HAIR EXTENSION SYSTEM

Abstract

A hair extension system includes an elongated track that is constructed from a single, thin and malleable cord. A plurality of sliding extensions is positioned along the cord, each of the sliding extensions including elongated strands of hair-like material that are joined together along the top end, and further including a loop for suspending the sliding extension from the track. A plurality of fixed hair extensions is positioned along the track at least at the first and second ends. Each of the fixed hair extensions including a plurality of hair-like strands which are joined together along the top end by a malleable ring. Each of the fixed hair extensions functioning to receive the natural hair of a user and spacers provided along the length of the track allow limited lateral movement of the sliding extensions during use.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application Ser. No. 62/801,688 filed on Feb. 6, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to hairpieces, and more particularly to a hair extension system.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

Hair extensions are an increasingly popular way for individuals to enhance their appearance by providing instant length, fullness, and/or style to their existing hair. In this regard, there are many known methods and products relating to hair extensions.

One known method and product involves a process of gluing a plurality of hair fibers directly to the scalp/real hair of the wearer. Although this “strand-by-strand” method produces the most natural looking result, the use of glue is messy, may leave visible globs in the wearers hair, and is known to cause skin irritation. As a result, there are known sleeves that can be tightened onto overlapping scalp hair and supplemental hair to hold the supplemental hair in place. Although this avoids the mess and skin irritation associated with using glue, the sleeves remain visible, thereby detracting from the overall look of the hair unless additional methods are employed to hide the sleeves.

Another method employs a weft comprising an elongated wide elastic band having a plurality of fibers that are fixed perpendicularly along the length of the band. The band includes a plurality of apertures which permits attachment to the scalp hair, typically by braiding the scalp hair and then sewing the weft with the braid. Because weft-style hair extensions are less costly than the strand by strand products, they tend to be more popular. Unfortunately, owing to the fixed relationship between the cable and fibers, weft extensions have extremely limited movement, thus restricting the ability to arrange/style the extensions. Additionally, due to the relatively bulky nature of the weft, the hair extension is more visible than those attached via strand-by-strand methods and has a tendency to not look natural.

Accordingly, it would be beneficial to provide an improved hair extension system that combines the natural look and movement associated with strand-by-strand hair extensions, with the ease of installation associated with a weft-style hair extension, so as to overcome the drawbacks described above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a hair extension system. One embodiment of the present invention can include an elongated track that is constructed from a single, thin and malleable cord. A plurality of sliding extensions are positioned along the cord. Each of the sliding extensions including elongated strands of hair-like material that are joined together along the top end, and further including a loop for suspending the sliding extension from the track. A plurality of fixed hair extensions can be positioned along the track at least at the first and second ends. Each of the fixed hair extensions including a plurality of hair-like strands which are joined together along the top end by a malleable ring.

In one embodiment, each of the fixed hair extensions can receive the natural hair of a user and spacers can be provided along the length of the track to allow limited lateral movement of the sliding extensions during use.

This summary is provided merely to introduce certain concepts and not to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Presently preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is an exploded parts view of one embodiment of the hair extension system that is useful for understanding the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the sliding extension of the hair extension system, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3A is a front view of the fixed extension of the hair extension system, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3B is a side view of the fixed extension of the hair extension system, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the hair extension system, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the hair extension system in operation, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the description in conjunction with the drawings. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the inventive arrangements in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate one embodiment of a hair extension system 10 that are useful for understanding the inventive concepts disclosed herein. In each of the drawings, identical reference numerals are used for like elements of the invention or elements of like function. For the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals are shown in the individual figures which are necessary for the description of the respective figure. For purposes of this description, the terms “upper,” “bottom,” “right,” “left,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the system 10 can include, essentially, a track 11, a plurality of sliding extensions 20 and a plurality of fixed extensions 30.

As described herein, the track 11 can include, comprise or consist of an elongated malleable cord having a smooth outer surface for receiving each of the below described extensions 20 and 30. In the preferred embodiment, the track 11 can be constructed from a single nylon string having an outside diameter of less than 5 mm and in a variety of different colors so as to be complementary in color to the intended wearers hair. This small size and matching color being an important function, as it allows the track to easily blend with the wearer's hair.

Of course, the track is not limited to the use of any particular shape, size, color or material, as other embodiments are contemplated wherein the track includes different shapes, sizes and construction materials such as an elastomeric cord, polymeric threads, or monofilament threads, for example.

In one embodiment, a plurality of spacers 15 can be positioned along the length of the track 11. Each individual or pair of spacers 15 can be separated by a set distance D forming a location for receiving the below described extensions 20 and 30. In this regard, the spacers 15 located along each end of the set distance D form a set area where each extension 20 can move laterally so as to emulate the natural looking movement of a user's real hair when the system is in use. In various embodiments, the distance D between each set of spacers can be uniform or can vary depending on the intended use of the finished product.

In the preferred embodiment, the spacers 15 can comprise knots that are tied along the track 11, so as to maintain the desired color and low-profile look. Of course, other embodiments are contemplated using different materials as spacers to engage the track and/or extensions 20 or 30 in the manner described herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a sliding extension 20 for use with the track 11. As shown, the sliding extension can include a plurality of elongated hair strands 21 which are joined by a string 22 having a loop 23 along the top end.

Each of the elongated strands 21 can be formed from any number of different materials that are suitable for simulating human hair. Several nonlimiting examples include actual human hair, synthetic hair and/or other suitable fibers, which can be provided in a variety of different lengths, colors, textures and styles (e.g., curly, wavy, straight).

In the preferred embodiment, the string 22 can be constructed from nylon or other polymeric threads having an outside diameter that is between 1 and 2 millimeters and can include an identical color as the track 11, so as to further camouflage the existence of the string. Of course, any number of different materials, sizes and colors are also contemplated.

In one embodiment, each of the sliding extensions 20 can be formed by first bending a portion of the string 22 around the track 11 to form a loop 23. Next, the plurality of elongated strands 21 can be aligned and the body of the string 22 can be wrapped tightly around the top of the aligned strands. Next, the string is knotted, and the leftover portions of the string are cut. Finally, a bonding agent 24 such as keratin glue, for example, is provided where the string and strands meet to ensure the combination does not become separated. Owing to the thin nature of the string 22, the resulting area where the string and strands meet will preferably include a diameter of between 2 and 5 millimeters, so as to more closely replicate natural hair thickness.

Of course, other embodiments are contemplated wherein different means for securing the strands to the loop are contemplated and/or resulting extensions having different dimensions than those described above. Moreover, although described above as forming the sliding extension(s) 20 with the track 11, other embodiments are contemplated wherein the extensions 20 can be mated with the track 11 after construction.

FIG. 3A illustrates one embodiment of a fixed extension 30 for use with the track 11. As shown, the fixed extension can also include a plurality of elongated hair strands 31 which are joined by a pressure ring 32 along the top end.

As described herein, each of the elongated strands 31 can be identical to strands 21 so as to be uniform when worn by a user. Alternatively, the strands 31 can be formed from any number of different materials, lengths, colors, textures and styles so as to provide a non-uniform appearance when placed along the same track 11 as the strands 21.

In one embodiment, the pressure ring 32 can include, a centrally located aperture into which an insert 33 is positioned. The insert 33 also having a central aperture 33a having an internal diameter such as 5 millimeters, for example, which can function to receive the natural hair 5 of a user. In the preferred embodiment, the ring 32 can include, comprise or consist of a commercially available micro ring, for example, that is constructed from a malleable metal such as copper, and the insert 33 can be constructed from silicon, or the like which is glued within the ring at a time of manufacture.

In one embodiment, each of the fixed extensions 30 can be formed by first aligning the strands 31 on a flat surface and applying a bonding agent 34 such as keratin glue, for example, to the outer surface of the ring 32. Next, the ring can be rolled perpendicular to the major axis of the aligned and flattened strands 31 so as to allow the top ends of the strands to be adhered to the ring. Next, the track 11 can be routed through the central aperture 33a and wrapped 12 around the ring 32 to secure the extension 30 to the track.

Because the track 11 is wrapped around the ring 32, the system advantageously allows a stylist to adjust the location of the extension 30 along the track 11 by simply loosening the wrap and sliding in the desired direction. Once positioned, the fixed extension will not move laterally, so this feature provides flexibility in positioning the system onto a user and provides enhanced styling options to ensure a natural looking end result.

Additionally, the use of a bonding agent to secure the strands to the outside of the ring is important, as this allows the strands to completely encompass the visible portions of the ring while maintaining the ability to change the shape of the ring itself, such as when the ring is crimped onto the wearers natural hair. This functionality further acts to camouflage the existence of the system itself, while maintaining a natural appearance when worn by a user.

Of course, other embodiments are contemplated wherein the strands are not secured around the entirety of the ring and/or where different securing techniques are utilized. For example, FIG. 3B illustrates one embodiment of the fixed extension 30 wherein the top ends of the strands 31 are routed through the central aperture 33a of the ring 32 and folded downward in a loop before being bonded 34 back onto themselves. Such a feature providing redundancy (though both the loop and the bonding agent) in preventing the strands from becoming separated from the loop.

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a fully assembled hair extension system 10. As shown, fixed extensions 30 can be positioned at the proximal, middle and distal ends of the track 11, and a plurality of sliding extensions 20 can be disposed along the length of the track between the proximal and distal ends, and the plurality of spacers 15. Although illustrated as including a particular number and arrangement of extensions and spacers along the track 11, this is for illustrative purposes only, as other embodiments of the system 10 are contemplated having any number of different sliding extensions, fixed extensions and/or spacers.

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of the hair extension system 10 in operation. First, the wearers hair 5 can be parted to form a line 6 along the scalp where the track 11 is to be located. Next, several strands 5a of the user's hair located above each fixed extension 30 can be routed through the central opening in the ring 32 to blend within the strands 31. Next, the stylist can use a pair of crimpers or other such tools to clamp/tighten the ring onto the hair 5a thereby preventing separation of the same. This process can be repeated for each remaining fixed extension 30.

If necessary, the length of the track 11 can be cut to conform to the individual shape/size of a wearers head. In such situations, scissors or other such instruments can be used to cut the track 11 at a location adjacent to one of the fixed extensions 30. Finally, the remaining portions of the wearer's hair can be combed/blended with the elongated strands 21 and 31 to form a natural look.

Because each of the sliding extensions 20 are capable of moving freely in both a horizontal and vertical manner the system advantageously enables stylists to arrange a user's hair that has been augmented by the system 10 in any number of different styles such as a ponytail, for example without having a noticeable weft. This free movement is possible because both the track 11 and the sliding extensions 20 are not attached to any braid made from the user's scalp hair, and the system 10 lays flat in an up-style and provides more flow with the natural hair. Additionally, owing to the nature of the materials used, as described above, (e.g., each ring is completely covered by strands 31) the system 10 is much less visible when compared to conventional weft extensions.

Accordingly, the above described hair extension system 10 provides the seamless versatility and natural look of the hair extensions attached by a strand-by-strand system, while allowing the ease of installation afforded by a weft-style system without the associated drawbacks of either.

As described herein, one or more elements of the hair extension system 10 can be secured together utilizing any number of known attachment means such as, for example, screws, glue, compression fittings and welds, among others. Moreover, although the above embodiments have been described as including separate individual elements, the inventive concepts disclosed herein are not so limiting. To this end, one of skill in the art will recognize that one or more individually identified elements may be formed together as one or more continuous elements, either through manufacturing processes, such as welding, casting, or molding, or through the use of a singular piece of material milled or machined with the aforementioned components forming identifiable sections thereof.

As to a further description of the manner and use of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, 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. Likewise, the terms “consisting” shall be used to describe only those components identified. In each instance where a device comprises certain elements, it will inherently consist of each of those identified elements as well.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

1. A hair extension system, comprising:

an elongated malleable track having a first end, a second end and a middle section;

a plurality of sliding extensions that are positioned along the track; and

a plurality of fixed extensions that are positioned along the track, said plurality of fixed extensions including a first fixed extension that is positioned adjacent to the first end of the track and a second fixed extension that is positioned adjacent to the second end of the track.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of sliding extensions includes a plurality of elongated hair strands having a loop along an upper end.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the track is positioned within the loop of each of the plurality of sliding hair extensions.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the loop includes an inside diameter that is greater than an outside diameter of the track to facilitate lateral movement along a length of the track.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the loop is formed from a piece of string.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of fixed extensions includes a plurality of elongated hair strands having a ring along an upper end.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the track is wrapped around the ring of each of the plurality of fixed hair extensions.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the ring includes an inside diameter that is suitable for receiving natural hair of a user.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the ring is constructed from a malleable material and is configured to be tightened onto the natural hair of a user that is positioned through the ring.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the track is constructed from a single elongated cord.