US20100065078A1

US20100065078A1 - Easy adjusting hair extension device

Info

Publication number: US20100065078A1
Application number: US12/209,349
Authority: US
Inventors: Elle Reece
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-09-12
Filing date: 2008-09-12
Publication date: 2010-03-18

Abstract

A hair extension device is made easily adjustable and convenient to use by providing attached adjustment mechanisms which are inconspicuous and easy to hide. The hair extension device is generally formed as a headband, including a supporting base panel and a connection strand. The supporting base panel can accommodate extension hair in various patterns, and has adjustment mechanisms attached thereto. The size adjustment mechanisms are specifically configured to cooperate with the connection strand to effectively shorten the length of the headband structure and thereby adjust the size of the device.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to hair pieces or hair extensions, and more specifically to a hair extension device which can be easily adjusted to fit the user's needs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hair extensions are widely used for a number of purposes in society today. As one example, hair extensions or hair pieces may be utilized to conceal bald or thinning spots on an individual's head. Additionally, hair extensions may be used for unique or special occasions where a slightly different hairstyle is desired. Generally speaking, these extensions simply supplement the wearer's existing hair, thus providing an immediate change in the user's look. These hair extensions can also be easily removed, thus giving the user the option of multiple styles and multiple variations in their appearance.
Generally speaking, hair extensions include some type of holding device for supporting multiple strands of replacement hair. This holding device or holding structure may be of many different forms, depending on the particular use and particular application involved. For example, one potential type holding structure is a hair clip with replacement hair attached thereto. This structure will simply clip into existing hair of the user when desired. A second type of hair extension utilizes a headband of some type, which is designed to wrap around a portion of the user's head. Naturally, the configuration of the holding structure which has the hair attached can vary depending upon the desired style or desired use of the hair extension.
In typical use, these hair extensions are attached or fitted to the user in a desirable manner, and then incorporated or blended into the existing hair. With this in mind, several considerations exist when designing hair extensions. These considerations include the particular use of the extensions, which also includes the desired positioning on a user's head. Further, the ability to blend with existing hair and hide any of the extension structure must also be considered. Naturally, the actual fit is also a consideration, which will obviously, depend upon the positioning of the device. All of these considerations are intended to achieve an extension which is both efficient and desirable.
In an effort to provide hair extensions which are fairly universal, it is advantageous to include adjustment mechanisms. Naturally, these adjustment mechanisms will accommodate both sizing and positioning concerns when the extension is in use. Any adjustment mechanisms must also be easily concealed and comfortable in order to provide usable devices.
Prior approaches to adjustability have included tie strings or tying mechanisms incorporated into a hair extension. For example, the hair extension may include a circular band with the extension hair attached thereto. A portion of this band will include some type of string or cord along with bulky connectors which allows the main body or band to be adjusted or moved. Alternatively, loose strings could extend from the end which must be knotted or tied. These structures do allow for resizing but are not extremely convenient. Unfortunately, connecting structures or additional components are not easy to use and provide undesirable bulk. Tying of knots adds additional steps which may be difficult. Again, these additional components must be concealed in a user's hair. The use of additional connecting structures or knots thus creates an additional consideration, thereby adding to complexity of the hair extension.
In light of the above, it is desirable to develop a hair extension device which is easily incorporated into the user's hair, while also being easily adjustable. The mechanism utilized for adjustment should preferably be easily concealed and inconspicuous, thus not detracting from the function of the overall device. Further, the desired hair extension device will be capable of supporting several different configurations of extension hair, thus providing options for various hair styles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses the above-referenced concerns by providing a hair extension which is adjustable, convenient, efficient and easy to use. Most significantly, the hair extension is easily adjusted without the need for additional structures or additional components. As such, the user is able to easily configure and position the hair extension as desired. The sizing mechanisms or size adjusting mechanisms are incorporated into existing structures, thus avoiding the need for additional components. Further, the adjustment system is easily concealed, thus avoiding any additional complications when incorporating the hair extensions into a user's hair.
Generally speaking, the hair extension device of the present invention includes a base panel, which has extension hair attached in one of many different patterns. As can be appreciated, the attachment of the extension hair to the base panel utilizing different attachment patterns can provide varying looks when used. In one embodiment, the base panel is generally rectangular in shape. As will be recognized, this shape could be modified or changed depending on the desired use or positioning.
In addition to the above, the hair extension device of the present invention includes a connection strand which extends from one end of the base panel to an opposite end of the base panel, thus completing a ring or circular type configuration. As can be anticipated, the base panel can thus be placed at a desired position on the user's head, and the connection strand will wrap around a remaining portion of the user's head, thus providing a headband type configuration. The connection strand is permanently affixed to both sides of the base panel, thus creating one unitary device. This unitary construction eliminates the need to keep track of multiple components and avoids the need to make connections at various points.
In addition to the connection strand, the base panel also contains an adjustment structure which is specifically designed to cooperate with the connection strand, thus allowing for easy adjustment. This adjustment mechanism may take on various configurations; however, it is generally designed to allow winding or wrapping of the connection strand, thereby necessarily shortening the headband.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further objects and advantages of the present invention can be seen by reading the following detailed description, in conjunction with the drawings in which

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a straight line embodiment of the present hair extension device;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view illustrating various portions of the hair extension device;

FIG. 3 is a top view showing extension hair attached to the base panel;

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view showing one side of the hair extension device;

FIG. 5 is a close-up drawing showing one embodiment of the adjustment mechanism;

FIG. 6 is a close-up view illustrating a second embodiment of the adjustment mechanism;

FIG. 7 is a close-up view illustrating yet another embodiment of the adjustment mechanism;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the hair extension being blended into a user's hair; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the hair extension in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION PORTION

As generally mentioned above, the present invention provides a hair extension device which is easily utilized to supplement existing hair. Described below are certain embodiments of this device. It will be appreciated that certain modifications and changes to these devices may exist, while still considered to be part of the invention.
Referring now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a perspective view of a hair extension device 10 as contemplated by the present invention. Generally speaking, hair extension device 10 will include a supporting base panel 20 which is specifically configured to provide a supporting structure for the attachment of extension hair 30. In one embodiment, supporting base panel is made of a fabric material, although several variations are possible. As will be further discussed below, various attachment methods or patterns can be utilized to attach extension hair 30, with each attachment scheme providing a different look or feel. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, this generally includes a linear attachment pattern, extending the length of supporting base panel 20.
As further illustrated in FIG. 1, hair extension device 10 also includes a connection strand 40 extending from a first end 22 of supporting base panel 20 to a second end 24 thereof. Connection strand 40 is preferably a fine thread or string like material which is easily concealed. This may include natural fiber based materials, or synthetic line of different types. In one embodiment, the applicant has found that filament type fishing line, or some strand of a similar type of material, is particularly effective as it is strong, thin and somewhat transparent. Generally speaking, supporting base panel 20 and connection strand 40 form a continuous ring which is capable of placement on a user's head and positioning of extension hair 30 as desired. Further details regarding resizing are outlined below. As generally suggested above, the configuration of hair extension device 10 will allow it to be utilized with connection strand hidden or camouflaged within a user's hair. Consequently, it is desirable to keep connection strand 40 as small as possible. As can be anticipated, the continuous ring formed by connection strand 40 and supporting base panel 20 is of a defined size, based upon the dimensions of those two components. Consequently, when a user desires to adjust or resize the hair extension device 10, some type of adjustment will be required.
As generally mentioned, utilizing different connection schemes or connection patterns to attach extension hair 30 to supporting base panel 20 can provide different effects or looks for the user. Consequently, it is contemplated that the structure of the hair extension device 10 of the present invention be capable of multiple hair supporting patterns. Referring now to FIG. 2, one exploded view is shown which illustrates one connection scheme. As shown, supporting base panel 20, supports several lines of extension hair 30. Here, six different rows of extension hair 30 are attached in a consecutive manner. Specifically, first row 31 is attached to supporting base panel 20 in a manner generally extending across the length thereof. Similarly, second row 32 is then attached in a linear manner. This is followed by third row 33, fourth row 34, fifth row 35 and sixth row 36, thus providing a plurality of rows attached to base panel 20. The actual attachment of extension hair 30 can be achieved by stitching or sewing. Alternatively, attachment can be achieved by gluing or epoxying extension hair 30 to the surface of supporting base panel 20. Referring now to FIG. 3, an alternative attachment scheme is illustrated. Here, multiple “rows” are again utilized; however, each “row” is attached to base panel 20 in an angled manner. Attaching in this configuration provides a slightly different overlapping or overlaying configuration, thus accommodating a different appearance or different look.
Still referring to FIG. 3, the dimensional length L of supporting base panel 20 is illustrated. This length will depend largely upon the intended application or intended configuration for hair extension device 10. In a similar manner, the spacing A between the various angled rows of extension hair is also chosen depending upon the desired design constraints. Naturally, connection strand 40 will also be configured to have a desired length, depending on the overall product design.
FIG. 3 also illustrates how connection strand 40 is attached to both first end 22 and second end 24 of supporting base panel. In the preferred embodiment, this connection strand 40 is securely attached to supporting base panel 20. One method of attachment includes stitching or sewing connection strand 40 to base panel 20. Due to the fine nature of connection strand 20, this fixed attachment is most preferable and most effective. As will be described below, the present invention accommodates this fixed attachment of connection strand 40 and provides for easy adjustment using further structures.
Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown a partial perspective view of hair extension device 10. Here, supporting base panel 20 illustrates connection strand 40 being permanently affixed to second end 24. Also illustrated in FIG. 4 is a size adjustment mechanism 50 which will easily accommodate resizing of hair extension device 10. In this particular case, size adjustment mechanism 50 is a simple hook 52 as illustrated in FIG. 5. To adjust hair extension device 10 in a manner to make it slightly smaller, the user will simply loop connection strand 40 around hook 52, thereby effectively shortening the length of connection strand 40. Supporting base panel 20 is of a sufficient strength to avoid easily collapsing and reducing the distance traveled by connection strand 40, thereby maintaining the integrity of the adjusted size. Although not illustrated, multiple hooks could easily exist in rows and/or on either end of hair extension device 10, thereby providing many different adjustment options.
Referring now to FIG. 6, there is illustrated an alternative size adjustment mechanism 50. In this embodiment, size adjustment mechanism 50 includes a first hook 54 and a second hook 56 attached to supporting base panel 20 in an opposed orientation with respect to one another. In this configuration, connection strand 40 can be wound or looped around first hook 54 and second hook 56 numerous times, thus providing additional adjustability. Again, a similar structure could easily be positioned on either side of supporting structure, thus providing more flexibility for the user.
In a similar manner, FIG. 7 illustrates yet another embodiment of size adjustment mechanism 50. Here, a two-piece snap mechanism is illustrated. In this particular configuration, a snap base 62 is permanently affixed to supporting base panel 20. Snap base 62 includes a post which accommodates the winding of connection strand 40 there around. Further, snap mechanism 60 includes an attachment snap 64 which can be attached to the post of snap base 62. In this configuration, connection strand 40 is simply wound around the post of snap base 62 and the snap cap 64 is attached thereto once a desired dimension is achieved. Once again, adjustability of connection strand 40 is easily achieved due to the addition of this structure. Again, multiple snaps could be utilized, including snaps on either end of supporting base panel 20, or snaps in multiple positions.
Utilizing the structure outlined above, the present invention is easily incorporated into a user's hair without excessive manipulation or coordination of components. Further, due to the inconspicuous nature of the adjustment mechanisms 60 and connection strand 40 the device is easy to blend with existing hair to produce the desired effect.
FIG. 8 illustrates the process of placing hair extension 10 on the user's head. As shown, existing hair is first positioned to accommodate hair extension 10. Next, hair extension device 10 is appropriately positioned, typically having connection strand 40 situated toward the front while supporting base panel 20 is positioned toward the back. Although not specifically illustrated here, the use of size adjustment mechanism 50 allows for flexibility in achieving the desired positioning. Once placed, existing hair is then blended in to achieve the desired appearance. FIG. 9 illustrates the blending of existing hair as contemplated. Ideally, it will be very difficult to determine exactly where existing hair ends and the extension hair continues. FIG. 9 illustrates a dotted line representation where the “blend” occurs in this particular application. Again, the configuration of components, and their designed cooperation with one another, causes hair extension device 10 to be easily positioned, adjusted, and used.
As illustrated above, the present invention provides a hair extension device 10 which is flexible and can easily achieve numerous features. Significantly, hair extension device 10 supports the attachment of extension hair in various patterns, thus providing many different effects and looks. Once extension hair is attached in the desired manner, flexibility is achieved by providing adjustment mechanisms to easily adjust the size and dimensions of the hair extension device. Further, this adjustment is achieved without removing or reattaching the connection strand, but rather simply manipulating the connection strand in a desired manner.
While various embodiments of the present invention have been discussed and described above, Applicant does not intend these various embodiments to be limiting in any way. More specifically, Applicant intends to include all structures and modifications coming within the scope and spirit of the following claims.

Claims

1. A hair extension device used to provide supplemental extension hair to a user, comprising:

a supporting base panel for attachment of hair thereto in a preferred pattern, the supporting base panel sized to support a plurality of attachment points, wherein the supporting base panel has a first end and an opposite second end;

extension hair attached to the supporting base panel in the preferred pattern;

a connection strand attached to and spanning between the first end and the second end of the supporting base panel, the connection strand being sufficiently small so as to be easily hidden within the user's hair; and

a size adjustment mechanism attached to the supporting base panel for selectively adjusting the length of the connecting strand that actually spans between the first end and the second end of the supporting base panel, wherein the size adjustment mechanism includes a winding mechanism for winding a portion of the connection strand thereby effectively reducing the distance the connecting strand will span between the first end and the second end of the supporting base panel.

2. The hair extension device of claim 1 wherein the size adjustment mechanism includes a first hook and a second hook attached to the first end of the panel in opposing orientations such that the coupling strand can be wound around the first hook and the second hook.

3. The hair extension device of claim 1 wherein the size adjustment mechanism includes at least one hook attached to the first end of the supporting base panel so as to have an open end of the hook oriented toward the second end of the panel thereby allowing the connection strand to be looped around the hook.

4. The hair extension device of claim 1 wherein the size adjustment mechanism includes at least one snap attached to the first end of the supporting base panel so as to allow a user to wrap the connection strand around a post of the snap and to have a snap cover attached to the post thereby capturing the connection strand as it surrounds the post.

5. The hair extension device of claim 1 wherein the connection strand is a filament line having a color and weight that is easily concealed in the user's hair.

6. The hair extension device of claim 1 wherein the connection strand is fishing line.

7. A hair extension device for supplementing the hair of a user while also being hidden from view when worn, the hair extension device comprising:

an extension hair base being a substantially rectangular and flat with a first side edge and a second side edge, the first side edge and the second side edge being opposite one another, the extension hair base further having a hair attachment surface on a flat facing surface thereof;

extension hair attached to the extension hair base in a predetermined manner;

a connection strand attached to the extension hair base in close proximity to the first side edge and attached at an opposite end of the connection strand to the extension hair base in close proximity to the second side edge, wherein the connection strand has an effective length extending between the first side edge and the second side edge; and

a size adjustment device attached to the extension hair base in close proximity to the first end and configured to interact with the connection strand thus allowing easy shortening of the effective length, wherein the size adjustment device comprises a post structure that accommodates the winding of the connection strand there around thus shortening the effective length.

8. The hair extension device of 7 wherein the post of the size adjustment device is a snap thus allowing a snap cap to be placed thereon when the connection strand has been wound a desired number of times.

9. The hair extension device of 7 wherein the post of the size adjustment device is a portion of a first hook structure attached to the extension hair base at a position inward from the connection point and further from the first side edge.

10. The hair extension device of claim 9 wherein the size adjustment device further comprises a second hook oriented to be opposite the first hook structure thereby allowing the connection strand to be easily wound around the first hook and the second hook.

11. The hair extension device of claim 10 further comprising a third hook positioned further away from the first hook to accommodate the winding of an additional length of the connection strand.

12. The hair extension device of 7 wherein the post of the size adjustment device is a portion of a button which allows the connection strand to be wound a desired number of times.

13. The hair extension device of claim 7 wherein the connection strand is a filament type material having a color and dimension which is easily concealed in the user's hair.

14. A hair extension device for supplementing the hair of a user while also being hidden from view when worn, the hair extension device comprising:

an extension hair base being a substantially rectangular and flat panel of material with a first side edge and a second side edge, the first side edge and the second side edge being opposite one another, the extension hair base further having a hair attachment surface a flat surface of the panel;

extension hair attached to the extension hair base in a predetermined manner, wherein the extension hair is of a predetermined color and texture so as to create the desired look when incorporated into the user's hair;

a connection strand attached to the extension hair base in close proximity to the first side edge and attached at an opposite end of the connection strand to the extension hair base in close proximity to the second side edge, wherein the connection strand has an effective length extending between the first side edge and the second side edge, the connection strand being a filament type material having a color and dimension which is easily concealed in the user's hair; and

a size adjustment device attached to the extension hair base in close proximity to the first end and configured to interact with the connection strand thus allowing easy shortening of the effective length, wherein the size adjustment device a first hook and a second hook in an opposite opposing orientation thus easily accommodating the winding of the connection strand there around thereby shortening the effective length of the connection strand.

15. The hair extension device of claim 14 further comprising a third hook positioned further away from the first hook to accommodate the winding of an additional length of the connection strand.