Multi-Use Hair Styling Apparatus and Methods of Use

Abstract

A hairstyling apparatus has a cushioning sheath that defines an enclosed opening and a flexible frame positioned within the cushioning sheath. The frame extends along an inner perimeter of the cushioning sheath such that end portions of the frame are adjacent the ends of the cushioning sheath. First and second sides of the cushioning sheath are capable of being twisted with respect to each other such that first and side portions of the frame cause the enclosed opening to become smaller.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A hairstyling apparatus, comprising a cushioning sheath and a frame positioned within the cushioning sheath;
 the cushioning sheath having an upper layer and a lower layer; the upper and lower layers each having opposing first and second sides and opposing first and second ends;   the upper and lower layers each having openings that are in alignment with each other such that the cushioning sheath defines an enclosed opening;   the enclosed opening extending between the first and second ends, and extending longitudinally along a plane defined by the first and second sides of the cushioning sheath;   the frame having opposing first and second side portions, and opposing first and second end portions;   the frame extending along an inner perimeter of the cushioning sheath; the first end portion of the frame being adjacent the first end of the cushioning sheath, and, the second end portion of the frame being adjacent the second end of the cushioning sheath;   the first end and second ends of the cushioning sheath being capable of being twisted in opposite directions with respect to each other such that the first and side portions of the frame cause the enclosed opening to become smaller.   
     
     
         2 . The hairstyling apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the frame comprises a flat or ribbon-shaped material that provides dimensional stability, flexibility and resiliency to the hairstyling apparatus. 
     
     
         3 . The hairstyling apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the opposed first and second end portions are connected by first and second sides, such that the frame can be formed into a generally elliptical or oblong shape. 
     
     
         4 . The hairstyling apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the ribbon-shaped material of the frame has a height greater than its thickness. 
     
     
         5 . The hairstyling apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the cushioning sheath has a top layer and a bottom layer which are in an opposing planar relationship, the top and bottom layers defining the opposing first and second ends. 
     
     
         6 . The hairstyling apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the cushioning sheath has a rectangular shape, where the opposing first and second ends are substantially shorter in length than opposing first and second sides. 
     
     
         7 . The hairstyling apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the cushioning sheath is about 30 to about 35 mm long, and about 5 to about 6 mm wide. 
     
     
         8 . The hairstyling apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein, the enclosed opening is about 15 mm long, and is positioned equidistant from the first and second ends of the cushioning sheath. 
     
     
         9 . The hairstyling apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the frame extends along an inner perimeter of the cushioning sheath such that the frame end portions are adjacent the ends of the cushioning sheath. 
     
     
         10 . The hairstyling apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the cushioning sheath is a single fabric. 
     
     
         11 . The hairstyling apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the cushioning sheath comprises cushioning sheath is fabrics stitched together. 
     
     
         12 . The hairstyling apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the cushioning sheath is made of a fabric that stretches or a fabric that provides a loose-coverage to the frame, thereby, providing room for the frame to be manipulated into different shapes. 
     
     
         13 . The hairstyling apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein fabric has a surface that gently grasps the hair, while not allowing hair to be ensnarled. 
     
     
         14 . The hairstyling apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein fabric comprises one or more of:
 velvet-type materials, velveteen materials and velour-type materials.   
     
     
         15 . A method of containing a wearer's hair using the hairstyling apparatus of  claim 1 , comprising:
 inserting at least a portion of the wearer's hair into the enclosed opening,   rotating the hairstyling apparatus in a direction toward the wearer' head, and   bringing the opposing first and second ends of the cushioning sheath into contact with each other in order to secure the hair within the hairstyling apparatus.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the first end of the cushioning sheath and the second end of the cushioning sheath are twisted in opposite directions with respect to each other such that the first and side portions of the frame cause the enclosed opening to become smaller. 
     
     
         17 . A method of curling a wearer's hair using the hairstyling apparatus of  claim 1 , comprising:
 inserting at least a portion of the wearer's hair into the enclosed opening,   rotating the hairstyling apparatus in a direction toward the wearer' head,   bringing the opposing first and second ends of the cushioning sheath into contact with each other in order to secure the hair within the hairstyling apparatus; and   after a desired period of time, unwrapping the hair from the hairstyling apparatus to provide curls to the wearer's hair.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the first end of the cushioning sheath and the second end of the cushioning sheath are twisted in opposite directions with respect to each other such that the first and side portions of the frame cause the enclosed opening to become smaller