EXTENSION HAIR PIECE AND HAIR EXTENSION USING THE DEVICE

Abstract

Disclosed is a hair extension device. The device comprises a tube, a hair bundle and a link. The tube is configured to deform more easily in a first direction than in a second direction when the same amount of crimping force is applied to the tube. The first and second directions are on a cross-sectional plane, in which the tube's cross-section forms a closed loop. Further the tube may have a desirable crimping direction and be shaped to substantially induce grabbing of the tube with a crimping tool toward a desirable orientation thereof for crimping in the desirable crimping direction. The hair bundle comprises a plurality of extension hair strands bound together. The link links the hair bundle to the tube.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/191,300, filed on Sep. 8, 2008, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This application is related to application Ser. No. 11/850,017 filed Sep. 4, 2007. Content of application Ser. No. 11/850,017 is included in the appendix of this application. This application incorporates all the content of application Ser. No. 11/850,017 in the appendix.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present disclosure relates to hair extension, and more particularly, to an extension hair piece including a tube and a hair bundle connected to the tube.

2. Discussion of Related Technology

Generally, the hair extension technology connects one or more extension hair pieces to hair of a person or an animal. The extension hair pieces are to make the person/animal's hair look longer or thicker and/or add color accents to the person/animal's hair. The extension hair pieces for hair extension are in various forms and shapes, and include hair weaves, widgets, etc. In this field, typically beauticians or hair stylists provide services of connecting extension hair pieces to hair of their customers. The foregoing discussion in this section is to provide general background information, and does not constitute an admission of prior art.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the invention provides a hair extension device, which comprises: a tube configured to deform more easily in a first direction than in a second direction when the same amount of crimping force is applied to the tube, wherein the first and second directions are on a cross-sectional plane, in which the tube's cross-section forms a closed loop; a hair bundle comprising a plurality of extension hair strands bound together; and a link linking the hair bundle to the tube.

In the foregoing device, the tube's cross-section may be in a shape which is generally an oval or a polygon. The first direction may be perpendicular to the second direction. The tube's cross-section may have a longest axis passing two opposing points of the tube that are the farthest from each other, wherein the tube's cross-section may have a shortest axis passing two opposing points that are the shortest from each other. The link may be connected to the tube generally at a middle point of the tube in the longest axis. The link may contact one of the two opposing points that are the shortest from each other. The first direction may be parallel to the shortest axis. The link may comprise a portion within the tube, wherein the portion may be generally at a middle point of the tube in the longest axis. The link may be glued to the tube such that the portion within the tube stays generally at the middle point of the tube in the longest axis.

Still in the foregoing device, the link may be flexible such that the hair bundle can move independent of the tube. The link may comprise a flexible string tied to the tube. The device may further comprise an additional hair bundle comprising a plurality of extension hair strands bound together. The tube may have a desirable crimping direction and is shaped to substantially induce grabbing of the tube with a crimping tool toward an orientation thereof for crimping in the desirable crimping direction.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of hair extension, which comprises: providing the foregoing device; inserting, into the tube, a plurality of hair strands of a person or animal; and subsequently crimping the tube using a crimping tool in the first direction, thereby substantially flattening the tube.

In the foregoing method, the tube's cross-section may have a longest axis passing two farthest opposing points of the tube that are the farthest from each other, wherein the tube's cross-section has a shortest axis passing two shortest opposing points that are the shortest from each other. Crimping in the first direction my result in that the two farthest points become farther and that the two shortest points become shorter. The method may further comprise: grabbing the tube using the crimping tool, in which the crimping tool contacts two grabbing points that defines the second direction; and prior to crimping, changing the grabbing points to two opposing points of the tube that defines the first direction. The link may comprise a portion within the tube, wherein the portion may be generally at a middle point of the tube in the longest axis, wherein the portion may stay generally at the middle point in the longest axis after crimping. The link may be glued to the tube such that the portion within the tube stays generally at the middle point of the tube in the longest axis. The tube's cross-section may be in a shape which is generally an oval or a polygon. The link may be flexible such that the hair bundle can move independent of the tube.

Still another aspect of the invention provides a hair extension device, which comprises: a tube having a desirable crimping direction and being shaped to substantially induce grabbing of the tube with a crimping tool toward a desirable orientation thereof for crimping in the desirable crimping direction; a hair bundle comprising a plurality of extension hair strands bound together; and a link linking the hair bundle to the tube.

In the foregoing device, the desirable crimping direction may be defined by two opposing points of the tube that are the shortest from each other. Grabbing the tube with the crimping tool between the two opposing points may be more stable than grabbing the tube between other points of the tube. The tube may have generally an oval or polygonal cross-sectional shape. The tube may have a cross-sectional shape with a longest axis and a shortest axis, wherein the longest axis may pass two opposing points of the tube that are the farthest from each other, wherein the shortest axis may pass two opposing points that are the shortest from each other. The link may be connected to the tube generally at a middle point of the tube in the longest axis. The link may contact one of the two opposing points that are the shortest from each other. The link may comprise a portion within the tube, wherein the portion may be generally at a middle point of the tube in the longest axis. The link may be glued to the tube such that the portion within the tube stays generally at the middle point of the tube in the longest axis.

Still in the foregoing device, the link may be flexible such that the hair bundle can move independent of the tube. The link may comprise a flexible string tied to the tube. The device may further comprise an additional hair bundle comprising a plurality of extension hair strands bound together.

A further aspect of the invention provides a method of hair extension, which comprises: providing the foregoing device; inserting, into the tube, a plurality of hair strands of a person or animal; and subsequently crimping the tube using a crimping tool in the desirable crimping direction, thereby substantially flattening the tube.

The foregoing may further comprise: grabbing the tube in a first orientation relative to the crimping tool other than the desirable orientation; and subsequently regrabbing the tube in a second orientation that is closer to the desirable orientation than the first orientation. In the foregoing method, crimping of the tube in the first orientation may require more force than crimping of the tube in the second orientation. The tube's cross-section may have a longest axis passing two farthest opposing points of the tube that are the farthest from each other, wherein the tube's cross-section may have a shortest axis passing two shortest opposing points that are the shortest from each other. Crimping in the first direction my result in that the two farthest points become farther and that the two shortest points become shorter. The link may comprise a portion within the tube, wherein the portion is generally at a middle point of the tube in the longest axis, wherein the portion stays generally at the middle point in the longest axis after crimping. The link may be glued to the tube such that the portion within the tube stays generally at the middle point of the tube in the longest axis. The tube's cross-section may be in a shape which is generally an oval or a polygon. The link may be flexible such that the hair bundle can move independent of the tube.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates hair extension according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates an extension hair piece according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D illustrate a hair extension process according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are sectional and side elevation views of a tube of the extension hair piece shown in FIG. 2.

FIGS. 4C, 4D, 4E and 4F are sectional views of various tubes according to other embodiments.

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C illustrate orientations for crimping the tube of FIG. 4A according to embodiments.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrates one embodiment of making the extension hair piece of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6C is a flowchart of making the extension hair piece as illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are cross-sectional views of engagement between a person's hair strands and the extension hair piece of FIG. 2 according to embodiments.

FIG. 7C illustrates a sectional view of the extension hair piece of FIG. 2 according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7D is a perspective view of a tube according to another embodiment.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 9A and 9B illustrate extension hair pieces according to other embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments will be described in detail below. The accompanying drawings will be used for describing embodiments. For the sake of convenience of illustrating embodiments, thickness, length, diameter, size and other dimensions of components and/or hair would be illustrated or exaggerated to be different with those of actual components and/or hair, and the subject matter of this application is not limited to the illustrated embodiments.

Hair Extension Piece

FIG. 1 depicts hair extension using an extension hair piece 10 according to one embodiment. Hair extension with the extension hair piece 10 makes hair 12 of the person 14 look longer and/or thicker. In the illustrated embodiment, the extension hair piece 10 is connected to hair 12 of a person 14. Although this disclosure is made only in the context of extending hair of a human, the same can be applied to animals. Referring to FIG. 2, the extension hair piece 10 includes a hair bundle 22 and a tube 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the hair bundle 22 includes a plurality of extension hair strands 32 bound together at a tip portion 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the tube 20 is connected to the hair bundle 22 via a link 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the link 24 includes two flexible cords or strings, which are tied with the tube 20. Tying of the cords with the tube 20 and thereby forming the link 24 will be discussed in more detail later.

Connecting Hair Extension Piece

FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate a hair extension process using the hair extension piece 10 in accordance with one embodiment. First, as in FIG. 3A, a hair beautician stylist selects from a person's hair 12 a plurality of hair strands 16 that are to be used in connecting the hair extension piece 10. Then the hair strands 16 are inserted into the tube 20 of the hair extension piece 10 so that the hair strands 16 pass through the tube 20 as illustrated in FIG. 3B. Optionally, the hair beautician may use a device 154 that makes the insertion easy, which is well known in the hair extension industry and practice. Subsequently, the location of the tube 20 is adjusted relative to the scalp of the person 14. Afterward, the hair beautician crimps and flattens the tube 20 using a crimping tool 165, which is well known in the hair extension industry and practice. FIG. 3C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the tube 20, hair strands 16 and cords that provide the link 24, along with the crimping tool 165. FIG. 3D illustrates completed hair extension using the foregoing technique and hair extension piece 10 in accordance with an embodiment.

Hair Extension Bundle

Referring back to FIG. 2, the extension hair strands 32 are bound together at the tip portion 34 using a glue or adhesive such as a polyurethane resin. In other embodiments, the extension hair strands 32 are clipped together at the tip 34, using a clipping device (not shown), which skilled artisan would well appreciate. In the illustrated embodiment, the tip portion 34 where the extension hair strands 32 are bound together is wrapped with a wrapping material such as a paper or plastic tape and individual strands 32 are not shown in the tip portion 34, although not limited thereto.

In embodiments, the extension hair strands 32 are natural human hair or animal hair. Typically, natural human hair or animal hair are processed/or dyed to be bound to produce the hair bundle 22. In other embodiments, the extension hair strands 32 are synthetic artificial ones. The extension hair strands 32 are dyed or colored to create colors of natural human hair or color accents. In embodiments, the length and thickness of the extension hair strands may vary.

Oval Shape of Tube

As noted above, the tube 20 connects between the person's hair 12 and the hair bundle 32. Referring to FIGS. 2, 4A and 4B, the tube 20 defines a hollow space 26. FIG. 4A illustrates a shape of the tube on a cross-sectional plane taken along line 4A in FIG. 4B, in which the tube's cross-section forms a closed loop. In the illustrated embodiment, the closed loop of the tube 20 is generally in an oval or elliptical shape and smoothly curved generally throughout. Further, the length L2 in the axis X is substantially larger than the length L1 in the axis Y. In FIG. 4B, the height of the tube 20 in axis Z is smaller than the length L2 in the axis X, although not necessary nor limited thereto.

FIGS. 4C-4F illustrate, not limiting, sectional shapes of tubes according to other embodiments. Each illustrated tube 50, 56, 61 and 62 is substantially longer in the X axis than in the Y axis like the tube 20 of FIG. 4A. The tube 50 of FIG. 4C has a generally track shape, in which two linear portions 54 are combined with two half circled end portions 52. The tube 56 of FIG. 4D is generally oval or elliptical like the tube 20 of FIG. 4A except that the two ends 58 in the X axis are pointed. The tube 61 of FIG. 4E has a pear or egg shaped section. The tube 62 of FIG. 4F has a diamond or rhombus shape that is composed of four substantially straight sections connected to form a closed loop.

Anisotropic Deformability of Tube

The configurations of the illustrated tubes 20, 50, 56, 61 and 62 provide anisotropic deformability. Specifically, the tubes are deformable more easily when a crimping force is applied in one direction than when the same crimping force is applied in another direction on a sectional plane as shown in FIGS. 4A, 4C-4F. More specifically, the tubes are deformable more easily when a crimping force is applied in a first direction than when the same crimping force is applied in another direction perpendicular to the first direction on a sectional plane as shown in FIGS. 4A, 4C-4F.

For example, the tube 20 is shaped or configured to deform more easily when a crimping force is applied between two diagonally opposing points 25 along the Y axis than when the same amount of crimping force is applied between two diagonally opposing points 27 along the X axis. In other words, it would take a smaller amount of crimping force to deform the tube 20 in the Y axis than to deform the tube 20 in the X axis. In the configuration of the oval tube 20, it appears that deforming the tube 20 by applying crimping force between the two points 25 would be substantially easier than by applying crimping force between any two diagonally opposing points of the tube 20 on the illustrated sectional plane, i.e., the plane of the drawing sheet.

Likewise, the tubes 50, 56, 61 and 62 are shaped or configured to deform more easily when a crimping force is applied to the tubes along the Y axis than when the same amount of crimping force is applied along the X axis. Thus, it would take a smaller amount of crimping force to deform each tube 50, 56, 61 and 62 in the Y axis than to deform the same tube in the X axis. Also, with some exceptions, deforming the tubes by applying crimping force between the two nearest diagonally opposing points would be easier than by applying crimping force between any other two diagonally opposing points on the tube 20.

Although not illustrated, there are numerous other sectional shapes providing similar anisotropic deformability to substitute the tubes 20, 50, 56, 61 and 62. In some embodiments, in order to provide anisotropic deformability the sectional shape of the tubes is configured such that the length in one direction (in the X axis) is substantially greater than the length in another direction perpendicular to the one direction (in the Y axis). For example, the length in the X axis is greater than the length in the Y axis by more than about 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%, 110%, 120%, 130%, 140%, 150%, 160%, 170%, 180%, 190%, 200%, 210%, 220%, 230%, 240%, 250%, 260%, 270%, 280%, 290%, 300%, 310%, 320%, 330%, 340%, 350%, 360%, 370%, 380%, 390% or 400% of the length of the tube in the Y axis. In some embodiments, these sectional shapes are smoothly contoured or curved throughout. In other embodiments, the sectional shapes may include at least one pointed portion. Also, in some embodiments, the sectional shapes may include at least one straight portion.

Inducing Crimping Orientation

The tubes according to embodiments are shaped or configured to induce application of crimping force to one or more particular orientations when attempting to crimp the tubes with a crimping tool. FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate various orientations of the tube 20 relative to a crimping tool 65, and hence various orientations of crimping force application. The orientation of FIG. 5A is preferred or desirable, in which the blades of the crimping tool 65 contact about the two diagonally opposing points 25 on the wall of the tube 20.

Referring to FIG. 5B, the blades of the crimping tool 65 contact the tube 20 about the two diagonally opposing points 27. The orientation of FIG. 5B is less desirable than the orientation of FIG. 5A to hair beauticians or stylists in their hair extension service context. Typically, hair beauticians and stylists prefer speedy and easy handling of the crimping tool 65 in their hair extension process. However, this orientation of FIG. 5B requires substantially a lot more crimping force when compared to the orientation of FIG. 5A. Also, this orientation of FIG. 5B requires opening of the crimping tool 65 almost to their maximum to grab the tube 20 as shown. Further, it would be more difficult to grab the tube 20 in the orientation shown in FIG. 5B than in the orientation shown in FIG. 5A as more contact can be made in the orientation of FIG. 5A than the other. At least for these reasons, hair beauticians and stylists are induced to grab the tube 20 as in the orientation of FIG. 5A or similar orientations.

Referring to FIG. 5C, the blades of the crimping tool 65 contact the tube 20 about two points 298 that are located between the point 25 and the point 27. The orientation of FIG. 5C is less desirable than the orientation of FIG. 5A for the same reasons as discussed in connection with the orientation of FIG. 5B. Therefore, hair beauticians and stylists are induced to change the tube 20 toward the orientation of FIG. 5A if the tube 20 is first grabbed in an orientation as in FIG. 5C. Further, when grabbing the tube 20 in an orientation like FIG. 5C, the tube 20 may turn its orientation to the orientation of FIG. 5A as crimping force is applied to the tube 20. Therefore, self-inducement of the orientation can occur in the process of crimping the tube 20.

Although inducement of crimping orientation is discussed only in terms of the tube 20, the same can apply to the other illustrated tubes 50, 56, 61 and 62. Further, although not illustrated, there are numerous other shapes of tubes that provide similar inducement of crimping or grabbing orientation. In some embodiments, in order to provide inducement for a desired orientation the sectional shape of the tubes is configured such that the length in one direction (e.g., in the X axis) is substantially greater than the length in another direction perpendicular to the one direction (in the Y axis) on a sectional plane as shown in FIGS. 4A, 4C-4F. For example, the length in the X axis is greater than the length in the Y axis by more than about 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%, 110%, 120%, 130%, 140%, 150%, 160%, 170%, 180%, 190%, 200%, 210%, 220%, 230%, 240%, 250%, 260%, 270%, 280%, 290%, 300%, 310%, 320%, 330%, 340%, 350%, 360%, 370%, 380%, 390% or 400% of the length of the tube in the Y axis.

In some embodiments, surfaces of the tube 20 where a contact of the crimping tool 65 is desired or preferred are smoothly contoured or curved, or substantially flat to provide easy and stable grabbing and crimping when the crimping tool 65 contacts the surfaces. For example, the portions of tubes corresponding to the area near the point 25 of the tube 20 shown in FIGS. 3 and 5A are smoothly contoured or substantially flat. In some embodiments, surfaces of the tube 20 where a contact of the crimping tool 65 is not preferable or desirable may be pointed or include bumps or other structures that could hinder stable grabbing or crimping with the crimping tool 65. For example, the portions of tubes corresponding to the area near the point 27 of the tube 20 of FIGS. 3 and 5A are pointed.

Making Tubes

In embodiments, the tubes for the extension hair piece 10 are made of such materials that are sufficiently deformable when crimping with a typical hair beautician's crimping tool as well recognized by skilled artisans. Further, in embodiments, the tubes are made of such materials that can sustain the deformed configuration afterward when no similar force is applied thereto using a typical hair beautician's crimping tool. In embodiments, the tubes including those illustrated are made of a metallic material, such as steel, copper, aluminum, tin or alloys although not limited thereto. In other embodiments, certain synthetic materials including plastic materials can be used in the tubes, although not all metallic and plastic materials have needed characteristics for the tubes. However, skilled artisan in the relevant technology would appreciate various characteristics of materials and would be able to choose proper materials.

The tubes are manufactured in such thicknesses that their shape can be deformed when a crimping force is applied using the crimping tool 65 typically used by hair beauticians and stylists. Also, the tubes are manufactured in such thicknesses that, once deformed, their deformed configurations can be sustained. The thickness of the tubes may vary depending upon choice of the materials again to provide proper level of deformability and structural sustainability. In some embodiments, tubes have a substantially uniform thickness throughout although not limited thereto. In other embodiments, a single tube has substantially different thicknesses at its different locations thereof. Skilled artisan in the relevant technology would be able to choose proper thicknesses in view of the choice of materials.

Typically, the tubes are produced using metal or plastic extrusion technology although not limited thereto. Although the production method and technology are not discussed in detail, skilled artisans in the relevant art would appreciate technology and adopt proper technology as advancements arrive given parameters of the tubes.

Linking of Hair Bundle and Tube

Referring back to FIG. 2, the link 24 flexibly links between the tube 20 and the hair bundle 22 to provide the extension hair piece 10. In the illustrated embodiment, more specifically, the link 24 is tied with the tube 20 and fixed to the tip portion 34 of the hair bundle 22. Now, one embodiment of making the extension hair piece 10 is discussed with reference to FIGS. 6A-6C.

In step 51, a flexible string 76 is folded in half. In step 53, two ends 72 or the folded middle 74 of the string 76 is inserted through the tube 20 as shown in FIG. 6A. Subsequently in step 55, the two ends 72 of the string 76 are inserted through a space 82 defined by the folded middle portion and the tube 20. Then in step 57, the free end 72 is pulled away, and the string 76 becomes tied with the tube 20. Afterward in step 59, the ends 72 of the string 76 are integrated with the tip portion 34 of the hair bundle 22 using an appropriate method. In one embodiment, the two ends 72 are bonded to the tip portion using an appropriate adhesive or glue. Then a portion of the string 76 interposed between the tube 20 and the tip portion 34 becomes the link 24.

In some embodiments, when or prior to integrating the string 76 to the tip portion 34, a portion of the string 76 may be cut to shorten the length of the link 24. Some small length of the link 24 is desirable in order to allow independent and flexible movement of the bundle relative to the tube 20. On the other hand, if the link 24 between the tube 20 and the tip portion 34 is too long, the hair bundle 22 could swing too much independent of the hair 12 (FIG. 1) of the person 14, which is not desirable.

Positioning of String for Non-Slip Engagement

For the sake of explanation, FIGS. 7A and 7B are two embodiments, each illustrating a cross-sectional view of the tube 20 after flattening along with the string 76 and hair strands 16. In the embodiment of FIG. 7A two portions of the string 76 are generally centered within the flattened tube 20, whereas in the embodiment of FIG. 7A two string portions 76 are off the center of the flattened tube 20. As a result, the centered string portions 76 of FIG. 7A contact and engage with more hair strands 16 than the decentered string portions 76 of FIG. 7B. Therefore, the centered string portions 76 of FIG. 7A would have more friction with hair strands 76 and be less slippery than the decentered string portions 76 of FIG. 7B when the extension hair piece 10 is pulled away.

In embodiments, the position of string or string portions 76 is adjusted for more effective engagement of the tube 20 with hair strands 16. More specifically, the position of string or string portions 76 is adjusted relative to the tube 20 or its configuration to maximize contacts, friction and engagement between hair strands 16 and surfaces of the string 76 after the tube 20 is crimped. In one embodiment, the string or string portions 76 are generally positioned in the center or middle along a longer axis (X axis in FIGS. 4A, 4C-4F). Referring to FIG. 7C, for example, the two string portions 76 are tied with a generally central portion of the tube's wall in the X axis. In other configurations of the tube in FIGS. 4C-4F, the string or string portions 76 are tied with the tube's wall in its central portion along the X axis.

In some embodiments, the string or string portions 76 are tightly tied to the central portion of the tube's wall to prevent undesirable displacements. Further in some embodiments, the string or string portions 76 are glued to the central portion of the tube's wall to prevent its displacement from the central portion. In one embodiment, a portion of the string 76 positioned inside the tube 20 is glued to an interior surface of the tube 20. In another embodiment, a portion of the string 76 positioned outside the 26 of the tube 20 is glued to an exterior surface of the tube 20. In another embodiment, the string 76 is bonded to both the interior and exterior surfaces of the tube 20. Bonding of the string 76 can be performed with any appropriate material and at any appropriate stage of making the extension hair piece 10 or thereafter. For example, bonding of the string 76 is made between the steps 53 and 55, between the steps 55 and 57, between the steps 57 and 59 or after the step 59.

In one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7D, the tube 20 has a notch 132 in its wall generally at the center in its X axis. Although not illustrated, the string or string portions 76 are tied with the notched portion of the tube 20. The notch 132 will facilitate tying of the string or string portions 76 at the central portion of the tube's wall and further to prevent displacement of the string or string portions 76 from the central portion once tied properly. In embodiments, the notch 132 can be made in various configurations and sizes. In some embodiments, the string or string portions 76 are glued as well as tied with the notched portion of the tube's wall.

Material of String

In embodiments, the string 76 for the link 24 can be made of a material or made in a form that can provide a surface roughness. The surface roughness is needed to provide friction with hair strands 16 (FIG. 3D) of the person 14 to further the non-slip engagement once the hair piece 10 has been connected to the person's hair 12. In some embodiments, the string 76 is made of a fiber string. In other embodiments, the string 76 is made of a non-fiber string. In some embodiments, the string 76 is a twisted one, and in other embodiments the string is a non-twisted one. In embodiments, the string 76 is sufficiently flexible to allow the hair bundle 22 to move relative to the tube 20 given an appropriate distance between the tube 20 and the hair bundle 22. Also, in some embodiments, the string 76 can be elastic.

Other Connections Between Tube and Hair Bundle

FIGS. 8A-8C provide other forms of linking between the tube 20 and the hair bundle 22. In FIG. 8A, a string 102 is tied with the tube 20, in which the string 102 is inserted through the tube 20 unfolded to turn around the wall of the tube 20 and knotted at the bottom. Then, two ends 101 of the single strand string 102 are put together and attached to the tip portion 34. In one embodiment, a portion of the string 102 is bonded to the tube 20 as discussed above in connection with the embodiments of FIGS. 6A and 6B.

In another embodiment of FIG. 8B, a portion of a string 112 enters into the tube 20 and glued to an interior surface of the tube 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom end of the string 112 is fixed to the tip portion 34 of the hair bundle 22. In another embodiment of FIG. 8C, a string 122 has a hook portion 124 hanging over a top edge of the tube 20. In the additional embodiments of FIGS. 8B and 8C, the string 112 and 122 may be or may not be flexible.

Other Extension Hair Pieces

In some embodiments, an extension hair piece may include two or more hair bundles. Referring to FIG. 9A, the extension hair piece 522 includes two hair bundles 532, in which each hair bundle 532 is attached to one end of a link 524. Referring to FIG. 9B, the extension hair piece 622 has two hair extension bundles 632, in which each hair bundle 632 is individually linked with the tube 620 via a link 624.

Additional Features

The hair extension pieces according to embodiments can include any features disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/850,017. For the purpose of satisfying the requirements under 35 U.S.C. § 112, first paragraph, the specification and drawings of the U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/850,017 are provided below as Appendix.

Claims

1. A hair extension device comprising:

a tube configured to deform more easily in a first direction than in a second direction when the same amount of crimping force is applied to the tube, wherein the first and second directions are on a cross-sectional plane, in which the tube's cross-section forms a closed loop;

a hair bundle comprising a plurality of extension hair strands bound together; and

a link linking the hair bundle to the tube.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the tube's cross-section is in a shape which is generally an oval or a polygon.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the tube's cross-section has a longest axis passing two opposing points of the tube that are the farthest from each other, wherein the tube's cross-section has a shortest axis passing two opposing points that are the shortest from each other.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the link is connected to the tube generally at a middle point of the tube in the longest axis.

6. The device of claim 4, wherein the link contacts one of the two opposing points that are the shortest from each other.

7. The device of claim 4, wherein the first direction is parallel to the shortest axis.

8. The device of claim 4, wherein the link comprises a portion within the tube, wherein the portion is generally at a middle point of the tube in the longest axis.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the link is glued to the tube such that the portion within the tube stays generally at the middle point of the tube in the longest axis.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the link is flexible such that the hair bundle can move independent of the tube.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the link comprises a flexible string tied to the tube.

12. The device of claim 1, further comprising an additional hair bundle comprising a plurality of extension hair strands bound together.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein the tube has a desirable crimping direction and is shaped to substantially induce grabbing of the tube with a crimping tool toward an orientation thereof for crimping in the desirable crimping direction.

14. A method of hair extension, comprising:

providing the device of claim 1;

inserting, into the tube, a plurality of hair strands of a person or animal; and

subsequently crimping the tube using a crimping tool in the first direction, thereby substantially flattening the tube.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the tube's cross-section has a longest axis passing two farthest opposing points of the tube that are the farthest from each other, wherein the tube's cross-section has a shortest axis passing two shortest opposing points that are the shortest from each other.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein crimping in the first direction results in that the two farthest points become farther and that the two shortest points become shorter.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

grabbing the tube using the crimping tool, in which the crimping tool contacts two grabbing points that defines the second direction; and

prior to crimping, changing the grabbing points to two opposing points of the tube that defines the first direction.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the link comprises a portion within the tube, wherein the portion is generally at a middle point of the tube in the longest axis, wherein the portion stays generally at the middle point in the longest axis after crimping.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the link is glued to the tube such that the portion within the tube stays generally at the middle point of the tube in the longest axis.

20. The method of claim 14, wherein the tube's cross-section is in a shape which is generally an oval or a polygon.

21. The method of claim 14, wherein the link is flexible such that the hair bundle can move independent of the tube.