Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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FINGER SLEEVE HAIR CURLER TOOL AND METHOD
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a resilient tool arranged to be worn on a
finger of a user such that hair can be wound about the tool and the finger of
the user
subsequently removed for curling the hair.
BACKGROUND
Known devices for curling hair typically comprise rigid rollers about
which hair is wound. The rigid rollers are uncomfortable, especially when worn
while
sleeping. Furthermore rigid rollers for curling hair are not aesthetically
pleasing and
therefore undesirable to be worn in public environments.
US Patent 2,663,302, filed December 22, 1953 by Palitti disclose a curl
holder in the form of a sleeve arranged to be worn on a finger of a user about
which
hair may be curled. Retaining the hair curled about the sleeve however
requires an
awkward manipulation of the open end of the sleeve that receives the finger of
the
user therethrough by cinching a cord about the wound hair. The curl holder is
thus
difficult to use compared to conventional rigid rollers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In the preferred embodiment the present invention comprises a hair
curler tool comprising of a cloth sleeve the approximate length and width of a
finger
constructed entirely of elastic fabric wherein the sleeve is closed at one end
and has
on the open flared end one or two lobed appendages extending beyond the rim of
the
opening, each of which has a centrally-positioned fastener aperture.
According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a hair curler
tool arranged to support a length of hair in a curled condition, the tool
comprising:
a sleeve extending in a longitudinal direction between a closed end and
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a finger opening in an opposing open end so as to be arranged to receive a
finger
slidable therein in the longitudinal direction through the finger opening; and
at least one lobe on the open end of the sleeve which includes an
aperture therein;
at least one of the sleeve and said at least one lobe being formed of a
flexible material and the aperture being suitably sized such that the closed
end of the
sleeve is arranged to be received through the aperture in said at least one
lobe when
the length of hair is wound about the sleeve between the open and closed ends
thereof.
The flexible material of the hair curler tool is much more comfortable
than prior art rigid rollers. Furthermore, the configuration of the lobe or
lobes having
an aperture receiving the closed end of the sleeve therein is much easier to
manipulate than the cinching cord of prior US Patent 2,663, 302 such that the
hair
curler tool is much easier to use than any prior art devices for retaining
hair in a curled
condition.
Preferably the sleeve is formed of a flexible cloth material.
Preferably said at least one lobe is formed integrally and continuously of
the same material as the sleeve.
Preferably said at least one lobe is formed of an elastic material.
Preferably the sleeve is formed of an elastic material.
Preferably the aperture in said at least one sleeve is stretchable in size.
Preferably the aperture in said at least one sleeve includes a reinforced
peripheral edge.
Preferably the sleeve is formed of a cloth material joined along at least
one seam extending in the longitudinal direction in which said at least one
seam
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includes at least one free edge of material protruding from the seam and
having a
saw-tooth shaped profile along the length thereof in the longitudinal
direction.
Preferably said at least one lobe comprises a pair of lobes at
diametrically opposite sides of the opening in the open end of the sleeve,
each
including an aperture therein arranged to receive the closed end of the sleeve
therein.
The curler tool may be provided in combination with mandrel tool
arranged to be slidable received in the sleeve. The mandrel tool may be
substantially
straight in the longitudinal direction of the sleeve or curved in the
longitudinal direction
of the sleeve.
Preferably the mandrel tool is tapered so as to have a smaller dimension
perpendicular to the longitudinal direction at a central portion than at
opposing end
portions locating the central portion therebetween.
Preferably the mandrel tool includes a body extending between a first
end and an opposing second end supporting a hook thereon in association with
said
at least one lobe such that said at least one lobe is arranged to be hooked
onto the
respective hook when on the mandrel tool when the first end of the body is
slidably
inserted into the sleeve.
Preferably the mandrel tool is longer than the sleeve so as to define a
handle portion on the mandrel tool which protrudes outwardly in the
longitudinal
direction from the open end of the sleeve when the mandrel tool is fully
inserted into
the sleeve.
Preferably the aperture in said at least one lobe is arranged to receive
the closed end of the sleeve therein together with an end of the mandrel tool
received
in the sleeve.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided
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a method of supporting a length of hair, the method comprising:
providing a hair tool comprising a sleeve extending in a longitudinal
direction between a closed end and a finger opening in an opposing open end
and at
least one lobe on the open end of the sleeve which includes an aperture
therein;
inserting a finger into the sleeve through the finger opening such that the
finger is slidable relative to the sleeve in the longitudinal direction of the
sleeve;
wrapping at least a portion of the length of hair at least partway about
the sleeve between the open and closed ends of the sleeve;
inserting the closed end of the sleeve through the aperture in said at
least one lobe such that said portion of the length of hair is retained
between said at
least one lobe and the sleeve.
The method may further include winding a full length of said length of
hair about the sleeve and retaining the full length of said length of hair in
a curled
condition about the sleeve using only said at least one lobe.
When said at least one lobe comprises a pair of lobes which are
diametrically opposite one another, the method may include inserting the
closed end
of the sleeve through the aperture in both lobes such that said portion of
hair is
retained on diametrically opposed sides of the sleeve by the pair of lobes
respectively.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a
method of supporting a length of hair, the method comprising:
providing a hair tool comprising a sleeve extending in a longitudinal
direction between a closed end and an opening in an opposing open end and at
least
one lobe on the open end of the sleeve which includes an aperture therein;
providing a mandrel tool having an elongate body extending between
first and second ends;
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inserting the first end of the mandrel tool into the sleeve through the
opening in the sleeve such that the elongate body of the mandrel tool is
slidable
relative to the sleeve in the longitudinal direction of the sleeve;
wrapping at least a portion of the length of hair at least partway about
5 the sleeve between the open and closed ends of the sleeve;
inserting the closed end of the sleeve together with the first end of the
mandrel tool received therein through the aperture in said at least one lobe
such that
said portion of the length of hair is retained between said at least one lobe
and the
sleeve.
Various embodiments of the invention will now be described in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views of the sleeve of the tool;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the sleeve on a finger prior to hair
being wound thereon;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the spool upon which the sleeve may
be mounted;
Figures 5 through 9 are perspective views of different steps in the use of
the tool according to a first application;
Figures 10 through 13 are perspective views of different steps in the use
of the tool according to a second application;
Figures 14 through 20 are perspective views of different steps in the use
of the tool according to a third application; and
Figures 21 through 25 are perspective views of different steps in the use
of the tool according to a fourth application.
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In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts
in the different figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to the accompanying figures, there is illustrated a hair curler
tool generally indicated by reference numeral 10. The hair curler tool 10 is
particularly
suited for supporting a length of hair in a curled condition for setting
curls.
The curler tool 10 generally comprises an elongate sleeve 12 extending
in a longitudinal direction between a closed end 14 which is closed and an
opposing
open end 16 locating an opening therein through which a finger of a user is
arranged
to be longitudinally slidable into the sleeve. The tool 10 further comprises
two lobes
18 at the open end of the sleeve which are diametrically opposite one another
and
which extend in the longitudinal direction outward beyond the open end of the
sleeve.
Each of the lobes locates an aperture 20 therein.
The sleeve is formed of two flat pieces of cloth material which are
flexible and elastic throughout the sleeves and the lobes such that the lobes
are
integrally formed with the sleeves continuously and seamlessly therewith. The
two
flat pieces of material are joined by diametrically opposed longitudinally
extending
seams joined together at the closed end of the sleeve to form one continuous
generally U-shaped seam. The two pieces of material are thus situated on
diametrically opposed sides of the sleeve along the full length thereof with
each of the
two pieces integrally locating one of the two lobes thereon.
In use, the tool 10 receives a finger of a user slidably inserted therein
through the opening at the open end 16. A length of hair, or a portion thereof
is then
wrapped at least part-way about the longitudinal axis of the sleeve. When used
for
curling, the full length of hair is fully wrapped about the sleeve at a
central location
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thereon between the open and closed ends of the sleeve. The hair is then
retained in
the wrapped or curled condition about the sleeve by stretching at least one of
the
lobes over the wound hair until the aperture 20 therein is aligned with the
closed end
of the sleeve for insertion of the closed end of the sleeve together with the
finger of
the user therein through the aperture with the hair clamped between the lobe
and the
sleeve. In some instances, both lobes are stretched over the hair at
diametrically
opposed sides of the sleeve with the closed end of the sleeve being inserted
through
the apertures of both lobes to substantially fully enclose the hair within the
cloth
material of the tool.
In some instances the curler tool is used with a mandrel tool 22
comprising a generally cylindrical body 24 extending generally in a
longitudinal
direction between a first end 26 and an opposing second end 28. The first end
26
defines a tip which is tapered or rounded for ease of insertion through the
opening at
the open end of the sleeve. The main portion of the body is arranged to be
slidably
inserted into the sleeve. The main portion is typically equal to or greater in
length
than the sleeve. The main portion may include a central portion 30 between two
end
portions 32 with the central portion being narrower in diameter than the two
end
portions to assist in locating the wound hair centrally thereon.
The second end of the body includes two hooks 34 formed thereon at
diametrically opposed positions for alignment with the apertures 20 in the
diametrically opposed lobes of the curler tool 10. Each of the hooks extends
outward
and curves away from the first end of the mandrel tool so as to be suitably
oriented for
retaining the mandrel tool inserted into the sleeve of the curler tool when
the lobes are
hooked on the diametrically opposed hooks 34.
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The body 24 may further include a handle portion, 36 extending outward
from the second end of the body in the longitudinal direction so as to be
longer than
the sleeve and so as to define a handle arranged to be gripped in the hand of
a user if
the body of the mandrel tool is inserted into the sleeve.
In use, a user initially inserts the mandrel tool into the sleeve of the
curler tool and hooks the lobes 18 on the respective hooks 34. A portion of
the hair of
a user is then wound about the sleeve with the body of the mandrel tool
remaining
inserted therein. To retain the hair in the curled condition, one or both
lobes are
unhooked from the hooks, stretched overtop of the wound hair such that the
closed
end 14 of the sleeve together with the first end of the mandrel tool inserted
therein are
arranged to be inserted through respective apertures 20 in the two lobes 18.
The
mandrel tool may then be removed from the sleeve and used to support a
subsequent
curler tool while hair is wound thereon.
In the illustrated embodiment, the body of the mandrel tool is
substantially straight in the longitudinal direction however in further
embodiment, the
tool may be curved between the first and second ends thereof. Due to the
flexible
nature of the sleeve, the sleeve follows a similarly curved path as the
mandrel tool is
inserted into the sleeve in this instance.
As described herein, the first component of the invention is a cloth
sleeve the approximate length and width of a finger constructed entirely of
elastic
fabric; closed on one end and open on the other: the open end flaring to
accommodate two lobed appendages beyond the rim of the opening situated
opposite
to each other, each lobe having a centrally-located fingertip fastener
aperture. The
apertures are holes in the fabric which can be reinforced with a rubberized
finish or an
additional layer of fabric to help maintain their resiliency. Refer to FIGURE
1, a view
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of the Finger-Sleeve Hair Curler in flattened condition and FIGURE 2 which
shows the
fabric sleeve from a side view.
The second component of the invention is a rigid curl template spool or
mandrel which the user may alternately use as a framework to slip the fabric
sleeve
over in order to roll the hair section around the curler sleeve. Refer to
FIGURE 4, a
view of the curl template spool. One end is rounded; the central portion is
tapered to a
narrower circumference than the ends. The other end has two small protruding
fastener hooks on opposite sides of the spool and a small knob which the user
may
grasp while rolling the hair around the sleeve.
The tool allows for an improved cold method of curling hair: more
attractive so as to be worn in public, more comfortable than traditional rigid
rollers so
as to be slept on, more versatile in function, more compact than rag-tie
curlers so as
to improve ease of use, lighter and more compact for storage than traditional
curlers
or electronic curling devices, more fun and uniquely novel to use, and more
environmentally friendly because both its production and use consume less
materials
and energy than existing hair curling products.
Five embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the
accompanying drawings. The curler system can be used on dry to wet hair.
Drying
time will vary accordingly.
Application 1: Application 1 is recommended for fast results. FIGURE 9
demonstrates that when 1 fastener aperture is used to secure the hair to the
finger
sleeve curler, the wrapped secured hair is accessible, allowing the user the
option to
apply setting products like hairspray and allowing the hair to air-dry
quickly:
STEP 1: The user slides a curler sleeve onto an index finger and
stretches one fingertip fastener hole (aperture) over the tip of the thumb.
The span of
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stretched fabric on the curler sleeve between the index finger and thumb tip
creates
an L-shaped fabric groove/guide around which the user will begin to coil the
hair
section (FIG 3).
STEP 2: With the free hand, the user coils a section of hair
5 (approximately 3x3 centimeters depending upon the thickness of hair and the
desired
result) around the sleeved finger (FIG 5) starting with the root end and
finishing with
the "free end" of the hair section.
STEP 3: To secure the hair to the curler, the fingertip fastener aperture
is unhooked from the thumb tip and slipped over the tip of the sleeved index
finger
10 (FIG 6).
STEP 4: The user grasps the tip of the fabric sleeve to pull it snugly
through the fastener hole, thus releasing the index finger from the curler
sleeve and
securing the hair in position on the curler (FIG 7 and 8). The coiled hair is
now
wrapped around and secured to the fabric curler (FIG 9). The user loads
another
curler sleeve onto a finger and proceeds to wrap the next section of hair.
Application 2: By utilizing both fingertip fastener apertures, the curler
(FIG 13) entirely encloses the coiled hair within the curler fabric for 2
results: 1) The
coiled hair section is more securely enclosed within the curler fabric and is
thus
suitable for longer-term use, such as wearing the curlers while the user
sleeps: 2)
Utilizing both fastener apertures create an attractive configuration of the
curler tool
which is suitable to be worn as a novel hair accessory:
STEP 1: The user slides a curler sleeve onto an index finger and
stretches one fingertip fastener hole (aperture) over the tip of the thumb.
The span of
stretched fabric on the curler sleeve between the index finger and thumb tip
creates
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an L-shaped fabric groove/guide around which the user will begin to coil the
hair
section (FIG 3).
STEP 2: With the free hand, the user coils a section of hair
(approximately 3x3 centimeters depending upon the thickness of hair and the
desired
result) around the sleeved finger (FIG 5) starting with the root end and
finishing with
the "free end" of the hair section.
STEP 3: To secure the hair to the curler, the fingertip fastener aperture
is unhooked from the thumb tip and slipped over the tip of the sleeved index
finger
(FIG 6).
STEP 4: Loop the second or top fastener aperture over the tip of the
index finger (FIG 10).
STEP 5: The user grasps the tip of the fabric sleeve to pull it snugly
through both fastener holes, thus releasing the index finger from the sleeve
and
securing the hair in position on the curler (FIG 11 and 12).
Application 3: The user may slide the finger sleeve curler over the curl
template spool instead of their own finger to create a different type of curl.
This
method produces a smoother ringlet or spiral curl as compared to the more
twisted or
tousled curl described in application 1 and 2.
STEP 1: The user slips a curler sleeve onto the curl template spool and
stretches the fastener holes (apertures) over the hooks of the spool (FIG 14).
STEP 2: In this embodiment of the invention, the user rolls a section of
hair around the middle tapered section of the curler tool, beginning with the
hair tips
and rolling to the hair root (FIG 15).
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STEP 3: To secure the hair to the curler, unhook the fingertip fastener
apertures from the spool hooks and slip one or both apertures over the closed
end of
the sleeved spool (FIG 17).
STEP 4: Grasp the closed end of the fabric sleeve and slide the
template spool out from the sleeve (FIG 18).
STEP 5: Pull the closed end of the sleeve snugly through the fastener
aperture(s) to secure the coiled hair section to the curler (FIG 8 or FIG 18).
Application 4: To function as a ponytail holder: see FIG 25
STEP 1: The user slides a Finger-Sleeve Hair Curler Tool onto an index
finger, stretches one fingertip fastener aperture over the tip of the thumb
(Fig 21), and
then gathers the entire hair section between thumb and index finger (FIG 22
and 23).
STEP 2: The sleeve is secured around the hair by slipping one or both
of the fastener apertures over the tip of the index finger (FIG 24).
STEP 3: Grasp the closed end of the sleeve at the index fingertip, and
pull the fabric snugly through the apertures to the desired tension (FIG 25).
Note that
in this embodiment of the invention, no hair is coiled around the index
finger.
Application 5: A proportionately smaller version of the curler tool and
curl template spool accessory may be used for shorter or smaller sections of
hair:
In this embodiment of the invention, the user would slip a smaller finger
sleeve curler tool on their smallest finger instead of the index finger, or
onto a smaller
curl template spool, and follow the same procedures as previously described.
As described herein, the present invention relates to a hair curler tool
comprising of a cloth sleeve the approximate length and width of a finger
constructed
entirely of elastic fabric wherein the sleeve is closed at one end and has on
the open
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flared end one or two lobed appendages extending beyond the rim of the
opening,
each of which has a centrally-positioned fastener aperture.
The tool may be accessorized with a second component which is a
removable rigid curl template spool. The spool is designed to slide into the
finger
sleeve tool. The central portion of the spool is tapered to a narrower
circumference
than the ends. One end is rounded, other end has 2 hooks designed to stretch
the
fabric curler sleeve over the spool by means of securing the fastener
apertures to the
hooks. Beyond the hooks is a small knob which the user grasps while rolling
hair
around the curler tool.
The curler tool may be comprised of a fabric sleeve designed to be
slipped temporarily over a finger or rigid curl template spool (that serves as
a template
for the curl diameter) while hair is coiled around it for the purpose of
retaining curls.
The tool may have in its design fastener apertures located near the
open end of the curler finger sleeve which are independent of the hole through
which
a finger or likewise rigid structure is temporarily inserted.
The curler tool may be constructed so that the fabric trim may have saw
tooth or zigzag edges, the shape of which aids in holding the hair section in
place
around the curler as the hair section is coiled around a sleeved finger or
sleeved curl
template spool.
The curler tool may be constructed from any number of fabrics, the
properties of which may include stretch, absorbent/wicking or waterproof,
visual
appeal due to color or pattern.
The curler tool is thus versatile in its use as a hair curler, a fashion
accessory, and a ponytail holder.
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The size of the fabric sleeve and accompanying curl template spool may
be of varying sizes. For example, to make smaller curls with small sections of
hair, a
small curler sleeve could be used on the smallest finger of the hand, or a
small curler
sleeve could be used by children on their index fingers.
Since various modifications can be made in my invention as herein
above described, and many apparently widely different embodiments of same made
within the spirit and scope of the claims without department from such spirit
and
scope, it is intended that all matter contained in the accompanying
specification shall
be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.
