Patent Publication Number: US-10306964-B1

Title: Cannoli hair roller and cannoli roller clasp

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a hair roller with a completely new, unique and innovative design to be perfectly touching the surface of the scalp, (which is known as being “on base”) and being secure, as no other hair roller has ever been. The present invention also relates to a hair clasp specially designed for the new and unique hair roller. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Various kinds of hair styles and hair cuts have long been used to express originality and individual beauty. In many of these styles, this is accomplished by curling the hair. The curled state of the hair is retained by the Cannoli Hair Roller. 
     Hair rollers have been generally fashioned as cylindrical shapes. They are essentially molds around which the hair is wound and curls are formed to create volume. After the hair is wound around the Cannoli Hair Roller, it is secured in place by means of the Cannoli Roller Clasp, or with additional universal hair pins and/or universal hair clips. This places the hair shafts on the roller under tension. The effect of the tension adds curl and volume to the hair. 
     The process of winding hair onto the Cannoli Hair Roller consists of several steps. First, the hair is sectioned into parts sized to the width and length of the Cannoli Hair Roller. For short or medium length hair take a section of hair and start to wind the hair around the Cannoli Hair Roller making sure that the flat base of the roller is seated on the scalp. Once this is accomplished, fasten the Cannoli Hair Roller with the Cannoli Roller Clasp and/or additional universal hair pins and hair clips. For long hair take a section of hair and place the Cannoli Hair Roller on the middle of the hair shaft winding the end of the hair shaft around the Cannoli Hair Roller first. Then wind the Cannoli Hair Roller down towards the scalp maneuvering the flat base of the Cannoli Hair Roller to touch the scalp. Secure the Cannoli Hair Roller in place with the Cannoli Roller Clasp, universal hair pins, and/or universal hair clips. Optimal volume is achieved when the Cannoli Hair Roller is totally “on base” to the scalp. 
     The present invention, the Cannoli Hair Roller and Cannoli Hair Clasp (hereafter referred to as the “invention”), is made to add maximum volume and curl to the hair and give longer lasting hair sets. This is achieved by the unique design of the “invention”, which allows it to be placed perfectly “on base” every time with no compromise. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     The “invention” adds maximal volume and curl to the hair by being placed perfectly “on base” every time. The design features of the “invention” are specific for this purpose. 
     One primary design feature of the “invention” is a flat bottom surface. When the “invention” is in its final position, the flat bottom surface rests directly and securely on the scalp. This perfect “on base” positioning minimizes unwanted rocking or other movement of the invention, after it is secured in place. Perfect “on base” positioning allows the “invention” to be more securely in place on the scalp. This minimizes accidental falling out of the “invention” with head movements. Additionally, the perfect “on base” positioning maximizes the volume and curl of the hair. This leads to easier, more professional looking comb outs done in less time. 
     An additional advantage of the flat bottom surface is greater comfort when wearing the “invention”. This “invention” can be worn while walking, sleeping, working, or doing a number of different activities in greater comfort than with conventional hair rollers. 
     Another unique design feature are the ends of the “invention”, which are angled inward from the top surface to the flat roller bottom. The angled ends result in several benefits. There is less bumping between the individual Cannoli Hair Rollers while they are being applied and while they are in place. This leads to less sliding out of hair clips and hair rollers. There is also more space between the Cannoli Hair Rollers for the hair setter&#39;s fingers and for more hair clips to be applied as needed. The “invention” can therefore be placed in the hair more easily and more quickly. This feature allows for professional hair sets to be done better and more quickly. 
     The Cannoli Roller Clasp (hereafter the “clasp”) is specially designed to fit the unique design features of the Cannoli Hair Roller (hereafter the “roller”). The open gap at the bottom of the “clasp” clasps around the flat bottom surface of the “roller”. The ends of the “clasp” are angled inward from the top surface to the bottom surface to match the angled ends of the “roller”. Lastly, the holes in the “clasp” match the holes in the “roller” in their positions and size. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a side elevation view of a version of the hair roller; 
         FIG. 1B  is a end elevation view of the version shown in  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 1C  is a bottom plan view of the version shown in  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 2A  is a side elevation view of a version of the clasp; 
         FIG. 2B  is an end elevation view of the version shown in  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 2C  is a bottom plan view of the version shown in  FIG. 2A ; and 
         FIG. 3  is an illustrative example of a plurality of hair rollers as applied to the head of a user. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1A  is a schematic view of the side of the “roller”. The side view of the “roller” demonstrates the shape of the “roller” and the positions of the universal hair pin holes. 
     The top surface of the “roller” measures 2½ inches in length. The bottom surface measures 1¼ inches in length. The height of the “roller” is 1⅝ inches. The middle of the top and bottom surfaces are on the same vertical axis. 
     At the ends of the “roller”, the top and bottom surfaces are connected by smooth angled ends. These angled ends allow for more rollers to be placed on the head. The angled ends also decrease bumping between rollers and minimize stray hair ends slipping out of the roller. 
     This view also shows the two rows of universal hairpin holes along the length of the “roller”. There are two rows of universal hairpin holes on each side of the “roller” for a total of four rows of universal hairpin holes. Each universal hairpin hole measures 3/16 of an inch in height and ⅛ of an inch in width. 
     The top row of universal hairpin holes is positioned at a 45 degree angle from the center of the top surface. The top row consists of five holes. The center hole is located on the vertical center axis of the “roller”. The next two holes are located ½ of an inch to either side of the center hole. The final two holes are located 1 inch to either side of the center hole. The bottom row of holes is positioned at a 55 degree angle below the top row of universal hairpin holes. The bottom consists of three holes, the center hole is located on the vertical center axis of the “roller”. The remaining two holes are located ½ of an inch to either side of the center hole. 
     The universal hairpin holes are positioned so that the “roller” can be held in place on the head with universal hairpins. 
     The universal hairpin hole positions on the “roller” are in alignment with the universal hairpin holes on the “clasp”. Universal hairpins could be used to further secure the “roller” and the “clasp” together on the head, if desired. 
       FIG. 1B  is a schematic view of the end of the “roller”. 
     This view of the “roller” demonstrates the round shape top and side surfaces and the flat bottom surface of the “roller”. The flat bottom is specially designed for the “roller” to hold the hair “on base” for the perfect hair set. The flat bottom prevents rocking and stray hair ends slipping out of the “roller”. 
     The “X” marked lines indicate the positions of the rows of universal hairpin holes. The top rows of universal hairpin holes are located at a 45 degree angle on either side of the top center. The lower rows of universal hairpin holes are located at a 55 degree angle below the top, rows of holes. Each universal hairpin hole measures 3/16 of an inch in height and ⅛ of an inch in width. In position and size, they match exactly with the universal hairpin holes on the “clasp”. This allows the “roller” and the “clasp” to be secured together with universal hairpins. 
       FIG. 1C  is a schematic view of the bottom surface of the “roller”. This view demonstrates the relationship between the design features at the bottom of the “roller”. Along the bottom of the “roller”, there is a 1 inch wide flat surface. It extends along the length of the bottom of the “roller”. This unique feature allows the “roller” to sit perfectly “on base” on the scalp. This design feature minimizes roller side-to-side “rocking” movement. The “roller” design is the first hair roller to use a flat bottom surface to secure the roller perfectly “on base” on the scalp. This unique design feature will result in a perfect “on base” hair roller set. 
     Along the bottom center line there are two base notches, one at each end. They are open to the ends of the roller. The two base notches are specifically designed to fit universal hair clips. The universal hair clips can be used to secure the “roller” perfectly “on base”. The base notches measure ⅛ of an inch in length and ⅜ of an inch in width. 
     Along with the other design features, the flat bottom allows the roller set to be completed in less time. The design prevents roller rocking, roller bumping and fall-out of rollers, hairpins and hair clips. The “roller&#39;s” design allows for more working room for the hair setters&#39; hands and a faster, more secure set. Also shown are the two lower rows of universal hairpin holes. They are located at a 55 degree angle below the top rows of universal hairpin holes. They exactly match the size and position of the universal hairpin holes on the “clasp”. 
       FIG. 2A  is a schematic view of the side of the “clasp”. The side view of the “clasp” demonstrates its unique shape and dimensions. 
     The top surface of the “clasp” measures 2½ inches in length. The bottom surface measures 1½ inches in length. The top and bottom surfaces are centered along the vertical center axis of the hair clasp. 
     The ends of the “clasp” are continuous, smooth and angled inward from the top surface to the bottom surface. The angled ends of the “clasp” match the angled ends of the “roller”. The shape of the “clasp” enhances the design advantages of the “roller”. Namely, there is less roller rocking and less bumping between rollers and less stray hair ends slipping out of the “roller”. 
     The “clasp” measures 1⅞ inches from the top surface to the gap at the bottom of the “clasp”. 
     There are two rows of universal hairpin holes on each side of the “clasp”. The size and positions of the universal hairpin holes exactly match those on the “roller”. 
     The top row of universal hairpin holes is positioned at a 45 degree angle from the center of the top surface. The top row consists of five holes. The center hole is located on the vertical center axis of the “roller”. The next two holes are located ½ of an inch to either side of the center hole. The final two holes are located 1 inch to either side of the center hole. 
     The bottom row of holes is positioned at a 55 degree angle below the top row of universal hairpin holes. The bottom consists of three holes. The center hole is located on the vertical center axis of the “clasp”. The remaining two holes are located ½ of an inch to either side of the center hole. The positions of the universal hairpin holes on the other side of the “clasp” are similar. Each universal hairpin hole measures 3/16 of an inch in height and ⅛ of an inch in width. 
       FIG. 2B  is a schematic view of the end of the “clasp”. 
     The end view of the “clasp” shows that it is a partially open circle. It has a 1⅛ inch wide open gap at the bottom. The gap is designed to fit over and around the “roller”, “on base”, and on the head. The outside diameter of the “clasp” is 2 inches. The “clasp” measures ⅛ of an inch in thickness. The “clasp” measures 1⅞ inches from its top surface to the bottom gap opening. 
     The arrows in the diagram indicate the positions of the four rows of the universal hairpin holes. The top rows are located at a 45 degree angle on either side of the top center. The top row consists of five holes. The center hole is located on the vertical center axis of the “roller”. The next two holes are located ½ of an inch to either side of the center hole. The final two holes are located 1 inch to either side of the center hole. 
     The bottom rows of holes are located at a 55 degree angle below the top rows of holes. The bottom consists of three holes. The center hole is located on the vertical center axis of the “roller” The remaining two holes are located ½ inch to either side of the center hole. 
     The universal hairpin holes exactly match the universal hairpin holes in the “roller” in size and positions. 
       FIG. 2C  is a schematic view of the bottom of the “clasp”. 
     The view of the bottom of the “clasp” shows its design and dimensions. It shows the open gap at the bottom of the “clip”. This open gap fits over and around the “roller”. 
     The width of the gap at the inner surface of the “clasp” measures 1⅛ inch. The width of the gap at the outer surface measures 1¼ inches. The sides of the gap are angled from the outside inward to facilitate placing the “clasp” over and around the “roller”. 
     The length of the top surface of the “clasp” is 2½ inches. The length of the bottom of the “clasp” is 1½ inches. 
     The lower two rows of universal hairpin holes are not shown in this illustration. However, they are located at a 55 degree angle below the top rows of universal holes. They exactly match the size and positions of the lower rows of universal hairpin holes on the “roller”. 
       FIG. 3  Shows a few of the “inventions” i.e. “rollers and clips” positioned properly on the head with hair wound around them. It is important to note the flat bottom surface of the “rollers” are positioned onto the scalp. Also, it should be noted that any loose hair ends are shown to be rolled underneath the rollers. 
     As described above, the present invention, the Cannoli Hair Roller and Cannoli Hair Clasp, is a new and unique hair roller design. It is designed to be easily and perfectly placed “on base” on the head and to remain perfectly “on base” while being worn. The overall shape of the “invention” allows more space for the hair setter&#39;s fingers and quicker and easier hair sets. Also, the shape of the “invention” minimizes roller rocking and bumping between rollers and stray hair ends slipping out of the “roller”. 
     The Cannoli Hair Clasp is specifically designed to be used with the Cannoli Hair Roller to secure it in place. The shape and dimensions of the Cannoli Hair Roller specifically complement the Cannoli Hair Clasp. 
     The correct procedure for applying the “roller” differs slightly from that for conventional hair rollers. With the “roller” first take a hair parting from a subdivided “roller” base. Gently lift the hair strand away from the scalp and place the side of the “roller” against the middle of the hair strand. Then wrap the hair strand once around the “roller placing the hair under gentle tension, while lowering the “roller&#39;s” flat bottom to the scalp. When the flat bottom of the “roller” is seated on the scalp, or “on base”, then wrap any loose hair ends under the hair strand already wound on the “roller” with the tail-end of a teasing comb. Then the “roller” can be secured in place with the “clasp” and/or additional universal hair pins and universal hair clips. 
     The open gap of the “clasp” is gently slipped over the “roller” from the top downward. 
     The construction of the “invention” can be achieved by a variety of means such as injection molding, 3D printing, or even hand crafting techniques. The materials it can be crafted from are numerous such as: plastic, cardboard, wood, metal, or any other material that can be crafted into the “invention&#39;s” unique design and still retain its form under mild pressure and over an extended period of time. The most likely method in industry for production of the “invention” would be a rigid plastic material shaped in an injection molding machine. The process and materials used to create the “invention” are not unique, nor a part of what is claimed hereafter.