U.S. patent application number 10/583584 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-29 for method for thickening hair, separator device for receiving hair, assembly for thickening hair and applicator for the assembly in the method for thickening hair.
Invention is credited to David Anthony Gold.
Application Number | 20070272263 10/583584 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34708530 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070272263 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gold; David Anthony |
November 29, 2007 |
Method for Thickening Hair, Separator Device for Receiving Hair,
Assembly for Thickening Hair and Applicator for the Assembly in the
Method for Thickening Hair
Abstract
A separator device (51) for receiving hair, for a method of
application of a thickening assembly, comprises first separation
tooth elements (52), equidistant and such as to subdivide a portion
of hair into portions containing basically the same quantity of
receiving hair; a bearing surface (53) for arranging in position
said adhesive tape (2), delimited on one side by said first tooth
elements (52); and second tooth elements (55), arranged on the
opposite side with respect to said first tooth elements (52),
having with respect to the latter a greater density and interspaces
such as to arrest the receiving hair inserted therebetween.
Inventors: |
Gold; David Anthony; (Nepi,
IT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LEFFERT JAY & POLGLAZE, P.A.
P.O. BOX 581009
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55458-1009
US
|
Family ID: |
34708530 |
Appl. No.: |
10/583584 |
Filed: |
December 20, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
December 20, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB04/52866 |
371 Date: |
May 29, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/201 ;
132/56 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41G 5/0086
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/201 ;
132/056 |
International
Class: |
A41G 5/00 20060101
A41G005/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 19, 2003 |
IT |
RM2003A000585 |
Claims
1. A method for thickening hair, comprising the steps of: providing
a first plurality (A) of hair extensions (C) having respective
proximal ends (7) provided with a respective connecting element
(9); providing a first adhesive tape (2) with a first adhesive face
(43) and arranging, according to a predetermined arrangement, said
proximal ends (7) onto the first adhesive face (43); arranging a
separator device (51) at a portion of hair (T) to be thickened, so
that said portion may be separated in adjacent portions (60),
containing basically the same quantity of receiving hair, each
portion (60) corresponding to a connecting element (9) placed on
said adhesive tape (2) and equidistant from the other portions
(60); keeping tensioned said portion of hair to be thickened;
providing a second adhesive tape (4) to be overlapped on said first
tape (2) and enclosing, between said first and second adhesive tape
(2,4), said portion of hair (T) to be thickened, arranging said
connecting elements (9) at the respective portion (60) of receiving
hair; removing said separator device (51) from said portion of hair
(T); and activating a connection means (10) operating on said
connecting elements (9) of the hair extensions (C), wherein said
second tape (4) has a respective second adhesive face (44) on which
it is arranged a second plurality (B) of hair extensions (C) having
respective proximal ends (7) provided with a respective connecting
element (9) spaced so as to overlap to the respective connecting
elements (9) of said first plurality (A), said connection means
being such as to simultaneously operate on the connecting elements
(9) of both said pluralities (A, B) of the hair extensions (C).
2. A method according to claim 1, wherein said first and second
adhesive tapes (2,4) are formed by two distinct adhesive tape
sections.
3. A method according to claim 1, wherein said connecting elements
(9) comprise a thermoplastic material.
4. A method according to claim 3, wherein said connection means are
activated by application of energy.
5. A method according to claim 4, wherein heat is applied.
6. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of
selecting the separator device (51) according to an indication (50)
related to dimensions, a number and/or a density of the hair
extensions (C).
7. A separator device (51) for receiving hair, for the application
of a thickening assembly (1) comprising: a plurality of hair
extensions (C) having respective proximal ends (7) provided with a
respective connecting element (9); an adhesive tape (2) with an
adhesive face (43) onto which there are arranged said proximal ends
(7) according to a predetermined arrangement, the separator device
(51) comprising: first separation tooth elements (52), equidistant
and such as to subdivide a portion of hair into portions containing
basically the same quantity of receiving hair; a bearing surface
(53) for arranging said adhesive tape (2) in position, delimited on
one side by said first tooth elements (52); and second tooth
elements (55), arranged on an opposite side with respect to said
first tooth elements (52), having with respect to the latter a
greater density and interspaces such as to arrest the receiving
hair inserted therebetween.
8. A device (51) according to claim 8, wherein the first tooth
elements (52) are basically triangle-shaped.
9. A device (51) according to claim 7, wherein said first tooth
elements (52) are positioned on opposite sides of the bearing
surface (53).
10. A device (51) according to claim 7, wherein the bearing surface
(53) has a width equal to that of the tape (2).
11. A device (51) according to claim 7, wherein sideways the
bearing surface (53) comprises at least one indent-shaped stop (54)
for the correct positioning of the thickening assembly (1).
12. A device (51) according to claim 7, comprising at least one
handle (57).
13. A device (51) according to claim 12, comprising a pair of
opposing handles (57), arranged sideways.
14. A device (51) according to claim 7, comprising, in a position
corresponding to the second tooth elements (55), means for securing
the receiving hair and the hair extensions in a preset
position.
15. A device (51) according to claim 13, wherein said securing
means comprises a spring clasp (58) that rotates sideways to the
hair.
16. A device (51) according to claim 8, comprising a removable
gripper (61), apt to receive said thickening assembly once arranged
on the device (51), such as to leave free the surface of the
assembly (1).
17. An assembly for thickening hair (1), comprising: a first
adhesive tape (2), apt to be reversibly adhered on hair, having an
adhesive face (43) onto which there are arranged connecting
elements (9) of hair extensions (C) of a first plurality (A) of the
hair extensions (C) at their respective distal end (7); a second
adhesive tape (4), apt to be reversibly adhered on hair, having an
adhesive face (44) onto which there are arranged connecting
elements (9) of hair extensions (C) of a second plurality (B) of
the hair extensions (C) at their respective distal end (7), the
tapes (2, 4) having positioning elements such that the connecting
elements (9) of the extensions of said first and second plurality
(A, B) of the hair extensions (C) overlap when the positioning
elements are in turn overlapped.
18. An assembly (1) according to claim 17, wherein said first and
second adhesive tapes (2,4) consist of distinct adhesive tape
sections.
19. An assembly (1) according to claim 18, wherein said positioning
elements are holes (6) arranged at the corners of the adhesive
tapes (2,4).
20. An assembly (1) according to claim 17, wherein said first and
second adhesive tapes (2,4) are substantially transparent.
21. An assembly (1) according to claim 17, wherein said adhesive
faces (43,44) have an adhesive of a non-permanent and reversible
type, operated by pressure.
22. An assembly (1) according to claim 17, wherein the connecting
element (9) is made of a thermoplastic material.
23. An assembly (1) according to claim 17, wherein the connecting
elements (9) are substantially equidistant and placed at the center
of the respective adhesive tape (2, 4), the hair extensions (C)
being aligned in parallel to each other, so that the hairs of
adjacent hair extensions (C) do not get knotted to each other.
24. An assembly (1) according to claim 21, wherein the adhesive
material used on said adhesive faces (43, 44) has an adhesive force
on the respective adhesive tape (2, 4) greater than that produced
on the material of the connecting element (9), so that, on the
latter, no adhesive material residues remain at the end of the
application.
25. An assembly (1) according to claim 23, wherein a first face of
the connecting element (9) opposite a second face of the connecting
element (9) placed on the respective adhesive face (43,44) has
longitudinal ribs (3), whose edges are parallel to the hair of the
of the hair extensions (C).
26. An assembly (1) according to claim 25, wherein each rib (3) has
a substantially V-shaped section.
27. A hair extension applicator (10), of the kind employed for
thickening hair via the application, to the natural hair, of hair
extensions (C), comprising: a fixed contrasting element (12)
bearing connecting elements (9) of hair extensions (C) on a tape
(2) and corresponding portions of receiving hair (60) of hair to be
thickened (7), separated and corresponding to a respective
connecting element (9); and a movable pressure element (15) acting
on said fixed element (12), said movable pressure element (15)
being driven by a pneumatic device operating at a predetermined
pressure, apt to press on connecting elements (9) of hair
extensions (C) and corresponding portions of receiving hair (60) of
hair to be thickened (T) enclosed by tapes (2,4), characterized in
that it comprises means for positioning the tapes (61; 64), the
connecting elements (9) and the hair portions (60), in a
predetermined position on said fixed and pressure elements (12,
15).
28. An applicator (10) according to claim 27, comprising respective
recesses (73,76) of said fixed and pressure elements (12, 15) in a
position such as to receive respective connecting elements (9) when
they are pressed by the pressure element (15).
29. An applicator (19) according to claim 27, wherein the fixed
element and the pressure element (12, 15) comprise a respective
thermistor (24, 25) at their bearing planes (13, 16).
30. An applicator (10) according to claim 27, wherein the means for
positioning the tapes comprises a gripper (61).
31. The applicator (10) according to claim 27, wherein the means
for positioning the tapes comprises indent-shaped stops (64).
32. An applicator (10) according to claim 27, wherein the fixed
element and movable pressure element (12, 15) have respective
bearing surfaces (13, 16) formed on removable plates (71, 72).
33. An applicator (10), according to claim 32, wherein, below each
removable plate (71, 72) there are printed, with silk-screen
techniques, the thermistors (24, 25) that are electrically
connected to generate heat, said plates (71, 72) being thin and of
metallic material, with a high thermal conductivity.
34. An applicator (10) according to claim 32, wherein the first
removable plate (71) has a plurality of recesses (73) that, in a
plan, are basically oval or elliptical, preset to receive the
connecting elements (9) placed on a first tape (2); and wherein the
second removable plate (72) has a plurality of punches (75), each
corresponding to said recesses (73), the punch (75) having a
configuration such as to fit the respective recess (73) and, onto
its top, having a recess (76) of oval or elliptical shape and with
substantially cutting edges (77).
35. An applicator (10), according to claim 27, wherein a bearing
plane (13) on the fixed element (12) is of a soft, pliable
material.
36. An applicator (19) according to claim 33, wherein the second
plate (72) has punches (75) having each a central recess (76)
contoured to a twin cutting edge (81) cooperating with a pliable
surface of the bearing surface (13) of the fixed element (12).
37. An applicator (19) according to claim 34, wherein the second
plate (72) has punches (75) having each a central recess (76)
contoured to a twin cutting edge (81) cooperating with a pliable
surface of the bearing surface (13) of the fixed element (12).
38. A device (51) according to claim 9, comprising a removable
gripper (61), apt to receive said thickening assembly once arranged
on the device (51), such as to leave free the surface of the
assembly (1).
39. A device (51) according to claim 10, comprising a removable
gripper (61), apt to receive said thickening assembly once arranged
on the device (51), such as to leave free the surface of the
assembly (1).
40. A device (51) according to claim 11, comprising a removable
gripper (61), apt to receive said thickening assembly once arranged
on the device (51), such as to leave free the surface of the
assembly (1).
41. A device (51) according to claim 12, comprising a removable
gripper (61), apt to receive said thickening assembly once arranged
on the device (51), such as to leave free the surface of the
assembly (1).
42. A device (51) according to claim 13, comprising a removable
gripper (61), apt to receive said thickening assembly once arranged
on the device (51), such as to leave free the surface of the
assembly (1).
43. A device (51) according to claim 14, comprising a removable
gripper (61), apt to receive said thickening assembly once arranged
on the device (51), such as to leave free the surface of the
assembly (1).
45. A device (51) according to claim 15, comprising a removable
gripper (61), apt to receive said thickening assembly once arranged
on the device (51), such as to leave free the surface of the
assembly (1).
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a method for thickening
hair, or thickening method, and to a related separator device for
receiving hair for the application of a thickening assembly, with
hair extensions suitable for use in said method. The invention
further relates to an assembly of hair extensions for thickening
hair and to an applicator for said assembly, suitable for use
according to said method.
[0003] For thickening hair hereinafter it is meant the lengthening
and/or the increasing of volume of human hair, by the application
of hair extensions to the receiving hair. For hair extension it is
meant a hair extension consisting of a plurality of human or
artificial hairs, apt to be handled as single lengthening unit and
to be applied on receiving hair by virtue of a connecting
element.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Various systems are already known for thickening hair volume
and also for lengthening hair. These systems in general use hair
extensions or locks, having a natural or artificial origin, which
are then fixed to the hair using methods that, based on the
proposed application methods, determine the acceptance and
satisfaction on the part of the user who has requested such
treatment.
[0006] Another aspect that helps to increase the satisfaction with
this kind of treatment is the speed of implementation.
[0007] The known systems include a step wherein the hair extensions
are connected to the hair of the user. During this step, the hair
extensions can basically be sewn, bonded or knotted to the user's
hair but, following these systems, the thickening or the
lengthening requires a period of time too long to be carried out,
considering that each single hair extension requires a manual and
precise operation.
[0008] Other methods are known for creating a connection between
hair extensions and the hair, requiring the use of external
elements such as clasps, combs, grips, etc. These elements can be
used to attach hair extensions of large dimensions to the receiving
hair of the user, but they have the great inconvenience that the
connection is clearly visible and can be felt by the user, who
receives an uneasiness feeling from them.
[0009] Amongst other known means, there are those that permit
size-reduced extensions to be connected to receiving hair. These
methods, that require the use of adhesives, small clasping
elements, etc., give fairly good results, but in all cases long
application sessions are required since the operator must connect
each individual hair extension, which cannot be of larger size as
otherwise the connection would be visible to the user and to the
observers.
[0010] Similar difficulties are present with those methods where an
adhesive is used, applied to the connection in the method
implementation, for example as in the method described in U.S. Pat.
No. 4,934,387 (Megna) which is particularly burdensome in terms of
time, since the adhesive is dispensed in a liquid and hot state at
the end of each hair extension to be fixed. Besides, the operator
should manipulate a hot glue with the fingers, with an
understandable discomfort. Also U.S. Pat. No. 5,107,867
(Barrington) describes such a kind of method, in which the adhesive
is provided on the application site in a predetermined quantity
from a gun-shaped dispenser or other applicator. However, in
Barrington, the adhesive is confined within a heat shrinkable
tubing, allowing setting without its sticking to the other
hair.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 4,982,748 (Trimarchi) proposes the use of a
thermocurable adhesive, which accordingly requires a heating after
a cold application.
[0012] However, these examples of application with adhesives
require the complex manipulation of several elements: supplemental
hair, adhesive, tubing, gun, entailing also an increase in
time.
[0013] In addition, the cured adhesive forms a sort of ball or
skirt which is distinctly noticeable at the touch, decreasing the
easiness degree of the method, and which can also be observed,
thwarting the desired aesthetical improvement deriving from the
thickening.
[0014] Another example of this method, which has gained a hold for
the thickening and/or the lengthening extension to extension, is
described in JP 03152205 (Aderans Co. Ltd.) and in other subsequent
patents referred to improvements of this technique, e.g. the
improvement developed by the inventor of the present invention,
disclosed in South African Patent ZA 93/5214 or in German Patent DE
196 26 107 C.
[0015] These documents describe a thickening element and the
related method of application wherein a hair extension is fixed to
the hair with the application of a thermoplastic adhesive. In this
context, it is clear that the application is manual and that
therefore it may not be uniform from extension to extension.
[0016] The forcedly manual implementation of these known methods
therefore implies a series of drawbacks. First, the operator must
have a great experience and practice in this technique, to be able
of implementing properly made connections, a condition that
obviously is not always possible. In addition, apart from
experience, it will be extremely difficult to produce uniform
connections: they will vary greatly as they will not be positioned
exactly along the lines proposed for the hair thickening, and they
will vary in quality and size.
[0017] All this means that the quality of the finished work will
not be optimal, will be more exposed to wear, with imperfections
that cannot be rectified, increased costs due to very long
application times and the difficulty in locating experienced
operators.
[0018] In addition, again the cured adhesive forms a sort of ball
or skirt which is distinctly noticeable at the touch, decreasing
the easiness degree of the method, and which can also be observed,
thwarting the desired aesthetical improvement deriving from the
thickening.
[0019] A further improvement was described in International
application WO 02/098250 in the name of the present Applicant and
designating the same inventor of the present invention.
[0020] In this document, a method and an assembly of hair
extensions is disclosed for increasing hair volume, by means of the
application of a set of extensions in one step, exploiting an
adhesive tape to arrange the connecting elements in the right
position and then activating them simultaneously.
[0021] This system, though allowing to greatly speed up the
application of hair extensions, does not solve the problem of the
imperfect connections resulting of unsatisfactory dimensions and
that can also be seen.
[0022] Similar remarks may be made on the basis of International
application WO 2004/023910 in the name of the present Applicant and
designating the same inventor of the present invention.
[0023] To this drawback is also related the problem of determining
the exact quantity of receiving hair for each adhesive-based
connecting element. It is understood that the behaviour of the
connecting element will be different according to said quantity,
and therefore it is possible that, in the same application, from
adjacent connecting elements different effective connections
result.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0024] The technical problem underlying the present invention is to
provide a method for thickening hair, a separator device, a
thickening assembly with hair extensions and an applicator suitable
for use in said method, which allow to obviate to the drawbacks
mentioned in connection with the state of the art and in general to
improve the simultaneous application of hair extensions.
[0025] The solution idea consists of providing a method and an
assembly for thickening hair with no manual operation required and
allowing the application of hair extensions in sets, carrying out a
perfect integration between the connecting elements supporting the
hair extensions and the user's receiving hair.
[0026] In particular, it is desired to provide an application
method such as to include the use of devices making the application
itself easy and immediate.
[0027] Such a problem is solved by a method as above specified,
comprising the steps of: [0028] providing a first plurality of hair
extensions having respective proximal ends provided with a
respective connecting element; [0029] providing a first adhesive
tape with a first adhesive face and arranging, according to a
predetermined arrangement, said proximal ends onto the first
adhesive face; [0030] arranging a separator device at a portion of
hair to be thickened, so that said portion may be separated in
adjacent portions, containing basically the same quantity of
receiving hair, each portion being corresponding to a connecting
element placed on said adhesive tape and equidistant from the other
portions; [0031] keeping tensioned said portion of hair to be
thickened; [0032] providing a second adhesive tape to be overlapped
on said first tape and enclosing, between said first and second
adhesive tape, said portion of hair to be thickened, arranging said
connecting elements at the respective portion of receiving hair;
[0033] removing said separator device from said portion of hair;
and [0034] activating connection means operating on said connecting
elements of the hair extensions.
[0035] According to the same inventive concept, said technical
problem is solved by a separator device for receiving hair, for the
application of a thickening assembly, which comprises: [0036] a
plurality of hair extensions having respective proximal ends
provided with a respective connecting element; [0037] an adhesive
tape with an adhesive face onto which there are arranged said
proximal ends according to a predetermined arrangement, [0038] the
separator device being characterized in that it comprises: [0039]
first separation tooth elements, equidistant and such as to
subdivide a portion of hair into portions containing basically the
same quantity of receiving hair; [0040] a bearing surface for
arranging said adhesive tape in position, delimited on one side by
said first tooth elements; and [0041] second tooth elements,
arranged on the opposite side with respect to said first tooth
elements, having with respect to the latter a greater density and
interspaces such as to arrest the receiving hair inserted
therebetween.
[0042] The main advantage of the method and of the separator device
according to the present invention lies in allowing a fast
application of a high number of hair extensions in one step,
simultaneously carrying out a corresponding number of connections
with very small dimensions, as carried out with the correct number
of receiving hair.
[0043] In the definition of the method according to the invention,
for first and second adhesive tape it is meant two distinct
portions of adhesive tape, belonging to the same section of
adhesive tape, with said portions being identified by folding of
the tape itself, as well as consisting of two distinct tape
sections.
[0044] According to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the assembly that is employed in the method according to
the invention comprises a first plurality of hair extensions, with
respective connecting elements arranged on the adhesive face of the
first adhesive tape, and a second plurality of hair extensions,
with respective connecting elements on the adhesive face of said
second adhesive tape.
[0045] The position of the connecting elements on the first
adhesive tape and of the connecting elements on the second adhesive
tape is complementary, so that the receiving hair remain entrapped
between overlapped connecting elements of said first and second
tape. In the assembly for thickening hair, there is provided means
for positioning said tapes so that the respective connecting
elements overlap to adhere to single portions of receiving
hair.
[0046] According to a further preferred version of the invention,
said first and second adhesive tape are two distinct sections of
adhesive tape.
[0047] In light of the concentration of the receiving hair in hair
portions to which said connecting elements will be fixed, there
arises the need to concentrate the action of the connection means
just on said portion of receiving hair and on respective connecting
element or elements, with an effective positioning for said
concentrated action.
[0048] Hence, the invention also relates to a hair extension
applicator, of the kind employed for thickening hair via the
application, to the natural hair, of hair extensions, comprising:
[0049] a fixed contrasting element bearing connecting elements of
hair extensions on a tape and corresponding portions of receiving
hair of hair to be thickened, separated and corresponding to a
respective connecting element; and [0050] a movable pressure
element acting on said fixed element, said movable pressure element
being driven by a pneumatic device operating at a predetermined
pressure, apt to press on connecting elements of hair extensions on
an adhesive tape and corresponding portions of receiving hair of
hair to be thickened enclosed by tapes, [0051] characterized in
that it comprises means for positioning the tapes, the connecting
elements and the hair portions, in a predetermined position on said
fixed and pressure elements.
[0052] In a preferred embodiment of the above applicator, it
comprises respective recesses of said fixed and pressure elements
in a position such as to house respective connecting elements when
they are pressed by the pressure element.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0053] The present invention will hereinafter be disclosed
according to several embodiments thereof, given by way of
non-limiting examples and with reference to the annexed drawings,
wherein:
[0054] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a separator device for
receiving hair according to the invention;
[0055] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a thickening assembly to
be employed in the method according to the invention;
[0056] FIG. 3 illustrates a section of a detail of the assembly of
FIG. 2;
[0057] FIG. 4 illustrates the use of the device and of the assembly
of the preceding figures in the method according to the
invention;
[0058] FIG. 5 shows a section, taken along line B-B in FIG. 4, of a
detail of the device and of the assembly of the preceding
figures;
[0059] FIGS. 6 to 12 schematically illustrate, using perspective
views, various steps of the thickening method according to the
present invention, carried out with an assembly and a separator
device according to the invention;
[0060] FIG. 13 shows a partially sectional perspective view of a
portion of a first embodiment of an applicator according to the
invention;
[0061] FIG. 14 shows a section, taken along line C-C, of the
applicator of FIG. 13;
[0062] FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of a connection between
hair extensions and receiving hair;
[0063] FIGS. 16 to 19 illustrate the steps of deposition of
connecting elements and respective hair extensions on an adhesive
tape, with the forming of the connecting element;
[0064] FIG. 20 shows a partially sectional perspective view of a
portion of a second embodiment of an applicator according to the
invention;
[0065] FIG. 21 shows a section of the applicator of FIG. 20;
[0066] FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of an
applicator according to the invention;
[0067] FIG. 23 shows a partially exploded section of the applicator
of FIG. 22;
[0068] FIG. 24 shows the section of FIG. 23 in assembling; and
[0069] FIG. 25 shows a detail of the section of FIG. 24.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE
INVENTION
[0070] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, it is disclosed a
thickening assembly, generally indicated by 1, which in general
comprises hair extensions.
[0071] It comprises a first adhesive tape 2 which is, preferably
but not exclusively, substantially transparent, being intended to
be applied to the hair to be thickened in the thickening
method.
[0072] Therefore, the transparency allows to follow more clearly
the application steps and the effect attained even with the tape 2
applied.
[0073] The material forming the first adhesive tape 2 is suitably,
but not exclusively, heat resistant for the reason that will be
detailed below. The adhesive used is a non-permanent, pressure
operated and reversible type, and it is placed on a single adhesive
face 43 of the tape 2.
[0074] The assembly 1 further comprises a second adhesive tape 4,
with peculiarities preferably in all analogous to those disclosed
with reference to the first adhesive tape 2, having a respective
second adhesive face 44.
[0075] Always with reference to FIG. 2, it is disclosed a first
plurality A of hair extensions C, comprising a quantity of
substantially predefined hairs which can be natural or artificial,
with appropriately selected colors, uniform or streaked.
[0076] The assembly 1 according to the invention can comprise hair
extensions C of different thickness, length and color. In general,
they extend from respective proximal ends 7, intended to be
connected to the hair, to free distal ends 8. In each hair
extension C, the respective hairs have a length that is preferably
uniform.
[0077] At said proximal ends 7, each hair extension C comprises a
connecting element 9 produced, according to the present embodiment,
from a thermoplastic material such as polyamide, polyester or even
a polyurethane, for example nylon.
[0078] Each proximal end 7 and each connecting element 9 is placed
on said first adhesive face 43 of the first adhesive tape 2. The
connecting elements 9 are substantially equidistant and placed at
the center of the tape 2. The hair extensions C are aligned in
parallel to each other, so that the hairs of adjacent hair
extensions C do not get knotted to each other.
[0079] Also on the second tape 4 there are applied hair extensions
C of a respective second plurality B, with modes substantially
identical to those described with reference to the first tape 2 and
to the first plurality A.
[0080] The assembly 1 comprises also support tapes (not shown),
made of a material easily detachable from the adhesive tapes 2,
like, for example, silicone-coated, linenized paper or plastic,
arranged to protect the adhesive faces 43, 44 and the connecting
elements 9, so as to prevent the adhesive tapes from folding,
curling and sticking.
[0081] The adhesive material used on said adhesive faces 43, 44 has
an adhesive force on the tape 2 greater than that produced on the
material of the connecting element 9, so that, on the latter, no
adhesive material residues remain at the end of the
application.
[0082] Lastly, the tape 2 or the tape 4 can contain an indication
of information relevant to the hair extensions C. Such information
may be related to: the density of the hair extensions, their
dimensions, their number, the spacing, the dimensions of the
connecting elements.
[0083] This indication may be expressed in any one form: by a
writing, a color, a code, a drawing optionally to be interpreted on
the basis of a suitable table.
[0084] The tapes 2, 4 have positioning elements that, in the
present embodiment, are holes 6 located at the corners of the tapes
2, 4. It is proposed that the position of the holes 6 on the first
and second tape 2, 4 is complementary, i.e., by overlapping said
tapes 2, 4 the perfect overlapping of the holes 6 is attained.
[0085] The positioning of said holes is such that the connecting
elements 9 of the extensions of said first and second plurality A,
B overlap when the holes 6 are in turn overlapped.
[0086] To connect the connecting element 9 to the respective end,
various systems can be used, among which hot gluing, injection,
etc.
[0087] The preferred form of the connecting element is that of a
rectangle, with width and thickness (magnified in the drawings)
substantially equal to those of the respective hair extension C to
limit to the minimum the quantity of thermoplastic material that,
as described below, operates as the adhesive.
[0088] Therefore, it is proposed that said connecting element 9
could have different sizes, usually discernible among large, for
thick hair extensions of elevated length and thickness; medium, for
hair extensions of intermediate length and thickness; and small,
for hair extensions characterized by their minimal thickness,
suitable for applications thick with hair extensions. This
information will be referred to the indicator associated to the
containment element 50 mentioned above.
[0089] Again with reference to the present embodiment, the
thermoplastic material is a substance suitable for being melted at
a temperature higher than the room temperature, assuming the
properties of a plastic fluid, and then cooling and solidifying at
room temperature.
[0090] Substances with similar properties can be melted using the
direct application of mechanical energy, in the form of high
frequency vibrations, in particular, ultrasonic vibrations. In this
case, the intermolecular vibrations and the resulting friction
generate the quantity of heat necessary to plastically move the
molecules with respect to each other. The generation of heat stops
when the vibrations cease, resulting in an almost immediate
solidification.
[0091] Examples of substances that can be used as a thermoplastic
material are polyesters, polyamides, polyurethanes, etc.
[0092] The function of the connecting element according to the
present invention is that of holding together the hairs of each
hair extension C and that of providing the attachment point of the
hair extension to the hair of the hair being thickened.
[0093] The connecting element 9, which can have a color compatible
with that of the hair of the hair extensions 6, can also be
embellished with additional decorative elements such as artificial
gems, etc.
[0094] The face of the connecting element 9 opposite to that placed
on the respective adhesive face 43, 44 has longitudinal ribs 3,
whose edges are parallel to the hair of the hair extensions C. Each
rib has a substantially V-shaped section.
[0095] The formation of the ribs 3 is disclosed with reference to
FIGS. 16 to 19. It is illustrated a device for laying the
connecting elements 9 of hair extensions C that, by way of example,
are represented by different colors for the same adhesive tape, a
solution hinting at the freedom that can be enjoyed in the
implementation of the method of the present invention.
[0096] The placing device, indicated by D, is located on the
adhesive face 43 of an adhesive tape 2 and has placing ducts D1
containing one connecting element 9 each. In each laying duct D1
there may slide a plunger D2 having a bottom end D3 intended to
press on said connecting elements to place them onto the adhesive
face and adhere them to the glue (FIG. 18).
[0097] Each bottom end D3 has ribs D4 with linear edges to imprint,
on each connecting element 3, the ribs 3 described above.
[0098] For an improved forming of the ribs 3 on the connecting
element 9, the ribs of the plunger D2 may be gently heated.
[0099] The assembly 1 is applied with a separator device 51 (FIGS.
1 and 4) which is capable of subdividing a portion T of hair apt to
receive said hair extensions in adjacent portions 60 of receiving
hair basically consisting of the same quantity of receiving hair,
said portions 60 being already spaced with regard to the position
of the connecting elements 9 that will be applied as it will be
described below.
[0100] For this purpose, the device 51 comprises a plurality of
first tooth elements 52, basically triangle-shaped. They, for
dimensions and spacing, could automatically select said adjacent
portions 60, merely by placing said portion of hair thereon, taking
care to arrange said portion T with a uniform thickness of
receiving hair.
[0101] Advantageously, the present embodiment implies that the
separator device 51 comprises a bearing surface 53, suitable for
the placing of the first tape 2 receiving the connecting elements
9. There could be indexes or margins, not depicted in detail, for
correctly positioning the tape 2 with respect to the tooth elements
52 and therefore to the portions 60 of receiving hair.
[0102] Anyhow, the bearing surface 53 will have a width equal to
that of the tape 2, to facilitate its positioning. Sideways, the
surface 53 comprises indent-shaped stops 54, apt to be inserted in
the holes 6 described above, for an even more correct positioning
of the tape 2. Note how the first tooth elements 52 substantially
delimit the bearing surface 53, being arranged on opposite sides of
the surface 53, crossed by the portions of receiving hair 60.
[0103] The position of the stops 54 is such that, once provided
accurate measures for the assembly 1, the connecting elements 9
will be positioned at the notches between each first tooth element
52, so that the separated receiving hair T fall exactly on the
respective connecting element 9.
[0104] The device 51 further comprises second tooth elements 55,
arranged at the opposite side with respect to said first tooth
elements, having with respect to the latter a higher density and
interspaces such as to arrest the receiving hair T inserted
therebetween.
[0105] In practice, the second tooth elements 55 are arranged
comb-like so as to act as clasp for the separated receiving hair
T.
[0106] Note that, with the tape 2 set in its position, the
connecting elements are spaced by the first tooth elements 52
separating the receiving hair. Thus, it is prevented that hair
intended for a connecting element be badly arranged diagonally or
curling and fall on the wrong connecting element.
[0107] This advantage is attained in combination with the second
tooth elements 55 that help to keep tensioned the receiving hair,
straightening any curling.
[0108] The bearing surface 53 is formed on a support 56. Therefore,
the device 51 comprises at least one handle connected to said
support 56. In the present embodiment, the device 51 comprises a
pair of opposing handles 57, arranged sideways at the side opposite
to that onto which the receiving hair is arranged.
[0109] Thus, the operator, indifferently right- or left-handed,
could support the device with the right hand to arrange the hair on
the device, to then grab it with the left hand and use the right
one to close the tape 2, or vice versa.
[0110] Lastly, in a position corresponding to the second tooth
elements 55, the device 51 comprises means for securing the
receiving hair and the hair extensions 6 in a preset position. Such
means, in the present embodiment, comprises a spring clasp 58 that
rotates sideways to the hair and can be driven by virtue of a
button 59.
[0111] A further means operating to keep the tape 2 in position is
the electrostatic attraction generated between tape and bearing
surface 53, assuming that they be made from materials apt to bring
about this effect.
[0112] Once arranged, with modes that will be described below, the
first tape 2 with the connecting elements 9 and the portions of
receiving hair 60 duly separated, onto the separator device 51
there could be arranged also said second tape 4 with the second
plurality B of hair extensions C. For the positioning of the second
tape 4, there could be employed the stops 54 so that the holes 6 of
the first and second tape 2, 4 overlap, thereby overlapping the
respective connecting elements to the corresponding portions of
receiving hair 60 located in the middle (FIG. 4).
[0113] To hold the tapes 3, 4 and the receiving hair 60, the device
is provided with a gripper 60 operating, with a spring-actuated
gripping, onto the tapes 2 and 4, so as to leave their faces free.
Such a gripper can be movable and the separator device 51 could be
removed, once the assembling of the assembly 1 has ended, leaving
the gripper 60 in operation.
[0114] With reference to the thickening assembly 1 described above,
a method for thickening hair comprises the subsequent application
steps, described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 12.
[0115] The method proposes a step wherein a portion P of the hair T
to be thickened is prepared by a combing, to align all hair in
parallel to each other.
[0116] The separator device 51 is in turn prepared with a first
adhesive tape 2 of the assembly 1 with the hair extensions C combed
and aligned to each other.
[0117] In the subsequent step, said separator device 51 is arranged
at a portion of hair T to be thickened, so that said portion may be
separated in adjacent portions 60 (FIG. 3), containing basically
the same quantity of receiving hair, each portion 60 being
corresponding to a connecting element 9 placed on said first
adhesive tape 2 and equidistant from the other portions.
[0118] In this step it is made use of the separator device 51 for
correctly resting the tape 2 before adhering it onto the portion of
the receiving hair T. a portion of hair T is combed, tensioned,
arranged on a plane of width equal to that of the portion of tape 2
receiving the hair extensions C and laid on the first and on the
second tooth elements 52, 55, determining the perfect separation of
the receiving hair in equal, equidistant, tensioned portions, in a
position coincident to that of the receiving connecting element
9.
[0119] Subsequently, said method comprises an additional step
wherein a portion of hair T to be thickened is enclosed between
said first tape 2 and the second tape 4.
[0120] The second tape 4 is rested to the separator device 51 at
its bearing plane 53, with its adhesive face 44 facing the head and
the external non-adhesive face.
[0121] Thus, the assembly 1 is closed with an overlapped
configuration, as described with reference to the separator device
51. This step can be carried out supporting the device with either
one hand at will or leaving the device suspended by virtue of the
spring clasp 58. Once arranged the assembly 1 onto the hair T, the
separator device 51 can be removed.
[0122] In this step, the gripper 60 can be left in operation, to
further ensure the holding of the assembly 1 on the hair.
[0123] Subsequently it is made use of an applicator 10 for
activating the connection means, i.e., for heating and/or
transmitting mechanical energy via ultrasonic frequency vibrations
to the connecting elements 9.
[0124] This is implemented by compressing the tape 2 folded between
a fixed element 12 of the applicator 10 and a respective movable
element 15. In this phase, connection means essentially consisting
of the connecting elements 9 are activated by the operator. The
fixed element 12 and the pressure element 15 can act through the
space left free by the closed elements of the gripper 60.
[0125] In the present embodiment, the melting property of the
thermoplastic material is used. In fact, it is proposed that energy
be applied to the connecting elements 9 via the adhesive tape 1.
Therefore, the gripper applicator 10 is used in which the fixed
element 12 and the movable element 15 have an elongated shape and
can compress, applying a substantially uniform pressure, the entire
assembly 1 along its length, thereby compressing the connecting
elements 9. The latter could even be merely pressure-activated. The
ribs 3 help to entrap and hold still the receiving hair 60 of the
hair portion T.
[0126] In this context, an alternative system for transmitting
energy to the connecting element 9 can be used as well.
[0127] This system proposes the use of mechanical energy in the
form of ultrasonic frequency vibrations, for example in the range
from 20 to 60 kHz. In this case, one or both of the pressure
elements will be connected to a vibrating body, for example a
piezo-electric element subjected to alternating current at the
desired frequency and they will transmit these vibrations to the
connecting element 9, both directly and through the tape 1.
[0128] In this case, note that the application of vibrations allows
the molecules of the connecting element 9 thermoplastic material to
flow easily between the individual hairs of the hair extension 6
and the hair T, penetrating and joining them together.
[0129] The applicator 10 is actuated, and a constant pressure, not
subordinate to the thickness of what is comprised between the
elements 12, 15 operating like a gripper, is exerted for a time
interval of predetermined length, uniformly along the remainder 4,
or equally on each connecting element 9 that is transformed in a
connection on the hair.
[0130] It is proposed that this application, according to the same
modes, could be repeated an infinite number of times always with
identical results and without requiring the operator to exert any
muscle force.
[0131] Conveniently, it is possible to apply plural adhesive tapes
2, to then activate said connection means in a rapid sequence.
[0132] It is proposed that operation parameters like: exerted
pressure, pressure duration, heating (temperature), heating
duration, vibration frequency, vibration intensity, duration of
vibrations, could be preset and stored in the control unit, and
could be varied according to the specifications of the hair
extensions and of the connecting elements to be applied.
[0133] Once this connection step is complete, it suffices, at the
end of the cooling, to remove adhesive tapes 2, 4 without leaving
any glue on the hairs, to complete the application.
[0134] In the present embodiment, the applicator 10 is actuated for
the compression-heating cycle. The combined heat and pressure,
crossing the tapes 2, 4, melts the thermoplastic material that
penetrates between the hairs of the hair T and of the hair
extension C (FIG. 12). Note that both the fixed element 12 and the
movable element 15 are internally heated.
[0135] Thus, the thermoplastic material tends to migrate through
the hair T and anyhow its position is confined on both sides by the
tapes 2, 4. The migration takes place on both sides and optimally
entraps the receiving hair 60. This process prevents the
thermoplastic material from being compressed on the face of one of
the tapes, and it is prevented the formation of plane and shiny
faces of solidified thermoplastic material, faces that otherwise
would be visible.
[0136] Once the pressure and the heating are discontinued, the
thermoplastic material solidifies remaining confined between the
tape 2. After a reasonable cooling, the tape 2 can be removed, but
it is also possible to remove all tapes once the application of
plural assembly 1 has taken place.
[0137] However, it is proposed that the dimensions of the
connecting element and of the thermoplastic material portion may be
reduced at will, without substantially influencing the capacity of
the hair extensions C to be connected to the respective hair.
[0138] From the description, it is proposed that this method of
hair extension does not require any manipulation on the part of the
operator and enables the formation of hair extension-hair
connections with very small dimensions, considering that the
pressure elements, with the presence of two tapes, contain the
material that enables the connection to occur. The resulting
connections are very subtle, with finished edges, void of shiny
faces, substantially imperceptible. The only manual intervention is
based on manipulating the device that is used to activate the
connection.
[0139] The dimensions of the connection are not subordinate to the
fact that the thermoplastic material and the hair of the hair
extension must forcibly surround the hair of the hair, creating a
connection point whose volume cannot be reduced below a certain
limit. For example, in the above cited Japanese Patent, the simple
fact that the hair of the hair extension must be wound around the
hair of the hair creates in itself a voluminous connection.
[0140] According to the present invention, the dimensions of the
connection point depend exclusively on the quantity of hair
compressed within the hair extension: the more subtle the hair
extension, the more subtle the connection.
[0141] For this purpose, the use of the separator device 51 allows
to uniformly distribute the receiving hair between the connecting
elements. This is particularly advantageous when the receiving hair
are scanty and/or curled: such a situation could produce more
evident differences, and in that case a connecting element could be
found compressed and melt in scanty hair, with the risk that the
thermoplastic material be squeezed sideways, attaching to the
adjacent connecting element.
[0142] Instead, thus this risk is substantially eliminated.
[0143] The lack of manipulation therefore leads to the formation of
uniform connections. Their optimal quality prevents disconnection
due to, for example, penetration of water and the like.
[0144] With this system, it is also possible to hide the hair
extensions within the hair. Then, because it is possible to apply
hair extensions equidistant to each other, additional extensions
can be applied between them, with the possibility of obtaining
consistent extensions within brief periods and to create complex
streaks (highlights) by mixing in extensions with colors different
to the hair of the user.
[0145] The method reduces the quantity of thermoplastic material
used, energy used for activation, with no loss of heat and no
contamination of the instrument or the connection device.
[0146] In addition, as can be appreciated, the thickening method
described above and the related assembly of hair extensions, due to
the possibility of using numerous application variations, allows
the professional operator to make maximum use of their
imagination.
[0147] With particular reference to the use of the two tapes, the
following advantageous operative results are attained: [0148] a)
Once separated, the hairs of the user are held in a fixed position
by the tapes 2 and 4 and thus it is easier to manipulate the
applicator 10 avoiding to cross hairs and hair extensions to each
other. [0149] b) The hairs of the user are protected from heat by
being enclosed in said folded shape. [0150] c) The thermoplastic
material is enclosed between two tapes or films and therefore
cannot escape confinement, better entrapping the receiving hair
without involving other hairs. [0151] d) The surface of the fused
and solidified connecting element is substantially not perceptible
to the feel. The quality of this connection prevents water from
penetrating between hairs of the connection, which is substantially
sealed by the thermoplastic material. [0152] e) The tape, which
prevents outlets of thermoplastic material, prevents gripper
contamination. [0153] f) The tape can be held adhered until the end
of the cooling of the thermoplastic material, without in the
meantime preventing further connections, saving time. [0154] g) The
tape holds fixed the combing, which thus is more precise.
[0155] The aforedescribed method is not limited to a number of hair
extensions adhered to the respective tape, number that can vary
from one on.
[0156] With general reference to FIG. 22, an exemplary applicator
for hair extensions is generally indicated by 10. It has a body 11
operating as handle and housing internal devices that will be
described below. To the body 11, a fixed contrasting element 12 is
secured, comprising a bearing plane 13 such as to bear connecting
elements 9 of hair extensions on a support tape 2 as described
above, and the corresponding hair of a hair T to be thickened.
[0157] The applicator 10 further comprises a movable pressure
element 15 acting on said fixed element 12. It has a pressing plane
16 formed on the extremity of a rod 17 extending from the body 11,
the axis of the rod 17 being coincident to the axis of development
of the body 11. Also the pressing plane 16 is substantially
perpendicular to the development of the body 11.
[0158] The movable pressure element 15 is driven by a pneumatic
device 18 (not shown) operating at a predetermined pressure, housed
in the body 11.
[0159] The movable pressure element 15, at its pressing plane 16,
is heated to activate the adhesion of the connecting elements 9.
For this purpose, in the movable pressure element 15 there is
housed a power fed thermistor 24. Likewise, also the fixed element
12 comprises a thermistor 25.
[0160] The compression-heating cycle is initiated in response to
the actuation of a button 26 on the body 11.
[0161] With reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, it is disclosed a first
embodiment of the applicator 10 that has been described above only
in its general features. According to this first embodiment, the
fixed element 12 comprises means for positioning the tapes, the
connecting elements and the portions of hair, in a predetermined
position on said fixed element and pressure element. Such means
comprises the gripper 61 described above with reference to the
separator device 51. For this purpose, the fixed element 12 has
recesses 62 for receiving the edges 63 of the gripper 61, mounted
beforehand on that separator device 51.
[0162] With reference to FIGS. 20 and 21, it is disclosed a second
embodiment of the applicator 10, wherein the means for positioning
the tapes, the connecting elements and the portions of hair, in a
predetermined position on said fixed element and pressure element,
comprise indent-shaped stops 64 similar to those described above
with reference to the separator device 51.
[0163] In this embodiment, the bearing planes 13 and 16 of the
fixed element 12 and of the movable element 15 are formed on
removable plates, indicated by 71, 72, respectively. Both plates
can be positioned by exploiting the stops 64 mentioned above. The
first removable plate 71, mounted onto the fixed element 12, has a
plurality of recesses 73 that, in a plan, are basically oval or
elliptical. They are preset to receive the connecting elements 9
placed on the first adhesive tape 2 described above. The correct
positioning is obtained by virtue of said stops 64.
[0164] The second removable plate 72, mounted on the movable
element 15, has a plurality of punches 75, each corresponding to
said recesses 73. The punch 75 has a configuration such as to fit
the respective recess 73; onto its top, the punch has a recess 76
of oval or elliptical shape and with substantially cutting edges
77. Thus, the sideways migration of the thermoplastic material of
the connecting element is arrested: the thermoplastic material
engages all the space comprised between recess 73 and recess 76,
blocking all hair therein. The form of the resulting connection,
indicated by F, is depicted in FIG. 15.
[0165] Below each removable plate 71, 72 there are printed, with
silk-screen techniques, the thermistors 24, 25 that are
electrically connected to generate heat. For this purpose, the
plates 71, 72 are thin and of metallic material, with a high
thermal conductivity. By virtue of this, considering the low
thermal capacity of the silk-screen printed thermistors and of the
removable plates, heat generation is such that at the thermoplastic
material the melting temperature is reached immediately and the
cooling occurs instantly, once current flow has ended.
[0166] With reference to FIGS. 23 to 25, it is disclosed a third
embodiment of the applicator 10, attaining the advantages of the
preceding embodiment. In this embodiment, the means for positioning
the tapes, the connecting elements and the portions of hair, in a
predetermined position on said fixed element and pressure element,
comprises indent-shaped stops 64 analogous to those described above
with reference to the separator device 51, but here depicted in
FIG. 22.
[0167] The thermistors 24, 25 are printed, rather than on the fixed
and movable elements 12, 15, on the back of the plates 71, 72 that
are provided with electrical contacts 78. The plates 71, 72 rest on
respective insulated planes 79, 80.
[0168] The bearing plane 13 on the fixed element 12 is of a soft,
pliable material. For this purpose, the first plate 71 can be
implemented with a thin layer of rubber. Instead, the second plate
72 has punches 75 having each a central recess 76 contoured to a
twin cutting edge 81 cooperating with the pliable surface of the
first bearing plane 13 for isolating the thermoplastic material
inside the recess 76.
[0169] Anyhow, thus the form of the connection F is perfectly
defined.
[0170] To the aforedescribed method for thickening hair, separator
device, assembly and applicator one skilled in the art, in order to
satisfy further and contingent needs, may effect several further
modifications and variants, all comprised within the protective
scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended
claims.
* * * * *