US20080047572A1

US20080047572A1 - Wig arrangement with primary wig and detachable wig extension

Info

Publication number: US20080047572A1
Application number: US11/507,754
Authority: US
Inventors: Hui Suk Park
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-08-22
Filing date: 2006-08-22
Publication date: 2008-02-28

Abstract

A wig arrangement is provided with a primary wig and a hair piece extension. The primary wig has a first foundation while the extension has a second foundation. The hair piece extension forms a second wig that is removably coupled to the primary wig. The primary wig is structured and arranged to be secured to a human head. The wig arrangement can be worn either with the primary wig or a combination of the primary wig and the hair extension so as to change the look and styling of the wearer's head. Fasteners such as snap fits are used to removably secure the primary wig and the hair piece extension.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to wigs and hairpieces worn by human beings.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For many reasons, women and men wear wigs, or hairpieces, to change their appearance. For example, someone who has suffered hair loss due to disease, genetic factors, or medical treatment (chemotherapy) may wish to wear a wig to help restore their natural appearance. Others wear wigs for fashion reasons, seeking to temporarily alter the style of their hair. Just as many persons enjoy accessorizing their wardrobe, persons who wear wigs enjoy changing their appearance by adding ribbons, beads, and other adorning attachments.
One such accessory is a hairpiece extension. A hairpiece extension is a length of many strands of hair attached to other hair. The hairpiece can extend the length of the other hair and can make a fuller head of hair. Hairpiece extensions can be applied to a person's natural hair, or to the hair on a wig. The hairpiece extension is typically glued to the other hair (whether natural or a wig) in a time consuming and laborious process.
Hairpiece extensions have been offered commercially for a number of years. However, the use of hairpiece extensions, particularly on wigs, has been limited due to the high cost and labor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a wig arrangement that comprises a first wig and a second wig. The first wig comprises a first foundation and hair strands secured to the first foundation. The first foundation is structured and arranged to be secured to a human head. The second wig comprises a second foundation and hair strands secured in the second foundation. The first and second foundations have fasteners that allow the second wig to be removably coupled to the first wig.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the fasteners comprise snap fit fasteners.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the first wig comprises a drawstring around a perimeter of the first foundation.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the second wig comprises a second drawstring around a perimeter of the second foundation.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the first wig is shaped so as to fit over a bun on a wearer's head.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the second wig is attached to only a portion of a perimeter of the first wig first foundation so as to form an extension of the first wig.
In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, the first wig further comprises combs on a side opposite of the hair strands.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a profile view of a person wearing a wig of the present invention, in accordance with a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a profile view of a person wearing a primary wig and a hairpiece extension with dashed lines depicting the primary wig and hairpiece extension foundations and the separation between the primary wig and the hairpiece extension.

FIG. 3 is an inside, or bottom side, view of the primary wig.

FIG. 4 is an inside, or bottom side, view of the hairpiece extension.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention provides a wig arrangement that can be easily and quickly altered so as to change the overall look of the wearer's head. Referring to FIG. 1, the wig arrangement has hair strands 2. The top of the head is covered by hair strands 2. Hair strands also cover the back of the neck, almost down to the shoulders.
The wig arrangement 1, as shown by FIG. 2, has a primary wig 3 (shown by the foundation) coupled with a hairpiece extension 5 (also shown by the foundation). The primary wig is coupled to the head of the wearer. The hair piece extension is removably coupled to the primary wig by fasteners 10, 11. The hair piece extension can be removed from the primary wig by releasing the fasteners 10, 11, wherein the hair at the back of the neck is removed. The hair piece extension can be coupled to the primary wig by way of the fasteners, wherein the back of the neck is once again covered in hair. Thus, by coupling and uncoupling the hair extension from the primary wig, the overall look of the wearer's head is altered.
As depicted in FIG. 3, the primary wig 9 is comprised of a primary wig foundation 3, hair combs 8, female button snap components 10, draw string 7, draw string retainer 4, and hair strands 2. As depicted in FIG. 4, the hairpiece extension 6 is comprised of a hairpiece extension foundation 5, hair combs 8, male button snap components 11, draw string 7, draw string retainer 4, and hair strands 2.
The foundations 3, 5 are conventional and commercially available. One type of foundation is a mesh type to which rows of hair are attached. Another type is lace foundation, which has lace material and ribs. Still another type of foundation is known in the industry as monofilament foundation, which tends to be of a fine weave.
In the preferred embodiment, the primary wig is sized to fit around only a small object, such as a bun of the wearer's hair. The wearer makes a bun or knot of hair, typically at the back of the head. The primary wig foundation is then put over this bun. In other embodiments, the primary wig can be sized so as to be a full head wig. Thus, the primary wig can overlay all of the wearer's hair or only part of it. The wigs vary in structure and shape and the figures are provided merely as illustrations.
The drawstrings 7 are fitted to the perimeter of the respective foundation 3, 5. The foundations can have an elastic perimeter, wherein the drawstring allows the perimeter to be constricted. For example, when fitting the primary wig 9 over a hair bun, the drawstring 7 is pulled so as to draw in the foundation perimeter around the base of the bun in order to secure the primary wig on the bun. The retainer 4 is used to keep the drawstring 7 tight. The loose ends of the drawstring and the retainer are tucked up into the perimeter of the foundation.
The primary wig is so-called because its foundation can attach, or be secured, to the wearer's head, either directly or indirectly. The primary wig can directly be secured to the head, such as by fitting around the head, or by adhesives. The primary wig can also indirectly be secured to the wearer's head, such as by securing to a bun or other type of hair knot, or by combs, etc. The second wig 6, or hair extension in the preferred embodiment, need not couple to the wearer's head. Instead, the second wig 6 need only couple to the primary wig. The hair extension can be structured and arranged to be secured to, or couple to, the wearer's head. For example, the hair extension can be coupled to a hair knot or bun on the wearer's head.
The hair strands 2 on the primary wig 9 and hair extensions 6 can be natural human hair or artificial hair.
Attached to the outside perimeter of the primary wig foundation 3 are female button snap components 10 serving as connection receptacles for corresponding male button snap components 11 attached to the inside perimeter of the hair piece extension foundation 5. The male snap components can be placed on either the primary wig or the hair extension. Likewise, the female snap components can be placed on either the primary wig or the hair extension. Although the preferred embodiment incorporates male and female snap components 10, 11, other cooperating connection devices, such as hook and loop fasteners, may be used.
The operation and use of the Primary Wig with Hairpiece Extension and Coupling Mechanism will now be described. When the wig 1 is worn, the primary wig foundation 3 is positioned on top of the head and attached over and to a bun or tuft of natural hair by retracting the draw string 7 sewn into the primary wig foundation 3 perimeter. The draw string retainer 4 secures the primary wig foundation 3 to the wearer's natural hair and prevents the drawstring 7 from inadvertently loosening while the primary wig 9 is worn. The primary wig foundation 3 has integrated hair combs 8 attached to further secure the foundation 3 to the wearer's natural hair and prevent shifting or moving. The primary wig 9 may be worn alone or connected to the hair piece extension 6. To connect the primary wig foundation 3 to the hairpiece extension foundation 5, the wearer simply snaps the button snap components 11 located on the inner perimeter of the hairpiece extension foundation 5 into the button snap components 10 located on the outer perimeter of the primary wig foundation 3. Thus, the edge of one foundation slightly overlays the edge of the other foundation. The hair obscures the foundations and the fasteners from view. As with the primary wig foundation 3, the hairpiece extension foundation 5 has a draw string 7 sewn into the perimeter with a draw string retainer 4 to secure the draw string 7. The draw string 7 allows the hairpiece extension 6 to be secured to the natural hair in the same manner the primary wig foundation 3 is attached to the natural hair. Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention incorporates a draw string 7 in the hairpiece extension foundation 5, such a string 7 is not necessary because the attachment devices 10, 11, completely secure the hairpiece attachment foundation 5 to the primary wig foundation 3.
With the Primary Wig with Hairpiece Extension and Coupling Mechanism of the present invention, a wig wearer may easily join a wig extension to a primary wig. The wearer can mix and match primary wigs with hairpiece extensions and achieve a high quality, high cost look at a relatively low cost.
In the preferred embodiment, the hair piece extension is shown coupled to the primary wig with only four snap fit fasteners. As has been discussed, other types of fasteners can be used. Also, the fasteners shown couple only a small portion of the outer perimeter of the primary wig to a small portion of the hair piece extension. The hair piece extension, or second wig can be coupled to a smaller or larger portion of the perimeter of the primary wig, depending on styling considerations.
The foregoing disclosure and showings made in the drawings are merely illustrative of the principles of this invention and are not to be interpreted in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. A wig arrangement, comprising:

a) a first wig comprising a first foundation and hair strands secured to the first foundation, the first foundation structured and arranged to be secured to a human head;

b) a second wig comprising a second foundation and hair strands secured to the second foundation;

c) the first and second foundations having fasteners that allow the second wig to be removably coupled to the first wig.

2. The wig arrangement of claim 1 wherein the fasteners comprise snap fit fasteners.

3. The wig arrangement of claim 1 wherein the first wig comprises a drawstring around a perimeter of the first foundation.

4. The wig arrangement of claim 3 wherein the second wig comprises a second drawstring around the perimeter of the second foundation.

5. The wig arrangement of claim 1 wherein the first wig is shaped to fit over a bun on a wearer's head.

6. The wig arrangement of claim 5 wherein the second wig is attached to only a portion of a perimeter of the first wig first foundation so as to form an extension of the first wig.

7. The wig arrangement of claim 1 wherein the first wig further comprises combs on a side opposite of the hair strands.

8. The wig arrangement of claim 1, further comprising:

a) the fasteners comprise snap fit fasteners;

b) the first wig comprises a drawstring around a perimeter of the first foundation;

c) the first wig is shaped to fit over a bun on a wearer's head;

d) the second wig is attached to only a portion of a perimeter of the first wig first foundation so as to form an extension of the first wig.

9. The wig arrangement of claim 8 wherein the first wig further comprises combs on a side opposite of the hair strands.