US20210315347A1

US20210315347A1 - Hair protector device and method of use thereof

Info

Publication number: US20210315347A1
Application number: US17/246,864
Authority: US
Inventors: Stella Fayomi-Olaleye
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-05-03
Filing date: 2021-05-03
Publication date: 2021-10-14

Abstract

Presented is a hair protector device. The hair protector device includes a body suitably shaped and sized forming an interior hollow space for receiving a wearer's head, an exterior surface, an interior surface, a top end, and a bottom end. The device further includes a scrunchy attached onto the exterior surface of the body, a sleeve attached to the body surrounding the bottom end and to act as a support for a fastening mechanism that can be used for adjusting the hair protector device around the wearer's head ensuring the hair protector device doesn't slide off the head while the hair protector device is in use. The scrunchy hair protector device is adapted for fastening a low back ponytail or a high ponytail of a wearer's hair giving an aesthetic appearance.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a hair wrap, and, in particular, to an easy to use hair covering device or a hair protector that is designed to effectively retain the hair of a wearer, no matter the wearer is having a ponytail, or the wearer's hair flows freely, especially while the wearer washes her/his face, takes shower, or is engaged in different activities, or in situations where the protection of the hair is important (such as while working in chemical plants, hospitals, restaurants etc.).

BACKGROUND

Hair wraps or headgears which encircle the head and include a means, typically elastic, to stay upon the head of a wearer, are known. These hair wraps or headgears are worn around the hair for ornamental purposes, to retain a desired hairstyle, to enclose and surround the hair during sleep, or to keep hair off the face, or to protect the head from environmental effects.
To elaborate uses of these headgears/hair wraps, people might wish to keep their hair dry while showering. For example, a person might pay a hairstylist a considerable amount of money for professionally styling the hair, and might wish to preserve the hairstyle for several days after getting the hair styled. Next, a person might use a headgear in health industry (Eg. hospitals) in order to protect the hair from dust or viral effects. Next, a person might use the hair protecting device to protect the hair and scalp from excessive moisture content in the surrounding air. Similarly, the hair wraps may be used for safety purpose, and in the food industry.
Lots of prior art hair coverings/hair wraps are known that retain the hair of the wearer. These head coverings are placed over the head of the wearer and unless the wearer's hair is very short, these head coverings require the wearer to tuck her/his hair up under the head covering. Tucking one's hair up under the head covering can be somewhat tedious and time consuming especially when the wearer has long hair. Also, these hair coverings neither function properly nor satisfactorily cover up the user's hair if the user has high or low ponytail formation to shorten the length of the hair. Further, most of the known hair coverings/wraps are designed to cover the short hair during bathing or swimming and do not offer any ornamental look to the hair when worn.
Different kinds of head wraps/hair covering devices have been visualized by number of inventors in the past such as for example: US20170042268 discloses a multilayered hair wrap. The hair wrap as disclosed includes a hydrophobic shell portion substantially defining an outer surface of the hair wrap, and an absorbent liner portion defining an inner surface and secured to the hydrophobic shell portion. As described in the patent application, the hair wrap includes a basket portion shaped to receive a wearer's head, and a tail portion for wrapping the wearer's hair. The tail portion is secured to the basket portion by wrapping a loop around a button.
US20190037944A discloses a head wrap that envelopes hair of the head for use in keeping hair dry, or to protect a hair style. As described, the method to use the head hair wrap follows six basic steps: 1) place the wrap body overhead; 2) place hair in pouch; 3) pull both ties to tighten the wrap and then pull both ties up (when in forward position) and down (when in a backwards position) around head; 4) crisscross ties, loop under and tuck under opposite straps; 5) twist pouch up over head, to the either sides of head, back of head, top of head or base of head; 6) pull twisted pouch through crown loop or depending on the style of twist and fasten the twist on button which will be determined by the style of twist on what button to be used.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,211,184 discloses a protective hair covering device. The covering device is a band made of a strip of flexible water-resistant sheet material having a configuration that is adapted to be placed about the head to form a completely closed circular band, enveloping the hair throughout.
US20170318885 discloses a head wrap which allows the user to aesthetically cover their head without having to be concerned with tying, tucking, pulling or twisting the wrap. The disclosed head wrap is a layer of fabric that includes two parts a crown and a knot attached together. The head wrap further comprises a closure which secures the crown and knot portion of the head wrap to the user's head.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,138,025 discloses a head covering made from a stretchable fabric forming an elongated tubular shaped article. The headgear is a tubular shaped head covering having a varying cross-sectional diameter with two open ends: a front opening and a back opening. The headgear has a band portion and an elongated hair covering.
Despite the existence of aforementioned and many other head wraps, and hair caps problems in hair care still exist. For example, the head wraps and caps are not adequately secured around head and as a result there is a risk of loosening due to which the wraps fall from the head exposing the hair, and head wraps and caps are placed upon the hair in such a manner so that the hair becomes matted and disheveled, completely destroying the hair style.
Accordingly, there has been a need for a hair covering device which is both inexpensive and easy to use, and capable of retaining the hair of the wearer without risk of loosening and falling off, completely covering the hair to protect the hair from the harmful elements, as well as to protect the hair style from tangling and matting and at the same time provides an aesthetically pleasing look.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Before the present systems and methods, enablement are described, it is to be understood that this application is not limited to the particular systems, and methodologies described, as there can be multiple possible embodiments which are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosures. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular versions or embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present application.
It is an objective of the present invention to provide a hair protector or hair covering device that would protect, surround, and retain wearer's hair.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide an improved hair protector or hair covering device that's comfortable to wear and suitable for all hair sizes.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide an improved hair protector or hair covering device that's simple and less expensive to construct and yet provides multi-functional uses and suitable for encapsulating the free flowing hair and/or hair with high or low ponytails.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide an improved hair protector that may allow the wearer's hair from the low ponytail or high ponytail to flow out of the hair protector.
It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide an improved hair protector that may be adjustable to fit heads of different sizes and constructed using a wide range of material depending upon its application. For example, the hair protector may be made of microfiber and/or cotton when the hair protector is used for drying the hair. Similarly, the hair protector may be made of water resistant material such as silicon, TPU etc. when the hair protector is constructed for swimmers or for bathing. Likewise, the hair protector may be made of fireproof material when the hair protector is constructed in the view of safety.
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a hair protector device, comprising a body suitably shaped and sized forming an interior hollow space for receiving a wearer's head, an exterior surface, an interior surface, a top end, and a bottom end; a scrunchy attached onto the exterior surface of the body at its first end and a second end; a sleeve attached to the body surrounding the bottom end, the sleeve provides a support for a fastening mechanism that can be used for adjusting the hair protector device around the wearer's head ensuring the hair protector device doesn't slide off the head while the hair protector device is in use.
According to the embodiments, the scrunchy is adapted for fastening a low back ponytail or a high ponytail of a wearer's hair giving an aesthetic appearance. The scrunchy is an elasticized band used for fastening the wearer's hair. The scrunchy is configured at the top end of the body in proximity to the opening.
According to an embodiment, the top end of the body comprises an opening. The top end with the opening can be reversibly rolled for encircling the low back ponytail and the high ponytail and to let the ponytail emerge out of the interior hollow space.
According to an embodiment, the sleeve is formed by folding and attaching an edge of the bottom end of the body along a fold line throughout the perimeter length of the bottom end.
According to another embodiment, the sleeve is externally formed and then attached along the edge at the bottom end of the body.
According to the embodiments, the sleeve is made using a material same as that of the body or using a different material as that of the body.
According to the embodiments, the body of the hair protector device consists of a single layer of material or a plurality of layers of material. The material is selected from a group consisting of: microfiber, cotton, polyester, nylon, spandex, silk, satin, material suitable for use in medical hospitals, labs, restaurants, waterproof material suitable for swimmers, fireproof material that may benefit while working in the kitchens, material that may provide safety from environmental effects.
According to an embodiment, the fastening mechanism comprises a strap with a first end and a second end, wherein the strap is looped through the sleeve such that a first end, and a second end of the strap emerge out of a first slit, and a second slit of the sleeve. The first end, and a second end of the strap emerging out of the first slit, and the second slit of the sleeve acts as ties that can be held and adjusted by the wearer for size adjustment.
According to an embodiment, the fastening mechanism comprises an elastic band looped through the sleeve via slit and includes a plurality of holes located at the first end disposed outside of the slit, and an internal button located at interior of the body over the sleeve. The internal button is looped through a selected hole to fasten the hair protector device around the wearer's head with desired degree of tightness
According to an embodiment, the fastening mechanism comprises a velcro mechanism with a male part of the Velcro being located over the first end of the elastic band and a female part of the Velcro located interior of the body onto the sleeve.
According to an embodiment, the fastening mechanism comprises a hook and loop mechanism with a hook part being located over the first end of the elastic band and the loop part located interior of the body onto the sleeve.
According to an embodiment, the hair protector device comprises a button loop located on the scrunchy. The button loop can be looped through an external button located at back of the body.
Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the application itself, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGS. 1A and 1B shows a back view and a perspective view of an improved hair protector device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a back view of an improved hair protector device, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 shows a back perspective view of a user/wearer of the hair protector device in the process of putting on the hair protector device of FIG. 1 for retaining a low back ponytail with the hair inside, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 shows a back perspective view and a front view of a user securing the hair protector device of FIG. 1 for retaining the low back ponytail with the hair inside, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 shows a back perspective view of a user in the process of putting on the hair protector device of FIG. 1 for retaining the low back ponytail with the hair outside, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 shows a side perspective view of a user securing the hair protector device of FIG. 1 for retaining the low back ponytail with the hair outside, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 shows a back perspective view of a user securing the hair protector device of FIG. 1 for retaining free flowing hair at low back with the hair inside, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 shows a front view of a user with a high ponytail, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 11 shows a front perspective view of a user in the process of putting on the hair protector device of FIG. 1 for retaining the high ponytail with the hair inside, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 shows a front view of a user securing the hair protector device of FIG. 1 for retaining the high ponytail with the hair inside, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 shows a back perspective view of a user securing the hair protector device of FIG. 1 for retaining the high ponytail with the hair outside, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 shows a back view of an improved hair protector device, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 15 and 16 shows a back view of an improved hair protector device, in accordance with various other embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 17-19 shows a back view of the hair protector device of FIG. 14 with the hair protector device being put and fastened to fit around the wearer's head with the hair flowing down at the back, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 20 shows a front view of a user securing the hair protector device of FIG. 14 on the head with the hair inside, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 21-22 shows one exemplary wearing style of the hair protector device of FIG. 14 after the bottom end of the hair protector device is put and fastened to fit around the wearer's head.

FIGS. 23-24 shows another exemplary wearing style of the hair protector device of FIG. 14 after the bottom end of the hair protector device is put and fastened to fit around the wearer's head.

FIG. 25 shows a front view of a user with a high ponytail, according to an example embodiment.

FIGS. 26-28 shows yet another exemplary wearing style of the hair protector device of FIG. 14 after the bottom end of the hair protector device is put and fastened to fit around the wearer's head.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The best mode and other alternative modes for carrying out the present disclosure is presented in terms of the embodiments herein. The embodiments described herein comprise detail used for illustrative purposes and are subject to many variations. The disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Further, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting. The terms exterior and interior surface are used herein as structural terms generally indicating the outside surface viewable by a person and the inside surface facing the head when the hair protector device is worn, respectively. The hair protector device may be composed of a single material (i.e. having an interior surface facing the head and an exterior surface facing the environment) or more than one layer of material depending upon various applications. Further, for the purpose of this application, the terms “user”, “wearer”, or “hair protector user” are all synonymously used. Thus such use, should not be regarded as limitation of any kind. Likewise, the terms “hair protector device”, “hair covering device” and so on for the purpose of this application are interchangeably used.
Further, the words “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” and “including,” and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
The subject invention is directed to a hair covering device or a hair protector device that may be made using a single layer or multiple layers of material depending upon and applications where the hair protector device is used (Eg. personal use or in specific industry). The hair protector device is usually put over the wearer's head and fastened to fit about the user's head and then the user is able to use the hair protector device in a variety of styles or forms depending upon if the user wishes to keep a free flowing hair at back, or wish to have a back ponytail, or a top head ponytail etc. The same would be described in the description to follow.
The various features and embodiments of a hair protector device and method of its use will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying figures, namely FIGS. 1-28.
Referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2, an improved hair protector device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. As seen, the hair protector device 100 includes a body 102 shaped and sized to envelop a wearer's head. The body 102 is formed using a single layer of material or multiple layers of material selected from a wide range of materials such as for example, moisture resistant material (silk, satin etc), material that may absorb water for drying the hair (cotton, microfiber etc), material suitable for use in medical hospitals, labs, restaurants, waterproof material suitable for swimmers, fireproof material that may benefit while working in the kitchens, material that may provide safety from environmental effects and so on. In general during construction of the body 102, the material (single layer or multiple layers) of choice is first cut and shaped and then stitched (preferably sewn) at one side or multiple sides to form the body 102. The body 102 may be formed substantially in a conical shape as shown, however it should be understood that the shape of the body 102 may change based on the shape desired by the wearer/user.
The body 102 includes an interior hollow space 120 for receiving the wearer's head or hair, an exterior surface 102 f, an interior surface 102 g. The body 102 includes a top end 102 a and a bottom end 102 b. The top end 102 a may have an opening 102 c as shown in FIG. 1. In another embodiment, the top end 102 a may be closed (without any opening) as shown in FIG. 2. Additionally, the top end 102 a may be made pointed, round, or flat. Further, the hair protector device 100 have a scrunchy 104 attached onto the exterior surface 102 g of the body 102 at its two ends 104 a and 104 b. The scrunchy 104 may be attached on the exterior side of the hair protector 100 or attached across the top opening 102 c at the top end 102 a. For the purpose of this invention, the scrunchy 104 can be any elasticized band that may be used for fastening the hair. The scrunchy 104 is preferably located at the top end 102 a in proximity to the opening 102 c.
According to the embodiment, an edge 102 d of the material of the bottom end 102 a of the body 102 folds at a fold line 102 e throughout its perimeter length to form a sleeve 106 surrounding the bottom end 102 b of the body 102. The edge 102 e may be folded and sewn internally or externally to form the sleeve 106. In another embodiment, the sleeve 106 may be externally formed using same material as that of the body 102 or made using different material and then attached/sewn to the bottom end 102 b (at the edge) of the body 102. The sleeve 106 includes a first slit 106 a and a second slit 106 b disposed spaced apart from each other. The hair protector device 100 further includes a strap 108 with a first end 108 a and a second end 108 b. The strap 108 is looped through the sleeve 106 such that the two ends 108 a, 108 b (referred to as ties) of the strap 108 emerge out of the two slits 106 a, and 106 b of the sleeve 106. The strap 108 may be elastic in nature or non-elastic in nature. According to the embodiment, the sleeve 106 may be sized as appropriate (example ‘A’ mm) for allowing the strap 108 to smoothly loop there through. In some other embodiments, instead of ties, the hair protector device 100 may have an elastic band configured at the back of the that can expand based on wearer's head size.
Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, a back perspective view of a user in the process of putting on the hair protector device of FIG. 1 for retaining a low back ponytail with the hair inside is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the process of putting on the hair protector device 100 for retaining a low back ponytail with hair inside, the wearer 200 needs to first put on the body 102 such that the interior space 120 of the body 102 receives the head of the wearer 200 covering wearer's head (with or without ear). The wearer 200 can hold and adjust the two ends 108 a, 108 b of the strap 108. The wearer 200 is able to tighten or loosen the strap 108 around the wearer's head by manipulating the two ends or ties of the strap 108 and then form a knot to lock the bottom end 102 b of the body 102 surrounding the wearer's head such that the hair protector 100 doesn't slide off the wearer's head while performing any activity. In an embodiment, the knot may be a bow like knot or a knot made in any other fashion. Once the bottom end 102 b of the body 102 is adjustably fitted around the wearer's head, the wearer 200 pulls away the top end 102 a of the body 102 holding the scrunchy 104 or the top end 102 a using one hand 202 and simultaneously using the other hand 204 for holding the hair inside forming a low back ponytail. Next, holding the scrunchy 104 around his/her four fingers and the thumb or around all five fingers, the wearer 200 fastens the low back ponytail using the scrunchy 104. FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 shows a back perspective view and a front view of the wearer 200 securing the hair protector device of FIG. 1 for retaining the low back ponytail with the hair inside.
FIG. 7 shows a back perspective view of a user in the process of putting on the hair protector device of FIG. 1 for retaining the low back ponytail with the hair outside, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As described above with respect to FIGS. 3 and 4, the bottom end 102 b of the body 102 is first placed over the wearer's head ensuring it covers the wearer's hair and then the ties 108 a, 108 b are adjusted to tighten the bottom end 102 b of the hair protector 100 around the wearer's head. After the hair protector 100 tightly holds the user's head or hair with low back ponytail inside, the wearer 200 reversibly rolls up the top end 102 a of the body 102 such that the low back ponytail retained inside the hollow space 120 of the body 102 emerges out of the hair protector 100 through the opening 102 c (seen in FIG. 1). If the back ponytail retained inside the hollow space 120 of the body 102 uses any conventional hair tie, the wearer 200 can then remove the same and then reversed top end will continue to hold the back ponytail 206 similar to any conventional hair ties or bands (as seen in FIG. 8). FIG. 8 in particular shows a side perspective view of the user/wearer 200 securing the hair protector device of FIG. 1 for retaining the low back ponytail with the hair outside.
Referring to FIG. 9, a back perspective view of a user/wearer securing the hair protector device of FIG. 1 for retaining free flowing hair at low back with the hair inside is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In order to attain this form of style or to wear the hair protector 100 in this fashion, the scrunchy 104 is wrapped around one of the tie 108 a, 108 b then both ties are tightened to secure it around the wearer's head.
Referring to FIG. 10, a front view of a user 200 with a high ponytail 208 is shown, according to an example embodiment. FIG. 11 shows a front perspective view of the user 200 in the process of putting on the hair protector device of FIG. 1 for retaining the high ponytail 208 with the hair inside, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the process of putting on the hair protector device 100 for retaining the high ponytail 208 with the hair inside, the wearer 200 needs to first put on the body 102 such that the interior space of the body 102 receives the head of the wearer 200 covering wearer's head (with or without ear). The wearer 200 can hold and adjust the two ends of the strap 108. The wearer 200 is able to tighten or loosen the strap 108 around the wearer's head by manipulating the two ends or ties of the strap 108 and then form a knot to lock the bottom end 102 b of the body 102 surrounding the wearer's head such that the hair protector 100 doesn't slide off the wearer's head. Once the bottom end 102 b of the body 102 is adjustably fitted around the wearer's head, the wearer 200 pulls away the top end 102 a of the body 102 holding the scrunchy 104 or the top end 102 a using one hand 202 and simultaneously using the other hand 204 for holding the high ponytail 208 retained inside the body 102. Next, holding the scrunchy 104 around his/her four fingers and the thumb or around all the fingers, the wearer 200 fastens the high ponytail (retained inside the body 102) using the scrunchy 104. FIG. 12 shows a front view of the user using the hair protector device 100 for retaining the high ponytail 208 with the hair inside.
Referring to FIG. 13, a back perspective view of the user 200 securing the hair protector device of FIG. 1 for retaining the high ponytail with the hair outside is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As described above, the bottom end 102 b of the body 102 is first placed over the wearer's head ensuring it covers the wearer's hair and then the ties 108 a, 108 b are adjusted to tighten the bottom end 102 b of the hair protector 100 around the wearer's head. After the hair protector 100 tightly holds the user's head or hair with high ponytail 208 inside, the wearer 200 reversibly rolls up the top end 102 a of the body 102 such that the high ponytail 208 retained inside the hollow space of the body 102 emerges out of the hair protector 100 through the opening 102 c (seen in FIG. 1). If the high ponytail 208 retained inside the hollow space 120 of the body 102 uses any conventional hair tie, the wearer 200 can then remove the same and then reversed top end will continue to hold the high ponytail 208 similar to any conventional hair ties or bands (as seen in FIG. 13).
Referring to FIG. 14, a back view of an improved hair protector device is shown, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment shown in FIG. 14 is substantially the same as shown and described with respect to FIG. 1. Thus, the overall construction details of the hair protector device of FIG. 14 are omitted from the description to keep the length of the description concise. The difference mainly lies on the fastening mechanism that can be used to tighten and adjust the hair protector device 100 around the user's head. Compared to FIG. 1, in this embodiment, instead of ties, an elastic band 108 with a first end and a second end is looped through the sleeve 106 via slit 106 a. The band 108 includes a plurality of holes 108 d located at the first end. The band 108 is provided with an appropriate length and looped in a way such that the first end with the holes 108 d remains disposed outside of the slit 106 a and the second end is fixedly attached at an extreme end within the sleeve 106. In other words, one can visualize this as one end of the elastic band 108 is lopped inside the sleeve 106 and attached inside the sleeve 106, whereas other end with the holes 108 d remain free outside the slit 106 a. Apart from this, the embodiment shown in FIG. 14 also includes an internal button 110 located at interior of the body 102 over the sleeve 106. This location of the button 110 makes it invisible from outside. The button 110 is preferably located at the end of the band 108 that is fixedly attached within the sleeve 106. The holes 108 d present at the exposed first end of the band 108 are selectively looped for fastening the button 110. The button 110 is looped through the desired hole 108 d to fasten the hair protector or bottom end 102 b of the base 102 around the wearer's head with desired degree of tightness so that the hair protector doesn't slide off the head. Additionally, this embodiment of the hair protector 100 also includes a button loop 104 c present on the scrunchy 104 attached to the body 102. This button loop 104 c can be pinned to or looped through an externally located button 112 (external button) located at back of the body 102. The sizes of the buttons 110,112, the holes 108 d and the button loop 104 c are chosen such that they can functionally work for fastening together (i.e. the button 110 fastened to the selected hole 108 d, and the button 112 to the button loop 104 c).
Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16 shows a back view of an improved hair protector device, in accordance with various other embodiments of the present disclosure. Particularly, the embodiment shown in FIG. 15 is very similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 14 with only the difference of holes 108 d present in the elastic band 108 and the button 110 being replaced with a velcro mechanism (with a male part of the velcro being located over the first end of the band 108 instead of holes 108 d and a female part being located internal to the body 102 replacing the button 110). The wearer can adjustably fit the hair protector 100 or the bottom end 102 b of the body 102 around the head by pulling and manipulating this Velcro mechanism instead of the loop and button provision described in FIG. 14. Similarly, the embodiment shown in FIG. 16 is very similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 14 with only the difference of holes 108 d present in the elastic band 108 and the button 110 being replaced with a hook and loop mechanism (with a hook part being located over the first end of the band 108 instead of holes 108 d and a loop part being located internal to the body 102 replacing the button 110). The wearer can adjustably fit the hair protector 100 or the bottom end 102 b of the body 102 around the head by pulling and manipulating this hook and loop mechanism instead of the loop and button provision described in FIG. 14.
Although the hair protector design shown in FIGS. 14-16 includes an opening 102 c located at top end 102 a (at apex) of the body 102 for facilitating reversible operation as described above to let the back or top ponytail to emerge out. Another embodiment for the hair protector without this opening 102 c with limited operation is also possible.
Referring to FIGS. 17-19, a back view of the hair protector device of FIG. 14 with the hair protector device being put and fastened to fit around the wearer's head is shown. In the process of putting on the hair protector device, the wearer 200 initially wearers the hair protector or body 102 such that the head of the wearer 200 is received within interior hollow space 120 of the hair protector 100. Assuming the wearer's hair is flowing down. The wearer 200 first ensures that all of his/her hair is tucked inside the body 102 particularly within the bottom end 102 b of the body 102 while wearing the hair protector 100. Next, the wearer locates the internal button 110 using one hand 202, and pulls one end of the elastic band 108 with the holes 108 d using other hand 204 (as shown in FIG. 17). The wearer then fastens the button 110 with a desired hole from the plurality of holes 108 d present on one end (exposed end) of the elastic band 108. The excess length (say ‘X’) of the first end of the band 108 (left over after fastening the desired hole with the button 110) is tucked underside the body 102 of the hair protector 100 as shown in FIG. 18 to give a clean look from back (as seen in FIG. 19) and hide the fastening mechanism (excess length with holes X and button 110). The hole 108 d is chosen such that the hair protector 100 tightly fits around the user's head size and shape.
Referring to FIG. 20, a front view of the user 200 securely wearing the hair protector device of FIG. 14 on the head with the hair inside is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring to FIGS. 21-22, one exemplary wearing style of the hair protector device of FIG. 14 after the bottom end of the hair protector device is put onto the head and fastened to fit around the wearer's head is shown. Once the wearer 200 wears the hair protector 100 (the bottom end 102 b) and fastens the button 110 and hole 108 d combination located at the bottom end to secure the hair protector 100 around the head, the wearer 200 can take the button loop 104 c located on the scrunchy 104 and pin it or loop it to the external button 112. Once the button loop 104 c is looped in to the button 112, the wearer can then fluff the hair protector 100 at the back in order to get the style seen in FIGS. 21 and 22. In particular, FIGS. 21-22 show the hair protector flowing down in a style.
Referring to FIGS. 23-24, another exemplary wearing style of the hair protector device of FIG. 14 after the bottom end of the hair protector device is put and fastened to fit around the wearer's head is shown. Once the wearer 200 wears the hair protector 100 (the bottom end 102 b) and fastens the button 110 and hole 108 d combination located at the bottom end to secure the hair protector 100 around the wearer's head. Next, the wearer 200 can use the scrunchy 104 for forming back ponytail. Particularly, as described with respect to FIGS. 3 and 4, the wearer 200 pulls away the top end 102 a of the body 102 holding the scrunchy 104 or the top end 102 a using one hand 202 and simultaneously using the other hand 204 for holding the hair inside forming a back ponytail. Next, holding the scrunchy 104 around his/her four fingers and the thumb or around all the fingers, the wearer 200 can loop the scrunchy 104 around the hair to achieve the back ponytail look at the back.
Referring to FIG. 25, a front view of a user 200 with a high ponytail 208 is shown, according to an example embodiment.
Referring to FIGS. 26-28, yet another exemplary wearing style of the hair protector device of FIG. 14 after the bottom of the hair protector device is put and fastened to fit around the wearer's head is shown. Once the wearer 200 wears or uses the hair protector 100 (the bottom end 102 b) to cover the hair including the high ponytail 208 and fastens the button 110 and hole 108 d combination located at the bottom end to secure the hair protector 100 around the wearer's head, the wearer 200 can then use the scrunchy 104 for forming top ponytail. For this, as described with respect to FIGS. 11 and 12, the wearer 200 pulls away the top end 102 a of the body 102 holding the scrunchy 104 or the top end 102 a using one hand 202 and simultaneously using the other hand 204 for holding the top ponytail. Next, holding the scrunchy 104 around the fingers, the wearer 200 can loop the scrunchy 104 around the top ponytail.
Although not explicitly shown illustrated, but the hair protector device of FIG. 14 can also be used for retaining the high ponytail and back ponytail with the hair outside as shown and described with respect to FIGS. 8 and 13. Further, for the fastening mechanisms discussed above with respect to the above described embodiments of the present invention may be configured interior edge of the hair protector's body, or may be configured exterior end of the hair protector's body.
It should be understood according to the preceding description of the present invention is susceptible to changes, modifications and adaptations, and that the said changes, modifications and adaptations fall within scope of the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A hair protector device, comprising:

a body suitably shaped and sized forming an interior hollow space for receiving a wearer's head, an exterior surface, an interior surface, a top end, and a bottom end;

a scrunchy attached onto the exterior surface of the body at its first end and a second end;

a sleeve attached to the body surrounding the bottom end, the sleeve provides a support for a fastening mechanism that can be used for adjusting the hair protector device around the wearer's head ensuring the hair protector device doesn't slide off the head while the hair protector device is in use; and

wherein, the scrunchy is adapted for fastening a low back ponytail or a high ponytail of a wearer's hair giving an aesthetic appearance.

2. The hair protector device of claim 1, wherein the top end of the body is configured to be pointed, round, or flat.

3. The hair protector device of claim 1, wherein the top end of the body comprises an opening.

4. The hair protector device of claim 3, wherein the top end with the opening can be reversibly rolled for encircling the low back ponytail and the high ponytail and to let the ponytail emerge out of the interior hollow space.

5. The hair protector device of claim 1, wherein the scrunchy is an elasticized band used for fastening the wearer's hair.

6. The hair protector device of claim 1, wherein the scrunchy is configured at the top end of the body in proximity to the opening.

7. The hair protector device of claim 1, wherein the sleeve is formed by folding and attaching an edge of the bottom end of the body along a fold line throughout the perimeter length of the bottom end.

8. The hair protector device of claim 1, wherein the sleeve is externally formed and then attached along the edge at the bottom end of the body.

9. The hair protector device of claim 1, wherein the sleeve is made using a material same as that of the body or using a different material as that of the body.

10. The hair protector device of claim 1, wherein the body of the hair protector device consists of a single layer of material or a plurality of layers of material.

11. The hair protector device of claim 10, wherein the material is selected from a group consisting of microfiber, cotton, polyester, nylon, spandex, silk, satin, material suitable for use in medical hospitals, labs, restaurants, waterproof material suitable for swimmers, fireproof material that may benefit while working in the kitchens, material that may provide safety from environmental effects.

12. The hair protector device of claim 1, wherein the fastening mechanism comprises a strap with a first end and a second end, wherein the strap is looped through the sleeve such that a first end, and a second end of the strap emerge out of a first slit, and a second slit of the sleeve.

13. The hair protector device of claim 12, wherein the first end, and a second end of the strap emerging out of the first slit, and the second slit of the sleeve acts as ties that can be held and adjusted by the wearer for size adjustment.

14. The hair protector device of claim 1, wherein the fastening mechanism comprises an elastic band looped through the sleeve via slit and includes a plurality of holes located at the first end disposed outside of the slit, and an internal button located at interior of the body over the sleeve.

15. The hair protector device of claim 14, wherein the internal button is looped through a selected hole to fasten the hair protector device around the wearer's head with desired degree of tightness.

16. The hair protector device of claim 1, wherein the fastening mechanism comprises a velcro mechanism with a male part of the Velcro being located over the first end of the elastic band and a female part of the Velcro located interior of the body onto the sleeve.

17. The hair protector device of claim 1, wherein the fastening mechanism comprises a hook and loop mechanism with a hook part being located over the first end of the elastic band and the loop part located interior of the body onto the sleeve.

18. The hair protector device of claim 1 further comprising a button loop located on the scrunchy.

19. The hair protector device of claim 18, wherein the button loop can be looped through an external button located at back of the body.