U.S. patent application number 12/571608 was filed with the patent office on 2011-04-07 for single or multi-point hair extension.
Invention is credited to Byung Joe CHEH.
Application Number | 20110079233 12/571608 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43822216 |
Filed Date | 2011-04-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110079233 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHEH; Byung Joe |
April 7, 2011 |
SINGLE OR MULTI-POINT HAIR EXTENSION
Abstract
A single or multi-point hair extension device includes: an
extending hair bundle comprising a plurality of strands of hair; a
bundle tip collecting and fixing one end of the plurality of
strands of hair for the extending hair bundle; an engaging loop
extending from the bundle tip; and an attaching device for
detachably attaching the engaging loop to strands of the user's
original hair. The attaching device holds and anchors a portion of
the engaging loop and the user's original hair, and the extending
hair bundle, the bundle tip, and the engaging loop are fixed to one
another permanently so as to form a hair extension assembly. When
the attaching device is detached from the strands of the user's
original hair and the engaging loop, the assembly is freed and
reusable.
Inventors: |
CHEH; Byung Joe; (Los
Angeles, CA) |
Family ID: |
43822216 |
Appl. No.: |
12/571608 |
Filed: |
October 1, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/53 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41G 5/0066
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/53 |
International
Class: |
A41G 5/00 20060101
A41G005/00 |
Claims
1. A multi-point hair extension device comprising: an extending
hair bundle comprising a plurality of strands of hair; a bundle tip
collecting and fixing one end of the plurality of strands of hair
for the extending hair bundle; an engaging loop extending from the
bundle tip; and an attaching device for detachably attaching the
engaging loop to strands of the user's original hair, wherein the
attaching device holds and anchors a portion of the engaging loop
and the user's original hair, wherein the extending hair bundle,
the bundle tip, and the engaging loop are fixed to one another
permanently so as to form a hair extension assembly, and wherein
when the attaching device is detached from the strands of the
user's original hair and the engaging loop, the assembly is freed
and reusable.
2. The multi-point hair extension device of claim 1, wherein the
engaging loop is configured to fit into the attaching device so as
to engage the strands of the user's original hair.
3. The multi-point hair extension device of claim 2, wherein the
attaching device comprises a metal cylindrical tube, and wherein
the metal cylindrical tube is flattened to hold the engaging loop
and the strands of the user's original hair in place.
4. The multi-point hair extension device of claim 3, wherein the
metal cylindrical tube is configured to resume a substantially
round shape to release the engaging loop and the strands of the
user's original hair.
5. The multi-point hair extension device of claim 1, wherein the
attaching device comprises a non-skid plastic.
6. The multi-point hair extension device of claim 1, wherein the
engaging loop comprises a fish line.
7. The multi-point hair extension device of claim 1, wherein the
engaging loop comprises silicone.
8. The multi-point hair extension device of claim 1, wherein the
bundle tip comprises glue for holding and fixing the extending hair
strand.
9. The multi-point hair extension device of claim 1, wherein the
bundle tip has a rectangular cross-section, and wherein the flat
shape has a width of about 3.0 to 3.5 mm, a height of about 4.0 to
4.5 mm, and a thickness of about 1.0 to 2.0 mm.
10. The multi-point hair extension device of claim 1, wherein the
bundle tip has a round cross-section.
11. The multi-point hair extension device of claim 1, wherein the
engaging loop has a narrow, U-shaped or inverted U-shaped cross
section.
12. The multi-point hair extension device of claim 1, wherein the
size of the engaging loop is determined by the length of the
attaching device.
13. The multi-point hair extension device of claim 12, wherein the
attaching device comprises a metal or plastic or silicone
cylindrical tube, and wherein the size of the engaging loop is
determined by the length of the metal or plastic or silicone
cylindrical tube.
14. The multi-point hair extension device of claim 1, further
comprising a feeder for feeding the hair extension assembly and the
attaching device to the strands of the user's original hair,
wherein the attaching device comprises a metal or plastic or
silicone cylindrical tube.
15. The multi-point hair extension device of claim 14, wherein the
feeder comprises: a feeding loop for queuing a plurality of hair
extension assembly and a plurality of metal or plastic or silicone
cylindrical tubes and feeding onto the strands of the user's
original hair through a tip portion; a permanent stopper disposed
at an end portion of the feeding loop for stopping the queued hair
extension assembly and metal or plastic or silicone cylindrical
tubes; and a removable stopper detachably disposed at the tip
portion.
16. A multi-point hair extension device comprising: a first
extending hair bundle comprising a plurality of strands of hair; a
first bundle tip collecting and fixing one end of the plurality of
first strands of hair for the first extending hair bundle; a second
extending hair bundle comprising a plurality of strands of hair; a
second bundle tip collecting and fixing one end of the plurality of
second strands of hair for the second extending hair bundle; an
engaging loop extending from the first bundle tip to the second
bundle tip; and an attaching device for detachably attaching the
engaging loop to strands of the user's original hair, wherein the
attaching device holds and anchors a portion of the engaging loop
and the user's original hair, wherein the first and second
extending hair bundles, the first and second bundle tips, and the
engaging loop are fixed to one another permanently so as to form a
hair extension assembly, and wherein when the attaching device is
detached from the strands of the user's original hair and the
engaging loop, the assembly is freed and reusable.
17. The multi-point hair extension device of claim 16, wherein each
of the first and second bundle tips is rectangular or round in
cross-section.
18. The multi-point hair extension device of claim 16, wherein the
engaging loop is configured to fit into the attaching device so as
to engage the strands of the user's original hair.
19. The multi-point hair extension device of claim 17, wherein the
attaching device comprises a metal or plastic or silicone
cylindrical tube, and wherein the metal or plastic or silicone
cylindrical tube is flattened to hold the engaging loop and the
strands of the user's original hair in place.
20. The multi-point hair extension device of claim 1, wherein the
metal or plastic or silicone cylindrical tube is configured to
resume a substantially round shape to release the engaging loop and
the strand of original hair of user.
21. A multi-point hair extension device comprising: an extending
hair bundle comprising a plurality of strands of hair; a bundle tip
collecting and fixing one end of the plurality of strands of hair
for the extending hair bundle; an engaging bristle extending from
the bundle tip, wherein the engaging bristle comprises a single
thread; and an attaching device for detachably attaching the
engaging bristle to strands of the user's original hair, wherein
the attaching device holds and anchors a portion of the engaging
bristle and the user's original hair, wherein the extending hair
bundle, the bundle tip, and the engaging bristle are fixed to one
another permanently so as to form a hair extension assembly, and
wherein when the attaching device is detached from the strands of
the user's original hair and the engaging bristle, the assembly is
freed and reusable.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a multi-point hair
extension.
[0002] Current hair extension techniques involve braiding or
weaving hair extension pieces into the user's original hair using
hot glue. This process can damage the user's existing hair due to
the heat of the glue and from excessive twisting of the existing
hair during the process of braiding or weaving.
[0003] Furthermore, removing the applied hair extension from the
client's hair requires a process involving heating the glue that
attaches the extension to the client's original hair. This process
leaves glue residue in the client's hair, the removal of which
requires washing the client's hair in an oil substance. This time
consuming process is a necessary step for the final result of
fuller and beautiful hair.
[0004] Accordingly, the need for a multi-point hair extension of
the present invention has existed for a long time, considering the
excessive cost, time, and damage to the user's hair.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention works to solve the disadvantages of
the prior art.
[0006] An objective of the invention is to provide a multi-point
hair extension device.
[0007] Another object of the invention is to provide a multi-point
hair extension device, in which a plurality of strands of hair is
attached to the user's original hair.
[0008] Still another object of the invention is to provide a
multi-point hair extension device, in which the user's original
hair and the strands of hair which comprise the extension are
anchored easily together with an attaching device.
[0009] An aspect of the invention provides a multi-point hair
extension device.
[0010] The multi-point hair extension device comprises: an
extending bundle of hair strands comprising a plurality of strands
of hair; a bundle tip collecting and fixing one end of the
plurality of strands of hair of the extending hair bundle; an
engaging loop extending from the bundle tip; and an attaching
device for detachably attaching the engaging loop to strands of the
user's original hair.
[0011] The attaching device holds and anchors a portion of the
engaging loop and the user's original hair; the extending hair
strands, the bundle tip, and the engaging loop are fixed to one
another permanently so as to form a hair extension assembly. When
the attaching device is detached from the strands of the user's
original hair and the engaging loop, the assembly is freed and
reusable.
[0012] The engaging loop may have a narrow U-shaped configuration
to fit into the attaching device so as to engage the strands of the
user's original hair.
[0013] The attaching device may comprise a metal cylindrical tube,
and the metal cylindrical tube may be flattened to hold the
engaging loop and to hold the user's original hair in place.
[0014] The metal cylindrical tube may be configured to retain its
substantially round shape to release the engaging loop and the
strands of the user's original hair.
[0015] The attaching device may comprise a non-skid plastic or
silicone.
[0016] The engaging loop may comprise a fish line.
[0017] The bundle tip may comprise glue for holding and fixing the
extending hair strands.
[0018] The bundle tip may have a rectangular cross-section, and the
flat shape may have a width of about 3.0 to 3.5 mm, a height of
about 4.0 to 4.5 mm, and a thickness of about 1.0 to 2.0 mm.
[0019] The bundle tip may have a round cross-section.
[0020] The size of the engaging loop may be determined by a length
of the attaching device. The attaching device may comprise metal or
plastic or silicone cylindrical tube and the size of the engaging
loop may be determined by a length of the metal or plastic or
silicone cylindrical tube.
[0021] The multi-point hair extension device may further comprise a
feeder for feeding the hair extension assembly and the attaching
device to the strands of the user's original hair, and the
attaching device may comprise a metal or plastic or silicone
cylindrical tube.
[0022] The feeder may comprise: a feeding loop for queuing a
plurality of extending hair bundles, a plurality of metal or
plastic or silicone cylindrical tubes and, through a tip portion,
feeding it through strands of the user's original hair; a permanent
stopper disposed at an end portion of the feeding loop for stopping
the queued hair extension assembly and metal or plastic or silicone
cylindrical tubes; and a removable stopper detachably disposed at
the tip portion.
[0023] Another aspect of the invention provides a multi-point hair
extension device comprising: a first extending hair bundle
comprising a plurality of strands of hair; a first bundle tip
collecting and fixing one end of the plurality of first strands of
hair for the first extending hair bundle; a second extending hair
bundle comprising a plurality of strands of hair; a second bundle
tip collecting and fixing one end of the plurality of second
strands of hair for the second extending hair bundle; an engaging
loop extending from the first bundle tip to the second bundle tip;
and an attaching device for detachably attaching the engaging loop
to strands of the user's original hair.
[0024] The attaching device holds and anchors a portion of the
engaging loop and the user's original hair, the first and second
extending hair bundles, and the first and second bundle tips; these
are fixed to one another permanently so as to form a hair extension
assembly. When the attaching device is detached from the user's
strands of original hair and the engaging loop, the assembly is
freed and reusable.
[0025] Each of the first and second bundle tips may be rectangular
or round in cross-section.
[0026] The engaging loop may be configured to fit into the
attaching device so as to engage the user's strands of original
hair.
[0027] The attaching device may comprise a metal cylindrical tube,
and the metal cylindrical tube may be flattened to hold in place
the engaging loop and the user's strands of original hair.
[0028] The metal cylindrical tube may be configured to retain its
substantially round shape upon the release of the engaging loop and
the user's strands of original hair.
[0029] The advantages of the present invention are: (1) the
multi-point hair extension device enables a user to extend hair
with less effort and time; and (2) the device may be used
repeatedly.
[0030] Although the present invention is briefly summarized, the
fuller understanding of the invention can be obtained by the
following drawings, detailed description and appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with reference to
the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a multi-point hair
extension device according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0033] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a first hair bundle
according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0034] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a link tip string
connecting first and second hair bundles according to an embodiment
of the invention;
[0035] FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of a link tip string
connecting the first and second hair bundles according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0036] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a wire loop for
anchoring a link tip string to a user's original hair according to
an embodiment of the invention;
[0037] FIG. 6 is perspective view showing a cylinder tube for
anchoring a link tip string to an original hair according to
another embodiment of the invention;
[0038] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view along the line VII-VII of
FIG. 6;
[0039] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a plurality of
attaching devices and cylinders in a feeder according to
embodiments of the invention;
[0040] FIG. 9 is a side plan view of pliers for fixing the cylinder
to the attaching device;
[0041] FIG. 10 is a side plan view of pliers for disengaging the
cylinder from the attaching device; and
[0042] FIG. 11 is a front plan view showing an attaching device
with an engaging bristle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0043] The invention relates to prepared single or multi-point
extension onto a user's existing hair with minimum application
time.
[0044] Hair extension and enhancement systems for women and men are
widely used, spreading worldwide to meet current society's standard
of enhanced personal image. Hair extension techniques were
developed by and for African American women who desired longer and
fuller hair. Weaving techniques were developed initially in a
manual braiding form and then a machine made process in which
either synthetic or natural weft hair was sewn into a
pre-established track line on the user's scalp.
[0045] Whether hair extension and enhancement is the result of
trends in modern fashion or personal needs, the demand for
beautiful hair has increased to an explosive level, creating a
multi-billion dollar industry, and thus creating many different
hair extension concepts that add to the length or fullness of the
user's natural hair. For hair extensions, man made synthetic hair
can be used. However, real human hair is more desirable because of
its luxurious look and feel when touched.
[0046] Multi hair extension fastening methods are being developed
to attach additional hair to the user's natural hair so as to
either extend length or increase hair volume. These methods include
fusing the hair extension and natural hair with hot glue, bonding a
band of strip hair to the user's scalp, weaving weft hair or a
cylinder anchoring bundles of hair onto a user's existing hair.
While clipping a piece of hair onto the user's existing natural
hair and wig applications are commonly used, a permanent attachment
method is preferred as it gives the user a secure feeling by
eliminating the worry of the hair coming off.
[0047] Women's hair loss patterns differ from men. Women typically
experience hair loss through thinning on the top of the scalp
whereas men experience hair loss through baldness. Therefore, women
are more inclined to utilize hair extension methods to lengthen or
increase the fullness of natural hair rather than using topical
hairpiece applications or wigs. There are some exceptions to this,
notably when women experience total hair loss from Alopecia or
chemotherapy treatment.
[0048] Hair extension requires minimum existing hair to which the
new hair is affixed either for increasing length or fullness. One
important advantage for women using hair extension methods rather
than a hairpiece or wig is that hair extensions are attached as
strands only as needed to supplement the user's natural hair, while
hairpieces and wigs force the user to wear a piece that either
partially or entirely covers the user's head. At the same time, due
to the complexity of application and thus time involved, there are
drawbacks to the individual hair extension methods currently used.
Furthermore, the techniques involved in all current methods require
the skill of highly trained beauticians.
[0049] From various methods of application, the easiest, fastest,
yet least damaging to the user's existing hair has been pursued to
meet today's demand from women and men alike.
[0050] Individual hair extension methods require hours of time for
its application as each individual bundle of hair is to be attached
to the corresponding amount of the user's existing hair. It could
take anywhere from 4 to 15 hours or even longer depending on the
amount of fullness needed by each individual. The invention of
prepared single or multi point hair extensions is designed to save
time by using two separate individual extension pieces instead of a
single extension. The invention cuts down the time needed to
complete an application of an individual extension by more than 70
percent. Furthermore, single or multi point hair extension
minimizes damage to the user's existing hair by minimizing the need
to physically manipulate the user's base hair. Current individual
extension techniques require 100 strands of the user's existing
hair for each 100 strands of individual extension hair, whereas the
new invention applies 200 strands onto 100 strands of existing
hair.
[0051] This technique not only saves time, but also uses less of a
user's existing hair. The new invention also confers benefits by
minimizing damage to the user's existing hair.
[0052] The invention further relates to the natural flow of single
or multi point hair extension by minimizing the space between
individual extensions and the user's hair when the extension is
attached to the user's hair. The invention allows for maximum
results with minimum application.
[0053] This invention further allows the reuse of a single or multi
point hair extension, as the design attaches the portion of a
single or multi point hair extension to a micro cylinder through
the use of a non-slip, wire or plastic, fishing line like
thread.
[0054] Hair extension is a technique by which a piece of prepared
hair is attached to the user's existing hair. The process may occur
either piece by piece, by weave, or by a strip of hair glued onto
the scalp. The methods of attaching a piece of hair to the user's
existing hair are rather complicated, thus only well trained
technicians are allowed to attempt the job and it can take anywhere
from a couple hours to well over ten hours. Both hair technicians
and clients have to invest large amounts of time, which translates
into large dollar cost. Because the methods take many years to
master, and because many tools are required, hair extensions for an
individual user can cost anywhere from $500 to $8,000 depending on
the length, quality and technique used. Even with the high cost of
hair extension, there are still adverse effects of current hair
extension methods, primarily from damaging the user's existing
hair. The damage is primarily due to required application of heated
glue to attach the extension and the user's natural hair, and also
the excessive weaving/braiding of the user's natural hair, or due
to the cylinder tube used to anchor the prepared hair onto the
corresponding amount of the user's existing hair. Often, twisted or
braided hair applications make the user's hair bumpy to the touch
wherever extension is applied. Moreover, available methods of hot
glue or weaving extensions are harmful to the user's existing hair,
either due to the required application of heat or, for the weaving
method, due to traction alopecia which results from excessive tying
and pulling of the user's existing hair that is required to attach
it to the hair extension.
[0055] There are other adverse effects of existing hair extensions.
The cost is significant, averaging $800 to $5,000 per extension
process. The result is often bulky enough to feel the ridge along
the scalp, which is required for heavy extensions. The bulky nature
of the extension also contributes to excessive hair loss due to
improper air circulation of the scalp and the bulky extension's
excessively tight pull on the user's natural hair.
[0056] Current available hair extension methods are:
[0057] Glue extension: The application requires dipping loose hair
into a container of hot glue. The glued portion of hair is then
applied to an existing piece of the user's hair and the two are
rubbed together, thus forming the attachment. This application is
not only messy but can also create danger to applicant's fingers as
well as the client's scalp during application and removal. Another
hot glue hair extension method uses prepared glue tip extensions.
Heated pliers are used to melt the extension onto the user's
existing hair. Strong chemical solvent is also used to remove the
hair extension at the time of a readjustment or a new application.
These hot glue extension techniques involve heat and thus require
special training for safety purposes.
[0058] Hot glue extension processes require heat to apply the
extension, and then require cracking the hard extension tip to
remove or renew the extension. Additionally, the use of chemical
solvents is required to clean the glue or wax residue from the
user's hair. Thus, the process can damage the client's existing
hair. The process also requires tremendous time consumption. Hot
glue hair extension technique processes take three to fifteen hours
to complete. Furthermore, the removal of extended pieces from the
scalp prior to a new application also require about the same amount
of time. This not only subjects both the applicant and the user to
mental and physical exhaustion due to the various steps, but the
chemical involvement and time consumption increase the cost of the
process. The use of strong chemical solvents and the burning of
glue can also create unpleasant odors which may cause headaches to
both the applicant as well as the user.
[0059] Weaving hair extension: Various weaving hair extension
techniques have been very popular, especially among African
American women. The weaving process requires pre-made machine or
hand made weft hair. The process creates a horizontal track line to
anchor the pre-made weft hair onto an established track line. The
weft hair is anchored by tightening it with a fishing line type of
thread. The main reason that weaving extension is popular is that
it is possible to add a significant amount of new hair in a rather
short amount of time as compared to other current hair extension
application processes. The three significant drawbacks of weaving
hair extension are: 1) Pre-weft itself is unavoidably quite bulky
due to how it is made; 2) Track line on the client's head requires
a process of twining of the client's existing hair, creating
traction Alopecia around the area where the track line is made.
This is especially true for those who have fine or thin hair; 3)
Uncomfortable pain is inevitable in order to create the necessary
track line, as a portion of hair needs to be twined for holding the
weight of the bulky weft; 4) The already weft must be attached by
sewing it into the user's hair by means of bulky and heavy weaving
thread which adds additional thickness to the weft; this bulky
nature interferes with achieving the true beauty of hair extension.
It gives the hair an unnatural look and feel.
[0060] Strip hair extension: Strip hair extension is another
extension technique, which allows an increase in hair volume or
length to a user's existing hair. Usually, glue or tape glue is
applied to a flat skin strip where the hair is added, then applied
directly to the scalp where the hair is separate. Because of
adhesion, strip hair adheres to the scalp. This strip hair,
however, can easily come off of the scalp because of the scalp's
natural production of scalp oil; thus, strip hair extensions must
be reapplied frequently. Furthermore, applying glue or glue-like
tape directly to the scalp is harmful to skin and creates
discomfort to the user.
[0061] Cylinder tube hair extension: Using a cylinder as a medium,
a piece of the user's hair is pulled onto the cylinder. Then a
pre-glue tip hair is pushed into the cylinder tube, then by
pressing the cylinder with pliers, the new extension piece of hair
is attached to the client's hair. In case applicant uses loose hair
instead of prepared hair, loose hair pulled into the cylinder tube
needs to be in cross-cross knots using a crochet hook by going
through cylinder. This process can creates uncomfortable pulling of
the client's own hair during the process.
[0062] However, cylinder tube hair extension application is much
simpler, safer and cleaner than hot glue or weaving techniques due
to the lack of heat, glue or chemical involvement either in its
application or removal. The primary drawback of the current
cylinder tube extension is that each individual extension requires
a 3 mm tube to anchor the hair, resulting in hundreds of
aluminum/copper cylinder tubes on the client's head, but User's who
have sensitive skin or fine hair can only handle a limited amount
of cylinder tubes, which limits the effectiveness of the extension.
Current cylinder extension requires a great deal of time for its
application. Furthermore, the process of removing cylinder tube
hair requires opening up the closed cylinder with pliers. This
process occasionally pulls the client's hair that gets trapped in
the cylinder tube out along with the attached hair especially if
the cylinder is cramped too tight by applicant. Therefore, highly
trained hairdressers are only capable of performing this
process.
[0063] The leading hair extension techniques currently being used
are as listed above.
[0064] The invention is designed and focused with the concept of a
simple application that minimizes time and cost while maximizing
the beauty of the hair extension. Also, the invention applies the
added value of safe application, as a protruded U shape of treated
thread is threaded through an ultra micro cylinder. The size of the
cylinder is less than a half size of a regular cylinder tube.
Furthermore, the attaching medium is not a piece of hair but rather
is a treated thread which minimizes the size of the cylinder tube
once it is pressed. Also, it holds new extension hair much stronger
while minimizing the possibility that the extension will slip.
Occasionally, two different new and existing hairs can slip out of
the cylinder tube due to the rather bulky cylinder extension
tube.
[0065] The invention will allow the user to realize a simplified
process that minimizes time, potential damage to existing hair, and
more importantly cost.
[0066] The main purpose of having a treated thread/wire/or similar
threaded loop to be used to attach to the top end of a single or
multi point hair extension is to allow for the secure holding of
the extension. This occurs due to the thin treated thread being
attached onto the cylinder rather than a piece of hair. And this
allows for the single or multi point hair extension system to be
used for multiple applications during the life span of the hair,
rather than constant reapplication. This creates economic value for
the user. This multiple use of a single application can be quite
significant as each individual piece of hair extension can cost at
least $5.00 to $15.00 per piece depending on the quality of the
hair, its length and its reusability. Furthermore, reusable single
or multi point extensions minimize the environmental impact of the
process, as most individual hair extension currently being used are
designed with a life span of a single usage or two to three
applications.
[0067] Discarding used hair extensions is inevitable because the
hair is overly processed and thus its life span is only two to
three months. More importantly, the glue tipped hair extensions
that use polyurethane or similar wax cannot be reused once the wax
hair tip is flattened, which normally occurs after the tip
undergoes one or two pressings. The attachment medium of the new
invention is treated thread, pliable wire or even a piece of
durable non-skid plastic that can be used for its anchoring
purpose. The advantage the new attachment medium is that it can
last many years, beyond the actual life span of hair.
[0068] Features of the new single or multi point extensions
are:
[0069] 1. Flat: Unlike the round forms of current existing
individual extensions, the single or multi point extension of the
new invention has a flatter form, thus allowing the extension to
blend in better with the user's existing hair. It also gives the
hair a more natural look and feel. The new invention closely
resembles the look of natural hair growth.
[0070] 2. More hair: The new invention, Single or Multi-Point
Extension, allows twice as much hair per extension piece while
using less of the user's own hair. This is an important factor as
many extension wearers experience thin hair which limits the amount
of hair to be anchored.
[0071] 3. Time savings: The new invention, Single or Multi-Point
Extension, can be completed with at least 80% less time investment
than other existing individual hair extension application
processes. Instead of 5 to 15 hours, the new invention allows the
process to be completed within 1 to 3 hours.
[0072] 4. No mistakes in attachment: Other individual cylinder
methods require a hair tip that is perfectly round in order for the
extension hair to slide into the measured cylinder size. If the
prepared individual hair extension tip is not perfectly round it
will not fit into the cylinder. Additionally, because individual
hair tips occasionally become disfigured, hair is often not able to
be used and thus has to be replaced. The same thing can happen
after one or two uses: the glue tip of an individual hair extension
becomes disfigured and will not fit into a standard cylinder. The
new invention of single or multi-point hair extensions prevents
these mistakes as the treated thread tip is standard and much
thinner than the glued hair tip, and thus can be reused without
disfiguring the shape.
[0073] 5. Cost savings: The easy application and time saved by both
the technician and client is directly related to cost savings.
Also, the ability to reuse the same hair extension system over a
period of time has less obvious cost-saving benefits. After a new
hair extension application, the hair stylist needs to cut over the
length to adjust and shape the hair and this process can take
anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. However, this reusable extension
allows the technician to apply the extension quickly as the cut and
shaping of the hair is completed the first time.
[0074] 6. No mess or fuss: Because of its simple yet effective
application, the new invention is a far from messy application,
putting the user at ease mentally and physically during and after
application.
[0075] 7. Safety: Ease and simplicity of application means a safe
application, which is a benefit to both the applicant and the user.
Simple application creates fewer problems if any, and even if
problems arises, the simplicity of the application allows for
simple solutions to the problem.
[0076] 8. Easy to learn: While current hair extension techniques
involve many complicated tools, gadgets or devices, the new
invention requires a simple pressing cylinder feeder. Because of
the simple application process, there is no need to get hundreds of
dollars worth of tools or undertake special training classes, which
can run anywhere from $500 to $3,000 and last for many days.
[0077] 9. Ability to combine application processes: The new
invention can be used in connection with strip extensions to add
highlights to the hair or more hair, if necessary.
[0078] 10. Life expectancy: Compared with the commonly used
individual hair extensions of today, the new invention, Single or
Multi-Point Extension, has advantages which allow a much longer
life expectancy, mainly because of its anchoring thread/wire loop
design and the quality of its environment-friendly natural hair
process. The naturally processed human hair requires many more
steps in preparation while using approximately 80% less chemicals,
thus prolonging the hair life span much longer than regular,
chemically-processed hair.
[0079] Each piece of extension hair is evenly distributed in a flat
skin like polyurethane material, where the hair is imbedded in the
form of natural hair growth unlike bulky weft hair or round form
glue hair extensions. Stiff U-formed thread is imbedded into each
polyurethane tip extension which is then inserted into each
cylinder together with the customers own hair. The flat cylinder is
than simply pressed tightly to hold both the thread hook and the
strand of the customer's hair.
[0080] FIGS. 1-8 show multi-point hair extension devices according
to embodiments of the invention.
[0081] An aspect of the invention provides a multi-point hair
extension device 100.
[0082] The multi-point hair extension device 100 comprises: an
extending hair bundle 10 comprising a plurality of strands of hair;
a bundle tip 20 collecting and fixing one end of the plurality of
strands of hair for the extending hair bundle 10; an engaging loop
30 extending from the bundle tip 20; and an attaching device 40 for
detachably attaching the engaging loop 30 to strands of the user's
original hair 90.
[0083] The attaching device 40 holds and anchors a portion of the
engaging loop 30 and the user's original hair 90, and the extending
hair bundle 10, the bundle tip 20, and the engaging loop 30 are
fixed to one another permanently so as to form a hair extension
assembly 110. When the attaching device 40 is detached from the
strands of the user's original hair 90 and the engaging loop 30,
the assembly is freed and reusable.
[0084] The engaging loop 30 may be configured to fit into the
attaching device 40 so as to engage the strands of the user's
original hair 90.
[0085] The attaching device 40 may comprise a metal or plastic or
silicone cylindrical tube, and the metal or plastic or silicone
cylindrical tube may be flattened to hold the engaging loop 30 and
the strands of the user's original hair 90 in place.
[0086] The metal or plastic or silicone cylindrical tube may be
configured to resume a substantially round shape to release the
engaging loop 30 and the strands of the user's original hair
90.
[0087] In certain embodiments of the invention, the attaching
device 40 may comprise cylindrical tubes made of material other
than metal.
[0088] The attaching device 40 may comprise a non-skid plastic.
[0089] The attaching device 40 may comprise silicone.
[0090] The engaging loop 30 may comprise but not be limited to a
fish line.
[0091] The bundle tip 20 may comprise glue for holding and fixing
the extending hair bundle 10 as shown in FIG. 2. In certain
embodiments, the bundle tip 20 may comprise an enclosing membrane
(not shown) just like a dried-up glue screen.
[0092] The bundle tip 20 may have a rectangular cross-section, and
the flat shape may have a width of about 3.0 to 3.5 mm, a height of
about 4.0 to 4.5 mm, and a thickness of about 1.0 to 2.0 mm. The
size may be determined according to embodiments, such that the hair
extension assembly may be blended invisibly in the strands of the
user's original hairs 90.
[0093] Alternatively, the bundle tip 20 may have a round
cross-section or any other shape.
[0094] The size of the engaging loop 30 may be determined by a
length of the attaching device 40. The attaching device 40 may
comprise a metal or plastic or silicone cylindrical tube, and the
size of the engaging loop 30 may be determined by a length of the
metal or plastic cylindrical tube.
[0095] In certain embodiments of the invention, as shown in FIG. 8,
the multi-point hair extension device 100 may further comprise a
feeder 80 for feeding the hair extension assembly 110 and the
attaching device 40 to the strand of the user's original hair 90,
and the attaching device 40 may comprise a metal or plastic or
silicone cylindrical tube.
[0096] The feeder 80 may comprise: a feeding loop 84 for queuing a
plurality of hair extension assembly 110 and a plurality of metal
or plastic cylindrical tubes 40 for feeding onto the strands of the
user's original hair 90 through a tip portion 83; a permanent
stopper 86 disposed at an end portion of the feeding loop 84 for
stopping the queued hair extension assembly 110 and metal or
plastic cylindrical tubes 40; and a removable stopper 82 detachably
disposed at the tip portion 83.
[0097] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, another aspect of the invention
provides a multi-point hair extension device comprising: a first
extending hair bundle 10 comprising a plurality of strands of hair;
a first bundle tip 20 collecting and fixing one end of the
plurality of first strands of hair for the first extending hair
bundle 10; a second extending hair bundle 10' comprising a
plurality of strands of hair; a second bundle tip 20' collecting
and fixing one end of the plurality of second strands of hair for
the second extending hair bundle 10'; an engaging loop 30 extending
from the first bundle tip to the second bundle tip 20, 20'; and an
attaching device 40 for detachably attaching the engaging loop 30
to strands of the user's original hair 90.
[0098] In certain embodiments, the first and second bundle tips 20,
20' may be connected to each other by one or more fasteners 22 as
shown in FIG. 5. The fasteners 22 may comprise glue or sticky
tape.
[0099] The attaching device 40 holds and anchors a portion of the
engaging loop 30 and the user's original hairs 90 as shown in FIG.
7, and the first and second extending hair bundles 10, 10', the
first and second bundle tips 20, 20', and the engaging loop 30 are
fixed to one another permanently so as to form a hair extension
assembly 210. When the attaching device 40 is detached from the
strands of the user's original hair 90 and the engaging loop 30,
the assembly is freed and reusable.
[0100] Each of the first and second bundle tips 20, 20' may be
rectangular or round in cross-section.
[0101] The engaging loop 30 may be configured to fit into the
attaching device 40 so as to engage the strands of the user's
original hair 90.
[0102] The attaching device 40 may comprise a metal cylindrical
tube, and the metal cylindrical tube may be flattened to hold the
engaging loop 30 and the strands of the user's original hair 90 in
place.
[0103] The metal cylindrical tube may be configured to resume a
substantially round shape to release the engaging loop 30 and the
strand of the user's original hair 90.
[0104] FIGS. 9 and 10 show tools for attaching the engaging loop 30
to the attaching device 40 and for detaching, respectively. The
groove 96 of the tool 94 may facilitate the detaching of the
attaching device 40.
[0105] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a hair extension assembly
110 attached to the strands of the user's original hair 90 by the
attaching device 40.
[0106] The engaging loop 30 may be applied just over the strands of
the user's original hair 90 as shown in FIG. 6. Alternatively, the
strand of the user's original hair 90 may queue through the
engaging loop 30, which will result from using the feeder 80 as
shown in FIG. 8. This process begins by dropping the strands of the
user's original hair 90 through the feeding loop 84 of the feeder
80. Then, the strands of the user's original hair 90 are queued
through the cylindrical tube 40 and then through the hair extension
assembly 110 easily by riding them along the feeder 80.
[0107] Still another embodiment of the invention provides a
multi-point hair extension as shown in FIG. 11.
[0108] The difference between FIG. 3 and FIG. 11 is the engaging
loop 30 and a engaging bristle 30'. The engaging loop 30 may be
substituted with a bristle as shown in FIG. 11. In certain
embodiments, the extending hair bundle 10 may have just a few
hairs. In such a case, the bundle tip 20 and the attaching device
40 may be too small to accept and hold an engaging loop 30.
[0109] While the invention has been shown and described with
reference to different embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated
by those skilled in the art that variations in form, detail,
compositions and operation may be made without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying
claims.
* * * * *