Finger Sleeve Hair Curler Tool and Method

Abstract

The finger sleeve hair curler tool is a cloth hair curling tool accessorized with a removable curl template spool. It provides an improved method of hair curling and also functions as a novel hair accessory and ponytail holder. Piece 1 is a finger-sized fabric sleeve which is closed on one end; the open end flaring to create two lobed appendages beyond the rim of the opening, each of which has a fingertip fastener aperture. The user slips the sleeve over an index finger, coils a hair section around the sleeved finger, and secures the hair within the curler via the fingertip fastener apertures using a variety of techniques for the desired results. Piece 2 of the system is a rigid finger-shaped curl template spool which the user may alternately use as a framework to slip the fabric sleeve over, thus accommodating a greater range of hair-rolling techniques and results.

1 . 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 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.   
     
     
         2 . The curler tool according to  claim 1  wherein the sleeve is formed of a flexible cloth material. 
     
     
         3 . The curler tool according to  claim 1  wherein said at least one lobe is formed integrally and continuously of the same material as the sleeve. 
     
     
         4 . The curler tool according to  claim 1  wherein said at least one lobe is formed of an elastic material. 
     
     
         5 . The curler tool according to  claim 1  wherein the sleeve is formed of an elastic material. 
     
     
         6 . The curler tool according to  claim 1  wherein the aperture in said at least one sleeve is stretchable in size. 
     
     
         7 . The curler tool according to  claim 1  wherein the aperture in said at least one sleeve includes a reinforced peripheral edge. 
     
     
         8 . The curler tool according to  claim 1  wherein the sleeve is formed of a cloth material joined along at least one seam extending in the longitudinal direction, said at least one seam including 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. 
     
     
         9 . The curler tool according to  claim 1  wherein 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. 
     
     
         10 . The curler tool according to  claim 1  in combination with mandrel tool arranged to be slidable received in the sleeve. 
     
     
         11 . The curler tool according to  claim 10  wherein the mandrel tool is substantially straight in the longitudinal direction of the sleeve. 
     
     
         12 . The curler tool according to  claim 10  wherein the mandrel tool is curved in the longitudinal direction of the sleeve. 
     
     
         13 . The curler tool according to  claim 10  wherein 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. 
     
     
         14 . The curler tool according to  claim 10  wherein 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. 
     
     
         15 . The curler tool according to  claim 10  wherein 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. 
     
     
         16 . The curler tool according to  claim 10  wherein 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. 
     
     
         17 . 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.   
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 17  including 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. 
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 17  wherein said at least one lobe comprises a pair of lobes which are diametrically opposite one another, the method including 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. 
     
     
         20 . 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;   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 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.