Hair curling accessories

Abstract

Hair curling accessories are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus comprises a flexible sleeve and a coupler. The flexible sleeve can have a middle section and first and second hollow sections disposed on opposite sides of the middle section. The coupler can be disposed on the middle section. The coupler can be configured to secure the flexible sleeve to hair near a scalp of a user such that first and second portions of hair can be wrapped around the flexible sleeve. The first hollow section of the flexible sleeve can be configured to invert and cover the first portion of hair wrapped around the flexible sleeve, and the second hollow portion of the flexible sleeve can be configured to invert and cover the second portion of hair wrapped around the flexible sleeve.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 729,271, filed Dec. 6, 2024, and titled “HAIR CURLING ACCESSORIES,” the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Embodiments described herein relate to hair accessories, and more specifically, to hair curling accessories.BACKGROUND

[0003] Time-saving products have always been popular, but as more people work longer hours and have more obligations outside of the home, products designed to save time in consumers'morning routines continue to rise in popularity. The cosmetic and beauty industry, in particular, has become increasingly focused on creating products that offer users premium results in less time, allowing busy users to create optimal results while in a morning rush or while on the go.

[0004] One area of personal care that remains time-intensive is hair care. Those with medium hair or longer that require styling generally must wake up early enough to fully wet and dry their hair and style it as desired. This process is time intensive. While some individuals with certain hair types can style their hair the evening before, sleeping on styled hair often causes the style to become undone such that further work and effort must be put into correcting the style in the morning. Sleeping on wet hair often renders the hair difficult to style in the morning. Moreover, many individuals with longer hair prefer to sleep with their hair up, either in a ponytail or chignon. Tying the hair up in this manner can cause indents in the hair that cannot easily be corrected. Thus, there exists a need for hair accessories that enable individuals to tie up their hair in the accessory for comfortable sleeping such that the accessory either facilitates styling or preserves already styled hair. In the morning, the individual can remove the accessory for a quick and easy morning.SUMMARY

[0005] Hair curling accessories are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus comprises a flexible sleeve and a coupler. The flexible sleeve can have a middle section and first and second hollow sections disposed on opposite sides of the middle section. The coupler can be disposed on the middle section. The coupler can be configured to secure the flexible sleeve to hair near a scalp of a user such that first and second portions of hair can be wrapped around the flexible sleeve. The first hollow section of the flexible sleeve can be configured to invert and cover the first portion of hair wrapped around the flexible sleeve, and the second hollow portion of the flexible sleeve can be configured to invert and cover the second portion of hair wrapped around the flexible sleeve.

[0006] In some embodiments, an apparatus comprises a flexible sleeve and a coupler. The flexible sleeve can have at least one opening and can define a hollow interior. The flexible sleeve can have first, second, and third sections extending along a longitudinal length of the flexible sleeve. The coupler can be disposed on the first section of the flexible sleeve. The coupler can be configured to secure the flexible sleeve to a first portion of hair of a user. A second portion of hair extending from the first portion can be wrapped around the second section of the flexible sleeve when the flexible sleeve is secured to the first portion of hair via the coupler. The third section of the flexible sleeve can be configured to invert and cover the second section of the flexible sleeve having the second portion of hair wrapped therearound.

[0007] In some embodiments, an apparatus comprises an elongate structure, a first securing device, and a second securing device. The elongate structure can be formed from a fabric and can define a channel therethrough. The first securing device can be disposed near or at a first end of the elongate structure. The second securing device can be disposed near or at a second end of the elongate structure. The elongate structure can include a first plurality of sections around which hair can be wrapped, and a second plurality of sections each configured to invert and cover a section from the first plurality of sections. The first and second securing devices can be configured to secure the second plurality of sections over the first plurality of sections.

[0008] In some embodiments, a method comprises attaching a coupler to hair near a scalp of a user, the coupler positioned on a middle section of a flexible sleeve, the flexible sleeve having first and second hollow sections disposed on opposite sides of the middle section, wrapping a first portion of hair of the user around the first hollow section, wrapping a second portion of hair of the user around the second hollow section, inverting the first hollow section to cover the first portion of hair wrapped around the flexible sleeve, inverting the second hollow section to cover the second portion of hair wrapped around the flexible sleeve, and fastening the first and second hollow sections to the flexible sleeve.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 shows an example hair curling accessory in accordance with aspects and embodiments.

[0010] FIG. 2 shows an example hair curling accessory in accordance with aspects and embodiments.

[0011] FIG. 3 shows an example hair curling accessory in accordance with aspects and embodiments.

[0012] FIGS. 4A-4D show an example hair curling accessory in accordance with aspects and embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 4E shows the hair curling accessory of FIGS. 4A-4D in an assembled configuration in accordance with aspects and embodiments.

[0014] FIGS. 5A-5H show a method of using a hair curling accessory in accordance with aspects and embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an example method of use of a hair curling accessory in accordance with aspects and embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a hair curling accessory in accordance with aspects and embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Many individuals spend a significant amount of time, effort, and money on their appearance to achieve a certain look and / or present a certain image. This image / persona is usually reflective of one or more traits important to the individual's identity, and may include characteristics like, “stylish,”“put together,”“professional,”“successful,” or any number of other qualities one may be able to convey through appearance. Beyond dress, grooming and hygiene play a significant role in how individuals are perceived. For this reason, many individuals engage in a regular personal hygiene and grooming routine to maintain an appearance that conforms with the physical image they wish to present. For many, maintaining well-styled hair is integral to this routine and central to their appearance.

[0018] Medium length and longer hair of all types may be styled and worn in a number of ways. A common hair style worn by those having hair of this length, where “medium length” is approximately shoulder length, is “down.” That is, the hair is not tied up, pulled back, or otherwise restricted by an accessory. Alternatively, the hair may be partially tied up, such that some portion of the hair is pulled up and / or back away from the face and secured behind an ear or at the back of the head, such that an upper-most layer of hair does not interfere with daily activities.

[0019] Typically, medium length and longer hair is worn by women. However, some men also wear their hair at longer lengths. Hair can include head hair and may be head hair of any length able to be secured by the presently disclosed accessory. The disclosed accessory may be suitable for hair of a variety of lengths, including hair that is shorter than hair of “medium” length, and may for example, be suitable for hair having a length of “ear height / length.” Hair may be hair of any texture and of any thickness. For example, the hair may be fine or thick, straight, or curly. The hair may be on the head of any individual regardless of sex, or gender. Moreover, the presently disclosed accessory may be suitable for the styling of synthetic hair worn as a prosthesis, worn for fashion, or worn for any other reason.

[0020] Styling hair is often time intensive, with many different products and tools involved to achieve a desired style. Consumers expend significant effort before work, school, an event, or the like styling their hair. Although hot tools, such as curling irons or blow dryers, have gained increasing popularity, these tools rely on high temperatures to style hair which can lead to damaged or weakened hair. In accordance with aspects and embodiments, a hair curling accessory is disclosed that facilitates achieving a curled hair style. The disclosed hair curling accessory advantageously allows a user to wrap their hair into the accessory, leave the accessory in place for a certain amount of time, and when the accessory is removed, the hair is styled into desirable curls. In some embodiments, the curling hair accessory can be comfortably worn while a user is sleeping such that removing the curling accessory upon waking reveals the desirable curled hair style. In other embodiments, the hair curling accessory can be comfortably worn while a user is awake such that removing the curling accessory after a predetermined period of time (e.g., between about 1 and about 10 hours, inclusive of values and subranges therebetween), for example, reveals the desirable curled hair style. For example, a user can assemble their hair into the hair curling accessory during the daytime and remove the accessory in the evening time (e.g., prior to an event, a date, etc.). Regardless, the user is free to perform tasks while the hair curling accessory is assembled to / in their hair.

[0021] FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a hair curling accessory 1 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to other hair curling accessories described herein) in accordance with aspects and embodiments. The hair curling accessory 1 (also referred to herein as “flexible sleeve”) can include a first hollow section 10 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to other sleeves and / or hollow sections described herein) and a middle section 30 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to other top pieces and / or middle pieces described herein). Optionally, the hair curling accessory 1 can include a first securing device 40 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to other elastics, fasteners, and / or securing devices described herein) coupled to the first hollow section 10, a second hollow section 20 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to other sleeves and / or hollow sections described herein), a second securing device 50 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to other elastics, fasteners, and / or securing devices described herein) coupled to the second hollow section 20, and / or a coupler 32 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to other couplers described herein) disposed on the middle section 30.

[0022] In some embodiments, the hair curling accessory 1 can be an elongate structure such as a flexible sleeve or a stretchable sleeve. For example, the hair curling accessory 1 can be an elongate structure formed from a fabric (e.g., a stretchable fabric) defining a channel therethrough. The hair curling accessory 1 is configured to contact hair, a scalp, a head, etc., of user.

[0023] The hair curling accessory 1 can be a flexible sleeve 1 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to other sleeves described herein) having the first hollow section 10 disposed on a first side of the middle section 30 and, optionally, the second hollow section 20 disposed on a second, opposite side of the middle section 30. As such, the first hollow section 10, the middle section 30, and the second hollow section 20 can extend along a longitudinal length of the flexible sleeve 1. The first hollow section 10 can have an opening (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to other openings described herein) at a distal end of the first hollow section 10 spaced apart from the middle section 30. Further, the second hollow section 20 can have an opening (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to other openings described herein) at a distal end of the second hollow section 20 spaced apart from the middle section 30.

[0024] The flexible sleeve 1 is configured to facilitate with arranging hair of a user and be in direct contact with the hair of the user. For example, portion(s) of hair can be wrapped around the flexible sleeve 1. A first portion of hair can be wrapped around a first portion (e.g., length, segment, area, etc.) of the first hollow section 10. In turn, the first hollow section 10 can be configured to invert and cover the first portion of hair wrapped around the flexible sleeve 1. Additionally or alternatively, a second portion of hair can be wrapped around a second portion (e.g., length, segment, area, etc.) of the second hollow section 20. In turn, the second hollow section 20 can be configured to invert and cover the second portion of hair wrapped around the flexible sleeve 1. In embodiments, the length of the first hollow section 10 can be between about 10 inches and about 40 inches, inclusive of all sub-ranges and values therebetween. This length can be divided between a portion over which hair is wrapped and a portion that inverts over the hair. In embodiments, the length of the second hollow section 20 can be between about 10 inches and about 40 inches, inclusive of all sub-ranges and values therebetween. This length can be divided between a portion over which hair is wrapped and a portion that inverts over the hair. Different lengths of the flexible sleeves described herein can also be used. For example, individuals having shorter hair (e.g., hair to shoulders) may use a shorter length sleeve, while individuals having longer hair (e.g., hair to mid or lower back) may use a longer length sleeve.

[0025] The middle section 30 can be configured to contact or cover a third portion of hair of the user. In some embodiments, the first and second portions of hair (that become wrapped around the flexible sleeve 1) extend from this third portion of hair covered by the middle section 30. The third portion of hair may be positioned near root(s) of the hair portion, near the scalp of the user, etc.

[0026] The coupler 32 can be configured to secure or attach the middle section 30 to the third portion of hair to secure the flexible sleeve 1 (e.g., in place relative to the head of the user). In some embodiments, the coupler 32 provides the flexible sleeve 1 with stability while a user wraps hair around the first hollow section 10 and / or the second hollow section 20. For example, a portion of hair can be wrapped around the first hollow section 10 when the flexible sleeve 1 is secured to the portion of hair near the scalp via the coupler 32.

[0027] In some embodiments, the coupler 32 is or includes a comb having teeth configured to contact different sections of the portion of hair near the scalp of the user. Further, the coupler 32 having the comb can be configured to transition from a first configuration to a second configuration. In the first configuration, the coupler 32 may be configured to engage hair within the comb such that movement of the comb relative to the hair is permitted. In the second configuration, the coupler 32 may be configured to compress the portion of hair near the scalp between the comb and the scalp such that movement of the comb (and, thus, the flexible sleeve 1) relative to the hair is limited.

[0028] The securing device 40 may be disposed near or at an end of the first hollow section 10 of the flexible sleeve 1. For example, the securing device 40 may be disposed at an opening adjacent to the end of the first hollow section 10. In some embodiments, the securing device 40 circumferentially surrounds or surrounds a perimeter of the first hollow section 10 (e.g., circumferentially surrounding the opening of the first hollow section 10). Similarly, the securing device 50 may be disposed near or at an end of the hollow section 20 of the flexible sleeve 1. For example, the securing device 50 may be disposed at an opening adjacent to the end of the second hollow section 20. In some embodiments, the securing device 50 circumferentially surrounds or surrounds a perimeter of the second hollow section 20 (e.g., circumferentially surrounding the opening of the second hollow section 20). While the securing devices 40, 50 can be disposed near or at the ends of the first and second hollow sections 10, 20, it can be appreciated that the securing devices 40, 50 can also be disposed on other positions along a length of the first and second hollow sections 10, 20. Alternatively, or additionally, in some embodiments, one or more of the hollow sections 10, 20 may be configured to secure itself to hair. For example, the hollow sections 10, 20 may be formed from elastic materials or have elasticity that allows it to compress or hold onto hair, thereby not requiring securing devices 40, 50. Alternatively, or additionally, the hollow sections 10, 20 may have gripping features (e.g., a gripping surface) that allow it to grip and hold onto hair.

[0029] The securing device 40 can include or be encased in a fabric defining a hollow loop and a strap disposed therein. In some embodiments, the hollow loop and the strap of the securing device 40 encircle or surround an opening of the first hollow section 10. Further, a portion of the strap of the securing device 40 can extend through and / or away from the fabric such that the portion of the strap is external to the hollow loop. Similarly, the securing device 50 can include or be encased in a fabric defining a hollow loop and a strap disposed therein. In some embodiments, the hollow loop and the strap of the securing device 50 encircle or surround an opening of the second hollow section 50. Further, a portion of the strap of the securing device 50 can extend through and / or away from the fabric such that the portion of the strap is external to the hollow loop. In some embodiments, the straps associated with each of the securing devices 40, 50 includes at least one of a tie string, an elastic, or a ribbon.

[0030] The securing devices 40, 50 can be configured to fasten to secure the respective first and second hollow sections 10, 20 of the flexible sleeve 1 to hair. For example, the securing device 40 can be configured to secure the first hollow section 10 over a portion of hair wrapped around the first hollow section 10 (e.g., when the first hollow section 10 is inverted to cover the portion of hair wrapped around a portion of the first hollow section 10). In some embodiments, the securing device 40 circumferentially surrounds the portion of hair wrapped around the portion of the first hollow section 10 when or after the first hollow section 10 is inverted to cover the portion of hair wrapped therearound (e.g., around a portion of the first hollow section 10). Similarly, the securing device 50 can be configured to secure the second hollow section 20 over another portion of hair wrapped around the second hollow section 20 (e.g., when the second hollow section 20 is inverted to cover the portion of hair wrapped around a portion of the second hollow section 20). In some embodiments, the securing device 50 circumferentially surrounds the portion of hair wrapped around the portion of the second hollow section 20 when or after the second hollow section 20 is inverted to cover the portion of hair wrapped therearound (e.g., around a portion of the second hollow section 20).

[0031] In some embodiments, the portion of hair may be wrapped around a portion of the first hollow section 10 in a direction towards the end of the first hollow section 10 having the securing device 40. In some embodiments, the portion of hair may be wrapped around a portion of the second hollow section 20 in a direction towards the end of the second hollow section 20 having the securing device 50.

[0032] FIG. 1 shows a hair curling accessory 100 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to other hair curling accessories described herein) in accordance with aspects and embodiments. The hair curling accessory 100 includes a first sleeve 110 and a second sleeve 120. The first and second sleeves 110, 120 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to other sleeves and / or hollow sections described herein) can be hollow, e.g., define a passageway or opening. In some embodiments, some hair of a user is arranged on (e.g., wrapped, curled, or tied around) a first length or portion 112 of the first sleeve 110. Additionally, in some embodiments, the hair can be at least partially surrounded by or covered by a second length or portion 114 of the first sleeve 110. For example, hair of a user can be wrapped multiple times around the first length 112 of the first sleeve 110, while leaving a second length 114 of the first sleeve 110 exposed. Since the sleeve 110 is hollow, the second length 114 of the sleeve 110 can then be everted and folded back over at least a portion of the hair that has been wrapped around the first length 112 of the sleeve 110. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, some hair of the user is arranged on (e.g., wrapped, curled, or tied around) a first length 122 of the second sleeve 120, and the hair can be at least partially surrounded or covered by a second length 124 of the second sleeve 120. A method of using the hair curling accessory 100 is described in detail in connection with at least FIGS. 5A-5H.

[0033] The first and second sleeves 110, 120 have first ends connected by a top or middle piece 130 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to other middle pieces and / or middle sections described herein). In FIG. 1, the top piece 130 is not hollow; however, in other embodiments, the top piece 130 can be hollow. In use, the top piece 130 can be configured to sit on top of a head of a user, e.g., at or toward a top of the head. In some embodiments, the top piece 130 is a piece of fabric that connects the first ends of the first and second sleeves 110, 120. The top piece 130 includes a coupler 132 (e.g., clip, pin, grip, etc.). In some embodiments, the coupler 132 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to other couplers described herein) is a comb or clip structure that secures to a portion of hair by moving the comb or clip structure across the scalp to gather a portion of hair. In some embodiments, the coupler 132 can bend and / or snap to clip a portion of hair for securing itself to the hair. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the top piece 130 does not include the coupler 132. For example, the tip piece 130 can be a piece of fabric (e.g., a flat piece of fabric that connects the two sleeves 110, 120). The first and second sleeves 110, 120 include second ends opposing the first ends. The second ends can include elastics or fasteners 140, 150 (e.g., scrunchies, hair ties, drawstrings, bands, etc.). The elastics 140, 150 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to other securing devices described herein) can be implemented as ring-like structures that expand and contract (e.g., to secure hair in place). In FIG. 1, the elastics 140, 150 surround / encircle respective openings 116, 126 in the first and second sleeves 110, 120. In some embodiments, the second ends of the first and second sleeves 110, 120 do not include the elastics 140, 150. In such embodiments, the first and second sleeves 110, 120 are an elastic material such that the second ends expand and contract to secure hair in place (e.g., without scrunchies attached to the second ends).

[0034] In some embodiments, the hair curling accessory 100 can have any number of couplers 132, sleeves 110, 120, or elastics 140, 150. For example, while two sleeves 110, 120 are described, it can be appreciated that the device can include any number of sleeves, including a single sleeve or more than two sleeves. In some embodiments, a single sleeve including the lengths 112, 114, 122, 124 can be used, where a first half of the sleeve can include lengths 112, 114, and a second half of the sleeve can include lengths 122, 124. In such embodiments, the middle piece 130 can be a section of the sleeve, which can be sewn shut or otherwise closed, and can include the coupler 132.

[0035] FIG. 2 shows a hair curling accessory 200 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to other hair curling accessories described herein) in accordance with aspects and embodiments. For example, the hair curling accessory 200 can be similar to the hair curling accessory 100, except that the hair curling accessory 200 can include a different type of fastening structure. The hair curling accessory 200 includes a first sleeve 210 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to other sleeves and / or hollow sections described herein) and a second sleeve 220 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to other sleeves and / or hollow sections described herein). Some hair of a user can be wrapped around a first length 212 of the first sleeve 210 and a first length 222 of the second sleeve 220. Further, second lengths 214, 224 of the respective first and second sleeves 210, 220 can be maneuvered (e.g., everted or otherwise configured) to at least partially enclose the wrapped hair. First ends of the first sleeve 210 and the second sleeve 220 are connected by a top or middle piece 230 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to other top pieces, middle pieces, and / or middle sections described herein). The top piece 230 includes a coupler 232 (e.g., a clip, comb, etc.), structurally and / or functionally similar to other couplers described herein. Second ends of the first sleeve 210 and the second sleeve 220 include fasteners 240, 250 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to other elastics, fasteners, and / or securing devices described herein), respectively. The fasteners 240, 250 surround openings 216, 226 of the first and second sleeves 210, 220. In FIG. 2, the fasteners 240, 250 include drawstrings having strings 242, 252 (e.g., elastic strings) and locks 246, 256. The strings 242, 252 surround respective openings 216, 226 of the first and second sleeves 210, 220. The strings 242, 252 are pulled or tensioned to shrink or close the openings 216, 226 of the respective first and second sleeves 210, 220. The locks 246, 256 are securing members, such as spring toggles, which secure the respective strings 242, 252 in place to retain the size of the openings 216, 226.

[0036] FIG. 3 shows a hair curling accessory 300 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to other hair curling accessories described herein) in accordance with aspects and embodiments. For example, the hair curling accessory 300 can be similar to the hair curling accessory 100, except that the hair curling accessory 300 can include a coupler configured to couple a free end of the sleeves to a more centrally situated portion of the sleeves. The hair curling accessory 300 includes a first sleeve 310 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to other sleeves and / or hollow sections described herein) and a second sleeve 320 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to other sleeves and / or hollow sections described herein). Some hair of a user can be wrapped around a first length 312 of the first sleeve 310 and a first length 322 of the second sleeve 320. Further, second lengths 314, 324 of the respective first and second sleeves 310, 320 can be maneuvered to at least partially enclose the wrapped hair. First ends of the first sleeve 310 and the second sleeve 320 are connected by a top or middle piece 330 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to other top pieces, middle pieces, and / or middle sections described herein). The top piece 330 includes a coupler 332 (structurally and / or functionally similar to other couplers described herein). Second ends of the first sleeve 310 and the second sleeve 320 include elastics or fasteners 340, 350 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to other elastics, fasteners, and / or securing devices described herein), respectively. The elastics 340, 350 surround openings 316, 326 of the first and second sleeves 310, 320. When the second lengths 314, 324 are maneuvered to at least partially enclose the first lengths 312, 322 and / or hair arranged thereon, the elastics 340, 350 (or free ends of the sleeves) are secured to the first and second sleeves 310, 320 via couplers such as, for example, snap buttons, clips, pins, etc. When implemented as snap buttons, the button coupling can be formed by coupling press studs 347, 357 (positioned on or attached to perimeters of the elastics 340, 350) with interlocking discs 348, 358 (positioned on or attached to the first and second sleeves 310, 320). The press studs 347, 357 include protrusions that extend into corresponding cavities of the interlocking discs 348, 358 to define / form the button fasteners. In some embodiments, the button fasteners are formed by coupling buttons (e.g., sewn onto the elastics 340, 350) with fabric or elastic loops (e.g., sewn onto the first and second sleeves 310, 320).

[0037] FIGS. 4A-4D show an example hair curling accessory 400 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to other hair curling accessories described herein) in accordance with aspects and embodiments. The hair curling accessory 400 can include a first hollow section 410 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to other sleeves and / or hollow sections described herein) and a middle section 430 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to other top pieces, middle pieces, and / or middle sections described herein). Optionally, the hair curling accessory 400 can include a first securing device 440 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to other elastics, fasteners, and / or securing devices described herein) coupled to the first hollow section 410, a second hollow section 420 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to other sleeves and / or hollow sections described herein), a second securing device 450 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to other elastics, fasteners, and / or securing devices described herein) coupled to the second hollow section 420, and / or a coupler 432 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to other couplers described herein) disposed on the middle section 430.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4E, the securing device 440 can include a region 441 configured to compress inwards. In some embodiments, the region 441 has a weave, weave pattern, or other material characteristic different from the hollow section 410 (e.g., to enable the region 441 to compress inwards in a radial direction towards an interior of the hair curling accessory 400). Further, the securing device 450 can include a region 451 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the region 441).

[0039] The securing device 440 may be a fabric defining a hollow loop (e.g., a scrunchie) having a strap 446 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to other straps described herein) disposed herein. As shown in detail in connection with at least FIG. 4C, the strap 446 can encircle an opening (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to other openings described herein) of the securing device 440 and / or the hollow section 410. The securing device 450 may be a fabric defining a hollow loop having a strap 456 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the strap 446).

[0040] FIG. 4E shows the hair curling accessory 400 of FIGS. 4A-4D in an assembled configuration in accordance with aspects and embodiments. The middle section 430 may be positioned astride a crown of a head of a user (e.g., similar to how a user may wear a headband). As such, the hollow sections 410, 420 may drape or lay across opposing sides of the user's head. Hair of the user may be wrapped around the hollow sections 410, 420 such that the hollow sections 410, 420 can be folded, inverted, etc., to cover the wrapped hair, as described in detail in connection with at least FIGS. 5A-6.

[0041] Referring now to FIG. 6, FIG. 6 depicts a flowchart of an example method 600 of using hair curling devices described herein, in accordance with aspects and embodiments. For illustrative purposes, the method 600 of FIG. 6 is described in connection with a hair curling accessory 500 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to other hair curling accessories described herein) of FIGS. 5A-5H. The hair curling accessory 500 includes a first sleeve 510 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to other sleeves and / or hollow sections described herein) and a second sleeve 520 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to other sleeves and / or hollow sections described herein). First ends of the first sleeve 510 and the second sleeve 520 are connected by a top piece 530 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to other middle pieces, top pieces, and / or middle sections described herein). The top piece 530 includes a coupler (not shown) (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to other couplers described herein). Second ends of the first sleeve 510 and the second sleeve 520 include securing devices 540, 550 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to other securing devices, elastics, and / or fasteners described herein), respectively. The securing devices 540, 550 surround openings 516, 526 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to other openings described herein), respectively, of the first and second sleeves 510, 520, respectively.

[0042] At block 602, a middle section of a flexible sleeve is attached to hair near a scalp of a user via a coupler. As shown in FIG. 5A, user 560 positions the top piece 530 atop or near a top of a head of the user 560. The user 560 can secure the top piece 530 by attaching (e.g., bending, clipping, and / or snapping) the coupler (not shown) around or to a portion of hair near a scalp of a user. As shown in FIG. 5A, the first and second sleeves 510, 520 drape down from the top piece 530 towards or past the shoulders of the user 560.

[0043] At block 604, a first portion of hair of the user is wrapped around a first hollow section of the flexible sleeve. As shown in FIG. 5B, the user 560 arranges (e.g., curls, wraps, or ties the hair around) a portion of the hair on a first length 512 of the first sleeve 510. In some embodiments, the user 560 wraps the hair around the first length 512 multiple times, e.g., in a spiral-like configuration.

[0044] At block 606, the first hollow section is inverted to cover the first portion of hair wrapped around the first hollow section. As shown in FIGS. 5C-5E, the first sleeve 510 is inverted to cover the first portion of hair wrapped around the first length 512 of the first hollow section 510. When the hair is wrapped along the first length 512, the user 560 can invert a second length 514 or portion of the sleeve onto the first length 512, such that the second length 514 covers the first length 512 and the hair wrapped around the first length 512. For example, the user 560 can hold or secure an end of the hair in place on the first sleeve 510, e.g., with a first hand. In FIG. 5C, the user 560 (i) positions a second hand in the opening 516 of the first sleeve 510 and (ii) reaches the second hand through the opening 516 to grasp a portion of the first sleeve 510 and the wrapped around hair. In doing so, the second hand of the user 560 can grasp the end of the hair with the first sleeve 510. At this point, the end of the hair can be enclosed by at least some of the first sleeve 510, while the second hand of the user 560 holds onto the hair and the first sleeve 510. In turn, the user 560 can maneuver an end of the first sleeve (e.g., the end of the first sleeve 510 having the securing device 540) towards the top piece 530 such that a second length 514 of the first sleeve 510 surrounds and / or encloses the first length 512 and the wrapped hair. As such, the second length 514 of the first sleeve 510 is turned inside-out (e.g., everted / inverted) with respect to the first length 512 of the first sleeve 510.

[0045] Optionally, at block 608, the first hollow section is fastened. As shown in FIGS. 5F and 5G, the user 560 may fasten the first sleeve 510 (e.g., over the wrapped hair) by fastening the securing device 540. In some embodiments, the user 560 positions the securing device 540 such that the securing device 540 secures or fastens itself to the first sleeve 510. For example, the securing device 540 can include an elastic such that fastening of the first sleeve 510 includes expanding and contracting the elastic around the first sleeve 510. In this manner, the securing device 540 can contract / shrink (or is made to contract or shrink the opening of the sleeve) to tighten to the first sleeve 510 and at least some of the hair.

[0046] In some embodiments, the securing device 540 can include a strap (e.g., the string 242 of FIG. 2 and / or the strap 446 of FIGS. 4A-4C and 4E) that can be pulled, tensioned, and / or wrapped around the first sleeve 510 to fasten on the first sleeve 510. Further, the securing device 540 can include a lock (e.g., the lock 246 of FIG. 2) to secure the string or strap. In some embodiments, the securing device 540 can include an elastic and a strap such that fastening of the first sleeve 510 includes contracting of the elastic and tightening of the strap.

[0047] In some embodiments, the securing device 540 can include a coupler including a press stud (e.g., the press stud 347 of FIG. 3) that can be pushed or snapped into a corresponding interlocking disc (e.g., the interlocking disc 348 of FIG. 3) on the first sleeve 510 to secure the securing device 540 in place.

[0048] The user 560 can repeat the methods described with respect to FIGS. 5A-5G to wrap another portion of hair around the second sleeve 520. For example, optionally at block 610, a second portion of hair of the user can be wrapped around the second sleeve 520 (e.g., a third length 522 of the second sleeve 520) in a manner similar to the manner described in connection with block 604. Optionally, at block 612, the second sleeve 520 (e.g., a fourth length 524 of the second sleeve 520) may be inverted to cover the portion of hair wrapped around the second sleeve 520 in a manner similar to the manner described in connection with block 606. Optionally, at block 614, the second sleeve 520 can be fastened in a manner similar to the manner described in connection with block 608. As such, at least two portions of the hair can be secured within or to the hair curling accessory 500 (shown in FIG. 5H). In some embodiments, all of the hair of the user 560 can be secured within or to the hair curling accessory 500. After a period of time (e.g., overnight, a few hours, etc.), the user 560 can reverse the methods described with respect to FIGS. 5A-5H to remove hair from the hair curling accessory 500 to reveal the desired curled style. For example, the user 560 can maneuver the securing device 540 in a direction towards the shoulder of the user 560 such that the second length 514 is no longer surrounding the first length 512. In turn, the user 560 unwraps or uncurls the hair from the first length 512 of the first sleeve 510 to reveal the desired curled style. Similarly, the user 560 can maneuver an securing device 550 in a direction towards the shoulder of the user 560 such that the fourth length 524 of the second sleeve 520 is no longer surrounding the third length 522. In turn, the user 560 unwraps or uncurls the hair from the third length 522 of the second sleeve 520 to reveal the desired curled style.

[0049] In some embodiments, methods described herein can be implemented according to one or more of the following embodiments:

[0050] Embodiment 1: A method comprising: attaching a coupler to hair near a scalp of a user, the coupler positioned on a middle section of a flexible sleeve, the flexible sleeve having first and second hollow sections disposed on opposite sides of the middle section; wrapping a first portion of hair of the user around the first hollow section; wrapping a second portion of hair of the user around the second hollow section; inverting the first hollow section to cover the first portion of hair wrapped around the flexible sleeve; and inverting the second hollow section to cover the second portion of hair wrapped around the flexible sleeve.

[0051] Embodiment 2: The method of Embodiment 1, further comprising: fastening the first and second hollow sections to the flexible sleeve.

[0052] Embodiment 3: The method of Embodiment 1, wherein the fastening of the first and second hollow sections to the flexible sleeve includes securing a first securing device, disposed at an opening adjacent to the first hollow section, to the flexible sleeve and securing a second securing device, disposed at an opening adjacent to the second hollow section, to the flexible sleeve.

[0053] Embodiments 4: The method of Embodiment 2, wherein the first securing device includes an elastic such that the fastening of the first hollow section to the flexible sleeve includes expanding and contracting the elastic of the first securing device around the flexible sleeve, wherein the second securing devices includes an elastic such that the fastening of the second hollow section to the flexible sleeve includes expanding and contracting the elastic of the second securing device around the flexible sleeve.

[0054] Embodiment 5: The method of Embodiment 2, wherein the first securing device includes a string such that the fastening of the first hollow section to the flexible sleeve includes wrapping the string of the first securing device around the flexible sleeve, wherein the second securing device includes a string such that the fastening of the second hollow section to the flexible sleeve includes wrapping the string of the second securing device around the flexible sleeve.

[0055] Embodiment 6: The method of Embodiment 2, wherein the first securing device includes a string and an elastic such that the fastening of the first hollow section to the flexible sleeve includes contracting the elastic of the first securing device around the flexible sleeve and tightening the string of the first securing device around the flexible sleeve, wherein the second securing device includes a string and an elastic such that the fastening of the second hollow section to the flexible sleeve includes contracting the elastic of the second securing device around the flexible sleeve and wrapping the string of the second securing device around the flexible sleeve.

[0056] Embodiment 7: The method of Embodiment 5, wherein the elastic of the first securing device is encased in a first fabric and the string of the first securing device is at least partially encased in the first fabric, wherein the elastic of the second securing device is encased in a second fabric and the string of the second securing device is at least partially encased in the second fabric.

[0057] Embodiment 8: The method of Embodiment 1, wherein attaching the coupler to hair includes engaging a portion of the hair to a comb of the coupler, the comb having teeth configured to contact different sections of the portion of hair.

[0058] Embodiment 9: The method of Embodiment 7, wherein attaching the coupler to the hair includes transitioning the comb from a first configuration to a second configuration, wherein in the second configuration, the portion of hair is configured to be compressed between the comb and the scalp such that movement of the comb relative to the hair is limited, wherein in the first configuration, the portion of hair is configured to be engaged within the comb such that movement of the comb relative to the hair is permitted.

[0059] As used in this specification, the singular forms “a,”“an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, the term “a member” is intended to mean a single member or a combination of members, “a material” is intended to mean one or more materials, or a combination thereof.

[0060] Various concepts may be embodied as one or more methods, of which at least one example has been provided. The acts performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments. Put differently, it is to be understood that such features may not necessarily be limited to a particular order of execution, but rather, may execute serially, asynchronously, concurrently, in parallel, simultaneously, synchronously, and / or the like in a manner consistent with the disclosure. As such, some of these features may be mutually contradictory, in that they cannot be simultaneously present in a single embodiment. Similarly, some features are applicable to one aspect of the innovations, and inapplicable to others.

[0061] In addition, the disclosure may include other innovations not presently described. Applicant reserves all rights in such innovations, including the right to embodiment such innovations, file additional applications, continuations, continuations-in-part, divisionals, and / or the like thereof. As such, it should be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functional, features, logical, operational, organizational, structural, topological, and / or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the embodiments or limitations on equivalents to the embodiments. Depending on the particular desires and / or characteristics of an individual and / or enterprise user, database configuration and / or relational model, data type, data transmission and / or network framework, syntax structure, and / or the like, various embodiments of the technology disclosed herein may be implemented in a manner that enables a great deal of flexibility and customization as described herein.

[0062] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0063] The phrase “and / or,” as used herein in the specification and in the embodiments, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and / or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and / or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and / or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

[0064] As used herein in the specification and in the embodiments, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and / or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and / or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the embodiments, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e., “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,”“one of,”“only one of,” or “exactly one of.”“Consisting essentially of,” when used in the embodiments, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

[0065] As used herein in the specification and in the embodiments, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and / or B”) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

[0066] In the embodiments, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,”“including,”“carrying,”“having,”“containing,”“involving,”“holding,”“composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures, Section 2111.03.

[0067] While specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been outlined above, many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the embodiments set forth herein are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Where methods and steps described above indicate certain events occurring in a certain order, those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure would recognize that the ordering of certain steps may be modified and such modification are in accordance with the variations of the invention. Additionally, certain of the steps may be performed concurrently in a parallel process when possible, as well as performed sequentially as described above. The embodiments have been particularly shown and described, but it will be understood that various changes in form and details may be made.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising:a flexible sleeve having a middle section and first and second hollow sections disposed on opposite sides of the middle section; anda coupler disposed on the middle section, the coupler configured to secure the flexible sleeve to hair near a scalp of a user such that first and second portions of hair can be wrapped around the flexible sleeve,the first hollow section of the flexible sleeve configured to invert and cover the first portion of hair wrapped around the flexible sleeve, and the second hollow portion of the flexible sleeve configured to invert and cover the second portion of hair wrapped around the flexible sleeve.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flexible sleeve is a stretchable sleeve.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further including a first securing device disposed on the first hollow portion of the flexible sleeve, the first securing device configured to secure the first hollow portion of the flexible sleeve over the first portion of hair wrapped therearound; anda second securing device disposed on the second hollow portion of the flexible sleeve, the second securing device configured to secure the second hollow portion of the flexible sleeve over the second portion of hair wrapped therearound.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first securing device is disposed at an end of the first hollow section, the first portion of hair being wrapped in a direction towards the end of the first hollow section,wherein the second securing device is disposed at an end of the second hollow section, the second portion of hair being wrapped in a direction towards the end of the second hollow section.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first and second securing devices circumferentially surround the first and second hollow portions of the flexible sleeve respectively.

6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first securing device circumferentially surrounds the first hollow portion of the flexible sleeve and the first portion of hair when the first hollow portion of the flexible sleeve is inverted to cover the first portion of hair wrapped around the flexible sleeve,wherein the second securing device circumferentially surrounds the second hollow portion of the flexible sleeve and the second portion of hair when the second hollow portion of the flexible sleeve is inverted to cover the second portion of hair wrapped around the flexible sleeve.

7. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first and second securing devices include at least one of a tie string, an elastic, or a ribbon.

8. An apparatus, comprising:a flexible sleeve having at least one opening and defining a hollow interior, the flexible sleeve having first, second, and third sections extending along a longitudinal length of the flexible sleeve; anda coupler disposed on the first section of the flexible sleeve, the coupler being configured to secure the flexible sleeve to a first portion of hair of a user,wherein a second portion of hair extending from the first portion can be wrapped around the second section of the flexible sleeve when the flexible sleeve is secured to the first portion of hair via the coupler,wherein the third section of the flexible sleeve is configured to invert and cover the second section of the flexible sleeve having the second portion of hair wrapped therearound.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the flexible sleeve is a stretchable sleeve.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, further including a securing device disposed at an opening adjacent to the third section of the flexible sleeve, the securing device being configured to secure the third section of the flexible sleeve, when inverted, to the second section of the flexible sleeve having the second portion of hair wrapped therearound.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the securing device is disposed at an end of the third section of the flexible sleeve, the second portion of hair being wrapped in a direction towards the end of the third section of the flexible sleeve.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the securing device circumferentially surrounds the third section of the flexible sleeve.

13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the securing device circumferentially surrounds the second and third sections of the flexible sleeve when the third section of the flexible sleeve is inverted to cover the second section of the flexible sleeve.

14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the securing device includes at least one of a tie string, an elastic, or a ribbon.

15. An apparatus, comprising:an elongate structure formed from a fabric and defining a channel therethrough;a first securing device disposed near or at a first end of the elongate structure; anda second securing device disposed near or at a second end of the elongate structure, wherein the elongate structure includes:a first plurality of sections around which hair can be wrapped, anda second plurality of sections each configured to invert and cover a section from the first plurality of sections, wherein the first and second securing devices are configured to secure the second plurality of sections over the first plurality of sections.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the fabric is stretchable.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first securing device is disposed at a first opening adjacent to the first end of the elongate structure, the first securing device including a fabric defining a hollow loop and a strap disposed therein; andwherein the second securing device is disposed at a second opening adjacent to the second end of the elongate structure, the second securing device including a fabric defining a hollow loop and a strap disposed therein.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the first and second securing devices circumferentially surround the first and second openings, respectively.

19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the strap includes at least one of a tie string, an elastic, or a ribbon.

20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein a portion of the strap extends through the fabric such that the portion of the strap is external to the hollow loop.

21. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the second plurality of sections includes at least one region having a weave configured to compress inwards.

22. A method comprising:attaching a coupler to hair near a scalp of a user, the coupler positioned on a middle section of a flexible sleeve, the flexible sleeve having first and second hollow sections disposed on opposite sides of the middle section;wrapping a first portion of hair of the user around the first hollow section;wrapping a second portion of hair of the user around the second hollow section;inverting the first hollow section to cover the first portion of hair wrapped around the flexible sleeve; andinverting the second hollow section to cover the second portion of hair wrapped around the flexible sleeve.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising:fastening the first and second hollow sections to the flexible sleeve.

24. The method of claim 22, wherein attaching the coupler to hair includes engaging a portion of the hair to a comb of the coupler, the comb having teeth configured to contact different sections of the portion of hair.

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