U.S. patent application number 11/710141 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-30 for detachable hairpiece and method for making the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to ProNatural Hair, Inc.. Invention is credited to Marilyn McCulloch.
Application Number | 20070199571 11/710141 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38442849 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070199571 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McCulloch; Marilyn |
August 30, 2007 |
Detachable hairpiece and method for making the same
Abstract
The present disclosure is directed to a detachable hairpiece and
a method for making the same. This is accomplished by providing a
uniquely shaped foundation on and through which hair extensions are
woven, and which is held securely to the wearer's head by an
elastic band by corresponding button snaps or other attachment
means incorporated into both the band and the foundation. The
hairpiece may also be held in place by a headband which is coupled
to the hairpiece. The hairpiece of the present invention is easy to
put on, comfortable to wear, and gives the wearer endless options
as to the appearance of their hair.
Inventors: |
McCulloch; Marilyn;
(Huntsville, AL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LANIER FORD SHAVER & PAYNE P.C.
P O BOX 2087
HUNTSVILLE
AL
35804
US
|
Assignee: |
ProNatural Hair, Inc.
Huntsville
AL
|
Family ID: |
38442849 |
Appl. No.: |
11/710141 |
Filed: |
February 23, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60776314 |
Feb 24, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
132/56 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41G 5/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/56 |
International
Class: |
A41G 3/00 20060101
A41G003/00 |
Claims
1. A method of making a hairpiece comprising: a. Sewing multiple
hair tracks to one side of a foundation such that the hair flowing
from said hair tracks are all oriented in the same direction; b.
Using a crochet hook to pull hair through the foundation such that
the foundation is substantially covered with hair; c. Incorporating
button snaps on the underside of said foundation corresponding to
the front of said hairpiece.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a hairpiece for
covering a user's head and, more particularly to a wearable
hairpiece for simulating natural hair, and still more particularly
to a means of attaching a novel hairpiece to the head of a user, as
well as a novel method of making the hairpiece.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Various types of hair pieces and methods of making the same
are well known in the art. Typically a hairpiece includes a base or
foundation which can conform to the contours of the scalp, and a
magnitude of hairs attached to the foundation.
[0003] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,599,749 depicts a cap worn by
women to conceal partial or total hair loss. It has a main fabric
piece with a curved top margin and a straight bottom margin with
hems along both margins. A hairpiece retainer band consisting of a
fabric strap is sown at its opposite ends along the inside of the
bottom hem. Between the band and the bottom hem is a space to
retain hairpiece simulating bangs. An elastic drawstring and top
hem gathers the curved top margin into a tight loop. This gives the
appearance of a full head of hair while applying tension to the
bottom margin. The retainer band holds the hairpiece in place in an
easily adjustable manner.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 4,600,029 pertains to a hairpiece having
individual hairs adjustably secured about an endless circular
filament or filaments and a method of placement on the head. The
circular filament or filaments encircle the upper forward portion
of the head. The sides and the lower back portion of the head are
beneath an upper layer and above an underlying layer of hair. The
hairpiece is thereby sandwiched between layers of the natural hair
on the head.
[0005] Alternatively, U.S. Pat. No. 5,551,452 demonstrates an
adjustable hairpiece including a filamentary support element formed
in a loop so as to fit around the head. Hair is affixed to the loop
element in a manner allowing it to hang down. Portions of the
support element extend through bores on the loop element. A
releasable diameter fixing member is movable along the support
element to fix the size of the loop.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,806,535 pertains to a head covering
foundation article for a wig. This device includes a stretchable
net-like headband having a circumference of proximately equal to
the circumference of the head. Each band edge has an elasticized
strip with loops adapted to be gripped by hook fabric fasteners.
Hair extends upwardly and downwardly from both of the strips to
simulate nape, forehead, and crown hair.
[0007] The most common methods of attaching pre-made extension
wefts to a wearer's head have included gluing the extension wefts
to the wearer's own hair or head, bonding strands of extension hair
to strands of the weaver's own hair, and sewing extension wefts to
a cornrow base of tightly woven braids on the wearer's own
scalp.
[0008] Each of the hairpieces and methods of attaching extensions
to a user's head to supplement hair can have significant drawbacks.
Namely, the hairpieces can have an unnatural look, they can be
expensive to manufacture, they can be uncomfortable to wear, they
may shift on the head causing embarrassing moments, or they may
otherwise fail to provide the wearer a comfortable and
natural-looking alternative to a full wig. Furthermore, many
existing hairpieces have limited lifetimes and require extensive
maintenance. Accordingly, the present invention addresses each of
these issues by providing a comfortable hairpiece which has the
appearance of natural hair and is easy to maintain.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present disclosure is directed to a detachable hairpiece
and a method for making and wearing the same. This is accomplished
by providing a uniquely shaped silicone foundation on and through
which hair extensions are woven, and which is held securely to the
wearer's head by an elastic band and by a headband which is coupled
to the hairpiece. The hairpiece of the present invention is easy to
put on, comfortable to wear, and gives the wearer endless options
as to the appearance of their hair. Such options range from the
introduction of color to the wearer's own natural color, to the
appearance of a different style of the wearer's own hair. The
hairpiece can be styled or parted in a way which feels comfortable
to the wearer. Furthermore, the hairpiece is easy to care for and
is extremely durable.
[0010] To make the hairpiece, tracks of hair extensions are sewn to
a substantially sheer ribbon which is in turn sewn to a thin piece
of silicon uniquely shaped to provide a natural look. The hair is
then pulled through (or woven through) the silicon using a crochet
hook. To reduce manufacturing time, the silicon is divided into
parts which can be completed separately and then combined together
to complete the hairpiece. Alternatively, the tracks can be placed
in a unique pattern to a uniquely shaped piece of silicon and then
woven through the silicone.
[0011] The hairpiece is kept in place by two attachment means, a
plastic and elastic headband, which keep the hairpiece securely in
place during normal use, allowing the wearer to treat the hairpiece
in the same manner as he or she would his or her own hair. The
attachment means are connected to the hairpiece via a substantially
sheer liner sewn onto the silicone foundation, and onto which snaps
are attached to the portion which rests on the front of the head,
and a sleeve is attached to the middle portion in order to house a
standard plastic headband. The snaps are mated with corresponding
snaps on the elastic headband which attaches the hairpiece to the
front of the head by holding it securely behind the nape of the
neck.
[0012] The silicone which is used in this hairpiece is the same
used for aircraft windshields. However, other similar and suitable
silicone formulations exist and can be used. Additionally, other
foundations, such as those used to manufacture wigs may be used as
long as they are resilient enough to endure the fabrication
process. The hair extensions used are composed of either human or
synthetic hair, and are available in several different lengths but
more commonly the ten (10) inch, twelve (12) inch and fourteen (14)
inch lengths are used.
[0013] For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects,
advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described
herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such
advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular
embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or
carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or
group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving
other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.
[0014] The present invention discloses a standard plastic headband
which fits around the head of a wearer, a uniquely shaped silicone
foundation wherein multiple strands of hair are attached and woven
through to the opposite side, and another elastic band which
securely holds the front of the foundation to the front of the
wearer's head.
[0015] These and other embodiments of the present invention will
also become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the
following detailed description of the embodiments having reference
to the attached figures, the invention not being limited to any
particular embodiment(s) disclosed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The present invention is described with reference to the
accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers
indicate identical or functionally similar elements. Additionally,
the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the drawing
in which the reference number first appears.
[0017] FIG. 1 is top plan view of the three portions of silicone
used to form an exemplary foundation.
[0018] FIG. 2 is top plan view of the first portion of an exemplary
silicone foundation with its associated ribbon upon which tracks of
hair extensions are sewn, and depicting the pattern to be used in
attaching the tracks.
[0019] FIG. 3 is top plan view of the second portion of an
exemplary silicone foundation with its associated ribbon upon which
tracks of hair extensions are sewn, and depicting the pattern to be
used in attaching the tracks.
[0020] FIG. 4 is top plan view of the third portion of an exemplary
silicone foundation with its associated ribbon upon which tracks of
hair extensions are sewn, and depicting the pattern to be used in
attaching the tracks.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a close-up view of the ribbon to be attached to
the third portion with its associated tracks of hair extensions and
with arrows representing the direction in which the hair from these
tracks is to be oriented.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a top plan view showing the three portions as they
fit together in the preferred embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of a
silicone foundation.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the alternative embodiment
foundation with lines representing hair extensions to be sewn onto
the foundation.
[0025] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of an alternative foundation
showing the order of which to sew hair extensions to the
foundation.
[0026] FIG. 10 is an exemplary liner to be attached to the bottom
portion of the hairpiece and upon which the two attachment means
are incorporated.
[0027] FIG. 11 is an exemplary elastic strap used to secure the
hairpiece to the front of the wearer's head.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] The various embodiments of the present invention and their
advantages are best understood by referring to FIGS. 1 through 11
of the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily
to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating
the principles of the invention.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 1, the first portion of the silicon
foundation 110 is shaped substantially like an isosceles triangle
with a rounded point and concave base.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, the first portion 110 is sewn to a
ribbon 210 which is wide enough to sew between eight (8) and
thirteen (13) tracks of hair extensions 215 on alternating sides.
The ribbon used is shear, light-weight and has the ability to dry
fast if it gets wet. The ribbon also allows good air circulation
and allows the scalp to breath.
[0031] If ten (10) tracks are used, tracks labeled 1-1, 1-3, 1-5,
1-7, and 1-9 are sewn on one side of the ribbon and tracks labeled
1-2, 1-4, 1-6, 1-8, and 1-10 are sewn to the opposite side. In the
preferred embodiment, only ten (10) tracks are used. The first
track (labeled 1-1) is about four and one half (41/2) inches long,
but can generally be in the range of three (3) to six (6) inches
depending on the head size of the wearer. Each subsequent track is
slightly recessed from the edge of the ribbon. The hair from each
track is oriented in the same direction on the ribbon--towards the
pointed part of the triangle. Two final tracks (labeled 1-11, and
1-12) are then sewn to the ribbon in the manner indicated on FIG.
2. The hair from these tracks is oriented as depicted in FIG.
2.
[0032] Once all of the tracks have been sewn to the ribbon, the
hair from the ribbon is placed on one side of the first portion,
and the ribbon 210 is sewn to the concave base of first portion 110
at the ribbon's horizontal edge toward which the hair is
oriented.
[0033] The combined silicone/ribbon piece is then flipped over such
that the hair is trapped between the silicone and another solid
surface. A crochet hook is then systematically used to pull (or
weave) the hair through the silicone piece. Before the hair is
pulled through, a marker matching the color of the hair extensions
to be used can be used to make cosmetic marks to the outside of the
silicone giving the appearance of a natural scalp. Alternatively,
the silicon itself can be colored to substantially match the color
of hair extensions to be used to make the hairpiece.
[0034] To pull the hair through the silicone, a crochet hook (or
similar instrument), which has been sharpened on the outer curved
portion of the hook (so it can puncture the silicone), is pressed
through the silicone. The hook then grabs the hair from the ribbon
resting against the first silicone, and pulls (or weaves) the hair
through the silicone. This process is repeated to ensure uniformity
and complete coverage of the hair on the top side of the silicone,
and until substantially all of the hair is pulled (or woven)
through the silicone. In the preferred process, the hair is pulled
(or woven) through the silicon by starting at the midline at the
bottom of the base of the first portion and moving in a zig-zag
pattern outward toward the edge of the silicone and back to the
base, again, insuring uniformity and complete coverage of hair on
what is to be the top of the hairpiece. Each subsequent weave
should begin from the inside and move outside until one hemisphere
is completed. The other hemisphere is completed using the same
inside-out zig-zag pattern. Once both hemispheres have been
completed, a thin transparent thread is used to finish the edge
along the front curved portion of the first portion. This gives the
hairpiece a natural appearance simulating the front hairline.
[0035] The second portion (middle portion) 120 of the hairpiece is
created the same way as the first portion. The second portion 120
is substantially shaped like an isosceles triangle with a
substantially squared top portion and a concave base portion. As
shown in FIG. 3, the second portion 120 is sewn to a ribbon 320
which is wide enough to sew between eight (8) and thirteen (13)
tracks of hair extensions 325 on alternating sides. In the
preferred embodiment, only nine (9) tracks of hair extensions 325
are sewn to the ribbon 320 of the middle portion. The first track
(labeled 2-1) is about four and one half (41/2) inches long, but
can generally be in the range of three (3) to six (6) inches
depending on the head size of the wearer. Each subsequent track is
slightly recessed from the edge of the ribbon. This prevents the
hairpieces from accumulating along the edges of the ribbon. Again,
the tracks are sewn on alternating sides of the ribbon so that
tracks 2-1, 2-3, 2-5, 2-7, and 2-9 are on one side of the ribbon
and tracks 2-2, 2-4, 2-6, and 2-8 are on the opposite side. The
ninth track (labeled 2-9), may be sewn from one edge of the first
track along the outer curved perimeter of the ribbon to the
opposite end of the first track (as shown in FIG. 3), but in the
preferred embodiment, the ninth track is substantially parallel to
the other tracks.
[0036] Again, the hair is oriented all in the same direction toward
the pointed portion of the second silicone piece. Once all of the
tracks have been sewn to the ribbon, all of the hair is placed upon
one side of the second portion and the ribbon 320 is sewn to the
concave base of second portion 120 at the ribbon's horizontal edge
toward which the hair is oriented as depicted in FIG. 3. The
combined silicone/ribbon piece is then flipped over such that the
hair is trapped between the silicone and another solid surface.
Hair from the tracks is pulled through the second portion 320 in
the same manner as it was pulled through the first portion.
[0037] The third portion 130 is substantially shaped like a
rectangle with rounded corners, with the bottom portion slightly
narrower than the top portion. As shown in FIG. 4, the third
portion 130 is sewn to a ribbon 430 which is wide enough to sew
between eight (8) and thirteen (13) tracks of hair extensions 435
on alternating sides.
[0038] In the preferred embodiment, only nine (9) tracks of hair
extensions 435 are sewn to the ribbon 430 of the middle portion.
The first track (labeled 3-1) is about four and one half (41/2)
inches long, but can generally be in the range of three (3) to six
(6) inches depending on the head size of the wearer. Each
subsequent track is slightly recessed from the edge of the ribbon.
The tracks are sewn on alternating sides of the ribbon so that
tracks 3-1, 3-3, 3-5, 3-7, and 3-9 are on one side of the ribbon
and tracks 3-2, 3-4, 3-6, and 3-8 are on the other side. Hair from
these tracks is oriented toward the wider portion of the
rectangle.
[0039] Once all of the tracks have been sewn to the ribbon, the
hair from the ribbon is placed on one side of the first portion,
and the ribbon 430 is sewn to the base of third portion 130 at the
ribbon's edge toward which the hair from tracks 3-1 through 3-9 is
oriented as depicted in FIG. 4. The combined silicone/ribbon piece
is then flipped over such that the hair is trapped between the
silicone and another solid surface. Hair from the tracks is pulled
through the second portion 320 in the same manner as it was pulled
through the first portion.
[0040] Either before or after the hair has been pulled (or weaved)
through, eight (8) additional tracks (labeled 3-1-1, 3-1-2, 3-1-3,
3-1-4, 3-1-5, 3-1-6, 3-1-7, and 3-1-8) are sewn to the ribbon 430
on the same side as that which the hair will be (or has been)
pulled (or weaved) through the silicone, and that the hair from
these additional tracks is oriented in the opposite direction of
tracks 3-1 through 3-9 (toward the back of the hairpiece). These
tracks are sewn to the ribbon in the manner indicated on FIGS. 4
and 5. The hair from these tracks is oriented as depicted in FIG.
5. Track 3-1-5 is between five (5) and seven (7) inches long
(preferably six (6) inches), and after being substantially centered
on the ribbon such that each end overlaps the ribbon equally, the
overlapping ends are folded around the ribbon and sewn to the
opposite side as depicted on FIG. 5.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 6, to attach the three pieces of
silicone together, the top of the second portion 120 is sewn on top
of the ribbon 210 of the first portion 110 with transparent thread.
This creates an upward slope and soft angle to simulate a natural
hair style. This also prevents the appearance of a flat head. The
third portion 130 is sewn to the ribbon 320 of the second portion
120 in a similar manner with transparent thread. Once assembly has
been completed, the hairpiece should resemble a complete scalp with
uniform hair coverage throughout. If there are areas of the hair
piece that are missing hair or do not appear natural (either due to
the amount of hair attached to the tracks, or due to an error in
weaving the hair through the silicon foundations, then smaller
tracks of hair may be sewn to the bottom of the hairpiece and
pulled (or woven) through the silicon (using the same method
described above) in order to fill in the thin spots.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 7, in an alternative embodiment, a silicone
foundation 705 is cut into an arrowhead-like shape in order that
hair extensions can be sewn onto the foundation. The pointed
portion of the foundation should rest on the front part of the
wearer's head. The tracks of hair extensions 805 (FIG. 8),
represented by lines drawn on the foundation 705, are sewn to the
bottom of the foundation 705 (the side which rests against the
wearer's head) and hair is pulled through the silicone using a
small hook or other similar device. The tracks 805 should be sewn
along lines substantially similar to the ones shown on FIG. 9 and
in substantially the same numeric order as depicted by the zone
numbers shown in FIG. 9.
[0043] As hair from each extension is pulled through the silicone
foundation, the appearance of the hair on the top of the foundation
should be checked to ensure even coverage and to ensure that the
hair will lay down in a manner which will give the appearance of
natural hair. Zones 6 and 7 (FIG. 9) should be sewn to assure that
the portion which rests on the front of the wearer's head maintains
a natural look and simulates a natural hairline. This is
accomplished by sewing the extension along the outside front edge
of the foundation.
[0044] Either embodiment of the hairpiece is attached to the
wearer's head by two (2) mechanisms. A standard plastic head band
is threaded through a sleeve 1010 which is sewn to a liner 1005
(FIG. 10) which is sewn to the bottom of the completed silicone
foundation. The liner can be made from any fabric, but preferably,
a substantially sheer, thin, quick-drying material is used. A
triangular piece of Velcro 1015 is attached to the top portion of
the liner, corresponding to the front part of the hairpiece. Button
snaps 1020 or a similar attachment device may be attached to the
Velcro 1015 to mate with the corresponding attachment device
located on the second attachment mechanism. The liner 1005 is
substantially bullet-shaped in order to match the shape of the
silicone foundation. After threading a standard plastic headband
through the sleeve it can be placed over the wearer's head and rest
on either side behind the wearer's ears.
[0045] The second attachment mechanism is an elastic band 1105 in
substantially the form shown on FIG. 11. The elastic band 1105 is
made from several strips of elastic. The strips are used to secure
contains Velcro 1110 shaped to match the triangular shape on the
liner depicted in FIG. 10. The Velcro 1110 corresponds to the
Velcro attached to the liner and may house button snaps 1120 or a
similar attachment device to correspond with the attachment device
used on the liner. The opposite end of the elastic band is
stretched over the wearer's head and rests on the nape of the
wearer's neck. Another piece of Velcro 1115 may be provided on the
portion which rests on the nape of the wearer's neck to prevent
slipping.
[0046] To prevent the tracks from showing on the third portion, a
piece of satin, substantially the same color of the hair extensions
used, may be sewn to the ribbon of the third portion. Additionally,
tracks of hair extensions may be sewn on top of this satin piece to
ensure a natural look.
[0047] The manufacturing time for each portion of the hairpiece can
be decreased if holes are place in the silicon before the
extensions are attached, making it easier to pull the hair through
the silicone foundation. Once the hairpiece has been completed, it
can be washed, styled and cut just like natural hair.
[0048] This invention may be provided in other specific forms and
embodiments without departing from the essential characteristics as
described herein. Specifically, the order in which the tracks are
sewn to the ribbon, as well as the order and method in which the
hair is pulled (or weaved) through the silicon, can be changed
without compromising the finished product. The embodiments
described above are to be considered in all aspects as illustrative
only and not restrictive in any manner.
[0049] While particular embodiments of the invention have been
described, it will be understood, however, that the invention is
not limited thereto, since modifications may be made by those
skilled in the art, particularly in light of the foregoing
teachings.
* * * * *