US20100294301A1

US20100294301A1 - Hair retaining device

Info

Publication number: US20100294301A1
Application number: US12/469,016
Authority: US
Inventors: Cindy Blasingame
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-05-20
Filing date: 2009-05-20
Publication date: 2010-11-25

Abstract

Disclosed is a hair retaining device for preventing long hair of a wearer of the hair retaining device from getting tangled and damaged. The hair retaining device includes a cap member configured to cover a head portion of the wearer thereof, a pair of straps configured on a rear end portion of the cap member, a tail member extending from the rear end portion of the cap member, and a flap member configured on an inner surface of the tail member. The pair of straps is capable of securing the cap member to the head portion of the wearer thereof. Further, the flap member and the inner surface of the tail member configures a space therebetween for receiving at least a portion of the hair of the wearer thereof.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to hair retaining devices, and, more particularly, to a hair retaining device to be worn during outdoor activities such as scuba diving, horseback riding, driving an open vehicle, extreme or action sports, and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Typically, people having long hair use hair retaining devices for securing their hair. Examples of hair retaining devices include clips, ties, bows and the like. People use such hair retaining devices while indulging in outdoor activities such as scuba diving, horseback riding, driving or riding in an open vehicle, and the like (hereinafter referred to as outdoor activities), to avoid tangling of hair. If kept loose while participating in the outdoor activities, a person's long hair may be exposed to dirt, smoke, heat, humidity and the like (hereinafter referred to as harmful conditions), thereby resulting in hair damage. Hair damage caused due to these harmful conditions may range from dry hair, split ends in hair, frizzy and brittle hair, to complete loss of luster or sheen. Moreover, exposure to windy conditions during outdoor activities may cause the long hair of the person to tangle, thereby resulting in formation of knots in the hair. The knots may damage or break the person's hair while combing such knotted hair. Also, loose hair may be difficult to manage and may cover a person's eyes, thereby obscuring one's eyesight during such activities.
Currently, people indulging in the outdoor activities prefer wearing a cap to protect their long hair. For example, a person having long hair may wear a cap or a helmet while riding a motorcycle. The cap or the helmet covers only a head portion of the person and leaves out a length of the hair extending out of the cap or the helmet, uncovered. The extended length of the hair may get tangled, resulting in the formation of knots. In order to avoid such a situation, the extended length of the hair may be tied into a braid, or may be pulled together and secured by means of a conventional hair securing device, such as a rubber band, a clip, and the like. However, the use of hair securing devices, such as rubber bands causes breaking of the hair, thereby resulting in hair damage. As another example, a person having long hair may face discomfort while indulging in outdoor sports such as scuba diving. Typically, while scuba diving, people tie the extended length of the hair thereof into a ponytail, a bun, and the like. However, the hair tied into the ponytail or the bun may become uncomfortable for a scuba diver, since the ponytail or the bun may get squeezed in a hood of a wetsuit worn by the scuba diver.
Further, the extended length of the hair may be troublesome to manage for a person while working. For example, the long hair may obstruct a worker's vision. Moreover, while going to office, the person may prefer to wear a hard hat for covering the hair. However, in this case also, the hair may get knotted, thereby causing discomfort to the person. Currently, people use the available hair retaining devices, such as bands, bows, and the like for tying hair thereof into a ponytail, thereby securing loose hair thereof. However, such hair retaining devices may be unable to handle the extended length of the person's hair.
Accordingly, there exists a need for preventing a person's long hair from getting tangled and damaged. Further, there exists a need for a hair retaining device that avoids discomfort to a wearer thereof while indulging in outdoor activities, such as scuba diving, driving or riding in an open vehicle, and other “extreme” or action sports (such as bungee-jumping, zip-lining, etc.) and the like. Furthermore, there exists a need for a hair retaining device that facilitates in managing extended length of hair of a wearer thereof while working. Also, there exists a need for a hair retaining device that may be worn under a hard hat, helmet, and the like. In addition, there exists a need for a hair retaining device that protects a head portion and extended length of hair of a wearer thereof from exposure to undesirable weather conditions, such as direct sunlight, dust, debris, and the like.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, the general purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a hair retaining device for protecting hair of a wearer thereof, configured to include all the advantages of the prior art, and to overcome the drawbacks inherent therein.
Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to prevent long hair of people from getting tangled and damaged.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a hair retaining device that avoids discomfort to a wearer thereof while indulging in outdoor activities, such as scuba diving, driving or riding in an open vehicle, extreme or action sports, and the like.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a hair retaining device that facilitates in managing extended length of hair of a wearer thereof while working.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a hair retaining device that may be worn under a hard hat, a helmet, and the like.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to protect a head portion and extended length of hair of a wearer thereof from exposure to undesirable weather conditions, such as direct sunlight, dust, debris, and the like.
To achieve the above objects, in an aspect of the present disclosure, a hair retaining device is provided which is capable of preventing long hair of a wearer thereof from getting tangled and damaged. The hair retaining device includes a cap member configured to cover a head portion of the wearer, a pair of straps configured on a rear end portion of the cap member, a tail member extending from the rear end portion of the cap member, and a flap member configured on an inner surface of the tail member. The pair of straps is capable of securing the cap member to the head portion of the wearer. Further, the flap member and the inner surface of the tail member configure a space therebetween for receiving at least a portion of the hair of the wearer.
The at least a portion of the hair of the wearer of the hair retaining device may be an extended length of the hair of the wearer that may extend away from the head portion of the wearer. The space configured between the flap member and the inner surface of the tail member may receive the extended length of the hair for protecting the hair of the wearer.
In another aspect of the present disclosure, the hair retaining device includes one or more fastening mechanisms for detachably attaching the flap member to the inner surface of the tail member. More specifically, a peripheral edge portion of the flap member is detachably attached to a longitudinal edge of the inner surface of the tail member by means of the one or more fastening mechanisms. Examples of the one or more fastening mechanisms may include, but are not limited to, a zipper, and a hook and loop fastener.
The hair retaining device, as disclosed herein is capable of preventing the hair of a wearer thereof from getting tangled and damaged, specifically while the wearer is indulged in outdoor activities, such as scuba diving, horseback riding, driving an open vehicle, extreme or action sports, and the like. Upon being worn, the cap member covers a head portion of the wearer while the tail member covers a portion of the length of hair extending away from the head portion of the wearer. The pair of straps enables the wearer to secure the cap member to the head portion thereof, thereby avoiding any discomfort upon wearing the hair retaining device. Moreover, the space configured between the flap member and the inner surface of the tail member receives at least a portion of the hair of the wearer, such as the length of hair extending away from the head portion of the wearer, thereby protecting the hair from undesirable weather conditions such as dust, rain, and the like.
These together with other aspects of the present disclosure, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the present disclosure, is pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and form a part of this present disclosure. For a better understanding of the present disclosure, its operating advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an upper-side of a hair retaining device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an under-side of the hair retaining device of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an under-side of the hair retaining device of FIG. 1, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for illustrative purposes are subject to many variations in structure and design. It should be emphasized, however, that the present disclosure is not limited to a particular hair retaining device, as shown and described. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present disclosure.
The terms “first,” “second,” and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.
The present disclosure relates to a hair retaining device for preventing long hair of a wearer of the hair retaining device from getting tangled and damaged, specifically during outdoor activities such as scuba diving, horseback riding, driving an open vehicle, extreme or action sports, and the like. The wearer of the hair retaining device may hereinafter be referred to as ‘the wearer’. The hair retaining device may also facilitate management of extended length of hair of the wearer while indulging in indoor activities, such as cleaning, washing, working on a computer, and the like. Further, the disclosed hair retaining device covers a head portion as well as the long hair of the wearer, thereby protecting the head portion and the extended length of the hair of the wearer from exposure to undesirable weather conditions, such as direct sunlight, debris, dust, and the like.
Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, a hair retaining device 100 is illustrated, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. The hair retaining device 100 is capable of securing and protecting long hair of a wearer during outdoor activities such as scuba diving, horseback riding, driving an open vehicle, extreme and action sports, and the like. Moreover, the hair retaining device 100 may be worn while performing indoor or house activities, such as cooking, washing laundry, and the like. More particularly, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an upper-side of the hair retaining device 100. FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an under-side of the hair retaining device 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Furthermore, FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an under-side of the hair retaining device 100 of FIG. 1, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
Now referring to FIG. 1, the hair retaining device 100 includes a cap member 102, a pair of straps such as a first strap 104 a and a second strap 104 b, and a tail member 106. The first strap 104 a and the second strap 104 b are hereinafter collectively referred to as straps 104.
The cap member 102 is configured to cover a head portion of a wearer (not shown) of the hair retaining device 100. More specifically, the cap member 102 is adapted to be removably placed on the head portion of the wearer. The straps 104 are fixedly attached to a rear end portion (not numbered) of the cap member 102.
The tail member 106 of the hair retaining device 100 is capable of wrapping the long hair of the wearer. The tail member 106 extends from the rear end portion of the cap member 102. In the present embodiment, the tail member 106 is shown to assume a shape terminating in a triangular end. However, it may be evident to a person skilled in the art that the tail member 106 may assume any other shape also, such as a trapezoidal shape, a rectangular shape, and the like, without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. In use, the tail member 106 is long enough to provide protection to the long hair of the wearer from a plurality of harmful conditions such as dirt, smoke, heat, humidity and the like. The tail member 106 may be provided with a decorative strap 108 for enhancing aesthetic appearance of the tail member 106.
The hair retaining device 100 also includes a flap member 112 (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) configured on an inner surface 110 of the tail member 106 such that the inner surface 110 of the tail member 106 and the flap member 112 configure a space therebetween. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the flap member 112 may be detachably attached to the tail member 106. A perspective view of the under-side of the hair retaining device 100 illustrating the detachable attachment of the flap member 112 with the tail member 106 is explained further in detail in conjunction with FIG. 2. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the flap member 112 may be fixedly attached to the tail member 106. A perspective view of the under-side of the hair retaining device 100 illustrating the fixed attachment of the flap member 112 with the tail member 106 is explained further in detail in conjunction with FIG. 3.
FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of an under-side of the hair retaining device 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, the under-side of the hair retaining device 100 is shown to include an inner surface of the cap member (not numbered) and the inner surface 110 of the tail member 106. The tail member 106, and hence the inner surface 110 of the tail member 106 includes a first longitudinal edge 110 a and a second longitudinal edge 110 b. Further, a flap member 112 may be configured on the inner surface 110 of the tail member 106.
The flap member 112 includes a first peripheral edge portion 112 a fixedly attached to the first longitudinal edge 110 a of the inner surface 110 of the tail member 106, and a second peripheral edge portion 112 b detachably attached to the second longitudinal edge 110 b of the inner surface 110 of the tail member 106. The attachment of the flap member 112 and the inner surface 110 of the tail member 106 configures a space therebetween for receiving and securing the extended length of the hair of the wearer.
The first peripheral edge portion 112 a may be fixedly attached to the first longitudinal edge 110 a by means of stitches, such as stitches 114 (shown in FIG. 2). In the present embodiment, the fixed attachment is assumed to be stitches, such as the stitches 114. However, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that in alternative embodiments, the first peripheral edge portion 112 a of the flap member 112 may be fixedly attached to the first longitudinal edge 110 a of the inner surface 110 of the tail member 106, by other means known in the art, such as an adhesive attachment, and the like. Further, the second peripheral edge portion 112 b of the flap member 112 is detachably attached to the second longitudinal edge 110 b of the inner surface 110 of the tail member 106, by means of a fastening mechanism, such as a zipper 116. More specifically, a zipping component 116 a of the zipper 116 may be disposed on the second peripheral edge portion 112 b of the flap member 112. Moreover, a complementary zipping component 116 b of the zipper 116 may be disposed on the second longitudinal edge 110 b of the inner surface 110 of the tail member 106.
In use, the extended length of the hair of the wearer may be gathered and, received in the space defined between the flap member 112 and the inner surface 110 of the tail member 106. Thereafter, the second peripheral edge portion 112 b of the flap member 112 and the second longitudinal edge 110 b of the inner surface 110 may be brought together and the zipper 116 may be closed, thereby securing the wearer's hair.
The wearer's hair may be received in the space configured between the flap member 112 and the inner surface 110 of the tail member 106, such that an extended length of the hair may emerge out of a lower end of the space. As the space formed for receiving the hair is opened from a top portion 118 a and a bottom portion 118 b thereof, the hair received therein may simply emerge out, thereby avoiding a need of folding the hair to accommodate in the configured space. Accordingly, the disclosed hair retaining device is capable of receiving any length of hair of the wearer.
Alternatively, the extended length of the hair of the wearer may be tied for instance, into a loose braid (not shown) and the loose braid may be received in the space defined between the flap member 112 and the inner surface 110 of the tail member 106. Thereafter, the second peripheral edge portion 112 b of the flap member 112 and the second longitudinal edge 110 b of the inner surface 110 may be brought together and the zipper 116 may be closed, thereby securing the wearer's hair.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second peripheral edge portion 112 b of the flap member 112 may be detachably attached to the second longitudinal edge 110 b of the inner surface 110 of the tail member 106, by means of a hook and loop fastener (not shown). More specifically, a hook component (not shown) and a loop component (not shown) of the hook and loop fastener may be attached to the second peripheral edge portion 112 b of the flap member 112, and the second longitudinal edge 110 b of the inner surface 110 of the tail member 106, respectively. In the present embodiment, the second peripheral edge portion 112 b of the flap member 112 and the second longitudinal edge 110 b of the inner surface 110 may be brought together and the hook and loop components of the hook and loop fastener may be pressed against each other, thereby configuring the space for securing the long hair of the wearer. Furthermore, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that the present embodiments are explained herein with reference to a zipper, such as the zipper 116, and a hook and loop fastener. However, alternate embodiments with other fastening mechanism such as a snap fit fastener, a button fastener, and the like are possible for detachably attaching the second peripheral edge portion 112 b of the flap member 112 with the second longitudinal edge 110 b of the inner surface 110 of the tail member 106.
Now referring to FIG. 3, a perspective view of the underside of the inner surface 110 of a tail member such as the tail member 106, of a hair retaining device such as the hair retaining device 100, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. In the present embodiment, the first peripheral edge portion 112 a and the second peripheral edge portion 112 b of the flap member 112 are fixedly attached to the first longitudinal edge 110 a and the second longitudinal edge 110 b of the inner surface 110 of the tail member 106, respectively. More specifically, the first peripheral edge portion 112 a and the second peripheral edge portion 112 b of the flap member 112 may be attached to the first longitudinal edge 110 a and the second longitudinal edge 110 b of the inner surface 110 of the tail member 106 respectively, by means of stitches, such as stitches 114, thereby configuring a space therebetween. As explained herein, the fixed attachment is by means of stitching the second peripheral edge portion 112 b of the flap member 112 to the second longitudinal edge 110 b of the inner surface 110 of the tail member 106. However, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that the second peripheral edge portion 112 b of the flap member 112 may be fixedly attached to the second longitudinal edge 110 b of the inner surface 110 of the tail member 106, by other means known in the art, such as an adhesive attachment, and the like.
Further, as the space configured between the flap member 112 and the inner surface 110 of the tail member 106 is open from a top portion, such as the top portion 118 a and a bottom portion, such as the bottom portion 118 b thereof. The said space conveniently accommodates the long hair of the wearer therethrough. As explained in conjunction with FIG. 2, the extended length of hair of the wearer may be gathered and received through the top portion 118 a of the space. Such that, the extended length of the hair may emerge through the bottom portion 118 b of the space. The space thereby avoids a need of folding the long hair and thus prevents tangling of hair. The hair retaining device as disclosed herein is capable of accommodating any length of hair of the wearer.
Alternatively, the extended length of the hair of the wearer may be tied for instance, into a loose braid (not shown). The loose braid may thereafter be received through the top portion 118 a of the space configured between the flap member 112 and the inner surface 110 of the tail member 106. The loose braid may thereafter be allowed to hang through the bottom portion 118 b of the space configured between the flap member 112 and the inner surface 110 of the tail member 106. Specifically, the bottom portion 118 b of the space being open prevents the extended length of the hair of the wearer from getting tangled.
As disclosed herein, the present disclosure provides a hair retaining device that is capable of protecting hair of a wearer during outdoor activities such as scuba diving, horseback riding, driving or riding in an open vehicle, extreme or action sports, and the like. Various embodiments of the present disclosure offer following advantages. The hair retaining device, such as the hair retaining device 100, as described herein, is capable of receiving hair of the wearer thereof. Specifically, the cap member secures the hair on the head portion of the wearer thereof while the tail member receives the extended length of the hair of the wearer, thereby preventing tangling and breaking of the long hair of the wearer thereof. Further, the hair retaining device is capable of being comfortably worn under a hard hat, a helmet, and the like. Additionally, the present disclosure is capable of preventing the hair of the wearer thereof from undesirable weather conditions, such as sunlight, dirt, and the like.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present disclosure and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present disclosure and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A hair retaining device comprising:

a cap member configured to cover a head portion of a wearer of the hair retaining device;

a pair of straps configured on a rear end portion of the cap member, wherein the pair of straps is capable of securing the cap member to the head portion of the wearer;

a tail member extending from the rear end portion of the cap member; and

a flap member configured on an inner surface of the tail member, wherein the flap member and the inner surface of the tail member configure a space therebetween for receiving at least a portion of the hair of the wearer.

2. The hair retaining device of claim 1, wherein the flap member comprises a first peripheral edge portion and a second peripheral edge portion, the first peripheral edge portion of the flap member fixedly attached to a first longitudinal edge of the inner surface of the tail member, and the second peripheral edge portion of the flap member detachably attached to a second longitudinal edge of the inner surface of the tail member.

3. The hair retaining device of claim 2, wherein the second peripheral edge portion of the flap member is detachably attached to the second longitudinal edge of the inner surface of the tail member by one or more fastening mechanisms.

4. The hair retaining device of claim 3, wherein the one or more fastening mechanisms is one of a hook and loop fastener, a zipper, a snap fit fastener, a button, and an adhesive.

5. The hair retaining device of claim 1, wherein the flap member comprises a first peripheral edge portion and a second peripheral edge portion, the first peripheral edge portion of the flap member fixedly attached to a first longitudinal edge of the inner surface of the tail member, and the second peripheral edge portion of the flap member fixedly attached to a second longitudinal edge of the inner surface of the tail member.