U.S. patent application number 15/461301 was filed with the patent office on 2017-09-21 for method and apparatus for the attachment of multiple interchangeable hair extensions.
The applicant listed for this patent is Hyunsoo Han, Ho Young Jang. Invention is credited to Hyunsoo Han, Ho Young Jang.
Application Number | 20170265550 15/461301 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59848193 |
Filed Date | 2017-09-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170265550 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Han; Hyunsoo ; et
al. |
September 21, 2017 |
Method and Apparatus for the Attachment of Multiple Interchangeable
Hair Extensions
Abstract
A hair extension apparatus and a method for attaching multiple
interchangeable hair extensions to a user's head and hair. The hair
extension apparatus has a hair extension base to which each of the
interchangeable hair extensions is attached. Each of the
interchangeable hair extensions is selectively engaged with the
hair extension base, allowing extensions to be readily attached or
detached. The hair extension base is divided into multiple mounting
sections, allowing for the layering of the interchangeable hair
extensions. A plurality of fastening clips secures the hair
extension base to a user's natural hair, wherein each of the
plurality of fastening clips can be configured between an open
position and a closed position; a securing cord may also be used to
further secure the hair extension base to the user's head.
Inventors: |
Han; Hyunsoo; (Hackensack,
NJ) ; Jang; Ho Young; (Incheon, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Han; Hyunsoo
Jang; Ho Young |
Hackensack
Incheon |
NJ |
US
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
59848193 |
Appl. No.: |
15/461301 |
Filed: |
March 16, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62309120 |
Mar 16, 2016 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41G 5/0073
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A41G 5/00 20060101
A41G005/00 |
Claims
1. A hair extension apparatus comprises: a hair extension
comprising an extension track, an extension mount, and a plurality
of hair strands; a hair extension base comprising a plurality of
base layers; each of a plurality of fastening clips comprising a
plate and a plurality of teeth; the plurality of teeth being
connected along the plate, for each of the plurality of fastening
clips; the plate being flexible in order to configure the plurality
of teeth in an open position or a closed position, for each of the
plurality of fastening clips; the plate of each of the plurality of
fastening clips being adjacently connected to a first outer layer
of the plurality of base layers; the plurality of hair strands
being connected along the extension track; the extension mount
being connected along the extension track opposite the plurality of
hair strands; the extension mount being selectively engaged with a
second outer layer of the plurality of base layers; and the hair
extension being positioned opposite the plurality of fastening
clips, about the plurality of base layers.
2. the hair extension apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprises:
the plate of each of the plurality of fastening clips being
adhesively bonded to the first outer layer.
3. The hair extension apparatus as claimed in claim 2 comprises:
each of the plurality of fastening clips further comprising a
plurality of adhesive holes; and each of the plurality of adhesive
holes traversing through the plate to delineate a bonding
surface.
4. The hair extension apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprises:
each of the plurality of fastening clips further comprising a
plurality of sewing holes; the plurality of sewing holes traversing
through the plate, for each of the plurality of fastening clips;
and the plurality of sewing holes being perimetrically disposed
about the plate, for each of the plurality of fastening clips.
5. The hair extension apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprises:
the plurality of base layers comprising a first synthetic skin
layer, a second synthetic skin layer, and a lace layer; the lace
layer being adjacently connected to the first synthetic skin layer
and the second synthetic skin layer; and the lace layer being
positioned in between the first synthetic skin layer and the second
synthetic skin layer.
6. The hair extension apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the
lace layer is adhesively bonded to the first synthetic skin layer
and the second synthetic skin layer.
7. The hair extension apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprises:
the plurality of base layers comprising a synthetic skin layer and
a lace layer; and the lace layer being adjacently connected to the
synthetic skin layer.
8. The hair extension apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the
lace layer is adhesively bonded to the synthetic skin layer.
9. The hair extension apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a
second hair extension being selectively engaged with the second
outer layer; and the second hair extension being positioned
adjacent to the hair extension.
10. The hair extension apparatus as claimed in claim 9 comprises: a
third hair extension being selectively engaged with the second
outer layer; and the third hair extension being positioned adjacent
to the hair extension opposite the second hair extension.
11. The hair extension apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a
dividing indicator being positioned along the second outer layer;
and the dividing indicator delineating a first mounting section and
a second mounting section.
12. The hair extension apparatus as claimed in claim 11 comprises:
a second dividing indicator being positioned along the second outer
layer; the second dividing indicator delineating the second
mounting section and a third mounting section; and the second
mounting section being positioned in between the first mounting
section and the third mounting section.
13. The hair extension apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein
the second dividing indicator is parallel with the dividing
indicator.
14. The hair extension apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein
the dividing indicator and the second dividing indicator are
distributed evenly across the second outer layer.
15. The hair extension apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
extension mount is a double-sided adhesive strip.
16. The hair extension apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprises:
the second outer layer including a first hook and loop fastening
strip; the extension mount being a second hook and loop fastening
strip; and the extension mount being selectively engaged with the
first hook and loop fastening strip.
17. The hair extension apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a
securing cord; and the securing cord being terminally connected to
the hair extension base.
Description
[0001] The current application claims a priority to the U.S.
Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/309,120 filed on Mar.
16, 2016.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to hair extensions
and methods of attachment thereof. In particular, the present
invention relates to a means to attach one or more hair extension
tracks to a base that may be mounted onto a wearers head and
hair.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Artificial hair integrations or hair extensions are units of
real or artificial hair which attach onto a person's head and hair.
Such products have become a popular way to lengthen or add more
volume to a person's hair. By attaching tracks of human or
synthetic hair onto a person's natural hair, hair extensions
provide a quick means to enhance a wearer's look. Common types of
hair extensions are tape in, clip-on, and wefted. Tape in hair
extensions stay on an individual's hair for a few weeks, allowing
the wearer to brush, come, and wash their hair while wearing the
extensions. Clip-on extensions are a less permanent means of
attachment, as they utilize toupee clips or similar devices. Other
methods do exist for the attachment of artificial hair
integrations, however, they are limited in the sense that they are
not adapted for the attachment of multiple hair styles and
colors.
[0004] It is therefore an objective of the present invention to
introduce a method and apparatus for the attachment of multiple
interchangeable hair extensions. The present invention uses a base
that attaches onto a wearers head and hair. One or more
interchangeable hair extension tracks may be connected onto the
base, allowing the hair extensions to be layered over each other,
thus giving the wearer flexibility in both style and color. Unlike
typical hair extension products, the base and hair extensions will
be sold separately. This gives the consumer the option of choosing
the type of hair style they want. The hair extension tracks may be
attached to the base via hook and loop fastener or self-stick tape
connection. Clip devices are attached the base with hair
extensions, allowing the entire device to be mounted onto a user's
current hair. A string or cord may also be used to secure the
device in place on a user's head, however, it is not always
necessary. Overall, the present invention is simple, easy to use,
cost efficient, safe, and effective, providing users with a
multitude of unexplored hair styles, while maintaining comfort and
securement on the head.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the plurality of fastening
clips being adhesively bonded to the hair extension base using a
resin.
[0006] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the plurality of fastening
clips, detailing the plurality of teeth, the plurality of sewing
holes, and the plurality of adhesive holes.
[0007] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the extension mount of
the hair extension being aligned with the second outer layer of the
hair extension base.
[0008] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view thereof, wherein the
second outer layer includes a first hook and loop fastening
strip.
[0009] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view, wherein the hair
extension has been secured to the hair extension base.
[0010] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view showing the hair
extension, a second hair extension, and a third hair extension
being aligned with a first mounting section, a second mounting
section, and a third mounting section, respectively, in order to be
secured to the hair extension base.
[0011] FIG. 7 is a diagram depicting the plurality of base layers,
wherein the plurality of base layers includes a first synthetic
skin layer, a second synthetic skin layer, and a lace layer.
[0012] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the hair extension base,
wherein the dividing indicator and the second dividing indicator
separate the second outer layer into a first mounting section, a
second mounting section, and a third mounting section.
[0013] FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the hair extension base,
wherein the dividing indicator separates the second outer layer
into a first mounting section and a second mounting section.
[0014] FIG. 10 is a diagram depicting the plurality of base layers,
wherein the plurality of base layers includes a synthetic skin
layer and a lace layer.
DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION
[0015] All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of
describing selected versions of the present invention and are not
intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
[0016] The present invention is a hair extension apparatus and a
method for attaching multiple interchangeable hair extensions to a
user's head and hair. The hair extension apparatus comprises a
plurality of interchangeable hair extensions 2, a hair extension
base 1, a plurality of fastening clips 3, and a securing cord 7.
The hair extension base 1 is attached to the user's head and hair
through the plurality of fastening clips 3. One or more of the
plurality of interchangeable hair extensions 2 is attached to the
hair extension base 1. The method of attachment between the
plurality of interchangeable hair extensions 2 and the hair
extension base 1 allows the one or more hair extensions to be
layered over each other, creating a natural hair appearance.
[0017] Each of the plurality of interchangeable hair extensions 2
is removable, allowing the user to easily change hairstyles without
needing to replace the hair extension base 1. Typical hair
extension products are sold as a single, thus requiring the user to
purchase entirely new products and increasing the cost to the user.
The hair extension apparatus of the present invention allows the
user to minimize costs, while maximizing the number of hair styles
accessible to the user, as well as increasing the efficiency with
which hair extensions can be interchanged.
[0018] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the present
invention in detail, it is to be understood that the device is not
limited in its application to the details of the components and
arrangements as described or illustrated. The invention is capable
of other embodiments and of being utilized and carried out in
various ways. It is also to be understood that the phrasing and
terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting. As such, the present invention
is primarily used as a beauty enhancement product which attaches
onto a user's head and hair, however, the method and apparatus may
be applied to many other settings, situations, and scenarios.
[0019] In reference to FIG. 1, the hair extension base 1 is a thin
and flexible elongated member that comprises a plurality of base
layers 10. In the preferred embodiment of the hair extension
apparatus, the plurality of base layers 10 comprises a first
synthetic skin layer 14, a second synthetic skin layer 15, and a
lace layer 16, as depicted in FIG. 7. The lace layer 16 is
adjacently connected to the first synthetic skin layer 14 and the
second synthetic skin layer 15, wherein the lace layer 16 is
positioned in between the first synthetic skin layer 14 and the
second synthetic skin layer 15. Together, the first synthetic skin
layer 14 and the second synthetic skin layer 15 provide a natural
feel and look to the hair extension base 1, while the lace layer 16
provides a bonding surface 35. Preferably, the first synthetic skin
layer 14 and the second synthetic skin layer 15 are adhesively
boned to the lace layer 16; however, it is possible for alternative
methods to be used to secure the plurality of base layers 10
together.
[0020] In the preferred embodiment, the first synthetic skin layer
14 provides a first outer layer 11 of the plurality of base layers
10, while the second synthetic skin layer 15 provides a second
outer layer 12 of the plurality of base layers 10. In reference to
FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the plurality of fastening clips 3 is positioned
along the first outer layer 11, while each of the plurality of
interchangeable hair extensions 2 is attached to the second outer
layer 12. When the hair extension base 1 is worn by the user, the
plurality of fastening clips 3 faces inwards, towards the user's
head, wherein each of the plurality of fastening clips 3 is
attached to the user's hair. Meanwhile, the plurality of
interchangeable hair extensions 2 faces outwards, away from the
user's head, providing the stylistic look desired by the user.
[0021] In reference to FIG. 2, each of the plurality of fastening
clips 3 comprises a plate 30, a plurality of teeth 31, a plurality
of sewing holes 32, and a plurality of adhesive holes 33. For each
of the plurality of fastening clips 3, the plurality of teeth 31 is
connected along the plate 30. The plurality of teeth 31 is arranged
in a parallel manner, protruding downwards and slightly outwards,
away from the plate 30, functioning similar to comb teeth.
Furthermore, for each of the plurality of fastening clips 3, the
plate 30 is flexible, allowing the plurality of teeth 31 to be
configured in either an open position or a closed position. Similar
to a toupee clip, when the plate 30 is flexed in a first direction,
the plurality of teeth 31 moves to the open position, wherein the
plurality of teeth 31 is positioned away from the plate 30,
allowing the user's hair to be positioned in between the plate 30
and the plurality of teeth 31. When the plate 30 is flexed in a
second direction, opposite the first direction, the plurality of
teeth 31 moves to the closed position, wherein the plurality of
teeth 31 is positioned towards the plate 30, clamping the user's
hair between the plate 30 and the plurality of teeth 31.
[0022] The plate 30 of each of the plurality of fastening clips 3
is connected to the hair extension base 1. More specifically, for
each of the plurality of fastening clips 3, the plate 30 is
adjacently connected to the first outer layer 11, as depicted in
FIG. 1. Both the plurality of sewing holes 32 and the plurality of
adhesive holes 33 provide a means for securing each of the
plurality of fastening clips 3 to the hair extension base 1. The
plurality of sewing holes 32 allows the plate 30 to be sewn onto
the hair extension base 1, while the plurality of adhesive holes 33
assists in securing the plate 30 to the hair extension base 1 via
an adhesive bond. The sewing method and the adhesive bond method
may be used standalone or in conjunction with one another to secure
the plate 30 to the hair extension base 1, for each of the
plurality of fastening clips 3. Other means of connection may also
be used to secure the plurality of fastening clips 3 to the hair
extension base 1 in other embodiments of the present invention.
[0023] In reference to FIG. 2, for each of the plurality of
fastening clips 3, the plurality of sewing holes 32 traverses
through the plate 30, wherein the plurality of sewing holes 32 is
perimetrically disposed about the plate 30. Each of the plurality
of sewing holes 32 provides an opening through which a needle and
thread may be passed in order to sew the plate 30 to the hair
extension base 1. Meanwhile, the perimetric distribution of the
plurality of sewing holes 32 ensures that the plate 30 is securely
connected to the hair extension base 1 and remains positioned flush
against the hair extension base 1.
[0024] In further reference to FIG. 2, similar to the plurality of
sewing holes 32, the plurality of adhesive holes 33 traverses
through the plate 30, for each of the plurality of fastening clips
3. The plurality of adhesive holes 33 is positioned about the top
edge of the plate 30, in between the plurality of sewing holes 32.
Each of the plurality of adhesive holes 33 delineates a bonding
surface 35 that assists in securing the plate 30 to the first outer
layer 11, when the plate 30 of each of the plurality of fastening
clips 3 is adhesively bonded to the first outer layer 11. The
bonding surface 35 is the inner edge of the plate 30 that is formed
by each of the plurality of adhesive holes 33. When an adhesive is
applied in between the plate 30 and the first outer layer 11, the
adhesive fills each of the plurality of adhesive holes 33, wherein
the adhesive adheres to the bonding surface 35 in addition to the
back of the plate 30, thus further securing the plate 30 to the
first outer layer 11. In one embodiment a synthetic resin is placed
between each of the plurality of fastening clips 3 and the first
outer layer 11, wherein the resin is then melted with heat in order
to bond the plurality of fastening clips 3 to the hair extension
base 1.
[0025] In reference to FIG. 3-5, each of the plurality of
interchangeable hair extensions 2 comprises an extension track 24,
an extension mount 25, and a plurality of hair strands 26. The
extension track 24 is an elongated member that is shaped to fit on
a section of the hair extension base 1. The plurality of hair
strands 26 is connected along the extension track 24, wherein the
plurality of hair strands 26 is oriented and colored to achieve the
stylistic look desired by the user. The extension mount 25 is
connected along the extension track 24 opposite the plurality of
hair strands 26, wherein the extension mount 25 is utilized to
secure the extension track 24 to the second outer layer 12 of the
hair extension base 1.
[0026] In reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 8, in the preferred
embodiment of the hair extension apparatus, a dividing indicator 51
and a second dividing indicator 52 are positioned along the second
outer layer 12, wherein the dividing indicator 51 delineates a
first mounting section 61 and a second mounting section 62, while
the second dividing indicator 52 delineates the second mounting
section 62 and a third mounting section 63; the second mounting
section 62 being positioned in between the first mounting section
61 and the third mounting section 63. The dividing indicator 51 and
the second dividing indicator 52 are parallel to each other and are
distributed evenly across the second outer layer 12. In some
embodiments, the dividing indicator 51 and/or the second dividing
indicator 52 may be visible on the first outer layer 11, in
addition to the second outer layer 12. The first mounting section
61, the second mounting section 62, and the third mounting section
63 provide three distinct portions of the hair extension base 1 to
which a selected hair extension 21 can be attached.
[0027] When the dividing indicator 51 and the second dividing
indicator 52 are provided a hair extension 21, a second hair
extension 22, and a third hair extension 23 are selected from the
plurality of interchangeable hair extensions 2. In reference to
FIG. 6, the hair extension 21 is positioned along the first
mounting section 61, the second hair extension 22 is positioned
along the second mounting section 62, and the third hair extension
23 is positioned along the third mounting section 63. The extension
mount 25 of each of the hair extension 21, the second hair
extension 22, and the third hair extension 23 is selectively
engaged with the second outer layer 12, wherein the hair extension
21, the second hair extension 22, and the third hair extension 23
are positioned opposite the plurality of fastening clips 3, about
the plurality of base layers 10. In the preferred embodiment of the
hair extension apparatus, the extension mount 25 of each of the
hair extension 21, the second hair extension 22, and the third hair
extension 23 is a double-sided adhesive strip. In this way, the
hair extension 21, the second hair extension 22, and the third hair
extension 23 can be easily attached to and detached from the hair
extension base 1 in order to achieve the desired stylistic
look.
[0028] In alternative embodiments, the dividing indicator 51 may
not be utilized, allowing for the attachment of only a single hair
extension 21. In other embodiments, only the dividing indicator 51
may be utilized as depicted in FIG. 9, wherein the second outer
layer 12 is separated into the first mounting section 61 and the
second mounting section 62, allowing for the attachment of two hair
extensions. In yet other embodiments, one or more additional
dividing indicators may be utilized, wherein the second outer layer
12 is divided into more than three mounting sections, allowing for
the attachment of additional hair extensions. Preferably, the
dividing indicator 51, the second dividing indicator 52, and the
one or more additional dividing indicator 51s may be evenly
distributed across the hair extension base 1; however, it is also
possible for unequal distribution.
[0029] In reference to FIG. 1, the securing cord 7 is a string-like
component, having a first terminal end and a second terminal end.
The securing cord 7 is terminally connected to the hair extension
base 1 by the first terminal end and the second terminal end. More
specifically, the first terminal end and the second terminal end
are positioned opposite each other along the hair extension base 1,
being connected to opposite ends of the hair extension base 1. The
securing cord 7 provides additional means of maintaining the
position of the hair extension base 1 on the user's head. When the
hair extension base 1 is attached to the user's hair via the
plurality of fastening clips 3, the securing cord 7 is wrapped
around the user's head and is positioned on or above the user's
ears. In this way, the securing cord 7 assists with preventing the
hair extension base 1 from unwantedly falling off of the user's
head during.
[0030] In some embodiments, the securing cord 7 may not be included
or may be made removable from the hair extension base 1. A first
attachment mechanism is integrated with the first terminal end and
a first end of the hair extension base 1, wherein the first
attachment mechanism allows the first terminal end to easily
connect to or disconnect from the hair extension base 1. Similarly,
a second attachment mechanism is integrated with the second
terminal end and a second end of the hair extension base 1, wherein
the second attachment mechanism allows the second terminal end to
easily connect to or disconnect from the hair extension base 1.
[0031] In reference to FIG. 10, in an alternative embodiment of the
hair extension apparatus, the plurality of base layers 10 includes
a synthetic skin layer 17 and the lace layer 16. The lace layer 16
is adjacently connected to the synthetic skin layer 17. Preferably,
the synthetic skin layer 17 is adhesively boned to the lace layer
16; however, it is possible for alternative methods to be used to
secure the plurality of base layers 10 together. The synthetic skin
layer 17 provides the first outer layer 11, while the lace layer 16
provides the second outer layer 12. In this way, the plurality of
fastening clips 3 is connected to the synthetic skin layer 17,
while each of the plurality of interchangeable hair extensions 2 is
attached to the lace layer 16.
[0032] Furthermore, in the alternative embodiment of the hair
extension apparatus, the second outer layer 12 includes a first
hook and loop fastening strip 13, while the extension mount 25 of
each of the plurality of interchangeable hair extensions 2 is a
second hook and loop fastening strip. The first hook and loop
fastening strip 13 and the second hook and loop fastening strip
provide opposite connecting portions of a hook and loop fastener.
If the first hook and loop fastening strip 13 provides the hook
portion, then the second hook and loop fastening strip provides the
loop portion, and vice versa. The hook and loop fastener formed by
the first hook and loop fastening strip 13 and the second hook and
loop fastening strip allows each of the plurality of
interchangeable hair extensions 2 to be easily attached to or
detached from the hair extension base 1. In other embodiments,
alternative fastening mechanisms may be used to secure the
plurality of interchangeable hair extensions 2 to the hair
extension base 1, such as snaps.
[0033] The following describes the method for attaching multiple
interchangeable hair extensions to a user's head and hair: (1) One
or more of the plurality of interchangeable hair extensions 2 is
selected and attached to the hair extension base 1 via the
extension mount 25. (2) The user's natural hair above the location
where the hair extension base 1 will be mounted onto is lifted and
pulled together, revealing the hair to which the hair extension
base 1 will be attached. (3) The hair extension base 1 is held over
and positioned around the user's head with the plurality of
fastening clips 3 in the open position. (4) Each of the plurality
of fastening clips 3 is then angled into the user's natural hair
and flexed into the closed position. If the securing cord 7 is
utilized, then the securing cord 7 is also positioned around the
user's head. (5) The hair extension base 1 and the user's natural
hair is then released and the plurality of hair strands 26 of each
of the interchangeable hair extensions is blended with the user's
natural hair. (6) If the securing cord 7 is used, a tail comb or
similar device is then used to pull the user's natural hair around
securing cord 7 to style the user's natural hair. (7) If the
securing cord 7 is not utilized, then the securing cord 7 is cut
off of the hair extension base 1.
[0034] Although the invention has been explained in relation to its
preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other
possible modifications and variations can be made without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter
claimed.
* * * * *