Hair Extension Assembly

Abstract

A hair extension assembly for attachment to a user's hair, includes a first portion including a hair extension strip having a first side to which a first weft of hair is attached; and a second portion including a second hair extension strip having a first side to which a second weft of hair is attached. The first and second portions each include a second side. At least one of the strips includes fasteners on the second side and the other of the strips includes a complementary surface that may include includes fasteners on the second side. The fasteners matingly engage the first and second portions, with the user's hair disposed between the first and second strips when the first and second portions matingly engage.

Description

PRIORITY

The present application is a Continuation-in-part application and is co-pending with U.S. Provisional Application. No. 62/642,209 filed on Mar. 13, 2018.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to hair extensions. More particularly, the present invention relates to a hair extension using fasteners to attach the hair extension to natural or synthetic hair.

Hair extensions are used to add volume, length and other characteristics to the appearance of a person's natural hair.

Different types of hair extensions have been proposed (e.g., tape-in, sew-in, fusion & pre-bonded, micro-link, clip-in, etc.). However, such hair extensions have their limitations and can always be improved. For example, tape-in extensions are semi-permanent, and are generally applied to a person's natural hair only by a trained professional (e.g., a licensed beautician).

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved hair extension. There is also a need for hair extensions that do not require the services of a trained professional to apply. There is a further need for hair extensions that can be safely and easily applied and removed at home by a layperson using the extensions on their own hair. There is a need for hair extensions that are temporary. There is also a need for hair extensions that can be applied and removed in a very short time. There is an additional need for a hair extension that is easier to manufacture, assemble, adjust, and maintain. The present invention satisfies these needs and provides other related advantages.

SUMMARY

The hair extension assembly illustrated herein provides an improved hair extension. The hair extension assembly illustrated herein does not require the services of a licensed beautician in a salon to apply. The hair extension assembly illustrated herein can be safely and easily applied and removed at home by a layperson using the hair extension assembly on their own hair. The hair extension assembly illustrated herein is temporarily applied. The hair extension assembly illustrated herein can be applied and removed in a short time (e.g., a few minutes). The hair extension assembly illustrated herein is easier to manufacture, assemble, adjust, and maintain than currently available hair extension assemblies. The present invention satisfies these needs and provides other related advantages.

In an illustrative embodiment, a hair extension assembly includes two adjoining pieces of hook-and-loop strips or fasteners that have hair wefts or strips of hair sewn, fastened or glued to either side of the hook and loop strips. Hair can be made from synthetic fiber, or human hair. Hair wefts can also be made from a variety of different types of animal hair (e.g., yak, horse, donkey, dog, mule, zebra, etc.).

In another illustrative embodiment, a hair extension assembly for attachment to a user's hair, includes a first portion including a first strip having a first side to which a first weft of hair is attached; and a second portion including a second strip having a first side to which a second weft of hair is attached. The first and second portions each include a second side; wherein the first and second strips include hook and loop fasteners on the second side. The hook and loop fasteners matingly engage the first and second portions such that the user's hair is disposed between the first and second strips when the first and second portions are matingly engaged.

In a further illustrative embodiment, a method for applying a hair extension to a user's hair, includes providing a hair extension assembly that includes a first portion including a first strip having a first side to which a first weft of hair is attached, and a second portion including a second strip having a first side to which a second weft of hair is attached. The first and second portions each include a second side wherein the strips include hook and loop fasteners on the second side. In use, a portion of the user's hair is sectioned. One of the first portions of the hair extension assembly is then applied under the sectioned hair and the user's hair is threaded over the second side of the first portion. The second side of the second portion is then engaged to the second side of the first portion to sandwich the user's natural hair therebetween. A portion of the hair extension assembly is the covered with the user's hair over the second sides of the first and second portions.

This inventive hair extension assembly can be used by a consumer to easily attach hair temporarily to themselves or to an animal. The hair extension assembly can be used on both humans and animals to add length, volume, color and styles and adornments (jewelry, tinsel, yarn, string, etc.) to hair.

To apply the hair extension assembly, a user sections a strip of their hair and sandwich that strip of hair between the hook and loop second sides of the first and second portions. This can be done on several places on the side, back and top of the user's head to create the appearance of fullness and add length and/or color.

The hair extension assembly gives the user the same “effect” as tape-in hair extensions which are semi-permanent and can only be done by a licensed beautician in a salon. The inventive hair extensions can safely and easily be applied and removed at home and are temporary and can be applied and removed in just minutes.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various present embodiments now will be discussed in detail with an emphasis on highlighting the advantageous features with reference to the drawings/photographs of various embodiments. The illustrated embodiments are intended to illustrate, but not to limit the invention. These drawings/photographs include the following figures, in which like numerals indicate like parts:

FIG. 1 is an elevated view showing both sides of a hair extension;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a hair extension;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a hair extension;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing application of one side of the hair extension to sectioned hair;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a user threading hair between the hook and loop pieces;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing attaching the other side of the hair extension to the natural hair to create a sandwich closure; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the hair extension covered with the user's own hair.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description describes present embodiments with reference to the drawings/photographs. In the drawings/photographs, reference numbers label elements of present embodiments. These reference numbers are reproduced below in connection with the discussion of the corresponding drawing features.

It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of the present invention have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the present invention, while eliminating, for the purpose of clarity, many other elements found in hair extensions. Those of ordinary skill in the pertinent arts may recognize that other elements and/or steps are desirable and/or required in implementing the present invention. However, because such elements and steps are well known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, a discussion of such elements and steps is not provided herein. The disclosure herein is directed to all such variations and modifications to such elements and methods known to those skilled in the pertinent arts.

As shown in FIGS. 1-7 for purposes of illustration, an embodiment of the present invention resides in a hair extension assembly 10 that can be used by a user to temporarily attach hair to themselves, to another person, or to an animal. The hair extension assembly 10 can be used on both humans and animals to add length, volume, color, styles, and adornments (e.g., jewelry, tinsel, yarn, string, etc.) to a person or animal's natural hair. The hair extension assembly 10 includes two (2) portions or pieces. The first portion 12 and second portion 14 each include sections that matingly engage each other. Each portion 12, 14 includes an elongated hair extension strip 16. Hair wefts or strips of hair 18 are mechanically and/or chemically fastened (e.g., sewn, glued, etc.) to a first side 17 of each hair extension strip 16 while fasteners 20 are attached to at least one of the second sides 19 of the hair extension strips 16. A weft of hair 18 is a single row of hair to be positioned between the layers of a user's own hair to add length, volume, and other qualities to the overall appearance of the user's hair. Wefts of hair 18 can be made from synthetic fiber, or natural hair (e.g., human, animal (e.g., yak, horse, donkey, dog, mule, zebra, etc.)). The second side 19 of each hair extension strip 16 preferably includes matingly engaging fasteners 20. For example, the fasteners 20 can be in the form of hook and loop fasteners (also known as hook-and-pile fasteners, touch fasteners, or VELCRO). For example, the second side 19 of each of the first portion and second portion, 12 and 14 may have similar fasteners 20 that matingly engage each other. Alternately, a hook portion 22 of the fasteners 20 may be located on the second side 19 of the first portion 12 and a loop portion 24 may be located on the second side of the second portion 14. The hook portion 22 may tiny hooks, and the loop portion 24 includes “hairy” loops. When the hook and loop portions 22 and 24 are pressed together, the hooks 22 catch in the loops 24 and the first and second portions 12, 14 matingly engage (e.g., fasten or bind temporarily) during the time that the first and second portions, 12 and 14 are pressed together. Alternatively, other mechanical fasteners can be used including, without limitation, pins, clips, latches, straps, hook and eye fasteners, toggle fasteners, snaps (male and female), male/female engaging fasteners, magnetic fasteners, or the like.

In use, in order to apply a hair extension assembly 10 to, for example, human hair H on a head of a user, a user sections a strip of their own hair, and sandwiches the strip of their hair between the first portion 12 and second portion 14. A user may apply a single hair extension assembly 10 to their hair but a user may also apply multiple hair extension assemblies 10 to their hair at various places on their head (e.g., one or more hair extension assemblies 10 can be applied in several places on the side, back and top of the user's head to create fullness, and add length and/or color). In the case of an animal such as a horse, one or more hair extension assemblies 10 can be applied to a horse's mane or tail.

In the preferred use of the present invention, in order to apply a hair extension assembly 10, the user begins by sectioning a portion of their hair. One of the first portion 12 of the hair extension assembly 10 is then positioned adjacent to the hair underneath the sectioned hair and then is positioned adjacent to the underside of the sectioned hair with the second side 19 of the first portion 12 facing outwardly. The user then positions the sectioned portion of their natural hair in the desired position over the first portion 12. The user then positions the second side 19 of the second portion 14 over the user's sectioned natural hair to sandwich the user's natural hair H between the first portion 12 and the second portion 14. The user then presses the fasteners 20 of the first portion 12 and second portion 14 together to matingly engage the first portion 12 and second portion 14 to one another and create a sandwich closure with the natural hair therebetween. The user may then position another section of natural hair over the hair extension assembly 10 to cover and hide the hair extension strips of the hair extension assembly 10.

Alternatively, the user can create a space between the hair extension strips 16 of the first portion 12 and second portion 14, then thread a portion of their hair between the pieces 12, 14 of the hair extension assembly 10. The user may then press the hook-and-loop fasteners, 22 and 24 together to matingly engage the first portion and second portion, 12 and 14 with the user's natural hair sandwiched therebetween. Additionally, a plurality of highlights or other desired strands may be positioned between the first portion 12 and second portion 14 to provide desired accents or highlights that are held in position with the hair extension assembly 10. Either way, when the user's natural hair is held between the first portion 12 and second portion 14, the user may then cover at least the first side 17 and second side 19 of the hair extension assembly 10 with the user's own hair.

Although the present invention has been discussed above in connection with use on human hair, the present invention is not limited to that environment and may also be used on other animals including, but not limited to, horses, dogs, primates, and other animals having hair or similar features/structures. The present invention can be used by a consumer to easily attach hair temporarily to themselves or to an animal. The present invention can be used on both humans and animals to add length, volume, color and styles and adornments (e.g., jewelry, tinsel, yarn, string, etc.) to hair.

In addition, the claimed invention is not limited in size and may be constructed in miniature versions or for use in very large-scale applications in which the same or similar principles as described above would apply. Likewise, the length and width of the hair extensions are not to be construed as drawn to scale, and that the lengths/widths of the hair extensions may be adjusted in conformance with the area available for its placement. Furthermore, the figures (and various components shown therein) of the specification are not to be construed as drawn to scale.

Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on”, “engaged to”, “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to”, “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Spatially relative terms, such as “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” “inner,” “outer,” “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The above description presents the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention, and of the manner and process of making and using it, in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains to make and use this invention. This invention is, however, susceptible to modifications and alternate constructions from that discussed above that are fully equivalent. Consequently, this invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed. On the contrary, this invention covers all modifications and alternate constructions coming within the spirit and scope of the invention as generally expressed by the following claims, which particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter of the invention.

Claims

1. A hair extension assembly for attachment to a user's hair, comprising:

a first portion including a first strip having a first side to which a first weft of hair is attached; and

a second portion including a second strip having a first side to which a second weft of hair is attached;

wherein the first and second portions each include a second side; wherein at least one of the strips include fasteners on the second side and the other of the strips includes a complementary surface to engage the fasteners on the second side of the first portion, whereby the second sides of the first portion and second portion matingly engage the first and second portions together; and

whereby the user's hair is disposed between the first and second strips when the first and second portions are matingly engaged.

2. The hair extension assembly of claim 1 wherein the second side of each of the first portion and second portion include hook and loop fasteners thereon.

3. The hair extension assembly of claim 1 wherein at least one of the second side of each of the first portion and second portion include a mechanical fastener thereon to secure the first strip to the second strip.

4. The hair extension assembly of claim 1 wherein the second side of each of the first portion and second portion include complementary fasteners thereon to secure the first portion to the second portion.

5. The hair extension assembly of claim 1 wherein the weft of hair of the first portion has a first length and the weft of hair on the second portion has a second length.

6. The hair extension assembly of claim 5 wherein the first length of the hair on the first portion is different than the second length of hair on the second portion.

7. The hair extension assembly of claim 1 wherein the weft of hair of the first portion has a first color and the weft of hair on the second portion has a second color.

8. The hair extension assembly of claim 7 wherein the first color of the hair on the first portion is different than the second color of hair on the second portion.

9. The hair extension assembly of claim 1 wherein an adornment may be positioned and secured between the first strip and second strip of the first portion and second portion.

10. A method for applying a hair extension to a user's hair, comprising:

providing a hair extension assembly, comprising a first portion including a first strip having a first side to which a first weft of hair is attached; and a second portion including a second strip having a first side to which a second weft of hair is attached; wherein the first and second portions each include a second side; wherein at least one of the second sides of the strips include fasteners on the second side and the other of the strips includes a complementary surface on the second side;

sectioning a portion of the user's hair;

applying one of the first and second portions of the hair extension assembly to the sectioned hair;

threading a portion of the user's hair over the second side of one of the first and second portions;

engaging the other of the first and second portions to the one of the first and second portions to sandwich the user's natural hair therebetween; and

covering a portion of the hair extension assembly with the user's hair.

11. The method of claim 10 further including sandwiching an adornment between the first portion and second portion of the hair extension assembly.

12. The method of claim 10 wherein the first weft of hair has a first length and the second weft of hair has a second length and wherein the first length is greater than the second length and the first length of hair is applied on the underside of the hair sandwiched between the first portion and the second portion.

13. The method of claim 10 wherein the first weft of hair has a first length and the second weft of hair has a second length and wherein the first length is less than the second length and the first length of hair is applied on the underside of the hair sandwiched between the first portion and the second portion.

14. The method of claim 10 wherein the first weft of hair has a first color and the second weft of hair has a second color and wherein the first color is different than the second color and the first length of hair is applied on the underside of the hair sandwiched between the first portion and the second portion.

15. The method of claim 10 wherein the second side of each of the first portion and second portion are provided with hook and loop fasteners and the sectioned portion of the user's hair is secured therebetween during installation of the hair extension assembly.