GB2537182A

GB2537182A - Apparatus for covering the head or scalp

Info

Publication number: GB2537182A
Application number: GB1506188.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Louise Betts Katrina
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-04-11
Filing date: 2015-04-11
Publication date: 2016-10-12
Anticipated expiration: 2035-04-11
Also published as: GB2537182B; GB201506188D0

Abstract

An apparatus 101, suitable for covering the head or scalp of a user, comprises a hairpiece 103 attached to an elongate strip of material 102. The elongate strip of material 102 is folded (see figure 4) effectively forming three layers 305, 402, 404 with a layer 402 being positioned centrally between the other two layers 305, 404. The hairpiece 103 fitted to wig lace 201 is attached between layers 305 and 402 by stitching 501. Stitching 502 secures layers 402 and 404. In use, hair (109, figure 8) of hairpiece 103 appears to be originating from underneath strip 102 rather than being merely attached to it, and therefore giving the appearance that the hairpiece originates from the scalp.

Description

Apparatus for covering the head or scalp

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application represents the first application for a patent directed towards the invention and the subject matter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to apparatus for covering the head or scalp and a method of manufacturing the apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art

People who suffer from hair loss either as a result of medical conditions such as alopecia, through medical treatments such as chemotherapy or as a result of other conditions are known to attempt to disguise their lack of hair by wearing wigs or covering their head with a hat or scarf. Wearing wigs can be uncomfortable and warm for the wearer, particularly in hot weather or when partaking in exercise such as when going to the gym. Wearing hats, head scarves or similar can be cooler than wearing a full wig but these methods suffer from being unable to adequately disguise the fact that the wearer does not have hair underneath. This can lead to a wearer feeling self-conscious and uncomfortable and lead them to avoid situations where wearing a wig is unsuitable.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for covering the head or scalp, comprising: a hairpiece; an elongate strip of material having a first layer, second layer and a central layer positioned between said first layer and said second layer; said hairpiece being attached between said first layer and said central layer; wherein said second layer and said central layer are connected by a fold in said elongate strip of material which obscures a portion of said hairpiece in use so as to give the appearance that the hairpiece originates from the scalp.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing an apparatus for covering the head or scalp, comprising the steps of: receiving a elongate strip of material and a hairpiece; positioning said hairpiece on a first layer of said elongate strip of material; folding said elongate strip of material to produce a central layer which overlies said hairpiece; attaching said hairpiece between said first layer and said central layer; and folding said elongate strip of material to produce a second layer connected to said central layer by a fold such that said fold obscures a portion of said hairpiece.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows apparatus for covering a person's head or scalp; Figure 2 shows a wig lace which forms part of the apparatus previously described in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a hairpiece 103 for construction of the apparatus; Figure 4 shows an elongate strip of material being folded by an operative; Figure 5 shows a cross sectional side view of the apparatus in accordance with the present invention; Figure 6 shows a bun piece being removably attached to the elongate strip of material; Figure 7 shows the apparatus being fitted to a wearer's head; Figure 8 shows the apparatus having been attached around the circumference of the wearer's head; Figure 9 shows the apparatus 101 having been styled appropriately with a scarf; Figure 10 shows an alternative embodiment of the apparatus in accordance with the present invention; Figure 11 shows a further alternative embodiment of the apparatus; and Figure 12 shows a still further alternative embodiment of the apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 An apparatus 101 for covering a person's head or scalp in accordance with an aspect of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 1. Apparatus 101 comprises an elongate strip of material 102 and a hairpiece 103.

Elongate strip of material 102 has a length longer than its width and has a length corresponding to the circumference of a person's head so as to enable strip 102 to be positioned around the head to simulate real hair and fastened in the manner as will be described in Figures 7 to 10. Strip 102 has a releasable fastening 104 which enables the apparatus to be secured to a person's head when positioned around the circumference of the head. In this embodiment, releasable fastening 104 comprises a hook and eye mechanism having a plurality of hooks 105 and mutually co-operating plurality of eyes 106 positioned at a first end 107 and a second end 108 of elongate strip of material 102 respectively. Each of the plurality of hooks 105 are configured to connect to any one of the co-operating eyes 106 such that, when connected, the elongate strip of material 102 forms an ellipse which corresponds to a wearer's head. That the hooks 105 can connect to any of the eyes 106 means that releasable fastening is adjustable for comfort and able to fit around heads of differing circumferences or sizes.

It is appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, alternative fastenings are used, such as hook and loop fastenings (such as the type available under the trade mark Velcro (RTM)), press studs or snaps, buttons or similar and that, in these embodiments, the fastenings are also adjustable.

In the embodiment, strip 102 is manufactured from a breathable natural fabric such as a bamboo cotton fabric which is made from bamboo fibres. This type of material is absorbent and also has anti-bacterial properties. It is appreciated that in alternative embodiments, other fabrics or similar materials made from man-made or natural fibres are used in manufacture of the strip.

Hairpiece 103 comprises hair 109 which is attached to a wig lace as will be described in further detail in Figure 2. In the embodiment, hair 109 comprises natural human hair. In an alternative embodiment, hair 109 is synthetic hair.

In the embodiment, further hairpieces 110 and 111 are attached to elongate strip 102 adjacent to ends 108 and 107 respectively. Hairpieces 110 and 111 comprise what is known in the art as baby hairs which are attached to a wig lace. Baby hairs are very fine hair which is found naturally around the nape of the neck and around the ears. This hair is also tapered and uncut to create the effect of a blurred edge. Thus, when wearing an apparatus such as apparatus 101, the baby hairs help to maintain a natural look to disguise the fact that the wearer does not have a full head of hair. In the embodiment, hairpieces 110 and 111 are described as separate hairpieces to hairpiece 103. However, in a further embodiment, the baby hairs form part of hairpiece 103 and are incorporated onto a single wig lace.

Figure 2 A wig lace 201 forming part of apparatus 101 previously described in Figure 1 is shown in Figure 2. Wig lace 201 comprises a net 202 to which hair 109 is attached to form hairpiece 103. Net 202 comprises a plurality of holes, such as hole 203, through which individual strands of hair 109 are knotted. In manufacture, a single strand or a small number of strands of hair are knotted to the wig lace by hand using a knotting hook or ventilating needle. In the embodiment, a relatively fine wig lace is used, which makes the hairline appear more realistic and natural. It is appreciated, however, that coarser wig laces may be used as required.

In the embodiment, hair 109 is natural human hair which is supplied by a merchant or recycled from old wigs. Preferably, natural hair known as virgin hair is used, which is hair which has not been dyed or had the cuticle removed therefrom, although in alternative embodiments hair which has been dyed or had the cuticle removed therefrom is used. In a further embodiment, hair 109 is synthetic hair manufactured to give the appearance of real hair.

Figure 3 Hairpiece 103 is shown further in Figure 3, comprising the wig lace 201 and hair 109 to form a sub-assembly for construction of apparatus 101.

Further hairpieces 110 and 111 are also shown and comprise similar wig laces 301 and 302 and baby hair 303 and 304. Figure 3 further shows elongate strip of material 102 in an unfolded form. In the embodiment, elongate strip of material comprises a single continuous piece of fabric suitable for folding.

In the embodiment, hairpiece 103 is positioned substantially centrally along the length on surface layer 305 of strip 102. Similarly, hairpieces 110 and 111 are positioned at a first end 306 and a second end 307 respectively of surface layer 305.

Figure 4 With the hairpieces 103, 110 and 111 positioned on top of surface layer 305 of elongate strip of material 102, strip 102 can be folded in the manner illustrated in Figure 4, Operative 401 folds elongate strip of material 102 over the top of hairpiece 103 so as to obscure a portion of hairpiece 103.

Folding in this way creates a central layer 402 which is connected to layer 305 by fold 403 and which overlies hairpiece 103. Central layer 402 is also configured to overlie hairpieces 110 and 111 and obscures a portion of these hairpieces in a similar manner. Operative 401 is then able to secure hairpiece 103 in position between layer 305 and central layer 402 by stitching the wig lace of hairpiece 103 to layer 305 and central layer 402.

Operative 401 then folds strip 102 further to create a further layer 404 which is connected to central layer 402 by means of fold 405. In this way, layer 404 rests on top of central layer 402 and simultaneously covers up any stitching on view which secures hairpiece 103 between central layer 402 and layer 305. Further stitching means are added to secure layer 404 to layer 305 and to maintain apparatus 101 together in the form of the band as previously illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 5 A cross sectional side view of apparatus 101 having been manufactured in the manner described in Figures 3 and 4 is shown in Figure 5. Apparatus 101 comprises hairpiece 103 and elongate strip of material 102. Strip 102 has a first layer 305, second layer 404 and central layer 402 which are formed in the manner previously described in Figure 4, that is, by folding strip 102 to create separate layers which rest on top of respective layers. In this example, central layer 402 is positioned between first layer 305 and second layer 404.

Hairpiece 103 is attached between layer 305 and central layer 402 by fastening means 501 which extends through central layer 402, wig lace 201 and layer 305. In this embodiment, fastening means 501 is in the form of stitching means. Further fastening means 502 secures central layer 402 to layer 404 and again is a stitching means.

Layer 305 and central layer 402 are connected by fold 403 which encloses one end 503 of hairpiece 103. In this way, wig lace 201 is enclosed within strip 102 and hair 109 exits strip 102 as shown. In a similar way, layer 404 and central layer 402 are connected by fold 405 which obscures a portion 504 of hairpiece 103. Thus, in use, hair 109 of hairpiece 103 appears to be originating from underneath strip 102 rather than as if it is merely attached to the strip of material 102. Furthermore, as hair 109 of hairpiece 103 is enclosed between layers 402 and 305, this adds to the comfort of the user when the apparatus is worn as the layered material is in direct contact with the scalp rather than hairpiece 103, the layered material providing a more comfortable contact surface compared to wig lace 201. In addition, layers 305, 402 and 404 in combination with folds 403 and 405 give strip 102 an increased effective thickness, such that, when worn on a wearer's head in the manner illustrated in Figures 7 to 10, strip 102 helps create the illusion of additional hair due to the thickness of strip 102.

In this illustrated embodiment, elongate strip of material 102 comprises a single continuous piece of fabric which is folded to form three layers connected by two folds. It is appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, separate layers may be manufactured from separate pieces of material attached to each other.

Figure 6 Once folded and secured together as described in Figures 3 to 5, a releasable fastening 104 is attached to opposite ends 107 and 108 to enable an ellipse corresponding to the circumference of a wearer's head to be created. Prior to fastening apparatus 101 to a wearer's head, bun piece 601 is configured to be removably attachable to elongate strip of material 102.

Bun piece 601 comprises a loop 602 and a pad 603. Loop 602 is mutually co-operable with strip 102 such that strip 102 is able to pass through the hole in loop 602 such that loop 602 can slide along strip 102. Pad 603 comprises corn fibre stuffing encased in a fabric covering of a similar material to strip 102, although in further embodiments, any suitable material is used. Pad 603 is shaped so as to give the appearance of an additional mass of hair, in a similar manner to natural hair when styled into the shape of a bun. In this way, when worn, the bun piece creates the illusion that the wearer has a larger amount of natural hair as will be described further in Figures 8 and 9.

Figure 7 Apparatus 101 is shown in Figure 7 being fitted to a wearer's head. Wearer 701 is a sufferer of alopecia areata or similar and suffers from a lack of hair on the scalp.

Elongate strip of material 102 of apparatus 101 is fastened at the back of the head by means of releasable fastening 104 such that strip 102 rests on the scalp 702 with hair 109 being positioned forward across the face of wearer 701. In this way, scalp 702 is kept free of hair in contrast to known wigs. When fitted to a head, the stitching means which holds the hairpiece in place is not visible such that strip 102 has the appearance of an ordinary hair band.

Once fastened, hair 109 can then be styled around strip 102 and behind the head in any fashion the wearer desires. Due to the wig lace being used, hair 109 can also be combed backwards into a quiff or similar as the wig lace contacts the scalp such that the knotted hairs appear to be originating from the scalp.

Figure 8 Once strip 102 is attached around the circumference of the wearer's head, hair 109 is styled away from the wearer's face as shown in Figure 8.

Bun piece 601 sits on the back of the head of wearer 701 with strip 102 providing the support for hair 109. Hairpiece 110, comprising the baby hairs described previously, extends around the nape of the neck to give the effect of real hair originating from the wearer's scalp 702.

The nature of the folds in elongate strip of material 102 means that hair 109 appears to be originating from underneath strip 102 and from the scalp 702 rather than from the strip 102 itself. Thus, the impression is created that hair 109 is that of the wearer's rather than a wig or similar.

Apparatus 101 and the exposed scalp 702 can then be covered with a suitable scarf or similar of the wearer's choice as shown in Figure 9.

Figure 9 Apparatus 101 is shown having been styled appropriately with the use of a scarf 901. Hair 109 is able to be pulled back over strip 102 and looped around strip 102 as needed. The wig lace creates an unnoticeable foundation for hair 109 such that hair 109 can be styled away from the face without losing the believability that hair 109 is the wearer's own hair. Bun piece 601 adds to the effect that wearer 701 has their own hair underneath scarf 901 by creating additional volume underneath the scarf. Scarf 901 is held in place by wrapping it around the strip 102 and hair 109. Additional fastenings, such as hair grip 902, can be used to secure the scarf in place and also add to the realism of the styling.

In the event that the strip of material 102 is visible from underneath scarf 901, the fact that the stitching 501 of the hairpiece 103 to layers 402 and 305 is not visible, an observer will assume that strip 102 is an ordinary hair band rather than part of a wig.

In this way, wearer 701 has the benefits of appearing to have a full head of hair but can still remain relatively cool underneath a thin layer of scarf 901.

Figure 10 Figure 10 shows an alternative apparatus 1001 in accordance with the present invention. Apparatus 1001 is substantially similar to apparatus 101 as previously described, and comprises hairpiece 1002 which is substantially similar to hairpiece 103 in that hairpiece 1002 comprises an elongate strip of material having a wig lace 1003 to which hair 1004 is attached. Hair 1004 shows an alternative style to that of hair 109 to suit wearer 701. Wig lace 1003 allows a parting 1005 to be made without the hair appearing unnatural.

It is appreciated that the ability to have a parting is also possible in the previously described embodiment of Figures 8 and 9.

In the embodiment, apparatus 1001 is worn with a hat 1006 which hides the corresponding elongate strip of material of apparatus 1001 while still creating the impression that wearer 701 has a natural head of hair.

In this particular embodiment, hairpiece 1002 includes an increased amount of hair attached thereto compared to previous embodiments, in particular to the part of the material positioned at the back of the wearers head. This enables a realistic appearance which gives the impression that to hair is growing from underneath hat 1006.

Figure 11 A further embodiment in accordance with an aspect of the present invention is shown in Figure 11. In this embodiment, apparatus 1101 is worn in an alternative style such that the hairpiece 1102 is worn to the rear of the head in the style of a ponytail. Apparatus 1101 comprises an elongate strip of material 1103 substantially similar to those described previously and to which the hairpiece 1102 is attached so as to give the appearance that the hairpiece originates from the scalp rather than from the strip 1103. In this particular embodiment, the strip 1103 is fastened around the circumference of the head so that the hair 1102 is positioned on the back of the head for styling. Thus, strip 1103 is visible as a headband and the thickness of strip 1103 gives the appearance that the headband is sitting on top of the hair rather than providing the hair. Hairpiece 1104 comprises baby hairs which exit strip 1103 to give a realistic impression of natural hair by simulating the type of hair usually found around the ears.

Figure 12 A further embodiment in accordance with an aspect of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 12. Apparatus 1201 is worn in a style similar to that illustrated in previous Figure 11 in that hairpiece 1202 is worn to the rear of the head in the style of a ponytail. Apparatus 1201 comprises an elongate strip of material 1203 substantially similar to those described previously and to which the hairpiece 1202 is attached so as to give the appearance that hairpiece 1202 originates from the scalp rather than from the strip 1203. Additionally, in this embodiment, apparatus 1201 further comprises an additional hairpiece 1204 which is configured to extend from underneath strip 1203 in an opposite direction so as to enable hairpiece 1204 to be worn as a fringe (or bangs). Hairpiece 1204 comprises a plurality of hairs which are cut short to enable this style to be deployed.

In a similar manner to that as described in Figure 11, strip 1203 is fastened around the circumference of the head so that hairpiece 1202 is positioned on the back of the head for styling and hairpiece 1204 is positioned on the forehead to create the fringe or bangs. Thus, strip 1203 again provides a headband which gives the appearance that the headband is sitting on top of the hair.

Thus, the present invention provides an alternative to available wigs by providing a hairpiece with a reduced amount of hair compared to a wig with the hair being worn at towards the front of the wearer's head. In spite of the reduction in the amount of hair required, the strip of material advantageously gives the appearance of more hair by increasing thickness and allowing the wearer to adapt the apparatus to various hairstyles. Thus, the apparatus also provides a hairpiece which can be styled in various styles with different headwear such as hats or scarves chosen by the wearer to suit their own tastes.

Claims

Claims What we claim is: 1. Apparatus for covering the head or scalp, comprising: a hairpiece; an elongate strip of material having a first layer, second layer and a central layer positioned between said first layer and said second layer; said hairpiece being attached between said first layer and said central layer; wherein said second layer and said central layer are connected by a fold in said elongate strip of material which obscures a portion of said hairpiece in use so as to give the appearance that the hairpiece originates from the scalp.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said hairpiece comprises a wig lace to which natural or synthetic hair is attached thereto.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said wig lace is attached to said first layer and said central layer by stitching means.
4. The apparatus any of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a second fold between said first layer and said central layer.
5. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein said elongate strip of material comprises a continuous piece of fabric.
6. The apparatus of any preceding claim, said apparatus further comprising a bun piece attached to said elongate strip of material, said bun piece configured to give the appearance of an additional mass of hair.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said bun piece is detachable from said elongate strip of material.
8. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein said elongate strip of material includes a releasable fastening for securing said apparatus to the head of a wearer.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said releasable fastening comprises a hook and eye mechanism.
10. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a second hairpiece comprising baby hairs.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said elongate strip is manufactured from a breathable natural fabric. 15
12. A method of manufacturing an apparatus for covering the head or scalp, comprising the steps of: receiving a elongate strip of material and a hairpiece; positioning said hairpiece on a first layer of said elongate strip of material; folding said elongate strip of material to produce a central layer which overlies said hairpiece; attaching said hairpiece between said first layer and said central layer; and folding said elongate strip of material to produce a second layer connected to said central layer by a fold such that said fold obscures a portion of said hairpiece.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein said hairpiece comprises a wig lace to which natural or synthetic hair is attached thereto.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein said step of attaching said hairpiece between said first layer and said central layer comprises stitching said wig lace to said first layer and said central layer.
15. The method of any of claims 12 to 14, further comprising the step of: folding said elongate strip of material to create a second fold between said first layer and said central layer.
16. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of: stitching said first layer to said second layer.
17. The method of any of claims 12 to 16, wherein said elongate strip of material is formed from a single continuous piece of fabric.
18. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of: attaching a detachable bun piece to said elongate strip of material so as to give the appearance of an additional mass of hair.
19. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of: attaching a releasable fastening to said elongate strip of material.
20. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of: attaching a second hairpiece comprising baby hairs to said elongate piece of material.
21. An apparatus for covering the head or scalp as described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures.
22. A method of manufacturing an apparatus for covering the head or scalp as described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures.