Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 03111653 2021-03-04
WO 2020/014768
PCT/CA2019/000095
HAIR EXTENSION AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to hair extensions and methods for applying hair
extensions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Hair extensions are applied to natural hair for addition length, volume and
other visual
features. Hair extensions often require permanent or semi-permanent fasters
which may
require assistance to affix the hair extension to the scalp. Hair extensions
can be affixed
to the scalp using rigid devices which can be uncomfortable for the user. Hair
extensions applied using rigid devices have a tendency for the device to show
through
the hair. Fastening a hair extension to existing hair can also compromise the
integrity of
the existing hair by breaking it or pulling it out.
Hair extensions have been invented that are affixed to the user's head with a
foundation
piece (US. Pat. No. 57,328), or a rigid ring (U.S. Pat. No. 541,125). Hair
extensions
have been secured directly to an elastic band which limits the amount of hair
strands
available for the hair extension (U.S. Pat. No. 5,899,211). Other hair
extensions are
known in the form of ponytail hair extensions that are placed over the user's
existing
hair.
SUMMARY
A hair extension is provided, comprising a length of a flexible element having
a first end
and a second end; and a length of hair strands having a first strand end
affixable to the
flexible element and a second strand end. The first end of the flexible
element is
connectable to the second end of the flexible element to define a head
application loop.
A method is further provided of applying a hair extension to a user's head,
said hair
extension being flexible. The method comprises the steps of providing a hair
extension
comprising of a length of a flexible element having a first end and a second
end and a
I 424230-I1
CA 03111653 2021-03-04
WO 2020/014768
PCT/CA2019/000095
length of hair strands having a first strand end affixable to the flexible
element and a
second strand end wherein the first end of the flexible element is connectable
to the
second end of the flexible element to define a head application loop; dividing
hair on the
user's head, creating a part; applying the flexible fabric portion of the hair
extension to
the part; and gathering the hair the user's head over the hair extension to
style as
desired.
A method of assembling a hair extension is further still provided. The method
comprises of the steps of providing a length of hair strands having a first
strand end and
a second strand end; providing a length of a flexible element having a first
end and a
second end; affixing the strands of hair to the flexible element; and
connecting the first
end and second end of the flexible element to create a head application loop;
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A further, detailed, description of the invention, briefly described above,
will follow by
reference to the following drawings of specific embodiments of the invention.
The
drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore
not to be
considered limiting of its scope. In the drawings:
Figure 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a hair extension of the
present invention
showing a head application loop and wherein the hair strands are gathered
below the
head application loop;
Figure 2 illustrates a plan view of the hair extension of Figure 1 showing the
head
application loop;
Figure 3 illustrates a front perspective view of a further embodiment of a
hair extension
of the present invention, showing a head application loop wherein the head
application
loop is covered with a covering and hair strands are gathered below the head
application loop;
Figure 4 illustrates a rear perspective of the hair extension of Figure 3
wherein the hair
strands are gathered below the head application loop;
11424230-1 2
CA 03111653 2021-03-04
WO 2020/014768
PCT/CA2019/000095
Figure 5 illustrates a front perspective view of a further embodiment of a
hair extension
of the present invention wherein the hair strands are covered, by an adhesive
to form a
hair application loop and gathered below the head application loop;
Figure 6 illustrates a rear perspective view of one example of application of
the hair
extension by parting the natural hair and applying the hair extension to the
user's part;
Figure 7 shows a rear perspective view of application of the hair extension
where the
natural hair of the user covers at least a part of the hair extension;
Figure 8 shows a rear perspective view of application of the hair extension
where the
user's hair is gathered around the hair extension; and
Figure 9 shows a rear perspective view of application of the hair extension
where the
user's hair is gathered around the hair extension and the hair extension is
held in place.
The drawings are not necessarily to scale and in some instances proportions
may have
been exaggerated in order more clearly to depict certain features.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS
The present invention relates to hair extensions and methods for applying hair
extensions. More specifically to hair extensions that do not use fasteners
like clips or
pins or the like.
The present invention serves to create a fuller effect, so that visually the
user's hair has
greater body upon application. This enables users with thinning hair to have
the illusion
of thickness and users with short hair to have the illusion of length.
The description that follows and the embodiments described therein are
provided by
way of illustration of an example, or examples, of particular embodiments of
the
principles of various aspects of the present invention. These examples are
provided for
the purposes of explanation, and not of limitation, of those principles and of
the
invention in its various aspects.
11424110-1 3
CA 03111653 2021-03-04
WO 2020/014768
PCT/CA2019/000095
An first embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 1 which
shows a
front perspective view of the hair extension 1. The hair extension 1 comprises
a length
of a plurality of hair strands 10, having a first strand end 12 and a second
strand end 14.
The first strand ends 12 are gathered and arranged to form a head application
loop 30.
In one embodiment, the hair strands 1 are applied to a length of a flexible
element 20.
The flexible element 20 is preferably soft, more preferably a fabric, or a
cloth band,
elastic band, ribbon, braid, cord, rope, strap, leather, suede, netting,
flexible or elastic
silicone cord or string. The flexible element 20 is optionally comprised of
various fibers
or other textiles. The flexible element 20, having a first end 26 and second
end 28, is
connected to define the head application loop 30. The hair strands 10 can
optionally be
gathered 40 below the head application loop 30.
In a further embodiment, it may be that the head application loop 30, as
formed by a
flexible element 20 or otherwise, has a minimum amount of rigidity and is
formed in a
shape to fit a contour of the user's head. More particularly, the flexible
element 20 or the
.. head application loop 30 may be curved somewhat to fit a curve of a user's
head. In
such cases, the element 20 or the curvature head application loop 30 may be
customized for a particular user, or a number of different curvatures may be
more
generically made that could be selected from, based on a user's head shape.
Figure 2 illustrates the plan view of the hair extension 1 from Figure 1
without the hair
strands 10 being gathered below the head application loop 30. The hair strands
10 are
applied to the length of the flexible element 20. Strands can be sewn, woven,
adhered,
melted, patched, hooked, tied, braided, bonded, or bound to the flexible
element 20.
The quantity of hair stands 10 could be increased or decreased depending on
the
desired thickness of the hair extension 1. Fake or real hair can be used for
hair strands
10. The head application loop 30 is defined by the flexible element 20 which
is
connected 22 first end 26 to second end 28. The nature or mechanism of the
connection 22 of first end 26 can be sewn, woven, adhered, melted, patched,
hooked,
tied, braided, bonded, or bound to the second end 28 of the flexible element
20.
11424230-1 4
CA 03111653 2021-03-04
WO 2020/014768
PCT/CA2019/000095
A preferable embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 3
which shows
a front perspective view of the hair extension 1 from Figure 1 with an
optional covering.
The head application loop 30 is covered by a covering 50. The covering 50 may
be a
flexible or semi-flexible element that can be fabric, cloth, non-woven
material, leather,
suede, hide, netting, spandex, knit, flexible silicone cap, or another
textile. The covering
50 is preferably applied by sewing it to the flexible element in the desired
shape of the
head application loop 30. The covering 50 could also be woven, adhered,
melted,
patched, adhered, hooked, tied, braided, or bound to the head application loop
30.
In a further optional embodiment, the covering 50 can be configured to also
form the
flexible element 20. In such case the first strand ends 12 of the hair strands
10 can be
applied to an outer edge 52 of the covering 50. In this way, head application
loop 30
could be formed by the outer edge 52 of the covering 50 and no separate
flexible
element 20 is required.
An optional embodiment of the present invention is further illustrated in
Figure 4 which
shows a rear perspective of the hair extension 1. The hair strands 10 can
optionally be
gathered 40 below the head application loop 30.
In a further optional embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in
Figure 5, the
head application loop 30 is defined by an adhesive element 24. The adhesive
element
is preferably silicon, glue, wax, amber, resin, low density polyethylene
(LDPE) plastic,
tar, fibrous adhesive, adhesive, or a combination of any of these. In this
case, the first
strand ends 12 of the hair strands 10 are adhered together to form the
application loop
30. The hair strands 10 can optionally be gathered 40 below the head
application loop
30. The adhesive element 24 can optionally be covered by a covering 50.
A preferable method of application of the hair extension 1 is illustrated in
Figures 6 to 9
which shows a rear perspective view of a wearer's head. The head application
loop 30
is applied to user's part 60 by parting hair 70 the user's head. In applying
the head
application loop 30, no clips, weaves or other fastners are used, it is simply
rested
against the scalp. The hair extension may or may not have a covering 50.
During
application, the user can optionally hold onto the gathering 40 below the head
11424230-1 5
CA 03111653 2021-03-04
WO 2020/014768
PCT/CA2019/000095
application loop 30 to position the hair extension as desired. The flexible
element,
defining the head application loop 30, is soft and makes for a comfortable
application to
the user's head.
A user could also position the hair extension 1 by holding the hair strands
10, the
flexible or adhesive element 20, the head application loop 30, or a
combination thereof.
The hair extension 1 is portable and can be applied at any time. It is not
necessary to
have wet, damp, dry, straightened, curly, or wavy hair.
After the hair extension 1 is in place, Figure 7 illustrates a preferable
method of
application from a rear perspective view of the hair extension. The hair 70
above the
user's part 60 covers the head application loop 30 and combines with the hair
strands
10.
After the hair extension 1 is in place, and the hair above the user's hair is
gathered
around the hair extension, Figure 8 illustrates a preferable method of
application from a
rear perspective view of the hair extension. The hair 70 below the user's part
is
gathered together with the hair above the user's part to cover the head
application loop.
The hair 70 combines with the hair strands 10. The head application loop 30 is
not
visible once the hair is gathered around the hair strands.
Figure 9 illustrates a preferable method from a rear perspective view of the
hair
extension in use. The hair 70 is gathered around the hair extension so that it
combines
with the hair strands 10. The hair and hair strand are held in place
preferably with a
band 80. At this point hair 70 and hair extension 1 can be gathered into
ponytail, pigtail,
braid, plait, bun, flip, chignon, messy bun, or topknot. The hair extension 1
can be
applied at any location, high up, low down, on one side, of user's head; hair
70 would
simply be parted 60 accordingly. More than one hair extension 1 can be used
for more
than one ponytail, pigtail, braid, plait, bun, flip, chignon, messy bun, or
topknot.
The hair extension 1 can be cleaned with dry shampoo or in a washer, sink,
tub, or
basin with water, soap, cleaner, shampoo, conditioner, or a combination
thereof. If the
the hair strands 10 are comprised of real hair, the hair extension 1 can be
coloured,
treated, cut, straightened or curled.
11424230-1 6
CA 03111653 2021-03-04
WO 2020/014768
PCT/CA2019/000095
The previous descriptions of the disclosed embodiments are provided to enable
any
person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various
modifications to
those embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and
the generic
principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without
departing from
the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not
intended to be
limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope
consistent
with the claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular, such as by
use of the
article "a" or "an" is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless
specifically so
stated, but rather "one or more". All structural and functional equivalents to
the
elements of the various embodiments described throughout the disclosure that
are
known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are
intended to be
encompassed by the elements of the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein
is
intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure
is explicitly
recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the
provisions of 35
.. USC 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the
phrase
"means for" or "step for".
11424230-1 7
