COVER, AND METHOD FOR USING SAME

TECHNICAL AREAS

As for the present invention and its related method of use, when a general hair medicant is being applied to the hair, it becomes a cape that covers the upper half of the body, and after the general hair medicant has been applied, it becomes an innovative cover that can retain heat and moisture for the hair in its entirety and prevent the general hair medicant from drying out.

When beauty salons or barber shops apply general hair medicants, such as perms, hair treatments, hair colorings, and the like, the hair treated with the general medicant is covered with a hair cap or a film wrap used for food packaging. This is to prevent the general hair medicant from drying out and to keep the hair warm and moist, thereby promoting the penetrating effect of the medicant.

However, when individuals dye their hair at home, haircaps and film wraps are rarely used. Therefore, since general hair medicants applied to the hair dry out, and sufficient heat retention and moisture do not occur, in the case of hair-coloring agents, chemical changes may be inconsistent, resulting in uneven dying or uneven color. Further, during the wait time needed for dyeing chemical agents to take effect, there is risk that hair coloring agents stain the user's surroundings. Furthermore, the unique irritating odor of hair coloring agents may cause nausea.

Further, when applying a hair-coloring agent, to prevent it from adhering to clothing, users typically wear a dedicated cape, however, even in this case, the hair to which the hair medicant had been applied is exposed, so there is a risk that the hair medicant may stain clothes or the surrounding area. In cases that the user is uncomfortable with the risk, the hair-coloring agent is used in the bathroom, but if it adheres to the body, it may stain the skin for several days, and what is more, if it adheres to the bathtub, walls, or the like, there are problems that the stain is unremovable.

Against this background, the following technical report will disclose various hair caps that have been invented, but they are not yet established for home use, beauty salons, or the like, and almost none have been put to practical use.

On the one hand, when beauty salons or barber shops use hair caps, because one that contains elastic is widely stretched to cover the hair to which a general hair medicant has been applied, the hair dresser's task is made more difficult. In particular, if a hair dye adheres to the periphery of the hair cap, it may come into contact with the customer's skin, so in order to avoid the periphery of the cap from touching the hair, the elastic of the cap must be stretched by hand as widely as possible, which is extremely difficult for one person to do, and sometimes help from others is necessary. Moreover, because the hair cap is put on the head from above, when putting it on, it is difficult to put all the hair inside the hair cap, and often after the cap is put on the head, hair that must be put inside the cap protrudes from the edge of the cap, and this causes annoyance.

Further, when removing a used covered hair cap, due to the expansion and contraction of the elastic cord, the general hair medicant adhering to the hair cap may splash and scatter, and may adhere to the customer's facial area or clothes. In addition, the elastic cord that closes the gathers of the hair cap bites into the skin, making the customer feel uncomfortable and left with marks. Because of these circumstances, recently the hair has been covered with a film wrap for food packaging. However, in this case as well, the following kinds of problems have been pointed out.

As for film wrap, by using the adhesive force of the film wrap itself, the film wrap, which wrapping around the head prevents a general hair medicant from drying, performs poorly at heat insulation. So, when exposed to cool or warm breezes from indoor heating or air-conditioning equipment, the tightly adhering parts may be partially cooled or warmed, and the effectiveness of the general hair medicant can become inconsistent. Therefore, from above the film wrap, infrared rays are emitted or an infrared cap is placed on the head.

Further, since film wrap is self-adhesive, when film wrap is pulled and cut from a film roll, unless the four corners of the film wrap are held, it folds up on itself and becomes unusable. Because of this, when wrapping the head with stretched film wrap, if hair is draping down from the hairline, it is not possible for one person to wrap the hair and also gather up the draping hair, thus, requiring help from others. Furthermore, when wrapping the head with film wrap, as with the hair cap, it is necessary to firmly tighten the part around the hairline to prevent the film wrap from slipping and the general hair medicant from dripping on the face. However, the film wrap can lose its self-adhesive force and become loose when water or liquid arising from a chemical reaction of the general hair medicant penetrates the tight seam. As a result, because of the weight of the medicant the film wrap can slip off the head.

Further, in beauty salons, in order to confirm and assess the penetration effect of a general hair medicant, the film wrap enwrapping the head is partially opened and the hair exposed. At this time also, the film wrap may lose its self-adhesive strength and fall off the head. If this happens unexpectedly, the general hair medicant may accidentally splash and scatter onto the customer and the surroundings.

Also, the same precautions should be taken when removing the film wrap at the shampoo station.

PRIOR TECHNICAL DOCUMENTS
Patent Documents

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication (JP-A) No. 2001-314224

[Patent Document 2] JP-A-2002-320516

[Patent Document 3] JP-A-2003-093136

[Patent Document 4] JP-A-2003-070525

[Patent Document 5] JP-A-2003-189924

[Patent Document 6] JP-A-2005-194678

[Patent Document 7] JP-A-2006-255266

[Patent Document 8] JP-A-2009-007692

[Patent Document 9] JP-A-2013-162897

[Patent Document 10] JP-A-2016-028667

[Patent Document 11] Japanese Examined Utility Model (Registration) Application Publication No. Sho 49-66636

[Patent document 12] Japanese Examined Utility Model (Registration) Application Publication No. Hei 1-149718

OUTLINE OF THE INVENTION
Problems to be Solved by the Invention

As for the present invention, it solves all of the aforementioned problems with one device: when such general hair medicants as hair coloring agents or treatment agents are being applied, it becomes a cape, and after such general hair medicants have been applied, it becomes an innovative cover in which treated hair can easily be enwrapped, and herein is documented the device and its method of use.

Detailed Description of the Means for Solving the Problems

In what follows, the structure of the cover according to the present invention and the method of using the cover are explained with reference to figures and drawings.

As for a defining characteristic of the cover of the present invention, it is formed from a thin synthetic resin sheet that can be stretched by hand, and on the centerline along the longitudinal direction of which a through-hole of a size that allows the head of a wearer to tautly pass through is formed, and when the head of the wearer is passed through the through-hole, it becomes a cover large enough to drape over at least both shoulders and the abdomen, and in that state over the shoulders, the back part of the cover is left to drape as is, and when the front part of the cover that drapes over the abdomen is lifted and from the aforementioned through-hole the face of the wearer is exposed protruding, the aforementioned through-hole becomes a through-hole that tautly stretches along the facial periphery of the wearer reaching along the nape, under the ears, to along the forehead; what's more, the part of the aforementioned cover that is lifted from the abdomen to cover the hair, retains a size that can enwrap the hair in its entirety.

This cover is made from a thin synthetic resin sheet that stretches when pulled by hand. Specifically, it is a non-water-absorbent sheet made of polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, or similar material used to make plastic bags and the like. A sheet made of this material can be stretched by hand more than 5 times, but to pass the head through a through-hole formed in a cover and expose the face protruding from the through-hole, thin sheets of 0.05 mm or less are preferred. Further, the pulled-through through-hole becomes thin and adheres tautly to the skin, but considering the adhesiveness and the tightening force at that time, a thin sheet having a thickness of, for example, 0.03 mm to 0.015 mm is preferable.

In the case that the cover formed from this sheet is to have the function of a cape for preventing spills or smudges, it is to be made large enough to cover at least both the abdomen and the back of the wearer. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the width L1 is 50 cm to 90 cm, and the length L2 is 70 cm to 100 cm, being a substantial quadrangle, and as for through-hole 2, it occupies a substantial central portion of the centerline CL along the horizontal direction of cover 1.

Further, in the case that the cover is worn as a cape for preventing spills or smudges, the cover is large enough to drape over both the shoulders and abdomen of the wearer as a good apron. In this case, as shown in FIG. 2, a width L1 of about 50 cm and length L2 of about 70 cm are sufficient. Again, the through-hole 2 is formed near one end of the centerline CL. In this case, the shortest distance ML between the outer edge of cover 1 and the peripheral edge of through-hole 2 may be a length such that through-hole 2 is not torn even if stretched, for example, from 7 cm to 10 cm.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, if length LL of cover 1 that drapes over the front of the wearer is extended from 90 cm to 100 cm, then when cover 1 is worn, hem 1a, as shown in FIG. 4, can be spread over table T, and mirror M, the general hair medicant N, and the like, can be placed on top, and the hair can be dyed.

The size of the through-holes 2 provided in these covers 1 is such that the wearer's head can tautly pass through them. For example, when cover 1 made of a plastic bag is stretched 5 times or more when pulled, for example, in the case of a 53 cm circumference, the circumference of through-hole 2 is set at about 38 cm, then, when the head passes through small through-hole 2, through-hole 2 spreads and fits around the neck, but does not return to its original size. In this example, a thin plastic bag of thickness 0.02 mm was tested, but if cover 1 is made thicker, the size of through-hole 2 needs to be increased. For example, in case cover 1 is formed of a 0.04 mm plastic bag, if the perimeter of through-hole 2 is expanded to about 40 cm, with a resistance of about the same as a thinness of 0.03 mm, the head can be tautly passed through small through-hole 2.

When cover 1 of FIG. 1 is put on, then after the head is passed through through-hole 2, centerline CL of cover 1 faces away from the front and back of the wearer. When so done, as shown in FIG. 5, cover 1 can drape over the upper half of the body, not including both arms of the wearer. As a result, cover 1 becomes a cape that prevents spills or smudges when a general hair medicant is being applied to the hair. Further, when long cover 1 of FIG. 3 is worn, then as described previously, after the head is passed through through-hole 2, the long portion of the cover drapes over the abdomen and, hem 1a, as shown in FIG. 4, spreads over table T. Thereby, even if the general hair medicant spills on table T, then hem 1a can function as a stain prevention sheet for table T. Further, when short cover 1 of FIG. 2 is worn, cover 1 of FIG. 2 is worn on top of a worn dedicated cape.

After cover 1 is worn in this manner, the hair is treated with a general hair medicant, and then, as shown in FIG. 6, FIG. 7, the back portion is left to drape as is, and only the front portion that drapes over the abdomen is lifted and the wearer's face exposed protruding through through-hole 2. When done, the peripheral edge of through-hole 2 further stretches as shown in FIG. 8, and tautly adheres to the facial periphery of the wearer from along the nape, under the ears, to along the forehead.

At this stage, since only the front cover portion that drapes over the abdomen is lifted to expose the face protruding outward, as shown in FIG. 9, the nape side of through-hole 2 stretches and becomes a bundle, and the front side of through-hole 2 is widened by the facial pushing, and as shown in FIG. 8, in a state of an expanding plane retains taut adherence to the skin of the facial periphery. At this time, the tightening force of through-hole 2 is not so strong as to cause discomfort, but stretched and thinned continues to tautly adhere to the skin with appropriate strength and with appropriate width. Therefore, even if water arises from a chemical reaction of a mixed general hair medicant and drips, because the peripheral edge of through-hole 2 retains taut adherence to the skin, it can prevent the hair medicant liquid from dripping on the face or nape.

On the other hand, conventional hair caps have gathers with elastic cords at the edges along the hairline, and because the gathers are pressed against the hairline by the tightening force of the elastic cords, in order to prevent general hair medicants or the like from leaking from the seam, it is necessary to tighten the gathers with a strong force that typically causes discomfort. However, with the present invention, given that through-hole 2 is formed of a thin synthetic resin sheet that can be stretched by hand, from taut adherence to the facial periphery from facial pushing, there is no discomfort as like that of the cap, and from the periphery of through-hole 2, no leaking out of a general hair medicant liquid.

As for the shape of through-hole 2, it is preferably the shape of a cross-section of the head, but because the peripheral edge of through-hole 2 may be flexibly stretched, may be circular or oval, for example, but the shape of through-hole 2 at end use, as shown in FIG. 9, may be a small shape similar to the shape of the facial periphery of the wearer extending from the nape, under the ears, to along the forehead.

Further, in preparation for mass production, as shown in FIG. 10, by linearly slitting a predetermined width and forming small round holes 2a at both its ends, through-hole 2 may be formed. Small holes 2a, when the head is passed through through-hole 2 made by a slit straight line, prevent both ends of through-hole 2 from tearing. Further, as indicated by numeral 2b of FIG. 11, from the substantially central portion of through-hole 2 toward side edge 2c a straight short cut is made, and the cut portion 2b can partially overlap and be joined by an adhesive tape or the like, and the periphery of through-hole 2 can be freely adjusted. When this shape cover 1 is worn as a cape, the cut portion 2b is opened, and the periphery of through-hole 2 is wrapped around the neck and closed. If the closed cut portion 2b is joined by an elastic adhesive tape, or an adhesive agent, or the like, the cut portion 2b fits along the ridgeline of the wearer's shoulders, as shown in FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and when the face is exposed protruding from through-hole 2 by lifting up the front portion of cover 1, and the closed cut portion 2b covers the ears, from the cut portion 2b there is no leaking out of a general hair medicant liquid.

It is a defining characteristic of the above covers 1 that when the above covers 1 are used, first, the head of the wearer is passed through through-hole 2 of cover 1, and as shown in FIG. 5. the covers 1 cover at least both the shoulders and the abdomen of the wearer, and in that state, a general hair medicant is applied to the wearer's hair. Following that, by lifting the front cover portion that drapes over the abdomen to expose the face of the wearer protruding through the through-hole, the periphery of the aforementioned through-hole tautly adheres to the facial periphery of the wearer, from the nape, under the ears, to along the forehead, and the front cover portion lifted from the abdomen and the rear cover portion that drapes over both shoulders can enwrap the hair in its entirety.

To explain more specifically, when using long cover 1 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, first, cover 1 is unfolded and the head is passed through through-hole 2, and it should be so oriented that the long cover portion covers the abdomen of the wearer. In the case of short cover 1 shown in FIG. 2, cover 1 is worn on top of a dedicated cape draping over the abdomen, and in this state, a hair dye or treatment can be applied. Since the sides of the shoulders of the wearer are unencumbered, the wearer can raise both arms and apply a general hair medicant to the hair, even doing so alone.

After the application of the general hair medicant is finished, by lifting forward the draping abdominal portion of cover 1 (hereinafter, this portion is referred to as the front cover portion), the face is exposed protruding from through-hole 2. At this time, as shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 7, the rear peripheral edge of through-hole 2 is aligned with the nape, and by lifting the front cover portion upward and forward, the face is exposed protruding from through-hole 2 by facial pushing. As a result, the peripheral edge of through-hole 2 aligned with the nape becomes a fulcrum, and from there the peripheral edge of through-hole 2 stretches, and as shown in FIG. 8, FIG. 9, tautly adheres to the facial periphery of the wearer from along the nape, under the ears, to along the forehead. The tightening force of through-hole 2 at this time is not so strong as to cause discomfort, but is tautly stretched around the face with appropriate strength and with appropriate width. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the front cover portion lifted from the abdomen and the cover portion lifted from the rear side are bundled above the head, and the bundled portion, as shown in FIG. 12, is clipped and enwraps the hair in its entirety.

In the case of short cover 1 of FIG. 2, it may be used in combination with cover 1 mentioned below in FIG. 25 or FIG. 34, or it may be used alone. When used alone, a length LL from the end of through-hole 2 to hem 1a of about 60 cm, a lateral width L1 of about 90 cm to 1 m, and a length ML of the rear cover portion of 10 cm to 30 cm is sufficient. To wrap it, the front cover portion is lifted and the face is exposed protruding from through-hole 2, and the cover portion draping over both shoulders is lifted towards the top of the head and crumpled, then naturally the rear portion of the cover will cover from the nape to the back of the head, then, the front side of the cover will cover it. After, both edges of hem 1a of the front side of the cover draping backward are tied by pulling them from the nape upward and toward the forehead. By doing so, even short cover 1 of FIG. 2 can enwrap the hair in its entirety while containing air. Further, as FIG. 4 shows, when it is desired to have the function of covering table T, length LL from through-hole 2 to the hem may be extended to about 1 m, as shown in FIG. 3. The wrapping method at this time is the same as that described above, but in the state that the front cover portion 1a is doubled over on itself, the face is exposed protruding from through-hole 2, and after, as described previously, the doubled front side of the cover portion covers the head, and both edges of the rear part of the cover portion are pulled toward the forehead and tied. When done, more air is contained, and heat and moisture retention can be enhanced.

Further, when table T is covered with long cover 1 having hem 1a of FIG. 3, hem 1a spread over table T is lifted and folded over itself and can be stacked on the chest portion of the cover. By doing so, even if cover 1 spread over table T is dirtied by a general hair medicant or the like, by stacking it on the chest, it is possible to trap the grime of the general hair medicant and the like between the chest portion of the cover and hem 1a of the cover. Then, as described previously, the front cover portion that drapes over the abdomen is lifted to expose the face protruding from through-hole 2, then crumpled and put on the head. Then, when the back-side portion of the cover is lifted from the back and put on top of it, and the peripheral edges of the front and rear cover portions overlapping vertically close, the hair in its entirety can be softly enwrapped. Further, in addition to this, it can be enwrapped as described previously and shown in FIG. 9.

When enwrapping the hair, if air is included between cover 1 and the hair to which a general hair medicant h as been applied, the inside of cover 1 can be kept warm and moist, and the penetrating effect of the general hair medicant can be enhanced. For example, in the case of cover 1 of FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, if the front portion is lifted upward from the abdomen and crumpled and bundled on top of the head, and then the rear side of the cover is put on top of it, then air is contained in the crumpled part, and, what's more, because air is contained between it and the cover portion on top, the air inside the cover shuts out effects from the outside air, and the heat from the scalp maintains the warmth and moisture inside cover 1. In addition, air circulation arises in cover 1, and in this way makes the hair temperature uniform, and as a result, the effectivity of the general hair medicant becomes uniform, and the general hair medicant is prevented from drying out. Further, since the hair is covered by cover 1 in an encased state, any pungent odor of the general hair medicant can be entrapped.

In this way, when the hair in its entirety is enwrapped, the periphery of through-hole 2 tautly adheres to the facial periphery, and as the front and rear portions of the cover are turned outside in, there is no adhering general hair medicants and the like, and when removing clothes that do not open in the front, such as T-shirts, even if the collars of the shirts touch cover 1, no general hair medicant will adhere to the shirts, and when a shirt is removed, cover 1 will not be removed with it. Therefore, when hair is dyed at home, even if a button-down blouse is forgotten to be worn, a T-shirt can be removed without fuss.

The above wrapping method is a wrapping method for a hairstyle in which the hair is not shoulder-length, however, in the case of shoulder-length or longer hairstyles, a slightly longer cover 1 that can cover long-draping hair should be used. In addition, as shown in FIG. 13, the rear portion left draping over the back and the front portion of the cover lifted up from the abdomen and pulled toward the back, and then also draping over the back, can sandwich the wearer's hair. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 14, for example, after both sides of the overlapping front and rear portions of the cover are folded at the center, and then the lower end portion of draping cover 1 is lifted up and bundled on the head as shown in FIG. 15, the bundled portion is held fast with a clip or the like. In addition, as shown in FIG. 16, the lower end of cover 1 that drapes down over the back is lifted up to the head and, as shown in FIG. 17, both the left and right ends held in the hands can be tied under the chin. Alternatively, the lower end of cover 1 that drapes over the back may be lifted to the shoulders, as shown in FIG. 18, and the shoulders covered as by a shawl, and both ends may be tied at the throat. In this way, the hair draping over the back can be enwrapped by cover 1.

It is a defining characteristic of the cover shown below that, given the cover of Basic Form 1, in one of either of the cover portions that separately drapes over the abdomen or the back of the wearer, a bag with an opened upper section is formed, and as for this bag portion, even while the periphery of the previously described through-hole tautly adheres to the facial periphery of the wearer from the nape, under the ears, to along the forehead, it retains a size large enough to enwrap the hair in its entirety.

Specifically, as for this cover 1, as shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, when the head is passed through through-hole 2 formed in cover 1, separately draping down over the abdomen and the back of the wearer, then in one of either, a bag portion 3 (as illustrated in FIG. 20) is provided with an opened upper section 30 and a draping portion 4 (as illustrated in FIG. 19) is provided. This bag portion 3 and draping portion 4, as shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, is to have a size large enough to cover at least both shoulders and the abdomen of the wearer. In addition, as mentioned previously and in the same way, after the head is passed through through-hole 2, and either portion 4 draping over the abdomen or bag portion 3 is lifted up, as shown in FIG. 21, and the face of the wearer is exposed protruding from through-hole 2, as in FIG. 22 and FIG. 23, the peripheral edge of through-hole 2 continues to tautly adhere to the facial periphery of the wearer, from along the nape, under the ears, to along the forehead. From this state, if either bag portion 3 draping over the back or draping portion 4 is lifted up, and bag portion 3 is made to cover draping portion 4, as FIG. 24 shows, then bag portion 3 can softly enwrap the hair in its entirety. Here softly enwrap means retains the air in bag portion 3 without compressing cover 1 against the hair.

As for cover 1 of this form, when flattened, as shown in FIG. 25, bag portion 3 becomes a triangular bag, and open portion 30 becomes the base thereof, and draping portion 4 continues from the edge of open portion 30, and in the central portion of the boundary between bag portion 3 and draping portion 4 through-hole 2 is formed. In cover 1 of FIG. 25, the height of bag portion 3 and the length of draping portion 4 are substantially the same, however, draping portion 4 can be shorter or longer than bag portion 3. Further, although flat bag portion 3 has a substantially triangular shape, with a cut apex it has a trapezoidal shape, however, it can also have a square shape. Also in this cover 1, through-hole 2 is formed in a size that tautly fits the head of the wearer.

It is a defining characteristic of the form of this cover, that when the cover of this form is used, before a general hair medicant is applied to the hair, open portion 30 of the previously mentioned bag portion 3 faces upward, and in this state the head is passed through through-hole 2, and one of either bag portion 3 or draping portion 4 drapes over the abdomen of the wearer and the other portion drapes over the back of the wearer, thereby covering the upper half of the body of the wearer.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, with open portion 30 of bag portion 3 facing upward, the head is passed through through-hole 2, with bag portion 3 on the back and draping portion 4 draping over the abdomen. However, the reverse arrangement is also possible. In either arrangement, bag portion 3 and draping portion 4, with either draping over the front or the back of the wearer, are to have a size that covers at least both shoulders and the abdomen of the wearer. Therefore, when using cover 1 with a shorter draping portion 4, it is advisable to wear a dedicated cape under cover 1.

To continue, when a general hair medicant is being applied to the hair, at that time, even when the user bends forward and applies it, if bag portion 3 is draped over the abdomen, then any spills of the medicant can be caught. Further, in the case of long hair, bag portion 3 can drape over the back and used to hold the long hair for the general hair medicant to be applied. However, while through-hole 2 is around the neck of the wearer, cover 1 can be freely rotated around through-hole 2 as a center, so whether or not bag portion 3 is arranged over the abdomen or the back, the appropriate selection depends on the preference of the wearer. What's more, as for bag portion 3 which becomes an inverted triangular pyramid when worn, as will be described later, either bag portion 3 covers draping portion 4 covering the hair or, left to drape over the back, together with draping portion 4 covers the hair in its entirety, and more easily than the previously described Form 1 of cover 1, it can cover the hair in its entirety. What's more, since either bag portion 3 that covers the head or bag portion 3 that drapes over the back, has an air reservoir at the apex portion like a triangular hat, cover 1 is excellent for heat retention.

It is a defining characteristic herein that after a general hair medicant has been applied, while either one or other of bag portion 3 or draping portion 4 that is draping over the abdomen is lifted upward and forward, the face of the wearer is exposed protruding from through-hole 2, and the peripheral edge of through-hole 2 tautly adheres to the facial periphery of the wearer, from along the nape, under the ears, and to along the forehead and, continuing, with bag portion 3 and draping portion 4 lifted onto the head, in a state containing air with the hair, the hair is enwrapped in its entirety.

Specifically, with cover 1 itself, or in the state cover 1 is worn over a dedicated cape for preventing spillage, when a given application of hair dye or hair treatment is finished, as shown in FIG. 21, draping portion 4 draped over the abdomen is lifted up and the face is exposed protruding from through-hole 2. Further, in the reverse arrangement, bag portion 3 over the abdomen is lifted up and the face is exposed protruding from through-hole 2, and after, as shown in FIG. 22 and FIG. 23, the peripheral edge of through-hole 2 continues to tautly adhere to the face of the wearer, along the nape, under the ears, and to along forehead. At this time, the tightening force of through-hole 2 is not so strong as to cause discomfort, but has appropriate strength and appropriate width to continue tautly adhering to the facial periphery of the wearer, as mentioned earlier. It should be noted that FIG. 22 and FIG. 23 show the version in which the head is covered with draping portion 4 draping over the abdomen.

To continue, draping portion 4 lifted up from the abdomen and crumpled at the top of the head and covering it, and on top of it, as shown in FIG. 23 and FIG. 24, bag portion 3 is lifted up from the back to cover it. In the reverse case, as shown in FIG. 26 and FIG. 27, draping portion 4 lifted up from the back, crumpled and covering the head, and on top of it, bag portion 3 is lifted up from the abdomen to cover it. In this way, the point is to softly enwrap the hair in its entirety with crumpled draping portion 4 covering the head, covered by bag portion 3. As a result, air is contained not only within the crumpled draping portion 4, but also between draping portion 4 and bag portion 3 covering draping portion 4, so that inside of cover 1, as described above, warmth and moisture are retained to promote the penetrating effect of a general hair medicant.

Further, instead of covering crumpled draping portion 4 with bag portion 3, air can be contained in cover 1 by the following method. For example, in cover 1 shown in FIG. 25, when bag portion 3 is placed on the back and the face is exposed protruding from through-hole 2, as shown in FIG. 28, because of the state in which head H protrudes from through-hole 2 provided at the bottom of the boat, then if the edge of the front draping portion 4 and, as shown in FIG. 28, the left and right upper edge portions E of cover 1 are overlapped and closed, and the closed upper edge portion E is twisted to make a bulge in cover 1, then, as shown in FIG. 29, cover 1 can contain air. Thus, as shown in FIG. 30, when the twisted tip portion is held fast by clip F, the hair to which a general hair medicant has been applied can be softly enwrapped in its entirety in a state in which cover 1 contains air.

Further, in FIG. 30, the twisted tip portion is held fast by clip F, however, instead of using clip F, as shown in FIG. 31, on the back side of draping portion 4 touching the abdomen, in other words, the side that becomes the front side of draping portion 4 when it is lifted up over the head, a loop-shaped stopper 8 is provided, and if the tipped-portion in FIG. 29 pulled by the fingers is inserted in stopper 8, so it becomes difficult to remove the tipped portion from stopper 8, then it can be used as a substitute for clip F of FIG. 30. As for stopper 8, it is attached to the back side of draping portion 4 as a tunnel-shaped band when draping portion 4 is used as a cape. It should be noted that the position and size of stopper 8 and the direction of the loop, is not limited to the position and direction shown in FIG. 31.

Further, when hem 1a of draping portion 4 shown in FIG. 31 is lengthened, and as shown in FIG. 4, in the case that hem 1a of draping portion 4 is spread over table T, when hem 1a of draping portion 4 spread over table T is lifted up and overlapping draping portion 4 on the chest, or left in that state, as shown in FIG. 21, and draping portion 4 is lifted up to expose the face protruding from through-hole 2, and it is crumpled and made to cover the head, then if bag portion 3 on the back is lifted up to cover it, the hair in its entirety can be softly enwrapped, as shown in FIG. 24. In this case, the crumpled draping portion 4 swells to a size approximately twice, so if bag portion 3 covers it, a thicker air layer is formed between cover 1 and the hair, and heat retention and moisturizing effects can be further enhanced.

Further, as described above, in the case of hair dyes used at home, just as in the case of professionals, since many are made for dyeing without using caps or film wraps, after bag portion 3 is lifted up from the abdomen and covering the head, as shown in FIG. 32, even if just both the left and right ends of 3d draping over the shoulders in FIG. 32 are tied under the chin, then any pungent odor can be entrapped by cover 1, as well as warmth and moisture, as shown in FIG. 33. In this case, the peripheral edge of through-hole 2 tautly adheres to the forehead, and from there bag portion 3 stands up and covers the hair, then as shown in FIG. 33, when bag portion 3 has contact with the cheeks, air can be contained within upper tip portion 3t of bag portion 3 and portion 31 along the hairline. So, in the case of dyeing hair at home, even if bag portion 3 covers the head and the inside of cover 1 is kept in a closed state, the internal air layer keeps the hair warm and moist, and the hair temperature is uniform, and as a result, it is possible to prevent irregular dyeing, color, or the like, and perform dyeing without inconsistency. What's more, in the case of dyeing gray hair, by gently pressing the hairline portion from the top of cover 1, a general hair medicant can be brought into close contact with gray hair which easily repels medicants, and this state can be maintained, so parts of the hair whose dyeing are of concern can also be dyed without failure or inconsistency. Further, even in the case that a professional hair medicant for use at beauty salons or barber shops is used, even if at appropriate room temperature for the medicant, and there are no effects of breeze from air conditioning, given this method of use, the inside of cover 1 can create an environment that is sufficient to allow the general hair medicant to penetrate.

Further, as for cover 1, it does not cover from above like conventional hair caps, but from the state in which bag portion 3 and draping portion 4 are worn like a cape, one or the other of bag portion 3 or draping portion 4 that is draping over the abdomen is lifted up to expose the face protruding from through-hole 2, and the peripheral edge of through-hole 2 can be made to tautly adhere to the skin of the facial periphery without coming into contact with the hair to which a general hair medicant has been applied. Therefore, compared to conventional methods by which hair caps cover from above, not only can it be worn without worrying about a hair medicant adhering to the face, as with conventional haircaps, it is not necessary to put hair protruding from the periphery of the caps back inside the caps, so it is extremely easy to wear.

Further, in the case that the size of cover 1 is enlarged to a size that covers the upper half of the body of the wearer, when a general hair medicant is to be applied to the hair, it becomes a cape for preventing spillage. What's more, since the hair can be kept in bag portion 3 while the general hair medicant can be applied, cover 1 is highly safe and prevents stains to the surroundings. What's more, by extending hem 1a of draping portion 4 and spreading it over the table, even if the hair medicant drips onto the table when dyeing, it is of no concern and the general hair medicant can be applied. In addition, because the length and width are sufficient to cope with the movements of the wearer when a hair medicant is being applied, there is no worry that hem 1a will fall off table T. What's more, as for hair medicants dripping from the hair, after being collected in the inverted triangular pyramid of bag portion 3, since a small hole in the lower end can be opened to collect it, hair medicants that are smooth and of low viscosity can be used. Further, if the medicants adhere to the inside of bag portion 3, they will be wiped off and then covered, and as bag portion 3 is an inverted triangular pyramid and bundled draping portion 4 is included in bag portion 3, it is possible to easily softly enwrap the hair in its entirety.

It is a defining characteristic of the given cover that it have the form below, shown in FIG. 25 and FIG. 31. As given in Basic Form 2 of the cover, along the ridgeline of the shoulders of the wearer, which is the boundary between the previously mentioned bag portion 3 and draping portion 4, perforations are cut from the right and left edges of the given cover in the direction of the through-hole, but not reaching it.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 34, from the left and right ends of given cover 1 toward through-hole 2 at the boundary between bag portion 3 and draping portion 4, a notch 5 is cut. The position of notch 5, when cover 1 is worn as a cape, is a location along the ridgeline of the shoulder. Further, as for the depth of the cut, it is about ⅓ to ½ of the distance D from the left and right edges d toward the edge of through-hole 2. With inserted notch 5, when cover 1 is worn, the left and right ends of bag portion 3 are separated from the left and right ends of draping portion 4, so that opening 30 of draping bag portion 3, as shown in FIG. 35, can open more widely. Specifically, when cover 1 is thin, when bag portion 3 drapes, it is difficult to hold bag portion 3 open as an inverted triangular pyramid, however, given this inserted notch 5, even if cover 1 is thinner and weaker, bag portion 3 can be held as an inverted triangular pyramid. It should be noted, notch 5 is preferably provided on both shoulders, but the same effect can be obtained by providing notch 5 on only one shoulder.

Further, as will be described later, draping portion 4 also may be formed in the shape of an inverted triangular pyramid similar to bag portion 3, and the same bag portion may be draped over the abdominal side to receive general hair medicants.

Further, in FIG. 34, in a flat state, opening 30 of bag portion 3 profiles an arc shape, but it is not always necessary to make an arc, it is sufficient to cut only a straight line along the ridgeline of the shoulder to around the middle. Further, when this bag portion 3 or tip portion 31, as shown in FIG. 36 and FIG. 37, is formed of a thick sheet, then when bag portion 3 is expanded into an inverted triangular pyramid or covers the head, bag portion 3 or tip portion 31 of the inverted triangular pyramid can be maintained by the materials strength of bag portion 3 or tip portion 31.

Even for this form of cover 1, the method of use is as described previously, but, in particular, when bag portion 3 covers the head, it becomes a triangular hat and does not lose its shape easily, so, crumpled on the head, draping portion 4 can be wrapped more easily, and there is the advantage that plenty of air can be contained in bag portion 3 regardless of whether it is covering the head or draping over the back.

The previously explained cover 1 and the following cover 1, can both be folded, so when they are stored in a box, as shown in FIG. 38, they are stored in box Ba in a folded and stacked state. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 39, a plurality of covers 1 arranged in a strip shape are wound in a roll shape and stored in box Bb so that they can be pulled out. When thus done, as shown in FIG. 38, they are used like tissue individually pulled out from the opening of box Ba. Further, in FIG. 39, an individual cover 1 can be pulled out from the roll stored in box Bb, like film wrap, and separated by perforation 6 formed at the boundary with the next cover 1 ready for use.

As for cover 1 up to this point, one face is bag portion 3 and the other is a flat draping portion 4, however, as for the following cover 1, the draping portion 4 is also made into a bag, and when the head of the wearer is passed through through-hole 2 provided in about the center of cover 1, as shown in FIG. 43 and FIG. 44, it is of such structure that the upper-half of the body of the wearer, not including the arms of the wearer, can be covered by the abdominal portion 3a of the cover and the back portion 3b of the cover. In addition, as shown in FIG. 45, when abdominal bag portion 3a is lifted up exposing the face of the wearer protruding from through-hole 2, then, as shown in FIG. 46, the peripheral edge of through-hole 2 stretches and adheres tautly to the skin of the facial periphery of the wearer from along the nape, under the ears, to along the forehead. The state of the abdominal bag portion 3a and the back bag portion 3b are sufficiently large to cover the head of the wearer.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 45, in the state that the face of the wearer is exposed protruding from through-hole 2, abdominal bag portion 3a covers the head, and if back bag portion 3b is lifted up and covers it, the front and back bag portions 3a and 3b can enwrap the hair in its entirety. In this case, if each bag portion 3a and 3b is made into a triangular pyramid, the tip of the triangular pyramid becomes non-slip, and each bag portion 3a and 3b can cover the hair without slipping. Therefore, as compared with the case where one face is a sheet and the other is a bag portion, since both bag portions 3a and 3b cover the head as ordinary hoods do, they can remain on the head, so one person alone can easily enwrap the hair.

When each bag portion 3a and 3b, as in the state shown in FIG. 41 is laid flat, each becomes an isosceles triangular bag with an open base, and while being worn, as shown in FIG. 43 and FIG. 44, they become opened bases of inverse triangular pyramid bag portions 3a and 3b. By placing bag portions 3a and 3b to symmetrically sandwich through-hole 2, one is as the abdominal bag portion 3a and the other is as the back bag portion 3b. As for this cover 1, when respective bag portions 3a and 3b of schema 1 are pinched and lifted, it becomes a rectangular bag having an open upper portion, as shown in FIG. 42. For that reason, as for this cover 1, by dividing a rectangular plastic bag into two parts along the center line, it can be easily manufactured. What's more, each bag portion 3a and 3b, when a general hair medicant has been applied to the hair, can catch any dripping hair medicant and, after the medicant has been applied, they become a cap to cover the hair, and so, the shape of bag portion 3 does not need to be an inverted triangular pyramid. For example, either one or other or both of the respective bag portions 3a and 3b in FIG. 41 may be rectangular bags.

As for FIG. 47, it shows an external perspectival view of basic form 5 of cover 1, and as for FIG. 48, it is an illustration of this cover 1 being worn and seen from behind. This basic form 5 of cover 1, as shown in FIG. 47 and FIG. 48, in the vicinity of the shoulders, in which state of cover 1 one bag portion 3a drapes over the abdominal side of the wearer, and the other bag portion 3b drapes over the back of the wearer, notches 32 are formed from both left and right ends toward the inside of cover 1. When cover 1 has no notch 32, when the wearer bends forward or extends an arm forward, opening 30 of bag portion 3b on the back closes, and the hair falling from the shoulders cannot be gathered in bag portion 3b. However, by inserting notch 32, as shown in FIG. 48, since opening 30 of bag portion 3b on the back greatly expands and opens, hair that drapes over the back can be gathered inside bag portion 3b without the wearer looking in a mirror. Therefore, it is preferable that notch 32 is provided on the vertical line passing through edge 21 of through-hole 2 reaching the nape of the wearer. Further, when notch 32 is formed, on the back bag portion 3b a collar-like folded portion 33 is formed, so in the case that abdominal bag portion 3a is covered by back bag portion 3b, there is the advantage that it fits well.

Basic Form 4 and Basic Form 5 of cover 1, by dividing a rectangular plastic bag into two parts at the center line, can be easily manufactured, but as for the material of through-hole 2, it shrinks slightly after expansion, but it does not return to its original size, so it is difficult to use repeatedly. Therefore, cover 1 formed of a polyethylene material, or the like, is assumed to be disposable. However, recently, there has been a demand for the reduction of plastic waste, and in order to meet that demand, it must be reusable. The cover 1 shown in FIG. 49 is an example of a cover 1 that can meet this demand.

As shown in FIG. 49, this cover 1 is composed of a thick rectangular sheet 10 and a smaller, thin rectangular sheet 11, and in the central portion of thick sheet 10, a large through-hole 20 through which the head can easily pass through is opened. In addition, the upper and lower halves of both short sides of thick sheet 10 have attached fasteners 32a and 32b, respectively. Fasteners 32a and 32b, for example, are surface fasteners or chucks that can be freely opened and closed. In addition, the four corners of thick sheet 10 are folded in the direction of the arrows along the diagonal fold lines 34, as shown by the dotted lines in FIG. 49, and the overlapping short sides of the upper half and the short sides of the lower half are connected by fasteners 32a and 32b, and this creates the shape of cover 1 shown in FIG. 41. In this way, when thick sheet 10 is washed or dried, fasteners 32a and 32b are uncoupled to form a single sheet 10, and this promotes drying and makes sheet 10 easy to use. It can also be used as a cape for haircuts for children.

Further, in the substantially central part of thick sheet 10, a through-hole 2 having a size that allows the head of a wearer to tautly pass through may be provided, but when it is repeatedly used, because through-hole 2 stretches and might not tautly adhere to the skin of the facial periphery, for example, a 30 cm²thin sheet 11 which can be stretched by hand, can be separately prepared, and in the central part of sheet 11, a second through-hole 2a having a size that allows the head of a wearer to tautly pass through may be provided. Further, as for the outer peripheral section of second through-hole 2a, for example, thin sheet 11, as the quadrangle shown in the case of FIG. 49, the peripheral section of that sheet 11 is provided a bonding material 12, such as an adhesive material or a double-sided tape or the like.

In addition, then, thin sheet 11 is placed over large through-hole 20 of thick sheet 10, and both are joined by bonding material 12. At this time, second through-hole 2a of thin sheet 11 and large through-hole 20 of thick sheet 10 overlap and are coaxially joined. In this way, even if second through-hole 2a is stretched by use, thick sheet 10 can be repeatedly used by replacing it with a new thin sheet 11.

As for thick sheet 10, for example, it can be made of a material such as polyethylene, polyester, or polyurethane. Further, thin sheet 11 can be formed of, for example, a thin polyethylene sheet that can be stretched by hand. However, the present invention is not limited to these materials, and thin sheet 11 may be made of, for example, a thin rubber sheet for medical use.

For genuine practical use, for thick sheet 10 a plurality of thin sheets 11 are prepared, and a release sheet is provided for the bonding material 12 provided for the outer periphery of second through-hole 2a of thin sheet 11. At the time of use, the release sheet is peeled off so as to cover through-hole 20 of thick sheet 10 so that it can be bonded. In this way, thick sheet 10 can be repeatedly used by replacing and using thin sheet 11.

When using cover 1 of FIG. 41 and FIG. 47, bag portions 3a and 3b with their respective open parts 30, should face upward, and the head of the wearer passed through through-hole 2 of cover 1. So doing, as shown in FIG. 43, FIG. 44, and FIG. 48, bag portions 3a and 3b with their upper parts open drape separately on the abdominal side and the back side of the wearer. So cover 1 becomes a cape for preventing spillage. In this state, after a general hair medicant has been applied, such as hair dye or treatment, and the like, as shown in FIG. 45, by lifting bag portion 3a draping over the abdominal side, the face of the wearer is exposed protruding through through-hole 2. During this time, the nape side of through-hole 2 is stretched and bundled, and the front side of through-hole 2 is pushed and stretched by the face, and as shown in FIG. 46, the state of its stretched surface is of taut adherence to the skin of the facial periphery. At this time, the tightening force of through-hole 2 is not so strong as to cause discomfort, and by stretching and becoming thinner through-hole 2 tautly adheres to the skin with appropriate strength and with appropriate width.

To continue, as shown in FIG. 50, either one or other of back bag portion 3b covers hair sticking out from abdominal bag portion 3a covering the head, or, as shown in FIG. 51, bag portion 3a covering the head, by being covered by back bag portion 3b enwraps the hair in its entirety.

As shown in FIG. 49, cover 1 composed of thick sheet 10 and thin sheet 11, can enwrap the hair in its entirety by the same procedure. During this time, because bag portions 3a and 3b, respectively, are formed from thick sheet 11, the respective open parts 30 of bag portions 3a and 3b are left open without being closed, so that they can catch a general hair medicant, and the back bag portion 3b can catch hair in the back. Further, after the hair medicant has been applied, as shown in FIG. 45, if bag portion 3a draping over the abdominal side is lifted up, and the face of the wearer is exposed protruding from second through-hole 2a, then abdominal bag portion 3a enters a state of enwrapping the hair, and if back bag portion 3b is lifted up over to cover the head, the hair in its entirety can easily be enwrapped.

Further, when cover 1 shown in FIG. 41 is used, the state in which the hair is enwrapped, as shown in FIG. 50, since the left and right protruding portions 34 obstruct, then as shown in FIG. 52, the left and right protruding portions 34 may be tied at the back, and as shown in FIG. 53, may be rotated to the front and tied under the chin. As a result, cover 1 enwrapping the hair, can be compactly contained.

[Results of the Invention]

According to the present invention, instead of covering the head from above like conventional hair caps, from the state in which the upper half of the wearer's body is covered like a cape, the cover draping over the abdomen is lifted up to expose the face protruding from a through-hole, and without touching a general hair medicant that has been applied to the hair, the peripheral edge of the through-hole from the nape to along the forehead tautly adheres to the facial periphery. Moreover, in that state, the draping cover is turned inside out and covers the hair, so even if a general hair medicant, or the like, sticks to the outer surface of the cover, it will be turned over and trapped inside the cover, so the outer surface of the cover enwrapping the hair can always retain a clean state.

Further, when enwrapping the hair with the cover, either the one crumpled part of the cover that has a size large enough to drape over at least the abdomen and back is covered over by the other part of the cover, and thus enwrapping the hair in its entirety, or one part of the cover is overlaid, and since it enwraps the hair in its entirety, between the part of the cover touching the hair and the part of the cover covering over that part, air is contained, and that air becomes a heat insulator. Compared to conventional hair caps or film wraps, it has excellent heat and moisture retention properties, and can better promote the penetrating effect of a general hair medicant.

Further, the air contained by the hair-covering cover is warmed by the scalp temperature to make the hair temperature uniform, so inconsistent dyeing, uneven coloring, and the like, that are likely to occur due to temperature differences can be eliminated. Further, when hairlines with large amounts of undyed portions are gently pressed from the top of cover 1, the general hair medicant can be kept very close to the hairline. Therefore, by using this cover, even an amateur can dye hair almost flawlessly.

Further, when the head is passed through the through-hole, the cover can widely drape over the abdomen and back of the wearer, and it can function as a cape preventing spillage when a general hair medicant is being applied to the hair. Further, with a cover that has a bag portion, the hair can be kept inside the bag portion and a general hair medicant can be applied, so even if the general hair medicant scatters or drips from the hair, it is kept in the bag portion and prevented from scattering onto the surroundings. What's more, since any general hair medicant dripping from the hair can be collected in the “conical bag” and a small hole can then be opened at the lower end to gather it, pouring applications, and the like, of general hair medicants on the hair become possible.

Further, since both sides of the cover when worn as a cape are wide open like shoulder sleeves, wearers themselves can raise both their arms and dye their hair. Moreover, as for the cover with the head passed through the through-hole, centered on the neck, the bag portion can be rotated to either the abdominal part or the back part, so the cover can be used according to the preference of the user. In addition, since the cover with the head passed through the through-hole does not slip off, it becomes a household cover in which the hair can be dyed alone without dirtying the surroundings.

Further, as for the cover, it is made of a thin synthetic resin sheet that stretches when pulled, and in particular, by exposing the face protruding from a through-hole that is smaller than the head, since the periphery of the through-hole can tautly adhere to the facial periphery of the wearer, from the nape, under the ears, to along the forehead, even if liquid drips because a general hair medicant has been applied to the hair, the cover has the effect of preventing it from leaking to the face or nape. Moreover, since the peripheral edge of the stretched through-hole is not so strong as to cause discomfort, the cover can be left for a long time without feeling uncomfortable.

What's more, as for this cover, when it is in a folded state, it becomes a flat, almost rectangular shape, so it can be mass-produced inexpensively from a belt-shaped film and can be disposed of, so there is no need to wash it like conventional hair caps. Therefore, for beauty salons and barbers, usability is improved, and to customers it is hygienic and pleasant.

In addition, the through-hole that tautly adheres to the facial periphery, tautly adheres to the skin with appropriate tension and appropriate width, so even if a worn T-shirt is removed, the cover does not slip off with it, and, therefore, when a button-down shirt is forgotten to be worn and hair-dyeing has already started, the task can proceed without fuss.

What's more, if the hem of the cover that drapes over the abdomen is extended, then when worn as a cape, since the extended hem can be spread over a table, the cover not only covers the abdomen, it also functions as a stain-prevention sheet for the table.

FIG. 1 A plane view of the cover according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 A plane view of another form of the cover according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 A plane view of the cover according to still another form of the present invention.

FIG. 4 An explanatory diagram when the hem of the cover of FIG. 3 is extended and spread over a table.

FIG. 5 Illustration of the state of the head passed through the through-hole of the cover in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 Illustration of the appearance of the face exposed protruding from the through-hole.

FIG. 7 Illustration showing the face exposed protruding from the through-hole.

FIG. 8 Illustration with the face exposed protruding from the through-hole.

FIG. 9 Illustration of the state showing the periphery of the through-hole tautly adhering to the face.

FIG. 10 A plane view of a cover having through-holes of another form.

FIG. 11 A plane view of the cover with the through-hole opened and closed.

FIG. 12 Illustration with clips holding fast the ends of the bag that covers the draping part.

FIG. 13 Illustration of a state in which the abdominal cover covers the hair.

FIG. 14 Illustration of the left and right sides of the cover in the state of FIG. 13 are folded at the center.

FIG. 15 Illustration of the lower end of the cover of FIG. 14 lifted to the top of the head.

FIG. 16 Illustration of the lower end of the cover of FIG. 14 lifted, and the cheeks crowned.

FIG. 17 Illustration of the left and right ends tied under the chin of the crowned cheeks of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 Illustration of the cover of FIG. 14 lifted to the shoulders and covering them like a shawl

FIG. 19 An illustration of the draping portion of the cover in FIG. 25 draping over the abdomen.

FIG. 20 Illustration of the bag portion of the cover in FIG. 25 draping over the back.

FIG. 21 Illustration of lifting the draping part in FIG. 19, exposing the face protruding from the through-hole.

FIG. 22 Illustration of the draping portion of FIG. 19 placed on the head.

FIG. 23 Illustration of the through-holes in FIG. 21 tautly adhering to the face.

FIG. 24 Illustration of the bag portion of FIG. 23 put over the draping portion of the head.

FIG. 25 A plane view of the cover of FIG. 19 and FIG. 20.

FIG. 26 Illustration of a bag portion lifted from the abdomen over the draping portion of the head.

FIG. 27 Illustration of the draping portion on the head being covered by a bag portion lifted up from the abdomen.

FIG. 28 Explanatory view of another way of wrapping the hair with the cover of FIG. 25.

FIG. 29 Illustration of the left and right upper edges of the cover of FIG. 28 being twisted and closed.

FIG. 30 Illustration of the twisted tip of FIG. 29 held fast by a clip.

FIG. 31 A plane view of a cover in which a loop is provided instead of the clip of FIG. 30.

FIG. 32 Illustration of a bag portion draping over the abdomen is lifted and covering the hair.

FIG. 33 Illustration of both ends of the bag portion in FIG. 32 are tied under the chin.

FIG. 34 A plane view of the cover of FIG. 25 in which a notch is provided.

FIG. 35 Illustration with the cover in FIG. 34 attached.

FIG. 36 A plane view of a form in which a part of the bag portion of FIG. 34 is thickened.

FIG. 37 An external perspectival view showing the form of the cover with the cover of FIG. 36 attached.

FIG. 38 Explanatory view of folding the cover according to the present invention, stacking the covers, and packaging them in a box.

FIG. 39 Explanatory view when the cover according to the present invention wound in a roll shape is taken out from the box.

FIG. 40 Illustration of ties 9 separated from the bag portion 3.

FIG. 41 An external explanatory view of the cover placed horizontally.

FIG. 42 An external view of the cover shown in FIG. 41 in a vertical position.

FIG. 43 Illustration viewed from the front with the head passed through the through-hole in the cover.

FIG. 44 Illustration of the side cover of the attached cover in FIG. 43.

FIG. 45 Illustration showing how the face is exposed protruding from the through-hole.

FIG. 46 Illustration showing the state with peripheral edge of through-hole tautly adhering to the face.

FIG. 47 An external perspectival view of a cover according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 48 Illustration from the back when the cover of FIG. 47 is used as a cape.

FIG. 49 Blow-up view of the cover according to form 5 of the present invention.

FIG. 50 Illustration of the hair enwrapped with a cover according to the present invention.

FIG. 51 Illustration of the back bag portion of FIG. 50 is further covered on the head.

FIG. 52 Illustration of the left and right parts of FIG. 50 connected at the rear side.

FIG. 53 Illustration of the state where the left and right parts of FIG. 50 are tied under the chin.

FIG. 54 An external perspectival view of another form of the cover according to the present invention.

FIG. 55 An external perspectival view of a modified form of the cover shown in FIG. 54

MODE FOR IMPLEMENTING THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, a form of the cover of the present invention will be described with reference to drawings. It should be noted that the following description focuses on points that have not been described thus far.

As for cover 1, it can have various forms, but as for through-hole 2, it is of a size that allows the head of a wearer to tautly pass through, and while the front side of cover 1 is lifted up and exposes the face protruding from through-hole 2, it must be of such shape that the peripheral edge of through-hole 2 stretches and tautly adheres to the facial periphery of the wearer from the nape, under the ears, to along the forehead. In this way, as a thin sheet having extensibility, there are plastic bags formed from polyethylene, polypropylene, and the like. So, using plastic bags, to determine which extents of elasticity have appropriate strengths for tautly adhering to the facial periphery, experiments were conducted using plastic bags of various thicknesses.

During these experiments, transparent and translucent plastic bags with thicknesses of 0.008 mm, 0.015 mm, 0.025 mm, and 0.03 mm were purchased, and in each through-holes with circumferences of 38 cm were formed. As for the sizes of the through-holes through which the head of the wearer passes (including hair), they were 53 cm, and as for their circumferences for the face exposed protruding from the through-holes from the nape, under the ear, to along the forehead, they were 56 cm. Under these conditions, experiments were conducted in which the head was passed through a through-hole having a circumference of 38 cm and the face was exposed protruding from the through-hole. The results are shown in Table 1.

TABLE 1

Sheet thickness

(unit mm)
Transparent sheet
Translucent sheet

0.008
The tightening force is weak
Tightening force is stronger

than transparent sheet

0.015
The tightening force is weak,
The tightening force is stronger

but there is no feeling of
than the transparent sheet, but

tightening.
there is no feeling of tightening

0.025
The tightening force is
The tightening force is a little

moderate, and you can wear it
strong, but if the wearer

without complications
becomes accustomed, to it, it can

be worn without complications

0.030
Tightening force is strong, so it
The tightening force is strong,

can be worn without
and if the circumference of the

complications
through-hole is expanded to 40

cm, the strength will be

moderate.

From this experiment, as for cover 1 made from a plastic bag, transparent sheets stretch better than translucent sheets and have excellent adhesion, but since translucent sheets have high rigidity, and when crumpled form an internal air layer, they can be said to have excellent heat retention. Therefore, when the room temperature is low and greater heat retention is desired, the translucent sheet is preferable, and when the room temperature is high and heat retention is not important, the transparent sheet is preferable. Also, if the thickness of the sheet is at least 0.04 mm, a considerable resistance is felt when a face is exposed protruding from through-hole 2, so when using a thick sheet, it is necessary to adjust through-hole 2 to accommodate head size.

It should be noted, the plastic bags used here, are only one example, but, for example, they could be of EVA resin (ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer) which is excellent in flexibility and rubber elasticity, or a polyethylene sheet or the like to which EVA resin has been added; however, these are different in thickness and elasticity also, so appropriate ones may be selected from them.

Further, respecting distinguishing characteristics, there is also a method for using two covers 1 with different thicknesses. For example, a transparent cover 1 with thickness of 0.008 mm and a translucent cover 1 with thickness of 0.025 mm can be prepared, and the former thin cover 1 with the form of cover 1 shown in FIG. 1, and the latter thick cover 1 with the form of cover 1 shown in FIG. 25, FIG. 31 or FIG. 34, or FIG. 36. After the head of a wearer is passed through through-hole 2 of thick cover 1, on top of it the head of the wearer is passed through the second-layer through-hole 2 of thin cover 1. In this state, after a general hair medicant has been applied, when the face is exposed protruding from thorough-hole 2 of thin cover 1, and then the face is exposed protruding from through-hole 2 of thick cover 1, it enters a state in which the facial periphery is double-layered with through-hole 2 of cover 1. In this state, when thin cover 1 is crumpled and put on the head, and then thick cover 1 is put on top of it, it can better maintain the warmth and moisture inside cover 1, and because thick cover 1 is covering it, becomes a cover 1 that easily enwraps the hair and has a high heat insulation property.

Further, depending on where through-hole 2 of cover 1 is placed, when used as a cape, it can be used in various ways. For example, if bag portion 3 is longer than draping portion 4, then, as shown in FIG. 20, long hair can be kept in bag portion 3 in order to apply a general hair medicant, so, it can be used as a cape for long hair. Further, when individuals dye hair at home, they often bend forward and apply it while looking at the mirror, so the form in which short bag portion 3 drapes over the abdomen and long draping portion 4 drapes over the back can be adopted.

Further, as shown in FIG. 25, when bag portion 3 covers the head of the wearer and along the edge “a” that touches the forehead of the wearer, if ties 9 that are partially separable in the left-right direction are provided, then while bag portion 3 covers the head ties 9 can keep it stationary.

Here, as for what partially separable means, base 9a of ties 9 is actually part of bag portion 3, and the other portions can be appropriately separated from bag portion 3. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 25, a cut is made in advance at the perforation 9b along the edge “a” of bag portion 3, after the perforation 9b is cut off to form ties 9, if the longitudinal perforations 9c in the central portion of ties 9, is separated into left and right parts, as shown in FIG. 40, ties 9 can be taken out in the left and right directions from both sides of the front edge “a” of bag portion 3.

As for ties 9 keeping bag portion 3 stationary on the head, ties 9 (see FIG. 40) are separated from bag portion 3 and tied, for example, in the vicinity of the nape, or under the chin; when this is done, bag portion 3 that covers the hair is stationary. Further, when bag portion 3 draping over the back is lifted up toward 3, the left and right ties 9 are held and pulled up, and even an elderly person can cover the head alone with bag portion 3.

Further, in the case of being used in beauty salons or barber shops, because cover 1 would be worn by the customer over a cloth or cape to prevent spillage, it is not necessary to use cover 1 as a cape, and this depends on the provisions of the service, a perm lot for the hair, a water-repellent paper for a straight perm that is worn, and the like, or a weaving foil, and the like, are attached to the hair. Sometimes, the hair is left to drape down naturally, additionally, after a general hair medicant has been applied, because of a time-difference method, a correction of a treatment, the use of a moist heat accelerator or a dry heat accelerator, for bag portion 3 and draping portion 4 a size that can enwrap various devices (perm lot, and the like) attached to the head is preferable. Therefore, when cover 1 is commercialized, in accordance with hair lengths and purposes, positions of through-hole 2 and forms, bag portions, and draping portions in respective forms, it is preferable to prepare several covers 1 of different sizes and thicknesses and the like.

In beauty salons and barber shops, even when a general hair medicant is being applied, the hair medicant spills or splashes when the hair is combed, and the medicant can be collected in the inverted triangular pyramid draping over the back, and the medicant accidentally sticking to the surroundings can be prevented. In addition, as for bag portion 3, since it is flexible and malleable, depending on the standing area of the service provider, the respective service itself, bag portion 3 be changed into a variety of shapes and overall serviceability can be improved.

As for conventional capes for preventing spills and smudges, they prevent general hair medicants from adhering to customers, but when sticking to the capes or service providers themselves, they cannot prevent secondary contamination. For example, since service providers work within the immediate vicinity around customers while applying general hair medicants, while actually providing the service, the hair medicants stick to capes and hair and are touched, and without noticing any general hair medicants sticking to themselves, they continue providing the service. In these cases, as for the hair medicants sticking to service providers themselves, they have caused unexpected accidents in which they stick to customers or the surroundings.

Further, in the case that liquids of general hair medicants are poured over the hair kept in bag portion 3 draping over the back, since general hair medicants dripping from the hair can be collected in the tip portion of the inverted triangular pyramid, the tip portion can be cut, and from the tip can be collected into a bowel. Further, after general hair medicants have been applied, and the cut tip portion folded and twisted, then according as either tape, a clip, or the like securely closes it, bag portion 3 with closed aperture is usable.

In the case of conventional perms, a U-shaped bowl is used to collect perming agents that are poured onto the hair. As for this bowl, hanging from left to right under the ear along the nape, it is a tautly adhering U-shaped container that hangs on the shoulders of the customer to collect the dripping perming agents, and after that, by a hair cap or film wrap the hair is enwrapped; however, if this cover 1 is used, the U-shaped bowl becomes unnecessary, and the labor for attaching and detaching the bowl becomes unnecessary. In addition, as proper use of these tools while providing service becomes unnecessary, service time is reduced and, not only for customers, but for service providers as well, burdens also are reduced.

Further, in beauty salons and barbers, to prevent spills and smudges, a cloak-like cloth with an opening at the back is used to cover the customer. However, when the customer moves or bends forward, the overlapping cloth draped over the back opens, and as a result, the general hair medicant sticking to the cloth sticks to clothes, and so forth, but if cover 1 is used, such accidents can be prevented.

What's more, since the peripheral edge of through-hole 2 tautly adheres to the facial periphery, given the hair enwrapped by cover 1, even if a worn T-shirt that does not open at the front, or the like, is removed, cover 1 does not slip off with it. In addition, in the bathroom, when shampooing, if the top portion of cover 1 is gripped and pulled upward, through-hole 2 slips off of the head, and because the general hair medicant is inside cover 1, nothing adheres to the hands or the surroundings, so even after removal, according as cover 1 is rolled up, because the general hair medicant can be prevented from leaking, after the service of a general hair medicant application, accidents of the adherence of a general hair medicant can be prevented.

Further, in beauty salons, barbers, and the like, customers are guided to shampoo stations, and situated for shampooing, and dips, pins, and the like holding cover 1 fast are removed, and if cover 1 is pulled horizontally, cover 1 can be removed from inside the shampoo sink, so there is no risk of contaminating the surroundings. In addition, in the case that a perm lot, water-repellent paper, and the like has been applied to the hair, before cover 1 is removed, and bag portion 3 and draping portion 4 are opened in the shampoo sink, and the perm lot and the like are removed, cover 1 may be removed. Accordingly, at the time when the customer is moved to the shampoo station, and the like, or when cover 1 is removed, accidents related to adherence of a general hair medicant can be prevented. What's more, because no hair medicant adheres to the conventional neck-rest of the shampoo sink supporting the customer's nape, reverse bending of the hair due to the re-adhesion of the general hair medicant near the nape can be eliminated, and shampoo times can be reduced.

EXPLANATION OF SYMBOLS

1 cover

2 through-holes

3 bags

3
a abdominal bag portion

3
b back side bag portion

4 draping portion

5 cut

6 perforations

8 stopper

9 tie

Number	Date	Country	Kind
2018-0095914	May 2018	JP	national
2018-0162996	Aug 2018	JP	national
2018-0218268	Nov 2018	JP	national

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	17052766	Nov 2020	US
Child	17980042		US

COVER, AND METHOD FOR USING SAME

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CPC

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Abstract

Description

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Priority Claims (3)

Continuations (1)