CA1206055A - Hairpiece with simulated natural hairline front and method of making same - Google Patents
Hairpiece with simulated natural hairline front and method of making sameInfo
- Publication number
- CA1206055A CA1206055A CA000473117A CA473117A CA1206055A CA 1206055 A CA1206055 A CA 1206055A CA 000473117 A CA000473117 A CA 000473117A CA 473117 A CA473117 A CA 473117A CA 1206055 A CA1206055 A CA 1206055A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- foundation
- hairpiece
- scalp
- user
- mesh
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41G—ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS; WIGS; MASKS; FEATHERS
- A41G3/00—Wigs
Abstract
Abstract of the Disclosure A hairpiece for simulating a natural hairline at the front of the head of a user comprises a flexible shape-retaining foundation constituted of a lightweight lace mesh having a multitude of fine fibers crossing one another at intersections which are ultrasonically welded to strengthen the mesh to maintain and to retain a predetermined shape which conforms to the contour of the scalp area to be covered. A multitude of hairs is attached to the mesh substantially all the way up to a non-frayable unbound front edge thereof. The hair attached foundation mesh is detachably secured to the scalp area, and the line of attached hair at the front of the mesh is reliably positioned on the front of the head of the user to simulate a natural hairline thereat.
Description
vs This invention generally relates to a hairpiece for covering an area on the scalp of a user and, more particularly, to a wear-durable hairpiece for simulatirg a natural hairline at the front of the head of the user~
Various types of hairpieces and methods of making the same are well known. Typically, the hairpiece includes a base or foundation which conforms to the contour of the scalp area to be covered, and a multitude of hairs is attached to the foundation~ In a so-called "hard front" hairpiece of the type disclosed in U. S. Patents NOsn 3~421~521; 3~605~761 3 I 971,392, and 412021 359, an edge binding, pre~erably a ribbor, strip or a fiber tape, is bent over and stitched along the entire peripheral edge of the foundation. However, the presence of the ed~e binding, particularly at the front of the head of the user, creates an embarrassing visual indica-tion of the presence of a hairpiece unless the edge binding is concealed. This is typically accomplished by forwardly combing the attached hair to cover the edge binding. However, the forwardly combed hair also disc~ises the hairline at the upper forehead area of the user's head. Hence, the hard front hairpiece does not lend itself to brush-back hair styles wherein the 'hair is combed rearwardly of the hairline at the upper forehead areaO
In order to permit a user requiring a `hairpiece to be groomed with a brush-back hair style, a so-called l'lace front" hairpiece of the type disclosed in UD S~ Patent No.
Various types of hairpieces and methods of making the same are well known. Typically, the hairpiece includes a base or foundation which conforms to the contour of the scalp area to be covered, and a multitude of hairs is attached to the foundation~ In a so-called "hard front" hairpiece of the type disclosed in U. S. Patents NOsn 3~421~521; 3~605~761 3 I 971,392, and 412021 359, an edge binding, pre~erably a ribbor, strip or a fiber tape, is bent over and stitched along the entire peripheral edge of the foundation. However, the presence of the ed~e binding, particularly at the front of the head of the user, creates an embarrassing visual indica-tion of the presence of a hairpiece unless the edge binding is concealed. This is typically accomplished by forwardly combing the attached hair to cover the edge binding. However, the forwardly combed hair also disc~ises the hairline at the upper forehead area of the user's head. Hence, the hard front hairpiece does not lend itself to brush-back hair styles wherein the 'hair is combed rearwardly of the hairline at the upper forehead areaO
In order to permit a user requiring a `hairpiece to be groomed with a brush-back hair style, a so-called l'lace front" hairpiece of the type disclosed in UD S~ Patent No.
2,814,301 has been proposed. The lace front hairpiece has a foundation constituted of a lace mesh on which a multitude of hairs is attac'hed, and a front lace extension on w~lich no hairs are attached~ The foundation mesh overlies the scalp area to be coverecl, ancl the front lace extension overlies the upper forehead area. The front lace extension extends substantially forwardly, typically on the order of 1/2 inch, away from the hairs attached to the foundation me~h. The front lace e~tension is used to create a natural hairline effect at the upper forehead area so that the lowest line of attached hair, when viewed frorn the front, appears to be actually growing out of the scalp and terminating at an acceptable hairline.
Although generally satisfactory for its intended purpose, the prior art lace front hairpiec~ suffers from many drawbacks. For example, the front lace extension must be adhered to the upper forehead area, not only to properly anchor the front of the hairpiece, but also to prevent its fraying, curling up, bending under itself, or otherwise deforming its shape. Any such deformation is unsightly and would, of course, readily indicate that a hairpiece is present, thereby detracting from the user's overall appear-ance. A special liquid adhesive that dries with a matte finish is t~pically applied over the front lace extension to make the presence of the same less noticeable and conspicuous to othersO In addition, flesh-colored rnake-up may be applied over the extension to assist in making its appearance less obvious. The procedure of applying the adhesive, which typically takes several minutes, and waiting for the adhesive to dry, upon each use of the hairpiece, of course, necessi-tates the concomitant procedure of subsequently removing the hairpiece. This removal is typically effected by applying an acetone or .similar substance over the adhesive to break the adhesive bond~
Over a period of time, the acetone will not only attack the extension itself and cause it to deform, but will also attack the skin on the user's upper forehead, thereby tending to dry out the skin. Often, the acetone undesirably :~L2~
seeps into the spaces between the attached hairs and attacks them. The deormed extension must, from time to time, be trimmed away to remove the curled up or bent under free end, thereby leaving a shorter extension by which to attach the front of the hairpiece and, of course, increasing the likeli-hood that the adhesive and/or the acetone will seep into the spaces between the hairs and attack the same.
The lace front hairpieces are typically used ~y actors, theatrical people and others whose occupations and vanity require the appearance of a natural hairline at the front of the head. To disguise the existence of the lace front ~xtension, aside ~rom using the aforementioned matte adhesives and flesh-colored make-up, the lace extension, as well as the entire lace foundation, are made of very fine fibers, thereby rendering the entire hairpiece very flimsy and fragile. Such fragile hairpieces require carerul handling and typically last only aklout six to nine months.
Such careful handling and short life-time are of little concern to proEession~l actors and the like where professional make-up artists and,high budgets are readily available.
However, such careful handling is usually beyond the skill of the average person, and such brief liEe-times are too short for the average person who wishes a hairpiece to last for much ~onger time periods and to bear up well under the wear and tear of everyday use, particularly when the average user will apply the hairpiece every morning and remove it every night without the aid of professional make-up artists.
Other prior art hairpieces are described, for example, in U. S. Patents Nos. 3,670,741; 3,7~,517, 3~553,737, and 3,970,092. Still further, ultrasonic methods used for joining hairs and Eor the manuEacture of locks of hair are clisclosed in V. S. Patents Nos. 3,642,010 and 4,377,4~7.
~2~
Also, ultrasonic techniques are described in U. S. Patents Nos. 3,447,540, 3,525,653, and 3,733,243.
Accordingly, it is the general object of this invention to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art.
Another object of this invention is to eliminate the above-described disadvantages possessed by hard front and lace front hairpieces.
A further object of this invention is to substan-tially eliminate any embarrassing visual indication of the presence of a hairpiece.
Still a further object of this invention is to permit one to be groomed with brush-back hair styles.
Yet another object of this invention is to eliminate finishing or edge bindings at the f~ont of a hairpiece~
Another object of this invention is to substantially eliminate any lace front extensione;, as well as the entire procedure of applying a liquid adhesive over the lace front extension to anchor the same.
A further ohject of this invention is to provide a hairpiece which is rugged enough to be handled by the average person, which i9 easy to apply over the scalp area to be covered, which is easy to remove from the scalp area, and which is long-lasting and durable.
Still a further object of this invention is to provide a hairpiece which retains its shape and does not shrink or otherwise distort in use.
Yet a further object of -this invention is -to provide a hairpiece which has no front edge region to fray, curl up, bend under or otherwise deform.
Still another object of this invention is to provide a hairpiece which simulates a natural hairline a-t the front of ~2~
the head of the user and, if desired, a natural part.
In keeping with these objects and others ~hich will become apparent hereinafter, one feature of the invention resides, briefly stated, in a wear-durable hairpiece for covering an area on the scalp of a user and fo.r simulating a natural hairline at the front of the head of the user.
The hairpiece comprises a ~lexible shape-retaining foundation constituted of a lightweight lace mesh having a multitude of fine fibers crossing one another at intersections.
The mesh has sonic welds at many of the intersections to strengthen and rigidify the mesh so that it can maintain and retai.n a predetermined shape which conforms to the contour of the scalp area to be covered. The mesh has a non-frayable unbound front edge which is defined solely by the ends of the fi.bers of the strengthened mesh.
Means are provided for a1taching a multitude of hairs, either natural or artificial, to the mesh, preferably by knotting the hairs around the fibers which comprise the mesh. The hairs are attached over the entire mesh and sub-stantially all the way up to the front edge thereof to provide a line of attached hair at the ~ront edge without any mesh extension projecting ~ubstantially forwardly beyond the line of attached hair.
The line of attached hair is so connected as to come as close as possible to the free ends of the fibers of the me~l. Typically, no mesh extension projects forwardly of the line of attached hair, although, in some cases, for manufacturing reasons, a minimal extension on the order of about 1/8 inch maximum projects forwardly~
Means are also provided for detachably securing the hair-attached mesh to the scalp area for repetitive use and for posit.ioning the line of attached hair at the front ~dge of ~2~
the mesh on the front of the head of the user to simulate a natural hairline thereat~ The securing means includes at least one stay connected to the underside of the mesh at a region remote from the front edge thereof. Adhesive means are preferably provided on the remote stay.
In accordance with an advantageous feature of this invention, the use of any mesh extension, as taught by the prior art lace front hairpieces, and the application and suhsequent removal of a liquid adhesive over any such mesh extension which had been applied to assist in securing the hairpiece in place, are avoided. No longer is there any substantially projecting mesh extension which tends to fray, curl up cr bend under after long use and, hence, provides an embarrassing visual indication of the presence of the hair-piece. No longer is it necessary to trim away any such deformed front mesh extensionO It is no longer necessary to carefully apply and blot the liquid adhesive so as to avoid getting the adhesive into the ~paces between the attached hairs, thereby attacking them. When removing the hairpiece, it is no longer necessary to apply acetone or a similar substarlce to break the adhesive bond~ The careful application of the acetone to prevent its seepage into the spaces between the hairs, as well as attacking the skin at the upper fore-head area, is avoided.
The elimination of the mesh extension which, in the prior art lace front hairpieces, typically extended forwardly about 1/2 inch, and its front-anchoring function, are achieved by the aforementioned strengthening and rigidifying of the lightweight lace mesh by sonic welding many, if not substantially all, of the intersections of the fine fibers of the mesh. This added strength to the overall mesh and its resi,stance to being stretched and pulled apart and otherwise ~61~
distorted out of its predete~mined shape permits the mesh extension to be eliminated because it is no longer necessary to provide a separate anchor at the very front of the hair-piece. It is sufficient to provide the aforementioned remote stay, and to leave the front edge region of the mesh undis-turbed and, in other words, as close to a natural hairline condition as possible.
~aving thus generally described the nature of the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, showing by way of illustration, a preferred embodi-ment thereof, and in which:
FIG~ 1 is a side sectional view of a lace front hairpiece in accordance with the prior art as positioned on the scalp and upper forehead area of a user, FIG. 2 is a front view of a hairpiece in accordance with this invention' FIG. 3 is a side sectional view analogous to FIG. 1 and taken along line 3-3 o-f FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the hairpiece of FIG. 2 on a reduced scale, FIG. 5 L.S a greatly enlarged view of a section of the ultrasonically welded foundation mesh of the hairpiece of FIG. 2 prior to attachment of the hairs, and FIG. 6 ls a sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5.
Referring now to FIG. 1, which shows a prior art lace front hairpiece, reference riumeral 10 identifies a lace mesh foundation having a front mesh extension 12 overlying the upper forehead area of the user, and a main mesh portion 14 overlying the scalp area to be covered. A multitude of hairs 16 is attached to the main mesh portion 14, but not to the front extension 12. The front extension 12 projects forwardly beyond the hair~attached main portion 14 downwardly over the forehead for a distance of about 1/2 inch, and terminates at a front edge 13. A liquid adhesive 18 is applied over ~he front extension 12 to anchox the same in position~ The adhesive typically dries with a matte finish in an attempt to make the physical presence of the front extension 12 less visible and noticeable to viewers. Flesh-colored make-up may also be applied over the front extension 12 to help disguise its presence.
Referring now to the present invention and, more particularly, to FIGS. 2 and 3, reference numeral 20 generally identifies a flexible, yet shape-retaining, foundation, preferably constituted of a lightweight lace mesh having a multitude of fine fibers crossing one another at inter-sections. The intersections are best shown in FIG. 5, as explained below. The foundation 2() has a front marginal edge 22 at the upper forehead area of the user, and a main mesh portion 24 overlying the scalp area to be covered. A
multitude of hairs 26, either natural or artificiaL, is attached, preferably by knotting each hair through the open-work holes of the mesh over the entire surface of the main mesh portion 24 and substantially all the way up to the front edge 22 to define a line 28 of attached hair.
The attached hairline 28 is situated as close as possible to the front edge 22 and, ideally, the line 28 is exactly on the front edge 22, although, as a practical matter, in terms of manufac-turing the hairpiece, the line 28 may, in some cases, be slightly spaced rearwardly of the front edge 22 by typically no more than 1/8 inch~ This ~ligh-t spacing i~ shown in exaggerated scale in FIGS. 2 and 3.
The location of the front edge 22 of the hairpiece, in accor-dance with this invention, is contrasted with the location of the front edge 13 of the lace front hairpiece of the prior art in FIG. 2, said front edge 13 of the prior art being illustrated by broken phantom lines. In contrast to the prior art, the present invention has no front extension and, even assuming, in a worst case condition, that a short front strip of no more than 1/8 inch extension exists between the line 28 of attached hair and thc front edge 22, no adhesive is applied over this short strip.
Referring now to FIG. 5, the ~oundation mesh 20 is strength~ned and rigidified to resist being stretched and pulled apart and otherwise being distorted by ultrasonic welds 30 fonmed at many, and prefer~bly all, of the inter-sections of the fine fibers which comprise the mesh. As shown in FIGo 6, the opposing surfaces of the crossing fibers actually partially melt and liquefy so that the opposing fiber surfaces are surface-tacked to one another. The mesh is preferably woven o~ monofilament fibers which are advan-tageously of about six mils diameter which is fine enough tobe virtually unnoticeable. The fibers preferably are colored with the appropriate flesh-toned shade of the user's scalp to blend in with his skin color. The fibers preferably are constituted of a synthetic thermoplastic material such as nylon or rayon. ~he additional strength and rigidity imparted to the mesh contribute, in large measure, to the fact that no adhesive need be applied at the front of the hairpiece at the line 28 of attached hair. The strengthened mesh maintains and retains a predeterrnined shape conforrning to the contour of the scalp area to be covered. By using an ultrasonically welded mesh, the resulting foundation can be cr~ated out o~ very lightweight fine fibers and still have enough form-retaining rigidity. I'he strengthened rnesh keeps its shape, is rugged and durable in use, and can last for years.
Means are provided for detachably securing the hair-attached foundation to the scalp area for repetitive, typically daily, use, and for readily and reliably position-ing the line 28 of attached hair at the front edge of the mesh on the front of the head of the user to thereby simulate a natural hairline thereat. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the securing means includes at least one, and preferably a pair, of flesh-colored tape stays 32, 34 sewn along their rect-an~ular peripheries to the underside of the mesh at a region remote from the front edge 22. Each remote stay is consti-tuted of a abric material, e.g. silk, and has a lower mounting surface facing the scalp area and on which an adhesive means such as a double sided adhesive tape 36 is applied. A single-sided adhesive tape or even a liquid adhesive could similarly be applied to each stay.
The foundation mesh 20 can be of unitary or multi-part corlstruction. As shown in ~IG~ 4, the main mesh portion24 includes a rear cap portion 38 which is sewn to a front brim portion 40. The cap and brim portions 38, 40 are oriented relative to each other at differing biases to acco~nodate different combing directions for the user to style his hair. A finishing border 42 includes a strip of binding ma-terial which is bent over and sewn along the peri-pheral edge of the foundation, except along the front edge 22 a-t the front of the user's head. The front edge 22 is unbound, i.e., has no border. The front edge 22 is also non-frayable, does not curl over or bend under itsel~ or otherwisede~orm due -to the ul-trasonic welding of the mesh which causes -the mesh to retain its shape. The front edge 22 is defined solely by the free ends of the fibers of the strengthened mesh. The finishing border is optional.
In further accordance with this invention, one or moxe parts of the foundation mesh, such as cap and brim parts 38, 40, are sewn to each other at the correct bias to accom-modate different hair-combing directions. One or more flesh-colored tape stays, e~gO 32, 34, may thereupon be sewn to the underside of the mesh at a region remote from the front edge 22. A finishing border or edge binding 42 may thereupon be bent over the peripheral edge of the foundation, except along the front edge 22, and be sewn by stitching. Finally, the hairs are knotted, usually by professional wig makers, to the mesh over the entire surface area thereof, and substan-tially all the way up to the front edge 22.
To detachably secure the hairpiece to the scalp area, the user applies an adhesive, such as a double-sided tape or, in some cases, a one-sided surgical tape, or a liquid adhesive, over the stays. Once properly positioned on the head, the line 28 of attached hair is oriented on the front of the head in its proper position to thereby reliably simulate a natural hairline at the upper forehead area of the user.
In order to also reliably simulate a natural part 44 (see FIG. 2) on one side of the head of the user, the attached hair on one side of the elongated part is arranged to extend in one predetermined direction away from and transversely of the part, whereas, the attached hair on the other side of the elongated part is arranged to extend in another different direction away from and transversely of the part. The lines 46 and 48 of attached hair bordering the part appear to be growing out of the scalp. The e~posed section 50 of the mesh between the parting lines 46, ~8 is ~2~
essentially unnoticeable due to the relatively largP-sized holes in the mesh, the fineness of the fibers bounding the holes, the lightweight nature of the fibers, and the color of the fibers which blends in with the color of the scalp.
The shape-retaining mesh ensures that the parting lines not only remain in place on the scalp, but also do not shiEt in any direction relative to each other~
As used throughout the specification and claims, the term "fine" is intended to signify the light weight and small diameter of the fibers comprising the mesh. As described above, the monofilament fibers can have a diameter that ranges anywhere from about three to about ten mils, although, in the preferred embodiment, six mils is employed.
As shown in FIG. 6, the crossing fibers bound generally square-shaped holes and, in the preferred embodiment, there are about 22 fibers per linear inch o~ mesh. In the pre-ferred embodiment, I use woven synthetic Type 6 nylon having a weight ~f about one ounce per sq~lare yard.
What is claimed as new and desired to be protected - 20 by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.
Although generally satisfactory for its intended purpose, the prior art lace front hairpiec~ suffers from many drawbacks. For example, the front lace extension must be adhered to the upper forehead area, not only to properly anchor the front of the hairpiece, but also to prevent its fraying, curling up, bending under itself, or otherwise deforming its shape. Any such deformation is unsightly and would, of course, readily indicate that a hairpiece is present, thereby detracting from the user's overall appear-ance. A special liquid adhesive that dries with a matte finish is t~pically applied over the front lace extension to make the presence of the same less noticeable and conspicuous to othersO In addition, flesh-colored rnake-up may be applied over the extension to assist in making its appearance less obvious. The procedure of applying the adhesive, which typically takes several minutes, and waiting for the adhesive to dry, upon each use of the hairpiece, of course, necessi-tates the concomitant procedure of subsequently removing the hairpiece. This removal is typically effected by applying an acetone or .similar substance over the adhesive to break the adhesive bond~
Over a period of time, the acetone will not only attack the extension itself and cause it to deform, but will also attack the skin on the user's upper forehead, thereby tending to dry out the skin. Often, the acetone undesirably :~L2~
seeps into the spaces between the attached hairs and attacks them. The deormed extension must, from time to time, be trimmed away to remove the curled up or bent under free end, thereby leaving a shorter extension by which to attach the front of the hairpiece and, of course, increasing the likeli-hood that the adhesive and/or the acetone will seep into the spaces between the hairs and attack the same.
The lace front hairpieces are typically used ~y actors, theatrical people and others whose occupations and vanity require the appearance of a natural hairline at the front of the head. To disguise the existence of the lace front ~xtension, aside ~rom using the aforementioned matte adhesives and flesh-colored make-up, the lace extension, as well as the entire lace foundation, are made of very fine fibers, thereby rendering the entire hairpiece very flimsy and fragile. Such fragile hairpieces require carerul handling and typically last only aklout six to nine months.
Such careful handling and short life-time are of little concern to proEession~l actors and the like where professional make-up artists and,high budgets are readily available.
However, such careful handling is usually beyond the skill of the average person, and such brief liEe-times are too short for the average person who wishes a hairpiece to last for much ~onger time periods and to bear up well under the wear and tear of everyday use, particularly when the average user will apply the hairpiece every morning and remove it every night without the aid of professional make-up artists.
Other prior art hairpieces are described, for example, in U. S. Patents Nos. 3,670,741; 3,7~,517, 3~553,737, and 3,970,092. Still further, ultrasonic methods used for joining hairs and Eor the manuEacture of locks of hair are clisclosed in V. S. Patents Nos. 3,642,010 and 4,377,4~7.
~2~
Also, ultrasonic techniques are described in U. S. Patents Nos. 3,447,540, 3,525,653, and 3,733,243.
Accordingly, it is the general object of this invention to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art.
Another object of this invention is to eliminate the above-described disadvantages possessed by hard front and lace front hairpieces.
A further object of this invention is to substan-tially eliminate any embarrassing visual indication of the presence of a hairpiece.
Still a further object of this invention is to permit one to be groomed with brush-back hair styles.
Yet another object of this invention is to eliminate finishing or edge bindings at the f~ont of a hairpiece~
Another object of this invention is to substantially eliminate any lace front extensione;, as well as the entire procedure of applying a liquid adhesive over the lace front extension to anchor the same.
A further ohject of this invention is to provide a hairpiece which is rugged enough to be handled by the average person, which i9 easy to apply over the scalp area to be covered, which is easy to remove from the scalp area, and which is long-lasting and durable.
Still a further object of this invention is to provide a hairpiece which retains its shape and does not shrink or otherwise distort in use.
Yet a further object of -this invention is -to provide a hairpiece which has no front edge region to fray, curl up, bend under or otherwise deform.
Still another object of this invention is to provide a hairpiece which simulates a natural hairline a-t the front of ~2~
the head of the user and, if desired, a natural part.
In keeping with these objects and others ~hich will become apparent hereinafter, one feature of the invention resides, briefly stated, in a wear-durable hairpiece for covering an area on the scalp of a user and fo.r simulating a natural hairline at the front of the head of the user.
The hairpiece comprises a ~lexible shape-retaining foundation constituted of a lightweight lace mesh having a multitude of fine fibers crossing one another at intersections.
The mesh has sonic welds at many of the intersections to strengthen and rigidify the mesh so that it can maintain and retai.n a predetermined shape which conforms to the contour of the scalp area to be covered. The mesh has a non-frayable unbound front edge which is defined solely by the ends of the fi.bers of the strengthened mesh.
Means are provided for a1taching a multitude of hairs, either natural or artificial, to the mesh, preferably by knotting the hairs around the fibers which comprise the mesh. The hairs are attached over the entire mesh and sub-stantially all the way up to the front edge thereof to provide a line of attached hair at the ~ront edge without any mesh extension projecting ~ubstantially forwardly beyond the line of attached hair.
The line of attached hair is so connected as to come as close as possible to the free ends of the fibers of the me~l. Typically, no mesh extension projects forwardly of the line of attached hair, although, in some cases, for manufacturing reasons, a minimal extension on the order of about 1/8 inch maximum projects forwardly~
Means are also provided for detachably securing the hair-attached mesh to the scalp area for repetitive use and for posit.ioning the line of attached hair at the front ~dge of ~2~
the mesh on the front of the head of the user to simulate a natural hairline thereat~ The securing means includes at least one stay connected to the underside of the mesh at a region remote from the front edge thereof. Adhesive means are preferably provided on the remote stay.
In accordance with an advantageous feature of this invention, the use of any mesh extension, as taught by the prior art lace front hairpieces, and the application and suhsequent removal of a liquid adhesive over any such mesh extension which had been applied to assist in securing the hairpiece in place, are avoided. No longer is there any substantially projecting mesh extension which tends to fray, curl up cr bend under after long use and, hence, provides an embarrassing visual indication of the presence of the hair-piece. No longer is it necessary to trim away any such deformed front mesh extensionO It is no longer necessary to carefully apply and blot the liquid adhesive so as to avoid getting the adhesive into the ~paces between the attached hairs, thereby attacking them. When removing the hairpiece, it is no longer necessary to apply acetone or a similar substarlce to break the adhesive bond~ The careful application of the acetone to prevent its seepage into the spaces between the hairs, as well as attacking the skin at the upper fore-head area, is avoided.
The elimination of the mesh extension which, in the prior art lace front hairpieces, typically extended forwardly about 1/2 inch, and its front-anchoring function, are achieved by the aforementioned strengthening and rigidifying of the lightweight lace mesh by sonic welding many, if not substantially all, of the intersections of the fine fibers of the mesh. This added strength to the overall mesh and its resi,stance to being stretched and pulled apart and otherwise ~61~
distorted out of its predete~mined shape permits the mesh extension to be eliminated because it is no longer necessary to provide a separate anchor at the very front of the hair-piece. It is sufficient to provide the aforementioned remote stay, and to leave the front edge region of the mesh undis-turbed and, in other words, as close to a natural hairline condition as possible.
~aving thus generally described the nature of the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, showing by way of illustration, a preferred embodi-ment thereof, and in which:
FIG~ 1 is a side sectional view of a lace front hairpiece in accordance with the prior art as positioned on the scalp and upper forehead area of a user, FIG. 2 is a front view of a hairpiece in accordance with this invention' FIG. 3 is a side sectional view analogous to FIG. 1 and taken along line 3-3 o-f FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the hairpiece of FIG. 2 on a reduced scale, FIG. 5 L.S a greatly enlarged view of a section of the ultrasonically welded foundation mesh of the hairpiece of FIG. 2 prior to attachment of the hairs, and FIG. 6 ls a sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5.
Referring now to FIG. 1, which shows a prior art lace front hairpiece, reference riumeral 10 identifies a lace mesh foundation having a front mesh extension 12 overlying the upper forehead area of the user, and a main mesh portion 14 overlying the scalp area to be covered. A multitude of hairs 16 is attached to the main mesh portion 14, but not to the front extension 12. The front extension 12 projects forwardly beyond the hair~attached main portion 14 downwardly over the forehead for a distance of about 1/2 inch, and terminates at a front edge 13. A liquid adhesive 18 is applied over ~he front extension 12 to anchox the same in position~ The adhesive typically dries with a matte finish in an attempt to make the physical presence of the front extension 12 less visible and noticeable to viewers. Flesh-colored make-up may also be applied over the front extension 12 to help disguise its presence.
Referring now to the present invention and, more particularly, to FIGS. 2 and 3, reference numeral 20 generally identifies a flexible, yet shape-retaining, foundation, preferably constituted of a lightweight lace mesh having a multitude of fine fibers crossing one another at inter-sections. The intersections are best shown in FIG. 5, as explained below. The foundation 2() has a front marginal edge 22 at the upper forehead area of the user, and a main mesh portion 24 overlying the scalp area to be covered. A
multitude of hairs 26, either natural or artificiaL, is attached, preferably by knotting each hair through the open-work holes of the mesh over the entire surface of the main mesh portion 24 and substantially all the way up to the front edge 22 to define a line 28 of attached hair.
The attached hairline 28 is situated as close as possible to the front edge 22 and, ideally, the line 28 is exactly on the front edge 22, although, as a practical matter, in terms of manufac-turing the hairpiece, the line 28 may, in some cases, be slightly spaced rearwardly of the front edge 22 by typically no more than 1/8 inch~ This ~ligh-t spacing i~ shown in exaggerated scale in FIGS. 2 and 3.
The location of the front edge 22 of the hairpiece, in accor-dance with this invention, is contrasted with the location of the front edge 13 of the lace front hairpiece of the prior art in FIG. 2, said front edge 13 of the prior art being illustrated by broken phantom lines. In contrast to the prior art, the present invention has no front extension and, even assuming, in a worst case condition, that a short front strip of no more than 1/8 inch extension exists between the line 28 of attached hair and thc front edge 22, no adhesive is applied over this short strip.
Referring now to FIG. 5, the ~oundation mesh 20 is strength~ned and rigidified to resist being stretched and pulled apart and otherwise being distorted by ultrasonic welds 30 fonmed at many, and prefer~bly all, of the inter-sections of the fine fibers which comprise the mesh. As shown in FIGo 6, the opposing surfaces of the crossing fibers actually partially melt and liquefy so that the opposing fiber surfaces are surface-tacked to one another. The mesh is preferably woven o~ monofilament fibers which are advan-tageously of about six mils diameter which is fine enough tobe virtually unnoticeable. The fibers preferably are colored with the appropriate flesh-toned shade of the user's scalp to blend in with his skin color. The fibers preferably are constituted of a synthetic thermoplastic material such as nylon or rayon. ~he additional strength and rigidity imparted to the mesh contribute, in large measure, to the fact that no adhesive need be applied at the front of the hairpiece at the line 28 of attached hair. The strengthened mesh maintains and retains a predeterrnined shape conforrning to the contour of the scalp area to be covered. By using an ultrasonically welded mesh, the resulting foundation can be cr~ated out o~ very lightweight fine fibers and still have enough form-retaining rigidity. I'he strengthened rnesh keeps its shape, is rugged and durable in use, and can last for years.
Means are provided for detachably securing the hair-attached foundation to the scalp area for repetitive, typically daily, use, and for readily and reliably position-ing the line 28 of attached hair at the front edge of the mesh on the front of the head of the user to thereby simulate a natural hairline thereat. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the securing means includes at least one, and preferably a pair, of flesh-colored tape stays 32, 34 sewn along their rect-an~ular peripheries to the underside of the mesh at a region remote from the front edge 22. Each remote stay is consti-tuted of a abric material, e.g. silk, and has a lower mounting surface facing the scalp area and on which an adhesive means such as a double sided adhesive tape 36 is applied. A single-sided adhesive tape or even a liquid adhesive could similarly be applied to each stay.
The foundation mesh 20 can be of unitary or multi-part corlstruction. As shown in ~IG~ 4, the main mesh portion24 includes a rear cap portion 38 which is sewn to a front brim portion 40. The cap and brim portions 38, 40 are oriented relative to each other at differing biases to acco~nodate different combing directions for the user to style his hair. A finishing border 42 includes a strip of binding ma-terial which is bent over and sewn along the peri-pheral edge of the foundation, except along the front edge 22 a-t the front of the user's head. The front edge 22 is unbound, i.e., has no border. The front edge 22 is also non-frayable, does not curl over or bend under itsel~ or otherwisede~orm due -to the ul-trasonic welding of the mesh which causes -the mesh to retain its shape. The front edge 22 is defined solely by the free ends of the fibers of the strengthened mesh. The finishing border is optional.
In further accordance with this invention, one or moxe parts of the foundation mesh, such as cap and brim parts 38, 40, are sewn to each other at the correct bias to accom-modate different hair-combing directions. One or more flesh-colored tape stays, e~gO 32, 34, may thereupon be sewn to the underside of the mesh at a region remote from the front edge 22. A finishing border or edge binding 42 may thereupon be bent over the peripheral edge of the foundation, except along the front edge 22, and be sewn by stitching. Finally, the hairs are knotted, usually by professional wig makers, to the mesh over the entire surface area thereof, and substan-tially all the way up to the front edge 22.
To detachably secure the hairpiece to the scalp area, the user applies an adhesive, such as a double-sided tape or, in some cases, a one-sided surgical tape, or a liquid adhesive, over the stays. Once properly positioned on the head, the line 28 of attached hair is oriented on the front of the head in its proper position to thereby reliably simulate a natural hairline at the upper forehead area of the user.
In order to also reliably simulate a natural part 44 (see FIG. 2) on one side of the head of the user, the attached hair on one side of the elongated part is arranged to extend in one predetermined direction away from and transversely of the part, whereas, the attached hair on the other side of the elongated part is arranged to extend in another different direction away from and transversely of the part. The lines 46 and 48 of attached hair bordering the part appear to be growing out of the scalp. The e~posed section 50 of the mesh between the parting lines 46, ~8 is ~2~
essentially unnoticeable due to the relatively largP-sized holes in the mesh, the fineness of the fibers bounding the holes, the lightweight nature of the fibers, and the color of the fibers which blends in with the color of the scalp.
The shape-retaining mesh ensures that the parting lines not only remain in place on the scalp, but also do not shiEt in any direction relative to each other~
As used throughout the specification and claims, the term "fine" is intended to signify the light weight and small diameter of the fibers comprising the mesh. As described above, the monofilament fibers can have a diameter that ranges anywhere from about three to about ten mils, although, in the preferred embodiment, six mils is employed.
As shown in FIG. 6, the crossing fibers bound generally square-shaped holes and, in the preferred embodiment, there are about 22 fibers per linear inch o~ mesh. In the pre-ferred embodiment, I use woven synthetic Type 6 nylon having a weight ~f about one ounce per sq~lare yard.
What is claimed as new and desired to be protected - 20 by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.
Claims (10)
1. A wear-durable hairpiece for covering an area on the scalp of a user, and for simulating a natural, visible hairline that appears to be growing directly out of the scalp at the front of the head of the user, comprising:
(a) a flexible, lightweight, shape-retaining lace mesh foundation constituted of a first set of spaced-apart fine fibers sonically bonded to a second set of spaced-apart fine fibers to strengthen the foundation and to retain the same in a predetermined shape which conforms to the contour of the scalp area to be covered, said second set extending trans-versely across said first set and bounding open spaces there-with, said foundation having an unbordered front region at the front of the head of the user, said unbordered front region terminating at a non-frayable, unbound front edge which is defined by the ends of the fibers of the first and second sets;
(b) a multitude of hairs attached to the foundation substantially up to the front edge thereof, said attached hairs including a plurality of self-standing hairs knotted to the unbordered front region of the foundation along the front edge and extending in the immediate vicinity of the scalp in a generally vertically disposed direction away from the scalp at the front of the head of the user, said vertically disposed, self-standing hairs being spaced apart from one another along the front edge to permit the scalp of the user to be visible through the open spaces of the foundation; and (c) means for detachably securing the hair-attached foundation to the scalp area for repetitive covering of the same, and for positioning the vertically disposed, self-standing, spaced-apart hairs along the front edge on the front of the head of the user to simulate a natural, visible hairline that appears to be growing directly out of the scalp at the front of the head of the user.
(a) a flexible, lightweight, shape-retaining lace mesh foundation constituted of a first set of spaced-apart fine fibers sonically bonded to a second set of spaced-apart fine fibers to strengthen the foundation and to retain the same in a predetermined shape which conforms to the contour of the scalp area to be covered, said second set extending trans-versely across said first set and bounding open spaces there-with, said foundation having an unbordered front region at the front of the head of the user, said unbordered front region terminating at a non-frayable, unbound front edge which is defined by the ends of the fibers of the first and second sets;
(b) a multitude of hairs attached to the foundation substantially up to the front edge thereof, said attached hairs including a plurality of self-standing hairs knotted to the unbordered front region of the foundation along the front edge and extending in the immediate vicinity of the scalp in a generally vertically disposed direction away from the scalp at the front of the head of the user, said vertically disposed, self-standing hairs being spaced apart from one another along the front edge to permit the scalp of the user to be visible through the open spaces of the foundation; and (c) means for detachably securing the hair-attached foundation to the scalp area for repetitive covering of the same, and for positioning the vertically disposed, self-standing, spaced-apart hairs along the front edge on the front of the head of the user to simulate a natural, visible hairline that appears to be growing directly out of the scalp at the front of the head of the user.
2. The hairpiece as defined in claim 1, wherein the foundation is a woven synthetic thermoplastic material.
3. The hairpiece as defined in claim 2, wherein the thermoplastic material is nylon.
4. The hairpiece as defined in claim 1, wherein the foundation has a color which matches the color of the scalp of the user.
5. The hairpiece as defined in claim 1, wherein the fibers are ultrasonically bonded.
6. The hairpiece as defined in claim 1, and further comprising a finishing border extending around the peripheral edge of the foundation at other than the front edge thereof, said border being sewn to the foundation.
7. The hairpiece as defined in claim 1, wherein said securing means includes at least one stay sewn to the under-side of the foundation at a region remote from the front edge thereof, said remote one stay having a mounting surface facing the scalp area, and wherein said securing means includes adhesive means mounted on the mounting surface for detachably securing the foundation to the scalp area.
8. The hairpiece as defined in claim 7, wherein said adhesive means is a double-sided adhesive tape.
9. The hairpiece as defined in claim 1, wherein said attached hairs include a first group of hairs knotted to the foundation along an elongated first parting line which extends rearwardly from the front edge, and a second group of hairs knotted to the foundation along an elongated second parting line which extends rearwardly from the front edge and generally parallel to the first parting line, said part-ing lines being spaced slightly apart to permit the scalp of the user to be visible through the open spaces of the foundation in the region between the parting lines, to thereby simulate a natural, visible part.
10. The hairpiece as defined in claim 1, wherein the fibers are monofilaments of about six mils diameter.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US06/578,205 US4509539A (en) | 1984-02-08 | 1984-02-08 | Hairpiece with simulated natural hairline front |
| US578,205 | 1984-02-08 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1206055A true CA1206055A (en) | 1986-06-17 |
Family
ID=24311864
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000473117A Expired CA1206055A (en) | 1984-02-08 | 1985-01-29 | Hairpiece with simulated natural hairline front and method of making same |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4509539A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0152220B1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1206055A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3567362D1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (29)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4799502A (en) * | 1985-12-24 | 1989-01-24 | Aderans Co., Ltd. | Wig |
| JPH0519289Y2 (en) * | 1988-12-29 | 1993-05-21 | ||
| US5413125A (en) * | 1993-10-06 | 1995-05-09 | Waye Laboratories, Inc. | Method of applying an intracellular hair reconstruction system to a person's head |
| US5746232A (en) * | 1997-04-01 | 1998-05-05 | First Lady Coiffures, Ltd. | Hairpiece with reinforced mesh base |
| GB2327605B (en) * | 1997-07-24 | 2001-07-25 | Taiwo Arogundade | Hair extensions |
| KR20010042984A (en) * | 1998-04-24 | 2001-05-25 | 퍼스트 레이디 인터내셔널 코포레이션 | Hairpiece with reinforced mesh base |
| US5988177A (en) * | 1998-09-08 | 1999-11-23 | Celebrity Signatures International, Inc. | Wig foundation with contoured front hairline |
| GB2341546A (en) * | 1998-09-16 | 2000-03-22 | David Powsney | Multi-part hairpiece |
| KR100301362B1 (en) | 1998-09-24 | 2001-12-31 | 박헌식 | Wig with length adjusting means |
| WO2002100271A1 (en) * | 2001-06-08 | 2002-12-19 | Skinterface Sprl | Method and equipment for measuring coverage density of a surface, in particular skin hair coverage |
| US6688315B1 (en) * | 2001-11-21 | 2004-02-10 | Hair Addition Studio, Inc. | Hair extension system and method |
| WO2005115187A1 (en) | 2004-05-17 | 2005-12-08 | Hortencia Salinas | Hair extension |
| US7131449B2 (en) | 2005-01-27 | 2006-11-07 | Aderans Co., Ltd. | Wig |
| US20070199571A1 (en) * | 2006-02-24 | 2007-08-30 | Pronatural Hair, Inc. | Detachable hairpiece and method for making the same |
| US7735495B2 (en) * | 2007-02-01 | 2010-06-15 | Celebrity Signatures International, Inc. | Partial cap hair accessory |
| GB2447485B (en) * | 2007-03-14 | 2011-03-30 | Amina Toyin Lawal | A hair attachment member |
| US8042553B2 (en) * | 2008-02-07 | 2011-10-25 | Joseph Paris | Medical hair prosthesis system |
| US8171943B2 (en) * | 2008-08-20 | 2012-05-08 | Hamano Miles M | System and method for applying and removing cosmetic hair using biomimetic microstructure adhesive layer |
| US8925559B2 (en) | 2012-07-20 | 2015-01-06 | Ecoco, Inc. | Wig |
| US20160106171A1 (en) * | 2014-10-16 | 2016-04-21 | Laura Ononibaku | Swimming cap wig |
| CN113273748B (en) | 2016-07-28 | 2024-02-13 | 莱施菲公司 | Method for applying a set of eyelash grafts, eyelash fusion and method for making same |
| WO2018128683A2 (en) * | 2016-11-03 | 2018-07-12 | Shake-N-Go Fashion, Inc. | Wig apparatus including multiple parting sections |
| KR102469254B1 (en) | 2016-12-20 | 2022-11-22 | 래쉬파이 인코포레이티드 | Applicators and cases for artificial lash extensions |
| JP1670874S (en) | 2018-10-19 | 2020-10-26 | ||
| USD863679S1 (en) | 2018-10-19 | 2019-10-15 | Lashify, Inc. | False eyelash applicator |
| SG11202103836WA (en) | 2018-10-19 | 2021-05-28 | Lashify Inc | Applicators for applying eyelash extensions and methods for use and manufacture thereof |
| CA3123630A1 (en) | 2019-01-14 | 2020-07-23 | Lashify, Inc. | Socks, applicators for lash extensions, and methods of manufacture and use thereof |
| CN211747241U (en) | 2019-10-03 | 2020-10-27 | 莱施菲公司 | Artificial eyelash device and eyelash extension device |
| WO2024038649A1 (en) * | 2022-08-15 | 2024-02-22 | 株式会社カネカ | General-purpose hairpiece |
Family Cites Families (13)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US851384A (en) * | 1906-12-18 | 1907-04-23 | William Sleicher | Securing wigs in place. |
| US1583778A (en) * | 1925-06-13 | 1926-05-11 | Robert S Conley | Toupee |
| US1845380A (en) * | 1931-01-27 | 1932-02-16 | Max Factor & Co Inc | Toupee |
| US3189035A (en) * | 1963-01-31 | 1965-06-15 | Walter Heck Hairpieces Inc | Method of making a hairpiece |
| US3139093A (en) * | 1963-09-12 | 1964-06-30 | Reid Meredith Inc | Artificial hairpiece |
| US3421521A (en) * | 1966-05-24 | 1969-01-14 | Warren L Rich Jr | Method of forming a hairpiece |
| US3474767A (en) * | 1966-07-27 | 1969-10-28 | Yonezo Ito | Wigs |
| US3420249A (en) * | 1967-01-31 | 1969-01-07 | David C Bonham | Hairpiece |
| US3642010A (en) * | 1969-12-17 | 1972-02-15 | Ultrasonic Systems | Ultrasonic method for hair joining |
| FR2134145A1 (en) * | 1971-04-22 | 1972-12-08 | Oreal | Wig production - by welding synthetic hair to base fabric ultrasonically |
| US3835868A (en) * | 1973-05-16 | 1974-09-17 | W Heck | Method and apparatus for making hairpieces |
| US3905378A (en) * | 1974-03-29 | 1975-09-16 | Esthetic Hair Inc | Hairpiece with molecularly bonded foundation and method for making same |
| US4202359A (en) * | 1976-10-18 | 1980-05-13 | John David Clifton | Novel mesh fabric and wig and hair-piece made therefrom |
-
1984
- 1984-02-08 US US06/578,205 patent/US4509539A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1985
- 1985-01-28 DE DE8585300562T patent/DE3567362D1/en not_active Expired
- 1985-01-28 EP EP85300562A patent/EP0152220B1/en not_active Expired
- 1985-01-29 CA CA000473117A patent/CA1206055A/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0152220A3 (en) | 1985-09-18 |
| DE3567362D1 (en) | 1989-02-16 |
| EP0152220B1 (en) | 1989-01-11 |
| US4509539A (en) | 1985-04-09 |
| EP0152220A2 (en) | 1985-08-21 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| CA1206055A (en) | Hairpiece with simulated natural hairline front and method of making same | |
| US4029111A (en) | Artificial eyeliner and eyelash structure | |
| US6561197B2 (en) | Hair integration system and method of attachment | |
| CA1268387A (en) | Wig | |
| US5170509A (en) | Cap with decorative hair attachment | |
| US5239705A (en) | Cap with decorative hair attachment | |
| US3460546A (en) | Scarf hairpiece | |
| US20070221240A1 (en) | Multi-user adjustable hair extension apparatus and methods | |
| US20130306089A1 (en) | Hair extension assembly and method of application | |
| US20110067719A1 (en) | Hair extension device | |
| WO2006002246A9 (en) | Removable and reusable hair extension | |
| US5368052A (en) | Hairpiece | |
| KR20010098362A (en) | Wearer's own hair utilizing type wig and method for manufacturing the same | |
| JPH0449134Y2 (en) | ||
| US3777768A (en) | Wefted hair structure and method of construction | |
| US5033486A (en) | Method for attaching a hairpiece to the scalp | |
| US20050268928A1 (en) | Hair accessory | |
| US4576189A (en) | Partial wig assembly with extension portion | |
| US20040079382A1 (en) | Hair piece | |
| US5853009A (en) | Hair piece and method of making same | |
| JPH047143Y2 (en) | ||
| JP4753400B2 (en) | Self hair utilizing wig and method for producing the same | |
| GB2327605A (en) | Scalp patch for hair extension | |
| JPH02234903A (en) | Hair supplying tool | |
| JP3615555B2 (en) | Hair restoration |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |