Patent Application
20250212983
The present invention relates generally to the field of hair styling tools and accessories. Specifically, it relates to an innovative tool designed for the efficient and gentle application of hair extensions.
The field of hair styling and hair extension application has seen continuous advancements aimed at enhancing both the efficiency and quality of hair extension installation. A predominant method involves crocheting hair inserts or extensions onto braided hair, a practice revered for its effectiveness in creating various desirable hairstyles. Traditionally, this method employs a latch rug hook tool, adapted from its original purpose, to assist in the installation of hair extensions. The tool facilitates the process of threading hair extensions through tightly braided hair, allowing for a secure attachment close to the scalp. This technique is vital for achieving styles that require a firm base for the extensions.
Despite its widespread use, the conventional method of installing hair extensions using a latch rug hook tool presents several limitations and drawbacks. The tool's design, typically large and metallic, necessitates meticulous and repetitive insertion of new hair extensions for each application. This process is time-consuming and labor-intensive, reducing the efficiency of hair stylists and extending the duration of hair styling appointments. Furthermore, the final securing of the hair extensions often requires manual tying, adding to the overall complexity and length of the procedure.
In response to these challenges, the industry has recognized the need for a more efficient and user-friendly tool for hair extension application. The existing tools, with their cumbersome design and manual operation, significantly impede the styling process. There is a growing demand for a tool that simplifies the insertion of hair extensions, reduces the time spent on each application, and minimizes the physical strain on hair stylists.
It is within this context that the present invention is provided.
Addressing the aforementioned needs, the present invention introduces a novel needle design specifically tailored for hair extension installation. This innovative needle, constructed from plastic, features a pair of narrow parallel arms with closely positioned tips and a small gap along the length, leading to a crook at the opposite end. This design allows for pre-loading of hair extensions, a significant departure from the traditional method. Stylists can prepare a number of these needles in advance, streamlining the hair styling process by eliminating the repetitive loading step during appointments. The invention addresses the need for a more streamlined, efficient, and ergonomic method of hair extension application compared to traditional techniques.
The needle's unique configuration, coupled with its plastic composition, facilitates a gentler and more efficient insertion into braided hair. Its lightweight and smooth structure ensure a faster application, overcoming the limitations of the traditional metal hook tools. The design accommodates various hair types and amounts, from small to large, including curly, straight, or braided hair. Additionally, the needle's dimensions have been meticulously calculated to optimize its functionality and ease of use.
The needle may incorporate several additional optional features. The arms of the needle may be tapered toward the tips, aiding in smoother and easier insertion into tightly braided hair. The needle's length and shape are optimized to provide a balance between ease of handling for the stylist and effective reach for various hair styling applications. It may also include a textured surface along a portion of its length, improving grip and control during use, thereby reducing the likelihood of slippage and increasing precision.
The dimensions of the needle are carefully chosen to maximize functionality. The needle's measurements are within a 5 mm range of each of the following: 68.7 mm in height, 3.47 mm in width, and 4.99 mm in length. These dimensions ensure that the needle is suited for a wide range of hair types and styling requirements. The ergonomic design of the tool, coupled with its lightweight nature, significantly reduces hand fatigue, making it an ideal choice for professional hair stylists who require a tool that can be used extensively without discomfort.
Various embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.
Common reference numerals are used throughout the figures and the detailed description to indicate like elements. One skilled in the art will readily recognize that the above figures are examples and that other architectures, modes of operation, orders of operation, and elements/functions can be provided and implemented without departing from the characteristics and features of the invention, as set forth in the claims.
The following is a detailed description of exemplary embodiments to illustrate the principles of the invention. The embodiments are provided to illustrate aspects of the invention, but the invention is not limited to any embodiment. The scope of the invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalent; it is limited only by the claims.
Numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, the invention may be practiced according to the claims without some or all of these specific details. For the purpose of clarity, technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention has not been described in detail so that the invention is not unnecessarily obscured.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.
As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
The terms “first,” “second,” and the like are used herein to describe various features or elements, but these features or elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one feature or element from another feature or element. Thus, a first feature or element discussed below could be termed a second feature or element, and similarly, a second feature or element discussed below could be termed a first feature or element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.
As used herein, the term “hair extension application tool” refers to any device or instrument specifically designed and used for the purpose of attaching hair extensions to a person's hair. This includes, but is not limited to, tools that facilitate the insertion, positioning, and securing of hair extensions into braided or otherwise styled hair.
The term “retention loop” as used in this document refers to the specific part of the needle where the parallel arms connect at one end, forming a loop-like structure. This loop is designed to temporarily hold or retain hair extensions during the application process.
Each needle comprises two main components: a first arm, labeled 102, and a second arm, labeled 104. These arms are arranged parallel to one another, maintaining a consistent gap throughout most of their length. This gap is intended for threading and holding hair extensions during the application process.
At one end of each needle, referred to as the first end 106, the two arms 102 and 104 converge. Here, the gap between them widens, forming a distinctive structure known as the retention loop 108. This retention loop 108 is designed to securely hold the hair extension in place once threaded through the gap. The widened gap at this end facilitates easy insertion and removal of hair extensions, enhancing the functionality of the needle.
On the opposite side of each needle is the second end 112. At this end, the arms 102 and 104 taper down into a pair of narrow tips, labeled 110. These tapered tips allow for smooth and precise insertion of the needle and the attached hair extension through tightly braided hair. The tapering design of the tips ensures minimal resistance and discomfort during insertion, making the application process more efficient and user-friendly.
The process of using this needle in a hair styling setting, particularly for attaching hair extensions, involves several steps. Initially, a hair stylist selects appropriate hair extensions that complement the client's natural hair and desired style. The needle is then prepared for use by threading a hair extension through the gap between its parallel arms, securing it within the retention loop. This preloading step is crucial as it allows for multiple needles to be prepared in advance, significantly streamlining the application process.
Once the client's hair is sectioned and tightly braided, forming a base for the extensions, the application process begins. The stylist, holding a preloaded needle, aligns it with the base of a braid. The needle is then used to gently pull the hair extension through the braid. The design of the needle, with its tapered arms, facilitates smooth and effortless insertion through the tightly braided hair. Once threaded through the braid, the stylist can tie the extension in place.
After the extension is correctly positioned and tied around the braid, the stylist detaches the needle from the extension by simply pulling on the second end, drawing the hair extension out of the retention loop and through the gap between the arms, leaving the extension in place around the braid.
The stylist continues this process for each braid, employing a new preloaded needle for every insertion. This method proves to be time-efficient, allowing the stylist to apply extensions to all braids in a relatively short period. The final step involves adjusting the extensions and performing any additional styling to ensure they blend seamlessly with the client's hair, achieving the desired overall look.
Following the completion of the styling process, the used needles are collected for cleaning and preparation for their next use. This involves removing any residual hair strands and sanitizing the needles, rendering them ready for reloading with new extensions for subsequent applications.
These variations exemplify how the actual profile of the needle can change while still remaining within the scope of the present application.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
The disclosed embodiments are illustrative, not restrictive. While specific configurations of the hair extension application tool have been described in a specific manner referring to the illustrated embodiments, it is understood that the present invention can be applied to a wide variety of solutions which fit within the scope and spirit of the claims. There are many alternative ways of implementing the invention.
It is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention herein described are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. Reference herein to details of the illustrated embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the claims, which themselves recite those features regarded as essential to the invention.
