U.S. patent application number 11/729751 was filed with the patent office on 2007-09-27 for multi-user adjustable hair extension apparatus and methods.
Invention is credited to Richard Junsuh Lee.
Application Number | 20070221240 11/729751 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46327608 |
Filed Date | 2007-09-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070221240 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Junsuh Lee; Richard |
September 27, 2007 |
Multi-user adjustable hair extension apparatus and methods
Abstract
A hair extension apparatus and methods capable of providing
increased hair volume. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a
coupling member having an inner and an outer surface. A plurality
of hair sections are attached to the outer surface of the member
and extending substantially therefrom. A plurality of spaced apart
fastener is operatively attached substantially along a perimeter of
the inner surface. The coupling member and the plurality of hair
sections are configured to substantially blend with at least one
hair supplemental extension apparatus to achieve a substantially
undetectable boundary region.
Inventors: |
Junsuh Lee; Richard;
(Artesia, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Law Office Of Robert E. Kasody,;Professional Corporation
6601 Center Drive West #500
Los Angeles
CA
90045
US
|
Family ID: |
46327608 |
Appl. No.: |
11/729751 |
Filed: |
March 28, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11388533 |
Mar 24, 2006 |
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11729751 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
132/201 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41G 5/0073 20130101;
A41G 5/004 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/201 |
International
Class: |
A41G 3/00 20060101
A41G003/00 |
Claims
1. Hair extension apparatus capable of adding hair volume,
comprising: a coupling member having an inner and outer surface
that has at least some stretch capability; a plurality of hair
sections comprising at least one of natural hair and synthetic hair
attached proximate to an outer surface of the coupling member and
along at least one portion of an outer perimeter of the coupling
member and extending substantially therefrom; and a plurality of
spaced apart fasteners operatively attached substantially along an
outer perimeter of the coupling member and substantially concealed
from view when the hair extension apparatus is worn; wherein the
coupling member and the plurality of hair sections are adapted to
substantially blend with at least one hair supplemental extension
apparatus.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the hair
strands attached along at least one portion of an outer perimeter
of the coupling member are blended to the coupling member to
achieve a substantially undetectable boundary with at least one of
a user's natural hair and the at least one hair supplemental
extension apparatus.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of hair sections
located on sides of the coupling member are hand-tied to the
coupling member to produce a substantially blended hair line with
at least one of a user's natural hair and the at least one hair
supplemental extension apparatus.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a layer attached to
the coupling member along a top portion of the hair extension
apparatus to substantially blend a hairline of the hair extension
apparatus with a user's natural hair or a user's hair piece.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the layer comprises a
mono-skin layer that is hand-tied to at least a portion of the
coupling member substantially along a top portion of the hair
extension apparatus.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the coupling member comprises
a mesh structure having stretch members extending substantially
horizontally along the coupling member and lace members extending
substantially vertically along the coupling member to substantially
restrain movement of the hair extension apparatus in a desired
style position.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of spaced apart
fasteners comprises a plurality of flexible connectors, wherein at
least a portion of the plurality of flexible connectors has a body
operatively connected to the coupling member to bind with at least
one strand of hair on a user's head.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of spaced apart
fasteners comprises a plurality of movable connectors; and wherein
at least a portion of the plurality of movable connectors is: i)
operatively connected to extend outward from the coupling member;
and ii) at least one of the plurality of movable connectors has at
least one first section capable of extending outward greater than
at least one second section of the at least one of the plurality of
movable connectors.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the at least one first section
is positioned substantially proximate to a centrally located
section of a body of the at least one of the plurality of movable
connectors and the at least one second section of the same
connector of the at least one of the plurality of movable
connectors is positioned substantially distal from the centrally
located section of the body.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one hair
supplemental extension apparatus comprises at least one fastener of
the plurality of spaced-apart fasteners operatively connected to
flex along its length in: i) an outward fashion to accept at least
one human hair strand; and ii) an inward fashion to bind the at
least one human hair strand into a desired hair style position.
11. A method of fabricating a hair extension apparatus having a top
portion and a coupling member that supports multiple hair sections,
the method comprising: attaching a first hair section proximate to
a horizontal support member of the coupling member; attaching a
second hair section substantially along a perimeter support member
of the coupling member to substantially conceal an edge of the
coupling member; and attaching a layer to the top portion to blend
the top portion with a user's natural hair or a user's hair
piece.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the layer comprises a
micro-thin layer.
13. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of
producing a series of hair extensions capable of supplementing hair
coverage of the hair extension apparatus until desired hair
coverage is achieved.
14. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of
producing a series of hair extensions capable of attachment to a
user's head to produce a substantially continuous hair style with a
substantially undetectable boundary region with the hair extension
apparatus.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein attaching a first hair portion
to a horizontal support member comprises tying a first end of a
first hair portion between multiple rows of thread strands.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein attaching a first hair portion
to a horizontal support member comprises tying a first end of a
first portion of the hair section between multiple spaced apart
rows of thread strands that form with multiple spaced apart columns
of lace material a mesh lattice structure adapted to conform with a
user's head and to provide resilience to prevent movement of the
hair section secured in a desired hair style position.
17. The method of claim 11, wherein attaching a second hair portion
along a perimeter support member of the coupling member comprises
hand tying a second hair portion along a perimeter support member
to provide a substantially undetectable boundary between the hair
extension apparatus and a user's natural hair.
18. The method of claim 11, wherein attaching a second hair portion
along a perimeter support member of the coupling member comprises
hand tying the second hair portion along a perimeter support member
to provide a substantially undetectable boundary between the hair
extension apparatus and a user's natural hair even when the second
hair portion is lifted to an upward position.
19. The method of claim 11, wherein attaching a micro-thin layer to
a top portion comprises disposing a micro skin layer along a top
portion of the hair apparatus.
20. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of
attaching a plurality of spaced-apart flexible fasteners along a
perimeter of the hair apparatus that is configured to secure the
hair extension apparatus to at least one human hair strand on a
user's head.
21. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of
attaching a plurality of spaced-apart vertical support members that
intersect the horizontal support members to form a mesh retention
structure to maintain the first and second hair sections in a
desired hair style and to conforming to a user's head.
22. Hair apparatus adapted to substantially blend with one or more
adjacently positioned hair supplemental extension sections,
comprising: at least one hair section disposed at least partly on
an outer surface of a coupling element, wherein the at least one
hair section is attached to at least a portion of a perimeter of
the coupling element to blend the coupling element with at least
one of a user's natural hair and a user's hair piece; and a layer
attached to the coupling element to substantially blend on a first
outer edge of the coupling element with one or more adjacently
positioned hair supplemental extension sections or the user's
natural hair to achieve a desired style.
23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the at least one hair
section is inserted through at least one opening in the outer
surface of the coupling element and is at least partly wrapped
around at least one horizontal support member that intersects with
one or more vertical support members to substantially secure the at
least one hair section within the hair apparatus.
24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein central regions of the hair
extension apparatus comprise dense hair coverage, and toward a
second outer edge of the coupling element, progressively less dense
hair coverage, so as to achieve a blended hair style
appearance.
25. The fastener of claim 22, wherein the layer has a body that is
attached along at least one portion of the body to the coupling
element; and wherein the layer comprising at least one mono-skin
layer that provides a substantially invisible transition region for
the at least one hair section being blended with at least one of
the one or more hair supplemental extension sections the user's
natural hair and a user's hair piece.
26. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the layer comprises a
micro-thin layer.
Description
PRIORITY APPLICATIONS
[0001] This continuation in-part application claims priority to the
U.S. patent applications Ser. No. 11/388,533 titled "Multi-Style,
Reconfigurable Hair Extension Apparatus and Methods" filed Mar. 24,
2006 and Ser. No. 11/396,025 titled "Reconfigurable Fastener Hair
Extension Apparatus and Methods" filed with the United States
Patent and Trademark Office on Mar. 31, 2006, by the inventor
Richard JunSuh Lee, each of which is incorporated by reference
herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates generally to the field of hair
grooming and appearance, and specifically in one exemplary aspect
to a hair extension apparatus for, e.g., humans.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Technology
[0005] Hair extensions are well known in the art. Such extensions
can be used to change an individual's physical appearance,
supplement their natural hair length, and/or increase the number of
hair styling options. Hair extensions may be composed of multiple
strands of any of the following: natural human hairs, synthetic
fibers, or a composite of different hairs and materials. Hair
extensions are normally secured to human hair using any number of
standard attachment procedures such as weaving, adhesives, or
sewing.
[0006] Hair extensions are typically styled by trained
professionals in a hair salon or beauty shop setting. Persons often
request that the positioning and styling of the person's hair,
including hair extensions, be tailored to suit a particular
occasion or event. The hair extension in many situations has a
foundation that is not comfortable for a user to wear. The
foundation, in addition to comfort, should provide a degree of
elasticity, but at the same time provide a level of security
necessary to hold a hair extension in place. Below are examples
representative of the art.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,988,177 entitled "Wig Foundation with
Contoured Front HairLine" disclosed a wig having a foundation
fabricated from thin nylon lace. For instance, a crown and top area
were fabricated from a thin non-stretch nylon lace and the front
was fabricated from nylon and had a velvet-like front that closely
followed the contour of the wearer's head. The wefts of hair were
attached to the foundation in such as manner as to provide a
natural appearance. A net material at the crown of the foundation
provides a support for each weft of hair resulting in a light airy
appearance.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,359,079 entitled "Hair Accessory" disclosed
a method for fabricating a hair accessory that included attaching a
plurality of hair strands to a support member and spirally wrapping
the support member around at least one resilient member shaped
substantially in a circle. U.S. Pat. No. 6,629,536 entitled "Hair
Accessory" disclosed a fabrication procedure for a hair accessory
providing a plurality of hair strands and a hair clip. The method
further disclosed that the clip is substantially concealed by the
strands when the clip was attached to a user's natural hair.
[0009] In many instances, a user may further desire to supplement
their natural hair and to achieve a still wider variety of hair
styles and give an impression of having more hair without others
readily detecting the supplemental hair is not their own. For
instance, a person who has relatively little hair may want a hair
accessory that blends with their own hair and appears undetectable
to others. In this same instance, a user may desire that an off-the
shelf hair accessory to give an appearance of a custom fitted unit
to meet their particular needs or desires such as: head size,
degree of hair supplementation, hair style, hair style modification
needs, but at the same time remain relatively low cost and
reusable.
[0010] Thus, what is needed are improved hair styling apparatus and
methods that permit easy initial configuring and reconfiguring,
i.e., restyling, to meet a particular user goal for hair
supplementation, which minimizes the required labor and/or time.
Such improved apparatus and methods would also ideally allow a
person other than a trained hair care professional to implement
style changes, and would further permit the creation of
user-customized styles and appearance such as through the use of
hair sections having different textures, colors, positions, tints,
etc.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In a first aspect of the invention, hair extension apparatus
is disclosed capable of adding hair volume. In one embodiment, the
apparatus comprises a coupling member having an inner and an outer
surface. A plurality of hair sections are attached to the outer
surface of the member and extending substantially therefrom. A
plurality of spaced apart fasteners is attached along a perimeter
of the coupling member and substantially concealed from view when
the hair extension apparatus is worn. The coupling member and the
plurality of hair sections are configured to substantially blend
with at least one hair supplemental extension apparatus.
[0012] In a second aspect of the invention, a method is disclosed
of fabricating a hair extension apparatus having a top portion and
a coupling member that supports multiple hair sections. In one
embodiment, the method comprises attaching a first hair portion
proximate to a horizontal support member of the coupling member,
attaching a second hair portion along a perimeter support member of
the coupling member to substantially conceal an edge of the
coupling member, and attaching a layer (e.g., a micro-thin layer)
to a top portion to blend the top portion with at least one of a
user's natural hair and user's hair piece. In one embodiment, the
user's hair piece may be a wig that is disposed (e.g., glued or
woven into existing hair) on a user's head. In one example, the
user's hair piece may include synthetic or natural hair fibers.
[0013] In a third aspect of the invention, a hair extension
apparatus adapted to substantially blend with one or more
adjacently positioned hair supplemental extension sections is
disclosed. In one embodiment, at least one hair section is disposed
on an outer surface of a coupling element. The at least one hair
section is attached to at least a portion of a perimeter of the
coupling element to blend the coupling element with at least one of
a user's natural hair and user's hair piece. A layer (e.g., a
micro-thin layer) attached to the coupling element substantially
blends an edge of the coupling element with one or more adjacently
positioned hair supplemental extension sections. In one embodiment,
the user's hair piece may be a wig that is disposed (e.g., glued or
woven into existing hair) on a user's head. In one example, the
user's hair piece may include synthetic or natural hair fibers.
[0014] These and other embodiments, aspects, advantages, and
features of the present invention will be set forth in part in the
description which follows, and in part will become apparent to
those skilled in the art by reference to the following description
of the invention and referenced drawings or by practice of the
invention. The aspects, advantages, and features of the invention
are realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities,
procedures, and combinations particularly pointed out in the
appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a person's head showing
attachment of a hair extension in accordance with a first aspect of
the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a rear elevation view of the hair extension
apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 3a is a rear elevation view for a first hair
supplemental extension apparatus depicting a fastener in a "closed"
position in accordance with a second aspect of the present
invention.
[0018] FIG. 3b is a rear elevation view for a second hair
supplemental extension apparatus to add additional hair volume to a
user's hair in accordance with a second aspect of the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 4a is a top elevation view of the fastener depicted in
FIGS. 2 and 3a-b.
[0020] FIG. 4b is a rear elevation view of the fastener depicted in
FIGS. 2, 3a and 3b in an "open" position to insert a hair section
into the fastener in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 4c is a rear elevation view of the fastener depicted in
FIGS. 2 and 3a-b in a "closed" position to secure a hair section
within the fastener in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 5a is a rear elevation view of a person's head showing
the hair extension apparatus being attached using fasteners to a
human hair section in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 5b is a rear elevation view of a person's head showing
attachment of the hair extension apparatus in FIG. 5a in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 6a is a rear elevation view of a person's head showing
the hair extension apparatus and first and second hair supplemental
extension apparatus being attached using fasteners to a human hair
section in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0025] FIG. 6b is a rear elevation view of a person's head showing
attachment of the hair extension apparatus and the first and second
hair supplemental extension apparatus in FIG. 6a in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a logical flow diagram illustrating one exemplary
embodiment of a method for configuring the hair extension apparatus
in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] Reference is now made to the drawings wherein like numerals
refer to like parts throughout.
[0028] As used herein, the term "hair" refers without limitation to
any natural or artificial single- or multi-stranded material or
structure (including wefts of hair) irrespective of origin, color,
texture or shape. For example, hair may comprise natural hair of a
human or animal, artificial or synthetic fibers, weaves or
filaments and so forth.
Overview
[0029] In one salient aspect, the present invention discloses
apparatus and methods for hair styling for, inter alia, cosmetic
purposes. In particular, the present invention discloses an
apparatus and method that may be configured using one size hair
extension apparatus for multiple size heads (and multiple hair
styles) with one or more hair supplemental extension apparatus.
Furthermore, the present invention further discloses several
techniques to reduce the appearance of a boundary region between,
for example, a person's natural hair and the hair extension
apparatus, and the hair supplemental extension apparatus.
[0030] In addition, the hair extension apparatus provides for
rapidly attaching and/or reconfiguring the hair extension
apparatus. The apparatus advantageously allows changing styling of
the hair extension apparatus, thereby allowing a user to rapidly
adjust their hair appearance and the same styling and attaching
principles, as discussed below, may be applied to straight, curly,
colored, bleached and artificial hair.
[0031] The ability to attach and adjust the placement of multiple
hair sections relative to the apparatus (and further adjust the
placement of the apparatus on the user's head) provides significant
flexibility to the user in quickly and easily creating new
"customized" styles as well.
[0032] The present invention may also be utilized in conjunction
with (e.g., as a complement to), or in place, of the methods and
apparatus described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/388,533 filed Mar. 24, 2006, entitled "Multi-Style,
Reconfigurable Hair Extension Apparatus and Methods" and Ser. No.
11/396,025 filed Mar. 31, 2006, entitled "Reconfigurable Fastener
Hair Extension Apparatus and Methods" previously incorporated
herein.
Exemplary Extension Apparatus
[0033] Referring now to FIGS. 1-6b, exemplary embodiments of the
hair extension apparatus of the invention are described in detail.
It will be appreciated that while described primarily in the
context of human hair extension apparatus, at least portions of the
apparatus and methods described herein may be used in other
applications, such as for example and without limitation
mannequins, "wax" representations, or other humanoid figures.
[0034] Moreover, it will be recognized that the present invention
may find utility beyond purely cosmetic concerns. For example, the
"hair sections" described subsequently herein may conceivably be
replaced with sections or components having other functionality;
e.g., helping to control the wearer's natural hair which may be
prone to "flyaway", static charge, etc. Other functions might
include the release of a therapeutic or other chemical agent or
substance (e.g., for purposes of enhanced aroma, insect repulsion,
and so forth). Myriad other functions will be recognized by those
of ordinary skill given the present disclosure.
[0035] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a person's head showing
attachment of a hair extension apparatus in accordance with a first
aspect of the present invention. The hair extension apparatus 100
includes a plurality of strands, for example strands of hair 112.
The strands of hair 112 may be gathered together and extended
outward to form a multitude of hair sections, one such hair section
being a hair section 114. The hair section 114 extends outward from
an outer surface 118 of a coupling member (here, a mesh structure
120) or other such coupling apparatus. The mesh structure 120 also
has an inner surface 122 that contacts the person's head 105. It
will be appreciated that while a mesh structure is shown as the
exemplary retaining apparatus, other mechanisms may conceivably be
used with equal success, including for example a hairnet, stocking,
panty hose, fishnet, elastic covering, partial mesh or semi-mesh
structure, cap or the like.
[0036] To attach the hair extension apparatus 100 to a person's
head 105, a series of fasteners 210a-g (shown in FIG. 2) located,
for example, around an outer perimeter 230 of the mesh structure
120 attaches to a lock of that person's existing hair, such as one
of the series of fasteners 2120a-g attaches to one or more human
hair sections, such as hair section 106 shown in FIG. 1. The
fasteners 210 a-g (in one embodiment are metal clasps having a
flexible body) snap (as later depicted in FIGS. 4a-c) onto a user's
existing hair to secure the hair extension apparatus 100 to a
user's head. In alternate embodiments, the fasteners 210 a-g may be
replaced by any means for securing the hair extension apparatus 100
to the human hair sections. It will also be recognized that the
hair extension apparatus 100 may be secured to something other than
the wearer's existing hair, such as where a wig or the like is used
by the wearer.
[0037] Furthermore, the fasteners 21 Oa-g (or other mechanism)
shown in FIG. 2 may be positioned in other locations, other than
the outer perimeter 230 of the mesh structure 120. For example, one
or more loops or openings created in the mesh structure 120 may
provide an insertion point to secure the human hair section 106 to
the mesh structure 120. Furthermore, the fasteners 210a-g (shown in
FIG. 2) may be replaced by any means for securing the hair
extension apparatus 100 to a person's head 105 including for
example hooks, wires, loops, adapters, clamps, ties, links,
couplers, or the like that may be made from cord, rope, strands,
twine, line, belt, braid, ribbon, tie, steel, plastic, fiberglass,
glue, paste, tape, tacky material or a composite material
thereof.
[0038] FIG. 2 is a rear elevation view of a person's head with the
hair extension apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the
present invention. In this embodiment, a plurality of human hair
sections, such as one like human hair section 106 (shown in FIG. 1)
or human hair section 410 (shown in FIGS. 4b-c) inserts into at
least one of the fasteners 210a-g in an "open" position (e.g.,
extended in an upward direction away from the mesh structure 120 as
shown in FIG. 4b) along the outer perimeter 230. Furthermore, when
the at least one of the fasteners 210a-g is changed to a "closed"
position (e.g., extended in a downward direction toward the mesh
structure 120 as shown in FIG. 4c), the at least one of the
fasteners 210 a-g secures the hair extension apparatus 100 to at
least one human hair section, such as human hair section 106 (shown
in FIG. 1) or human hair section 410 (shown in FIGS. 4b-c).
[0039] The mesh structure 120, e.g., in one embodiment, includes
horizontal support members, e.g., rows of material such as lines
204 a-c and lines 206 a-c, utilizing any or all the following:
cotton, twine, string, thinly-cut fabric, polyester line, plastic
wire, plastic material, organic and/or inorganic material, or the
like. In this same embodiment, hair strands 207a-g may be either
hand-tied to, machine tied to, or interwoven between the lines
204a-c and lines 206a-c. Furthermore, the lines 204a-c and lines
206a-c, in this exemplary embodiment, may be either machine tied or
hand-tied to a corresponding vertical support member 212a-f to form
a mesh structure 120 to support the hair extension apparatus
100.
[0040] In another embodiment, any of the outer perimeter sections
(outer contour areas) such as hair sections 211 a (located on a
first edge of the hair apparatus 100 proximately located near a
first side of a user head), 211b (located on a second edge of the
hair apparatus 100 proximately located to a second side of a user
head), or 211c (located on a rear edge of the hair apparatus 100
proximately positioned near a neck area of the user) may be
hand-tied, wrapped in fine thread, or the like to produce a fine
density hair line. The fine density hair line, which is lower
density than a central portion of the hair extension apparatus 100,
produces a substantially blend hairline (e.g., a substantially
undetectable boundary) when the hair apparatus 100 is attached to a
user's natural hair even when ends of hair sections (such as hair
section 114 or hair section 410) on the hair extension apparatus
100 are lifted in an upward.
[0041] To further blend the hair extension apparatus, a micro-thin
layer 216, e.g., in one embodiment, a mono-skin or micro-skin
structure (e.g., a closely adhering outer layer that may, in one
example, be translucent to light to partially expose a user's skin)
that has dimensionality within a range of a several microns to tens
of microns thick. Continuing with this same embodiment, the
micro-thin layer 216 is hand tied along a top portion of the hair
extension apparatus 100. The micro-thin layer 216, in one exemplary
embodiment, provides a substantially invisible boundary between the
hair extension apparatus 100 and a user's hair, e.g., human hair
such as hair sections 520 shown in FIG. 5b. In other embodiments,
the micro-thin layer 216 may be replaced by any means for
concealing a boundary region (e.g., producing a substantially
blended hair line by transitioning hair density of the hair
extension apparatus 100 to a hair density of a user's hair
including, for example, cotton material, polyester material,
synthetic material, ribbon, ties, felt, paper, fabric, netting,
colored tape, or the like, to produce a continuous hair style
appearance which is unlike conventional hair replacement apparatus
having a similar hair density across an entire hair piece and no
transition boundary to blend with a user's natural hair.
[0042] In an alternative embodiment, the fastener (such as
fasteners 210a-i) may be a ribbon attached to the mesh structure
120 (e.g., a coupling member). One end of the ribbon may be
inserted through and attached, for example hooked to, an opening in
an outer surface of the coupling member, for example openings in
the mesh structure 120 (shown in FIG. 2) to substantially secure
the at least one human hair section (e.g., human hair sections 106
or 410 shown in FIGS. 1 or 4b-c) within the hair extension
apparatus 100.
[0043] In another variation of this alternative embodiment, the
ribbon may have a body that is attached along at least one portion
to the coupling element, for example mesh structure 120 (shown in
FIG. 2), which has many openings in its mesh structure.
[0044] In yet another variation of this alternative embodiment, the
ribbon may have a first member and a second member, where one or
both the first member or the second member may be wrapped around a
section of hair, and passed through an opening in an outer surface
of the coupling member, for example an opening in the mesh
structure 120, to secure a hair section, such as hair section 106,
410 to an hair extension apparatus, such as hair extension
apparatus 100.
[0045] As shown, the hair extension apparatus 100 advantageously
provides increased hair volume and well as hair length for, e.g.,
everyday use. Exemplary hair configurations are discussed in detail
subsequently herein with respect to FIGS. 3a-6b.
[0046] FIGS. 3a, 3b are rear elevation views of hair supplemental
extension apparatus to add hair volume and further customize a fit
of the hair extension apparatus 100 to a user's head in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention. To secure the first
and second hair supplemental extension apparatus, the exemplary
fasteners 210h-i, in this embodiment, are similar to the fasteners
210a-g. Furthermore, the fasteners 210h-i may be replaced by any
means, such as those contained in alternative embodiment for the
fasteners 210a-g, to secure the hair supplemental extension
apparatus 300, 312 to a person's head 105 (shown in FIG. 1),
including for example hooks, wires, loops, adapters, clamps, ties,
links, couplers, or the like that may be made from cord, rope,
strands, twine, line, belt, braid, ribbon, tie, steel, plastic,
fiberglass, or a composite material thereof. The fasteners 210h-i,
in one embodiment, may be composed of many different materials that
are substantially flexible and/or rigid including string, ribbon,
plastic, flexible or rigid metal, fiberglass, foam, or the
like.
[0047] In addition, the fasteners 210h-i may be shaped as inter
alia, a rod, tube, stick, strip, clip, clasp or the like. In this
example, the fasteners 210h-i flex (e.g., snap along their body) to
an open position (as shown in FIG. 4b) to accept one or more hair
strands from a user's head (such as the human hair section 410).
Afterwards, the fasteners 210h-i flex (e.g., snap along their body)
to a "closed" position (as shown in FIG. 4c) to secure one or more
hair strands from a user head (such as the human hair section 410).
In yet another example, because the fasteners are flexible members,
they may be made of a substantially pliable plastic or metal
material, such as steel or aluminum or the like, one or more human
hair sections, such as hair sections 106 or 410, may be inserted
into the same fastener, such as any of the fasteners 210h-i.
[0048] Other combinations of the foregoing will also be recognized
by those of ordinary skill. For example, either one or both of the
first hair supplemental extension apparatus or the second hair
supplemental extension apparatus may be attached to or be received
each having distinctive fastener arrangements to improve attachment
to a user head. In another alternative embodiment, at least one of
the first and second hair supplemental extension apparatus may clip
to an outer surface of a user head 5 (shown in FIG. 1) or to the
mesh structure 120 (shown in FIG. 2).
[0049] The desired style position of the hair extension apparatus
100 may be based on any number of different user criteria, such as
head size, desired hair styling, and event to attend. Because any
of the fasteners 210h-i, may be rapidly attached and detached from
a human hair section (such as human hair section 410 or 106), a
user may advantageously change a hair styling of, in one example, a
hair extension apparatus very rapidly, utilized in response to and
to suit widely varying circumstances (e.g., going rapidly from a
style appropriate to a casual outdoor or athletic event to a second
style appropriate for a formal event or based on head size). To
achieve such changed hair style for the design in Fig. 5a, hair
extension users may connect the first hair supplemental extension
apparatus 300 and/or the second hair supplemental extension
apparatus 312 (as shown in FIG. 6a) utilizing fasteners 210i-j
respectively to adjust the hair extension apparatus to a different
size user head or to achieve a different hair style than a user's
natural hair style.
[0050] As such, one major advantage of this apparatus is the same
hair extension apparatus 100 may be utilized (or reused) for
multiple sized user heads (as well as styles) while still achieving
an appearance of one continuous hair style (e.g., such as adding
mono-skin to exposed edges of the mesh structure 120 and hand-tying
strands of hair along visible portions, such as along a perimeter
230 (e.g., contour or boundary region) of the mesh structure 120).
Furthermore, as discussed with reference to FIG. 2, the fasteners
210a-i advantageously, in one embodiment, snap to secure one or
more strands of human hair sections (e.g. 410 or 106) in the hair
extension apparatus 100 (as shown in FIG. 5a). In addition, one or
more hair supplemental extension apparatus, such as sections 300
and 312, as shown in FIG. 6a, may be utilized to supplement a hair
style of the hair extension apparatus 100 to achieve a completely
different hair coverage style (e.g., to accommodate a relatively
larger user head depicted in FIG. 6a as compared with a user head
depicted in FIG. 5a).
[0051] FIGS. 4a-c depict exemplary fastener mechanisms, e.g.,
"open" and "closed" positions, utilized for the fasteners 210 a-i
in FIGS. 2, 3a-b. In particular, FIG. 4a depicts a top view of an
exemplary fastener 420 (e.g., one of the fasteners 210a-i) and the
fastener projections 412a-412f. When the exemplary fastener 420 is
flexed to an "open" position (as shown in FIG. 4b), the fastener
projections 412a-f, in this embodiment, increase in vertical height
from fastener projections 412a to 412d and decrease in vertical
height from fastener projections 412e to 412g along a body of the
fastener. The fastener topology provides increased hair holding
area in a central location of the fastener so that more hair may
clip proximately to a centrally located body region of the fastener
430 as compared with a distal location from the centrally located
body region to achieve an improved blended hair style.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 4c, when the fastener 430 is flexed to a
"closed" position, a section of hair 410 is secured. Please note
that other embodiments exist for the above described fastener
mechanism. For instance, exemplary fasteners may or may not have
fastener projections, may have only one fastener projection, may in
an "open" position rise to the same height for each of the fastener
projections, or may be an entirely different fastener structure and
may be similar to the alternative fasteners described above in
reference to the discussions for FIGS. 2, 3a and 3b.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 5a, the hair extension apparatus 100 is
attached at fasteners 210a-g to hair stands on a human head 105 (as
shown in FIG. 1). Referring to FIG. 5b, the hair apparatus 100
substantially blends with human hair 520.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 6a, the hair extension apparatus 100 and a
first and a second hair supplemental extension apparatus 300, 312
are utilized to increase a user's hair styling options of one or
more hair sections and to adjust the hair extension apparatus 100
for a larger head size than that depicted in FIG. 5a. Referring to
FIG. 6b, the hair extension apparatus 100, the first hair extension
supplemental apparatus 300 and the second hair extension
supplemental apparatus 312 are shown blending with human hair
605.
[0055] Likewise, it will further be recognized that additional
fasteners may be employed to provide yet additional flexibility to
the user. These additional fasteners may be placed at different
elevations and locations than those shown or proximate thereto in
order to provide a "layered" effect for the sections, where one
such section is human hair section 410 and another sections include
hair extension apparatus 100, hair supplemental extension apparatus
300, 312. Furthermore, it should be recognized that the
fastener(s), either in an "open" or a "closed" state, substantially
blended (are camouflaged) within a plurality of hair sections to
substantially hide or conceal the fastener(s) from viewing of
others, including the hair extension user. The orientation of the
fasteners may also be varied so that different orientations or
"lay" of the hair sections is achieved. For example, any of the
fasteners 210a-i may be a tab, strips such as Velcro.RTM. or the
like.
Exemplary Methods
[0056] Referring now to FIG. 7, an exemplary embodiment of the
method for fabricating the aforementioned hair extension apparatus
is described. While described primarily in the context of the
exemplary embodiments of the apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1-6b, it
will be appreciated that the methodology presented herein may be
readily adapted to any different configuration of the apparatus 100
by those of ordinary skill.
[0057] As shown in FIG. 7, the exemplary method 700 comprises first
attaching a first hair portion 112 of a hair extension apparatus
100 proximate to a horizontal support member (e.g., 204c or 206c)
of the coupling member 120 (step 702). In one variant of step 702,
attaching a first hair portion to a horizontal support member
(e.g., 204c or 206c) comprises tying a first end of the first
portion of the hair section between multiple spaced apart rows of
thread strands that form with multiple spaced apart columns of lace
material 212a-f a mesh lattice structure 120 adapted to conform
with a user's head (e.g., user head 105) and to provide resilience
to prevent movement of the hair extension apparatus 100 from a
desired style position.
[0058] A second hair portion 211a is then attached along a
perimeter support member 230 of the coupling member 230 to
substantially conceal an edge coupled to the outer surface of the
coupling member 120 (step 704). In one alternative embodiment of
step 704, attaching a second hair portion 21 la along a perimeter
support member 230 of the coupling member 120 comprises hand tying
the second hair portion 211a along a perimeter support member 230
to provide a substantially undetectable boundary between the hair
extension apparatus 100 and at least one of a user's natural hair,
user's hair piece (e.g., wig), and a manikin's hair.
[0059] In yet another alternative embodiment of step 704, attaching
a second hair portion 221 a along a perimeter support member 230 of
the coupling member 120 comprises hand tying the second hair
portion 221a along a perimeter support member 230 to provide a
substantially undetectable boundary between the hair extension
apparatus 100 and at least one of a user's natural hair, user's
hair piece (e.g., wig), and a manikin's hair even when the second
hair section 221a is lifted to an upward position (to expose a neck
area of the user).
[0060] The first hair portion 211a and the second hair portion 211b
may comprise, for example, a plurality of individual or woven hair
strands that are intended to be attached to the mesh structure 120
of the hair extension apparatus 100. These strands may also
optionally be pre-conditioned before attachment, such as by
coloring/tinting, texturing (e.g., curling), coating with a desired
material (e.g., hairspray).
[0061] In step 706, a micro-thin layer 216 is attached to a top
portion of the hair extension apparatus 100 to blend the top
portion with at least one of a user's natural hair and user's hair
piece. 18. In one alternative embodiment of step 706, attaching a
micro-thin layer to a top portion of the hair apparatus comprises
disposing a micro-skin layer along a top portion of the hair
apparatus.
[0062] In step 708, a plurality of spaced-apart flexible fasteners
are attached along a perimeter of the hair apparatus configured to
secure the hair extension apparatus to at least one hair strand on
a user's head In step 710, a plurality of spaced-apart vertical
support members may be attached if desired, and intersect the
horizontal support members to form a mesh retention structure to
maintain the first and second hair portions in a desired hair style
and to conform to, for example, at least one of a user's or a
manikin's head.
[0063] In step 712, a series of hair supplemental extension
apparatus, e.g., 300 or 312, may be provided if desired that are
capable of supplementing hair coverage of the hair extension
apparatus 100 to create a desired hair style. In one variant of
step 712, a series of hair supplemental extension apparatus, e.g.,
300 or 312, may be capable of providing a substantially continuous
hair style with a substantially undetectable boundary with, for
example, a user's natural hair or a user's hair piece (e.g.,
wig).
[0064] It will be appreciated that while certain aspects of the
invention have been described in terms of a specific sequence of
steps of a method, these descriptions are only illustrative of the
broader methods of the invention, and may be modified as required
by the particular application. Certain steps may be rendered
unnecessary or optional under certain circumstances. Additionally,
certain steps or functionality may be added to the disclosed
embodiments, or the order of performance of two or more steps
permuted. All such variations are considered to be encompassed
within the invention disclosed and claimed herein.
[0065] While the above detailed description has shown, described,
and pointed out novel features of the invention as applied to
various embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions,
substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the device or
process illustrated may be made by those skilled in the art without
departing from the invention. The foregoing description is of the
best mode presently contemplated of carrying out the invention.
This description is in no way meant to be limiting, but rather
should be taken as illustrative of the general principles of the
invention. The scope of the invention should be determined with
reference to the claims.
* * * * *