US20030154994A1

US20030154994A1 - Hairpiece for hair

Info

Publication number: US20030154994A1
Application number: US10/077,733
Authority: US
Inventors: Steve Ra
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-02-19
Filing date: 2002-02-19
Publication date: 2003-08-21

Abstract

A hairpiece with retaining clip includes a retaining clip having a top edge, a lower portion, a bottom edge, a width ‘w1’ and a height ‘h1’. The lower portion is between the top edge and the bottom edge. The width ‘w1’ of the retaining clip is greater than the height ‘h1’. A first hair extension is attached to the retaining clip. The first hair extension has a first upper rim with a width ‘wr1’ and a first set of hair strands each with a first upper end. The first upper rim is attached to the retaining clip at about the top edge.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to ways of attaching a hair extension to an individual's hair. More particularly the present invention relates to ways of easily attaching a hair extension.

Hair extensions are well known in the prior art. One way of attaching the hair extensions is to glue them onto the head hair of the person. The glue tends to deteriorate in water, so shampooing the hair in the shower is typically avoided. Instead of shampoo and water, chemicals are used to clean the hair when the glued hair extensions are in place. The cleaning chemicals can be harsh on the hair and may cause damage to the person's natural hair. It is much healthier for the hair to remove the hair extensions during showering, so that shampoo and conditioners can be applied to the hair rather than chemical cleaning treatments.

Alternative attachment devices are needed for hair extensions, rather than glue. The alternative attachment device should be resistant to water and shampoo, so the attachment device can be left in the wearer's hair during showering. Additionally, the attachment devices should be easily removable from the hair prior to showering. The person needs to have flexible choices that allow a brief shower with the hair extensions in place or quick removal of the hair extensions for showering and shampooing. Swimming and other water related activities are attainable when the attachment devices do not require glue, which is so prone to deteriorating in water and does not easily detach.

Since, chemical treatments tend to be very harsh on the hair, repeated treatment of the hair with the cleaning chemicals over long periods of time can potentially cause the hair to lose softness, texture and body. The purpose of hair extensions is to enhance the wearer's appearance and self-confidence. Deteriorating the natural hair during cleaning is counter-productive to the goal of improved individual appearance.

The glue holds the hair extension piece in position for about a month. After about a month the glue loses some of its adhesive qualities and the hair extensions are prone to falling off. The hair extensions must then be re-glued onto the person's hair. Significant time can be required to continuously re-glue the hair extensions back onto the wearer's hair. The glue may weaken and the hair extensions fall off at inappropriate times. Such unplanned detachments of the hair extensions can be very embarrassing for the wearer.

There can also be significant concerns regarding glue potentially damaging the person's hair. Glue contains ingredients that are not beneficial for the hair and may be detrimental to the growth and health of the hair. Repeated applications of the hair extensions onto the hair with glue can allow the ingredients within the glue to leach into the hair and damage the hair. Residue from the ingredients within the glue may even be absorbed into the scalp of the person, which is not desirable.

As previously mentioned, chemical cleaners are used on the wearer's hair since water cannot be used on the glued hair extensions. There is an even greater health concern associated with the chemical cleaners than just the potentially harmful effects on the hair during cleaning. Small amounts of the chemical cleaners could be absorbed into the scalp by the pores of the skin, just as the ingredients in the glue may be absorbed by the scalp. If the chemical cleaners do become absorbed through the skin they could eventually migrate to the cells of the brain.

Many times in the past, products have been promoted that eventually were found to have harmful side effects. Since all the harmful effect may not be known at this time, the usage of chemical cleaners for the cleaning of hair could produce presently undisclosed side effects. Using an attachment device for hair extensions that does not require glue and the associated chemical cleaners may prevent undesirable health consequences. Additionally, products that minimize potentially harmful side effects often provide greater peace of mind for the user.

Furthermore, the manufacturing of chemicals is detrimental to the environment and affects the health of many people beyond the end user of the chemical cleaner. Eventually the chemical cleaner is flushed down the shower drain, where it travels to a water treatment plant. The drain water is treated and cleaned at the water treatment plant. Unfortunately, it is impossible to remove all the chemicals that we dump into our water system. Some of the chemicals eventually find their way into the ocean or ground water reservoirs, where the chemicals endanger the natural environment. All efforts should be employed to reduce the consumer demand for harsh chemicals that may be hazardous to the environment.

Easy attachment and detachment prompt the person to wear the hair extensions when they choose and remove the hair extensions when they wish. The traditional method of gluing the hair extension to the hair requires so much effort that the person tends to leave the hair extensions in the hair for long periods of time. The person may desire to remove the hair extensions while sleeping or during strenuous physical exercise. The time required to remove and reapply the hair extensions when glued to the hair does not justify the removal of the hair extensions for short periods of duration.

Flexibility in attaching and detaching hair extensions can contribute to a more diverse lifestyle. The personal freedom to choose when to wear hair extensions increases the self-confidence of the user. Hairstyle and length of hair, just like clothing and jewelry, accentuates the personal preferences of the user. Hair extensions that extend hair length, should be just as quickly changeable as are the person's clothes and other accessories.

Therefore, there is a need for a hair extension device that attaches to the hair without the use of glue. The device should be easily removable from the person's hair, when showering and shampooing the hair. Additionally, the device should be easily re-attachable to the person's hair after shampooing. Easy removal and attachment of the hair extensions is most beneficial for sleeping and vigorous physical activities. Furthermore, avoiding the use of glue and chemical cleaners can be beneficial to the hair, the person's health, and the environment.

SUMMARY

An objective of a hair extension piece with a retaining clip is the quick removal of the hair extension piece from the person's hair. The advantage is that the hair can be cleaned by showering and shampooing. Glued hair extensions that require chemical cleaning can be replaced with the traditional shampoo and water cleaning.

Another objective of the hair extension piece with a retaining clip is easy attachment to the person's hair. Easy removal and attachment of the hair extensions is most beneficial for sleeping and vigorous physical activities. The hair extensions can be inserted and removed with much greater freedom, since the process is quick and easy. Glued hair extensions are time consuming to apply, thus they tend to be left in the hair for many days.

Another objective is reducing the overall usage of glue and chemical cleaners. A great advantage is the improved appearance of the person's natural hair, the benefit to the person's health, and the protection of the environment. The minimizing of the manufacture and consumption of chemical cleaners is an advantage for everyone.

Another objective is avoiding the use of glue, which does not allow the hairpiece to be easily reattached. The advantage is quick reattachment if the hairpiece inadvertently detaches from the hair. Glue is not normally available and requires some drying time.

A hairpiece with retaining clip includes a retaining clip having a top edge, a lower portion, a bottom edge, a width ‘w1’ and a height ‘h1’. The lower portion is between the top edge and the bottom edge. The width ‘w1’ is greater than the height ‘h1’ of the retaining clip.

A first hair extension is attached to the retaining clip. The first hair extension has a first upper rim with a width ‘wr1’ and a first set of hair strands each with a first upper end. The first upper rim is attached to the retaining clip at about the top edge. The first upper ends are attached to the first upper rim by weaving the first upper ends into the fabric of the upper rim. The retaining clip removably attaches the hairpiece to the hair on a user's head. The hair extension if substantially flat and blends nicely with straight hair.

The retaining clip can substantially cover the first upper rim of the first hair extension such that ‘wr1’ of the first upper rim is less than the width ‘w1’ of the retaining clip.

Alternately, the width ‘wr1’ of the first upper rim is substantially greater than the width ‘w1’ of the retaining clip. A plurality of retaining clips can be used when the first upper rim is substantially wider than one retaining clip. The first upper rim is attached to each of the plurality of retaining clip at about the top edge. Each hairclip is directly adjacent to another hairclip and the top edges of the plurality of retaining clips substantially cover the first upper rim of the first hair extension.

A second hair extension and a third hair extension are added to the hairpiece to increase the fullness of the appearance of the hairstrands. The first, second and third hair extension overlap so the hairpiece is thicker. A fabric extender is added that allows the third hair extension to be attached to the extender below the bottom edge of the retaining clip.

Although the present invention is briefly summarized, a fuller understanding of the invention can be obtained from the following drawings, detailed description and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: [0023]
FIG. 1 is a front interior view of a single retaining clip with three hair extensions. [0024]
FIG. 2 is a back exterior view of two retaining clips with three hair extensions. [0025]
FIG. 3 is a side view of a single retaining clip with an extender and three hair extensions. [0026]
FIG. 4 is a back exterior perspective view of two retaining clips with three extenders. [0027]
FIG. 5 is a front interior view of three retaining clips attached to a wide upper rim for a first hair extension.[0028]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an embodiment of the hairpiece with retaining [0029] clip 10 includes a retaining clip 12 having a top edge 14, a lower portion 16, a bottom edge 18, a width ‘w1’ and a height ‘h1’. The lower portion 16 is between the top edge 14 and the bottom edge 18. The width ‘w1’ of the retaining clip 12 is greater than the height ‘h1’.
A [0030] first hair extension 20 is attached to the retaining clip 12. The first hair extension 20 has a first upper rim 22 with a width ‘wr1’ and a first set of hair strands 24 each with a first upper end 26. The first upper rim 22 is attached to the retaining clip 12 at about the top edge 14. The first upper ends 26 are attached to the first upper rim 22 by weaving the first upper ends 26 into the fabric of the first upper rim 22.
Referring particularly to FIG. 2, along with FIG. 1, a [0031] second hair extension 28 and a third hair extension 30 are added for greater bulk and thickness. Similar to the first hair extension 20, the second hair extension 28 has a second upper rim 32 with a width ‘wr2’ and a second set of hair strands 34 each with a second upper end 36. The second upper ends 36 are attached to the second upper rim 32.
The third [0032] upper rim 38 of the third hair extension 30 is attached to the retaining clip 12 at about the bottom edge 18. The third upper rim 38 with a width ‘wr3’ and a third set of a plurality of hair strands 40 each with a third upper end 42. The third upper ends 42 are attached to the third upper rim 38. Two retaining clips 12 are shown in FIG. 2.
The retaining [0033] clip 12 removably attaches the hairpiece 10 to the hair on a user's head. The hair extensions 20, 28, 30 are substantially flat and blend nicely with straight hair. The second hair extension 28 is attached to the retaining clip 12 at about the lower portion 16 and the third hair extension 30 is attached to the retaining clip 12 at about the bottom edge 18, with the retaining clip 12 substantially covering the second upper rim 32 and third upper rim 38.
The second [0034] upper rim 32 of the second hair extension 28 is attached to the retaining clip 12 at about the lower portion 16, just slightly below where the first hair extension 20 is attached. The third hair extension 30 is attached to the retaining clip 12 at about the bottom edge 18, just slightly below where the second hair extension 28 is attached. The first, second and third hair extensions 20, 28, 30 substantially overlap, so the hairpiece provides the impression of relatively long, thick and full hair. FIG. 1 is shown without prongs 48, which are illustrated in detail in FIG. 5.
Referring to FIG. 1, the retaining [0035] clip 12 can substantially cover the first upper rim 22 of the first hair extension 20 such that ‘wr1’ of the first upper rim 22 is less than the width ‘w1’ of the retaining clip 12. A single retaining clip 12 is attached along the upper rims 22, 32, 38 of the first, second and third hair extensions. The retaining clip 12 substantially covers the first, second, and third upper rims 22, 32, 38 of the hair extensions. The interior surface 44 is on the opposite side of the hair extensions 20, 28, 30. The first hair extension 20 is attached to the exterior surface 46 of the retaining clip 12 at about the top edge 14.
Alternately as shown in FIG. 2, the width ‘wr1’ of the first [0036] upper rim 22 is substantially greater than the width ‘w2 of the retaining clip 12. A plurality of retaining clips 12 can be used when the first upper rim 22 is substantially wider than one retaining clip 12. Two retaining clips 12 are shown. The first upper rim 22 is attached to each of the plurality of retaining clips 12 at about the top edge 14. Each retaining clip 12 is directly adjacent to the other retaining clip 12 and the top edges 14 of the two retaining clips 12 substantially cover the first upper rim 22 of the first hair extension 20.
Referring particularly to FIGS. 3 and 4, an [0037] extender 52 is attached to the retaining clip 12. The extender 52 provides a sewable fabric that accepts the attachment of the hair extensions 20, 28, 30. The first hair extension 20 has the first upper rim 22 and a first set of a plurality of hair strands 24 each with a first upper end 26. The first upper ends 26 are attached to the first upper rim 22. The first upper rim 22 is attached to the extender 52, with the extender 52 attached to the retaining clip 12. Each retaining clip 12 has prongs 48 with a free end 50. In FIG. 4 the prongs 48 are shown opened, ready to accept the user's hair 100. (For clarity, the hair strands 24, 34, 40 are not shown in FIG. 4.)
The [0038] second hair extension 28 and the third hair extension 30 are attached to the extender 52 to increase the fullness of the appearance of the hair strands 24, 34, 40. The first, second and third hair extension 20, 28, 30 overlap so the hairpiece is thicker. The addition of the fabric extender 52 allows the third hair extension 30 to be attached to the extender 52 below the bottom edge 18 of the retaining clip 12. The extender 52 has a height ‘H2’ and a lower edge 54. ‘H2’ of the extender 52 is greater than ‘h1’ of the retaining clip 12 such that the extender 52 travels from about the top edge 14 of the retaining clip 12 to beyond the bottom edge 18.
The [0039] second hair extension 28 has the second upper rim 32 with a width ‘wr2’ and a second set of a plurality of hair strands 34 each with a second upper end 36. The second upper ends 36 are attached to the second upper rim 32, with the second upper rim 32 attached to the extender 52. The third upper rim 38 of the third hair extension 30 is also attached to the extender 52 at about the lower edge 54 of the extender 52. The third hair extension 30 has a third upper rim 38 with a width ‘wr3’.
Referring to FIG. 4, a plurality of [0040] extenders 52 are used to connect two or more retaining clips 12 together. The extender 52 located between the two retaining clips 12 is attached to the left side 56 of one retaining clip 12 and also attached to the right side 57 of the adjacent retaining clip 12. The extenders 52 located on the outside edges of the hairpiece are each attached to just a different single retaining clip 12.
[0041] Apertures 58 are located near the sides of the retaining clips 12. Threads 60 wind through the apertures 58 to attach each extender 52 to the retaining clips 12. Threads 60 are preferable to glue, so occasional wetting of the hair 100 with water does not effect the attachment of the hair extensions 20, 28, 30 to the retaining clip 12. Glue could be deteriorated by contact with water or perspiration. Conversely, the threads 60 tend to dry without affecting the stability of the attachment.
Two retaining [0042] clips 12 are situated directly adjacent to each other, with the two top edges 14 connected to the upper rim of the first hair extension 20. Together, the two retaining clips 12 substantially cover the first upper rim 22 of the first hair extension 20, the second upper rim 32 of the second hair extension 28, and the third upper rim 38 of the third hair extension 30.
Referring to FIG. 5, which shows an [0043] interior surface 44 view of the retaining clip 12. Three retaining clips 12 are attached along the upper rim of the first hair extension 20. The retaining clips 12 are substantially a rectangular shape, with the exception that the bottom edge 18 angles slightly toward the top edge 14. Each retaining clip 12 has a left side 56 and a right side 57. The left side 56 and the bottom edge 18 form an angle ‘α’ that’ is less than about 80 degrees, so the bottom edge 18 of the retaining clip 12 angles slightly toward the top edge 14.
Each retaining [0044] clip 12 has three apertures 58 along the top edge 14. Threads 60 insert through the three apertures 58 to attach each retaining clip 12 to the first hair extension 20. The three apertures 58 have smooth grommets, which minimize inadvertent severing of the threads 60. An extender 52 is not used in this version.
A plurality of [0045] prongs 48 are attached to the interior surface 44 of the retaining clip 12 at about the top edge 14. (For clarity, the prongs 48 are shown on only the far left retaining clip 12) Each prong 48 has a free end 50. The plurality of prongs 48 rest on a rubber pad 62. The rubber pad 52 wraps around the retaining clip 12 at about the bottom edge 18.
When the hairpiece is used, the [0046] hair 100 will slide between the free end 50 of each prong and the rubber pad 52. The rubber pad 62 creates a smooth surface for the hair to rest upon, which minimizes tearing and splitting of the hairs. The first hair extension 20 (not shown) attaches on the opposite side to the exterior surface 46 of each retaining clip 12 at about the top edge 14.
The hairpiece with retaining [0047] clip 10 provides an effective way to attach hair extensions 20, 28, 30 to a user's hair 100. The retaining clip 12 allows the hairpiece 10 to be quickly removed for showering, sports or other strenuous activities. The hairpiece 10 is easily reattached when desired. Furthermore, the hairpiece 10 is resistant to deterioration from water or perspiration.
Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with regard to the preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the appended claims should not be limited to the descriptions of the preferred versions contained herein. [0048]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A hairpiece for hair comprising:

a) a retaining clip having a top edge, a lower portion, a bottom edge, a width ‘w1’ and a height ‘h1’, wherein the lower portion is between the top edge and the bottom edge, and wherein the retaining clip having the width ‘w1’ greater than the height ‘h1’; and

b) a first hair extension having a first upper rim with a width ‘wr1’ and a first set of hair strands each with a first upper end, wherein the first upper rim is attached to the retaining clip at about the top edge, and wherein the first upper ends are attached to the first upper rim;

whereby the retaining clip removably attaches the hairpiece to the hair.

2. The hairpiece of claim 1, wherein the retaining clip substantially covers the first upper rim of the first hair extension.

3. The hairpiece of claim 2, wherein the retaining clip having a left side and a right side, wherein the left side and the bottom edge form an angle ‘α’, wherein ‘α’ is less than about 80 degrees, such that the bottom edge of the retaining clip angles slightly toward the top edge.

4. The hairpiece of claim 1, wherein the width ‘wr1’ of the first upper rim is substantially greater than the width ‘w1’ of the retaining clip.

5. The hairpiece of claim 4, having a plurality of retaining clips, wherein the first upper rim is attached to each of the plurality of retaining clips at about the top edge.

6. The hairpiece of claim 5, wherein each hairclip is directly adjacent to another hairclip, wherein the top edges of the plurality of retaining clips substantially cover the first upper rim of the first hair extension.

7. A hairpiece for hair comprising:

a) a retaining clip having a top edge, a lower portion, a bottom edge, a width ‘w1’ and a height ‘h1’, wherein the lower portion is between the top edge and the bottom edge, and wherein the retaining clip having the width ‘w1’ greater than the height ‘h1’;

b)a first hair extension having a first upper rim with a width ‘wr1’ and a first set of a plurality of hair strands each with a first upper end, wherein the first upper rim is attached to the retaining clip at about the top edge, wherein the first upper ends are attached to the first upper rim; and

c) a second hair extension having a second upper rim with a width ‘wr2’ and a second set of a plurality of hair strands each with a second upper end, wherein the second upper rim is attached to the retaining clip at about the lower portion, and wherein the second upper ends are attached to the second upper rim;

whereby the retaining clip removably attaches the hairpiece to the hair.

8. The hairpiece of claim 7, wherein the first hair extension and the second hair extension substantially overlap.

9. The hairpiece of claim 8, wherein the retaining clip substantially covers the first upper rim and the second upper rim.

10. The hairpiece of claim 9 further having a third hair extension, wherein the third hair extension is attached to the retaining clip at about the lower edge, and wherein the retaining clip substantially covers the third upper rim.

11. The hairpiece of claim 7, wherein the width ‘wr1’ of the first upper rim is substantially greater than the width ‘w1’ of the retaining clip, and wherein the width ‘wr2’ of the second upper rim is substantially greater than the width ‘w1’ of the retaining clip.

12. The hairpiece of claim 11, having a plurality of retaining clips, wherein the first upper rim is attached to each of the plurality of retaining clips at about the top edge, and wherein the second upper rim is attached to each of the plurality of retaining clips at about the lower portion.

13. The hairpiece of claim 12, wherein the each hairclip is directly adjacent to another hairclip, wherein the top edges of the plurality of retaining clips substantially cover the first upper rim of the first hair extension and the lower portions of the plurality of retaining clips substantially cover the second upper rim of the second hair extension.

14. A hairpiece for hair comprising:

a) a retaining clip having a top edge, a lower portion, a bottom edge, a width ‘w1’ and a height ‘h1’, wherein the lower portion is between the top edge and the bottom edge;

b) an extender attached to the retaining clip;

c) a first hair extension having a first upper rim with a width ‘wr1’ and a first set of a plurality of hair strands each with a first upper end, wherein the first upper rim is attached to the extender, and wherein the first upper ends are attached to the first upper rim; and

d) a second hair extension having a second upper rim with a width ‘wr2’ and a second set of a plurality of hair strands each with a second upper end, wherein the second upper rim is attached to the extender, and wherein the second upper ends are attached to the second upper rim;

whereby the retaining clip removably attaches the hairpiece to the hair.

15. The hairpiece of claim 14 further comprising a third hair extension having a third upper rim and a third set of a plurality of hair strands each with a third upper end, wherein the third upper rim is attached to the extender, wherein the third upper ends are attached to the third upper rim; and wherein the extender having a height ‘H2’ and a lower edge, wherein ‘H2’ is greater than ‘h1’ of the retaining clip such that the extender travels from about the top edge of the retaining clip to beyond the bottom edge, and wherein the third hair extension is attached to the extender at about the lower edge.

16. The hairpiece of claim 15, wherein the retaining clip substantially covers the first upper rim and second upper rim.

17. The hairpiece of claim 14, having a plurality of retaining clips wherein the width ‘wr1’ of the first upper rim is substantially greater than the width ‘w1’ of each retaining clip, wherein the width ‘wr2’ of the second upper rim is substantially greater than the width ‘w1’ of each retaining clip, wherein the first upper rim is attached to the extender at about the top edge of each of the plurality of retaining clips.

18. The hairpiece of claim 17, wherein each retaining clip having a left side and a right side, wherein the left side and the bottom edge form an angle ‘α’, wherein ‘α’ is less than about 80 degrees, such that the bottom edge of the retaining clip angles toward the top edge.

19. The hairpiece of claim 18, having a plurality of extenders, wherein at least one extender is attached to the left side of a retaining clip and also attached to the right side of an adjacent retaining clip.

20. The hairpiece of claim 19, wherein each retaining clip having a plurality of flexible prongs with a free end, wherein the free end can accept the hair.