RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application

Serial No. 61/776,312, titled "Adjustable Hairband," filed on March 11, 2013, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. The present application also claims the benefit of U.S. Application Serial No. 14/203,929, titled "Adjustable Hairband," filed on March 11, 2014, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The field generally relates to hair products and more specifically to hair fastening devices.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Hairbands are accessories that may be worn in and around the hair of a person. For example, a hairband may be used to hold a person's hair in a position away from their face or eyes. Hairbands may consist of a loop of elastic material or a horseshoe-shaped piece of flexible plastic or metal. Hairbands also come in many different shapes and sizes.

Further, hairbands may be used for both fashion and practical purposes, such as to keep a person's head warm or to absorb perspiration.

SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments generally relate to an adjustable hairband. According to an embodiment, the hairband comprises an outer layer of fabric. An inner layer of fabric can be fastened to the outer layer, forming a fabric tube with two channels between the layers near opposite edges. A first cord may be housed within one of the two channels, and the ends of the first cord extend out of openings near the channel allowing the layers to be pulled together on a first side. A second cord can be housed within the other channel, and the ends of the second cord extend out of different openings near the other channel to allow the layers to be pulled together on an opposite side. Portions of the cords extending from the channels may be secured with one or more locks to allow the cords to be tightened, loosened, and fastened in various positions. Further, the cords may have ends/grips to facilitate adjustment.

[0005] According to another embodiment, the hairband described above can be placed around a user's head so that the hairband can encompass the user's hair. The hairband can be adjusted to a smaller diameter by first pulling the first cord to tighten a first end of the hairband. The first cord can be secured with a lock to maintain the first cord in a tightened position. The second cord could then pulled to tighten an opposite end of the hairband and secured with a lock to maintain the second cord in a tightened position.

[0006] Further embodiments, features, and advantages of the disclosure, as well as the structure and operation of the various embodiments of the disclosure are described in detail below with reference to accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Various embodiments of the present disclosure will be understood more fully from the detailed description given below and from the accompanying drawings of various embodiments of the disclosure. In the drawings, like reference numbers may indicate identical or functionally similar elements. The drawing in which an element first appears is generally indicated by the left-most digit in the corresponding reference number.

[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates various aspects of an adjustable hairband, according to an embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates a twist mechanism for adjusting and securing cords of an adjustable hairband, according to an embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates two adjustable hairbands.

[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates an adjustable hairband from another perspective, according to an embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates a method for adjusting an adjustable hairband using pull cords, according to an embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 6 illustrates a method for adjusting an adjustable hairband using a push button or wind-up system, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The present disclosure provides an adjustable hairband and methods for adjustment. The present disclosure improves over existing hairbands by providing multiple configurations. For example, the diameter of the hairband may be easily adjusted through expansion and contraction. When fully extended, the adjustable hairband may be worn like a traditional headband. The hairband also may be tightened to decrease its diameter and provide other hair securing configurations, for example, such as a ponytail holder.

[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates various aspects of an adjustable hairband, according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 includes an outer layer of fabric 102, and inner layer of fabric 104, a first row of stitches 106, a second row of the stitches 108, a third row of stitches 110, a fourth row of stitches 112, a first channel 114, a second channel 116, an edge 118, an opposite edge 120, openings 122 and 124, locks 126 and 128, cords 130, and ends/grips 132.

[0016] According to an embodiment, an outer layer of fabric 102 is fastened to an inner layer of fabric 104 by sewing the two layers together with a first row of stitches 106, a second row stitches 108, a third row of stitches 110, a fourth row of stitches 112. The first row of stitches 106 and the second row stitches 108 can create a first channel 114 between the two layers of fabric. The third row of stitches 110 and the fourth row of stitches 112 can be located on an opposite side and create the second channel 116 between the two layers of fabric. The ends of the attached layers of fabric may be sewn together with another row of stitches (not shown) to form a fabric tube/band.

[0017] The first channel 114 can be located near an edge 118, while the second channel 116 can be located near an opposite edge 120. Separate cords 130 can be disposed within each of the channels 114 and 116 between the layers of fabric. The cords 130 can also extend from within their respective channels 114 and 116 through corresponding openings 122 and 124 located near the channels. [0018] Cords 130 may be tightened by pulling ends/grips 132 of a cord extending through an opening 122, 124. The cords 130 may be secured in place by a respective lock 126, 128, such as a spring lock. Pulling the cords 130 allows the layers of fabric to be cinched, thus contracting the size of the fabric tube. Securing the tightened cords with locks 126, 128, allows the contracted adjustable hairband to firmly hold hair in place. Releasing the locks are 126, 128 and loosening the cords 130 allows for removal and/or readjustment of the hairband.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the layers of fabric may be rectangular in shape, may be nearly the same size, or may be exactly the same size. In one example, at least one of the layers is comprised of non-stretch material. In another example, at least one of the layers is comprised of stretchable material. In other embodiments, at least one of the layers may be comprised of thin material, transparent material, insulating material, breathable material, absorbent material, hydrating material, and/or non-slip or gripping material.

[0020] In some embodiments, one or more of the layers may be comprised of a gripping and/or anti-slap material, for example, to secure the layers of fabric and/or the adjustable hairband on a wearer's head or hair. Further, the layers of fabric may be of the same thickness or different thicknesses. In an alternative embodiment, the layers of fabric may be designed with one or more openings. For example, an adjustable hairband may be a "frame" as an alternative to a full band.

[0021] In some embodiments, small mirrors, plastic, metal, or other shapes and designs may be attached and/or embedded into one or more layers of fabric. In various other embodiments, the adjustable hairband may include branding, logos, prints, embroideries, knits, paper fabrics, wood, foam, liquids, etc. Further, the fabric and/or other aspects of the hairband may, for example, include marketing/advertising messages, such as one or more trademarks and/or trade dress for beverages, sports drinks, creams, sprays, beauty products, electronics, music, videos, etc. Advertising also may include open laser cut logos. [0022] In other embodiments, an adjustable hairband may include one or more layers of clear fabric, sun proof material, one or more windows/openings/vents, waterproof material, and may be configured to secure one or more charms and/or other personalized accessories for display. For example, the hairband may be configured to hold or secure one or more ornaments, decorations, or means of transportable customization/personalization. In some embodiments, items such as ornaments or decorations may be housed in a predetermined structure, such as a grid. Further, ornaments or decorations may be attached and detached (popped in or out) from the housing located on the hairband. In further embodiments, a food item such as candy, may be included in the housing. Also, the hairband may be comprised of edible layers of food instead of layers of fabric. The edible layers of material may be eaten or dissolved into a drink.

[0023] In some embodiments, one or more layers of fabric may be comprised of stretchable and/or non-stretchable fabrics. In one example, an adjustable hairband is fully and/or partially automatic. For example, the hairband may be adjusted using one or more electrical and/or mechanical means, and may include one or more batteries and/or solar- energy panels.

[0024] In an embodiment, the cords may be equivalent in length or of different lengths. In an example, one or more of the cords may be elastic, and the elasticity of the cords either may be the same or different. One or more of the cords may be retractable. Also, one or more cord ends may have holes, for example, for attaching other items.

[0025] In one embodiment, the layers of fabric may be temporarily and securely fastened (e.g., with Velcro) by a user according to embodiments described herein. The temporary fastening allows a user to mix and match different inner and outer layers of fabric. For example, a decorative outer layer of fabric may be matched with an insulating inner layer of fabric on cold weather days for warmth or a breathable inner layer of fabric on hot days for ventilation.

[0026] In an embodiment, at least one of the cords is joined by a lock to allow the cords to be adjusted and fastened in different configurations. The lock may be any type of lock capable of fastening cords. Further, the lock may be comprised of one or more materials, which may include plastic, metal and/or wood.

[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a twist mechanism for adjusting and securing cords of an adjustable hairband, according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 includes a first edge 202, an opposite edge 204, openings 206, cords within respective channels 208, and an adjusting and locking means 210.

[0028] According to an embodiment, adjustable hairband may be tightened, released and secured using and adjusting and locking means 210. For example, a twist-up, push button, grip inside, or dial lock mechanism may be used as an alternative to pull cords extending from openings, as previously illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0029] In an example, cords within respective channels 208 extend from openings 206 and are fed into adjusting and locking means 210. In one example, a twist-up mechanism gradually tightens cords within respective channels 208 when turned in one direction and gradually loosens the cords when turned in the opposite direction. In another example, a push button mechanism may tighten the cords within respective channels 208 each time the button is pushed. Further, the cords may be released when the button is held and the cords are released (hairband is

expanded.).

[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates two working models of an adjustable hairband, according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 includes a row of stitches 302, a second row of stitches 304, a channel between the layers of fabric 306, an edge 308, an additional row of stitches 310, locks 312, cords having ends 314, and openings 316.

[0031] According to an embodiment, a row of stitches 302 and a second row of stitches 304 fasten an inner layer of fabric to an outer layer of the fabric while creating a channel 306 between the layers. In an example, a cord may be disposed within the channel and extend outside of the channel through openings 316 near the channel. Channels may be located near an edge 308 on opposite sides. An additional row of stitches 310 is used to join the ends of the layers of fabric into a fabric tube or band. Further, cords having ends 314 may be tightened, loosened, and secured using locks 312.

[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates an adjustable hairband from another perspective, according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 includes fastened ends of fabric 402, a row of stitches 404, a second row of stitches 406, a channel between two layers of fabric 408, a first cord 410, a second cord 412, a lock 414, and an end/grip 416.

[0033] Fastened ends of fabric 402 are where each end of the layers can be joined to create a fabric tube/band. Two rows of stitches 404 and 406 can be used to fasten the two layers of fabric together while forming a channel between the two layers of fabric 408. The first cord 410 and a second cord 412 may be tightened to cinch the layers of fabric on either or both ends. The cords may be secured with a lock 414. Further, tightening of the cords may be facilitated by ends or grips fastened to the cords to help the user to pull the cords tight.

[0034] FIG. 5 illustrates a method for adjusting an adjustable hairband using pull cords, according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, an adjustable hairband comprising inner and outer layers of stretchable fabric is used. At step 502, the hairband is placed around a user's head, for example, in a loosened or slightly tightened configuration (e.g., to pull the user's hair away from their face). At step 504, a first cord of the adjustable hairband is pulled back to begin stretching a first portion of the adjustable hairband at the back of the user' s head. At step 506, the first cord is pulled back further and tightened to fully stretch the first portion of the adjustable hairband back on the user's head. At step 508, the second cord is pulled back to begin stretching the second portion of the adjustable headband (the remaining portion) back on the user's head. At step 510, the second cord is further tightened and pulled back on the user's head. At stage 512, the second cord is pulled back and tightened to form a ponytail. Thus, the user' s hair is pulled back tight into a ponytail with no dangling and no need for a brush.

[0035] FIG. 6 illustrates a method for adjusting an adjustable hairband using a push button or wind-up system, according to an embodiment. At step 602, adjustable hairband is placed on a user's head, for example, in loosened, slightly tightened, or secure position. At step 604, the push button/wind-up system is engaged to tighten the hairband while stretching the hairband back on the user's head. At steps 606 and 608, the push button/wind-up system is further engaged and continues to tighten the hairband while stretching the hairband back on the user's head. At step 610, the adjustable hairband is tightened to form a ponytail in the user's hair.

[0036] It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the above description. The scope of the disclosure should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.