DETACHABLE WIG ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from Israel Patent Application No. 199,592, filed Jun. 28, 2009, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to wigs and hairpieces worn by human beings, and more specifically for natural appearance wigs for human beings.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are many circumstances under which a person wishes to wear a full wig without it being obvious that it is a wig. One obvious example is for patients undergoing chemotherapy, who become temporarily or permanently bald and do not want others to note their baldness. Married Jewish orthodox women are required to cover their hair, and, according to some traditions, wigs are a permissible way of doing so.

However, old-fashioned and synthetic wigs are hot, cumbersome, bulky and, from close-up, are easily discerned as being wigs as opposed to real hair. One “give-away” region is a “parting line” or “skin line” which is seen on the top of the head, typically dividing, right and left hairs along a mid-line or off-mid line along the scalp. In prior art wigs, this line may not exist or may show artificial netting, which is typically not of skin appearance.

Another “give away” region is the region around the forehead and side of the head, next to the ears, where a gap can be seen between the artificial hairs of the wig and the scalp.

An additional “give away” is the type of artificial hair employed. Many wigs reflect light differently to real hair and appear artificial, even at a distance.

Another problem for wig wearers, who have bulky and/or long hair, is that the wigs and their extensions are yet bulkier, when placed on top of the natural hair. Bulky wigs are described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,495,603 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,520,310, for example. There is therefore a need to provide natural-looking wigs which are no bulkier than natural hair.

Some prior art wigs provide wig extensions for providing a long hair appearance, but these have large clips and attaching means to the rear of the head (US 2008/0047572 Al), which might be exposed on a windy day and may appear bulky at the site of attachment.

Another problem, exacerbated in hot countries, is that artificial or semi-artificial wigs do not allow the scalp to be aired or to “breathe”. This can lead to dandruff, allergies and other skin/scalp disorders.

Additionally, in a sunny climate, a person may want to wear a cap, hat or visor on top of the wig without an attachment site being obvious. If the attachment site is to the rear of the head, as in US 2008/0047572 Al, then the clips and attachment site of the additional hairpiece extension may be visible and/or may be uncomfortable when worn together. It may not be possible to wear only the base wig as it has a bald patch that may be visible from the rear.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,495,603 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,520,310 both describe versatile wigs, which can be adapted to a number of hairstyles. However, they fail to teach how to provide a wig with a natural-looking parting or how to provide a natural-looking wig along the forehead line and/or a wig raised above the ears with the artificial hair drawn back.

Wigs made of cut natural hair are known in the art, but they are very expensive. Normally, a person accustomed to wearing full wigs to cover a bald head or his/her natural hair will require several different wigs. A first wig may be required for wearing without a hat with bangs (a fringe). A second wig may be required to be worn with a pony tail with the wig hair tied or gathered. A third wig may be required for wearing with an additional hair covering such as, but not limited to, a scarf, bandana, a hat, a cap and a hair-band. Typically, a wig wearing person requires a minimum of two or three wigs to suit his/her requirements and seasonal changes.

There is thus an urgent need to provide natural-looking versatile wigs and wig arrangements, which cannot easily be detected as being wigs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of some aspects of the present invention to provide natural-looking versatile wigs, which cannot easily be detected as being wigs.

It is another object of some aspects of the present invention to provide a wig arrangement, suitable for use, inter alia, by Orthodox Jewish women, the wig arrangement comprising:

a) at least one upper front hairpiece; and

b) a base hair piece suitable for receiving said at least one upper front hairpieces thereby forming the natural-looking wig arrangement.

It is another object of some aspects of the present invention to provide a wig arrangement, suitable for use, inter alia, by Orthodox Jewish women, the wig arrangement comprising:

a) at least two upper front hairpieces; and

b) a base hair piece suitable for receiving each of said at least two upper front hairpieces, separately, to provide a corresponding number of complete, wig arrangements of different appearances.

These wig arrangements are significantly cheaper and save the use of human/synthetic hair relative to having a number of wigs to provide the same number of different wig appearances.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, improved natural-looking versatile wigs are provided, which allow attaching and detaching of at least one interchangeable front top piece, which is suitable for wearing alone, with a hair band or with a hat or cap.

The base hair piece may be used as a standalone wig in conjunction with one of: a cap, a hair-band, and a hat.

There is thus provided according to an embodiment of the present invention, a natural-appearing versatile wig arrangement, including;

a) a base hair piece including a hair attachment portion including a front piece and hair strands attached to the hair attachment portion; and

b) at least one upper front hair piece adapted to be attached and detached from the base hair piece thereby forming the wig arrangement, wherein the wig arrangement appears to be one piece.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the at least one upper front hair piece includes at least two upper front hair pieces.

Furthermore, According to some embodiments of the present invention, the at least two upper front hair pieces are adapted to be attached to the base hair piece interchangeably thereby each forming a wig arrangement of a different appearance.

Additionally, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the at least one upper front hair piece is selected from the group consisting of an upper hairpiece (bangs); an upper hair piece (pony); and an upper hair piece (fall).

Moreover, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the at least two upper front hair pieces are selected from the group consisting of an upper hairpiece (bangs); an upper hair piece (pony); and an upper hair piece (fall).

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the hair attachment portion includes;

a) a front piece; and

b) a rear portion.

Additionally, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the front piece and rear portion include fastening elements adapted to engage matching fastening elements on the upper front hair piece.

Moreover, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the fastening elements are selected from the group consisting of snap-fit studs, hooks, eyes, Velcro™ and a zipper.

Yet further, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the hair attachment portion includes at least one of; a skin top, an elastic portion, air vent holes, and an elastic netting.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the hair attachment portion includes an upper panel and at least one lower panel attached together.

Moreover, according to some embodiments of the present invention, rein the at least one upper front hair piece includes a skin top.

In some cases, the skin top includes two layers. The two layers include;

a) an upper layer; and

b) a lower layer.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the upper layer may be a skin top.

Additionally, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the skin top includes a silk or silk-like material and hairs attached to the skin top.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, wefts with hairs attached may be disposed around the skin top.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the lower layer is made out of a netted material.

Additionally, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the skin top includes a front portion and a rear perimeter portion.

Furthermore, the skin top further includes a front portion and a rear perimeter portion.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the front portion and a rear perimeter portion include fastening elements.

Moreover, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the front portion and the rear perimeter portion include a double layer of material.

There is thus provided according to an additional embodiment of the present invention, a natural-appearing versatile wig arrangement, including;

a) a base hair piece including a hair attachment portion including a front piece and hair strands attached to the hair attachment portion;

b) at least two upper front hair pieces, each adapted to be attached and detached from the base hair piece thereby forming at least two wig arrangement of different appearance, wherein each wig arrangement appears to be one piece.

Additionally, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the at least two upper front hair pieces are interchangeable.

Moreover, according to some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a wig arrangement substantially as described herein.

Furthermore, according to some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a wig arrangement substantially as shown in the figures.

There is thus provided according to another embodiment of the present invention, a base for forming a wig, the base including;

a) an upper portion; and

b) at least one side portion attached to the upper portion.

Furthermore, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the upper portion includes an attachment portion disposed between a front portion and a rear perimeter portion.

Additionally, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the at least one of the front portion and the rear perimeter portion and the at least one side portion include fastening elements.

Furthermore, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the fastening elements are selected from the group consisting of snap-fit studs, hooks, eyes, Velcro™ and a zipper.

Moreover, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the attachment portion includes at least one of; a skin top, an elastic portion, air vent holes, and an elasticated netting.

Yet further, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the side portions include at least one of an elastic portion, air vent holes, an elasticated netting, a silk portion and a netted material.

Additionally, according to some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an attachment portion for attachment above and to the base portion of claim 25, the upper attachment portion including;

a) a front piece; and

b) a rear portion,

wherein at least one of said front piece, said rear portion and said at least one side portion include fastening elements adapted to engage matching fastening elements on the base portion.

Furthermore, according to some embodiments of the present invention, wherein said fastening elements are selected from the group consisting of snap-fit studs, hooks, eyes, Velcro™ and a zipper.

Additionally, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the attachment portion includes a material element disposed in between and attached to said front piece and rear portion, wherein said material element includes at least one of a netting material an elastic portion, air vent holes, an elasticated netting and a silk portion.

The present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments thereof, taken together with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments with reference to the following illustrative figures so that it may be more fully understood. With specific reference now to the figures in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is a simplified pictorial illustration of an expanded view of a base hair piece and upper first front hairpiece (bangs) of a natural-appearing wig arrangement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a simplified pictorial illustration of a front view of a base hair piece and upper first front hairpiece (bangs) of a natural-appearing wig arrangement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1C is a simplified pictorial illustration of a side view of a base hair piece and upper first front hairpiece (bangs) of a natural-appearing wig arrangement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a simplified pictorial illustration of an expanded view of a base hair piece and upper second front hairpiece (pony) of a natural-appearing wig arrangement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B is a simplified pictorial illustration of a front view of a base hair piece and upper second front hairpiece of a natural-appearing wig arrangement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2C is a simplified pictorial illustration of a side view of a base hair piece and upper second front hairpiece of a natural-appearing wig arrangement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3A is a simplified pictorial illustration of an expanded view of a base hair piece and upper third front hairpiece (fall) of a natural-appearing wig arrangement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3B is a simplified pictorial illustration of a front view of a base hair piece and upper third front hairpiece of a natural-appearing wig arrangement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3C is a simplified pictorial illustration of a side view of a base hair piece and upper third front hairpiece of a natural-appearing wig arrangement in conjunction with a hair band, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3D is a simplified pictorial illustration of a front view of a base hair piece and upper third front hairpiece of a natural-appearing wig arrangement in conjunction with a hair band, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4A is a simplified pictorial illustration of an upper first front hairpiece base, without any hairs attached, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4B is a simplified pictorial illustration of a lower base front hairpiece base, before any hairs have been attached, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5A is another simplified pictorial illustration of an upper first front hairpiece base, without any hairs attached, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5B is another simplified pictorial illustration of a lower base front hairpiece base, before any hairs have been attached, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a simplified pictorial illustration of hair attachment to wefts on an upper front hairpiece, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a simplified pictorial illustration of hair attachment to wefts, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8A is another simplified pictorial illustration of an upper first front hairpiece base, without any hairs attached, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8B is another simplified pictorial illustration of a lower base front hairpiece base, before any hairs have been attached, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9A is a simplified pictorial illustration of an upper first front hairpiece base, with hairs attached, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9B is a simplified pictorial illustration of a lower base front hairpiece base, after hairs have been attached, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10A is a simplified pictorial illustration of a “fall”-type upper third front hairpiece base, with hairs attached, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 10B is a simplified pictorial illustration of an upper base front hairpiece base of a “fall”-type, after hairs have been attached, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11A is a simplified pictorial illustration of an expanded view of an upper first front hairpiece with side flaps of a natural-appearing wig arrangement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11B is a simplified pictorial illustration of an expanded view of upper attachment means of the upper first front hairpiece with side flaps of FIG. 11A; and

FIG. 11C is a simplified pictorial illustration of an expanded view of a lower base hairpiece matching the upper front hairpiece of FIG. 11A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

In all the figures similar reference numerals identify similar parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that these are specific embodiments and that the present invention may be practiced also in different ways that embody the characterizing features of the invention as described and claimed herein.

The present invention describes natural-looking wig arrangements and natural-looking versatile wigs, which generally cannot be easily detected as being wigs. According to some embodiments, the wigs are made of cut human hair. Cut human hair tends to fall and flow more than artificial or synthetic hair. Human hair tends to be less bulky than artificial hair. Wigs made in the 1960s-1970s tended to have a large body held, in part, several centimeters above the scalp.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1A, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of an expanded view of a base hair piece 110 and upper first front hairpiece 120 of a natural-appearing wig arrangement 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Wig arrangement 100 comprises base hair piece 110. The base hair piece (or wig) comprises a multiplicity of hairs or hair strands 116, which may be natural hair, a mixture of synthetic and natural hair strands, or only synthetic hair strands. Natural hair strands tend to be more flowable and “floppy” relative to synthetic hairs and semi-synthetic mixtures.

The hair strands or hairs are attached to a hair attachment portion 140. The hair attachment portion comprises a front piece 114, adapted to fit onto an upper portion of a wearer's forehead. The front piece comprise male or female fastening elements 112, such as snap-fit studs, hooks or eyes, Velcro™, a zipper, or any other known fastening means, which are adapted to engage matching fastening elements 124 on the upper first front hairpiece 120. Fastening elements may also comprise holes or long hollow elements and metallic, plastic or other fastening elements which are attachable or threadable through holes or hollow elements.

For example, if elements 112 are hooks, then elements 124 are eyes. The hair attachment portion further comprises a rear perimeter portion 108. The rear perimeter portion is adapted to encompass a rear of the wearers head and be attached to two ends of the front piece. Rear perimeter portion 108 also comprises fastening elements 112, adapted to engage with elements 124.

Upper first front hairpiece 120 comprises a natural hair line 122 or parting, front hairs 128 forming bangs (a fringe) and side hairs 130. Side hairs blend in with hairs 116 such that one cannot easily detect that the wig arrangement is not the wearer's natural hair. Furthermore, a viewer cannot tell from the external appearance of the wig arrangement that it comprises two pieces (110, 120). It should be understood that hairs 128 may be of any length or may be of graded lengths.

This can be seen further with reference to FIG. 1B, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of a front view of base hair piece 110 and upper first front hairpiece 120 of a natural-appearing wig arrangement 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Wig arrangement 100 appears as natural hair from every side. Though shown in the figure, the fastening elements cannot be seen, even when the wearer is running, jumping or gathering back hairs 116 and or 130 into a pony tail.

Additionally, FIG. 1C shows a side view of base hair piece 110 and upper first front hairpiece 120 of a natural-appearing wig arrangement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Hair attachment portion 140 may comprise one or more sides as is described in further detail with reference attachment portion, 400 in FIGS. 4A-4B, attachment portion 500 in FIGS. 5A-5B.

Another important aspect of the wig arrangements of the present invention is the method of connecting the hairs to the hair attachment portion. In order for the wig arrangement to appear natural, certain methodologies of connecting the hairs are used, which are described in more detail hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 7-10B.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2A, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of an expanded view of a base hair piece 210 and upper second front hairpiece 220 of a natural-appearing wig arrangement 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Wig arrangement 200 comprises base hair piece 210. The base hair piece (or wig) comprises a multiplicity of hairs or hair strands 216, which may be natural hair, a mixture of synthetic and natural hair strands, or only synthetic hair strands. Natural hair strands tend to be more flowable and “floppy” relative to synthetic hairs and semi-synthetic mixtures.

The hair strands or hairs are attached to a hair attachment portion 240. The hair attachment portion comprises a front piece 214, adapted to fit onto an upper portion of a wearer's forehead. The front piece comprises male or female fastening elements 212, such as snap-fit studs, hooks or eyes, Velcro™, zippers or other fastening devices, which are adapted to engage matching fastening elements 224 on the upper first front hairpiece 220. For example, if elements 212 are hooks, then elements 224 are eyes. The hair attachment portion further comprises a rear perimeter portion 208. The rear perimeter portion is adapted to encompass a front portion of the wearer's head and be attached to two ends of the front piece. Rear perimeter portion 208 also comprises fastening elements 212, adapted to engage with elements 224.

Hair attachment portion 240 may be similar or identical to hair attachment portion 140 of FIG. 1. Alternatively, hair attachment portion 240 may comprise elastic portions 242, extending across the side of the head and connected to perpendicular elastic portions 246, configured to provide air vent holes or regions 244 and allow for aeration of the person's scalp or natural hair disposed under hair attachment portion 240. It should be understood that many variations to the arrangements shown are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

Hair attachment portion 240 may comprise one or more sides as is described in further detail with reference attachment portion 400 in FIGS. 4A-4B.

Upper second front hairpiece 220 comprises long hair strands 222 (similar or identical to hair 216, 218), which, when joined together with a clip 221, or other fastening means, such as an elastic band or a ribbon, for a pony tail or plaits at the rear and/or side(s) of the wearer's head. Hair strands 222 may also be allowed to hang naturally. Hairs or hair strands 228 blend naturally with hairs 222, 218 and 216 such that one cannot easily detect that the wig arrangement is not the wearer's natural hair. Moreover, one cannot detect that the wig arrangement comprises two parts These hairs and hair strands may be of different lengths. This can be seen further with reference to FIG. 2B, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of a front view of base hair piece 210 and upper second front hairpiece 220 of a natural-appearing wig arrangement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Upper second front hairpiece 220 comprises a skin top 270. Skin top 270 is made out of a material, such as, but not limited to silk and it provides the appearance of skin. Thus, a parting (shown as 122 in FIG. 1A appears as natural skin or scalp). Skin tops allow for the hairs of hairpiece 220 to be moved in any direction thereby forming one or more partings in any direction. This is described in further detail hereinbelow with reference to FIG. 6.

Additionally, FIG. 2C shows a side view of base hair piece 210 and upper first front hairpiece 220 of a natural-appearing wig arrangement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Another important aspect of the wig arrangements of the present invention is the method of connecting the hairs to the hair attachment portion. In order for the wig arrangement to appear natural, various methodologies of connecting the hairs are used as is described in further detail hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 6-10B.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3A, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of an expanded view of a base hair piece 310 and upper third front hairpiece 320 of a natural-appearing wig arrangement 300, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Wig arrangement 300 comprises base hair piece 310. The base hair piece (or wig) comprises a multiplicity of hairs or hair strands 316, which may be natural hair, a mixture of synthetic and natural hair strands, or only synthetic hair strands. Natural hair strands tend to be more flowable and “floppy” relative to synthetic hairs and semi-synthetic mixtures.

It should be understood that, according to some embodiments, base hair piece 110, 210 and 310 may be identical and are shown in the figures differently for the purpose of illustration.

The hair strands or hairs are attached to a hair attachment portion 340. The hair attachment portion comprises a front piece 314, adapted to fit onto an upper portion of a wearer's forehead and a cut-out region 344. The front piece comprise male or female fastening elements 312, such as snap-fit studs, hooks or eyes, or other elements described herein, or Velcro™, which are adapted to engage matching fastening elements 324 on the upper first front hairpiece 120. For example, if elements 312 are Velcro™ hooks, then elements 124 are Velcro™ eyes. The hair attachment portion further comprises a rear perimeter portion 308. The rear perimeter portion is adapted to encompass a front portion of the wearer's head and be attached to two ends of the front piece. Rear perimeter portion 308 also comprises fastening elements 312, adapted to engage with elements 324.

Upper third front hairpiece 320 comprises hair strands or locks 356 configured to fall back over a central region of the wearers head from a frontal top region to a rear side and/or to at least one side of the head thereby forming a “fall”. Hair strands or locks 356 are arranged such that they cannot fall forward to make a fringe (bangs). Side hairs 330 blend in with hairs 316 such that one cannot easily detect that the wig arrangement is not the wearer's natural hair. Furthermore, one cannot see that the wig arrangement comprises two pieces 310, 320.

This can be seen further with reference to FIG. 3B, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of a front view of base hair piece 310 and upper third front hairpiece 320 of a natural-appearing wig arrangement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Hair attachment portion 340 may comprise one or more sides as is described in further detail with reference attachment portion 500 in FIGS. 5A-5B. Hairpiece 320 does not comprise a fringe (bangs).

Another important aspect of the wig arrangements of the present invention is the method of connecting the hairs to the hair attachment portion. In order for the wig arrangement to appear natural, certain methodologies of connecting the hairs are used as is explained in further detail hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 6-10B.

Additionally, FIG. 3C shows a side view of base hair piece 310 and upper third front hairpiece 320 of a natural-appearing wig arrangement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Additionally, FIG. 3C shows a side view of base hair piece 310 and upper third front hairpiece 320 of natural-appearing wig arrangement 300, in conjunction with a hair band 360, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen in the figure, the pieces 310, 320 cannot be discerned as being separate pieces, rather the wig arrangement 300 is seen as being one piece of natural-appearing hair. Wig arrangement 300 is intentionally designed for use with hair band 360 or with a hat. The hair strands 356 are all arranged to fall over the scalp going backwards from the forehead and to fall naturally over the sides of the head and at rear of the head.

In prior art wig arrangements, the bangs/fringe hairs are designed to fall forward over the forehead. Thus, when using prior art wig arrangements, the hairs need to be pulled back against their natural grain. The prior art wig arrangements are thus uncomfortable, bulky and poorly adapted for use with a hair band. It should therefore be noted that the present invention wig arrangement 300 overcomes the aforementioned limitations of the prior art wig arrangements.

FIG. 3D shows a simplified pictorial illustration of a partial front view of base hair piece 310 and upper third front hairpiece 320 of natural-appearing wig arrangement 300 in conjunction with hair band 360, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen in FIG. 3D, hairs 356 fall back naturally to the rear and sides of the head.

It should be understood that the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B provide a new basis for wig arrangements allowing for versatile use of several different upper front hairpieces, as are illustrated, but not limited to upper front hairpiece 120, 220 and 320.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4A, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of an upper first front hairpiece base 400, without any hairs attached, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Base 400 is used to build a number of different upper front hairpieces as will be explained in further detail hereinbelow.

Base 400 comprises a rear perimeter portion 408 and a front portion 414. These portions are made of a natural or synthetic material. According to some embodiments, these portions are made of at least a double of layer of material. An upper layer 420 may comprise a simple netting 422 and a lower layer 430 may comprise an embroidered lace 432. These layers are sewn together by methods known in the art.

Rear perimeter portion 408 and front portion 412 comprise fastening elements 424 adapted to engage fastening elements 412 (FIG. 4B). According to some embodiments, portions 408 and 412 may comprise an external strengthening band (413, not shown) of a width of several millimeters up to around one centimeter.

Base 400 comprise elastic portions 402, extending across the side of the head and connected to perpendicular elastic portions 406, configured to provide air vent holes or regions 445 and 444 and allow for aeration of the person's scalp or natural hair disposed under base 400. It should be understood that many variations to the arrangements shown are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4B, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of a lower base front hairpiece base 450, before any hairs have been attached, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Lower base front hairpiece base 450 comprises an upper panel 470 and one or more lower panels 460 sewed thereto. Panels 460 may be made of netting, lace, loosely woven material, elasticated netting or any other suitable material known in the art, or combinations thereof.

Upper panel 470 comprises a front portion 480 and a rear portion 458, both adapted to be attached to front portion 414 and to rear perimeter portion 408 respectively by means of fastening elements 412 which engage fastening elements 414. Front portion 480 and rear portion 458 are typically made of a material of at least two layers, similar or identical in construction to upper and lower layers 420, 430, described hereinabove.

It should be understood that the embodiments shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B provide a new basis for wig arrangements allowing for versatile use of several different upper front hairpieces, as are illustrated, but not limited to upper front hairpiece 120, 220 and 320.

Reference is now made to FIG. 5A, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of an upper first front hairpiece base 500, without any hairs attached, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Base 500 comprises a netting material 504 disposed in between a front portion 528 and a rear portion 526. Base 500 is adapted to be attached to a lower base front hairpiece base 550 shown in FIG. 5B. As can be seen in FIG. 5B, there is seen a simplified pictorial illustration of a lower base front hairpiece base 550, before any hairs have been attached, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Base 550 comprises a vacant upper area 530 surrounded by a front portion 514 and a rear portion 508.

Bases 500 and 550 may be made of any suitable elastic material, netting, Lycra™ or other material used in the trade for making wigs, or combinations thereof.

Fastening elements 524 are adapted to engage fastening elements 512 and may be constructed of any suitable fastening elements, such as, but not limited to, snap-fit studs, hooks or eyes, Velcro™, zippers or other fastening devices or combinations thereof.

Reference is now made to FIG. 6, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of hair attachment to wefts 602 an upper front hairpiece 600, such as, but not limited to upper front hairpiece 120, 220, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Hairpiece 600 comprises a skin top 670. Skin top 670 comprises two layers. An upper layer 672 is made out of silk or a similar material, and a lower layer 678 is made of a netted fabric. Hairs 674 are connected or knotted to the netted fabric by methods known in the art. The hairs may be connected to the netted fabric in one or more directions and may be of any suitable length. Thereafter the hairs are threaded in through into the upper layer 672. This arrangement provides a natural look to the skin top, providing an imitation scalp look.

FIG. 7 is a simplified pictorial illustration of hair attachment to wefts 700, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Reference is now made to FIG. 8A, which is another simplified pictorial illustration of an upper first front hairpiece base 800, without any hairs attached, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Base 800 comprises skin top 672 and wefts 602 surrounding the skin top, arranged in predetermined defined directions to provide the appropriate look to each wig arrangement. Disposed around the wefts are a front portion 415 and a rear portion 408, which comprise fastening elements 424.

According to some embodiments, the entire upper front hair piece base comprises a skin top (apart from the front portion and rear portion), with no wefts.

FIG. 8B shows of a lower base front hairpiece base 850, before any hairs have been attached, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Base 850 comprises an upper piece 870 and one or more side/rear pieces 860. Upper piece 870 comprises a rear portion 458 and fastening elements 414.

FIG. 9A shows a simplified pictorial illustration of an upper first front hairpiece base 900, with hairs attached, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Reference is now made to FIG. 9B, which is a simplified (magnified) pictorial illustration of a lower base front hairpiece base 800, after hairs have been attached, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. All the reference numerals appear hereinabove refer to the same elements as previously described.

Reference is now made to FIG. 10A, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of a “fall”-type upper third front hairpiece 1000, similar or identical to hairpiece 320, with hairs attached 1002, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Base 1000 comprises a front piece 1004 and wefts 1006 attached to netting 1008. Some of the wefts 1006 are sewn onto the netting across the base parallel one to the other (as shown).

In some embodiments, the wefts may form concentric semicircular arches (not shown).

The arrangement of the wefts allows for hairs 1002 to fall backwards or sideways relative to front piece 1004. Ideally, no hairs fall to the front of front piece 1004. This arrangement of the first front hairpiece base 1000

FIG. 10B is a simplified magnified pictorial illustration of an upper front hairpiece base 1005, similar or identical to base 1000, of a “fall”-type, after hairs have been attached, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11A is a simplified pictorial illustration of an expanded view of an upper front hairpiece 1120 with side flaps 1111 and a front flap 1113 of a natural-appearing wig arrangement 1100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The upper front hairpiece 1120 comprises hairs 1130 on a skin top (not shown) with a parting 1122.

The upper front hairpiece 1120 is adapted to be glued or affixed onto an upper attachment means 1150 comprising fastening elements 1124, which are adapted to be fastened to fastening elements 1112 (see FIG. 11C).

FIG. 11C is a simplified pictorial illustration of an expanded view of a lower base hairpiece 1110 matching the upper front hairpiece of FIG. 11A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The lower base hairpiece comprises side portions 1150 adapted to be covered by side flaps 1111.

It should be understood that many combinations of features taught in one figure in this application can be combined with features in another figure. Such combinations are deemed to be part of the present invention.

The references cited herein teach many principles that are applicable to the present invention. Therefore the full contents of these publications are incorporated by reference herein where appropriate for teachings of additional or alternative details, features and/or technical background.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details set forth in the description contained herein or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and changes can be applied to the embodiments of the invention as hereinbefore described without departing from its scope, defined in and by the appended claims.

DETACHABLE WIG ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD

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Priority Claims (1)