U.S. patent application number 09/885348 was filed with the patent office on 2002-12-19 for apparatus and methods for fastening a hairpiece.
Invention is credited to Tang, Gordon.
Application Number | 20020189627 09/885348 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25386703 |
Filed Date | 2002-12-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020189627 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tang, Gordon |
December 19, 2002 |
Apparatus and methods for fastening a hairpiece
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for attaching a hairpiece to a head of a
wearer. The apparatus defines a relatively tight-fitting skull-cap
that is custom fitted to generally assume a contour of
corresponding or underlying portions of the head of the wearer. The
hairpiece is capable of being attached to or formed integrally with
the skull-cap.
Inventors: |
Tang, Gordon; (Bellevue,
WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
James R. Vance
JAMES RICHARD VANCE, P.S.
24422 S.E. 46th Court
Issaquah
WA
98029
US
|
Family ID: |
25386703 |
Appl. No.: |
09/885348 |
Filed: |
June 19, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/53 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41G 3/0033 20130101;
A41G 5/0026 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/53 |
International
Class: |
A41G 003/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. An apparatus for attaching a hairpiece to a head of a wearer
having a scalp without requiring the scalp of the wearer to be
pierced when said apparatus is worn, the head having a crown area,
side areas and a back area, each area of the head having a
corresponding contour, the head having at least a portion of one
ear, the ear having a front side, a back side, a concha, a cymba of
concha, a helix, a crus of helix, an antihelix, a crus of
antihelix, an antitragus, an intertragic notch, an pinna or an
auricle, said apparatus comprising a generally tight-fitting
skull-cap that generally assumes a contour of corresponding or
underlying portions of the head of the wearer, the hairpiece
capable of being attached to or formed integrally with said
skull-cap, said skull-cap being rigid or semi-rigid, said skull-cap
capable of selectively and removably clasping or gripping the head
of the wearer.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said skullcap is formed or
molded to generally fit against and be custom fitted to the head of
the wearer.
3. The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising means for
mechanically securing the hairpiece to said skullcap, said securing
means being at least one length of thread, string, wire or elastic
cord, a hook and loop fastener, a snap, adhesive, double-sided
adhesive tape, or a hook.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising fibers woven into,
attached to or formed integrally with said skull-cap to define a
toupee or wig.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said fibers are manufactured
from natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or hair.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said skullcap has: (a) a crown
portion; and (b) a rear band or collar portion secured, attached or
formed integrally with said crown portion.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said crown portion is molded
or contoured to correspond to, approximate or generally duplicate
the contour of the crown area of the head of the wearer.
8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said rear band or collar
portion is molded or contoured to correspond to, approximate or
generally duplicate the contour of the side and back areas of the
head of the wearer.
9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said crown portion and said
rear band or collar portion are generally unitary in construction
or are made from similar material.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said
skull-cap has an opening, a plurality of holes, perforations or
apertures or a portion of mesh material therein.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said skullcap does not grip
the front side and the back side of the ear of the wearer.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising means for
selectively and removably engaging the ear of the wearer, said ear
engaging means being attached, secured to or formed integrally with
said skull-cap.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said ear engaging means is
secured to or formed integrally with said rear band or collar
portion of said skull-cap.
14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said ear engaging means
includes at least one membrane which is capable of being at least
partially inserted into the ear canal when said skull-cap is
worn.
15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said ear engaging means is
capable of being urged against and hooking the concha, the cymba of
concha, the helix, the crus of helix, the antihelix, the crus of
antihelix, the antitragus, the intertragic notch, the pinna or the
auricle of the ear when said skull-cap is worn.
16. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said ear engaging means is
capable of gripping or clasping the ear of the wearer between said
ear engaging means and said skull-cap when said skull-cap is
worn.
17. A method of manufacturing an apparatus for attaching a
hairpiece to a head of a wearer having a scalp without requiring
the scalp of the wearer to be pierced when the apparatus is worn,
the head having a crown area, side areas and a back area, each area
of the head having a corresponding contour, the head having at
least a portion of one ear, the ear having a front side, a back
side, a concha, a cymba of concha, a helix, a crus of helix, an
antihelix, a crus of antihelix, an antitragus, an intertragic
notch, an pinna or an auricle, said method comprising steps of: (a)
placing the temporarily malleable or generally flexible sheet of
plastic or synthetic material upon the head of the wearer; (b)
forming or pulling the temporarily malleable or generally flexible
sheet of plastic or synthetic material to generally assume a
contour of the corresponding or underlying portions of the head of
the wearer; and (c) causing or permitting the sheet of plastic or
synthetic material to become rigid or semi-rigid to form a
generally tight-fitting skull-cap which is capable of selectively
and removably clasping or gripping the head of the wearer.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising a step of causing or
permitting the sheet of rigid or semirigid plastic or synthetic
material to become at least partially and temporarily malleable or
generally flexible prior to said step of placing the temporarily
malleable or generally flexible sheet of plastic or synthetic
material upon the head of the wearer.
19. The method of claim 17, further comprising a step of causing or
permitting the skull-cap to become at least partially and
temporarily malleable after the skull-cap has generally been formed
or molded about the head of the wearer.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising a step of reforming
or modifying the contour of the temporarily malleable skull-cap to
obtain an otherwise tighter final fit about the head of the
wearer.
21. The method of claim 20, further comprising a step of causing or
permitting the temporarily malleable skull-cap to become rigid or
semi-rigid tight-fitting skullcap.
22. The method of claim 17, further comprising a step of attaching,
securing or bonding the hairpiece to the skull-cap.
23. The method of claim 17, wherein said step of forming or pulling
the temporarily malleable or generally flexible sheet of plastic or
synthetic material to generally assume a contour of the
corresponding or underlying portions of the head of the wearer
further comprises a step of forming or pulling a first and a second
temporarily malleable or generally flexible sheet of plastic or
synthetic material about the head of the wearer, the first sheet of
plastic or synthetic material being formed or pulled about the
crown area of the head of the wearer, the second sheet of plastic
or synthetic material being formed or pulled about the side areas
and back area of the head.
24. The method of claim 23, further comprising a step of attaching,
securing or bonding the molded first sheet and the molded second
sheet of plastic or synthetic material together to form the
skull-cap.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein said step of attaching,
securing or bonding the molded first sheet to the molded second
sheet comprises a step of melting the first molded sheet to the
second molded sheet to form the skullcap.
26. The method of claim 24, wherein said step of attaching,
securing or bonding the molded first sheet to the molded second
sheet enables the joining of the molded first sheet to the molded
second sheet to form the skull-cap having a generally tight final
fit about the head of the wearer.
27. The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of
attaching, securing or bonding means for engaging the ear of the
wearer either to the sheet of plastic or synthetic material or to
the molded skull-cap.
Description
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0001] .COPYRGT. Copyright 2001 James R. Vance. All rights
reserved.
[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of
the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the
Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise
reserves all copyrights whatsoever.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0003] This invention relates to apparatus and methods for
fastening or attaching an artificial hairpiece, such as a toupee or
a wig, to a head of a wearer.
BACKGROUND ART
[0004] The need to reliably attach or secure an artificial
hairpiece, such as a toupee or a wig, to a head of a wearer is
widely recognized within our society. For centuries, hair pins have
been manufactured and used to attach a hairpiece to remaining
natural hair of the wearer. However, hair pins offer very little
assurance that the hairpiece will remain in place.
[0005] Strips of double-sided adhesive tape have been juxtaposed
between the hairpiece and the head of the wearer to hold the
hairpiece in place. However, such double-sided adhesive tape is
expensive, cannot be reused, leaves unwanted residue on the scalp
and hairpiece when removed, is uncomfortable to wear, and may fail
to perform its intended task if exposed to moisture and/or
perspiration from the wearer's scalp. The adhesive tape material is
usually urged directly against the scalp of the wearer and does not
generally permit breathing of the adjacent skin. Consequently, when
the scalp perspires or is rained upon, a moist and damp environment
is created between the scalp of the wearer and the hairpiece. The
feelings of dampness, moisture and sweating are very distracting
and uncomfortable for the wearer. Furthermore, the adhesive forces
between the adhesive tape material and the scalp are greatly
reduced in such a damp environment, often causing the device to
fail. Under such circumstances, the wearer feels very insecure
about the reliability of using such adhesive material.
[0006] If the patient frequently replaces the device in order to
avoid the unpleasant feeling of moisture and dampness, the wearer
must purchase, stock and replenish a vast number of replacement
devices. Due to the exorbitant price of such devices, frequent
replacement of the devices can be extremely expensive, inconvenient
and time consuming.
[0007] If the device is not frequently replaced, the capacity of
the adhesive tape strips to hold the hairpiece in place may be
exceeded. The result, much to the dismay and embarrassment of the
wearer, is failure of the device to properly retain the hairpiece
in position.
[0008] In addition, when the adhesive tape strips are adhered to
the wearer's scalp for prolonged periods of time, various skin
diseases and chaffing of the skin and/or scalp of the wearer may
result.
[0009] Surgical implants have also been developed to attach a
hairpiece to the head of a wearer. For example, a plurality of pins
or posts may be surgically secured to the skull bone of the wearer.
This requires that the scalp of the wearer be pierced, a plurality
of holes be drilled into the skull bone, and threaded pins or posts
be forced and rotated into the drilled holes. Each pin or post
extends outwardly from the skull bone, through a hole in the scalp,
past the skin of the scalp, and terminates in an exposed and
accessible boss or stud. The hairpiece would then be mechanically
secured to the outwardly projecting, terminal end of the pins or
posts by the use of snaps.
[0010] Surgical placement of the implanted pins or posts into the
skull bone of the wearer is a dangerous, painful and expensive
operation. The skin surrounding the pins or posts may not heal
properly. Infections of the scalp may occur. If the hairpiece is
not worn, the appearance of the person wearing such pins or posts
is unattractive. Forces applied against the pins or posts, such as
those imparted by a pillow when sleeping or from making
unintentional contact with other objects, are not only
uncomfortable but place undue leverage against the pins or posts
and increase the possibility that the skull bone might fracture
about the base of the pins or posts. Furthermore, the effects of
heat and cold are quickly transmitted through the metallic pins or
posts into the scalp and skull bone of the wearer. Surgical
implants significantly sacrifice the comfort and safety of the
wearer in an attempt to secure the hairpiece against inadvertent
removal.
[0011] A wide variety of other hairpiece attachment devices have
also been invented. For example, the following patents illustrate
various hairpiece holding structures: Jung (U.S. Pat. No. 520,785;
issued June 1894); Senegas (U.S. Pat. No. 1,558,931; issued Oct.
27, 1925); Donoher (U.S. Pat. No. 2,040,246; issued May 12, 1936);
Lover et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 2,198,546; issued Apr. 23, 1940);
Rosenberg et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 3,249,949; issued May 10, 1966);
Johnson et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 3,651,820; issued Mar. 28, 1972);
Brown (U.S. Pat. No. 3,654,935; issued Apr. 11, 1972); Nelson (U.S.
Pat. No. 3,970,092; issued Jul. 20, 1976); Agiotis (U.S. Pat. No.
4,168,713; issued Sep. 25, 1979); Levin (U.S. Pat. No. 4,176,669;
issued Dec. 4, 1979); Finamore et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,033,486;
issued Jul. 23, 1991); Finamore et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,117,846;
issued Jun. 2, 1992); Hargrett (U.S. Pat. No. 5,357,986; issued
Oct. 25, 1994); Tang (U.S. Pat. No. 5,915,389; issued Jun. 29,
1999); Netherlands Letters Patent No. 8,403,597, issued Jul. 1,
1985; and United Kingdom Letters Patent No. 481,957, issued June
1936.
[0012] Use of the devices identified above often present several
significant problems. For example, many of such devices are very
expensive to design, engineer, manufacture, mass produce and mass
distribute. In many cases, the persons who need such devices the
most often are the least able to afford them. This is particularly
true in the case of elderly persons and senior citizens who may
have a restricted source of income.
[0013] Another notable disadvantage is the dramatically limited
application of the above-mentioned devices to different scalp
conditions. In other words, the devices are designed to only
function in particular scalp and hair conditions. For example, a
double sided adhesive strip would not work well when hair of the
wearer is only thinning and a sufficient amount of scalp is
unavailable for adequate adhesion. Conversely, if the wearer's
scalp is completely bald, devices that utilize interlacing of the
wearer's hair through a mesh material to hold the hairpiece in
place cannot be effectively used. The structural requirements and
limitations of such known hairpiece holding devices significantly
limit the actual market for those devices.
[0014] Furthermore, the effectiveness of many of the devices listed
within the above-cited patents is less than desired.
[0015] The inventor believes that the above-cited devices and
patents, whether taken alone or in combination, neither anticipate
nor render obvious the current invention. The foregoing explanation
and citations do not constitute an admission that such devices or
patents are relevant or material to the appended patent claims.
Rather, such devices and patents relate only to the general field
of the current invention.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0016] This invention provides simple, reliable, easily used
apparatus and methods that may be used by any person, young or old,
male or female, who suffer from hair loss and/or hair thinning, and
desire to wear an artificial hairpiece, such as a toupee or a wig.
For example, this invention may be used by persons undergoing
chemotherapy which resulted in the loss of their hair and/or by
persons who through aging or genetic heredity have lost or are
losing the hair on their scalp.
[0017] The apparatus and methods taught herein enable a person to
quickly, effectively, and safely fasten and/or attach an artificial
hairpiece to their head, without necessarily requiring the
application of adhesive strips to the scalp or requiring the wearer
to undergo painful surgery. The apparatus may be worn without any
invasive surgery or piercing of the wearer's skin.
[0018] The apparatus is: easily constructed; custom fit; simple,
inexpensive and economical to manufacture; compact; unobtrusive;
easily concealed; efficient; durable; rugged; reusable; and
washable. The complexity of the apparatus is greatly reduced, when
compared to the complexity of the prior known devices.
[0019] Once manufactured and initially custom fitted to the head of
the wearer, the apparatus requires only a minimum amount of
manipulation, physical dexterity and effort to secure, wear and
remove the apparatus.
[0020] The apparatus of this invention represents a dramatic
increase in wearing comfort, as compared to the prior known
devices. It is, therefore, anticipated that persons using this
invention will experience a significant increase in their level of
confidence and will lead more product lives during its use. More
particularly, this invention may be used to minimize the
inconvenience, embarrassment and self-conscious worrying that a
person might experience who suffers from hair loss or hair
thinning. The custom contoured fit and thinness of the invention
also enables the wearer to avoid drawing undesired and undue
attention to the hairpiece or to the attaching apparatus.
[0021] This invention not only increases the speed and simplifies
the procedure to secure or attach the hairpiece to the head of the
wearer, it also provides means for protecting oneself against the
embarrassment of having the hairpiece become dislodged during use
or be blown off when subjected to wind forces. Consequently,
freedom of movement is increased without endangering the placement
and/or retention of the hairpiece. The wearer of this invention is
freed to concentrate upon other activities without having to
constantly worry about the condition and position of the hairpiece
and holding apparatus.
[0022] Other important and particularly beneficial features of this
invention include: (a) the ability to custom fit the specific
contours of the apparatus to the head of a particular user, which
maximizes comfort and more closely duplicates or approximates the
natural hair placement of the wearer; (b) the ability to modify or
adjust the gripping forces of the apparatus which are applied to
head; (c) minimize the number, thickness and bulkiness of
components used within the apparatus; and (d) eliminate the need to
make further adjustments to the apparatus once a custom fit is
initially obtained.
[0023] Within the preferred embodiment, the apparatus of this
invention could be referred to as a light, thin-shell design having
an uni-construction structure which duplicates or significantly
approximates the particular curvatures, indentations, bumps and
skull-bone or scalp patterns of the wearer.
[0024] Although when removed from the wearer's scalp the apparatus
may be semi-rigid, with limited flexibility, when the apparatus is
placed upon the head of the wearer and is worn as a skull-cap
juxtaposed between the scalp and the hairpiece, the geometry of the
head contributes to the rigidity and structural integrity of the
apparatus. This feature may be better described by using an
example. When a basketball shell is cut open and the air inside is
allowed to escape, the basketball shell can be easily collapsed
upon itself. However, if the basketball shell is not cut open and
the air inside is not allowed to escape therefrom, but maintains
adequate pressure therein, it is very difficult if not impossible
to collapse the basketball. When a force is applied to the
basketball shell, such as when it is struck against a backboard,
the force is distributed throughout the entire structure of the
shell. Within the current invention, the skull-cap acts somewhat
like the basketball shell and the head of the wearer acts like the
compressed and retained air within the basketball shell. When worn,
if a force is exerted against one portion of the skull-cap, such
force is distributed throughout a large portion, if not all, of the
remaining portions of the skull-cap. Consequently, less deflection
is permitted or allowed when the skull-cap is worn. It is as though
the skull-cap acts like a tight-fitting helmet or rigid or
semi-rigid outer scalp for the wearer. This distribution of forces
is available because of the uni-construction structure of the
skull-cap.
[0025] Uni-construction structures are also found within some
modern automobiles which hold the vehicle together and distribute
forces around the enclosed cockpit area during an impact. Such
uni-construction structures can be made to be relatively light and
operate as an integral single unit when forces are applied thereto.
Such is the intent with the current invention.
[0026] Thus, forces urging the hairpiece to slide backwards are
countered by: (a) the relatively rigid front portion of the
skull-cap engaging and/or hooking the curved brow of the wearer;
(b) the sides of the skull-cap automatically compressing towards
each other gripping or increasing the grip of the skull-cap upon
the head of the wearer; (c) the ear engaging means hooking or
gripping the head between the ears or ear canals of the wearer;
and/or (d) the relatively rigid rear collar portion of the
skull-cap being urged against and stopped by the back of the neck
of the wearer.
[0027] Similarly, forces urging the hairpiece to slide forward
and/or upward are countered by: (a) the relatively rigid rear
collar portion of the skull-cap engaging and/or hooking the base of
the skull area, i.e., the occipital tuber, bone, eminence or
external occipital protuberance of the skull of the wearer; (b) the
sides of the skull-cap automatically compressing towards each other
gripping or increasing the grip of the skull-cap upon the head of
the wearer; (c) the ear engaging means hooking or gripping the head
between the ears or ear canals of the wearer; and/or (d) the
relatively rigid front portion of the skull-cap being urged against
and stopped by the curved brow of the wearer.
[0028] Forces urging the hairpiece to either side of the head of
the wearer are countered by: (a) the relatively rigid front
portion, the relatively rigid rear collar portion and the
relatively rigid side portions of the skull-cap engaging, hooking
and/or being urged against and stopped by the corresponding
portions of the head of the wearer; (b) the sides of the skull-cap
automatically compressing towards each other gripping or increasing
the grip of the skull-cap upon the head of the wearer; and/or (c)
the ear engaging means hooking or gripping the head between the
ears or ear canals of the wearer.
[0029] In other words, to minimize the size and dramatically
increase comfort for the wearer, the apparatus is custom-fitted or
form-fitted to the individual shape of at least a portion of the
wearer's head, skull and/or scalp. Such specially and specifically
form-fitted apparatus could be manufactured and/or custom molded on
site and be immediately provided to a patient, client or customer
by medical doctors, plastic surgeons, special medical clinics,
hospitals, nursing homes, pharmacies, drug stores, hair salons, wig
shops, toupee shops, small or large retail department stores, and
the like, which are located throughout the country and abroad.
[0030] In addition to having the foregoing advantages and other
advantages described below, the current invention also overcomes
all of the previously mentioned disadvantages.
[0031] Traditional and/or nontraditional manufacturing apparatus
and procedures may be used to manufacture the current invention
without requiring significant alteration thereto to accomplish the
purposes taught herein.
[0032] To accomplish these objectives, the holding apparatus is
manufactured from one or more pieces of relatively thin plastic,
composite or synthetic material, or the like, which may become
malleable for forming about the head of the wearer and then later
become relatively rigid or semi-rigid with limited flexibility
thereof. Means for changing the plastic or synthetic material
between these two phases of malleability and limited or restricted
rigidity/flexibility may comprise the use of direct heat, indirect
heat such as by immersing the apparatus in heated water,
convection, microwaves, use of ultraviolet or other wavelengths of
light, and/or chemical reactions.
[0033] For example, the apparatus may be manufactured from a sheet
of plastic or synthetic material which becomes at least partially
malleable when heated and regains relative rigidity with only
limited flexibility when cooled. The heat necessary to make the
sheet of plastic or synthetic material change from its normally
rigid or semirigid state to its malleable state should be higher
than what would be naturally found within the environment. In other
words, the skull cap should not become malleable when worn in a hot
environment such as outside in Arizona during the summer. On the
other hand, the heat necessary to make the sheet of plastic or
synthetic material change from its normally rigid or semirigid
state to its malleable state should not be so high that the scalp
or remaining hair of the wearer is damaged or scalded when the
malleable plastic or synthetic material is placed upon and form
fitted to the head of the wearer.
[0034] These two conditions are met if the plastic or synthetic
material is a thermo-polycaprolactone based material such as the
material sold as product number A963-42 under the trademark
Aquaplast. The sheet material is preferably about one-sixteenth of
an inch ({fraction (1/16)}") or about 1.6 millimeter in thickness.
Of course other materials having other thicknesses could be used if
the same objectives are maintained.
[0035] Within the preferred embodiment of this invention, the
apparatus is soaked in hot water or otherwise heated until it
becomes at least partially malleable or bendable. When in its
heated relatively malleable state, the plastic material is placed
upon the head of the wearer and thereupon manipulated to generally
conform to the contours of one or more portions of the wearer's
head. If desired, a sheet of protective material, such as tin foil,
a sheet of thin cotton or the like may be placed over the head of
the wearer during the molding process. The malleable sheet material
of the apparatus is bent, pulled, shaped or molded to generally
conform to the contours or comfort level of the wearer. The
wearer's head thereby serves as a male mold for the molded
skull-cap. A doctor, trained technician or the wearer could
accomplish this molding procedure. Once cooled, the apparatus will
generally retain its molded shape.
[0036] If necessary, portions which are not uniform or conform to
the desired hairline of the wearer may be removed or cutoff and any
sharp edges sanded or heated.
[0037] Then, the apparatus may be at least partially reheated,
further manipulated, and cooled to increase or decrease the
gripping forces between the apparatus and the head of the wearer
when the skull-cap is worn.
[0038] Within the preferred embodiment of this invention, the
apparatus is manufactured or molded from a durable and relatively
stiff material, such as from a hard plastic or composite material,
into a single unitary or integral skullcap. The material from which
the skull-cap is manufactured may have sufficient give, forgiveness
or elasticity to enable the sides thereof to be pulled apart
slightly without breakage and placed upon the head of the wearer.
Upon releasing such pressure, each of the sides of the skull-cap
should retract back to their respective original or near original
positions relative one to another to grip the head of the wearer
there between. Consequently, during use the relatively rigid or
semi-rigid skull-cap is capable of selectively and removably
clasping or gripping the head of the wearer. This is even more
effective when the skull-cap is formed or molded to generally fit
against and be custom fitted to the head of the wearer.
[0039] If desired, the plastic or synthetic sheet material may have
nonreflective and/or transparent characteristics. Alternatively,
the apparatus may be manufactured from translucent or opaque
materials that are colored to match or contrast with the skin tone
of the wearer.
[0040] Within the preferred embodiment of this invention, the
plastic or synthetic material of the apparatus is perforated with
numerous holes therein. The holes permit air to circulate near the
scalp of the wearer, permit perspiration to evaporate, and permit
easier manipulate of the sheet material when it is being formed
about the head of the wearer.
[0041] It is also preferred that the skull-cap be manufactured of
material that would have a flesh-like tone or color to further
camouflage or hide its appearance from view.
[0042] Although this invention is intended to be used in a
custom-fit manner, the apparatus may alternatively be manufactured
for mass distribution in one or more different initially pre-formed
sizes and/or shapes which generally approximate the contour of the
head of similar persons, i.e., similar age, size and/or skull
shape. This initial pre-forming is intended to accommodate the
needs of a larger consumer base. In other words, initial,
pre-formed apparatus of standardized sizes and shapes could be mass
produced and commercially distributed. For example, the skull-cap
can be easily, quickly and inexpensively manufactured using an
injection, vacuum and/or rotational molding process, with each
portion of the skull-cap being created at nearly the identical time
during the same molding process. Only a single mold needs to be
created for each embodiment which also significantly reduces
manufacturing costs.
[0043] Once the initially pre-formed apparatus of approximate size
and shape is selected, the chosen apparatus may be heated and
easily adjusted or modified to custom fit the selected apparatus to
the particular head of the intended wearer. Such adjustment or
modification can be accomplished with a minimum amount of delay or
difficulty. The tension or gripping forces of the apparatus to the
wearer's head may also be easily adjusted.
[0044] Since this invention can be used by a large consumer base,
such mass produced initially pre-formed apparatus can be
manufactured and distributed at very competitive prices. Persons
suffering from hair loss no longer need to pay exorbitant fees,
purchase specially ordered apparatus from medical supply companies,
or undergo painful and expensive surgery to accommodate their
needs. Please note that this invention may be used without
requiring the scalp of the wearer to be pierced when the apparatus
is worn.
[0045] Since each individual apparatus can be custom-fitted to the
intended wearer, this invention may be used to accommodate the
needs of virtually every person suffering from hair loss or hair
thinning, irrespective of his or her head size and/or active or
passive lifestyle. The potential consumer base for this invention
is significantly broader than what would otherwise be available for
the heretofore known devices. The scope and versatility of this
invention are also very much broader than the previously known
devices.
[0046] It is no longer necessary to manufacture numerous,
different, stationary and movable parts that are bolted or screwed
together in an effort to achieve some of the above-stated
objectives. This invention eliminates use of a multiplicity of
individual and separate component parts, which were heretofore
believed to be essential to address some of the above-stated
concerns. Consequently, connection points, seams and joint lines,
where contaminants and bacteria might hide and through which
crucial strength was lost, are eliminated from the invention. The
danger that such multiplicity of individual and separate component
parts might break apart is also eliminated. The ability to
manufacture, clean and maintain the apparatus of the current
invention is dramatically improved.
[0047] The current invention also contemplates a method for
manufacturing an apparatus for attaching a hairpiece to a head of a
wearer as explained above. Such methods may include one or more of
the following steps:
[0048] (a) causing or permitting a sheet of rigid or semi-rigid
plastic or synthetic material to become at least partially and
temporarily malleable or generally flexible;
[0049] (b) placing the temporarily malleable or generally flexible
sheet of plastic or synthetic material upon the head of the
wearer;
[0050] (c) forming or pulling the temporarily malleable or
generally flexible sheet of plastic or synthetic material to
generally assume a contour of the corresponding or underlying
portions of the head of the wearer;
[0051] (d) causing or permitting the sheet of plastic or synthetic
material to become rigid or semi-rigid to form a generally
tight-fitting skull-cap which is capable of selectively and
removably clasping or gripping the head of the wearer;
[0052] (e) causing or permitting the skull-cap to again become at
least partially and temporarily malleable, after the skull-cap has
generally been formed or molded about the head of the wearer;
[0053] (f) reforming or modifying the contour of the temporarily
malleable skull-cap to obtain an otherwise tighter final fit about
the head of the wearer;
[0054] (g) causing or permitting the temporarily malleable skullcap
to again become a rigid or semi-rigid tight-fitting skull-cap;
and/or
[0055] (h) attaching, securing or bonding the hairpiece to the
skull-cap.
[0056] The above-mentioned step of forming or pulling the
temporarily malleable or generally flexible sheet of plastic or
synthetic material to generally assume or approximate a contour of
the corresponding or underlying portions of the head of the wearer
may be expanded to include the steps of:
[0057] (a) forming or pulling a first temporarily malleable or
generally flexible sheet of plastic or synthetic material about the
head of the wearer, the first sheet of plastic or synthetic
material being formed or pulled about at least a portion of the
crown area of the head of the wearer;
[0058] (b) forming or pulling a second temporarily malleable or
generally flexible sheet of plastic or synthetic material about the
head of the wearer, the second sheet of plastic or synthetic
material being formed or pulled about at least a portion of the
side areas and back area of the head; and/or
[0059] (c) attaching, securing or bonding the molded first sheet
and the molded second sheet together to form the skullcap having a
generally tight final fit about the head of the wearer.
[0060] The preceding step of attaching, securing or bonding the
molded first sheet to the molded second sheet may also include a
step of using adhesive, direct heat, indirect heat, convection
heat, microwaves, ultraviolet or other wavelengths of light, and/or
chemical reactions to bond, weld, or melt the first molded sheet to
the second molded sheet to form the skull-cap.
[0061] The method of this invention may also include the step of
attaching, securing or bonding means for engaging the ear of the
wearer either to the sheet of plastic or synthetic material or to
the molded skull-cap.
[0062] The preferred and several alternative embodiments of the
apparatus and associated structures of the current invention, and
the processes for manufacture and use thereof, are further
described in greater detail in the following description, claims,
and accompanying drawings of this Specification. However, to avoid
any possible confusion as to the scope of the current invention,
each of the following sections, claim language, and the drawings of
this Specification in their entirety are incorporated herein by
this reference.
[0063] The foregoing and other objectives and advantages of the
current invention will become more readily apparent upon reading
the following disclosure and referring to the attached
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0064] FIG. 1 is a schematic, left side, elevational view of a head
of a wearer, illustrating a first measurement or a first direction
of measurement around or about a girth of the head, which is
measured adjacent to an actual or desired center front or forward
actual or desired hairline of the head.
[0065] FIG. 2 is a schematic, left side, elevational view of the
head shown within FIG. 1, illustrating a second measurement or a
second direction of measurement from the center front or forward
actual or desired hairline to a center back or rearward actual or
desired hairline of the head.
[0066] FIG. 3 is a schematic, left side, elevational view of the
head shown within FIGS. 1 and 2, illustrating a third measurement
or a third direction of measurement from a left side actual or
desired hairline to a right side actual or desired hairline of the
head.
[0067] FIG. 4 is a schematic, rear perspective view of the head of
the wearer and a first embodiment of the apparatus of this
invention prior to the apparatus being molded to the contour of the
head. More particularly, FIG. 4 illustrates a crown portion, a rear
band or collar portion, and ear engaging means of the preferred
first embodiment of the apparatus of this invention.
[0068] FIG. 5 is a schematic, left side, exploded, elevational view
of the apparatus of the first embodiment of this invention made in
accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. More
particularly, FIG. 5 illustrates the preferred first embodiment of
the apparatus, wherein the crown portion is molded to the contour
of a corresponding crown area of the head, the rear band or collar
portion is molded to the contour of a corresponding back, left side
and right side of the head, and the ear engaging means is secured
to the rear band or collar portion.
[0069] FIG. 6 is a schematic, left side, elevational view of the
head of the wearer and the apparatus of the preferred first
embodiment of this invention. More particularly, FIG. 5 illustrates
the molded crown portion being attached or secured to the rear band
or collar portion of the apparatus to generally form a skull-cap.
The skull-cap is contoured to duplicate or approximate the
corresponding contour of the crown area, back, left side and right
side of the head. The ear engaging means is secured to the rear
band or collar portion and has a portion thereof which engages one
or both ears of the wearer.
[0070] FIG. 7 is a schematic, rear perspective view of the head of
the wearer and the preferred first embodiment of the apparatus
secured thereto.
[0071] FIG. 8 is a schematic, exploded, rear perspective view of
the head of the wearer wearing a second embodiment of this
invention. Within the second embodiment of this invention, the
apparatus has a molded crown portion and a rear band or collar
portion that are unitary in construction and/or are made from
similar material. The molded crown portion and the molded rear band
or collar portion general form a skull-cap which is similarly
contoured to duplicate or approximate the corresponding contour of
the crown area, back, left side and right side of the head. The ear
engaging means is secured to the skull-cap and has a portion
thereof which engages one or both ears of the wearer. An artificial
hairpiece, such as a toupee or wig, is secured to the apparatus of
this invention. The artificial hairpiece may be manufactured from
natural fibers, such as from hair, or from man-made fabricated
fibers.
[0072] FIG. 9 is a schematic, enlarged, partial, perspective view
of the fibers of the artificial hairpiece being woven into or
attached to the apparatus.
[0073] FIG. 10 is a schematic, left side, elevational view of a
third embodiment of this invention.
[0074] FIG. 11 is a schematic, rear perspective view of a fourth
embodiment of this invention.
[0075] FIG. 12 is a schematic, rear perspective view of a fifth
embodiment of this invention.
[0076] One should understand that the drawings are not necessarily
to scale and the elements are sometimes illustrated by graphic
symbols, phantom lines, diagrammatic representations, and
fragmentary views. In certain instances, the inventor may have
omitted details which are not necessary for an understanding of the
current invention or which render other details difficult to
perceive.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0077] Referring to the attached drawings, wherein like numerals
indicate like parts, the present invention generally comprises an
apparatus 20 for attaching a hairpiece 22 to a head 24 of a wearer
26.
[0078] To better understand how the invention is manufactured,
structured and used, reference is made to FIGS. 1 through 3 which
show the various pertinent anatomical parts of the wearer 26,
including: a scalp 28, a crown area 30, a left side area 32, a
right side area 34 (shown in FIG. 11), a front-forehead area 36, a
back head area 38, a left ear 40 and a right ear 42 (shown in FIG.
11). Each area of the head 24 has a distinct corresponding contour.
The left ear 40 and the right ear 42 may each have a front side 44,
a back side 46, a concha 48, a cymba of concha 50, a helix 52, a
crus of helix 54, an antihelix 56, a crus of antihelix 58, an
antitragus 60, an intertragic notch 62, an pinna or an auricle 64,
and an ear canal 66.
[0079] FIG. 1 illustrates a first measurement 68 or a first
direction of measurement around or about a girth 68' of the head 24
as shown by arrows 68". The first measurement 68 or girth 68' is
measured adjacent to an actual or desired center front or forward
actual or desired hairline 70 of the head 24.
[0080] FIG. 2 illustrates a second measurement 72 or a second
direction of measurement indicated by arrows 72" from the center
front hairline 70 to a center back or rearward actual or desired
hairline 74 of the head 24.
[0081] FIG. 3 illustrates a third measurement 76 or a third
direction of measurement from a left side actual or desired
hairline 78 to a right side actual or desired hairline 80 (shown in
FIG. 11) of the head 24.
[0082] If desired, the apparatus 20 may also cover an actual or
desired side burn area 82 of the head 24.
[0083] To achieve the general and specific objectives discussed
above, the apparatus 20 of the current invention generally
comprises a relatively tight-fitting but comfortable skullcap 84
that generally assumes a contour of the corresponding or underlying
portions of the head 24 of the wearer 26. The hairpiece 22 is
capable of being initially or subsequently attached to or formed
integrally with the skull-cap 84.
[0084] The hairpiece 22 may comprise either a toupee or a wig and
be formed of fibers 86. The fibers 86 may be manufactured from
natural fibers, synthetic fibers, hair, or the like. If desired, as
shown within FIGS. 8 and 9, the fibers 86 may be woven into,
attached to or formed integrally with the skull-cap 84.
[0085] The apparatus may also include means 88 for mechanically
securing the hairpiece 22 to the skull-cap 84. For example, the
securing means 88 my include at least one length of thread, string,
wire or elastic cord, a hook and loop fastener, a snap, adhesive,
double-sided adhesive tape 88' (shown in FIGS. 8 and 9), a hook, or
the like which accomplishes such a purpose.
[0086] As illustrated within FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7, the skullcap 84
may be manufactured from a plurality of plastic sheets 90 and 92,
sheets of synthetic material, or the like. The sheets 90 and 92 are
subsequently secured, attached or bonded together along a joint
line 94 to form the skull-cap 84. For example, the first sheet 90
may be used to form a crown portion 96 of the skull-cap 84. The
second sheet 92 may be used to form a rear band or collar portion
98 of the skullcap 84. After forming, the rear band or collar
portion 98 is then attached, secured, affixed or bonded to the
crown portion 96 of the skull-cap 84 by any desirable means.
[0087] When more than one sheet 90 and 92 are used, each sheet may
be made from a similar or dissimilar material. Within the preferred
embodiment of this invention the first sheet 90 is manufactured
from a mesh sheet material that has one or more holes 100,
perforations, openings or apertures therein. Such holes 100,
perforations, openings or apertures permit the scalp 28 of the
wearer 26 to breath and permit perspiration to evaporate therefrom.
The holes 100, perforations, openings or apertures also permit
easier or greater movement and deflection of the flat sheet 90 of
plastic or synthetic material, enabling the first sheet 90 to be
more easily stretched over the rounded or oval crown area 30 of the
wearer 26. In essence the first sheet 90 is preferably manufactured
from a sheet of mesh plastic or mesh synthetic material.
[0088] If desired, as shown in FIGS. 10, 11 and 12, the first sheet
90 or skull-cap 84 in its unitary state may also have one or more
larger openings 100' or portions 100" removed therefrom or not
formed therein. Such openings 100' and/or 100" will permit greater
venting of the perspiration of the wearer 26 without necessarily
weakening the rigidity or structural integrity of the skull-cap
84.
[0089] For example, FIG. 10 illustrates a third embodiment of this
invention, wherein a portion 100" of the skull-cap 84 is removed or
otherwise not formed therein from the crown portion 96 and/or the
rear band or collar portion 08 of the sheet 90" above the ear 40
and/or 42 of the wearer 26. This third embodiment is intended to
emphasize that the apparatus 20 need not grip both the front side
44 and the back side 46 of the ear 40 and/or the ear 42.
[0090] Another example is illustrated within FIG. 11, which depicts
a fourth embodiment of this invention. Within the fourth
embodiment, openings 100' or segments of the skull-cap 84 are
removed therefrom or otherwise not formed therein to emphasize that
the apparatus need not include uniform holes and or apertures
therein.
[0091] A further example is shown within FIG. 12, which depicts a
fifth embodiment of this invention. Within the fifth embodiment of
this invention, the molded crown portion 96 and the molded rear
band or collar portion 98 generally form a modified skull-cap 84,
wherein a crown segment 96' of the skull-cap 84 is removed
therefrom or otherwise not formed therein. The modified skull-cap
84 is contoured to duplicate or approximate the corresponding
contour of the back 38, left side 32, right side 34 and a center
front hairline 70 along the front-forehead 36 areas or portions of
the head 24 of the wearer 26. A front-forehead 36 hairline portion
102 is generally formed around or about the first measurement 68 or
girth 68' of the head 24 near the actual or desired center front
hairline 70 of the head 24.
[0092] Referring back to FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7, the second sheet 92
within the preferred embodiment of this invention is manufactured
from a solid or uniform sheet material which does not necessarily
have holes 100, perforations, openings or apertures therein. Such
solid material gives the rear band or collar portion 98 of the
molded skull-cap 84 greater rigidity or semi-rigidity once
formed.
[0093] Alternatively, as shown within FIGS. 8, 10, 11 and 12, the
skull-cap 84 may be initially manufactured from a single sheet of
plastic, synthetic material, or the like.
[0094] Either way, the skull-cap 84 generally still has a crown
portion 96 which is molded or contoured to correspond to,
approximate, or generally duplicate the contour of the crown area
30 of the head 24 of the wearer 26. Similarly, the skull-cap 84
still generally has a rear band or collar portion 98 which is
molded or contoured to correspond to, approximate, or generally
duplicate the contour of the back 38, left side 32 and right side
34 areas of the head 24 of the wearer 26. Generally, when a single
sheet 90 of plastic or synthetic material is used, the crown
portion 96 may be formed integrally with the rear band or collar
portion 98 of the skull-cap 84 to form an integrally and unitarily
constructed skull-cap 84.
[0095] When worn, the skull-cap 84 should be urged against the head
24 of the wearer 26 by it own internal forces. In other words, the
skull-cap 84 is sized or shaped in such a manner that the skull-cap
84 generally grips, clasps, or snaps onto the head 24 of the wearer
26 when worn. This may be accomplished by causing the molded
skull-cap 84 to again become slightly malleable or formable,
pressing the sides of the rear band or collar portion 98 toward
each other and permitting the skull-cap 84 to again harden and
become stiff, rigid or semi-rigid. Consequently, the skull-cap 84
will fit more tightly upon the head 24 of the wearer 26 than could
be possible if the skull-cap 84 followed the curvature of the head
24 precisely.
[0096] Alternatively or in addition thereto, as best illustrated
within FIG. 6, the rear band or collar portion 98 may be joined to
the crown portion 96 along a joint line 94 that is purposefully
tighter than the natural curvature of the head 24 would otherwise
dictate. For example, the rear band or collar portion 98 may be
moved upwardly slightly toward the crown portion 96 as generally
indicated by arrow 104 prior to such portions 98 and 96 being
bonded or attached together. Similarly, the rear or collar portion
98 which is juxtaposed near the ears 40, 42 and/or sideburn 82
areas of the head 24 may be moved rearwardly slightly toward the
back 38 of the head 24 as generally indicated by arrow 106 prior to
such portions 98 and 96 being bonded or attached together. This
modification of the contour of the skull-cap 84 causes the
apparatus 20 to fit tighter upon the head 24 of the wearer 26 than
would otherwise be possible if only the contours of the head 24
were followed exactly.
[0097] The apparatus 20 of this invention may further include means
108 for selectively and removably engaging the left ear 40 and/or
the right ear 42 of the wearer 26. The ear engaging means 108 is
attached, secured or bonded to, or is formed integrally with, the
skull-cap 84. Within the preferred embodiment of this invention,
the ear engaging means 108 is secured to or formed integrally with
the rear band or collar portion 98 of the skull-cap 84 and is
positioned adjacent to the left ear 40 and the right ear 42.
[0098] The ear engaging means 108 may include at least one post,
plug, boss or membrane 110 which is capable of being at least
partially inserted into the ear canal 66 of the wearer 26 when the
skull-cap 84 is worn. Alternatively, the membrane 110 of the ear
engaging means 108 may be capable of being urged against and/or
hooking the concha 48, the cymba of concha 50, the helix 52, the
crus of helix 54, the antihelix 56, the crus of antihelix 58, the
antitragus 60, the intertragic notch 62, the pinna or the auricle
64 or any other part of the left ear 40 and/or the right ear 42 of
the wearer 26 when the skull-cap 84 is worn.
[0099] Since the ear engaging means 108 is actually inserted into
the ear canal 66 of the left ear 40 and/or the right ear 42 and/or
is urged against the skin and cartilage which form the external
portions of such ears 40 and 42, the ear engaging means 108 on each
side of the head 24 actually grip or clasp the head 24 of the
wearer 26 there between. In other words, the apparatus 20 may be
capable of gripping or clasping the head 24 of the wearer 26
between the opposing ear engaging means 108 or membranes 110 of the
skull-cap 84 when the skull-cap 84 is worn.
[0100] It should be noted that the skull-cap 84 does not
necessarily need to grip or clip onto the front side 44 and the
back side 46 of either ear 40 or 42 of the wearer 26.
[0101] As illustrated within FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11 and 12,
each side of the skull-cap 84 may be provided with an ear engaging
means 108 membrane 110 having a padded bulb 112 of relatively soft
material which is respectively urged against the left ear 40 and/or
the right ear 42 of the wearer 26. To properly position the padded
bulb 112 within the ear 40 and/or 42, the membrane 110 may also be
provided with an adjustable wire or extension 114 which is imbedded
within, secured to, attached to, bonded to, or formed integrally
with the skull-cap 84.
[0102] The current invention also contemplates a method for
manufacturing and using the above mentioned apparatus 20. FIG. 4
illustrates the first embodiment of this invention prior to the
crown portion 96 and the rear band or collar portion 98 of the
apparatus 20 being molded to the contour of the head 26. The wire
or extension 114 of the ear engaging means 108 is illustrated as
being imbedded within the rear band or collar portion of the
skull-cap 84.
[0103] One of the first steps for manufacturing this invention is
to cause or permit the sheet 90 and/or 92 of rigid or semi-rigid
plastic or synthetic material to become at least partially and
temporarily malleable or generally flexible.
[0104] If desired, the ear engaging means 108 may be attached,
secured, bonded or formed integrally with the sheet 90 and/or 92 of
rigid or semi-rigid plastic or synthetic material.
[0105] Alternatively, the ear engaging means 108 may be attached,
secured, bonded or formed integrally with the skull-cap 84 after
the skull-cap 84 has been molded to the head 24 of the wearer 26.
Within the preferred embodiment of this invention, the ear engaging
means 108 is attached, secured, bonded or formed integrally with
the rear band or collar portion 98 of the skull-cap and has a
portion thereof, such as the membrane 110 or padded bulb 112 which
engages one or both ears 40 and 42 of the wearer 26.
[0106] The temporarily malleable or generally flexible sheet 90
and/or 92 of plastic or synthetic material is then placed upon the
head 24 of the wearer 26.
[0107] The temporarily malleable or generally flexible sheet 90
and/or 92 of plastic or synthetic material is then formed or pulled
to generally assume or approximate a contour of the corresponding
or underlying portions of the head 24 of the wearer 26 as
illustrated within FIGS. 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11 and 12.
[0108] For example, the first temporarily malleable or generally
flexible sheet 90 of plastic or synthetic material may be formed or
pulled about at least a portion of the crown area 30 of the head 24
of the wearer 26. This is best shown within FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 10, 11
and 12, wherein the crown portion 96 is molded to the contour of a
corresponding crown area 30 of the head 24.
[0109] Similarly, the second temporarily malleable or generally
flexible sheet 92 of plastic or synthetic material may be formed or
pulled about at least a portion of the left side 32, right side 34
and back 38 areas of the head 24 of the wearer 26. The rear band or
collar portion 98 is thus molded to the contour of a corresponding
back 38, left side 32 and right side 34 of the head 24.
[0110] As shown within FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, the molded first sheet 90,
which forms the molded crown portion 96, and the molded second
sheet 92, which forms the rear band or collar portion 98, are then
attached, secured or bonded together to generally form the
skull-cap 84 having a generally tight final fit about the head 24
of the wearer 26. An adhesive, direct heat, indirect heat,
convection heat, microwaves, ultraviolet or other wavelengths of
light, and/or chemical reactions may be used to attach, secure,
bond, weld or melt the molded first sheet 90 to the molded second
sheet 92 to form the skull-cap 84. Thus constructed, the skull-cap
84 is contoured to duplicate or approximate the corresponding
contour of the crown area 30, back 38, left side 32 and right side
34 of the head 24.
[0111] However, a plurality of sheets 90 and 92 need not be used.
For example, within the second embodiment of this invention, the
molded crown portion 96 and the rear band or collar portion 98 are
made from the same material and are unitary in construction. The
molded crown portion 96 and the molded rear band or collar portion
98 still form a skull-cap 84 which is similarly contoured to
duplicate or approximate the corresponding contour of the crown
area 30, back 38, left side 32 and right side 34 of the head 24,
but only a single sheet 90 is used.
[0112] The sheet 90 and/or 92 of plastic or synthetic material is
then caused or permitted to become rigid or semi-rigid to form the
generally tight-fitting skull-cap 84 which is capable of
selectively and removably clasping or gripping the head 24 of the
wearer 26.
[0113] As seen in FIG. 4, if necessary, portions 116 which are not
uniform or conform to the desired hairline of the wearer 26 may be
removed or cutoff and any sharp edges sanded or heated. For example
a sideburn portion 118 may be cut from the otherwise flat or molded
skull-cap 84.
[0114] After the skull-cap 84 has generally been formed or molded
about the head 24 of the wearer 26, the skull-cap 84 is caused or
permitted to again become at least partially and temporarily
malleable.
[0115] The contour of the temporarily malleable skull-cap 84 is
then reformed or modified to obtain an otherwise tighter final fit
about the head 24 of the wearer 26.
[0116] The temporarily malleable skull-cap 84 is caused or
permitted to again become a rigid or semi-rigid tight-fitting
skull-cap 84.
[0117] If not previously formed integrally with the skull-cap 84,
the hairpiece 22, such as a toupee or wig, is then attached,
secured or bonded to the skull-cap 84. The hairpiece 22 may be
manufactured from natural fibers, such as from hair, or from
man-made fabricated fibers.
[0118] The position of the ear engaging means 108, and more
particularly the wire or extension 114 thereof, may then be
adjusted to properly engage the left ear 40 and/or the right hear
42 and create a snug fit.
[0119] The means and construction disclosed herein are by way of
example and comprise primarily the preferred and several
alternative forms of putting the invention into effect. Although
the drawings depict the preferred and several alternative
embodiments of the invention, other embodiments are described
within the preceding and following text.
[0120] One skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosed
apparatus and devices may have a wide variety of different designs,
shapes and configurations. Additionally, persons skilled in the art
to which the invention pertains might consider the foregoing
teachings in making various modifications, other embodiments, and
alternative forms of the invention.
[0121] It is, therefore, to be understood that the invention is not
limited to the particular embodiments or specific features shown
herein. To the contrary, the inventor claims the invention in all
of its various forms, including all equivalents, modifications and
alternative embodiments that fall within the legitimate and valid
scope of the appended claims, appropriately interpreted under the
Doctrine Of Equivalents.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0122] The apparatus and methods taught herein enable persons
suffering from hair loss or hair thinning to quickly, efficiently,
effectively and safely fasten or attach a hairpiece to their head,
without requiring the wearer to undergo painful surgery, use
adhesive tape or hairpins.
[0123] This invention could be specially manufactured to be
initially custom and formed fit to the wearer by medical doctors,
plastic surgeons, trained technicians, or from personnel of medical
clinics, hospitals and the like.
[0124] Alternatively, a more generally fitted apparatus of
particular sizes and/or shapes could be manufactured, mass produced
and commercially distributed. The generally fitted apparatus may
then be later modified at the point of purchase to create a
customized or form-fitted skull-cap to hold and secure the
hairpiece upon the head of the wearer. Thus manufactured for
general consumer use, this invention could also be readily
purchased at nursing homes, pharmacies, drug stores, hair salons,
wig shops, barber shops, toupee shops, department stores, and the
like.
* * * * *