U.S. patent application number 09/764695 was filed with the patent office on 2001-09-27 for hairpiece.
Invention is credited to Matthews, Emily D..
Application Number | 20010023699 09/764695 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26872507 |
Filed Date | 2001-09-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010023699 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Matthews, Emily D. |
September 27, 2001 |
Hairpiece
Abstract
A new and improved hairpiece is disclosed herein, wherein the
hairpiece allows the scalp to breathe by providing holes in the
hairpiece itself, which also allows the person to use there own
hair if they wish.
Inventors: |
Matthews, Emily D.; (Norton,
OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Daniel A. Thomson
Fourteenth Floor
One Cascade Plaza
Akron
OH
44308-1381
US
|
Family ID: |
26872507 |
Appl. No.: |
09/764695 |
Filed: |
January 18, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60176704 |
Jan 18, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
132/54 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41G 3/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/54 |
International
Class: |
A41G 003/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A hairpiece comprising: a body, the body made of a non-rigid
material; and, elastic perforations, the perforations being
substantially throughout the body.
2. The hairpiece of claim 1, wherein the hairpiece further
comprises artificial hair.
3. The hairpiece of claim 2, wherein the perforations are capable
of receiving associated human hair.
4. The hairpiece of claim 3, wherein the perforations are
elastically deformable.
5. The hairpiece of claim 4, wherein the perforations are
substantially visually undetectable when not in use.
6. The hairpiece of claim 1, wherein the body is made of a material
that allows associated air to pass through the body.
7. The hairpiece of claim 1, wherein the hairpiece further
comprises: adjusting means for adjusting the size of the
hairpiece.
8. The hairpiece of claim 7, wherein the adjusting means is an
adjustable band.
9. The hairpiece of claim 1, wherein the hairpiece further
comprises: netting, the netting lining the body of the
hairpiece.
10. The hairpiece of claim 1, wherein the body has a color, the
color being chosen from the group comprising the range of human
skin colors.
11. The hairpiece of claim 1, wherein the hairpiece further
comprises: a mesh portion, the mesh portion encircling the body,
the body being made of a transparent material.
12. A method for manufacturing and preparing a hairpiece, the
method comprising the steps of: providing a body, the body made of
a non-rigid material; perforating the body in multiple places, the
perforations being able to accept associated human hair, the
perforations being elastically deformable; and, attaching
artificial hair to the body.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein perforating the body in
multiple places, the perforations being able to accept associated
human hair, the perforations being elastically deformable comprises
the step of: perforating the body in multiple places, the
perforations being able to accept associated human hair, the
perforations being elastically deformable, the perforations being
substantially visually undetectable when not in use.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the method further comprises
the steps of: placing the hairpiece on an associated head; and,
pulling associated human hair through the perforations.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein pulling associated human hair
through the perforations comprises the step of: tightening the
hairpiece by pulling associated human hair through the
perforations.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the method further comprises
the steps of: providing adjusting means; adjusting the adjusting
means to fit the associated head.
17. The method of claim 12, wherein the method further comprises
the step of: providing a color for the hairpiece, the color being
chosen from the group comprising the entire range of human skin
colors.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Patent application, Ser. No. 60/176,704, entitled HAIRPIECE, filed
on Jan. 18, 2000. This invention relates to the art of hairpieces
and more particularly to a hairpiece that allows the scalp to
breathe, and allows the person to use their own hair.
I. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A. Field of the Invention
[0003] B. Description of the Related Art
[0004] One known method of creating an artificial hairpiece is
weaving, which is a complicated process whereby hair is built onto
a net. This weaving process takes a considerable amount of time,
and is not something that can be premanufactured. Also, the
resultant weave does not allow the scalp to breathe.
[0005] Another known artificial hairpiece is the common wig, which
can be made out of any type of material, including actual human
hair. However, wigs are not adjustable, and are generally extremely
hot to wear, because the common wig does not allow the scalp to
breathe.
[0006] The present invention provides a new and improved hairpiece,
which overcomes certain difficulties inherent in the related
inventions while providing better overall results.
II. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In accordance with the present invention, a hairpiece
includes a body, the body made of a non-rigid material, elastic
perforations, the perforations being substantially throughout the
body, and artificial hair.
[0008] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
the perforations are capable of receiving associated human hair and
the perforations are elastically deformable.
[0009] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
the perforations are substantially visually undetectable when not
in use, the body is made of a material that allows associated air
to pass through the body, and the hairpiece includes adjusting
means for adjusting the size of the hairpiece.
[0010] In accordance with still another aspect of the present
invention, the hairpiece includes an adjustable band, netting, the
netting lining the body of the hairpiece, color, the color being
chosen from the group comprising the range of human skin colors,
and a mesh portion, the mesh portion encircling the body, the body
being made of a transparent material.
[0011] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention, a method for manufacturing and preparing a hairpiece
includes the steps of providing a body, the body made of a
non-rigid material, perforating the body in multiple places, the
perforations being able to accept associated human hair, the
perforations being elastically deformable, and attaching artificial
hair to the body.
[0012] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention, the method includes the steps of perforating the body in
multiple places, the perforations being able to accept associated
human hair, the perforations being elastically deformable, the
perforations being substantially visually undetectable when not in
use, placing the hairpiece on an associated head, and pulling
associated human hair through the perforations.
[0013] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention, the method includes the steps of tightening the
hairpiece by pulling associated human hair through the
perforations, providing adjusting means, adjusting the adjusting
means to fit the associated head, and providing a color for the
hairpiece, the color being chosen from the group comprising the
entire range of human skin colors.
[0014] Still other benefits and advantages of the invention will
become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading and
understanding of the following detailed specification.
III. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0015] The invention is illustrated in the following drawings:
[0016] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the inventive hairpiece,
showing the hairs and the individual holes between the hairs.;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a stretched view of the inventive hairpiece;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a top view of the inventive hairpiece, showing the
hairs and individual holes;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of another embodiment of the
invention.
IV. DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0020] With reference now to the drawings, which are for purposes
of illustrating an embodiment of the invention, and not for
limiting the same, FIG. 1 shows the artificial hairs 14 that are on
the hairpiece 10, as well as the holes 12 in the hairpiece 10,
which allow use of the person's own hair. The method of attachment
of the artificial hair 14 to the hairpiece 10 is well known in the
art, and, for the sake of brevity, will not be discussed herein.
The holes 12, shown in FIG. 1, allow the scalp to breathe through
the hairpiece 10. However, these holes 12 in the hairpiece 10 would
not be showing, or open, if no hair is pulled through them. FIG. 1
also shows a mesh portion 16 of the hairpiece 10 that goes on the
sides of the wearer's head. The holes or perforations 12, in this
embodiment, are located in the body 18 of the hairpiece 10.
[0021] With reference now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the hairpiece 10 is
shown in the stretched and relaxed states to show the perforations
12. FIG. 2 shows the hairpiece 10 in the stretched position, and
perforations 12' are expanded so that the perforations 12' can be
clearly seen. However, as shown in FIG. 3, when the hairpiece 10 is
in the relaxed position, the perforations 12 are virtually
undetectable to the naked eye. The fact that the perforations 12
are small and elastic allows the wearer to use their own hair, as
well as allowing the addition of artificial hair 14 in any amount.
For example, one individual may have a small bald spot and a second
individual may be completely bald. The inventive hairpiece 10 would
allow both wearers to utilize the same design. One wearer would
simply use their own hair, while the other would have more
artificial hair 14 added.
[0022] The perforations 12 allow the wearer to use as little or as
much of their own hair as they desire. Any amount, or
configuration, of perforations 12 may be used, as long as chosen
using sound engineering judgment.
[0023] With reference now to FIGS. 1-3, the inventive hairpiece 10
is made by using an elastic type of fabric that is capable of
stretching with a nylon netting (not shown) on the inside. In this
embodiment, the perforations 12 are located substantially on the
body 18 of the hairpiece 10. The body 18 is made of a transparent
material so that the wearer's skin color can show through the
hairpiece 10.
[0024] A small hook (not shown), similar to a crochet hook, is used
to pull the hair through the body 18 of the hairpiece 10. The
artificial hair 14 that is used can be a variety of textures,
patterns, and colors. Also any type of hair can be used, including
human hair. However, the use of human hair would allow the owner of
the hairpiece 10 to cut, blow dry, curl, and style the hairpiece 10
just like their own hair. The inventive hairpiece can also be
shampooed, whereas a wig can be dry cleaned only. The more hair
that is pulled through the hairpiece 10 by the hook, the tighter
the hairpiece 10 becomes, thereby shrinking the size of the
perforations 12 in the hairpiece 10. The perforations 12 in the
hairpiece 10 are similar to a puncture in a balloon, whereby if the
balloon was stretched, one would be able to see the hole, but if
the balloon was in a relaxed state the hole would be virtually
invisible to the naked eye. This tightening of the hairpiece 10
allows the wearer to fit the hairpiece 10 securely on their head
without the aid of adhesives. In this embodiment, the mesh portion
16 is made of a mesh fabric, an example of which is fabric style
no. 8542 or no. 8540 manufactured by CMI Industries, Inc. of
Greensboro, N.C. However, any type of nonrigid material can be
used, as long as chosen using sound engineering judgment.
[0025] In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 4, the inventive
hairpiece 10' would also be adjustable to different size of
people's heads using an adjustment band 22, having clips 20, so
that the hairpiece 10' could be adjusted while being worn. The
adjustable band 22 is merely one embodiment of the invention, and
any means of adjusting the hairpiece could be used as long as
chosen using sound engineering judgment. Also, as shown in FIG. 4,
the perforations 12" could be rigid and the body 18' made of a
netting-like material. The wearer's own hair could still be drawn
through the perforations 12", and the hair would be held in place
by the thickness of the hair and the perforations 12".
[0026] The hairpiece 10 could also be made in separate sizes, very
similar to the sizes that hats come in. The base of the hairpiece
10 could come in a variety of colors, similar to pantyhose, so that
people with different colors of skin could chose the proper
hairpiece for them.
[0027] The density of hair on the hairpiece 10, 10' could vary
depending on the thickness or thinness of a particular individual's
hair. The hair 14 can be placed very close together, or farther
apart, and the spacing of the perforations 12, 12', 12" could vary
as well. The actual number of perforations 12, 12', 12", the
density of the hair, the placement of the hair in relation to the
perforations 12, 12', 12", and the texture of the hair used are all
simply embodiments of this invention, and are not intended to limit
the same.
[0028] The inventive hairpiece 10, 10' is not limited to any one
particular fabric. Any type of fabric may be used as long as chosen
using sound engineering judgment. Also, the hairpiece could be all
one piece, or in multiple layers.
[0029] The invention has been described with reference to several
embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to
others upon a reading and understanding of the specification. It is
intended by applicant to include all such modifications and
alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended
claims or the equivalents thereof.
[0030] Having thus described the invention, it is now claimed:
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