WO2015121606A1

WO2015121606A1 - Hair extension styling apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2015121606A1
Application number: PCT/GB2015/000045
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michelle Senga MORRISON
Original assignee: Morrison Michelle Senga
Priority date: 2014-02-14
Filing date: 2015-02-06
Publication date: 2015-08-20

Abstract

A hair extension styling apparatus (1) with a base (3) which is removeably connectable to a surface, a support (7) which extends between the base and a mounting beam (9), the mounting beam having at least one hair extension holder (11) which is removeably attached to a hair extension such that, in use, the hair extension hangs from the hair extension holder in order to make it easier and quicker for a person to style hair extensions.

Description

Hair Extension Styling Apparatus Introduction The present invention relates to a hair extension styling apparatus. Background

Hair extensions (sometimes called artificial hair integrations) are used to lengthen and/or thicken a person's naturally occurring hair by incorporating into the natural hair, artificial hair or natural hair collected from other individuals. Several types of hair extension are described below.

Clip-in or clip-on hair extensions are the least permanent type of hair extension. The hair extension weft has small toupee clips sewn onto them which are attached to the user's own hair. Clip-ins can be worn all day and all night; however, they should be removed before sleeping.

Bonding involves the application of hair glue to a section of wefted hair extension then onto a person's natural hair. This technique is commonly used and does not cause damage to the hair when taken out carefully. Bonded hair extensions may last 4-6 weeks before maintenance is needed.

Micro rings or micro loop hair extensions use small metal rings (usually aluminium) lined with silicone with the extension hair attached. They are fixed to small sections of natural hair and tightened using a special tool that clamps the loop around the natural hair.

The micro loops are designed to be small enough so that they are not visible in normal use. They need repositioning every 2-3 months as the natural hair grows and the micro rings move away from the scalp.

l A hair weave integrates a hair extension with a person's natural hair. Weaving additional human or synthetic pieces can enhance hair by giving it volume, length and adding colour without the damage of chemicals or adopting a different hair texture than that of their own.

Whilst hair extensions can be supplied and fitted in a salon, many people choose to buy and fit them themselves. In doing so, it is preferable to style the hair extensions before they are fitted. This is usually done by holding the extension in one hand and styling it with tongs or a hair dryer held in the other hand. This approach has many problems such as, for example.

The user may be accidentally burnt by the tongs or hair dryer

The hair extension may be accidentally burnt by the tongs or hair dryer Holding hair at arm's length whilst using tongs or a hair dryer makes it difficult to achieve the intended style

The hair extension may become tangled or mis-shaped.

Summary of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which makes it easier and quicker to style hair extensions.

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is provided a hair extension styling apparatus comprising:

a base which is removeably connectable to a surface;

a support which extends between the base and a mounting beam, the mounting beam having at least one hair extension holder which is removeably attached to a hair extension such that, in use, the hair extension hangs from the hair extension holder.

Preferably, the length of the support is adjustable. Adjustment of the length of the support alters the distance between the mounting beam and the base, this may be changed where hair extensions of different lengths are to be attached to the apparatus. Preferably, the length of the support is adjustable to at least two predetermined lengths.

Preferably, the support is telescopic.

Preferably, the length of the support is fixed using a pin resiliently mounted upon a first part of the telescopic support and a cooperating hole on the second part.

Preferably, the support comprises a pair of support members spaced apart from one another on the base.

Preferably the support members and beam form a frame upon which the hair extension holder is mounted. Preferably the support members are coupled to the beam at or near opposing ends of the beam.

Preferably, the mounting beam is adapted to receive a plurality of circumferentially mounted hair extension holders.

Preferably, the hair extension holder is rotatably mounted upon the beam.

Preferably, the hair extension holders are circumferentially mounted on a ring which forms part of the mounting beam.

Preferably, hair extension holder is pivotably mounted on the beam.

Preferably, the hair extension holder is pivotably mounted and may be held at a predetermined distance from the beam. This feature is particularly advantageous when the apparatus has a plurality of hair extension holders mounted

circumferentially on the mounting beam because it allows hair extensions to be held at a distance from the others whilst being styled.

Optionally, the hair extension holder is a clamp. Optionally, the hair extension holder is a side locking clip. Optionally, the hair extension holder is a magnetic latch. Optionally, the hair extension holder is an over centre latch. Optionally, the hair extension holder is a spring latch.

Optionally, the hair extension holder is a crocodile clip.

Optionally, the hair extension holder is a claw clip Optionally, the hair extension holder is a sealing clamp.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a separator which is positioned between the base and the mounting beam wherein the separator separates hair extensions which are hanging from hair extension holders on a first side of the mounting beam and those on a second side of the mounting beam.

Preferably, the base is removeably attached to a surface using one or more suction pad. Preferably, the suction pad has a release mechanism.

Optionally, the base is removeably attached to a surface using one or more clamp.

Optionally, the base is removeably attached to a surface using one or more adhesive pad.

Preferably, the apparatus may be mounted on a substantially horizontal surface such as a table, dresser, floor or the like. Optionally, the apparatus may be mounted on a vertical surface such as a wall.

Preferably, the mounting beam of the hair extension styling apparatus comprises a closed loop.

Preferably, the closed loop comprises three mounting beams which for a triangular.

Optionally, the closed loop comprises a curved mounting beam. Optionally, the curved mounting beam is circular or eliptical in shape.

Optionally, the closed loop mounting beam is of an irregular shape.

Optionally the closed loop mounting beam comprises an n-sided closed loop where n is 3 or more.

Preferably, the mounting beam comprises a hair extension holder which extend outwardly from the beam and which are adopted to hold hair extension. Preferably, the mounting beam comprises a front bar which extends along the mounting beam and hold hair extensions in place, in use.

Optionally, the front bar is removeably attached to the mounting beam. Optionally, the front bar is mountable in channels which are positioned at the ends if the mounting bar.

Preferably the front bar comprises a closing mechanism to keep it in position. Preferably, the hair extension holder is rotatable.

Preferably, the base comprises rotatably mounting.

Preferably, the rotatable mounting is a turntable. In accordance with a second aspect of the invention there is provided a kit of parts comprising a hair extension styling apparatus as described with reference to the first aspect of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a side perspective view of the embodiment of figure land showing a detachable separator;

Figure 3 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of figure 1 and showing a detachable separator; Figure 4 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of figure 1 and showing a detachable separator connected to the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the beam and a hair extension holder;

Figure 6 is a plan view if the embodiment of the present invention shown in figure 1 ;

Figure 7 is a side view if the embodiment of the present invention shown in figure 1 ; Figure 8 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of figure 1 where the supports are fully extended;

Figure 9 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of figure 1 where the supports are fully retracted;

Figure 10 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 1 1 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of figure 10 with the front bar in its open position;

Figure 12 is a plan view of the embodiment of figure 10; Figure 13 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 1 is a plan view of a hair extension holder used in another embodiment of a hair extension styling apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 15 is a plan view of a fixed base used in one or more embodiment of a hair extension styling apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 16 is a plan view of a rotatable base used in one or more embodiment of a hair extension styling apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 17 is a front view of a detachable front bar used in one or more embodiment of a hair extension styling apparatus in accordance with the present invention; Figure 18 is a front view of a hair extension holder and beam used in one or more embodiment of a hair extension styling apparatus in accordance with the present invention; and

Figure 19 is a front view of the detachable front bar of figure 17 in position upon the hair extension holder of the figure 18.

Detailed Description of the Drawings The present invention provides an apparatus for allowing a person to style hair extensions more easily, quickly and safely. In this and other embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus may be described as a rack, stand or a support frame upon to which hair extensions may be attached. The embodiment of figures 1 to 9 shows an apparatus for styling hair extensions 1 which has a base 3. The base 3 is flat and substantially rectangular with curved corners as shown. In this embodiment of the invention, the base 3 is designed to sit on a work top such as a dressing table or a chest of drawers at a convenient height for a user. The base 3 will be sized accordingly for that purpose. The base 3 is shaped to provide stability to the apparatus in order to reduce the risk that it will fall over. It will be appreciated that other shapes of base may be used to fulfill the purpose of stabilizing the apparatus and can achieve that purpose alone or in combination with fixing means.

In addition, the base 3 is provided with fixing means 5 which may be used to removeably secure the base to the surface upon which is situated. In this

embodiment of the present invention the fixing means comprises mechanically actuated suction pads. Other types of suction pads may be used for this purpose as may other fixing means such as clamps or adhesive pads.

Supports 7 are shown extending upwards from the base 3, connecting a cross beam 9 to the base 3. In this example of the invention, two supports are provided and they are positioned towards a first and second end of the major axis of the base 3 and roughly bisecting the base along its minor axis. In other embodiments of the invention a single support may be used and may be positioned centrally on the base or at either end of the base. The supports 7 function at least partly, to separate the base 3 from the beam 9 upon which hair extensions may be hung when the apparatus is being used. This means providing a suitable working space in which the hair extensions may hang when they are being styled. In the case of this embodiment of the present invention where the base 3 is positioned on a flat substantially horizontal surface, the support should provide a spacing between the base 3 and the beam 9 which is large enough to accommodate the length of the hair extension being hung from the apparatus.

In at least one other embodiment of the present invention, the base 3 is connected to a vertical surface such as a wall. In this embodiment of the invention, the working space distance between the base 3 and the beam 9 can be smaller.

In this example of the present invention, the supports 7 comprise a lower portion 15 and an upper portion 17. The lower portion 15 is a hollow rigid cylindrical member or tube which has a series of holes 19 which extend through the wall of the cylinder. The upper portion 17 comprises a rod or hollow rigid cylindrical member or tube which is connectable to the lower portion 15. In this example of the present invention, the upper portion is fitted with a pin which is sized to fit into the holes 19 of the lower portion 15. The pin is resiliently mounted to extend into the hole 19 on for example a spring snap clip.

Other suitable mechanisms for releaseably connecting the upper portion 17 to the lower portion 15 can be used, for example, both upper and lower sections may have holes which extend radially through and allow the upper portion 17 to be connected to the lower portion using a hitch pin and R Clip. Figure 8 shows the apparatus in its extended position which is suitable for use with long hair extensions and figure 9 shows the apparatus in its retracted position which is suitable for use with short hair extensions.

In this embodiment of the present invention, the beam 9 is connected to a plurality of hair extension holders by means of a pair of loops 23 positioned towards a first end and a second end of the beam 9. The loops 23 enclose the beam 9 and extend through each of the hair extension holders 1 . In this embodiment of the present invention, the hair extension holders 11 are both pivotably and rotatably mounted upon the beam 9. The fact that the loops 23 extend around the beam 23 means that the hair extension holders may be rotated around the beam.

In addition, pin 25 of figure 5 is used to allow the hair extension holder 11 to be pivoted outwards from the vertical position it would normally adopt by fixing the hair extension holder at an angle with respect to the vertical. This feature of the present invention allows the end 11b of the hair extension holder to be held further from the flat plane defined by the supports 7 and beam 9. It also provides a physical separation between hair extensions which are held on adjacent hair extension holders 1 1.

The hair extension holder 11 in this embodiment of the invention comprises a mechanical clamp which may be spring actuated or locked in position, for example. Other suitable hair extension holders may be used which securely hold the hair extensions in place for the purpose of styling. For example a side locking clip, a magnetic latch, an over centre latch, a spring latch, a crocodile clip, a claw clip, a sealing clamp and a spring loaded clip. Teeth may be located in the hair extension holder 1 1 which are just under 1cm long on each side of the clamp, The embodiment of the present invention also comprises a separator 13 which is removeably attached to the support 7 by means of clips 2 . The purpose of the separator 13 is to allow hair extensions which have been styled to be kept away from those which are to be styled. In use, a person may have several sets of hair extensions which are to be styled. The first step would be to attach the hair extensions to adjacent clamps 11 which are located upon the rings 23 which enclose the beam 9 in the order in which they are to be styled. Next the clamp 11 which is outermost is pivoted about an angle of 90° or less such that the hair extension in the clamp hangs down from the clamp 1 1 and is spaced apart from the hair which is hanging down from the adjacent clamps to the front 10 of the beam 9. Thereafter, the hair extension is styled. After styling is complete, the hair extension holder 11 is rotated about the beam to the rear 12 of the beam 9. The separator 13 prevents the styled hair extensions from becoming tangled with the hair extensions which are to be styled.

Figure 10 shows another embodiment of a hair extension styling apparatus in accordance with the present invention. In this example the apparatus 31 comprises a base 33 which is triangular in shape and which has a rotatable fixing which is removeably connectable to a surface such as a desk or dressing table. In this example, rotation is provided by a turntable of a type known as a 'Lazy Susan'. The underside of the turntable provided with a suction pad for removeably attaching the apparatus to a surface. In alternative embodiments a weak adhesive may be used for example. Three supports 37 extend upwards from at or near the corners of the triangular base to the mounting beams 39. In this example of the invention, the mounting beams each comprise a rear bar 45 from which projects a plurality of teeth, spines 31 or the like which function to hold hair extensions in place; such that is use, the hair extensions hand downwards from the teeth. The front bar 47 extends along the length of the rear bar 45 and teeth 43 and functions as a guard which prevents the hair extension from becoming detached from the teeth when in use.

The front bar 47 has a hinge 49 at one end which allows the front bar to be opened outwards as shown in figure 11 to allow hair extensions to be easily mounted on the teeth 43 and removed from the teeth 45 after use. The bar end 48 is shaped to fit over a corresponding end piece 46 on the rear bar 45. Friction between the end piece 44 and the bar end 48 can be used to retain the front bar in a closed position. Alternatively, a separate locking mechanism may be used. Figure 12 is a plan view of the embodiment shown in figures 10 and 11.

Figure 13 is an additional embodiment 51 of the present invention. In this case the base 53 has supports 57 and a beam 59 upon which hair extensions are hung in the same way or similarly to that shown in figures 10, 11 and 12. In this example a Clip 61 is provided over the top of the front beam and rear beam to hold them in position.

Figure 14 is a plan view of a hair extension holder 71 used in one or more

embodiments of the present invention. The holder is substantially triangular in shape and is constructed from a suitable plastic material. In this example of the invention, corner supports 73 and a central support 75 are provided to strengthen the holder 71. Pegs or teeth 79 extend outwards from the beam 77 and, in use, hair extensions are mounted on the teeth or pegs 77. The teeth or pegs 77 may be straight as shown or taper outwards towards the beam for added strength. Figure 15 shows a base 81 which is substantially triangular in shape. The base 81 has suction pads positioned 83 towards the corners of the base and on the lower surface at the base, for engagement with the surface upon which the hair extension styling apparatus is to be mounted. Figure 16 shows an alternative base 91 which is also substantially triangular in shape. The base 91 has suction pads positioned 93 towards the corners of the base and on the corner surface of the base. The upper surface of the base incorporates a rotatable platform 95 of the type commonly referred to as a 'Lazy Susan'. The rotatable platform allows the hair extension holders (not shown) to be spun round to allow a person to select a set of hair extensions for styling. The central support 97 in this embodiment extends to and is connected to central support 75 of figure 14.

Figure 17 shows the detachable front 101 in position upon the beam 77. The cooperating ends 105 slide into position inside the recess 80 to hold the detachable front in position. In use, when hair extensions are mounted on the teeth, the detachable front holds them in position.

It will be noted that the base shown in the embodiments of figures 10-19 need not be triangular. In addition, the closed loop formed by the three sides of the triangle formed by beams could be a continuous curve such as a circle, oval, ellipse or other shape. In addition straight n sided geometrical shapes such as squares, pentagons, hexagons and so on, could be used. In another embodiment at the invention, the base apparatus is configures to extend outwardly horizontally from a vertical surface such as a bathroom mirror and the hair extensions would hang down substantially perpendicular from the vertical surface. In this case the base may be shaped to optimise the stability of the apparatus and the supports are likely to be shorter than for the horizontally mounted version. In addition the beams or clips of previous embodiments may be reconfigured to open along the axis of the supports so that they open horizontally when in use.

The present invention provides a hair extension stand for securing hair extensions in position and enabling easier and more efficient styling.

Improvements and modifications may be incorporated herein without deviating from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A hair extension styling apparatus comprising:

a base which is removeably connectable to a surface;

2. A hair extension styling apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the length of the support is adjustable.

3. A hair extension styling apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein, the length of the support is adjustable to at least two predetermined lengths.

4. A hair extension styling apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the support is telescopic.

5. A hair extension styling apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein, the length of the support is fixed using a pin resiliently mounted upon a first part of the telescopic support and a cooperating hole on the second part.

6. A hair extension styling apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the support comprises a pair of support members spaced apart from one another on the base.

7. A hair extension styling apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein.the support members and beam form a frame upon which the hair extension holder is mounted.

8. A hair extension styling apparatus as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7 wherein the support members are coupled to the beam at or near opposing ends of the beam.

9. A hair extension styling apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the mounting beam is adapted to receive a plurality of circumferentially mounted hair extension holders.

10. A hair extension styling apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein, the hair extension holder is rotatably mounted upon the beam.

11. A hair extension styling apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein, the hair extension holders are circumferentially mounted on a ring which forms part of the mounting beam.

12. A hair extension styling apparatus as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11 wherein, hair extension holder is pivotably mounted on the beam.

13. A hair extension styling apparatus as claimed in claims 9 to 12 wherein, the hair extension holder is pivotably mounted and may be held at a predetermined distance from the beam.

14. A hair extension styling apparatus as claimed in claims 9 to 13 wherein, the hair extension holder comprises a clamp.

15. A hair extension styling apparatus as claimed in claims 9 to 13 wherein, the hair extension holder comprises a side locking clip.

16. A hair extension styling apparatus as claimed in claims 9 to 13 wherein, the hair extension holder comprises a magnetic latch.

17. A hair extension styling apparatus as claimed in claims 9 to 13 wherein, the hair extension holder is an over centre latch.

18. A hair extension styling apparatus as claimed in claims 9 to 13 wherein, the hair extension holder comprises a spring latch.

19. A hair extension styling apparatus as claimed in claims 9 to 13 wherein, the hair extension holder comprises a crocodile clip.

20. A hair extension styling apparatus as claimed in claims 9 to 13 wherein, the hair extension holder comprises a claw clip

21. A hair extension styling apparatus as claimed in claims 9 to 13 wherein, the hair extension holder comprises a sealing clamp.

22. A hair extension styling apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the apparatus further comprises a separator which is positioned between the base and the mounting beam wherein the separator separates hair extensions which are hanging from hair extension holders on a first side of the mounting beam and those on a second side of the mounting beam.

23. A hair extension styling apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the base is removeably attached to a surface using one or more suction pad.

24. A hair extension styling apparatus as claimed in claim 23 wherein, the suction pad has a release mechanism.

25. A hair extension styling apparatus as claimed in claims 1 to 22 wherein, the base is removeably attached to a surface using one or more clamp.

26. A hair extension styling apparatus as claimed in claims 1 to 22 wherein, the base is removeably attached to a surface using one or more adhesive pad.

27. A hair extension styling apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the mounting beam of the hair extension styling apparatus comprises a closed loop.

28. A hair extension styling apparatus as claimed in claim 27 wherein, the closed loop comprises three mounting beams which form a triangular shape.

29. A hair extension styling apparatus as claimed in claim 27 or claim 28 wherein, the closed loop comprises a curved mounting beam.

30. A hair extension styling apparatus as claimed in claim 27 wherein, the curved mounting beam is circular or eliptical in shape.

31. A hair extension styling apparatus as claimed in claim 27 wherein, the closed loop mounting beam is of an irregular shape.

32. A hair extension styling apparatus as claimed in claim 27 wherein the closed loop mounting beam comprises an n-sided closed loop where n is 3 or more.

33. A hair extension styling apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the mounting beam comprises a hair extension holder which extends outwardly from the beam and which is adapted to hold a hair extension.

34. A hair extension styling apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the mounting beam comprises a front bar which extends along the mounting beam and hold hair extensions in place, in use.

35. A hair extension styling apparatus as claimed in claim 34 wherein, the front bar is pivotably connected to the mounting beam.

36. A hair extension styling apparatus as claimed in claim 34 wherein the front bar is removeably attached to the mounting beam.

37. A hair extension styling apparatus as claimed in claim 36 wherein the front bar is mountable in channels which are positioned at the ends if the mounting bar.

38. A hair extension styling apparatus as claimed in claims 34 to 37 wherein the front bar comprises a closing mechanism to keep it in position.

39. A hair extension styling apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the hair extension holder is rotatable.

40. A hair extension styling apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the base comprises a rotatably mounting.

41. A hair extension styling apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein,, the rotatable mounting is a turntable.

42. A kit of parts comprising a hair extension styling apparatus as described with reference to claims 1 to 41.