US20220142279A1

US20220142279A1 - Hair topper

Info

Publication number: US20220142279A1
Application number: US17/585,484
Authority: US
Inventors: Tiffany Young
Original assignee: Kt Young And Associates dba Thin Hair Thick LLC
Current assignee: Kt Young And Associates dba Thin Hair Thick LLC
Priority date: 2017-10-10
Filing date: 2022-01-26
Publication date: 2022-05-12

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a device which supplements an amount of hair on a human head. More specifically, the device allows a wearer to give an appearance of having a fuller thicker head of hair while the use of the device is undetectable to others. That is, the device enhances desirable aesthetic characteristics of hair in manner that makes the hair appear to be part of the wearer's natural hair growth.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/154,398, filed Oct. 8, 2018, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/570,526 filed Oct. 10, 2017. Each of these applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

This disclosure relates generally to a device that supplements an amount of hair on a human head. More specifically, the device allows a wearer to give the appearance of having a fuller thicker head of hair while the use of the device is undetectable to others. That is, the device enhances desirable aesthetic characteristics of hair in manner that makes the hair appear to be part of the wearer's natural hair growth.

2. Description of the Related Art

Human hair has been a status symbol since at least ancient Egypt. Wigs were developed to allow wealthy people to appear to have a well-manicured and visually attractive head of hair, despite what these people were able to grow naturally. The tradition has continued through modern times.
Many people, in modern times, desire to wear hair according to their own particular tastes. While those tastes vary wildly, many people are dissatisfied with the hair that they are able to grow naturally due largely to health related issues or fashion related issues. For example, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy may, in some cases, lose their hair because of the chemotherapy treatments. In order to retain a sense of normalcy or to keep their condition private, cancer patients may use wigs to present an appearance that is less likely to attract attention than a bald head. Other health related hair issues include thinning hair, irregular hair loss, bald spots, anxieties that cause hair pulling and a host of others. These conditions may be caused by stress, aging, or a number of other factors. Many of the people who experience these conditions have conventionally relied on fashion-based products to restore a normal appearance of their hair. However, as will be discussed below, many of these fashion-based products are inadequate to meet the needs of those people who experience hair related issues that are caused by health conditions.
Fashion related issues simply include problems that result in hair not appearing in a way a particular person wants their hair to appear. For example, a person who experiences a bad haircut may have little recourse to restore a pleasing appearance to the person's hair. Other people may desire to have a fuller hair appearance even though there is nothing physically wrong with their hair. Or, some people may be dissatisfied with their hair color and desire to change a color of at least some of their hair. In short, many people are willing to augment various aspects of their hair using a number of techniques to cause their hair to maintain a certain desirable appearance, according to the person's personal preferences.
Conventionally, wigs have been an all-encompassing solution to both medical hair issues and fashion hair issues in that a wig is designed to cover any natural hair on a person's head. Wigs, however, are hot, itchy, and uncomfortable to wear. Further, many wig wearers describe themselves as being stuck with a particular hairstyle. Given that wigs are relatively expensive, especially quality wigs, many wig wearers are not in a financial position to purchase more than one wig, ensuring that the wig wearer wears a wig of the same style each day.
Other solutions to enhancing natural hair have included a technique called “weaving.” Weaving is typically used in association with several different specific implementations. First, weaving may refer to actually supplementing hair by weaving natural or artificial hair into hair on a person's head. One weakness of this technique is that it requires the person to already have hair to connect to the natural or artificial hair. In cases where a person has, for example, a bald spot, there is no hair in that particular area that a stylist can weave additional hair into. Second, a “weave” may also be referred to as a “hair extension.” Hair extensions are typically tufts of natural or artificial hair that may be clipped to existing hair, woven into hair near the scalp, or sewn into the scalp itself to provide additional hair in a targeted location on a user's head. These hair extensions have significant drawbacks, however. For example, clipped in hair extensions fall out easily. Woven hair extensions are attached to hair or a scalp can be extremely painful. As a hair extension is woven into hair near the scalp, the hair is pulled in a painful manner to the extent that, in many cases, the hair is pulled out of the scalp, leaving a bald spot and further compounding the problem. Sewing is also painful.
Accordingly, conventional solutions to hair enhancement are unpleasant for those who need them. Weaves and hair extensions are painful, expensive to install, and need to be replaced fairly frequently. Wigs are hot, itchy, expensive, and otherwise unpleasant to wear. A need exists to provide hair enhancement that is accessible at reasonable cost, is not readily observable by others, painless to wear, convenient, and comfortable.
It is, therefore, one object of this disclosure to provide a device which supplements an amount of hair on a human head. Another object of this disclosure is to provide a device that gives a wearer an appearance of having a fuller thicker head of hair. A further object of this disclosure is to provide a device which supplements an amount of hair on a human head while the use of the device is undetectable to others. Finally, an additional object of this disclosure is to provide a device which is easily installed and removed, without professional assistance.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is a hair topper device. The hair topper device includes an elongated body. The elongated body includes a first end and a second end. A strap may be connected to the first end of the elongated body while a connector may be connected to the second end of the elongated body. The hair topper device may further include a comb which attaches hair topper device to a person's head.
Further disclosed herein is a hair topper system. The hair topper system includes an elongated body. The elongated body includes a first end and a second end. A strap may be connected to the first end of the elongated body while a connector may be connected to a second end of the elongated body. The hair topper system may further include a comb. The hair topper system may further include a headband which attaches the hair topper to a person's head.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of a hair topper device.

FIG. 1 illustrates a bottom perspective view of components of a hair topper device.

FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the hair topper device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the hair topper device of FIG. 1 installed on a human head.

FIG. 4 illustrates the hair topper device of FIG. 1 installed in an undetectable fashion.

FIG. 5 illustrates a hair topper system including a headband shown from a top perspective and a hair topper shown from a bottom perspective.

FIG. 6A illustrates a headband of the hair topper system of FIG. 5 installed on a human head.

FIG. 6B illustrates the hair topper system of FIG. 5 installed on a human head.

FIG. 7 illustrates a method for supplementing the amount of hair on a human head.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific techniques and embodiments are set forth, such as particular techniques and configurations, in order to provide a thorough understanding of the rope end safety device disclosed herein. While the techniques and embodiments will primarily be described in context with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will further appreciate the techniques and embodiments may also be practiced in other similar apparatuses.
Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. It is further noted that elements disclosed with respect to particular embodiments are not restricted to only those embodiments in which they are described. For example, an element described in reference to one embodiment or figure, may be alternatively included in another embodiment or figure regardless of whether or not those elements are shown or described in another embodiment or figure. In other words, elements in the figures may be interchangeable between various embodiments disclosed herein, whether shown or not.
FIG. 1 illustrates a bottom perspective view of components of a hair topper device 100. Hair topper device 100 includes several components, which will each be discussed in turn. First, hair topper device 100 includes a body 105 which is generally shaped as circular in the center with elongated tabs extending from the circular center. Second, hair topper device 100 includes an adjustable strap 110. And, third, hair topper device 100 includes a headband 115 which may directly or indirectly connect hair topper device 100 to a person's head.
Body 105 includes a comb 120, which may be representative of a plurality of combs which may optionally be disposed along body 105 to catch and otherwise interact with headband 115. Comb 120 may be constructed using plastic or metal materials and may include one or more tines that extend towards a center of body 105. Comb 120 may be attached to body 105 by glue, stitching, or a fastener, such as a rivet or other fastener known in the art. Comb 120 is disposed along a front edge of body 105 with the one or more tines being substantially rigid such that when one or more tines are inserted into hair or under headband 115, body 105 stays where it is positioned, as will be discussed below. Body 105 further includes a loop 125 and a loop 140 positioned on opposite ends of the elongated tabs which extend from the circular center of body 105 which allows adjustable strap 110 to connect to body 105.
A plurality of wefts 130 are installed along body 105. Wefts 130 are lengths of artificial or natural hair that are sewn, or otherwise attached, to body 105. Wefts 130 are positioned evenly along body 105 to provide a consistent, flowing, and natural appearance for the artificial or natural hair in wefts 130. This essentially provides a consistent layered look that not only mimics the appearance of natural hair growth but also compliments and enhances the appearance of existing hair. Wefts 130 may be equidistantly placed along body 105 in a manner that causes hair in wefts 130 to have a natural appearance when positioned on a wearer's head. Additional wefts may be implemented. For example, body 105 may include weft 135 which provides additional hair along a front edge of body 105. Hair in weft 135 may supplement, or replace, hair typically referred to as “bangs” or hair along a natural or anatomically expected hairline of a person's forehead or face.
Adjustable strap 110 may connect to body 105 at loop 125 or loop 140. Adjustable strap 110 may include hooks, such as hook 150, disposed on opposite ends of adjustable strap 110 which interface with loop 125 or loop 140. As shown in FIG. 1, loop 140 is connected by a hook to adjustable strap 110 and hook 150 is shown as not connected to loop 125 Hook 150, loop 125, and loop 140 are merely representative of a plurality of different connectors and connection types which are known in the art but may be defined broadly as connectors and are not limited specifically to a hook and loop style connection. Adjustable strap 110 further includes a tensioner 145 which allows a length of adjustable strap 110 to be adjusted to fit a particular wearer.
Headband 115 may be implemented as a band formed from a fabric material. In one embodiment, headband 115 may be formed using velvet. Velvet material has properties which reduces slippage of headband 115 when worn on a wearer's head. Headband 115 includes a hook and loop tape tab 155 which connects to a hook and loop attachment point 160. In this manner, headband 115 may be attached around a head of a wearer and easily attached to the user's head by connecting hook and loop tape tab 155 to hook and loop attachment point 160.
FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a hair topper device 200. As shown in FIG. 2, hair topper device 200 is assembled with the components of hair topper device 100, shown in FIG. 1, discussed above. Hair topper device 200 includes a body 205 which is generally shaped as circular in the center with elongated tabs extending from the circular center, an adjustable strap 210, and a headband 215.
Body 205 includes a comb 220. Comb 220 may be constructed using plastic or metal materials and may include one or more tines that extend towards a center of body 205. Comb 220 may be attached to body 205 by glue, stitching, or a fastener, such as a rivet or other fastener known in the art. Comb 220 is disposed along a front edge of body 205 with the one or more tines being substantially rigid such that when one or more tines are inserted into hair or under headband 215, body 205 stays where it is positioned. In a preferred embodiment, headband 215 may be inserted between the tines of comb 220 and serve as an attachment point between body 205 and headband 215.
A plurality of wefts 230 are installed along body 205. Wefts 230 are lengths of artificial or natural hair that are sewn, or otherwise attached, to body 205. Wefts 230 are positioned evenly along body 205 to provide a consistent and flowing appearance for the artificial or natural hair in wefts 230. This essentially provides a consistent layered look that not only mimics the appearance of natural hair growth but also compliments and enhances the appearance of existing hair. Wefts 230 may be equidistantly placed along body 205 in a manner that causes hair in wefts 230 to have a natural appearance when positioned on a wearer's head. Any number of wefts may be implemented. For example, body 205 may include weft 235 which provides additional hair along a front edge of body 205. Hair in weft 235 may supplement, or replace, hair typically referred to as “bangs” or hair along a natural or anatomically expected hairline of a person's forehead or face.
Body 205 further includes a loop 225 and a loop 240 positioned on opposite ends of the elongated tabs which extend from the circular center of body 205. Loop 225 and loop 240 allow adjustable strap 210 to connect to body 205. Adjustable strap 210 may connect to body 205 at loop 225 or loop 240. Adjustable strap 210 may include hooks, such as hook 250, disposed on opposite ends of adjustable strap 210 which interface with loop 225 or loop 240. As shown in FIG. 2, loop 240 is connected by a hook to adjustable strap 210 and hook 250 is shown as disconnected from loop 225. Adjustable strap 210 further includes a tensioner 245 which allows a length of adjustable strap 210 to be adjusted to fit a particular wearer.
Headband 215 may be implemented as a band formed from a fabric material. In one embodiment, headband 215 may be formed using velvet. Velvet material has properties which reduces slippage of headband 215 when worn on a wearer's head. Headband 215 includes a hook and loop tab 255 which connects to a hook and loop attachment point 260. In this manner, headband 215 may be attached around a head of a wearer and easily attached to the user's head by connecting hook and loop tab 255 to hook and loop attachment point 260.
FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a hair topper device 300 installed on a human head 320. FIG. 3 is shown only for the purposes of explanation as hair topper device 300 is typically installed in a manner that prevents hair topper device 300 from being seen under a wearer's hair. Further, the hair attached to the various wefts, such as weft 130 shown in FIG. 1, is not shown connected to body 305, for purposes of explanation and description only. Hair topper device 300 includes a body 305, an adjustable strap 310, and a headband 315 as components which are similar to body 105, adjustable strap 110, and headband 115 respectively which are shown in FIG. 1 and discussed above. In practice a wearer may attach headband 315 behind a hairline 330 of head 320, above ear 345, and behind the back of head 320, underneath the wearer's natural hair 340.
Once headband 315 is installed and properly placed, a wearer may attach body 305 to headband 315 via comb 325, using techniques described herein. Finally, the wearer may attach adjustable strap 310 to body 305 and adjust a length of the adjustable strap via tensioner 335. In this manner, the wearer may ensure that body 305 is held securely in place by tines of comb 325 inserted under headband 315 and adjustable strap 310 tightening body 305 around headband 315.
FIG. 4 illustrates a hair topper device 400 installed in an undetectable fashion on a human head 420. FIG. 4 illustrates how hair topper device 400 may be positioned under a wearer's natural hair while being positioned such that hair topper device 400 is not readily visible to (e.g., concealed from) casual observers. Hair topper device 400 includes a body 405, an adjustable strap 410, and a headband 415 as components which are similar to body 105, adjustable strap 110, and headband 115 respectively which are shown in FIG. 1 and discussed above. In practice a wearer may attach headband 415 behind a hairline 430 of head 420, above ear 445, and behind the back of head 420, underneath the wearer's natural hair 440.
Once headband 415 is installed and properly placed, a wearer may attach body 405 to headband 415 via comb 425, using techniques described herein. Finally, the wearer may attach adjustable strap 410 to body 405 and adjust a length of the adjustable strap via tensioner 435. In this manner, the wearer may ensure that body 405 is held securely in place by tines of comb 425 inserted under headband 415 and adjustable strap 410 tightening body 405 around headband 415. The wearer may then tease together hair attached to body 405 with the wearer's natural hair 440 to provide a fuller appearing head of hair that appears to be naturally grown.
FIGS. 5, 6A, and 6B illustrate a hair topper system 500 according to some embodiments. Hair topper system 500 may be used similarly to hair topper devices 100, 200, 300, and 400 (described above) to supplement the amount of hair on a user's head.
As shown in FIG. 5, hair topper system 500 may include a headband 570 and a hair topper 502. In FIG. 5, headband 570 and hair topper 502 of hair topper system 500 are shown separately. However, as will be discussed in greater detail, headband 570 and hair topper 502 may be connectable to each other. In FIG. 6A, a user is shown wearing headband 570 without hair topper 502. In FIG. 6B, a user is shown wearing headband 570 with hair topper 502 (shown in broken lines). Headband 570 is secured around the user's head and hair topper 502 is connected to headband 570, thereby securing hair topper 502 to the user's head. When headband 570 is secured around the user's head and hair topper 502 is connected to headband 570, a base of hair topper 502 covers headband 570 to conceal it from view but only partially covers the user's scalp. Accordingly, hair topper 502 does not completely cover the user's natural hair. And as with hair topper devices 100, 200, 300, and 400 (described above), hair topper system 500 may be worn discretely.
As shown in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, headband 570 includes a body 575 and a strap 585 connecting a first side portion 576 (e.g., a right side portion) of body 575 to a second side portion 577 (e.g., a left side portion) of body 575. Together, body 575 and strap 585 may form a loop. This loop may be placed around a user's head (for example, as shown in FIG. 6A) to retain the headband 570 on the user's head. As shown, for example, in FIG. 6A, body 575 of headband 570 may be placed on top of a user's natural hair, and strap 585 may be placed at least partially underneath a user's natural hair (e.g., at a back of the user's head).
In some embodiments, strap 585 may be a plastic cord. In such embodiments, strap 585 may be approximately 0.5 mm to approximately 5 mm in diameter, and preferably approximately 1 mm in diameter, approximately 2 mm in diameter, or approximately 3 mm in diameter. This may, for example, allow strap 585 to grip a user's head yet be easily concealable by the user's natural hair or by hair of hair topper 502 when hair topper 502 is placed over headband 570. In some embodiments, strap 585 may be transparent or translucent. This may, for example, allow strap 585 to be more easily concealed by the user's natural hair or hair of hair topper 502.
In some embodiments, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, strap 585 may be connected to first side portion 576 of body 575 via a first connector 590, and to second side portion 577 of body 575 via a second connector 591. For example, a first end 586 of strap 585 may attach to first connector 590, and a hook 592 of first connector 590 may attach to a loop 594 provided at first side portion 576 of body 575. Similarly, a second end 587 of strap 585 may attach to a second connector 591, and a hook 593 of second connector 591 may attach to a loop 595 provided at second side portion 577 of body 575. The connection between body 575 and strap 585 is not limited to a hook and loop style connections shown, and any other suitable connection mechanisms may be used. In some embodiments, first end 586 of strap 585 may be directly connected to first side portion 576 of body 575 and/or second end 587 of strap 585 may be directly connected to second side portion 577 of body 575.
In some embodiments, strap 585 may have an adjustable length so that headband 570 can fit snuggly around the head of a variety of users. This helps ensure that headband 570 is held securely in place regardless of the user's head size. In some embodiments, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, strap 585 may include a double loop slider 588 to allow the length of strap 585 to be adjusted by sliding slider 588 along strap 585. The adjustment mechanism is not limited to the double loop slider 588 shown in FIG. 5. Any other suitable adjustment mechanism may be used.
In some embodiments, headband 570 includes a strip 596 positioned on strap 585. Strip 596 may be made of a material which grips a user's hair. Strip 596 may grip a user's hair more strongly than strap 585 does. In this way, strip 596 may serve to further retain headband 570 on a user's head.
Strip 596 may be or include a gripping surface 597. In some embodiments, gripping surface 597 may be or include a barber grip similar to the hook side of a Velcro® tape. In some embodiments, gripping surface 597 may include a plurality of small hooks. For example, in some embodiments, gripping surface 597 may include approximately 50 hooks per square inch to approximately 400 hooks per square inch, approximately 75 hooks per square inch to approximately 200 hooks per square inch, approximately 50 hooks per square inch to approximately 150 hooks per square inch, or approximately 100 hooks per square inch. When gripping surface 597 is pressed against a user's hair, the small hooks of gripping surface 597 may grip a user's hair to further secure headband 570 to the user's head.
In some embodiments, strip 596 may include a first side (for example, a side facing out of the page in FIG. 5) and a second side opposite the first side (for example, a side facing into the page in FIG. 5). In some embodiments, the first side and the second side of strip 596 may both include gripping surfaces 597 so that strip 596 may more easily grip a user's hair regardless of its orientation along strap 585.
In some embodiments, strip 596 may be slidable along strap 585. For example, strip 596 may form a loop around strap 585 such that strip 596 is slidable along strap 585. In embodiments in which strip 596 is slidable along strap 585, a user may position strip 596 along the user's head (preferably near a back of the user's head) at a position where the user has a growth of hair for strip 596 to further grip. In some embodiments, strip 596 may be fixed in position along strap 585.
As mentioned, headband 570 may include body 575. Body 575 may include first side portion 576, second side portion 577 opposite first side portion 576, a front portion 578, and a rear portion 579 opposite front portion 578. Body 575 may also have a bottom surface and a top surface 581 opposite the bottom surface. Front portion 578 may be configured to be positioned closer to a front of a user's head than rear portion 579 is when the headband is worn by the user.
In some embodiments, body 575 may be made of fabric. In some embodiments, body 575 may be made of velvet. The use of velvet of another similar fabric may, for example, help reduce slippage of body 575 along a user's head or along a user's hair when headband 570 is worn on the user's head.
In some embodiments, body 575 may include a tab 589 formed of a different material than body 575. In some embodiments, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, tab 589 may be positioned on a top surface 581 of body 575. In some embodiments, tab 589 may be positioned at front portion 578 of body 575. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, tab 589 may be positioned at a front edge of body 575. In some embodiments, tab 589 may be attached to body 575 by glue, stitching, rivets, or another suitable fastener.
In some embodiments, tab 589 may be made of a material which is smoother than the material of body 575. For example, a top surface of tab 589 may be smoother than top surfaces of body 575 surrounding tab 589. As a result, adhesive tape may adhere more strongly to tab 589 than to portions of body 575 surrounding tab 589.
Tab 589 may allow for a stronger attachment between hair topper 502 and headband 570. For example, without tab 589, a user may not be able to securely attach hair topper 502 to headband 570 by taping hair topper 502 to headband 570. This is because body 575 may be made of velvet or another fabric which does not adhere well to adhesive tape. With tab 589, however, a better adhesion surface can be provided on body 575. Hair topper 502 can then be securely attached to headband 570 by taping hair topper 502 to body 575 of headband 570 at tab 589.
In some embodiments, tab 589 may be made of a material that includes a non-woven or non-knit material. In some embodiments, tab 589 may be made of a material that includes a polymer. In some embodiments, tab 589 may be made of a material that includes silicone or polyurethane.
In some embodiments, body 575 includes one or more bands 582, 583 positioned on a top of body 575. Each band 582, 583 may be attached to the top of body 575 at a front of band 582, 583 and at a rear of the band 582, 583, and each band 582, 583 may be spaced apart from the top surface of body 575 at a center of band 582, 583 between the front of band 582, 583 and the rear of band 582, 583. Bands 582, 583 may be attached to body 575 by glue, stitching, rivets, or another suitable fastener. Bands 582, 583 may provide an additional attachment structure for hair topper 502 to connect to headband 570. For example, in embodiments in which hair topper 502 includes clips 522, 523, a user may attach hair topper 502 to headband 570 by inserting clips 522, 523 under bands 582, 583.
As shown in FIG. 5, hair topper system 500 may also include a hair topper 502. Hair topper system 502 may include some or all of the features, structures, or characteristics discussed above with respect to the hair topper of hair topper devices 100, 200, 300 and/or 400. Hair topper 502 may be, for example, a lace top, silk top, or mono top hair topper.
In some embodiments, hair topper 502 includes a base 505 and lengths of artificial or natural hair 530 extending from a top surface of base 505. The lengths of artificial or natural hair 530 may extend from a top surface of base 505 in a pattern that mimics the appearance of natural hair growth. In some embodiments, the lengths of artificial or natural hair 530 present a consistent, flowing, and/or natural appearance.
Base 505 may be have a shape that corresponds to a portion of a user's scalp. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, base 505 may have a semi-spherical shape. In some embodiments, base 505 may be sized and shaped such that base 505 of hair topper 502 covers body 575 of headband 570 when hair topper 502 is attached to headband 570. In some embodiments, base 505 may be sized and shaped such that base 505 completely covers body 575 of headband 570 when hair topper 502 is attached to headband 570. In this way, body 575 may help secure headband 570 to a user's head (as described above) or help secure hair topper 502 to headband 570 (as will be described in more detail below) without body 575 being visible to casual observers.
In some embodiments, base 505 may be made of fabric. For example, base 505 may be a monofilament, silk, or lace base. In some embodiments, base 505 may be made of a mesh material. In some embodiments, base 505 may include an upper layer to which length of artificial or natural hair 530 are attached and a lower lining layer. In some embodiments, hair topper 502 may include a smooth surface 506 on a bottom of base 505. Smooth surface 506 may be formed of a different material than the bottom of base 505. In some embodiments, smooth surface 506 may be made of a material which is smoother than the material of the bottom of base 505. For example, smooth surface 506 may be smoother than bottom surfaces of base 505 surrounding surface 506. As a result, adhesive tape may adhere more strongly to smooth surface 506 than to portions of base 505 surrounding smooth surface 506.
Smooth surface 506 may allow for a stronger attachment between hair topper 502 and headband 570. For example, without smooth surface 506, a user may not be able to securely attach hair topper 502 to headband 570 by taping hair topper 502 to headband 570. This is because base 505 of hair topper 502 may be made of a material which does not adhere well to adhesive tape. With smooth surface 506, however, a better adhesion surface can be provided on base 505 of hair topper 502. In embodiments in which base 505 includes a smooth surface 506 and headband 570 includes smooth tab 589, a user may attach hair topper 502 to headband 570 by taping smooth surface 506 of hair topper 502 to smooth tab 589 of headband 570. In some embodiments, for example, when hair topper 502 is a lace top hair topper, a user may be able to attach hair topper 502 to headband 570 by taping base 505 of hair topper 502 directly to smooth tab 589 of headband 570.
In some embodiments, smooth surface 506 may be positioned at a front 508 of base 505. In some embodiments, smooth surface 506 may be sized and shaped such that smooth surface 506 is larger than tab 589 of headband 570. Smooth surface 506 may be attached to base 505 by glue, stitching, rivets, or another suitable fastener.
In some embodiments, hair topper 502 includes one or more clips 522, 523 positioned on a bottom of base 505. Clips 522, 523 may be attached to base 505 by glue, stitching, rivets, or another suitable fastener. In embodiments in which base 505 includes clips 522, 523 a user may attach hair topper 502 to headband 570 by inserting clips 522, 523 under bands 582, 583.
In some embodiments, hair topper 502 includes a comb 520 on a bottom of base 505, as described above with respect to comb 120, 220, 325, and/or 425. In some embodiments, comb 520 may be positioned at front 508 of base 505. Comb 520 may be attached to base 505 by glue, stitching, rivets, or another suitable fastener. In embodiments in which base 505 includes comb 520, a user may attach hair topper 502 to headband 570 by inserting tines of comb 520 under headband 570 as described above with respect to comb 120, 220, 325, and/or 425.
FIG. 7 shows a method for supplementing the amount of hair on a human head using a hair topper system. The hair topper system may include some or all of the features, structures, or characteristics discussed above with respect to hair topper device/ system 100, 200, 300, 400, and/or 500.
Operation 701 includes securing a headband to a user's head. The headband of operation 701 may include some or all of the features, structures, or characteristics discussed above with respect to headband 115, 215, 315, 415, and/or 570.
For example, a user using hair topper system 500 may secure headband 570 to the user's head by placing a loop of headband 570 around the user's head. For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, body 575 of headband 570 may be placed at a front of a user's head, and strap 585 may extend the rest of the way around the user's head (extending along the sides of the user's head and around the back of the user's head). In some embodiments, body 575 of headband 570 may be placed behind a user's hairline. However, other users may place body 575 of headband 570 in front of the user's hairline depending on the location of the user's hairline and the desired position for a hair topper when connected. In some embodiments, a user may place strap 585 underneath the user's natural hair to further conceal strap 585 and headband 570 from view.
In some embodiments, securing the headband to the user's head includes positioning a grip strip against the user's hair to further secure the headband.
For example, a user using hair topper system 500 may position gripping strip 596 against the user's hair to secure strap 585 and headband 570 to the user's head. As mentioned, some users may place strap 585 underneath the user's natural hair to further conceal strap 585 from view. When strap 585 is worn in this way, gripping strip 596 may be positioned under the user's natural hair and grip the user's natural hair from underneath. In embodiments in which gripping strip 596 is slidable along strap 585, a user may move gripping strip 596 to a suitable position for gripping based on the user's natural hair growth. For example, a user may move gripping strip 596 slightly to the left or right of the back center of the user's head to a position where the user's natural hair is thicker or less prone to hair loss.
Operation 702 includes placing a hair topper over the headband. The hair topper of operation 702 may include some or all of the features, structures, or characteristics discussed above with respect to hair topper 502, and/or the hair topper of hair topper devices 100, 200, 300 and/or 400.
Operation 703 includes connecting the hair topper to the headband such that a base of the hair topper covers the headband to conceal it from view but only partially covers the user's scalp. In this way, the hair topper does not completely cover the user's natural hair.
In some embodiments, connecting the hair topper to the headband includes taping the hair topper to the headband. For example, a user using hair topper system 500 having a smooth surface 506 on hair topper 502 and a smooth tab 589 on headband 570 may tape smooth surface 506 of hair topper 502 to smooth tab 589 of headband 570. In this way, hair topper 502 can be held securely to headband 570, which is in turn held securely to the user's head.
In some embodiments, connecting the hair topper to the headband includes clipping the hair topper to the headband. For example, a user using hair topper system 500 having a clips 522, 523 on hair topper 502 and bands 582, 583 on headband 570 may connect clips 522, 523 to bands 582, 583 by inserting clips 522, 523 under bands 582, 583. For example, clip 522 can be attached to bands 582, and clip 523 can be attached to band 583. In this way, hair topper 502 can be held securely to headband 570, which is in turn held securely to the user's head.
In some embodiments, connecting the hair topper to the headband includes inserting a comb under the headband. For example, a user using hair topper system 500 having a comb 520 on hair topper 502 may insert tines of comb 520 under headband 570. In this way, hair topper 502 can be held securely to headband 570, which is in turn held securely to the user's head.
In some embodiments, the hair topper (e.g., hair topper 502) is attached to the headband (e.g., headband 570) by only taping, as described above. In some embodiments, the hair topper (e.g., hair topper 502) is attached to the headband (e.g., headband 570) by only clipping, as described above. In some embodiments, the hair topper (e.g., hair topper 502) is attached to the headband (e.g., headband 570) by taping the hair topper to the headband and by clipping the hair topper to the headband, as described above. In some embodiments, the hair topper (e.g., hair topper 502) is attached to the headband (e.g., headband 570) by inserting a comb under the headband and by clipping the hair topper to the headband, as described above.
As mentioned, operation 703 includes connecting the hair topper to the headband such that a base of the hair topper covers the headband to conceal it from view but only partially covers the user's scalp. For example, when a user uses hair topper system 500 having a headband 570 and a hair topper 502, headband 570 may not be readily visible to casual observers when hair topper 502 is attached to headband 570. Because hair topper 502 only partially covers the user's scalp, hair topper 502 may not completely cover the user's natural hair. Accordingly, the user may tease together lengths of artificial or natural hair 530 of hair topper 502 with the wearer's natural hair to provide a fuller appearing head of hair that appears to be naturally grown. In this way, hair topper system 500 may be worn discretely.
The foregoing description is presented for purposes of illustration. It is not exhaustive and does not limit the invention to the precise forms or embodiments disclosed. Modifications and adaptations are apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosed embodiments. For example, components described herein may be removed and other components added without departing from the scope or spirit of the embodiments disclosed herein or the appended claims.
Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosure disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A headband, comprising:

a body made of a first material, the body having a front portion and a rear portion, the front portion configured to be positioned closer to a front of a user's head when the headband is worn by the user;

a tab made of a second material which is smoother than the first material, the tab positioned on a top surface of the body at the front portion of the body,

a strap connecting a right side of the body to a left side of the body such that the body and the strap form a loop that is securable around a user's head to retain the headband on the user's head; and

a gripping strip made of a material which grips a user's hair, the gripping strip positioned on the strap to further retain the headband on the user's head.

2. The headband of claim 1, wherein the first material includes velvet.

3. The headband of claim 1, wherein the tab is positioned along a front edge of the body.

4. The headband of claim 1, wherein adhesive tape adheres more strongly to the second material than to the first material.

5. The headband of claim 1, wherein the second material includes a non-woven material.

6. The headband of claim 1, wherein the second material includes a polymer.

7. The headband of claim 1, wherein the second material includes silicone or polyurethane.

8. The headband of claim 1, wherein the strap is adjustable in length.

9. The headband of claim 1, wherein the strap is transparent or translucent.

10. The headband of claim 1, wherein the gripping strip is made of a barber grip material.

11. The headband of claim 1, wherein the gripping strip comprises a plurality of hooks.

12. The headband of claim 11, wherein the gripping strip comprises approximately 50 hooks per square inch to approximately 150 hooks per square inch.

13. The headband of claim 1, wherein the gripping strip forms a loop around the strap such that the gripping strip is slidable along the strap.

14. The headband of claim 1, wherein the headband is configured to connect with a hair topper such that when the hair topper is connected to the headband and the headband is secured around the user's head the hair topper covers the headband to conceal it from view but does not completely cover the user's natural hair.

15. The headband of claim 1, further comprising a band on the top surface of the body, wherein the band is connected to the top surface of the body at a front of the band and at a rear of the band, and wherein the band is spaced apart from the top surface of the body at a center of the band between the front of the band and the rear of the band.

16. A hair topper system, comprising

the headband of claim 1; and

a hair topper connectable to the headband.

17. The hair topper system of claim 16, wherein the hair topper includes a hair topper base and lengths of artificial or natural hair extending from the hair topper base, and

wherein the hair topper includes a smooth surface positioned on a bottom of the hair topper base at a front portion of the hair topper base.

18. The hair topper system of claim 16, wherein when the hair topper is connected to the headband and the headband is secured around the user's head, the base of the hair topper covers the headband to conceal it from view but only partially covers the user's scalp.

19. A method of supplementing an amount of hair on a human head, the method comprising:

securing the headband of claim 1 to a user's head;

placing a hair topper over the headband, wherein the hair topper comprises:

a base which is sized and shaped to only partially cover the user's scalp, and lengths of artificial or natural hair;

connecting the hair topper to the headband such that the hair topper covers the headband to conceal it from view but does not completely cover the user's natural hair.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein securing the headband to the user's head includes placing the loop of the headband around the user's head and positioning the gripping strip against the user's hair.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein connecting the hair topper to the headband includes taping a smooth surface of the hair topper to the smooth tab of the headband.

22. A system, comprising:

a headband having:

a first end and a second end,

a first connector disposed on the first end of the headband, and

a second connector disposed on the second end of the headband, wherein the first connector and the second connector are connectable to secure the headband around a user's head; and

a hair topper having:

a base which is sized and shaped to only partially cover the user's scalp,

lengths of artificial or natural hair extending from the base, and

a comb attached to the base at a proximal end of the comb,

wherein the headband and the hair topper are removably connected to each other such that the headband is positioned between a distal end of the comb and the base, and

wherein the hair topper covers the headband to conceal it from view but does not completely cover the user's natural hair when the hair topper is connected to the headband and the headband is secured around the user's head.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the headband includes a velvet band.

24. A method of supplementing an amount of hair on a human head, the method comprising:

securing a headband around a user's head;

placing a hair topper over the headband, wherein the hair topper comprises:

a base which is sized and shaped to only partially cover the user's scalp, and lengths of artificial or natural hair; and

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the hair topper conceals the headband from view by extending over the headband from a front of the headband to a rear of the headband.

26. The method of claim 24, further comprising inserting at least a portion of a comb of the hair topper under the headband.