HEAD BAND WITH SECURING DEVICE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application is a divisional of U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application No. 12/255,892, filed October 22, 2008, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application No. 1 1/330,487 filed January 12, 2006, which claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/643,198 filed January 12, 2005, the entire scope and content of both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a head band and, more particularly, to a head band including a securing device for aiding retention of the head band on the user's head.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Head bands, or head wraps as they are interchangeably referred to, are known in the art, and are used in various manners. For example, some head bands form a continuous loop and may be constructed from a terrycloth or similar material. These types of head bands are used for collecting beads of sweat on the user's head during physical exertion, such as exercise. Other types of head bands form a horseshoe shape and may be constructed from a plastic or similar material. These types of head bands are used for pulling back a user's hair such that, for example, the user's hair is removed from the user's face. The head bands may also be used for decorative reasons.

[0004] These and similar retaining types of head bands or head wraps, however, have a tendency to loosen and become dislodged during use. Also, they tend to create pressure and corresponding pain on the user's head from the tightness of the head band when configured to remain in place during physical exertion by the wearer.

[0005] Accordingly, it can be seen that there is a need for improved headbands that stay in place and at the same time are comfortable to wear. It is to the provision of solutions meeting these and other needs that the present invention is primarily directed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, a hair band having an elongate semi-circular body and a securing device is disclosed. The elongate semicircular body is configured to be placed on and conform to the contour of a user's head, and includes an inner surface that is adjacent the user's hair, and an outer surface opposite the inner surface. The securing device is disposed on the inner surface of the body. The securing device is configured to engage the user's hair and secure the hair band to the user's head more securely than the material from which the body is constructed.

[0007] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a head band having an elongate body and a securing device is disclosed. The elongate body is configured to be placed on and generally conform to the contour of a user's head and includes an inner surface that is adjacent the user's hair, an outer surface opposite the inner surface, a first attachment portion, and a first attachment portion spaced apart from the first one. The securing device is disposed between the first and second attachment portions of the elongate body to form a continuous loop, and includes a plurality of flexible teeth configured to receive the user's hair therebetween. In one embodiment, the attachment portions are at opposite ends of the elongate body, in another embodiment the elongate body has tail portions that wrap over and conceal the securing device, and in still another embodiment an elastic strap is routed through the teeth.

[0008] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a hair band having an elongate body, an opening, and a pocket is disclosed. The elongate body includes an inner surface adjacent the user's hair when worn on a head of the user, and an outer surface opposite the inner surface. The pocket is disposed on the body and is accessible through an opening. The pocket is for retaining one or more objects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a head band on a user's head according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0010] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a head band similar to Fig. 1. [0011] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a head band similar to Fig. 1 .

[0012] Fig. 4A is a perspective view of a head band according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0013] Fig. 4B is a detailed perspective view of a securing device in Fig. 4A.

[0014] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a head band according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0015] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a head band according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0016] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a head band according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0017] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the head band of Fig. 7 being placed on a user's head.

[0018] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a head band having a pocket.

[0019] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a head band according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0020] Fig. 1 1 is a perspective view of a portion of the head band of Fig. 10.

[0021] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a head band according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0022] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a portion of the head band of Fig. 12.

[0023] While the method and device described herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrative embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure and the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Referring now to the drawings and with specific reference to Figs. 1 -3, a head band constructed in accordance with the teachings of the disclosure is generally depicted by reference numeral 20. The terms "head band" and "head wrap" are used interchangeably herein. Similarly, the use of the terms "head band" and "head wrap" is not intended to, nor is it, limited to the respective terms. As shown therein, the head band 20, as illustrated in Fig. 1 , is indented for placement on a user's head for practical or decorative reasons. For example, the user may utilize the head band 20 for retaining hair or absorbing sweat, but may also use the head band 20 for its aesthetic effect.

[0025] The configuration of the head band 20 as illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3, includes an elongate semi-circular body 22 having an inner surface 24 disposed toward a head of the user, and an outer surface 26 facing outwardly opposite the inner surface 24. The body 22 has a generally rounded or horseshoe shape and includes a first end 28 at one end of the body 22 and a second end 30 on the other end of the body 22. A front of the head band 20 as oriented when on a user's head includes a front edge 32, while a rear of the head band 20 includes a rear edge 34.

[0026] The body 22 may be constructed from a number of materials ranging from soft pliable materials to hard and rigid yet resilient materials, and may be constructed from a combination thereof. For example, the body 22 may simply be constructed from a single piece of rigid material, such as plastic, wood, composites, etc., or may be constructed from a pliable material, such as fabric, that may be wrapped or disposed on a rigid core (not shown) that provides a skeleton or frame for the head

band 20. The materials may also vary among the body 22 such that, for example, the inner surface 24 may be constructed from one material, and the outer surface 26 may be constructed from another material.

[0027] To aid in the retention or holding of the head band 20, a securing or gripping device is disposed between the inner surface 24 of the body 22 and the user's head. Specifically, as illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3, the inner surface 24 includes a gripping device constructed from a gripping material such as natural rubber, neoprene, santoprene, TPE, silicone, nylon, or the like. These types of materials are positive friction materials, meaning that they have a higher coefficient of friction than the material or materials of the which the head band 20 is constructed, thereby providing additional friction or gripping between the head band 20 and the user's hair than without. For example, as illustrated in Fig. 2, a gripping device 40 may be disposed on the inner surface 24 in various way, such as placing, dripping, spraying, gluing or melting the gripping material on the inner surface 24. The gripping device 40 may also include a sheet or thread of gripping material that is then sewn or threaded onto the body 22 in order to keep the head band 20 from slipping out of the user's hair.

[0028] The inner and/or outer surface 24, 26 may be entirely formed of or covered with the gripping device 40 that may be constructed from a material similar to Coban®. Coban® is a non-woven material that is constructed from many continuous strands of Lycra (stretchy yarn), laid in parallel, and are suspended/adhered to a group of shortly cut fibers that form a semi-permeable stretchy fabric. The Lycra provides the stretch and grip characteristics, and the adhered short cut fibers provide the substance or body of the material.

[0029] As illustrated in Fig. 3, a gripping device 41 may include a strip or threads of gripping material that may be heat transferred on the body 22 or sewn into the body 22, either as a separate layer or as an embroidered or decorative sewing pattern. In addition, a gripping device 43 may be dots or beads placed on the body 22, that may be applied to the body 22 via adhesive, via a "hot melt" drip process, via pressure-sensitive adhesive, or laced together with the outer layer 26 of the head band 20.

[0030] When the user places the head band 20 around the user's head such that the gripping device 40, 41 and/or 43 on the inner surface 24 engages the user's hair, the gripping device 40, 41 and/or 43 aids in holding the hair band 20 on the head by providing additional friction to retain the head band 20 than is provided by the material of the head band 20 itself having a relatively lower coefficient of friction.

[0031] The head band may have alternate gripping devices for securing the head band to the user's hair/head. For example, a head band 120 illustrated in Fig. 4A may include a securing device 45 including one or more clips. In this embodiment, the head band 120 includes a plurality of clips 45 having an opening and closing mechanism such that the clips 45 can receive and retain strands of hair. The clips 45, illustrated in Fig. 4B in detail, are snap or contour clips 45 that have a thin profile in the closed position. In particular, the clip 45 includes a base 142 and an integral arm 144 that extends from the base 142 and is at least partially disposed on an opening of the base 142. The clip 45 may be constructed from a plastic or metal material capable of providing the biasing force necessary to open and close the clip 45. One of the clips 45, as illustrated in Figs. 4A-B, is in an open position, such that the base 142 has a convex shape relative to the integral arm 144. More specifically, in the open position, the base 142 has a convex shape such that a free end of the integral arm 144 is disposed apart from the base 142. In closing the clip 45, the user forces the base 142 from the convex shape to a concave shape, in essence snapping the clip 45 from an open position to a closed position. In a closed position, the base 142 has a concave shape complementary to that of the integral arm 144, such that the free end of the integral arm 144 is disposed adjacent the base 142, thereby retaining the hair between the integral arm 144 and the base 142.

[0032] An outer surface of the clip 45, is disposed generally parallel to and may abut an inner surface 124 of a body 122 of the hair band 120. A front of the clip 45 may be disposed near a front edge 132 of the body 122, such that the an opening to the clip 45 is oriented toward a rear edge of the body 134. As a result, when the head band 120 is placed on the user's head in a usual manner, the clip 45 automatically receives the hair as the head band 120 is pushed rearwardly on the user's head. Once the user has the head band 120 in a desired position, the user

need only press down onto the head band 120, and hence the clips 45, to cause the clips 45 to close and grip or secure the hair.

[0033] In this embodiment, the head band 120 may be constructed from a soft or flexible material, such as a cloth, that lacks a rigidity of other head bands constructed of plastic, for example. As a result, the head band 120 may include one or more connection portions 146 disposed between first and second ends 128, 130 of the body 122. The connection portion 146 may be constructed from an elastic material or may simply have an elastic property. The connection portion 146 may form a continuous loop in combination with the head band 120, and may be worn such that connection portion 146 is located near a rear of the user's head, thereby retaining the head band 120 on the user's head.

[0034] In another embodiment illustrated in Fig. 5, a hair band 220 having a body 222 includes a securing device constructed as combs 47 having a spine 250 and bristles 252. The combs 47 in this embodiment are disposed near first and second ends 228, 230 of the body 222, and are constructed to better secure the head band 220 to the user's head. More specifically, the spine 250 is disposed near a front edge 232 of the body 222, such that the bristles 252 extend toward a rear edge 234 of the body 222. The combs 47 may be attached to the body 222 in various manners know to those of ordinary skill in the art including, but not limited to, sewn, glued, threaded, etc. In this exemplary embodiment, the pair of combs 47 are constructed from a plastic material, and each have at least three or more bristles 252.

[0035] An outer surface of the comb 47 is disposed generally parallel to and may abut an inner surface 224 of the body 222. As a result, when the head band 220 is placed or slid rearwardly on the user's head, the bristles 252 receive the user's hair therebetween, thereby securing the head band 220 to the user's head.

[0036] In a similar embodiment illustrated in Fig. 6, a hair band 320 having a body 322 includes the securing device constructed as combs 49 having a spine 350 and bristles 352. The combs 49 in this embodiment are each disposed between a center and first end and second end 328, 330 of the body 322 such that during use the

combs 49 engage upper quadrants of the user's head. More specifically, the spine 350 is disposed near a front edge 332 of the body 322 such that the bristles 352 extend toward a rear edge 334 of the body 322. The combs 49 may be attached to the body 322 in various manners know to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0037] An outer surface of the comb 49 is disposed generally parallel to and may abut an inner surface 324 of the body 322. As a result, when the head band 320 is placed or slid rearwardly on the user's head, the bristles 352 receive the user's hair therebetween, thereby securing the head band 320 to the user head. In this exemplary embodiment, the head band 320 may include one or more connection portions 346 disposed between first and second ends 328, 330 of the body 322.

[0038] In another embodiment illustrated in Fig. 7, a head band 420 includes an elongate body 422 having an inner surface 424 disposed toward a head of the user and an outer surface 426 facing opposite the inner surface 424. The body 422 has a generally semicircular shape (i.e., rounded or horseshoe shaped) and includes a first end 428 at one end of the body 422 and a second end 430 on the opposite end of the body 422.

[0039] To aid in the retention of the head band 420 on the user's head, a securing (i.e., gripping) device in the form of a flexible comb 51 is disposed between the first and second ends 428, 430 of the body 422. Specifically, as illustrated in Fig. 7, the comb 51 in this embodiment includes a soft spine 450 and plurality of teeth 452, wherein the teeth 452 extend outwardly from the soft spine 450. The comb 51 , and specifically the spine 450, has a flexible quality, such that the comb 51 is easily manipulated and may be contoured to a shape of the user's head. Ends of the comb 51 may be attached to the body 422, such that the body 422 and the comb 51 , in combination, create a loop for placement on a user's head. The head band 420 may be constructed with a fastening mechanism (not shown) that connects ends of the soft spine 450 together.

[0040] To wear the head band 420 as illustrated in Fig. 8, the head band 420 is placed on the user's head by first engaging the comb 51 with the hair at or near a rear hairline. In particular, the user engages the teeth 452 with the hair located to

the rear of the head such that the spine 450 of the comb 51 faces away from the user, while the comb 51 is oriented generally parallel to the user's rear portion of the head. In this orientation, the user is able to push the comb 51 in a general upward motion into the hair, thereby securing the comb 51 in the hair. The user may then bring the body 422 of the hair band 420 toward the front of the user's head such that the body 422 and the flexible comb 51 are disposed on opposite sides of the user's head.

[0041] In another embodiment illustrated in Fig. 9, a head band 520 includes an elongate body 522 having an inner surface 524 disposed toward a head of the user, and an outer surface 526 facing opposite the inner surface 524. The body 522 has a generally circular or looped shape that is sized to be received by a user's head. The body 522 may be formed as a continuous loop but, as shown in Fig. 9, may be constructed with a fastening mechanism (not show) that connects the ends of the body 522 together.

[0042] As shown, the body 522 includes one or more pockets 560 (shown in hidden lines) having an opening 562. In particular the body 522 includes the pocket 560 having the opening 562 disposed on the inner surface 524. The pocket 560 may be sewn or otherwise affixed to the body 522, or may be comprised, at least in part, by the inner and outer surfaces 524, 526 such that the pocket 560 is disposed in the body 522 itself. Alternatively, however, the opening 562 may be disposed on the outer surface 526, such that the pocket 560 may be accessed when wearing the head band 520. The pocket 560 may include a closure mechanism 564, such as a zipper, button, clip, hook and loop fastener (VELCRO), etc. for closing the pocket 560. The pocket 564 may be sized and shaped to receive an icepack, a plurality of keys, and a driver's license, but may have many different sizes and shapes to accommodate a variety of objects.

[0043] Figs. 10 and 1 1 show a headband 620 according to another embodiment of the invention. The headband 620 includes an elongate body 622 having an inner surface 624, an outer surface 626, a first attachment portion 628, and a second attachment portion 630. The inner surface 624 of the body is disposed toward the user's head when worn and the outer surface 626 faces opposite the inner surface.

The first attachment portion 628 and the second attachment portion 630 are spaced apart from each other along the elongate body 622. The body 622 is elongated and generally conforms to the contour of the user's head when worn. In the depicted embodiment, for example, the body 622 is made of a soft flexible material (e.g., a woven fabric). In other embodiments, the body is made of a semi-rigid material (e.g., soft plastic) and has a generally semicircular shape (i.e., rounded or horseshoe- shaped).

[0044] To aid in the retention of the headband 620 on the user's head, a securing (i.e., gripping) device is disposed between the first and second attachment portions 628 and 630 of the elongate body 622. The securing device is in the form of a flexible comb 53 that may be of the same or a similar construction as the comb 51 of the embodiment shown in Fig. 7. Specifically, the comb 53 includes a soft spine 650 and plurality of teeth 652 extending from the spine, and is made of a flexible, resilient material (e.g., nylon or other plastic). In the depicted embodiment, the comb 53 has a generally sinusoidal shape with leg portions 670 and 670, base portions 672 extending between lower ends of the leg portions, and peaked portions 674 extending between upper ends of the leg portions. Each one of the teeth 652 are cooperatively defined by two adjacent ones of the leg portions 670 and the peaked portion 674 between them. The spine 650 is defined by the base portions 672. Thus, the spine 650 need not, but may be, a continuous elongate member. In this way, the leg portions 670 of each tooth can flex independently of each other, and the teeth 652 can each flex independently of each other. Accordingly, the sinusoidal- shaped comb 53, and specifically the spine 650, has a flexible quality, such that the comb is easily manipulated to generally conform to the shape of the user's head. In the depicted embodiment, there is a gap between the two adjacent leg portions 670 and 670 forming each tooth 652, and there is a gap between each two adjacent teeth. In other embodiments, the comb 53 is constructed with a gap between the two adjacent leg portions 670 forming each tooth 652, and with a fastening mechanism (not shown) that connects segments of the spine 650 (i.e., the base portions 672) together.

[0045] The comb 53 is attached to the body 622 at the attachment portions 628 and 630, for example, by the end teeth extending through or otherwise engaging loops or other connection devices attached to the body. In this way the elongate body 622 and the comb 53, in combination, form a continuous loop for circumscribing placement on the user's head.

[0046] In addition, the body 622 includes first and second tail portions 676 and 678 that extend beyond the first and second attachment portions 628 and 630, respectively. The tail portions 676 and 678 may be integral parts of the body 622 (i.e., a single piece of material) or they may be separate pieces that are attached to the body. The tail portions 676 and 678 have a combined length that is at least as long as the comb 53 so that the tail portions can substantially cover and conceal the comb when the headband 620 is worn, as described below. Preferably, the tail portions 676 and 678 have a combined length sufficiently long that they can be wrapped around the user's head over the comb 53 and tied together. In other embodiments, the tail portions include fasteners (e.g., snaps, buttons, etc.) for coupling the tail portions together when the headband is worn.

[0047] To wear the headband 620, it is placed on the user's head in the same manner as the headband 420 of the embodiment of Fig. 7 and 8. In addition, after the headband 620 is secured in place on the user's head, the tails 676 and 678 are then wrapped over top of the comb 53 and tied or otherwise coupled to together. In this way, the tails 676 and 678 substantially (but not necessarily completely) cover and conceal the comb 53 from view. So the user gets the securing benefit of the comb 53 without it being highly noticeable to others.

[0048] Figs. 12 and 13 show a headband 720 according to another embodiment of the invention. The headband 720 is similar to the headband 620 of the embodiment of Figs. 10 and 1 1 . Thus, the headband 720 includes an elongate body 722 having an inner surface 724, an outer surface 726, a first attachment portion 728, a second attachment portion 730, and a securing device between the first and second attachment portions. The securing device is in the form of a flexible comb 55 including a soft spine 750 and plurality of teeth 752 extending from the spine.

[0049] In this embodiment, the headband 720 includes a strap 780 made of an elastic material such as spandex. The strap 780 is preferably routed through the teeth 752 of the comb 55 in an alternating fashion, that is, it arranged on one side of one tooth, on the other side of the adjacent tooth, and so forth. In this way, when the headband 720 is worn on the user's head, at least a portion of about half of the teeth 752 are concealed from view so that the comb 55 is less noticeable. In other embodiments, the strap 780 is parallel with the teeth 752 of the comb 55 (i.e., beside them) and outside of all or substantially all of the teeth so that the strap substantially conceals the teeth from ordinary view.

[0050] Preferably, the strap 780 and the comb 55 are securely attached to each other and only one of them is actually attached to the body 622. In the depicted embodiment, for example, the strap 780 has two end openings (e.g., slits) in it and the end teeth 752 extend through the openings to secure the comb 55 to the strap. In other embodiments, both the strap 780 and the comb 55 are attached to the body 622.

[0051] While the present invention has been described with reference to specific examples, which are intended to be illustrative only and not to be limiting of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that changes, additions or deletions may be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.