HAIR ACCESSORY AND METHOD OF STYLING HAIR

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to United States patent application number 11/157,232 entitled "Hair accessory and method of styling hair" filed by Philis A. Harvie on 20 June 2005, which application is incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein. This application is also related to United States patent no. 4,892,110 entitled "Hair wrap device" and issued to Philis A. Harvie on 9 January 1990. This United States patent is incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION a. Field of the Invention

[0002] The instant invention relates to a hair accessory, a method of making such a hair accessory, a method of styling hair using such a hair accessory, and a method of instructing others to style hair using such a method of styling hair. More particularly, the instant invention relates to a hair accessory containing a ductile metallic member continuously formed or generally configured with overlapping or abutting ends to form an opening for receiving a bundle of hair and to retain the hair in the bundle.

b. Background Art

[0003] Numerous known devices exist for wrapping about a bundle of human hair to retain the hair in a bundle. One such example is the elastic band which is commonly used to encircle a bundle of hair to retain it in the bundle and away from the wearer's eyes. Such a device, although inexpensive, lacks any capability for attaching decorative strips thereto for ornamental purposes and for disguising the appearance of the elastic band, which, for aesthetic purposes, is undesirable. [0004] Other devices, such as a two-element hair clip device hinged together at one end, with provision for releasably locking the elements together at the other end, is known. Such devices offer the advantage of being able to provide a surface to which a decorative member may be attached for

ornamental purposes. However, such devices provide only a single mode or manner in which they may be attached to the hair, and may be relatively expensive to manufacture depending on the size of the hair clip and complexity of the hinge mechanism.

[0005] Ductile metallic members located in sheet-like backing members for wrapping about plastic bags are also known. The common twist-tie for use in wrapping, and twisting to ensure locking, about the mouth of polyurethane bags is one such common household example. The ductile metallic members contained therein are circular ductile wire elements, and usually of a ferrous metal to ensure sufficient tensile strength when stresses are induced through twisting of such twist-tie. It is the common practice in the manufacture of such twist-tie devices to sandwich the ductile wire element between two sheet-like strips of treated paper-like material, primarily to allow such twist-tie members to be easily grasped and separated from one another. [0006] Disadvantages in applying such twist-tie devices for use as an ornamental hair wrap as contemplated in the present invention include the fact that such devices invariably are of a construction wherein a silhouette of the circular ductile wire element protrudes through the surface of the paper-like backing material, creating a cylindrical raised outline throughout the length of the twist-tie. This configuration, in addition to being aesthetically unpleasing when used as a hair wrap, further deprives the twist-tie device of a uniform flat surface to which a decorative ornamental strip or cover member may easily be applied and positively retained thereon despite flexure and coiling of the hair wrap device.

[0007] In addition, the sheet-like backing member employed in twist-ties is of paper-like material, or a material lacking any resistance to flexure. Accordingly, during use, the backing member would frequently become folded over along an axis parallel to the circular ductile wire element, and may even become folded unintentionally about the circular wire element, since the paper-like backing member was totally lacking in any resistance to flexure. Although this occurrence is relatively unimportant where the twist-tie is used as a bag closure means, and is even desirable to allow the twist-tie member to be twisted about its ends to allow locking of the twist-tie, it is most clearly undesirable for use in a hair wrap device for two reasons. [0008] First, the hair wrap device of the present invention is not desired to be twisted about its ends to retain hair in a bundle, but rather is adapted to the coiled about a bundle of hair.

Accordingly, the surface area of backing member contacting the hair is desired to be as great as possible. Any folding of the backing member would thus decrease the surface area of the backing member contacting the bundle of hair.

[0009] Second, any folding over of the backing member about the ductile metallic element would also cause folding over of any flexible decorative strip member affixed thereto and accordingly a portion thereof would become hidden from view. This would result in loss of the aesthetic qualities of a decorative hair wrap device, since the decorative strip would appear folded-over along portions of the hair wrap device.

[0010] Still further devices, such as strip open-ended, resilient, ductile metallic members for coiling about a bundle of hair are known. In United States patent no. 4,892,110, for example, a hair wrap device is disclosed for coiling about a bundle of hair. The hair wrap device disclosed in the '110 patent includes a resilient ductile metallic member having a sufficient resistance to bending so that the hair wrap device, when coiled about a bundle of hair, retains the hair in the bundle. The resilient ductile metallic member is substantially flat and located between flat folded-over portions of a backing member. The folded-over portions of the backing member and the resilient ductile metallic member are of substantially equal thickness so that they together form a flat surface, to which a thin, flexible, decorative cover member is attached covering and hiding the resilient ductile metallic member from view.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] It is desirable to be able to provide a hair accessory that easily and securely maintains a wearer's hair in a decorative and/or functional configuration. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a hair accessory for receiving and retaining a bundle of hair. The hair accessory comprises a thin, resilient, generally rectangular, ductile metallic member having a pair of longitudinal ends. The ductile metallic member is covered by at least one thin sheet-like backing member. The ductile metallic member and the one or more backing members are generally configured in a closed loop by folding the longitudinal ends of the covered ductile metallic member into an adjacent and/or overlapping configuration to form an opening for receiving and retaining a bundle of hair.

[0012] In another embodiment, a hair accessory for receiving and retaining a bundle of hair comprises a continuously formed, thin, resilient ductile metallic member. The continuously formed ductile metallic member is covered by at least one thin sheet-like backing member. The continuously formed ductile metallic member and the one or more backing members are generally configured in a closed loop formed by the continuously formed ductile metallic member and together form an opening for receiving and retaining a bundle of hair.

[0013] In yet another embodiment, the present invention comprises a method of making such a hair accessory, and further comprises methods of styling hair and instructing others to style hair using such a hair accessory.

[0014] The foregoing and other aspects, features, details, utilities, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from reading the following description and claims, and from reviewing the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a hair accessory according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the hair accessory of Figure 1 taken along section line 2-2 of Figure 1.

[0017] Figures 3 - 8 are isometric views depicting steps for assembling the hair accessory of Figure 1.

[0018] Figure 9 is an isometric view of a hair accessory according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 10 is an isometric view of a final step for assembling the hair accessory of Figure 8.

[0020] Figure 11 is an isometric view of a hair accessory according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figures 12 - 18 are isometric views depicting steps for assembling the hair accessory of Figure 10.

[0022] Figure 19 is an isometric view of a hair accessory according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figures 20 - 23 are isometric views depicting steps for assembling the hair accessory of

Figure 19.

[0024] Figure 24 is an isometric view of a hair accessory according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view of the hair accessory of Figure 24 taken along section line 25-25 of Figure 24.

[0026] Figures 26 - 28 are isometric views depicting steps for assembling the hair accessory of

Figure 24.

[0027] Figure 29 is an isometric view of a variant of the hair accessory of Figure 24.

[0028] Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view of the hair accessory of Figure 29 taken along section line 30-30.

[0029] Figures 31 - 33 are isometric views depicting steps for assembly the hair accessory of

Figure 29.

[0030] Figure 34 is an isometric view of a hair accessory according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 35 is a cross-section view of the hair accessory of Figure 34 taken along section line 35-35 of Figure 34.

[0032] Figures 36 - 38 are isometric views depicting steps for assembling the hair accessory of

Figure 34.

[0033] Figure 39 is an isometric view of a variant of the hair accessory of Figure 34.

[0034] Figure 40 is a cross-sectional view of the hair accessory of Figure 39 taken along section line 40-40 of Figure 39;

[0035] Figures 41 - 43 are isometric views depicting steps for assembling the hair accessory of

Figure 39.

[0036] Figures 44 - 46 are isometric views depicting steps for a first method of styling hair according to the present invention.

[0037] Figures 47 - 49 are isometric views depicting steps for a second method of styling hair according to the present invention.

[0038] Figures 50 - 52 are isometric views depicting steps for a third method of styling hair according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] The present invention relates to a hair accessory for receiving and retaining a bundle of hair, to a method of making such a hair accessory, and to methods of styling hair and instructing others to style hair using such a hair accessory. The hair accessory comprises a thin, resilient, generally rectangular, ductile metallic member, which is continuously formed or comprises a pair of longitudinal ends. The ductile metallic member is covered by at least one thin sheet-like backing member. The ductile metallic member and the one or more backing members are generally configured in a closed loop either by the continuously formed ductile metallic member or by folding the longitudinal ends of the covered ductile metallic member into an adjacent and/or overlapping configuration to form an opening for receiving and retaining a bundle of hair. [0040] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a hair accessory 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the hair accessory 10 shown in Figure 1 taken along section line 2 - 2. In this embodiment, the hair accessory 10 comprises a band 12 having a first longitudinal end 14, a second longitudinal end 16, a first longitudinal end region 18, and a second longitudinal end region 20. In this embodiment, the first longitudinal end region 18 and the second longitudinal end region 20 overlap each other, thereby forming an opening 22 for receiving a bundle of hair. The band 12 of the hair accessory 10 comprises a thin, generally rectangular, substantially flat, resilient, ductile metallic member 24 covered by a thin, sheet-like, substantially rectangular backing member 26. As shown in Figure 2, the backing member 26 is wrapped completely around the ductile metallic member 24 to enclose and protect the ductile metallic member 24 and to protect a wearer's hair from the ductile metallic member. [0041] In this first embodiment, the backing member 26 comprises a first lateral edge 28 (see Figures 2 and 5) lying adjacent to a top surface 30 of the ductile metallic member 24, and a second lateral edge 32 overlapping the first lateral edge 28 of the backing member 26. The first longitudinal end region 18 and the second longitudinal end region 20 are maintained in their

overlapping configuration by a means for connecting the first and second longitudinal end regions 18 and 20, respectively. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, for example, the means for connecting the first and second longitudinal end regions 18 and 20 comprises a rivet 34. In some embodiments, such as shown in Figures 23, 28, 33, 38, and 43 and described in further detail below, a washer may be used in conjunction with the rivet 34 between an end of the rivet 34 and the band 12 of the hair accessory 10 to disperse forces applied to the ductile metallic member 24 and the backing member 26 of the band 12 end of the rivet 34. In such an embodiment, for example, the washer may prevent the end of the rivet 34 from pulling through the ductile metallic member 24, especially where the ductile metallic member 24 comprises a soft metallic material such as copper that is easily pierced. Other means for connecting the first and second longitudinal end regions 18 and 20, such as, but not limited to, at least one of a bolt and a nut, adhesive, tape, two-sided tape, weld, fuse, heat stake, stitch, hook and loop fastener, staple, or any combination thereof, may be used within the scope of the present invention.

[0042] Where the means for connecting the first and second longitudinal end regions 18 and 20 comprises an attachment mechanism that allows the overlapping longitudinal end regions to rotate relative to each other (e.g., a rivet or a bolt and a nut), the means for connecting the first and second longitudinal end regions may additionally comprise a means for securing the longitudinal end regions to restrain the overlapping end regions from rotating relative to each other about the attachment mechanism. A layer 36 of two-sided tape or adhesive, for example, may be disposed between the longitudinal end regions to affix the overlapping first and second longitudinal end regions to each other as shown in Figure 7. It has been found that by restraining the longitudinal end regions 18 and 20 from rotating about this rivet or other connector, the ductile metallic member 24 is less likely to fracture and potentially cause a failure of the hair accessory 10. Another possible means for securing the overlapping longitudinal end regions 18 and 20 together may comprise a piece of tape wrapped about the end regions to restrain the first longitudinal end region from rotating with respect to the second longitudinal end region (see, e.g., Figures 16 and 17). Where a rivet or other connector extends through the first and second longitudinal end regions, the piece of tape may be wrapped about the overlapping longitudinal end regions before and/or after the rivet or other attachment mechanism is inserted through the overlapping longitudinal end regions. Again,

wrapping the overlapping longitudinal end regions restrains the longitudinal end regions from rotating with respect to each other about the rivet or other connector extending through the longitudinal end regions. The means for securing the longitudinal end regions may also comprise at least one of a bond, weld, fuse, stitching, or any combination thereof, otherwise securing the first longitudinal end region to the second longitudinal end region to restrain the overlapping end regions from rotating with respect to each other.

[0043] In a variant of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the hair accessory for receiving and retaining a bundle of hair comprises a continuously formed, thin, resilient ductile metallic member. The continuously formed ductile metallic member, for example, may be molded (e.g., poured or injected into a mold) or otherwise continuously formed. The continuously formed ductile metallic member is covered by at least one thin sheet-like backing member. The continuously formed ductile metallic member and the one or more backing members are generally configured in a closed loop formed by the continuously formed ductile metallic member and together form an opening for receiving and retaining a bundle of hair.

[0044] Figures 3 - 8 are isometric views depicting steps of a method for manufacturing the hair accessory 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2. As shown in Figure 3, the generally rectangular, ductile metallic member 24 and the thin, sheet-like backing member 26 are provided. The ductile metallic member 24 is placed adjacent to the backing member 26. As shown in Figure 3, the ductile metallic member 34 comprises a bottom surface 38 placed adjacent to the backing member 26, a top surface 30 located opposite the bottom surface 38, a pair of lateral side edges 40 and 42, and a pair of longitudinal ends 44 and 46. The pair of lateral side edges 40 and 42 and the pair of longitudinal ends 44 and 46 extend between the bottom surface 38 and the top surface 30 of the ductile metallic member 24. The backing member 26 comprises an inner surface 48 shown facing upwardly towards the ductile metallic member 24, an outer surface 50 facing oppositely from the inner surface 48, and a pair of lateral flaps 52 and 54 extending beyond the pair of lateral side edges 40 and 42 of the ductile metallic member 24.

[0045] In one embodiment, a layer of adhesive or two-sided tape is applied to at least a portion of the inner surface 48 of the backing member 26 and/or to at least a portion of the surfaces of the ductile metallic member 24. The layer, for example, may extend over the entire inner surface 48 of

the backing member, may extend around at least a portion of the perimeter of the inner surface of the backing member, may be applied to the inner surface of the backing member in a pattern, such as dots, stripes, swirls, or the like, or may be applied randomly to the inner surface of the backing member. The layer allows the backing member to be adhered to the ductile metallic member along at least a portion of the inner surface, such as along the top surface 30, bottom surface 38, and/or lateral side edges 40 and 42 of the ductile metallic member. Alternatively or additionally, the inner surface 48 of the backing member 26 may be attached to the outer surface 50 of the backing member where the pair of lateral flaps 52 and 54 overlap. In another embodiment, the backing member 26 may be attached to the ductile metallic member 24 via welding, fusion, stitching, or the like.

[0046] The first lateral flap 52 of the backing member 26 is folded around the first lateral side edge 40 of the ductile metallic member 24 as shown in Figure 5. The first lateral flap 52 of the backing member 26 may be attached to the top surface 30 of the ductile metallic member 24 or may be merely placed adjacent to the top surface 30 of the ductile metallic member 24 without being attached to the top surface 30 of the ductile metallic member 24. The second lateral flap 54 of the backing member 26 is then wrapped around the second lateral side edge 42 of the ductile metallic member 24 and overlaps the first lateral flap 52 as shown in Figures 2 and 6. The second lateral flap 54 may be attached to the first lateral flap 52 and/or to a portion of the surface of the ductile metallic member 24 not covered by the first lateral flap 52 of the backing member 26. As shown in Figure 6, the backing member 26 may also extend longitudinally past longitudinal ends 44 and 46 of the ductile metallic member 24 to conceal the longitudinal ends.

[0047] Although the method shown in Figures 3 - 8 shows two lateral flaps 52 and 54 of the backing member 26 being wrapped around the lateral side edges 40 and 42 of the ductile metallic member 24, the ductile metallic member may alternatively be placed overlapping one lateral flap of the backing member 26 and the other lateral flap of the backing member may be wrapped completely around the ductile metallic member 24 and overlap the first lateral flap of the backing member 26. Also, the first and second lateral flaps 52 and 54 of the backing member 26 could be wrapped about the first and second lateral side edges 40 and 42 of the ductile metallic member 24, respectively, and abut each other adjacent to the top surface 30, the bottom surface 38, or one of the

lateral side edges of the ductile metallic member 24. In addition, the backing member 26 may be wrapped around the ductile metallic member 24 in a generally helical manner similar to that of a tennis racquet handle or a bicycle handle bar.

[0048] After the lateral flaps 52 and 54 of the backing member 26 have been wrapped around the ductile metallic member 24, the band 12 formed by the ductile metallic member 24 and the backing member 26 is folded, and the longitudinal end regions 18 and 20 of the band 12 are overlapped to form an opening 22 for receiving a bundle of hair as shown in Figures 7 and 8. Where the longitudinal end regions are to be secured together as described above, a layer 36 of two-sided tape or adhesive may be applied between the overlapping longitudinal end regions and the longitudinal end regions are secured together along at least a portion of the overlapping region. Alternatively or additionally, a layer of material, such as a piece of adhesive tape, may be wrapped around at least a portion of the overlapping longitudinal end regions to secure the end regions to each other (see, e.g. ^' ,' Figures 16 and 17).

[0049] Next, the longitudinal end regions 18 and 20 are attached to each other via the rivet 34. The rivet 34 connection of the longitudinal end regions 18 and 20 of the band 12 is shown in an exploded view in Figure 8. In this view, the rivet 34 comprises a breakstem rivet fastener including a stem 56, a head 58, and a shank 60 extending from the stem 56 to the head 58. The head 58 and the shank 60 are extended through the longitudinal end regions of the band. The end of the stem 56 is pulled, retracting the head 58 into the shank 60 until the longitudinal end regions of the band 12 are connected, and the stem 56 fractures and is removed from the rivet 34.

[0050] Figure 9 is an isometric view of a hair accessory 110 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the hair accessory 110 comprises a band 112 formed by a ductile metallic member 124 covered by a backing member 126. The band 112 comprises a first longitudinal end 114, a second longitudinal end 116, a first longitudinal end region 118, and a second longitudinal end region 120. The band 112 is folded so that the pair of longitudinal ends 114 and 116 abut each other end-to-end and form an opening 122 for receiving a bundle of hair. A cross-section taken along section line A - A shown in Figure 9 is identical to the cross-section shown for the first embodiment of the hair accessory 10 in Figure 2.

[0051] The second embodiment of the hair accessory 110 shown in Figure 9 may be assembled, for example, via the steps shown in Figures 3 — 6 and 10. In this embodiment, the hair accessory 110 is initially assembled via the same steps as described above with reference to Figures 3 - 6. After the ductile metallic member 124 is wrapped by the backing member 126 as shown in Figure 6, the band 112 is folded until the two longitudinal ends 114 and 116 abut and are disposed adjacent to each other forming an opening 122 as shown in Figure 10. The longitudinal ends 114 and 116 of the band 112 may be attached to each other, such as by welding, fusion, adhesion, or the like. Alternatively or additionally, the longitudinal ends may be attached by wrapping them, such as by a piece of tape, to hold them in an adjacent configuration. In another configuration, the band 112 (e.g., the ductile metallic member 124 and/or the backing member 126) may be sufficiently resilient to keep the longitudinal ends 114 and 116 from pulling apart under normal use. [0052] Figure 11 shows an isometric view of a hair accessory 210 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the hair accessory 210 comprises a band 212 including a ductile metallic member 224 covered by a backing member 226 (see, e.g, Figures 12-15). The band 212 comprises a first longitudinal end 214, a second longitudinal end 216, a first longitudinal end region 218, and a second longitudinal end region 220 (see Figure 15). The band 212 is folded such that the first longitudinal end region 218 and the second longitudinal end region 220 are disposed in an overlapping configuration to provide an opening 222 for receiving a bundle of hair (see Figure 16). The cross-sectional view along section line B -B of Figure 11 is identical to the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 2.

[0053] As described in further detail below with reference to Figures 12 — 18, the backing member 226 covering the ductile metallic member 224 comprises a longitudinal flap 262 that extends beyond a first longitudinal end 244 of the ductile metallic member 224. The longitudinal flap 262 covers both the first longitudinal end region 218 and the second longitudinal end region 220 of the band 212 as well as a rivet 234 connecting the first longitudinal end region 218 and the second longitudinal end region 220 of the band 212 (see, e.g., Figures 16 - 18). The longitudinal flap 262 conceals the longitudinal end regions 218 and 220 and the rivet 234 of the hair accessory 210 and further protects the longitudinal end regions and the rivet from contact with the wearer and the wearer from contact with the longitudinal end regions 218 and 220 and the rivet 234. The

longitudinal flap 262, for example, may prevent dirt or oil from accumulating on the rivet 234 and may further prevent hair from being caught on the rivet 234 or between the longitudinal end regions 218 and 220 of the hair accessory 210.

[0054] Figures 12 - 18 show isometric views depicting steps for assembling the hair accessory 210 of Figure 11. As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the ductile metallic member 224 is provided and placed adjacent to the backing member 226. The longitudinal flap 262 is formed by a portion of the backing member 226 that extends longitudinally beyond the first longitudinal end 244 of the ductile metallic member 224. A first lateral flap 252 of the backing member 226 is wrapped around a first lateral side edge 240 of the ductile metallic member 224 and disposed adjacent to a top surface 230 of the ductile metallic member 224 as shown in Figure 14. As described above with respect to Figure 4, the first lateral flap 252 may be attached to the top surface 230 of the ductile metallic member 224 or may be merely placed adjacent to the top surface 230 of the ductile metallic member 224. A second lateral flap 254 of the backing member 226 is then wrapped around a second lateral side edge 242 of the ductile metallic member 224 overlapping the first lateral flap 252 of the backing member 226 such that the second lateral edge 232 of the backing member 226 overlaps the first lateral side edge 228 of the backing member as shown in Figure 15. The second lateral flap 254 is then attached to the first lateral flap 252 of the backing member 226 and/or the top surface 230 of the ductile metallic member 224.

[0055] Next, the longitudinal flap 262 formed by a first longitudinal end region of the backing member 226 is peeled back from the first longitudinal end region 218 of the band 212 exposing the first longitudinal end region 264 of the ductile metallic member 224. The covered ductile metallic member is folded, bringing the first exposed longitudinal end region 264 of the ductile metallic member 224 into an overlapping configuration with the covered second longitudinal end region 266 of the ductile metallic member 224 and providing the opening 222 for receiving a bundle of hair as shown in Figure 16. A piece of material, such as a piece of tape 268, is then wrapped around the overlapping first and second longitudinal end regions to restrain the overlapping longitudinal end regions from rotating with respect to each other. As further shown in Figure 17, a rivet 234 is used to affix the exposed first longitudinal end region 264 of the ductile metallic member 224 and the covered second longitudinal end region 266 of the ductile metallic member 224 in an overlapping

configuration. After the longitudinal end regions 264 and 266 are affixed, the longitudinal flap 262 of the backing member 226 is extended over the exposed first longitudinal end region 264, the covered second longitudinal end region 266, the piece of tape 268, and the rivet 234 as shown in Figure 18. The longitudinal flap 262 may, for example, be attached via adhesion, fusion, welding, stitching, or the like.

[0056] Figure 19 is an isometric view of a hair accessory 310 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. A cross-section taken along the section line C-C shown in Figure 19 is identical to the cross-section shown for the first embodiment of the hair accessory in Figure 2. The hair accessory is similar to the hair accessory shown in Figure 11. [0057] Figures 20-23 are isometric views depicting steps for assembling the hair accessory of Figure 19. As shown in Figure 20, a ductile metallic member 324 is disposed adjacent to a backing member 326. A first longitudinal end 344 of the ductile metallic member 324 overhangs a first longitudinal end 370 of the backing member 326, and a second longitudinal end 372 of the backing member 326 overhangs a second longitudinal end 346 of the ductile metallic member 324 as shown in Figure 21. Lateral flaps 352 and 354 of the backing member 326 are wrapped around the ductile metallic member 324 as shown in Figure 22 and described above with respect to Figures 14 and 15. As shown in Figure 22, the first longitudinal end 344 of the ductile metallic member 324 overhangs the first longitudinal end 370 of the backing member 326 and the second longitudinal end 372 of the backing member 326 forms a longitudinal flap 362 extending beyond the second longitudinal end 346 of the ductile metallic member 324. As described above with respect to Figure 15, the longitudinal flap 362 of the backing member 326 is peeled back away from the second longitudinal end 346 of the ductile metallic member 324, and the covered ductile metallic member is folded, bringing the first exposed longitudinal end region 364 of the ductile metallic member 324 into an overlapping configuration with the covered second longitudinal end region 366 of the ductile metallic member 324 and providing an opening 322 for receiving a bundle of hair. A rivet 334 is used to affix the exposed first longitudinal end region 364 of the ductile metallic member 324 and the covered second longitudinal end region 366 of the ductile metallic member 324 in an overlapping configuration. In this embodiment, for example, the rivet may comprise a first end 356, a second end 358, and a shank 360 extending from the first end 356 to the second end 358 of the

rivet 334. A washer 392 may also be disposed between the inner second longitudinal end region 320 of the band 312 and the second end 358 of the rivet 334 around the shank 360 of the rivet. As described above, the washer 392 disperses the forces applied by the second end 358 of the rivet 334 to the ductile metallic member 324 and the backing member 326 to prevent the second end of the rivet from pulling through the inner second longitudinal end region 320 of the ductile metallic member 324 and/or the backing member 326 and separating the longitudinal end regions 318 and 320 of the band 312.

[0058] After the longitudinal end regions are affixed, the longitudinal flap 362 of the backing member 326 is extended over the exposed first longitudinal end 364, the covered second longitudinal end 366, and the rivet 334 as shown in Figure 23. The longitudinal flap 362 may, for example, be attached via adhesion, fusion, welding, stitching, or the like.

[0059] Figure 24 is an isometric view of a hair accessory 410 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 25 depicts a cross-sectional view of the hair accessory 410 of Figure 24 taken along section line 25 - 25 of Figure 24. The hair accessory 410, in one variant, comprises a waterproof hair accessory in which a ductile metallic member 424 is protected from water or other contaminants by a pair of protective backing members 426 and 427, such as waterproof closed-cell neoprene, polyethylene, or polyurethane foam layers, sandwiched about the ductile metallic member 424. As shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 25, a band 412 is formed by a laminate comprising the ductile metallic member 424 enclosed by the pair of backing member 426 and 427. The backing members 426 and 427 are attached to each other along a pair of lateral ends 474 and 476 as shown in Figure 25 and optionally may also be attached to the top and bottom surfaces 430 and 438 of the ductile metallic member 424. The band 412 comprises a first longitudinal end 414, a second longitudinal end 416, a first longitudinal end region 418, and a second longitudinal end region 420. The band 412 is folded such that the first and second longitudinal end regions 418 and 420 are disposed in an overlapping configuration to provide an opening 422 for receiving a bundle of hair. An attachment device, such as a rivet 434, attaches the first and second longitudinal end regions 418 and 420. [0060] Figures 26 - 28 are isometric views depicting steps for assembling the hair accessory

410 of Figure 24. As shown in Figure 19, the generally rectangular ductile metallic member 424 is

provided and disposed between the two backing members 426 and 427, such as a pair of closed-cell neoprene, polyethylene, or polyurethane protective layers. In the embodiment shown in Figure 26, for example, the lateral ends 474 and 476 and the longitudinal ends 470 and 472 of the backing members 426 and 427 extend at least slightly beyond the lateral side edges 440 and 442 and the longitudinal edges 444 and 446 of the ductile metallic member 424, respectively, so that, when attached, the ductile metallic member 424 is completely enveloped by the backing members 426 and 427 (see also Figure 25).

[0061] As shown in Figures 26 and 27, the backing members 426 and 427 are attached to each other to form a laminate 478, such as via adhesion, fusion, welding, stitching, or the like, around the perimeter edges 440, 442, 444, and 446 of the ductile metallic member 424 and, optionally, may be attached to a top surface 430 and/or a bottom surface 438 of the ductile metallic member 424. The band 412 formed by the laminate of the backing members 426 and 427 and the ductile metallic member 424 is then folded so that the longitudinal end regions 418 and 420 of the laminate 478 are brought into an overlapping configuration to provide the opening 422 for receiving a bundle of hair as shown in Figure 28. The longitudinal end regions 418 and 420 of the band 412 are then attached, such as by the rivet 434 and the washer 592, such as described above with respect to Figure 23. [0062] Figure 29 is an isometric view of a variant 410' of the hair accessory 410 shown in Figure 24. Figure 30 shows a cross-sectional view of the hair accessory 410' taken along section line 30-30 of Figure 29. As described above, the hair accessory 410' comprises a band 412' formed by a laminate 478' comprising a ductile metallic member 424' sandwiched between a pair of backing members 426' and 427'. In this variant, layers 480 and 482 of two-sided tape are disposed along each inner surface 448 of the backing members 426' and 427'. Although the variant shown in Figures 29 and 30, comprise layers 480 and 482 of two-sided tape extending completely across a width of the inner surface 448' of each backing member from a first lateral edge 428' of each backing member to a second lateral edge 432' of each backing member, the layers of two-sided tape may only extend a portion of the width between the first lateral edge 428' and the second lateral edge 432' of the backing members 426' and 427'. As shown in Figure 30, layers 480 and 482 of the two-sided tape attach the inner surface 448' of each backing member to the ductile metallic

member 424' and further connect the outer lateral edge portions 484 and 486 of the backing members to each other.

[0063] Figures 31 - 33 are isometric views depicting steps for assembling the hair accessory 410' of Figure 29. As shown in Figure 31, the generally rectangular ductile metallic member 424' is provided and disposed between two layers 480 and 482 of two-sided tape and two outer backing members 426' and 427'. The two outer backing members, the two layers of two-sided tape, and the ductile metallic member are sandwiched together to form the laminate 478' of the band 412'. The band 412' formed by the laminate 478' comprising the backing members, the layers of two-sided tape, and the ductile metallic member is then folded so that the longitudinal end regions 418' and 420' of the band 412' are brought into an overlapping configuration to provide an opening 422' for receiving a bundle of hair as shown in Figure 33. The longitudinal end regions 418' and 420' of the laminate 478' are then attached, such as by the rivet 434' and the washer 492'. [0064] Figure 34 is an isometric view of a hair accessory 510 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 35 shows a cross-sectional view of the hair accessory 510 taken along section line 35 - 35 of Figure 34. The hair accessory 510 comprises a band 512 formed by a laminate 578 comprising a ductile metallic member 524 sandwiched between a front backing member 526, a back backing member 527, layers 580 and 582 of pair of two-sided tape, and a front cover 588 extending along at least a portion of an outer surface 550 of the front backing member 426. The front cover 588, for example, may provide a decorative cover for the hair accessory 510. The band 512 comprises a first longitudinal end 514, a second longitudinal end 516, a first longitudinal end region 518, and a second longitudinal end region 520. As shown in Figure 34, the front cover 588 of the hair accessory covers substantially the entire length of the front backing member 526 and optionally further covers an attachment device, such as a rivet 534 (see Figure 38), attaching the longitudinal end regions 518 and 520 of the band 512. The front cover 588 may be attached to the front backing members 526 by, for example, adhesion, fusion, welding, stitching, or the like.

[0065] Figures 36 - 38 are isometric views depicting a method for assembling the hair accessory 510 of Figure 34. As shown in Figure 36, the front cover 588, the front and back backing members 526 and 527, the layers 580 and 582 of two-sided tape, and the ductile metallic member

524 are provided. Each layer of two-sided tape is attached along an inner surface 548 of the respective backing member, and the ductile metallic member 524 is disposed between each backing member 526 adjacent to the layers 580 and 582 of the two-sided tape. The front cover 588 is affixed along at least a portion of an outer surface 550 of the front backing members. The front cover 588, the backing members 526 and 527, the layers 580 and 582 of two-sided tape, and the ductile metallic member 524 together form the laminate 578 of the band 512 as shown in Figure 37. The band 512 is then folded so that the longitudinal end regions 518 and 520 of the band are disposed in an overlapping configuration in which the first longitudinal end region 518 having a flap 590 formed by the front cover 588 is disposed radially external to the second longitudinal end region 520 as shown in Figure 38. First and second longitudinal end regions 518 and 520 of the band 512 are then attached via an attachment device, such as the rivet 534. In this embodiment, the rivet comprises a first end 556, a second end 558, and a shank 560 extending from the first end 556 to the second end 558 of the rivet 534. A washer 592 may also be disposed between the inner second longitudinal end region 520 of the laminate 578 and the second end 558 of the rivet 534 around the shank 560 of the rivet. As described above, the washer 592 disperses the forces applied by the second end 558 of the rivet 534 to the ductile metallic member 524 and the backing members 526 and 527 to prevent the second end of the rivet from pulling through the inner second longitudinal end region 520 of the ductile metallic member 524 and/or the backing members 526 and 527 and separating the longitudinal end regions 518 and 520 of the band 512. Finally, the flap 590 of the front cover 588 is extended over the attachment device and the first longitudinal end region 518 of the ductile metallic member band 512 is attached to the outer surface 550 of the front backing member 526.

[0066] Figure 39 is an isometric view of a variant 510' of the hair accessory shown in Figure 34. Figure 40 shows a cross-sectional view of the hair accessory 510' taken along section line 40 - 40 of Figure 40. The hair accessory 510' comprises a band 512' formed by a laminate 578' comprising a ductile metallic member 524' sandwiched between a backing member 526' and a front cover 588' which may provide a decorative cover for the hair accessory. The band 512' comprises a first longitudinal end 512', a second longitudinal end 516', a first longitudinal end region 518', and a second longitudinal end region 520'. The front cover 588' of the hair accessory covers

substantially the entire longitudinal length of the ductile metallic member 524' and optionally further covers an attachment device, such as a rivet 534' and a washer 592' (see Figure 43), attaching the longitudinal end regions 518' and 520' of the band 512'. The front cover 588' may be attached to the ductile metallic member 524' and/or the backing member 526. For example, as shown in Figure 40, the front cover 588' comprises lateral sides 594 that extend over a front surface 530' and lateral side edges 540' and 542' of the ductile metallic member 524' and attaches on an inner surface 548' of the backing member 526' outside of each lateral side edge 540' and 542' of the ductile metallic member 524'. Alternatively, or in addition, the front cover 588' may be attached to the front surface 530' of the ductile metallic member 524'. [0067] Figures 41 - 43 are isometric views depicting a method for assembling the hair accessory 510' of Figure 39. As shown in Figure 41, the backing member 526', the ductile metallic member 524' and the front cover 588' are provided. The ductile metallic member 524' is disposed between an inner surface 548' of the backing member 526' and a rear surface 596 of the front cover 588'. The front cover 588' comprises the lateral sides 594 extending beyond the lateral side edges 540' and 542' of the ductile metallic member 524' to the inner surface 548' of the backing member 526'. The lateral sides 594 of the front cover 588' are attached to the inner surface 548' of the backing member 526' to form the laminate 578' as shown in Figure 42. Optionally, a bottom surface 538' of the ductile metallic member 524' may be attached to the inner surface 548' of the backing member 526' and/or a top surface 530' of the ductile metallic member 524' may be attached to the rear surface 596 of the front cover 588'. In one variant, the front cover 588' is not attached to the backing member 526' or the ductile metallic member 524' at a first longitudinal end region 518' of the band 512' to provide a flap 590' for covering an attachment device, such as the rivet 534' and the washer 592', after the longitudinal end regions 518' and 520' of the band 512' are attached. The band 512' is then folded so that longitudinal end regions 518' and 520' of the band 512' are disposed in an overlapping configuration in which the first longitudinal end region 518' having the flap 590' is disposed radially external to the second longitudinal end region 520' as shown in Figure 43. The first and second longitudinal end regions of the band are then attached via an attachment device, such as the rivet 534' and the washer 592'. Finally, the flap 590' of the front cover 588' is extended over the attachment device and a first longitudinal end region 564' of the

ductile metallic member 524' and is attached to the backing member 526' and/or the ductile metallic member 524'.

[0068] In one embodiment of the invention, the ductile metallic member may comprise cold-rolled copper or alloys thereof comprised substantially of copper, in thicknesses between about 0.010" and about 0.070", to provide a combination of ductility and resistance to flexure for the ductile metallic member. Substantially pure cold-rolled annealed copper in thicknesses between about 0.010" and about 0.070" provide an easily manually bendable member that possesses sufficient resilience to flexure to retain a bundle of hair in a desired configuration. Other metals possessing comparable ductility and resistance to flexure may also be used. The ductile metallic member may, for example, comprise a generally rectangular piece of metal having dimensions from about 7.5" by .0375" to about 9.25" by .0625".

[0069] The backing member may comprise, for example, materials such as leather, imitation leather, suede, imitation suede, velvet, vinyl (such as polyvinyl chloride material), cotton, polyester, rayon, silk, hemp, reptile skin, imitation reptile skin, open or closed-cell neoprene, polyethylene, or polyurethane, or a combination of any of these materials. The backing member may further comprise a material resistant to flexure to prevent a portion of the backing member extending beyond the ductile metallic member from being folded or bent around the ductile metallic member. The backing member may also comprise a memory, wherein when the backing member is deformed (e.g., about the ductile metallic member), the backing member is sufficiently resilient to return the deformed portions to their original position substantially parallel or coplanar with the ductile metallic member. This aspect of one embodiment of a backing member provides a flat decorative surface and, in the case where the width of the hair accessory is substantially greater in comparison to the width of the ductile metallic member, restores the flat decorative surface in the event that the hair accessory is deformed when it is placed on a wearer's hair. The backing member, however, should be insufficiently resilient to overcome the resistance to bending of the ductile metallic member.

[0070] Method of Styling and Method of Instructing [0071] Figures 44 - 46 show steps of a first method for styling hair into a pony tail using a hair accessory 610 of the present invention and a corresponding method of instruction for showing a

wearer how to style her hair according to the method. As shown in Figure 44, a wearer's hair is formed into a bundle of hair 600 for forming the pony tail. The bundle of hair 600 is inserted through an opening 622 formed by an enclosed band 612 of a hair accessory 610, and the hair accessory 610 is held close to the head as the hair is fed through the hair accessory. As shown by the arrows of the isolation view of the hair accessory shown in Figure 45, pressure is then applied to opposite sides 604 and 606 (e.g., top and bottom) of the hair accessory band 612, such as by one or more of the wearer's (or another person's) forefingers on the top half 604 of the band 612 and one or both of the wearer's thumbs on the bottom half 606 of the band. By applying the pressure on opposite sides of the band, the hair accessory 610 is flattened, e.g., into a generally flattened oval shape. As the band 612 is flattened, the bundle of hair 600 is flattened and spread out evenly within the band so that the hair appears uniform across the width of the hair accessory and provides a more attractive display of the hair.

[0072] Then, the wearer crimps the ends 608 of the hair accessory 610 and curls the band 612 of the hair accessory into a generally U-shaped form as shown in Figure 46. In one embodiment of the method, for example, the wearer may grip the band of the hair accessory in both hands with the wearer reaching each hand on either side of her head to reach the hair accessory in her hair. The wearer grasps each end 608 of the hair accessory 610 between her forefingers and thumb, with her forefingers on the top half 604 and her thumbs on the bottom half 606 of the hair accessory. While holding the ends of the hair accessory and her thumbs pressing against the bottom half 606 of the hair accessory, the wearer rotates her wrists around her thumbs bringing her wrists toward each other. This bends the ends 608 toward each other and forms the generally U-shaped hair accessory shown in Figure 46. The resulting hair style comprises a rounded, uniform pony tail. [0073] Figures 47 - 49 show steps of a second method for styling hair using a hair accessory 710 of the present invention and a corresponding method of instruction for showing a wearer how to style her hair according to the method. In this embodiment, a wearer's hair is divided into a first portion 700 and a second portion 701. The first portion 700 of the wearer's hair is grouped into a bundle and the second portion 701 located below the first portion 700 is allowed to hang freely as shown in Figure 47. The bundle comprising the first portion 700 of hair is inserted through an opening 722 formed by an enclosed band 712 of a hair accessory 710, and the hair accessory 710 is

held close to the wearer's head as the hair is fed through the hair accessory. As described above with respect to Figures 45 and 46 and shown in Figure 48, the hair accessory 710 is first flattened by applying pressure to opposite sides 704 and 706 of the band 712 of the hair accessory 710. In one embodiment, for example, the wearer reaches her hands back behind her head, with each arm extending on opposite sides of her head, to grasp the hair accessory between her forefingers and thumb of each hand, and flattens the accessory by applying pressure with her forefingers to the top 704 of the band and with at least one of her thumbs to the bottom 706 of the band. Along with the hair accessory, the first portion 700 of hair forming the bundle is flattened and spread uniformly across the width of the band 712 to provide a more attractive display of the hair. [0074] The wearer then crimps ends 708 of the hair accessory and curls the band 712 into a generally uniform, U-shaped form as shown in Figure 48. As described above with respect to Figure 46, the wearer may grip the hair accessory in both hands while reaching each hand on either side of her head to reach the accessory in her hair. She grasps each end 708 of the hair accessory between her forefingers and thumb, with her forefingers on the top half 704 and her thumbs on the bottom half 706 of the hair accessory. While holding the ends of the hair accessory and her thumbs pressing against the bottom half 706 of the accessory, the wearer rotates her wrists around her thumbs bringing her wrists toward each other. This bends the ends toward each other and forms the generally U-shaped hair accessory 710 shown in Figure 48.

[0075] The first portion 700 of hair above the hair accessory 710 is then separated as shown by the lateral arrows 714 to form an opening 716 for receiving the hair accessory. The hair accessory 710 and the bundle of hair extending through the hair accessory is lifted and pulled back towards the wearer's head as shown by the arrow 718. The hair accessory is then inserted through the opening 716 of the first portion 700 of hair located above the hair accessory 710 as shown by the arrow 720 in Figure 49. The hair accessory 710 is hidden from view within the first portion 700 of hair as shown in Figure 49. The portion of the bundle of hair located below the hair accessory 710 is allowed to hang freely and is held away from the back of the wearer's head. [0076] Figures 50 - 52 show steps of a third method for styling hair using a hair accessory 800 of the present invention and a corresponding method of instruction for showing a wearer how to style her hair according to the method. In this embodiment, the wearer's hair is gathered into a

single bundle of hair as described above with respect to Figure 44. The bundle 800 of hair is inserted through an opening 822 formed by an enclosed band 812 of the hair accessory, and the hair accessory is held close to the wearer's head as the hair is fed through the hair accessory 810. As shown by the arrows in the isolation view of the hair accessory 810 shown in Figure 50, pressure is then applied to opposite sides 804 and 806 (e.g., top and bottom) of the hair accessory band, such as by at least one of the wearer's (or another person's) forefingers on the top half of the band and at least one of the wearer's thumbs on the bottom half of the band. By applying the pressure on opposite sides of the band, the hair accessory is flattened, e.g., into the generally flattened oval shape shown. As described below, the band 812 is crimped into a generally uniformed, U-shaped form as shown in Figure 51. Then, along with the hair accessory, the bundle 800 of hair is flattened and spread uniformly across the width of the band 812 to provide a more attractive display of the hair.

[0077] Then an opening 816 in the hair located above the hair accessory 810 is made by separating the strands of hair above and to the side of the hair accessory as shown by the double-headed arrow 814 of Figure 51. The hair accessory 810 and the bundle of hair 800 at and below the hair accessory is the rotated towards the opening 816 and inserted through the opening, rucking the hair accessory and the hair below the hair accessory inside the opening as shown by arrows 818. This method for styling hair provides a secure and decorative method for maintaining long hair up and away from the wearer's neck.

[0078] Although six embodiments of the inventive hair accessory and three methods for styling hair and instructing others to style hair using such a hair accessory have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this invention. For example, the ductile metallic member of the band may be continuously formed in any of the embodiments described above. For example, the metallic member may be molded or otherwise continuously formed, such as molded (e.g., poured or injected into a mold) to form a continuous metallic member. In addition, certain features are described in various embodiments for ease of understanding. These features may be interchanged with features of other embodiments or may be added to other embodiments. All directional references (e.g., upper, lower, upward, downward, left,

right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the present invention, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the invention. Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.