HAIR EXTENSION HAVING RECONFIGURABLE HAIR STRANDS

Abstract

A hair extension includes a base and a plurality of hair strands. The base includes an inner portion and an outer portion. The inner portion of the base includes a mesh cap including a drawstring moveably coupled to the mesh cap at an outer edge of the mesh cap and a lace piece coupled to the mesh cap. The plurality of hair strands extend through the outer portion of the base. The inner portion of the base is configured to be attached to hair of a wearer, and the plurality of hair strands are configurable between a plurality of configurations.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to hair extensions, and more specifically, to a hair extension having hair strands that are reconfigurable to provide different hair styles such as a ponytail or a bun.

In typical hair extensions, especially for ponytail or bun extensions, the hair extensions come pre-styled. That is, the hair extensions are sent to wearers styled in either a bun or a ponytail configuration and cannot be changed from the pre-styled configuration. Accordingly, the hair extensions may be hard to clean and may have short shelf lives. Additionally, wearers need to have a separate hair extension type for each style they want to achieve.

Further, typical hair extension require adhesives to stick to a scalp of the wearers and/or require a full head engagement unit that wraps around the scalp of the wearer. Adhesives cause discomfort for wearers, especially as adhesives tend to pull hair and/or skin of the wearer in uncomfortable ways. The full head engagement units may also cause discomfort for the wearer. Additionally, full head engagement units cover the hair and scalp of the wearer and therefore require that the wearers' own hair be covered to hide the full head engagement unit.

Accordingly, there is a need for a hair extension that attaches to a wearer's own hair and is configurable in many different style configurations.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one aspect, a hair extension includes a base including an inner portion and an outer portion and a plurality of hair strands extending through the outer portion of the base. The inner portion of the base includes a mesh cap including a drawstring moveably coupled to the mesh cap at an outer edge of the mesh cap and a lace piece coupled to the mesh cap. The inner portion of the base is configured to be attached to hair of a wearer. The plurality of hair strands are configurable between a plurality of configurations.

In another aspect, a method of extending hair includes (i) providing a hair extension including a base including an inner portion and an outer portion, wherein the inner portion of the base includes: a mesh cap including a drawstring included within an outer edge of the mesh cap, and a lace piece coupled to the mesh cap, and a plurality of hair strands individually coupled to the outer portion of the base, (ii) securing the base of the hair extension onto hair of a wearer, and (iii) styling the plurality of hair strands into one of a plurality of configurations.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a bottom view of an example hair extension.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of a base of the hair extension.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of hair of a wearer before the hair extension is attached to the hair of the wearer.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the wearer with the hair extension attached to the hair of the wearer with a ponytail holder.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the wearer with the hair extension in a wrapped ponytail configuration.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the wearer with the hair extension in a wrapped configuration.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the hair extension including accessories.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the hair extension in a wrapped configuration.

FIG. 9 is a side schematic view of the hair extension.

FIG. 10 is a bottom schematic view of the base of the hair extension.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a process of assembling the hair extension.

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of a process of assembling the hair extension.

FIG. 13 is photo illustrating a kit including a plurality of the hair extensions.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to hair extensions, and more specifically, to a customizable hair extension for different hair styles such as a ponytail or a bun.

FIG. 1 is a rear view of a hair extension 100, and FIG. 2 is a rear view of a base 102 of hair extension 100. In this example, hair extension 100 includes base 102 and a plurality of hair strands 104. Base 102 includes an inner portion 106 and an outer portion 108. Hair strands 104 extend from inner portion 106, through base 102, and outward from outer portion 108 of base 102.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 9, and 10, in this example, inner portion 106 of base 102 includes a mesh cap 110, a fabric piece 112, and at least one comb or clip 114. In this example, base 102 include two combs 114 attached at locations opposite to each other along sides of inner portion 106 of base 102, as shown in FIG. 10. Combs 114 are arranged to engage the wearer's hair and facilitate securing hair extension 100 in position on the wearer's head. In other embodiments, mesh cap 110 includes no combs 114, or one, three, or more combs 114. In some embodiments, alternatively or additionally, hair extension 100 may be secured to the wearer's hair using pins, clips, and/or another securement device. In some embodiments, combs 114 are omitted.

Hair extension 100 includes a drawstring 116 moveably coupled to mesh cap 110 at an outer edge 118 of mesh cap 110. Specifically, in this example, mesh cap 110 includes a sleeve 120 extending along outer edge 118, and drawstring 116 is positioned in and extends through sleeve 120. Drawstring 116 extends from a first end 122 to a second end 124 and around a circumference of mesh cap 110. Ends 122 and 124 of drawstring 116 extend from mesh cap 110 such that drawstring 116 can be tightened and held in place by a fastener 126 positioned drawstring 116 positioned proximate to ends 122, 124. In this example, fastener 126 is a pushbutton lock configured to slide along ends 122 and 124 of drawstring 116 to loosen and tighten drawstring 116 relative to mesh cap 110. Specifically, when fastener 126 moves toward ends 122 and 124 of drawstring 116 and away from mesh cap 110, drawstring 116 is loosened and mesh cap 110 is expanded. When fastener 126 is moved toward mesh cap 110 and away from ends 122 and 124 of drawstring 116, drawstring 116 is tightened and mesh cap 110 is contracted. In other embodiments, fastener 126 may be any suitable fastening means that allows drawstring 116 to be loosened and tightened and mesh cap 110 to be expanded and contracted as described herein.

Each of the plurality of hair strands 104 extend from mesh cap 110. For example, to couple hair strands 104 to mesh cap 110, hair strands 104 are pulled through mesh cap 110 until a proximal end is located proximate to mesh cap 110. Hair strands 104 may be secured to mesh cap 110 by, for example, adhesives, tying proximal ends of hair strands, mechanical fasteners such as pins or clips, and/or any other attachment means. Hair strands 104 extend outward from outer portion 108 of base 102.

Once mesh cap 110 is covered with hair strands 104, hair strands 104 may be braided to form a plurality of braided hair strands 128. In some embodiments, hair strands 104 are not braided. For example, hair strands 104 may be straight or curly. In further embodiments, hair extension 100 includes a combination of braided hair strands 128, straight hair strands, curly hair strands, and/or any other suitable hair strands.

Fabric piece 112 is secured to an inside of mesh cap 110, and combs 114 are secured to fabric piece 112. Fabric piece 112 is configured to be in contact with the hair of a wearer of hair extension 100 and conceal the hair of the wearer when hair extension 100 is worn by wearer.

Fabric piece 112 may be any suitable material such as nylon, cotton, silk, lace, satin, linen. In the example, fabric piece 112 is constructed of a lace such as Swiss lace. Fabric piece 112 is open and breathable. In addition, fabric piece 112 is comfortable for the wearer. Fabric piece 112 has a width that is equal to or less than a width of mesh cap 110. In the example, fabric piece 112 is sized to cover a majority (i.e., greater than 50%) of the inner surface area of mesh cap 110. Fabric piece 112 provides the primary interface between the hair extension 100 and the wearer's hair.

Hair strands 104 extend through mesh cap 110 and, along with combs 114, give structure to base 102. Specifically, the proximal ends of the hair strands 104 are engaged with the mesh cap 110 and are closely spaced together to form a flexible cap-like structure. Combs 114 are located next to the proximal ends of hair strands and provide a rigid portion of the base 102 for securing to the wearer's hair.

In this example, hair strands 104, and therefore, braided hair strands 128, are fabricated from any suitable natural materials, synthetic materials, and/or mix of natural and synthetic materials. Synthetic materials include, for example, nylon, acrylic, polyester, plastic, and vinyl. Natural materials include, for example, silk, human hair, and animal hair. Hair strands 104 may be black, brown, blonde, red, and/or any other color. Hair strands 104 on hair extension 100 may be selected or fabricated to have any characteristic such as a color, thickness, curliness/straightness, volume, and/or length.

Hair extension 100 can be worn with hair strands 104 in a plurality of different configurations, including a ponytail configuration where each braided hair strand 128 hangs freely from outer portion 108 of base 102, shown for example in FIGS. 4 and 5. Suitably, hair strands 104 are not required to be wrapped around base 102 to give base 102 structure and allow the wearer to wear hair extension 100. Rather, the manner in which hair strands 104 extend through base 102, together with combs 114, form a structure of base 102. Further, because hair strands 104 are not wrapped around base 102, hair extension 100 is easier to clean and has an extended shelf life as compared to conventional hair extension pieces. Specifically, each braided hair strand 128 can be washed individually, and minimal product build-up and tangles/frizz happen in the washing process due to each braided hair strand 128 extending directly from base 102, as opposed to extending from other braided strands or having other braided strands necessarily at a top of the braided strands for structure.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of hair 202 of a wearer 204 before hair extension 100 (shown in FIG. 1) is attached to hair 202 of wearer 204. FIG. 4 is a side view of wearer 204 with hair extension 100 attached to hair 202 of wearer 204.

As shown in FIG. 3, hair 202 of wearer 204 is braided and secured back into a bun 206. Bun 206 is relatively small in size because wearer 204 has short hair 202. However, base 102 of hair extension 100 (both shown in FIG. 1A) is designed such that hair extension 100 can be used on any length of hair 202 that can be styled into a bun and/or another accommodating hair style. Accordingly, hair extension 100 can be used on wearers 204 with hair 202 as short as bob-length and as long as over two feet, for example.

As shown in FIG. 4, hair extension 100 is secured on bun 206 of wearer 204 and blends seamlessly with hair 202 of wearer 204, such that hair extension 100 looks like hair 202 of wearer 204. To secure hair extension 100 onto bun 206, wearer 204 brings inner portion 106 (shown in FIGS. 2, 9, and 10) of base 102 of hair extension 100 into contact with bun 206. Once hair extension 100 is in a desired position, wearer 204 tightens drawstring 116 (e.g., by pulling ends 122 and 124 of drawstring 116) such that mesh cap 110 (shown in FIGS. 2, 9, and 10) contracts to completely and securely surround bun 206 of wearer 204. When drawstring 116 is tightened around bun 206, wearer 204 slides fastener 126 (shown in FIGS. 2, 9, and 10) of drawstring 116 until fastener 126 contacts mesh cap 110 to hold mesh cap 110 in the contracted position. In some embodiments, wearer 204 can tuck drawstring 116 into base 102 once base 102 is secured in place to hide drawstring 116. In other embodiments, drawstring 116 is automatically pulled under base 102 once drawstring 116 is tied around base 102. To remove hair extension 100, wearer 204 can slide fastener 126 away from mesh cap 110 to loosen drawstring 116 and therefore expand mesh cap 110. Once mesh cap 110 is expanded, wearer 204 can easily remove hair extension 100 from bun 206.

As described above, hair extension 100 only requires mesh cap 110 and drawstring 116 to secure hair extension 100 to bun 206 of wearer 204. No additional securing means (e.g., clips, pins, elastics, etc.) are necessary to secure hair extension 100 in a desired position. Accordingly, hair extension 100 is easy to secure and comfortable to wear for wearer 204. Additionally, hair extension 100 can be easily removed when wearer 204 wishes to take hair extension 100 off because wearer 204 only must loosen drawstring 116 to release hair extension 100 from the wearer's head.

Combs 114 can provide additional securement of hair extension 100 in a desired position and prevent movement of hair extension 100. Suitably, combs 114 automatically engage with the wearer's hair when base 102 is placed on the hair and do not necessarily require adjustment by the wearer. In some embodiments, combs 114 may be omitted because mesh cap 110 and drawstring 116 fully secure hair extension 100 without combs 114.

As shown in FIG. 4, hair extension 100 is in a ponytail configuration 210. In ponytail configuration 210, each braided hair strand 128 hangs freely from outer portion 108 of base 102. Hair extension 100 blends seamlessly with hair 202 of wearer 204 in ponytail configuration 210 such that hair extension 100 provides a natural appearance of hair and blends seamlessly with hair 202 of wearer 204. Ponytail configuration 210 appears as a ponytail made of wearer's 204 own hair. A holder 211 may be arranged on the hair extension 100 at the base of the ponytail to provide a decorative appearance and/or hide an interface between the wearer's hair and hair extension 100.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, hair extension 100 is also configurable between a wrapped ponytail configuration 212 and a bun configuration 214. In wrapped ponytail configuration 212, a first portion 216 of braided hair strands 128 hang freely from outer portion 108 of base 102 (both shown in FIG. 2) of hair extension 100. Further, a second portion 218 of braided hair strands 128 are wrapped around first portion 216. Specifically, second portion 218 of braided hair strands 128 are wrapped around outer portion 108 of base 102 of hair extension 100. In bun configuration 214, braided hair strands 128 are wrapped around outer portion 108 of base 102 of hair extension 100.

To secure second portion 218 of braided hair strands 128 in wrapped ponytail configuration 212 and/or braided hair strands 128 in bun configuration 214, one or more securement means may be used. For example, wearer 204 may use clips, pins, and/or elastics to secure any braided hair strands 128 to a scalp of wearer 204 and/or to base 102 of hair extension 100. In other embodiments, braided hair strands 128 may be tucked under themselves and/or base 102 to hold braided hair strands 128 in wrapped ponytail configuration 212 and/or bun configuration 214.

Suitably, hair strands 104 of hair extension 100 may be styled in different configurations without braiding of hair strands 104. For example, any of the configurations described herein may also be formed using hair strands 104 in an unbraided configuration and provide an alternative configuration and/or appearance of hair extension 100.

FIG. 7 is a front view of hair extension 100 including accessories. Accessories may be any item or highlight that is coupled to hair extension 100. For example, accessories may include contrasting hair strands, ornaments, and charms. In this example, accessories include a contrasting hair strand 402 and a charm 404. Accessories 402 and 404 may be placed on one or more braided hair strands 128 to customize hair extension 100. In this example, accessories 402 and 404 are removably coupled to braided hair strands 128. Accordingly, accessories 402 and 404 can be added and removed as desired by wearer 204 (shown in FIG. 2A). In other embodiments, accessories 402 and 404 may be semi-permanent and/or permanent such that accessories 402 and 404 cannot be easily removed from hair extension 100. For example, permanent accessories may include one or more contrasting hair strands that extend through base 102, like hair strands 104 (shown in FIG. 1).

FIG. 8 is a front view of hair extension 100 in a second configuration, e.g., a bun configuration, 500. Referring to FIGS. 8-10, in bun configuration 500, all braided hair strands 128 are wrapped around outer portion 108 of base 102 of hair extension 100 to form a sphere shape. As seen in FIG. 8, hair extension 100 is capable of forming hair configurations, e.g., bun configuration 500, without additional components and without being secured to a wearer's hair. For example, base 102 and hair strands 104 are configured to provide a self-contained hair interface structure while still enabling hair strands 104 to move freely and be reconfigurable in different hair styles. Accordingly, hair extension 100 may be secured to and/or removed from a wearer's head in a styled configuration and hair extension 100 does not necessarily need to be restyled or reconfigured each time hair extension 100 is worn.

As described above, hair extension 100 is configured to be easily and comfortably worn by wearers with any hair length. Hair extension 100 is self-securing with mesh cap 110 and drawstring 116, and no additional securement means are necessary to secure hair extension 100 to a wearer. Further, because hair strands 104 are pulled through base 102 of hair extension 100, hair strands 104 and combs 114 give structure to base 102. Accordingly, hair extension 100 can be worn in a plurality of different configurations and is not required to be pre-styled. This additionally makes hair extension 100 easy to wash and extends the shelf life of hair extension 100. Additionally, hair extension 100 is configured to be secured to a wearer's own hair and does not require a full lace unit or adhesive that requires the wearer's hair to be covered (e.g., by a wig). Accordingly, the wearer can braid their own hair into a bun and secure hair extension 100 to the bun, and professional hair stylist assistance is not needed.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a process 1000 of assembling hair extension 100. FIG. 12 is a a flow diagram of process 1000 of assembling hair extension 100. For example, process 1000 includes providing 1002 mesh cap 110 and securing 1004 hair strands 104 to mesh cap 110. For example, hair strands 104 may be inserted into and pulled through openings in mesh cap 110 until a proximal end of hair strands 104 engages mesh cap 110. In some embodiments, hair strands 104 are braided to form braided strands 128 prior to or after securing hair strands to mesh cap 110.

Process 1000 includes forming 1006 fabric piece 112. For example, fabric piece 112 is cut from a fabric material. Alternatively, fabric piece 112 is fabricated in any suitable manner.

Also, process 1000 includes securing 1008 fabric piece 112 to mesh cap 110 to form base 102. For example, fabric piece 112 is sewn to mesh cap 110. Alternatively, fabric piece 112 is secured in position by adhesives, clips, pins, and/or any other attachment means. Optionally, process 1000 includes securing 1010 a label 130 to fabric piece 112 before, during, or after securing 1006 fabric piece to mesh cap 110. Label 130 may include information related to hair extension 100 and/or a provider of hair extension 100. For example, label 130 may include a product name, a company name, a size or other characteristic of hair extension 100, use and/or care instructions, and/or any information required by regulatory agencies.

In addition, process 1000 includes securing 1012 combs 114 to fabric piece 112 of base 102. For example, combs 114 are sewn into fabric piece 112. Alternatively, combs 114 are secured in position by adhesives, clips, pins, and/or any other attachment means.

After components are secured together, hair extension 100 may be cleaned or trimmed to provide a neat appearance and prepared for use. For example, excess fabric is removed 1014 from fabric piece 112. In some embodiments, hair extension 100 is packaged for sale and/or shipment. In addition, hair extension 100 may be prestyled in a desired configuration prior to packaging.

FIG. 13 is photo illustrating a kit including a plurality of hair extensions 100. Hair extension 100 may be identical to each other and provide replacement hair extensions and/or enable the wearer to have hair extensions 100 that are styled in different configurations. Alternatively, the hair extensions 100 may be different from each other and facilitate a person selecting a hair extension based on a desired characteristic for a hair style. For example, hair strands 104 on hair extension 100 may be selected to provide a match for and/or a contrast to at least a portion of wearer's hair. In addition, hair strands 104 may be selected to provide any suitable characteristic such as a color, thickness, curliness/straightness, volume, and/or length.

Although the embodiments and examples disclosed herein have been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments and examples are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present disclosure. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications can be made to the illustrative embodiments and examples and that other arrangements can be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Thus, it is intended that the present application cover the modifications and variations of these embodiments and their equivalents.

This written description uses examples to disclose the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A hair extension comprising: a base including an inner portion and an outer portion, wherein the inner portion of the base comprises: a mesh cap including a drawstring moveably coupled to the mesh cap at an outer edge of the mesh cap; anda lace piece coupled to the mesh cap; anda plurality of hair strands extending through the outer portion of the base,wherein the inner portion of the base is configured to be attached to hair of a wearer, and wherein the plurality of hair strands are configurable between a plurality of configurations.

2. The hair extension of claim 1 further comprising a fastener movably coupled to the drawstring of the mesh cap.

3. The hair extension of claim 2, wherein the fastener is configured to secure the inner portion of the base to the hair of the wearer.

4. The hair extension of claim 1, wherein the plurality of hair strands are braided into a plurality of braided hair strands.

5. The hair extension of claim 4, wherein the plurality of hair strands and at least one comb provide structure to the base.

6. The hair extension of claim 4, wherein the plurality of configurations include a ponytail configuration, a wrapped ponytail configuration, and a bun configuration.

7. The hair extension of claim 6, wherein in the ponytail configuration, each of the plurality of braided hair strands hangs freely from the outer portion of the base.

8. The hair extension of claim 6, wherein in the wrapped ponytail configuration, a first portion of the plurality of braided hair strands hang freely from the outer portion of the base, and a second portion of the plurality of braided hair strands are wrapped around the first portion.

9. The hair extension of claim 8, wherein in the bun configuration, each of the plurality of braided hair strands are wrapped around the outer portion of the base.

10. The hair extension of claim 9, wherein the plurality of braided hair strands that are wrapped in the wrapped ponytail and wrapped configurations are secured to a scalp of the wearer using one or more securement means, and wherein the one or more securement means include at least one of a clip, a pin, and an elastic.

11. The hair extension of claim 1, wherein the lace piece is configured to be in contact with the hair of the wearer.

12. The hair extension of claim 1, wherein the lace piece is configured to conceal the hair of the wearer when the inner portion of the base is attached to the hair of the wearer.

13. The hair extension of claim 1, wherein the base includes two combs attached to opposite sides of the inner portion of the base.

14. The hair extension of claim 1, wherein one or more accessories are attached to one or more of the plurality of hair strands, wherein the one or more accessories include contrasting hair strands, ornaments, and charms.

15. The hair extension of claim 1, wherein the plurality of hair strands are fabricated from at least one of synthetic materials and natural materials, wherein the synthetic materials include at least one of nylon, acrylic, polyester, plastic, and vinyl, and wherein the natural materials include at least one of silk, human hair, and animal hair.

16. A method of extending hair comprising: providing a hair extension including: a base including an inner portion and an outer portion, wherein the inner portion of the base comprises: a mesh cap including a drawstring included within an outer edge of the mesh cap; anda lace piece coupled to the mesh cap; anda plurality of hair strands individually coupled to the outer portion of the base;securing the base of the hair extension onto hair of a wearer; andstyling the plurality of hair strands into one of a plurality of configurations.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein securing the base of the hair extension on the hair of the wearer comprises: placing the inner portion of the base in contact with the hair of the wearer;tightening the drawstring around the hair of the wearer; andfastening the tightened drawstring in place with a fastener.

18. The method of claim 16 further comprising: braiding the plurality of hair strands into a plurality of braided hair strands.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the plurality of configurations include a ponytail configuration, a wrapped ponytail configuration, and a wrapped configuration.

20. The method of claim 19 further comprising: wrapping at least a portion of the plurality of hair strands around the outer portion of the base to configure the plurality of hair strands into at least one of the wrapped ponytail configuration and the wrapped configuration.