The present invention relates generally to hair extensions, and more particularly, to a hair extension apparatus that is coupled to a user's natural hair.
Hair extensions and wigs are used by people to enhance their appearance. Wigs generally include multiple strands of hair attached to a cap to form a unit that can be secured to an user's scalp. Hair weaves and hair extensions are also used by people to either conceal or supplement their natural hair. In some cases, people use wigs when they are experiencing baldness or thinning of their natural hair. For those experiencing baldness or thinning of natural hair, use of wigs provides an alternative to use of potentially dangerous hair growth drugs or chemicals, or uncomfortable hair plugs. In other cases, people use wigs for temporary purposes when they are undergoing medical treatments that result in loss of their hair, such as chemotherapy.
Hair extensions and wigs are also used to provide a user with an alternative hair color in order to improve their appearance. Furthermore, hair extensions and wigs can be used by people to present an alternative texture to their own hair, such as changing their hair from straight to curly. Just as many people enjoy accessorizing their wardrobe, people who wear hair extensions and wigs enjoy changing and enhancing their appearance.
Embodiments of the invention described herein provide a hair extension apparatus. According to an embodiment, a hair extension apparatus, comprises: a first base member comprising a first front edge, a first rear edge, a first top surface and a first bottom surface; a sleeve member coupled to the first base member along the first front edge, the sleeve member comprising a hole; a second base member at least partially disposed within the sleeve member, the second base member comprising a first end, a second end, a second top surface and a second bottom surface; a first artificial hair section comprising artificial hair, wherein the first artificial hair section is coupled to the first top surface of the first base member; and a second artificial hair section comprising artificial hair, wherein the second artificial hair section is coupled to the second top surface of the second base member.
In certain embodiments: the sleeve member extends along the entire first front edge; the sleeve member is adjacent to the first side edge and the second side edge but does not extend around any portion of the first rear edge; the first side edge and the second side edge are not coupled together; the hole is adjacent to the first side edge; the first end of the second base member is coupled to the interior of the sleeve member; the second end of the second base member is not within the sleeve member; a fastener member is coupled to the first bottom surface of the first base member; the fastener member is coupled to the first front edge overlapping the first end of the second base member; the fastener member is a comb that includes tines; the tines of the fastener member are disposed pointing in a direction away from the second side edge towards the first side edge; a hair band member is coupled to the bottom surface of the first base member; the hair band member is coupled to the bottom surface adjacent to the first rear edge and adjacent to the second side edge; the hair band member is disposed on the same side of the first base member as the fastener member; the hair band member is disposed on the same side of the first base member as the second end of the second base member; the hair band member is configured as a loop and is constructed of an elastic material; a first wire member is coupled to the bottom surface of the first base member, wherein the first wire member is disposed adjacent to the first rear edge; a shape of the first wire member is substantially identical to a shape of the first rear edge; a second wire member is coupled to the bottom surface of the first base member, wherein the second wire member is disposed adjacent to the first front edge; a shape of the second wire member is substantially identical to a shape of the first front edge.
The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments will be more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
The following detailed description of certain embodiments will be made in reference to the accompanying drawings. In the detailed description, explanation about related functions or constructions known in the art are omitted for the sake of clearness in understanding the concept of the invention, to avoid obscuring the invention with unnecessary detail.
The phrase “artificial hair,” as used herein, refers to synthetic hair products as well as human hair or animal hair and combinations thereof. The artificial hair may be embodied in various traditional hair colors, such as black, brown, blonde, and red, as well as non-traditional hair colors, such as blue, green, and purple, and combinations thereof, including individual strands of hair having two or more colors.
The term “user,” as used herein, refers to any purchaser of the wig configured according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein, including, but not limited to, individual members of the public, wholesale distributors, retail merchants, manufacturers, importers and exporters of the wig and related components of the wig.
Reference to individual embodiments, whether by number of embodiment or relevant feature of the embodiment, is used for convenience in describing such embodiments. Moreover, reference to individual embodiments does not indicate that any of such embodiments are preferred over any other embodiments. Furthermore, each individual embodiment may be combined with any other individual embodiment whether or not expressly stated.
Embodiments of the invention described herein provide a hair extension apparatus that is coupled to a user's natural hair. The hair extension apparatus includes various components configured to securely couple the hair extension apparatus to the user's natural hair, while also providing a desirable and fashionable appearance.
The first base member 105 includes a first front edge 106, a first rear edge 107, a first side edge 108, a first top surface 109A and a first bottom surface 109B. The first base member 105 is constructed of a fine mesh. In certain embodiments, the first base member 105 is constructed of silk mesh, cotton mesh, nylon mesh or other suitable material and combinations thereof. The first artificial hair section 115 is coupled to the first top surface 109A of the first base member 105. It is noted that in certain embodiments, the first artificial hair section 115 can be constructed of various materials, including human hair, animal hair and synthetic hair, and combinations thereof. The first artificial hair section 115 can be curly, straight, or other suitable texture.
In certain embodiments, the first artificial hair section 115 includes individual strands of artificial hair coupled to a first filament section 121. The first filament section 121 is coupled to the first top surface 109A of the base member 105. The “filament” refers to a cylindrical strip of material, e.g., string, constructed of cotton, nylon, or other suitable material, and is coupled to the top surface 109A of the first base member 105 in multiple rows. In certain embodiments, the first filament section 121 is coupled to the first base member 105 in at least five rows, about five to fifteen rows, or about 10 rows, though the number of rows is not limited and can be adjusted according to individual needs and applications. The first filament section 121 may be coupled to the first base member 105 in multiple separate rows in which the first filament section 121 includes multiple separate sections of material. In certain embodiments, the first filament section 121 includes one section of material that is coupled to the first base member 105. In certain embodiments, the first filament section 121 includes one section of material that is coupled to the first base member 105 in a serpentine manner. In certain embodiments, there is sufficient artificial hair in the first artificial hair section 115 to cover the entire surface of the first base member 105.
The second base member 110 includes a second front edge 111, a second rear edge 112, a second side edge 113, a second top surface 114A and a second bottom surface 114B. The second base member 110 is constructed of a fine mesh. In certain embodiments, the second base member 110 is constructed of silk mesh, cotton mesh, nylon mesh or other suitable material and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the second base member 110 is constructed of an elastic material such as, for example, stocking material. In certain embodiments, the first base member 105 and the second base member 110 are constructed of the same material. In certain embodiments, the first base member 105 and the second base member 110 are constructed of different types of materials. The second artificial hair section 120 is coupled to the second top surface 114A of the second base member 110. It is noted that in certain embodiments, the second artificial hair section 120 can be constructed of various materials, including human hair, animal hair and synthetic hair, and combinations thereof. The second artificial hair section 120 can be curly, straight, or other suitable texture.
In certain embodiments, the first top surface 109A has a greater surface area than the second top surface 114A. In other words, the first top surface 109A is larger in size than the second top surface 114A.
In certain embodiments, the first front edge 106 is substantially perpendicular to the second front edge 111. That is, as illustrated in
In certain embodiments, the first rear edge 107 is substantially perpendicular to the second rear edge 112. That is, as illustrated in
It is noted that where the first front edge 106 is substantially perpendicular to the second front edge 111, the first rear edge 107 may also be substantially perpendicular to the second rear edge 112, though it is not required. In certain embodiments, the first front edge 106 is substantially perpendicular to the second front edge 111 and the first rear edge 107 is not substantially perpendicular to the second rear edge 112. In certain embodiments, the first front edge 106 is not substantially perpendicular to the second front edge 111 and the first rear edge 107 is substantially perpendicular to the second rear edge 112.
In certain embodiments, the artificial hair of the first artificial hair section 115 extends at least partially beyond the first rear edge 107. That is, the artificial hair of the first artificial hair section 115 is of a sufficient length to extend at least partially beyond the first rear edge 107. In certain embodiments, the artificial hair of the second artificial hair section 120 extends at least partially beyond the second rear edge 112. That is, the artificial hair of the second artificial hair section 120 is of a sufficient length to extend at least partially beyond the second rear edge 112.
In certain embodiments, the second base member 110 is coupled to the left side of the first base member 105 or the right side of the first base member 105.
In certain embodiments, the second base member 110 is coupled to both the left side and the right side of the first base member 105. When the second base member 110 is coupled to both the left side and the right side of the first base member 105, one of the second base members is coupled the first base member 105 off-set to the other second base member. That is, one of the second base members is coupled to the first base member 105 closer to the first front edge 106 and the other second base member is coupled to the first base member 105 closer to the first rear edge 107. In this configuration, the two second base members do not overlap when they are wrapped around the first base member 105.
In certain embodiments, the second artificial hair section 120 includes individual strands of artificial hair coupled to a second filament section 122. The second filament section 122 is coupled to the second base member 110. The “filament” refers to a cylindrical strip of material, e.g., string, constructed of cotton, nylon, or other suitable material, coupled to the top surface 114A of the second base member 110 in multiple rows. In certain embodiments, the second filament section 122 is coupled to the second base member 110 in at least one row, about two to ten rows, or about five rows, though the number of rows is not limited and can be adjusted according to individual needs and applications. The second filament section 122 may be coupled to the second base member 110 in multiple separate rows in which the second filament section 122 includes multiple separate sections of material. In certain embodiments, the second filament section 122 includes one section of material that is coupled to the second base member 110 in a serpentine manner.
In certain embodiments, there is sufficient artificial hair in the second artificial hair section 120 to cover the entire surface of the second base member 110. In certain embodiments, there is insufficient artificial hair in the second artificial hair section 120 to cover the entire surface of the second base member 110. In other words, the artificial hair of the second artificial hair section 120 partially covers the surface of the second base member 110, with a portion of the surface of the second base member 110 being free of artificial hair.
The second base member 110 is coupled to the first base member 105. In certain embodiments, the second base member 110 is sewn, glued, or otherwise attached in a non-removable manner to the first base member 105. The top surface of the second base member 110 contacts the bottom surface of the first base member 105 at the location where second base member 110 is coupled to the first base member 105. The top surface of the second base member 110 refers to the surface upon which the second artificial hair section 120 is coupled. The top surface of the first base member 105 refers to the surface upon which the first artificial hair section 115 is coupled.
In certain embodiments, when the hair extension apparatus 100 is in the open configuration, the second base member 110 is coupled to the first base member 105 in such a manner that artificial hair of the first artificial hair section 115 is disposed adjacent to the artificial hair of the second artificial hair section 120. In other words, the artificial hair of the first artificial hair section 115 is coupled to the first base member 105, and the artificial hair of the second artificial hair section 120 is coupled to the second base member 110, in such a manner that that the artificial hair of the first artificial hair section 115 extends in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the artificial hair of the second artificial hair section 120 extends.
The first fastener member 125 and the second fastener member 130 are coupled to the bottom surface of the first base member 105. The first fastener member 125 is coupled to the first front edge 106. The second fastener member 130 is coupled to the first side edge 108 on the side opposite to the second base member 110. In certain embodiments, the first fastener member 125 and the second fastener member 130 are combs, clips, pins, or other suitable device configured to secure the hair extension apparatus 100 to the user's natural hair. In certain embodiments, the first fastener member 125 and the second fastener member 130 are combs that include tines. The tines of the first fastener member 125 are disposed adjacent to the tines of the second fastener member 130.
In
The hair extension apparatus 100 is used by a user by first wrapping the first base member 105 around their natural hair, with the bottom surface of the first base member 105 being in contact with the user's natural hair. The user's natural hair can be styled in, for example, a bun or a pony tail. When the first base member 105 is fully wrapped around the user's natural hair, the second base member 110 is wrapped around the first base member 105, with the bottom surface of the second base member 110 being in contact with the first base member 105 and/or the first artificial hair section 115. The second artificial hair section 120 is then wrapped around the second base member 110. In this manner, the user is able to couple the hair extension apparatus to their natural hair and obtain the style illustrated in
In other words, in certain embodiments, the first base member 105 is configured to wrap around a user's natural hair, with the bottom surface 109B of the first base member 105 being in contact with the user's natural hair. In certain embodiments, the second base member 110 is configured to wrap around the first base member 105, with the bottom surface 114B of the second base member 110 being in contact with the first artificial hair section 115.
In the embodiment illustrated in
The second artificial hair section 120 includes a fourth color section 120a, a fifth color section 120b, and a sixth color section 120c. The fourth color section 120a is the portion of the second artificial hair section 120 that is coupled to the second base member 110. In certain embodiments, the fourth color section 120a, the fifth color section 120b, and the sixth color section 120c are different colors of artificial hair. In the embodiment illustrated in
In certain embodiments, each of the first color section 115a, the second color section 115b, the third color section 115c, the fourth color section 120a, the fifth color section 120b, and the sixth color section 120c are different colors of artificial hair. In certain embodiments, the first color section 115a is the same color as the fourth color section 120a, the second color section 115a is the same color as the fifth color section 120b, and the third color section 115c is the same color as the sixth color section 120c.
In certain embodiments, the first color section 115a is substantially the same color as the fourth color section 120a, the second color section 115b is substantially the same color as the fifth color section 120b, and the third color section 115c is substantially the same color as the sixth color section 120c.
The first base member 205 includes a first front edge 206, a first rear edge 207, a first side edge 208, a first top surface 209A and a first bottom surface 209B. The first base member 205 is constructed of an elastic material. In certain embodiments, the first base member 205 is constructed of stocking material, silk mesh, cotton mesh, nylon mesh or other suitable material and combinations thereof. The first artificial hair section 215, the second artificial hair section 220 and the third artificial hair section 225 are coupled to first top surface 209A of the first base member 205. It is noted that in certain embodiments, the first artificial hair section 215, the second artificial hair section 220 and the third artificial hair section 225 can be constructed of various materials, including human hair, animal hair and synthetic hair, and combinations thereof. The first artificial hair section 215, the second artificial hair section 220 and the third artificial hair section 225 can be curly, straight, or other suitable texture.
In certain embodiments, the first artificial hair section 215, the second artificial hair section 220 and the third artificial hair section 225 include individual strands of artificial hair coupled to a filament. The filament is coupled to the first base member 205. The filament is a cylindrical strip of material, e.g., string, constructed of cotton, nylon, or other suitable material, and is coupled to the surface of the first base member 205 in multiple rows. In certain embodiments, the filament is coupled to the first base member 205 in at least five rows, about five to fifteen rows, or about 10 rows, though the number of rows is not limited and can be adjusted according to individual needs and applications. The filament may be coupled to the first base member 205 in multiple separate rows in which the filament includes multiple separate sections of material. In certain embodiments, the filament includes one section of material that is coupled to the first base member 205 in a serpentine manner.
The second base member 210 includes a second front edge 211, a second rear edge 212, a second side edge 213, a second top surface 214A and a second bottom surface 214B. The second base member 210 is constructed of an elastic material. In certain embodiments, the second base member 210 is constructed of stocking material, silk mesh, cotton mesh, nylon mesh or other suitable material and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the first base member 205 and the second base member 210 are constructed of the same material. In certain embodiments, the first base member 205 and the second base member 210 are constructed on one continuous piece of material. In certain embodiments, the first base member 205 and the second base member 210 are constructed of separate pieces of material. The fourth artificial hair section 230 is coupled to the second top surface 214A of the second base member 210. It is noted that in certain embodiments, the fourth artificial hair section 230 can be constructed of various materials, including human hair, animal hair and synthetic hair, and combinations thereof. The fourth artificial hair section 230 can be curly, straight, or other suitable texture.
In certain embodiments, the fourth artificial hair section 230 includes individual strands of artificial hair coupled to a filament. The filament is coupled to the second base member 210. The filament is a cylindrical strip of material, e.g., string, constructed of cotton, nylon, or other suitable material coupled to the surface of the second base member 210 in multiple rows. In certain embodiments, the filament is coupled to the second base member 210 in at least one row, about two to ten rows, or about five rows, though the number of rows is not limited and can be adjusted according to individual needs and applications. The filament may be coupled to the second base member 210 in multiple separate rows in which the filament includes multiple separate sections of material. In certain embodiments, the filament includes one section of material that is coupled to the second base member 210 in a serpentine manner.
In certain embodiments, there is sufficient artificial hair in the fourth artificial hair section 230 to cover the entire surface of the second base member 210. In certain embodiments, there is insufficient artificial hair in the fourth artificial hair section 230 to cover the entire surface of the second base member 210. In other words, the artificial hair of the fourth artificial hair section 230 partially covers the surface of the second base member 210, with a portion of the surface of the second base member 210 being free of artificial hair.
In certain embodiments, the second base member 210 is coupled to the left side of the first base member 205 or the right side of the first base member 205. In certain embodiments, the second base member 210 is coupled to both the left side and the right side of the first base member 205.
In certain embodiments, the second base member 210 is coupled to the first base member 105. In certain embodiments, the second base member 210 is sewn, glued, or otherwise attached in a non-removable manner to the first base member 205. The top surface of the second base member 210 contacts the bottom surface of the first base member 205. The top surface of the second base member 210 refers to the surface upon which the second artificial hair section 220 is coupled. The bottom surface of the first base member 205 refers to the surface upon which the first artificial hair section 215 is coupled.
In certain embodiments, when the hair extension apparatus 200 is in the open configuration, the second base member 210 is coupled to the first base member 205 in such a manner that artificial hair of the first artificial hair section 215, the second artificial hair section 220 and the third artificial hair section 225 is disposed adjacent to the artificial hair of the fourth artificial hair section 230. In other words, the artificial hair of the first artificial hair section 215, the second artificial hair section 220 and the third artificial hair section 225 extends in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the artificial hair of the fourth artificial hair section 230 extends. Thus, when the hair extension apparatus 200 is in the closed configuration, the artificial hair of the fourth artificial hair section 230 wraps around the artificial hair of the first artificial hair section 215, the second artificial hair section 220 and the third artificial hair section 225.
The hair extension apparatus 200 is used by a user in a similar manner as described above with respect to the hair extension apparatus 100 to obtain the style illustrated in
It is noted that although the embodiment illustrated in
In certain embodiments, the first base member 205 includes a space between at least one of the first artificial hair section 215, the second artificial hair section 220, and the third artificial hair section 225.
In certain embodiments, the space between at least one of the first artificial hair section 215, the second artificial hair section 220, and the third artificial hair section 225 is constructed of an elastic material.
In certain embodiments, the space between at least one of the first artificial hair section 215, the second artificial hair section 220, and the third artificial hair section 225 is free of artificial hair coupled to the first top surface 209A.
In certain embodiments, the first base member 205 includes a space between the third artificial hair section 225 and the fourth artificial hair section 230.
In certain embodiments, there are additional separate sections of artificial hair coupled to the first base member 205. In
The spaces X allow for the first base member 205 and the second base member 210 to be stretched. The positions where the first artificial hair section 215, the second artificial hair section 220, the third artificial hair section 225 are coupled to the first base member 205 are somewhat rigid in that the first base member 205 does not easily stretch. Similarly, the position where the fourth artificial hair section 230 is coupled to the second base member 210 is somewhat rigid in that the second base member 210 does not easily stretch. Thus, when the first base member 205 is wrapped around the user's natural hair, the user is able to pull the first base member 205 tighter to their natural hair in those spaced sections. Similarly, when the second base member 210 is wrapped around the user's natural hair, the second base member 210 can be pulled tight around the first base member 205.
The fastener member 235 is coupled to the bottom surface of the first base member 205. In certain embodiments, the fastener member 235 is a comb, clips, pin, or other suitable device configured to secure the hair extension apparatus 200 to the user's natural hair. In
The first base member 305 and the second base member 310 are constructed of a mesh material, such as cotton mesh, nylon mesh, or other suitable material and combinations thereof. The color, shape, thickness, flexibility and elasticity of the mesh material can vary according to the particular application. Artificial hair is coupled to the outer surface of the first base member 305 and to the second base member 310. In certain embodiments, the first base member 305 and the second base member 310 are constructed of the same material. In certain embodiments, the first base member 305 and the second base member 310 are constructed of one continuous piece of material. In certain embodiments, the first base member 305 and the second base member 310 are constructed of separate pieces of material.
In certain embodiments, individual strands of artificial hair are coupled to a filament and the filament is coupled to the outer surface of the first base member 305 and the second base member 310. The filament is a cylindrical strip of material, e.g., string, constructed of cotton, nylon, or other suitable material and combinations thereof.
In certain embodiments, the filament is coupled to the first base member 305 and the second base member 310 in at least one row, about two to ten rows, or about five rows, though the number of rows is not limited and can be adjusted according to individual needs and applications. In certain embodiments, the rows are each spaced about 0.1-1.0 inches apart, or about 0.5 inches. The distance between each row may be uniform or the distance between each row may be different. In certain embodiments, the filament coupled to both the first base member 305 and the second base member 310 is one continuous filament. The filament may be coupled to the first base member 305 and the second base member 310 in multiple separate rows in which the filament includes multiple separate sections of material. In certain embodiments, the filament includes one section of material that is coupled separately to the first base member 305 and the second base member 310 in a serpentine manner.
In certain embodiments, there is sufficient artificial hair to cover the entire surface of the first base member 305 and the second base member 310. In certain embodiments, there is insufficient artificial hair in to cover the entire surface of the first base member 305 and the second base member 310. In other words, the artificial hair partially covers the surface of the first base member 305 and the second base member 310, with a portion of the surface of the first base member 305 and the second base member 310 being free of artificial hair.
In certain embodiments, the second base member 310 is coupled to the left side of the first base member 305 or the right side of the first base member 305. In certain embodiments there are multiple of the second base member 310, and at least two of the second base members 310 are coupled to both the left side and the right side of the first base member 305.
The combs 315 are disposed on the inner surface of the first base member 305. The combs 315 are coupled to the inner surface of the first base member 305. In
The drawstring member 320 is disposed within a sleeve of material around the outer edge of the first base member 305. The drawstring member 320 is a flexible elastic string constructed of, for example, cotton, nylon, or other suitable material and combinations thereof. When the hair extension apparatus 300 is disposed on top of the user's hair, which is configured in, for example, a pony tail or bun, the drawstring member 320 is pulled tight around the user's hair, securing the hair extension apparatus 300 to the user's head. The second base member 310 and the artificial hair coupled to the second base member 310 is wrapped around the user's hair to further secure the hair extension apparatus 300 to the user's hair.
In
In
In
As illustrated in
In certain embodiments, the first base member 405 is configured to wrap around a user's natural hair with the first rubber strip member 415 of the first base member 405 being in contact with the user's natural hair. In certain embodiments, the second base member 410 is configured to wrap around the first base member 405 with the second rubber strip member 420 of the second base member 410 being in contact with the artificial hair coupled to the first base member 405.
In certain embodiments, the first rubber strip member 415 extends across the width of the first base member 405 up to substantially each of the first side edges of the first base member 405 and less than the entire height of the first base member 405.
In certain embodiments, the first rubber strip member 415 extends across the first base member 405 a distance less than the entire width.
In certain embodiments, the second rubber strip member 420 extends across the width of the second base member 410 up to substantially each of the second side edges of the second base member and less than the height of the second base member 410.
In certain embodiments, the second rubber strip member 420 extends across the second base member 410 a distance less than the entire width.
In certain embodiments, the first rubber strip member 415 comprises multiple first rubber strip members, and at least two of the first rubber strip members comprise a space therebetween.
In certain embodiments, the first rubber strip member 415 is configured in a shape substantially corresponding to the shape of the first base member 405. In certain embodiments, the second rubber strip member 420 is configured in a shape substantially corresponding to the shape of the second base member 410.
In certain embodiments, the first filament section 515 and the second filament section 520 are coupled to the first base member 505 and the second base member 510, respectively, in different directions. For example, the first filament section 515 is coupled to the first base member 505 in a parallel orientation and the second filament section 520 is coupled to the second base member 510 in a perpendicular orientation. For example, the first filament section 515 is coupled to the first base member 505 in a perpendicular orientation and the second filament section 520 is coupled to the second base member 510 in a parallel orientation. For example, the first filament section 515 is coupled to the first base member 505 in a diagonal orientation and the second filament section 520 is coupled to the second base member 510 in a parallel orientation. For example, the first filament section 515 is coupled to the first base member 505 in a parallel orientation and the second filament section 520 is coupled to the second base member 510 in a diagonal orientation. For example, the first filament section 515 is coupled to the first base member 505 in a perpendicular orientation and the second filament section 520 is coupled to the second base member 510 in a diagonal orientation. For example, the first filament section 515 is coupled to the first base member 505 in a diagonal orientation and the second filament section 520 is coupled to the second base member 510 in a perpendicular orientation.
In certain embodiments, the first base member 705 is configured in a conical shape. When the first base member 705 is configured in a conical shape, the opening of the first front edge 706 has a greater circumference than the opening of the first rear edge 707, or, the opening of the first front edge 706 has a circumference smaller than the opening of the first rear edge 707.
In certain embodiments, a first artificial hair section 717 is coupled to the first top surface 709A of the first base member 705. It is noted that in certain embodiments, the first artificial hair section 717 can be constructed of various materials, including human hair, animal hair and synthetic hair, and combinations thereof. The first artificial hair section 717 can be curly, straight, or other suitable texture.
In certain embodiments, a second artificial hair section 718 is coupled to the second top surface 710A of the second base member 710. It is noted that in certain embodiments, the second artificial hair section 718 can be constructed of various materials, including human hair, animal hair and synthetic hair, and combinations thereof. The second artificial hair section 718 can be curly, straight, or other suitable texture.
In certain embodiments, the first artificial hair section 717 and second artificial hair section 718 include individual strands of artificial hair coupled to a filament with the filament being coupled to the first top surface 709A of the first base member 705 and the second top surface 709B of the second base member 710, respectively. The “filament” refers to a cylindrical strip of material, e.g., string, constructed of cotton, nylon, or other suitable material, and is configured similarly as described with respect to the other embodiments. The filament is coupled to the first top surface 709A and the second top surface 709B in multiple rows. In certain embodiments, the filament is coupled to the first base member 705 and the second base member 710 in at least five rows, about five to fifteen rows, or about 10 rows, though the number of rows is not limited and can be adjusted according to individual needs and applications. The filament may be coupled to the first base member 705 and the second base member 710 in multiple separate rows in which the filament includes multiple separate sections of material.
In certain embodiments, there is sufficient artificial hair in the first artificial hair section 716 to cover the entire surface of the first base member 705. In certain embodiments, there is sufficient artificial hair in the second artificial hair section 717 to cover the entire surface of the second base member 710. In certain embodiments, the second artificial hair section 717 covers a portion of the second base member 710 and a portion of the second base member 710 is not covered by the second artificial hair section 717.
In certain embodiments, a third artificial hair section is coupled the second bottom surface 710B of the second base member 710.
In certain embodiments, a silicone strip is coupled to an interior of the sleeve member 715. The silicone strip creates friction between the user's hair and the sleeve member 715 of the hair extension apparatus 700, securing the hair extension apparatus 700 to the user's hair.
In certain embodiments, the holes 735 run along the entire length of the first base member 705. For example, there are at least two, four, or eight or more of the holes 735 on each side of the first base member 705. In certain embodiments, the first base member 705 is sewn together halfway and then the lace 730 and holes 735 run the remaining half of the length of the first base member 705. For example, the first base member 705 is sewn from the sleeve member 715 down half the length of the first base member 705 and the holes 735 run along the remaining half of the length of the first base member 705. Alternatively, the first base member 705 is sewn from the end opposite to the sleeve member 715 up half the length of the first base member 705 and the holes 735 run along the remaining half of the length of the first base member 705.
In certain embodiments, as illustrated in
In certain embodiments, as illustrated in
In certain embodiments, as illustrated in
In certain embodiments, a first artificial hair section 817 is coupled to the first top surface 809A of the first base member 805. It is noted that in certain embodiments, the first artificial hair section 817 can be constructed of various materials, including human hair, animal hair and synthetic hair, and combinations thereof. The first artificial hair section 817 can be curly, straight, or other suitable texture.
In certain embodiments, a second artificial hair section 818 is coupled to the second top surface 810A of the second base member 810. It is noted that in certain embodiments, the second artificial hair section 818 can be constructed of various materials, including human hair, animal hair and synthetic hair, and combinations thereof. The second artificial hair section 818 can be curly, straight, or other suitable texture.
In certain embodiments, the first artificial hair section 817 and second artificial hair section 818 include individual strands of artificial hair coupled to a filament with the filament being coupled to the first top surface 809A of the first base member 805 and the second top surface 810A of the second base member 810, respectively. The “filament” refers to a cylindrical strip of material, e.g., string, constructed of cotton, nylon, or other suitable material, and is configured similarly as described with respect to the other embodiments. The filament is coupled to the first top surface 809A and the second top surface 810A in multiple rows. In certain embodiments, the filament is coupled to the first base member 805 and the second base member 810 in at least five rows, about five to fifteen rows, or about 10 rows, though the number of rows is not limited and can be adjusted according to individual needs and applications. The filament may be coupled to the first base member 805 and the second base member 810 in multiple separate rows in which the filament includes multiple separate sections of material.
In certain embodiments, there is sufficient artificial hair in the first artificial hair section 817 to cover the entire surface of the first base member 805. In certain embodiments, there is sufficient artificial hair in the second artificial hair section 818 to cover the entire surface of the second base member 810. In certain embodiments, the second artificial hair section 818 covers a portion of the second base member 810 and a portion of the second base member 810 is not covered by the second artificial hair section 818.
In certain embodiments, a third artificial hair section is coupled the second bottom surface 810B of the second base member 810.
The first base member 805 further includes a first side edge 808A and a second side edge 808B. The first side edge 808A and the second side edge 808B are not coupled together. The sleeve member 815 is coupled to the first base member 805 along the first front edge 806 on the first bottom surface 809B. The sleeve member 815 extends along the entire first front edge 806 and is adjacent to the first side edge 808A and the second side edge 808B, but does not extend around any portion of the first rear edge 807. The sleeve member 815 is constructed of silk mesh, cotton mesh, nylon mesh or other suitable material and combinations thereof. The sleeve member 815 includes a hole 816 in a surface thereof. A portion of the second base member 810 is disposed within the sleeve member 815 and extends through the hole 816. In this embodiment, the second base member 810 includes a first end 820 and a second end 825. The first end 820 of the second base member 810 is coupled to the interior of the sleeve member 815. The second end 825 of the second base member 810 is not within the sleeve member 815. The second base member 810 extends from the position where the first end 820 is coupled to the sleeve member 815, through the interior of the sleeve member 815, and out of the hole 816. In certain embodiments, the hole 816 is adjacent to the first side edge 808A. Thus, the second end 825 of the second base member 810 can be pulled by the user to tighten the sleeve member 815 around the user's ponytail, providing a tight and secure hold of the hair extension apparatus 800 to the user.
The hair extension apparatus 800 further includes a fastener member 830 coupled to the first bottom surface 809B of the first base member 805. The fastener member 830 is coupled to the first front edge 806 overlapping the first end 820 of the second base member 810. In certain embodiments, the fastener member 830 is a comb, clip, pin, or other suitable device configured to secure the hair extension apparatus 800 to the user's natural hair. In certain embodiments, the fastener member 830 is a comb that includes tines. The tines of the fastener member 830 are disposed pointing in a direction away from the second side edge 808B towards the first side edge 808A.
In certain embodiments, the first wire member 840 is disposed parallel to the second wire member 845. In certain embodiments, the first wire member 840 and the second wire member 845 are curved. In certain embodiments, the shape of the first wire member 840 is substantially identical to the shape of the first rear edge 806. In certain embodiments, the shape of the second wire member 845 is substantially identical to the shape of the first front edge 807. In certain embodiments, the shape of the first wire member 840 is substantially straight and the shape of the second wire member 845 is curved.
According to the embodiments of the invention described herein, a hair extension apparatus that is coupled to a user's natural hair is provided. As described herein, the hair extension apparatus includes various components configured to securely couple the hair extension apparatus to the user's natural hair, while also providing a desirable and fashionable appearance.
While embodiments of the invention have been shown and described with reference to certain embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and equivalents thereof.
This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 18/477,706, filed on Sep. 29, 2023, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/577,521, filed on Jan. 18, 2022, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,839,251, which is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/228,196, filed on Apr. 12, 2021, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,246,364, which is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/692,479, filed on Nov. 22, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,993,493, which is a continuation application of PCT/US2019/061234, filed on Nov. 13, 2019, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/760,289, filed on Nov. 13, 2018, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/857,945, filed on Jun. 6, 2019, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/890,330, filed on Aug. 22, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/912,176, filed on Oct. 8, 2019. The entire content of each of the above patent applications is incorporated herein by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62912176 | Oct 2019 | US | |
62890330 | Aug 2019 | US | |
62857945 | Jun 2019 | US | |
62760289 | Nov 2018 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 17228196 | Apr 2021 | US |
Child | 17577521 | US | |
Parent | 16692479 | Nov 2019 | US |
Child | 17228196 | US | |
Parent | PCT/US2019/061234 | Nov 2019 | WO |
Child | 16692479 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 18477706 | Sep 2023 | US |
Child | 18631578 | US | |
Parent | 17577521 | Jan 2022 | US |
Child | 18477706 | US |