WO2013078445A1

WO2013078445A1 - Bonded feathers and method for joining feathers

Info

Publication number: WO2013078445A1
Application number: PCT/US2012/066442
Authority: WO
Inventors: Angelo MUSIANI; Adam TRINA
Original assignee: Musiani Angelo; Trina Adam
Priority date: 2011-11-23
Filing date: 2012-11-23
Publication date: 2013-05-30

Abstract

A feather junction and method of joining decorative feathers to make ornamental enhancements in length and style. The method comprising the steps of exposing the shaft fibers of two or more feathers, wrapping the shafts of the respective feathers with stainless steel wire and glue, sliding a shrink tube over the wrapped and glue shafts, heating the shrink wrap around wire, glue, and feather shafts. Using preferred materials, the bond created is stronger than the fibers of the feathers which are being bound. The implementation of the process will permit the feather extensions to be much longer than possible with natural feathers which have limited lengths. Infinite color and style variations will be possible with the feather junction. Aesthetic color choices of bonding agents and shrink tubes may complement feathers to either match the color of the feather or to contrast or highlight it.

Description

TITLE OF INVENTION

Bonded Feathers and Method for Joining Feathers

invented by Angelo Musiani, a citizen of Italy and Adam Trina, a citizen of the United States of America.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application claims priority under 35 U.S. C. § 119(e) to U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 61/563,269 entitled "Bonded Feathers and Method for Joining Feathers" and filed on November 23, 2011, which application is now pending. The entire disclosure of that provisional patent application is hereby incorporated by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A "SEQUENTIAL LISTING," A TABLE, OR COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

[0003] Not applicable.

BACKGROUND

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] This invention relates to the use of feathers, and more particularly to the use of feathers for aesthetic or cosmetic purposes and flies and fly tying.

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

[0005] A resurgence of a Twentieth Century fashion craze has caused renewed interest in the use of feathers for aesthetic or cosmetic purposes. Particularly, women are using feather extensions in their hair. They choose feathers of various natural or synthetic compounds in varying styles and colors and they have them attached to their hair or wear them as other ornamentation such as earrings. The methods of attachment vary from temporary to permanent and may include weaving, braiding, bonding, or clipping or clamping.

[0006] Preferred raw material feathers include natural rooster (such as an American Rooster) feathers which naturally do not often occur in lengths over 12 inches (30 cm). Products have sought out ways to make color and style variations within the constraints of these natural feather lengths which vary between 4 - 12 inches (10 - 30 cm). Others styles call for attaching feathers at the respective base - called a quill or calamus - of the feathers. Standard styles blend four feathers each around 8 - 12 inches (20 - 30 cm) in length at each feather's quill to create one forking hair extension. The less popular, plume styles attach at least five feathers each ranging in lengths between 2 and 5 inches (5 - 12 cm). Again, the feathers are attached by their respective quills. Short accent feathers have limited popularity. Of course, shorter variations of any of these feathers are always possible with a simple stroke of a scissor. Regardless of length or color, feathers are consistently attached at their respective quills in order to create a spray effect such as using a split-tail style feather shown in patent number D639,511.

[0007] Longer hair styles may not be served by these standard products which are not as long as their hair. Additionally, as demand for this fashion accessory grows, the supply of desirable, longer feathers dwindles. A need exists for ways to maximize the use of existing, shorter feather lengths into the longer, more popular designs.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present method comprises joining two or more feathers in series and at their respective shafts with a means to affix the plurality of feathers. The means used to affix the feather may comprise a wire, shrink tube and/or a resin or thermic glue (temperature tolerances range of 70 - 350 degrees Celsius) such that the feather junction may withstand wear and tear and particularly hair-styling practices. The feathers will be joined at their respective shafts, for example, one hollow shaft or calamus may be joined with the prior feather's rachis. The joining process may preferably result in the barbs of the respective feathers occurring in a co-axial configuration from their respective rachis such as that shown in FIG. 1.

[0009] In particular, the method seeks to provide a manner in which to extend the length of feathers for use in hair extension applications. Of course, the technique may be used to make ornamental feathers longer or spliced for any application. In the preferred use of the present invention, feathers may be joined from one feather's tip (rachis) to another feather's base (quill). Previously it was not believed to be likely or desirable to bond to a feather's tip. Prior bonding sites have continuously been at the heavier, hollow base or quill of a feather.

[0010] The present method will have desirable applications for feathers in decorative, ornamental, or similar cosmetic enhancements for many reasons. Important results will render longer or spliced feathers which have very desirable applications in the fashion and hair industries.

[0011] More specifically, by way of example and not by way of limitation, the method comprises the steps of bringing together a plurality of feathers, covering the respective ends of the feathers with glue, wrapping a shrink tube around the glue on the opposing ends of the respective feathers, applying heat to the shrink tube thereby affixing the feathers together. For the preferred method, it is desirable to add wire or filament to the junction. For other selected applications, either or both the shrink tube or the glue may be eliminated or substituted with a filament. Filaments which are known to be desirable are stainless steel wire, copper wire, synthetic, plastic, or fabric threads.

[0012] Whatever materials may be selected for the affixing means for the feathers, it is desirable that the materials are heat resistant so as to be compatible with heat actuating hair styling tools like hairbrushes, flat iron straighteners, rollers, curling irons, or other styling tools. For the feather decorations which are only clipped or clamped onto hair, apparel, or accessories, then it will not be necessary to use a material that is heat resistant. A clipped feather extension may be removed from its attachment point and kept away from any heat source.

[0013] The foregoing has outlined, in general, the physical aspects of the invention and is to serve as an aid to better understanding the more complete detailed description which is to follow. In reference to such, there is to be a clear understanding that the present invention is not limited to the method or detail of construction, fabrication, material, or application of use described and illustrated herein. Various methods with similar materials will meet the objectives of the invention. Any other variation of fabrication, use, or application should be considered apparent as an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The following drawings when viewed in conjunction with the entirety of this disclosure further describe by illustration, the advantages and objects of the present invention. Each drawing is referenced by corresponding figure reference characters within the "DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION" section to follow.

[0015] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a feather junction created via a tube only, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 demonstrates a schematic view of a feather junction created using a filament wire, according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3 is a schematic view of a feather junction created with a wire and a shrink tube according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 4 demonstrates a schematic view of two feathers joined by only a glue or resin which is possible but not preferred.

[0019] Figure 5 is a schematic view of a tube used together with an over-the-top wrap of filament and also shows the use of a crimp tube over the shrink tube.

[0020] Figure 6 schematically illustrates five desirable junction options which may be accomplished by use of the methods of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 7 schematically illustrates additional, desirable junction options which may be accomplished by use of the methods of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 8 is a schematic drawing of a feather junction created via a tube alone.

[0023] Figure 9 is a schematic drawing of a feather junction created using only a filament or wire.

[0024] Figure 10 is a schematic drawing of a feather junction created by and according to the preferred embodiment and methods of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 11 is a schematic drawing of an alternative method of creating a feather junction by applying filament over top of the tube.

[0026] Figure 12 is a schematic drawing of a bond created by glue or resin alone.

[0027] Figure 13 is a schematic drawing of five desirable junction options which may be accomplished by use of the methods of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 14 schematically illustrates additional, desirable junction options which may be accomplished by use of the methods of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the present invention provides a method of affixing two or more feathers together. The resulting extended feather arrangements are permanently adjoined. The preferred method schematically referenced in FIG. 3 comprises the steps of aligning a second end 342 of a first feather 34 with a first end 351 of a second feather 35; peeling back the fibers of the respective ends to be joined (not shown); wrapping 31 the portions of the peeled feathers with filament or wire 36; applying 32 an adhesive 37 such as glue; affixing 33 a shrink tube 38 over the peeled feathers, wire, and glue around the first feather 34 and second feather 35 to create a permanent bond 39 between the two feathers. The shrink tube 38 desirably will be affixed by heat or other reaction. This process can be repeated for longer feather extensions or additional feathers may be added to either side of the junction. The wire 36 will preferably be tightly wound and constructed of stainless steel wire. The application of the adhesive 37 will fix the wire wrap 36 to the feathers. The final step of curing or heating the combination will protect the junction with the shrink tube 38. The second end 352 of the second feather 35 and the first end 341 of the first feather 34 are also shown in FIG. 3. A similar schematic is demonstrated in FIG. 10.

[0030] The feather arrangement in FIG. 1 demonstrates the use of a junction created by the methods of the present invention. A similar illustration is demonstrated in FIG. 8. In FIG. 1, the shrink tube 11 alone is visible in this illustration. The tip or rachis 12 of the first feather 13 is joined with the base or quill 17 of a second feather 16 via the attachment means which is a tube 11 in FIG. 1. In this FIG. 1, the feathers are desirably arranged so that the first feather barbs 14 are aligned in an axial, near parallel manner with the second feather barbs 15. By analogy, the grain of the feathers are aligned. The tubing used for the junction such as the tube 11 in FIG. 1 may be formed of a material such as shrink tube, elastic plastic, micro-metal, Mylar-lace, or any other tubing material. Only one such tube 11 is needed to hold two feathers, but more tubes may be used. Though not visible, glue or resin may be applied in conjunction with the tube 11.

However, the glue or resin may be a redundancy measure when shrink tube is utilized because the tube 11 will be heated to shrink and further secure the two feathers together over time and further exposure to styling.

[0031] A series of steps used in creating a feather junction without a shrink tube are shown FIG. 2. First, the second end 232 of a first feather 23 is aligned with the first end 241 of a second feather 24. The second end 242 of the second feather 24 and the first end 231 of the first feather 23 are also shown in FIG. 2. The overlapping section of the first and second feather ends are tightly wrapped 21 with wire or filament 25. The first end 241 may be the quill of the second feather 24. The second end 232 may be the tip or rachis of the first feather 23. Next, the wire- wrapped feather junction is coated 22 with film 26 of thermic glue such as epoxy, SuperGlue®, keratin, or any other heat resistant glue. In FIG. 2, the barbs 233 of the first feather 23 are aligned with the barbs 243 of the second feather 24. A similar schematic illustration is presented in FIG. 9.

[0032] A glue-only feather junction is displayed in FIG. 4 and a similar schematic is shown in FIG. 12. This version of the method may be appropriate for limited applications. The second end 412 of a first feather 41 is adhesively joined to the first end 421 of a second feather 42. The location of the adhesive is represented by the circle 43. In FIG. 4, a small drop of glue touching the feather fibers and feather stem creates a feather junction. The second end 422 of the second feather 42 and the first end 411 of the first feather 41 are also shown in FIG. 4.

[0033] FIG. 5 demonstrates a feather junction with an upper wire wrap created with a tube and an upper wire wrap or crimp tube. A first feather 53 is exposed (such as by peeling) at its second end 532 and combined 51 via a shrink tube 55 to the first end 541 of a second feather

54. The second end 542 of the second feather 54 and the first end 531 of the first feather 53 are also shown in FIG. 5. The second feather end 541 may also be peeled to expose feather fibers which will more readily bind to adhesives. An adhesive may be applied under the shrink tube

55. Next, a wire 56 is wrapped 52 around the tube 55 to additionally reinforce the junction. As an optional step thereafter, a metal crimp tube 57 or similar convenience may be secured over top of the wire 56, or alternatively over the tube 55 alone and in alternative to the wire wrap 56. A similar schematical illustration is presented in FIG. 11.

[0034] As illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7, 13, and 14, the present invention may be utilized to create any number of aesthetic designs with the use of the method and junction system. There are infinite style and color possibilities, but the Applicant will demonstrate some examples here. Two or more feathers are affixed at either of their respective shafts with any of the bonding means disclosed. The joining process may preferably result in the parallel alignment of the barbs of the respective feathers occurring in a co-axial configuration from their respective rachis such as that shown in FIG. 1. Illustration No. 1 in FIG. 6 represents two single feathers such as saddle feathers with a single feather junction (X). Illustration No. 2 in FIG. 6 represents a single feather junction (X) joining a single feather such as a saddle feather or hackle feather with multiple other feathers ranging from saddle or rooster feathers. FIG. 6, Illustration No. 3 represents a single feather joined to multiple other feathers or to other fibers (such as synthetic fibers which would include Crystal Flash or other synthetic feathers). Illustration No. 4 of FIG. 6 represents a single feather such as a saddle or rooster feather joined at a junction (X) according to the present invention to one or more other feathers from birds such as turkey or peacock, etc. Finally, FIG. 6, Illustration No. 5 schematically represents a single feather such as a saddle feather joined at a feather junction (X) to any other natural fiber, e.g., bear, bucktail, polar bear, etc. [0035] The Illustrations 6 and 7 in FIG. 7, add other contemplated combinations to the Illustrations in FIG. 6. FIG. 7, illustration No. 6 schematically demonstrates a single feather joined at a feather junction (X) according to the present invention to one or more synthetic fibers (e.g., Crystal Flash, FlashAbou, Tinsels, Wires, threads, etc.). Illustration No. 7 in FIG. 7 demonstrates two or more single feathers (1, 2, N...) combined to any one of the Illustration Nos. 1 - 6 according to the junction methods of the present invention. Using the techniques of the present invention, users may enjoy feathers 12 - 30 inches long or longer OR they may just add decorative features such as a feather from a feather boa added to the end of another feather. Other known aesthetically pleasing combinations may incorporate marabou or turkey feathers. The present techniques can be applied to any feather or any other decoration.

[0036] Whatever materials may be selected for the affixing means for the feathers according to the junction of the present invention, it is desirable that the materials will withstand wear and tear and hair-styling practices. In the preferred embodiment, the junctions are resilient and heat resistant so as to be compatible with shampoos, hair brushes and hot hair styling tools like flat-iron straighteners, rollers, curling irons, or other styling tools. For alternative embodiment feather decorations such as may be clipped or clamped onto hair, apparel, or accessories, using the techniques and junctions of the present invention, heat resistant bonding materials may not be necessary or desirable. In such instances, the feather extension may be removed from its attachment point and kept away from any heat source or styling tools.

[0037] Alternative methodologies are presented for creating a hackle junction. These possible methods of joining feathers comprise use of:

1. Shrink tube only;

2. Wire, filament or thread only;

3. Wire plus shrink tube (preferred embodiment);

4. Glue only; or

5. Tube and upper wrapping with or without added crimp tubes.

[0038] Any possible variation of tube may be used, from shrink tubes or crimp tubes to any other hollow lace or similar material including but not limited to silicon, polyester, or PVC. It is also contemplated that braided material like Mylar would meet the objectives of the present invention. [0039] Feather bonding materials may alternatively vitally require heat resistance or not. If the feather decoration is to be affixed in the hair in a woven or other hair-extension type manner, then the material selected should be resistant to heat or thermo-resistant. Such heat or thermo-resistance must withstand the heat output of curling, flat, or other styling irons as well as blow-dryers. Such temperatures may easily exceed 232 degrees Celsius (450°F). However, if the feather is attached to the hair by way of clip-on, clamping or other readily removable manners, then the joined feather and bonding materials do not need to be heat resistant because the user may remove the feather - via the attachment - prior to styling or drying his or her hair.

[0040] Any materials should be of a color to meet the ornamental objectives of the decorative feather. The preferred method provides for the application of a connecting material that is substantially the same color as the feather shaft or rachis in order to give the appearance of a contiguous, singular feather junction, or to camouflage and not detract from the aesthetic benefits of the feathers. Likewise, a second preferred method provides for a bold,

countervailing, or highlighting color which will contrast or complement the ornamental aspects of the feather decoration. Coloring features in bonding agents and shrink tubes may complement feathers to either match the color of the feather (like hot orange for example) or to contrast or highlight it.

[0041] The ideal wrap material is stainless steel wire, but other filament, thin wire or thread made from other micro-metals, metals, plastic, fabric or other material may meet the objectives similarly well.

[0042] Shrink tubing material is the preferred material for use in the disclosed method for creating bonded feather materials. The bond created by a shrink tube is ideal because as heat continues to be applied to the bonded feathers during styling, the feather bond intensifies over time. A shrink tube may be applied over the top of, or in conjunction with, other materials such as wire, thread, and/or glue and will apply pressure to the junction and the related materials in a seamless and uninterrupted manner. The use of other shrink materials like shrink wraps, shrink strips, or shrink films may serve the desired purposes and fall within this disclosure. A shrink film may be cut into thin strips and then used to wrap the feather junction. When the shrinking material is constricted, it will apply pressure on the feather junction and the incorporated bonding materials.

[0043] When the preferred materials are applied as directed, the bond created is stronger than the fibers of the feather which are being bound. Desirably, the bond is less than 1/4 inch in length so as to be undetectable when in the user's hair. Consistent with decorative feather choices however, the bond may purposely be larger and more visible.

[0044] Epoxies, resins, glues, Superglue®, silicon sealant, tapes, paraffin, thermo-bond products, thermic glue like keratin, or other bonding agents may be used in place of the preferred materials. For feather uses that include weaving or affixing in human hair then any of these materials may be used as long as they have high temperature compatibility.

[0045] It is further intended that any other embodiments of the present invention which result from any changes in application or method of use or operation, method of manufacture, shape, size, or material which are not specified within the detailed written description or illustrations contained herein yet are considered apparent or obvious to one skilled in the art are within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A method for joining feathers in series from one feather's base to another feather's tip comprising the steps of:

bringing together at least two feathers to form a junction;

affixing a pressure-applying material to the feathers at the junction such that the feathers are bound by a first feather tip and a second feather base for the respective feathers.

2. The method of Claim 1, wherein the first feather tip and second feather base of the respective feathers are peeled to expose internal fibers of the respective base and tip prior to affixing the pressure-applying material to the junction.

3. The method of Claim 1, wherein the first feather tip and second feather base of the respective feathers are covered with adhesive prior to affixing the pressure-applying material to the junction.

4. The method of Claim 1, wherein a filament is applied prior to affixing the pressure-applying material to the junction.

5. The method of Claim 1, wherein the pressure-applying material is aesthetically formed of a size and color to complement the feathers.

6. The method of Claim 1, wherein the pressure-applying material is a shrink tube.

7. The method of Claim 1, wherein the pressure-applying material is a shrink film.

8. The method of Claim 1, wherein the series is repeated with additional feathers.

9. The method of Claim 1, wherein at least one feather may be a fiber selected from fur, hair, or natural or synthetic feather.

10. The method of Claim 1, wherein at least one other fiber is bound to a feather at the junction.

11. A method for joining feathers in series from one feather's base to another feather's tip comprising the steps of:

bringing together at least two feathers to form a junction;

covering a first feather base at the junction with an adhesive;

covering a second feather tip at the junction with an adhesive;

affixing a pressure-applying material around the junction.

12. The method of Claim 11, wherein the pressure-applying material is a shrink tube.

13. The method of Claim 11, wherein the pressure-applying material is a shrink film.

14. The method of Claim 11, wherein the pressure-applying material is affixed by the application of heat.

15. The method of Claim 11, wherein the pressure-applying material is affixed by a bond.

16. The method of Claim 11, with the added step of wrapping the junction with a filament.

17. The method of Claim 16, wherein the filament is applied prior to affixing the pressure- applying material to the junction.

18. The method of Claim 16, wherein the filament is a wire.

19. The method of Claim 11, wherein the feather base is peeled prior to being covered with adhesive.

20. The method of Claim 11, wherein the feather tip is peeled prior to being covered with adhesive.

21. The method of Claim 11, wherein the series is repeated with additional feathers.

22. The method of Claim 11 , wherein at least one feather may be a fiber selected from fur, hair, or natural or synthetic feather.

23. A combination of bonded feathers comprising:

a series of at least two feathers,

each feather having at least one tip and at least one base,

adhesive,

wherein the adhesive is applied to one tip and one base of the feathers,

a pressure-applying material,

wherein the pressure-applying material is affixed over one tip and one base of the feathers thereby binding the feathers at a junction.

24. The series of Claim 23, wherein the pressure-applying material is a shrink tube.

25. The method of Claim 23, wherein the pressure-applying material is a shrink film.

26. The series of bonded feathers in Claim 23, further comprising a filament wrapped around the junction prior to the affixing of the pressure creating material.

27. The series of bonded feathers in Claim 23, wherein the combination is repeated to combine additional materials.

28. The series of bonded feathers in Claim 23, wherein the additional materials are selected from fibers, fur, hair, or additional natural or synthetic feathers.