Hair Extension

Abstract

A hair extension and a method of attaching said hair extension to scalp hair. The hair extension comprises a plurality of hair strands, each hair strand having a first end and an opposing second end, and extending from a proximal end to a distal end. A weft is coupled to the plurality of hair strands and extends substantially perpendicularly to said plurality of hair strands intermediate the first and second ends from the proximal end to the distal end of said hair strands to form a first portion between the first end and weft and a second portion between the weft and second end. The hair extension is attached to scalp hair by interweaving the first portion of a first hair extension to scalp hair beginning at the proximal end of the hair strands toward the distal end of the hair strands to forming braided section.

Description

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to hair extensions, particularly to a hair extension that is weaved into scalp hair.

BACKGROUND

Hair extensions are natural or synthetic hairs that are attached to existing scalp hair to give the appearance of hair having different characteristics such as length, thickness, volume, texture, color and style.

Hair extensions can be attached to scalp hair by means of an adhesive, clip-on, loops, or sewing. However, these existing methods have significant disadvantages.

Adhesive methods require adhesives that may cause skin irritation and require special care to prevent the extensions from detaching. Clip-on methods add additional material and weight to the extensions and do not attach as securely as other methods. Loops require additional material and manufacturing steps. In addition, loops require tools to aid in the difficult and time-consuming process of threading or crocheting scalp hair through the loops in order to secure the same.

Sewing and crocheting requires scalp hair to be braided first. The scalp hair is braided to form tracks along the scalp. The tracks may run along only a portion of the scalp or zig-zag across the entire scalp towards the top of the head.

The hair extension used in the sewing method comprises a weft at one end that is sewn into the tracks of scalp hair with a needle and string. This is a time-consuming process and the sewing places stress on the scalp hair and scalp hair roots which can cause discomfort and damage. In addition, the use of a needle creates a risk of injury.

Furthermore, hair extensions that are sewed or crocheted to braided scalp hair tend to disconnect easily and therefore the life of such hair extensions is limited.

Therefore a need exists for a hair extension that is easier and cheaper to manufacture, is light-weight, minimizes irritation, securely holds in place, and is easier and faster to attach to scalp hair.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The hair extension and method of attaching the same to scalp hair of the present invention solves the problems of the prior art and provides additional advantages.

The hair extension of the present invention comprises a plurality of hair strands, each hair strand having a first end and an opposing second end, said plurality of hair strands extending from a proximal end to a distal end; and a weft coupled to the plurality of hair strands, said weft extending substantially perpendicularly to said plurality of hair strands intermediate the first and second ends from the proximal end to the distal end of said hair strands, the weft being substantially linear; wherein the plurality of hair strands are held together by the weft along an intermediate section of the plurality of hair strands to form a first portion between the first end and intermediate section and a second portion between the intermediate section and second end; and wherein a length of the first portion is less than a length of the second portion, the lengths of the first and second portions being substantially uniform from the proximal end to the distal end.

In one aspect of the present invention, the plurality of hair strands are a material selected from a group comprising human hair, synthetic hair and a combination thereof.

In another aspect, the weft comprises threads stitched together. The weft could also be formed with an adhesive, hair strands or a combination thereof.

The present invention also provides a method of attaching at least one hair extension of the present invention to scalp hair extending from a scalp.

In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of interweaving the first portion of a first hair extension to scalp hair beginning at the proximal end of the hair strands toward the distal end of the hair strands to form a first braided section; wherein such that the first side of the second portion of the first hair extension is adjacent to the scalp. The method further comprises the step of overlapping an adjacent unweaved section of the first portion of the first hair extension above the first braided section and interweaving said first portion of the first hair extension to scalp hair toward a distal end of the hair strands to form a second braided section, wherein the second side of the second portion of the hair strands is adjacent to the scalp and positioned above the first braided section.

In another embodiment, the method comprises the step of interweaving the first portion of a first hair extension to scalp hair beginning at the proximal end of the hair strands toward the distal end of the hair strands to form a first braided section; wherein such that the first side of the second portion of the first hair extension is adjacent to the scalp. The method further comprises the step of interweaving the first portion of a second hair extension to scalp hair beginning at the proximal end of the hair strands toward the distal end of the hair strands to form a second braided section, wherein the second portion first side of the hair strands of the second hair extension is adjacent to the scalp and positioned above the first braided section.

In one aspect, at least one of the first and second braided sections includes at least two portions substantially parallel to each other and the at least two substantially parallel portions are coupled to each other by stitching.

In another aspect, the first end of the hair strands at the distal end and a free end of the scalp hair form a braided end, the braided end is coupled to one of the first and second braided sections.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of an embodiment of a hair extension of the present invention, shown as having an indeterminate length.

FIG. 2 is a rear plan view of the hair extension of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a left side view of the hair extension of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a right side view of the hair extension of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a first step of an embodiment of a method of the present invention of attaching the hair extension of the present invention to scalp hair.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a second step of the method of attaching the hair extension of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a third step of the method of attaching the hair extension of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a fourth step of the method of attaching the hair extension of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of the hair extension of the present invention after the steps of the method shown in FIGS. 5-8 are completed.

FIG. 10 is a front view of another embodiment of a hair extension of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of an embodiment of tracks formed by the method of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of another embodiment of tracks formed by the method of the present invention.

To facilitate an understanding of the invention, identical reference numerals have been used, when appropriate, to designate the same or similar elements that are common to the figures. Further, unless stated otherwise, the features shown in the figures are not drawn to scale, but are shown for illustrative purposes only.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The article “a” is intended to include one or more items, and where only one item is intended the term “one” or similar language is used. Additionally, to assist in the description of the present invention, words such as top, bottom, side, upper, lower, front, rear, inner, outer, right and left are used to describe the accompanying figures. The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, an embodiment of a hair extension 100 of the present invention is shown. In general, the hair extension 100 comprises a plurality of hair strands 102 having a first end 104 and an opposing second end 106, and extending from a proximal end 110 to a distal end 112. The hair strands 102 may be natural hair, synthetic hair or a combination thereof. The hair strands can also be of various lengths, textures, thicknesses, and colors. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a first side 118 of the hair extension 100 is a mirror-image of a second side 120 of the hair extension 100.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-4, the hair extension 100 further comprises a weft 108 between the first and second ends 104, 106 of the hair strands 102. In the exemplar embodiment, the weft 108 is stitched into the hair strands 102 using a non-irritable thread of the same color as the rest of the hair strands 102. In other embodiments, the weft 108 may comprise an adhesive, hair, or a combination of material capable of securing the hair strands 102 together. The weft 108 extends the length of the hair extension 100 from the proximal end 110 to the distal end 112 to form a curtain-like structure.

Still referring to FIGS. 1-4, in the exemplar embodiment, the weft 108 forms a first portion 114 between the weft 108 and the first end 104. The first portion 114 is substantially straight in order to facilitate braiding, which is explained in more detail below. Furthermore, the weft 108 is positioned about five inches from the first end 104 to optimize braiding with scalp hair. It is preferred that the hair strands 102 of the first portion 114 are synthetic with minimal lubricity such that it can securely hold silky scalp hair when interwoven therewith.

Again referring to FIGS. 1-4, in the exemplar embodiment, a second portion 116 is formed between the weft 108 and the second end 106. In this embodiment, the hair strands 112 of the second portion 116 are long and wavy. However, as shown in FIG. 10, in another embodiment the second portion 116 can have a curly wave. In other embodiments, the second portion 116 could have other styles. The second portion 116 can be chemically treated or heat-treated to create various permanent or semi-permanent styles. For example, the second portion 116 could be manufactured as a “Janet Yaky” style by forming the hair strands 112 and heat treating the same at 150 degrees Celsius for 60 minutes; a “Body Wave Curl” style by forming and heat treating at 170 degrees Celsius for 50 minutes; a “Soft Wave Curl” style by forming and heat treating at 180 degrees Celsius for 50 minutes; and a “Wand Curl” style by forming and heat treating at 180 degrees Celsius for 50 minutes. In addition, the end user can style the second portion 116 themselves including cutting it to the desired length.

The hair extension of the present invention provides many advantages, one of them being reduced manufacturing costs. That is, using only hair strands 102 and a weft 108 reduces manufacturing costs compared to other hair extensions with additional material.

Referring to FIGS. 5-9, an embodiment of a method of attaching the hair extension 100 of the present invention to unaltered scalp hair is shown. That is, one's hair need not be braided first (e.g., corn rowed) in order to attach the hair extension 100 of the present invention. The method comprises a first step of sectioning off a portion of existing scalp hair 112. In the exemplar embodiment, the existing scalp hair 122 at a bottom edge of the scalp is sectioned off.

Referring to FIGS. 6-8, the first portion 114 of the hair extension 100 is braided to the sectioned-off scalp hair 122 beginning at the proximal end 110 of the hair extension 100. This eliminates the time-consuming extra step of securing the hair extension 100 to the scalp hair 122 by sewing or other means. The braiding continues along the scalp to form a continuous braided hair track 124 above the weft 108.

As shown in FIGS. 6-7 and 11, in one embodiment, the track 124 starts from the scalp hair 122 at the bottom of the left side of the scalp and continues towards the back of the scalp ending at the bottom of the back of the scalp. A mirror-image second track (not shown) starts from the scalp hair 122 at the bottom of the right-most side of the scalp and continues towards the back of the scalp ending at the bottom of the back of the scalp. Additional tracks 124 are formed above the existing tracks 124 in the same manner, ending with tracks along the top of the scalp 200. In this embodiment, a separate hair extension 100 is used for each layer and the track 124 of each layer is concealed by the second portion 116 of the hair extension 100 above each track 124.

Scalp hair 122 at the top of the scalp is braided without the hair extension 100 then sewn to the two top tracks 124. This helps to conceal the wefts 108 of the top tracks 124 as well as any exposed scalp. By sewing only the top, substantial time can be saved over existing methods that require sewing the entire length of the tracks 124, less stress is placed on the hair reducing discomfort and damage, and the risk of injury from use of the needle is minimized.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, one continuous track 124 is formed on the scalp by braiding in a zig-zag pattern across the desired area. The track 124 could begin at a bottom left side of the scalp, continue toward a bottom mid-portion of the scalp, then to a bottom right side of the scalp. The track 124 would then continue above the track formed on the bottom right side of the scalp, continue above the track 124 formed at the bottom mid-portion of the scalp, then to above the track 124 formed on the bottom left side of the scalp. This process is continued until the track ends at the crown of the head 200. In this embodiment, the first and second sides 118, 120 of the hair extension 100 are exposed in alternate.

Optionally, second hair extensions with a looped top portion (not shown) can be tied to the second portion 116 of the first hair extension 100 nearest the weft 108. The second hair extensions can be used to cover any portion of the scalp or weft 108 that remain exposed.

FIG. 9 shows the completed method of attaching the hair extension 100.

Each of the first and second portions 104, 106 could be modified by the technician during installation. For example, the first portion 104 could be shortened to accommodate for shorter scalp hair. The second portion 106 could be shortened to desired length and could also be styled as desired.

As shown and described above, the hair extension of the present invention and the method for attaching the same to scalp hair saves substantial time and energy. The present invention also provides a longer lasting, more natural look for people that desire to use hair extensions.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention will be, therefore, indicated by claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A hair extension comprising: a plurality of hair strands, each hair strand having a first end and an opposing second end, said plurality of hair strands extending from a proximal end to a distal end; anda weft coupled to the plurality of hair strands, said weft extending substantially perpendicularly to said plurality of hair strands intermediate the first and second ends from the proximal end to the distal end of said hair strands, the weft being substantially linear;wherein the plurality of hair strands are held together by the weft along an intermediate section of the plurality of hair strands to form a first portion between the first end and intermediate section and a second portion between the intermediate section and second end; andwherein a length of the first portion is less than a length of the second portion, the lengths of the first and second portions being substantially uniform from the proximal end to the distal end.

2. A hair extension comprising: a plurality of hair strands, each hair strand having a first end and an opposing second end, said plurality of hair strands extending from a proximal end to a distal end; anda weft coupled to the plurality of hair strands, said weft extending substantially perpendicularly to said plurality of hair strands intermediate the first and second ends from the proximal end to the distal end of said hair strands;wherein the plurality of hair strands are held together by the weft along an intermediate section of the plurality of hair strands to form a first portion between the first end and intermediate section and a second portion between the intermediate section and second end.

3. The hair extension of claim 2, wherein said plurality of hair strands are a material selected from a group comprising human hair, synthetic hair and a combination thereof.

4. The hair extension of claim 2, wherein a length of the first portion is less than a length of the second portion.

5. The hair extension of claim 4, wherein the length of the first portion is substantially uniform along a length of the weft.

6. The hair extension of claim 4, wherein the length of the second portion is substantially uniform along a length of the weft.

7. The hair extension of claim 2, wherein said weft comprises threads stitched together.

8. The hair extension of claim 2, wherein said weft comprises an adhesive.

9. The hair extension of claim 2, wherein said weft is comprises hair strands.

10. The hair extension of claim 2, wherein said weft is substantially linear.

11. A method of attaching at least one hair extension to scalp hair extending from a scalp, the hair extension comprising: a plurality of hair strands, each hair strand having a first end and an opposing second end, said plurality of hair strands extending from a proximal end to a distal end; anda weft coupled to the plurality of hair strands, said weft extending perpendicularly to said plurality of hair strands intermediate the first and second ends from the proximal end to the distal end of said hair strands;wherein the plurality of hair strands are held together by the weft along an intermediate section of the plurality of hair strands to form a first portion between the first end and intermediate section and a second portion between the intermediate section and second end; andwherein the plurality of hair strands held together by the weft comprises a first side and an opposing second side;the method comprising the step of:interweaving the first portion of a first hair extension to scalp hair beginning at the proximal end of the hair strands toward the distal end of the hair strands to form a first braided section;wherein such that the first side of the second portion of the first hair extension is adjacent to the scalp.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of overlapping an adjacent unweaved section of the first portion of the first hair extension above the first braided section and interweaving said first portion of the first hair extension to scalp hair toward a distal end of the hair strands to form a second braided section, wherein the second side of the second portion of the hair strands is adjacent to the scalp and positioned above the first braided section.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the first braided section includes at least two portions substantially parallel to each other.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of coupling the at least two substantially parallel portions to each other.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the at least two portions are coupled together by stitching.

16. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of interweaving the first portion of a second hair extension to scalp hair beginning at the proximal end of the hair strands toward the distal end of the hair strands to form a second braided section, wherein the second portion first side of the hair strands of the second hair extension is adjacent to the scalp and positioned above the first braided section.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein at least one of the first and second braided sections includes at least two portions substantially parallel to each other.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of coupling the at least two substantially parallel portions to each other.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the at least two portions are coupled together by stitching.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein the first end of the hair strands at the distal end and a free end of the scalp hair form a braided end, the braided end coupled to first braided section.