HAIR EXTENSION SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME

Abstract

An interchangeable hair extension system. The system comprises: an anterior hair extension member comprising an anterior mesh base, wherein the anterior mesh base comprises an anterior inner surface, an anterior outer surface, and an anterior edge; a posterior hair extension member removably coupled to the anterior hair extension member, the posterior hair extension member comprising a posterior mesh base, wherein the posterior mesh base comprises a posterior inner surface, a posterior outer surface, and a posterior edge; artificial hair coupled to each of the anterior outer surface and to the posterior outer surface.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to artificial hair, and more particularly, to a hair extension system and methods of manufacturing the same.

2. Description of the Related Art

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.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention described herein provide an interchangeable hair extension system. The system comprises: an anterior hair extension member comprising an anterior mesh base, wherein the anterior mesh base comprises an anterior inner surface, an anterior outer surface, and an anterior edge; a posterior hair extension member removably coupled to the anterior hair extension member, the posterior hair extension member comprising a posterior mesh base, wherein the posterior mesh base comprises a posterior inner surface, a posterior outer surface, and a posterior edge; artificial hair coupled to each of the anterior outer surface and to the posterior outer surface.

According to further embodiments: an anterior distal comb member and an anterior proximal comb member are coupled to the anterior inner surface of the anterior mesh base; the anterior distal comb member and the anterior proximal comb member face opposite directions to each other; at least two anterior distal comb members, each disposed in corners of the anterior mesh base; the anterior proximal comb member is centered along the anterior edge of the anterior mesh base, and wherein the anterior proximal comb members are disposed an opposite side of the anterior edge on which the anterior distal comb members are disposed; wherein the anterior hair extension member comprises hook receiving loops and the posterior hair extension member comprises attachment hooks configured to removably couple the anterior hair extension member to the posterior hair extension member, and wherein the hook receiving loops are disposed on the anterior inner surface adjacent to the anterior proximal comb member; at least one of the hook receiving loops is disposed centered on the anterior edge of the anterior mesh base, adjacent to the anterior proximal comb member; a posterior distal comb member and a posterior proximal comb member, each coupled to the posterior inner surface; the posterior distal comb member and the posterior proximal comb member are disposed centered along the posterior edge of the posterior mesh base on opposite sides of the posterior mesh base; the anterior proximal comb member and the posterior proximal comb member are disposed in opposite directions to each other; the anterior distal comb member and the posterior proximal comb member are disposed in the same direction to each other; the posterior edge of the posterior mesh base is configured as a sleeve by folding the posterior mesh base over on itself, and wherein a drawstring extends through the sleeve; the anterior hair extension member comprises hook receiving loops and the posterior hair extension member comprises attachment hooks configured to removably couple the anterior hair extension member to the posterior hair extension member, wherein the hook receiving loops are disposed on the anterior inner surface adjacent to the anterior proximal comb member, and wherein the drawstring exits the sleeve on a side opposite to where the attachment hooks are disposed; the hook receiving loops are greater in number than the attachment hooks; the hook receiving loops are spaced at a distance from each other substantially equal to a distance that the attachment hooks are spaced from each other; the hook receiving loops are constructed of an elastic material; the attachment hooks are coupled to less than all of the hook receiving loops; the artificial hair coupled to the posterior hair extension member is styled in a bun configuration; and the anterior hair extension member comprises a supplemental hair extension member coupled to the anterior outer surface, and wherein the supplemental hair extension member is configured in a style different than the artificial hair coupled to the anterior hair extension member.

In a further embodiment of the invention described herein, a method of manufacturing the interchangeable hair extension system is provided. The method comprises: coupling the artificial hair to the anterior mesh base; coupling the hook receiving loops to the anterior mesh base; coupling the artificial hair to the posterior mesh base; and coupling the attachment hooks to the posterior mesh base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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:

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an interchangeable hair extension system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates an expanded view of an anterior hair extension member;

FIG. 3 illustrates an expanded view of a posterior hair extension member;

FIG. 4 illustrates an expanded view of the anterior hair extension member coupled to the posterior hair extension member;

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of an alternative embodiment of the posterior hair extension member;

FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom view of the posterior hair extension member, according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of the anterior hair extension member, according an alternative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

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.

It should be understood at the outset that, although exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the figures and described below, the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the exemplary implementations and techniques illustrated in the drawings and described below. Additionally, unless otherwise specifically noted, articles depicted in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

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 artificial hair may be configured in various textures, including curly, wavy, straight, etc.

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 an interchangeable hair extension system for application to a user's natural hair. The hair extension system includes an anterior hair extension member, which in certain embodiments corresponds to the user's bangs, and a posterior hair extension member, which in certain embodiments corresponds to the user's pony tail and/or bun. The anterior hair extension member includes components configured to couple the anterior hair extension member to the user's natural hair. The posterior hair extension member includes components configured to couple the posterior hair extension member to the user's natural hair. Furthermore, the anterior hair extension member and the posterior hair extension member include components configured to couple the anterior hair extension member to the posterior hair extension member. As further described herein, the hair extension system provides the user with a useful and convenient device for accessorizing their natural hair in a customizable manner.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an interchangeable hair extension system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The hair extension system 100 includes an anterior hair extension member 105 and a posterior hair extension member 110. The anterior hair extension member 105 corresponds to the front portion of the user's head, that is, bordering the user's forehead. The posterior hair extension member 110 corresponds to the top or rear portion of the user's head. The anterior hair extension member 105 is removably coupled to the posterior hair extension member 110. In certain embodiments, the anterior hair extension member 105 and the posterior hair extension member 110 are not configured to be coupled together. Both the anterior hair extension member 105 and the posterior hair extension member 110 are configured to be removably coupled to the user's natural hair.

FIG. 2 illustrates an expanded view of the anterior hair extension member 105. The anterior hair extension member 105 includes a mesh base 115, distal comb members 120, a proximal comb member 125, hook receiving loops 130, and artificial hair 132. In FIG. 2, the artificial hair 132 is illustrated as being in a side-bang style, though various other styles may be used, such as a straight bang, swooping bang, etc. In certain embodiments, the anterior hair extension member 105 does not include the hook receiving loops 130.

The mesh base 115 includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The mesh base 115 is constructed of nylon, cotton, or other suitable material and may be elastic or inelastic. The mesh base 115 is illustrated in FIG. 2 as being trapezoidal in shape, though in certain embodiments, other shapes can be utilized such as square, rectangle, triangle, circle, oval, or other suitable shape. The inner surface of the mesh base 115 contacts the user's natural hair when the anterior hair extension member 105 is worn by the user. The outer surface, which is on the opposite side of the mesh base 115 to the inner surface, faces away from the user's natural hair when the anterior hair extension member 105 is worn by the user. The artificial hair 132 is coupled to the outer surface of the mesh base 115 by sewing, crocheting, or other suitable method.

The distal comb members 120 are coupled to the inner surface of the mesh base 115, near the edge of the mesh base 115. The distal comb members 120 include tines that are configured to be inserted into the user's natural hair. The distal comb members 120 secure the anterior hair extension member 105 to the user's natural hair near the user's forehead. Although FIG. 2 illustrates two distal comb members 120, in certain embodiments, there may be one distal comb member, at least two distal comb members, at least three distal comb members, or other suitable number. The distal comb members 120 are disposed in the corners of the mesh base 115. In certain embodiments, the distal comb members 120 may be clips, fasteners, or other suitable attachment device.

The proximal comb member 125 is coupled to the inner surface of the mesh base 115, near the edge of the mesh base 115 opposite to the edge on which the distal comb members 120 are disposed. The proximal comb member 125 includes tines that are configured to be inserted into the user's natural hair. The tines of the proximal comb member 125 extend in a direction opposite to the tines of the distal comb members 120. The proximal comb member 125 secures the anterior hair extension member 105 to the user's natural hair near the top of the user's head. The proximal comb member 125 is centered along the edge of the mesh base 115. In certain embodiments, there may be at least two proximal comb members, at least three proximal comb members, or other suitable number. In certain embodiments, the proximal comb members 125 may be clips, fasteners, or other suitable attachment device.

The hook receiving loops 130 are disposed on the same edge of the mesh base 115 as the proximal comb member 125. As illustrated in FIG. 2, there are three of the hoop receiving loops 130. Two of the hook receiving loops 130 are disposed in the corners of the edge of the mesh base 115 and one of the hook receiving loops 130 is disposed centered on the edge of the mesh base 115, adjacent to the proximal comb member 125. In certain embodiments, there is at least one hook receiving loop, at least two hook receiving loops, at least three hook receiving loops, or other suitable number. In certain embodiments, the hook receiving loops 130 are constructed of an elastic material, such as nylon, cotton, or other suitable material and combinations thereof.

FIG. 3 illustrates an expanded view of the posterior hair extension member 110. The posterior hair extension member 110 includes a mesh base 135, a distal comb member 140, a proximal comb member 145, a drawstring 150, attachment hooks 155, and artificial hair 160. In certain embodiments, the posterior hair extension member 110 does not include the attachment hooks 155.

The mesh base 135 includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The mesh base 135 is constructed of nylon, cotton, or other suitable material and may be elastic or inelastic. The mesh base 135 is illustrated in FIG. 3 as being circular in shape, though in certain embodiments, other shapes can be utilized such as square, rectangle, triangle, trapezoid, oval, or other suitable shape. The inner surface of the mesh base 135 contacts the user's natural hair when the posterior hair extension member 110 is worn by the user. The outer surface, which is on the opposite side of the mesh base 135 to the inner surface, faces away from the user's natural hair when the posterior hair extension member 110 is worn by the user. The artificial hair 160 is coupled to the outer surface of the mesh base 135 by sewing, crocheting, or other suitable method. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the artificial hair 160 is illustrated as being in a ponytail style, though in certain embodiments, other hair styles may be utilized.

The distal comb member 140 is coupled to the inner surface of the mesh base 135, near the edge of the mesh base 135. The distal comb member 140 includes tines that are configured to be inserted into the user's natural hair. The distal comb member 140 secures the posterior hair extension member 110 to the user's natural hair near the user's neck. Although FIG. 3 illustrates one distal comb member 140, in certain embodiments, there may be at least two distal comb members, at least three distal comb members, or other suitable number. The distal comb member 140 is disposed centered along the edge of the mesh base 135. In certain embodiments, the distal comb member 140 may be clips, fasteners, or other suitable attachment device.

The proximal comb member 145 is coupled to the inner surface of the mesh base 135, near the edge of the mesh base 135 opposite to the edge on which the distal comb member 140 is disposed. The proximal comb member 145 includes tines that are configured to be inserted into the user's natural hair. The tines of the proximal comb member 145 extend in a direction opposite to the tines of the distal comb member 140. The proximal comb member 145 secures the posterior hair extension member 110 to the user's natural hair near the top of the user's head. The proximal comb member 145 is centered along the edge of the mesh base 135 on the opposite side of the mesh base 135 to the distal comb member 140. In certain embodiments, there may be at least two proximal comb members, at least three proximal comb members, or other suitable number. In certain embodiments, the proximal comb member 145 may be clips, fasteners, or other suitable attachment device.

The drawstring 150 is threaded through the edge of the mesh base 135. That is, the edge of the mesh base 135 is configured to have a sleeve, such as by folding the mesh base 135 over on itself and stitching the sleeve closed. The drawstring 150 is made of an elastic material. The drawstring 150 is slidably held within the sleeve of the mesh base 135. The drawstring 150 includes a clip (not shown) that holds the drawstring 150 tight, thus tightening the edge of the mesh base 135, and securing the posterior hair extension member 110 to the user's head and/or around the user's natural hair when it is in, for example, a bun configuration.

FIG. 4 illustrates an expanded view of the anterior hair extension member 105 coupled to the posterior hair extension member 110. The hook receiving loops 130 receive the attachment hooks 155, removably coupling the anterior hair extension member 105 to the posterior hair extension member 110. The attachments hooks 155 are illustrated in FIG. 4 as being S-hooks, thought in certain embodiments, other suitable hooks can be used. In certain embodiments, various other methods of coupling the anterior hair extension member 105 to the posterior hair extension member 110 can be used, such as fasteners, Velcro, clips, etc.

In certain embodiments, there may be a greater number of the hook receiving loops 130 than the attachment hooks 155. For example, there may be five of the hook receiving loops and three of the attachment hooks 155. Thus, the posterior hair extension member 110 can be coupled to the anterior hair extension member 105 in an offset configuration, such that the posterior hair extension member 110 is disposed on the side of the user's head as opposed to the center of the user's head.

Additionally, the hook receiving loops 130 are spaced at a distance from each other substantially equal to a distance that the attachment hooks 155 are spaced from each other. Thus, the posterior hair extension member 110 may be coupled to the anterior hair extension member 105 in various different offset configurations and the hook receiving loops 130 will line up with the attachment hooks 155. The elasticity of the hook receiving loops 130 also allows the hook receiving loops 130 to stretch to reach the attachment hooks 155. In certain embodiments, all of the attachment hooks 155 will be coupled to one of the hook receiving loops 130, which is less than the total number of all of the hook receiving loops 155 and thus, not all of the hook receiving loops 155 will be in use.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of an alternative embodiment of the posterior hair extension member 110. The artificial hair 160 is styled in a bun. The bun can vary in style and size.

FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom view of the posterior hair extension member 110 according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5. In this embodiment, the posterior hair extension member 110 includes mesh 165 and drawstring 170. It is noted that the bun embodiment of the posterior hair extension member 110 can be configured with or without the mesh 165.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of the anterior hair extension member 105 according an embodiment. The anterior hair extension member 105includes a supplemental hair extension 175. The supplemental hair extension 175 is sewn to the outer surface of the mesh base 115. The supplemental hair extension 175 is configured in a different style than the artificial hair 132. In certain embodiments, the supplemental hair extension 175 is a braid, a dread lock, or other suitable style.

As described herein, embodiments of the invention provide an interchangeable hair extension system for application to a user's natural hair. The hair extension system includes an anterior hair extension member and a posterior hair extension member. The hair extension system provides the user with a useful and convenient device for accessorizing their natural hair in a customizable manner.

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.

Claims

1. An interchangeable hair extension system, the system comprising: an anterior hair extension member comprising an anterior mesh base, wherein the anterior mesh base comprises an anterior inner surface, an anterior outer surface, and an anterior edge;a posterior hair extension member removably coupled to the anterior hair extension member, the posterior hair extension member comprising a posterior mesh base, wherein the posterior mesh base comprises a posterior inner surface, a posterior outer surface, and a posterior edge;artificial hair coupled to each of the anterior outer surface and to the posterior outer surface.

2. The interchangeable hair extension system according to claim 1, further comprising an anterior distal comb member and an anterior proximal comb member coupled to the anterior inner surface of the anterior mesh base.

3. The interchangeable hair extension system according to claim 2, wherein the anterior distal comb member and the anterior proximal comb member face opposite directions to each other.

4. The interchangeable hair extension system according to claim 3, further comprising at least two anterior distal comb members, each disposed in corners of the anterior mesh base.

5. The interchangeable hair extension system according to claim 3, wherein the anterior proximal comb member is centered along the anterior edge of the anterior mesh base, and wherein the anterior proximal comb members are disposed an opposite side of the anterior edge on which the anterior distal comb members are disposed.

6. The interchangeable hair extension system according to claim 2, wherein the anterior hair extension member comprises hook receiving loops and the posterior hair extension member comprises attachment hooks configured to removably couple the anterior hair extension member to the posterior hair extension member, and wherein the hook receiving loops are disposed on the anterior inner surface adjacent to the anterior proximal comb member.

7. The interchangeable hair extension system according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the hook receiving loops is disposed centered on the anterior edge of the anterior mesh base, adjacent to the anterior proximal comb member.

8. The interchangeable hair extension system according to claim 2, further comprising a posterior distal comb member and a posterior proximal comb member, each coupled to the posterior inner surface.

9. The interchangeable hair extension system according to claim 8, wherein the posterior distal comb member and the posterior proximal comb member are disposed centered along the posterior edge of the posterior mesh base on opposite sides of the posterior mesh base.

10. The interchangeable hair extension system according to claim 8, wherein the anterior proximal comb member and the posterior proximal comb member are disposed in opposite directions to each other.

11. The interchangeable hair extension system according to claim 10, wherein the anterior distal comb member and the posterior proximal comb member are disposed in the same direction to each other.

12. The interchangeable hair extension system according to claim 1, wherein the posterior edge of the posterior mesh base is configured as a sleeve by folding the posterior mesh base over on itself, and wherein a drawstring extends through the sleeve.

13. The interchangeable hair extension system according to claim 12, wherein the anterior hair extension member comprises hook receiving loops and the posterior hair extension member comprises attachment hooks configured to removably couple the anterior hair extension member to the posterior hair extension member, wherein the hook receiving loops are disposed on the anterior inner surface adjacent to the anterior proximal comb member, andwherein the drawstring exits the sleeve on a side opposite to where the attachment hooks are disposed.

14. The interchangeable hair extension system according to claim 6, wherein the hook receiving loops are greater in number than the attachment hooks.

15. The interchangeable hair extension system according to claim 14, wherein the hook receiving loops are spaced at a distance from each other substantially equal to a distance that the attachment hooks are spaced from each other.

16. The interchangeable hair extension system according to claim 15, wherein the hook receiving loops are constructed of an elastic material.

17. The interchangeable hair extension system according to claim 14, wherein the attachment hooks are coupled to less than all of the hook receiving loops.

18. The interchangeable hair extension system according to claim 1, wherein the artificial hair coupled to the posterior hair extension member is styled in a bun configuration.

19. The interchangeable hair extension system according to claim 1, wherein the anterior hair extension member comprises a supplemental hair extension member coupled to the anterior outer surface, and wherein the supplemental hair extension member is configured in a style different than the artificial hair coupled to the anterior hair extension member.

20. A method of manufacturing the interchangeable hair extension system according to claim 1, the method comprising: coupling the artificial hair to the anterior mesh base;coupling the hook receiving loops to the anterior mesh base;coupling the artificial hair to the posterior mesh base; andcoupling the attachment hooks to the posterior mesh base.