US20120222692A1

US20120222692A1 - Elastic and Concealable Hair Piece Attachment

Info

Publication number: US20120222692A1
Application number: US13/411,740
Authority: US
Inventors: Wendy Ray
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-03-04
Filing date: 2012-03-05
Publication date: 2012-09-06

Abstract

An attachable hair piece article is disclosed having a comfortable, elastic and breathable headband attachment means. The hair piece comprises a quantity hair attaching to the headband support substrate, which is wrapped circumferentially around a user's head and conforms thereto. The band is preferably an elastic mesh material, which allows conformity to a number of head sizes, while the attached hair is provided in segments or continuously therealong, hanging from the headband to promote the appearance of flowing, natural or straight hair. The band is of unitary construction or preferably separably attached using a strip of hook and loop fastening at its terminal ends. After securement, the headband can be covered by a hat or a head scarf, or alternatively the headband itself may employ a decorative outer surface that emulates a fashion headband that is visible to others.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/449,366 filed on Mar. 4, 2011, entitled “Wrap It 'N Cap It.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to attachable hair pieces and hair extensions. More specifically, the present invention pertains to a new hair piece attachment utilizing an elastic and breathable band that allows comfortable attachment around a user's head, whereafter the band may be covered by a hat or head scarf. Alternatively the headband itself may employ a decorative outer surface to emulate a standard headband.
2. Description of the Prior Art
There are many instances wherein artificial hair or external hair pieces may be desired. The use of wigs is common place for those experiencing baldness, patches of hair loss or thinning hair. The use of a wig provides natural looking hair that otherwise would not be possible. This improves one's self esteem and confidence in situations wherein loss of one's hair is undesired and embarrassing. It is also common to utilize hair pieces as accessories or embellishments to an existing hair style, wherein external hair is attached to a user's head in a fashion to affect an extension of existing hair, or a new style, texture or hair color that improves the overall aesthetics of the user's existing hair or is utilized to match a certain attire. It is also common for those with very short or curly hair to utilize such hair devices to immediately lengthen their hair, and further to provide the user with a certain style of hair, such as straight, flowing hair as opposed to a natural or existing style.
Various hair systems have become available that provide a user with the ability to attach different segments or whole coverings to one's head in order to display a desired style of hair. Generally these systems employ segments of natural or synthetic hair that allow for a natural outward appearance and feel. Certain hair systems employ a semi-permanent method of hair attachment wherein hair is connectably sewn into smaller strands of one's hair. The longer strands of connected hair provide a fashionable extension of a different style or color, which remains in place until removed by a stylist or otherwise forcibly removed. Wigs and other hair systems are also available that utilize a head covering having a substrate matrix upon which hair is attached. These devices are generally for fully bald or mostly bald individuals, wherein hair is clipped, taped or otherwise attached to the substrate for an outward appearance of a segment or full head of hair. Further systems employ the use of a hat and cap that provides a means to support segments of hair, wherein the hair appears to be attached to the user's head and flowing outward from the base of the cap structure. When the cap is removed, the attached segments of hair are also removed from the user's head and remain connected to the cap structure.
These devices provide useful forms of hair embellishment or coverage over balding scalps; however these devices generally are uncomfortable or time consuming to attach or deploy. Full wigs require a head covering over one's entire scalp, while traditional extensions are sewn into existing hair and can take a considerable amount of time, skill and money to attach. The present invention pertains to a comfortable, easily deployed headband device of breathable and stretchable mesh fabric, which acts as a base matrix upon which segments of hair are sewn thereto to provide a support for longer, straight hair. The headband provides an easy mean of attachment, wherein the band conforms to any user's head and attaches therearound. The band can then be covered by a fashionable hat or scarf, or alternatively the band itself may be provided in a fashionable form such that coverage thereover is not required. The attached hair provides an improved style, length and texture that may be desired, wherein the band acts as an improved means of attachment that is both comfortable and easily removed.
Several hair systems and devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to the present invention. These devices have familiar design elements for the purposes of attaching natural or synthetic hair to a user's head for various reasons and via several different means. The most relevant prior art patents and publications are listed and described herein, while their structural differences and intent are recounted.
Specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 5,819,319 to Spurs discloses an improved hat device having a plurality of releasable hair segments adapted to connect and be removable from an inner strip within the headband of the hat. The hat is adapted to cover a user's head, while the plurality of hair segments attach thereto and flow from the interior of the hat, providing the appearance of hair coming from under the secured hat. While the Spurs device provides a means to attach hair segments to a hat inner rim, it does not allow independent attachment to a user's head. The present invention provides a headband device that may be covered by a hat, scarf or be utilized as a fashion accessory by itself. The use of a particular hat is not required, but rather its attachment to the user is facilitated through the use of a stretchable and breathable headband element.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,493,735 to Rice is another device that describes an apparel item that includes a cap to be worn a user's head. Along the interior of the cap are specifically designed fasteners for receiving mating fasteners to facilitate the connection of one or more hair piece segments. Adjustment regions along the fasteners allow variations in position and exposure of the hair segments, while the placement, type and location of the segments is dependent upon user desires and can be altered to fit a particular style or outfit. The Rice disclosure, as with the Spurs patent, requires the use of a cap or hat in conjunction with the attached hair pieces. It does not contemplate the use of a flexible headband that can be worn separately from a head cap or covering structure.
Further, U.S. Pat. No. 4,658,841 to Won describes a wig structure having a hair piece adapted to attach a plurality of different hair segments about a user's scalp using patches hook and loop fasteners. The cap comprises a dome-shaped device worn on the user's head, wherein its outer surface provides locations for a front wig, side links and a back-wig to attach thereto. This provides a structure that allows different styles of hair to be utilized, mixed and matched on a user's head for improved style or suitably for a particular user's needs. While this device provides a means to attach hair to a user's head without an external cap, it is more suited for complete head coverage by a wig structure, such as for a bald or balding individual. The present invention can be utilized by balding individuals or those simply looking to accentuate a current hairstyle with highlighted, straight or otherwise styled hair using a headband device. The headband further provides a comfortable attachment means that can be covered or utilized as an accessory in and of itself.
Similar to the Won device, U.S. Pat. No. 6,561,197 to Harrison describes a hair integration apparatus comprised of a cap-like base having numerous spaced, hair pull-through opening located along its surface. The cap attaches to a user's scalp, wherein a continuous band of adhesive material attaches the cap to the wearer's head along the cap perimeter. The Harrison device provides similar failings as the aforementioned patents, which prevent their use as a hair accessory of the type described by the present invention. The Harrison device is adapted to provide a cap that covers a user's entire scalp area, as opposed to a headband device that encircles the user's head.
Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 5,746,232 to Martin describes a hairpiece to mask baldness comprising a lace-mesh substrate formed from a network of transversely-oriented fibers. A plurality of hair filaments extends from one side of the substrate to provide the outer appearance of natural hair. A plurality selectively-deformable stabilizing rings are provided within the substrate, along with monofilament fibers sonically welded to said mesh substrate. Overall, the mesh substrate is adapted to cover a user's scalp and provide a head covering to support hair projecting therefrom. No mention is made to a flexible, stretchable and conformable mesh substrate that provides a headband support for a plurality of hair strands or segments thereof, as disclosed in the present invention.
The present invention pertains to a headband device that provides a comfortable and universal means to attach a portion of elongated hair to a user's head. The means of support and its elements are submitted as being substantially divergent in design elements from the prior art, and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing headband hair piece devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of headband hair piece devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new headband hair piece wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when adorning a segment of external hair to embellish or update an existing hair style or color.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved headband hair piece device that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a headband device that provides a mesh substrate matrix for which to support a segment of hair attached thereto.
Another object of the present invention is to provide headband hair piece device that provides a universal fitment for all user, while the material of the headband is comfortable, flexible and conformal to a user's head while in use.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a headband device that can be covered by a head covering or scarf device, or further the headband device may be provided with an external surface having decorative features to permit its use without such coverings thereover.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a rear view of the present invention in an open position.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the present invention in a working position.

FIG. 3 shows another side view of the present invention in a working position and applied around a user's head.

FIG. 4 shows a front view of the present invention in a working position and applied around a user's head.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the headband hair piece. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for embellishing or updating an existing hair style or color. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.
Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a rear view of the hair piece headband of the present invention in an open position and in a non-working position. The device comprises a flexible headband 11 having a mesh interior structure and a perimeter cuff 15. The mesh material is an elastic fabric that establishing a substrate upon which strand of hair 13 may be attached thereto in a segments or continually thereon. The strands 13 are preferably attached via a line of sewing 12 or alternatively connected via a strong adhesive or glue, which secures the hair 13 firmly in connection with the headband support substrate 11. The hair 13 may be natural human hair or a synthetic variety thereof, wherein its structure, density, style and color is dependent on the user preferences. The hair 13 may be provided continuously across the headband 11 or in shorter segments to suit a particular style. To apply the headband 11, it is wrapped around the perimeter of a user's head and stretched such that the headband first and second end meet. At these ends, a strip of complimenting hook and loop fasteners 14 is provided to secure the ends together, thus securing the headband and the position of the hair 13 around the user's head.
Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a side view of the present invention in a working position. As shown, the attached hair 13 attaches to the headband 11 and is allowed to flow from the user's head in a way that appears as natural hair. In an exemplary embodiment as shown, a segment of hair 13 is provided along the nape of a user's neck, allowing hair to flow from the rear of the user's head, with less emphasis placed on the sides. The first and second ends of the headband are joined together via the hook and loop attachment means 14, forming an annular headband that conforms to a user's head and comfortably encircles the same. The headband is comprised of soft, stretchable material such as cotton blends and synthetic or naturally stretchable material such as spandex or latex. The structure of the headband provides a stretchable, breathable mesh fabric facilitating comfort, universal head conformity and heat dissipation while in use. A cross pattern matrix of fibers may be provided as the backing structure, or likewise provide an overlay over a continuous headband fabric wherein the cross pattern provides the headband's elasticity. Along the upper and lower edges of the headband are preferably cuffs to allow a soft transition that does not dig into a user's scalp or forehead while in use.
Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a side view of the present invention in a working position on a user's head, providing a firm securement of a segment of hair extensions 13 that may be of a different style, color or texture than the user's natural hair 16. The hair 13 is sewn or connected via an adhesive onto the body of head band 11 on one end, while the length of the hair is free to dangle or be modified in any fashionable manner (hair clips, hair ties, etc.). The outer surface of the headband 11 may take two forms. The first is adapted to be covered by a secondary covering, such as a cap or head scarf. This allows the headband to be covered and the hair 13 to flow from the sides and back of the covering. The second embodiment of the headband employs a decorative outer surface that is adapted to provide a fashionable exterior. The hair is sewn to the underside surface of the headband, while the outer surface may employ a color, pattern or other fashionable decoration such that a user could utilize the headband as an accessory and conceal the fact that the attached hair is not natural. In an alternate embodiment of the headband, the band itself may be continuous, wherein no disconnecting ends need be connected, but rather the band can be stretched to conform to a user's head as the elastic nature of its material is utilized for secure fitment.
Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a frontal view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention being worn by a user. The headband 11 is secured around the user's head via connection 14 at its first and second end, while the attached hair 13 is able to flow from the headband and provide an updated style or type of hair for the user. This embodiment is preferably utilized with an extra form of head covering to be placed over the band, wherein the band itself is not a decorative pattern or design that is desired to be visible to others.
Many individuals who have naturally curly or kinky hair have their hair professionally relaxed or straightened for softer styles. The present invention contemplates the user of a head wrapping designed to surround the perimeter of the user's head, thereby securing the user's natural hair or surrounding a balding scalp and supporting hair extensions that are positioned against the nape area of the user's neck. Keeping hair neatly pulled back in this way may give the illusion of a natural, fashionable hairstyle, while preventing hair from falling in the user's face. Utilization of the headband may be facilitated by an extra head covering to shroud the presence of the headband and the rest of the user's scalp or natural hair, or alternatively the headband itself may be utilized as a fashion accessory. The device overall provides users with greater self confidence and a desired style that may not otherwise be comfortable to wear or possible to grow naturally.
In light of the devices in the prior art and the present disclosure, it is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1) A hair piece article, comprising:

an elastic headband adapted to fit around a user's head and provide a supportive substrate for attachment of hair extensions;

said hair extensions having a first and second end, said first end attaching to said headband and said second end adapted to hang naturally;

said elastic headband adapted to be constructed of a stretchable, breathable fabric to provide universal fitment and comfortable wear.

2) The device of claim 1, wherein said headband further comprises a first and second end, said ends adapted to be connected by a connecting means.

3) The device of claim 2, wherein said connecting means comprises strips of complimentary hook and loop fasteners.

4) The device of claim 1, wherein said headband further comprises a continuous band structure, wherein said band is adapted to stretch and conform to a user's head size and shape.

5) The device of claim 1, wherein said headband further comprises an inner and outer surface, said inner surface adapted to be connected to said hair extensions' first end, and said outer surface adapted to appear a standard fashion headband accessory.

6) The device of claim 1, wherein said hair extensions comprise human hair.

7) The device of claim 1, wherein said hair extensions comprise synthetic hair.

8) The device of claim 1, wherein said headband substrate further comprises a cross pattern matrix of elastic fibers to provide elasticity to the headband.

9) The device of claim 1, wherein said headband further comprises boundary edges, said edges having cuffs providing a soft material adapted to prevent skin irritation or excessive rubbing at an interface between said headband edge and said user's head.

10) The device of claim 1, wherein said hair extension first end attachment further comprises a sewn line of connection.

11) The device of claim 1, wherein said hair extension first end attachment further comprises an adhesive bonded connection.