Patent Publication Number: US-2022211155-A1

Title: Hair Accessory, Method of Making and Use

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of earlier-filed U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application having Ser. No. 15/040,776 and filed Feb. 10, 2016 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application having Ser. No. 62/114,368 and filed Feb. 10, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Braided hairstyles are attractive and fashionable yet require time or assistance to assemble. Braided hairstyles also require hair of a specific length and thickness. Hair extensions may be utilized to create the appearance of more voluminous hair, but hair extensions are mot moldable into a specific shape, so that the hair extension may be formed and fashioned into a bun or a headband. Moreover, existing hair extensions are usually sewn or banded to the hair of a wearer and do not come pre-braided or styled as an accessory. Nor are existing hair extensions configured as moldable and bendable, capable of confirming to a particular style or shape. 
     Braids are created from a plurality of plaits, usually from natural or synthetic hair strands. It should be noted that plait (noun) is defined as follows: a single length of hair or other flexible material made up of three or more interlaced strands; a braid. Thus, braids can be formed from a number of plaits, but the plaits do not all necessarily be formed from natural or synthetic hair strands as other materials fall within the scope of the definition. 
     Braiding has traditionally been a process of interweaving three (or more) strands, sections, or strips of lengths of hair in a diagonal overlapping pattern in order to style a person&#39;s hair by the interweaving of the hair strands. The present invention is an accessory configured as a braid, with the strands of lengths of braids comprised of natural or synthetic hair configured with a bendable material, such as a wire, and decorative material, all interconnected and formed as a braid with the overall design being bendable and moldable due to the wire. Materials can be arranged as a braid accessory by crisscrossing one or more hair extensions configured with a bendable wire, such as floral wire, and one or more decorative material portions in a predetermined sequence to form a predetermined braid or other pattern, formed by the hair extension, wire and decorative material. Decorative material includes ribbons, fabric, embellishments, such as rhinestones, gemstones, or sequins—whether natural or synthetic materials. Hair extensions can be natural, synthetic or a combination, and may be of any length or thickness, or dimensions. 
     The benefit of the invention is that it provides a hair accessory configured as a braid that is natural looking, and can blend with natural hair, or can be bright, decorative and add flare. The hair accessory is configured with a thin wire inside the braid that makes it bendable and easily molds the design to any head shape. The accessory can be folded into a bun or configured as a headband. The hair accessory is configured with one or more attachment members to allow it to clip/attach to natural hair so it stays in place when worn attached to the hair of a wearer. 
     A number of prior patents and publications describe portions of the present invention, but do not fully disclose or even suggest all of the aspects, structure and features of the present invention. One such device for retaining the hair of a wearer in a ponytail or other similar form is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2013/0146082 A1 [Grinnard]. With reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 5 and 7 of Grinnard, the publication describes a single plait that is composed of several flexible wires twisted into a single braid and terminated at their ends to retain the twist in the shape of a molded curve or circle. The quite obvious difference with the present invention is that the ‘flexible cuff’ of Grinnard is entirely made of flexible wire and is utilized for retaining a hair style in its desired position on the wearer. The entire description is devoid of any reference to strands of natural or synthetic hair-like strands, or that these intertwined strands are formed into plait sections that are then interwoven into a ‘hair’ braid and used as a decorative accessory to the hair of the wearer. The flexible wires shown in FIGS. 2, 3 of Grinnard are intertwined to form an elongated, moldable hair retention device as shown in  FIG. 5 . Grinnard does not provide a viable basis for building onto the moldable hair retention device nor does it even hint at the structure of the decorative hair accessory of the present invention. Grinnard only describes an intertwined set of wires that arguably form a single plait, not a plurality of plaits, that unlike the present invention is not then formed into a braid but is used as it stands as a hair retention device that holds certain hair styles common to African Americans in their desired positions and nothing more. 
     Another earlier device for retaining hair of a wearer is U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2013/0263884 A1 [Hogan, et al.]. The express purpose of the device of Hogan is to retain a ponytail in a bunched condition using the base elastic band covered in a weft of hair (straight or intertwined) which is totally lacking in any description or suggestion of a support or base in the form of a strand or multiple strands of semi-rigid wire as presented by the current invention. The present invention is not concerned with retaining the hair of a wearer in any predetermined or desired position and is utilized solely as an adjunct decorative hair device to be added as an accessory to the hair of the wearer. 
     Another prior patent describing a hair accessory is U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,498 [Kawaguchi]. Kawaguchi discloses a hair accessory in the form of a braid, for allowing children to easily ornament their own hair. However, Kawaguchi fails to describe a number of elements necessary for the present invention to appropriately function as intended. Kawaguchi does not describe a moldable braid made from plait sections that contain both semi-rigid wire as a base and human and/or synthetic hair strands as part of the braid. Further, Kawaguchi does not describe the tail or head ends termination points, or how each is terminated, and the attachment member for securing the braid to the head of the wearer. Kawaguchi also does not describe the inclusion of any additional decorative strands as being part of the braid. Taking all of the lack of disclosure of the necessary elements of the present invention by Kawaguchi, this patent only provides a basis for the state of the art prior to the conception of the present invention. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,260,559 [Schirren, et al.] may be considered a related disclosure for describing a hair device used for twisting or braiding hair that includes a wire strand (referring to element  206  in  FIG. 1 ). Schirren permits a user to bind or retain hair in a particular orientation, while allowing the user to then braid, twist or wind the hair as desired. In accordance with this description, the Schirren device is made and intended to be used with the natural hair of the user, but is not intended to be used to create a pre-formed moldable braid hair accessory as contemplated by the present invention. 
     Another somewhat related patent is U.S. Pat. No. 5,073,989 [Teague] which describes a headband. Teague describes an elastic band that connects to each of the ends of the plaited portion of the headband providing an elastic strap member for securing the headband to the head of the wearer. Teague also restricts the plait sections ( 16 ) to be made from fabric (and not natural or synthetic hair) strands without any termination of the ends of the plait sections as required by the present invention. 
     These last several references may be related only by their intended use in the same environment as being associated with the hair of a wearer, but they fail to address the need, or disclose or suggest the combination of using semi-rigid wire as a base for creating a moldable hair accessory including a plurality of plaits of natural or synthetic hair with terminated ends surrounding the base wire for much more than a headband, or a device for retaining hair in a particular style or form. 
     It is, therefore, desirable to provide a hair accessory that easily and securely maintains a wearer&#39;s hair in a stylish and/or functional configuration, such as a braid or a bun, in order to create an unique hair accessory that can be molded for any particular use by the wearer. In one form, a hair accessory comprises a thin, bendable material such as a wire, one or more plait sections comprised of synthetic or natural hair extensions, together the plait sections are interwoven and configured in a braid, and one or more of the hair extensions may also include decorative materials. Other forms of the unique hair accessory will be described hereinafter. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Described herein is a hair accessory comprised of one or more moldable hair extensions configured as a braid and further (optionally) configured with decorative material, and a method of making such a hair accessory. The present invention provides a hair accessory to be quickly and easily attached to the natural hair of the wearer. 
     A hair accessory comprises a plurality of plait sections comprising hair extensions configured from one or both of natural and synthetic materials, wherein one of more of the plait sections comprises a semi-rigid strand, such as a bendable wire strand, and 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 an attachment member for securing the hair accessory to the hair of a wearer. 
     In another embodiment, a hair accessory comprises a first plait section comprising a plurality of strands configured from natural or synthetic material and (optionally) including one or more wire strands; a second plait section comprising a plurality of strands configured from natural or synthetic material and (optionally) including one or more wire strands; an (optional) third plait section comprising a plurality of strands configured from natural or synthetic material and one of more decorative materials; the plait sections configured with a head end and a tail end, with attachment means at one or both ends; and wherein the plurality of plait sections are interwoven in a diagonal overlapping pattern, thereby forming a braid. 
     In another embodiment, a hair accessory comprises a first plait section comprising a plurality of strands configured from natural or synthetic material; a second plait section comprising a plurality of strands configured from natural or synthetic material and including one or more wire strands; a third plait section comprising a plurality of strands configured from natural or synthetic material and one of more decorative materials; the plait sections configured with a head end and a tail end, with attachment members at one or both ends; and with the first plait section, the second plait section, and the third plait section interwoven in a diagonal overlapping pattern, thereby forming a braid. 
     Also described is an open loop-shaped headband assembly, comprising a plurality of plait sections configured as a braid with a head end and a tail end at either end of the loop-shape, the one or more of the plait sections configured with one or more wire strands in order to keep the braid in a semi-rigid form that is curved in shape to straddle the head of a wearer. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       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. 
         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. 
         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. 
         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 ). 
         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. 
         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. 
         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 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
       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. 
     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. 
       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 . 
       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). 
       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. 
       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 . 
       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. 
       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 . 
     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. 
     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. 
     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&#39;s hair and in this way hold the headband hair accessory in place. 
     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. 
     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.