Abstract:
The inventive apparatus and method allow unskilled users to create attractive and intricate hairstyles easily and quickly. The apparatus is generally cylindrical in shape, is hollow, and has open ends. The apparatus is provided with a longitudinal split, allowing the cylinder to be opened and placed about the base of a pony tail. In use, the apparatus surrounds the pony tail adjacent to the wearer&#39;s scalp, and the pony tail extends completely through its interior, generally in parallel with the longitudinal axis of the cylinder. The inner surface of the apparatus is provided with a plurality of radically extending tines. The tines extend into the pony tail to provide a means for retaining the apparatus adjacent to the scalp. The apparatus is further provided with a plurality of holes within the wall of the cylinder. The holes are placed about the entire surface of the cylinder and are sized to allow the wearer to draw strands of hair through the wall of the cylinder from the interior of the cylinder to the exterior. A second series of holes, much smaller than the first series, is provided about the entire surface of the cylinder. This second series of holes is intended to receive the posts of decorative members, such as faux or genuine jeweled pins or earrings, as a means of embellishment of the apparatus, and thus the hairstyle. The apparatus will be provided in a variety of sizes and proportions so as to best accommodate a wide variety of hairstyles.

Description:
This invention relates to an apparatus used to create an attractive hair styles and the method of creating it. Specifically, the inventive apparatus and method are used to create and maintain a variety of up dos type hair styles by encircling a pony tail with the inventive apparatus. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Hair styling has been an important feature of personal grooming throughout the history of human kind. Although many currently popular styles and techniques, such as curling, braiding, and knotting, have been employed for hundreds of years, the pony tail is a relatively recent invention. Formed by gathering together portions of all of a person&#39;s hair and securing the gathered strands with an elastic band, the pony tail is the basis of many different hairstyles which range from very simple to extremely intricate. A basic pony tail hairstyle is easy to create and is popular among persons of all ages. However, elaborations on this basic hairstyle are not usually attempted by the lay person. When a more sophisticated or intricate hairstyle is desired, the lay person usually visits a hair salon and pays an experienced hair stylist to provide the desired style. This can be very costly and time consuming. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The inventive apparatus and method allow even unskilled users to create attractive and intricate hairstyles easily and quickly. Beginning with all or portions of the hair gathered into a basic pony tail, the apparatus and method of employing it allow the user to create a wide variety of hairstyles, and also allow the user to embellish the hairstyle by adding decorative elements to the apparatus, if desired. 
     The inventive apparatus is a multipurpose hair styling tool, which can also be used as a decorative compliment to the overall stylistic appearance of the wearer. It can be used to elevate and add volume to the basic pony tail. It can also be used to create an infinite variety of up-do-type hairstyles which use the pony tail as a basic starting point. The inventive apparatus can also be used as fastening hardware for mounting faux hair pieces, millenary, bridal crowns and veils, tiaras and crowns to the hair of the wearer. 
     The inventive apparatus is generally cylindrical in shape, is hollow, and has open ends. The cylinder is provided with a longitudinal split, allowing the apparatus to be opened and placed about the base of the pony tail. In use, the cylinder surrounds the pony tail adjacent to the wearer&#39;s scalp, and the pony tail extends completely through the interior of the cylinder, generally in parallel with the longitudinal axis of the cylinder. 
     The inner surface of the cylinder is provided with a plurality of radially extending tines adjacent to the bottom edge of the cylinder. The tines extend into the pony tail, between the elastic band and the wearer&#39;s scalp, to provide a means for retaining the apparatus adjacent to the scalp. The apparatus is further provided with a plurality of holes within the wall of the cylinder. The holes are placed about the entire surface of the cylinder and are sized to allow the wearer to draw strands of hair through the wall of the cylinder from the interior of the cylinder to the exterior. A second series of holes, much smaller than the first series, is also provided about the entire surface of the cylinder. This second series of holes is intended to receive the posts of decorative members, such as faux jewel pins or earrings, as a means of embellishment of the apparatus, and thus the hairstyle. 
     The apparatus will be provided in a variety of sizes and proportions so as to best accommodate a wide variety of hairstyles. Multiple short cylinders of small diameter may be used simultaneously in an adult&#39;s hair, while a single short cylinder might be appropriate for the wispy hair of a small child. A single, larger cylinder having a diameter to height ratio of approximately 1.5 to 2 is the preferred embodiment. For more bold applications, a still larger and more elongate cylinder having a diameter to height ratio of approximately 1 to 2 may be employed. To improve the aesthetic appearance of the largest cylinders, a slight tapering of the cylinder from bottom to top may be provided. 
     A method of using the inventive apparatus is provided. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
     FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of the apparatus illustrating the hollow cylindrical shape and open ends, and showing one possible configuration of large and small holes about the surface; 
     FIG. 2 is a bottom end view of the apparatus in a generally open curve configuration, illustrating that the tines are separated when the apparatus is in this configuration. This figure also illustrates the method step wherein the apparatus is forced open prior to application to the pony tail; 
     FIG. 3 is a bottom end view of the apparatus in a closed, cylindrical configuration showing how the tines extend radially nearly completely across the interior space of the cylinder, and are arranged in an overlapping manner; 
     FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the apparatus in a slightly opened configuration, illustrating the use of snap fit tabs as a selective closure means; 
     FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the cinch and illustrates the chinch encircling the apparatus and residing in the circumferencial groove adjacent the top end of the apparatus, where the apparatus is shown in phanthom; 
     FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the cinch illustrating that the chinch also has tines extending radially inward from its inner surface; 
     FIG. 7 is a front side perspective view of the overlay and illustrates the overlay surrounding the apparatus, where the apparatus is shown in phantom; 
     FIG. 8 is a front side perspective view of the overlay, showing large and small holes positioned about the surface of the overlay and the longitudinal split which allows the overlay to be opened; 
     FIG. 9 is a front side perspective view of the apparatus, illustrating pendant earrings and drop earrings being inserted into the smaller series of holes for the purpose of decorating the apparatus; 
     FIG. 10 is a front side perspective view of an overlay which is covered in beads as an illustration of one of many possible ways of decorating the overlay; 
     FIG. 11 illustrates the preferred embodiment of a basic kit, and includes at least one apparatus with cinch, one hair hook, at least six blank overlays, and an instruction booklet; 
     FIG. 12 illustrates elements which may be added to the basic kit to form an expanded kit, and includes at least one cylindrical foam form, at least one tube foam form, at least one faux pony tail addition, at least one hair plug, and a Topsy Tail™; 
     FIG. 13 illustrates the apparatus with hair pulled through the larger series of holes in the wall of the cylinder to create an innovative hair style; 
     FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of the wearer&#39;s head showing the inventive apparatus surrounding a pony tail to create one basic up do hairstyle, and also illustrates the method step wherein the apparatus is closed about the gathered hair, allowing the tabs to snap fit within the tube recesses; 
     FIG. 15 is the same view and hair style as shown in FIG. 14, with the addition of a decorated overlay in place over the inventive apparatus, and also illustrates the method step of applying a decorated overlay to the inventive apparatus; 
     FIG. 16 is a front view of the wearer&#39;s head showing the inventive apparatus with hair pulled through the larger series of holes in the wall of the cylinder to create an innovative hair style as shown in detail in FIG. 13; 
     FIG. 17 is a front view of the wearer&#39;s head showing multiple inventive apparatus used simultaneously; 
     FIG. 18 illustrates the method step wherein all or portions of hair are gathered together with the hand; 
     FIG. 19 illustrates the method step wherein the gathered hair is surrounded with an elastic band to form a pony tail; 
     FIG. 20 illustrates the method step wherein the opened apparatus is placed about the pony tail such the tines of the apparatus are inserted between the elastic band and the wearer&#39;s scalp; 
     FIG. 21 illustrates the method steps wherein a hook is inserted into one of the large holes in the cylinder wall, the hook is caused to hook multiple strands of hair, and then the hook is withdrawn from the large hole while drawing the multiple strands of hair from the interior of the cylinder to the exterior of the cylinder; 
     FIG. 22 is a rear perspective view of a wearer&#39;s head showing the inventive apparatus employed with a completed hair style; and 
     FIG. 23 is a rear perspective view of a wearer&#39;s head showing another completed hair style employing the inventive apparatus. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The preferred embodiment of the inventive apparatus  10  is illustrated in FIG.  1 . The apparatus is generally cylindrical in shape and is hollow. The hollow cylinder has a top end  10 , a bottom end  22 , and a mid portion  24  which extends between the top end  20  and bottom end  22 . The top  20  and bottom  22  ends of the cylinder  12  are open so that hair may extend completely through the hollow interior of the cylinder and out of each respective end  20 ,  22 . 
     Cylinder  12  comprises a wall, the wall having an inside surface  26 , an outside surface  28 , and a longitudinally aligned spit  30  which allows the cylinder to be forced open into a generally open curve configuration as illustrated in FIG.  2 . This open curve configuration allows apparatus  10  to be placed around a portion of hair that has been tightly gathered, as in the case of a pony tail. When released from the open curve configuration, apparatus  12  self-regains its cylindrical shape, and thus completely surrounds the gathered portion of hair. 
     The edge surface of bottom end  22  of cylinder  12  provided with short, longitudinally extending ridges or teeth. These ridges or teeth lie against the scalp and prevent apparatus  10  from rotating about the gathered portion of hair. 
     Cylinder  12  is provided with a plurality of radially extending tines  60  along its inside surface  26  adjacent to the bottom end  22 . Each tine  60  is provided with a tapered, rounded tip  62  and a base  64  which is integral with the inside surface  26 . Each tine  60  has a length which is greater than the radius of cylinder  12  but less than the diameter of cylinder  12  so that it extends nearly completely across the hollow interior of cylinder  12 . Tines  60  are generally adjacent the bottom end  22  of cylinder  12  but placed in a vertically staggered manner along the inside surface  26  so that the respective tines  60  closely overlap each other but do not interfere with each other when apparatus  10  is cylindrical in configuration, as illustrated in FIG.  3 . 
     Tines  60  are used to maintain the position of apparatus  10  in the hair once it has been placed there. In use, cylinder  12  is forced into a generally open curve configuration, which causes the respective tines  60  to be drawn apart so that they no longer overlap each other, as shown in FIG.  2 . Apparatus  10  is then oriented such that the bottom end  22  is placed adjacent the scalp  15 , and tines  60  are inserted into the bundled hair strands such that tines  60  extend between the scalp  15  and the elastic band  120  used to form the pony tail (FIG.  20 ). Apparatus  10  is then allowed to return to its cylindrical configuration resulting in the plurality of tines  60  regaining its overlapping configuration (FIG. 3) within the pony tail. 
     Cylinder  12  is formed of a rigid material which is sufficiently flexible so as to allow it to be opened into a generally curved configuration when a moderate separating force is applied to respective first  33  and second  35  edges of split  30 , which is sufficiently elastic so as to allow it to self-regain its cylindrical configuration when the above mentioned force is removed. Preferably, apparatus  10  is formed of plastic, but it is within the scope of this invention to form it from other materials which can provide the required properties. 
     Although the elastic properties of apparatus  10  are sufficient to maintain it in a cylindrical configuration, a means for selective closure is provided along longitudinal split  30 . The means for selective closure allow the user to selectively maintain the apparatus  12  in a closed, cylindrical configuration such that first  33  and second  35  edges are maintained in abutting contact. In the preferred embodiment, the means for selective closure include at least one tab  50  extending from second edge  35  in a circumferential direction, and further include at least one recess  52  formed in the first edge  33  which is aligned with tab  50  and sized and shaped to receive tab  50  therewithin in a snap-fit relationship. In the preferred embodiment, at least two tabs  50 - and recess  52 - pairs are provided along the respective first  33  and second  35  edges. It is within the scope of the invention, however, to use fewer or greater numbers of tab-recess pairs, or to substitute other means for selective closure for the snap-fit closure described herein. 
     A plurality of primary holds  40  is provided in the mid portion  24  of cylinder  12 . Primary holes  40  extend completely through the cylinder wall. They are sized to allow a hair hook  100  to pass therethrough and be withdrawn while hooking multiple strands of hair (FIG.  21 ). Primary holes  40  may be circular, rectangular, or irregular in shape. Primary holes  40  may be arranged about the surface of cylinder  12  in a geometric pattern, or may be randomly arranged thereon. The quantity and arrangement of primary holes  40  is determined by aesthetic appearance. 
     A plurality of secondary holes  42  is provided in the mid portion  24  or cylinder  12  which also extend completely through the cylinder wall. Secondary holes  42  are much smaller than primary holes  40 , and are sized to receive the stud of an earring or decorative pin therewithin. Employment of secondary holes  42  allows the wearer to decorate the apparatus with favorite jewelry, and to coordinate apparatus  10  with individual wardrobe choices. Such embellishment of apparatus  10  is illustrated in FIG. 9, where drop-style earrings  92 , diamond stud earrings  96 , and heart pendant earrings  94 , are mounted in secondary holes  42 . 
     Apparatus  10  will be provided in a variety of sizes and proportions so as to best accommodate a wide variety of hairstyles, some of which are illustrated in FIGS. 16,  17 ,  22  and  23 . The preferred proportions are a diameter to height ratio of approximately 1.5 to 2. It is completely within the scope of the invention, however, to vary these proportions to accommodate the specific requires of the wearer. For instance, increasing the height of cylinder  12  without increasing the diameter creates a “tower” effect, and may be useful in creating very dramatic hairstyles. A slight tapering of the cylinder from bottom to top is provided to improve the aesthetic appearance. Reducing the height of the cylinder  12  without decreasing the diameter provides a more low key look than the preferred embodiment. A single apparatus  10  may be used to provide an innovate hair style (FIGS. 14,  15 ,  16 ), or a multiple apparati  10  may be employed simultaneously (FIG.  17 ). 
     In the preferred embodiment, apparatus  10  is provided with an outside surface  28  which is smooth and unadorned. However, it is within the scope of the invention to provide outside surface  28  with a contoured shaped and/or to apply a surface finish which gives outside surface  28  an attractive, finished appearance. By providing outside surface  28  with such an appearance, apparatus  10  can be used as a jewelry piece for the hair, in addition to being a tool for creating hairstyles. 
     As an alternative to decoratively finishing outside surface  28  of apparatus  10 , overlay  80  (FIGS. 7,  8 ,  10 ) is provided as an accessory to apparatus  10 . Overlay  80  is formed of a thin cylindrical sheath of plastic having a longitudinally aligned split  83 . Overlay  80  has a top edge  81 , a bottom edge  82 , and a mid portion  84  which extends between the top edge  81  and bottom edge  82 . Overlay  80  has an inside surface  86  and an outside surface  88 . In use, overlay  80  is placed in an overlying manner about apparatus  10  such that the overlay  80  has an inside surface  86  in a confronting adjacent relationship with apparatus outside surface  28 . Overlay  80  has generally the same or slightly greater dimensions as apparatus  10  so that when overlay  80  is in place over apparatus  10 , apparatus  10  is not seen by persons viewing the wearer. 
     Overlay  80  is provided with a plurality of primary holes  87  about its mid portion  84 . Preferably, primary holes  87  are sized and positioned about overlay  80  so as to overlie and be aligned with primary holes  40  of apparatus  10  when overlay  80  is placed about apparatus  10 . This configuration allows hair hook  100  to pass therethrough and be withdrawn while hooking multiple strands of hair (FIG.  13 ). Primary holes  87  may be circular, rectangular, or irregular in shape. Primary holes  87  may be arranged about the surface of overlay  80  in a geometric pattern, or may be randomly arranged thereon. Preferably, primary holes  87  are formed only on the sides and rear of overlay  80  providing a larger uninterrupted decorated surface at the front side of the overlay. It is within the scope of the invention, however, to provide primary holes  87  in the same number, quantity, and arrangement as is provided on apparatus  10 , the quantity and arrangement of primary holes  87  being determined by aesthetic appearance. 
     A plurality of secondary holes  89  are provided in the mid portion  84  of overlay  80 . Secondary holes  89  are much smaller than primary holes  87 , and are sized to receive the stud of an earring or decorative pin therewithin. Secondary holes  89  are positioned about overlay  80  so as to overlie and be aligned with secondary holes  42  of apparatus  10  when overlay  80  is placed about apparatus  10 . As with apparatus secondary holes  42 , employment of secondary holes  89  in overlay  80  allows the wearer to decorate the overlay  80  with favorite jewelry, and to coordinate overlay  80  with individual wardrobe choices. 
     In the preferred embodiment, overlay  80  is provided to the user in a neutral color or may be transparent. It is provided to the user undecorated and unadorned for use as a means for the user to personalize and decorate apparatus  10 . The wearer may paint overlay  80  or may cover overlay  80  with any material, including, but not limited to, paper, fabric, leather, and/or foils. The wearer may choose to attach decorative elements to the surface of overlay  80  which include, but are not limited to, faux or real jewels, leather, sequins, ribbon, cord, feathers, button&#39;s and/or beads (FIG.  10 ). Alternatively, overlay  80  may be provided to the user in decorated form. 
     Cinch  70  (FIGS. 5 and 6) is provided as an accessory to apparatus  10  and is used to secure artificial hair falls within apparatus  10  when used. Cinch  70  also acts to reinforce the means for selective closure so that when in place encircling apparatus  10 , first edge  33  of apparatus split  30  can not be separated from its second edge  35 . Cinch  70  is a thin circular band and has a first end  72  which abuts its second end  74 , and a circular mid portion  75  which connects first end  72  to second end  74 . Cinch  70  has an inside surface  76  and an outside surface  78 . When in use, inside surface  76  is in a confronting adjacent relationship with apparatus outside surface  28 . 
     Cinch  70  is provided with a plurality of radially extending tines  66  along its inside surface  76 . Cinch tines  66  are used to maintain the position of apparatus  10  in the hair once it has been placed there. Each cinch tine  66  is provided with a tapered, rounded tip  69  and a base  68  which is integral with the inside surface  76 . Each cinch tine  66  has a length which is greater than the radius of cinch  70  but less than the diameter of cinch  70  so that it extends nearly completely across the inner diameter of cinch  70 . Cinch tines  66  are placed in a slightly vertically staggered manner along the inside surface  76  so that the respective tines  66  closely overlap each other but do not interfere with each other when cinch  70  is circular in configuration, as illustrated in FIG.  6 . 
     In use, cinch  70  is forced into a generally open curve configuration, which causes the respective cinch tines  66  to be drawn apart so that they no longer overlap each other. Cinch  70  is then placed within circumferential groove  27  of apparatus  10  such that the inside surface  76  of cinch  70  lines in a confronting relationship with the outside surface  28  of apparatus  10 . Circumferential groove  27  is formed within outside surface  28  adjacent to the top  20  of apparatus  10  and has a depth sized to receive cinch  70  therewithin such that the outer surface  78  of cinch  70  lies flush with outer surface  28  of apparatus  10 . The width of circumferential groove  27  is sized to receive the width of cinch  70  with little or no gap therebetween. Circumferential groove  27  is provided with cinch tine holes  73  sized and positioned to receive cinch tines  66  therethrough. Once placed within circumferential groove  27 , cinch  70  is allowed to return to its circular configuration, resulting in chin  70  residing within circumferential groove  27  and encircling apparatus  10 , and further resulting in a plurality of cinch tines  66  regaining the overlapping configuration as shown in FIG.  6 . 
     Cinch  70  is formed of a rigid material which is sufficiently flexible so as to allow it to be opened into a generally curved configuration when a moderate separating force is applied to respective first  72  and second  74  ends, and which is sufficiently elastic so as to allow it to self-regain its circular configuration when the above mentioned force is removed. Preferably, cinch  70  is formed of plastic, but it is within the scope of this invention to form it from other materials which can provide the required properties. 
     The inventive apparatus  10  and accessories may be provided as a hair styling kit. A basic hair styling kit would have the following elements included: 
     A. At least one apparatus  20  (including cinch  70 ). In the preferred embodiment, three apparati of varying sizes are provided. 
     B. At least one hair hook  100 . Similar to a crochet hook, a hair hook is a thin, elongate rod having one end bent back on itself to form a hook. This hook is used to draw strands of hair from primary holes  40 . 
     C. At least six blank, or unadorned, overlays  80 . 
     D. An instruction booklet  130  which includes step by step instructions and illustrations for creating several hairstyles using the accompanying tools. 
     E. At least three elastic bands  120  (included optionally, since these are found conventionally). These bands may be a simple elastic circlette, may be cloth covered to protect the hair, and/or may be provided with a pair of opposing hooks as found on bungee band ties, illustrated in FIG.  11 . 
     An expanded hair styling kit would include the above mentioned elements, and would also include, but not be limited to, elements selected from the following list: 
     F. At least one cylindrical foam form  150 . Used by placing the hollow center of the foam core about the outside of apparatus  10 , and then wrapping hair about the foam form in a conventional manner, the cylindrical foam form can be provided in a variety of sizes. 
     G. At least one tube foam form  160 . Used by bending the foam form about the outside of apparatus  10  and hooking thereon, and then wrapping the wearer&#39;s own hair or a faux pony tail about the foam form in a conventional manner, the stick foam form can be provided in a variety of sizes. 
     H. At lest one real or faux pony tail having one or more hair plugs  170  for providing extension and for volumizing the hair. 
     I. A Topsy-Tail™  140  to increase the number and variety of hairstyles available for creation using the accompanying tools. 
     Method steps for using the inventive apparatus and the various accessories to create an up do hair style are provided as follows: 
     1. Gather a portion of hair together. 
     2. Maintain the portion of hair in a gathered relationship by surrounding the portion of hair with an elastic band, the elastic band being placed adjacent to the scalp of the head of the wearer. 
     3. Force open cylinder  12  to a generally open curved configuration such that the means for selective securement are detached and separated from one another, and the plural tines  60  are drawn apart so that the plural tines  60  no longer overlap each other. 
     4. Place cylinder  12  about the gathered portion of hair by surrounding the gathered portion of hair with cylinder  12  by allowing it to return to its cylindrical configuration such that the gathered portion of hair resides within and extends in parallel with the longitudinal centerline of cylinder  12 . Cylinder  12  is oriented on the gathered portion of hair such that said bottom end  22  resides adjacent the scalp and the plural tines  60  extend into the gathered portion of hair such that they reside between the elastic band and said scalp. 
     5. Secure the means for selective securement such that said first edge  33  of cylinder  12  is maintained in an abutting relationship with the second edge  33  of said cylinder  12 . In the preferred embodiment, this is accomplished by inserting each tab  50  into the respective tab recess  52  until the tap snaps into locked position. 
     6. Place overlay  80  in an overlying relationship with cylinder  12  such that overlay  80  surrounds and covers cylinder  12 . 
     7. Insert hair hook  100  through one of the plural primary holes  40 . 
     8. Hook plural strands of hair with hair hook  100 . 
     9. Withdraw hair hook  100 , along with the hooked strands of hair, from the interior of cylinder  12  so that the strands of hair extend through the primary hole  40 . 
     10. Repeat steps 6-8 until strands of hair have been withdrawn from each of the primary holes  40 . 
     In cases where cinch  70  is required to ensure that a faux pony tail is maintained within apparatus  10 , the following method steps 11-13 are added following method step 9: 
     11. Open cinch  70  to a generally linear configuration. 
     12. Place cinch  70  adjacent to the top of cylinder  12 , inserting cinch tines  66  within cinch tine holes  79  of circumferential groove  29 . 
     13. Release cinch  70 , allowing cinch  70  to return to its circular configuration and encircling cylinder  12 . 
     Using apparatus  10  in concert with the above described method steps allows even a non-professional to create elaborate and elegant up do hair styles. The type and variety of hair styles possible to create when using this apparatus and method are infinite, and are not limited by the illustrations provided here. The illustrations provided are intended to demonstrate a general concept, and are not intended to define the breadth of outcomes possible when using this device and method. 
     Although one embodiment of the invention has been illustrated, it will be appreciated that there are many modifications and variations of the present invention. It is the intent of the appended claims to cover all modifications and variations which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.