US20140299145A1

US20140299145A1 - Hairpiece for hair blending enhancement

Info

Publication number: US20140299145A1
Application number: US14/245,067
Authority: US
Inventors: Sevasti Chira
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-04-05
Filing date: 2014-04-04
Publication date: 2014-10-09
Also published as: US20190246728A1

Abstract

A hairpiece comprises a net structure for covering a portion of a human head between a front hairline and a nape of a neck. The net structure comprises a plurality of ribbons, having a flexible flat material. The plurality of ribbons comprises a perimeter ribbon with a circumference at least as large as a circumference of the portion, a plurality of horizontal ribbons joined to the perimeter ribbon, a rear ribbon joined to the perimeter ribbon and the plurality of horizontal ribbons, and a plurality of vertical ribbons joined to the perimeter ribbon and the plurality of horizontal ribbons. The plurality of vertical ribbons creates a generally angled orientation with respect to vertical, wherein the net structure comprises a grid like structure. A plurality of hair strands are joined to the flexible flat material.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present Utility patent application claims priority benefit of the [U.S. provisional application for patent Ser. No. 61/808,928, entitled “Hair Blending Enhancement”, and filed on 5 Apr. 2013, under 35 U.S.C. 119(e). The contents of this related provisional application are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes to the extent that such subject matter is not inconsistent herewith or limiting hereof.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX

Not applicable.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

One or more embodiments of the invention generally relate to an enhancement device. More particularly, the invention relates to an enhancement device that integrates with a plurality of strands to create a more uniform, natural plurality of strands.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.
The following is an example of a specific aspect in the prior art that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. By way of educational background, another aspect of the prior art generally useful to be aware of is that a wig is a head covering made from human hair, animal hair, or synthetic fiber that is worn for fashion or other reasons, including cultural tradition and religious observance.
Typically, artificial hair integrations, more commonly known as hair extensions can serve to add length and/or fullness to human hair. Hair extensions are methods of lengthening one's hair by incorporating artificial hair or natural hair collected from other individuals.
A head is the cephalic part of an animal, which usually comprises the eyes, ears, nose and mouth, each of which aid in various sensory functions, such as sight, hearing, smell, and taste. The head grows hair that is very visible. Often, balding, diseases, and medical therapy cause the hair on the head to fall out. Replacement hair can enhance the head.
In view of the foregoing, it is clear that these traditional techniques are not perfect and leave room for more optimal approaches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrates perspective views of an exemplary strand enhancement device covering a body, where FIG. 1A illustrates a right side view, and FIG. 1B illustrates a left side view, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective views of an exemplary strand enhancement device covering a body, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate perspective views of an exemplary second embodiment of a strand enhancement device covering a body, where FIG. 3A illustrates a right side view, and FIG. 3B illustrates a left side view, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a crown top perspective views of an exemplary first embodiment of a strand enhancement device covering a body, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a crown top perspective views of an exemplary strand enhancement device having a transparent body portion and covering a body, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a crown top perspective views of an exemplary second embodiment of a strand enhancement device having a transparent body portion and covering a body, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a crown top perspective views of an underside of an exemplary second embodiment of a strand enhancement device covering a body, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate perspective views of an exemplary strand enhancement device customized with an exemplary cutting action to form a smaller fit on the body, where FIG. 8A illustrates a side perspective view, and FIG. 8B illustrates a rear perspective view, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate perspective views of an exemplary strand enhancement device customized with an exemplary cutting action to form a larger fit on the body, where FIG. 9A illustrates a side perspective view, and FIG. 9B illustrates a rear perspective view, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate perspective views of an exemplary strand enhancement device customized with an exemplary cutting action for less strand coverage or natural strand density, where FIG. 10A illustrates a side perspective view, and FIG. 10B illustrates a rear perspective view, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a front perspective views of an exemplary strand enhancement device where an exemplary net portion covers a crown section of the body, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates a side perspective views of an exemplary strand enhancement device where an exemplary horizontal ribbon at a top section of the net portion, extending from a pair of perimeter ribbons, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 13 illustrates a front perspective views of an exemplary strand enhancement device where an exemplary temple section of the body is uncovered, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein.
Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive.
It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein.
Although Claims have been formulated in this Application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.
Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present Application or of any further Application derived therefrom.
References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” “various embodiments,” etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an exemplary embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.
Headings provided herein are for convenience and are not to be taken as limiting the disclosure in any way.
The enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise.
The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise.
Devices or system modules that are in at least general communication with each other need not be in continuous communication with each other, unless expressly specified otherwise. In addition, devices or system modules that are in at least general communication with each other may communicate directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries.
A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the present invention.
As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation any system, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application.
The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
There are various types of strand enhancement devices that may be provided by preferred embodiments of the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, the enhancement device integrates with a plurality of natural strands on a body to create a more uniform, natural appearance to the plurality of natural strands. The overall visual effect forms an enhanced uniform body comprising the plurality of natural strands supplemented by a plurality of enhancement strands in the device strategically positioned throughout the plurality of natural strands.
In some embodiments, the device may conform to an object supporting the plurality of natural strands. The device adjusts with the size of the body and utilizes the enhancement strands to create the desired look on the body. The plurality of natural strands may include, without limitation, hair on a head, hair on a body part, animal hair or bristles, plants, and technology components. The plurality of enhancement strands may include, without limitation, monofilament fibers or a combination of polyfilament, fibers, acrylic, polyester, artificial hair, horse hair, real hair, plants, and technology components. The enhancement strands may be configured in weave or single strands.
In some embodiments, the device may comprise a plurality of enhancement strands that are substantially similar to the plurality of strands. The device may include a body portion configured to conform to a body, such as a crown of a head. The body portion comprises an outer surface configured to support a plurality of enhancement strands. The body portion further comprises an inner surface disposed to conform to the body. In some embodiments, the body portion may further comprise a body front periphery disposed to at least partially align with a body front. The body front may include, without limitation, a front hairline. Suitable materials for the body portion may include, without limitation, textile fabric, netting, silicone or polyurethane. In one embodiment, the body portion may include a supplemental hair integration hairpiece or wig having a crown section, and composed of a material that is ventilated with supplemental hair to mimic the appearance of the crown area scalp with natural hair.
The device may further include a net portion disposed to extend from the body front periphery. The net portion is configured to cover a section of the body that is not covered by the body portion. The net portion may include a grid of interwoven fabric ribbons that adjustably join each other to enable the plurality of strands to pass through, and also support the plurality of enhancement strands. Suitable materials for the at least one ribbon may include, without limitation, textile fiber or other flat flexible materials. The ribbons may include, without limitation, at least one perimeter ribbon, at least one rear ribbon, at least one horizontal ribbon, and at least one vertical ribbon.
In some embodiments, each of the ribbons may interconnect to form the net portion. The ribbons may also attach to the body portion from the body inner surface. The ribbons may be configured to enable at least partial passage of the natural strands. The ribbons may also join with the plurality of enhancement strands as needed to form the enhanced visual effect. In some embodiments, the ribbons may be sized adjustable by performing a cutting action on various ribbons and sections of ribbons. The ribbons may then be attached through manual tying and knotting to form the desired size or shape. A fastener may also be utilized to securely join the various ribbons. Neither the body portion nor the net portion may require fasteners, elastics, or adhesives to remain on the body. Rather, the ribbons are joined together strategically to maintain an attachment between the device and the body.
FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrates perspective views of an exemplary strand enhancement device covering a body, where FIG. 1A illustrates a right side view, and FIG. 1B illustrates a left side view, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, a strand enhancement device 100 integrates a plurality of enhanced strands 112 with a plurality of natural strands on a body, such as a human head, to create a uniform, natural appearance to the plurality of natural strands. In some embodiments, the device may conform to an object supporting the plurality of natural strands. The body may include, without limitation, a head, a body part, a plant, and a technology component. In one embodiment, the device forms a hair blending enhancement device configured to be worn on top of a human head without requiring adhesives or anchoring to remain fastened thereto. The device may include a body portion 102 for covering substantially a crown section of the body portion, and a net portion having a variety of differently oriented ribbon structures forming a grid over the head of the wearer. The body portion may be substantially solid. However in other embodiments, the body portion may be transparent. In some embodiments the device may be used in applications other than a hair piece such as, but not limited to, a wig or hair extensions.
In some embodiments, the body portion may contain a plurality of enhancement strands to compliment and supplement the natural strands. The net portion may enable at least partial passage of natural strands and also include enhancement strands for further enhancing the effect of an enhanced body. In some embodiments, the device may adjusts with the size of the body and utilizes the enhancement strands to create the desired look on the body. A cutting action on the net portion enables a desired manipulation to conform to variously sized bodies and different densities of natural strands.
In some embodiments, the device may comprise a plurality of enhancement strands that are substantially similar to the plurality of strands. The plurality of natural strands may include, without limitation, hair on a head, hair on a body part, animal hair or bristles, plants, and technology components. The plurality of enhancement strands may include, without limitation, monofilament fibers or a combination of polyfilament, fibers, acrylic, polyester, artificial hair, horse hair, real hair, plants, and technology components. The enhancement strands may be configured in weave or single strands.
The device may include a body portion configured to conform to a body, such as a crown of a head. The body portion comprises an outer surface configured to support a plurality of enhancement strands. The body portion further comprises an inner surface disposed to conform to the body. In some embodiments, the body portion may further comprise a body front periphery disposed to at least partially align with a body front. The body front may include, without limitation, a front hairline. Suitable materials for the body portion may include, without limitation, textile fabric, netting, silicone or polyurethane. In one embodiment, the body portion may include a supplemental hair integration hairpiece or wig having a crown section, and composed of a material that is ventilated with supplemental hair to mimic the appearance of the crown area scalp with natural hair.
The device may further include a net portion disposed to extend from the body front periphery. The net portion is configured to cover a section of the body that is not covered by the body portion. The net portion may include a grid of interwoven fabric ribbons that adjustably join each other to enable the plurality of strands to pass through, and also support the plurality of enhancement strands. Suitable materials for the at least one ribbon may include, without limitation, textile fiber or other flat flexible materials. The ribbons may include, without limitation, at least one perimeter ribbon, at least one rear ribbon, at least one horizontal ribbon, and at least one vertical ribbon. The ribbons may be affixed to the crown material by attaching the top horizontal ribbon to the edge of the crown material all the way around by sewing, gluing, hooks, or other attachment means. The rigidity of the ribbons should typically be pliable and soft so as to mold against the head so when hair is applied so that the combination generally feels like hair growing from the scalp. In typical use of the present embodiment, the perimeter ribbons may be drawn together to create a snug yet comfortable feel that keeps the enhancement device from moving or shifting. The perimeter ribbon under the crown material behind the hairline typically keeps the crown material flat against the hairline so that the crown material stays secure and flush to the hairline. The drawing out of any of the user's natural hair (if possible) through the grid openings may also help to maintain security of the enhancement device. However, the drawing out of the user's hair is not necessary.
In some embodiments, each of the ribbons may interconnect to form the net portion. The ribbons may also attach to the body portion from the body inner surface. The ribbons may be configured to enable at least partial passage of the natural strands. The ribbons may also join with the plurality of enhancement strands as needed to form the enhanced visual effect. In some embodiments, the ribbons may be sized adjustable by performing a cutting action on various ribbons and sections of ribbons. The ribbons may then be attached through manual tying and knotting to form the desired size or shape. A fastener may also be utilized to securely join the various ribbons. Neither the body portion nor the net portion may require fasteners, elastics, or adhesives to remain on the body. Rather, the ribbons are joined together strategically to maintain an attachment between the device and the body.
For example, in one embodiment used for a human head, at least one perimeter ribbon 104 may include a length having substantially the same measurements as a general head circumference. The perimeter ribbon may be initiated at its center point and affixed to the underside of the body portion, directly behind or at the hairline, at its center point and continuing until fully affixed from center to left edge and center to right edge of crown material. The perimeter ribbon may then continue down the temples, behind the ears along the sides of the head and ending at or near the nape of the neck.
In another example of a ribbon, at least one rear ribbon 106 comprises a length that extends along a general rear crown of the body to a nape. The rear ribbon may be affixed to the rear underside of the body portion at a center point starting from approximately the last ⅓ of the crown area to the rear edge, running vertically straight down from crown edge and ending near or at nape of neck and is then affixed to the intersecting perimeter ribbon.
In some embodiments, at least one horizontal ribbon 108 may extend from temple to temple and side to side head. Each horizontal ribbon may be equidistant from the other and affixed to the perimeter ribbon and the rear ribbon by starting at the perimeter ribbon area at or near the temple on one side, continuing back past the ear to the rear of the head and around it, then around the other side to end at the matching point on the perimeter ribbon on the opposite side of the head. The remaining horizontal ribbons may affix in the same fashion below the first one.
In some embodiments, at least one vertical ribbon 110 may include measurements that extend from crown to ear and crown to neck. The vertical ribbon may be affixed to the body portion and to the horizontal ribbons on the right side of the head, preferably in an evenly spaced fashion, from a place starting behind the temple area perimeter ribbon and continuing back and ending at the curve of the head where the side ends and the rear area begins. The at least one vertical ribbon is affixed at an angle, for example a 45° right angle, beginning from edge of the body portion behind the perimeter ribbon at temple area, continuing downward and affixed to the intersecting the horizontal ribbons and the perimeter ribbon.
Additionally, the device on the left or right side of the body may be either similar or different. In one example of similar sides on the body, FIG. 1B shows that the left side of the body is substantially similar to the right side except that on the left side of the body, the vertical ribbons are affixed at an angle, such as a 45° left angle, instead of a 45° right angle.
FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective views of an exemplary strand enhancement device covering a body, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, a rear view perspective of a head wearing an example of the device further illustrates how the rear ribbon may be affixed to the rear underside of the body portion at a center point and run vertically straight down from crown edge, ending near or at nape of neck and then affixed to the intersecting perimeter ribbon.
In some embodiments, the perimeter ribbon may be one piece, or can possibly incorporating a fastener 200. The fastener may include, without limitation, a hook/eye attachment, snap, tension adjuster, a button, a rubber band, and the like. The at least one horizontal ribbon of appropriate length may be based on general temple to temple and side to side head measurements are affixed to the perimeter ribbon and the rear ribbon. In one embodiment, the ribbons are equidistant, starting at the perimeter ribbon area at or near the temple on one side, continuing back past the ear to the rear of the head and around it, then around the other side to end at the matching point on the perimeter ribbon on the opposite side of the head. The remaining horizontal ribbons may be affixed in the same fashion and in preferably an evenly spaced manner below the first one.
In some embodiments, the at least one vertical ribbon may match general head measurements for crown to ear and crown to neck, and are affixed to the body portion and to the horizontal ribbons equidistant on the right and left side of the head in 45° right and left angles, respectively, starting behind the temple area perimeter ribbon and continuing back and ending at the curve of the head where the side ends and the rear area begins, beginning from edge of body portion behind perimeter ribbon at temple area, continuing downward and affixed to the intersecting horizontal ribbons perimeter ribbon.
FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate perspective views of an exemplary second embodiment of a strand enhancement device covering a body, where FIG. 3A illustrates a right side view, and FIG. 3B illustrates a left side view, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, a right side perspective view of a head wearing an example of the second embodiment of the hair blending enhancement. The body portion may be aligned to covers a hairline, a crown, and a temple area. The body portion may comprise a material that when fully ventilated with the enhancement strand, may resemble the appearance of the crown and temple areas scalp with natural strands. In some embodiments, the front of the body portion may orient generally within the natural front hairline, or in some cases acts as a front hairline supplement or replacement. The body portion may join with the net portion that covers and encases the remaining area of the body. The net portion may be comprised of supplemental hair-carrying flat ribbon or strips made from a textile fiber or other flat flexible materials.
In some embodiments, the ribbons may include at least one perimeter ribbon of appropriate length to match general head circumference sizes, that beginning at its center point is affixed to the underside of the crown material section directly behind or at the hairline, at its center point and continuing until fully affixed from center to left edge and center to right edge of body portion, which in this embodiment extend down the temple areas to the ears. The perimeter ribbon may continue down the temples, behind the ears along the sides of the head and ending at or near the nape of the neck.
At least one rear ribbon of appropriate length to match general rear crown to nape head measurements is affixed to the rear underside of the body portion at a center point starting from approximately the last ⅓ of the crown area to the rear edge, running vertically straight down from crown edge and ending near or at nape of neck and is then affixed to the intersecting perimeter ribbon.
In some embodiments, at least one horizontal ribbons of appropriate length based on general temple to temple and side to side head measurements, and preferably evenly spaced apart, are affixed to the perimeter ribbon and the rear ribbon by starting at the perimeter ribbon area at or near the temple on one side, continuing back past the ear to the rear of the head and around it, then around the other side to end at the matching point on the perimeter ribbon on the opposite side of the head. The remaining horizontal ribbons may be affixed in the same fashion below the first one.
In some embodiments, the at least one vertical ribbon of appropriate length to match general head measurements for crown to ear and crown to neck may be affixed to the body portion and to the horizontal ribbons on the right side of the head, equidistant from each other from a place starting behind the temple area perimeter ribbon and continuing back and ending at the curve of the head where the side ends and the rear area begins. The at least one vertical ribbon may be affixed at an angle, for example a 45° right angle beginning from edge of crown material behind perimeter ribbon at temple area, continuing downward and affixed to the intersecting horizontal ribbons perimeter ribbon.
FIG. 4 illustrates a crown top perspective views of an exemplary first embodiment of a strand enhancement device covering a body, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, FIG. 4 illustrates the relationship between the crown area and the perimeter ribbon rear ribbon horizontal ribbons, and the vertical ribbons.
FIG. 5 illustrates a crown top perspective views of an exemplary strand enhancement device having a transparent body portion and covering a body, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, the body portion may be transparent or opaque in some embodiments, this may facilitate affixing the device on the body.
FIG. 6 illustrates a crown top perspective views of an exemplary second embodiment of a strand enhancement device having a transparent body portion and covering a body, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, FIG. 6 illustrates the relationship between the body portion and the perimeter ribbon which at its center point is affixed to the underside of the body portion section directly behind or at the hairline, at its center point, and continuing until fully affixed from center to left edge and center to right edge of crown material. The perimeter ribbon may then continue down the temples, behind the ears along the sides of the head and ending at or near the nape of the neck. When drawn snugly at the nape of the neck, the perimeter ribbon may be effective in holding down the body portion onto the wearer's hairline area, thus reducing or eliminating shifting and movement.
FIG. 7 illustrates a crown top perspective views of an underside of an exemplary second embodiment of a strand enhancement device covering a body, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, FIG. 7 illustrates the relationship between the extended body portion and the perimeter ribbon that beginning at a center point is affixed to the underside of the body portion section directly behind or at the hairline, at its center point and continuing until fully affixed from center to left edge and center to right edge of body portion, which in this embodiment extend down the temple areas to the ears. The perimeter ribbon may then continue behind the ears along the sides of the head and ending at or near the nape of the neck. When drawn snugly at the nape of the neck, the perimeter ribbon holds down the body portion onto the wearer's hairline area, thus reducing or eliminating shifting and movement.
FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate perspective views of an exemplary strand enhancement device customized with an exemplary cutting action to form a smaller fit on the body, where FIG. 8A illustrates a side perspective view, and FIG. 8B illustrates a rear perspective view, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, a cutting action 800 may be applied to the ribbons to help reconfigure the sizes and dimensions. The cutting action may be performed by a pair of scissors, blades, or simply tearing with the hands. In some embodiments, the ends of the ribbons may be cut, drawn together, and finally tied together to form a smaller device on the body. In one example, if a snugger perimeter fit is desired, the perimeter ribbon may be drawn in together at the nape of the neck to the desired tightness, affixing it onto itself or incorporating the fastener, such as a hook/eye attachment, snap, tension adjuster, or some other similar device and cutting away any excess ribbon.
In some embodiments, if a significant shortening of the perimeter and the front to back wig measurement is desired, then the bottom side back row(s) of the device can be can removed by cutting away the horizontal ribbons and vertical ribbons of the undesired rows then by shortening the perimeter ribbon at the nape of the neck to the desired placement and affixing it onto itself, or incorporating a hook/eye attachment, snap, tension adjuster, or some other similar device, and then cutting off any excess, and then the affected lower portion of the rear ribbon with which it intersects.
In some embodiments, FIG. 8B shows a possible method of how the device may be customized by the wearer for a smaller side to side and/or rear area fit. In this illustration one or more of the rear horizontal ribbons may be cut on each side at intersection points with the rear ribbon. Each side of the cut horizontal ribbons may be drawn to the desired placement on the rear ribbon and affixed to the fastener. Any additional ribbon may be trimmed. If desired, the perimeter ribbon may be drawn together at the nape of the neck to the desired tightness, affixing with the fastener and cutting off any excess.
FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate perspective views of an exemplary strand enhancement device customized with an exemplary cutting action to form a larger fit on the body, where FIG. 9A illustrates a side perspective view, and FIG. 9B illustrates a rear perspective view, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, one or more of the horizontal ribbons and/or vertical ribbons may be cut away to provide additional space for a larger fit. FIG. 9B illustrates a rear perspective view of an example of a device customized by the wearer for a larger fit. In this illustration it is shown that one or more of the horizontal ribbons and/or vertical ribbons can be cut away to provide additional space for a larger fit. And if desired, the perimeter ribbon can also be enlarged by cutting same at or near the nape of the neck area and adding a supplemental attachment including, but not limited to another ribbon taken from another section of the invention and affixing it in between the two parts of the cut space, and affixing together with the fastener.
FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate perspective views of an exemplary strand enhancement device customized with an exemplary cutting action for less strand coverage or natural strand density, where FIG. 10A illustrates a side perspective view, and FIG. 10B illustrates a rear perspective view, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, the device may be customized by the wearer for less coverage and/or hair density. In this illustration it is shown that one or more of the horizontal ribbons and/or vertical ribbons can be cut away with the cutting action to reduce coverage and/or hair density throughout the net portion. The device may also be customized by the wearer for less coverage and/or hair density. In FIG. 10B it is shown that one or more of the horizontal ribbons in the rear of the grid can be cut away to reduce coverage and/or hair density throughout the grid.
FIG. 11 illustrates a front perspective views of an exemplary strand enhancement device where an exemplary net portion covers a crown section of the body, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, in lieu of body portion as shown in the previous figures, the net portion is extended to and over the crown area. In this illustration the extended netting allows for the same adjustments to fit, hair coverage and density as previously described.
FIG. 12 illustrates a side perspective views of an exemplary strand enhancement device where an exemplary horizontal ribbon at a top section of the net portion, extending from a pair of perimeter ribbons, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, a horizontal ribbon may be incorporated at the top of the net portion with each end attaching to the perimeter ribbon on each side of the head above the temple area, and the crown area is left uncovered.
FIG. 13 illustrates a front perspective views of an exemplary strand enhancement device where an exemplary temple section of the body is uncovered, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, the temple area may be left uncovered. This illustrates the flexible nature of the device.
In one embodiment, the device may be modified from (1) a full unit hair piece to a half wig by removing up to 80% of the net portion; (2) a full unit hair piece to a crownless unit by removing the body portion and leaving the perimeter ribbon under the body portion intact thus allowing for supplemental strand coverage on the body where desired except for crown area of the body; and (3) in lieu of a body material, extending the supplemental strand-carrying ribbons into the crown area to allow the wearer to blend natural strands with enhancement strands.
In one alternative embodiment, the net portion is not include, and only the body portion having a plurality of enhancement strands covers the head. In another alternative embodiment, the body portion may include aperture for providing ventilation to the scalp.
Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of and in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, that any of the foregoing steps may be suitably replaced, reordered, removed and additional steps may be inserted depending upon the needs of the particular application. Moreover, the prescribed method steps of the foregoing embodiments may be implemented using any physical and/or hardware system that those skilled in the art will readily know is suitable in light of the foregoing teachings. For any method steps described in the present application that can be carried out on a computing machine, a typical computer system can, when appropriately configured or designed, serve as a computer system in which those aspects of the invention may be embodied. Thus, the present invention is not limited to any particular tangible means of implementation.
It will be further apparent to those skilled in the art that at least a portion of the novel method steps and/or system components of the present invention may be practiced and/or located in location(s) possibly outside the jurisdiction of the United States of America (USA), whereby it will be accordingly readily recognized that at least a subset of the novel method steps and/or system components in the foregoing embodiments must be practiced within the jurisdiction of the USA for the benefit of an entity therein or to achieve an object of the present invention. Thus, some alternate embodiments of the present invention may be configured to comprise a smaller subset of the foregoing means for and/or steps described that the applications designer will selectively decide, depending upon the practical considerations of the particular implementation, to carry out and/or locate within the jurisdiction of the USA. For example, any of the foregoing described method steps and/or system components which may be performed remotely over a network (e.g., without limitation, a remotely located server) may be performed and/or located outside of the jurisdiction of the USA while the remaining method steps and/or system components (e.g., without limitation, a locally located client) of the forgoing embodiments are typically required to be located/performed in the USA for practical considerations. In client-server architectures, a remotely located server typically generates and transmits required information to a US based client, for use according to the teachings of the present invention. Depending upon the needs of the particular application, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, in light of the teachings of the present invention, which aspects of the present invention can or should be located locally and which can or should be located remotely. Thus, for any claims construction of the following claim limitations that are construed under 35 USC §112 (6) it is intended that the corresponding means for and/or steps for carrying out the claimed function are the ones that are locally implemented within the jurisdiction of the USA, while the remaining aspect(s) performed or located remotely outside the USA are not intended to be construed under 35 USC §112 (6).
All the features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
It is noted that according to USA law 35 USC §112 (1), all claims must be supported by sufficient disclosure in the present patent specification, and any material known to those skilled in the art need not be explicitly disclosed. However, 35 USC §112 (6) requires that structures corresponding to functional limitations interpreted under 35 USC §112 (6) must be explicitly disclosed in the patent specification. Moreover, the USPTO's Examination policy of initially treating and searching prior art under the broadest interpretation of a “mean for” claim limitation implies that the broadest initial search on 112(6) functional limitation would have to be conducted to support a legally valid Examination on that USPTO policy for broadest interpretation of “mean for” claims. Accordingly, the USPTO will have discovered a multiplicity of prior art documents including disclosure of specific structures and elements which are suitable to act as corresponding structures to satisfy all functional limitations in the below claims that are interpreted under 35 USC §112 (6) when such corresponding structures are not explicitly disclosed in the foregoing patent specification. Therefore, for any invention element(s)/structure(s) corresponding to functional claim limitation(s), in the below claims interpreted under 35 USC §112 (6), which is/are not explicitly disclosed in the foregoing patent specification, yet do exist in the patent and/or non-patent documents found during the course of USPTO searching, Applicant(s) incorporate all such functionally corresponding structures and related enabling material herein by reference for the purpose of providing explicit structures that implement the functional means claimed. Applicant(s) request(s) that fact finders during any claims construction proceedings and/or examination of patent allowability properly identify and incorporate only the portions of each of these documents discovered during the broadest interpretation search of 35 USC §112 (6) limitation, which exist in at least one of the patent and/or non-patent documents found during the course of normal USPTO searching and or supplied to the USPTO during prosecution. Applicant(s) also incorporate by reference the bibliographic citation information to identify all such documents comprising functionally corresponding structures and related enabling material as listed in any PTO Form-892 or likewise any information disclosure statements (IDS) entered into the present patent application by the USPTO or Applicant(s) or any 3^rdparties. Applicant(s) also reserve its right to later amend the present application to explicitly include citations to such documents and/or explicitly include the functionally corresponding structures which were incorporate by reference above.
Thus, for any invention element(s)/structure(s) corresponding to functional claim limitation(s), in the below claims, that are interpreted under 35 USC §112 (6), which is/are not explicitly disclosed in the foregoing patent specification, Applicant(s) have explicitly prescribed which documents and material to include the otherwise missing disclosure, and have prescribed exactly which portions of such patent and/or non-patent documents should be incorporated by such reference for the purpose of satisfying the disclosure requirements of 35 USC §112 (6). Applicant(s) note that all the identified documents above which are incorporated by reference to satisfy 35 USC §112 (6) necessarily have a filing and/or publication date prior to that of the instant application, and thus are valid prior documents to incorporated by reference in the instant application.
Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of implementing a head covering having enhancement strands that integrate with natural strands according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Various aspects of the invention have been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. The particular implementation of a head covering having enhancement strands that integrate with natural strands may vary depending upon the particular context or application. By way of example, and not limitation, the a head covering having enhancement strands that integrate with natural strands described in the foregoing were principally directed to an artificial hair wig having a solid body portion and a net portion and capable of attaching to the heads without anchors or fasteners implementations; however, similar techniques may instead be applied to heads with patches of hair missing, such as cancer chemotherapy patients, which implementations of the present invention are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims. It is to be further understood that not all of the disclosed embodiments in the foregoing specification will necessarily satisfy or achieve each of the objects, advantages, or improvements described in the foregoing specification.
Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims.
The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed.
The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. Section 1.72(b) requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to ascertain the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to limit or interpret the scope or meaning of the claims. The following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A hairpiece comprising:

a net structure being configured for covering a portion of a human head between proximate a front hairline and proximate a nape of a neck, said net structure comprising a plurality of ribbons, each of said ribbons comprising a flexible material having a flat surface, said plurality of ribbons at least comprising a perimeter ribbon being configured with a circumference at least as large as a circumference of the portion, a plurality of horizontal ribbons having ends being joined to said perimeter ribbon, said plurality of horizontal ribbons being configured to have a generally horizontal orientation on the portion, a rear ribbon being joined to said perimeter ribbon and said plurality of horizontal ribbons, said rear ribbon being configured to have a generally vertical orientation on a back of the portion, and a plurality of vertical ribbons joined to said perimeter ribbon and said plurality of horizontal ribbons, said plurality of vertical ribbons being configured to have a generally angled orientation with respect to vertical, wherein said net structure comprises a grid like structure; and

a plurality of hair strands being joined to said flat structures.

2. The hairpiece as recited in claim 1, further comprising: a crown section being joined to said net structure, said crown structure being configured to at least cover the front hairline and a crown area of the portion; and a plurality of hair strands being joined to said crown section.

3. The hairpiece as recited in claim 1, further comprising means for adjusting a length of said circumference of said perimeter ribbon.

4. The hairpiece as recited in claim 1, further comprising means for adjusting a length of one or more of said plurality of ribbons.

5. The hairpiece as recited in claim 2, in which said net structure is joined to an underside of said crown section.

6. The hairpiece as recited in claim 2, in which said crown section further comprises temple portions being configured to cover temple areas of the portion.

7. The hairpiece as recited in claim 2, in which said crown section comprises an appearance of a crown area scalp with natural hair.

8. The hairpiece as recited in claim 1, in which said plurality of horizontal ribbon are evenly spaced apart.

9. The hairpiece as recited in claim 1, in which spacing between adjacent ribbons is configured to enable hair on the portion to protrude from said net structure.

10. The hairpiece as recited in claim 1, in which said plurality of hair strands further comprise human hair.

11. A hairpiece comprising:

means for covering a portion of a human head between proximate a front hairline and proximate a nape of a neck with a grid like structure; and

a plurality of hair strands being joined to said covering means.

12. The hairpiece as recited in claim 11, further comprising: means joined to said covering means for covering the front hairline and a crown area of the portion; and a plurality of hair strands being joined to said means for covering the front hairline and a crown area.

13. The hairpiece as recited in claim 11, further comprising means for adjusting a length of a circumference of said covering means.

14. The hairpiece as recited in claim 11, further comprising means for adjusting a length of one or more of said covering means.

15. A hairpiece comprising:

a net structure being configured for covering a portion of a human head between proximate a front hairline and proximate a nape of a neck, said net structure comprising a plurality of ribbons, each of said ribbons comprising a flexible material having a flat surface, said plurality of ribbons at least comprising a perimeter ribbon being configured with a circumference at least as large as a circumference of the portion, a plurality of horizontal ribbons having ends being joined to said perimeter ribbon, said plurality of horizontal ribbons being evenly spaced apart and configured to have a generally horizontal orientation on the portion, a rear ribbon being joined to said perimeter ribbon and said plurality of horizontal ribbons, said rear ribbon being configured to have a generally vertical orientation on a back of the portion, and a plurality of vertical ribbons joined to said perimeter ribbon and said plurality of horizontal ribbons, said plurality of vertical ribbons being configured to have a generally angled orientation with respect to vertical, wherein said net structure comprises a grid like structure;

a crown section being joined to said net structure in which said net structure is joined to an underside of said crown section, said crown structure being configured to at least cover the front hairline and a crown area of the portion;

means for adjusting a length of said circumference of said perimeter ribbon; and

a plurality of hair strands being joined to said flat structures said crown structure.

16. The hairpiece as recited in claim 15, further comprising means for adjusting a length of one or more of said plurality of ribbons.

17. The hairpiece as recited in claim 15, in which said crown section further comprises temple portions being configured to cover temple areas of the portion.

18. The hairpiece as recited in claim 15, in which said crown section comprises an appearance of a crown area scalp with natural hair.

19. The hairpiece as recited in claim 15, in which spacing between adjacent ribbons is configured to enable hair on the portion to protrude from said net structure.

20. The hairpiece as recited in claim 15, in which said plurality of hair strands further comprise human hair.