US20150359281A1

US20150359281A1 - Weave Apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20150359281A1
Application number: US14/256,866
Authority: US
Inventors: Joyce P. Hunter
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-06-12
Filing date: 2014-06-12
Publication date: 2015-12-17

Abstract

This invention is an all-in-one non-surgical hair replacement device called a one piece Weave Apparatus that is not a wig or traditional weave but provides a third option for women with thinning hair or women who desire a healthier and more attractive hair appearance that is easily detachable, light weight, highly ventilated, easily attachable by the wearer or stylist in 10 to 15 minutes, can be worn 24/7—day and overnight, that is like a weave but the weave tracks stays in place once it's taken off and can be reapplied each time without purchasing new hair or having to restyle it, it needs no other netting or top closures, it is one piece and is secured on the head by only one row of stitches to the pre-braided hairline.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The One Piece Weave Apparatus (OPHA) was invented to provide a third hair replacement option that is different from a wig, traditional weave or other traditional non-surgical hair replacement devices. With this invention, the actual scalp is accessible to scratch when the scalp itches less hindered, it can be worn all week long day and night. It can be taken off and re-applied securely within minutes by a stylist or the wearer, has high ventilation, there is no need to purchase new weave hair each time a weave apparatus is installed saving money for the client. It can be worn while participating in active sports without the worry of embarrassing events happening as with a wig.
The One Piece Weave Apparatus is designed for women with thinning hair or for younger women who want a quicker, less expensive, more glamour hair appearance. The target population for this product are hair salons or stylists who can now provide a more time saving and affordable hair replacement product for their clients. The apparatus also provides a product that reduces the amount of skill needed to achieve a professional hair appearance. It decreases the time it takes to weave a client's hair while offering their clients an opportunity to save time in that there is no need to re-cut, purchase or re-weave new hair each time it is applied.
The advantages that the One Piece Weave Apparatus has over other hair replacement patents are as follows: D592356 (5/2009 Salinas CL: D28/40; 92; 93; 53; This hair piece exposes the natural hair which could be a totally different texture than the weave hair added to the novelty hair piece. It depends on the intermingling with the natural hair to hold the novelty hair in place or uses other attachments. This presents a risk factor for the novelty hair piece to stay on the head. The One Piece Weave Apparatus is stitched to a very small braid of hair at the hairline and stitched in placed at the hair line with weave thread. This makes the apparatus very secure and is comfortable to the wearer.
3734105 Inventor: (1973) Borghese Current U.S. Classification 132/53; 132/54. This is a wig cap made of fabric & strips. It is not as light weight and covers the scalp more which reduces the amount of ventilation allowed. Elastic is used to hold the wig cap on the head which could cause damage to the hair and scalp. It's made with non-elastic lace fabric strips and elastic strips at the rear of the cap, making it heavier and hotter than the weave apparatus that only consist of threads. It does not securely attach to the wearer's head therefore does not provide the level of security the weave apparatus does. It is not designed to wear at night while sleeping.
m5979462 (11/99) Jones Classification 132/53, 54, 55, 201. This hair appliance is made to intertwine with the human hair in a way that holds the appliance in place. A top piece is placed to complete the needed coverage. Because there is no actual attachment, there is a risk of the appliance coming off accidentally when combing the hair. Etc.
3862638 (1975) Fannin CL: 132/53 This is a traditional wig base that restricts scalp ventilation and does not have attachments to secure the appliance during active exercises, etc. It is not comfortable to wear while sleeping at bedtime like the one piece weave apparatus invention.
4966173 (1990) Russell CL: 132/53, 54, 55, 201. This hairpiece used for compensation for hair loss has many limitations. It is placed on the head over the thinning area but the placement coverage is limited and could cause pressure on the head while wearing especially when sleeping and can also come off more easily than the OPHA. The weave apparatus provides all over coverage that only require one apparatus and is sure to cover all thinning spots anywhere they are on the head.
0592356 (5/2009 Salinas CL: D28/40; 92; 93; 53; This hair piece also exposes the natural hair which could be a totally different texture than the weave hair added to the novelty hair piece. This system depends on the intermingling with the natural hair to hold the novelty hair on. This presents a risk factor for the novelty hair piece to stay on the head. My weave apparatus is stitched to a very thin row of braided hair around the hair line then the apparatus is secured at the hair line by stitching on with weaving thread. This makes the apparatus very secure and is comfortable to the wearer.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The One Piece Weave Apparatus is an all in one weave that takes the place of having to attach rows of track hair braids throughout the wearer's natural hair taking hours. It is very quick to apply, greatly reduces the amount of weave hair required than for the traditional weaves, is more secure than a wig and allows much more ventilation and access to the scalp. Unlike a wig, this apparatus can be worn continuously while sleeping as well as during active sports activities without concerns of accidentally being removed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. (1.a) is the front view of the base of the weave apparatus.

FIG. (1.b) is the back view showing the completion of the thread base.

FIG. (2) shows the beginning of the weaving pattern of the weave hair tracks being attached onto the threads starting in a circular direction.

FIG. (3) illustrates the continued attachment of the hair tracks on to the rest of the thread base.

FIG. (4) shows the completed one piece weave apparatus from the underside viewpoint.

FIG. (5) depicts the start of the application process of the apparatus where in a thin row of the hair on the hairline is braided supplemented with a few strands of braiding hair for reinforcement.

FIG. 6 shows the finished application after the apparatus is stitched on to the hairline braid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

The weave apparatus thread base is made by vertical rows of weave thread positioned from the front to the back of a head shaped form that attaches to a loosely applied thread that surrounds hairline placement of the base. Horizontal threads crossing over the vertical threads are attached starting at the hairline placement thread on one side and ending on the opposite side attaching to the hairline thread creating up to one inch square openings throughout the base. FIG. (1.a 1.b). #14. The thread base is reinforced where each the horizontal and vertical rows overlap for sturdy reinforcements before the hair tracks are applied. This structure creates a very secure thread base for the weave apparatus. (c) Instead of weaving the hair tracks on to the wearer's head, tracks are sewn onto the thread base which is permanently attached, completing the actual weave apparatus.
Weave tracks are attached starting from the front & in a circular direction (#15) for approx. one to three circular rows. FIG. (2). Then the weave track is attached horizontally starting from the last row of the circular pattern that was created at the front of the apparatus. (#16) This method eliminates the need for the unattractive circular closure piece at the top of the head in traditional weaves and allows for greater flexibility of style. A variety of hair weave directions and patterns may be incorporated. (d) Weave hair tracks are then stitched or applied from left to right forming the rest of the apparatus (#16) ending at the back where the nap of the neck would be on the wearer. FIG. (3). (e) There are no bands, fabrics or elastic used, just threads. The completed Weave Apparatus is illustrated at under side view FIG. (4). Numbers 2, 4, 6, 8 & 10 are examples of horizontal threads. Numbers 3,5,7,9 & 11 are examples of vertical threads.
Attaching the weave apparatus: (f) braid the natural hair using a few strands of braiding hair starting from the nap in the back, around to the sides behind the ear, front edge and around to the forehead to behind the other ear and connecting to the back to complete a braid that completely encircles the hair line (17). Secure by hand sewing the end of the braid with reinforcement stitches. FIG. 5.
Center the weave apparatus at the front of head. It can be temporarily attached with bobby pins or clamps to hold in place while stitching to the hairline braid if desired. Attach the weave apparatus to the braided hairline starting from the left ear & continue stitching to the braid surrounding the hair line passing behind the right ear, the back and on to the left ear ending at the starting point. FIG. 6. The wearer's natural hair fits under the Weave apparatus. The natural hair worn under the weave apparatus may be braided before attaching the apparatus if desired. The wearer or stylist then styles the apparatus as she would style her own natural hair. This apparatus can then also be attached & styled by a professional if desired. (18)

Claims

1. (canceled)

2. (canceled)

3. (canceled)

4. A One Piece Weave Apparatus comprising:

a thread base;

wherein the thread base has horizontal threads and vertical threads spaced approximately one inch apart;

wherein the weave apparatus has a front and at the front is attached in a circular pattern weave hair tracks to the horizontal and the vertical threads for from 1 to 3 circular rows;

wherein passed the circular pattern, the weave hair tracks are attached horizontally onto the horizontal threads down to the nap of the neck; and

wherein around the hairline of the weave is stitched hair tracks to complete the weave.

5. A One Piece Weave Apparatus comprising:

a thread base;

wherein around the hairline of the weave is stitched hair tracks to complete the weave;

wherein the weave is attached to a head, wherein the hair is completely covered and wherein at the hairline of the head, the weave is stitched along the hairline to secure it to the head.

6. A method attaching a One Piece Weave Apparatus to the head of a wearer comprising:

braiding a very thin row of the wearer's natural hair along the hair line;

centering the One Piece Weave Apparatus onto the wearer's head;

stitching the One Piece Weave Apparatus to the braided hair to secure the One Piece Weave Apparatus to the wearer's head;

wherein the One Piece Weave Apparatus comprises:

a thread base;