US20180103706A1

US20180103706A1 - Twin Loop Hair Extension

Info

Publication number: US20180103706A1
Application number: US15/297,217
Authority: US
Inventors: Chang Moo LEE
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-10-19
Filing date: 2016-10-19
Publication date: 2018-04-19

Abstract

A double loop hair extension which is attached to growing hair, such as cornrows of hair, is attached by placing the hair extension around the growing hair and tying a knot. The knot is tied by extending an un-looped or lower section of the hair extension through both loops and tightening. This method can be carried out for a hair extension being attached to hair or any flexible material tied to another flexible material. In this manner, a double-typing akin to a double-knot can be created with a single action. The double loops, in embodiments, are formed from the same length of hair or strands of hair which is twisted upon itself creating the loops.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY

The disclosed technology relates generally to hair extensions, and, more specifically, to a twin loop hair extension.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY

Hair extensions synthetic or natural hair products which are added to one's hair growing from the scalp. Various clips and attachment mechanism are known, such as in U.S. Pat. No. 9,010,341 to Lee. Other methods include weaving a hair extension into growing hair. However, this process can be time consuming and requires multiple steps, as follows.
First, a base braid is created. A series of cornrows are made with combs, hair picks, and often, spray. These are tightly knit rows of weaves of hair. Then, wefts of human or synthetic hair and curved sewing needles are used to weave thread into the cornrows, in the prior art. At http://wikihow.com/weave-hair, accessed Oct. 13, 2016, describes the processe of weaving as follows: “Start at the beginning of your perimeter braid near the part, and pull the needle under the braid and through the other side, pulling the thread taut against the knot. Then, pull the end of the knot out just a bit and pull the two strings apart to expose the loop. Wrap the needle around one edge of the loop twice, and pull it through the center of the loop to create the base knot . . . Measure about 1-inch down the perimeter braid from the first knot you made, and repeat the process. Hook the needle under the braid, pull it through the other side, and tug to pull the loose thread tight. Before the thread between the two knots has been tightened all the way though, wrap the needle around it twice near where you inserted it, and pull tight. This will give you your second knot. Repeat this same process all the way around the perimeter braid. Each knot should be about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart from each other.”
The Wikihow reference further states, “Start at the very beginning of your perimeter braid near your part, and insert the needle through the wig cap, under the perimeter braid, and up through the other side. Pull it tight to bring your extension piece close to your head. Then, make your first knot by wrapping the needle/thread around the weft (not through it) and repeating the same knotting process as you used for sewing your cap. Repeat your knot twice to secure the extension.”
Thus, the process can be time consuming because the hair extension does not easily attach to or around the cornrows (growing hair, defined as, for this disclosure, hair which is attached to the scalp). One must go around the cornrows and knot not once, but twice because a single knot will slip out. It would be desirable to simplify the process in order to save time, effort, and wasted product by being able to attach hair extensions with a simpler method, especially if one could do so on their own without having to hire a stylist.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY

A double-looped hair extension and method of use has a unitary length of a strands of hair, in embodiments of the disclosed technology. Two bends in a middle region of the strands of hair (that is, multiple strands extend, but are curled or stay closely together) create loops. There is an upper and a lower loop, the upper loop being adjacent to, or defined in part by, the first bend of the two bends, and the lower loop being between the upper loop (and first bend) and an up-looped section of the strands of hair. The hair extension, made up of the strands of hair, remain taut with the upper loop, the lower loop, and the two bends in place, in some embodiments of the disclosed technology. The loops can wrap around each other in such a way as to form a figure-8 structure.
In some embodiments, the upper loop, the lower loop, and the two bends can be unfurled into a straighter length of a hair extension by way of untwisting one or both of the two bends. In some of these embodiments, upon removing force causing the untwisting, at least one of the upper loop, the lower loop, or one of the two bends are re-formed. All of these items can be reformed, based on the pre-created tautness of a portion or all of the hair extension. In other embodiments, adhesive is placed at, at least one of the two bends or both bends. A rubber band can also be used at one or both bends.
A method of using the double-looped hair extension is carried out, in embodiments of the disclosed technology, by pulling the upper loop and the lower loop under growing hair. This is followed by hooking and pulling at least a majority of the un-looped section of the strands of hair through both the upper loop and the lower loop. The un-looped section continues to be pulled away from the growing hair and/or the upper loop and the lower loop creating a double-tying around the growing hair. This pulled tightly in some embodiments, securing the hair extension around growing hair. The pulling through the upper loop and the lower loop can be accomplished with a single direction of motion and/or in a single action (an action performed without taking a break from, or changing a direction of, movement). In other words, pulling through the upper loop and pulling through the lower loops can both be accomplished simultaneously. The double-tying, in embodiments of the disclosed technology, can include a single tying of the upper loop around the growing hair and a single tying of the lower loop around the growing hair.
Described another way, a method of tying can include pulling a flexible elongated material (such as stands of synthetic or real hair) with double-loop at one end and length of un-looped material across another material (such as hair extending from a scalp of a person) to be tied. The length of un-looped material can be hooked and pulling across a second side of the material to be tied. The length of un-looped material is pulled simultaneously through two loops of the double-loop, tightened, and each loop of the double-loop is tied around the material to be tied. This method can be used for cornrows of hair to which a hair extension is attached. Each of the features described with reference to the devices and methods above, can be applied to this method and vice versa.
“Substantially” and “substantially shown,” for purposes of this specification, are defined as “at least 90%,” or as otherwise indicated. “Identical” or “exactly,” for purposes of this specification, is defined as “within an acceptable tolerance level known in the art.” Any device may “comprise,” or “consist of,” the devices mentioned there-in, as limited by the claims. Any element described may be one of “exactly” or “substantially,” as described.
It should be understood that the use of “and/or” is defined inclusively, such that the term “a and/or b” should be read to include the sets: “a and b,” “a or b,” “a,” or “b.”

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a side perspective view of a double-loop hair extension of an embodiment of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 2 shows a side elevation view of the double-loop hair extension of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a top plan view of the double-loop hair extension of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows hair with cornrows before adding the double-loop hair extension of embodiments of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 5 shows pulling the double-loop hair extension under a corn row in an embodiment of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 6 shows a pulled double-loop hair extension under a cornrow in an embodiment of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 7 shows a process of hooking a second loop in an embodiment of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 8 shows a process of pulling the hair extension through the loops in an embodiment of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 9 shows a process of passing the rest of the hair extension through both loops in an embodiment of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 10 shows a process of tightening the hair extension onto a cornrow in an embodiment of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 11 shows a completed attachment of a hair extension to hair in an embodiment of the disclosed technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY

A double loop hair extension which is attached to growing hair, such as cornrows of hair, is attached by placing the hair extension around the growing hair and tying a knot. The knot is tied by extending an un-looped or lower section of the hair extension through both loops and tightening. This method can be carried out for a hair extension being attached to hair or any flexible material tied to another flexible material. In this manner, a double-typing akin to a double-knot can be created with a single action. The double loops, in embodiments, are formed from the same length of hair or strands of hair which is twisted upon itself creating the loops.
Embodiments of the disclosed technology will become clearer in view of the forthcoming description of the figures.
FIG. 1 shows a side perspective view of a double-loop hair extension of an embodiment of the disclosed technology. There is a hair extension with two loops—a first upper loop 12 and a second lower loop 14. Each has a respective portal. Thus, there is an upper portal 2 and lower portal 4. The loops can be made of a separate pieces or lengths of material or can be a unitary construction (continuous length of material) to each other and the rest of the hair extension 16. The “rest of the hair extension” or area which is between an extreme end of the hair extension and the loops 12 and 14 is also referred to as the un-looped portion or section of the hair extension. The loops 12 and 14 are at a top end of the hair extension 16. That is the “top”, for purposes of this disclosure, is the portion with the loops and the “bottom” is on the opposite side thereof.
The loops can be created by folding over a continuous piece of fabric, the fabric held this way based on chemicals applied to keep the folds. In other embodiments, at the crossing points in the fabric where multiple sections touch, glue or another adhesive is applied. This is, for example, at the material directly between the portals 2 and 4, as shown in FIG. 1 (at the bottom of loop 2 which is simultaneously the top of loop 4) and/or at the bottom of lower loop 4.
FIG. 2 shows a side elevation view of the double-loop hair extension of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 shows a top plan view of the double-loop hair extension of FIG. 1. Here, one can see that the loops are, in embodiments of the disclosed technology, substantially flat in that one or both loops 12 and 14 open into a single flat plane. The loops need not be in the same plane, however, and can, for example, be 90 degrees off from each other.
The hair extension can be created from strandss of synthetic or real hair which extend from an extreme end (lower end, defined as furthest or opposite site as the loops 12 and 14) back to this same extreme end. In the middle, or at a mid-region, the hair is twisted and can also be twisted further in other places along the length to create curls. However, at the upper region there are two twists or bends which cause the loops to be created, the loops having the portals 2 and 4, respectively, therein. That is, a space is created by the bends or twists. It is these two portals, which are adjacent to each other, and separated/created into two different elements by way of a bend or twist in the hair. These bends or twists can also be glued together, or they can simply be held by the tautness/stiffness of the hair at these locations such as through chemical treating, heat treating, or the like. One can untwist the bends, in embodiments of the disclosed technology, causing the loops to open into a single loop or disappear entirely. However, at least in some embodiments, release of the force causing the untwisting results in the twists reforming and the loops being recreated.
FIG. 4 shows hair with cornrows before adding the double-loop hair extension of embodiments of the disclosed technology. While the double loop hair extension 16 can be tied to any length of hair, weft, or other object, in embodiments it is tied to cornrows which will be shown in the remainder of the drawings. Cornrows are a form of a tightly weaved hair extending from the scalp of a person. Multiple such cornrows 20 are shown in FIG. 4. While many hair extensions can be attached to each cornrow 20, one will be discussed/shown by way of example.
FIG. 5 shows pulling the double-loop hair extension under a corn row in an embodiment of the disclosed technology. Here, one uses a device which is capable of grabbing the hair extension and pulling it under a cornrow 20, such as is shown, a latch hook 30 with business end 32 having a hook which opens and closes. One can use a hook of any sorts in other embodiments of the disclosed technology.
FIG. 6 shows a pulled double-loop hair extension under a cornrow in an embodiment of the disclosed technology. Here, the latch hook 30 is hooked into the top loop 12 and the body of the hair extension 16 (below the loops) is under a cornrow 20. The hair extension is now ready to be tied.
FIG. 7 shows a process of hooking a second loop in an embodiment of the disclosed technology. Here, the tool shown in a crochet hook which has an open hooked region. The latch hook also can close the hooked region, but both are referred to generically as hooks 30 with hooked regions 32 in this disclosure. Either can be used to carry out any of the steps described herein. The hook 30 is brought through the lower loop 14 followed by the upper loop 12, the upper loop having, in embodiments, a twist in the fabric of the hair extension separating it from the lower loop.
FIG. 8 shows a process of pulling the hair extension through the loops in an embodiment of the disclosed technology. Next, the bottom portion of the hair extension 16 is pulled through both the upper loop 12 and lower loop 14, such as in a single motion of pulling. The hook 30 has the hair extension 16 (portion below the loops) in the hooked region 32 and by pulling the hook 30 in a direction such that the hooked region 32 approaches the loops 12 and 14, the hair extension 16 passes through the loops 12 and 14.
Summarizing what has been said so far, the hair extension 16 is pulled under a length of growing hair 20. A hook is passed through both an upper loop 12 and lower loop 14 of a hair extension 16 having a lower region which is defined as an entirety of the hair extension excluding the two (or more) loops. The hook is further used to grasp on to, pull, or otherwise hold a lower region of the hair extension and the hook is then pulled out of the loops 12 and 14, causing the lower portion of the hair extension 16 to pass through both loops. The loops are separated, in some embodiments, by nothing more than a rotation of otherwise continuous fabric or a small point of glue holding the fabric together and creating the two separate loops. In this manner, as will be seen below, the loops become tied in a double-knot by way of one stroke pulling the lower portion of the hair extension 16 through two loops.
FIG. 9 shows a process of passing the rest of the hair extension through both loops in an embodiment of the disclosed technology. The cornrow 20 is shown with the hair extension 16 wrapped there-around. The hair extension 16, in this snapshot in time, is being pulled through the loops 12 and 14. It will eventually be pulled fully through both loops 12 and 14 simultaneously tying both loops around the the cornrow 20.
FIG. 10 shows a process of tightening the hair extension onto a cornrow in an embodiment of the disclosed technology. The hair extension 16 is now tied completely around the cornrow 20 with both loops 12 and 14 pulled tightly against the cornrow. In this manner, a double tying (a sort of double-knot) has been created, but instead of having to wrap the hair extension or other lengths of fabric around itself twice, by using the dual-looped hair extension, both loops 12 and 14 tied with a same pulling action of the the rest of the hair extension 16 through the loops at the same time.
FIG. 11 shows a completed attachment of a hair extension to hair in an embodiment of the disclosed technology. The hair extension 16 has it's loops 12 and 14 tied around a cornrow. Many more hair extensions can be tied around he cornrow or other cornrows.
While the disclosed technology has been taught with specific reference to the above embodiments, a person having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and the scope of the disclosed technology. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. Combinations of any of the methods, systems, and devices described herein-above are also contemplated and within the scope of the disclosed technology.

Claims

I claim:

1. A double-looped hair extension, comprising:

a unitary length of a strands of hair;

two bends in a middle region of said strands of hair;

an upper loop defined in part by a first bend of said two bends;

a lower loop between said upper loop and an un-looped section of said strands of hair, defined by said first bend and a second bend between said lower loop and said up-looped section of said strands of hair.

2. The double-looped hair extension of claim 1, wherein said hair extension remains taut with said upper loop, said lower loop, and said two bends in place.

3. The double-looped hair extension of claim 1, wherein said upper loop and lower loop form a figure-8.

4. The double-looped hair extension of claim 3, wherein said upper loop, said lower loop, and said two bends are removable into a straighter length of a hair extension by way of untwisting one or both of said two bends, wherein upon removing force causing said untwisting, at least one of said upper loop, said lower loop, or said two bends are re-formed.

5. The double-looped hair extension of claim 1, wherein adhesive is placed at, at least one of said two bends.

6. A method of using said double-looped hair extension of claim 1, comprising the steps of:

pulling said upper loop and said lower loop under growing hair;

hooking, and then pulling, at least a majority of said un-looped section of said strands of hair through both said upper loop and said lower loop;

pulling said un-looped section of said strands away from said growing hair or said upper loop and said lower loop creating a double-tying around said growing hair.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein said pulling through said upper loop and said lower loop is accomplished with a single direction of motion.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein said pulling through said upper loop and pulling through said lower loops are both accomplished simultaneously.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein said double-tying includes a single tying of said upper loop around said growing hair and a single tying of said lower loop around said growing hair.

10. A method of tying, comprising the steps of:

pulling a flexible elongated material with double-loop at one end and length of un-looped material across another material to be tied, said double-loop being formed from a bend in a continuous and uninterrupted length of said flexible elongated material;

hooking said length of un-looped material and pulling said length of un-looped material across across a second side of said material to be tied;

pulling said length of un-looped material simultaneously through two loops of said double-loop;

tightening, into a knot, each loop of said double-loop around said material to be tied.

11. The method of tying of claim 10, wherein said flexible elongated material is a hair extension.

12. The method of tying of claim 11, wherein said material to be tied is growing hair.

13. The method of tying of claim 12, wherein said growing hair is in cornrows.

14. The method of tying of claim 13, wherein each loop is opened by way of untwisting said flexible elongated material and returns to said each loop upon releasing forces causing said untwisting.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein said hair extension is double-tied such that there is a single tying of said upper loop around said growing hair and a single tying of said lower loop around said growing hair.