U.S. patent application number 12/209349 was filed with the patent office on 2010-03-18 for easy adjusting hair extension device.
Invention is credited to Elle Reece.
Application Number | 20100065078 12/209349 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42006142 |
Filed Date | 2010-03-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100065078 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Reece; Elle |
March 18, 2010 |
EASY ADJUSTING HAIR EXTENSION DEVICE
Abstract
A hair extension device is made easily adjustable and convenient
to use by providing attached adjustment mechanisms which are
inconspicuous and easy to hide. The hair extension device is
generally formed as a headband, including a supporting base panel
and a connection strand. The supporting base panel can accommodate
extension hair in various patterns, and has adjustment mechanisms
attached thereto. The size adjustment mechanisms are specifically
configured to cooperate with the connection strand to effectively
shorten the length of the headband structure and thereby adjust the
size of the device.
Inventors: |
Reece; Elle; (Minneapolis,
MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATENT DEPARTMENT;LARKIN, HOFFMAN, DALY & LINDGREN, LTD.
1500 WELLS FARGO PLAZA, 7900 XERXES AVENUE SOUTH
BLOOMINGTON
MN
55431
US
|
Family ID: |
42006142 |
Appl. No.: |
12/209349 |
Filed: |
September 12, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/54 ;
132/53 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41G 5/006 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/54 ;
132/53 |
International
Class: |
A41G 5/00 20060101
A41G005/00 |
Claims
1. A hair extension device used to provide supplemental extension
hair to a user, comprising: a supporting base panel for attachment
of hair thereto in a preferred pattern, the supporting base panel
sized to support a plurality of attachment points, wherein the
supporting base panel has a first end and an opposite second end;
extension hair attached to the supporting base panel in the
preferred pattern; a connection strand attached to and spanning
between the first end and the second end of the supporting base
panel, the connection strand being sufficiently small so as to be
easily hidden within the user's hair; and a size adjustment
mechanism attached to the supporting base panel for selectively
adjusting the length of the connecting strand that actually spans
between the first end and the second end of the supporting base
panel, wherein the size adjustment mechanism includes a winding
mechanism for winding a portion of the connection strand thereby
effectively reducing the distance the connecting strand will span
between the first end and the second end of the supporting base
panel.
2. The hair extension device of claim 1 wherein the size adjustment
mechanism includes a first hook and a second hook attached to the
first end of the panel in opposing orientations such that the
coupling strand can be wound around the first hook and the second
hook.
3. The hair extension device of claim 1 wherein the size adjustment
mechanism includes at least one hook attached to the first end of
the supporting base panel so as to have an open end of the hook
oriented toward the second end of the panel thereby allowing the
connection strand to be looped around the hook.
4. The hair extension device of claim 1 wherein the size adjustment
mechanism includes at least one snap attached to the first end of
the supporting base panel so as to allow a user to wrap the
connection strand around a post of the snap and to have a snap
cover attached to the post thereby capturing the connection strand
as it surrounds the post.
5. The hair extension device of claim 1 wherein the connection
strand is a filament line having a color and weight that is easily
concealed in the user's hair.
6. The hair extension device of claim 1 wherein the connection
strand is fishing line.
7. A hair extension device for supplementing the hair of a user
while also being hidden from view when worn, the hair extension
device comprising: an extension hair base being a substantially
rectangular and flat with a first side edge and a second side edge,
the first side edge and the second side edge being opposite one
another, the extension hair base further having a hair attachment
surface on a flat facing surface thereof; extension hair attached
to the extension hair base in a predetermined manner; a connection
strand attached to the extension hair base in close proximity to
the first side edge and attached at an opposite end of the
connection strand to the extension hair base in close proximity to
the second side edge, wherein the connection strand has an
effective length extending between the first side edge and the
second side edge; and a size adjustment device attached to the
extension hair base in close proximity to the first end and
configured to interact with the connection strand thus allowing
easy shortening of the effective length, wherein the size
adjustment device comprises a post structure that accommodates the
winding of the connection strand there around thus shortening the
effective length.
8. The hair extension device of 7 wherein the post of the size
adjustment device is a snap thus allowing a snap cap to be placed
thereon when the connection strand has been wound a desired number
of times.
9. The hair extension device of 7 wherein the post of the size
adjustment device is a portion of a first hook structure attached
to the extension hair base at a position inward from the connection
point and further from the first side edge.
10. The hair extension device of claim 9 wherein the size
adjustment device further comprises a second hook oriented to be
opposite the first hook structure thereby allowing the connection
strand to be easily wound around the first hook and the second
hook.
11. The hair extension device of claim 10 further comprising a
third hook positioned further away from the first hook to
accommodate the winding of an additional length of the connection
strand.
12. The hair extension device of 7 wherein the post of the size
adjustment device is a portion of a button which allows the
connection strand to be wound a desired number of times.
13. The hair extension device of claim 7 wherein the connection
strand is a filament type material having a color and dimension
which is easily concealed in the user's hair.
14. A hair extension device for supplementing the hair of a user
while also being hidden from view when worn, the hair extension
device comprising: an extension hair base being a substantially
rectangular and flat panel of material with a first side edge and a
second side edge, the first side edge and the second side edge
being opposite one another, the extension hair base further having
a hair attachment surface a flat surface of the panel; extension
hair attached to the extension hair base in a predetermined manner,
wherein the extension hair is of a predetermined color and texture
so as to create the desired look when incorporated into the user's
hair; a connection strand attached to the extension hair base in
close proximity to the first side edge and attached at an opposite
end of the connection strand to the extension hair base in close
proximity to the second side edge, wherein the connection strand
has an effective length extending between the first side edge and
the second side edge, the connection strand being a filament type
material having a color and dimension which is easily concealed in
the user's hair; and a size adjustment device attached to the
extension hair base in close proximity to the first end and
configured to interact with the connection strand thus allowing
easy shortening of the effective length, wherein the size
adjustment device a first hook and a second hook in an opposite
opposing orientation thus easily accommodating the winding of the
connection strand there around thereby shortening the effective
length of the connection strand.
15. The hair extension device of claim 14 further comprising a
third hook positioned further away from the first hook to
accommodate the winding of an additional length of the connection
strand.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to hair pieces or hair
extensions, and more specifically to a hair extension device which
can be easily adjusted to fit the user's needs.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Hair extensions are widely used for a number of purposes in
society today. As one example, hair extensions or hair pieces may
be utilized to conceal bald or thinning spots on an individual's
head. Additionally, hair extensions may be used for unique or
special occasions where a slightly different hairstyle is desired.
Generally speaking, these extensions simply supplement the wearer's
existing hair, thus providing an immediate change in the user's
look. These hair extensions can also be easily removed, thus giving
the user the option of multiple styles and multiple variations in
their appearance.
[0003] Generally speaking, hair extensions include some type of
holding device for supporting multiple strands of replacement hair.
This holding device or holding structure may be of many different
forms, depending on the particular use and particular application
involved. For example, one potential type holding structure is a
hair clip with replacement hair attached thereto. This structure
will simply clip into existing hair of the user when desired. A
second type of hair extension utilizes a headband of some type,
which is designed to wrap around a portion of the user's head.
Naturally, the configuration of the holding structure which has the
hair attached can vary depending upon the desired style or desired
use of the hair extension.
[0004] In typical use, these hair extensions are attached or fitted
to the user in a desirable manner, and then incorporated or blended
into the existing hair. With this in mind, several considerations
exist when designing hair extensions. These considerations include
the particular use of the extensions, which also includes the
desired positioning on a user's head. Further, the ability to blend
with existing hair and hide any of the extension structure must
also be considered. Naturally, the actual fit is also a
consideration, which will obviously, depend upon the positioning of
the device. All of these considerations are intended to achieve an
extension which is both efficient and desirable.
[0005] In an effort to provide hair extensions which are fairly
universal, it is advantageous to include adjustment mechanisms.
Naturally, these adjustment mechanisms will accommodate both sizing
and positioning concerns when the extension is in use. Any
adjustment mechanisms must also be easily concealed and comfortable
in order to provide usable devices.
[0006] Prior approaches to adjustability have included tie strings
or tying mechanisms incorporated into a hair extension. For
example, the hair extension may include a circular band with the
extension hair attached thereto. A portion of this band will
include some type of string or cord along with bulky connectors
which allows the main body or band to be adjusted or moved.
Alternatively, loose strings could extend from the end which must
be knotted or tied. These structures do allow for resizing but are
not extremely convenient. Unfortunately, connecting structures or
additional components are not easy to use and provide undesirable
bulk. Tying of knots adds additional steps which may be difficult.
Again, these additional components must be concealed in a user's
hair. The use of additional connecting structures or knots thus
creates an additional consideration, thereby adding to complexity
of the hair extension.
[0007] In light of the above, it is desirable to develop a hair
extension device which is easily incorporated into the user's hair,
while also being easily adjustable. The mechanism utilized for
adjustment should preferably be easily concealed and inconspicuous,
thus not detracting from the function of the overall device.
Further, the desired hair extension device will be capable of
supporting several different configurations of extension hair, thus
providing options for various hair styles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention addresses the above-referenced
concerns by providing a hair extension which is adjustable,
convenient, efficient and easy to use. Most significantly, the hair
extension is easily adjusted without the need for additional
structures or additional components. As such, the user is able to
easily configure and position the hair extension as desired. The
sizing mechanisms or size adjusting mechanisms are incorporated
into existing structures, thus avoiding the need for additional
components. Further, the adjustment system is easily concealed,
thus avoiding any additional complications when incorporating the
hair extensions into a user's hair.
[0009] Generally speaking, the hair extension device of the present
invention includes a base panel, which has extension hair attached
in one of many different patterns. As can be appreciated, the
attachment of the extension hair to the base panel utilizing
different attachment patterns can provide varying looks when used.
In one embodiment, the base panel is generally rectangular in
shape. As will be recognized, this shape could be modified or
changed depending on the desired use or positioning.
[0010] In addition to the above, the hair extension device of the
present invention includes a connection strand which extends from
one end of the base panel to an opposite end of the base panel,
thus completing a ring or circular type configuration. As can be
anticipated, the base panel can thus be placed at a desired
position on the user's head, and the connection strand will wrap
around a remaining portion of the user's head, thus providing a
headband type configuration. The connection strand is permanently
affixed to both sides of the base panel, thus creating one unitary
device. This unitary construction eliminates the need to keep track
of multiple components and avoids the need to make connections at
various points.
[0011] In addition to the connection strand, the base panel also
contains an adjustment structure which is specifically designed to
cooperate with the connection strand, thus allowing for easy
adjustment. This adjustment mechanism may take on various
configurations; however, it is generally designed to allow winding
or wrapping of the connection strand, thereby necessarily
shortening the headband.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Further objects and advantages of the present invention can
be seen by reading the following detailed description, in
conjunction with the drawings in which
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a straight line embodiment
of the present hair extension device;
[0014] FIG. 2 is an exploded view illustrating various portions of
the hair extension device;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a top view showing extension hair attached to the
base panel;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view showing one side of the
hair extension device;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a close-up drawing showing one embodiment of the
adjustment mechanism;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a close-up view illustrating a second embodiment
of the adjustment mechanism;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a close-up view illustrating yet another
embodiment of the adjustment mechanism;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the hair extension being
blended into a user's hair; and
[0021] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the hair extension in
use.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION PORTION
[0022] As generally mentioned above, the present invention provides
a hair extension device which is easily utilized to supplement
existing hair. Described below are certain embodiments of this
device. It will be appreciated that certain modifications and
changes to these devices may exist, while still considered to be
part of the invention.
[0023] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a perspective
view of a hair extension device 10 as contemplated by the present
invention. Generally speaking, hair extension device 10 will
include a supporting base panel 20 which is specifically configured
to provide a supporting structure for the attachment of extension
hair 30. In one embodiment, supporting base panel is made of a
fabric material, although several variations are possible. As will
be further discussed below, various attachment methods or patterns
can be utilized to attach extension hair 30, with each attachment
scheme providing a different look or feel. In the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 1, this generally includes a linear attachment
pattern, extending the length of supporting base panel 20.
[0024] As further illustrated in FIG. 1, hair extension device 10
also includes a connection strand 40 extending from a first end 22
of supporting base panel 20 to a second end 24 thereof. Connection
strand 40 is preferably a fine thread or string like material which
is easily concealed. This may include natural fiber based
materials, or synthetic line of different types. In one embodiment,
the applicant has found that filament type fishing line, or some
strand of a similar type of material, is particularly effective as
it is strong, thin and somewhat transparent. Generally speaking,
supporting base panel 20 and connection strand 40 form a continuous
ring which is capable of placement on a user's head and positioning
of extension hair 30 as desired. Further details regarding resizing
are outlined below. As generally suggested above, the configuration
of hair extension device 10 will allow it to be utilized with
connection strand hidden or camouflaged within a user's hair.
Consequently, it is desirable to keep connection strand 40 as small
as possible. As can be anticipated, the continuous ring formed by
connection strand 40 and supporting base panel 20 is of a defined
size, based upon the dimensions of those two components.
Consequently, when a user desires to adjust or resize the hair
extension device 10, some type of adjustment will be required.
[0025] As generally mentioned, utilizing different connection
schemes or connection patterns to attach extension hair 30 to
supporting base panel 20 can provide different effects or looks for
the user. Consequently, it is contemplated that the structure of
the hair extension device 10 of the present invention be capable of
multiple hair supporting patterns. Referring now to FIG. 2, one
exploded view is shown which illustrates one connection scheme. As
shown, supporting base panel 20, supports several lines of
extension hair 30. Here, six different rows of extension hair 30
are attached in a consecutive manner. Specifically, first row 31 is
attached to supporting base panel 20 in a manner generally
extending across the length thereof. Similarly, second row 32 is
then attached in a linear manner. This is followed by third row 33,
fourth row 34, fifth row 35 and sixth row 36, thus providing a
plurality of rows attached to base panel 20. The actual attachment
of extension hair 30 can be achieved by stitching or sewing.
Alternatively, attachment can be achieved by gluing or epoxying
extension hair 30 to the surface of supporting base panel 20.
Referring now to FIG. 3, an alternative attachment scheme is
illustrated. Here, multiple "rows" are again utilized; however,
each "row" is attached to base panel 20 in an angled manner.
Attaching in this configuration provides a slightly different
overlapping or overlaying configuration, thus accommodating a
different appearance or different look.
[0026] Still referring to FIG. 3, the dimensional length L of
supporting base panel 20 is illustrated. This length will depend
largely upon the intended application or intended configuration for
hair extension device 10. In a similar manner, the spacing A
between the various angled rows of extension hair is also chosen
depending upon the desired design constraints. Naturally,
connection strand 40 will also be configured to have a desired
length, depending on the overall product design.
[0027] FIG. 3 also illustrates how connection strand 40 is attached
to both first end 22 and second end 24 of supporting base panel. In
the preferred embodiment, this connection strand 40 is securely
attached to supporting base panel 20. One method of attachment
includes stitching or sewing connection strand 40 to base panel 20.
Due to the fine nature of connection strand 20, this fixed
attachment is most preferable and most effective. As will be
described below, the present invention accommodates this fixed
attachment of connection strand 40 and provides for easy adjustment
using further structures.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown a partial perspective
view of hair extension device 10. Here, supporting base panel 20
illustrates connection strand 40 being permanently affixed to
second end 24. Also illustrated in FIG. 4 is a size adjustment
mechanism 50 which will easily accommodate resizing of hair
extension device 10. In this particular case, size adjustment
mechanism 50 is a simple hook 52 as illustrated in FIG. 5. To
adjust hair extension device 10 in a manner to make it slightly
smaller, the user will simply loop connection strand 40 around hook
52, thereby effectively shortening the length of connection strand
40. Supporting base panel 20 is of a sufficient strength to avoid
easily collapsing and reducing the distance traveled by connection
strand 40, thereby maintaining the integrity of the adjusted size.
Although not illustrated, multiple hooks could easily exist in rows
and/or on either end of hair extension device 10, thereby providing
many different adjustment options.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 6, there is illustrated an alternative
size adjustment mechanism 50. In this embodiment, size adjustment
mechanism 50 includes a first hook 54 and a second hook 56 attached
to supporting base panel 20 in an opposed orientation with respect
to one another. In this configuration, connection strand 40 can be
wound or looped around first hook 54 and second hook 56 numerous
times, thus providing additional adjustability. Again, a similar
structure could easily be positioned on either side of supporting
structure, thus providing more flexibility for the user.
[0030] In a similar manner, FIG. 7 illustrates yet another
embodiment of size adjustment mechanism 50. Here, a two-piece snap
mechanism is illustrated. In this particular configuration, a snap
base 62 is permanently affixed to supporting base panel 20. Snap
base 62 includes a post which accommodates the winding of
connection strand 40 there around. Further, snap mechanism 60
includes an attachment snap 64 which can be attached to the post of
snap base 62. In this configuration, connection strand 40 is simply
wound around the post of snap base 62 and the snap cap 64 is
attached thereto once a desired dimension is achieved. Once again,
adjustability of connection strand 40 is easily achieved due to the
addition of this structure. Again, multiple snaps could be
utilized, including snaps on either end of supporting base panel
20, or snaps in multiple positions.
[0031] Utilizing the structure outlined above, the present
invention is easily incorporated into a user's hair without
excessive manipulation or coordination of components. Further, due
to the inconspicuous nature of the adjustment mechanisms 60 and
connection strand 40 the device is easy to blend with existing hair
to produce the desired effect.
[0032] FIG. 8 illustrates the process of placing hair extension 10
on the user's head. As shown, existing hair is first positioned to
accommodate hair extension 10. Next, hair extension device 10 is
appropriately positioned, typically having connection strand 40
situated toward the front while supporting base panel 20 is
positioned toward the back. Although not specifically illustrated
here, the use of size adjustment mechanism 50 allows for
flexibility in achieving the desired positioning. Once placed,
existing hair is then blended in to achieve the desired appearance.
FIG. 9 illustrates the blending of existing hair as contemplated.
Ideally, it will be very difficult to determine exactly where
existing hair ends and the extension hair continues. FIG. 9
illustrates a dotted line representation where the "blend" occurs
in this particular application. Again, the configuration of
components, and their designed cooperation with one another, causes
hair extension device 10 to be easily positioned, adjusted, and
used.
[0033] As illustrated above, the present invention provides a hair
extension device 10 which is flexible and can easily achieve
numerous features. Significantly, hair extension device 10 supports
the attachment of extension hair in various patterns, thus
providing many different effects and looks. Once extension hair is
attached in the desired manner, flexibility is achieved by
providing adjustment mechanisms to easily adjust the size and
dimensions of the hair extension device. Further, this adjustment
is achieved without removing or reattaching the connection strand,
but rather simply manipulating the connection strand in a desired
manner.
[0034] While various embodiments of the present invention have been
discussed and described above, Applicant does not intend these
various embodiments to be limiting in any way. More specifically,
Applicant intends to include all structures and modifications
coming within the scope and spirit of the following claims.
* * * * *