U.S. patent application number 13/506902 was filed with the patent office on 2013-11-28 for integrated hair piece and method of using same.
The applicant listed for this patent is Hattie M. Murphy. Invention is credited to Hattie M. Murphy.
Application Number | 20130312781 13/506902 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49620623 |
Filed Date | 2013-11-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130312781 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Murphy; Hattie M. |
November 28, 2013 |
Integrated hair piece and method of using same
Abstract
A hair piece assembly has a two part construction that covers
bald or thinning areas of a person's scalp. Natural hair of the
hair piece wearer is utilized and interwoven with synthetic hair
and natural hair portions of the hair piece so that the hair piece
assembly is well blended, and not readily detected. A first portion
of the hair piece assembly comprises a first attachment means
integrated therein. The first portion is placed on a head and
attached thereto by the first attachment means. After being
attached, the first portion is covered with natural hair. A second
portion of the hair piece comprises a braided member having a
distal end and a proximal end. The distal end terminates at an edge
and the proximal end gradually terminates the braided construction
to yield free unbraided hairs, which extend therefrom to thereby
form a flowing hair member.
Inventors: |
Murphy; Hattie M.; (Newark,
NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Murphy; Hattie M. |
Newark |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49620623 |
Appl. No.: |
13/506902 |
Filed: |
May 23, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/201 ;
132/53 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41G 5/0073
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/201 ;
132/53 |
International
Class: |
A41G 5/00 20060101
A41G005/00 |
Claims
1. A hair piece assembly comprising: a. a first portion having
first attachment means integrated therein adapted to be placed on a
head attached by way of said first attachment means and further
adapted to be covered with natural hair on said head; b. said first
portion being, constructed as a band having a top wall, bottom wall
and side walls and a front face and back face; c. a second portion
having a braided member having a distal end and a proximal end,
said distal end terminates at an edge and said proximal end
gradually terminates said braided construction to yield free
unbraided hairs extending therefrom said braided member forming a
flowing hair member; d. said first portion and said second portion
being separate portions and said braided member of said second
portion being adapted to be inserted between said first portion and
said head and said flowing hair member extends therefrom.
2. A hair piece assembly as recited by claim 1, wherein said second
portion comprises attachment means.
3. A hair piece assembly as recited by claim 1, wherein said
proximal end comprises attachment means.
4. A hair piece assembly as recited by claim 1, wherein said edge
of second braided member's distal end comprises attachment
means.
5. A hair piece assembly as recited by claim 1, wherein said first
portion is constructed from a synthetic material.
6. A hair piece assembly as recited by claim 1, wherein said first
portion is constructed from a fibrous, thin, and elastic,
expandable or flexible material.
7. (canceled)
8. A hair piece assembly as recited by claim 7, wherein said first
attachment means are located on each of said side walls.
9. A hair piece assembly as recited by claim 7, wherein said first
attachment means are located on each of said side walls and at
least one secondary attachment means is located on said front face
of said band.
10. A hair piece assembly as recited by claim 7, wherein at least
one attachment means is located on said back face.
11. A hair piece assembly as recited by claim 1, wherein said
braided member includes a top surface having an attachment means
thereon appointed to attach to a back face of said first
portion.
12. A hair piece assembly as recited by claim 1, wherein said
braided member's distal end is thinner in diameter than said
proximal end and wherein said braided member is appointed to be
slipped behind or under said first portion so that it is contained
and secured behind said first portion.
13. A hair piece assembly as recited by claim 1, wherein said first
portion and said second portion are the same or similar colors.
14. A hair piece assembly as recited by claim 1, wherein said
flowing hair member is formed from natural hair strands.
15. A hair piece assembly as recited by claim 1, wherein said
flowing hair member is constructed to as natural hair selected from
the group consisting of curly, straight, waived, and a variety of
hair textures.
16. A method of using a hair piece assembly, comprising the steps
of: a. selecting said hair piece assembly based on a hair color,
texture and length, said hair piece assembly comprising: i. a first
portion having first attachment means integrated therein adapted to
be placed on a head attached by way of said first attachment means
and further adapted to be covered with natural hair on said head;
ii. said first portion being constructed as a band having a top
wall, bottom wall and side walls and a front face and back face;
iii. a second portion having a braided member having a distal end
and a proximal end, said distal end terminates at an edge and said
proximal end gradually terminates said braided construction to
yield free unbraided hairs extending therefrom said braided member
forming a flowing hair member; iv. said first portion and said
second portion being separate portions and said braided member of
said second portion being adapted to be inserted between said first
portion and said head and said flowing hair member extends
therefrom. b. placing said first portion on a head region and
placing thinning hair or hair near said region over said first
portion to cover said first portion and integrate same with said
hair; c. inserting and securing said distal end of said second
portion's braid member behind said first portion to rest between
said first portion and said head; d. arranging said flowing hair
member of said second portion on said head.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to hair pieces; and, more
particularly, to hair piece arrangements which provide coverage for
thinning hair or bald areas of the scalp.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Baldness implies the partial or complete lack of hair and is
best understood as part of the wider topic of "hair thinning". The
degree and pattern of hair thinning can vary greatly, but its most
common cause is male and female pattern baldness. Hair thinning
involves different degrees and patterns. Pattern balding commonly
involves patchy hair loss. Although baldness in women is not as
common as in men, it is relatively prevalent. Typically with women,
the frontal hairline is preserved but the density of hair is
decreased on all areas of the scalp. Female hair loss has become a
growing problem which is estimated to affect around 30 million
women in the United States. Although hair loss in females normally
occurs after the age of 50 or even later when it does not follow
events like pregnancy, chronic illness, crash diets, and stress
among others, it is now occurring at earlier ages with reported
cases in women as young as 15 or 16. Generally, female pattern
thinning or baldness is diffuse and goes around the whole top of
the head and can affect women at any time. There are other
instances in which the actions of hormones may also cause female
hair loss. Some examples are: pregnancy, menopause, presence of
ovarian cysts, some birth control pills, polycystic ovary syndrome,
thyroid disorders, anemia, chronic illness and some
medications.
[0005] Currently there is no way to instigate permanent re-growth
of hair that has been lost through genetic or hormonal causes.
Treatments may include a variety of medications to slow hair
thinning, help grow new hair or enlarge existing hairs to create
better coverage. However, most require long-term and if stopped,
hair loss returns. Another method of treatment involves hair
transplant surgery wherein healthy hair is moved from the back and
sides of the head to areas of thinning. However, the procedure can
take anywhere between four and eight hours, with additional
sessions usually need to be carried out to make hair appear
thicker, is invasive, and can be costly. Furthermore, transplanted
hair falls out within a few weeks, but re-grows permanently within
months. Other than treatments, individuals often attempt to hide
hair loss. Attempts at hiding hair loss may involve restyling
remaining hair to cover the balding area. However, as the hair loss
increases, this method becomes less effective. Another method is to
wear a hat or a hairpiece--a wig or toupee. Typically, the wig is a
layer of artificial or natural hair made to resemble a typical hair
style. In most cases the hair is artificial and wigs vary widely in
quality and cost, with real hair or those that look like real hair
costing up to tens of thousands of dollars. Further, generally
unless the hair piece is a toupee, the wig covers the entire scalp
and is placed on the head with the risk of being blown or otherwise
falling off during wear.
[0006] There is a need in the art for a hair piece that provides
the look and feel of natural hair, that can readily blend in with a
user's natural hair, and that can be readily secured and fastened
to a user's head in a discrete, reliable manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention provides a hair piece adapted to be
placed on a person's head. Generally stated, the hair piece
comprises a first portion composed of a synthetic material that is
appointed to be placed at the back of the head of a person. The
natural hair of the person is wrapped around the first portion or
synthetic portion to hold it in place. A second portion of the hair
piece is provided that is composed of natural hair or natural
looking hair, and is attached to the first portion or synthetic
portion, so that the second portion rests on the top of the
wearer's head.
[0008] The hair piece assembly includes a first portion having
first attachment means integrated therein. The first portion is
adapted to be placed on a head and attached by way of the first
attachment means. Natural hair on the head is then wrapped over or
moved to cover the first portion. A second portion having a braided
member is provided by the hair piece assembly. The braided member
of the second portion has a distal end terminating at an edge and a
proximal end terminating to yield a plurality of free unbraided
hair strands forming a flowing hair member.
[0009] A method of using the hair piece assembly is also provided.
The method includes the step of first selecting a hair piece
assembly based on a hair color, texture and length. The hair piece
assembly includes a first portion having first attachment means
integrated therein. The first portion is adapted to be placed on a
head and attached by way of the first attachment means. Natural
hair on the head is then wrapped over or moved to cover the first
portion. A second portion having a braided member is provided by
the hair piece assembly. The braided member of the second portion
has a distal end terminating at an edge and a proximal end
terminating to yield a plurality of free unbraided hair strands
forming a flowing hair member. Next, the first portion is placed
and secured on a head region and the user's hair is then wrapped
around or used to cover the first portion and integrate it within
the hair. Insertion of the distal end of the second portion's braid
member then takes place by sliding the braid member's distal end
behind the first portion to rest between the first portion and the
head. Lastly, the free flowing hair of the braided member is
arranged over the hair on the head.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0010] The invention will be more fully understood and further
advantages will become apparent when reference is had to the
following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0011] FIG. 1a illustrates a head of hair before the subject hair
piece system is applied to the head;
[0012] FIG. 1b illustrates an embodiment of the subject hair piece
system, showing the first and second portions;
[0013] FIG. 1c illustrates an example of attachment means for
securing the portions of the subject hair piece system;
[0014] FIG. 1d illustrates the head of hair after the subject hair
piece system is applied to the head, yielding a full looking head
of hair;
[0015] FIG. 2a illustrates a top plan view of an embodiment of the
first portion;
[0016] FIG. 2b illustrates a bottom plan view of the first
portion;
[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a top plan view of an embodiment of the
second portion;
[0018] FIG. 4a illustrates a side view of a head of hair before the
subject hair piece system is applied to the head;
[0019] FIG. 4b illustrates a back view of the head of hair, showing
thinning hair areas or regions;
[0020] FIG. 4c illustrates the back of the head with the first
portion attached thereon;
[0021] FIG. 4d illustrates insertion of the second portion within
the first portion;
[0022] FIG. 4e illustrates the second portion attached to the first
portion and the flowing hair from the second portion arranged to on
the head, producing the appearance of a full head of hair.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0023] The present invention is directed to a hair piece kit or
assembly having at least a two part construction that is integrated
into a wearer's natural hair and function to cover bald or thinning
spots. Natural hair of the person wearing the hair pieces is
utilized and interwoven with the synthetic hair and a natural hair
portion so that the hair piece kit is well blended and unnoticeable
and undetectable to others.
[0024] The hair piece assembly includes a first portion that is
placed on a person's head and wrapped by a person's hair and a
second portion that is a hair piece that attaches to the first
portion. The hair piece assembly generally comprises: (i) a first
portion adapted to be placed at a back of a person's head through
attachment means and adapted to be covered with natural hair on
said head; (ii) a second portion adapted to be inserted between
said first portion and said head and/or attached to said first
portion 21; (iii) said second portion comprising a braided member
having a distal end and a proximal end, said distal end terminating
at an edge and said proximal end gradually terminating said braided
construction to yield free unbraided hairs extending therefrom,
said braided member forming a flowing hair member.
[0025] Optional embodiments involve, for example, the flowing hair
member being formed as a hair main with a plurality of hairs
extending from a braid member. The flowing hair member may be
curly, straight, wavy, or have a variety of hair textures.
Moreover, the flowing hair member may be provided as a plurality of
colors and textures to match or closely match a variety of hair
colors to accommodate a wearer's natural hair color. The first
portion may be composed of a synthetic material or fibrous material
and is structured in a manner so as to be placed at the back of the
head. The second portion may be composed of natural hair and/or
natural looking hair or combinations thereof, and is removably
attached to the first portion so that the second portion rests on
the top of the wearer's head.
[0026] FIGS. 1a-1d illustrates an embodiment and use of the subject
hair piece system. FIG. 1a illustrates a head of hair before the
hair piece system is applied to the head, shown generally at 10.
FIG. 1b illustrates an embodiment of the hair piece system, showing
the first and second portions, shown generally at 20. FIG. 1c
illustrates an example of attachment means for securing the
portions of the hair piece system, shown generally at 40. FIG. 1d
illustrates the head of hair after the hair piece system is applied
to the head, yielding a full looking head of hair, shown generally
at 50.
[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1a-1d: Head 11 is shown at 10 in FIG. 1a
with thinning hair 12. A first portion 21, shown in FIG. 1b, is
placed at the back of the head 11 preferably through use of
attachment means 41 shown in FIG. 1c for example. First portion 21
is preferably a synthetic material and is preferably in a color
resembling or matching hair colors. First portion 21 may be made of
a fibrous material, thin, and expandable or flexible. Thinning hair
12 or hair near the back of the head region is wrapped around the
first portion 21 to cover the first portion 21 and integrate same
with hair 12. A second portion 25 is provided that is appointed to
be inserted or attached to first portion 21. Second portion 25 is
constructed having a braided member 26 having a distal end 26a and
a proximal end 26b. Distal end 26a is preferably thinner in
diameter than proximal end 26b. Distal end 26a terminates at 26a'.
Proximal end 26b gradually terminates braided construction leaving
long hairs extending therefrom forming flowing hair member 27.
Braided member 26 is appointed to be slipped behind or under first
portion 21 so that it is contained and secured behind first portion
21 between first portion 21 and head 11. Flowing hair member 27 is
formed as a hair main with a plurality of hairs extending from
braid member 26. Flowing hair member 27 may be curly, straight,
wavy, or a variety of hair textures. Moreover, flowing hair member
27 may be provided as a plurality of colors and textures to match
or closely match a variety of hair colors to accommodate a wearer's
natural hair color. The first portion is composed of a synthetic
portion that is appointed to be placed at the back of the head of a
person. The natural hair of the person is wrapped around the first
portion or synthetic portion to hold it in place. A second portion
of the hair piece is provided that is composed of natural hair
or/natural looking hair, and is attached to the first portion or
synthetic portion, so that the second portion rests on the top of
the wearer's head.
[0028] FIGS. 2a-2b illustrate an embodiment of the first portion.
FIG. 2a illustrates a top plan view of an embodiment of the first
portion, and FIG. 2b illustrates a bottom plan view of the first
portion. The first portion herein is shown generally at 121. First
portion 121 is preferably constructed from a synthetic material
that is in colors generally found on the human hair color chart
(white--blonde--red--brunette--black and variations thereof). More
preferably, first portion 121 is constructed from a natural fiber
to prevent the head from becoming hot, and is constructed of a thin
elastic material so that it is expandable or flexible and can be
stretched to accommodate the head and snapped back to secure the
person's hair. The first portion 121 is constructed as a band 122
having a top wall 123, bottom wall 124 and side walls 125 and a
front face 126 and back face 127. Attachment means 130 are located
on each of the side walls 125. Herein the attachment means are
shown as comb type members, however, the attachment means may be
clips, bands, barrettes--or other known hair attachments.
Alternatively, at least one secondary attachment means 132 is
located on the front face 126 of the band 122. Further, at least
one attachment means 133 may be located on the back face 127. The
attachment means 133 on the back face 127 is appointed to attach to
the top surface of the braid member to secure the braid member
between the first portion 121 and head.
[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates a top plan view of an embodiment of the
second portion, shown generally at 225. Second portion 225 is
appointed so that braided member 226 is to be inserted behind or
attached to the first portion (see FIG. 2a, 2b). Second portion 225
is constructed having a braided member 226 having a distal end 226a
and a proximal end 226b. Distal end 226a is preferably thinner in
diameter than proximal end 226b so that it is a gradual decrease in
diameter from proximal end 226b to distal end 226a. This is so that
the distal end 226a can readily be slid behind the first portion
and rest between the first portion and the head. Distal end 226a
terminates at 226a'. Proximal end 226b gradually terminates braided
construction leaving long hairs extending therefrom forming flowing
hair member 227. Flowing hair member 227 is formed as a hair main
with a plurality of hairs extending from braid member 226. Flowing
hair member 227 may be curly, straight, wavy, or a variety of hair
textures and lengths. Moreover, flowing hair member 227 may be
provided as a plurality of colors and textures to match or closely
match a variety of hair colors to accommodate a wearer's natural
hair color. Unlike the first portion, which is composed of a
fibrous or synthetic material, the second portion 225 is
constructed from natural hairs.
[0030] Optionally, the second portion 225 may include attachment
means, such as those shown at proximal end 226b, shown generally at
230. The attachment means 230 is preferably located so that is can
attach to the first portion and/or to local hair clumps.
Alternatively, rather than on the proximal end 226b, or in
conjunction with the proximal end 226b, the edge 226a' of the
distal end 226a includes attachment means. The attachment means may
be a clip, barrette, combs, pins, or band, etc.
[0031] FIGS. 4a-4e illustrates the method of applying an embodiment
of the hair piece assembly. FIG. 4a illustrates a side view of a
head of hair before the subject hair piece system is applied to the
head; FIG. 4b illustrates a back view of the head of hair, showing
thinning hair areas or regions; FIG. 4c illustrates the back of the
head with the first portion attached thereon; FIG. 4d illustrates
insertion of the second portion within the first portion; FIG. 4e
illustrates the second portion attached to the first portion and
the flowing hair from the second portion arranged to on the head,
yielding a full looking head of hair.
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 4a-4e, head 311 is shown at 310 in FIGS.
4a and 4b with thinning hair 312. A first portion 321 is placed at
the back of the head 311, preferably through use of attachment
means 341 (see FIGS. 4b, 4c). Thinning hair 312 or hair near the
back of the head region is wrapped around the first portion 321 to
cover the first portion 321 and integrate same with hair 312, as
shown in FIG. 4c. A second portion 325 is provided that is
appointed to be inserted or attached to first portion 321, as shown
in FIG. 4d. Second portion 325 is constructed having a braided
member 326 having a distal end 326a and a proximal end 326b. Distal
end 326a is preferably thinner in diameter than proximal end 326b.
Proximal end 326b gradually terminates braided construction leaving
long hairs extending therefrom forming flowing hair member 327.
Braided member 326 is appointed to be slipped behind or under first
portion 321 so that it is contained and secured behind first
portion 321 between first portion 321 and head 311 as shown in FIG.
4d. Flowing hair member 327 is formed as a hair main with a
plurality of hairs extending from braid member 326. After being
inserted and secured in the first portion 325, hair member 327 is
spread over the head to give the appearance of a full head of hair,
as shown at 450 in FIG. 4e.
[0033] Having thus described the invention in rather full detail,
it will be understood that such detail need not be strictly adhered
to, but that additional changes and modifications may suggest
themselves to one skilled in the art, all falling within the scope
of the invention as defined by the subjoined claims.
* * * * *