HAIR EXTENSION

Abstract

A hair extension comprising a hair tuft having a proximal end secured together by a bonding base, the bonding base having apertures extending therethrough. A cover sheet has surface is releasably secured to a tacky surface wherein removal of the cover sheet allows securement of the tuft of hair to an individual's hair or scalp. A stitch line maintains a lateral length of the hair tuft allowing ease of bonding base replacement. The apertures allow breathability of the bonding base, wherein air inhibits moisture buildup from occurring between the base and the cover section.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to the field of hair styling and, in particular, to an improved hair extension securable to an individual.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is well known that individuals take pride in their appearance. The human head is the most prominent feature with hair commonly used to make a fashion statement. Whether for self-respect, self-identity, or professional appearance, modern individuals take pride in their hair styling.

Hair extensions are a known method of altering an individual's appearance. A hair extension consists of synthetic or real human hair used to add hair length or volume to an individual's existing head of hair. The extensions may also be used to add highlights to the hair. Hair extensions are commonly referred to as hair weaves or a weft if multiple sections are sewn together.

Unique to the use of hair extensions is the ability to quickly enhance or even change an individual's appearance. Since normal hair grows slowly, less than one inch per month, hair extensions can be used to quickly enhance their appearance if longer hair is desired. Even if an individual possesses hair of substantial length but desires thickness or overall volume, hair extensions can be used to quickly provide a desirable hairstyle result. Individuals may also have hair that grows unevenly wherein hair extensions can provide an immediate viable option to supplement the desires of the individual.

A primary problem with existing hair extensions, to which this invention is directed, is the longevity of the adhesive attachment used for securing a hair extension. The current adhesives are polymer based and applied to an impervious support material. An individual wearing the hair extension will be prone to perspiration since the attachment is with an air impervious tape. If moisture is present, the adhesive can loosen, degrade, or become contaminated. In such instances, the hair extension will need to be removed and cleaned. The moisture may come from sweat, rain, excess oils in the scalp, or certain hair conditioners, such as gel sets. Moisture simply shortens the longevity of the hair extension and essentially has a tendency to mold.

Current hair extension attached by tape can lead to tension and traction alopecia, which is hair loss caused by pulling and stress on the hair follicles. Tape applied to the scalp can irritate the scalp if moisture builds beneath the tape. Another problem with the prior art is the removal of a storage cover sheet that can overcome the adhesive bond to the substrate, in particular, a hair extension. If the storage cover pulls the bonding material from the scalp, the adhesive is weakened on any reattachment. This problem is recognized in both new and reused hair extensions.

Know prior art devices and methods for hair lengthening and thickening are known in the prior art, none of which address this problem. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,072,745 is directed to a hair extension process. U.S. Pat. No. 5,107,867 is directed to a process for extending human hair. U.S. Pat. No. 5,868,145 is directed to a hair extension and thickening process. U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,737 is directed to a method of attaching a hair weft to the hair of a wearer. German Patent DE19626107 is directed to hair extensions using a thermoplastic adhesive insert, wherein heating of the insert is performed to soften the adhesive for joining to the respective hair, the insert having the shape of a leaflet with interconnected layers with different melting points. South African Patent 93/5214 discloses a hair tuff in which the hairs are held together by anchoring their one end in a tube of meltable thermoplastic adhesive. When melted, the thermoplastic adhesive wets the ends of the hair tufts for application to human hair or the scalp before hardening. Chinese Patent CN107440203 is directed to hair extensions, and WO2009013691 discloses a device for forming tape adhesion on location. U.S. Pat. No. 5,746,232 discloses a hairpiece with a reinforced mesh base. U.S. Pat. No. 7,201,171 discloses a seamless hair extension system and method of use. U.S. Pat. No. 7,533,676 discloses do-it yourself removable/reusable non-chemical highlights and hair extensions. These techniques fail to address problems with adhesive holding, breathability of adhesive tape, and the ability to maximize the adhesive connection.

The prior patents and known commercial techniques do not suggest the present inventive combination of component elements arranged and configured as disclosed herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed is a hair extension comprising a tuft of hair having a proximal end secured to the first side of a non-hypoallergenic bonding base having at least two apertures extending therethrough to prevent moisture from building beneath the boning base.

A storage cover sheet having a surface releasably secured to the exposed portion of the bonding base. For use, the storage cover sheet is removed to expose a tacky side surface of the bonding base, allowing securement of the tuft of hair to an individual's hair or scalp, whereby the apertures allow air passage to inhibit moisture buildup around the bonding base. When a hair extension is reused, the bonding base includes a base cover sheet that is removed before placement on the hair extension to provide a fresh attachment of adhesive. The storage cover can then be removed in accordance with this invention. The critical factor of this adhesive design is the breathability of the adhesive tape upon application. Apertures are properly spaced to allow air circulation to prevent moisture degradation, as well as extend the longevity of the adhesive, which is otherwise decayed by moisture.

An objective of the invention is to provide a device that assists in providing the appearance of longer, thicker hair using an adhesive attachment technique to the skin that extends the longevity of a hair extension.

Another objective of the invention is to disclose a new and improved bonding base that is breathable so as to avoid damaging the hair during attachment and use. In these respects, the present version of the invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing, provides a device that substantially fulfills this need by extending the life of the adhesive by use of an improved storage sheet, and addressing the known moisture problem with hair attachment.

Another objective of the invention discloses the use of a storage cover sheet having a release powder, wherein the release powder provides a first coefficient of release for a tacky side surface at a rate less than a second coefficient of release for a tacky side surface applied to a hair tuft. The foil facilitates ease of removal from an adhesive bonding tape.

Still another objective of the invention is to provide self adhesive hair extensions wherein the bonding base can be replaced allowing reuse of the hair tuff.

Yet still another objective of the invention is to provide a bonding base that is breathable so as to improve the viability of the hair extension, allowing extended use of the attachment with damage to healthy hair follicles.

Another objective of the invention is to provide a self adhesive hair extension that provides the appearance of longer and thicker hair by overcoming the disadvantages of known hair enhancing and supplementing devices and techniques, such as wigs, heat treating of adhesive, weaves and braids.

Other objectives and further advantages and benefits associated with this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art: from the description, examples and claims which follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a hair tuft with a bonding base;

FIG. 2 is a front view thereof with covers removed;

FIG. 3 is a rear view thereof;

FIG. 4 is a front view of a bonding base with foldable tabs;

FIG. 5 is a front view of a bonding base with a plurality of apertures;

FIG. 6 is a front view of a 1.50″ bonding tape when used in conjunction with a stitching line;

FIG. 7 is a rear view of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a front view of a 3″ bonding tape with a stitch line; and

FIG. 9 is a rear view of FIG. 8.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific functional and structural details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representation basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

The invention discloses an improved hair extension securable to the scalp or hair of an individual to provide the appearance of thicker and longer hair. The extension is formed from natural or synthetic hair that is first attached to a bonding base, and the bonding base is releasably attached to the hair or scalp in order to provide an individual with the appearance of longer or thicker hair. The hair extension allows an individual to change the color of their hair in the form of highlights or overlays.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, set forth is a hair extension 10 which consists of a tuft of hair 12 formed from a plurality of hair strands defined by a proximal end 14 and a distal end 16. A bonding base 20 is a transparent two-sided non-allergenic tape, having a first tacky side surface 22 and a second tacky side surface 24. During assembly, the bonding base 20 is applied to the tuft of hair 12 wherein the tuft consumes the length L1 of the bonding base. A cover sheet 26 is releasably secured to the tacky first side surface 22 of the bonding base 20. In the basic embodiment, the cover sheet 26 is peeled off the bonding base 20, exposing the tacky side surface 22 for application to an individual's scalp or hair. The cover sheet 26 preferably includes a centrally disposed cut line 28 allowing ease of removal from the first side surface 22. The bonding base 20 has first 29 and second air passage apertures 30 spaced apart in a predetermined position so as to allow air to pass through the bonding base 20, allowing the scalp to remain cool and moisture to evaporate. The apertures 29, 30 are about 3 mm in diameter. In a 1.50 inch long tape, depicted by L1, a 0.25 inch height bonding tape is depicted having two apertures 29, 30. Further, the bonding base 20 is releasably secured to the hair tuft 12 wherein the hair tuft 12 can be reused by bonding base substitution.

A stitch line 31 is formed in the tuft 12 using a 5-lb. monofilament line. The stitch line 31 is juxtapositioned to the proximal end 14 of the tuft 12 to secure the tuft 12 to the bonding base 20. The monofilament line maintains the lateral length L1 of the tuft 12 by inhibiting stretching or otherwise separating from the remainder of the tuft.

The bonding base 20 and storage cover 26 are defined by two opposing side edges 32, 34, an upper edge 36 and a lower edge 38 with the cut-line 28 forming a peel edge extending from the said upper edge 36 to the lower edge 38, and centrally placed between the two opposing side edges 32, 34. The peel edge 28 facilitates storage cover sheet 26 removal from the bonding base 20 by allowing the storage cover sheet 26 removal from a central position.

The use of two-sided tape has uniformity in tackiness, but with a cover sheet 26 having a surface that is pre-treated with a release powder so as to provide a coefficient of release of the tacky second side surface 24 to be less than the coefficient of release than the tacky first side surface 22. In this manner, the storage cover sheet 26 can be easily removed from the bonding base 20 without separating the bonding base 20 from the hair tuft 12. While not required for the invention, but to allow for ease of manufacturing, the storage cover sheet 26 includes apertures which correspond with the apertures 29, 30 on the bonding base 20.

As depicted in FIG. 4, illustrated is a 1.50 inch by 0.25 inch bonding base 40 with flaps 42 and 44, the flaps can be positioned on each side with adhesive coating 46 to secure the bonding base 40 in place with a sandwich-like attachment wherein a flap can rotate over the front surface 48. In a preferred embodiment, the bonding base 40 includes folding end tabs, or flaps 42, 44, wherein the end tabs can be wrapped around hair. The same construction applies to the bonding base 40 being 1.50 inches and 3 inches in length. In the preferred embodiment, and in both the 1.50 inch construction and the 3 inch construction, a cut line 28 is centrally disposed as shown in FIG. 1, allowing for peeling of the storage cover sheet 26 from the center so as to avoid the need to locate an edge of the cover.

FIG. 5 depicts the front surface 48 of the bonding base 40 having a plurality of apertures 54. It is noted that in either the 1.50 inch construction or the 3 inch construction of the bonding base 40, the shape, size, and amount of apertures 54 is not limiting.

Referring to FIG. 6, set forth is the front part of the 1.50 inch by 0.25 inch bonding base 60, illustrating the placement of a stitched line 66 on a hair tuft 12 which would extend the length of the bonding base 60 (note that the bonding base is transparent) from a first end 50 to a second end 52, which are side flaps that can be used to lock the base in place with sandwich attachment. The stitch line 66 is formed in the tuft 12 using a 5-lb. monofilament line. The monofilament line maintains the lateral length of the tuft 12 by inhibiting stretching or otherwise separating from the remainder of the tuft 12. FIG. 7 depicts the back part 64 of the bonding base 60 and positioning of the stitch line 66.

Similarly, FIG. 8 depicts the front 62′ of the 3 inch by 0.25 inch bonding base 60′ and the positioning of stitch line 66′. FIG. 9 depicts the back 64′ of the 3 inch by 0.25 inch bonding base 60′ and positioning of the stitch line 66′. It is noted that the bonding base size depicted is for illustration only. For instance, following the teachings of this invention, a 3 inch by 0.5 inch, or 1.50 inch by 0.5 inch, is considered two additional embodiments for the bonding base.

The term “coupled” is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term “comprising” in the claims and/or the specification may mean “one,” but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more” or “at least one.” The term “about” means, in general, the stated value plus or minus 58. The use of the term “or” in the claims is used to mean “and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or the alternative are mutually exclusive, although the disclosure supports a definition that refers to only alternatives and “and/or.”

The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”) and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a method or device that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more steps or elements, possesses those one or more steps or elements, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Likewise, a step of a method or an element of a device that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more features, possesses those one or more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more features. Furthermore, a device or structure that is configured in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.

All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein.

One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary, and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A hair extension comprising: a tuft of hair formed from a plurality of individual hair strands having a proximal end and a distal end;a monofilament stitch line juxtapositioned to said proximal end of said tuft, said stitch line constructed and arranged to maintain a lateral length of the tuft by inhibiting stretching and separating;a bonding base formed of non-allergenic flexible tape having a first side surface secured to said proximal end of said tuft with adhesive, and a second side surface having a tacky adhesive;at least two air passage apertures located along the length of said bonding base;a cover sheet releasably secured to said second side surface, said cover sheet including a centrally disposed cut line for ease of cover sheet removal.whereby removal of said cover sheet exposes said second side surface of said bonding base, allowing securement of said tuft of hair to an individual's scalp or hair wherein said air passage apertures inhibit moisture buildup between the individual's scalp and said bonding base.

2. The hair extension according to claim 1 wherein said cover sheet is treated with a release powder to provide a first coefficient of release for said tacky side surface at a rate less than a second coefficient of release for said first side surface, wherein said cover sheet is removable without releasing said first side surface from the tuft of hair.

3. The hair extension according to claim 1 wherein said air passage apertures are about 3 mm in diameter.

4. The hair extension according to claim 1 wherein said bonding base is about 0.25 inch tall by 1.50 inches long with said apertures equally spaced apart thereon.

5. The hair extension according to claim 1 wherein said bonding base is about 0.25 inch tall by 3 inches long with said apertures equally spaced apart thereon.

6. The hair extension according to claim 1 wherein said cover sheet includes a peel edge centrally positioned along the length of the bonding base, wherein said peel edge facilitates cover sheet removal from said bonding base from a central position.

7. The hair extension according to claim 1 wherein said stitched line is about a 5 lb. test.

8. The hair extension according to claim 1 wherein bonding base is releasably secured to said hair tuft wherein said hair tuft can be reused by bonding base substitution.

9. The hair extension according to claim 1 wherein said bonding base includes folding ends tabs wherein said end tabs can be wrapped around hair.