Hair styling devices and methods

Abstract

A hair styling and holding device is provided which includes a pair of elongated tapered members joined together by an elastic element connected to two members at or near the top thereof. In one embodiment, a tubular sleeve at least partially encloses the elastic element. In an important implementation, detachable end caps are removably affixed to the tops of the tapered members. The end caps are joined together by the elastic element so that the end caps and the elastic element (and the sleeve, if present) can be removed as a unit from the tapered members. Different shapes and forms of the tapered members are provided, and different methods are provided for using the device in styling and holding hair styles such as a bun, French twist, and the like.

1 . A hair styling device comprising: 
 first and second elongate members each including a first end portion of smaller diameter that an opposite end portion;    an elastic element connected to the opposite end portion of said first and second members for joining said first and second members together; and    a tubular sleeve at least partially enclosing said elastic element.    
   
   
       2 . A device according to  claim 1  wherein said first and second members include detachable end caps removably affixed thereto at said opposite end portions thereof, said end caps being joined together by said elastic element so that said end caps and said elastic element and said sleeve can be removed as a unit from first and second members.  
   
   
       3 . A device according to  claim 2  wherein said end caps each include a recess in an end surface thereof and wherein the opposite end portions of said first and second members each include a head part received in the recess of the corresponding end cap.  
   
   
       4 . A device according to  claim 3  wherein each said head part is received as a snap-fit in the corresponding recess.  
   
   
       5 . A device according to  claim 3  wherein each said head part includes external screw threading which mates with internal screw threading of the corresponding recess.  
   
   
       6 . A device according to  claim 3  wherein each said head part includes a spring-biased pushbutton for, when released, securing the corresponding elongate member to its associated end cap and for, when depressed, enabling separation of the corresponding elongate member from its associated end cap.  
   
   
       7 . A device according to  claim 3  wherein each said end cap includes a slot in a wall thereof which defines said recess and wherein each of said first and second members includes an outwardly projecting part received in said slot so as to secure the corresponding elongate member to its associated end cap.  
   
   
       8 . A device according to  claim 7  wherein said slot extends from a lower edge of said wall, is of an inverted L-shape and includes catch means for releasably securing the projecting part of the corresponding elongate member in said slot.  
   
   
       9 . A device according to  claim 8  wherein said catch means comprises oppositely projecting portions of the corresponding end cap that form a transverse leg of said L-shaped slot, said oppositely projecting portions defining a narrowed passage therebetween.  
   
   
       10 . A device according to  claim 1  further comprising at least one separate element secured by said elastic element to at least one member of said first and second members at said opposite portion therefor.  
   
   
       11 . A device according to  claim 10  wherein said at least one separate element is secured by said elastic element so as to abut an end surface of said at least one member.  
   
   
       12 . A device according to  claim 11  wherein said at least one member includes a throughhole therein extending between said end surface and a side wall surface of said at least one member and said elastic element is received in said throughhole.  
   
   
       13 . A device according to  claim 12  wherein said at least one separate element includes a further separate element secured by said elastic element in abutment with said side wall surface.  
   
   
       14 . A device according to  claim 10  wherein said at least one separate element is secured by said elastic element so as to abut a side wall surface of said at least one member.  
   
   
       15 . A device according to  claim 14  wherein said at least one member includes a transverse throughhole therein and said elastic element extends through said throughhole.  
   
   
       16 . A device according to  claim 15  wherein said at least one separate element comprises a further separate element secured by elastic element to at least one member at an opposite side wall surface thereof.  
   
   
       17 . A device according to  claim 2  further comprising at least one separate element secured by said elastic element to the end cap of at least one of said first and second members.  
   
   
       18 . A device according to  claim 17  wherein said at least one separate element is secured by said elastic element so as to abut an end surface of the end cap of said at least one member.  
   
   
       19 . A device according to  claim 18  wherein said at least one member includes a throughhole therein extending between said end surface and a side wall surface of the end cap of said at least one member and said elastic element is received in said throughhole.  
   
   
       20 . A device according to  claim 19  wherein said at least one separate element includes a further separate element secured by said elastic element in abutment with said side wall surface.  
   
   
       21 . A device according to  claim 17  wherein said at least one separate element is secured by said elastic element so as to abut a side wall surface of the end cap of said at least one member.  
   
   
       22 . A device according to  claim 21  wherein said at least one member includes a transverse throughhole therein and said elastic element extends through said throughhole.  
   
   
       23 . A device according to  claim 22  wherein said at least one separate element comprises a further separate element secured by elastic element to at least one member at an opposite side wall surface thereof.  
   
   
       24 . A device according to  claim 1  wherein at least one of said elongate members includes external ridges.  
   
   
       25 . A device according to  claim 24  wherein said ridges form screw-like threads.  
   
   
       26 . A device according to  claim 1  wherein at least one of said elongate members comprises a plurality of outwardly projecting protuberances thereon.  
   
   
       27 . A device according to  claim 1  wherein at least one of said elongate members includes a plurality of undulations along the length thereof.  
   
   
       28 . A hair styling device for holding the hair of a user in place, said device comprising an elongate member including a first end portion of smaller diameter than that of an opposite end portion, said elongate member having a center line and including a plurality of portions projecting outwardly different distances from the center line thereof on opposite sides of said centerline for enhancing holding of the hair of a user.  
   
   
       29 . A device according to  claim 28  wherein said projecting portions comprise external ridges.  
   
   
       30 . A device according to  claim 29  wherein said ridges form screw-like threads.  
   
   
       31 . A device according to  claim 28  wherein said projecting portions comprise a plurality of outwardly projecting protuberances.  
   
   
       32 . A device according to  claim 28  wherein said projecting portions are formed by a plurality of undulations along the length of said elongate member.  
   
   
       33 . A device according to  claim 28  further comprising a further said elongate member, and a connecting element for connecting the first mentioned elongate member to the further said elongate member.  
   
   
       34 . A hair styling device for holding the hair of a user in place, said device comprising an elongate member including a first end portion of smaller diameter than that of an opposite end portion, and a removable end cap detachably secured to said opposite end portion of said elongate member.  
   
   
       35 . A device according to  claim 34  wherein said end cap includes a recess in an end surface thereof and wherein the opposite end portion of said elongate member includes a head part received in the recess of the end cap.  
   
   
       36 . A device according to  claim 35  wherein said head part is received as a snap-fit in the recess.  
   
   
       37 . A device according to  claim 35  wherein said head part includes external screw threading which mates with internal screw threading of the recess.  
   
   
       38 . A device according to  claim 35  wherein said head part includes a spring-biased pushbutton for, when released, securing the elongate member to the end cap and for, when depressed, enabling separation of the elongate member from the end cap.  
   
   
       39 . A device according to  claim 35  wherein said end cap includes a slot in a wall thereof defining said recess and wherein said elongate member includes an outwardly projecting part received in said slot so as to secure the elongate member to the end cap.  
   
   
       40 . A device according to  claim 39  wherein said slot extends from a lower edge of said wall, is of an inverted L-shape and includes catch means for releasably securing the projecting part of the elongate member in said slot.  
   
   
       41 . A device according to  claim 40  wherein said catch means comprises oppositely projecting portions of the end cap that form a transverse leg of said L-shaped slot, said oppositely projecting portions defining a narrowed passage therebetween.  
   
   
       42 . A device according to  claim 34  further comprising a further elongate member including a further end cap and a connecting element for connecting the first mentioned end cap to said further end cap.  
   
   
       43 . A method of styling and holding hair using a device comprising first and second elongate members joined together at locations therealong at least near one end thereof by an elongate connecting element, said method comprising: 
 arranging hair on the back of the head so that a portion of the hair is gathered together into a gathered mass in the form of a roll or a bun;    inserting the first elongate member into the gathered mass of hair so that an end portion thereof opposite said one end is disposed against the head;    while keeping the first elongate member disposed against the head, pivoting said one end of said first elongate member in a direction away from an initial position assumed thereby when the first member is inserted into the gathered mass of hair;    disposing the connecting element relative to the hair so as to secure at least a portion of the connecting element in place on the head; and    inserting the second elongate member into the gathered mass of hair to hold the gathered mass of hair in place.    
   
   
       44 . A method according to  claim 43  wherein the gathered mass comprises a hair bun and the connecting element is wrapped around the bun so as to pass under portions of the first elongate member extending outwardly from the bun on opposite sides thereof, prior to inserting the second elongate member.  
   
   
       45 . A method according to  claim 43  wherein the gathered mass comprises a hair roll and the connecting member is hooked below an outwardly extending portion of the first elongate member, prior to the insertion of the second elongate member.