HK1082386B - Method and assembly for increasing hair volume - Google Patents

Description

Method and apparatus for increasing hair volume

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a method for increasing hair volume, i.e. for thickening and/or lengthening hair, and to an associated thickening and/or lengthening assembly for increasing hair volume, having extended hair suitable for use in said method.

Background

Various systems are known for thickening hair mass and for lengthening hair. These systems generally use natural or fake extensions or locks of hair, which are then attached to the hair in a manner accepted and satisfactory by the user who needs such a service, according to the proposed adhesion method.

Another aspect that helps to improve such service satisfaction is service speed.

The method of operation of the known system comprises the step of connecting the extension hair to the receiving hair of the user. During this step, the extended hairs can be substantially stitched, glued or knotted to the user's hair, but with these systems, thickening or lengthening takes too long, each extended hair requiring a precise manual operation.

Other methods of forming a connection between extending hair and receiving hair require the use of external members such as fasteners, combs, clamps, and the like. These members are useful for securing even large sized extended hair to the user's receiving hair, but they have the great disadvantage that the connection is clearly visible and can be felt by the user, which is uncomfortable.

Among other known methods, there are methods that can attach small-sized extended hair to receiving hair. These methods require the use of adhesives, small fasteners, etc. to be effective, but in all cases, because the operator must attach each extension, the time of attachment is long, the extension cannot be large, or else the user and others can see the attachment.

Similar difficulties exist in those methods of bonding to joints using adhesives, such as the method described in US4934387(Megna), which is particularly time consuming because the adhesive is dispensed in a hot liquid state at each end of the extended hair to be secured. In addition, the operator should operate the hot glue with his fingers, which is very uncomfortable.

US5107867(Barrington) proposes a method in which adhesive is provided in predetermined amounts to a bonding location using a gun-like dispenser or other bonder. However, in the method proposed by Barrington, the adhesive is confined within a heat shrink tube so as not to stick to other hair when adhered.

US4982748 (trimachi) proposes the use of a thermosetting adhesive, which, correspondingly, requires heating after cold action.

However, in these embodiments, the bonding with the adhesive requires a complicated operation for several factors: replenishing hair, adhesives, tubes, spray guns, grooming, etc., is also time consuming.

Furthermore, the cured adhesive forms a ball or skirt which is visibly perceptible, reducing the ease of the process, and which is also visible, affecting the aesthetic effect of the thickening. Another embodiment of this method, suitable for thickening and/or lengthening hair to be prolonged, is proposed in JP03152205(Aderans Corp.) and other patents relating to improvements of this technology, such as the improvements developed by the inventors of the present invention, disclosed in south African patent ZA93/5214 or German patent DE 19626107C.

These documents propose a thickening member and related method of use in which the extended hair is adhered to the hair using a thermoplastic adhesive. Obviously, the gluing is done manually, and therefore may not be consistent from extended hair to extended hair.

The known manually implemented methods therefore have a series of drawbacks. Firstly, the operator must be well-experienced with this technique, being able to connect properly, and obviously this condition is not always allowed. In addition, it is extremely difficult to perform uniform joining, in addition to experience: because they are not accurately located along the line of hair thickening and therefore vary greatly, also differing in mass and size.

All these methods are used to perform the work, but the quality of the work is not optimal, it is more abrasive, it has the drawback of not being able to be corrected, it is difficult to find an experienced operator due to the long bonding time, and it increases the costs.

In addition, the cured adhesive forms a ball or skirt that is visibly perceptible to the touch, reducing the ease of the process, and also being visible, affecting the aesthetic effect of the thickening.

WO02/098250 by the present applicant and the present inventors proposes another improvement.

This document proposes a method and an extension hair set for increasing the amount of hair by gluing a set of extension hairs in one step, using an adhesive tape to place the attachment in the correct position and then simultaneously gluing it.

This system, although it allows to greatly increase the speed of adhesion of the hair extension, does not solve the problem of imperfect connection, is not satisfactory in terms of dimensions and is also visible.

Disclosure of Invention

The technical problem underlying the present invention is to provide a method for increasing the amount of hair, and a related device for lengthening hair, suitable for use in said method, overcoming the drawbacks of the prior art.

The solution consists in providing a method and a device for thickening and/or lengthening hair, which allow the grouped gluing of the hair extensions, substantially without manual operations, with a perfect coupling between the connectors supporting the hair extensions and the hair-receiving elements of the user.

According to this solution, the connecting element is confined to a very limited space during its bonding, in particular so that the connecting element does not adhere too much hair, does not expand and is therefore not visible.

In addition, the approach is suitable for, but not limited to, application to thickening and/or lengthening systems for groups of adhesively-bonded extended hairs.

According to one embodiment of the invention, this problem is solved by a method as described above, comprising the steps of:

deploying one or more lengths of extended hair having respective proximal ends provided with respective connectors;

providing a first adhesive strip, to be attached to the hair to be thickened, in the area intended to receive said proximal end;

providing a second tape having an adhesive surface to which the proximal end of said hair extension is adhered;

adhering the adhesive surface to the hair to be thickened at the first adhesive tape; and

actuating a connecting means operating on said connecting element of the extension hair.

According to the same inventive concept, said technical problem is solved by a device as described above, comprising:

one or more lengths of extended length hair having respective proximal ends provided with respective one of the connectors;

a first adhesive tape which is easy to apply reversibly to the hair to be thickened; and

a second adhesive tape has an adhesive surface adapted to receive the attachment member.

According to the same inventive concept as described above, said technical problem is also solved by a method as described above, comprising the steps of:

deploying one or more lengths of extended hair having respective proximal ends provided with respective connectors;

providing an adhesive strip, disposing said proximal end on an adhesive side of a portion of said adhesive strip according to a predetermined arrangement, such that a remainder of the adhesive strip is foldable over said portion;

sandwiching a portion of hair to be thickened between said portion of folded tape and said remaining portion, defining an area intended to receive said proximal end; and

actuating a connecting means operating on said connecting element of the extension hair.

According to the same inventive concept defined by this method, said technical problem is solved by a device as defined above, comprising:

one or more lengths of extended length hair having respective proximal ends provided with respective one of the connectors; and

an adhesive tape, a portion of which has an adhesive surface on which said proximal end is disposed according to a predetermined arrangement, said tape comprising a remaining portion which is easily folded over said portion, and which is easily reversibly applied to the hair receiving portion.

It is clear that in the above-described method and apparatus, the connection or connections are confined between two hard-to-penetrate surfaces that are compressible against each other, thereby preventing the compressed connections from expanding.

This feature allows to save the amount of glue used for the smaller size connectors, i.e. the amount strictly necessary for the connection between the receiving hair and the extension hair.

In one step, using a plurality of extensions per tape, a large number of extensions can be quickly adhered while a corresponding number of small-sized connections are made, and thus, are hardly visible and perceptible to the user.

Drawings

The invention will be better understood with reference to the attached drawings and non-limiting examples.

In the following, an embodiment will be described in which a plurality of extended hairs are fixed in one step, but it is easy for a person skilled in the art to adapt said embodiment to a single extended hair or a small number of extended hairs according to the same inventive concept.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a device for increasing the amount of hair according to the present invention in an assembled stage;

FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views of one side and the other side, respectively, of the device shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective views of a clip-on applicator for applying elongated hair, particularly suitable for the method of increasing hair volume according to the present invention, and a partial cross-sectional view of its support base, respectively;

figures 6 to 8 are perspective views of various stages of the method of the invention carried out using the apparatus of figure 1 of the first embodiment;

FIGS. 9 to 11 are cross-sectional views of details of the bonder shown in FIG. 4 at a stage of the method according to the invention, using the device shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 12 and 13 are longitudinal cross-sectional views of details of the bonder shown in FIG. 4 at a stage in the method according to the invention, using the device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a partially exploded perspective view of the device of the first embodiment, showing one of the adhesive means in the adhesive pack;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the fully assembled adhesive packet of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a detail of the adhesive packet shown in the previous figures;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the adhesive packet of FIG. 14 having a different configuration;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an extended hair bonding stage using the bonding wrap of FIG. 14;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a device for increasing the amount of hair according to the present invention in an assembled stage;

figures 20 and 21 are progressively enlarged perspective views of details of the apparatus shown in figure 19;

FIGS. 22 and 23 are perspective views of one side and the other side, respectively, of the device shown in FIG. 19;

FIGS. 24, 25 and 26 are enlarged, stepwise, perspective views of details of an extended tacking stage using the apparatus of FIG. 19;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a device for increasing the amount of hair according to the present invention in an assembled stage;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a detail of the device of FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a modified embodiment suitable for use with the device of FIG. 27 and also suitable for use with the device of FIGS. 1 and 19;

FIGS. 30 to 32 are schematic perspective views of stages of the method of the invention using the first embodiment of the apparatus shown in FIG. 27;

FIGS. 33 through 37 are perspective views of a modified embodiment of the detail shown in FIG. 28;

FIGS. 38 to 40 are perspective views of three different modified embodiments of the detail shown in FIG. 28;

figures 41 to 44 are assembled perspective views of a further modified embodiment of the detail shown in figure 28.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1-3 show a device 1 for increasing the amount of hair, which device typically comprises an extended length of hair.

The device comprises an adhesive tape 2, which tape 2 is preferably, but not exclusively, substantially transparent for application to the hair to be thickened and/or to be lengthened in the method for increasing the amount of hair according to the invention.

The transparency makes the adhesion stage and the effect of the application of the tape 2 to the hair more visible, as will be explained below.

The material forming the adhesive tape 2 is suitably, but not limited to, heat-resistant for reasons which will be described in detail below. The adhesive used on the tape 2 is of the non-permanent, pressure-operated and reversible type, placed on a single bonding face of the tape 2.

The adhesive tape 2 has a first portion 3 and a remaining portion 4 of the adhesive tape 2, the first portion 3 comprising a respective first adhesive surface 43, the remaining portion 4 being foldable over the first portion 3 to cover it completely (fig. 2 and 3). In this embodiment, the remaining portions 4 preferably have respective second adhesive surfaces 44, joined thereto.

The portion 3 and the remaining portion 4 are separated by a simple crease or fold line 5.

Figure 1 shows a multi-lock 6 extended hair C comprising a substantially predetermined number of hairs, which may be natural hairs or wigs, with a suitably chosen colour, evenness or stripe. These extensions are extensions that substantially complement the hair, and may be attached to the hair to thicken and/or lengthen it.

The inventive device 1 may comprise extended hairs C of different thickness, length and color. Typically, they extend from respective proximal ends 7 for attachment to the hair to free distal ends 8. In each lock of extended hair C, the individual hairs are preferably of uniform length.

At said proximal end 7, each extension C comprises a connecting element 9, which connecting element 9, according to the present embodiment, is made of a thermoplastic material, such as polyamide, polyester or even polyurethane, such as nylon. Further improvements will be described below.

Each proximal end 7 and each connecting element 9 are placed on said first adhesive surface 43 of the portion 3 of the tape 2. The attachment means 9 are placed substantially equidistantly in the centre of the adhesive tape 4. The extended hairs C are aligned parallel to each other so that the adjacent extended hairs C are not knotted to each other.

The remaining portion 4 of the tape 2 has means for indicating the position of the attachment, which in this embodiment includes a print line 49. The remaining part 4 is folded over the part 3, said thread 49 being positioned on the connecting piece 9.

On the side opposite to the remaining portion 4, the tape 2 comprises a flap 45, the flap 45 also being coated with adhesive and being easily connected to the remaining portion 4 folded onto the portion 3, substantially in a wallet-like configuration.

In the folded configuration, the device 1 also comprises a pair of notches 46, arranged on the side edges of the tape 2, or on the folds connecting the remaining portion 4 and the flap 45 to the portion 3.

Said notch 46 is positioned at said means for indicating the connection 9, acting as a guide for the connection means, as will be described below.

As shown in fig. 1, the device 1 further comprises an optional support strip S made of a material that is easily torn from the tape 2, such as silicone-coated linen paper or plastic, arranged to protect the adhesive faces 43, 44 and the connecting piece 9 from folding, curling and sticking of the tape 2.

The adhesive used on the adhesive surfaces 43, 44 adheres more strongly to the adhesive tape 2 than to the material of the connecting piece 9, so that no adhesive residue remains on the material of the connecting piece 9 at the end of the adhesion.

In this preparation technique, the tape 2 is provided with proximal ends 7 of the elongated hairs C, which have been fixed to the adhesive surface 43 of the respective portion 3, but the elongated hairs may also have various thicknesses, lengths, colors, etc., respectively.

In order to connect the connecting pieces 9 to the respective ends 7, various systems can be used, such as a hot gluing system, an injection system, etc.

The preferred shape of the connecting element is a small rectangle, the width and thickness (exaggerated in the drawing) of which are substantially equal to the width and thickness of the respective elongated hair 6, limiting to a minimum the amount of thermoplastic material used as adhesive, as will be explained below.

In all cases, the size of the connecting element 9 can be reduced as much as possible according to the amount of supplemental hair.

It is therefore proposed that said connecting element 9 can have different dimensions, generally distinguishable, for extended hairs of greater length and thickness, of a large size, for extended hairs of intermediate length and thickness, of an intermediate size, and for extended hairs of minimum thickness, of a small size, to suit the application thickness of the extended hairs.

In this embodiment, the thermoplastic material is a substance adapted to melt at a temperature above room temperature, having the characteristics of a plastic fluid, and then cool and solidify at room temperature.

Substances with similar properties can be melted by direct application of mechanical energy in the form of high-frequency vibrations, in particular ultrasonic vibrations (20 to 60 khz). In this case, the intermolecular vibrations and the resulting friction generate the heat necessary for the molecules to move plastically with each other. The vibration stops and the heat generation stops, resulting in almost immediate curing.

Substances which can be used as thermoplastic materials are, for example, polyesters, polyamides, polyurethanes, etc.

The function of the connector of the invention is to hold together each lock of extended hair 6, providing a fixing point for the extended hair C to the receiving hair of the volume of hair to be increased.

The connecting element may also be a disc-shaped or spherical thermoplastic piece to which the extension hair is fixed. The connecting element is connected to the connecting device, for example made of a thermoplastic material as already described, or glue and/or another property, for example a pressure-hardening, thermosetting, heat-shrinkable adhesive, etc. Some examples of connectors are described in WO02/098250 by the present applicant and inventor.

The connecting element 9 may be coloured to suit the colour of the extension hair 6, or it may be coloured with another decorative element such as an artificial gem or the like.

All of the connectors and their above-described variants are suitable for the method of increasing hair volume as described below.

Fig. 4 shows a hair extension bonder 10 which is intended to be used easily in the bonding method according to the invention for hair extension and hair thickening.

Generally, it is structured like a jig, comprising:

a fixed contrast member on which a locking means of the adhesive tape is formed; and

a movable pressing member acting on said fixed member, the movable pressing member being driven by pneumatic means, the pneumatic means operating at a predetermined pressure to avoid over-compression or over-compression of the connecting member.

In particular, the bonder 10 has a body 11, the body 11 serving as a handle and housing internal means, as will be described below. A fixed contrast member 12 is fixed to the body 11 and comprises a support plane 13.

It should be noted that the support plane 13 is substantially perpendicular to the extension direction of the body 11.

The bonder 10 also includes a movable press 15 acting on said fixing element 12. It forms a pressure plane 16 at the end of a rod 17 extending from the body 11, the axis of the rod 17 coinciding with the axis of the extension of the body 11. The pressure plane 16 is also substantially perpendicular to the extension direction of the body 11.

The movable pressing member 15 is driven by a pneumatic device 18, the pneumatic device 18 operating at a predetermined pressure, being mounted in the body 11 and connected to the rod 17. The pneumatic means 18 comprise a single-acting piston 19, the piston 19 housing a plunger 20 connected to the rod 17 and a spring 21 ensuring the return of the rod 17. The piston 19 is supplied with compressed air by a control device 22 via a pipe 23. The control device 22 is provided with a regulating system for regulating said predetermined pressure.

The movable press element 15 is heated in its pressure plane 16 to activate the adhesion of the attachment element 9, which attachment element 9 is preferably made of a thermoplastic material. For this purpose, the movable presser 15 incorporates a thermal resistance 24, powered by the control device 22 through a wire 25 at a predetermined voltage that determines the temperature. The control means also comprise a timer responsive to a control button 26 on the body 11 for determining the extension of the compression-heating-decompression cycle of the connection between the hair C and the hair T (figure 6).

Thus, once the temperature, pressure and compression time have been set, it is decided to perform the above cycle, that is to say to connect a set of extensions C completely, as will be explained below, by simply pressing the button 26.

Other examples of bonders suitable for use in the method of the invention are also described in WO02/098250 and WO03/06416 to the applicant and inventor of the present invention.

As shown in fig. 5, the bonder 10 may be mounted on a suitable instrument 30. the instrument 30 includes an extendable and rotatable arm from which is suspended a support cable 32 that supports the bonder 10. The support cables are connected to a counterweight system that is effective to offset the weight of the bonder 10 to the operator.

The apparatus 30 preferably comprises a base 33, the base 33 supporting said control means 22, mounted on wheels 34 so as to be positioned completely facing the armchair of the user.

The method for increasing the amount of hair according to the above-described device 1 comprises the following steps, as shown in fig. 6 to 8.

According to said method, and according to the above, a plurality of locks of elongated hair C are provided, the elongated hair C having respective proximal ends 7, the proximal ends 7 being provided with respective connectors 9, the connectors 9 being fixed to the adhesive face 43 of the portion 3 of the adhesive tape 2, so that the remaining portion 4 of the adhesive tape 2 can be folded onto said portion 3.

One step of the method of the invention consists in combing the portion P of hair T to be thickened so that all the hair is parallel to one another.

Subsequently, a further step of the method consists in placing a portion of hair T to be thickened between the portion 3 and the remaining portion 4 of the folded tape 2, defining a zone ready to receive the proximal end 7.

The rest of the tape fits over the hair from the outside, i.e. its adhesive side 44 faces the head of the person, the outside being a non-adhesive side.

Thus, the portions 3 are applied under said hair portions, the respective adhesive surfaces 43 positioning the hair-lengthening coupling elements 9 under the hair portions, and therefore not visible.

The adhesion of the portion 3 precedes that of the remaining portion, and at this stage the hair of the portion P must be kept flush by combing.

Thus, the device 1 is of a wallet type construction. It should be noted that at this stage, the top edge of the tape 2, corresponding to the attachment means, not crossed by the hair extensions C, can be supported on the skin, so as to space the attachment means 9 uniformly from the skin itself.

In addition, the portion of tape 2 crossed by the extension hair C winds the portion of hair T to be thickened, keeping it in a fixed position along the direction of combing.

The complete overlap of the portion 3 and the remaining portion 4 is ensured by gluing of the flap 45. The connectors 9 are still covered by the hair portions P, but their position can be determined by means of the printed lines 49.

The securing member 12 of the bonder 10 is then positioned with reference to the notch 46. The mobile element 15 is then easily oriented towards the remaining portion 4 with reference to the print line 49.

At this step, the operator activates the connection means, which essentially consist of the belt 1 and the connecting piece 9.

In this embodiment, the fusibility of the thermoplastic material is utilized. In fact, energy is applied to the connection 9 through the adhesive tape 1. As shown in fig. 5, a clip-type bonder 10 is used, in which a stationary member 12 and a movable member 15 having an elongated shape are compressed, and a substantially uniform pressure is applied to the entire adhesive tape 2 along the length of the adhesive tape 2, thereby compressing the connecting member 9.

Another system for conducting energy to the connection 9 may also be used.

The system utilizes mechanical energy in the form of vibrations at ultrasonic frequencies, for example 20 to 60 khz. In this case, one or both of the pressing members are connected to a vibrating body such as a piezoelectric element subjected to alternating current of a desired frequency, and the vibration is transmitted to the connecting member 9, both directly through the adhesive tape 1.

In this case, the application of vibrations facilitates the molecules of the thermoplastic material of the connecting element 9 to flow between the respective hairs of the extension 6 and the hair T, penetrating and connecting them together.

Further modifications of the coupling member 9 applicable to all embodiments of the device of the invention will be described below.

The first improvement is that the connecting piece is made of a special hot melt resin called active hot melt glue. Such glues are known in the prior art and have hardening properties in the presence of moisture.

In particular, air humidity, and even residual moisture remaining on the receiving hair prior to bonding the extended hair, such as by shampooing, contributes to the hardening of the gel.

Moisture is present on the hair, often preventing the adhesive from adhering to the hair, however this is not the case.

Another improvement is the use of a two-component adhesive, both components being hot melt. The components may be added to the same connector or arranged facing the opposite adhesive side of the tape 2. Alternatively, one of the components may be sprayed onto the hair in powder form prior to bonding the attachment 9, in which case it is used together with the other component. After the hair extensions C were glued, the excess powder was brushed off with a brush.

In this embodiment, the gluer 10 is operated by means of the push-button 26, applying a constant pressure uniformly along the remaining portion 4 at predetermined time intervals, or a constant pressure uniformly to the connecting element 9 connected to the hair, regardless of the thickness between the members 12, 15 working as a clip.

According to the same mode, the application of constant pressure allows repeated infinite times of bonding, with the same effect all the time, without requiring the operator to exert muscle force.

Conveniently, a plurality of adhesive tapes 2 can be applied, rapidly activating the connecting means in sequence.

The operating parameters such as pressure applied, duration of pressure, heating (temperature), heating time, vibration frequency, vibration intensity, duration of vibration, etc. can be preset, stored in the control device, and can be varied according to the technical requirements of the hair extension to be glued and the connecting element.

Once this joining step is completed, the adhesion is completed as long as the tape 2 is removed at the end of cooling, leaving no glue on the hair (fig. 8).

For a better understanding of the characteristics of the method according to the invention, the operating steps of the connecting device will now be described in detail with reference to fig. 9 to 13.

The fixing element 12 is located below the portion 3, while the remaining portion 4 rests on a support plane 13 (fig. 9).

The bonder 10 is operated to perform a compression-heating cycle. The combination of heat and pressure causes the crossing of the tape 2 without the connecting elements 9, melting the thermoplastic material that penetrates between the hair T and the extended hair C (fig. 10).

More precisely, as shown in fig. 12, by placing the movable element 15 at the means for indicating the position of the connection element 9, the movable element 15 is automatically in the correct position.

The compression and heating cause the thermoplastic material to melt from the side facing said remaining portion 4, up to the hair T between the movable element 15 and the fixed element 12.

The thermoplastic material thus moves up to the hair T, the position of which is defined on both sides by the tape 2 (fig. 13), the operator applying pressure uniformly up to the tape portions and the hair gripped.

This method prevents the thermoplastic material from compressing on the surface of an adhesive tape, preventing the formation of visible flat and shiny surfaces of cured thermoplastic material (fig. 13).

Once the pressure and heat are discontinued, the thermoplastic material solidifies, remaining confined between the adhesive strips 2 (fig. 11). After a suitable, but very short, cooling, the adhesive tape 2 can be removed, but it is also possible to remove all adhesive tapes after a plurality of devices 1 have been bonded.

However, the dimensions of the connecting element and the thermoplastic material portion may be reduced at will, without substantially affecting the ability of the extended length of hair C to be connected to the respective hair.

It can thus be seen that, in view of the fact that the pressing member is provided with two strips of adhesive, containing materials that enable joining, the hair extension method allows for joining of extended and received hair in very small sizes without manipulation by the operator. The resulting connection is fine, with perfect edges, without a bright surface, and is barely noticeable. The only manual intervention is to control the means for initiating the connection.

This connection size is not the case when the thermoplastic material and the extension hair have to be tightly wound around the hair to be extended, and the amount of hair at the connection point cannot be made smaller than a certain limit. For example, in the above-mentioned JP03152205 (Aderans) the extension hair has to be wound around the hair to be lengthened, thus producing a bulky connection.

According to the invention, the size of the connection point is entirely dependent on the amount of hair compressed in the extension hair, the finer the connection.

Thus, less work will be done to form a uniform connection of The lack of mechanical stresses to The formation of The interface connections.

Its best quality prevents breakage due to, for example, moisture penetration.

With this system, the extension hair can also be hidden in the hair. Then, since the extended hairs can be spaced apart from each other at equal intervals, additional extended hairs can be added therebetween, and thus, uniform extended hairs can be obtained in a short time, and by mixing the extended hairs, the extended hairs are made to have a color different from that of the user's hair, resulting in composite streaks (bright spots).

Fig. 14 to 17 show the device 1 shown in the preceding figures, the device 1 being provided with an additional means, indicated as a folding member 50, the folding member 50 having a wallet structure provided with a pair of rectangular flaps, in particular a first flap 51 and a second flap 52, the first flap 51 and the second flap 52 being connected by a fold line 53 or crease.

The flap is made of a rigid or semi-flexible material, such as a plastic that can be easily moulded, so that the flaps 51, 52 can easily be conformed to the adhesive tape portion 3 of the connecting member 9 for receiving the extended hair and to the remaining portion 4 that is attached to the adhesive tape portion 3. This fit provides support and rigidity, making tape 2 easy to handle without the risk of portion 3 and the remainder 4 folding, sticking out of place, or having an incorrect configuration.

For ease of fit, the flap includes means for securing the tape 2 to the flaps 51, 52. The fixing means comprise an adhesive strip 54 arranged on the inner faces of the flaps 51, 52, which are the surfaces that are adhered to each other by the folding of the folding member 50.

The adhesive strips are arranged to extend from the fold line 53 to the outer edge of the fold 50. Thus, the adhesive tape 2 can be fixed to the folding member 50 with the folding line 5 of the adhesive tape 2 arranged on the folding line 53 of the folding member 50.

In addition, the fixing means includes a retractable hook 55, and the retractable hook 55 is located at an end of the folding line 53. The retractable hook 55 is movable between a position of application of the adhesive tape 2 to the folder 50 and a release position away from the end of the folded end 53.

To this end, each retractable catch 55 is provided with a rod 56, the rod 56 being slidingly housed in a sleeve 57, the sleeve 57 being connected to the fold line 53 on the outside of the folding member 50. The free end of the lever 56 is controllable by a fingertip to adjust the position of the retractable hook 55 (fig. 16).

Each hook 55 acts to clamp the tape 2 onto the fold so that the fold lines 5, 53 overlap (figure 17).

Advantageously, the width of the adhesive tape 2 is equal or equivalent to the width of the folding member 50, the latter having a greater length, so that the portion of the adhesive tape 2 is completely enclosed by the folding member 50 (fig. 17).

Using a folding member (fig. 18), the method for increasing the amount of hair comprises a step of sandwiching a portion of hair T to be thickened between said portion 3 and said remaining portion 4 of the folded tape 2, defining an area intended to receive said proximal end 7.

At this step, the folding member 50 is used to accurately apply the adhesive tape 2 to the selected portion of the hair T.

Thus, in this case, the folding member 50 is associated with the device 1, the device 1 being driven by the folding member 50. The folding members 50 can be operated separately in different stages, in particular in the dispensing stage of the device.

Fig. 19 to 26 show a device for increasing the amount of hair in a second embodiment, which can be used in the method concerned without modification in the gluing step. All parts shown in the previous embodiments are present and are indicated by the same reference numerals.

The portion 3 of the tape 2 receiving the connecting piece 9 and the portion intended for folding have surfaces that come into contact with the connecting piece 9 in an adhesion step that will be described below.

These surfaces are in this embodiment adhesive faces 43, 44, but are optionally limited to the contact area of the rest of the folded tape 2, covered by a thin layer of fluff, i.e. fibers dispersed on the adhesive faces.

Various fibers may be used. Natural fibers are preferred to make the surface of the connector soft and smooth to the touch, embodiments of which will be described below. Obviously, the preferred color is equivalent to the color of the extended hair.

The fluff layer can be held in various ways, such as electrostatic holding or jet holding. For simplicity, the entire bonding surface of the tape may be held fluffy using the same adhesive, but maintaining a tack, also holding the attachment in place.

In the bonding of the device 1, the two portions 3, 4 of the adhesive tape 2 determine the intimate contact of the pile layers on both sides of the attachment 9.

The instantaneous controlled melting of the joining element 9 and the application of pressure to it, which means that the surface of the tape 2 is in contact with the top and bottom surfaces of the joining element 9 itself, receives, at this step of the joining element 9 in a semi-molten layer, a layer of fluff partially embedded on its surface, making it soft and smooth to the touch and substantially opaque, with the same colour as the hair.

This effect effectively mixes each of the connectors with the hair T. In the case of direct lighting or natural light, the connecting element does not reflect more light than the hair.

Both surfaces of the connector can be made light, soft and smooth using folded tape, and even in other embodiments, the exposed top surface can be light, soft and smooth using tape selectively covered with vellus.

The velvets may be applied over the adhesive side of the tape, but may also be mixed with adhesive and subsequently covered with a layer of adhesive to hold it more tightly to the tape.

Considering that the satisfaction of the adhesion of the extended hair depends on the fact that the artificial traces of the thickened hairpiece are not substantially visible, the added hair is made to coincide with the user's hair, and especially the attachment is mixed with the hair.

To this end, a development of the previous embodiment is that the portion 3 of the adhesive tape 2 receiving the connecting piece 9 and the portion intended for folding have surfaces intended to come into contact with the connecting piece 9 in an adhesion step described below.

These surfaces are corrugated, and in this embodiment are identical to the adhesive faces 43, 44, but are optionally limited to the contact area.

In particular, the surface has a surface roughness that renders the tape 2 opaque, rather than shiny. This roughness can be achieved in three ways:

mechanical abrasion, such as sanding;

chemical etching, e.g. by dipping the tape in an acid bath; or

Abrasive, rubbing with a polishing pad on the surface of the tape.

Furthermore, the surface has a second corrugation of a surface size larger than the one corrugation. The second type of crease is such that: the surface of the tape comprises a plurality of ribs and grooves, the transverse dimension of which is similar to the diameter of a piece of hair and the direction of which is parallel to the direction of the extension hair C.

Such ribs and grooves can be newly produced on the surface of the adhesive tape in three ways:

pressing with a suitable mold;

chemically etched, for example with a suitable screen printing pad and an etchant applied through the screen printing pad;

mechanically removing the aligned strips of tape material using a suitable abrading or surface etching apparatus.

For the connectors, these two types of folds can be applied separately on the surface of the tape 2 during the activation, forming an opaque surface (due to surface roughness) or a grooved surface (due to ribs and grooves) mixed with the hair.

In addition, these techniques can be employed simultaneously to provide the connector with both of the above-described effects.

The instantaneous controlled melting of the joining element 9 and the application of pressure to it mean that the surface of the adhesive tape 2 is in contact with the top and bottom surfaces of the joining element 9 itself.

Wrinkles of the surface of the adhesive tape 2 are on the opposite surface of the connecting member 9, and thus the connecting member 9 is opaque due to the surface roughness and has a stripe shape due to the rib and groove.

These effects, and preferably a combination of these effects, determine the effective mixing of each of the connectors with the hair T. In the case of direct lighting or natural light, the connecting element does not reflect more light than the hair.

These effects may be used in place of or in combination with the fluff binding as described above.

Fig. 27 to 32 show a third embodiment of the device for increasing hair volume and a related embodiment of the method thereof of the present invention, which are similar to the above-described embodiments and are characterized by the same inventive concept, which will be described below.

Similar parts to those described above are indicated by the same reference numerals.

The device 1 comprises a first adhesive tape 102, for example in the form of a roll 103. The first strip 102 is preferably, but not limited to, substantially transparent for application to the hair to be thickened in the thickening process. Thus, the transparency allows the bonding step and the effect achieved by the applied first tape 102 to be seen clearly.

The material forming the tape 102 is preferably, but not limited to, a heat resistant material for the reasons described above. In this embodiment, the adhesive used is a non-permanent, pressure-operated, reversible adhesive disposed on a single bonding side of the first tape 102.

In this embodiment, which is substantially similar to the previous embodiment, the device 1 includes a second strip 104. The second tape 104 is preferably transparent, made of a heat resistant material as previously described, and has an adhesive surface 105.

Figure 1 shows a multi-lock 6 extension hair C comprising a substantially predetermined number of hairs, which may be natural or wig, with a suitably chosen colour, evenness or stripe.

The device 1 may also comprise extended hairs C of different thickness, length and color. Which extend generally from respective proximal ends 7 for attachment to hair to free distal ends 8. In each lock of hair C for extension, the respective hairs are preferably uniform in length.

At said proximal end 7, each lock of hair for extension C comprises a connecting element 9, which connecting element 9, according to the present embodiment, is made of a thermoplastic material, such as polyamide or polyester, or polyurethane, such as nylon. The connector is generally similar to the connector described above, with optional modifications included.

Each proximal end 7 and each connecting element 9 are arranged on said adhesive face 105 of the second strip 104. The connecting pieces 9 are arranged substantially equidistantly in the centre of the adhesive tape 104. The extended hairs C are aligned parallel to each other so that the adjacent extended hairs C are not knotted to each other.

As shown in fig. 27, the device 1 optionally further comprises a support strip S made of a material that is easily torn from the tape 1, for example silicone-coated paper or plastic, arranged to protect the adhesive face 104 and the connecting piece 9 from the second tape folding, curling and sticking.

The adhesive used on the adhesive surface 105 adheres more strongly to the second tape 104 than to the material of the connecting piece 9, so that no adhesive residue remains on the material of the connecting piece 9 at the end of the adhesion.

Alternatively, the second strip 104 may be of variable length, and the operator may cut to select the desired number of extended hairs 6. The same is true of the first strip 102, and as will be explained below, the first strip 102 may be cut into sections substantially equal in length to corresponding sections of the second strip 104.

In this preparation technique, the second strip 4 is provided with proximal ends 7 of the elongated hairs C already fixed to the respective adhesive faces 105, but it is also possible that the elongated hairs have various thicknesses, lengths, colors, etc., respectively.

The positioning method is optional and can comprise the following steps: a mark or notch disposed on the tape 104 or a template configured to support the scotch tape 104 for placement of an extended length of hair in a guided manner. The marks and figures, which are sized to correspond to the size of the attachment 9, can be configured to be sized according to the thickness and width of the extended hair. The indicia or graphics may also provide positioning density, i.e., the spacing separating adjacent extended hairs.

These improvements will be described in more detail below. Fig. 29 shows an embodiment of the arrangement of elongated hairs C' of small thickness, called mini-elongated hairs, which can be combined instead of a single elongated hair C.

Referring to the thickening pack 1 described above, the hair thickening method includes the following adhesion steps, as shown in fig. 30 to 32.

According to said method and to what has been said above, a plurality of locks of elongated hair C is dispensed, the elongated hair C having respective proximal ends 7, the proximal ends 7 being provided with respective connectors 9, the connectors 9 being glued as indicated to the adhesive face of said second tape 104.

While said first strip 102 is applied to the hair T to be thickened, in the region intended to receive said proximal end 7.

The first tape 102 is applied to the outside of the hair, i.e. with the adhesive side facing the head and the non-adhesive side facing the outside (fig. 30). Therefore, this operation is simple and easy. However, the first strip 102 can be inserted into the hair T, fitting into said area from the inside of the hair, with the adhesive face of the first strip 102 facing outwards, i.e. away from the head.

The second strip 104 is then mounted on the fixing element 12 of the adhesive 10 or directly on the hair T, provided it is on said first strip 102. With the transparency of the adhesive tapes 102, 104, the effect produced on the hair T to be thickened can be checked before the connection. The user can also check this effect with a mirror.

Subsequently, once the position of the adhesive strips 102, 104 and the position of the extended hair 6 are determined, and once the length, shape, thickness and colour have been selected as appropriate, the next step is carried out to attach the attachment 9 to the user's hair. At this step, the operator activates the connection means, which essentially consist of said adhesive tape 102 and the connecting piece 9.

In the present embodiment, the melting property of the thermoplastic material is utilized. In fact, energy is applied to the connection 9 through the adhesive tape 102. As shown in fig. 4, a clip-on bonder 10 is used, wherein the stationary member 12 and the movable member 15 have an elongated shape, which applies a substantially uniform pressure, compressing the adhesive strips 102, 104 facing each other along their length, thereby compressing the connecting member 9.

According to the same mode, the pressure application can be repeated an unlimited number of times, with the same effect all the time, without the operator exerting muscle force.

The operating parameters such as pressure applied, duration of pressure, heating (temperature), heating time, vibration frequency, vibration intensity, duration of vibration, etc. can be preset, stored in the control device, and can be varied according to the technical requirements of the hair and the connecting element to be glued.

Once this joining step is completed, the adhesion is completed as soon as the two strips 102, 104 are removed at the end of cooling, leaving no glue on the hair (fig. 32).

Said second tape 104, which supports the proximal end 7 of the elongated hair C, can be replaced by several modifications, as shown in fig. 33 to 44.

Said first support band, indicated in this modification with 204, has a preferential tear line 208, the tear line 208 being arranged on said support band 202 to realise complementary portions of the support band 202, each comprising one or more proximal ends 7 of the elongated hair C.

In particular, in the present embodiment, the provision of a preferred tear-off line 208 can be carried out in several ways, in particular when the continuity of the support belt 204 is ensured by a support belt S, not shown. In the above-described embodiment, there are a dot-engraved line, a perforated line, a slit, and the like.

In this embodiment, the tear line 208 is substantially serpentine or coiled in shape, with complementary portions of the tape 202 receiving the proximal end 7 of the replacement elongated hair C and the respective connectors 9.

By separating the two complementary parts, a reduced device is obtained, consisting of a half-piece 209, the half-piece 209 extending longitudinally, having a bearing zone 210 for the connection 9, engaged by a side strip 211. One half-member 210 comprises a side band 211 positioned by the elongated hair C and the other half-member 210 comprises a side band 11 opposite the elongated hair C.

Fig. 36 and 37 show the manner of use of the device 1 described above. The first half-member 209a supports a quantity of elongated hair C of a first color, which is connected to a complementary second half-member 209b, the second half-member 209b supporting an equal quantity of elongated hair C of a second color.

The two half-members are combined to form a device 1, as described in the third embodiment, in which the extended hairs C of different colours are arranged alternately. Such an extended hair assembly provides flexibility of use.

The merging may be performed by: the edges of the two half-members 209a, 209b are juxtaposed or one of the edges is superimposed and the respective adhesive surfaces 205 are bonded with structurally connected adhesive tape to form a device.

To facilitate the separation of the hair extensions, the preferred tear-line 8 has slits in the curved portion facing the hair extension C and connecting portions in the curved portion facing away from the hair extension C. It is therefore easy to separate the half-members 209 at the portions facing the extended hair, in order to unlock the latter.

As shown in fig. 38, another improvement comprises a plurality of preferred tear lines or pure separation lines 281 (generally equivalent to the configuration of the support strip S) traversing the second strip 204 from edge to edge, each separated into individual connectors 9. Each preferred tear line 281 includes a reference notch 282 to facilitate assembly of the separate sections.

As shown in fig. 39, another modification proposes preferred tear lines 281 generally similar to those of the previous modification. For each section, the tape 204 also includes a visible position reference 284, i.e., a small dot or mark printed on the tape 204. This datum functionally replaces the datum notch 282.

Another modification, shown in fig. 40, proposes to arrange a number of separate attachments 9 between each preferred tear line 281, i.e. attachments 9 for extended hairs C, so that the extended hairs C can be combined in groups.

According to a last modification, one adhesive tape portion 304, which functions as the second adhesive tape 104 of the device 1 in the third embodiment, can be prepared as follows (fig. 41 to 44).

The operator cuts the tape portions 304 to expose the respective adhesive surfaces 305. As mentioned above, the adhesive surface 305 is apt to receive adhesively the proximal end 7, i.e. the respective connecting element 9 of the elongated hair C.

For this purpose, the proximal end 7 is glued to the adhesive surface 305, depending on the positioning means. In this modification, the locating means is a position indicator 310. In this embodiment, the tape 304 is provided with three rows of indicators, each row having a different shaped indicator. In particular, the first row comprises position indicators 310 for the large-size connectors 9, the second row comprises position indicators 310 for the medium-size connectors 9 and the third row comprises position indicators 310 for the small-size connectors 9.

The bonding density of the elongated hairs C varies with the size of the elongated hairs C, that is, with the size of the respective connecting element 9, in each row. In particular, by reducing the size of the connector, the spacing between adjacent position indicators 310 on the same row will be reduced.

It is clear, however, that the resulting spacing is a suggestion that the operator can use one of the rows to accurately align the extended length of hair C on the tape 304. The shape of the position indicator 310 is similar to the shape of the respective attachment element 9, for example rectangular-rectangular, so that the attachment element 9, adhering to the indicator 310, automatically obtains a substantially parallel parallelism of the lengths of hair C arranged on the same strip 304.

It is clear, however, that the position indicator is a non-limiting embodiment for the positioning means providing the proximal end 7 and the connecting piece 9.

Another embodiment may provide slits or notches in the tape 304 that are shaped to correspond to the shape of the connector 9 being designed. Another embodiment includes a template with some positioning graphics that may be located under the tape 304. The graphics are visible under the scotch tape, optionally provided with a backlight plane.

In summary, these preparatory steps are easily and quickly carried out by the operator, selecting an extended length of hair having the desired shape, length, thickness and color, and a wide variety of effects can be achieved.

The aforementioned method in all its improvements reduces the amount of thermoplastic material used and the energy consumption for starting, without heat losses, without contamination of the instruments or of the connecting means.

Furthermore, the above-described method for increasing the volume of hair and the associated hair extension assembly, since many variations in adhesion can be used, allow the professional operator to fully utilize his imagination.

In particular, with two adhesive tapes, the following advantageous working effects can be obtained:

(1) once separated, the user's hair is held in a fixed position by the adhesive tape, thus making it easy to manipulate the clip-on applicator to avoid crossing of the hair and extended hair with each other.

(2) The user's hair is protected from heat by being held in a wallet shape.

(3) The thermoplastic material is held between the two tapes or films and cannot be released from the constraint, allowing better gripping of the hair to be received without involving other hair.

(4) The surface of the fused and solidified joint is essentially imperceptible. This quality of the connection prevents water from penetrating between the hair being connected and is substantially sealed by the thermoplastic material.

(5) The tape prevents the thermoplastic material from leaking out, thereby preventing contamination of the clamp.

(6) The tape can remain adhered until the thermoplastic material has cooled to the end, while not preventing further joining, saving time.

(7) The tape keeps the combing effect fixed, thus making the bonding more accurate.

The aforementioned method is not limited to the number of extended hairs adhered to the respective tape, the number of extended hairs can vary from one to many.

With respect to the method for increasing the amount of hair and the relative device described above, a person skilled in the art, in order to further satisfy contingent needs, may also carry out other modifications and variants, all of which are included within the scope of protection of the invention, as defined by the following claims.

Claims (64)

1. A method of increasing the volume of hair by thickening and/or lengthening, comprising the steps of:

-providing one or more lengths of extended hair (C), the extended hair (C) having respective proximal ends (7), the proximal ends (7) being provided with respective connectors (9);

providing a first adhesive strip (4; 102) to be applied to the hair (T) to be thickened, in the region intended to receive said proximal end (7);

providing a second adhesive tape (3; 104; 204; 304) having an adhesive surface (43; 105; 205; 305) to which the proximal end (7) of the hair extension (C) adheres;

adhering the adhesive surface (43; 105; 205; 305) to the hair to be thickened at the first adhesive tape (4; 102); and

activating the connecting means operating on said connecting element (9) of the extension hair (C).

2. A method of increasing the volume of hair by thickening and/or lengthening, comprising the steps of:

-providing one or more lengths of extended hair (C), the extended hair (C) having respective proximal ends (7), the proximal ends (7) being provided with respective connectors (9);

-providing an adhesive tape (2) with said proximal end (7) arranged on the adhesive face (43) of a portion of said tape (3) according to a predetermined arrangement, so that the remaining portion (4) of the tape can be folded over said portion (3);

-sandwiching a portion of hair to be thickened between said portion (3) of folded tape (2) and said remaining portion (4), defining an area intended to receive said proximal end (7); and

activating the connecting means operating on said connecting element (9) of the extension hair (C).

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the connecting piece (9) comprises a thermoplastic material.

4. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connection means is activated by applying energy.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein thermal energy is applied.

6. A method according to claim 4, characterized by applying mechanical energy in the form of vibrations having substantially ultrasonic frequencies.

7. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that said energy is applied by means of a clip-type bonder (10), said clip-type bonder (10) comprising a fixed element (12) and a movable presser element (15) of substantially elongated shape, applying a uniform pressure along the entire length of said adhesive tape (4; 102, 3; 104; 204; 304).

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the proximal ends (7) are equidistant.

9. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the adhesive tape (4; 102, 3; 104; 204; 304) is transparent.

10. A method according to claim 3, characterized in that the adhesive tape (4; 102, 3; 104; 204; 304) is removed once the thermoplastic material has solidified.

11. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the remaining portion (4) of tape (2) is externally adhered to the hair (T) to be thickened, with the respective adhesive face (44) facing the head.

12. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a step of arranging positioning means (310) of said proximal end (7) at a designed adhesive surface (305), adhering said proximal end (7) to said adhesive surface (305) according to said positioning means (310).

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the positioning device comprises a plurality of position indicators (310) coupled to the adhesive tape (304).

14. A method according to claim 13, characterized in that the positioning device comprises a plurality of rows of position indicators (310), each row having differently shaped indicators with respect to the size of the respective designed connection piece (9).

15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that, in each row, the bonding density of the elongated hairs (C) varies according to the dimensions of the respective designed connecting element (9).

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the spacing between adjacent position indicators (310) on the same row is reduced by reducing the size of the connecting member (9).

17. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that the shape of the position indicators (310) is similar to the shape of the respective connectors (9), so that a substantially parallel parallelism of the elongated hairs (C) arranged on the same adhesive tape (305) is automatically obtained as the connectors (9) are attached to the respective indicators (310).

18. The method of claim 13, wherein the position indicator (310) is located on the adhesive tape (305).

19. The method of claim 1, wherein the positioning device comprises a template having a positioning pattern disposed beneath the tape (305).

20. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises the steps of arranging a folding member (50) having a pair of flaps (51, 52) connected by a fold line (53), attaching said portion (3) of adhesive tape and the remaining portion (4) to the respective flaps (51, 52), and sandwiching a portion of hair (T) to be thickened between said portion (3) of folded adhesive tape (2) and said remaining portion (4), selecting by means of said folding member (50) an area for receiving said proximal end (7), said folding member (50) being intended to be removed from said portion of hair (T).

21. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the surface (43, 44; 102; 105; 205; 305) of the adhesive tape (3, 4; 102; 104; 204; 304) in contact with the joining element (9) is substantially corrugated and/or has a significant surface roughness.

22. Method according to claim 21, characterized in that the surface (43, 44; 102; 105; 205; 305) has a surface roughness such that the adhesive tape (3, 4; 102; 104; 204; 304) and the attached connecting piece (9) are opaque.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the roughness is obtained according to one of four ways: properly glazing; mechanical wear such as sanding; chemical etching such as dipping the tape using an acid bath; or abrading the surface of the tape, such as with an abrasive pad.

24. Method according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that said surface (43, 44; 102; 105; 205; 305) has a plurality of ribs and grooves having a transverse dimension similar to the diameter of a single hair, oriented parallel to the direction of the elongated hair (C).

25. Method according to claim 24, characterized in that the ribs and grooves are newly produced on the tape surface (43, 44; 102; 105; 205; 305) in one of four ways: properly glazing; extrusion molding with a suitable die; chemical etching is carried out, for example, with suitable screen-printing pads and etching agents applied by means of the screen-printing pads; and mechanically removing the aligned strips of tape material using a suitable abrading or surface etching device.

26. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the surface (3, 4; 102; 104; 204; 304) of the adhesive tape (43, 44; 102; 105; 205; 305) intended to be in contact with the connecting element (9) is substantially covered with pile.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the pile is attached by flocking.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the flocking is electrostatic.

29. A method as claimed in claim 27, characterized in that the piles are held on the tape (3, 4; 102; 104; 204; 304) by respective adhesive surfaces (43, 44; 102; 105; 205; 305).

30. A method according to claim 26, characterized in that the pile is mixed with the adhesive of the bonding face (43, 44; 102; 105; 205; 305).

31. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a plurality of extended hairs (C) is provided, positioned according to a predetermined arrangement, to be glued a plurality of times.

32. A device for increasing the volume of hair by thickening and/or lengthening, comprising:

-one or more lengths of extended length hair (C) having respective proximal ends (7), the proximal ends (7) being provided with respective connectors (9);

a first adhesive tape (4; 102) which can be easily and reversibly applied to the hair to be thickened; and

a second adhesive tape (3; 104; 204; 304) is provided, the adhesive surface (43; 105; 205; 305) of which is intended to receive the connecting element (9).

33. A device for increasing the volume of hair by thickening and/or lengthening, comprising:

-one or more lengths of extended length hair (C) having respective proximal ends (7), the proximal ends (7) being provided with respective connectors (9);

-an adhesive tape (2) having a portion (3), said portion (3) having an adhesive surface (43), said proximal end (7) being arranged on said adhesive surface (43) according to a predetermined arrangement, said tape (2) comprising a remaining portion (4), said remaining portion (4) being apt to be folded over said portion (3) completely covering it, said portion (3) and remaining portion (4) being separated by a fold line (5), the adhesive surface (43) of said portion (3) being adapted to be reversibly applied to receiving hair.

34. Device (1) according to claim 32 or 33, characterized in that said connecting element (9) is made of thermoplastic material.

35. Device (1) according to claim 32 or 33, characterized in that said adhesive tape (3, 4; 102; 104; 204; 304) is transparent.

36. Device (1) according to claim 34, characterized in that the thermoplastic material comprises polyester and/or polyamide and/or polyurethane.

37. Device (1) according to claim 32 or 33, characterized in that the adhesive surfaces (43, 44; 102; 105; 205; 305) have a non-permanent and reversible type of adhesive that works by pressure, the adhesion on the respective tape (3, 4; 102; 104; 204; 304) being greater than the adhesion that is produced on the thermoplastic material.

38. Device (1) according to claim 32 or 33, characterized in that at least the adhesive tape (3, 4; 102; 104; 204; 304) is heat-resistant.

39. Device (1) according to claim 33, characterized in that the connecting elements (9) are substantially equidistant, arranged in the centre of the respective portion (3) of the adhesive tape (2), the elongate hairs (C) being aligned parallel to each other so that adjacent elongate hairs (C) are not knotted to each other.

40. Device (1) according to claim 33, characterized in that the remaining part (4) of the adhesive tape (2) has position indicating means (49) for indicating the position of the connecting element (9).

41. Device (1) according to claim 33, characterised in that the adhesive tape (2) comprises, opposite the remaining portion (4), a flap (45), the flap (45) also having adhesive intended to be connected to the remaining portion (4) folded over the portion (3) substantially in the manner of a wallet.

42. Device (1) according to claims 40 and 41, characterized in that said device (1) further comprises, in a folded configuration, a pair of notches (46), on the sides of the tape (2), or on the folds that connect the remaining portion (4) and the flap (45) to the portion (3), said notches (46) being positioned at said means (49) for indicating the connection (9), acting as guides for the connection means.

43. Device (1) according to claim 32 or 33, characterized in that it comprises a support strip (S) made of a material susceptible to tearing from the adhesive tape (3, 4; 102; 104; 204; 304) arranged to protect the adhesive face (43, 44; 102; 105; 205; 305) and the connecting piece (9).

44. Device (1) according to claim 32, characterized in that said second tape (204) has a preferential tear line (208) formed on said tape (204) to implement complementary portions (205) of tape, each portion comprising one or more proximal ends (7) of the extended hair (C).

45. Device (1) according to claim 44, characterized in that the preferred tear-line (208) is substantially creased or coiled, so that the complementary portion (205) of the adhesive tape receives the proximal ends (7) of the alternately arranged extended hairs (C) and the respective connecting pieces (9).

46. Device (1) according to claim 45, characterized in that, in order to facilitate the separation of the elongated hair (C), the preferred tear-line (208) has slits in the curved portion facing the elongated hair (C) and connecting portions in the curved portion facing away from the elongated hair (C).

47. Device (1) according to claim 44, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of tear lines or separation lines (281) preferably traversing the adhesive tape (205) from edge to edge, each separating one or more connecting elements (9).

48. A device (1) as claimed in claim 47 wherein each preferred tear line (281) comprises a datum notch (282) to facilitate assembly of the separate parts.

49. A device (1) according to claim 47 wherein each preferred tear line (281) comprises a visible position reference (284).

50. Device (1) according to one of claims 44 to 49, characterized in that the string or preferably the tear-line (208, 281) is divided into a number of separate connecting elements (9), i.e. connecting elements (9) of the extended hairs (C), whereby the extended hairs (C) can be mixed in groups.

51. Device (1) according to claim 32, characterized in that the adhesive surface (305) receiving the proximal end (7) of the extension hair (C) has a position indicator (310).

52. Device (1) according to claim 32 or 33, characterized in that the surface (43, 44; 102; 105; 205; 305) of the adhesive tape (3, 4; 102; 104; 204; 304) intended to come into contact with the connecting piece (9) is substantially corrugated and/or has a significant surface roughness.

53. Device (1) according to claim 52, characterized in that said surface (43, 44; 102; 105; 205; 305) has a surface roughness such as to make the adhesive tape (3, 4; 102; 104; 204; 304) and the fitting connection (9) opaque.

54. The device (1) according to claim 53, characterized in that said roughness is obtained according to one of four ways: properly glazing; mechanical wear such as sanding; chemical etching such as dipping the tape using an acid bath; or abraded, such as by rubbing the tape surface with an abrasive device.

55. Device (1) according to claim 52, characterized in that said surface (43, 44; 102; 105; 205; 305) has a plurality of ribs and grooves having a transverse dimension similar to the diameter of a single hair, oriented parallel to the direction of the elongated hair (C).

56. Device (1) according to claim 55, characterized in that said ribs and grooves are newly produced on the adhesive tape surface (43, 44; 102; 105; 205; 305) by one of four ways: properly glazing; extrusion molding with a suitable die; chemical etching is carried out, for example, with suitable screen-printing pads and etching agents applied by means of the screen-printing pads; and mechanically removing the aligned strips of tape material using a suitable abrading or surface etching device.

57. Device (1) according to claim 32 or 33, characterized in that the surface (3, 4; 102; 104; 204; 304) of the adhesive tape (43, 44; 102; 105; 205; 305) intended to come into contact with the connecting element (9) is substantially covered with fluff.

58. Device (1) according to claim 57, characterized in that the pile is attached by flocking.

59. Device (1) according to claim 58, characterized in that said flocking is an electrostatic flocking.

60. Device (1) according to claim 57, characterized in that said piles are retained on the tape (3, 4; 102; 104; 204; 304) by respective adhesive faces (43, 44; 102; 105; 205; 305).

61. Device (1) according to claim 57, characterized in that the fluff is mixed with the adhesive of the bonding surface (43, 44; 102; 105; 205; 305).

62. Device (1) according to claim 32 or 33, characterized in that the connecting piece (9) is made of an active hot-melt adhesive which hardens in the presence of moisture.

63. Device (1) according to claim 32 or 33, characterized in that the connecting piece (9) is made of a two-component adhesive.

64. Device (1) according to claim 32 or 33, characterized in that a plurality of extended hairs (C) is provided, positioned according to a predetermined arrangement, to be applied a plurality of times.