US20190297964A1

US20190297964A1 - Apparel having an integrally formed wrap for hair

Info

Publication number: US20190297964A1
Application number: US16/364,278
Authority: US
Inventors: Kelly M. Brown
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-03-28
Filing date: 2019-03-26
Publication date: 2019-10-03

Abstract

A piece of apparel has a hair wrap connected to or is integrally formed as part of the apparel. After bathing, a wearer of the apparel can use the hair wrap portion to wrap his or her head. The hair wrap is able to dry and restrain a user's hair after the bathing experience.

Description

BACKGROUND

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/649,485, filed Mar. 28, 2018, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

This application is directed to the field of bathroom and bathing apparel. In particular, the application is directed to apparel that has multiple uses.

2. Description of the Related Art

After a shower or bathing experience someone can grab a towel or other item with which to dry themselves. In a typical scenario if one wants to dry their hair they need both a towel for their body and for their hair. Sometimes finding multiple towels is difficult. Therefore, having a convenient article of clothing that provides both the ability to clothe oneself and to wrap one's hair is desirable.

SUMMARY

Briefly described, aspects of the present disclosure relate to a robe having an integrally formed hair wrap.
An aspect of the present disclosure may be a piece of apparel. The piece of apparel comprises a body adapted to cover a portion of a user, wherein the body has a neck portion that when worn by a user is located proximate to a neck of the user; arms connected to the body that are adapted to house arms when the user is wearing the piece of apparel; and a hair wrap operably attached to the body proximate to the neck portion, wherein the hair wrap has an elongated rectangular shape, wherein the hair wrap is adapted to wrap a head of the user when the apparel is worn by the user.
Another aspect of the present disclosure may be piece of apparel. The piece of apparel may comprise a body adapted to cover a portion of a user, wherein the body has a neck portion that when worn by a user is located proximate to a neck of the user; and a hair wrap operably attached to the body proximate to the neck portion, wherein the hair wrap is adapted to be wrapped around and encircle a head of the user when the apparel is worn by the user, wherein the hair wrap is adapted to facilitate drying of the head of the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a frontal view of a piece of apparel having an integrally formed hair wrap.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of a piece of apparel having an integrally formed hair wrap.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a piece of apparel having an integrally formed hair wrap.

FIG. 4 is a simple diagram illustrating a person using the piece of apparel having an integrally formed hair wrap.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of hair wrap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

To facilitate an understanding of embodiments, principles, and features of the present disclosure, they are disclosed hereinafter with reference to implementation in illustrative embodiments. Embodiments of the present disclosure, however, are not limited to use in the described systems or methods and may be utilized in other systems and methods as will be understood by those skilled in the art.
The components described hereinafter as making up the various embodiments are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many suitable components that would perform the same or a similar function as the components described herein are intended to be embraced within the scope of embodiments of the present disclosure.
Now turning to FIGS. 1-4, shown is an embodiment of a piece of apparel 10, that is a robe. Apparel 10 is shown as a robe, however other bathroom apparel or apparel in general may benefit from the integrally formed hair wrap in addition to the robe described and shown herein. In an embodiment, a shirt is used having an integrally formed hair wrap. In an embodiment, a sweat shirt is used instead of a robe, with the sweat shirt having an integrally formed hair wrap. In an embodiment, a blouse is used instead of a robe, with the blouse having an integrally formed hair wrap. In an embodiment, pants are used having an additional integrally formed drying material formed as part of the pants. In an embodiment, sweat pants are used having additional drying material integrally formed and/or attached to the rear of the pants. In an embodiment, sweat pants are used having additional drying material integrally formed and/or attached to the front of the pants. In an embodiment, a swim wrap has an integrally formed hair drying portion attached and/or formed as part of the swim wrap.
Returning to FIGS. 1-4, the apparel 10 comprises a body 11, arms 12, neck region 13, belt 14 and integrally formed hair wrap 15. As discussed above, other articles of clothing can also benefit from the implementation of an integrally formed cloth material that can be used to dry portions of the body or hair.
The apparel 10 may be made of a variety of materials. For example, apparel 10 may be made of, but is not limited to, terrycloth, cotton, various types of linen, silk, etc. Preferably, the apparel 10 is made of a material that is suited for absorbing moisture. In an embodiment, the apparel 10 is made of a wicking material. However, it is possible to have the material that the body 11 of the apparel 10 is made from be different than the type of material that the hair wrap 15 is made from. For example, in an embodiment, the body 11 is made of silk and the hair wrap 15 is made of terry cloth. In an embodiment, the body 11 is made of cotton and the hair wrap 15 is made of a spongy absorbent material. In an embodiment, all portions of the apparel 10 is made of different materials. In an embodiment, portions of the apparel 10 may be interchanged with other materials.
Arms 12 extend from the body 11 of the apparel 10. The arms 12 may be made from the same material that the body 11 of the apparel 10 is made from. In an embodiment, the arms 12 are made of a different material than the body 11 of the apparel. In an embodiment, each arm 12 is made from a different material. In an embodiment, each arm 12 is made from the same material. In an embodiment, each arm 12 is made from a different material from each other and from the body 11 of the apparel 10. In an embodiment, each arm 12 is made from the same material as the body 11 and the hair wrap 15. In an embodiment, each arm 12 and the body 11 are made from different materials than the hair wrap 15.
Optionally, a belt 14 is located or attached proximate to the central area of the body 11 of the apparel 10 and may additionally be made from the same material as the body 11 and the arms 12. In an embodiment, the belt 14 is made from a different material than at least one of the arms 12 and body 11. In an embodiment, the belt 14 is made from the same material as the hair wrap 15.
Still referring to FIGS. 1-4, in a neck region 13 of the apparel 10, the hair wrap 15 is located. It should be understood that while hair wrap 15 is referred to as a “hair” wrap, the hair wrap 15 is intended to dry the head region regardless of whether there is hair there or not. By using the term “hair wrap”, it is intended to mean that the material that dries and/or encircles the head, wraps the head as opposed to simply being placed on the head. In other words, the hair wrap surrounds the head. In the embodiment, shown in FIGS. 1-4 the hair wrap 15 is towel shaped, which is to say the hair wrap 15 has an elongated rectangular shape with one end of the rectangle operably attached to, or integrally formed with the body 11. In an embodiment, after the hair wrap 15 encircles the head there may be additional attachment items that secure the hair wrap 15 in its wrapped position.
Turning briefly to FIG. 5, shown is another embodiment of a hair wrap 25 prior to being formed into a wrap. In an embodiment, the hair wrap 25 has an elongated hood shape that surrounds the head. The upper portion of the hair wrap 25 is significantly longer than a typical hood and narrows towards the distal end. The elongated portion of the hair wrap 25 is then used to form a turban around the top portion of a user's head. In an embodiment, the elongated portion of the hair wrap 25 is more than 60 centimeters in length, when measured from where it is connected to the body. In an embodiment, the elongated portion of the hair wrap is greater than 70 centimeters in length, when measured from where it is connected to the body. In an embodiment, the elongated portion of the hair wrap 25 is greater than 100 cm in length. The length of the upper portion makes it easier to form a turban shape with the hair wrap 25.
Returning to FIGS. 1-4, in an embodiment, the hair wrap 15 may be formed as an integrally formed part of the apparel 10. In an embodiment, the hair wrap 15 is a detachable portion of the apparel 10. In an embodiment, the hair wrap 15 is an attachable portion of the apparel 10. In an embodiment, the hair wrap 15 is semi-permanent portion of the apparel 10. In an embodiment, portions of the hair wrap 15 are attachable while other portions of the hair wrap 15 are integrally formed with the body 11 of the apparel 10. In an embodiment, the hair wrap 15 is replaceable.
The hair wrap 15 and the body 11 of the apparel 10 may all be made from a single type of material. In an embodiment, the body 11 of the apparel 10 and the hair 15 are made from different materials. For example, the body 11 may be made of a synthetic material while the hair wrap 15 is made from a terry cloth material. Preferably, the hair wrap 15 is made from a material that is water absorbent. In an embodiment, the hair wrap 15 has thermochromatic materials embedded therein that enables the hair wrap 15 to change color depending on the temperature of and near the thermochromatic material. For example, the hair wrap 15 may turn red when over a certain base temperature.
In an embodiment, the hair wrap 15 is made from a water proof material that has heating elements (not shown) embedded therein. The heating elements may slowly dry the hair. In an embodiment, the heating elements may accelerate the drying of the hair. In an embodiment, the hair wrap 15 is made from a water absorbent material that additionally has heating elements embedded therein. In an embodiment, the heating elements of the hair wrap 15 have rechargeable elements. In an embodiment, the heating elements are powered by a battery source. In an embodiment, the heating elements embedded in the hair wrap 15 generate their heat via an exothermic chemical process. In an embodiment, the hair wrap 15 is made from an extra solar absorbent material that is able to radiate heat in order to additionally dry the hair. For example, the hair wrap 15 may be made of a material that has metallic threading that is able absorb and radiate heat more effectively than, for example, linen.
In an embodiment, the hair wrap 15 may be formed as a separate component that can be attached to the apparel 10 through various types of attachment means. In an embodiment, the hair wrap 15 may be attached to the body 11 of the apparel 11 via hook and loop tape. In an embodiment, the hair wrap 15 may be attached to the body 11 via a belt mechanism, similar to the belt 14. In an embodiment, the hair wrap 15 may be attached to the body 11 via buttons located near the neck area 13. In an embodiment, the hair wrap 15 may be attached to the body 11 via a ties located near the neck area 13. In an embodiment, the hair wrap 15 may be attached to the body 11 via snaps located near the neck area 13. In an embodiment, the hair wrap 15 may be attached to the body 11 through a sealing mechanism. In an embodiment, the hair wrap 15 may be attached to the body 11 via magnets located near the neck area 13. In an embodiment, the hair wrap 15 may be attached to the body 11 via a zipper. In an embodiment, the hair wrap 15 may be attached to the body 11 via electrostatic means.
Referring to FIG. 3, when the hair wrap 15 is not being used, the hair wrap 15 has a first attachment portion 18 that is able to be secured to the body 11 via a second attachment portion 19. This prevents the hair wrap 15 from being too loose or cumbersome. In an embodiment, the first attachment portion 18 is a button that is secured to the second attachment portion 19 that is button loop. In an embodiment, the first attachment portion 18 is a button loop that is secured to the second attachment portion 19 that is button. In an embodiment, the first attachment portion 18 is a portion of hook and loop tape that is secured to the second attachment portion 19 that is the complementary portion of the hook and loop tape. In an embodiment, the first attachment portion 18 is a portion of a magnet that is secured to the second attachment portion 19 that is the complementary portion of the magnet. In an embodiment, the first attachment portion 18 is an elastic portion that is secured to the second attachment portion 19 that is the complementary portion of the elastic portion. In an embodiment, the first attachment portion 18 is a portion of button that is secured to the second attachment portion 19 that is the complementary portion of the button. In an embodiment, the first attachment portion 18 is a snap that is secured to the second attachment portion 19 that is the complementary portion of the snap. In an embodiment, the first attachment portion 18 is a portion of a rubber band that is secured to the second attachment portion 19 that is the complementary portion of the rubber band portion. In an embodiment, the first attachment portion 18 is a fastener that is secured to the second attachment portion 19 that is the complementary portion of the fastener. In an embodiment, the first attachment portion 18 is a magnet and that is secured to the second attachment portion 19 that is the complementary portion of the magnet. In an embodiment, the first attachment portion 18 is a piece of string or material portion that is secured to the second attachment portion 19 that is the complementary portion of the string or material portion. In an embodiment, the first attachment portion 18 is a portion of a zipper that is secured to the second attachment portion 19 that is the complementary portion of the zipper. In an embodiment, the first attachment portion 18 is a portion of a sticky material that is secured to the second attachment portion 19 that is the complementary portion of the sticky portion.
In use, a person can use the hair wrap 15 to wrap their hair or head after a shower or bath. In an embodiment, the hair wrap 15 can be attached to swim wrap that is able to dry someone's hair after being in the ocean, the sea or the pool. The hair wrap 15 is sized large enough to permit the wrapping of head. In an embodiment, the hair wrap 15 may extend 1 to 2 feet from where the hair wrap 15 is attached or integrally formed with the body 11, for example in the neck region 13. In an embodiment, the hair wrap 15 is the size of a towel. In an embodiment, the hair wrap 15 is rectangular in shape. In embodiment, the hair wrap 15 is triangular in shape. In embodiment, the hair wrap 15 is circular in shape. In embodiment, the hair wrap 15 is pentagonal in shape. In an embodiment, the hair wrap 15 is polygonal. In an embodiment, the hair wrap 15 is shaped in any manner that is also conducive to the wrapping of hair. For example, the hair wrap 15 may fan out and get wider as it extends down the back. In an embodiment, the hair wrap 15 is a mesh. In an embodiment, the hair wrap 15 is a weave
While embodiments of the present disclosure have been disclosed in exemplary forms, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications, additions, and deletions can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and its equivalents, as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A piece of apparel comprising;

a body adapted to cover a portion of a user, wherein the body has a neck portion that when worn by a user is located proximate to a neck of the user;

arms connected to the body that are adapted to house arms when the user is wearing the piece of apparel; and

a hair wrap operably attached to the body proximate to the neck portion, wherein the hair wrap has an elongated rectangular shape, wherein the hair wrap is adapted to wrap a head of the user when the apparel is worn by the user.

2. The apparel of claim 1, wherein the hair wrap is made from the same material as the body of the apparel.

3. The apparel of claim 1, wherein the hair wrap is made from a different material than the body of the apparel.

4. The apparel of claim 1, further comprising a first attachment portion located on the hair wrap and a second attachment portion located on the body, wherein the first attachment portion is adapted to secure the hair wrap to the second attachment portion.

5. The apparel of claim 4, wherein the first attachment portion is a first magnet and the second attachment portion is a second magnet.

6. The apparel of claim 4, wherein the first attachment portion is a button and the second attachment portion is a loop.

7. The apparel of claim 1, wherein the hair wrap further comprises heating elements embedded therein.

8. The apparel of claim 1, wherein the apparel is a swim wrap.

9. The apparel of claim 1, wherein the apparel is a robe.

10. The apparel of claim 1, wherein at least one of the body or the hair wrap is made from a wicking material.

11. A piece of apparel comprising;

a body adapted to cover a portion of a user, wherein the body has a neck portion that when worn by a user is located proximate to a neck of the user; and

a hair wrap operably attached to the body proximate to the neck portion, wherein the hair wrap is adapted to be wrapped around and encircle a head of the user when the apparel is worn by the user, wherein the hair wrap is adapted to facilitate drying of the head of the user.

12. The apparel of claim 11, wherein the hair wrap is made from the same material as the body of the apparel.

13. The apparel of claim 11, wherein the hair wrap is made from a different material than the body of the apparel.

14. The apparel of claim 11, further comprising a first attachment portion located on the hair wrap and a second attachment portion located on the body, wherein the first attachment portion is adapted to secure the hair wrap to the second attachment portion.

15. The apparel of claim 14, wherein the first attachment portion is a first magnet and the second attachment portion is a second magnet.

16. The apparel of claim 14, wherein the first attachment portion is a button and the second attachment portion is a loop.

17. The apparel of claim 11, wherein the hair wrap further comprises heating elements embedded therein.

18. The apparel of claim 11, wherein the apparel is a swim wrap.

19. The apparel of claim 11, wherein the hair wrap has a rectangular towel shape.

20. The apparel of claim 11, wherein the hair wrap has semi-circular shape.