Abstract:
An apparatus and method for applying supplemental hair for the purpose of lengthening, thickening, and concealing hairloss, in which supplemental hair is applied with a series of partings in the wearer&#39;s natural hair and adhesive is applied to the exposed scalp. Said apparatus including grip handles, clamp arms, and clamp, are operable to allow open and close movement of clamp arms in which the secured supplemental hair is released and secured to the scalp with the application of adhesive/glue.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     Not Applicable  
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
       [0002]     Not Applicable  
       REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX  
       [0003]     Not Applicable  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0005]     This invention generally relates to methods of hair extension and replacement processes, more particularly, the present invention is an improved and revolutionized method for applying/attaching hair extentions to the scalp of the wearer for the purpose of lengthening, thickening, and/or concealing thinning hair and hair loss in such a way that is virtually undetected by sight or touch, and without damaging the wearer&#39;s natural hair.  
         [0006]     2. Description of Prior Art  
         [0007]     The application of “hair weave”, “hair extensions”, and “hair infusion” are common processes in the art, that improve the appearance of wearers irrespective of race, ethnic background, age, and gender. These processes/methods were designed to help the wearer achieve desired hairstyles, give the illusion of a full mane, and to provide hair to those who may not be able to grow it naturally, attempt achieve current hairstyles and trends.  
         [0008]     The prior inventions have ideally accomplished to their fullest capacity, cosmetic assistance to those desiring or needing added hair. However, there are several setbacks and disadvantages to the prior methods and processes. For instance, hair that is wefted tends to be bulky in its finished style, and although there may be a definite improvement to the wearer&#39;s appearance, the overall style is unnatural looking. This bulkiness can be contributed in part, to cornrows in which wefted supplemental hair is either sewed directly onto individual cornrows, or glued to exposed scalp in between cornrows. In the event cornrows are not used, bulkiness can be contributed to the overlapping wefts of hair that are glued to the parted sections on the scalp.  
         [0009]     Such prior hair processes and methods using wefts are seen in U.S. Pat. No. 5,413,124, issued to Incando, U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,737, issued to Nelson, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,446,636, issued to Vittallo. However, these inventions are not designed to coincide with the amount of hair that would naturally grow from the wearer&#39;s scalp. Furthermore, the manufacturing and retailing of prior hair inventions provide a minimum variety of textures, which create an even greater possibility of being detected when natural hair and supplemental hair don&#39;t match. Due to their specifications in the hair weft design, hair movement is limited to the construction of the hair strands on the weft.  
         [0010]     Each of the prior hair inventions is limited to its own specific process in order to achieve a cosmetic transformation of the wearer, leaving little to no versatiliy in their application process. Therefore, in order to achieve various hairstyles, the prior supplemental hair process of choice must be redone.  
         [0011]     Another prior method, such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,107,867, issued to Barrington is commonly referred to as “fusion” or “infusion”. Although this process allows for a little more versatility in styling, the individual bundles of glue and supplemental hair are tricky to hide and are often times exposed and easily seen. Also, hair movement is limited by the bundles of bonded hair and glue.  
         [0012]     Additionally, the prior inventions are commonly known for contributing to hair breakage, where the amount of hair added or attached to sectioned natural hair maybe too heavy for the natural hair to support.  
         [0013]     Some of the undesirable results of current hair bonding agents are that they are thick and tar-like. They become sticky and gum-like as the hair weave ages. As a result, the weft separates from the track of glue on the scalp, which is difficult to cammoflage and cumbersome in its respective nature of requiring “weave touch-ups”. These glues and adhesives are generally nonresistant to oils and moisturizers and become loosened upon contact. The continued absence of oils in ethnic hair, results in hair that is undesirably dry and brittle leading to damage and breakage, i.e. hair loss.  
         [0014]     With prior inventions, shampooing almost always loosens cornrows, and disturbs the adherance of of the glues and adhesives. As a result, the wefted tracks of hair are loosened from the scalp or cornrow. Consequently, these prior inventions tolerate little to no shampooing in order to achieve the average amount of wearing time per weave of 4-6 weeks.  
         [0015]     Also, the removal of glue and supplemental hair of prior inventions is somewhat complex, and is usually damaging to the natural hair. It involves the application of an oil based moisturizer and combing through the hair from the roots with a fine-toothed comb. Leading to the devestating results of breakage and hair pulled out of the scalp.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0016]     This is an invention of processing and manufacturing supplemental hair that is not bound by a weft, but instead by an apparatus that once removed, allows hair maximum movement. Based on the manufacturing technique of this invention, hair is not undesirably bulky and puffy at the scalp area. This invention is manufactured so that each extension job can be tailored to meet the needs and desires of the individual wearer.  
         [0017]     The specific process and method designed for this invention allows hair extensions to appear as hair grown from the scalp. Therefore, as little or as much hair desired can be attached to the scalp without compromising the natural appearance of the hair. Hair application of this invention succeeds in providing limitless application patterns. This invention allows for hair to be attached in any way desired to achieve any affect desired, i.e., attached according to natural growth pattern, or attached the way it is most often worn. This invention requires no cornrows, which gives a more natural appearance at the scalp area and decreases the potential for unwanted bulkiness. This invention is only limited to the knowledge and or creativity of the hairstylist and/or the wearer. It is also designed as a complete hair system, which is comprised of the hair and apparatus, adhesive/glue, solvent, and shampoo. There are maximum benefits from this invention that are not offered by any of the prior inventions.  
         [0018]     It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method of attaching supplemental hair to the scalp of the wearer that is natural looking and virtually undetected by sight or touch.  
         [0019]     It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method of applying supplemental hair that is not wefted.  
         [0020]     It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method of applying supplemental hair that coorelates to the needs and desires of each individual wearer.  
         [0021]     It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method of applying supplemental hair that is applied without the use of cornrows.  
         [0022]     It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method of applying supplemental hair that is not undesireably bulky.  
         [0023]     It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method of applying supplemental hair that allows for the maximum versatility in its application.  
         [0024]     It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method of applying supplemental hair that is resistant to oils.  
         [0025]     It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method of applying supplemental hair that is resistant to shampoos and conditioners.  
         [0026]     It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method of applying supplemental hair that provides the most variety in hair textures.  
         [0027]     It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method of applying supplemental hair that provides the most levels of hair color.  
         [0028]     It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method of applying supplemental hair that provides natural looking highlights without dying the wearer&#39;s natural hair.  
         [0029]     It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method of applying supplemental hair that is nondamaging to the wearer&#39;s natural hair.  
         [0030]     It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method of applying supplemental hair that has its own system for removal, which consists of an adhesive/glue solvent followed by a shampoo. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING  
       [0031]      FIG. 1  is a perspective elevation of the present invention referred to as an applique, showing supplemental hair that is bent to a flat crease over one side of the apparatus without shownig the loose ends of the supplemental hair. It also shows the parts of the apparatus that are manipulated during the application, i.e. the grip handles, the clamp, the clamp grip/handle, and the clamp arms encasing the supplemental hair that is creased.  
         [0032]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the clamp mechanism of the present invention which when pinched releases the supplemental hair.  
         [0033]      FIG. 3  is a perspective elevated view of the present invention opened, exposing supplemental hair showing the hair ends attached to the apparatus creased over the free edge and the loose ends of the supplemental hair.  
         [0034]      FIG. 4  is an elevation of the rear of the wearer&#39;s head with natural hair only, showing hair combed in desired style before application of the present invention (apparatus and method).  
         [0035]      FIG. 5  is an elevation of the rear of the wearer&#39;s head without hair, showing a perimeter (which is a parting parallel to the wearer&#39;s natural hairline in which parted hair is combed down and away from the natural hair that will incorporate the supplemental hair). It shows a basic parting method and placement of adhesive/glue which also denotes where supplemental hair will be placed.  
         [0036]      FIG. 6  is a rear elevation the wearer&#39;s natural hair with a designated perimeter shown in the nape area of the wearer&#39;s natural hair. (For illustrative purposes the perimeter hair is not shown.) The first parting in the natural hair is made, the hair from that parting is combed down exposing the scalp, the adhesive/glue bottle is shown to demonstrate the placement of the adhesive/glue, and excess natural hair is pinned at top of crown.  
         [0037]      FIG. 7  is a rear elevation of the wearer&#39;s natural hair with a designated perimeter (without “perimeter hair” shown). The first parting in the nape is made, the hair from the parting is combed downward exposing the scalp, the adhesive/glue is applied, supplemental hair is adhered to adhesive/glue, and excess natural hair is pinned at top of crown.  
         [0038]      FIG. 8  is a rear elevation of the wearer&#39;s natural hair with a designated perimeter, and two completed rows of supplemental hair adhered to wearer&#39;s scalp with excess natural hair pinned at top of wearer&#39;s head.  
         [0039]      FIG. 9  is a rear elevation of the wearer&#39;s natural hair with a designated perimeter and five completed rows of supplemental hair adhered to wearer&#39;s scalp with excess natural hair pinned at top of wearer&#39;s head. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0040]     As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention. Although those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize many alternative embodiments, especially in light of the illustrations provided herein, this detailed description is exemplary of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the scope of which is limited only by the claims appended hereto.  
         [0041]     The said apparatus for hair extension, hair thickening, and hairloss, is comprised of a flexible material that can be manipulated to conform to the scalp and the partings  10  on the scalp. Yet durable in it&#39;s design, the present invention securely contains supplemental hair  11  until it is intentionally released. The apparatus has two grip handles  1  and a clamp  2  that is connected to one of the grip handles  1  with a rivet  6 . The clamp  2  and grip handle  1  opens the clamp arms  3  of the apparatus when pinched together. The spring  5  encompasses the rivet  6 , which provides a necessary resistance to opening, thereby securing the supplemental hair  11  between the clamp arms  3  until the clamp  2  and grip handle  1  are pinched open. The clamp  2  and grip handles  1  comprise a patterned textured surface, which prevents the apparatus from slipping from the hands of the stylist while being manipulated. The clamp arms  3  are lined with rubber-like material, which prevents the supplemental hair strands  11  from slipping from the grip of the clamp arms  3  before it has been placed on the scalp. The clamp arms  3  are aligned for the purpose of securing the supplemental hair  11 , with the exception of the free edge  4  of the clamp arm  3  in which the supplemental hair  11  is creased. The clamp arm  3  in which the supplemental hair  11  is creased, extends to a flat point which supports the crease of the supplemental hair  11 , and provides precision in supplemental hair  11  placement.  
         [0042]     Referring to  FIG. 1  is the apparatus of the present invention which is called an applique. In  FIG. 1  the grip handles  1  are used to manipulate the application placement of the supplemental hair  11  to the adhesive on the wearer&#39;s scalp  8 . Shown also here in  FIG. 1  is the clamp  2 , which when pinched together with the clamp grip handle  1 , opens the clamp arms  3  and the supplemental hair  11  is released.  
         [0043]      FIG. 2  shows the clamp mechanism of the apparatus, which is the clamp  2 , the clamp grip handle  1 , the spring  5 , and the rivet  6 , which is encompassed in the spring  5 .  
         [0044]      FIG. 3  exemplifies an open applique showing exposed supplemental hair  11 . It can be viewed from  FIG. 3 , that the supplemental hair  11  is creased along the top free edge  4  of the clamp arm  3  (one). This creates unlimited versatility in the application process of the present invention. The indicated crease  4  is the part of the supplemental hair  11  that is placed directly onto the adhesive on the scalp  8 . The portion of the supplemental hair  11  that is creased  4  over the clamp arm  3  (one) is short and inconpicuous when applied to the scalp  8 . It is important to note in the manufacutured design of the applique that the supplemental hair strands  11  are placed on the clamp arm  3  (one) parallel to, but not overlapping other supplemental hair strands  11  on the applique clamp arm  3  (one). Allowing each wearer&#39;s supplemental hair  11  application to be tailored to their own natural hair  7  density and allowing unrestricted creativity for any desired style.  
         [0045]      FIG. 4  shows the rear of the wearer&#39;s head exposing the wearer&#39;s natural hair  7 .  
         [0046]      FIG. 5  is a diagrammical view (without the wearer&#39;s natural hair  7 ) of a basic adhesive/glue placement pattern  8  for applying supplemental hair  11  of the present invention. It is used for illustrative purposes to describe the method&#39;s design, and is in no way limiting the hair stylist or the wearer to one pattern of application. The dotted line in  FIG. 5  denotes the perimeter  9  of hair, which is sectioned away from the hair  7  that will incorporate supplemental hair  11 . This perimeter  9  prevents exposure of where the supplemental hair  11  is adhered to the scalp  8 . The amount of hair  7  sectioned away to create a perimeter  9  is determined by the stylist and the wearer. Hairlines are unique to the individual, therefore, no specific determined amount of hair  7  can be designated for a perimeter  9 . Generally the hair stylist and the wearer should determine the amount of hair  7  sectioned for the perimeter  9  according to the finished results desired.  
         [0047]     The solid line drawn on the head of the wearer in  FIG. 5  denotes the parting  10  on the scalp in which the natural hair  7  is sectioned and combed according to the parting  10 . Here, the partings  10  are horizontal from left to right, extending from the direction of one ear to the other, and the natural  7  hair will be combed straight down.  
         [0048]     The broken solid line drawn on the head of the wearer in  FIG. 5  denotes the application of the adhesive/glue  8 . It is important to note the method of how the adhesive  8  is applied in a brick layer pattern. This intentional adhesive application  8  method was designed so that the appliques can be maticulously placed, allowing the wearer versatility in hair styles worn from one completed application of supplemental hair  11 , allowing the use multiple partings  10  for sectioning purposes, and so that the addition of the supplemental hair  11  is not undesireably unnatural looking, bulky, or thick.  
         [0049]     Viewing  FIG. 6  shows the perimeter  9 , the first section of natural hair  7  parted  10  and combed downward, and the application of adhesive  8  using the adhesive glue bottle  13 .  
         [0050]      FIG. 7  shows the perimeter  9  and the first row completed application of supplemental hair  11  adhered to the scalp  8  of the wearer.  
         [0051]      FIG. 8  shows the perimeter  9  and two rows completed application of supplemental hair  11  adhered to the scalp  8  of the wearer. It is important to know that the number of partings  10  made on the wearer&#39;s scalp to incorporate the suppplemental hair  11  is dictated by the needs, desires, and goals of the hair stylist and the wearer. If the desire is to add supplemental hair  11  that produces length but not unnnatural fullness, then adding fewer partings in the wearer&#39;s natural hair  7  should be considered, thus providing the application of less supplemental hair  11 . If the desire is to add supplemental hair  11  that produces fullness/thickness or fullness/thickness and length, then more partings  10  in the wearer&#39;s natural hair  7  should be considered, thus providing the application of more supplemental hair  11 .  
         [0052]      FIG. 9  shows the perimeter  9  and five rows completed application of supplemental hair  11  adhered to the scalp  8  of the wearer.  
         [0053]     Examples of the application method of the present invention is offered here referring to the drawings, to further describe its intended use and purpose: First the wearer&#39;s hair  7  is thoroughly shampooed and rinsed. The final hair style is determined and the natural hair  7  is dried. (For best results the natural hair  7  should be dried in the direction of the finished style, as in  FIG. 4 .) The perimeter  9  is determined and combed away from the excess natural hair  7  as in  FIG. 6 . Proceed by making a horizontal parting  10  from left to right, comb the natural hair  7  down exposing the scalp, pin  12  excess natural hair  7  to top of wearer&#39;s head, and apply the adhesive  8  on the scalp as in  FIG. 6 . (Adhesive application  8  should coincide with the size of the applique.) Apply the applique with the crease  4  of the supplemental hair contacting the adhesive  8 . Adhesive  8  dries in seconds, however, a hand held blow dryer with low speed airflow may be used to lessen the drying time. On the same scalp parting  10 , subsequent appliques are added leaving a space of no more than one inch, until parting  10  is completed with supplemental hair  11  applications as in  FIG. 7 . The actual amount of space utilized, will be dictated by the density of the wearer&#39;s natural hair  7  and the desired finished style. While it is important to maintain a definite space between appliques on the same parting  10  in order to obtain the maximum benefits of the present invention, no space between appliques may be used. It should be noted that in determining the amount of space used between appliques, the determined amount of space should be consistent throughout the supplemental hair  11  application service. This will ensure that the amount of supplemental hair  11  added, will be balanced throughout the wearer&#39;s entire head. To release the supplemental hair  11  from the said apparatus, simply pinch the clamp  2  with the thumb and forefinger while silmultaneously holding the grip handles  1 , thereby opening the clamp arms  3  and leaving the adhered  8  supplemental hair  11  in place on the wearer&#39;s scalp as in  FIG. 3 . (Supplemental hair  11  should be released after each application.) Continue with supplemental hair  11  application as in  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9  until all subsequent rows are completed. When hair application  11  service is completed, it can then be styled as desired.