TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates generally to fastening devices and more particularly to a hair tie which is adapted to be placed in an encircling relation about a lock of hair such as a pony tail.

BACKGROUND ART

Devices to fasten locks of hair in a pony tail, braids or dred locks are generally well known, but suffer from a number of drawbacks. Many hair ties have as their predominate tying feature some sort of elastic band that requires the user to loop and twist about a lock of hair. These hair ties are sometimes difficult to apply. In addition, some of the elastic band hair ties on the market have numerous small metal pieces on the elastic loop, which can pull out or damage the hair. Other hair ties require knots that must be tied by the user in order to properly secure the hair in a pony tail. Some are difficult to tie to the hair, and sometimes the user may need assistance from a second person to help attach the hair tie. In addition, certain hair tier: ire unreliable in that they fail to remain in place on the pony tail. This drawback requires the wearer to adjust the hair tie intermittently. Some hair ties also provide limited flexibility to adjust and allow the user to choose different amounts of hair that may be fastened by a single hair tie at any one time. Furthermore, certain hair ties do not permit the hair tie to be decorated in a way that enhances the appearance of the wearer.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION It is accordingly a primary objective of the present invention to provide a hair tie which will avoid the drawbacks stated above.

The present invention provides a new means of securing a lock of hair into a pony tail, braid or dred lock. The foundation for the hair tie is a generally planar, elongated element foπniiϊg a loop strap that is sufficiently flexible to encircle a lock of hair in a belt-like fashion. By sufficiently flexible, it is meant that the elongated element may be made from one or more of a variety of material or fabrics including but not limited to suede, leather,

polyester, silk, cotton or vinyl. A surface of fastening tape is attached to the inside face of the element or loop strap, and a corresponding surface of fastening tape is attached to the outside face of the loop strap. The loop strap encircles a lock of hair in a belt-like fashion, and the fastening tape surfaces detachably engage to secure the lock of hair into a pony tail, braid or dred lock.

When the hair tie is in the proper position on the wearer's hair, decorative ornaments are visible to a third person. The ornaments may be placed on the outside face of the loop strap or attached to a loop strap tail. The loop strap tail is an extension of the loop strap. It provides another surface for mounting decorative ornaments such as beads, studs, rhinestones, jewelry, braided rope, ribbon, etc. The loop strap and loop strap tail also provide a surface to emboss or print names or logos. In this manner, the hair tie may be decorated to the preference of the user. The fastening tape surfaces attached to the inside and outside faces of the loop strap preferably comprise fibrous loop and hook fastening material respectively. For purposes of this specification, the "hook fasteners" and "fibrous loop fastening material" should be understood as designating fasteners of the same general type as those distributed under the trademark Rip 'N Grip™. Similar fastening material is sold under the trademarks Velcro,

Scotchmate and Mastex. Preferably, secured on the inside face of the loop strap is a surface of fibrous loop fastening material, or female fastening tape. When the female tape wraps around a lock of hair, the tape connects with a surface of hook fasteners, or male fastening tape, secured to the outside face of the loop strap. A characteristic of the fastening tape allows the inside face of the loop strap to engage any of various selectable locations on the outside face of the loop strap, thereby permitting the hair tie to tie a lock of hair that may vary considerably in size.

Embodiments of the invention desirably contain a combination of features that improve the functional characteristics and aesthetic appeal of the invention. For example, one embodiment of the invention may comprise the generally planar, elongated element or loop strap having an inside face and an

outside face; an elastic loop secured to the inside face of the loop strap; and a surface of loop fastening tape attached to the inside face of the element or loop strap, and a corresponding surface of hook fastening tape is attached to the outside face of the loop strap. The lock of hair to be tied threads through the elastic loop, which holds the hair in position until the loop strap ties the hair. To tie the hair, the loop strap encircles the lock of hair in a belt-like fashion, and the fastening tape surfaces detachably engage to secure the lock of hair into a pony tail, braid or dred lock.

An alternate embodiment of the invention may comprise the generally planar, elongated element or loop strap having an inside face and an outside face; a friction pad attached to the inside face of the loop strap; a surface of loop fastening tape attached to the inside face of the element or loop strap; a corresponding surface of hook fastening tape attached to the outside face of the loop strap; and a stiffening element secured to the loop fastening tape in a sandwich-like manner between the loop fastening tape and the inside face of the loop strap. The hair tie encircles the lock of hair in a belt-like fashion, and the fastening tape surfaces detachably engage to secure the lock of hair into a pony tail, braid or dred lock.

The friction pad provides a surface which grips the lock of hair after the loop strap has encircled the lock of hair. The friction pad prevents the hair tie from slipping from the desired position on the lock of hair.

The stiffening element has the capability of being deformed and maintaining its deformation. The stiffening element provides increased stability and forming capabilities to an end portion of the loop strap and allows the user to "tie" different amounts of hair on any one occasion.

When only a small portion of the hair is encircled by the hair tie, a portion of the loop fastening tape may extend beyond and not engage the area of the male fastening tape and make the hair tie appear "unfinished". To prevent this "unfinished" look, the stirfening element allows the wearer to mold the extended end of the hair tie around the hair tie. The stiffening element enables the loop strap to maintain its molded shape. This gives the hair tie a ' finished look on the hair, rather than the extended end of the loop strap

sticking straight out. Preferably, the stiffening element is flexible metal foil such as aluminum. Alternatively, other types of metal foil such as tin or a wire mesh, such as that used in window screens, or plastic may be used in place of the aluminum foil. The preferred embodiment the invention includes a first layer of a generally planar thin resilient reinforcing element having adhesive laminated on both sides, a second layer of a generally planar, elongated member adhered to one side of the reinforcing element, a thin stiffening element adhered to one end of the other side of the reinforcing element and a friction pad adhered to the reinforcing element adjacent to the stiffening element. The friction pad includes a hole for passing an elastic loop therethrough and capturing the ends of the elastic loop. Fibrous loop fastening tape attaches to the stiffening element and detachably engages with hook fastening tape attached to the opposite end of the reinforcing element on the fabric side. The resilient reinforcing element adheres to one side of the generally planar, elongated member. The member is sufficiently flexible to allow the hair tie encircle a lock of hair in a belt-like fashion. By sufficiently flexible, it is meant that the member may be made from one or more of a variety of material or fabrics including but not limited to suede, leather, polyester, silk, cotton or vinyl. The reinforcing element provides the overall support to the hair tie and provides a surface on which all other components directly or indirectly are attached. The reinforcing element is resilient so that it will not distort the circular shape of the loop strap as it encircles the hair. Preferably, the reinforcing element is a polyester film characterized by high tensile strength, such as Mylar™.

A stiffening element is interposed between the female fastening tape and reinforcing element. The stiffening element has the capability of being deformed and maintaining its deformation. The stiffening element provides increased stability and forming capabilities to an end portion of the loop strap and allows the user to "tie" different amounts of hair on any one occasion. When only a small portion of the hair is encircled by the hair tie, a portion of the female fastening tape may extend beyond and not engage the

area of the male fastening tape and make the hair tie appear "unfinished". To prevent this "unfinished" look, the stiffening element allows the wearer to mold the extended end of the hair tie around the hair tie. The stiffening element enables the loop strap to maintain its molded shape. This gives the hair tie a finished look on the hair, rather than the extended end of the loop strap sticking straight out. Preferably, the stiffening element is flexible metal foil such as aluminum. Alternatively, other types of metal foil such as tin or a wire mesh, such as that used in window screens, or plastic may be used in place of the aluminum foil. A friction pad attaches to the area of the reinforcing element adjacent to the stiffening element. The friction pad provides a surface which grips the lock of hair after the loop strap has encircled the lock of hair. The friction pad prevents the hair tie from slipping from the desired position on the lock of hair. An elastic loop is secured to the friction pad. The elastic loop holds the hair firmly in place before the loop strap encircles the lock of hair. The ends of the elastic loop are desirably interposed between the friction pad and the reinforcing element and are held in place by the friction pad and adhesive. Alternatively the elastic loop is tied to an eyelet upstanding from the friction pad.

To use the invention, the wearer gathers an amount of hair desired to be held in a pony tail, braid or dred lock and threads it through the elastic loop until the hair tie is in the desired position on the hair. The hair is initially held in place by the elastic loop. Then, the wearer encircles the hair with the loop strap in a belt-like fashion so that the corresponding pieces of fastening tape attached to the hair tie detachably engage. The fastening tape connection resists forces in a plane substantially parallel to the connection securely holding the hair in place. However, the male and female pieces of the fastening tape that form the connection may be easily separated by normal peeling forces. The friction pad encircles a substantial portion of the* pony tail and prevents the hair tie from slipping from its intended position on the pony tail.

The circumference of the hair tie can be selectively varied since the

ends of the hair tie may engage each other at various selectable locations. The selectable locations that the ends engage depend on the amount of hair that is being tied and how tight the wearer desires the hair tie. When a small amount of hair is tied into a pony tail, a portion of the female fastening tape may extend beyond and not engage the male fastening tape, causing the end of the hair tie to stick out and appear "unfinished." If this occurs, the user is able to mold the extended end of the hair tie around the hair tie to give the hair tie a finished appearance.

When the hair tie is in the proper position on the wearer's hair, decorative ornaments are visible to a third person. The ornaments may be placed on the fabric portion of the hair tie or attached to a tail. The tail is an extension of the hair tie. It provides an additional surface for mounting decorative ornaments such as beads, studs, rhinestones, jewelry, braided rope, ribbon, etc. The hair tie and tail also provide a surface to emboss or print names or logos. In this manner, the hair tie may be decorated to the preference of the user.

The hair tie may be made in various sizes to allow the user flexibility in the arrangement of his or her hair. For example, large hair ties may be used to hold in place one large pony tail, comprising substantially all of the user's hair. Alternatively, the user may elect to use numerous smaller sized hair ties to arrange his or her hair in smaller pony tails. In this manner, the user may decorate his or her hair with various hair ties in a variety of positions.

It is a feature of the invention to provide a hair tie capable of tying different sizes of hair locks. Therefore, a person can put all of his or her hair in one single hair tie, or multiple smaller locks of hair, each into a separate hair tie.

It is an object of the invention to provide a flexible closure device for hair, principally for use with and to hold hair in "pony tails". The invention may be constructed using any variety of fabrics and materials such as suede, leather, polyester, silk, cotton and vinyl.

In addition, an advantage of the invention is that the hair tie that does not use knots but enables the user to securely fasten the hair tie around a lock

of hair. The hair tie is easy to apply and remove from the hair and securely holds the hair in a pony tail.

Of particular advantage is the fact that each end of the hair tie is detachably connected to the other. The connection resists forces in a plane substantially parallel to the connection securely holding the hair in place. However, the connection may be easily separated by normal peeling forces.

Furthermore, it is another feature of the invention to provide a hair tie which not only is capable of efficiently securing hair, but also is an attractive fashion accessory. The hair tie may be furnished with decorative pins, beads, decorative fabrics or other ornaments.

Other aspects of the invention will be apparent from a description of certain preferred embodiments below and will be more specifically identified in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGURE 1 is an elevation view illustrating one side of an embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 2 is an elevation view illustrating the opposite side of the embodiment of FIG. 1; FIGURE 3 is an exaggerated plan view of the layered components of the embodiment of FIG.l;

FIGURE 4 is an isometric view illustrating assembly of a single unit of the embodiment of FIG.l;

FIGURE 5 is an elevation view illustrating one side of an alternate embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 6 is an elevation view illustrating the opposite side of the embodiment of FIG. 5;

FIGURE 7 is a view illustrating the assembly of a roll of the foil subassembly; FIGURE 8 is a view illustrating the assembly of a roll of the friction pad subassembly;

FIGURE 8A is a view of a roll adhesive showing the wax paper

sections;

FIGURE 9 is a view illustrating the assembly of a roll of the reinforcing element subassembly;

FIGURE 10 is a view illustrating the assembly of a roll of the final product;

FIGURE 11 is a view illustrating the process of die cutting the invention from a roll of the final product of FIG. 10;

FIGURE 12 is a view of a partially assembled alternate embodiment of the invention, after the process of FIG. 11; FIGURE 13 is a plan view illustrating the placement of the embodiment of FIG. 5 onto a lock of hair;

FIGURE 14 is a view depicting the embodiment of FIG. 5 functioning in its stated purpose;

FIGURE 15 is an isometric view in the nature of FIG. 4 of the friction pad subassembly of an alternative embodiment, including an element 122 having a portion of its sheath partially cut away for illustrative purposes; and

FIGURE 16 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 15.

MODES TOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Referring to Figs. 1 through 3, the foundation for the loop strap hair tie

12, as a unit, is a generally planar rectangular-shaped strap 13. Alternatively, the invention may include a tail 30 attached to the rectangular-shaped strap 13 as illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6. By saying that the tail 30 is "attached" to the loop strap 13, it is meant either that the loop strap 13 and tail 30 are constructed from a continuous piece of fabric or material or that the loop strap 13 and tail 30 are constructed from separate pieces of fabric or materials and fastened together at abutting edges in generally coplanar orientation. The hair tie 12 may be assembled using one or more of a variety of materials or fabrics including, but not limited to, suede, leather, polyester, silk, cotton or vinyl. Referring to Fig. 1, the hair tie 12 is rectangular in shape with rounded corners. Generally, the overall size range of this embodiment is approximately 3 to 5 inches (7.62 to 12.7 cm) long and between about 1 and 1 % inches (2.54

and 3.81 cm) wide. The exact size of the hair tie 12 is determined by the intended range of the amount of hair to be tied by the hair tie. For example, the hair tie 12 is longer for large amounts of hair to be tied and shorter for smaller amounts of hair to be tied. The construction of a single hair tie 12 is detailed in Figures 3 and 4.

The dimensions that follow are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the size of the invention. As mentioned, the size of the invention is dependent upon how much hair the hair tie is intended to tie. The supporting structure of the invention is a generally planar thin resilient reinforcing film 26 having adhesive 32 laminated on one side.

Preferably, the reinforcing film 26 is a polyester film characterized by high tensile strength, such as Mylar™ that may be purchased from the Dupont Company in Wilmington, Delaware. The reinforcing film 26 may be any of a variety of thicknesses, but preferably it is about 0.003 inches (0.008 cm) thick. The reinforcing film 26 encompasses the entire surface area of the hair tie 12 and in this example is cut to be 5 inches (12.7 cm) long by 1 % inches (3.49 cm) wide. The reinforcing film 26 provides a surface on which all the other components mount directly or indirectly. The preferred adhesive 32 is catalog number 9460 manufactured by the 3M Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota, which is a sheet of adhesive material supplied with a wax paper backing 33

(not shown) on both sides of the adhesive. The adhesive 32 is cut to the same size as the reinforcing film 26 and laminated to one side 34 of the reinforcing film 26 using pressure.

A layer of fabric 14 is laminated by pressure to the adhesive side 34 of the reinforcing film 26. The fabric 14 may be any of a variety of fabrics and materials such as suede, leather, polyester, silk, cotton and vinyl. The fabric is the same width as the reinforcing film 26, but is cut % inch (1.27 cm) shorter than the reinforcing film 26. In this example, the fabric 14 is 4 % inches (11.43 cm) long and 1 ³ /a inches (3.49 cm) wide. The fabric 14 is laminated to the reinforcing film 26 so that one end of the fabric 14 corresponds to one end of the reinforcing film 26.

Attached to the remaining surface of reinforcing film 26 on side 34 is

hook fastening tape 16. The hook tape 16 is % inch (1.27 cm) long and 1 % inches (3.49 cm) wide. The hook fastening tape 16 is a surface consisting of multiple rows of hook fasteners, preferably catalog number 5400, supplied by Rip 'N Grip Industries, Chatsworth California. This specific fastening tape is preferred because it has a high density of hooks per square inch, thus providing increased connecting properties over a small amount of contacting surface area. Also, an additional advantage of this fastening tape is that it is less apt to catch the wearer's hair when the hair tie is fastened.

On the adjacent side 35 of the reinforcing film 26, a stiffening element 28, the loop fastening tape 18, a friction pad 20 and an elastic loop 22 is attached to the reinforcing film 26. The stiffening element 28 must be flexible so that it may be easily shaped and yet maintain its deformation. In the preferred embodiment, the stiffening element 28 is aluminum foil # 1100 soft and 0.006 inches (0.015 cm) thick. It is manufactured by J. Oster, 22833 La Palma Avenue, Yorba Linda, CA In this example, the size of the foil 28 is 1 % inches (3.81 cm) long by 1 % inches (3.49 cm) wide. Alternatively, other types of metal foil such as tin or a wire mesh, such as that used in window screens, may be used in place of the aluminum foil.

A foil subassembly 36 comprises the foil 28 and the loop fastening tape 18. Adhesive 32, cut to the same size as the foil 28, is laminated on both sides of the foil 28 using pressure. On one side of the foil 28, the loop fastening tape 18, which is also cut to the same dimensions as foil 28, attaches to the foil 28. The loop fastening tape 18 is a surface consisting of a fibrous loop fastening material, preferably, catalog number 4600, also supplied by Rip 'N Grip Industries. This subassembly 36 then adheres to one end of the reinforcing film 26 as shown in Fig. 4.

A friction pad subassembly 38 comprises the friction pad 20 having adhesive 32 laminated on one entire side and an elastic loop 22 passing through a hole 24 in the friction pad 20. The friction pad subassembly 38 adheres to the remaining surface area of the reinforcing film 26, adjacent to the foil subassembly 36. Preferably, the friction pad 20 is a foam pad, 0.062 inches (0.1575 cm) neoprene sponge — hard, manufactured by Rubatex

Corporation, Bedford, Virginia. This foam pad is preferred since it provides a non-slip surface and is flexible and supple to allow the hair tie 12 to mold around the hair. Alternatively, the friction pad 20 may be made from other rubber-type substances, such as neoprene, so long as it provides a non-slip surface and is flexible. In this illustration, the foam pad 20 is cut to be 3 % inches (8.9 cm) long by 1 % inches (3.49 cm) wide.

As shown in Figs. 2, 4 and 6, the friction pad 20 may include a hole 24, about 3/16ths of an inch (0.476 cm) in diameter, for passing an elastic loop 22 therethrough and capturing the ends 23 of the elastic loop. The hole 24 is centrally located in the friction pad 20 and about 1 %ths inch (3.49 cm) from the end of the friction pad 20 as shown in Fig. 2. The size of the elastic loop 22 varies depending on the amount of hair that the hair tie 12 can hold in a pony tail. Generally, the overall length of the elastic loop 22 and ends 23 ranges from approximately 3 to 5 inches (7.62 to 13.97 cm) in length and approximately ¹ /βth of an inch (0.318 cm) in circumference. The size of the loop ranges from approximately 1 to 2 inches (2.54 to 5.08 cm) in length and has approximately a 190-200 percent elastic stretch. The preferred elastic may be purchased from United Stretch Design, 90 Cherry Street, Hudson, Massachusetts 01749. The elastic loop 22 passes through hole 24 so that the loop ends 23 adhere to the adhesive 32 laminated to the friction pad 20.

Alternatively, as shown in Figs. 15 and 16, the hair tie 112 includes a an alternative friction pad subassembly 138. The alternative friction pad subassembly 138 comprises a friction pad 120 having a hole 124 passing therethrough, a mounting element 180, and a closed elastic loop 122. The mounting element 180, desirably injection-molded plastic such as polypropylene, comprises an upstanding eyelet 182 extending from a baseplate 183. The eyelet 182 extends through the hole 124 so that the elastic loop 122 may be tied thereto by threading a portion of the loop 122 through the eyelet 182, and then reversing it back through the rest of loop 122 to form a slipknot as shown in Fig. 16. The baseplate 183 is sandwiched between the friction pad 120 and a layer of reinforcing film 126. The baseplate 183 is flat and thin, e.g. approximately 1/16 inch (0.16 cm) or less in thickness, to provide strength with

flexibility. The baseplate 183 may desirably be approximately % inch long (1.27 cm) and inch wide (0.64 cm). The eyelet 182 desirably is a vertically elongate oval shape with height approximately 5/16 to 3/8 inch (0.79 to 0.95 cm). Desirably the elastic loop 122 comprises an elastic core 125 surrounded by a sheath 127 woven of extendible fabric. Fig. 15 shows the sheath 127 partially cut away for illustrative purposes to show the elastic core 125. A conventional hair loop of this description, which includes a metal gripper (not shown) to hold the ends together and thereby close the loop, is commercially available from hair supply sources. The loop may be made from ".090" braided elastic available from United Stretch Design. Desirably the circumference of the elastic loop (in its relaxed state) is between about 4 and 7 inches (10 and 17.8 cm). An advantage of this embodiment is that if the elastic loop 122 becomes damaged, it may be replaced by tying a new one through the eyelet 182.

Figs. 5 and 6 represent two views of an alternate embodiment of the invention. This alternate embodiment is the hair tie 12 having a tail 30 extending from the bottom long edge of the rectangular-shaped strap 13. The actual length of the tail 30 is not critical, but generally its length ranges from about 1 to 2 inches (2.54 to 5.08 cm) wider at its peak than the width of the rectangular-shaped strap 13. The assembly of this embodiment is similar to that of the embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2 except that all the components are sized to correspond to the added dimensions of the tail 30. The tail 30 provides a surface for mounting decorative ornaments 44 such as beads, studs, rhinestones, jewelry, etc. The tail 30 also provides a mounting surface for an optional tailpiece 40 for decoration, which may be a string of beads or braided fabric, ribbon, etc. as illustrated in Figs. 5 and 14. The hair tie and tail also provide a surface to emboss or print names or logos. In this manner, the hair tie 12 may be decorated to the preference of the user. Alternatively, the hair tie 12 may be made in any of various shapes that incorporate the features previously described. For example, the hair tie 12 could be shaped in accordance with holidays or observances, such as a heart

for Valentine's Day.

A preferred method of assembly enables mass production of the hair tie 12. The method of mass production takes advantage of the layered construction of the components comprising the hair tie 12 and the fact that each component may be purchased in considerable lengths supplied in rolls. Figure 7 illustrates the method to assemble a roll 54 of the foil sub¬ assembly 36 from rolls of the individual components that comprise the foil sub¬ assembly 36. Rolls of the loop fastening material 48, adhesive 50A, foil 52 and adhesive 50 are aligned in the stated respective descending order in a common vertical plane and attached to spools that rotate at a single constant linear speed. The common vertical plane alignment causes the loop fastening material 18, adhesive 32, foil 28 and adhesive 32 to be aligned in the required corresponding layers. The wax paper 33 is removed from both sides on adhesive roll 50A, but the wax paper 33 on adhesive roll 50 is only removed on the face that attaches to the foil 28 unwinding from the foil roll 52. The ends of the rolls are threaded between rollers 72 that form nip 70. The pressure of nip 70 causes the adhesive to adhere to each component and the resulting product from the nip winds onto a pickup spool as foil sub-assembly roll 54. The pickup spool travels at the same linear speed as rolls 48, 50, 50A and 52. Figure 8 illustrates the method to assemble a roll 58 of the friction pad sub-assembly 38 from rolls of the individual components that comprise the friction pad sub-assembly 38. Rolls of the foam material 56 and adhesive 50, are aligned in the respective descending order in a common vertical plane and attached to spools that rotate at a single constant linear speed. The wax paper 33 on adhesive roll 50 is only removed on the face that attaches to the foam 20 unwinding from the foam roll 56. Fig. 8A illustrates the wax paper 33 on the opposite face slit 63 in one lengthwise location to allow staged removal of wax paper sections 57 and 59 later in the process. The ends of each roll are threaded between rollers 72 that form nip 70. The pressure of nip 70 causes the adhesive to adhere to the foam 20 and the resulting product from the nip winds onto a pickup spool as friction pad sub-assembly roll 58. The pickup spool travels at the same linear speed as rolls 56 and 50.

Figure 9 illustrates the method to assemble a roll of a reinforcing film sub-assembly 62 from a foil sub-assembly roll 54, a foam pad sub-assembly roll 58, a roll of reinforcing film 60 and a roll of adhesive 50. Rolls 58 and 54 are aligned in the same horizontal plane so they are laminated on the reinforcing film 26 adjacent to each other in the same horizontal plane as shown in Fig. 4. Also, roll 58 is aligned as such so that wax paper section 59 is adjacent to roll 54. The remaining wax paper surface 33 on roll 54 is removed and wax paper section 57 on roll 58 is removed. Wax paper sections 57 and 59 remain on the foam 20 for removal later in the process. The wax paper 33 on the adhesive roll 50 facing the reinforcing film 26 is removed and the wax paper 33 on the opposite face remains on the adhesive 32. Rolls 58 and 54, aligned in a horizontal plane, are aligned in a common vertical plane with rolls 60 and 50 in the stated descending order. The ends of each roll are threaded between rollers 72 that form nip 70. The pressure of nip 70 causes the adhesive to adhere to each component and the resulting product from the nip winds onto a pickup spool as reinforcing film sub-assembly roll 62. As a result of the wax paper section 59 remaining on the adhesive 32, a portion of the foam sub¬ assembly 38 does not adhere to the reinforcing film 26.

Figure 10 illustrates the process of attaching the decorative fabric 14 and hook fastener 16 onto the reinforcing film sub-assembly 62. Decorative fabric roll 66 and hook fastener roll 64 are aligned in the same horizontal plane so they are laminated onto the reinforcing film sub-assembly 62 adjacent to each other in the same horizontal plane as shown in Fig. 4. The remaining wax paper 33 on the outside face of the reinforcing film sub-assembly roll 62 is removed. Rolls 66 and 64, aligned in a horizontal plane, are aligned in a common vertical plane with roll 62 in the stated descending order. The ends of each roll are threaded between rollers 72 that form nip 70. The pressure of nip 70 and exposed adhesive 32 causes the fabric 14 and hook fastener 16 to adhere to the reinforcing film sub-assembly and the resulting product from the nip winds onto a pickup spool as finished product roll 68.

Figure 11 illustrates the finished roll 68 feeding into a die cutter 74 via feed rolls 76. The die cutter stamps out individual hair ties 12 without an

elastic loop 22. The individual hair tie 12 is deposited into a finished goods hopper 78 and the scrap is deposited into scrap hopper 80. The advantages of this die-cutting method is that it allows mass production of a uniform hair tie 12. Additionally, the die-cutting method gives the flexibility to vary easily the shape and appearance of the hair tie 12. Die patterns may be easily manufactured in various shapes that will emboss emblems, names, etc. on the hair ties 12, or produce cutouts in the hair tie.

As currently practiced, hole 24 through foam 20 is formed using a punch in a hand operation. Hole 24 is punched-out in the area of wax paper section 57. After hole 24 is punched in the foam 20, wax paper section 59 may be peeled away, exposing adhesive 33. The elastic loop 22 is inserted through the hole 24 so that the loop ends 23 will adhere to the adhesive 33. The loop ends 23 are sandwiched between the foam 20 and reinforcing film 26 and securely held in place by the adhesive 33. Alternatively, to assemble the embodiment of the hair tie 112 shown in

Figs. 15 and 16, the eyelet 182 of the mounting element 180 is inserted through the hole 124, and the baseplate 183 of mounting element 180 is sandwiched between the foam pad 120 and reinforcing film 126.

Additionally, before the foam pad 20 attaches to the reinforcing film 26, a tail piece 40 may be attached to the tail area 30 by placing a portion of the tail piece 40 between the foam pad 20 and reinforcing film 26 so that the adhesive 33 holds the tail piece 40 in place. Optionally, the tail piece 40 may be attached to the tail 30 by attaching a post, similar to those found on pierced earrings, to the tail piece 40 and inserting the post through a pin hole in the fabric layer 14 and reinforcing film 26. After inserting the post in the pin hole, the post is bent to secure the tail piece 40 in place. The bent post is sandwiched between the foam pad 20 and reinforcing film 26 and held in place by adhesive 33. Alternatively, the tail piece 40 may be attached to the fabric layer 14 using adhesive. As shown in Fig. 13, elastic loop 22 encircles a* lock of hair 42 and initially holds the hair in place. The hair tie 12 wraps in the direction of arrow 46 around the lock of hair 42 in a beltlike fashion until the loop fastening tape

18 faces and detachably engages the hook fastening tape 16, attached to the outside face of the hair tie 12. Depending upon the amount of hair being tied and how tight the wearer desires the hair tie 12, the loop fastening tape 18 can engage the hook fastening tape 16 at various selectable locations. The fastening tapes 16 and 18, when fastened together, strongly resist relative longitudinal movement, but, may be separated from one another by peeling the surfaces apart. E a portion of the loop fastening tape 18 extends beyond and does not engage the hook fastening tape 16 the stiffening element 28 allows the extended end to be molded around the hair tie 12 to give the hair tie 12 a finished look. The friction pad 20 maintains the hair tie 12 in position on the lock of hair.

After the hair tie is properly positioned on the lock of hair 42, decorative ornaments 44, located on the outside face of the hair tie, face outwardly from the pony tail as illustrated in Fig. 14. The decorative ornaments 44, along with an optional tailpiece 40 and imprinted names, are visible to others.

Modifications and changes from the specific form of the invention herein shown and described as a preferred embodiment will occur to those skilled in the art. All such modifications and changes not departing from the spirit of the invention are intended to be embraced within the scope of the appended claims.