WO2017082957A1

WO2017082957A1 - Hair extension device

Info

Publication number: WO2017082957A1
Application number: PCT/US2016/031537
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gloria EZECHUKWU
Original assignee: Ezechukwu Gloria
Priority date: 2014-11-10
Filing date: 2016-05-09
Publication date: 2017-05-18
Also published as: US20160135531A1

Abstract

Implementations of hair extension device are provided. In some implementations, the hair extension device comprises a plurality of strips arranged to form an opening on an inner side of the hair extension device to fit about a wearer's head. In some implementations, the hair extension device may comprise a band secured about the periphery of the opening. In some implementations, the hair extension device may comprise a plurality of fasteners arranged on the strips to attach a plurality of hair wefts or other hair pieces having mating fasteners. In some implementation, the plurality of fasteners may be either the male or female portion of a snap.

Description

HAIR EXTENSION DEVICE

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No.

62/077,748, which was filed on November 10, 2014, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] This disclosure relates to a hair extension device.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Hair extensions have become very properly. However, installing hair extensions can damage hair and be very time consuming. Typically, to install hair extensions, the hair must be braided and then hair wefts are sewn to the hair. This process cannot be reversed easily, can damage the hair, and is time consuming.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates an example top view of an example hair extension according to the present disclosure.

[0005] FIG. 2 illustrates an example back view of an example hair extension according to the present disclosure.

[0006] FIG. 3 illustrates an example snap fastener.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] Implementations of hair extension device are provided. In some implementations, the hair extension device comprises a plurality of strips arranged to form an opening on an inner side of the hair extension device to fit about a wearer's head. In some implementations, the hair extension device may comprise a band secured about the periphery of the opening. In some implementations, the hair extension device may comprise a plurality of fasteners arranged on the strips to attach a plurality of hair wefts or other hair covering having mating fasteners. In some implementation, the plurality of fasteners may be either the male or female portion of a snap.

[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates an example top view of an example hair extension 100 according to the present disclosure 100. FIG. 2 illustrates an example back view of an example hair extension according 100 to the present disclosure.

[0009] In some implementations, the hair extension device 100 may be configured to be placed on a human's head to conceal all or a portion of the user's hair when hair wefts and, in some implementations, other hair pieces are attached to the hair extension device 100.

[0010] In some implementations, the hair extension device 100 may have an exterior side 107 and an interior side to make contact with the user's head. In some implementations, the hair extension device 100 may comprise a plurality of elongated strips of material 105a, 105b arranged to form an opening on an inner side of the hair extension device 100 to fit about a wearer's head. In some implementations, the hair extension device 100 may comprise a band 115 secured about the periphery of the opening 110. In some implementations, the band may be elastic.

[0011] In some implementations, the hair extension device 100 may comprise a plurality of fasteners 110 secured to one or more of the strips to attach a plurality of hair wefts having mating fasteners. In some implementation, the plurality of fasteners 110 may be either the male or female portion of a snap fastener. In some implementations, the plurality of fasteners 110 may be either the male or female portion of a nylon or plastic snap fastener. In some implementation, the plurality of fasteners 110 may be non-metal. In some implementations, the plurality of fasteners 110 may be either the male or female portion of a press stud, popper, snap, or tich snap fastener or male or female part of any suitable attachment device. Snap fasteners are well known. FIG. 3 illustrates an example snap fastener 300. The example snap fastener 300 comprises a female part 305 and male part 310. [0012] In some implementations, the hair extension device 100 includes a front portion 100a, a left portion 100b, a right portion 100c, a middle portion lOOd, and a back portion lOOe.

[0013] In some implementations, when the hair extension device 100 is placed on a user's head, the front portion 100a may be an anterior portion, the left portion 100b may be an left lateral portion, the right portion 100c may be a right lateral portion, the middle portion lOOd may be a roof or superior portion lOOd, and the back portion lOOe may be a posterior and inferior portion.

[0014] In some implementations, the hair extension device 100 may comprise a plurality of elongated strips of material 105a extending in the direction from the front portion 100a to the back portion lOOe. In some implementations, all, none, or a portions of the strips 105a may extend from the front portion edge to the back portion edge. In some implementations, one or more of the strips 105a may not extend to the front portion edge. In some implementations, one or more of the strips 105a may not extend to the back portion edge.

[0015] In some implementations, the strips 105a may be spaced apart from the left portion 100b to the right portion 100c of the hair extension device 100. In some implementations, the strips 105a may be arranged in rows across a portion of the hair extension device. In some implementations, the strips 105a may be arranged in rows from the left portion 100b to the right portion 100c of the hair extension device 100. In some implementations, the strips 105a may be generally parallel to each other.

[0016] In some implementations, the strips 105a may be elastic or stretchable. In this way, the hair extension device 100 may stretch to fit a user's head.

[0017] In some implementations, the hair extension device 100 may comprise a plurality of elongated strips of material 105b extending in the direction from the left portion 100b to the right portion 100c. In some implementations, all, none, or a portions of the strips 105b may extend from the left portion edge to the right portion edge. In some implementations, one or more of the strips 105b (see, e.g., 105bl) may not extend to the left portion edge. In some implementations, one or more of the strips 105b (see, e.g., 105bl) may not extend to the right portion edge.

[0018] In some implementations, the strips 105b may be spaced apart from the front portion 100a to the back portion lOOe of the hair extension device 100. In some implementations, the strips 105b may be arranged in rows across a portion of the hair extension device 100. In some implementations, the strips 105b may be arranged in rows from the front portion 100a to the back portion lOOe of the hair extension device 100. In some implementations, the strips 105b may be generally parallel to each other.

[0019] In some implementations, the hair extension device 100 may include a strip 105c in the front portion 100a. In some implementations, the strip 105c is curved. In some implementation, the strip 105c extends from a front portion edge on the left side, toward the middle portion, and then back toward a front portion edge on the right side. In some implementations, the region 105cl bounded by the strip 105c and the front portion edge may comprise a material. In some implementations, the material may be a net or a net-like material. In some implementations, the material may be a nylon, stretchable mesh material, spandex, cotton, polyester, or any other material.

[0020] In some implementations, the region 105cl may be an opening such that a user's hair may extend through the opening when the hair extension device 100 is on the user's head.

[0021] In some implementations, any other region may be defined in the front portion 100a of the hair extension device 100 having an opening such that a user's hair may extend through the opening when the hair extension device 100 is on the user's head. For example, the front portion 100a may include a v-shape opening or elongated, narrow opening. In some implementations, the opening may be centered or off-center to the left or right of the hair extension device 100. In some implementations, these openings may be bounded by one or more strips of material. In some implementations, these openings may not be bounded by one or more strips of material.

[0022] In some implementations, one or more of the strips 105b may overlay strips 105a. In this way, one or more of the strips 105b may be external. In some implementations, one or more sections between the strips may be open for access to the underlying hair.

[0023] In some implementations, strip 105c may overlay a portion of a plurality of strips 105a, 105b. In this way, strip 105c may be external. In some implementations, one or more of the strips 105a may extend from strip 105c.

[0024] In some implementations, strips may be attached to each other at one or more intersection location. For example, in some implementations, strips 105a and 105b may be attached to each other at one or more intersection location. In some implementations, strip 105c may be attached to a strip 105a and/ or 105 b at one or more intersection location. In some implementations, the strips may be attached by sewing, using adhesive, or any other suitable method.

[0025] As shown in FIGs. 1A, and IB, in some implementations, a plurality of fasteners 110 may be secured along the strips 105b of the hair extension device 100. In some implementations, a fastener 110 may be placed along a strip 105b at each location where the strip 105 intersects a strip 105a. In some implementations, a fastener 110 may not be placed on a strip 105b at a location where the strip 105b intersects a strip 105a. In some implementations, a fastener 110 may be placed along a strip 105b at each location where the strip 105b does not intersect a strip 105a. In some implementations, a fastener 110 may be placed along a strip 105b at any other location.

[0026] As further shown in FIGs. 1A, and IB, in some implementations, a plurality of fasteners 110 may be secured along the strip 105c of the hair extension device 100.

[0027] In some implementations, one or more fasteners 110 may be placed on one or more strips 105a.

[0028] In some implementations, the fasteners 110 may be arranged on the strips

105a, 105b, 105c in any manner suitable to facilitate the attachment of a hair wefts or other hair pieces. [0029] In some implementations, the fasteners 110 may be sewn to the strips. In some implementations, the fasteners 110 may be attached to strips in any other suitable manner.

[0030] In some implementations, the hair extension device 100 may comprise one or more clips, combs, or any other suitable attachment device to secure the hair extension device 100 to a wearer's hair. In some implementations, the one or more attachment devices may be secured to the band 115. In some implementations, the one or more attachment device may be secured at the hair extension device 100 at any other location.

[0031] In some implementations, the hair extension device 100 further comprise a a net or a net-like material extending over all or portion of the hair extension device 100. In some implementations, the hair extension device 100 may be made of any additional material including nylon, stretchable mesh material, spandex, cotton, polyester, or any other material. In some implementations, the net or other material may be on the internal surface of the hair extension device 100.

[0032] In some implementations, the band 115 may be adjustable to help secure the hair extension device 100 about the wearer's head. In some implementations, a slider may be used to adjust the band 115. One of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure would know how to make an adjustable band using a slider.

[0033] In some implementations, the band may comprise two overlapping strips extending in opposing directions. In some implementations, the first strip may comprise buttons spaced along the strip. In some implementations, the second strip may comprise slits to receive the buttons. The extent of the overlap of the two strips may determine the amount of tension the band 115 may place on a wearer's head. When the band 115 is at a desired tension, one or more of the buttons on the first strip may be inserted into the closest slits of the second strip. In this way, the first strip may be removably secured to the second strip.

[0034] In some implementations, the two overlapping strips may be secured together using fastening means such as snaps, hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro®), magnets or other reclosable fasteners or any other attachment or fastening technology existing or developed in the future to secure the elastic band in the desired position.

[0035] In some implementations, the two overlapping strips may be opposite ends of a single piece of material extending around the entire edge of the hair extension device 100. In some implementations, the two overlapping strips may be two separate pieces of material separately secured to the hair extension device 100.

[0036] To use a hair extension device 100 according to the present disclosure, a hair extension device 100 may be initially secured about a wearer's head. This may be achieved by placing the hair extension device 100 on the wearer's head and, in some implementation, adjusting the adjustable band 115.

[0037] In some implementations, the hair extension device 100 may be secured by sewing the hair extension device 100 to the wearer's braided hair. In some implementations, the hair extension device 100 may be secured by sewing all or a portion of the edge of the hair extension device 100 to a wearer's braided hair.

[0038] In some implementations, the hair extension device 100 may be secured by using the one or more clips, combs, or any other suitable attachment devices.

[0039] In some implementations, once the hair extension device 100 is secured to the wearer' s head, a plurality of strips of hair (i.e., a hair weft) may be horizontally positioned and secured to the hair extension device 100.

[0040] In general, a hair weft may be a plurality of strings of hair sewn together or otherwise attached on one end to form an elongated strip of hair wherein the strip extends in a first direction and the hair hangs in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0041] In some implementations, each hair weft may comprise a plurality of fasteners attached and spaced along the strip of the hair weft. In some implementations, the fasteners on the strip of the hair weft are spaced the same distance apart as the distance between the fasteners 110 of the hair extension device 100. In some implementations, the fasteners on the strip of the hair weft may be a mating counterpart to the fasteners of the hair extension device 100. In some implementations, the fasteners on the strip of the hair weft may be either a male or female portion of a snap or nylon snap. In some implementations, a strip of material first may be placed on the strip of the hair weft before attaching the fasteners. In some implementations, the plurality of fasteners may be sewn to the material and the material then is attached to the strip of the hair weft. In this way, the fasteners may not damage the hair weft. In some implementations, the plurality of fasteners may be attached to the material in any other suitable manner. In some implementations, the material is elastic.

[0042] In some implementations, nylon snap tape (e.g., elongated material having nylon snap parts secured thereto) may be used to secure the fasteners to the strip of the hair weft. In some implementations, an additional adhesive material may be used to secure the nylon snap tape to the strip of the hair weft.

[0043] In some implementations, a hair weft may be secured to the hair extension device 100 by attaching the plurality of fasteners of the hair weft to fasteners 110 located on the hair extension device 100. In some implementation, a plurality of hair weft may be secured to the hair extension device 100 in a plurality of horizontal rows defined by a plurality of strips 105b.

[0044] For example, in some implementations, a first hair weft may be secured to a first strip 105b of fasteners 110 located closest to the back portion lOOe of the hair extension device 100. Next, a second hair weft may be secured to a second strip 105b of fasteners 110 located above the first strip. This process may be repeated until the desired portion of the hair extension device 100 is covered by hair from the hair weft.

[0045] In some implementations, a head covering comprising hair extending therefrom on a first, exterior side and fasteners secured thereto on second, interior side may be attached to strip 105 to cover the region 105cl. In some implementations, the hair extending from the head may be a plurality of hair wefts. In some implementations, the hair weft may be attached to the exterior side of the head covering through any method currently known to one of ordinary skill in the art or developed in the future. The hair can be attached to the exterior side of the head covering in any known or further developed manner. [0046] In some implementations, the fasteners on the head covering may be positioned at or near the edge interior side of head covering. In some implementations, the fasteners may be arranged in any manner suitable to facilitate attachment to strip 105c of the hair extension device 100. In some implementations, the fasteners on the head covering may be mating counterparts to the fasteners of the strip 105c. In some implementations, the fasteners on the head covering may be either a male or female portion of a snap.

[0047] In this way, hair wefts and hair covering may be used to cover the hair extension device 100.

[0048] In regions in the front portion 100a of the hair extension device 100 having an opening, the user's hair is extended through the opening to help achieve a natural look.

[0049] Reference throughout this specification to "an embodiment" or

"implementation" or words of similar import means that a particular described feature, structure, or characteristic is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the phrase "in an embodiment" or a phrase of similar import in various places throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0050] Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.

[0051] The described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the above description, numerous specific details are provided for a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that embodiments of the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations may not be shown or described in detail.

Claims

1. A hair extension apparatus comprising:

a plurality of elongated strips of material arranged to form a front portion, a left portion, a right portion, a middle portion, a back portion and an opening on an inner side of the hair extension to fit about a wearer's head wherein when the hair extension device is placed on a user's head, the front portion is an anterior portion, the left portion is a left lateral portion, the right portion is a right lateral portion, the middle portion is a superior portion, and the back portion is a posterior and inferior portion; and

a plurality of one of female parts or male parts of a fastener type secured to a plurality of the strips.

2. The hair extension apparatus of claim 1 further comprising

a plurality of hair wefts each having a plurality of mating parts to the parts of the fastener-type attached to the strips.

3. The hair extension apparatus of claim 1 wherein the plurality of elongated strips of material comprise a first set of elongated strips of material extending in the direction from the front portion to the back portion of the hair extension apparatus and a second set of elongated strips of material extending in the direction from the left portion to the right portion wherein the first set of elongated strips are spaced apart from the left portion to the right portion of the hair extension apparatus and the second set of elongated strips of material are spaced apart from the front portion to the back portion of the hair extension apparatus.

4. The hair extension apparatus of claim 3 wherein the plurality of one of female parts or male parts of a fastener type are secured along each of the second set of elongated strips of material.

5. The hair extension apparatus of claim 3 wherein the first set of elongated strips of material are stretchable.

6. The hair extension apparatus of claim 4 further comprising a curved strip of material extending from a front portion edge on the left side of the hair extension apparatus, toward the middle portion of the hair extension apparatus, and then back toward a front portion edge on the right side of the hair extension apparatus.

7. The hair extension apparatus of claim 6 wherein a plurality of the part-type of parts of the fastener-type attached to the strips are secured along the curved strip.

8. The hair extension apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a band secured about the periphery of the opening wherein the band is adjustable.

9. The hair extension apparatus of claim 1 wherein the fastener type is a snap fastener.

10. The hair extension apparatus of claim 1 wherein the fastener type is a nylon snap fastener.

11. The hair extension apparatus of claim 9 wherein the fastener type is nonmetal.

12. A method of using the hair extension apparatus of claim 4 wherein the hair extension device further comprises a plurality of hair wefts each having a plurality of mating parts to the parts of the fastener-type attached to the strips of the hair weft, the method comprising:

placing the hair extension apparatus to a user' s hair;

securing the plurality of hair wefts to the hair extension apparatus by attaching the fasteners of the hair wefts to the fasteners located on the hair extension apparatus.

13. The method of claim 9 wherein securing the plurality of hair wefts to the hair extension device comprises securing the plurality of hair wefts to the second set of elongated strips.