Abstract:
A headband adapted for effectively holding hair back from a person&#39;s face without smashing or crimping a substantial portion of the hair at the top of a person&#39;s head. The headband comprises an elongated band having at least a top portion and two side portions, with the top portion defining at least two humps separated by a lowered restrictive component. In application, the lowered restrictive component engages the wearer&#39;s head and/or hair to hold the headband in place, while the majority of the wearer&#39;s hair is allowed to flow freely down the back of the wearer&#39;s head. In this manner, a secure hold is achieved, without applying significant pressure to the hair and reducing hair volume.

Description:
PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application is related to and claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/025,490 to Johnson, filed Jul. 17, 2014, the contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety into this disclosure. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Headbands are devices worn in the hair to hold a wearer&#39;s hair back and away from the face and eyes. Conventional headbands typically include a flexible or semi-flexible band configured to fit the head of the wearer. For example, headbands may comprise a loop of elastic material dimensioned to encircle the head of a wearer or, alternatively, a horseshoe-shaped piece of firm or flexible plastic or metal configured to sit atop the wearer&#39;s head. In all cases, conventional headbands make continuous contact with and, thus, apply equal pressure across, the top and sides of the wearer&#39;s head in order to securely hold the wearer&#39;s hair in place. 
         [0003]    One issue commonly seen with conventional headbands relates to the tendency of headbands to slip out of place while being worn. This is especially true when a wearer has thicker and/or a large volume of hair that requires a firmer hold to keep the headband in place. In addition to the pressure conventional headbands apply across the wearer&#39;s head, it is also known to increase the friction between the hair and the headband in order to prevent slippage. For example, some headbands comprise tapered prongs, combs or teeth-like elements configured to engage the wearer&#39;s hair. Alternatively, other conventional designs include layers of rubber and/or synthetic products to increase the friction between the headband and the wearer&#39;s hair. These friction increasing elements are typically positioned along a substantial portion of the headband that is configured for contact with the top and sides of the wearer&#39;s head to achieve the most effect with respect to maximizing friction. 
         [0004]    In addition to utilitarian purposes (i.e. keeping a wearer&#39;s hair back and away from the face and eyes), headbands are also worn as fashion accessories. Unfortunately, however, the line of pressure applied by the bands across the top and sides of the head tends to flatten out the wearer&#39;s hair, thereby creating a severe “pulled-back” look. This is especially problematic from an aesthetic perspective for those individuals who have thicker/fuller hair, as it causes the hair in front of the headband to lie flat, while the remainder of the hair retains its natural voluminous appearance. Additionally, due to the continuous line of contact conventional headbands apply across the top and sides of the head and/or the use of friction increasing components to prevent slippage, after the headband is removed, the wearer&#39;s hair will retain a crimped or indented appearance resulting from the pressure of the headband. 
         [0005]    Accordingly, conventional headbands do not satisfy the aesthetic needs of consumers of all hair types. Hair fashion consumers continue to seek a device for their hair that effectively pulls the hair back and remains fixed and secured in the position it was originally placed, while also providing a look that is full of body and not severe. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0006]    In at least one exemplary embodiment of a headband of the present disclosure, the headband comprises an elongated band having at least a top portion and two side portions. The top portion of the headband defines at least two humps separated by a lowered restriction component, with each of the humps comprising a height and defining a space thereunder. In at least one embodiment, the top portion of the elongated band comprises at least three humps, with each of the humps separated from each other by a lowered restriction component. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the lowered restriction components of the top may comprise a length between about 0.25 inches and about 1 inch. 
         [0007]    Each lowered restriction component may be configured to securely engage a head of a wearer and/or hair. In at least one additional embodiment, each of the humps of the top portion is configured to secure hair back from a face of a wearer without smashing or unmoveably compressing the hair against the head. Accordingly, in at least one embodiment, the top portion of the elongated band is configured such that a continuous pressure is not applied against the user&#39;s head when the headband is positioned thereon. Each of the humps may additionally comprise a length. In such cases, the height of a hump may be between about 0.5 inches and about 2.5 inches and the length of a hump may be between about two and about three inches. In yet another embodiment of the headband, at least one of the humps may comprise dimensions that are unique to that hump as compared to the other humps of the headband. 
         [0008]    As previously indicated, a lowered restriction component of the top portion may be configured to securely engage a head of a wearer and/or hair. In at least one embodiment, the restriction component of the elongated band comprises one or more friction enhancing components configured to facilitate secure engagement with the head and/or hair. For example, at least one friction enhancing component may comprise a comb, tapered teeth, and/or a rubber or synthetic material (or any combination of the aforementioned). Still further, the elongated band may further comprise a setting configured to receive one or more decorative ornaments. 
         [0009]    The elongated band may be flexible, semi-flexible, or stiff. Additionally or alternatively, the different portions of the elongated band may comprise different properties. For example, in at least one embodiment, the top portion of the elongated band may comprise a semi-flexible material, while the side portions of the elongated band comprise a stretchable material. In yet another embodiment, the elongated band may comprise a continuous loop or band of stretchable material. 
         [0010]    In additional embodiments of the headband of the present disclosure, the top portion of the elongated band is configured such that, when the elongated band is positioned on a head of a wearer, the top portion does not apply a continuous pressure against the head. Additionally or alternatively, each of the side portions of the headband may further comprise a restriction component comprising a first length and defined, at least in part, by a hump, and the lowered restriction component of the top may comprise a second length, with the first length being shorter than the second length. 
         [0011]    Methods for loosely restricting hair are also provided. In at least one exemplary embodiment, a method for loosely restricting hair comprises the steps of: applying a headband to a head having hair, the headband comprising an elongated band having a top portion and two side portions, wherein the top portion defines at least two humps separated by a lowered restriction component, each of the humps having a height and defining a space thereunder; and loosely restricting the hair against the head within each space while concurrently flattening the hair against the head under each of the lowered restriction components. In at least one additional embodiment, each of the side portions of the headband further comprises a restriction component comprising a first length and is defined, at least in part, by a hump. Additionally, there, the lowered restriction component of the top comprises a second length, the first length being longer than the second length. Still further, in yet another exemplary embodiment of the method, when the headband is applied to a head, the hair that is loosely restricted within each space is not indented or crimped due to the heights of the lumps. 
         [0012]    At least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a band. In such embodiments, the band comprises at least a top portion and two side portions defining a length of the band, as well as one or more settings positioned at least along the top portion of the band, each setting configured to receive one or more decorative ornaments. Here, the top portion of the band defines at least two humps separated by a lowered restriction component and each of the humps has a height and defines a space thereunder. Furthermore, the band may be flexible or semi-flexible and when the band is positioned on a head, the top portion does not apply a continuous pressure against the head along the length of the band. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a front view of an exemplary headband of the present disclosure; and 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  illustrates application of the exemplary headband of  FIG. 1  as applied to a person&#39;s head; and 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  illustrates a front view of an exemplary headband of the present disclosure. 
           [0016]    An overview of the features, functions and/or configurations of the components depicted in the various figures will now be presented. It should be appreciated that not all of the features of the components of the figures are necessarily described. Some of these non-discussed features, such as various tissues, etc., as well as other discussed features are inherent from the figures themselves. Other non-discussed features may be inherent in component geometry and/or configuration. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0017]    For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of this disclosure is thereby intended, with any additional alterations and modifications and further applications of the principles of this disclosure being contemplated hereby as would normally occur to one skilled in the art. 
         [0018]    The disclosure of the present application provides novel devices and methods for holding hair back and away from the face and eyes while not significantly restricting the hair. Unlike conventional headbands, the inventive headband of this disclosure is capable of not only maintaining a secure albeit non-severe look, but doing so without creasing the underlying hair and while maintaining hair volume. Because of these unique and advantageous properties, and as will be described herein in further detail, the headbands of the present disclosure are particularly well suited for individuals with long, thick and/or voluminous hair and can create a pulled-together look in seconds. 
         [0019]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a headband  10  of the present disclosure is shown. More specifically,  FIG. 1  shows a front view of the headband  10  and  FIG. 2  shows a front view of the headband  10  positioned on a person&#39;s head  20 . 
         [0020]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , headband  10  comprises a band  12  adapted for being snuggly fitted about the top and side portions of a person&#39;s head  20 . In at least one embodiment, the band  12  is a relatively flat band comprising two or more humps  14 , each defined by a lowered restriction component  16  positioned therebetween, which in at least one embodiment may comprise a lowered apex. 
         [0021]    The band  12  may be formed from a variety of materials suitable for the intended application. Various metals and/or plastics are particularly well adapted for use in this manner, including those that are durable and flexible or semi-flexible. Additionally or alternatively, the band  12  may be formed of various fabrics, including those which are moisture resistant and/or comprise an elastic or semi-elastic material (or combinations thereof). 
         [0022]    The humps  14  of the band  12  provide at least one of the unique properties to the inventive headband  10  disclosed herein. Perhaps more specifically, when the headband  12  is positioned on a person&#39;s head  20 , the each hump  14  defines a space between the person&#39;s head and the band  12  such that hair can flow therethrough without undue restriction. In this manner, the humps  14  enable the headband  12  to securely keep the hair out of a person&#39;s face, without overly smashing or compressing the hair to the scalp. Indeed, the hair is prevented from falling into the person&#39;s face, but allowed to naturally drape under the humps  14  such that it flows down the back of the wearer&#39;s head  20 . 
         [0023]    Each of the humps  14  may comprise any height or shape and it will be appreciated that these dimensions may be modified to achieve the desired headband  10  sizing. For example, in at least one embodiment, the two or more humps  14  may each comprise a height of between about 0.5-0.75 inches (indicated as line H in  FIG. 1 ) and a length of between about 2-3 inches (indicated as line L in  FIG. 1 ). Perhaps more specifically, in at least one exemplary embodiment, the two or more humps  14  each comprise a height of about 0.5 inches and a length of about 2.5 inches. Furthermore, each of the humps  14  need not be configured as having the same length and height dimensions. Indeed, the number of humps  14  (and thus lowered apexes—i.e. restriction components  16 —positioned therebetween) and the heights and lengths thereof are customizable pursuant to user preference and/or head size. 
         [0024]    As previously stated, every two humps  14  of the band  12  are connected by a restriction component  16  (lowered or otherwise). The one or more restriction components  16  of the band  12  are configured to come into contact with a person&#39;s scalp and/or engage or be coupled with hair and/or the head  20  when the headband  10  is positioned on a person&#39;s head  20 . In at least one embodiment, a lowered restriction component  16  may further comprise a comb, teeth or other friction enhancing component (e.g., rubber and/or synthetic products) to facilitate its ability to engage the underlying hair and prevent slippage of the headband  10  when positioned on an individual&#39;s head  20 . The dimensions of a restriction component  16  may also be customized pursuant to the desired hold and/or fit of the headband  10 . For example, the restriction component  16  may have a short length (such that the restriction component  16  forms substantially a point as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ), or may comprise a longer length (not shown), provided that a single restriction component  16  does not comprise a majority of the top portion of the band  12 . For example, in at least one exemplary embodiment, at least one of the restriction components  16  of a band  12  hereof may comprise a length of between about 0.25 inches and about 1 inch. 
         [0025]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , in at least one exemplary embodiment, the headband  10  comprises two humps  14  and one lowered restriction component  16  positioned on the top portion of the band  12  such that the headband  10  comprises a substantially heart-shaped configuration. Furthermore, while the band  12  shown in  FIG. 1  is depicted in an open-ended configuration (see open-end  18 ), it will be appreciated that alternative embodiments of the band  12  may be configured as a closed loop. Additionally or alternatively, the band  12  may comprise multiple restriction components  16  (lowered or comprising an alternative configuration), with at least one having a different length and/or with one or more restriction components  16  positioned on one or more side portions of the band  12 . Indeed, in the at least one embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the medially positioned restriction component(s)  16  of the top portion of the band  12  may comprise a shorter length, while one or more restriction components  16  located more laterally on the side portions of the band  12  may comprise longer lengths. In this manner, the laterally-positioned restriction components  16  facilitate the security of the band  12  when applied to an individual&#39;s head  20 , while the shorter length of the medially-positioned restriction component(s)  16  minimizes the band&#39;s  12  restriction (and thus flattening) of the underlying hair. It will be that restriction components  16  may be positioned on the top and/or side portions of the band  12  as desired. 
         [0026]    In at least one embodiment, ornamental items may be attached to the top and/or sides of the band  12  to make the headband  10  more attractive and/or to enable a wearer to express his or herself. For example, in at least one embodiment, a wearer may attach jewelry, ribbons, charms, or other embellishments to the band  12  (not shown). Alternatively, the elongated band  12  may be configured with such embellishments as an integral component of the elongated band  12  itself, either through the inclusion of settings or otherwise (not shown). For example, the elongated band  12  may comprise one or more bezel or prong settings positioned on the top and/or side portions of the elongated band  12 , or a channel setting that extends along a portion or the entirety of the length thereof. In such “bejeweled” embodiments of the headband  10 , each of the settings is configured to receive embellishments such as crystals, gemstones, rhinestones, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the band  12  may comprise one or more colors. 
         [0027]    In an exemplary embodiment of the headband  10  described above, when the headband  10  is in use, it is placed on a person&#39;s head  20  in a general manner known in the art. Unlike conventional headbands, the headband  10  does not apply downward pressure to the wearer&#39;s hair continuously along the length of the elongated band  12 ; instead, the humps  14  enable the person&#39;s hair to maintain its natural lift by loosely gathering the hair along a substantial portion of the top of the headband  10 . Indeed, only the one or more lowered restriction components  16  of the band  12  contact the top of the person&#39;s head, thereby minimizing the application of downward pressure across the top of the hair. Because of this, while the person&#39;s hair is pulled back and secured within the humps  14 , the hair is not overly constricted by the band  12  nor smashed against the person&#39;s scalp per conventional techniques. Furthermore, the side portions of the elongated band  12  may also contact and/or apply pressure to the sides of the wearer&#39;s head  20  in order to further facilitate the secure placement of the headband  10 . 
         [0028]    While embodiments of headbands and methods for using the same have been described in considerable detail herein, the embodiments are merely offered by way of non-limiting examples. It will therefore be understood that various changes and modifications may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, this disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the disclosure. 
         [0029]    Further, in describing representative embodiments, the disclosure may have presented a method and/or process as a particular sequence of steps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the method or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of steps described. Other sequences of steps may be possible. Therefore, the particular order of the steps disclosed herein should not be construed as limitations of the present disclosure. In addition, disclosure directed to a method and/or process should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written. Such sequences may be varied and still remain within the scope of the present disclosure.