Hair Accessory, Method of Making and Use

Abstract

A hair accessory including a plurality of plait sections made of hair extensions configured from one or both of natural and synthetic materials, such that one or more of the plait sections includes a semi-rigid base strand, such as a wire strand. The plait sections are interwoven or twisted to form a bendable and moldable braid or bendable and moldable twisted strand, having a head end and a tail end, and include one or more attachment members for securing the hair accessory to the hair of a wearer.

Claims

1. A hair accessory as a decorative application to the hair of a wearer having a plurality of elongated intertwined flexible plaits with an associated base or support member for each plait, said intertwined flexible plaits comprised of elongated natural and synthetic strand-like materials with the intertwined flexible plaits interwoven to form one or more braids having a head end and a tail end, attachment members for securing the one or more braids to the hair of the wearer are placed at each of the head end and tail end of the braid or interwoven braids, said base or support member being one or more semi-rigid strands or wires of matching length to the plaits intertwined with each other and together with said one or more plaits for supporting the plaits and permitting the configuring or molding of the plaits or interwoven braids into a predetermined size and shape that is secured into the hair of the wearer using the attachment members.

2. The hair accessory of claim 1, wherein each said attachment member is selected from the group of attachment members consisting of toupee clip, toothed clip, toothed comb, barrette, and the like.

3. The hair accessory of claim 1, wherein each said attachment member may additionally be positioned along the length of the hair accessory.

4. The hair accessory of claim 1, wherein said plurality of plaits, in addition to the elongated natural and synthetic strand-like materials, are further comprised of one or more decorative strands intertwined into the plaits.

5. The hair accessory of claim 4, wherein said decorative strands are selected from the group of elongated decorative strands consisting of fabric, ribbon, leather, vinyl, rubber, plastic, elastic or elasticized materials.

6. A method of making a hair accessory as a decorative application to the hair of a wearer comprising the steps of: providing an elongated hair extension composed of a plurality of one or both of natural or synthetic strand-like materials of a desired or predetermined length and one or more semi-rigid strands or wires of matching length to the natural or synthetic strand-like materials; at a midway point of the length of the elongated hair extension and the one or more semi-rigid strands or wires folding the hair extension back over itself to form a combined extension from the two approximate halves of the hair extension forming a head end at the folded end of the combined extension; securing the folded or head end of the combined extension by attaching a fastener around the outer surface of the folded or head end; dividing the combined extension into one or more plait sections of generally equal thickness with at least one of the one or more semi-rigid strands being incorporated into at least one of the one or more plait sections; interweaving a plurality of plait sections along the length of the combined extension forming a braid; and, securing a tail end formed at the interwoven end of the combined extension completing the formation of the braid; and, repeating each of the steps until the desired number of braids are assembled to form the hair accessory.

7. The method of making a hair accessory as a decorative application to the hair of a wearer of claim 6 comprising the additional steps of: applying one or both of hairspray and adhesive to hold the plait sections in position in the braid; molding the hair accessory into a desired shape and size for attaching to the hair of a wearer; and, applying one or more attachment members for securing the hair accessory to the hair of the wearer.

8. The method of making a hair accessory as a decorative application to the hair of a wearer of claim 7 wherein said one or more attachment members is selected from the group of attachment members consisting of toupee clips, toothed clips, toothed combs, barrettes, and the like.

9. The method of making a hair accessory as a decorative application to the hair of a wearer of claim 6 comprising the additional step of: applying decorative strands to the braid by interweaving one or more decorative strands into the one or more plait sections.

10. The method of making a hair accessory as a decorative application to the hair of a wearer of claim 9 wherein said decorative strands are selected from the group of elongated decorative strands consisting of fabric, ribbon, leather, vinyl, rubber, plastic, elastic or elasticized materials.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings forms which are presently preferred; it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

[0019] FIG. 1A shows a hair accessory according to one embodiment of the invention, comprised of interwoven extensions of plait extensions of a particular length (various lengths are envisioned), one or more decorative textile materials, and a clip for attaching the hair accessory to the hair of a wearer.

[0020] FIG. 1B shows a partially-assembled hair accessory according to one embodiment of the invention, showing a plurality of partially interwoven plait sections, indicating the formation of a braid, and one or more wire strand lengths traversing the center of the hair accessory to provide a semi-rigid base structure support for the hair accessory.

[0021] FIGS. 2A-2C show a series of diverse forms of hair accessories, showing the ends of the braided hair extension as finished ends (FIG. 2A), sheared ends (FIG. 2C), and a natural-looking ponytail-style hair extension (FIG. 2B).

[0022] FIG. 3 shows the underside of a hair accessory of the present invention with an attachment member secured to one end of the braided hair extension for attaching the hair accessory to the hair of a wearer.

[0023] FIG. 4 shows an exemplary hair braid accessory according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the hair braid accessory is configured as a bun.

[0024] FIG. 5 shows an exemplary hair braid accessory according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the hair braid accessory is configured as a headband.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] The following detailed description is of the best presently contemplated mode of carrying out the invention. The description is not intended in a limiting sense and is made solely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention. The various features and advantages of the present invention may be more readily understood with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0026] Existing hair extensions are usually sewn or bonded to the hair of a wearer, and do not come pre-braided. Moreover, existing hair extensions are not configured to be moldable and bendable, conforming to a particular style or shape, so hair cannot be molded to stay in a particular position. The present invention is a unique and different type of hair accessory comprising a flexible, braided hair extension. The hair accessory is configured to permit unlimited hairstyles and the illusion of a fuller head of hair.

[0027] As used herein, “plait” refers to braid. The hair accessory described herein comprises two or more interlaced or interwoven sections, the sections comprised of multiple strands of natural or synthetic hair, one or more optional textile strands, and one or more semi-rigid strands, such as wire strands, the strands being of generally equal length.

[0028] The hair accessory is structured to have one or more plait sections that are configured with one or more wire strands, preferably in a range of 18-24 gauge wire, serving as a structural base. The structural base wire may be comprised of steel or aluminum, or other suitable material and may be coated or uncoated wire. The wire strand is preferred to be of similar a length to the length of the plait section although the length may be of a length shorter than the length of the plait section. If more than one wire is included in the plait section, the wires may be of varied lengths.

[0029] The hair accessory is a braided hair extension comprising one or more hair plait sections formed from various materials known in the art. There are no particular limitations on the materials used for the strands of the plait sections; examples of materials include synthetic fibers, regenerated collagen fibers, human hair, and animal hair, synthetic hair such as modacrylic copolymer fibers, or conventional synthetic hair, or combinations of the materials thereof. The plait sections may be formed from colored hair strands to form a colored hair accessory resembling different hair colors. The colored hair extensions may be coated with silicone 3-6 times to protect the coloration and seal the cuticle for longer usage.

[0030] The strands of the plait sections may be of varying thickness, for example: the average diameter of a human hair strand varies from 0.00067 to 0.00709 inches, and so natural hair strands will fall within this range. Various thickness or diameters are envisioned, however, for each plait section and even within a plait section. Likewise, the overall circumference of the plait section, when the strands are bundled can vary. For example, a low density plait section will have a bundled diameter/thickness of less than ½ inch while a higher density will measure over a ½ inch in diameter/thickness, and may measure over one inch in diameter/thickness. The overall diameter/thickness of the braid formed from interweaving of the three or more plait sections preferably ranges from 0.5 to 2.0 inches, although other diameters are envisioned and may be preferred for certain hairstyles, or hair types of the intended wearer. Thus, it is envisioned that the hair accessory be available in different lengths, colors and thicknesses to accommodate the tastes and needs of the wearer.

[0031] A method of making a hair accessory comprises the steps of, in part, interweaving plait sections, wherein the sections comprise strands of natural or synthetic hair, one or more textile materials, and one or more wire strands, in an alternating fashion, thereby forming a braid. In one embodiment, a braided hair accessory comprises three interwoven sections of hair strands (natural or synthetic hair) and may be created by repeatedly crossing a left strand and then a right strand over a central strand and under an opposite strand. The plait sections may be several inches long, but optimally the sections are up to 15 inches in length. The present invention contemplates that a length of a plait section ranges from approximately 12 inches in length to approximately 30 inches in length, although additional lengths are envisioned. An assembled plaited hair accessory of the present invention, comprising two or more plait sections, ranges in thickness/diameter from approximately ¾ inches up to 2 inches, although other diameters are envisioned.

[0032] The hair accessory of the present invention is reusable and intended for multiple uses and configurations, such as that of a hair bun, a headband, or other decorative application to the hair of a wearer as needed to achieve a desired look and appearance.

[0033] One method of making a hair accessory includes providing an elongated hair extension, the hair extension comprising strands of one or both of natural and synthetic materials, with the strands being of a desired length, and one or more of a wire strand commensurate in length with the hair extension. At a mid-way point of the length of the hair extension and one or more wire strands, folding the hair extension and one or more wire strands back on itself to form a combined extension from the two extensions of equal length, resulting in a head end at the folded end of the combined extension; securing the folded end of the hair extension by attaching a fastening mechanism around the outer diameter of the head end. Dividing the combined extension into one or more plait sections of generally equal thickness, such that at least one of the one or more plait sections comprises one or more wire strands. Interweaving the plait sections along the length of the folded elongated hair extension, thereby forming a braid, and securing a tail end formed at the end of the braid.

[0034] Another method of making a hair accessory includes utilizing a t-pin (or other pin or extension) on a surface, such as the surface of a mannequin block, positioning a strand of steel wire in a 20-22 gauge range and of a specific length around the t-pin so that the t-pin divides the wire strand in half, and so that two ends extend from the t-pin in the same direction and in the same approximate length. Twisting the wire around the base of the t-pin to secure the wire in position. Positioning a hair extension of a desired length (approximately equal to the length of the wire strand) around the t-pin so that the t-pin divides the hair extension in half and the divided lengths of the hair extension are bundied together along with the wire strand, dividing the bundled hair extensions into two or more plait sections. Braiding the plait sections up to a desired length and securing the wire strand so that no sharp wires are extended from the resulting braid. Securing the end of the braid with a clip, band or other means of securing the braid in position. Applying one or both of a hair spray or adhesive to hold the plait sections in position in the braid. Optionally applying one or more attachment means to the completed hair accessory and/or optionally molding the braided hair accessory into a desired shape.

[0035] The resulting hair accessory is moldable and bendable, and can be further configured with decorative features and attachment means, depending on the desired size and shape of the hair accessory and how the hair accessory will be worn by a wearer.

[0036] Turning now to the Figures, shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B is an exemplary hair accessory according to one embodiment of the present invention. In one exemplary embodiment, hair accessory 100 comprises a plurality of plait sections. In one embodiment, the plait sections comprise a first plait section 102, a second plait section 104, and a third plait section 106, whereby the plait sections are interwoven and configured as a braid 101. In another embodiment, the hair accessory 100 includes an attachment means 108 (shown in FIG. 1A as a toupee clip) for fastening the hair accessory 100 to the hair of a wearer.

[0037] FIG. 1B shows a partially braided hair accessory 100 and is shown unbraided in order to highlight the one or more wire strands 103 (shown as part of first plait section 102), and the decorative strand 107 (shown as part of the third plait section 106). The arrangement/location of the wire strands 103 and decorative strand 107 are illustrative and not exhaustive. For example: one or more wire strands 103 may also be included in either or both of the second plait section 104 and third plait section 106. Likewise, decorative strand 107 may be included in either or both of the first plait section 102 and second plait section 104. It is to be noted that shown within plait section 102 is wire strand 103, shown here as a wire strand that is of a much thicker circumference than the hair strands of the plait section with which the wire strand 103 is bundled.

[0038] In another embodiment, the plurality of plait sections comprises a first plait section and a second plait section, wherein the plait sections are configured in an overlapping arrangement, with the plait sections overlapping one another in an alternating fashion to a desired length for forming a braid, and with a first end at the head of the braid, and a second end at the tail of the braid, where the braid terminates.

[0039] FIGS. 2A-2C show an exemplary hair accessory 200 according to various embodiments of the invention. FIG. 2A shows a hair accessory 200 configured with a first end 212, also referred to as a head end because it is where a braid originates (shown as a finished end) and a second end 214, also referred to as a tail end because it is the end at which the braid terminates (also shown as a finished end) such that the first end and second end of the hair accessory are disposed at either end of a resulting braid 201.

[0040] FIG. 2C shows a hair accessory 200 configured with a first (head) end 212, where braid 201 originates (shown as a finished end) and a second (tail) end 214 (shown as a sheared end). FIG. 2B shows a hair accessory 200 configured with a first (head) end 212, where braid 201 originates (shown as a finished end) and a second (tail) end 214 (shown as an unfinished “ponytail” end).

[0041] FIGS. 2A-2C also show a hair accessory 200 configured with a fastener 216 at one or both ends of braid 201. Fastener 216 is both decorative, such as the fastener types shown in the figures and secured to the end of the braid 201. Fastener 216 may be any suitable means of securing the ends of the hair plait sections, and may be made of various materials, such as metal, rubber, fabric, elastic, or other suitable natural or synthetic materials.

[0042] FIG. 3 shows a back-side (underneath) view of an exemplary hair accessory 300, where braid 301 terminates at the tail end 314. The terminal ends of the plait sections 302 are tucked inward toward the back-side of hair accessory 300 and secured in position to form a finished end 318. In one embodiment, the plait sections 302 are secured in position with fastening means 316, and terminal ends are secured in position by attachment member 308. In one embodiment, attachment member may be comprised of a toupee clip, a toothed comb, a barrette, or other suitable attachment member for securing the hair accessory 300 to the hair of a wearer. Attachment member 308 is secured to finished end 318 by glue, or is sewn to the strands of the plait sections of the finished end 318.

[0043] FIG. 4 shows an exemplary hair accessory according to one embodiment of the invention, wherein the hair accessory is configured as a bun 400 attached to the back of the head of a wearer. Bun 400 is comprised of a braid 401, comprising a plurality of plait sections, with the plait sections comprised of one or more wire strands. This structure permits the plait sections to be molded and formed, such that the braid 401 can be wrapped in either a clockwise or counter clockwise direction to form a classic hair bun. The dimensions of the bun 400 depend, in part, on the thickness of the plait sections and the length of the braid 401. One or more of the plait sections may also include a decorative strand 407. Bun 400 is configured with one or more attachment members, such as a row of teeth, a toupee clip, a toothed comb, or other suitable attachment means for securing bun 400 to the hair of the wearer.

[0044] FIG. 5 shows an exemplary hair accessory according to one embodiment of the invention, such that the hair accessory is configured as a headband 500. The headband 500 comprises a plurality of plait sections configured as a braid 501. Each of the plait sections has as a base structure of one or more wire strands (not shown) in order to keep braid 501 in a semi-rigid predetermined shape of an open-loop headband that is curved in shape. Headband 500 straddles the head of a wearer and is configured with bearing ends 509 that secure to the head of the wearer with each of the bearing ends pressing against either side of the head of the wearer to hold headband 500 in position. Headband 500 may also include in one or more of the plait sections a decorative strand 507.

[0045] The inner top surface of headband 500 is configured with an attachment member, such as a row of teeth of a comb or a toupee clip, or other suitable attachment means, in order to secure the headband 500 to the hair of the wearer. One or both of the inner surfaces of the ends of the headband may also include attachment members, such as a row of teeth of a comb, a toupee clip, or other suitable attachment means for securing headband 500 to the hair of the wearer.

[0046] One or more plait sections of headband 500 may include one or more decorative strands 507. The decorative strands 507 may be comprised of various materials, including but not limited to, fabric, ribbon, leather, vinyl, rubber, plastic, elastic or elasticized material, or other flexible or semi-flexible material. The decorative strands 507 may be interwoven with the natural or synthetic hair strands of a plait section.

[0047] The headband 500 may include one or more of a clip or other attachment means at each end, preferably clips incorporating combs with teeth oriented laterally to the length of the band, but may include any number of clips disposed at intervals along the length of the band. The clips may be non-removably affixed to the headband by fasteners, such as staples, or by stitching, adhesive or other known means, or they may be integral to the band. The clips attach to the wearer's hair and in this way hold the headband hair accessory in place.

[0048] The hair accessory described and disclosed herein may be reversibly attached to the hair of a wearer by one or more fasteners. The hair accessory can be attached to the head of the wearer in a variety of styles and quantities and at an variety of locations and positions thereon, with placement only limited by the imagination of the wearer and hair dresser. It should be recognized that the example of attachment described previously by no means limits the spirit and the scope of the invention, and that all possible variations of attaching the hair accessory to either the hair or scalp of the wearer remains within the purview of the instant invention.

[0049] As the invention has been described and shown in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in nature, it being understood that only the preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected. Optimum dimensional relationships for parts of the invention, including variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the illustrations and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the appended claims.