US20120174939A1

US20120174939A1 - Interchangeable wiglet with anchor cap apparatus and method

Info

Publication number: US20120174939A1
Application number: US13/413,149
Authority: US
Inventors: Bridget Gay Starks; Brittnay Cherese Starks
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-04-15
Filing date: 2012-03-06
Publication date: 2012-07-12
Also published as: US20090255547A1

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a detachable, self adhesive, multi-piece wiglet and anchor cap system. This system is made up of individual shapes and sizes that accommodate users with full to no natural hair strands seeking full to partial hair coverage. The Interchangeable Wiglet is made up of base portions for the user head's ear, temple, nape, front, top, and crown. Together, these base portions allow an infinite number of variations depending on the exact three dimensional surface contours of the user's head. The Interchangeable Wiglet is individually crafted of a plurality of natural, synthetic, or man made hair-like strands, made of various textures, colors, and lengths and are attached to plurality of the base portions. Each base portion is made of elastic material together with material strips affixed with a complementary double-sided fastening system that acts to connect the base portions to the anchor cap unit.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is related to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/124,180 filed Apr. 15, 2008 and is a continuation of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 12/423,351 filed Apr. 14, 2009, entitled INTERCHANGEABLE WIGLET WITH ANCHOR CAP APPARATUS METHOD, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

n/a

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a revolutionary detachable and self adhering wiglet comprising a plurality of pieces, and an anchor cap system comprising at least two pieces plus a plurality of individual shapes and sizes that accommodate users with full to no natural hair strands seeking full to partial hair coverage over full or partial bare scalp regions of their heads.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the prior art, there have been wigs and wiglets which generally consisted of a single base lace skull cap with natural or synthetic hair affixed to said base skull cap whereupon a user would place the fully assembled wig or wiglet over their entire head. Sometimes, these one piece assembled wigs or wiglets were combined with a head-dress, hat-like article, and/or head covering as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,804,003. The prior art was very limited in being able to properly fit the infinite variations in the exact three dimensional contours and shapes of the user's human skulls. The prior art was also very limited in the user being able to present only one hair design per wig, or, at best very few variations on a particular hair design by attaching one or two hairpieces as shown in U.S. patent application publications 2006/0065281 and 2006/0180171. The present invention overcomes these aformentioned deficiencies, by allowing the use of these individually crafted wiglet portions to allow the wearer to change his or her appearances by detaching a base portion with long, curly, blonde hairs and reattaching it with an alike base portion comprising different length, texture, and color (such as short, straight, and brunette hairs). This novel technical and design process will transform the wig manufacturing industry to new heights. It allows the user to be as creative with their desired looks without the experiences of a bad haircut, and or over heated and pulling hair extensions, and or chemical damage to their natural hairs and or scalp. This continuous connecting segment gives the user the luxury to build his or her custom hairstyle as well as detach so as to clean or reuse (reattaching on top of the anchor cap). These base portions can also be crafted adjoined to one another making the total less than eight pieces which allows an unlimited amount of variations based on the user's needs and tastes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrating the simplified underneath view of the interchangeable wiglet, detached to show its individual shaped base portion with removable backings affixed to the outer or edge of each fastening segments with tape backing that remains or are lifted up and away from the double sided tape.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention, said view showing two different 2 piece self Adhesive Anchor Caps.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention comprising a 2 piece self adhesive anchor cap displayed on a user with a full head of natural hairs desiring partial coverage and opposite sides.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a user with a full head of natural hair strands receiving a braid or twist at the nape section of the head with swept up and away hair strands above the horizontal part line in the rear.

FIG. 4 a is a perspective view of a user with a full head of natural hairs that has been prepared (completed secured ends of all 6 braids or twists and double sided tape aligned and pressed down on all part lines and top center braid or twist of the user's head).

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the description of the method of use for the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 4 a.

FIG. 6 is a perspective left side view of a user with a full head of natural hairs displaying an underneath left side view of the left ear and nape base portions of the anchor cap in the process of being completely attached over the users head.

FIG. 7 is a perspective left side view of a complete coverage of the anchor cap installed over the user's head.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the description of the method of use description for FIG. 6 and FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 Perspective view of a user with a full head of natural hairs displaying the results after the completion of FIG. 10 (preparation phase), ready for the anchor cap to be attached.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the method of use for FIG. 9

FIG. 11 Continuation of FIG. 10

FIG. 12 is a perspective left side view of a user with no natural hairs that has completed the preparation phase (see FIG. 13 and FIG. 14) and is ready for the anchor cap to be attached.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of the method of use for FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a continuation of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a perspective left side view of a user with no natural hairs that has completed the installation phase (see FIG. 16) of the preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 is a black diagram of the method of use for FIG. 15; a user ready for the attachment of preferred embodiment of the invention (Interchangeable Wiglet).

FIG. 17 is a perspective left side view of a user displaying the attachments of the ear base portions (see right side in FIG. 23) of the preferred embodiment of the invention (Interchangeable Wiglet) to the Anchor Cap unit in progress.

FIG. 18 is a perspective left side view of a user displaying the attachment of the head's temple base portions; (see right side in FIG. 23) of the preferred embodiment of the invention (Interchangeable Wiglet) to the Anchor Cap unit in progress.

FIG. 19 is a perspective left side view of a user displaying the attachment of the nape base portion (see FIG. 23) of the preferred embodiment of the invention (Interchangeable Wiglet) to the Anchor Cap unit in progress.

FIG. 20 is a perspective left side view of a user displaying the attachment of the front base portion of the preferred embodiment of the invention (Interchangeable Wiglet) to the Anchor Cap unit in progress.

FIG. 21 is a perspective left side view of a user displaying the attachment of the top base portion of the preferred embodiment of the invention (Interchangeable Wiglet) to the Anchor Cap unit in progress.

FIG. 22 is an elevation view from the rear of a head, of a user displaying the attachment of the crown base portion of the preferred embodiment of the invention (Interchangeable Wiglet) to the Anchor Cap unit in progress.

FIG. 23 Plan elevated left side view of a user displaying the completed look after properly placing the Interchangeable Wiglet on the user's head capturing underneath a partial view of the Anchor Cap.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram of the description of the method of use for each base portion starting with FIGS. 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22.

FIG. 25 is a continuation of FIG. 24.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.
The present invention relates to a revolutionary detachable and self adhering wiglet comprising a plurality of pieces, and an anchor cap system comprising at least two pieces plus a plurality of individual shapes and sizes that accommodate users with full to no natural hair strands seeking full to partial hair coverage over full or partial bare scalp regions of their heads.
Referring to the attached drawings, the preferred embodiment of the invention (Interchangeable Wiglet) comprises EAR BASE PORTIONS of opposite sides (1 a-left and 1 b-right); TEMPLE BASE PORTIONS of opposite sides (2 a-left and 2 b-right); NAPE BASE PORTION (3); FRONT BASE PORTION (4); TOP BASE PORTION (5); and CROWN BASE PORTION (6) all totaling eight base portions more or less allowing numerous embodiments of the subject invention, depending on the three dimensional surface contours of the user's head. The Interchangeable Wiglet is individually crafted of a plurality of natural, synthetic, or man made fibers of hair strands 7 defining various textures, colors, and lengths and are attached to eight more or less base portions. Each base portion is made of elastic materials, or transparent durable French lace construction, to skin-like monofilament, or any other skin toned or light weight base portions surrounded entirely or partially with a strip 9 affixed with a complementary double-sided tape 10 with a removable backing that acts as a fastener to and from the anchor cap unit. The hairline of the wiglet portions are crafted with a strip comprising additional hairs that give an illusion or appearances as being the user's natural hairs. The Interchangeable Wiglet's self adhesive anchor cap is designed to be used as a secured support and base frame attachment between the wiglet pieces and the user's head for partial or full coverage. These anchor caps are crafted as a pair (more or less) of opposite sides connecting the left base portion from the center of the front hairline; along the front temple downward to the lower front hairline of the left ear. The right base portion of the double-sided anchor cap is connected from the center of the front hairline; along the front hairline of the right temple; downward to the lower front hairline of the right ear.
There are three variations of the preferred embodiment shown; Ca—for users with medium to full density of natural hairs desiring full coverage; Cb—for users with little to no hairs desiring full coverage; and Cp—for users with medium to full density of natural hairs desiring partial coverage. The base materials within the construction of each anchor cap comprises elastic nylon or polyester or any elastic synthetic materials surrounded by elastic net materials that encloses polyurethane strips throughout the entire base portion. The entire hairline of the 2 piece Self Adhesive Anchor Cap comprises a cut away durable transparent French lace material except around the rear of the right and left ear base portions. This area contains elastic net material to help add comfort to the user's head. The center of the anchor cap contains polyurethane strip extending vertically from the front to the rear with elastic net material affixed along the left side on the left base portion and the right side on the right base portion. The method to apply the 2 piece anchor cap comprises separating the user's natural hairs into 6 individual rows then braiding or twisting each row of hairs. After securing the ends down with a threaded needle the double-sided tape is aligned in proper position then pressed down on each part lines and or imaginary lines on the user's scalp to help build a support base for the anchor cap. Once completed the backing affixed on the double-sided tape isn't removed, instead one side of the anchor cap is aligned in proper position on the user's head; then starting at the front hairline remove the tape backing pressing the anchor cap gently into place (one section at a time) along the front temple hairline; then downward in the front of the ear hairline. Remove the tape backing from all part lines and center braid or twist then carefully press the anchor cap into place from the front then the top extending to the rear; then downward across the entire nape removing the tape backing then gently pressing the anchor cap into place one section at a time. Carefully align the ear base portion surrounding the user's ear. If excessive base material exists, gently tilt the cap over making small vertical slits to the base material until the cap lays flat and evenly (side by side). Repeat this method on the opposite side of the user's head aligning evenly.
The method of applying the Interchangeable Wiglet portions comprises attaching each base portions in its proper place on top of the complementary anchor cap. Starting with the front hairline of the two Ear Base Portions; then the front hairlines of the Temple Base Portions; then the bottom hairline of the Nape Base Portion; then the hairline of the Front Base Portion; then the front of the Top Base Portion; then the upper Crown Base Portion extending downward to the top center of the Nape Base Portion. All excessive hairlines and base materials are cut then styled as desired. The hairlines on the base portions of the wiglet can also be placed on the part lines behind or above the user's natural hairlines giving the user the flexibility to blend his or her natural hairs into the hairlines or edges of the base portion. These individually crafted wiglet portions allow the wearer to change his or her appearances by detaching a base portion with long, curly, blonde hairs and reattaching it with an alike base portion comprising different length, texture, and color (such as short, straight, and brunette hairs). This novel technical and design process will transform the wig manufacturing industry. It allows the user to be as creative with their desired looks without the experiences of a bad haircut, and or over heated and pulling hair extensions, and or chemical damage to their natural hairs and or scalp. This continuous connecting segment gives the user the luxury to build his or her custom hairstyle, in an infinite number of variations, as well as detach so as to clean or reuse (reattaching on top of the anchor cap). These base portions can also be crafted adjoined to one another making the total less than eight pieces which allows the alternate embodiments of the subject invention.
Referring to the attached drawings, in FIG. 1, there is shown a simplified view of preferred embodiment of the invention comprising an 8 piece Interchangeable Wiglet detached to show its individual shaped base portion with removable backings affixed to the outer or edge of each fastening segments with tape backing that remains or are lifted up and away from the double sided tape.
In FIG. 2, there is shown the back side view of two Interchangeable Wiglet 2 piece self adhesive anchor caps; at the bottom right is a back side view of the anchor cap—Ca1 (left side portion) displayed on a user with a full head of natural hairs desiring full coverage: and Ca2 of opposite sides (right side portion); and at the top left corner is a left side view of the anchor cap—Cb1 (left side portion) displayed on a user with little to no natural hairs desiring full coverage: and Gb2 of opposite sides (right side portion—not shown).
In FIG. 3, there is shown a perspective view of Interchangeable Wiglet 2 piece self adhesive anchor cap-Cp1 (left side portion) displayed on a user with a full head of natural hairs desiring partial coverage and Cp2 of opposite sides (right side portion—not shown).
In FIG. 4, there is shown a perspective view of a user with a full head of natural hair strands receiving a braid or twist at the nape section of the head with swept up and away hair strands above the horizontal part line in the rear.
In FIG. 4 a, there is shown a perspective view of a user with a full head of natural hairs that has been prepared (completed secured ends of all 6 braids or twists and double sided tape aligned and pressed down on all part lines and top center braid or twist of the user's head).
In FIG. 5, there is shown a block diagram of the description of the method of use for FIG. 4 and FIG. 4 a.
In FIG. 6 there is shown a perspective left side view of a user with a full head of natural hairs displaying an underneath left side view of the left EAR and NAPE BASE PORTIONS of the anchor cap in the process of being completely attached over the user's head.
In FIG. 7, there is shown a perspective left side view of a complete coverage of the anchor cap (—Ca1 and Ca2 of opposite sides) installed over the user's head.
In FIG. 8, there is shown a block diagram of the detailed method of use description for FIG. 6 and FIG. 7.
In FIG. 9, there is shown a perspective left side view of a user with a full head of natural hairs displaying the results after the completion of FIG. 10 (preparation phase), ready for the anchor cap to be attached.
In FIG. 10, there is shown a block diagram of a description of the method of use for FIG. 9:
FIG. 11 is a continuation of FIG. 10.
In FIG. 12, there is shown a perspective left side view of a user with no natural hairs that has completed the preparation phase (FIG. 13 and FIG. 14) and is ready for the anchor cap (Cb1 and Cb2 of opposite sides) to be attached.
In FIG. 13, there is shown a block diagram of the method of use for FIG: 12.
FIG. 14 is a continuation of FIG. 13.
In FIG. 15, there is shown a perspective left side view of a user with no natural hairs that has completed the installation phase (FIG. 16) of Interchangeable Wiglet 2 piece self adhesive anchor cap (Gb1 and Cb2 of opposite sides).
In FIG. 16, there is shown a block diagram of the method of use for FIG. 15; a user ready for the attachment of the Interchangeable Wiglet.
In FIG. 17, there is shown a perspective left side view of a user displaying the attachments of the EAR BASE PORTIONS (1 a-left side and lb of opposite side—right side in FIG. 23) of the Interchangeable Wiglet to the anchor cap unit in progress.
In FIG. 18, there is shown a perspective left side view of a user displaying the attachment of the TEMPLE BASE PORTIONS; (2 a-Ieft side and 2 b of opposite side—right side in FIG. 23) of the Interchangeable Wiglet to the anchor cap unit in progress.
In FIG. 19, there is shown a perspective left side view of a user displaying the attachment of the NAPE BASE PORTION (3 in FIG. 23) of the Interchangeable Wiglet to the anchor cap unit in progress.
In FIG. 20, there is shown a perspective left side view of a user displaying the attachment of the FRONT BASE PORTION (4 in FIG. 23) of the Interchangeable Wiglet to the anchor cap unit in progress.
In FIG. 21, there is shown a perspective left side view of a user displaying the attachment of the TOP BASE PORTION (5 in FIG. 23) of the Interchangeable Wiglet to the anchor cap unit in progress.
In FIG. 22, there is shown an rear elevation view of a user displaying the attachment of the CROWN BASE PORTION (6 in FIG. 23) of the Interchangeable Wiglet to the anchor cap unit in progress.
In FIG. 23, there is shown a perspective left side view of a user displaying the completed lookafter properly placing the Interchangeable Wiglet on the user's head capturing underneath a partial view of the anchor cap.
In FIG. 24, there is shown a block diagram of the description of the method of use for each base portion starting with FIGS. 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22.
FIG. 25 is a continuation of FIG. 24.
In FIG. 26, there is shown a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention, where the subject invention may be applied to only a portion of a user's head, rather than the entire head.
While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An interchangeable wiglet apparatus for a user having a scalp, a rear neck area, temples, and ears comprising:

an anchor cap sized to cover a portion of the scalp, the anchor cap including a plurality of elastic pieces;

a first plurality of at least one of hairs and fibers being affixed to the anchor cap;

a plurality of modular base portions removeably affixable to the anchor cap, each base portion including a netting and at least one of an adhesive element and a fastener disposed along at least a portion of the periphery each base portion's netting; and

a second plurality of at least one of hairs and fibers being affixed to each base portion, at least a portion of the second plurality of hairs being affixed to the netting.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base portions include at least an ear base portion sized to cover an area of the scalp proximate the user's ear.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the base portions include at least a temple base portion sized to cover an area of the user's scalp proximate the user's temples.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the base portions include at least a nape base portion sized to cover an area of the scalp-proximate the user's rear neck area.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the base portions include at least a crown base portion sized to cover a top area of the user's scalp.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adhesive element is substantially commensurate in size with the elastic pieces.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further including a skin adhesive affixed to the anchor cap and disposed between the anchor cap and the user's scalp.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each base portion is substantially commensurate in size to a corresponding elastic piece.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the anchor cap includes a netting, and wherein the netting of the anchor cap is commensurate in size with the netting of the base portions.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base portions are adhered to elastic pieces.

11. A method for assembling an interchangeable wiglet for a user having a scalp, a rear neck area, temples, and ears comprising:

affixing an anchor cap unit including a plurality of elastic pieces, the anchor cap being sized to at least partially cover the user's scalp;

affixing a first plurality of at least one of hairs and fibers to the anchor cap;

affixing a portion of a plurality of modular base portions to the elastic pieces, each base portion including a netting and an at least one of an adhesive element and fastener disposed along at least a portion of the periphery each base portion's netting; and

affixing a second plurality of at least one of hairs and fibers to the netting of base portions.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the base portions include at least an ear base portion sized to cover an area of the scalp proximate the user's ear.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the base portions include at least a temple base portion sized to cover an area of the scalp proximate the user's temples.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the base portions include at least a nape base portion sized to cover an area of the scalp-proximate the user's rear neck area.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the base portions include at least a crown base portion sized to cover a top area of the user's scalp.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the adhesive element is substantially commensurate in size with the elastic pieces.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein each base portion is substantially commensurate in size to a corresponding elastic piece.

18. The method of claim 11, further comprising affixing a skin adhesive between the anchor cap and the user's scalp.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein the elastic pieces includes a netting commensurate in size with the netting of the base portions.

20. An interchangeable wiglet apparatus for a user having a scalp, a rear neck area, temples, and ears comprising:

an anchor cap sized to cover a portion of the scalp, the anchor cap including a plurality of elastic pieces and a netting extending a distance away from the elastic pieces;

a first plurality of at least one hairs and fibers being affixed to the netting of the anchor cap;

a plurality of modular base portions removeably affixable to the elastic pieces, each base portion including a netting and at least one of an adhesive element and fastener disposed along at least a portion of the periphery each base portion' s netting, the at least one adhesive element and fastener being engageable with the elastic pieces; and

a second plurality of at least one hairs and fibers being affixed to the netting of each base portion.