Patent Publication Number: US-2016227864-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. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/114,368, filed Feb. 10, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     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 not 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 bonded 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. 
     SUMMARY 
     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. 
     It is 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 one embodiment, a hair accessory according to one embodiment 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 interwoven and configured in a braid, and wherein one or more of the hair extension is configured with decorative material. 
     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 material configured with a bendable material, such as a wire, and a 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 an attachment means to allow it to clip/attach to natural hair so it stays in place when worn attached to the hair of a 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 or more of the plait sections comprises a semi-rigid strand, such as a wire strand, and the plait sections are interwoven or twisted to form a bendable and moldable braid or bendable and moldable twisted strand, comprising a head end and a tail end; and attachment means 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 or 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 or 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 first plait section, the second plait section, and the third plait section are 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 
         FIG. 1A-1C  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 textile materials, and a wire strand ( FIG. 1A ); and a partially-assembled hair accessory according to one embodiment of the invention, showing the plait sections partially interwoven, indicating the formation of a braid ( FIG. 1B ). 
         FIG. 2A-2C  shows a series of hair accessories, showing the ends of the braided hair extension as finished ends ( 2 A), sheared ends ( 2 C), and a natural-looking ponytail-style hair extension ( 2 B). 
         FIG. 3  shows a back-side (under side) of a hair accessory according to one embodiment of the invention, showing attachment means secured to the underside of the braided hair extension for attaching the hair accessory to the hair of a wearer. 
         FIG. 4  shows one exemplary hair braid accessory according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the hair braid accessory is configured as a bun. 
         FIG. 5  shows one exemplary hair braid accessory according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the hair braid accessory is configured as a headband. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     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, confirming 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 hear. 
     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. 
     In one embodiment, one or more plait sections are configured with one or more wire strands, preferably in a range of 18-24 gauge wire. In one embodiment, the wire may be comprised of steel or aluminum, or other suitable material and may be coated or uncoated wire. In one embodiment, the wire strand is a 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. 
     In one embodiment, the hair accessory is a braided hair extension comprising one or more hair plait sections formed from various materials known in the art. There is no particular limitation 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. In another embodiment, the strands may be of various colors. 
     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 exemplary, a low density plait section will have a bundled diameter/thickness of less than a ½ inch while a higher density will measure over a V2 inch in diameter/thickness, and may measure over one inch in diameter/thickness. The overall diameter/thickness of the braid formed from interviewing 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 thickness to accommodate the tastes and needs of the wearer. 
     In one embodiment, plait sections may be formed from colored hair strands to form a colored hair accessory resembling different hair colors. In another embodiment, the colored hair extensions may be coated with silicone 3-6 times to protect the coloration and seal the cuticle for longer usage. 
     In one embodiment, a method of making a hair accessory comprises, 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 
     In one embodiment, a length of plait section ranges from approximately 12 inches in length to approximately 30 inches in length, although additional lengths are envisioned. In one embodiment, 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. 
     In one embodiment, a method of making a hair accessory comprises: providing an elongated hair extension, the hair extension comprising strands comprised of one or both of natural and synthetic materials, 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, and 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 tail end; dividing the combined extension into one or more plait sections of generally equal thickness, wherein 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 extension, thereby forming a braid; and securing a tail end formed at the end of the braid. 
     In another embodiment, a method of making a hair accessory according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises 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, bundling the hair extension together along with the wire strand, dividing the bundled hair extension into two or more plait sections, braiding the plait extension up to a desired length, 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 hair accessory, and (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 through 1C  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 , second plait section  104 , and 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. 1  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  (here shown as part of first plait section  102 ), and the decorative strand  107  (here 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 . 
       FIG. 1C  shows an expanded view of the plait sections of hair accessory  100  interwoven to form a braid, and shown within a plait section is wire strand  103 , shown here as a wire strand that is of a 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 (here 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 (here shown as a finished end)—wherein the first end and second end 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 (here shown as a finished end) and a second (tail) end  214 , (here shown as a sheared end). 
       FIG. 2B  shows a hair accessory  200  configured with a first (head) end  212 , where braid  201  originates (here shown as a finished end) and a second (tail) end  214 , (here 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 shown in the figures, and secured 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 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 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 means  308 . In one embodiment, attachment means comprise a toupee clip, teeth, a barrette, or other suitable attachment means for securing the hair accessory  300  to the hair of a wearer. Attachment means are secured to finished end  318  by glue, or are 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 , shown attached to the back of the head of a wearer. Bun  400  is comprised of a braid  401 , comprising a plurality of plait sections, wherein the plait sections comprise one or more wire strands that permit the plait sections to be molded and formed, wherein the braid  401  is wrapped in a clockwise or counter clockwise direction to form a classic hair bun. In one embodiment, the dimensions of the bun depend, in part, on the thickness of the plait sections and the length of the braid  401 . In another embodiment, one or more of the plait sections comprise a decorative strand  407 . 
     In one embodiment, bun  400  is configured with one or more attachment means, such as a row of teeth, a toupee clip, 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, wherein the hair accessory is configured as a headband  500 . The headband  500  comprises a plurality of plait sections configured as a braid  501 , the plait sections configured with one or more wire strands (not shown), in order to keep braid  501  in a semi-rigid form comprising 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, bearing against either side of the head of the wearer and hold headband  500  in position. In another embodiment, one or more of the plait sections comprise a decorative strand  507 . 
     In one embodiment, the inner top surface of headband  500  is configured with attachment means, such as a row of teeth or a toupee clip, or other suitable attachment means, in order to secure the headband to the hair of the wearer. In another embodiment, one or both of the inner surface of the ends of the headband are also configured with attachment means, such as a row of teeth, a toupee clip, or other suitable attachment means for securing headband  500  to the hair of the wearer. 
     In another embodiment, one or more plait sections of headband  500  includes one or more decorative strands  507 , wherein the decorative strands  507  are comprised of various materials, including but not limited to, fabric, ribbon, leather, vinyl, rubber, plastic, elastic or elastized material, or other flexible or semi-flexible material. In another embodiment, the decorative strands  507  are interwoven with the natural or synthetic hair strands of a plait section. 
     In one embodiment, headband  500  comprises one or more of a clip or other attachment means at each end, preferably clips incorporating combs with teeth oriented lateral 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 assortment of locations and positions thereon, with placement only limited by 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 embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the version 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.