WIG OR HAIRPIECE

Abstract

A wig or hairpiece includes a Swiss lace hair base having a perimeter, a plurality of human hair strands affixed to the Swiss lace hair base, a silk cap, the silk cap being attached to the Swiss lace hair base; and at least one elastic band affixed to the Swiss lace hair base generally proximate the perimeter of the Swiss lace hair base, and in between the Swiss lace hair base and the silk cap.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of wigs and hairpieces.

2. Brief Description of the Prior Art

Wigs and hair replacement pieces have been a fast-growing area of interest for many cultures and ethnicities and for both men and women. This is especially true for individuals with hair loss disorders, such as severe alopecia and cancer.

To create a realistic look for people using full lace wigs and lace hairpieces, hairstylists tend to use a natural color cotton cap under and inside of the wig's Swiss lace, foundation makeup, and adhesive to attach the wig down around the perimeter. However, these are detriments that can negatively affect individuals who have little to no professional experience applying full lace wigs and lace hairpieces. Full lace wigs and hairpiece installments requires a skilled hand in order to ensure that the wig and hairpiece is installed in a uniform manner to achieve a natural look. For example, applying adhesive to the hairline, combined with applying foundation makeup on top of the cotton cap, can get very messy because if water, or anything that contains a water base, is exposed to the cap that has the adhesive and makeup on it, the cotton cap and wig can lift while the wig is on the head. In addition, applying makeup on the head with the cotton cap will clog the cap holes, which limits the natural hair's oxygen intake, resulting in hair breakage and severe hair shedding.

In addition, the combination of the makeup and adhesive will certainly decrease the amount of time the full lace wig will last on the head, which will only be about three weeks to a month. Ultimately, the adhesive, makeup, and cotton cap method will result in many issues long-term. Finally, many adhesives that are used in the beauty industry are toxic to human health and hair. Wig and toupee adhesive has high concentrations of soluble latex, which, in many cases, may cause anaphylaxis, an acute allergic reaction to an antigen to which the body has become hypersensitive. Repetitive exposure to the adhesive can block the skin's pores, damage hair follicles and result in thinning and permanent balding. Furthermore, as stated before, weave caps that the beauty industry uses for wig foundation are made out of 100% cotton material. However, cotton absorbs moisture, which could result in the material drying out the natural hair almost immediately after being placed on the head, causing the hair to break. Cotton caps can also be very tight and uncomfortable and can cause discoloration of the skin.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a wig or hairpiece comprising a Swiss lace hair base having a perimeter, a plurality of human hair strands affixed to the Swiss lace hair base, a silk cap, the silk cap being attached to the Swiss lace hair base; and at least one elastic band affixed to the Swiss lace hair base generally proximate the perimeter of the Swiss lace hair base, and in between the Swiss lace hair base and the silk cap. In one aspect, the present invention includes lace which is pre-tinted lace. In another aspect the present invention includes a silk cap formed from a colored silk material in a selectable skin tone. In one set of embodiments of the present invention, the wig or hairpiece is a closure hairpiece. In another set of embodiments of the present invention, the wig or hairpiece is a frontal hairpiece. In yet another set of embodiments of the present invention, the wig or hairpiece is a full wig.

In one presently preferred embodiment, the silk cap includes a perimeter having a front portion, a right side portion, a left side portion and a rear portion, and the silk cap is affixed to the Swiss lace hair base, such that the left side portion of the silk cap extends substantially the length of the left side portion of the Swiss lace hair base, the right side portion of the silk cap extends substantially the length of the right side portion of the Swiss lace hair base, and the rear portion of the silk cap extends the length of the rear portion of the Swiss lace hair base, but the front edge of the silk cap is affixed to the Swiss lace hair base at a distance spaced from the front portion of the periphery of the Swiss lace hair base.

In another presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the pair of elastic straps are each affixed to the Swiss lace hair base proximate a respective side portion of the periphery of the Swiss lace hair base.

In another presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, the elastic straps each include an external portion extending out from between the Swiss lace hair base and the silk cap, and further including means for securing the elastic straps to one another.

In another aspect of the present invention, the Swiss lace hair base comprises a plurality of panels. In one presently preferred embodiment, the panels include a front panel, an upper rear panel, and a lower rear panel, the panels being shaped and attached together, as by sewing, to conform to the shape of a human head.

The present invention utilizes a silk fabric material placed inside and attached to the Swiss lace of a wig or hairpiece, helping to create a high illusion of a full-headed scalp. The silk material is very comfortable on the head. The silk helps to reduce hair breakage, and helps promote growth of the natural hair. The silk maintains the hair's natural oils, keeping the hair moisturized. Additionally, adjustable bands inside of the wigs and attached to the hairpieces also beneficially reduces the need for adhesive. The real silk wigs and hairpieces of the present invention eliminate steps needed to achieve a natural scalp and appearance. The wigs and hairpieces of the present invention employ pre-tinted lace, single knots, bleached knots, colored silk material—instead of cotton—in a selectable skin tone. The wigs and hairpieces of the present invention include customized frontal hairpieces in a variety of sizes that represent the average women's ear to ear size in inches (11-12), and adjustable straps for easy installation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic bottom plan view of the hair lace and hair components of a closure hairpiece according to the present invention, shown inside-out.

FIG. 2 is a schematic bottom plan view of a closure hairpiece according to the present invention, shown inside-out.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective partial view of a closure hairpiece of the present invention shown from above shown right side-out.

FIG. 4 is a schematic bottom plan view of the hair lace and hair components of a frontal hairpiece according to the present invention, shown inside-out.

FIG. 5 is a schematic bottom plan view of a frontal hairpiece according to the present invention, shown inside-out.

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a full lace wig according to the present invention, shown inside-out, from the right side,

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a full lace wig according to the present invention, shown inside-out, from the left side,

FIG. 8 is a schematic front elevational view of a full lace wig according to the present invention, shown right side-out.

FIG. 9 is a schematic bottom plan view of a full lace wig according to the present invention, shown right side-out.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention advantageously provides for customization of the silk material attached to the wig's Swiss lace inside and attached to the Swiss lace hairpiece.

The use of silk provides several advantages. This helps promote hair growth, protects natural hair, provides high levels of moisture intake from the silk, and offers comfortable, breathable material and diverse colors for all skin tones.

Preferably, the hair employed in the hairpieces and wigs of the present invention is selected to last many years with proper maintenance, such as raw temple hair.

Preferably, the hairpieces and wigs of the present invention include a stretchable nylon elastic band, which along with the optional use of wig clips, provides for secure placement of the hairpiece or wig on the head of a user. This helps users avoid the use of adhesive to secure the hairpiece or wig, also provides for rapid and easy application and removal of the hairpiece or wig from the head of a user.

Silk fabric is known for its soft and comfortable wear in products, such as bedding and sleepwear. However, silk also is believed to contribute to reduced hair loss.

The hairpieces and wigs of the present invention are extremely comfortable, such that a user wearing a hairpiece or wig can even sleep comfortably,

Further, the silk permits the hair to remain moisturized. This is particularly important for people with colored or chemically treated hair since their hair is already prone to breakage and split ends.

Therefore, the Swiss lace with any silk material attached to the wigs and hairpieces is a need that exists in the beauty industry field. The present invention provides comfort, ease of use, healthier growing hair, and durability.

Referring now to the figures in which like reference numerals represent like elements in each of the several views, there is shown in FIG. 1 a schematic bottom plan view of the Swiss lace hair base 20 and hair 50 components of a closure hairpiece 10 (FIG. 2) according to the present invention, shown inside-out, to reveal the construction. The lace hair base 20 is preferably formed from a Swiss lace material, and has a central portion 22, as well as a perimeter 24 having a front portion 26, a right side portion 28, a left side portion 30, and a rear portion 32. One end of the hair strands 52 is affixed, such as by knotting, to the central portion of the Swiss lace hair base 20, with the color, length and placement on the Swiss lace hair base 20 of the hair 50 being selected for aesthetic effect.

FIG. 2 is a schematic bottom plan view of a closure hairpiece according to the present invention, shown inside-out. The closure hairpiece 10 includes a lace hair base 20 and a silk cap 60 substantially covering the lace hair base 20, the silk cap 60 being attached to the perimeter 24 of the hair base 20 at the sides 28, 30 and rear 32 portions of the lace hair base 20, but spaced from the front or hairline 26 of the lace hair base 20, and in one presently preferred embodiment, spaced by a distance of about one and one-half inches.

A pair of bands 80, 82 formed from an elastic material are positioned proximate the right side 28 and the left side 30 of the perimeter 24 of the lace hair base 20, in between the silk cap 60 and the lace hair base 20, the elastic bands 80, 82 are preferably affixed to both the hair base 20 and the silk cap 60, such as by sewing. Preferably, the elastic bands 80, 82 include an exterior portion 84, 86, and can be adjustably attached to one another, such as with a buckle 90, to permit the hairpiece 10 to be securely, but comfortably, affixed to a user's head.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective partial view of a closure hairpiece 10 of the present invention shown from above shown right side-out. While a closure hairpiece 10 is illustrated, the structure illustrated can be employed in a frontal hairpiece or a full lace wig, such as shown in the subsequent figures. The closure hairpiece 10 includes a Swiss lace hair base 20 and a plurality of hair strands 50, as well as a silk cap 60 (not visible) affixed, as by sewing along the perimeter 24 of the Swiss lace hair base 20 at the sides 28, 30 and rear 32 of the Swiss lace hair base 20 (FIG. 1). While the silk cap 60 is generally of the same size and dimensions as the Swiss lace hair base 20, the front portion 26 of the perimeter 24 of the Swiss lace hair base 20 extend beyond and is generally spaced from the front edge 62 the silk cap 60. In one presently preferred embodiment, the front portion 26 of the perimeter 24 of the Swiss lace hair base 20 extends about one and one-half inches beyond the front edge 62 of the silk cap 60. FIG. 3 depicts a part 54 formed in the hair strands 50 along the center line of the hairpiece 10.

FIG. 4 is a schematic bottom plan view of the hair lace 120 and hair components 150 of a frontal hairpiece 110 (FIG. 5) according to the present invention, shown inside-out, and being constructed in a manner similar to the closure hairpiece 10, The frontal hairpiece 110 includes a hair lace 120 with a perimeter 124 having a right side portion 128 and a left side portion 130 as well as a rear portion 132. The hair stands 150 are affixed to the Swiss lace hair base 120 as by knotting.

FIG. 5 is a schematic bottom plan view of a frontal hairpiece 110 according to the present invention, shown inside-out including a Swiss hair lace base 120, as well as hair strands 150, and a silk cap 160 having a front edge 162, and a pair of straps 180, 182, formed from an elastic material and extending between, and attached to, as by sewing, the silk cap 160 and the Swiss lace hair base 120, and that can be fastened together with a buckle 190, to securely fasten the frontal hairpiece 110 to the head of a user.

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the Swiss lace hair base 220 depicted as being draped over the head of a user, and showing the Swiss lace hair base 220 component of a full lace wig 210 (FIGS. 8 and 9) according to the present invention, shown inside-out, from the right side, to show the construction. Similarly, FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the components of FIG. 6, shown inside-out, from the left side. The Swiss lace hair base 220 includes a perimeter 224 with a front portion 226, a right side portion 228, a left side portion 230, and a rear portion 232. The Swiss lace hair base 220 is constructed by sewing together the overlapping portions of a plurality of panels 240 including a front panel 242, an upper rear panel 244, and a lower rear panel 246. The panels 240 are shaped to provide a form fitting interior volume, such by providing darts 248 in the periphery of the panels 240.

FIG. 8 is a schematic front elevational view of a full lace wig 210 according to the present invention, shown right side-out, and FIG. 9 is a schematic bottom plan view of a full lace wig according to the present invention, shown right side-out. Hair 250 is attached to the Swiss lace hair base 220, as by knotting, and a silk cap 260 is attached to the perimeter 224 of the hair base 220, along a substantial length of both the right and left side portions 228, 230. However, the front edge 262 of the silk cap 260 is affixed to the hair base 220 but a spaced distance from the front portion 226 of the hair base 220, preferably, in one presently preferred embodiment, of about one and one-half inches. Adjustable elastic bands 280, 282 are provided between the silk cap 260 and the hair base 220. Preferably, the elastic bands 280, 282 can be secured to provide a secure yet comfortable fit on the head of a user.

Various modifications can be made in the details of the various embodiments of the apparatus of the present invention, all within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A wig or hairpiece comprising: a Swiss lace hair base having a perimeter,a plurality of human hair strands affixed to the Swiss lace hair base,a silk cap, the silk cap being attached to the Swiss lace hair base; andat least one elastic band affixed to the Swiss lace hair base generally proximate the perimeter of the Swiss lace hair base, and in between the Swiss lace hair base and the silk cap.

2. A wig or hairpiece according to claim 1 wherein the lace is pre-tinted lace.

3. A wig or hairpiece according to claim 1 wherein the silk cap is formed from a colored silk material in a selectable skin tone.

4. A wig or hairpiece according to claim 1 wherein the wig or hairpiece is a closure hairpiece.

5. A wig or hairpiece according to claim 1 wherein the wig or hairpiece is a frontal hairpiece.

6. A wig or hairpiece according to claim 1 wherein the wig or hairpiece is a full wig.

7. A wig or hairpiece according to claim 1 wherein the silk cap includes a perimeter having front portion, a right side portion, a left side portion and a rear portion, and the silk cap is affixed to the Swiss lace hair base, such that the left side portion of the silk cap extends substantially the length of the left side portion of the Swiss lace hair base, the right side portion of the silk cap extends substantially the length of the right side portion of the Swiss lace hair base, and the rear portion of the silk cap extends the length of the rear portion of the Swiss lace hair base, but the front edge of the silk cap is affixed to the Swiss lace hair base at a distance spaced from the front portion of the periphery of the Swiss lace hair base.

8. A wig or hairpiece according to claim 7 wherein the pair of elastic straps are each affixed to the Swiss lace hair base proximate a respective side portion of the perimeter of the Swiss lace hair base.

9. A wig or hairpiece according to claim 8 wherein the elastic straps each include an external portion extending out from between the Swiss lace hair base and the silk cap, and further including means for securing the elastic straps to one another.

10. A wig or hairpiece according to claim 1 wherein the Swiss lace hair base comprises a plurality of panels.

11. A wig or hairpiece according to claim 10, wherein the wig or hairpiece is a full wig, and the panels include a front panel, an upper rear panel, and a lower rear panel.