[00001] This application claims priority of U.S. Application No. 13/961,295, filed on August 7, 2013, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present application relates to ponytail extension devices, and methods of using ponytail extension devices.

Background

[0002] Ponytail extension devices are generally applied to natural hair, in order to provide additional length, volume, color, highlights, and other aesthetic effects. Often, the ponytail extension devices are difficult to apply, involve multiple steps, require specialized tools, require the

assistance of a hair stylist professional, fall out

unexpectedly, and damage the natural hair in the process.

[0003] There are many different types of ponytail extension devices available on the market and many different methods for applying such devices to natural hair. For example, the

ponytail extension device can take the form of a single ring with attached hair extensions which is placed against the head after the natural hair is combed aside. The ponytail extension device is held in place by combing the natural hair over the ponytail extension (U.S. Patent No. 57,328). Some ponytail extension devices require an additional attachment mechanism, such as a base mesh net or primary wig. The additional

attachment mechanism is sewn to the natural hair and is often applied around the entire circumference of the head (U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2008/0047572 and 2009/0065022).

[0004] Many ponytail extension devices on the market do not achieve the required aesthetic effect, and when they do, they are often physically uncomfortable or difficult to wear. For example, a ponytail extension device with a single circular foundation often requires adding substantial amounts of hair strands (U.S. Patent No. 541,125) and/or multiple layers of hair strands (U.S. Patent No. 8,316,864) which may significantly increase the device's weight, making its application difficult and its wearing uncomfortable.

Summary

[0005] Accordingly, a need has been recognized for a ponytail extension device and method that is easy to apply, adjust, remove, reapply, and does not require specialized tools or the assistance of a hair stylist professional, and does not cause damage to the natural hair, and does not fall out unexpectedly. In addition, a need has been recognized for a ponytail extension device which is obscured by the natural hair so that it is invisible to an observer.

[0006] In a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, a ponytail extension device is provided, comprising a material layer having a center opening; and a plurality of hair strands attached to a band, wherein the band is attached to the material layer to spiral out, around the center opening, from an interior point of attachment of the band to the material layer to an exterior point of attachment of the band to the material layer, so that the plurality of hair strands extend away from the material layer in concentrically arranged layers. [0007] In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the device further comprises a connecting part fixedly attached to at least one of the band, the material layer, and the plurality of hair strands and configured

to releasably secure the ponytail extension device to at least one of a scalp and a first section of hair growing from the scalp .

[0008] In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the connecting part is a plurality of clips.

[0009] In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the plurality of clips is fixedly attached via at least one of pins, screws, stitching, and adhesives.

[0010] In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the plurality of clips is provided at spaced

intervals about a periphery of the band.

[0011] In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the material layer comprises one of a mesh layer, a net layer, a web layer, and a scrim layer.

[0012] In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the center opening is adapted for insertion of at least one hair from the first section of hair to facilitate securement of the ponytail extension device to the at least one of the scalp and the first section of hair.

[0013] In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the attached band comprises a plurality of spiraling turns, each turn spaced apart from an adjacent turn by a predetermined distance. [0014] In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the plurality of spiraling turns lie in a single plane .

[0015] In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the material layer separates each turn from an adjacent turn.

[0016] In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the band is attached to the material layer by a sewn attachment .

[0017] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, a method of applying a ponytail extension is

provided, the method comprising the steps of providing a

material layer having a center opening; providing a plurality of hair strands attached to a band; attaching the band to the material layer to spiral out, around the center opening, from an interior point of attachment of the band to the material layer to an exterior point of attachment of the band to the material layer, so that the plurality of hair strands extend away from the material layer in concentrically arranged layers; attaching a connecting part to at least one of the band, the material layer, and the plurality of hair strands; and positioning the center opening to a position adjacent to at least one of a scalp and a first section of hair growing from the scalp.

[0018] In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises the step of inserting at least one hair from the first section of hair through the center opening .

[0019] In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises the step of attaching the connecting part to the at least one of the scalp and the first section of hair to releasably secure the ponytail

extension device thereto.

[0020] In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises the steps of gathering a second section of hair growing from the scalp; and positioning the second section of hair over the ponytail extension device to at least partially sandwich the ponytail extension device between the first section of hair and the second section of hair .

[0021] In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the second section of hair includes hair growing from each side of the first section of hair.

[0022] In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the center opening is formed in the material layer prior to attachment of the band to the material layer.

[0023] In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the center opening is formed in the material layer after attachment of the band to the material layer.

[0024] Other features and aspects of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following brief description of the drawings, the detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments, the appended claims, and the

accompanying drawings .

Brief Description of the Drawings [0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a ponytail extension device, prior to attachment to a user' s head, in accordance with the present invention

[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates a plan view of an exemplary

embodiment of a spiraling band attached to a material layer, in accordance with the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates the embodiment of the exemplary spiraling band attached to the material layer of FIG. 1, shown with a center opening, in accordance with the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates a plan view of an exemplary

embodiment of a ponytail extension device, in accordance with the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 5 illustrates a rear perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a ponytail extension device, after attachment but prior to overlapping second sections of hair, in accordance with the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0030] A preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 1, which shows a perspective view of the ponytail extension device prior to attachment to a user's head. The ponytail extension device 10 is made up of a plurality of hair strands 40 attached to a band 30, and a material layer 20 in which there is a center opening 22. The material layer 20 is attached to the band 30 at a surface opposite to where the plurality of hair strands 40 is connected to the band 30.

Attached to the outer surface of the ponytail extension device 10 are connection parts 50, e.g., clips 52 situated within the periphery of the ponytail extension device 10. [0031] The band 30, with its accompanying attached plurality of hair strands 40, can be a hair weft. The plurality of hair strands 40 is connected to an inner surface of the band 30 and suspended therefrom in a direction substantially perpendicular to a main axis of the band 30. The term "main axis" means an axis running in the longitudinal direction of the band 30. Such hair wefts are well-known in the hair styling profession. All of the hair strands can be uniform or they can differ in length, color, volume, etc., as desired for its aesthetic purpose.

[0032] The material layer 20 can be a mesh layer, a net layer, a web layer, or a scrim layer. Such layers have a network shape with two sets of strands oriented perpendicular to each other and intersecting to form openings between adjacent

strands. Such layers allow for fast and easy attachment of the band 30 to the material layer 20 in a spiraling manner, and provide a mechanical connection and reinforcement between turns of the spiraling band 30. However, it will be appreciated that other material layers suitable for attachment to the band is within the scope of the present invention. Indeed, according to an example embodiment of the present invention, the material layer can be a continuous fabric having no visible openings between strands of the fabric.

[0033] The attachment of the material layer 20 to the band 30 is illustrated in FIG. 2, which shows a plan view of such an attachment. The band 30 is attached to the material layer 20 near a center point and then in a spiraling path until it reaches an exterior point of attachment 34 near a periphery of the material layer 20. Specifically, the band 30 can be attached to spiral from an interior point of attachment 32 of the band 30 to the material layer 20 to an exterior point of attachment 34 of the band 30 to the material layer 20. By attaching the band 30 in this manner, the plurality of strands 40 extend away from the material layer 20 in concentrically arranged layers. In this way, a single hair weft can be used to create several layers of hair, thereby increasing the volume of hair in a cost-effective manner. The number of spiraling turns can be between 6 and 8 turns. However, different numbers of turns are possible and are within the scope of the present invention .

[0034] To form the attachment between the material layer 20 and the band 30, the outer surface of the band 30 can be sewn into the inner surface of the material layer 20. However, it will be appreciated that other means of attachment are within the scope of the present invention, e.g. stapling, gluing, nailing, pinning, taping, and heat welding, so long as the band is attached to the material layer in a spiraling manner.

[0035] The band 30 is preferably sewn to the material layer 20 so that the resulting plurality of spiraling turns lie in a single plane, forming a flat spiral shape. The flat spiral shape has at least a first surface (i.e. the outer surface of the band 30) which is 100% planar, or at least a first surface which is substantially planar, e.g. at least 50% of the first surface of the attached band 30 is planar. In an alternative embodiment, the band can be sewn in a manner that results in formation of a non-flat spiral shape, such as a helical spiral shape.

[0036] FIG. 3 illustrates the embodiment of the attachment of the material layer to the band of FIG. 2, but also shows the material layer having a center opening. As seen in FIG. 3, the material layer 20 has a center opening 22 formed at a center of the bands 30 attachment to the material layer 20. Such a configuration facilitates grasping of the ponytail extension device 10 to allow for desirable application and positioning of the device 10, and, as will be seen below, also facilitates pulling natural hair through to secure the device to the user' s head. The center opening can have a diameter of approximately 2 inches, while the diameter of the center opening and the surrounding material layer together can be approximately 4.5 to 5 inches. Other dimensions are possible and are within the scope of the present invention.

[0037] The center opening 22 can be formed before or after attachment of the material layer 20 to the band 30. If the center opening 22 is formed before attachment, then after the opening 22 is formed in the material layer 20 with, for example, a knife, scissor, or any other cutting implement, the band 30 is attached to the material layer 20 to spiral out around the center opening 22.

[0038] If the center opening 22 is formed after attachment, then the band 30 is attached to the material layer 20 to spiral out from near a center portion of the material layer 20. In this case, the location of the interior point of attachment 32 will depend on the size of the later-formed center opening 22, which can vary depending on the volume of hair to be manufactured or on the size of the intended user's head. Based on the determined center opening 22 size, the interior point of attachment 32 can be formed at a radial distance of the opening 22 from the center of the material layer 20. Once formed, the center opening 22 can be enlarged by removing parts of the material layer 20 and band 30 in a circumferential direction from the previously formed center opening 22.

[0039] In an alternative embodiment for forming a center opening after attachment, after the outer surface of the band 30 is attached to the inner surface of the material layer 20 near the center of the material layer 20, an opening 22 is formed between the interior point of attachment 32 of the band 30 to the material layer 20 and the adjacent turn of the spiraling band 30 or between the interior point of attachment 32 and a further turn of the spiraling band 30. By forming the opening 22 in this manner, the spiraling turns of the band 30 can be used as a basis for determining the size of the opening 22.

[0040] In an alternative embodiment, instead of a center opening being formed in the material layer, the material layer is attached to each spiraling turn of the band, except for a center portion which is left open. In this way, the material layer provides a mechanical connection and reinforcement between turns of the spiraling band, but without it being necessary to form a center opening.

[0041] While FIGS. 2 and 3 show a circular material layer 20, it will be appreciated that other configurations are possible which can be used in other embodiments, e.g., square,

semicircular, rectangular, or any other geometric shape. If the material layer 20 is not circular, the band 30 can be attached to the material layer 20 at any point along the material layer 20 so long as the band 30 is attached to spiral from an interior point of attachment 32 to an exterior point of attachment 34. After the band 30 is attached, sections of the material layer 20 can be removed to form a generally circular shape.

[0042] It will also be appreciated that other configurations of the opening 22 are possible which can be used in other embodiments, e.g., substantially circular, square, semicircular, rectangular, or any other geometric shape. Any opening suitable for insertion of hair is within the scope of the present

invention . [0043] In an alternative embodiment, instead of using a single band 30 and attaching the band 30 to the material layer 20 to spiral out, multiple bands, i.e., hair wefts can be attached to the material layer 20 arranged concentrically to each other around a center opening 22 so that the plurality of strands from each of the multiple bands extend away from the mesh layer in concentrically arranged layers.

[0044] The clips 52 used in the present invention as

illustrated in FIG. 1, is shown in more detail in FIG. 4.

Although three clips 52 are shown in the embodiment of FIG. 4, one or more, and especially four, such clips 52 spaced as desired can be used in accordance with the invention. The clips 52 are preferably equidistantly disposed about the circumference of the material layer 20. However, it will be appreciated that other configurations are possible such that the clips 52 are not equidistantly disposed about the circumference of the material layer 20, e.g. substantially equidistantly disposed. In

addition, while clips 52 are preferably used, other connecting parts are within the scope of the present invention, such as clamps, snaps, hooks, or adhesives.

[0045] As seen in FIG. 4, the clips 52 have a base portion 54 and a comb portion 56 with a plurality of fingers. The base portion 54 has a substantially rectangular shape with a center opening 22. The comb portion 56 is secured to the base portion 54 at an upper edge via at least one of pins, rivets, screws, staples, bolts, nails, stitching, and glue.

[0046] When the clip 52 is in an applied state i.e. when the device 10 is attached to a user's head or to attach the device 10 to the user's head, the comb portion 56 flexes convexly and pushes down against the user' s natural hair trapping the natural hair between the fingers and the base portion 54. When the clip 52 is in a non-applied state i.e. when the device 10 is not attached to a user's head or to remove the device 10 from the user's head, the comb portion 56 flexes concavely to release the trapped hair. Thus, the device 10 is secured or removed via flexing of the clip 52.

[0047] The clip 52 can be attached to at least one of the band 30, the material layer 20, and the plurality of hair

strands 40 by a variety of methods, including via threads which are passed through each of the sew holes 58 of the clip 52 and into a portion of the ponytail extension device 10. The clip 52 can also be tied in a different manner to the device 10 such as by passing a portion of the natural hair through the sew holes 58 of the clip 52 and tying the natural hair to a portion of the clip 52. Alternatively, the clip 52 can be glued to the device 10, or attached in any other manner to the device 10, such as with pins, rivets, screws, staples, bolts, nails, and/or stitching .

[0048] The clip 52 can be made from metal. However, any suitable material, or combination of suitable materials, is possible such as plastic or ceramic.

[0049] FIG. 5 illustrates a rear perspective view of the ponytail extension device 10 attached to a user's head. To attach the device 10 as shown in FIG. 5, the user grasps the device 10 with at least one hand from the center opening 22, or from another portion of the device 10, and positions the device 10 against a desirable portion of the user's head. Prior to attaching the device 10 to the user's head, a portion of hair 64 growing from a first section 62 on the user' s head is inserted through the center opening 22. The device 10 is then attached via the clips 52 to the user's head.

[0050] After the device is in place, two sections of hair 66 are gathered and pulled over the device 10 to at least partially sandwich the device 10 between the gathered sections of hair 64 pulled through the center opening 22 and the two sections of hair 66, thereby obstructing the device from view (not shown in the figure) . In this way, the material layer 20 and band 30 can be hidden from view and the hair strands 40 can blend in with the user's natural hair. A band 30 can then be placed over the combined device 10 and natural hair to additionally secure the device 10 to the head.

[0051] A method of using an exemplary ponytail extension device will now be described.

[0052] Prior to application of the device 10 to the head, the user' s hair is parted at a desired location on the scalp 60 and pulled in the direction of the ears, forming two sections of hair 66.

[0053] Once parted, the user gathers a portion of hair contained within the parted lines i.e. between the two sections of hair 66, which is generally located near or within the center occipital section of the head.

[0054] The device 10 is then placed over the gathered hair at a desired location, which can be adjusted to a different desired location on the scalp 60 if preferred, and at least a portion of the gathered hair is pulled through the center opening 22 of the device 10. The clips 52 are then secured to the user's head by causing the comb portion 56 of the clips 52 to flex convexly against the user's natural hair. [0055] Once the device 10 is secured to the user's head via the clips 52, the user gathers the parted two sections of hair 66 and pulls them over the device 10 to at least partially sandwich the device 10 between the gathered sections of hair 64 pulled through the center opening 22 and the two sections of hair 66. In this way, the material layer 20 and band 30 can be hidden from view and the hair strands 40 can blend in with the user's natural hair. A band can then be placed over the combined device 10 and natural hair to additionally secure the device 10 to the head.

[0056] If it is desired to remove the device 10 from the user's head, the user merely has to cause the comb portion 56 of the clips 52 to flex concavely. No special removal tools are required. The device 10 can then be reapplied following the steps outlined above. No replacement parts are necessary.

[0057] The foregoing description discloses only non-limiting embodiments of the present invention. Modification of the above-disclosed ponytail extension device, as well as methods for using the same, which fall within the scope of the

invention, will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0058] Accordingly, while the present invention has been disclosed in connection with the above non-limiting embodiments, it should be understood that other embodiments may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined by the

following claims.