HAIR TOOL APPARATUSES AND METHODS

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to hair tool apparatuses for hair and specifically hair tool apparatuses for connecting hair extensions to a person.

BACKGROUND

Hair extensions are strands of supplemental hair added to the hair of a person to increase the volume, the length, and/or the beauty of the hair. The hair extensions can be made of human hair, animal hair, or artificial hair. Hair stylists can connect the hair extensions to the person, and hair stylists can remove the hair extensions once their usefulness has concluded.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In certain examples, a hair tool apparatus for facilitating coupling a bead to hair of a person includes a body with a first body end and a second body end, a first tool coupled to the first body end, the first tool configured to hold the bead thereon and having a loop configured to receive the hair there through such that the bead can be coupled to the hair, and a second tool coupled to the second body end, the second tool configured to engage the hair and facilitate partitioning the hair from the person.

In independent aspects, a body, the first tool, and the second tool extend along an axis. In independent aspects, the first tool includes a loop and a head to which the loop is coupled and the head is coupled to the first body end. In independent aspects, the loop is formed of a wire. In independent aspects, the body defines a slot and the first tool includes a pin that is received into the slot to thereby removably couple the first tool to the body. In independent aspects, the slot is J-shaped. In independent aspects, the first tool has a head from which the pin extends and the body defines a bore in which the head is received. In independent aspects, a locking device locks the pin in the slot to thereby couple the first tool to the body. In independent aspects, the locking device is a spring. In independent aspects, the locking device is a spring plunger. In independent aspects, the slot includes a first slot end through which the pin passes and a second slot end in which the pin is located when the first tool is coupled to the body. In independent aspects, a locking device biases the pin a first axial direction out through the first slot end such that the first tool is decoupled from the body or to the second slot end such that the first tool is coupled to the body. In independent aspects, the first tool is removably coupled to the body. In independent aspects, the second tool is removably coupled to the body. In independent aspects, the second tool includes a rod and a tip.

In certain examples, a hair tool apparatus for facilitating connecting a bead to hair of a person a body with a first body end and a second body end, a first tool coupled to the first body end, the first tool having a loop and a head to which the loop is coupled, the loop configured to hold the bead thereon and to receive the hair there through such that the bead can be coupled to the hair and the head is removably coupled to the first body end and a second tool coupled to the second body end, the second tool configured to engage the hair and facilitate partitioning the hair from the person.

In independent aspects, the body, the first tool, and the second tool extend along an axis. In independent aspects, the first tool includes a pin that radially extends from the head and the body defines a slot in which the pin is received to thereby removably couple the first tool to the body. In independent aspects, a locking device locks the pin in the slot to thereby couple the first tool to the body. In independent aspects, the slot includes a first slot end through which the pin passes and a second slot end in which the pin is located when the first tool is coupled to the body, the first tool is rotated about an axis to thereby move the pin into and between the first slot end and the second slot end, and the locking device biases the pin a first axial direction out through the first slot end such that the first tool is decoupled from the body or to the second slot end such that the first tool is coupled to the body.

In certain examples, a method for coupling a bead and a weft hair extension to hair of a person includes separating the hair into at least two hair sections with a seam therebetween, partitioning a portion of hair, with a hair tool apparatus, from one of the at least two hair section, holding the portion of the hair and re-orientate the hair tool apparatus, threading the portion of the hair through the hair tool apparatus, coupling the bead to the portion of the hair by sliding the bead off the hair tool apparatus, clamping, using a second apparatus, the bead onto the portion of the hair, securing a weft hair extension to the bead, and draping the other of hair sections over the bead.

Various other features, objects, and advantages will be made apparent from the following description taken together with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is described with reference to the following Figures. The same numbers are used throughout the Figures to reference like features and like components.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example hair tool apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example body and an example second tool of the hair tool apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view within line 3-3 on FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along line 4-4 on FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example first tool according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view within line 6-6 on FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view along line 7-7 on FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view along line 8-8 on FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another example hair tool apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a body of the example hair tool apparatus depicted in FIG. 9.

FIGS. 11-15 are schematic views of an operational sequence for utilizing an example hair tool apparatus according to the present disclosure to connect a weft hair extension to hair of a person.

FIG. 16 is an example method according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hair extensions are often connected to the hair of the person for cosmetic reasons, and there are several conventional methods for connecting hair extensions to the hair of a person. For example, conventional hair extensions can include adhesive pads that connect to the hair of the person. In another example, conventional hair extensions include a clip that is connected to the hair of the person. In another example, conventional hair extensions can include resin.

Another way to connect conventional hair extensions to the person is by connecting a conventional weft hair extension to the hair of the person. In certain conventional methods of connecting a weft hair extension to the person, multiple tools are repeatably used to perform specific steps of the connection method. However, using multiple tools during the connection method is time-consuming and requires the hair stylist to pick up and put down different tools numerous times. As such, the conventional methods for connecting wefts to the hair of the person is time-consuming. Example conventional tools and methods of connecting weft hair extensions to the hair of a person are described in U.S. Patent Publication Application No. 2021/0227910, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The present inventors recognized that the conventional methods for connecting conventional weft hair extension to the hair of the person can be time-consuming and that minimizing the time needed to connect the weft hair extension to a person increases client satisfaction and/or allows the hair stylist to book additional clients. As such, the present inventors endeavored to develop the new hair tool apparatuses and methods of the present disclosure for connecting the weft hair extensions to the person.

FIG. 1 depicts an example hair tool apparatus 10 according to the present disclosure. The hair tool apparatus 10 generally includes a body 11, a first tool 41, and a second tool 61. These components are described in greater detail herein below.

FIGS. 2-4 depict the body 11, and the body 11 is configured to be engaged and/or grasped by the hair stylist. The body 11 has a first body end 13 and an opposite second body end 14. The body 11 extends along an axis 12 (depicted in dashed lines) between the body ends 13, 14. The body 11 can be formed of any suitable material such as plastic, metal, and/or the like. The shape of the body 11 can vary, and in the example depicted in FIG. 1, the body 10 has a first body section 21 that has a generally cylindrical shape and a second body section 22 that tapers radially inwardly in a direction toward the second body end 14. In other examples, the body 11 is tapered radially inwardly from the first body end 13 to the second body end 14. An exterior surface 15 of the body 11 can include one more engagement texture elements (e.g., bumps, dots) and/or grooves (e.g., axial extending grooves, radially extending grooves) thereon that increase the hair stylists ability to grip and maneuver the hair tool apparatus 10.

In certain examples, the body 11 includes a pivot joint (not depicted) located between the body ends 13, 14 that is configured to permit certain sections of the body 11 to pivot relative to each other (e.g., the body 11 can be moves so that sections angled relative to each other and the body 11 is angled or ‘bent’) and therefore accommodate preferences and/or hand comfort of the hair stylist. For instance, the pivot joint is a hinge between two sections of the body 11 each having the same length and the hinge permits an angle (e.g., 45.0 degrees) to be defined between the sections. The hinge allows the user to change the shape of the body to better fit into their hand and/or increase ease of use.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 3-4, the body 11 defines a bore 30 that extends along the axis 12 from the first body end 13 toward the second body end 14. The bore 36 has an open first bore end 37 and at least partially closed second bore end 38. The body 11 has a first surface 24 that surrounds the bore 30 and a second surface 25 that radially inwardly extends. The bore 30 is configured to receive at least a portion of the first tool 41. A pair of slots 26 are recessed into the first surface 24, and the slots 26 are for receiving a portion of the first tool 41 to thereby selectively couple the first tool 41 to the body 11. Each slot 26 includes an open first slot end 27 and a closed second slot end 28. The shape of the slot 26 can vary, and in the example depicted in FIG. 6, the slot 26 is J-shaped. The slot 26 is defined by a plurality of body surfaces 29′, 29″, 29′″ (described further herein).

The bore 30 also receives a locking device 55 (schematically depicted in dashed lines in FIG. 4) therein, and the locking device 55 is located at the second bore end 38. The locking device 55 is for applying a force to the first tool 41 to thereby lock the first tool to the body 11 (described further herein). The locking device 55 can be any suitable device capable of applying a force in a first axial direction (arrow A) to the first tool 41. In certain examples, the locking device 55 is a spring plunger (e.g., manufactured by JWWINCO model #GN 614.4-4-NI, a spring, press-fit spring plunger, or the like).

In certain examples, the body 11 defines a drain bore 34 that extends between the bore 32 and a drain hole 35. The drain bore 34 allows for the passage of water and/or air out of the bore 30.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-6, an example first tool 41 is depicted in greater detail. The first tool 41 is removably coupled to the body 11 at the first body end 13. The first tool 41 has a loop 42 that defines an opening 43 through which strands of hair can be inserted and extend therethrough (described further herein). The loop 42 can be formed of any suitable material (e.g. metal, silicone, rubber, plastic), and in certain examples, the loop 42 is flexible such that the shape of changed as the hair stylist uses the hair tool apparatus 10. The loop 42 also permits one or more beads to be placed thereon and held by the first tool 41. In certain examples, the loop 42 is a wire with its ends coupled to a head 44 (described further herein). The loop 42 is also configured to hold one or more beads 50 (FIG. 5) thereon. The beads 50 are received onto the first tool 41 by sliding the loop 42 through the hole in the bead 50. The beads 50 can be stored near the head 44, and when the hair stylist wishes to connect a bead 50 to the hair 51 the hair stylist slides the bead away from the head 44 and off the loop 42 such that the hair 51 extends through the hole in the bead 50.

The first tool 41 includes a head 44 that is coupled to the loop 42. The head 44 is removably received into the bore 30 of the body 11. The head 44 includes a first head end 45 that is coupled to the loop 42 and a second head end 46 that is received into the bore 30. The shape of the first head end 45 can vary, and in the example depicted in FIG. 6, the head 44 includes one or more radially extending legs 47 that are configured to be adjacent to and/or abut the first body end 13 when the first tool 41 is coupled to the body 11. The shape of the second head end 46 can vary, and in the example depicted in FIG. 6, the second head end 46 is generally cylindrical. One or more pins 48 extend radially outward from a head surface 49.

Referring now to FIG. 7, an example operational sequence for coupling the first tool 41 to the body 11 is schematically depicted and described herein below. With the first tool 41 disconnected from the body 11, the hair stylist aligns the second head end 46 with the bore 30 and the pin(s) 48 with the slot(s) 26 (see first position 301 of the pin 48). Note that one pin 48 is schematically depicted in dashed lines in several positions 301-304 described herein. The hair stylist then moves the second head end 46 into the bore 30 in the second axial direction (arrow B) such that the pin 48 slides into the slot 26 via the first slot end 31 (see second position 302 of the pin 48). As the hair stylist moves the second head end 46 into the bore 30, the second head end 46 engages and/or depresses (e.g., pushes against or moves) the locking device 55 in the second axial direction (arrow B). The hair stylist then rotates the first tool 41 about the axis 12 (see arrow C), such that the pin 48 is rotates around the axis 12 and through the slot 26 toward the second slot end 28 (see third position 303 of the pin 48). The pin 48 is moved into engagement and/or contact a first body surface 29′, and the hair stylist releases the first tool 41. As such, the locking device 55 applies forces to the second head end 46 to move the first tool 41 in the first axial direction and the pin 48 in the first axial direction and/or into the second slot end 28 (see fourth position 304 of the pin 48). The pin 48 engages and/or abuts a second body surface 29″ and the force applied by the locking device 55, and/or in conjunction with the shape of the slot 26, prevents inadvertent movement of the second head end 46 and the pin 48 (see also FIG. 8). Accordingly, the first tool 41 is secured to the body 11.

To remove and/or replace the first tool 41 from the body 11, the hair stylist moves the head 44 in the first axial direction (arrow A) to depress the locking device 55 and then rotates the head 44 in the second direction (arrow D) about the axis 12. The pin 48 engages and/or contacts a third body surface 29′″ preventing further rotation of the head 44. The locking device 55 then moves the first tool 41 in the first axial direction (arrow A) and the hair stylist can remove the first tool 41 from the body 11.

The present inventors determined that it can be advantageous to decouple the first tool 41 from the body 11 to easily replace a damaged first tool 41 and/or change the size and/or type of the first tool 41. The present inventors also recognized that it would be advantageous for the hair stylist to have several first tools 41 with beads coupled thereto so that the hair stylist could apply all the beads to the hair of the person and the replace the bead-less first tool 41 with a new first tool 41 with beads pre-loaded thereon thereby reducing or minimizing downtime when working with the hair of the person.

Note that the first tool 41 can be coupled to the body 11 in any other suitable manner. For example, the first tool 41 is coupled to the first body end 13 via a screw connection (e.g., the first body end 13 has a threaded female component and the first member 31 has a threaded male component that engages the threaded female component).

In other examples, a spring-loaded coupler (not depicted) is at the first body end 13 and is configured to be operated to permit the removal and/or replacement of the first tool 41. In operation, the user axially pulls a collar in a second axial direction (arrow B) such that the first tool 41 is unlocked from the coupler and thereby the body 11. The first tool 41 is then replaced with a new first tool 41 and the hair stylist releases the collar which is moved in the first axial direction (arrow B) due to a spring contained within the coupler to lock onto the new first tool 41 and thereby couple the first tool 41 to the body 11.

Referring back to FIG. 2, the second tool 61 is coupled to the second body end 14. Note that the second tool 61 can be coupled to the second body end 14 in similar manners as is described with reference to the first tool 41 as described herein and the first tool 41 can be coupled to the first body end 13 in similar manners as is described with reference to the second tool 61. Further note, that in certain examples, the second tool 61 and the first tool 41 are similar, identical, and/or interchangeable. In the example depicted in FIG. 2, the second tool 61 includes a rod 62 that is configured to help portion off hair strands from the hair of the person. The shape of the second tool 61 can vary, and in one example, the rod 62 a first end 63 that couples to the second body end 14 and a second end 64 that is pointed and defines a tip 65. In certain examples, the second tool 61 has a cross-sectional area that is equal to or less than cross-sectional area of the second body end 14. In certain examples, the first end 63 of the second tool 61 is a threaded male end and the second body end 14 is a threaded female end such that the threaded ends engage each other. In certain examples, the second tool 61 is coaxial with the axis 12 and extends along the axis 12. In certain examples, the surface of the second tool 61 can be utilized for foiling during coloring services (such as highlights or lowlights) by helping the hair stylist section the hair into acceptable lengths or amounts. The surface of the second tool 61 can also be utilized for wrapping foil around the hair.

The second tool 61 has a perimeter surface 67 that includes one more texture elements (e.g., bumps, dots), grooves (e.g., axial extending grooves, radially extending grooves), and/or indicia that increase the ease in partitioning strands of hair from the person. In one example, the perimeter surface 67 includes a plurality of radially extending grooves that are equally spaced apart from each other. In another example, the perimeter surface 67 includes a plurality of radially extending indicia 68 (e.g., painted bands, grooves, textured surfaces) that are equally spaced apart from each other for precise and quick partitioning or sectioning.

Turning now to FIGS. 9-10, another example hair tool apparatus 10 according to the present disclosure is depicted. The hair tool apparatus 10 depicted in FIGS. 9-10 can include one or more features and/or components described with reference to the hair tool apparatus 10 described above and depicted with respect to FIGS. 1-8. Similarly, the example hair tool apparatus 10 described with reference to FIGS. 1-8 can include any features and/or components described herein below with reference to the hair tool apparatus 10 depicted in FIGS. 9-10. Note that components of the example hair tool apparatus 10 described with reference to FIGS. 9-10 that are similar to the components of the example hair tool apparatuses 10 described with reference to the hair tool apparatus 10 depicted in FIGS. 1-8 are denoted with the same part numbers, however, it should be understood that the use of the same part numbers for components and/or features of the present disclosure should not be construed to indicate that the similarly marked components and/or features are necessarily identical. Instead, the similarly marked components and/or features may have varying features or characteristics. For instance, the second tool 61 depicted in FIG. 9 is axially longer than the second tool 61 depicted in FIG. 1.

The first tool 41 depicted in FIG. 9 includes a loop 42 and the ends of the loop are received into bore 30 of the body 11 (the first tool 41 depicted in FIG. 9 does not include the head 44 depicted in FIG. 5). In this example, the body 11 has a plurality of fins 33 that at least partially define the bore 30, and after the ends of the loop 42 are inserted onto the bore 30, a cap 36 (FIG. 9) is coupled to the fins 33 (e.g., the cap 36 is coupled to the fins 33 via engagement of threads) and tightened such that the fins 33 radially inwardly flex to clamp onto the loop 42 and thereby secure the first tool 41 to the body 11. To remove and/or replace the first tool 41, the hair stylist removes the cap 36 such the fins 33 unclamp the loop 42 and the first tool 41 can be removed. wire to the first body end 13.

The hair tool apparatus 10 can optionally include a sleeve 16 coupled to the body 11 and/or the second tool 61. The sleeve 16 can be formed of any suitable material (e.g., plastic, rubber, foam) and is configured to increase the comfort of the hair stylist and increases the ability of the hair stylist to grip and move the hair tool apparatus 10. In one non-limiting example, the sleeve is formed of a stretchable elastic plastic material.

The hair tool apparatus 10 of the present disclosure advantageously includes component and/or features (described herein above and/or below) that allow the hair stylist to quickly and efficiently connect the weft hair extensions to the hair of the person. Note that an example method 100 for using the example hair tool apparatuses 10 of the present disclosure is described herein below. The example hair tool apparatuses 10 of the present disclosure advantageously reduces the time needed to connect the weft hair extensions to the hair of the person when compared to conventional hair tools and conventional connection methods for connecting the weft hair extensions to the hair of the person. For example, when using the hair tool apparatuses 10 of the present disclosure to connect the weft hair extensions to the hair of the person, the hair stylist needs only the hair tool apparatus 10 (e.g., a first apparatus) and one other apparatus (e.g., second apparatus) such as a clamping device (e.g., pliers). In contrast, conventional connection methods require that the hair stylist use a weaving comb, a beader, and the clamping device. The elimination of one of these separate conventional tools allows the hair stylist to move more quickly and precisely when partitioning or sectioning the hair out and adding the bead onto the hair for attaching the extensions, and does not require the hair stylist to pick up and put down additional conventional tools. The present inventors have also observed that using the hair tool apparatuses 10 of the present disclosure can reduce the time needed for attaching the weft hair extensions to the hair of the person by 50-60% when compared to conventional connection methods.

The method of connecting the weft hair extensions to the hair of a person according to the present disclosure with one of the example hair tool apparatuses 10 of the present disclosure of can vary, and one example method 100 (FIG. 16) is briefly described herein below.

The method 100 described herein below is for applying the weft hair extension using concealed beads. The beads 50 are preferably silicone locking beads. The method 100 begins with the hair stylist, at step 101, combing the hair of the person with a comb such that the hair is separated into two hair sections 201, 202 with a seam 203 (e.g., the seam 203 is generally a line of separation between the two hair sections 201, 202) therebetween. In one instance, the seam 203 is generally horizontal with the first hair section 201 temporarily folded upwardly and held from falling down with a hair clip and the second hair section 202 below the seam with the hair strands in this second hair section generally downwardly hanging (see FIG. 11).

At step 102 the hair stylist with their first hand moves an example hair tool apparatus 10 of the present disclosure (see for example the hair tool apparatus 10 depicted in FIG. 9) relative to the person to thereby partition off a small portion of hair strands 204 (e.g., 10.0 hair strands, a linear length across multiple hair strands). Generally, the hair stylist orientates the second tool 61 of the hair tool apparatus 10 in a direction toward or adjacent to the second hair section 202 and partitions off the portion of hair strands 204 from the second hair section 202. The hair stylist grips the portion of hair strands 204 with the fingers of their second hand (see FIG. 12).

Without putting down the hair tool apparatus 10, the hair stylist uses the fingers of their first hand to re-orientate the hair tool apparatus 10 such that the first tool 41 is oriented toward the portion of hair strands 204 that is being held by the second hand of the hair stylist, at step 103. The first tool 41 has one or more beads 50 thereon (see FIG. 13).

At step 104, the hair stylist uses their second hand to thread the portion of hair strands 204 through the opening 43 of the loop 42 of the first tool 41 (see FIG. 12).

The hair stylist then, at step 105, uses their second hand to slide one of the beads 50 off of the first tool 41 and onto the portion of hair strands 204. As such, the portion of hair strands 204 extends through the hole in the bead 50. (see FIG. 14)

At step 106, the hair stylist uses their first hand to put down the hair tool apparatus 10 and picks up the clamping tool 206 (FIG. 14) with their first hand. The hair stylist uses the clamping tool 206 to clamp or crush the bead 50 into firm engagement with the portion of hair strands 204. (see FIGS. 14-15). As such, the bead is secured on the hair of the person. (see FIG. 15).

The hair stylist, step 107, repeats steps 101-106, until the multiple beads are secured to multiple portions of hair strands (e.g., one bead is secured to each portion of hair strands). Optionally, the hair stylist removes the first tool 41 from the hair tool apparatus 10 when the beads 50 are attached to the hair and replaces the first tool 41 with another first tool with beads 50 ‘preloaded’ thereon. As such, the hair stylist can quickly attach more beads to the hair of the person.

At step 108, the weft hair extension is secured to the beads 50, and at step 109, the hair clip holding the first hair section 201 is removed such that the hair from the first hair section 201 covers the seam 203 and the beads 50.

In certain examples, a method for coupling a bead and a weft hair extension to hair of a person includes separating the hair in at least two hair sections with a seam therebetween, partitioning a portion of hair, with a hair tool apparatus, from one of the at least two hair section, holding the portion of the hair and re-orientate the hair tool apparatus, threading the portion of the hair through the hair tool apparatus, coupling the bead to the portion of the hair by sliding the bead off the hair tool apparatus, clamping, using a second apparatus, the bead onto the portion of the hair, securing a weft hair extension to the bead, and draping the other of hair sections over the bead.

In the present description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be inferred therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. The different apparatuses, systems, and method steps described herein may be used alone or in combination with other apparatuses, systems, and methods. It is to be expected that various equivalents, alternatives, and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope of the invention 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 languages of the claims.

HAIR TOOL APPARATUSES AND METHODS

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