Extension apparatus for artificial hair implants

Abstract

Extension devices for attaching hair extension elements to artificial hair elements that protrude from a subcutaneously implanted hair implant anchor body. One extension device involves a cylindrical structure having respective cavities on opposing ends. One cavity receives the distal end of the artificial hair element while the other cavity receives the hair extension therein. Another extension device involves a hair extension element forming a first portion of the device while a second opposite portion includes a projection that is received inside a hollow interior of the artificial hair element. A third extension device involves a core having a hair extension element projecting from one side of the core while a single cavity is located on a second side, opposite the one side, and which receives the distal end of the artificial implanted hair element therein. The hair extension may comprise ancillary hair elements and bud structures. Ornamental structures may be included on the distal ends of the hair extension element.

1 .- 3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . An extension apparatus for an artificial implanted hair element in a patient's epidermis, the artificial implanted hair element projecting beyond the epidermis and comprising a hollow interior, the artificial implanted hair element having a distal end, said apparatus comprising:
 a hair extension having a hair extension element forming a first portion of said hair extension and a projection forming a second portion, opposite said first portion, for being received inside the hollow interior of the artificial implanted hair element; and   wherein said hair extension element comprises a hollow portion.   
     
     
         5 . The extension apparatus of  claim 4  wherein said hair extension element comprises synthetic polymers. 
     
     
         6 . The extension apparatus of  claim 4  wherein said hair extension element comprises ancillary hair elements. 
     
     
         7 . The extension apparatus of  claim 6  wherein said ancillary hair elements further comprise bud structures, said bud structures providing points of attachment for further hair extensions if desired. 
     
     
         8 . The extension apparatus of  claim 7  wherein said bud structures are solid. 
     
     
         9 . The extension apparatus of  claim 7  wherein said bud structures are hollow. 
     
     
         10 .- 25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . A method for forming a hair extension on an artificial implanted hair element in a patient's epidermis, the artificial implanted hair element projecting beyond the epidermis and comprising a hollow interior, the artificial implanted hair element having a distal end, said method comprising:
 molding a hair extension element on a first end of a hair extension;   forming a projection at a second end, opposite said first end;   inserting said projection inside the hollow interior of the artificial implanted hair element; and   securing said projection inside the hollow interior of the artificial implanted hair element.   
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 26  wherein said step of securing comprises using friction, heat, adhesive or other chemical means for securing said projection inside the hollow interior of the artificial implanted hair element. 
     
     
         28 .- 36 . (canceled)