US20210235836A1

US20210235836A1 - Head and hair wrap

Info

Publication number: US20210235836A1
Application number: US17/168,121
Authority: US
Inventors: Terri Lanita Winton
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-02-04
Filing date: 2021-02-04
Publication date: 2021-08-05

Abstract

Head and hair wraps disclosed herein may include a band of material sized and shaped to wrap around a wearer's head and a lower edge of the band may be configured to be proximate to a hair line of a wearer when worn. The band may include two notches shaped, sized, and positioned within the band to align with the wearer's ears so that, for example, the band may wrap around a wearer's head without covering the wearer's ears. At times, a top of the wearer's head is not covered by the band when the head wrap is worn by the wearer.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a NON-PROVISIONAL of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/969,886, filed 4 Feb. 2021 entitled “HEAD AND HAIR WRAP,” which is incorporated herein by reference, in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention pertains to apparel and, more particularly, head wear, hair wraps, and hair styling tools.

BACKGROUND

Traditional head and/or hair wraps are problematic because they fail to adequately cover the full circumference of a wearer's hairline, particularly around the wearer's ears and at the base of the neck. This can lead to hair at these locations being damaged or broken. In addition, for some hairstyles, failing to keep hair flat while wrapped can cause frizzing or curling of hair that may be inconsistent with a wearer's desired hair style.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A provides a top plan view of an exemplary head wrap, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 1B provides a top plan view of the exemplary head wrap with exemplary dimensions, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 1C is a top plan view of three different sizes of the exemplary head wrap, in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B provide a rear view and a side-perspective view, respectively, of the exemplary head wrap wrapped around a mannequin head, in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 3A is a block diagram of an exemplary covering for the head wraps disclosed herein, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3B is a block diagram showing a side view of an exemplary of an exemplary head wrap system that includes head wrap with a covering affixed to the head wrap, in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 4A-4E are images of women wearing the exemplary head wrap or an exemplary head wrap system, in accordance with the present invention.

The drawings of the instant application are not drawn to scale. Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals and characters, unless otherwise stated, are used to denote like features, elements, components, or portions of the illustrated embodiments. Moreover, while the subject invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, the description is done in connection with the illustrative embodiments. It is intended that changes and modifications can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the true scope and spirit of the subject invention as defined by the appended claims.

SUMMARY

Head and hair wraps disclosed herein may include a band of material sized and shaped to wrap around a wearer's head in order to, for example, hold hair in place, protect a hairline of the wearer, maintain a hairstyle of the wearer, lift hair away from the wearer's neck, and/or cover and/or protect the scalp so that hair treatments and/or medications may be applied thereto and held in place by the head wrap.
A lower edge of the band may be configured to be proximate to a hair line of a wearer when worn and may include two notches shaped, sized, and positioned within the band to align with the wearer's ears so that, for example, the band may wrap around a wearer's head without covering the wearer's ears (i.e., each of the wearer's ears are positioned in a notch). In some embodiments, a top of the wearer's head is not covered by the band when the head wrap is worn by the wearer.
In some embodiments, the band includes a first and second end that are configured to be attached to one another when the band is wrapped around the wearer's head. Alternatively, the head wrap may not include first and second ends and may, instead comprise a circular band that is, for example, slipped over a wearer's head and then placed in a preferred position (e.g., with a lower edge of the band being proximate to the hairline).
In some embodiments, the band may include a neck extension positioned between the first notch and the second notch and configured to extend downwards from a lower edge of the band and cover a hairline of the wearer positioned at a base of the wearer's head. The neck extension may be curved in shape.
On some occasions, the head wrap may include more than one layer of material or fabric. On these occasions, an inner lay may be configured to absorb moisture and/or wick moisture away from the wearer's head. The outer layer may be configured to, for example, have a decorative appearance. On some occasions, the outer layer may be made from a waterproof and/or water resistant material configured to, for example, prevent moisture from the wearer's head from penetrating the outer layer.
In some embodiments, the head wrap may include a covering that may be permanently or removably affixed to the band. The covering may be configured to cover a portion of the band, hold the band in place, and/or decorate and/or embellish the head wrap.

Written Description

Disclosed herein is a head and hair wrap (sometimes referred to herein as a “head wrap”) that encircles a wearer's head and keeps his or her hair in place during, for example, physical activity, sleeping, hair styling, hair conditioning, and/or hair drying. The head wraps disclosed herein are configured so that a lower edge of the head wrap may be coincident with a hairline of a wearer when worn so that the fine hairs that occur at the hairline (as well as other hair on the wearer's head) are enclosed within the wrap when worn. The head wrap may be worn so that it wraps around the front, back, and the sides of a wearer's head while leaving a top of the wearer's head uncovered, which may allow for the positioning of hair on top of the wearers head (e.g., above the wrap) and/or ventilation of the head.
The head wraps described herein are configured to keep hair smooth and in place all around the wearer's scalp and hairline (i.e., along the wearer's temporal area, parietal ridge, and the nape of the neck underneath the occipital bone) and, in particular, around the edges of the hairline where small, short, and/or fly away hairs are traditionally particularly difficult to keep in place particularly when these hairs get wet or moist due to, for example, sweat, which tends to revert back to its natural state (e.g., curly or frizzy) or otherwise undo a hairstyle.
The head wraps described herein are configured to wrap around the perimeter of the wearer's head but be open at the top so that hair may be exposed to the open air. This achieves at least two purposes: 1) ventilation of the wearer's head to prevent over-heating, and 2) allows a volume of hair to be positioned outside the head wrap, which allows the hair around the wearer's hairline to held in place without compressing the remainder of the wearer's hear. This allows the wearer to use the head wrap disclosed herein without disrupting or damaging his or her hairstyle (e.g., braids, weaves, etc.). It is also more comfortable than wearing a head wrap that covers a wearer's entire head. In this way, the head wraps described herein may be used for wearers who have relatively long or short hair.
The head wraps described herein may also be used to seal hair to the wearer's hairline when worn, which may be helpful for maintaining hairstyles that require flat edges along the hairline to the wearer's head or scalp (e.g., wet-to-dry hairstyles) and, in some instances, may protect hair, particularly the wearer's hair positioned near the hairline, from knotting, breakage, or other damage. Additionally, or alternatively, the head wraps described herein may be used to facilitate penetration of medication, conditioning, and/or other treatments (e.g., natural hair edge treatments, and/or thinning edge treatments) applied to the scalp and/or protect the hair from being disturbed while the hair and/or scalp is being treated with the medication and/or other treatments as may occur during, for example, sleeping or physical activity. Thus, in some instances, the head wraps disclosed herein may be used to assist wearers who suffer from “tension baldness” or any other type of head or hair issues that may be treated with a hair/scalp circumference treatment by covering the hairline to, for example, keep the medication in place (e.g., prevent it from being rubbed off and/or pushed away via, for example, sweat), protect the delicate hairs positioned at the hairline, and/or protect the hairline from rubbing or other agitation.
Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1A provides a top plan view of an exemplary head wrap 100 and FIG. 1B provides a top plan view of head wrap 100 with exemplary dimensions. Head wrap 100 includes an upper edge 105 that extends along a length of head wrap 100, a first side 115, a second side 125, and a neck extension 140. A first ear notch 120 is positioned along a lower edge of head wrap 100 between first side 115 and neck extension 140 and a second ear notch 130 is positioned along a lower edge of head wrap 100 between second side 125 and neck extension 140.
Head wrap 100 may be made from any appropriate material (e.g., cotton, nylon, spandex, LYCRA, etc.) and, in some embodiments may be configured to stretch. In many cases, head wrap 100 is made from a wicking material configured to wick moisture away from the wearer's scalp and hair so that it may keep the wearer's head and/or neck dry and/or allow moisture to evaporate away from the head wrap 100.
Often times, a material used to fabricate head wrap 100 is uniform throughout head wrap 100 but, this need not always be the case. For example, in some instances, all, or a portion (e.g., around first ear notch 120, second ear notch 130, and/or neck extension 140), of an edge of head wrap 100 may be reinforced with a material that stretches in order to, for example, conform to the head of a wearer.
In some embodiments, head wrap 100 may include two or more layers. In these embodiments, an inner layer configured to be proximate to the wearer's hair may be made from an absorbent and/or wicking material (e.g., cotton and/or wicking fabric) and an outer layer may be made from the same as the inner layer or a different material. In some cases, the outer layer may be made from a decorative material. Additionally, or alternatively, the outer layer may be made from a water and/or oil resistant material that may be configured to, for example, contain medication, sweat, and/or other materials within head wrap 100 so that they do not bleed out onto, for example, the outer layer, which may cause an unsightly appearance, and/or another garment or piece of material (e.g., a hat or pillow case). Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments, head wrap 100 may include an additional inner layer which may be configured to, for example, increase absorptivity of head wrap 100 (by, for example, absorbing excess sweat, hair treatments, and/or medication), increase a volume of head wrap 100, and/or improve the comfort of wearing head wrap 100.
First side 115 may have a length 115L of, for example, 4-7 inches and a width of, for example, 1-4.5 inches. In some cases, first side 115 may be tapered along its length so that a width ranges from, for example, 1.5-3 inches along its length with the wider portion of first side 115 being proximate to first ear notch 120 and the narrower portion of first side 115 being proximate to first attachment mechanism 110. Second side 125 may be an approximate mirror image of first side 115 wherein a length of second side 125L is approximately 1-4.5 inches. In some cases, second side 125 may be tapered along its length so that a width ranges from, for example, 1.5-3 inches along its length with the wider portion of second side 125 being proximate to second ear notch 130 and the narrower portion of second side 125 being proximate to second attachment mechanism 135.
First side 115 includes a first attachment mechanism 110 configured to cooperate with a second attachment mechanism 135 positioned on second side 125 so that first side 115 may be joined to second side 125 when head wrap 100 is worn by a wearer. First and second attachment mechanisms 110 and 135 may be, for example, opposite sides of a clasp, snap, hook and eye, tie, VELCRO™, and/or similar closure mechanism or fastening device. In some embodiments, first and second attachment mechanisms 110 and 135 may accommodate a range of positions so that a size of the head wrap may be adjustable to, for example, fit around a variety of head shapes and sizes and/or hair styles with a wearer's preferred amount of compression.
Neck extension 140 may have a curved shape with an approximate length 140L of 6-10 inches and a width 140W of 1-3.5 inches at an apex of the curve. Neck extension 140 may be configured to extend down a wearer's neck to, for example, cover hair positioned at the nape of the wearer's neck and secure hair positioned at, or near, a wearer's hairline in the back of his or her head so that, for example, hair positioned at the base of the neck along the hairline may be protected and/or a hair treatment applied to the scalp at, or near, the hairline may be held in place. An example of how neck extension 140 extends down to cover the hairline along the base of wearer's neck is shown in, for example, FIGS. 2A and 2B and discussed below.
First and second ear notches 120 and 130 may be positioned along the lower edge of head wrap 100 and may have a curved shape with an approximate length 120L and 130L of 0.3-3 inches each and a width 120W and 130W of 0.5-3.5 inches at an apex of the curve. First and second ear notches 120 and 130 may be configured to wrap around hair positioned near (e.g., above, behind, and/or in front of) the wearer's respective first and second ears and hold this hair in place while not covering the wearer's respective first and second ears as shown in, for example, FIGS. 2A and 2B and discussed below.
FIG. 1C is a top plan view of three different sizes (small, medium, and large) of head wrap 100 showing the relative proportions thereof with a first hair wrap 105A being small, a second hair wrap 105B being medium, and a third hair wrap 105C being large.
FIGS. 2A and 2B provide a rear view and a side-perspective view, respectively, of head wrap 100 wrapped around a mannequin head 201 in a manner similar to how head wrap 100 may be wrapped around a wearer's head. As may be seen in FIG. 2A, neck extension 140 is configured to wrap around the base of the wearer's head, below the occipital bone, and cover hair positioned at the nape of the wearer's neck. This is in contrast to other, traditional, head wraps that do not extend as far down the wear's neck and do not cover all the hair positioned at, near, or below the wearer's occipital bone which may cause, for example, curling or fizzing of hair positioned there when it gets wet. In addition, because traditional wraps do extend fully down the neck to cover all hair at the hairline, the lower edge of these traditional head wraps cuts across the hair positioned on the lower back of the head, which may leave an indentation, or line, in the hair or otherwise disrupt the wearer's hairstyle. Neck extension 140 cures both of these problems and, by covering hair at the base of the neck, preserves hair styles by, for example, keeping this hair smooth against the head without pushing into the hair itself which may cause indents in the hair and/or disruption of the wearer's hairstyle.
As may be seen in FIG. 2B, first and/or second ear notch 120 or 130 is configured to cover hair above, in front of, and behind the wearer's ear while not covering the wearer's ear, which may serve to make wearing head wrap 100 more comfortable. In addition, FIG. 2B shows where first and second attachment mechanisms 110 and 135 meet to attach, or fasten, to one another to secure head wrap 100 around the wearer's head.
FIGS. 2A and 2B also show how head wrap 100 may be used to secure hair around the hairline of a wearer to his or her head while leaving the top of the wearer's head uncovered. Leaving the top of the wearer's head uncovered may allow for greater ventilation, or cooling, of the crown of the wearer's head, which may be particularly important when the wearer is exercising, sleeping, or is suffering from hot flashes that may be caused by menopause.
FIG. 3A is a block diagram of an exemplary covering 300 that may be placed over and/or attached to the head wrap 100. Covering 300 may be configured to wrap around and/or head wrap 100 in order to, for example, support hair, position hair, embellish head wrap 100 and/or provide a fashionable appearance. Covering 300 may be a rectangular- or square-shaped piece of fabric of sufficient length to wrap around head wrap 100, or a portion thereof, when it is being worn by a wearer. Covering 300 may be of any material, color, and/or printed design. In many cases, the user may wrap the head wrap 100 around his or her head first and may then wrap covering 300 around head wrap 100 once head wrap 100 is securely positioned. Covering 300 may be permanently (e.g., sewed, glued, and/or thermo-bonded on) and/or removably (via, for example, VELCRO™, a tie, and/or snaps) attached to head wrap 100. Alternatively, covering 300 may be detached from head wrap 100 and may stay positioned over head wrap 100 via, for example, tying covering 300 over top of head wrap 100.
In some embodiments, covering 300 may be affixed to head wrap 100. For example, covering 300 may be sewn or glued onto an outward facing surface of head wrap 100 at, for example, a center or approximate center of neck extension 140. FIG. 3B provides a side view of an exemplary of an exemplary head wrap system 310 that includes head wrap 100 with a covering 300 affixed to the head wrap 100 at a center point 320 so that covering 300 has a first side 300A and a second side 300B. In some embodiments, first side 300A may be the same length as second side 300B and, in other embodiments, first side 300A and second side 300B may be of different lengths. First and second sides of covering 300A and 300B may be configured to extend from center point 320 to wrap around the underlying head wrap 100 when worn by a user. In some embodiments, an overall length of covering 300 may be longer than head wrap 100 so that, for example, ends of covering may be tied into a decorative knot as shown in, for example, FIGS. 4A-4E, which are images of women wearing head wrap 100 or a head wrap system 310. More particularly, FIG. 4A shows two women; one standing and one kneeling. The standing woman is wearing head wrap 100 and shows how first or second ear notch 120 or 130 covers hair near the woman's ear but does not cover her ear. The kneeling woman is wearing a head wrap system 310 wherein covering 300 is tied with a bow in the front and covers the entirety of head wrap 100.
FIG. 4B is an image of three women with the woman on the left wearing head wrap 100 and the women in the center and on the right side of the image wearing head wrap system 310. As may be seen in FIG. 4B, the hair on the crown of the woman wearing head wrap 100 is not covered by head wrap 100 and is free to extend above and outside of the head wrap.
FIG. 4C is an image of a woman wearing head wrap system 310 where covering 300 is tied a knot in the front and wrapped around the back of the wearer's head.
FIG. 4D is an image of two woman both of whom are wearing a head wrap system 310 where both sides of covering 300 for the woman on the left are twisted in the front of the wearer's head and then wrapped around the back of her head and the woman on the right is wearing head wrap system 310 wherein covering 300 is knotted in a bow in the front. and FIG. 4E is an image of a side of a woman wearing head wrap system 310 where covering 300 is knotted in a bow in the front.
Hence, a head wrap configured to wrap around a hairline of a wearer while not covering the wearer's ears is herein disclosed. Additionally, a head wrap system that includes a head wrap and a covering is herein disclosed.

Claims

1. A head wrap comprising:

a band of material sized and shaped to wrap around a wearer's head, a lower edge of the band being configured to be proximate to a hair line of a wearer when worn, the lower edge of the band including a first notch and a second notch, the first notch being sized, shaped, and positioned within the band to align with the wearer's first ear and the second notch being sized, shaped, and positioned within the band to align with the wearer's second ear.

2. The head wrap of claim 1, wherein the band is configured so that the band does not cover the wearer's first ear or the wearer's second ear when worn.

3. The head wrap of claim 1, wherein the band further comprises:

a first end; and

a second end, wherein the second end is configured to attach to the first end when the band is wrapped around the wearer's head.

4. The head wrap of claim 1, wherein the band further comprises:

a neck extension configured to extend downwards from the band and cover a hairline of the wearer positioned at a base of the wearer's head, the neck extension being positioned between the first notch and the second notch.

5. The head wrap of claim 1, wherein the band further comprises:

an outer layer; and

an inner layer.

6. The head wrap of claim 1, wherein the band further comprises:

an outer layer; and

an inner layer, the inner layer being configured to wick moisture away from the wearer's head.

7. The head wrap of claim 1, wherein the band further comprises:

an outer layer, the outer layer being configured to have a decorative appearance; and

an inner layer.

8. The head wrap of claim 1, wherein a top of the wearer's head is not covered by the band when the head wrap is worn by the wearer.

9. The head wrap of claim 1, wherein the band is configured to protect a hairline of the wearer.

10. The head wrap of claim 1, wherein the band is configured to hold a hair treatment applied to the scalp in place while worn by the wearer.

11. The head wrap of claim 1, further comprising:

a covering affixed to the band, the covering being configured to cover a portion of the band.

12. The head wrap of claim 10, wherein the covering is configured to enable a wearer to wrap the head wrap around her head and affix the head wrap to her head.