US20140109925A1

US20140109925A1 - Separable wig base arrangement and method of use thereof

Info

Publication number: US20140109925A1
Application number: US13/802,996
Authority: US
Inventors: Ita Fisher
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-10-24
Filing date: 2013-03-14
Publication date: 2014-04-24

Abstract

The present invention provides wigs and wig base arrangements including a constant first base piece adapted to hold a first constant hairpiece, at least one second replaceable base piece, each second base piece being adapted to hold one replaceable hairpiece, and an attachment means adapted to connect the first constant base piece along a side thereof to each second base piece along a side thereof.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Israel Patent Application No. 222664, filed Oct. 24, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to wigs and hairpieces worn by human beings, and more specifically for wig base arrangements for wigs for human beings.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are many circumstances under which a person wishes to wear a full wig without it being obvious that it is a wig. One obvious example is for patients undergoing chemotherapy, who become temporarily or permanently bald and do not want others to note their baldness. Married Jewish orthodox women are required to cover their hair, and, according to some traditions, wigs are a permissible way of doing so.
However, old-fashioned and synthetic wigs are hot, cumbersome, bulky and, from close-up, are easily discerned as being wigs as opposed to real hair. One “give-away” region is a “parting line” or “skin line” which is seen on the top of the head, typically dividing, right and left hairs along a mid-line or off-mid line along the scalp. In prior art wigs, this line may not exist or may show artificial netting, which is typically not of skin appearance.
Another “give away” region is the region around the forehead and side of the head, next to the ears, where a gap can be seen between the artificial hairs of the wig and the scalp.
An additional “give away” is the type of artificial hair employed. Many wigs reflect light differently to real hair and appear artificial, even at a distance.
Another problem for wig wearers, who have bulky and/or long hair, is that the wigs and their extensions are yet bulkier, when placed on top of the natural hair. Bulky wigs are described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,495,603 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,520,310, for example. There is therefore a need to provide natural-looking wigs which are no bulkier than natural hair.
Some prior art wigs provide wig extensions for providing a long hair appearance, but these have large clips and attaching means to the rear of the head (US 2008/0047572 A1), which might be exposed on a windy day and may appear bulky at the site of attachment.
Another problem, exacerbated in hot countries, is that artificial or semi-artificial wigs do not allow the scalp to be aired or to “breathe”. This can lead to dandruff, allergies and other skin/scalp disorders.
Additionally, in a sunny climate, a person may want to wear a cap, hat or visor on top of the wig without an attachment site being obvious. If the attachment site is to the rear of the head, as in US 2008/0047572 A1, then the clips and attachment site of the additional hairpiece extension may be visible and/or may be uncomfortable when worn together. It may not be possible to wear only the base wig as it has a bald patch that may be visible from the rear.
Wigs made of cut natural hair are known in the art, but they are very expensive. Normally, a person accustomed to wearing full wigs to cover a bald head or his/her natural hair will require several different wigs. A first wig may be required for wearing without a hat with bangs (a fringe). A second wig may be required to be worn with a pony tail with the wig hair tied or gathered. A third wig may be required for wearing with an additional hair covering such as, but not limited to, a scarf, bandanna, a hat, a cap and a hair-band. Typically, a wig wearing person requires a minimum of two or three wigs to suit his/her requirements and seasonal changes.
US20100326455, to Karsenti et al, describes natural-appearing versatile wig arrangements including a base hair piece having a hair attachment portion including a front piece and hair strands attached to the hair attachment portion; and at least one upper front hair piece adapted to be attached and detached from the base hair piece thereby forming the wig arrangement, wherein the wig arrangement appears to be one piece.
There is thus an urgent need to provide better and cheaper solutions for wig wearers than those described in the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of some aspects of the present invention to provide separable wig base arrangements.
It is another object of some aspects of the present invention to provide a wig base arrangement, suitable for use, inter alia, by Orthodox Jewish women, the wig base arrangement comprising:
a) a constant first base piece adapted to hold a first constant hairpiece; and
b) at least one second replaceable base piece, each second base piece being adapted to hold one replaceable hairpiece; and
c) an attachment means adapted to connect said first base piece along a side thereof to each said second base piece along a side thereof.
It is another object of some aspects of the present invention to provide a wig arrangement, suitable for use, inter alia, by Orthodox Jewish women, the wig arrangement comprising:
a) a first base piece holding a first constant hairpiece; and
b) a second base piece holding a first replaceable hairpiece; and
c) an attachment means adapted to connect said first base piece along a side thereof to each said second base piece along a side thereof, thereby forming the natural-looking wig arrangement.
It is another object of some aspects of the present invention to provide a wig arrangement, suitable for use, inter alia, by Orthodox Jewish women, the wig arrangement comprising:
a) a first base piece holding a first constant hairpiece; and
b) a third base piece holding a second replaceable hairpiece; and
c) an attachment means adapted to connect said first base piece along a side thereof to said third base piece along a side thereof, thereby forming the natural-looking wig arrangement.
These wig arrangements are significantly cheaper and save the use of human/synthetic hair relative to having a number of wigs to provide the same number of different wig appearances.
In preferred embodiments of the present invention, improved natural-looking versatile wigs are provided, which allow attaching and detaching of at least one constant base piece with at least one replaceable base piece.
Some of the wig arrangements of the present invention are, suitable for use piece, which is suitable for wearing alone, with a hair band or with a hat or cap.
The first constant hair piece may be used as a standalone wig in conjunction with one of: a cap, a hair-band, and a hat.
There is thus provided according to an embodiment of the present invention, a wig base arrangement including;
a) a constant first base piece adapted to hold a first constant hairpiece; and
b) at least one second replaceable base piece, each second base piece being adapted to hold one replaceable hairpiece; and
c) an attachment means adapted to connect the first constant base piece along a side thereof to each the second base piece along a side thereof.
Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the constant first base piece is an upper head base piece.
Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the second replaceable base piece is a lower head base piece.
Moreover, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the constant first base piece is a lower head base piece.
Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention the second replaceable base piece is an upper head base piece.
Yet further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the attachment means is a zipper.
Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the constant first base piece is fully separable from the at least one second replaceable base piece.
Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first base piece and the at least one second replaceable base piece are re-connectable using the attachment means.
Moreover, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one second replaceable base piece includes at least two second replaceable base pieces.
Notably, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the attachment means is adapted at any given time to receive only one of the at least two second replaceable base pieces to complete the wig base arrangement.
There is thus provided according to an embodiment of the present invention, a wig arrangement including;
a) a first constant base piece holding a first constant hairpiece; and
b) a second replaceable base piece holding a first replaceable hairpiece; and
c) an attachment means adapted to connect the first base piece along a side thereof to each the second base piece along a side thereof, thereby forming the natural-looking wig arrangement.
Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the wig arrangement includes;
a) a first base piece holding a first constant hairpiece; and
b) a third base piece holding a second replaceable hairpiece; and
c) an attachment means adapted to connect the first base piece along a side thereof to the third base piece along a side thereof, thereby forming the natural-looking wig arrangement.
Moreover, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the wig arrangement is suitable for use by Orthodox Jewish women.
Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the attachment means is a zipper.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the wig arrangement further includes a second replaceable base piece holding a second replaceable hairpiece.
Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the wig arrangement is adapted for attaching and detaching of each the second replaceable base pieces using the attachment means thereby forming wigs of different shapes and appearances.
Moreover, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the wig arrangements are adapted for use for at least one of wearing alone, with a hair band, with a hat, and with a cap.
Notably, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the wig arrangement appears to be one piece.
Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first replaceable hairpiece and the second replaceable hairpiece are of significantly different lengths.
Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first replaceable hairpiece and the second replaceable hairpiece are of significantly different appearances.
Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, each of the first replaceable hairpiece and the second replaceable hairpiece are upper front hair pieces.
Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention the upper front hair pieces are each selected from the group consisting of an upper hairpiece (bangs); an upper hair piece (pony); and an upper hair piece (fall).
Moreover, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the constant first base piece is an upper head base piece.
Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the second replaceable base piece is a lower head base piece.
Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the constant first base piece is a lower head base piece.
Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the second replaceable base piece is an upper head base piece.
Notably, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the attachment means includes fastening elements on the first constant base piece adapted to engage matching fastening elements on the second replaceable base piece.
Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the fastening elements are selected from the group consisting of snap-fit studs, hooks, eyes, Velcro™ and a zipper.
Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the base pieces each includes at least one of; a skin top, an elastic portion, air vent holes, and an elasticated netting.
Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the skin top includes a silk or silk-like material and hairs attached to the skin top.
The present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments thereof, taken together with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments with reference to the following illustrative figures so that it may be more fully understood. With specific reference now to the figures in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is a simplified pictorial illustration of a side view of a first wig base arrangement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a simplified pictorial illustration of a side view of a partially opened (detached) wig base arrangement of FIG. 1A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1C is a simplified pictorial illustration of a side view of a fully separated detached wig base arrangement of FIG. 1A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a simplified pictorial illustration of a side view of a wig base arrangement with a first lower replaceable hairpiece, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B is a simplified pictorial illustration of a side view of a wig base arrangement with a second lower replaceable hairpiece, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3A is a simplified pictorial illustration of a side view of a short full wig arrangement comprising the arrangement of FIG. 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3B is a simplified pictorial illustration of a side view of a long full wig arrangement comprising the arrangement of FIG. 2B, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a simplified flowchart of a method for using the wig base arrangements and wigs of FIGS. 1A-3B, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5A is a simplified pictorial illustration of a side view of a second wig base arrangement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5B is a simplified pictorial illustration of a side view of a partially opened (detached) wig base arrangement of FIG. 5A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5C is a simplified pictorial illustration of a side view of a fully separated detached wig base arrangement of FIG. 5A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a simplified pictorial illustration of a side view of a wig base arrangement with a first upper replaceable hairpiece, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6B is a simplified pictorial illustration of a side view of a wig base arrangement with a second upper replaceable hairpiece, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7A is a simplified pictorial illustration of a side view of a curly full wig arrangement comprising the arrangement of FIG. 6A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7B is a simplified pictorial illustration of a side view of a straight full wig arrangement comprising the arrangement of FIG. 6B, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a simplified flowchart of a method for using the wig base arrangements and wigs of FIGS. 5A-7B, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is simplified pictorial illustration of an upper view of an almost fully detached wig base arrangement of FIG. 5A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

In all the figures similar reference numerals identify similar parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that these are specific embodiments and that the present invention may be practiced also in different ways that embody the characterizing features of the invention as described and claimed herein.
The present invention describes natural-looking wig arrangements and natural-looking versatile wigs, which generally cannot be easily detected as being wigs. According to some embodiments, the wigs are made of cut human hair. Cut human hair tends to fall and flow more than artificial or synthetic hair. Human hair tends to be less bulky than artificial hair. Wigs made in the 1960s-1970s tended to have a large body held, in part, several centimeters above the scalp.
Reference is now made to FIG. 1A is a simplified pictorial illustration of a side view of a first wig base arrangement 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Wig base arrangement 100 comprises an upper base piece 110 and a lower base piece 120, connected together by attachment means 130, such as a zipper. Some non-limiting examples of zippers used in the present invention can be ordered/purchased from Gur-Prym Inc. ((www.develotex.com) Address: PO Box 7550, Ramat Gan, Israel).
According to some embodiments, upper piece 110 is called a “constant” base piece, because it is used in all the wig arrangements using wig base arrangement 100, as will be explained in further detail with respect to FIGS. 2A-4 hereinbelow.
According to some other embodiments, lower piece 120 is called a “replaceable” base piece, because it is not used in all the wig arrangements using wig base arrangement 100, as will be explained in further detail with respect to FIGS. 2A-4 hereinbelow.
Wig base arrangement 100 is, according to some embodiments in the shape of a bathing cap and is adapted to cover most or all of either a bald head 140 or a person's natural hair (not shown).
Wig base arrangement 100 is constructed and configured to form a snug-fit or tight fit on the person's head.
According to some embodiments, constant upper base piece 110 comprises coarse-netted portions 112, 114, which allow the scalp and hair to breathe there-under. Additionally, there are more closely-knitted and tighter portions 116, 118, 115, which may be more elastic than the coarse netted portions. Many combinations, shapes, fabric types and weights of these portions are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.
According to some embodiments, replaceable lower base piece 120 comprises coarse-netted portions 122, which allow the scalp and hair to breathe there-under. Additionally, there are more closely-knitted and tighter portions 124, 126, which may be more elastic than the coarse netted portions. Many combinations, shapes, fabric types and weights of these portions are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention. Typically, the base piece also comprises an adjusting element 129 for tightening/loosening the base piece, when on the person's head according to the head (and hair) size.
Upper base piece 110 typically sits on the crown on the person's head and extends symmetrically sideways to the left and right to around the base of the person's ears. The upper base piece is connected to the lower base piece 120 by means of an attachment means 130. As can be seen in FIG. 1A, the attachment means runs from a point in front of an ear backwards towards a point roughly at the middle of the back of the head (and on the other side continues round towards and over the second ear. The attachment means is typically at an acute angle to the horizontal, such as 0-45 degrees, 5-40 degrees, 10-35 degrees or 15-25 degrees.
According to one preferred embodiment, the attachment means is a zipper (also called zip, or zip fastener). Zipper 130 consists of two rows 132, 134 of protruding teeth which may be made to interdigitate, linking the rows, carrying from tens to hundreds of specially shaped metal or plastic teeth (911, FIG. 9). These teeth can be either individual or shaped from a continuous coil, and are also referred to as elements. The zipper comprises a handle 136 and a slider 137, which operated by hand, moves along the rows of teeth. Inside the slider is a Y-shaped channel that meshes together or separates the opposing rows of teeth, depending on the direction of the slider's movement. In some zippers the handles and sliders may be formed in one element.
As can be seen in FIG. 1A, the zipper is in a closed position, thereby holding the upper base piece 110 and the lower base piece 120 together.
Alternatively attachment means may comprise male or female fastening elements 132, such as snap-fit studs, hooks or eyes, Velcro™, or any other known fastening means on the upper base piece 110, which are adapted to engage matching fastening elements 134 on the lower base piece 120. Fastening elements may also comprise holes or long hollow elements and metallic, plastic or other fastening elements which are attachable or threadable through holes or hollow elements.
Further details of wig base arrangements of the present invention are shown as an example in an upper view of the wig base arrangement of FIG. 5A-seen in FIG. 9. It should be understood that all the examples shown herein are exemplary and should not be deemed limiting.
Wig base arrangement 100 is typically lightweight and made out of a variety of types and styles of fabrics, such as, but not limited to, a large-holed elasticated net 113 or a fine-pitched elasticated net 119. The fabrics may be synthetic or natural or a combination thereof. Some non-limiting examples of fabrics include lycra, lace, cotton, silk, wool, rayon, nylon and the like.
Reference is now made to FIG. 1B is a simplified pictorial illustration of a side view of a partially opened (detached) wig base 150 arrangement of FIG. 1A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
As can be seen in FIG. 1B, the zipper is partially open, forming an opening 170 between the upper base piece 110 and the lower base piece 120.
Reference is now made to FIG. 1C, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of a side view of a fully separated detached wig base arrangement 160 of FIG. 1A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
As can be seen in FIG. 1C, the zipper is now fully open, forming a gap 180 between the upper base piece 110 and the lower base piece 120. The upper base piece 110 and the lower base piece 120 are now fully separated from each other.
Turning now to FIG. 2A, there is seen a simplified pictorial illustration of a side view of a wig base arrangement 200 with a first lower replaceable hairpiece 220, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Wig base arrangement 200 comprises upper base piece 110 joined via attachment means 130 to lower base piece 120 (not seen). Lower base piece 120 has first lower replaceable hairpiece 220 attached thereto, according to any method known in the art. Typically hairpiece 220 is sewn to the lower base piece.
According to this embodiment, first lower replaceable hairpiece 220 comprises short hairs 222. It should be understood that the hair piece is symmetrical to the right and left of the head, though only one side view is shown.
Reference is now made to FIG. 2B, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of a side view of a wig base arrangement 250 with a second lower replaceable hairpiece 230, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
According to this embodiment, second lower replaceable hairpiece 230 comprises long hairs 234. It should be understood that the hair piece is symmetrical to the right and left of the head, though only one side view is shown.
Reference is now made to FIG. 3A, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of a side view of a short full wig arrangement 300 comprising arrangement 200 of FIG. 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Short full wig arrangement 300 comprises upper “constant” hairpiece 310 attached to constant upper base piece 110. Constant upper base piece 110 is connected via zipper 130 to lower base piece 120 onto which the first lower replaceable hairpiece 220 comprising short hairs 222 is attached. It should be understood that the hair piece is symmetrical to the right and left of the head, though only one side view is shown.
The upper “constant” hairpiece 310 attached to constant upper base piece 110, may, according to some embodiments, be considered to be the main part of wig 300 and also the main part of wig 350.
Reference is now made to FIG. 3B, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of a side view of a long full wig arrangement 350 comprising arrangement 250 of FIG. 2B, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Long full wig arrangement 350 comprises upper “constant” hairpiece 310 attached to constant upper base piece 110. Constant upper base piece 110 is connected via zipper 130 to lower base piece 120 onto which the second lower replaceable hairpiece 230 comprising long hairs 234 is attached. It should be understood that the hair piece is symmetrical to the right and left of the head, though only one side view is shown.
Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which is a simplified flowchart 400 of a method for using the wig base arrangements and wigs of FIGS. 1A-3B, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
In a first attaching step 402, the constant upper base portion 110 comprising upper “constant” hairpiece 310 is attached via zipper 130 to a first lower base portion 120 comprising first lower replaceable hairpiece 220 thereby forming a short wig 300 (as in FIG. 3A).
The user (or his/her assistant) places the short wig on his/her head in a placing step 404.
After wearing for the appropriate length of time/occasion, the user (or his/her assistant) removes the short wig 300 from his/her head in a wig removing step 406.
Step 406, may be performed, for example at night before going to bed. The next morning, for example, the user wishes to wear a different wig arrangement from the short wig arrangement 300 worn yesterday.
In an undoing step 408, the user (or his/her assistant) undoes the zipper/other attaching means 130 thereby separating the constant upper hairpiece 310, attached to constant upper base piece 110, from the short hairpiece 220, attached to a first replaceable lower base piece 120.
Thereafter, in a second attaching step 410, the user(or his/her assistant) attaches the constant upper base portion 110 comprising upper “constant” hairpiece 310 via zipper 130 to a second lower base portion 120 comprising second lower replaceable hairpiece 230 thereby forming a long wig 350 (as in FIG. 3B).
The user (or his/her assistant) places the long wig on his/her head in a placing step 412.
After wearing for the appropriate length of time/occasion, the user (or his/her assistant) removes the long wig 350 from his/her head in a second wig removing step 414.
Step 414, may be performed, for example at night before going to bed. The next morning, for example, the user wishes to wear a different wig arrangement from the long wig arrangement 350 worn yesterday.
In a second undoing step 416, the user (or his/her assistant) undoes the zipper/other attaching means 130 thereby separating the constant upper hairpiece 310, attached to constant upper base piece 110, from the long hairpiece 230, attached to a second replaceable lower base piece 120.
At any next appropriate time, steps 402-408 or steps 410-416 may be repeated.
Reference is now made to FIG. 5A, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of a side view of a second wig base arrangement 500, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Wig base arrangement 500 comprises an upper base piece 510 and a lower base piece 520, connected together by attachment means 530, such as a zipper.
According to some embodiments, lower base piece 520 is called a “constant” base piece, because it is used in all the wig arrangements using wig base arrangement 500, as will be explained in further detail with respect to FIGS. 5A-9 hereinbelow.
According to some other embodiments, upper piece 510 is called a “replaceable” base piece, because it is not used in all the wig arrangements using wig base arrangement 500, as will be explained in further detail with respect to FIGS. 5A-9 hereinbelow.
Wig base arrangement 500 is, according to some embodiments in the shape of a bathing cap and is adapted to cover most or all of either a bald head 140 or a person's natural hair (not shown).
Wig base arrangement 500 is constructed and configured to form a snug-fit or tight fit on the person's head.
According to some embodiments, replaceable upper base piece 510 comprises coarse-netted portions 512, 514, which allow the scalp and hair to breathe there-under. Additionally, there are more closely-knitted and tighter portions 516, 518, 515, which may be more elastic than the coarse netted portions. Many combinations, shapes, fabric types and weights of these portions are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.
According to some embodiments, constant lower base piece 520 comprises coarse-netted portions 522, which allow the scalp and hair to breathe there-under. Additionally, there are more closely-knitted and tighter portions 524, 526, which may be more elastic than the coarse netted portions. Many combinations, shapes, fabric types and weights of these portions are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention. Typically, the base piece also comprises at least one adjusting element 529 for tightening/loosening the base piece, when on the person's head according to the head (and hair) size.
Upper base piece 510 typically sits on the crown on the person's head and extends symmetrically sideways to the left and right to around the base of the person's ears. The upper base piece is connected to the lower base piece 520 by means of an attachment means 530. As can be seen in FIG. 5A, the attachment means runs from a point in front of an ear backwards towards a point roughly at the middle of the back of the head (and on the other side continues round towards and over the second ear. The attachment means is typically at an acute angle to the horizontal, such as 45-90 degrees, 50-80 degrees, 55-70 degrees or 60-65 degrees.
According to one preferred embodiment, the attachment means is a zipper (also called zip, or zip fastener). Zipper 530 consists of two rows 532, 534 of protruding teeth which may be made to inter-digitate, linking the rows, carrying from tens to hundreds of specially shaped metal or plastic teeth (911, FIG. 9). These teeth can be either individual or shaped from a continuous coil, and are also referred to as elements. The zipper comprises a handle 536 and a slider 537, which is operated by hand, moves along the rows of teeth. Inside the slider is a Y-shaped channel that meshes together or separates the opposing rows of teeth, depending on the direction of the slider's movement.
As can be seen in FIG. 5A, the zipper is in a closed position, thereby holding the upper base piece 510 and the lower base piece 520 together.
Alternatively attachment means may comprise male or female fastening elements 532, such as snap-fit studs, hooks or eyes, Velcro™, or any other known fastening means on the upper base piece 510, which are adapted to engage matching fastening elements 534 on the lower base piece 520. Fastening elements may also comprise holes or long hollow elements and metallic, plastic or other fastening elements which are attachable or threadable through holes or hollow elements.
Further details of wig base arrangements of the present invention are shown as an example in an upper view of the wig base arrangement of FIG. 5A-seen in FIG. 9. It should be understood that all the examples shown herein are exemplary and should not be deemed limiting.
Wig base arrangement 500 is typically lightweight and made out of a variety of types and styles of fabrics, such as, but not limited to, a large-holed elasticated net (not shown) or a fine-pitched elasticated net (not shown). Wig base arrangement 500 may also comprise ear flaps 513. Wig base arrangement 500 may be made of fabrics, which are synthetic or natural or a combination thereof.
Reference is now made to FIG. 5B, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of a side view of a partially opened (detached) wig base arrangement 550 of FIG. 5A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
As can be seen in FIG. 5B, the zipper is partially open, forming an opening 140 between the upper base piece 510 and the lower base piece 520.
Reference is now made to FIG. 5C, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of a side view of a fully separated detached wig base arrangement 560 of FIG. 5A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
As can be seen in FIG. 5C, the zipper is now fully open, forming a gap 580 between the upper base piece 510 and the lower base piece 520. The upper base piece 510 and the lower base piece 520 are now fully separated from each other.
Reference is now made to FIG. 6A, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of a side view of a wig base arrangement 600 with a first upper replaceable hairpiece 620, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Wig base arrangement 600 comprises upper base piece 510 (not seen) joined via attachment means 530 to lower base piece 520. Upper base piece 510 has first upper replaceable hairpiece 620 attached thereto, according to any method known in the art. Typically hairpiece 620 is sewn to the lower base piece 520.
According to this embodiment, first upper replaceable hairpiece 620 comprises curly hairs 622. It should be understood that the hair piece is symmetrical to the right and left of the head, though only one side view is shown.
Reference is now made to FIG. 6B, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of a side view of a wig base arrangement 650 with a second upper replaceable hairpiece 630, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
According to this embodiment, second upper replaceable hairpiece 630 comprises straight hairs 634. It should be understood that the hair piece is symmetrical to the right and left of the head, though only one side view is shown.
Reference is now made to FIG. 7A, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of a side view of a curly full wig arrangement 700 comprising the arrangement 600 of FIG. 6A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Curly full wig arrangement 700 comprises a lower “constant” hairpiece 760 attached to replaceable upper base piece 510. Replaceable upper base piece 510 comprises first upper replaceable hairpiece 620 with curly hairs 622, and is connected via zipper 530 to constant lower base piece 520 onto which the first lower constant hairpiece 760 comprising long hairs 762 is attached. It should be understood that the hair piece is symmetrical to the right and left of the head, though only one side view is shown.
The lower “constant” hairpiece 760, attached to constant lower base piece 510, may, according to some embodiments, be considered to be the main part of wig 700 and also the main part of wig 750.
Reference is now made to FIG. 7B, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of a side view of a straight full wig arrangement 750 comprising arrangement 650 of FIG. 6B, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Straight full wig arrangement 750 comprises lower “constant” hairpiece 760 attached to constant lower base piece 520. Constant lower base piece 520 is connected via zipper 530 to upper base piece 510 onto which the second upper replaceable hairpiece 630 comprising straight hairs 634 is attached. It should be understood that the hair piece is symmetrical to the right and left of the head, though only one side view is shown.
Reference is now made to FIG. 8, which is a simplified flowchart 800 of a method for using the wig base arrangements and wigs of FIGS. 5A-7B, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
In a first attaching step 802, the constant lower base portion 520 comprising lower “constant” hairpiece 760 is attached via zipper 530 to a first upper base portion 510 comprising first upper curly replaceable hairpiece 620 thereby forming a curly wig 700 (as in FIG. 6A).
The user (or his/her assistant) places the curly wig on his/her head in a placing step 804.
After wearing for the appropriate length of time/occasion, the user (or his/her assistant) removes the curly wig 700 from his/her head in a wig removing step 806.
Step 806, may be performed, for example at night before going to bed. The next morning, for example, the user wishes to wear a different wig arrangement from the curly wig arrangement 700 worn yesterday.
In an undoing step 808, the user (or his/her assistant) undoes the zipper/other attaching means 530 thereby separating the replaceable upper hairpiece 610, attached to constant replaceable upper base piece 510, from the constant long hairpiece 760, attached to a first constant lower base piece 520.
Thereafter, in a second attaching step 480, the user(or his/her assistant) attaches the constant lower base portion 510 comprising lower “constant” hairpiece 760 via zipper 530 to a second upper base portion 520 comprising second upper straight replaceable hairpiece 630 thereby forming a straight wig 750 (as in FIG. 6B).
The user (or his/her assistant) places the straight wig on his/her head in a placing step 812.
After wearing for the appropriate length of time/occasion, the user (or his/her assistant) removes the straight wig 750 from his/her head in a second wig removing step 814.
Step 814, may be performed, for example at night before going to bed. The next morning, for example, the user wishes to wear a different wig arrangement from the straight wig arrangement 750 worn yesterday.
In a second undoing step 816, the user (or his/her assistant) undoes the zipper/other attaching means 530 thereby separating the constant lower hairpiece 760, attached to constant lower base piece 520, from the straight hairpiece 630, attached to a second replaceable upper base piece 520.
At any next appropriate time, steps 802-808 or steps 810-816 may be repeated.
Reference is now made to FIG. 9, which is simplified pictorial illustration of an upper inverted view 900 of an almost fully detached wig base arrangement 500 of FIG. 5A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Wig base arrangement 500 comprises an upper base piece 510 and a lower base piece 520, connected together by attachment means 530, such as a zipper.
As can be seen in FIG. 9, upper base piece 510 is symmetrical about dotted line B-B and lower base piece 520 is symmetrical about dotted line A-A.
Upper base piece 510 comprises ear flaps 513, adapted to sit on or above the user's ears. Wig base arrangement 500 may further comprise an elasticated portion 930, which runs along a lower side of the base piece. The upper base piece may further comprise an attachment means backing strip or flap 913, and likewise the lower base piece may further comprise an attachment means backing strip or flap 923.
Lower base piece 520 further comprises rear portions 926, 928, which are not well seen in the side views.
Lower base piece 520 further comprises a nape cover 940, which is adapted to cover the hairs on the nape/neck and is configured to hold the user's hairs inside the wig base arrangement.
Lower base piece 520 comprises two (left and right) adjusting elements 529. These typically comprise a Velcro strip 950 with a corresponding mating means 952 on the end of an adjustable length fastening strip 954.
It should be understood that many combinations and permutations of the wig base arrangement exemplified and shown herein are within the scope of the present invention. For example combinations of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A-3B may be combined with the embodiments shown in FIGS. 5A-9.
Moreover combinations of the methods of FIGS. 4 and 8 may be interchanged or combined and the sequence of the steps may be changed.
The hairs used in the wig arrangement of the present invention may comprise a multiplicity of hairs or hair strands, which may be natural hair, a mixture of synthetic and natural hair strands, or only synthetic hair strands. Natural hair strands tend to be more flowable and “floppy” relative to synthetic hairs and semi-synthetic mixtures.
In some cases the base arrangements may comprise some parts with two or three layers of fabric.
Hairs may be connected or knotted to the netted fabric by methods known in the art. The hairs may be connected to the netted fabric in one or more directions and may be of any suitable length.
Hairpieces may be attached to the base pieces by any method known in the art, such as to skin tops and to wefts.
It should be understood that many combinations of features taught in one figure in this application can be combined with features in another figure. Such combinations are deemed to be part of the present invention.
It should be understood that the words “piece” and “portion” may be used interchangeably in the present invention.
The references cited herein teach many principles that are applicable to the present invention. Therefore the full contents of these publications are incorporated by reference herein where appropriate for teachings of additional or alternative details, features and/or technical background.
It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details set forth in the description contained herein or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and changes can be applied to the embodiments of the invention as hereinbefore described without departing from its scope, defined in and by the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A wig base arrangement comprising:

a) a constant first base piece adapted to hold a first constant hairpiece; and

b) at least one second replaceable base piece, each second base piece being adapted to hold one replaceable hairpiece; and

c) an attachment means adapted to connect said first constant base piece along a side thereof to each said second base piece along a side thereof.

2. A wig base arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said constant first base piece is an upper head base piece.

3. A wig base arrangement according to claim 2, wherein said second replaceable base piece is a lower head base piece.

4. A wig base arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said constant first base piece is a lower head base piece.

5. A wig base arrangement according to claim 4, wherein said second replaceable base piece is an upper head base piece.

6. A wig base arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said attachment means is a zipper.

7. A wig base arrangement according to claim 6, wherein the constant first base piece is fully separable from said at least one second replaceable base piece.

8. A wig base arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said first base piece and said at least one second replaceable base piece are re-connectable using said attachment means.

9. A wig base arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said at least one second replaceable base piece comprises at least two second replaceable base pieces.

10. A wig base arrangement according to claim 9, wherein said attachment means is adapted at any given time to receive only one of said at least two second replaceable base pieces to complete the wig base arrangement.

11. A wig arrangement comprising:

a) a first constant base piece holding a first constant hairpiece; and

b) a second replaceable base piece holding a first replaceable hairpiece; and

c) an attachment means adapted to connect said first base piece along a side thereof to each said second base piece along a side thereof, thereby forming the natural-looking wig arrangement.

12. A wig arrangement according to claim 11, the wig arrangement comprising:

a) a first base piece holding a first constant hairpiece; and

b) a third base piece holding a second replaceable hairpiece; and

c) an attachment means adapted to connect said first base piece along a side thereof to said third base piece along a side thereof, thereby forming the natural-looking wig arrangement.

13. A wig arrangement according to claim 11, wherein said wig arrangement is suitable for use by Orthodox Jewish women.

14. A wig arrangement according to claim 11, wherein said attachment means is a zipper.

15. A wig arrangement according to claim 11, further comprising a second replaceable base piece holding a second replaceable hairpiece.

16. A wig arrangement according to claim 15, which is adapted for attaching and detaching of each said second replaceable base pieces using said attachment means thereby forming wigs of different shapes and appearances.

17. A wig arrangement according to claim 15, which are adapted for use for at least one of wearing alone, with a hair band, with a hat, and with a cap.

18. A wig arrangement according to claim 11, wherein the wig arrangement appears to be one piece.

19. A wig arrangement, according to claim 15, wherein said first replaceable hairpiece and said second replaceable hairpiece are of significantly different lengths.

20. A wig arrangement, according to claim 15, wherein said first replaceable hairpiece and said second replaceable hairpiece are of significantly different appearances.