U.S. patent application number 11/184075 was filed with the patent office on 2006-04-20 for hairpiece and method of making same.
Invention is credited to Erwin H. Kuptiz.
Application Number | 20060081267 11/184075 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35285473 |
Filed Date | 2006-04-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060081267 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kuptiz; Erwin H. |
April 20, 2006 |
Hairpiece and method of making same
Abstract
A hair replacement or hairpiece that comprises a base woven with
natural human hair, color blended and attached such as to simulate
a natural growth pattern, hair density and hairline appearance and
a method for making same. The hairpiece comprises a base with a
front area comprised of coated lace, a back area comprised of about
three pieces and reinforced with polyurethane; a knotting pattern
wherein the front and crown areas are comprised of hair fixed to
the base with single hair split knots, the side and top areas are
comprised of hair fixed to the base with alternating single hair
flat knots and single hair split knots and the back area comprises
hair fixed to the base with single hair flat knots; and a color
pattern wherein the base comprises about three color regions
comprising a lighter shade in the front, a medium shade in the top
and crown areas, and a darker shade in the back area. The knotting
pattern is further defined by the directions of the knots, which
are either in a crisscross pattern, in a vertical, downward
direction, or a horizontal, forward direction. The hairpiece
further comprises a hairline comprising hair fixed to the base with
single hair split knots fixed to the base in a horizontal, backward
direction. Furthermore, the hairpiece comprises natural human hair,
wherein the color of the natural hair is enhanced.
Inventors: |
Kuptiz; Erwin H.; (North
Hollywood, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
EPSTEIN BECKER & GREEN, P.C.
1227 25TH STREET, N.W. 7TH FLOOR
WASHINGTON
DC
20037
US
|
Family ID: |
35285473 |
Appl. No.: |
11/184075 |
Filed: |
July 19, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60588760 |
Jul 19, 2004 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
132/53 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41G 5/0006 20130101;
A41G 5/004 20130101; A41G 3/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/053 |
International
Class: |
A41G 3/00 20060101
A41G003/00 |
Claims
1. A hairpiece comprising a base, wherein the base comprises front
and side hairline areas comprised of coated lace.
2. A hairpiece comprising a base, wherein the base comprises a
reinforced back area.
3. The hairpiece of claim 2, wherein the back area is reinforced
with polyurethane.
4. The hairpiece of claim 2, wherein the back area is reinforced
with about 7 horizontal lines and about 9 vertical lines of
polyurethane.
5. A hairpiece comprising a base, wherein the base comprises a back
area comprised of at least two pieces.
6. The hairpiece of claim 5, wherein the back area comprises at
least three pieces.
7. A hairpiece comprising a base, wherein the base has front, side,
top, crown and back areas wherein the front and crown areas
comprises hair fixed to the base with single hair split knots, the
side and top area comprises hair fixed to the base with alternating
single hair flat knots and single hair split knots and the back
area comprises hair fixed to the base with single hair flat
knots.
8. The hairpiece of claim 7, wherein the hair fixed to the base in
the front, crown and top areas are fixed to the base in a
crisscross pattern.
9. The hairpiece of claim 7, wherein the hair fixed to the base in
the back area is fixed to the base in a vertical, downward
direction.
10. The hairpiece of claim 7, wherein the hair fixed to the base in
the side area is fixed to the base in a horizontal, forward
direction.
11. The hairpiece of claim 7, wherein the front area further
comprises a hairline comprising hair fixed to the base with single
hair split knots.
12. The hairpiece of claim 11, wherein the single hair split knots
of the hairline are fixed to the base in a horizontal, backward
direction.
13. A hairpiece comprising a base, wherein the base has at least
two (2) color regions comprising a lighter shade in the front area
and a darker shade in the back area.
14. The hairpiece of claim 13, wherein the base has at least three
(3) color regions further comprising a medium shade in the top and
crown areas.
15. The hairpiece of claim 13, wherein the hair comprises natural
human hair.
16. The hairpiece of claim 15, wherein the natural hair comprises
European hair.
17. The hairpiece of claim 15, wherein the European hair comprises
Russian hair.
18. The hairpiece of claim 15, wherein the color of the natural
hair is enhanced.
19. The hairpiece of claim 15, wherein the cuticle is removed from
the natural hair.
20. A hairpiece comprising a base, wherein the base comprises
front, side, top, crown and back areas wherein the front and side
areas comprise coated lace, the back area comprises a reinforced
area and at least two pieces, the front and crown areas comprise
hair fixed to the base with single hair split knots, the side and
top area comprises hair fixed to the base with alternating single
hair flat knots and single hair split knots and the back area
comprises hair fixed to the base with single hair flat knots, and
the base has at least two (2) color regions comprising a lighter
shade in the front area and a darker shade in the back area.
21. The hairpiece of claim 20, wherein the back area is reinforced
with polyurethane.
22. The hairpiece of claim 20, wherein the back area comprises at
least three pieces.
23. The hairpiece of claim 20, wherein the hair fixed to the base
in the front, crown and top areas are fixed to the base in a
crisscross pattern.
24. The hairpiece of claim 20, wherein the hair fixed to the base
in the back area is fixed to the base in a vertical, downward
direction.
25. The hairpiece of claim 20, wherein the hair fixed to the base
in the side area is fixed to the base in a horizontal, forward
direction.
26. The hairpiece of claim 20, wherein the front area further
comprises a hairline comprising hair fixed to the base with single
hair split knots.
27. The hairpiece of claim 20, wherein the single hair split knots
of the hairline are fixed to the base in a horizontal, backward
direction.
28. The hairpiece of claim 20, wherein the base has at least three
(3) color regions further comprising a medium shade in the top and
crown areas.
29. The hairpiece of claim 20, wherein the hair comprises natural
human hair devoid of cuticle.
30. The hairpiece of claim 29, wherein the color of the natural
hair is enhanced.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/588,760, filed on Jul. 19, 2004, the entire
disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a hair
replacement or hairpiece and the art of concealing baldness,
especially in men, and in particular, to a hair replacement or
hairpiece and a method of making same, which will provide, at an
affordable cost, a natural appearing substitute for hair. More
particularly, the hair replacement or hairpiece of the present
invention comprises a base comprised of a combination of coated
front lace and back material, wherein hair is comprised of a blend
of human hair from various origins and is attached to the base in a
specific direction and color pattern that simulates a natural
appearance.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The art of making hairpieces or toupees has been practiced
for many years. However, these hairpieces often lack a natural
appearance, are prohibitively expensive and can not be easily
applied correctly, but during this time there has been little
advancement in the art. Present hair replacements or hairpieces are
typically too full as a result of an effort to hide the base
material. Further such hairpieces often have the wrong growth
pattern, ignoring the natural growth pattern of human hair;
experience problems with the knotting direction; and/or offer a
semi-natural hairline that is still detectable. Furthermore, the
base materials are reinforced and therefore too thick. Moreover,
the stitching needed to reinforce the front lace and the back
materials are visible when the hair is parted. Some hairpieces have
attempted to provide a natural look, but have been relatively
expensive and can not be applied without the aide of a highly
experienced professional.
[0004] Examples of such hairpieces include, for example, U.S. Pat.
No. 2,907,334 to Mole discloses a hairpiece and a method of making
same.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 3,905,378 (the "'378 patent") to Levin et al.
discloses a method for making a man's hairpiece comprising a
non-woven network foundation and weighing approximately 6 grams.
The monofilament nylon strands of the '378 patent are molecularly
bonded to form a rectangular network which is then shaped and cut
to form a foundation. Hair fibers of the '378 patent are secured to
the bond points in a manner simulating natural growth.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,368,052 (the "'052 patent") to Finamore
discloses a hairpiece comprising a molded, flexible, plastic
foundation member covered by a sheet of net material having
spaced-apart cross-elements. The foundation member of the '052
patent has a large central opening therein traversed by said net
material. A group of hairs is provided in the '052 patent having
double knots tied around cross-elements of the net material
traversing said central opening so as to be freely movable back and
forth. Other groups of hairs according to the '052 patent are
secured to the foundation member for providing a natural looking
part, and for covering edges of the hairpiece foundation.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,561,197 (the "'197 patent") to Harrison
discloses a hair integration apparatus and method of attachment.
The hair integration apparatus in the '197 patent is comprised of a
cap-like base that has numerous spaced, hair pull-through openings
located on its side and rear faces. The hair integration of the
'197 patent is attached to a wearer's scalp when a continuous band
of material contained around the perimeter of the cap is adhered to
the wearer's head. The top face of the cap of the '197 patent does
not contain any hair pull-through openings and is instead made of a
breathable material to allow for the release of heat from the
wearer's body.
[0008] Accordingly, current hair replacements or hairpieces
available to the public do not have a natural appearance, are
prohibitively expensive and can not be easily applied correctly.
The present invention provides a hair replacement or hairpiece that
solves these problems and a method of making a hair replacement or
hairpiece that is simplified, less costly, easy to apply, and of
superior quality.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is accordingly an object of the present invention to
provide a hair replacement or hairpiece that can be mass produced
and easily adapted to a wearer, that is of improved quality and
that simulates natural hair and a natural hairline.
[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
hair replacement or hairpiece that is a substitute for hair loss
and is used to cover such hair loss, whether total or partial.
[0011] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
hair replacement or hairpiece made by a method that is relatively
simple compared to prior art methods thereby materially reducing
the cost of manufacture.
[0012] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
hair replacement or hairpiece that can be easily applied by
technicians in the industry.
[0013] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
hair replacement or hairpiece that can be temporarily,
semi-permanently or permanently attached such that the hair
replacement or hairpiece stays attached for a few hours, a few
weeks, i.e., 3-5 weeks, a few months or more, depending on the
method of attachment.
[0014] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
hair replacement or hairpiece that may be combed, brushed, styled
and washed while attached.
[0015] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
hair replacement or hairpiece that has a base, preferably made
entirely of a lace material, preferably a nylon lace material,
wherein the back of the hair replacement or hairpiece is made of a
stronger material or a reinforced material and the front is made of
a thinner, less detectable, more durable, coated material to
provide a more natural hairline. Preferably, the coated material is
coated lace.
[0016] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
hair replacement or hairpiece wherein the top and upper crown areas
do not have any stitches to create a more natural appearance and
the back area is reinforced. Preferably, the back area is
reinforced with polyurethane.
[0017] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
hair replacement or hairpiece wherein a pattern of fine lines of
polyurethane are applied to the back of the base for reinforcement
and to facilitate resizing by preventing fraying when the hair
replacement or hairpiece is trimmed to fit.
[0018] It is yet a further object of the present invention to
provide a hair replacement or hairpiece wherein the back section of
the base is comprises of at least two (2), preferably three (3),
sections to permit greater flexibility and better fit along the
back of the wearer's head.
[0019] It is yet a further object of the present invention to
provide a hair replacement or hairpiece with a specific hair
density which is achieved using a crisscross knotting technique
involving single hair, flat and split knots on the entire crown and
top area, and flat, double and single hair knots on the back and
sides to create a more natural appearance. More preferably, the
hair replacement or hairpiece comprises single hair alternating
flat and split knots on the top and side areas, single hair split
knots in the front and crown areas and single hair flat knots in
the back area, wherein the hair is fixed to the base in a
crisscross pattern in the front, top and crown areas.
[0020] It is still a further object of the present invention to
provide a hair replacement or hairpiece comprising at least two (2)
color regions comprising a lighter shade in the front area and a
darker shade in the back area. More preferably, the hairpiece
further comprises a medium shade in the top and crown areas.
[0021] It is still a further object of the present invention to
provide a hair replacement or hairpiece that utilizes natural hair
to eliminate the need for excessive bleaching that may damage the
hair and cause it to break and fall out.
[0022] It is still a further object of the present invention to
provide a hair replacement or hairpiece that uses natural hair and
enhances it with fabric dye to change the tonal value, e.g., ash,
gold, etc., but not the depth of the value, e.g., medium brown,
light brown, etc.
[0023] It is still a further object of the present invention to
provide a hair replacement or hairpiece that utilizes a color and
texture blend, preferably a blend of natural, virgin, human hair,
more preferably natural hair that has been de-cuticleized, even
more preferably hair of European and Indian origin, to simulate a
natural front hairline and an overall more natural look.
[0024] Further objects and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of the side view of a
preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a base
structure;
[0026] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the side view of a
preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a color
blending;
[0027] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the side view of a
preferred embodiment of the present invention showing different
kinds of knots and knotting direction; and
[0028] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a perspective top
view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing
different kinds of knots and knotting direction along the
hairline.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, the base foundation unit comprises a
front 12, top 16 and back 18 composed of a nylon mesh or lace
material. The mesh/lace material used depends on the density
desired, e.g., a small hole lace or mesh is used for full density,
a medium size hole lace or mesh is used for medium density and a
large hole lace or mesh is used for light density. Preferably, the
front 12, about 2.5 to 3 cm from the hairline 10 is coated lace,
preferably about 10 to 20 denier, more preferably about 15 denier,
lace coated with a clear, flexible plastic material such as
acrylic. In a preferred embodiment, the lace is stained or dyed
using commercial fabric dye to a specific skin tone, more
preferably the lace is stained or dyed prior to coating in order to
protect the coloring of the lace. The lace may be dyed to match a
variety of skin tones, including light, light/medium, medium,
medium/dark and dark. Such a dyed, coated lace material is
commercially available, for example, from Man-Sta in
California.
[0030] To make the base foundation, heat is applied to the base and
starting from the back area, using the malleability provided by the
heat, the base material is worked into the desired shape. The use
of heat results in a base material that is a smooth, wrinkle-free
layer of nylon and/or lace. In order to avoid a sharp line, the
edges of the hairline 10 are preferably scalloped.
[0031] The front 12 is blocked using a moderate stretch at the
highest point of the curve of the forehead, preferably about 1 cm
from the hairline 10 of the base unit, from one side to the other
and secured with pins, staples or other means. The whole hairline
10 is secured about 3 cm from the base unit's hairline. The coated
mesh/lace is then slightly pulled upward to overlap 14 the nylon
mesh or lace material of the top 16 by about 2 cm and secured with
pins or other suitable means. In order to avoid a sharp line, the
edges of the overlapping coated lace material in the front 12 and
the nylon or lace material of the top 16 are preferably scalloped.
Beginning on one side and continuously switching sides to ensure
even blocking, excess material at the top of the block is pleated,
resulting in pleats, preferably as small as possible. Care is taken
to ensure that the pleats end about 1.5 cm from the front hairline
10. Depending on the desired shape of the base unit, there may be
about 2 pleats, but preferably no more than about 4 pleats.
[0032] After the front 12 is blocked and smoothed, the overlap 14
is stitched using an invisible thread to create a first stitch
line. The first stitch line follows the scalloped edge of the nylon
or lace material from one side of the base unit across the top to
the other side. A second stitch line is made about 1 cm behind the
first stitch line to connect the front 12 coated mesh/lace with the
top 18 mesh or lace material. Excess mesh/lace material is
trimmed-off at about the second stitch line, preferably directly at
the second stitch line.
[0033] Once the mesh or lace is blocked, reinforcement 19 is added
to the back 18 of the base by applying a reinforcing material,
preferably polyurethane, more preferably polyurethane liquid, in a
linear or slightly curved pattern. Of course, any suitable
reinforcing material may be used as would be known to one of
ordinary skill in the art. According to a preferred embodiment, the
lines are no wider than about 2 mm, preferably about 1 to about 1.5
mm wide. According to another preferred embodiment, the
polyurethane lines are applied in vertical lines or in an "M"
pattern and in horizontal lines, wherein the horizontal lines are
preferably about 1 cm apart. According to a further preferred
embodiment, the polyurethane in applied in at least about 5,
preferably about 7, more preferably about 9 vertical lines and at
least about 3, preferably about 5 and more preferably about 7
horizontal lines. Preferably, the top 16, as well as the front 12
mesh/lace will have no polyurethane reinforcement. The polyurethane
adds support and permits customization of the hairpiece without
fraying when the hairpiece is trimmed to fit the wearer.
[0034] Once the reinforcing material has cured and dried, at least
one thin layer of clear material, preferably a clear, flexible
plastic, more preferably an acrylic spray is applied to the entire
base unit. In a preferred embodiment, at least three (3) layers are
applied, allowing each layer to dry to the touch, about 10 min.,
before applying the next layer. The base unit is now ready for
knotting.
[0035] According to another preferred embodiment, the back 18 is
prepared in two parts, preferably three parts, e.g., lower sides on
each side and a back middle part, wherein the nylon mesh or lace is
laid flat to the block, in a straight downward direction, the
midsection is laid straight across, overlapping at the polyurethane
reinforcement lines, preferably at the 4.sup.th and 6.sup.th
vertical polyurethane lines. The front 12 mesh/lace is then added
to the last about 5 to about 10 cm of the hairline 10. Preferably,
the mesh/lace should overlap 14 the top 16 by about 0.5 to 0.8 cm,
preferably about 0.6 cm to about 0.7 cm. The lace is then blocked
in a stretch pull manner to create a hooking effect, i.e.,
stretching the lace around the forehead to shape it to the forehead
and make it fit snugly, at the front 12 for a proper fit. Two (2)
to three (3) small pleats are then placed where the mesh/lace is
connected at overlap 14 to create depth. The lace is secured with
two (2) lines of stitching at either end of the overlap 14 and
excess lace at the top is cut at the stitching line facing the top
of the base. The polyurethane lines are now applied, preferably
with three (3) layers of polyurethane using masking tape to create
fine lines. After the polyurethane is dry, a thin layer coating of
liquid polyurethane is sprayed on, preferably two (2), more
preferably three (3) layers.
[0036] As seen in FIG. 3, according to a preferred embodiment,
several kinds of knots are used to create a natural appearance. For
example, the knotted back 38 of the hair replacement or hairpiece
is preferably comprised of single flat knots. According to another
embodiment, the knotted back 38 is comprised of a blend of flat,
single and double hair knots in the middle area of the knotted back
38 and single hair, tight, flat knots in the side areas of the
knotted back 38. The knotted top 34 and the knotted sides 32 are
preferably a blend of alternating single hair flat knots and single
hair split knots. The knotted crown 36 and the knotted front 30 are
preferably single hair split knots. Alternatively, the knotted
crown 36, knotted top 34 and knotted front 30 are preferably a
blend of single hair flat knots and single hair split knots.
Knotting methods, including flat and split knotting techniques are
well known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0037] The amount of split and flat knots will vary from area to
area. As seen in FIG. 3, the .fwdarw. arrow indicates areas with
flat knots and the arrow indicates areas with split knots.
Preferably, the flat knots are tight and close to the base unit, so
that they are as invisible as possible, especially when darker hair
colors are used. The split knots should also be tight, but by their
very nature, appear softer and need not be as tight as the flat
knots. Split knots also have the added advantage of creating
styling flexibility and lift as well as movement to the hair
replacement or hairpiece.
[0038] Density should be adjusted depending on the desired
appearance. According to a preferred embodiment, mesh or lace
material with different size holes is used so that when hair is
knotted in every hole, a thicker hairpiece results if the mesh or
lace has small holes and a thinner hairpiece results if the mesh or
lace has larger holes. Alternatively, an average or smaller size
mesh or lace can be used and holes can be left open to create a
thinner hairpiece, i.e., the more holes left open in the mesh or
lace of the base unit, the lesser the density of the hair
replacement or hairpiece will be. For applications seeking to match
finer natural hair, the density of the hair replacement or
hairpiece should be adjusted accordingly, meaning that either a
mesh or lace with larger holes is used and every hole has a hair
or, a mesh or lace with smaller holes is used and some holes are
left open in the base unit. In any case, the density of the hair
replacement or hairpiece can be easily adjusted to achieve the
desired results with either of these techniques. However, if
ventilation is desired, the method of using a smaller lace and
skipping holes is preferred. It should be notes that for
applications where lighter colored hair is desired, the density
will appear thinner anyway, because lighter hair is typically
finer.
[0039] Further, the number of split knots used will affect the
density, because split knots create volume and movement. FIG. 3
depicts a knotting pattern which may be used to create a medium,
full density hair replacement or hairpiece for an application which
is trying to match an existing, natural head of hair which is not
too thin and not too thick.
[0040] With respect to knotting direction, the knotted back 38 is
preferably kept flat and tight to the base unit by using flat knots
in order to get a good blend with the natural hair. According to
the present invention, it is important to match volume as well as
color and density in order to achieve a natural appearance. A
straight downward hair direction with a natural density is
preferred for the knotted back 38, whereas on the knotted top 34,
and especially in the knotted crown 36, more volume and flexibility
in style is preferred. Such results are achieved using a
combination of single hair, flat and split knots in varying amounts
in different areas such as at the knotted top 34 and knotted crown
36 of the hair replacement or hairpiece. According to a preferred
embodiment, the knotted crown 36 comprises only split knots.
Special care must be taken in the front knotted 30 and knotted
sides 32, which is the most visible area of the hair replacement or
hairpiece. For example, in one preferred embodiment, blonde hair is
used in the knotted front 30 and knotted sides 32 and hairline 10
and the knots are bleached even blonder while still creating a
natural density pattern around this area.
[0041] As seen in FIG. 3, excepted for the knotted back 38 and the
hairline 10, the entire hairpiece will be knotted in the reverse
direction, i.e., in the forward direction, from ear to forehead. In
order to permit the hair to fall in any direction, a crisscross
knotting technique is used. In this technique, one row of holes is
the lace or mesh is knotted to the rights, and the next row is
knotted to the left. Such a crisscross pattern allows the hair of
the hair replacement or hairpiece to be styled in any way,
including, but not limited to, Caesar Style, pompadour style and
the like and to be parted anywhere. In a preferred embodiment, the
most natural results are obtained when care is taken to ensure that
there is no interruption in direction between the crisscross areas
and the flat knots on the knotted back 38 of the hair piece. In
order to obtain a natural result, the area where the knotted top 34
meets the knotted back 38 has a knotted overlap 39, wherein every
other knot in the uppermost area of the knotted back 38, are
preferably single hair split knots, fixed to the hair piece in a
reverse, i.e., forward direction (back to front). In other words,
in the knotted overlap 39, the uppermost area of knotted back 38,
preferably comprises single hair flat knots fixed in a downward
direction and single hair split knots fixed in a forward
directed.
[0042] Turning now in more detail to FIG. 3, the knotted back 38 is
preferably knotted with tight, flat knots using single or double
hairs, preferably single hairs one at a time. In a preferred
embodiment, the hair in the knotted back 38 is knotted in the
downward direction. For medium density, a hair will be knotted
every 2.sup.nd to 3.sup.rd hole, unless a medium density lace is
used and then every hole will have a hair. The knotted front 30 is
preferably about 3-4 rows of the mesh or lace, about 5 cm to 6 cm
wide. The knotted sides 32 are preferably about 3-4 rows of mesh or
lace, about 2 cm wide. Knotted front 30 and knotted sides 32 are
also the areas where the top 16 connects with the front 12. In a
preferred embodiment, a break in density is avoided at the overlap
14 by ensuring that most of the knots are knotted only in the top
layer of the front 12 and only a few knots should go through both
materials for added support of the stitching. In this area, most of
the knots are alternating split and flat knots, preferably two (2)
split knots to every one (1) flat knot on larger holed mesh or
lace. Even and tight knots are preferable to further prevent a
break in the movement.
[0043] The knotted top 34 is preferably knotted with alternating
single hair flat knots and single hair split knots in a crisscross
pattern. To balance the amount of split knots with the desired
density, every 2.sup.nd and 3.sup.rd hole should be preferably
knotted with two single hair flat knots and then one single hair
split knot if a mesh or lace is used that has an appropriate hole
size. In the knotted top 34, a blend of 50% split knot and 50% flat
knot is preferred with tight knots.
[0044] The knotted crown 36 is knotted with single hair split knots
in a crisscross pattern. According to another embodiment, every
2.sup.nd hole in the knotted crown 36 may alternatively be knotted
with a single hair flat knot and a single hair split knot, in order
to create movement and lift, preferably 80% single hair split knots
and 20% single hair, tight flat knots knotted in a crisscross
pattern, in a reverse direction.
[0045] In the front 12, the hairline 10 has a knotted front 30 and
knotted sides 32. In this area, any lines, especially straight
lines, should preferably be avoided. According to a preferred
embodiment, about 90% of the knots should be single hair split
knots and 10% should be single hair flat knots. According to
another preferred embodiment, about 80% should be single hair split
knots and 20% should be single hair flat knots. According to a
further preferred embodiment, about 70% of the area is covered by
single hair, split knots and about 30% of the area is covered by
single hair, flat tight knots. As this area is the most visible,
the edge of this area should be very soft and not show a line. As
seen in FIG. 3, the knotted front 30 preferably comprises single
hair split knots, attached to the base in a crisscross pattern and
the knotted sides 32 are preferably alternating single hair split
knots and flat knots.
[0046] FIG. 4 represents a detail of the hairline 10 wherein the
outer edge of the hairline 10 comprises single hair split knots,
knotted in the non-reverse direction, i.e., from forehead to ear.
The knotted front 30 is immediately next to the hairline 10 in the
front and comprises single hair split knots, knotted in a
crisscross pattern. The knotted sides 32 are immediately next to
the hairline 10 on the sides, and comprise alternating single hair
split knots and single hair flat knots in a reverse direction,
i.e., from ear to forehead.
[0047] Another important aspect of the present invention is the
hair quality and design. For example, in one embodiment, the hair
replacement or hairpiece will have various blends of stripped,
virgin hair, preferably Indian and European, more preferably
Russian hair. According to a preferred embodiment, the lighter the
desired color of the final hair replacement or hairpiece, the more
Russian hair is used in order to avoid the need for bleaching as
much as possible. By using natural, virgin hair of different
colors, excessive chemical treatment can be avoided, resulting in a
hairpiece of better quality.
[0048] Most Indian hair is cool black to cool medium brown with
varying undertones from blue to golden red, which are preferably
dyed to achieve cooler colors. According to a preferred embodiment,
the hair is dyed with fabric dye or with another method that is
well known to one skilled in the art in order to achieve a Level 1
(cool black), a Level 2 (cool brown-black), and a Level 3 (cool
dark brown) color.
[0049] Color Levels 4 (medium brown) and 5 (medium light brown) are
archived with a light bleach formula to lighten the hair to a level
lighter than needed, and than colored with fabric dye or the like,
to eliminate the orange-red undertones resulting from the
bleaching.
[0050] European, preferably Russian, hair comes in a variety of
colors, mostly a Level 6 (dark blonde) to a Level 8 (medium/light
blonde). This hair is separated by color level and undertone in
order to archive a Level 6 (dark blonde), a Level 7 (medium blonde)
and a Level 8 (medium/light blonde) color variation using fabric
dye formulas involving blue and violet pigments or any other method
known that is well known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0051] The Level 9 and lighter Russian hair is left natural and is
only used for the front hairline area (about 2-3 cm). If these
lighter colors are not available, the next darker natural hair
color will be used so that a minimum amount of bleaching is
necessary, which helps prevent hair breakage and hair loss. If
desired, for hairstyles with distinguished parts or crown areas
(Cesar styles), natural blonde hair can also be used in the part or
crown area to avoid over-bleaching the knots from a darker level to
a pale blonde.
[0052] The knots can then be bleached after the hair replacement or
hairpiece is made using a bleach solution comprising about 6 to 9%
peroxide.
[0053] All white hair is preferably a synthetic blend of different
whites, including ivory, silver, yellow-white, in order to archive
a natural gray hair replacement or hairpiece for wearers with a
higher percentage of gray hair color, i.e., over 50%. The use of
synthetic hair in this instance prevents the yellowing effect that
is common when natural white hair is used.
[0054] In order to prepare the hair, it is first stripped by
removing its cuticle to prevent the hair from tangling. The
different origins and thickness of the hair determines the strength
and developing time of the cuticle removing acid wash. In general,
the cuticle on Russian hair is easier to remove and needs milder
treatment than the cuticle on Indian hair. All cuticle removing is
preferably done after the hair is sorted, but prior to perming and
coloring. Preferably, an intensive conditioning follows the cuticle
removing, prior to any coloring and bleaching, especially for
Levels 4 and 5.
[0055] FIG. 2 represents the preferred color pattern according to
the present invention. The lightest color is in the colored front
20 and the darkest color is in the colored back 24. According to a
preferred embodiment, a colored top 22 has a medium color.
According to a more preferred embodiment, there may also be
multiple color regions, gradually going from light to dark from the
hairline 10 in the front to the back 18 of the hairpiece.
[0056] The colors achieved using the procedures described herein
are basic opaque colors and do not sufficiently reflect a natural
blend of hair colors. Therefore, a blending of different colors is
needed in order to more closely simulate natural hair color.
Further, depending on the desired end result, appropriate amounts
of gray/white hair may be added as needed. Moreover, in order to
achieve a natural color effect, the first overlap 26 and the second
overlap 28 between the color regions are zigzagged to blend the
light/medium colors in first overlap 26 and the medium/dark colors
in the second overlap 28.
[0057] To follow are examples of certain color blends for Levels 1,
2 and 3.
EXAMPLE 1, LEVEL 1, COOL BLACK
[0058] Colored back 24 has a mix of 80% Level 1 and 20% Level
2;
[0059] Colored top 22 has a mix of 70% Level 1 and 20% Level 2 and
10% Russian Level 6 medium cool;
[0060] Colored front 20 has a mix of 50% Level 1 and 30% Level 2
and 20% Russian Level 6 cool; and
[0061] Hairline 10 (about 3 cm) is a natural blonde Russian hair
with bleached knots.
EXAMPLE 2, LEVEL 2, COOL DARKEST BROWN
[0062] Colored back 24 has a mix of 80% Level 2 and 20% Level
3;
[0063] Colored top 22 has a mix of 70% Level 2 and 20% Level 3 and
10% Russian Level 6 cool;
[0064] Colored front 20 has a mix of 50% Level 2 and 30% Level 3
and 20% Russian Level 6 cool; and
[0065] Hairline 10 (about 3 cm) is a natural blonde Russian hair
with bleached knots.
EXAMPLE 3, LEVEL 3, COOL MEDIUM BROWN
[0066] Colored back 24 has a mix of 80% Level 3 and 20% Level
4;
[0067] Colored top 22 has a mix of 70% Level 3 and 20% Level 4 and
10% Russian Level 6 cool;
[0068] Colored front 20 has a mix of 50% Level 3 and 30% Level 4
and 20% Russian Level 6 cool; and
[0069] Hairline 10 (about 3 cm) is a natural blonde Russian hair
with bleached knots.
EXAMPLE 4, LEVEL 6/7, MEDIUM DARK COOL BLONDE
[0070] Colored back 24 has a mix of 80% Russian Level 6 cool and
natural, non-colored Russian Level 6;
[0071] Colored top 22 has a mix of 70% Russian Level 6 cool and 20%
Russian Level 7 cool and 10% Russian Level 8;
[0072] Colored front 20 has a mix of 50% Russian Level 6 cool and
30% Level 7 cool and 20% Russian Level 8; and
[0073] Hairline 10 (about 3 cm) is either a mix of 50% Russian
Level 6 cool and 30% Level 7 cool and 20% Russian Level 8 or a
natural blonde Russian hair, but in either case, the knots are
bleached.
[0074] According to a preferred embodiment, if the hair is to be
permed, the hair is permed after the cuticle is removing but prior
to the coloring or light bleaching (Level 4 and 5). Preferably, the
perm is a generic body wave, which will give support and movement
to the hair. The perm size will depend on whether an acid or an
alkaline perm is used. In general, acid perms require smaller perm
sizes than an alkaline perm.
[0075] Once the hairpiece is finished, it may be attached to the
wearer using bonds, glues, adhesives, braiding, tape, clips (such
as spring clips or another suitable alternative) or any other
method commonly known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0076] It can be appreciated that variations to this invention
would be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and this
invention is intended to include those alternatives.
[0077] While this invention is clearly designed to address the
unique needs of men suffering from pattern baldness, that does not
preclude men with other types of hair loss, women or children from
wearing the hair replacement/hairpiece of the present invention and
taking advantage of the unique features of same.
[0078] Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be
assessed as that of the appended claims and any equivalents
thereto.
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