GB2626380A

GB2626380A - A crown-engageable hairpiece

Info

Publication number: GB2626380A
Application number: GB2300957.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Amina Sulu Temilola
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2023-01-23
Filing date: 2023-01-23
Publication date: 2024-07-24
Also published as: GB202300957D0

Abstract

A crown-engageable hairpiece 10 comprising a resiliently flexible frame 12 and a hair extension 14. The frame has a crown facing surface 16 and a plurality of hair anchors 18 extending from the crown facing surface. The hair extension is attached or attachable to the frame. Each hair anchor of the plurality of hair anchors has a retaining portion 38 facing the crown facing surface to at least in part form a hair receiver therebetween. Also claimed is a method of securing the hairpiece to the head and the frame in isolation. Preferably in-use the frame is curved about two different axes. Preferably the frame is formed of an outer-frame member 524a and an inner-frame member 524b joined by flexion interconnecting members 524c, for example live hinges. Preferably the frame comprises a flat portion 36 which abuts hair that has been gathered in the securing process. The invention is particularly suited towards a hair extension for forming a ponytail.

Description

A CROWN-ENGAGEABLE HAIRPIECE

The present invention relates to a crown-engageable hairpiece, and particularly but not exclusively to a crown-engageable hairpiece for a ponytail extension. The invention also relates to a method of affixing said crown-engageable hairpiece to a user's natural hair located at a crown of the user's head. Furthermore, the invention relates to a resiliently-flexible-crown-engageable hairpiece frame for use with a hair extension.

Hair extensions are generally worn to give the appearance of longer and fuller looking hair. Longer and more voluminous hair has been found to be an attractive feature as it is associated with youth and good health. A challenge facing hair extension manufacturers is how to create a product that can be securely and comfortably attached to a user's head whilst also allowing it to be easily removed when required.

Current solutions use clips that dig into the base of the wearer's ponytail and another piece of hair to wrap around the extension piece to hide where the extension connects to the user's ponytail. These can often be uncomfortable and difficult to disguise for the desired effect of natural looking hair. Other solutions include toupees or lace closures which consist of a piece of fabric and hair on the topside of the toupee; however, these usually require clips or thread to keep them in place which can cause breakage to the natural hair and pain to the wearer. Furthermore, such solutions are difficult to disguise in hairstyles such as ponytails.

It is an object of the present invention to reduce or substantially obviate the aforementioned problems.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a crown-engageable hairpiece comprising: a resiliently-flexible frame with an in-use crown facing surface and a plurality of hair anchors extending from the crown facing surface; and a hair extension attached or attachable to the resiliently-flexible frame; wherein each hair anchor of the plurality of hair anchors has a retaining portion facing the crown facing surface to at least in part form a hair receiver therebetween.

The crown-engageable hairpiece is capable of securely affixing a ponytail extension with an elegant and natural look to a crown of a user's head whilst also being easily detachable when required. The inventor's intended name for the crown-engageable hairpiece is 'nupony'.

The resilient flexibility of the frame allows the device to conform to the user's head anatomy whilst also assisting the user in disengaging the crown-engageable hairpiece when desired. The hair extension being attached or attachable to the resiliently-flexible frame also provides some separation of the hair extension from the user's scalp, minimising irritation experienced by the user. Furthermore, by creating a plurality of hair receivers which in-use receive the user's natural hair to create a plurality of attachment points, a secure means of affixing the hair extension is provided. An increased number of effective attachment points results in an increased tensile and compressive stress distribution for reduced areas of stress concentration, and thus a less painful ponytail hair extension that can support a heavier hair extension.

Beneficially, the resiliently-flexible frame may comprise a frame body with a thickness, a width and a length, whereby the thickness of the frame body is less than that of the width and/or length. Preferably, the thickness of the frame body may be less than lOmm. A thin frame body can allow for increased flexion so that it more preferably conforms to the user's head and also makes the crown-engageable hairpiece easier to disguise.

Advantageously, the resiliently-flexible frame may have a curvature in an in-use corona! direction. Additionally or alternatively, the resiliently-flexible frame has a curvature in an in-use sagittal direction. These curvatures of the resiliently-flexible frame provide an inherent conformity to the curvature of the user's head. High conformability means that the crown-engageable hairpiece is more comfortable and less easily detectable. In the instance where the resiliently-flexible frame comprises curvature in both the coronal and sagittal in-use directions, an effective domed shape is created.

Optionally, the frame body may comprise a plurality of frame members. In some instances, the plurality of frame members may include an outer-frame member, an inner-frame member and a plurality of interconnecting members therebetween. The plurality of frame members allows for increased flexion for enhanced user specific head shape conformity. This user-specific conformity of the frame body and thus the resiliently-flexible frame, aided by the plurality of frame members, may further be enhanced by each frame member of the plurality of frame members having an at least one interconnecting flexion element. This improves the flexibility and therefore conformability to the user's crown.

The resiliently-flexible frame may include a gathered-hair-abutment portion. The gathered-hair-abutment portion may be by way of a flattened portion of the resiliently-flexible frame to in-use abut a user's gathered hair. In some instances, the frame may resemble a horseshoe shape with a flattened edge connecting the open end of the horseshoe shape. The flattened abutting edge of the resiliently-flexible frame allows the crown-engageable hairpiece to sit closely to a user's natural gathered hair. Such a closed horseshoe shape means that the crown-engageable hairpiece blends with the natural hair and sits well on the wearer's head.

Optionally, each hair anchor of the plurality of hair anchors has a scalp-engagement portion. In this instance, the ends of the anchors, furthest from the crown facing surface of the resiliently-flexible frame, present functional ends that interface with a user's scalp. By interfacing with a user's scalp, the scalp-engagement portion stimulates nerve endings, providing the user with reassuring pressure sensations that the ponytail extension is still in-situ. Engaging the user's scalp also facilitates the best possible anchorage whilst helping create the illusion of more natural-looking hair.

The scalp-engagement portion may be conical, flat, or rounded. The conical shape can help increase contact pressure and thus the stimulus on the scalp. In contrast, the rounded scalp-engagement portion can reduce stress concentrations to help reduce possible irritation. A flat scalp-engagement portion may be an intermediate position between these extremes In some instances, the plurality of hair anchors is releasably engageable with the crown facing surface. This optional feature can allow a user to change the type of anchor, these could be hooked shaped, straight anchors with a conical scalp-engagement portion, straight anchors with a rounded scalp-engagement portion or the like. This detachable feature of the hair anchors may also help the user to disengage the crown-engageable hairpiece when desired.

Advantageously, the hair extension may comprise a substrate and a plurality of hairs attached to the substrate. The substrate of the hair extension is then attached or attachable to the resiliently-flexible frame. These features can realise a fuller looking hair extension as the substrate allows for a continuous surface on which individual hair strands may be attached.

The hair extension may have a fastening to mechanically attach the hair extension to the resiliently-flexible frame. Alternatively or additionally the hair extension may have an adhesive layer to chemically bond the hair extension to the resiliently-flexible frame. The mechanical fastening an/or chemical adhesive layer may allow for a user to select different hair extensions styles and colours. Having both a mechanical fastening and chemical adhesive layer may afford for a stronger connection between the hair extension and the resiliently-flexible frame.

Beneficially, a colour of the resiliently-flexible frame may match or substantially match a colour of the hair extension. This feature can help achieve a virtually undetectable crown-engageable hairpiece even after a long period of time in-situ.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of affixing a crown-engageable hairpiece to a crown of a user's head, the method comprising the steps of: a) gathering a user's natural hair into a desired hairstyle and securing it using a securement element; b) providing a crown-engageable hairpiece in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; and c) engaging the crown-engageable hairpiece adjacent to the gathered user's natural hair, such that the user's hair is received by each of the hair receivers of the crown-engageable hairpiece.

Such a method allows a ponytail extension to be securely attached to the crown of the user's head without causing pain and without damaging the user's natural hair. The method affords the user a more comfortable experience, as the crown-engageable hairpiece sits on top of the wearer's head, as opposed to latching on to the wearer's natural ponytail by a clip. Furthermore, the method negates the requirement for a bulky connection such that the crown-engageable hairpiece is virtually undetectable.

Optionally, the method may further comprise a step after step c) of disguising the resiliently-flexible frame of the crown-engageable hairpiece with the user's natural hair.

The method may further comprise a step after step c) of removing the securement element. This can help make the connection look more discrete and may be more preferable in curlier and/or coarser natural hair.

In some instances, the method may further comprise a step after step c) of gathering both the user's natural hair and the hair extension of the crown-engageable hairpiece and securing it with a further securement element. By styling both the hair extension and the user's natural hair together can help create a more natural look.

Beneficially, the method may further comprise a step after step c) of sliding the crownengageable hairpiece to abut the gathered user's natural hair. By positioning the crown-engageable hairpiece closer to the user's gathered hair can help minimise any unwanted movement. Further, a more natural look may be achieved by decreasing the distance between the crown-engageable hairpiece and the user's gathered natural hair.

Advantageously, step b) of the method may include providing a crown-engageable hairpiece and a further step after step b) of affixing the hair extension to the resiliently-flexible frame. This allows a user to select a hair extension of their choice.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a resiliently-flexiblecrown-engageable hairpiece frame for use with a hair extension comprising: an in-use crown facing surface; and a plurality of hair anchors extending from the crown facing surface and an in-use hair extension engagement surface which opposes the crown facing surface; wherein each hair anchor of the plurality of hair anchors has a retaining portion facing the crown facing surface to at least in part form a hair receiver therebetween.

Such a resiliently-flexible-crown-engageable hairpiece frame can allow for a user to securely affix a hair extension of their choice.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a crown-engageable hairpiece comprising: a resiliently-flexible frame with an in-use crown engagement facing surface, a plurality of hair anchors; a hair extension attached or attachable to the resiliently-flexible frame; wherein the hair anchors in-use receivably engage with a user's hair.

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective representation of a first embodiment of a crown-engageable hairpiece in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; Figure 2 shows a perspective representation from below of the resiliently-flexible frame of the crown-engageable hairpiece of Figure 1 without the hair extension, more clearly displaying a plurality of hair anchors extending from a crown facing surface thereof; Figure 3 shows a perspective representation from above of the resiliently-flexible frame of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a side view of the resiliently-flexible frame of Figure 2; Figure 5 is a pictorial representation from the side of the crown-engageable hairpiece of Figure 1; Figure 6 is a side view of a second embodiment of a resiliently-flexible frame of a crown-engageable hairpiece in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; Figure 7 is a side view of a third embodiment of a resiliently-flexible frame of a crown-engageable hairpiece in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; Figure 8 is a perspective view from below of a fourth embodiment of a resiliently-flexible frame of a crown-engageable hairpiece in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; Figure 9 shows a plan view of a fifth embodiment of a resiliently-flexible frame of a crown-engageable hairpiece in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; and Figure 10 shows a plan view of a sixth embodiment of a resiliently-flexible frame of a crown-engageable hairpiece in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, there is shown a crown-engageable hairpiece 10. The crown-engageable hairpiece 10 comprises a resiliently-flexible frame 12 and a hair extension 14. The resiliently-flexible frame 12 has an in-use crown facing surface 16 and a plurality of hair anchors 18 extending from the crown facing surface 16. The hair extension 14 extends from a hair extension engagement surface 20 which opposes the crown facing surface 16.

The resiliently-flexible frame 12 includes a frame body 22, the frame body 22 having a plurality of frame members 24 including an outer-frame member 24a, an inner-frame member 24b and a plurality of interconnecting members 24c therebetween. In this instance, the interconnecting members 24c span between and meet the outer-frame member 24a and inner-frame member 24b at locations immediately adjacent to each hair anchor of the plurality of hair anchors 18. The number of interconnecting members 24c of the first embodiment is thus half that of the number of hair anchors, in this embodiment. However, it will be apparent that there need be no correlation between the positioning of the interconnecting members and the positioning of the anchor elements.

The frame body 22 has a length 26, a width 28, as best illustrated in Figures 2 by the dashed lines, and a thickness 30 as best shown in Figure 4 and indicated by the brace. The thickness 30 of the frame body 22 is less than the length 26 and width 28, and the width 28 may be less than the length 26. The thickness 30 of the frame is preferably less than 10 mm and, in this instance, less than 5 mm.

The resiliently-flexible frame 12 has a curvature in an in-use coronal direction 32 and a curvature in an in-use sagittal direction 34, as illustrated in Figure 3. These two curvatures create an overall dome shape such that the crown facing surface 16 is located on the concave surface of the dome and the hair extension engagement surface 20 is located on the opposing convex surface. In this instance, the thickness of the frame body 22 is uniform. However, it is appreciated that in other embodiments, the resiliently-flexible frame may present one or even none of the aforementioned curvatures.

It will be appreciated that in some instances the hair extension engagement surface may present curvature in the in-use coronal direction and/or curvature in the in-use sagittal direction whilst the crown facing surface may be flat. In this case, the thickness of the frame body is thicker towards a centre of the resiliently-flexible frame compared to that towards a periphery.

The resiliently-flexible frame 12 may include a gathered-hair-abutment portion 36 which may also be known as an in-use dorsal portion. In the first embodiment, the gathered-hair-abutment portion 36 is a flattened portion of the resiliently-flexible frame 12. The remainder of the resiliently-flexible frame 12 may resemble a horseshoe shape with the gathered-hair-abutment portion 36 spanning the open end of the horseshoe shape to complete the resiliently-flexible frame 12. The gathered-hair-abutment portion 36 here has a width 28a which is less than that of the width 28 of a ventral end of the resiliently-flexible frame 12. This may assist with seating of the resiliently-flexible frame 12 on the user's crown.

Extending from the crown facing surface 16 is the plurality of hair anchors 18. Figure 4 shows a side view of the plurality of hair anchors 18 according to the first embodiment. Each hair anchor of the plurality of hair anchors 18 includes a retaining portion 38 facing the crown facing surface 16 of the resiliently-flexible frame 12. Between the retaining portion 38 and the crown facing surface 16 there is a hair receiver 40 therebetween. In this instance, the hair receiver 40 may be considered a receiving volume which is at least in part defined by the retaining portion 38 and the crown facing surface 16.

In the indicated example, the receiving volume is disposed between the retaining portion 38 of each hair anchor of the plurality of hair anchors 18, a side wall 42 of each hair anchor and the crown facing surface 16. The retaining portion 38 in this instance can also be considered a retaining surface.

Each hair anchor of the plurality of hair anchors 18 has a hair anchor length 44. Said hair anchor length 44 is greater than the thickness 30 of the frame body 22. Each hair anchor of the plurality of hair anchors 18 depicted, has a hair anchor length 44 of approximately twice that of the thickness 30 of the frame body 22. The hair anchor length 44 may be at least the same thickness 30 of the frame body 22, typically being at least 1mm.

Each hair anchor of the plurality of hair anchors 18 includes a scalp-engagement portion 46. The scalp-engagement portion 46 of each hair anchor is located at an end which opposes that of the crown facing surface 16. The scalp-engagement portion 46 is conical with the base of the conical shape extending from the hair retaining portion 38. The scalp-engagement portion 46 further includes a scalp-contacting surface 48. In this instance, the scalp-contacting surface 48 is a flattening of the conical scalp-engagement portion 46 so as to not cause pain. However, it will be appreciated that the scalp-contacting surface may be a rounding of the conical scalp-engagement portion.

The hair extension 14, as best shown in Figure 1, comprises a substrate 50, a plurality of hairs 52 attached to the substrate 50 which is in turn mechanically fastened to the resiliently-flexible frame 12 by way of a fastening 54. It is envisaged that the substrate may be additionally or alternatively affixed to the resiliently-flexible frame by way of an adhesive layer to chemically bond the hair extension to the resiliently-flexible frame.

The substrate 50 may be a piece of fabric such as lace on which the plurality of hairs 52 may be glued, melted, sewn, or tied to the piece of fabric. The plurality of hairs may be affixed to the substrate at different angles. For example, a 20° angle may be used for the ponytail extension so as to sit flat on the head, or an angle of around or greater than 50° to 60° may be used for a more voluminous ponytail style. Although the substrate has been described as fabric, it is appreciated that the substrate may also be mesh or other suitable porous or non-porous material.

Referring now to Figure 5, there is a method of affixing the crown-engageable hairpiece 10 to the crown of the user's head. The method comprises a step of gathering their natural hair into a bun, ponytail or the like to a desired location and securing it with a securement element. The next step of the method involves providing a crown-engageable hairpiece 10. A final step includes engaging the crown-engageable hairpiece 10 adjacent to the gathered user's natural hair, such that the user's natural hair is received by each of the hair receivers 40 of the crown-engageable hairpiece 10.

The hair extension 14 can then be styled to create the desired look. It is appreciated that styling to create the desire look may also include the user's natural hair. The user may wrap up the ponytail hair extension 14 in the same way the user would wrap their natural hair. Once the desired style is created, it may be secured with a further securement element in a step after engagement of the crown-engageable hairpiece 10 with the user's hair. The securement element used to gather the natural hair of the user may then be removed. Similarly, the securement element may be removed prior to securing the further securement element which may work better with coarser and/or curlier natural hair.

Additionally, the crown-engageable hairpiece 10 is virtually undetectable because the wearer's natural hair and the hair extension 14 may pass through the same hairband. The hairband may be considered a further securement element. This negates the need for a bulky connection when the crown-engageable hairpiece 10 is used.

The further securement element can be a thin hairband. In this instance, the connection of the crown-engageable hairpiece 10 to the user is virtually undetectable. The further securement element may be a built-in hard hairband or clip that gathers the hair extension in a line and is bent around the natural hair to help create the enhanced ponytail.

Styling of the user's natural hair may be incorporated into the method by way of an additional step of disguising the resiliently-flexible frame 12 of the crown-engageable hairpiece 10 using the user's natural hair.

Upon engagement of the crown-engageable hairpiece 10 with the user's natural hair, the crown-engageable hairpiece 10 may be engaged on a ventral side relative to the gathered natural hair of the user. The crown-engageable hairpiece 10 can then be slid dorsally for the gathered-hair-abutment portion 36 to abut the gathered natural hair. This sliding action helps lodge the natural hair of the user into the hair receivers 40.

Referring now to Figure 6, there is shown the resiliently-flexible frame 112 of a second embodiment of the crown-engageable hairpiece. The second embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment, such that description of like or similar features have been omitted for clarity. For similar or identical features in Figure 6 as Figure 4, the reference numerals from Figures 4 have been used with 100 added.

The plurality of hair anchors 118 extend from the crown facing surface 116. Although the hair receiver 140 has been illustrated in two dimensions, in three dimensions the hair receiver 140 may be a volume with a hollow cylindrical shape. The retaining portion 138 and the scalp-engagement portion 146 are rounded. The scalp-contacting surface 148 is flattened which may present the same width and breadth of the retaining portion 138 which opposes the scalp-contacting surface 148. However, it will be appreciated that the scalp-engagement portion may be spherical.

Referring now to Figure 7, there is shown the resiliently-flexible frame 212 of a third embodiment of the crown-engageable hairpiece. The third embodiment is similar to that of the first and second embodiments, such that description of like or similar features have been omitted for clarity. For similar or identical features in Figure 7 as Figure 4, the reference numerals from Figures 4 have been used with 200 added.

The plurality of hair anchors 218 extend from the crown facing surface 216 and the scalp-engagement portion 246 is rounded. The scalp-contacting surface 248 may be flattened. The scalp-engagement portion 246 has a depth 247 that is greater than that of the depth 147 that is shown in Figure 6. Such an extended depth 247 may be used to create the appearance of volume, in which case is it likely that the central hair anchors 218 would be longer than those at the extremes of the frame 212, thereby creating a domed effect.

The hair anchor length 244 may be greater than twice that of the thickness 230 of the frame body 222. Preferably, the hair anchor length 244 may be greater than four times that of the thickness 230 of the frame body 222. More preferably, the hair anchor length 244 may be no more than six times that of the thickness 230 of the frame body 222, Furthermore, the hair anchor length 244 may be approximately five times greater than the thickness 230 of the frame body 222.

Referring now to Figure 8, there is shown the resiliently-flexible frame 312 of a fourth embodiment of the crown-engageable hairpiece. The fourth embodiment is similar to that of the previous embodiments, such that description of like or similar features have been omitted for clarity. For similar or identical features in Figure 7 as Figure 4, the reference numerals from Figure 4 have been used with 300 added.

The plurality of hair anchors 318 extend from the crown facing surface 316 and the scalp-engagement portion 346 is flat. Each hair anchor 318 has a triangular cross-section so as to allow for hooking onto the user's hair. The scalp-contacting surface 348 is flat, however, though it could be rounded. In this embodiment, the hair anchors 318 are quite shallow, allowing for the resiliently-flexible frame 312 to sit comparatively flush to the user's crown.

Referring now to Figure 9, there is shown a fifth embodiment of the crown-engageable hairpiece 410. Like or similar features to that of the first, second and third embodiments have been omitted for clarity. For similar or identical features in Figure 9 as Figure 4, the reference numerals from Figure 4 have been used with 400 added.

In this case, the resiliently-flexible frame 412 resembles a contour clip. A contour clip can be converted between open and closed positions by applying a force either above or below the contoured portion of the contour clip to engage or disengage an accompanying tang. In this instance, the tang or tangs may be considered to be hair anchors.

In this instance, the open position would include inverting the domed shape of the resiliently-flexible frame 412 resulting in the plurality of hair anchors 418 extending away from the centre of the crown facing surface 416. In an open position, the resiliently-flexible frame 412 can then be engaged with a user's crown. The resiliently-flexible frame 412 is then reverted to a closed position. In other words, the dome shaped resiliently-flexible frame 412 is snapped back such that the plurality of hair anchors 418 revert back to extend towards the centre of the crown facing surface 316, receiving the user's natural hair between the retaining portion of each hair anchor of the plurality of hair anchors 418 and the crown facing surface 416, also known as the hair receiver.

Moving the resiliently-flexible frame 412 as depicted in Figure 9 between its open and closed positions is facilitated by the mechanical properties of the resiliently-flexible frame 412 along with expansion joints between the hair anchors 418.

In the example of the fifth embodiment, the plurality of hair anchors 418 is divided into three groups, an in-use ventral plurality of hair anchors 418a and two in-use lateral plurality of hair anchors 418b. There are four expansion joints, two ventral-lateral expansion joints 454a and two lateral-dorsal portion expansion joints 454b.

In some instances, there may be an expansion joint between each of the hair anchors of the plurality of hair anchors. Additionally or alternatively, such expansion joints may be a feature of the frame body. In this instance, the frame body may be divided into a ventral frame body, two lateral frame bodies and a dorsal frame body.

In this instance, the gathered-hair-abutment portion 436 is arcuate so as to conform around the gathered user's hair.

Although the hair anchors of the other embodiments discussed above have hair anchors that are concentrated around the periphery of the resiliently-flexible frame 12, 112, 212, 312 to prevent the edges of the crown-engageable hairpiece 10, 110, 210, 310 from detaching, as shown in Figures 1 to 4 and 6 to 7, the resiliently-flexible frame 412 depicted in Figure 9 also includes hair anchors extending from the hair extension 414. In this instance the substrate 450 includes a frame facing surface 451 from which an at least one substrate anchor 456 extends. This acts to keep the substrate 450 flat in addition to spreading the stress required to support the crown-engageable hairpiece 410 across a greater number of engagement points. However, it will be appreciated that the plurality of substrate anchors may be preferable to aid stress distribution.

The plurality of substrate anchors 456 may include multiple flexible mini hooks attached across the frame facing surface 451.

In some instances where the substrate may comprise two layers, a base layer and a hair extension layer. The base layer and hair extension layer are stacked in a parallel orientation to one another, and both layers are attached to the resiliently-flexible frame. The base layer supports the plurality of substrate anchors whilst the hair extension layer supports the plurality of hairs. The plurality of hairs covers the whole or substantially the whole extent of the hair extension layer. Such a two-layered substrate allows for movement between the base layer and the hair extension layer, introducing natural movement into the hair extension.

The plurality of hair anchors of the resiliently-flexible frame and the substrate anchors may be substantially the same or identical.

Referring now to Figure 10 which shows the resiliently-flexible frame 512 of a sixth embodiment of the crown-engageable hairpiece. Like or similar features to that of the previous embodiments have been omitted for clarity. For similar or identical features in Figure 10 as Figure 4, the reference numerals from Figures 1 to 4 have been used with 500 added.

The resiliently-flexible frame 512 includes the plurality of hair anchors 518 extending away from the crown facing surface 516.

In the sixth embodiment, the frame body 522 comprises the outer-frame member 524a and inner-frame member 524b comprise a plurality of outer-frame members 524a' and a plurality of inner-frame members 524b', respectively. Such a plurality of outer-frame members and inner-frame members 524a', 524b' may be considered to simply be the plurality of frame members 524. Similarly, the plurality of interconnecting members 524c may also be considered to be the plurality of frame members 524. The number of frame members of the plurality of frame members 524 of the sixth embodiment equates to around three frame members to every two hair anchors.

In this instance, between each frame member of the plurality of frame members 524 includes an interconnecting flexion element. Each flexion element may simply be by way of a live hinge.

Although examples of the resiliently-flexible frame discussed above include a resiliently-flexible frame which forms a closed horseshoe shape, it is appreciated that the frame can take a multitude of shapes. For example, the outer-frame member and inner-frame member may resemble a star, pentagon, arc, crescent, circular, oval, rectangular or triangular shape.

The resiliently-flexible frame may also include cross-members that span from adjacent sides of the resiliently-flexible frame. In this instance, the cross-members may further define the crown facing surface from which the plurality of hair anchors may extend.

Although the term 'frame' has been described in terms of a closed rigid structure with a plurality of frame members and an opening through the centre, it is appreciated that the term 'frame' also includes a solid structure which may have one or more members. Such a solid structure may not include an opening through the centre. Additionally, the term 'frame' also includes a framework made up of a plurality of interconnecting cross members with no such opening through the middle.

Whilst each example of the crown-engageable hairpiece discussed above refers to hair anchors with a uniform length, it is appreciated that the hair anchor length may not be uniform for a given crown-engageable hairpiece. Different hair anchor lengths can be used to manipulate the in-use separation of the crown-engageable hairpiece from the user's scalp.

The number of hair anchors per unit area may be uniform. Alternatively, the density of hair anchors per unit area may differ. For example, an increased number of hair anchors per unit area may be present at the periphery of the resiliently-flexible frame compared to those closer to the centre. In this instance, shorter anchors may also be used at the periphery of the frame compared to those closer to the centre of the frame which may help to blend the edges of the crown-engageable hairpiece into the user's natural hair for a more discrete solution.

The rigidity of the hair anchors may be uniform for a given crown-engageable hairpiece. Alternatively, the rigidity of the hair anchors may differ for a given crownengageable hairpiece.

Each of the hair anchors of the plurality of hair anchors may be elastically flexible so that they can buckle at a predetermined compressive force to prevent the user experiencing pain. The buckling point of each said hair anchor can be altered by way of the second moments of area, a property of both cross-sectional shape and material. After buckling and subsequent release of the compressive stress, the anchors can return to their original shape to re-engage the user's natural hair to prevent unintentional disengagement of the crown-engageable hairpiece.

The gathered-hair-abutment portion may include a gathered-hair-engagement portion. The gathered-hair-engagement portion may comprise a plurality of hair anchors akin to those extending from the crown facing surface. Such a gathered-hair-engagement portion can offer further stability to the crown-engageable hairpiece.

Each of the hair anchors of the plurality of hair anchors may be hooks, akin to hooked comb teeth. In this instance the bend of each hook forms at least in part the retaining portion.

The hair anchors in the above-described embodiments are concentrated around the periphery of the resiliently-flexible frame to prevent the edges of the crown-engageable hairpiece from detaching. It is appreciated that this effect may further be enhanced by the use of clips, sticky frictional pads, and/or adhesives.

In other embodiments each hair anchor of the plurality of hair anchors may be releasably engageable with the crown facing surface.

The hair extension may also have two or three shapes to allow for ponytail extensions to sit very high on the user's head, as well as mid and low ponytails.

In other embodiments, the hair extension may include multiple substrates. In one example of where two substrates are used, the plurality of hairs is attached to a first substrate. A second substrate with a plurality of through-holes is then stacked upon the first in a substantially parallel arrangement. Both first and second substrates are attached to the resiliently-flexible frame. The plurality of hairs is passed through the second substrate by way of the plurality of through-holes such that relative parallel movement (a sliding motion) between the first and second substrate alters the angle at which the plurality of hairs exit the second substrate. It is envisaged that the second layer with the plurality of through-holes can be slid by 5 to 10 mm with respect to the first substrate to push up the strands of hair and make the given crown-engageable hairpiece more voluminous, if that style is preferred, or it can be pushed backwards to its original position for flat ponytail hairstyles. Similarly, the voluminous appearance of the hair extension may also be achieved by increasing the distance between the first and second substrate creating a space therebetween.

A colour of the resiliently-flexible frame may match or substantially match a colour of the hair extension and/or a user's natural hair.

In the example embodiments discussed above, the plurality of hairs 52 is attached to the substrate 50. It is appreciated however, that the plurality of hairs may be directly affixed to the resiliently-flexible frame by way of mechanical or chemical means. It is appreciated that someone skilled in the art would interpret a plurality of hairs to also include wefts of hair.

The resiliently-flexible frame may comprise or be formed from a metal, polymer, composite, other synthetic, or indeed one or more naturally occurring materials, or any combination thereof. In the instance that the resiliently-flexible frame is manufactured from a polymer, such a polymer may be a thermoplastic such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polymethylmethacrylate, silicone, any other suitable polymer, or any combination thereof.

It is therefore possible to provide a crown-engageable hairpiece with a resiliently-flexible frame to comfortably and securely affix a ponytail extension with an elegant and natural look to a crown of a user's head without causing pain or damaging the user's natural hair. Additionally, it is also possible to provide a method of affixing such a crown-engageable hairpiece to a crown of a user's head.

The words 'comprises/comprising' and the words 'having/including' when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof.

The terms 'user' and 'wearer' have been used interchangeably throughout the description. The anatomical orientations including corona!, sagittal, dorsal, lateral and ventral are with respect to the user's anatomy when the crown-engageable hairpiece is in-use.

Although specific ratios of the number of frame members to hair anchors for specific embodiments has been provided, it is appreciated that the ratios may be adapted to best suit the shape of a given resiliently-flexible frame.

The hair receiver has been described in terms of a hollow cylindrical volume. However the hair receiver may not be volume, rather it may be any suitable feature capable of receiving hair between the crown facing surface and retaining portion.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of example only, and various changes and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1 A crown-engageable hairpiece comprising: a resiliently-flexible frame with an in-use crown facing surface and a plurality of hair anchors extending from the crown facing surface; and a hair extension attached or attachable to the resiliently-flexible frame; wherein each hair anchor of the plurality of hair anchors has a retaining portion facing the crown facing surface to at least in part form a hair receiver therebetween.
2. A crown-engageable hairpiece as claimed in claim 1, wherein the resiliently-flexible frame comprises a frame body with a thickness, a width and a length, whereby the thickness of frame body is less than that of the with and/or length.
3. A crown-engageable hairpiece as claimed in claim 2, wherein the thickness of the frame body is less than 10 mm.
4. A crown-engageable hairpiece as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the resiliently-flexible frame has a curvature in an in-use coronal direction.
5. A crown-engageable hairpiece as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the resiliently-flexible frame has a curvature in an in-use sagittal direction.
6. A crown-engageable hairpiece as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the frame body comprises a plurality of frame members.
7. A crown-engageable hairpiece as claimed in claim 6, wherein the plurality of frame members comprises an outer-frame member, an inner-frame member and a plurality of interconnecting members therebetween.
8. A crown-engageable hairpiece as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, wherein each frame member of the plurality of frame members has an at least one interconnecting flexion element.
9. A crown-engageable hairpiece as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the resiliently-flexible frame comprises a gathered-hair-abutment portion.
10. A crown-engageable hairpiece as claimed in claim 9, wherein the gathered- hair-abutment portion is a flattened portion of the resiliently-flexible frame to in-use abut a user's gathered hair.
11. A crown-engageable hairpiece as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each hair anchor of the plurality of hair anchors has a scalp-engagement portion.
12. A crown-engageable hairpiece as claimed in claim 11, wherein the scalp-engagement portion is conical.
13.A crown-engageable hairpiece as claimed in claim 11, wherein the scalp-engagement portion is flat or rounded.
14. A crown-engageable hairpiece as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each hair anchor of the plurality of hair anchors is releasably engageable with the crown facing surface.
15. A crown-engageable hairpiece as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hair extension comprises a substrate which is attached or attachable to the resiliently-flexible frame and a plurality of hairs attached to the substrate.
16. A crown-engageable hairpiece as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hair extension has a fastening to mechanically attach the hair extension to the resiliently-flexible frame.
17. A crown-engageable hairpiece as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hair extension has an adhesive layer to chemically bond the hair extension to the resiliently-flexible frame.
18. A crown-engageable hairpiece as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a colour of the resiliently-flexible frame matches or substantially matches a colour of the hair extension.
19. A method of affixing a crown-engageable hairpiece to a crown of a user's head, the method comprising the steps of: a) gathering a user's natural hair into a desired hairstyle and securing it using a securement element; b) providing a crown-engageable hairpiece as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18; and c) engaging the crown-engageable hairpiece adjacent to the gathered user's natural hair, such that the user's hair is received by each of the hair receivers of the crown-engageable hairpiece.
20. A method as claimed in claim 19, further comprising a step after step c) of disguising the resiliently-flexible frame of the crown-engageable hairpiece with the user's natural hair.
21. A method as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20, further comprising a step after step c) of removing the securement element.
22. A method as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 21, further comprising a step after step c) of gathering both the user's natural hair and the hair extension of the crown-engageable hairpiece and securing it with a further securement element.
23. A method as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 22, further comprising a step after step c) of sliding the crown-engageable hairpiece to abut the gathered user's natural hair.
24. A method as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein the step b) includes providing a crown-engageable hairpiece as claimed in claim 16 or claim 17 and a further step after step b) of affixing the hair extension to the resiliently-flexible frame.
25. A resiliently-flexible-crown-engageable hairpiece frame for use with a hair extension comprising: an in-use crown facing surface; and a plurality of hair anchors extending from the crown facing surface and an in-use hair extension engagement surface which opposes the crown facing surface; wherein each hair anchor of the plurality of hair anchors has a retaining portion facing the crown facing surface to at least in part form a hair receiver therebetween