HAIRPIECE COMPRISING A HEADBAND FOR HAIR EXTENSIONS

Abstract

A hairpiece may comprise at least a wide rear band supporting at least one row of hair extensions, a narrow front band, and a length-adjustment mechanism. The back band may comprise two longitudinal portions connected by an elastic bridge(s). The back band may comprise two spaced-apart elongate sub-bands, separated by a gap. Rows of strips of hair extensions may be supported on the back band, or portions, or sub-bands.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

Priority is claimed from U.S. Pat. No. 61835627 filed 16 Jun. 2013

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates generally to hairpieces and, more particularly to hairpieces comprising a headband for hair extensions.

BACKGROUND

Hair extensions are known, and typically come as tufts (or wefts) of hair attached to clips. The user clips several of these extensions onto their natural hair. However, the clips are uncomfortable and can damage (break) the user's natural hair, even resulting in bald spots.

What is needed is a more comfortable way of attaching (affixing, mounting) the hair extensions on a user's head while substantially reducing the risk of damaging the user's natural hair.

Some Patent References

U.S. Pat. No. 5,551,452 discloses an adjustable hair piece construction includes a filamentary support element formed into a loop so as to fit around the head of a wearer. Hair is affixed to the loop element so as to, in use, hang down therefrom. An adjustment assembly for adjusting the size of the loop includes an abutment member including first a second bores therethrough. Portions of the support element extend through each of the bores so that the abutment member is movable on the support element between stops at the ends of the latter. A releasable diameter fixing member is movable along the support element between fixed positions. In such a fixed position, and with one end of the abutment member in engagement with one of the stops, the fixing member engages the other end of abutment member so as to fix the position of the abutment member and thus fix the size of the loop.

U.S. 20060174905 discloses a hairpiece for compensating for lack of hair length or thickness of a wearer due to illness or naturally occurring baldness or enhancing the appearance of such wearer includes a generally annular and at least partially elastic headband and hair affixed to a predetermined portion of the headband and extending outwardly therefrom in a predetermined direction. The hairpiece is worn by expandably positioning the headband onto the head of such wearer and aligning the hair with a predetermined portion of such head of such wearer. See also similar U.S. D539,483.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,161,980 discloses a frontal hairpiece for providing a naturally-appearing augmented frontal hairline when applied to the wearer. A frontal foundation has a forward edge, a rearward edge, a first end and a second end. The frontal foundation is thin, flexible and made from a net-like construction which substantially blends with the skin color of the wearer. The forward edge traces a tortuous pathway from approximately the first end to approximately the second end. Embodiments may include an elastic band portion connected to the frontal foundation, with first and second rear strap portions disposed therebetween. Hair is attached to the frontal foundation in a first density pattern which mimics a natural transition of a wearer's forehead into a frontal hairline. The first density pattern of some embodiments may be characterized by a greater density of hair strands applied proximate the rearward edge of the frontal foundation compared to the density of hair strands applied proximate the forward edge.

U.S. 20100154812 discloses a headband comprising wefts of human hair or synthetic hair and made of elastic material. The hair wefts are mounted in the centre by means of short stitches. The wefts are sewn onto the headband, where after the band is closed by stitching and subsequently turned inside out. The result is an elastic band with all stitches trapped inside the fabric of the band.

U.S. 20080121245 discloses a hairpiece to be used as an alternative to wigs. It was designed as an alternative to wigs to help breast cancer patients and others who lost their hair due to disease. The hairpiece is made up a flexible headband with synthetic hair attached. The hair is attached with a hot glue gun from the top of the headband. The front forehead section is left open for comfort. The exposed forehead portion measures from temple to temple; about 4.5 inches in length. The hair is shipped 14″ in length. It can be worn with any hat or scarf. The hairpiece can also be washed, cut, and blow-dried as well as worn curling or straight.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved hairpiece and method of using hair extensions, providing a technique (or means for attaching/mounting/wearing) the hair extensions on a user's head while substantially reducing the risk of damaging the user's natural hair. The hairpiece may be considered to be a partial wig, or a hair accessory.

According to the invention, generally, a hairpiece comprises a headband and hair extensions mounted to the headband. The hairpiece may comprise at least a wide rear band supporting at least one row of hair extensions, a narrow front band, and a length-adjustment mechanism. The back band may comprise two longitudinal portions connected by an elastic bridge(s). The back band may comprise two spaced-apart elongate sub-bands, separated by a gap. Rows of strips of hair extensions may be supported on the back band, or portions, or sub-bands.

According to some embodiments (examples) of the invention, a hairpiece may comprise: a headband adapted to be worn by a user and comprising a front portion and a back portion; means for adjusting an overall circumference of the headband; and at least two rows of tufts of hair secured to and extending from the back portion. The back portion may be wider than the front portion. The back portion may be tapered, being narrower at its ends. The means for adjusting may comprise a bra-type buckle. The tufts of hair may be sewn to the back portion. The tufts of hair may be releasably secured to the back portion. The back band may comprise a top sub-band located above and extending parallel to a bottom sub-band. The back band may be slit along its length to have two longitudinal portions, and a gap therebetween. The back band may comprise two longitudinal portions joined by an elastic bridge. A given row of tufts of hair may comprise multiple strips of hair extensions, arranged end-to-end; and each strip may comprise multiple tufts of hair. The strips of one row may be aligned above the strips of another row. The strips of one row may be staggered with respect to the strips of another row. The tufts of hair may be human hair, or hair from other sources, or artificial hair, or combinations thereof. There may be several tufts of hair; and selected tufts may have lengths of approximately 6 inches-24 inches. Some tufts may be longer than others.

According to some embodiments (examples) of the invention, a hairpiece may comprise: a headband comprising a front portion and a back portion; and at least two rows of tufts of hair secured to and extending from the back portion; wherein a given row comprises multiple strips of hair extensions, arranged end-to-end; and selected ones of the strips comprise multiple tufts of hair.

According to some embodiments (examples) of the invention, a method of attaching hair extensions may comprise: providing a headband having at least two rows of tufts of hair secured to and extending from a back portion of the headband. The circumference of the headband may be adjusted. The back portion may comprise multiple strips of hair arranged end-to-end in rows, each strip comprising multiple tufts of hair.

Other embodiments (examples) may be disclosed, and may be claimed. Some interim products may be disclosed, and may be claimed.

The invention(s) described herein may relate to industrial and commercial industries, such as hairpieces, hair extensions, and the like.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention(s) disclosed herein may become apparent in light of the following illustrations and descriptions thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will be made in detail to embodiments of the disclosure, non-limiting examples of which may be illustrated in the accompanying drawing figures (FIGs). The figures may generally be in the form of diagrams. Some elements in the figures may be exaggerated, others may be omitted, for illustrative clarity. Some figures may be in the form of diagrams. Although the invention is generally described in the context of various exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to these particular embodiments, and individual features of various embodiments may be combined with one another. Any text (legends, notes, reference numerals and the like) appearing on the drawings are incorporated by reference herein.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a headband with tufts of hair extending from a back portion of the headband. The view is “looking down”, and a user's head is shown in dashed lines.

FIG. 2 is a diagram, in side view, showing how the headband may be positioned on a user's head. The headband may encircle the user's head from the top front to the lower back. The user's natural hair may partially cover (extend over) the extensions which are hanging down from the headband, and may substantially cover the headband itself.

FIG. 3 is a diagram, in rear (back) view, showing that several tufts of hair may extend from the back portion of the headband, in several (two or more, such as 5) rows, and that the back portion of the headband may be wider (taller) than the front portion of the headband.

FIG. 4 is a diagram, in perspective view, of a hairpiece wherein a back portion of the headband comprises multiple (two or more, two shown) rear (back) webs/bands.

FIG. 4A is a diagram of a rear portion of a headband having three rear webs/bands, and each band has multiple (two shown) rows of hair extensions affixed thereto.

FIG. 5 is diagram of a rear portion of a headband wherein there are at least two portions, such as left/rear and right/rear web portions joined to one another with an elastic (stretchable) “bridge”.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of a rear portion of a headband which is wide (tall) enough to support multiple (such as six) rows of tufts of hair (or strips of tufts of hair).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments will be described to illustrate teachings of the invention(s), and should be construed as illustrative rather than limiting. It should be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention(s) to these particular embodiments. It should be understood that some individual features of various embodiments may be combined in different ways than shown, with one another. Reference herein to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or similar formulations, may mean that a particular feature, structure, operation, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Headings (typically underlined) may be provided as an aid to the reader, and should not be construed as limiting. Any dimensions and materials or processes set forth herein should be considered to be approximate and exemplary, unless otherwise indicated.

As described herein, a “hairpiece” generally comprises a comfortable headband to which hair extensions are attached. The headband may comprise one or more of textile or synthetic materials, stretchable, or adjustable to conform to a user's head (skull, cranium). By avoiding using conventional clips to attach the hair extensions to the user's hair, damage to the user's natural hair can be significantly reduced (substantially entirely avoided). Moreover, rather than having to attach a number of individual hair extensions to their hair, the user merely has to put on one headband which carries multiple hair extensions.

Generally, in use, the headband with extensions is slipped over the user's head, then the user lifts up their natural hair (in the back) and slides the back of the headband up into place at the top of the back of their neck, under the lifted-up natural hair, and then allows the natural hair to fall down over the extensions. In the front, the headband can be positioned somewhere on the crown of the user's head, and the user can arrange their natural hair to conceal (cover) the headband, or may choose to leave it exposed. An exposed portion of the headband may be decorative,

Definitions

As used herein, the term “headband” may refer to an elongate (or elongated) band (or loop) of material, having a length dimension and a height dimension (which may be referred to as the width of the band) which is generally transverse to the length dimension.

A headband may comprise a single band having an overall length dimension corresponding to the overall circumference of a user's head, or relevant portion thereof, such as from a position above the user's forehead to a position above the back of the user's neck. The headband may be elastic, or otherwise adjustable to fit snugly yet comfortably on the user's head.

Alternatively, a headband may comprise two or more bands, or portions of the overall headband, such a “front band” for spanning the front portion (approximately half of the circumference) of a user's head and a “back band” for spanning the back portion (approximately half of the circumference) of the user's head. These portions of the overall headband, or front and back bands, may be joined end-to-end to encircle the users entire head. “Front” may be referred to as “anterior”. “Back” may be referred to as “rear” or “anterior”

As used herein, the term “tuft” or “weft” may refer to one or more elongate strands of hair (or extensions), having two ends, that (in the case of multiple strands) are aggregated (such as joined with one another) at a common one end thereof, such as on a short “strip”. The tufts of hair may be approximately 6-24 inches long, and my comprise human hair, or hair from other sources, or artificial hair, or combinations thereof. A typical strip of extension hair may measure ½ inch high by 2 inches long, and have 10 or 12 tufts of hair mounted thereto. Other size strips having different numbers of tufts of hair are possible. When several tufts of hair are supported by the headband, they may have different lengths, the same or different color, etc. Generally, the tufts may have a range/variety of colors that complement the user's natural hair. The tufts may be able to be dyed darker or lighter, and highlights may be added. The hair extensions can be cut/styled however the user wants, and should be washable.

As used herein, the term “strip” of hair (or hair extensions) may comprise an elongate support member to which the tufts of hair are mounted, typically in a single row from end-to-end along the strip.

As used herein, the term “hairpiece” may refer to a combination of a headband and several tufts (including wefts or strands) of hair supported by (or mounted to) the headband, or a portion thereof. The term “hairpiece” (or “headband for a hairpiece”) may also refer to a headband for supporting tufts of hair, without the tufts of hair being in place on (mounted to) the headband. In some embodiments (examples), the tufts are affixed (permanently mounted) to the headband, in some other embodiments, the tufts may be temporarily (removably) mounted to the headband.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a headband 100 with tufts of hair 130 extending from a back portion 120 (web, band) of the headband. The view is “looking down”, and a user's head is shown in dashed lines. The ends of the tufts of hair, or strips comprising several tufts of hair, may be attached in any suitable manner, such as be sewing the tufts (or strips) to the back web. The ends of the tufts (or strips) may be removably secured to the back web of the headband such as with Velcro, clips, snaps, buttons, adhesive, and the like.

FIG. 1 illustrates, generally, that one end (left, as viewed) of a front portion 110 of the headband may be attached (secured), such as sewn together to a corresponding one end (left, as viewed) of the back web of the headband, and that the opposite end (right, as viewed) of the front portion of the headband may be attached with an adjustment mechanism 115 such as a buckle or a bra strap type connector to a corresponding one end (right, as viewed) of the back web of the headband. (At least one end of the front portion is adjustably joined (such as by a buckle) to a corresponding end of the back portion. The buckle constitutes “means for adjusting” the overall length, or circumference of the headband.) This allows for the headband to be adjusted to a secure, yet comfortable fit around the users head—in other words, adjustment of an overall resulting length (circumference, when in use on a user's head) of the entire hairpiece. A mechanism which is incrementally adjustable, such as a button fitting into one of a number of slits (buttonholes) may be suitable, particularly if there is some elasticity inherent in the headband.

The front portion of the headband may be a long thin band, flat or round, such as approximately ⅛ inch wide (or diameter) and be stretchy (elastic) or it may be non-stretchy. A thin monofilament (like fishing line), or shoelace-type material may be appropriate for the front band. The adjustment mechanism should be simple to use, maintain its position once it is adjusted, be easy to re-adjust, and should be non-bulky.

The back portion of the headband may be stretchy (elastic) or it may be non-stretchy. Stretchy cotton material (or a woven textile material) may be used for the back portion of the headband. Synthetic or natural materials, an combinations thereof, may be used. The back portion of the headband, which supports the hair extensions, may measure approximately 9 1\2 inches long and approximately 2 1\2 inches tall (wide). The back portion my be approximately 1/16 inch thick. A liner, may be added to the inner surface of the back web to conceal stitching and to present a logo or trademark, or usage instructions. The hairband and its front and back portions may be substantially transparent, or a color which closely matches that of the hair extensions or of the user's natural hair. The hairband (and overall hairpiece) may be washable, such as by hand, using shampoo and conditioner.

The back portion may be tapered between its two ends (wider at the back of the user's head, narrower at its ends where it attaches to the front portion) while the front portion is a thin band of substantially constant width (not tapered). The overall length (circumference) of the headband may be approximately 20 inches, the back portion may constitutes approximately 40% of the overall length, and the front portion may constitute approximately 60% of the overall length. All dimensions set forth herein are exemplary, and should not be construed to be limiting.

Different size headbands having back web portions of different lengths (such as “S”, “M”, “L) may be provided to accommodate different size heads, or user preferences. Hairbands having back portions which are longer may also be appropriate for user's wearing hats, so that the back portion supporting extensions may extend above the user's ears so that the hair falls closely to the face as well and not just to the back.

Different size headbands having back web portions of different widths (such as “normal”, “wide”, “double wide”) may be provided. Wide back webs may support several rows of hair extensions (see FIG. 6), so that they can support a greater amount of hair extensions. This would be useful in lieu of wearing a wigs—all that a user would need to do is put the hairband on (which leaves the top of the user's head exposed), and then wear a hat on top of it, which gives the appearance (to an outsider) simply of a woman wearing a hat with long hair underneath.

FIG. 2 is a diagram, in side view, showing how the headband 100 may be positioned (worn) on a user's head. The headband may encircle the user's head from the top front to the lower back of the user's head. The user's natural hair may at least partially cover (extend over) the headband, and may also cover (extend over) the headband ends of the extensions 130 which are hanging down from the headband. The user's natural hair will typically be shorter than the extensions. However, the extensions are not limited to being longer than the user's natural hair. Shorter extensions may provide for more “volume” in the user's hairstyle, which may be a short style.

FIG. 3 is a diagram, in rear (back) view, showing that several tufts of hair may be secured (including releasably) to extend from the back portion of the headband, in several (two or more, such as 5) rows, and that the back portion may be wider (taller) than the front portion. The back portion may comprise one wide band (or strip) of material. Alternatively, the back portion may comprise several bands of material (each the full length of the back portion), or one band of material sliced (lengthwise) to have several strips or portions, each strip extending the full length of the back portion (See FIG. 4).

The back portion 120 may be wider than the front portion 110 (the front portion may be narrower than the back portion). The front and back portions may be joined at their ends. The back portion 120 may support several rows of tufts of hair extensions 130 which may be easily and simultaneously applied (worn) by the user.

The extensions may be attached (affixed, secured) in any suitable manner, including removably, to the headband. The user “applies” the hair extensions to their head using (wearing) the headband. Strictly speaking, the hair extensions are not extensions of a person's natural hair. They are an addition thereto.

FIG. 3 suggests (with the showing of small holes) that there may be holes extending through the back web 120 so that tufts of hair affixed (including removably) to an inside surface of the web (which is against the user's head) may extend through the web to outside the web. It should be understood that having holes in the back portion (web) of the headband is optional, and that the tufts of hair may be applied (affixed) to the back portion in any suitable manner, some of which are discussed herein (for example, sewing).

FIG. 4 is a diagram, in perspective view, of a hairpiece comprising multiple (two or more, two shown) rear (back) webs/bands. In this example, the headband 400 comprises a front band 410 and a back band 420. The front band 410 is elongate and has two ends 410a and 410b, labeled “left” and “right”, respectively. The back band 420 is elongate and has two ends 420a and 420b, labeled “left” and “right”, respectively. In use, the left ends of the front and back bands may be positioned above, and slightly behind, the user's left ear, and the right ends of the front and back bands may be positioned above, and slightly behind, the user's right ear.

The end 420a of the back band 420 is joined in any suitable manner, such as may have been described hereinabove, to the end 410a of the front band 410. The end 420b of the back band 420 may be joined in any suitable manner, such as may have been described hereinabove, to the end 410b of the front band 410.

Means for adjusting the overall length of the headband 400 (such as a bra-type buckle, as described hereinabove) are omitted from this figure (and may be omitted from some of the other figures), for illustrative clarity. The joined ends 410a/420a and 410b/420b of the front/back bands may be simply shown within circles in this figure (and may be omitted from some of the other figures), for illustrative clarity. Several tufts of hair extensions 432 and 434 may be supported by, extend from, and dangle downwardly from the back band 420.

In this example, rather than having a single back band, the back band 520 may comprise two or more elongate bands 422 and 424, each of which may be referred to as a “sub-band”. Only two sub-bands are shown, for illustrative clarity. The sub-band 422 may be an “upper” (or “top”) sub-band located above and extending generally parallel to the “lower” (or “bottom”) sub-band 424.

The sub-band 422 may be elongate and may have two ends 422a and 422b which may correspond to the two ends 420a and 420b, respectively, of the overall back band. The sub-band 422 may have a height dimension h1 which may be only a fraction (such as half) of the overall height dimension h of the overall back band 420. The sub-band 422 may have a length L1 which may be equal to the length L of the overall back band 420. The sub-band 422 may support one or more rows of tufts (or strips) of hair 432, only a few of which are shown extending downward from the sub-band 422, for illustrative clarity.

The sub-band 424 may be elongate and may have two ends 424a and 424b which may correspond to the two ends 420a and 420b, respectively, of the overall back band. The sub-band 424 may have a height dimension h2 which may be only a fraction (such as half) of the overall height dimension h of the overall back band 420. The sub-band 424 may have a length L2 which may be equal to the length L of the overall back band 420. (The length L1 of the bottom sub-band 424 may be substantially equal to the length L1 of the top sub-band 422.) The sub-band 424 may support one or more rows of tufts (or strips) of hair 434, only a few of which are shown extending downward from the sub-band 424, for illustrative clarity.

It is within the scope of the invention that, rather than having two (or more) distinct and separate sub-bands, one wide band may be slit along its length to have two (or more) portions joined at their ends, and a gap therebetween.

In use, some of the user's natural hair (shown in dashed lines) may be arranged to extend over the top sub-band 422 (including continuing to extend over the bottom sub-band 424), thereby concealing one or more of the top and bottom sub-band(s). Similarly, some of the user's natural hair (shown in dashed lines) may be arranged to extend from between the gap between the top sub sub-band 422 and the bottom sub-band 424, and over the bottom sub-band 424, thereby concealing the bottom sub-band.

FIG. 4A is a diagram of a rear portion of a headband 400A, more particularly a portion of a back band 420A thereof. Left and right ends are indicated in the figure, but what is shown may only be a portion of the back portion (back band) of the headband 400A.

In this example, the back band 420A may comprise three individual sub-bands 422A, 423A and 424A. In this example, one or more of the sub-bands may each support at least two (two shown) rows of tufts (or strips) of hair. Each tuft of hair is represented by a black dot, for illustrative clarity. Each sub-band is shown having approximately 42 tufts of hair, in two rows of 21 tufts each, for illustrative clarity, but the actual number of tufts supported by a given sub-band may be more or less than 42, and the number of tufts on one sub-band does not necessarily need to equal the number of tufts on the other sub-bands. In a given sub-band, the two rows of tufts of hair may be staggered (as illustrated), the tufts of one row being disposed between the tufts of the other row, as shown.

In use, some of the user's natural hair may be arranged to extend over the top sub-band 422A (including continuing to extend over the middle sub-bank 423A and the bottom sub-band 424), thereby concealing one or more of the top, middle and bottom sub-band(s). Here, there may be a first gap between the top sub-band 422A and the middle sub-band 423A through which the user's hair may extend, covering the middle sub-band 423A and the bottom sub-band 424A. And, there may be a second gap between the middle sub-band 423A and the bottom sub-band 424A through which the user's natural hair may extend, covering the bottom sub-band 424A. It should be understood, in any of these examples, that the user's natural hair may extend upward, rather than hanging downward, depending on their choice of hairstyle.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a back band 520 of a headpiece comprising two or more longitudinal portions 522 and 524 joined by one or more elastic “bridges” 530. More particularly, the overall back band 520 comprises two ends 520a and 520b, a “left” end and a “right” end, respectively. The ends are shown only generally, as circles (which may be parts of size adjustment mechanisms), details being omitted, for illustrative clarity. The front band is omitted in this figure, for illustrative clarity. The elastic bridges may be bands, or other pieces of elastic, or otherwise stretchy material.

A left portion (or “half”) 522 of the back band 520 may be elongate, having two ends 522a and 522b, and may extend from its left end 522a at the left end 520a of the overall back band 520 to its right end 522b which may be at a position which is approximately half of the distance (length) to the right end 520b of the overall back band 520.

A right portion (or “half”) 524 of the back band 520 may be elongate, having two ends 524a and 524b, and may extend from its right end 524b at the right end 520b of the overall back band 520 to its left end 524a which may be at a position which is approximately half of the distance (length) to the left end 520a of the overall back band 520.

The right end 522b of the left half 522 and the left end 524a of the right half 524 may be disposed close to (such as 1-2 cm apart from) one another and joined by one or more (three shown) “bridges” which may comprise an elastic (stretchy) textile material. This, in conjunction with adjusting the overall length of the headband, may provide for a comfortable secure (snug) fit of the headband on a user's head.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of a portion of a rear web (back band) 610 of a headband 600 which is wide (tall) enough to support multiple (such as six) rows of tufts (or strips of tufts) 620 of hair. By having a plurality of rows, “layering” effects may be achieved (implemented) by the user, or their coiffeur.

Six longitudinal rows (labeled Row 1-Row 6) are shown. As used herein, a “row” may simply be a portion of a single overall wide band (the term row being used in its geometric sense). Or, there may be multiple (such as two, “top” and “bottom”) bands, such as described with respect to FIG. 4, each having three rows of strips 620 of hair extensions. A top band could have two rows, and the bottom band could have four rows. Other combinations are possible, and within the scope of the invention. Each row (1-6) may be approximately ¼-½ inch high, and may extend substantially the entire length of the back band 610. A plurality of (multiple, several; six shown) tufts of hair are shown (as black dots) extending from each strip 620 of hair extensions. Each strip (or hair unit) may be approximately ¾-1 ½ inches in length (such as 1 ¼ inches in length).

Each row/layer 1-6 is shown supporting a plurality of (multiple, several) strips 620 which are arranged end-to-end in a given row, as illustrated. There may be a gap (such as approximately ¼ inch) between the strips in each row. The strips 620 may all be substantially identical with one another (as shown), or they may be different than one another. The strips 620 may be arranged so that the strips of one row are aligned directly above the strips 620 of the other rows, so as to leave a number of stretchy spaces along the length of the back web of the headband (similar to the “bridges” of FIG. 5). Alternatively, the strips of one row may be staggered with respect to the strips of another (adjacent) row.

While the invention(s) has/have been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention(s), but rather as examples of some of the embodiments. Those skilled in the art may envision other possible variations, modifications, and implementations that are also within the scope of the invention(s), based on the disclosure(s) set forth herein.

Claims

1. A hairpiece comprising:

a headband adapted to be worn by a user and comprising a front portion and a back portion;

means for adjusting an overall circumference of the headband; and

at least two rows of tufts of hair secured to and extending from the back portion.

2. The hairpiece of claim 1, wherein:

the back portion is wider than the front portion.

3. The hairpiece of claim 1, wherein:

the back portion is tapered, being narrower at its ends.

4. The hairpiece of claim 1, wherein:

the means for adjusting comprises a bra-type buckle.

5. The hairpiece of claim 1, wherein:

the tufts of hair are sewn to the back portion.

6. The hairpiece of claim 1, wherein:

the tufts of hair are releasably secured to the back portion.

7. The hairpiece of claim 1, wherein:

the back band comprises a top sub-band located above and extending parallel to a bottom sub-band.

8. The hairpiece of claim 1, wherein:

the back band is slit along its length to have two longitudinal portions, and a gap therebetween.

9. The hairpiece of claim 1, wherein:

the back band comprises two longitudinal portions joined by an elastic bridge.

10. The hairpiece of claim 10, wherein:

the strips of one row are aligned above the strips of another row.

11. The hairpiece of claim 10, wherein:

the strips of one row are staggered with respect to the strips of another row.

12. The hairpiece of claim 1, wherein:

the tufts of hair may be human hair, or hair from other sources, or artificial hair, or combinations thereof.

13. The hairpiece of 1, wherein:

there are several tufts of hair; and

selected tufts have lengths of approximately 6 inches-24 inches.

14. The hairpiece of 13, wherein:

some tufts are longer than others.

15. A hairpiece comprising:

a headband comprising a front portion and a back portion; and

at least two rows of tufts of hair secured to and extending from the back portion;

wherein:

a given row comprises multiple strips of hair extensions, arranged end-to-end; and

selected ones of the strips comprise multiple tufts of hair.

16. Method of attaching hair extensions comprising:

providing a headband having at least two rows of tufts of hair secured to and extending from a back portion of the headband.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

adjusting a circumference of the headband.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein:

the back portion comprises multiple strips of hair arranged end-to-end in rows, each strip comprising multiple tufts of hair.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

arranging the strips of one row to be aligned above the strips of another row.

20. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

arranging the strips of one row to be staggered with respect to the strips of another row.