Collapsible Hair Rollers and Methods of Using the Same

The present disclosure claims priority on U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/638,078 filed Apr. 24, 2024, which is fully incorporated herein.

The present disclosure relates generally to rollers for use in individual's hair, and more specifically to collapsible hair rollers that can be unfolded into a near flat configuration when not in use and can be folded into a standard roller shape when in use.

Hair rollers and curlers are well known in the hair industry. A large number of these hair rollers are generally needed to fully curl one's hair and to obtain the desired hair style and to obtain the desired volume and setting for the hair. However, such hair rollers are typically fixed and pre-formed into a predetermined shape (generally a circular, cylindrical shape), making transporting, traveling, and packaging of the hair rollers bulky and ineffective due to their inflexible, pre-formed configuration. For example, packaging of the conventional, pre-formed hair rollers adds considerable expense to manufacturers as the conventional hair rollers occupy more space in their pre-formed configurations and thus require increased packaging material (i.e., bags, boxes, containers, protective materials, etc.). Also, the conventional, pre-formed hair rollers are bulky for consumers, thus can be inconvenient to store and/or transport.

In view of the current state of art of hair rollers, there is a need for an improved hair roller that overcome the deficiencies of prior art hair rollers.

The present disclosure relates generally to rollers of use in individual's hair that can be unfolded into a near flat configuration when not in use and can be folded and/or rolled into a standard roller shape when in use. The rollers in accordance with the present disclosure can be configured so that such rollers and curlers can be quickly and efficiently transitioned between a collapsed configuration and a formed configuration. The roller in the flat or near flat configuration allows for more convenient and spacing saving storage of the roller.

In one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, the collapsible hair roller can be formed of a plurality of roller frame sections that are moveably or hingably connected to one another. The connection arrangement is non-limiting (e.g., living hinge, hinge [e.g., butt hinges, pivot bracket, etc.), etc.). In one non-limiting configuration, two or more roller frame sections are connected together by a living hinge. The plurality of roller frame sections can optionally have the same size, and the same or generally the same shape. In one non-limiting configuration, one or more or all of the roller frame sections are arcuate shaped. At least two of the roller frame sections can include a releasable connection arrangement that connects the end region of the two adjacently positioned roller frame sections together. The connection arrangement is non-limiting (e.g., adhesive, magnet, snap, friction connection, hook and loop fastener, latch, mushroom top connection, etc.). In one non-limiting configuration, the connection arrangement is a magnetic connection. Alternatively, roller frame sections of the collapsible hair roller can be maintained in the formed configuration by use of an outer clip that is releasably connectable and/or positionable about a portion of all of the outer perimeter of the collapsible roller. The material used to form the roller frame sections is non-limiting (e.g., plastic, metal, composite material, ceramic, glass, wood, etc.). The number of roller frame sections is non-limiting (e.g., 2-20 and all values and ranges therebetween). The size of two or more or all of the roller frame sections can be the same; however, this is not required. One or more of the roller frame sections can include one or more openings therethrough to allow air to pass through the roller frame section to facilitate in the drying of hair that is on the roller frame section; however, this is not required. The number and shape of the openings on one or more of the roller frame sections are non-limiting.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, the outer surface of the frame of the collapsible hair roller can optionally include a hair attachment arrangement (e.g., hook and loop fasteners, plastic, adhesive, static cling material, etc.) that is used to facilitate in releasably securing hair to the outer surface of the roller when in use. The hair attachment arrangement can be connected (e.g., releasably connected, permanently connected, etc.) to the outer surface of the frame of the collapsible hair roller by various connections arrangements (e.g., adhesive, snap, friction connection, hook and loop fastener, latch, mushroom top connection, etc.). Generally, the hair attachment arrangement is formed of a flexible material. In one non-limiting arrangement, the hair attachment arrangement includes smaller section of a hook and loop fastener and/or soft loops portion of a hook and loop fastener. In such an arrangement, when hair is pressed and/or engages the hair attachment arrangement, the releasably connects to the hair attachment arrangement to facilitate in the connection of the hair to the collapsible hair roller during use.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, the collapsible hair roller can optionally a) include one or more electric heating elements, b) be partially or fully formed of or include materials that can rapidly absorb heat when heated (e.g., metal, metal inserts, metal particles embedded in the roller, etc.), c) be partially or fully formed of or include materials that can be inductively heated and/or microwave heated, d) be partially or fully formed of or include materials that can be heated when the roller is placed in a heating system. In one non-limiting embodiment, the collapsible hair rollers can be optionally formed of materials so that the rollers can be classified as thermo-rollers, ceramic hot rollers, heat source rollers, and heated rollers. In one non-limiting configuration, the collapsible hair rollers are “hot roller” in that the collapsible hair rollers are formed of one or more materials that enables the collapsible hair roller to be placed in a heater appliance or container that use used to heat the collapsible hair rollers with damaging the collapsible hair rollers. In one non-limiting arrangement, the collapsible hair rollers are partially or fully formed of ceramic material and/or metal material (e.g., titanium, stainless steel, etc.). In another non-limiting arrangement, the collapsible hair rollers are formed of one or more materials that enable the collapsible hair roller to be heated to at least 212° F. (100° C.) (e.g., 212° F.-400° F. and all values and ranges therebetween) without causing damage to the collapsible roller. The collapsible hair rollers can be heated in a collapsed state or an assembled state.

In one non-limiting object of the present disclosure, there is the provision of rollers that can be unfolded into a near flat configuration when not in use and can be folded and/or rolled into a standard roller shape when in use.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure, there is the provision of collapsible hair rollers formed of a plurality of roller frame sections that are moveably or hingably connected to one another.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure, there is the provision of collapsible hair rollers wherein at least two of the roller frame sections include a releasable connection arrangement that connects the end region of the two adjacently positioned roller frame sections together.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure, there is the provision of a collapsible hair roller that can be unfolded into a near flat configuration when not in use and can be folded into an assembled roller shape when in use; the collapsible hair roller includes first and second roller frame sections; each of the first and second roller frame sections include a frame body that has first and second ends; the first ends of the first and second frame sections include a first connection arrangement that forms a releasably connection between the first ends of the first and second frame sections; the second ends of the first and second frame sections includes an second connection arrangement that forms a movable connection between a) the second ends of the first and second frame sections or b) an intermediate roller frame system and the second ends of the first and second frame sections, and wherein the intermediate roller frame system includes one or more intermediate frame sections; the first connection arrangement is different from the second connection arrangement; the second connection arrangement forms a hinge or pivotable connection.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure, there is the provision of a collapsible hair roller wherein the first connection arrangement is selected from the group consisting of an adhesive connection, a magnetic connection, a hook and loop fastener connection, a snap connection, a latch connection, and a friction connection.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure, there is the provision of a collapsible hair roller wherein the second connection arrangement is selected from the group consisting of a living hinge and a mechanical hinge.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure, there is the provision of a collapsible hair roller wherein the frame body of the first and second roller frame sections has the same shape and size.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure, there is the provision of a collapsible hair roller wherein the frame body of the first and second roller frame sections are each arcuate shaped.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure, there is the provision of a collapsible hair roller including one or more of the intermediate frame sections; each of the intermediate frame sections has an intermediate frame body; the intermediate frame body of each of the intermediate frame sections has the same shape and size of the frame body of the first and second roller frame sections.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure, there is the provision of a collapsible hair roller wherein one or both of the frame body of the first and second roller frame sections include one or more body openings therethrough that are configured to allow air and liquid to pass therethrough.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure, there is the provision of a collapsible hair roller further including a hair attachment arrangement that is connected to an outer surface of one or both of the first and second roller frame sections; the hair attachment arrangement is formed of a different material from the body of the first and second roller frame sections; the hair attachment arrangement is form of one or more materials selected from the group consisting of hook and loop fastener, plastic, adhesive, paper, and static cling material.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure, there is the provision of a collapsible hair roller wherein the hair attachment arrangement is a single piece of flexible material that is connected to both the first and second roller frame sections.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure, there is the provision of a collapsible hair roller wherein the hair attachment arrangement is a plurality of pieces material, and wherein each of the plurality of pieces of material are connected to one of the first and second roller frame sections.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure, there is the provision of a collapsible hair roller wherein the hair attachment arrangement has a thickness that is less than a thickness of the frame body of each of the first and second roller frame sections.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure, there is the provision of a collapsible hair roller wherein the frame body of the first and second roller frame sections a) includes one or more electric heating elements, b) is be partially or fully formed of or include materials that can rapidly absorb heat when heated, c) is be partially or fully formed of or include materials that can be inductively heated and/or microwave heated, and/or d) is partially or fully formed of or include materials that can be heated when the frame body is placed in a heating system.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure, there is the provision of a collapsible hair roller wherein each the first and second ends of the first and second frame sections has a thickness that is greater than a thickness of a region between the first and second ends; the first and second ends of the first and second frame sections are configured to extend inwardly into a central opening of the collapsible hair roller when the collapsible hair roller is in the assembled roller shape.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure, there is the provision of a method for forming a collapsible hair roller into an assembled hair roller configuration from a collapsed orientation comprising: a) providing the collapsible hair roller that is in an unfolded and near flat configuration; the collapsible hair roller includes first and second roller frame sections; each of the first and second roller frame sections include a frame body that has first and second ends; the first ends of the first and second frame sections include a first connection arrangement that forms a releasably connection between the first ends of the first and second frame sections; the second ends of the first and second frame sections include an second connection arrangement that forms a movable connection between i) the second ends of the first and second frame sections or ii) an intermediate roller frame system and the second ends of the first and second frame sections, and wherein the intermediate roller frame system includes one or more intermediate frame sections; the first connection arrangement is different from the second connection arrangement; the second connection arrangement forms a hinge or pivotable connection; and b) moving the first ends of the first and second frame sections together to form a releasably connection between the first ends of the first and second frame sections to form the collapsible hair roller into the assembled hair roller configuration, and wherein the second ends of the first and second frame sections pivot or hingably move when the first ends of the first and second frame sections are releasably connected together.

These and other objects and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and following the description taken together with the accompanying drawings.

A more complete understanding of the articles/devices, processes and components disclosed herein can be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings. These figures are merely schematic representations based on convenience and the ease of demonstrating the present disclosure, and are, therefore, not intended to indicate relative size and dimensions of the devices or components thereof and/or to define or limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments.

Although specific terms are used in the following description for the sake of clarity, these terms are intended to refer only to the particular structure of the embodiments selected for illustration in the drawings and are not intended to define or limit the scope of the disclosure. In the drawings and the following description below, it is to be understood that like numeric designations refer to components of like function.

The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used in the specification and in the claims, the term “comprising” may include the embodiments “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.” The terms “comprise(s),” “include(s),” “having,” “has,” “can,” “contain(s),” and variants thereof, as used herein, are intended to be open-ended transitional phrases, terms, or words that require the presence of the named ingredients/steps and permit the presence of other ingredients/steps. However, such description should be construed as also describing compositions or processes as “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” the enumerated ingredients/steps, which allows the presence of only the named ingredients/steps, along with any unavoidable impurities that might result therefrom, and excludes other ingredients/steps.

Numerical values in the specification and claims of this application should be understood to include numerical values which are the same when reduced to the same number of significant figures and numerical values which differ from the stated value by less than the experimental error of conventional measurement technique of the type described in the present application to determine the value.

The terms “about” and “approximately” can be used to include any numerical value that can vary without changing the basic function of that value. When used with a range, “about” and “approximately” also disclose the range defined by the absolute values of the two endpoints, e.g., “about 2 to about 4” also discloses the range “from 2 to 4.” Generally, the terms “about” and “approximately” may refer to plus or minus 10% of the indicated number.

Percentages of elements should be assumed to be percent by weight of the stated element, unless expressly stated otherwise.

The present disclosure provides a monolithically formed (i.e. single-pieced) hair roller that can transition between a collapsed configuration when not in use and a formed configuration when in use. The collapsible hair roller, in accordance with the present disclosure, can unfold into a near flat configuration when not in use to, for example, utilize space when traveling, transporting, storing, packaging, or the like. In one non-limiting embodiment, a plurality of the disclosed collapsible hair rollers, in their collapsed configuration, can be transported, stored, and/or packaged in a single bag, box, container, or the like, thereby reducing the amount of “dead-space” between each roller and allowing for an increased number of rollers to fit within the bag, box, container, etc. It is to be understood that the disclosed collapsible hair roller, when in its formed configuration, can be used on its own, inserted onto a handle component of another curling device, or combinations thereof to obtain the desired number of curls in a user's hair.

With reference to, there is illustrated one non-limiting exemplary collapsible hair rollerin accordance with the present disclosure. The collapsible hair rolleris transitionable between a formed or assembled configuration () and a collapsed or unassembled and substantially flat configuration (). In the present non-limiting embodiment, the collapsible hair rollerincludes a plurality of roller frame sections,,,. The roller frame sections are movably connected together by a hinge arrangement. In one non-limiting configuration, the hinge arrangement can be in the form of a living hinge as best illustrated in. As can be appreciated, other types of hinges can be used. As can also be appreciated, the hinge arrangementcan be formed of the same type of hinge for movably connecting together the roller frame sections, or multiple different hinge arrangements can be used to connect together different adjacently positioned roller frame sections.

As illustrated in, when the collapsible hair rolleris in the formed or assembled configuration (), the cross-sectional shape of the outer perimeter of the collapsible hair rolleris substantially circular shaped; however, other shapes can be used (e.g., oval shaped, shape shaped, rectangular shaped, triangular shaped, polygonal shaped, etc.). The cross-sectional area, cross-sectional shape and/or diameter along the longitudinal length of the collapsible hair rollercan be constant or vary. As illustrated in, the outer shape of the collapsible hair rollerin the formed or assembled configuration () is generally cylindrical shaped and has a generally constant cross-sectional area or diameter along the longitudinal length of the collapsible hair roller. The outer diameter or cross-sectional area is non-limiting, and thus can be selected to obtain the desired size of the collapsible hair roller when in the formed or assembled configuration () (e.g., size of diameter depending on the desired curl type (i.e. size of outer diameter or cross-sectional area can be selected to achieve small diameter curls or large diameter curls).

When the collapsible hair rollerin the formed or assembled configuration (), the collapsible hair rollercan have an openingthat passes the partial or full longitudinal length of the collapsible hair roller. In one non-limiting configuration, the collapsible hair roller, when in the formed or assembled configuration (), has an openingthat passes the full longitudinal length of the collapsible hair roller, and such openingcan optionally have a constant cross-sectional shape and/or cross-sectional area along the full longitudinal length of the collapsible hair roller.

Each of the roller frame sections,,,includes a body,,,. The number of roller frame sections used to form the frameof collapsible hair rolleris non-limiting. As illustrated in, the frameis formed of four roller frame sections. As can be appreciated, the frame can be formed of any number of roller frame sections (e.g., 2-20 and all values and ranges therebetween). As illustrated in, roller frame sectionis movably connected to roller frame section. Roller frame sectionis also movably connected to roller frame section. Roller frame sectionis also movably connected to roller frame section. Roller frame sections,are configured to be releasably connectable to one another. The outer perimeter shape and size of each of roller frame sections,,,is generally the same, namely arcuate shaped. The shape and size of roller frame sections,is generally the same. The shape and size of roller frame sections,can also be generally the same, or can slightly differ by having a different configuration at the first outward faceand first outward face

As illustrated in, end memberincludes a bodythat has an inner surfaceand an outer surface. Bodyincludes a first edgeand a second edge. The maximum thickness of the first and second edges,is illustrated as being greater than the maximum thickness of the portion of the bodythat is located between the first and second edges,. The first and second edges,are illustrated as having a generally triangular shape; however, this is not required. When the collapsible hair rolleris in the formed configuration as illustrated in, the first and second edges,extend inwardly toward the center of opening. Likewise, end memberincludes a bodythat has an inner surfaceand an outer surface. Bodyincludes a first edgeand a second edge. The maximum thickness of the first and second edges,is illustrated as being greater than the maximum thickness of the portion of the bodythat is located between the first and second edges,. The first and second edges,are illustrated as having a generally triangular shape; however, this is not required. When the collapsible hair rolleris in the formed configuration as illustrated in, the first and second edges,extend inwardly toward the center of opening. The first edgeof the end memberincludes a first outward facehaving at least one male endand at least one female end. The second edgeof the end memberincludes a second outward face. The first edgeof the end memberincludes a first outward facehaving at least one male endand at least one female end. The second edgeof the end memberincludes a second outward face. The bodies,of the end members,each include a plurality of body openings,. The shape of the body openings is non-limiting. The body openings,can have the same or different size, shape and/or spacing from one another. As illustrated in, the shape and size of body openings,are the same, and the pacing between the body shapes is the same. In one non-limiting configuration, the shape of the body openings,hexagonal shaped; however, it will be appreciated that other body shapes can be used (e.g., circular, triangular, square, rectangular, polygonal, etc.).

The roller frame sections,can include a connection arrangementthat enables the roller frame sections,to be releasably connected to one another when the collapsible hair rolleris in the formed or assembled configuration. The type of connection arrangement is non-limiting (e.g., magnet, snap, adhesive, buttons, clips, hook and loop fastener, or similar fasteners, etc.). As illustrated in, the first outward faces,on bodies,of the end members,can optionally include a cavity,that is configured to hold a connection arrangementsuch as magnets, magnets and a material that is magnetically connectable to a magnet, etc. The size and shape and depth of the cavity is non-limiting. Generally, the material inserted into the cavity has a top surface that is even with or slightly recessed from the first outward faces,

The first outward faces,on bodies,of the end members,can optionally include male ends,that are in the form of prongs, pins, or other protrusion elements that are configured to slidably engage the female ends,(i.e., slots, channels, or the like) that can be used to facilitate in maintaining the collapsible hair rollerin its formed configuration. In one non-limiting configuration, the male ends,are be releasably snap-locked with the female ends,

Still referring to, the plurality of inner segments,each include a body,having an inner surface,and an outer surface,. The body,of the inner segments,include a first edge,, and a second edge,. The maximum thickness of the first and second edges,is illustrated as being greater than the maximum thickness of the portion of the bodythat is located between the first and second edges,. The first and second edges,are illustrated as having a generally triangular shape; however, this is not required. When the collapsible hair rolleris in the formed configuration as illustrated in, the first and second edges,extend inwardly toward the center of opening. Likewise, the maximum thickness of the first and second edges,is illustrated as being greater than the maximum thickness of the portion of the bodythat is located between the first and second edges,. The first and second edges,are illustrated as having a generally triangular shape; however, this is not required. When the collapsible hair rolleris in the formed configuration as illustrated in, the first and second edges,extend inwardly toward the center of opening. The first edgeof the inner segmentincludes a first outward face, and the second edgeof the inner segmentincludes a second outward face. The first edgeof the inner segmentincludes a first outward face, and the second edgeof the inner segmentincludes a second outward face. The bodies,of the inner segments,each include a plurality of body openings,. The shape of the body openings is non-limiting. The body openings,can have the same or different size, shape and/or spacing from one another. As illustrated in, the shape and size of body openings,are the same, and the pacing between the body shapes is the same. In one non-limiting configuration, the shape of the body openings,hexagonal shaped; however, it will be appreciated that other body shapes can be used (e.g., circular, triangular, square, rectangular, polygonal, etc.).

As illustrated in, the collapsible hair rollerincludes two inner segments,; however, it is to be appreciated that one or more inner segments can be included in the collapsible hair rollerto obtain different sized rollers having a wide variety of opening diameters depending on the desired curl type (i.e. small diameter curler leads to tighter curls; large diameter curler leads to looser curls). As illustrated in, inner segments,are connected together by a living hinge; however, it will be appreciated that other types of movable or hangable connection arrangements can be used (e.g., Seefor a mechanical hinge connection, etc.). In the one non-limiting configuration,illustrates a plurality of hingesthat are movably couple to the end members,and the plurality of inner segments,. Specifically, (i) the second edgeof end memberis movably coupled with the first edgeof the inner segmentby a living hinge; (ii) the second edgeof the inner segmentis moveably coupled with the first edgeof the inner segmentby a living hinge; and (iii) the second edgeof the inner segmentis movably coupled with the second edgeof the end memberby a living hinge. As can be appreciated, other types of hinges can be used. As can be appreciated, the connection arrangements can be all the same (e.g., all living hinges, all mechanical hinges as illustrated in, etc.), or a combination of different type of hinges. When living hingesare used, the thickness of the living hinges is generally less than the thickness of either of the bodies of the inner segments,, or either of the bodies of the end members,. The living hinges can be formed of the same material as inner segments,, and end members,; however, this is not required. The width of each of the living hinges can be 20-100% (and all values and ranges therebetween) the width of each of the inner segments,, and end members,to which the living hinge is connected thereto. The length of each of the living hinges can be 0.01-20% (and all values and ranges therebetween) the longitudinal length of each of the inner segments,, and end members,to which the living hinge is connected thereto.

The outer region of the collapsible hair rollercan optionally include a liner. When used, the linercan be coupled to at least a portion of the outer surfaces,,, and/orof the end member, the inner segment, the inner segment, and/or the end member, respectively. As best illustrated in, the lineris optionally uncoupled in proximity to hinges. This uncoupling allows the linerto conform to the full outer surface of the collapsible hair rollerwhen in the formed configuration (see). When the collapsible hair rolleris in the collapsed or unassembled and substantially flat configuration (), the linercan be configured to buckle or fold in the hinge regions. In the present non-limiting embodiment, the lineris a single, uniform piece of material. In other non-limiting embodiments, the linercan be separate pieces of material. The linercan be used to facilitate in releasably securing the hair to the outer surface of the collapsible hair roller. The composition of the liner is non-limiting (e.g., hook and loop fastener, plastic sheet, paper sheet, non-woven material, woven material, material having an adhesive outer surface, material having a static electricity outer surface, etc.). The thickness of the lineris non-limiting (e.g., 0.001-40 mm and all values and ranges therebetween). The lineris generally is formed of a flexible material. The linercan be permanently or releasably connected to the outer surface of the inner segments,, and end members,of the collapsible hair roller. The type of connection is non-limiting (e.g., adhesive connection, melted connection, magnetic connection, mechanical connection [e.g., clip, clamp, friction connection, compression connection, etc.), hook and loop fastener, mushroom head connection, etc.). The linercan be configured to overlie 5-100% (and all values and ranges therebetween) the outer surface of the inner segments,, and end members,of the collapsible hair roller. In one non-limiting configuration, the width of the lineris 80-110% (and all values and ranges therebetween) the width of one or more of the inner segments,, and end members,. In another non-limiting configuration, the liner is spaced from the front-end portion of the end members,as illustrated in.

Now referring to, the collapsible hair rollercan optionally include one or more strips of hair attachment meansconfigured to releasably secure and hold the hair in place (e.g., adhesive strips, hook-and-loop fasteners, etc.). In one non-limiting embodiment, each of the hair attachment meanscan be optionally heat-stacked (i.e., thermoplastically stacked/connected, etc.) at a predetermined location on the exterior of the linerand/or the outer surface of the inner segments,, and end members,of the collapsible hair roller. In one non-limiting embodiment, the predetermined location can be optionally connected directly to the outer surface of one or more of inner segments,, and end members,, and optionally between the hexagonal spaces,,,. In another non-limiting embodiment, the predetermined location can optionally be on one or more portions of the outer surface of the liner. In another non-limiting embodiment, the predetermined location can optionally be between closer to the sides than to the mid-region of the inner segments,, and end members,of the collapsible hair rolleras illustrated in. The hair attachment meanscan be formed of the same or different material from the linerwhen both are present on the collapsible hair roller. In another non-limiting embodiment, each of the hair attachment meansare sized to overlie 0.1-20% (and all values and ranges therebetween) of the one of the inner segments,, or end members,. Generally, the surface area of the hair attachment meansis at least 10% smaller (e.g., 10-100000% small and all values and ranges therebetween) the surface area of the linerwhen used. When the linerand hair attachment means, one or more of the hair attachment meanscan be located below and/or above the top surface of the liner. The thickness of the hair attachment meansis non-limiting (e.g., 0.001-40 mm and all values and ranges therebetween). The shape and/or size of each of the hair attachment meanscan be the same or different (e.g., circular, oval, square, rectangular, triangular, polygonal, etc.);

With reference to, in one non-limiting example, to transition the collapsible hair rollerfrom the collapsed configuration to the formed configuration: (i) the end members,and the inner segments,are pivoted about the hingessuch that the second outward faceis flush with the first outward face, the second outward faceis flush with the first outward face, and the second outward faceis flush with the second outward face; and (ii) the at least one female ends,correspond to and releasably receive the at least one male ends,, respectively, to define the opening. In one non-limiting embodiment, the male ends,can be ejected or disengaged from their respective female ends,to collapse the collapsible hair rollerinto its substantially flat configuration.

Now referring to, there is illustrated another exemplary collapsible hair rollerthat includes similar components, and functions similarly, to that of the collapsible hair rollerthat is illustrated in, thus will not be repeated herein. The primary difference between collapsible hair rollerand collapsible hair rollerare the type of movable connection arrangement positioned between the inner segments,, and end members,. As discussed above, the movable connection arrangement positioned between the inner segments, and end members of collapsible hair rolleris a living hinge. The movable connection arrangement positioned between the inner segments, and end members of collapsible hair rolleris a plurality of snap hingesthat couple together end members,and a plurality of inner segments,. The collapsible hair rolleris illustrated as being absent a linerand hair attachment means; however, it will be appreciated that the collapsible hair rollercan include a linerand/or hair attachment meansas described above with respect to the collapsible hair rollerof.

Still referring to, the collapsible hair rollerincludes end members,and a plurality of inner segments,. In the present non-limiting embodiment, each of the inner segments,and inner segmentincludes a plurality of snap hinges. In other non-limiting embodiments, each of the inner segments,and inner segmentcan include one snap hinge. In the present non-limiting embodiment, each snap hingeincludes one or more protrusions. In the present non-limiting embodiment, each of the inner segments,and inner segmentincludes a plurality of cavitiesthat receive their respective snap hinge. In the present non-limiting embodiment, each cavityincludes one or more indentsthat receives the respective protrusionsof the snap hinge. In one non-limiting example: (i) cavitieson end memberreceive snap hingeson inner segment; (ii) cavitieson inner segmentreceive snap hingeson inner segment; and (iii) cavitieson inner segmentreceive snap hingeson end member

It will be appreciated that the snap hingesare pivotable within their respective cavitiesto transition the collapsible hair rollerbetween its formed configuration () and its substantially flat configuration (). It will be appreciated that in some non-limiting embodiments, the snap hingescan be removed from the cavitiesto separate the end members,and the inner segments,(see).

In the present non-limiting embodiment, end members,include one or more coupling devices,that aid in holding the collapsible hair rollerin its formed configuration. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, the one or more coupling devices,can be magnets, adhesive strips, snaps, buttons, hook and loop fastener, or similar fasteners that function to releasably maintain the collapsible hair rollerin its formed configuration.