HAIR SCRUNCHIE DEVICE

Abstract

A hair scrunchie device including: a porous fabric covering; and an elastic tube disposed within the fabric covering; where the porous fabric covering and the elastic tube are adapted to be formed into a closed loop; and where the elastic tube defines an internal channel adapted to contain liquid or gel contents and a plurality of pores adapted to open when the elastic tube is stretched, thereby allowing the liquid or gel to pass through the plurality of pores and radially out of the elastic tube. The liquid or gel that passes radially out of the elastic tube is allowed to pass through the porous fabric covering to hair of a wearer of the hair scrunchie device.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a specially designed elastic hair tying/holding device that is different from common devices that might be called a “ponytail holder,” “scrunchie,” or simply “hair tie.”

BACKGROUND

Whereas traditional scrunchies can cause damage to healthy, as well as processed hair, leading to breakage because they can constrict, suffocate, and overheat (i.e., dry out) hair in the area where they are applied, the scrunchie device of the present disclosure is designed to offset the damaging effects of traditional hair binding by providing time-release vitamins and other nutrients, specifically at the area of contact with the hair.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a hair scrunchie device including: a porous fabric covering; and an elastic tube disposed within the fabric covering; where the porous fabric covering and the elastic tube are adapted to be formed into a closed loop; and where the elastic tube defines an internal channel adapted to contain liquid or gel contents and a plurality of pores adapted to open when the elastic tube is stretched, thereby allowing the liquid or gel to pass through the plurality of pores and radially out of the elastic tube. The liquid or gel that passes radially out of the elastic tube is allowed to pass through the porous fabric covering to hair of a wearer of the hair scrunchie device. Optionally, the porous fabric covering is adapted to retain a portion of the liquid or gel for a period of time. Optionally, the elastic tube is formed into a closed loop when ends of the elastic tube are joined together. Optionally, the elastic tube is formed into a closed loop when ends of the elastic tube are joined together with a barbed connector. Optionally, the elastic tube is formed into a closed loop when ends of the elastic tube are joined together with a flexible plug. Optionally, the elastic tube is formed into a closed loop when ends of the elastic tube are joined together with one or more of stitching, welding, an adhesive, and a crimping band. The elastic tube defines the internal channel adapted to contain the liquid or gel contents and the plurality of pores adapted to open when the elastic tube is stretched in an axial direction, thereby reducing the lateral radius of the elastic tube and the internal channel.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of providing a hair scrunchie device, the method including: providing a porous fabric covering; providing an elastic tube defining an internal channel adapted to contain liquid or gel contents and a plurality of pores adapted to open when the elastic tube is stretched; disposing the liquid or gel within the internal channel; disposing the elastic tube within the fabric covering; and forming the porous fabric covering and the elastic tube into a closed loop; where, when the elastic tube is stretched and the plurality of pores open, the liquid or gel is allowed to pass through the plurality of pores and radially out of the elastic tube. The liquid or gel that passes radially out of the elastic tube is allowed to pass through the porous fabric covering to hair of a wearer of the hair scrunchie device. Optionally, the porous fabric covering is adapted to retain a portion of the liquid or gel for a period of time. Optionally, the elastic tube is formed into a closed loop when ends of the elastic tube are joined together. Optionally, the elastic tube is formed into a closed loop when ends of the elastic tube are joined together with a barbed connector. Optionally, the elastic tube is formed into a closed loop when ends of the elastic tube are joined together with a flexible plug. Optionally, the elastic tube is formed into a closed loop when ends of the elastic tube are joined together with one or more of stitching, welding, an adhesive, and a crimping band. The elastic tube defines the internal channel adapted to contain the liquid or gel contents and the plurality of pores adapted to open when the elastic tube is stretched in an axial direction, thereby reducing the lateral radius of the elastic tube and the internal channel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is illustrated and described with reference to drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of the scrunchie device of the present disclosure, on its own, and when in place as a hair tying/holding device;

FIG. 2 is a close-up illustration of a cross-section of the scrunchie device of the present disclosure, in both a relaxed state and a stretched state;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of one possible construction method of the scrunchie device of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 4 is an illustration of another possible construction method of the scrunchie device of the present disclosure.

It will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skills that aspects of each embodiment illustrated and described may be included, omitted, and/or combined as necessary and/or desired in a given implementation of the scrunchie device of the present disclosure, without limitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is an illustration of the scrunchie device 10 of the present disclosure, on its own, and when in place as a hair tying/holding device. This is but one of many examples of possible hair holding configurations; this representative case being a ponytail hairstyle. Although shown here to be basic in style, the scrunchie device itself could be decorated in various colors, fabrics, materials, and/or embellishments. Decoration is accomplished with a simple covering, which is essentially an over-sized fabric tube which can be constructed from various fabrics and materials. FIG. 1 shows the outside fabric covering 12 of the scrunchie device 10, which has a porosity that allows an enriched liquid or gel substance to pass from the interior of the fabric covering 12, through the fabric covering 12, to the exterior of the fabric covering 12, and to the hair retained within the closed loop of the fabric covering 12. Preferably, the fabric covering is porous, but itself does not absorb the enriched liquid or gel substance. For example, the fabric covering 12 may be manufactured from a synthetic nylon material or the like, without limitation. The nature of and retention and transmission mechanisms for this enriched liquid or gel substance are described in greater detail below. Again, as with a conventional scrunchie, the fabric covering is decorative and serves to both hold the hair and act as a fashion accessory.

FIG. 2 is a close-up illustration of a cross section of the scrunchie device 10 of the present disclosure, in both a relaxed state and a stretched state, showing one possible construction method that allows time-release of a liquid or gel containing vitamins and other hair-supporting nutrients. Within the fabric covering 12 is an elastic tube 14 that defines an interior channel 16 in which the enriched liquid or gel substance is stored prior to being released through the elastic tube 14 and fabric covering 12 onto the hair of the wearer. The elastic tube 14 includes a plurality of closed slits or pores 18 that are opened when the elastic tube 14 is stretched onto/around the hair of the wearer, as the elastic tube 14 is stretched in an axial direction (and/or in a lateral direction). The elastic tube 14 may be manufactured from a rubber material or the like. The opening of the closed slits or pores 18 allows the enriched liquid or gel substance to pass from the interior channel 16, through elastic tube 14, through the fabric covering 12, and to the hair of the wearer, with the enriched liquid or gel substance being “squeezed out” by axial elongation and lateral constriction of the elastic tube 14 and the interior channel 16.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of one possible construction method of the scrunchie device 10 of the present disclosure. Once assembled, the pull-apart strength of the region with the barbed connector 20 exceeds the pull-apart strength of the other regions around the elastic tube 14, such that the scrunchie device 10 essentially forms a closed loop that may be stretched and twisted around the hair as a conventional scrunchie is. As illustrated, the elastic tube 14 is first filled partially or wholly with the enriched liquid or gel substance and the elastic tube 14 is disposed within the fabric covering 12. Then, the ends of the elastic tube 14 are joined via the barbed connector 20. The joint may be reinforced with an adhesive, welding, crimping band, and/or the like. The scrunchie device 10 is then packaged in an unstretched state.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of another possible construction method of the scrunchie device 10 of the present disclosure. Here, the elastic tube 14 is connected such that it forms a continuous loop by a sewn, welded, and/or glued-in-place plug connector 22 that is flexible, being made of rubber or a similar material, and sized to fit the inner diameter of the elastic tube 14. Once assembled, the pull-apart strength of the region with the plug connector 22 exceeds the pull-apart strength of the other regions around the elastic tube 14, such that the scrunchie device 10 essentially forms a closed loop that may be stretched and twisted around the hair as a conventional scrunchie is. As illustrated, the elastic tube 14 is first filled partially or wholly with the enriched liquid or gel substance and the elastic tube 14 is disposed within the fabric covering 12. Then, the ends of the elastic tube 14 are joined via the plug connector 22. The joint may be reinforced with an adhesive, welding, crimping band, stitching, and/or the like. The scrunchie device 10 is then packaged in an unstretched state.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the tube 14 with elastic (stretchability) characteristics is used to contain the enriched liquid or gel substance containing vitamins such as, but not limited to, biotin (vitamin B7), retinol (vitamin A), vitamin C, vitamin E, keratin, iron, zinc, as well as other substances that promote hair health such as, but not limited to, hair serum, natural conditioners, essential oils, cooling creams, etc. Any substance that can be “squeezed out” through the pores 18 may be used, regardless of purpose.

By careful design of the elastic tube 14 that is in the interior of the scrunchie device 10, numerous, small micro-slits or pores 18 naturally open upon stretching of the scrunchie device 10, both elastic tube 14 and fabric covering 12, when it is placed in the hair. Upon opening as pores, the micro-slits 18 allow the enriched liquid or gel substance to slowly escape from the inside of the elastic tube 14 and fabric covering 12 over a defined time duration and saturate the surroundings, which include the hair upon which the scrunchie device 10 is placed. The micro-slits or pores 18 naturally open into larger pores when the scrunchie device 10 is stretched more, for a desirable effect, i.e., tighter hair binding will benefit from a more rapid release of the enriched liquid or gel substance. Also, the stretching of the elastic tube 14 automatically and naturally adds constriction pressure to the enriched liquid or gel contents, encouraging the contents to escape from the pores 18. It should be noted that the elastic tube 14 may also be integrally joined into a closed loop, without the use of an external connector 22 or 22.

The material of the decorative covering 12 is designed to promote the transfer of the enriched liquid or gel substance to the hair, rather than encourage absorption of the same. The enriched liquid or gel substance is formulated to be noticeable to the touch such that the user of the scrunchie device 10 will notice its presence, but the enriched liquid or gel substance will also dry over time such that it leaves no undesirable residue in the hair or on other materials.

The scrunchie device 10 has a predefined, limited life span; once the enriched liquid or gel has been effectively released, the scrunchie device 10 can either be discarded by the user or used in its “dry” or “empty” state as a traditional hair tie device.

Although the present disclosure is illustrated and described with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, are contemplated thereby, and are intended to be covered by the following non-limiting claims for all purposes.

Claims

1. A hair scrunchie device comprising: a porous fabric covering; andan elastic tube disposed within the fabric covering;wherein the porous fabric covering and the elastic tube are adapted to be formed into a closed loop; andwherein the elastic tube defines an internal channel adapted to contain liquid or gel contents and a plurality of pores adapted to open when the elastic tube is stretched, thereby allowing the liquid or gel to pass through the plurality of pores and radially out of the elastic tube.

2. The hair scrunchie device of claim 1, wherein the liquid or gel that passes radially out of the elastic tube is allowed to pass through the porous fabric covering to hair of a wearer of the hair scrunchie device.

3. The hair scrunchie device of claim 1, wherein the porous fabric covering is adapted to retain a portion of the liquid or gel fora period of time.

4. The hair scrunchie device of claim 1, wherein the elastic tube is formed into a closed loop when ends of the elastic tube are joined together.

5. The hair scrunchie device of claim 1, wherein the elastic tube is formed into a closed loop when ends of the elastic tube are joined together with a barbed connector.

6. The hair scrunchie device of claim 1, wherein the elastic tube is formed into a closed loop when ends of the elastic tube are joined together with a flexible plug.

7. The hair scrunchie device of claim 1, wherein the elastic tube is formed into a closed loop when ends of the elastic tube are joined together with one or more of stitching, welding, an adhesive, and a crimping band.

8. The hair scrunchie device of claim 1, wherein the elastic tube defines the internal channel adapted to contain the liquid or gel contents and the plurality of pores adapted to open when the elastic tube is stretched in an axial direction, thereby reducing the lateral radius of the elastic tube and the internal channel.

9. A method of providing a hair scrunchie device, the method comprising: providing a porous fabric covering;providing an elastic tube defining an internal channel adapted to contain liquid or gel contents and a plurality of pores adapted to open when the elastic tube is stretched;disposing the liquid or gel within the internal channel;disposing the elastic tube within the fabric covering; andforming the porous fabric covering and the elastic tube into a closed loop;wherein, when the elastic tube is stretched and the plurality of pores open, the liquid or gel is allowed to pass through the plurality of pores and radially out of the elastic tube.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the liquid or gel that passes radially out of the elastic tube is allowed to pass through the porous fabric covering to hair of a wearer of the hair scrunchie device.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the porous fabric covering is adapted to retain a portion of the liquid or gel for a period of time.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the elastic tube is formed into a closed loop when ends of the elastic tube are joined together.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein the elastic tube is formed into a closed loop when ends of the elastic tube are joined together with a barbed connector.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein the elastic tube is formed into a closed loop when ends of the elastic tube are joined together with a flexible plug.

15. The method of claim 9, wherein the elastic tube is formed into a closed loop when ends of the elastic tube are joined together with one or more of stitching, welding, an adhesive, and a crimping band.

16. The method of claim 9, wherein the elastic tube defines the internal channel adapted to contain the liquid or gel contents and the plurality of pores adapted to open when the elastic tube is stretched in an axial direction, thereby reducing the lateral radius of the elastic tube and the internal channel.