METHOD AND DEVICE FOR APPLYING HAIR EXTENSIONS

Abstract

A hair extension apparatus includes a support having a base and an upper surface. The apparatus also includes a plurality of loops on the upper surface of the base and a plurality of cords each having one or more fibrous strands. Each cord of the plurality of cords is freely engaged with an associated loop, and is bonded at a medial section with itself, with one or more other cords of the plurality of cords, or both, to prevent disengagement of each cord of the plurality of cords with its own associated loop.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/514,921, filed Aug. 4, 2011, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety including the drawing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to hair extensions. More particularly, the present invention concerns methods and apparatus for applying hair extensions to the hair and/or head of a user. Even more particularly, the present invention provides methods and apparatus for applying hair extensions to the hair and/or head of a user (or to a wig) give a more natural effect.

The prior art is replete with methods and apparatus for applying hair extensions to the existing hair and/or scalp of a human. It is known that braids can be individually attached by sewing or the like. Wefts can be removably adhered to the scalp. Typically, the weft has a plurality of individual strands or plural strands secured thereto either by sewing, gluing or the like. Consequently, upon the shaking of the head or movement of the head an unnatural visual effect is created when observing the movement of the hair. In other words, in deploying the prior art methods and devices the hair does not move freely as is occasioned with natural hair.

Other devices having been created to provide the user with a different hair style. Exemplifying the prior art is, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,320,327; 6,820,625; 5,899,209; 7,328,709; 7,246,623; 5,121,761; 6,935,348; 7,661,434; 5,107,867, 6,888,315 and 6,938,624. Also, prior art extensions and methods for making and using are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2006/0169297; 2006/0065280; 2007/0227549; 2007/0221240; 2004/0173283; 2005/0263167 and 2010/0065078.

Other known apparatus and methods for attaching hair extensions utilize clip-ons and glue. Representative prior art methods art can be found in various visual recordings, including those found (as of the filing date of the present application:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VD3wm87Lryo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skmSAME2Wh8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HH43qhXgfw

and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzCyf3zgLZg&feature=fvw

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a hair extension apparatus. The hair extension apparatus includes: (a) a support having a base and an upper surface; (b) a plurality of loops on the upper surface of the base; and a plurality of cords each comprising one or more fibrous strands. Each cord of the plurality of cords is: (i) freely engaged with an associated loop, and is bonded at a medial section. (Unless otherwise stated, the term “bonded” includes within its scope “fixed,” “glued,” “adhered,” and “tied,” as well as “bonded.” A “medial section of a cord,” as used herein, refers to a section between the ends of a cord, not including either end.) The cord may be bonded with itself, to other cords, or to both itself and to other cords. For example, a cord passed through its associated loop is bent or folded around it. A medial portion of the cord on one side of the loop is bonded to a different medial portion of the cord on the other side of the loop. Alternately, or in addition, the cord may be bonded with one or more other cords of the plurality of cords. To keep the cord freely engaged with the associated loop, the loop is not itself bonded to the cord. Regardless, the bonding of the loop is such as to prevent disengagement of each cord from its associated loop.

In another aspect hereof, the present invention provides a method for applying hair extensions. The method includes threading a cord that includes one or more fibers of natural hair, synthetic hair, or a combination thereof through an associated loop on a support and folding the cord back upon itself. This threading is repeated a plurality of times for a plurality of cords, each having a different associated loop. The method further includes bonding together medial portions of the plurality of cords, either individually, to other cords of the plurality of cords, or both, to prevent dislodgement of each cord while leaving each cord freely engaged to the associated loop. For example, a cord is passed through its associated loop and is bent or folded around it. A medial portion of the cord on one side of the loop is bonded to a (different) medial portion of the cord on the other side of the loop. Alternately, or in addition, the cord is bonded with one or more other cords of the plurality of cords. To keep the cord freely engaged with the associated loop, the loop is not itself bonded to the cord. Regardless, the bonding of the loop is such as to prevent disengagement of each cord from its associated loop. The method further includes securing the support to the hair of a user, to a wig, or to a scalp of the user.

It will be appreciated that some configurations of the present invention provide a hair extension which enables hair to move freely and naturally, thus providing a pleasant and attractive appearance for a user. For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description and accompanying drawing. In the drawing, like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an end view of a base of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the base of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the base of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the attachment of hair to the base.

FIG. 5 is an end view showing the looping of hair strands to the base.

FIG. 6 is a top view showing the hair strands, as looped.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a user showing one stage in the deployment of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a user showing a later stage in the deployment of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the base of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the base of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a front view of the base of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a right side view of the base of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the base of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the present invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property.

In a first embodiment of a hair extension apparatus 10 and referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3, the present invention includes a support 12 comprising a base 14 having an upper surface 16 and a lower surface 18. Preferably, an adhesive 20 is applied to the lower surface 18 of the base 14. Examples of suitable adhesives include, but are not necessarily limited to, glue or an adhesive tape such as a double-sided adhesive tape. Where used, adhesive 20 is provided, adhesive 20 is or can be used to adhere the support 12 to the scalp or hair of a user. In some embodiments of the hair extension apparatus 10, the support is or may be sewn into the existing hair of the user or directly to the scalp.

Where a tape or adhesive is used, a removable cover (not shown) is applied over the adhesive, and the removable cover is removed when a weft with an extension is ready for installation, as described below. In at least one such embodiment, the removable cover comprises a paper or plastic sheet having a glossy smooth finish on at least one side. The glossy side is adhered to the adhesive, but is easily separated from it when needed.

Referring again to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, as shown, a plurality of loops 22 are provided on the top surface of the support 12. Each of the loops are substantially U-shaped and comprise a first leg 24, a second leg 26 and an intermediate bight portion 28 interposed the leg portions, as shown.

The loops 22 are provided on the base 14 by any suitable method, such as by gluing, integrally forming the loops 22 on base 14 such as by molding, or vacuum forming when the support is formed from a plastic or other synthetic material. Loops 22 in some embodiments are individual elements that are separately attached to the base 14. In some embodiments in which support 12 has sufficient thickness, the free ends of the loops 22 puncture or partially penetrate the support 12 and are retained therein.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the loops 22 are arrayed to form tracks 30. Although each track 30 is shown as having three loops 22, any number of tracks and loops 22 may be used. In other words, one or more tracks comprising at least two loops 22 are formed on the support in some embodiments of the present invention.

A process for making an embodiment of a hair extension apparatus 10 is shown in the schematic flow chart 100 of FIG. 4, starting at step 102. At step 102, loop 22 begins without an associated cord of fibrous strands. The strands may comprise natural hairs, synthetic hair or a blend of both. At step 104, loop 22 is threaded by a cord 32 of fibrous strands. Cord 32 is freely engaged with its associated loop 22 and is not bonded thereto, enabling each cord 32, and the strands to fell freely and to move freely without constraint when installed.

At step 106, a plurality of loops 22 are threaded by cords 32. The cords are bonded together at medial portions 34 of cords 32, but not to their respective associated loops 22. By bonding only the medial portions 34 of the cords, the ends of the cords distal to loop 22 can fall freely and move freely without constraint when installed, at least in part because cords 32 can move along and rotate around loops 22.

More than one cord 32 may be threaded through loop 22. It is to be understood that, “a plurality of cords each comprising one or more fibrous strands, where each cord is freely engaged with an associated loop and is bonded at a medial section with itself, with one or more other said cords of said plurality of cords, or both, to prevent disengagement of each cord of said plurality of cords with its associated loop of said plurality of loops” includes embodiments in which more than one cord 32 is threaded through loop 22, as well as embodiments in which cords 32 associated with different loops 22 and/or the same loop 22 are bonded together.

Where the strands are formed from synthetic material, in order to prevent the cords from becoming dislodged, a medial portion of the cord is fused, glued or otherwise adhered to each other to prevent dislodgement. Where the strands are formed from natural hair, the strands are knotted, tied or otherwise bound together to prevent their dislodgement from their associated loop in some embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, a scalp 36 of a user 38 has one or a plurality of hair extension apparatus 10 affixed thereto. Here, the cords 32 are attached to loops 22 while the hair extension apparatus is affixed to the scalp.

Where an adhesive is used, once a sufficient numbers of cords 32 are threaded through the end of their respective loops 22 and tracks 30, the cover is removed from base 14 to expose the adhesive 20. Then, the support 12 is secured to the hair or a wig (not shown) of the user 38. Alternatively, the hair extension apparatus 10 may be secured to the hair of the user 38 with clip-ons or other suitable securing means.

Where the support 12 itself is formed as a thin film plastic, the support 12 is extruded with loops 22 blow molded. The support 12 is then cut to desired lengths and widths. Similarly, the support 12 may be cut from bolts of fabric.

The hair extension apparatus 10 can be sold as a kit of at least one support and plural strands of hair either natural or synthetic.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-13, there is depicted an alternate embodiment hereof. According to this embodiment, the Support 12 comprises a single track of loops provided on the base 14. The base 14 has an upper surface 15 and a lower surface 17. The perimeter of the base has a pair of opposed flanges 19, 21. The ends of each loop are affixed to the flanges, as shown. The hole 40 provide the capability of being attached onto a user's hair with a string or other suitable fastening means. In some embodiments, an adhesive 20 (indicated in FIG. 1) is provided on lower surface 18, and a protective cover, such as a peel-off cover (not shown in the drawings) covers adhesive 20 until it is ready for use. In such embodiments, the protective cover may also have holes through it at the same locations as holes 40 on lower surface 18. Where both holes 40 and an adhesive 20 and protective cover are provided, the user has a choice of ways in which to attach hair extension apparatus 10 to the scalp.

According to the embodiment, the method of use is as described above, except where the support 12 is secured to the hair or a wig of a user 38.

It is to be appreciated that by not securing the strands or cords to the support, itself, there are no constraints in the flow of the hair strands thereby providing a natural and attractive look for the user. In addition, the use of some embodiments of the hair extension assembly reduce shedding of hair that may otherwise occur. In addition, in embodiments using a thin plastic film support with the loops incorporated therein reduce the visibility of the support, thereby providing a more natural appearance than may otherwise be the case.

While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A hair extension apparatus comprising:

(a) a support having a base and an upper surface;

(b) a plurality of loops on the upper surface of the base; and

(c) a plurality of cords each comprising one or more fibrous strands, wherein each cord of said plurality of cords, being freely engaged with an associated loop fixed at a medial section with itself, with one or more other said cords of said plurality of cords, or both, to prevent disengagement of each cord of said plurality of cords with its associated loop of said plurality of loops.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said base further comprises a lower surface, and said apparatus further comprises an adhesive on the lower surface of the base.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a removable cover on the adhesive.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said base further comprises a lower surface, and said apparatus further comprises a double-sided adhesive tape on the lower surface of the base.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 further comprising a removable cover on the double-sided adhesive tape.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said support comprises plastic or a synthetic material, and said plurality of loops are integral to said support.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said plurality of loops have free ends at least puncturing the support and being retained in said support.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said plurality of loops are arrayed in a plurality of tracks.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said support includes a plurality of spaced-apart holes in the base.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said individual spaced-apart holes are each beneath a different said loop.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said loops are arranged in a single track.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each cord comprises natural hair, synthetic hair, or a blend thereof, the cords being free falling.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the cords are natural hair, each cord comprising at least one strand of hair, the medial portion of the strand being tied to an association loop.

14. A method for applying hair extensions to the head of a user, said method comprising:

(a) providing a cord comprising one or more fibers of natural hair, synthetic hair, or a blend thereof;

(b) threading a cord through an associated loop on a support and folding said cord back upon itself;

(c) repeating step (a) a plurality of times for a plurality of cords, each having a different associated loop;

(d) fixing together medial portions of the plurality of cords, either individually, to other of said cords of the plurality of cords, or both, to prevent dislodgement of each cord while leaving each cord freely engaged to the associated loop; and

(e) securing the support to the hair of a user, to a wig, or to a scalp of the user.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein said securing comprising clipping the support to the hair of the user.

16. The method of claim 14 wherein said securing comprises sewing the support into existing hair of the user.

17. The method of claim 14 wherein said securing comprises sewing the support directly to the scalp of the user.

18. The method of claim 15 wherein the support has a plurality of holes therein, and said securing comprises threading the hair of the user through at least some of the plurality of holes.

19. The method of claim 16 wherein the support has a plurality of holes therein, and said securing comprises threading at least one member of a group consisting of a line, a string, at least one strand of hair, and combinations thereof through at least some of the plurality of holes.