Threaded needle assembly and methods of making and using the same

Abstract

The presently disclosed subject matter is generally directed to a pre-threaded needle assembly that can be used in the hair weaving process. Particularly, the needle assembly comprises a base around which a portion of thread is wound. The base is operably connected to a needle that is used in the weaving process. The assembly therefore includes a base pre-wound with thread such that the assembly can be immediately used (as compared to prior art needles that must be hand wound before use). The disclosed assembly therefore is pre-wound to save time and effort. The needle can further be pre-attached to the base to save even more time.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A pre-threaded needle assembly comprising:
 a needle defined by a pointed first end and a second end comprising a connector that allows for attachment of an end of thread;   a base defined by a central hub with first and second ends, wherein the first end of the hub comprises a first flange and the second end of the hub comprises a second flange;   a length of thread comprising a first end that is attached to the needle connector, wherein a remaining portion of the thread is wound about the hub of the base.   
     
     
         2 . The pre-threaded needle assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the needle is selected from a C-shaped needle, a straight needle, or a bent end needle. 
     
     
         3 . The pre-threaded needle assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second flanges comprise a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the hub. 
     
     
         4 . The pre-threaded needle assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the connector is selected from an eye or a loop. 
     
     
         5 . The pre-threaded needle assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first flange comprises a first diameter and the second flange comprises a second diameter that differs from the first diameter by about 1-50 percent. 
     
     
         6 . The pre-threaded needle assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the hub tapers from the first end to the second end. 
     
     
         7 . The pre-threaded needle assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the hub comprises a central portion between the first and second ends, and wherein the central portion tapers inward or outward relative to the first and second ends. 
     
     
         8 . The pre-threaded needle assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first flange has a diameter, thickness, or both that differs from the diameter, thickness, or both of the second flange. 
     
     
         9 . The pre-threaded needle assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the base is cylindrical in shape. 
     
     
         10 . The pre-threaded needle assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the base is planar in shape. 
     
     
         11 . The pre-threaded needle assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the thread comprises natural fibers, synthetic fibers, metal, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         12 . A method of constructing the pre-threaded needle assembly of  claim 1 , the method comprising:
 connecting a first end of a portion of thread to the attachment of the needle;   winding the remainder of the thread around the hub of the base;   wherein the needle can be unwound from the hub of the base on demand.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the first end of the portion of thread is connected to the attachment through knotting, adhesive, heat sealing, or the user of mechanical closures. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the needle is selected from a C-shaped needle, a straight needle, or a bent end needle. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the connector is selected from an eye or a loop. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the thread comprises natural fibers, synthetic fibers, metal, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the base is cylindrical in shape. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the base is planar in shape. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the first flange has a diameter, thickness, or both that differs from the diameter, thickness, or both of the second flange. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the first and second flanges comprise a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the hub.