 30,hair volumizing device 10 is shown in use in a section of the user's hair, shown generally as 16, at or near the top of her head to provide the appearance of increased hair volume at that location. As discussed below, an embodiment ofhair volumizing device 10 can be utilized at or near the side of her head to provide the appearance of increases hair volume at that location. In the preferred use of the present invention,hair volumizing device 10 is received in thesection 16 ofhair 12 such that it is substantially covered by thesection 16 ofhair 12 so that it is unseen by others, who will only notice that theuser 14 appears to have increased volume at that location. As set forth above, typically the appearance of increased volume ofhair 12 requires preparation by the user or the cost and effort to have a stylist prepare thehair 12. - In the embodiment of
hair volumizing device 10 shown inFIGS. 1 through 10 , thehair volumizing device 10 comprises a plurality ofelongated members 18 that are disposed in a generally side-by-side relation, as shown inFIGS. 2 through 10 , and aflexing mechanism 20 configured to flex theelongated members 18 from their normally closed position, shown as 22 inFIG. 5 , to their open position, shown as 24 inFIGS. 2 through 4 . Each of theelongated members 18 have afirst end 26, which is generally proximal to where theuser 14 holds and operatesdevice 10, and asecond end 28 that is at the distal end ofelongated members 18. The plurality ofelongated members 18 comprises at least aforward member 30 that is generally in the direction of the user's face when used at the top of the head or generally in the direction of the ground when used on the side of the head.Rearward member 32 is generally facing in the direction opposite theforward member 30, as best shown inFIGS. 4 and 5 . As explained in more detail below, flexingmechanism 20 is preferably disposed at or near thefirst end 26 of theelongated members 18. - For use to create the appearance of increased volume in the
hair 12 ofuser 14, theelongated members 18 should be shaped and of sufficient size, length and width, to impart the desired effect on thehair 12. In one embodiment, such as that shown inFIGS. 2 through 7 ,elongated members 18 are generally rectangular shaped having a height of approximately three-fourths of an inch to two inches and a width of one-eighth to one-fourth of an inch and approximately four to six inches in length. In another embodiment, such as that shown inFIG. 8 ,elongated members 18 are generally circular shaped having a diameter of approximately three-fourths of an inch to two inches and a length of four to six inches. Various other cross-sectional shapes, including square, oval, triangular and the like, can also be utilized for theelongated members 18. While smaller dimensions can be used, they are not believed to impart the desired “lift” to thehair 12 to give it the desired appearance of increased volume. Larger diameters ofelongated members 18 may be somewhat difficult to conceal in thehair 12. If desired, the variouselongated members 18 can have different configurations and sizes. For instance, the inner elongated members (i.e., those between the forward 30 and rearward members 32) can have a larger diameter or other dimension to provide a more graduated bump for thehair 12. Likewise, differentelongated members 18 may have different cross-sectional shapes. -
Elongated members 18 can be manufactured out of a variety of different materials and configurations. In a preferred embodiment,elongated members 18 are made out of stiff molded plastic and in a generally arcuate-shaped configuration, as shown inFIGS. 2 through 7 . As well known in the art, molded plastic allows the elongated members to be relatively easily made into different shapes, colors and configurations. Although other materials can be used, it is preferred that the materials be generally lightweight, durable and corrosion resistant. The use of an arcuate-shaped configuration allows theelongated members 18 to generally correspond to the shape of the typical user's head so that thehair volumizing device 10 fits more comfortably on the head and is easier to conceal within the user'shair 12. Alternatively, elongatedmembers 18 can be made out of a bendable material that allows theuser 14 to bend theelongated members 18 to more closely correspond to the shape of her head and, therefore, be better concealed in herhair 12. Examples of flexible curlers and like devices which are utilized in hair styling are well known in the art.Elongated members 18 can be provided withopenings 34 to reduce their weight and add aesthetics, such as shown inFIGS. 2 through 7 , or they can be solid as shown inFIG. 8 . - In a preferred configuration of this embodiment, shown in
FIGS. 2 through 7 ,hair volumizing device 10 comprises one or more, preferably a plurality of, pairs of members (shown as 36) that each comprise a firstelongated member 38 and a secondelongated member 40. As best shown inFIG. 5 , first 38 and second 40elongated members 18 are in a cooperative arrangement such that, in theclosed position 22, at least the second ends 28, but preferably the entire length, thereof are generally in abutting relation to engage a portion of the section ofhair 16 therebetween so thathair volumizing device 10 will be secured inhair 12. Although it may not be necessary for the entire length of two adjacentelongated members 18 to be in abutting relation, the abutting contact must be adequate to sufficiently engage the section ofhair 16 so thathair volumizing device 10 is not easily dislodged (unintentionally) fromhair 12. As shown, the various separate pairs ofmembers 36 can be spaced apart from each other to provide a wider scope for the volumizing effect. Alternatively, the flexing mechanism can be configured such that the various pairs ofmembers 36 are also in abutting relation whenhair volumizing device 10 is in the closed position. As best shown inFIGS. 4 and 5 , adjoining pairs ofmembers 36 are joined by one or morepair connecting pins 37 or like device that pivotally connects thepairs 36 together (i.e., the first end of secondelongated member 40 of a forward pair pivotally connected to the first end of the firstelongated member 38 of the rearwardly adjacent pair) and aspring wire 41 that pulls thepairs 36 generally together. - In another configuration of this embodiment, shown in
FIG. 8 ,hair volumizing device 10 comprises a plurality of singleelongated members 18 with the adjacentelongated members 18 in abutting relation whendevice 10 is in theclosed position 22. For either of the embodiments, theflexing mechanism 20 is configured to move the second ends 28 of first 38 and second 40 elongated members to a spaced apart relation, the open position 24 (as best shown inFIGS. 2 through 4 ), so theuser 14 may more easily placehair volumizing device 10 in thehair 12 to obtain the desired volumizing effect and remove it therefrom when the effect is no longer desired. - Flexing
mechanism 20 is configured to bias the pairs of members 36 (FIG. 2 ) or the elongated members 18 (FIG. 8 ) together in theclosed position 22 such that the user must operate flexingmechanism 20 to move the pairs ofmembers 36 or elongatedmembers 18 to theopen position 24. In this manner, the default closedposition 22 will securehair volumizing device 10 in thehair 12 of theuser 14. Flexingmechanism 20 should be configured to be easy to operate so theuser 14 can put it in herhair 12 without much difficulty. In a preferred configuration, flexingmechanism 20 can be moved to its open position with only one hand of theuser 14 so that the user's other hand may be free to manipulate thehair 12 as necessary or desired to placehair volumizing device 10 therein. In one embodiment, flexingmechanism 20 may comprise a handle type of configuration such as those utilized with many of the prior art hair clips known in the art (i.e., as described above). In a preferred configuration, flexingmechanism 20 comprises aspring 42 disposed between each of theelongated members 18 with aspring support pin 43 supportingspring 42 and connecting the adjacent elongated members, as best shown inFIGS. 4 through 6 . The placement and/or configuration ofsprings 42 should be selected such that theuser 14 can grasp the first ends 26 of theforward member 30 andrearward member 32 between her fingers and squeeze so as to movehair volumizing device 10 to itsopen position 24. Preferably, squeezing the first ends 26 of the forward 30 and rearward 32 members will somewhat uniformly open theelongated members 18 to placedevice 10 in theopen position 24. Releasing theflexing mechanism 20 biases elongatedmembers 18, or pairs ofmembers 36, back to theclosed position 22. - To help keep the section of
hair 16 over thehair volumizing device 10, the present invention can also include ahair engaging mechanism 44 at one or more locations on thedevice 10. As shown in the embodiment ofFIG. 8 , but also applicable to other embodiments,hair engaging mechanism 44 can comprise a length oftextured material 46 positioned generally at theouter face 48 of theforward member 30. Thetextured material 46 should be configured to essentially grab onto the a portion of thehair 12 so that thehair 12 can be held in place above thehair volumizing device 10 to help keep it hidden from view. Typically, it will only be necessary to have thehair engaging mechanism 44 at or near theforward member 30 of thedevice 10, as thehair 12 will generally stay in place (i.e., lay over) above thedevice 10 elsewhere. Thetextured material 46 can entirely cover theouter face 48 offorward member 30 or, as shown in the figures, only partially cover theouter face 48 thereof. Thetextured material 46 can be half of a hook and loop material, commonly known as Velcro®, foam or other various materials, including coatings and the like, which will effectively grab thehair 12 so that wind or activity by theuser 14 will not cause the hair to move away from the forward side ofhair volumizing device 10 and expose it to view, thereby reducing one of the main advantages of the present invention. -
Hair volumizing device 10 can also comprise agripping mechanism 50 to more securely grab the portion of the section ofhair 16 that is between theelongated members 18. A variety of configurations for grippingmechanism 50 are well known in the art. In one configuration, shown inFIGS. 2 through 6 , grippingmechanism 50 can comprise a plurality of small, outwardly projecting protrusions (e.g., small bumps) disposed on aninward face 54, that being the sides ofelongated members 18 facing an abuttingelongated member 18, of at least one of the firstelongated member 38 or secondelongated member 40 that make up the pairs ofmembers 36. In the configuration ofFIG. 8 , the outwardly projectingprotrusions 52 are in the form of elongated bars. Various other types of configurations can also be utilized. If desired, theinward face 54 of both first 38 and second 40 elongated members can comprise thegripping mechanism 50 to further improve the hair gripping ability ofhair volumizing device 10. Theprotrusions 52 on the opposing inward faces 54 of first 38 and second 40 elongated members can be spaced apart and configured to be somewhat interlocking so that the portion ofhair 12 therebetween is even more tightly held to bettersecure device 10 inhair 12 and to keepdevice 10 hidden byhair 12. - As shown in
FIG. 10 , thedevice 10 of the present invention can also include ahair extension component 56 that, as well known in the art, can be used to increase the thickness and/or length of the user's hair. In one configuration,hair extension component 56 comprises a plurality ofhairs 58, generally much thicker than that shown, that are fixedly connected to one or moreelongated members 18. The plurality ofhairs 58 can be glued or otherwise secured toelongated members 18 using materials that are well known and readily available in the art. In addition to providing the hair volumizing effect desired by many users,device 10 provides an improved hair engaging device for more securely placing a hair extension in the user's hair than the currently available devices for securing hair extensions. - To use the above embodiment, the
user 14 moves thedevice 10 from the biasedclosed position 22 to theopen position 24 by grasping the first ends 26 of theelongated members 18 with one hand, generally at the forward 30 and rearward 32 members, and squeezing to cause theflexing mechanism 20 to space apart elongatedmembers 18. Other types of flexingmechanisms 20, such as those having a “handle” component, will require different operation. Withdevice 10 in theopen position 24 and with the section ofhair 16 where thedevice 10 is desired raised by theuser 14 with her other hand, theuser 14 directs thedevice 10 into herhair 12 at the location of the section ofhair 16 where she desires to have increased volume. With thehair volumizing device 10 in place, theuser 14 releases the grip on the first ends 26, causing theflexing mechanism 20 to bias theelongated members 18 or pairs ofmembers 36 together to place thedevice 10 in itsclosed position 22 andsecure device 10 inhair 12. Once in place, theuser 14 releases the section ofhair 16 in the other hand to allow it to fall on top of thedevice 10, thereby covering it and hiding it from view. If utilized,hair engaging mechanism 44 will help hold thehair 12 in place, particularly at the forward side of thedevice 10, and grippingmechanism 50 will help securedevice 10 in thehair 12. If thehair volumizing device 10 comprises flexibleelongated members 18, as opposed to fixed arcuate-shaped elongated members 18 (i.e., molded plastic), then theuser 14 will first bend theelongated members 18 to the desired bend for the shape of her head and/or the location (i.e., top or side) where she desires to place thedevice 10 to achieve the appearance of increased volume. If thehair extension component 56 is utilized withdevice 10, theuser places device 10 in her hair in a similar manner as described above while taking into consideration the additional hair provided bydevice 10. - Another alternative embodiment of the
hair volumizing device 10 is shown inFIGS. 11 through 16 . Thehair volumizing device 10 of this embodiment comprises a singleelongated member 18 having afirst end 26, asecond end 28 and acenter section 60 disposed therebetween. Theelongated member 18 has atop side 62,bottom side 64, forward facingfront side 66 and a rearward facing back side (not specifically shown) opposite that offront side 66. As discussed above, elongatedmember 18 can be manufactured out of a variety of different materials and configurations. Preferably, theelongated member 18 is made out of stiff molded plastic and is formed in a generally arcuate-shaped configuration, as best shown inFIGS. 12 through 14 , with curvilinear shapedtop side 62 andbottom side 64. As well known in the art, molded plastic allows elongatedmember 18 to be relatively easily (i.e., by an injection molded process) made into different shapes, colors and configurations. Although other materials can be used, it is preferred that the materials be generally lightweight, durable and corrosion resistant. The use of the arcuate-shaped configuration allows theelongated member 18 to generally correspond to the shape of the typical user's head so that thehair volumizing device 10 fits more comfortably on the head and is easier to conceal within the user'shair 12. In an alternative embodiment, theelongated member 18 can be made out of a bendable material or comprises a bendable component (i.e., a wire embedded in elongated member 18) that allows theuser 14 to bend, as desired, elongatedmember 18 so as to correspond to the shape of her head and, therefore, be better concealed in herhair 12. If desired, thecenter section 60 ofelongated member 18 can also be provided with one ormore openings 34 to reduce its weight, lower the manufacturing/material costs and add aesthetics, such as shown inFIGS. 12 through 15 . The size, shape and number ofopenings 34 inelongated member 18 can be varied as desired by the manufacturer. In addition,openings 34 can be configured to be completely pass throughelongated member 18 or only partially through (i.e., not a complete hole) elongatedmember 18. Alternatively, elongatedmember 18 can be solid. - Examples of flexible curlers and like devices which are utilized in hair styling are well known in the art. Although some of the components of such devices can be utilized in the
hair volumizing device 10, the present invention is much different than these prior art devices in its configuration, purpose and use. For instance, hair curling devices are utilized in wet hair to impart a curl to the user'shair 12 while it is drying, whereashair volumizing device 10 is utilized in asection 16 ofdry hair 12 to give it the “bump” that is associated with increased hair volume. Thehair volumizing device 10 does not curl hair and the hair curling devices do not provide the bump. In addition, prior art hair curling devices are intended to be left in thehair 12 only long enough to provide a curl when thehair 12 is dry and they do not have the concern with regard to not being seen by others. In contrast, thehair volumizing device 10 is placed in asection 16 ofdry hair 12 to give it the bump and then left in thehair 12 for as long as theuser 14 wants the bump effect without thedevice 10 being seen by others. - To create the appearance of increased volume in the
hair 12 ofuser 14, theelongated member 18 is shaped and of sufficient size, length and width, to impart the desired bump effect onhair 12. In the embodiments shown inFIGS. 11 through 16 , elongatedmember 18 has a height of approximately three-eighths of an inch to one and one-half inches, a width of one-fourth to three-fourths of an inch and a length of approximately one and three fourths to six inches. The cross section of elongated members can be generally rectangular, rectangular with curved sides, circular or various other shapes, including square, oval, triangular and the like, can also be utilized for theelongated member 18. While smaller dimensions can be used, they are not believed to impart the desired “lift” to thehair 12 to give it the desired appearance of increased volume. Larger diameters ofelongated member 18 may be somewhat difficult to conceal in thehair 12. - In a preferred configuration of this embodiment, the first 26 and second 28 ends are generally tapered towards the outer edges, shown as
first edge 68 andsecond edge 70 thereof, to make it easier foruser 14 to hidehair volumizing device 10 in thesection 16 of herhair 12. Preferably, theouter edges elongated member 18 are substantially planar at or near theedges ends 26/28 ofelongated member 18. In the preferred configuration, both ends 26 and 28 are configured with the same shape. Alternatively, the two ends 26 and 28 can be configured different from each other. - To maintain the
section 16 ofhair 12 over thehair volumizing device 10, the present invention also includes ahair engaging mechanism 44 at one or more locations on theelongated member 18. As shown inFIG. 12 ,hair engaging mechanism 44 can comprise one or more lengths oftextured material 46 placed generally on thetop side 62 ofelongated member 18. If desired, one or more lengths oftextured material 46 can also or alternatively to be placed onfront side 66, as shown inFIG. 13 , and/or the back side ofelongated member 18. Thetextured material 46 should be configured to essentially grab onto a portion of thehair 12 so that thehair 12 can be held in place abovehair volumizing device 10 to help keep it inhair 12 and hidden from view. Typically, it will only be necessary to havehair engaging mechanism 44 along a portion ofelongated member 18 as thehair 12 will generally stay in place (i.e., lay over) above thedevice 10 elsewhere. If desired, thetextured material 46 can entirely cover the sides ofelongated member 18. Thetextured material 46 can be half of a hook and loop material, commonly known as Velcro®, attached to elongated member or foam or other various materials, including coatings and the like, which will effectively grab thehair 12 so that wind or activity by theuser 14 will not cause the hair to move away from thehair volumizing device 10 and expose it to view, thereby reducing one of the main advantages of the present invention. Various adhesives, staples or other connecting mechanisms can be utilized to attach thetextured material 46 toelongated member 18. In an alternative configuration,hair engaging mechanism 44 can be integral to, such that it is manufactured with, elongatedmember 18. - As shown in
FIG. 10 with regard to the previously described embodiment, thehair volumizing device 10 of the present invention can also include ahair extension component 56 that, as well known in the art, can be used to increase the thickness and/or length of the user'shair 12. In one configuration,hair extension component 56 comprises a plurality ofhairs 58, generally much thicker than that shown, that are fixedly connected toelongated member 18. The plurality ofhairs 58 can be glued or otherwise secured toelongated member 18 using materials that are well known and readily available in the art. In addition to providing the hair volumizing effect desired by many users,device 10 provides an improved hair engaging device for more securely placing ahair extension 56 in the user'shair 12 than the currently available devices for securingsuch hair extensions 56. - For use on the sides of the user's head, the
hair volumizing device 10 will be generally shorter in length and have less curvature than those utilized for the top of the user's head. For instance, the length ofdevice 10 for the side of the head can be one to two inches in length and can have only a slight curvilinear bottom side or be essentially planar. Theside use devices 10 is otherwise configured essentially the same as described above, such as having thehair engaging mechanism 44 and, if desired,openings 34 and the taper at ends 26 and 28. - A
hair volumizing device 10 utilizing an improved fastener, identified as 100, is shown inFIGS. 17 through 27 . As with thehair volumizing devices 10 set forth above, thehair volumizing device 10 havingfastener 100 is utilized to grasp thesection 16 ofhair 12 in which the bump effect is desired. Although specific configurations of ahair volumizing device 10 are shown inFIGS. 17 through 27 , those skilled in the art will understand that theimproved fastener 100 can be utilized as a component of a wide variety of different configurations ofhair volumizing devices 10, including those set forth above. In fact, as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art,fastener 100 is also suitable for a wide variety of different uses other than ashair volumizing device 10. For instance,fastener 100 is believed to be suitable for use with many different types of products as a substitute or replacement for other connectors, including standard types of connectors such as hook-and-loop connectors (i.e., Velcro®). Although not intended to limit the scope of thefastener 100 of the present invention, one of the primary uses offastener 100 would be with plastic products that are formed by an injection molding process in which thefastener 100 is jointly molded with the product so as to be integrally formed therewith. - The
fastener 100 of the present invention is shown inFIGS. 17 through 27 as integrally formed with thehair volumizing device 10. For purposes of use withhair volumizing device 10,fastener 100 is integrally formed with theelongated member 18. For use with products other than ahair volumizing device 10, thefastener 100 is attached to or formed integrally therewith (the preferred embodiment) a body member, which for purposes of consistency herein, is identified as 18 inFIGS. 17 through 27 . Although shown as abody member 18 suitable for use as thehair volumizing device 10, those skilled in the art will understand thatbody member 18 can take on many different types of configurations depending on the use with whichfastener 100 is intended. In some circumstances,body member 18 can be one or more layers of backing material configured generally similar to that commonly utilized in Velcro® and like products which can be joined to another product to add connecting/disconnecting ability to the product or it can be a component or part of the product itself that is utilizingfastener 100, such as one of two opposing sides of an article that are to be joined together. As utilized herein in conjunction with describing thefastener 100, the term “body member” is intended to refer to any component that supportsfastener 100, whether by being attached or connected thereto or formed integrally therewith, so that a fiber product may be joined tofastener 100 in order to hold the fiber product in place or to removably connect to the fiber product. -
Fastener 100 comprises two or more spaced apart engaging rows, such asfirst row 102 andsecond row 104 as best shown inFIGS. 21 , 23 and 25, that each have a plurality of specially configured fiber-engagingmembers 106. In the preferred embodiment,fastener 100 has only the tworows rows 102/104 of fiber-engagingmembers 106 are configured to cooperatively engage a fiber material, such as hair, fibrous materials or materials configured with loops or other hook-engaging elements. Each of the fiber-engagingmembers 106 have an outwardly extendingstem 108 and an engaginghead 110, as best shown inFIG. 19 . Thestem 108 has a first orproximal end 112 that connects to, attaches to or is integral with theouter surface 48 ofbody member 18 and a second or distallydisposed end 114 that is at the outward end, relative to theouter surface 48 ofbody member 18, ofstem 108. In the preferred embodiment, as shown, the base of thestem 108 at itsfirst end 112 is wider than thesecond end 114 to improve the stability of the fiber-engagingmember 106 and to improve the engagement of the fiber withfastener 100. The engaginghead 110 is positioned at thesecond end 114 ofstem 108 and is configured with alower edge 116 that, as explained below, defines the fiber-engagingsurface 118 which secures the fiber in place infastener 100 or secures thefastener 100 against the fiber, as may be appropriate depending on the use offastener 100. - As best shown in
FIGS. 21 and 25 , the engagingrows fastener 100 are in spaced apart relation to define agap 120 between therows 102/104. In the preferred embodiment offastener 100, shown inFIGS. 17 through 23,gap 120 is sized so as to placefirst row 102 andsecond row 104 in nearly adjacent to each other, with a spacing of approximately 1/16th (0.0625) of an inch apart. In the embodiment of thehair volumizing device 10 ofFIGS. 17 through 23 , the use of thenarrow gap 120 set forth above has been found to advantageously engage thehair 12 of theuser 14 to provide the desired bump in thesection 16 ofhair 12. Although anarrow gap 120 such as this has some advantages, typically depending on the particular type of fiber that is intended to connect withfastener 100,gap 120 betweenrows 102/104 can be spaced further apart or even much further apart. For instance, in the embodiment ofFIGS. 24 through 26 , therows 102/104 are spaced approximately ½ (0.50) an inch apart. As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of different spacing can be utilized forgap 120 to achieve the desired level of engagement for the particular fiber that will be held byfastener 100 or to which thefastener 100 will attach. Some trial and error is likely to be required to determine the optimum spacing ofgap 120 for desired amount of which the intended fiber is to be engaged. - The fiber is engaged by
fastener 100 by being received past the shaped engaginghead 110 to thestem 108, which preferably angles outward fromsecond end 114 tofirst end 112, of the fiber-engagingmember 106. The relationship between thegap 120 betweenrows 102/104, the adjacent or side-by-side spacing of the fiber-engagingmembers 106 and the fiber being received alongstem 108 of fiber-engagingmember 106 provides the desired engagement of the fiber to thefastener 100. In the preferred embodiment, as shown in the figures, the engaginghead 110 has a generally triangular, cone or cone-like shape with a generally planar fiber-engagingsurface 118. One of the primary benefits of this type of shape is that the pointed distal end of engaginghead 110 facilitates the fiber-engagingmember 106 sliding into or past the fiber and the planar fiber-engagingsurface 118 prevents the fibers from being easily (e.g., unintentionally) disengaged fromfastener 100. Other shapes can also be utilized withfastener 100 of the present invention. For instance, engaginghead 110 can be configured in a generally mushroom shape with a smooth, generally rounded upper end, a half oval shape or even a rounded shape, with the fiber-engagingsurface 118, to achieve the benefits of the present invention. Preferably, the individual fiber-engagingmembers 106 are spaced sufficiently close together, which will typically depend on the fiber material, that the outer ends of thelower edge 116 of the engaginghead 110 of two adjacent fiber-engagingmembers 106 cooperate together to engage the fiber below their respective fiber-engagingsurfaces 118 to hold the fiber in place or to attach thefastener 100 to the fiber. - In the embodiment of
FIGS. 24 through 27 , the height of the various fiber-engagingmembers 106, as measured above theouter surface 48 ofbody member 18, are substantially the same acrossbody member 18. For many uses, including some uses as ahair volumizing device 10, this type of configuration will achieve the desired connection betweenfastener 100 and the fiber material to which thefastener 100 is intended to securely engage. To further improve the grasping ability offastener 100 of the present invention with other fibers or for other uses, including as ahair volumizing device 10, the preferred embodiment offastener 100 has the vertical height of thefirst row 102 andsecond row 104 being different, as shown in the embodiment ofFIGS. 17 through 23 . The inventor has found that havingfirst row 102 being of a different height than thesecond row 104 provides improved engagement of the fiber to be held byfastener 100 or which will attach tofastener 100. For instance,first row 102 can be of a shorter height thansecond row 104. When combined with a relatively close row spacing provided by anarrow gap 120, as is shown in the embodimentFIGS. 17 through 23 , a fiber material that is engaged withfastener 100 will have its fibers securely received into the plurality of fiber-engagingmembers 106 that define therows 102/104 in a manner which facilitatesfastener 100 holding the fibers in place or thefastener 100 securely attaching to the fiber material. - The
body member 18 can have two or more rows, such asrows members 106, across itsouter surface 48. In fact, if desired, theouter surface 48 ofbody member 18 can be substantially or even completely covered with fiber-engagingmembers 106 in a spaced apart (i.e., non-row pattern). If desired, only the upper portion of thebody member 18 can have fiber-engagingmembers 106 thereon, as shown inFIGS. 17 through 23 . Alternatively, both the upper and lower portions of thebody member 18 can comprise fiber-engagingmembers 106, such as shown in the embodiment ofFIGS. 24 through 27 . Although not shown, those skilled in the art will also readily appreciate that the entireouter surface 48 ofbody member 18 can be covered by a plurality of fiber-engagingmembers 106 to provide afastener 100 that can engage or be engaged by a fiber material on all sides. - In one use,
fastener 100 of the present invention is utilized on theouter surface 48 of thebody member 18 of ahair volumizing device 10 that is used to add a “bump” effect to asection 16 ofhair 12. Preferably,fastener 100 is integrally formed withbody member 18, such as being made out of plastic by an injection molded process, to reduce the cost of manufacturing thefastener 100 and the product (i.e., hair volumizing device 10) with which it is utilized. When used withhair volumizing device 10, having the curvilinear-shapedbottom side 64 that is intended to be placed along the user's head, thedevice 10 is placed in thesection 16 of hair 12 (as the fiber material) of theuser 14 where the bump is desired in a manner such that hair fibers are forced between pairs of adjacent fiber-engagingmembers 106 to secure the hair fibers therein and thehair volumizing device 10 in thehair 12. Thefastener 100 can be utilized to grasp thehair 12 from fiber-engagingmembers 106 on thebottom side 64 andtop side 62, such as shown in the embodiment ofFIGS. 24 through 27 , or justtop side 62, as shown inFIGS. 17 through 23 . - The
hair volumizing device 10 of the present invention is shown inFIGS. 30 through 36 . This embodiment provides an alternative configuration that addresses various limitations of the previously described embodiments ofhair volumizing device 10. Specifically, in some uses the previously described embodiments may be too tall and provide a bump that is too high, thefastener 100 or otherhair engaging mechanism 44 may show through the section ofhair 16, particularly with regard to persons havingfine hair 12, not work well with persons havingshort hair 12, and for some persons thehair volumizing device 10 may have trouble staying in the user'shair 12. Thehair volumizing device 10 of the present invention solves these problems by, as described in further detail below, having less length and height (i.e., lower profile), eliminating the fiber-engagingmembers 106 and having a hair securing mechanism that secures thehair volumizing device 10 to the user'shair 12. - As shown in
FIGS. 30 through 36 , thehair volumizing device 10 of the present invention generally comprises abody member 18 and asecuring mechanism 150 associated therewith for securing thehair volumizing device 10 in asection 16 of the user'shair 12 in a manner that provides theuser 14 with the appearance of increased volume, due to bump 140, atsection 16 ofhair 12. As with the above-described embodiments, the embodiment of the present invention is sized and configured so as to not be seen by others, thereby allowing the user to have the effect of a salon-provided volumizing treatment without having to go to the salon and pay someone to work with her hair. Thebody member 18 has afirst end 26,second end 28,top side 62,bottom side 64,front side 66 and backside 152. As best shown inFIGS. 31 and 32 , the distance between thefirst end 26 andsecond end 28 is defined as length L, the distance between thetop side 62 andbottom side 64 is defined as height H and the distance between thefront side 66 and backside 152 is defined as width W. Thehair volumizing device 10 of the present invention is primarily configured for use at the crown and sides of the head ofuser 14. As such, thebody member 18 should be dimensioned to provide the desired bump from increased volume at the relevant section(s) 16 ofhair 12. In general, the length L ofbody member 18 will be controlled by thesection 16 ofhair 12 at which the increase in volume is desired. As shown in the figures, preferably thebottom side 64 ofbody member 18 is generally planar (except for securing mechanism 150), in contrast to the curvilinear embodiments described above. As such, the length L ofbody member 18 will preferably be in the range of 0.75 to 3.0 inches. In general, a shorter length L is limited by the user's ability to manipulate thesecuring mechanism 150 and a longer length L is limited by the curvature of the user's head and the need to keephair volumizing device 10 hidden from view. As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, very short lengths L forbody member 18 may be difficult for theuser 14 to manipulate into position and/or to open orclose securing mechanism 150. The width W ofbody member 18 will typically range between 0.10 to 0.70 inches. In general, the width W forbody member 18 is limited by thebump 140 desired fromhair volumizing device 10 and the need to keephair volumizing device 10 hidden from view. The height H ofbody member 18 should be sufficient to provide the desired amount of volumizing effect or bump 140 without being noticeable outside the user'shair 16. In a preferred embodiment, the height H ofbody member 18 is between 0.25 and 0.75 inches. Alternatively, thebody member 18 can have a height H of up to 1.50 inches. Thebody member 18 is elongated and has a generally rectangular, oval, triangular (such as shown inFIGS. 32 and 33 ) or the like shape. -
Body member 18 can be made out of a wide variety of materials, including plastic, foam, fiberglass, composites, metal or wood. In a preferred embodiment, at least the surface oftop side 62,front side 66 and backside 152 are configured to help hold thehair 12 in place aroundhair volumizing device 10. In a preferred configuration, the ends 26/28 are also configured to hold thehair 12 in place. In one embodiment, the material forbody member 18 is selected so that it will at least partially engage thehair 16 when in use insection 16 ofhair 12 to hold thehair 12 in place generally abovehair volumizing device 10. Various cushy or minimally “sticky” plastics, foams and like materials may be suitable forbody member 18. In an alternative embodiment, ahair engaging mechanism 44 is utilized on thebody member 18 to help holdhair 12 in place. In a preferred embodiment, thehair engaging mechanism 44 is atextured material 46, shown inFIG. 35 , that covers or substantially covers thetop side 62,front side 66, backside body 152 and ends 26/28 (and, if utilized, the sides at ends 26/28) ofbody member 18. If desired, thetextured material 46 can only partially, as described with the embodiments above, cover thetop side 62,front side 66 and backside 152 ofbody member 18. In the preferred embodiment of thehair volumizing device 10 of the present invention,body member 18 is manufactured out of generally rigid foam or plastic that is substantially covered or coated with atextured material 46 that helps hold thehair 12 atsection 16 in place over thehair volumizing device 10 to keep it hidden from view. In one preferred embodiment, thetextured material 46 is a velvet or velvet-like material. As set forth above, a variety of other materials are likely to be useful fortextured material 46. -
Body member 18 and/or the hair engaging mechanism 44 (e.g., the textured material 46) can be modified as desired to achieve additional objectives. For instance, in a preferred embodiment thebody member 18 or thetextured material 46 coveringbody member 18 is provided in a variety of different tints or shades of color that can generally match the color of the user'shair 12 to even better hide thehair volumizing device 10 in and under thehair 12. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, thebody member 18 or thetextured material 46 can be provided in different shades of blonde, brown, black and red that are considered to most closely match the hair color of thelikely user 14 ofhair volumizing device 10. Because the size and configuration ofbody member 18 and the material forbody member 18 ortextured material 46 are chosen to fit under thehair 12 and at least moderately engage thehair 12, it will generally not be necessary to exactly match the user's hair color. If desired,body member 18 and textured material 12 (if utilized) can be provided withopenings 34 completely or partially therethrough to reduce the weight ofhair volumizing device 10 worn byuser 14 and the cost of manufacturinghair volumizing device 10. - As set forth above, the
securing mechanism 150 is associated withbody member 10 and configured to securely attachhair volumizing device 10 in thesection 16 of the user'shair 12 where the volumizing effect or bump 140 is desired. In a preferred embodiment, thesecuring mechanism 150 is positioned at one or more of the sides ofbody member 18. In the preferred embodiment, shown inFIGS. 30 through 36 , thesecuring mechanism 150 is positioned at thebottom side 64, where it can be utilized to grasp the hair and best be hidden from view to others. The selectedsecuring mechanism 150 should be suitable for use withbody member 18 to securehair volumizing device 10 inhair 12, configured so as to be easily hidden in the user'shair 12, easy for theuser 14 to manipulate in and out of herhair 12 and relatively inexpensive to manufacture. Thesecuring mechanism 150 should be manufactured out of a material or coated, covered or otherwise protected such that it is suitable for use in thehair 12. - In the preferred embodiment of the
hair volumizing device 10 of the present invention, shown inFIGS. 30 through 36 , thesecuring mechanism 150 is based on or comprises theprior art barrette 154 shown inFIGS. 28 and 29 . As well known in the art, thisbarrette 154 has a slottedupper member 156 that receives part of thelower member 158 in theslot 160 with a portion of the user'shair 12 between theupper member 156 andlower member 158 in a manner that secures thebarrette 154 to thehair 12. Afirst end 162 of thelower member 158 is fixedly attached near thefirst end 164 of theupper member 156 in a manner that allowslower member 158 to bend or flex relative to theupper member 156. When thelower member 158 is flexed into theslot 160, with some of thehair 12 between themembers 156/158 when in use, theupper member 156 is bent or flexed in the direction oflower member 158 to place the twomembers 156/158 in abutting relationship at thesecond end 166 oflower member 158 and thesecond end 168 ofupper member 156, thereby locking a portion of the user'shair 12 therebetween and securing thebarrette 154 in thehair 12. In use, theprior art barrette 154 is worn with theupper member 156 on the outside of thehair 12 and being visible when looking at theuser 14. - With the
hair volumizing device 10 of the present invention,barrette 154 is utilized, in a modified form, as thesecuring mechanism 150 to secure thebody member 18 in the user'shair 12. In a preferred embodiment, thesecuring mechanism 150 is configured by attaching theupper member 156 to thebottom side 54 of thebody member 18, leaving thebottom member 158 to flex between theopen position 24 ofFIGS. 31 , 32, 33, 35 and 36 and theclosed position 22 ofFIG. 34 . Theupper member 156 is attached to thebottom side 64 in a variety of different ways, including utilizing adhesives, sonic welding, standard welding, use of connectors and the like attachment mechanisms. Alternatively,upper member 156 can be attached during the molding process forbody member 18 or made integral withbody member 18. In another alternative embodiment, shown inFIG. 36 , theupper member 156 is eliminated and thelower member 158 is attached to directly to thebody member 18 and configured to closingly engage a specially configuredbottom side 64 ofbody member 18. In this embodiment, thelower member 158 is flexed into engagement with thebottom edges 170 ofbottom side 64 to close thesecuring mechanism 150 around a portion of the user's hair 12 (when in use). Acavity 172 or like area is provided at thebottom side 64 ofbody member 18 to provide room for the notchedportion 174 oflower member 158. In either configuration, thesecuring mechanism 150 is configured to be placed in theopen position 24 to placehair volumizing device 10 in thehair 12 or remove it from thehair 12 and be placed in theclosed position 22 to secure thedevice 10 to thehair 12. As withbarrette 154, thepreferred securing mechanism 150 andbody member 18 ofhair volumizing device 10 are configured to be flexed in order to move thelower member 158 of securingmechanism 150 between its open 24 and closed 22 positions. As withbarrette 154, thesecuring mechanism 150 ofhair volumizing device 10 will securely grasp a portion of the user'shair 12 between thelower member 158 and theupper member 156 or side edges 170 at thelower side 64. - As stated above, in the preferred embodiment of the
hair volumizing device 10 of the present invention thesecuring mechanism 150 is at thebottom side 64 of thebody member 18. Alternatively, thesecuring mechanism 150 can be placed at thetop side 62,front side 66, backside 152 or, if configured accordingly, the ends 26/28. Thebottom side 64 ofbody member 18 is preferred because it will generally be easier to hide thehair volumizing device 10 in thehair 12 with thesecuring mechanism 150 at thebottom side 64. Although thesecuring mechanism 150 is shown in the figures using the features ofbarrette 154, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various other securing mechanisms, some of which are well known in the art and utilized on other barrettes or hair clips, can be modified to be useful forhair volumizing device 10 of the present invention. The primary requirements for securingmechanism 150 is that it be suitable for use withbody member 18, effective at securingdevice 10 in thehair 12, easy to open and close for placement in or removal fromhair 12 and, preferably, relatively inexpensive to manufacture. - As shown with regard to the previously described embodiments, and shown in
FIG. 10 , thehair volumizing device 10 of the present invention can also include ahair extension component 56 that, as well known in the art, can be used to increase the thickness and/or length of the user'shair 12. In one configuration,hair extension component 56 comprises a plurality ofhairs 58, generally much thicker than that shown, that are fixedly connected toelongated member 18. The plurality ofhairs 58 can be glued or otherwise secured tobody member 18 using materials that are well known and readily available in the art. In addition to providing the hair volumizing effect or bump 140 desired by many users, thehair volumizing device 10 provides an improved device for more securely placing ahair extension 56 in the user'shair 12 than the currently available devices for securingsuch hair extensions 56. - In use,
hair volumizing device 10 of the present invention is placed in thesection 16 ofhair 12 whereuser 14 desires to have the volumizing effect orbump 140. In general, theuser 14 selects a hair volumizing device havingbody member 18 andsecuring mechanism 150 that will provide the desiredbump 140 in thesection 16 ofhair 12 and then directs thehair volumizing device 10 into thatsection 16 of herhair 12 and moves thehair 12 around to place thesecuring mechanism 150 into position to secure thehair volumizing device 10 to thehair 12. More specifically, to create the volumizing effect or bump 140, theuser 14places securing mechanism 150 in itsopen position 24, positions thehair volumizing device 10 in thesection 16 ofhair 12 where the volumizing effect or bump 140 is desired, closes thesecuring mechanism 150 around a portion of thehair 12 in thatsection 16 at or near the roots of thehair 12 and then teases or otherwise manipulateshair 12 to cover thehair volumizing device 10. Theuser 14 then wearshair volumizing device 10 in herhair 12 for as long as she desires to have the volumizing effect or bump 140 and give the appearance of increased hair volume for herhair 12. When the volumizing effect or bump 140 is no longer desired, theuser 14 simply reaches into thesection 16 ofhair 12 and removes thehair volumizing device 10 from herhair 12 by placing thesecuring mechanism 150 in itsopen position 24 and pullinghair volumizing device 10 fromhair 12. - While there are shown and described herein a specific form of the invention, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not so limited, but is susceptible to various modifications and rearrangements in design and materials without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In particular, it should be noted that the present invention is subject to modification with regard to any dimensional relationships set forth herein and modifications in assembly, materials, size, shape, and use. For instance, there are numerous components described herein that can be replaced with equivalent functioning components to accomplish the objectives of the present invention.
Claims (20)
1. A hair volumizing device for use in adding volume to a section of hair of a user, said hair volumizing device comprising:
a body member having a first end, a second end, and one or more sides, said one or more sides including a top side, a bottom side, a front side and a back side, said front side and said back side having a height of at least 0.25 inches; and
securing means on one or more sides of said body member for securing said body member to the section of hair of the user,
wherein said hair volumizing device is sized and configured to be received in the section of hair of the user and worn by the user such that said hair volumizing device is covered by the section of hair so as to appear to add volume thereto without said hair volumizing device being seen.
2. The device according to claim 1 , wherein said body member has a width of at least 0.10 inches.
3. The device according to claim 1 , wherein said body member has a length between approximately 0.75 inches and 3.0 inches.
4. The device according to claim 1 , wherein said body member is made from a material which is selected to maintain said hair volumizing device covered with hair.
5. The device according to claim 1 , further comprising a hair extension component attached to said elongated member.
6. The device according to claim 1 , wherein said securing means is at the bottom side of said body member.
7. The device according to claim 6 , wherein said securing means is a barrette attached to or integrated into said body member.
8. The device according to claim 6 , wherein said securing means comprises a lower member configured to flexibly engage the bottom side of said body member to place said hair volumizing device in a closed position.
9. The device according to claim 8 , wherein said securing means further comprises an upper member attached to said bottom side of said body member and said lower member flexibly engages said upper member to place said hair volumizing device in a closed position.
10. The device according to claim 1 further comprising a hair engaging means on at least one of said on said one or more sides of said body member for engaging said section of hair so as to maintain said hair volumizing device covered with said section of hair.
11. The device according to claim 10 , wherein said hair engaging means comprises a textured material.
12. The device according to claim 1 , wherein said body member is covered or coated by a textured material selected to maintain said hair volumizing device covered with said section of hair.
13. A hair volumizing device for use in adding volume to a section of hair of a user, said hair volumizing device comprising:
an elongated body member having a first end, second end, top side, bottom side, front side and a back side;
a textured material on said body member, said textured material selected to generally maintain said hair volumizing device covered with said section of hair; and
securing means on said bottom side of said body member for securing said body member to the section of hair,
wherein said hair volumizing device is sized and configured to be received in the section of hair of the user and worn by the user such that said hair volumizing device is substantially covered by the section of hair so as to appear to add volume thereto without said hair volumizing device being seen.
14. The device according to claim 13 , wherein said securing means is a barrette attached to or integrated into said body member.
15. The device according to claim 13 , wherein said securing means comprises a lower member configured to flexibly engage the bottom side of said body member to place said hair volumizing device in a closed position.
16. The device according to claim 15 , wherein said securing means further comprises an upper member attached to said bottom side of said body member and said lower member flexibly engages said upper member to place said hair volumizing device in a closed position.
17. A method of adding volume to a section of hair of a user, said method comprising the steps of:
a) selecting a hair volumizing device having a body member and a securing means on one or more sides of said body member, said hair volumizing device selected so said body member will provide a bump in the section of hair of the user;
b) placing said hair volumizing device in an open position by opening said securing means;
c) positioning said hair volumizing device in the section of hair where said bump is desired;
d) closing said securing means around hair of the user; and
e) manipulating the section of hair to cover the hair volumizing device,
wherein said hair volumizing device provides said bump in the section of hair and gives the appearance of increased volume of the section of hair.
18. The method of claim 17 , wherein said body member is made from or covered with a material which is selected to maintain said hair volumizing device covered with hair.
19. The method of claim 17 , wherein said securing means comprises a lower member configured to flexibly engage the bottom side of said body member to place said hair volumizing device in a closed position.
20. The method of claim 19 , wherein said securing means further comprises an upper member attached to said bottom side of said body member and said lower member flexibly engages said upper member to place said hair volumizing device in a closed position.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/567,786 US20100012140A1 (en) | 2007-07-30 | 2009-09-27 | Hair Volumizing Device |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/888,205 US20090032045A1 (en) | 2007-07-30 | 2007-07-30 | Hair volumizing device |
US11/904,953 US20090032042A1 (en) | 2007-07-30 | 2007-09-27 | Hair volumizing device |
US7454708A | 2008-03-04 | 2008-03-04 | |
US12/567,786 US20100012140A1 (en) | 2007-07-30 | 2009-09-27 | Hair Volumizing Device |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US7454708A Continuation-In-Part | 2007-07-30 | 2008-03-04 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20100012140A1 true US20100012140A1 (en) | 2010-01-21 |
Family
ID=41529193
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/567,786 Abandoned US20100012140A1 (en) | 2007-07-30 | 2009-09-27 | Hair Volumizing Device |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20100012140A1 (en) |
Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110180094A1 (en) * | 2010-01-26 | 2011-07-28 | Karen Greenwald | Device for hair volumizing |
US20110186073A1 (en) * | 2010-02-03 | 2011-08-04 | Shih Ling Hsu | Hair Ornament |
US20130160784A1 (en) * | 2011-12-27 | 2013-06-27 | Mirza Loredo | Double Hair Clip and Method of Use |
US20130180538A1 (en) * | 2012-01-18 | 2013-07-18 | Bombshell Beauty, Inc. | Hairstyling tool |
US9072356B2 (en) * | 2012-03-11 | 2015-07-07 | Bojana Carey | Hair clip |
US20150250283A1 (en) * | 2014-03-09 | 2015-09-10 | Angelica Alas | Hair volumizing device |
US9144285B2 (en) | 2012-08-27 | 2015-09-29 | Goody Products, Inc. | Hair accessories and methods for their manufacture |
US20160088916A1 (en) * | 2014-09-29 | 2016-03-31 | Jake Johnson | Hair clip with appendage to create a fuller thicker pony tail |
US9440079B2 (en) | 2011-05-13 | 2016-09-13 | Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation | Management of stimulation safety limits in a neurostimulation system |
USD893100S1 (en) | 2020-02-25 | 2020-08-11 | Wouldn't It Be Nice LLC | Ponytail volumizer |
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110180094A1 (en) * | 2010-01-26 | 2011-07-28 | Karen Greenwald | Device for hair volumizing |
US20110186073A1 (en) * | 2010-02-03 | 2011-08-04 | Shih Ling Hsu | Hair Ornament |
US9440079B2 (en) | 2011-05-13 | 2016-09-13 | Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation | Management of stimulation safety limits in a neurostimulation system |
US9950172B2 (en) | 2011-05-13 | 2018-04-24 | Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation | Management of stimulation safety limits in a neurostimulation system |
US20130160784A1 (en) * | 2011-12-27 | 2013-06-27 | Mirza Loredo | Double Hair Clip and Method of Use |
US8789537B2 (en) * | 2011-12-27 | 2014-07-29 | Mirza Loredo | Double hair clip and method of use |
US20130180538A1 (en) * | 2012-01-18 | 2013-07-18 | Bombshell Beauty, Inc. | Hairstyling tool |
US8517033B2 (en) * | 2012-01-18 | 2013-08-27 | Bombshell Beauty, Inc. | Hairstyling tool |
US9072356B2 (en) * | 2012-03-11 | 2015-07-07 | Bojana Carey | Hair clip |
US9144285B2 (en) | 2012-08-27 | 2015-09-29 | Goody Products, Inc. | Hair accessories and methods for their manufacture |
US20150250283A1 (en) * | 2014-03-09 | 2015-09-10 | Angelica Alas | Hair volumizing device |
US20160088916A1 (en) * | 2014-09-29 | 2016-03-31 | Jake Johnson | Hair clip with appendage to create a fuller thicker pony tail |
US9591907B2 (en) * | 2014-09-29 | 2017-03-14 | Jake Johnson | Hair clip with appendage to create a fuller thicker pony tail |
USD893100S1 (en) | 2020-02-25 | 2020-08-11 | Wouldn't It Be Nice LLC | Ponytail volumizer |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |