US20130312781A1

US20130312781A1 - Integrated hair piece and method of using same

Info

Publication number: US20130312781A1
Application number: US13/506,902
Authority: US
Inventors: Hattie M. Murphy
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-05-23
Filing date: 2012-05-23
Publication date: 2013-11-28

Abstract

A hair piece assembly has a two part construction that covers bald or thinning areas of a person's scalp. Natural hair of the hair piece wearer is utilized and interwoven with synthetic hair and natural hair portions of the hair piece so that the hair piece assembly is well blended, and not readily detected. A first portion of the hair piece assembly comprises a first attachment means integrated therein. The first portion is placed on a head and attached thereto by the first attachment means. After being attached, the first portion is covered with natural hair. A second portion of the hair piece comprises a braided member having a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end terminates at an edge and the proximal end gradually terminates the braided construction to yield free unbraided hairs, which extend therefrom to thereby form a flowing hair member.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to hair pieces; and, more particularly, to hair piece arrangements which provide coverage for thinning hair or bald areas of the scalp.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Baldness implies the partial or complete lack of hair and is best understood as part of the wider topic of “hair thinning”. The degree and pattern of hair thinning can vary greatly, but its most common cause is male and female pattern baldness. Hair thinning involves different degrees and patterns. Pattern balding commonly involves patchy hair loss. Although baldness in women is not as common as in men, it is relatively prevalent. Typically with women, the frontal hairline is preserved but the density of hair is decreased on all areas of the scalp. Female hair loss has become a growing problem which is estimated to affect around 30 million women in the United States. Although hair loss in females normally occurs after the age of 50 or even later when it does not follow events like pregnancy, chronic illness, crash diets, and stress among others, it is now occurring at earlier ages with reported cases in women as young as 15 or 16. Generally, female pattern thinning or baldness is diffuse and goes around the whole top of the head and can affect women at any time. There are other instances in which the actions of hormones may also cause female hair loss. Some examples are: pregnancy, menopause, presence of ovarian cysts, some birth control pills, polycystic ovary syndrome, thyroid disorders, anemia, chronic illness and some medications.
Currently there is no way to instigate permanent re-growth of hair that has been lost through genetic or hormonal causes. Treatments may include a variety of medications to slow hair thinning, help grow new hair or enlarge existing hairs to create better coverage. However, most require long-term and if stopped, hair loss returns. Another method of treatment involves hair transplant surgery wherein healthy hair is moved from the back and sides of the head to areas of thinning. However, the procedure can take anywhere between four and eight hours, with additional sessions usually need to be carried out to make hair appear thicker, is invasive, and can be costly. Furthermore, transplanted hair falls out within a few weeks, but re-grows permanently within months. Other than treatments, individuals often attempt to hide hair loss. Attempts at hiding hair loss may involve restyling remaining hair to cover the balding area. However, as the hair loss increases, this method becomes less effective. Another method is to wear a hat or a hairpiece—a wig or toupee. Typically, the wig is a layer of artificial or natural hair made to resemble a typical hair style. In most cases the hair is artificial and wigs vary widely in quality and cost, with real hair or those that look like real hair costing up to tens of thousands of dollars. Further, generally unless the hair piece is a toupee, the wig covers the entire scalp and is placed on the head with the risk of being blown or otherwise falling off during wear.
There is a need in the art for a hair piece that provides the look and feel of natural hair, that can readily blend in with a user's natural hair, and that can be readily secured and fastened to a user's head in a discrete, reliable manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a hair piece adapted to be placed on a person's head. Generally stated, the hair piece comprises a first portion composed of a synthetic material that is appointed to be placed at the back of the head of a person. The natural hair of the person is wrapped around the first portion or synthetic portion to hold it in place. A second portion of the hair piece is provided that is composed of natural hair or natural looking hair, and is attached to the first portion or synthetic portion, so that the second portion rests on the top of the wearer's head.
The hair piece assembly includes a first portion having first attachment means integrated therein. The first portion is adapted to be placed on a head and attached by way of the first attachment means. Natural hair on the head is then wrapped over or moved to cover the first portion. A second portion having a braided member is provided by the hair piece assembly. The braided member of the second portion has a distal end terminating at an edge and a proximal end terminating to yield a plurality of free unbraided hair strands forming a flowing hair member.
A method of using the hair piece assembly is also provided. The method includes the step of first selecting a hair piece assembly based on a hair color, texture and length. The hair piece assembly includes a first portion having first attachment means integrated therein. The first portion is adapted to be placed on a head and attached by way of the first attachment means. Natural hair on the head is then wrapped over or moved to cover the first portion. A second portion having a braided member is provided by the hair piece assembly. The braided member of the second portion has a distal end terminating at an edge and a proximal end terminating to yield a plurality of free unbraided hair strands forming a flowing hair member. Next, the first portion is placed and secured on a head region and the user's hair is then wrapped around or used to cover the first portion and integrate it within the hair. Insertion of the distal end of the second portion's braid member then takes place by sliding the braid member's distal end behind the first portion to rest between the first portion and the head. Lastly, the free flowing hair of the braided member is arranged over the hair on the head.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention will be more fully understood and further advantages will become apparent when reference is had to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 a illustrates a head of hair before the subject hair piece system is applied to the head;

FIG. 1 b illustrates an embodiment of the subject hair piece system, showing the first and second portions;

FIG. 1 c illustrates an example of attachment means for securing the portions of the subject hair piece system;

FIG. 1 d illustrates the head of hair after the subject hair piece system is applied to the head, yielding a full looking head of hair;

FIG. 2 a illustrates a top plan view of an embodiment of the first portion;

FIG. 2 b illustrates a bottom plan view of the first portion;

FIG. 3 illustrates a top plan view of an embodiment of the second portion;

FIG. 4 a illustrates a side view of a head of hair before the subject hair piece system is applied to the head;

FIG. 4 b illustrates a back view of the head of hair, showing thinning hair areas or regions;

FIG. 4 c illustrates the back of the head with the first portion attached thereon;

FIG. 4 d illustrates insertion of the second portion within the first portion;

FIG. 4 e illustrates the second portion attached to the first portion and the flowing hair from the second portion arranged to on the head, producing the appearance of a full head of hair.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is directed to a hair piece kit or assembly having at least a two part construction that is integrated into a wearer's natural hair and function to cover bald or thinning spots. Natural hair of the person wearing the hair pieces is utilized and interwoven with the synthetic hair and a natural hair portion so that the hair piece kit is well blended and unnoticeable and undetectable to others.
The hair piece assembly includes a first portion that is placed on a person's head and wrapped by a person's hair and a second portion that is a hair piece that attaches to the first portion. The hair piece assembly generally comprises: (i) a first portion adapted to be placed at a back of a person's head through attachment means and adapted to be covered with natural hair on said head; (ii) a second portion adapted to be inserted between said first portion and said head and/or attached to said first portion 21; (iii) said second portion comprising a braided member having a distal end and a proximal end, said distal end terminating at an edge and said proximal end gradually terminating said braided construction to yield free unbraided hairs extending therefrom, said braided member forming a flowing hair member.
Optional embodiments involve, for example, the flowing hair member being formed as a hair main with a plurality of hairs extending from a braid member. The flowing hair member may be curly, straight, wavy, or have a variety of hair textures. Moreover, the flowing hair member may be provided as a plurality of colors and textures to match or closely match a variety of hair colors to accommodate a wearer's natural hair color. The first portion may be composed of a synthetic material or fibrous material and is structured in a manner so as to be placed at the back of the head. The second portion may be composed of natural hair and/or natural looking hair or combinations thereof, and is removably attached to the first portion so that the second portion rests on the top of the wearer's head.
FIGS. 1 a-1 d illustrates an embodiment and use of the subject hair piece system. FIG. 1 a illustrates a head of hair before the hair piece system is applied to the head, shown generally at 10. FIG. 1 b illustrates an embodiment of the hair piece system, showing the first and second portions, shown generally at 20. FIG. 1 c illustrates an example of attachment means for securing the portions of the hair piece system, shown generally at 40. FIG. 1 d illustrates the head of hair after the hair piece system is applied to the head, yielding a full looking head of hair, shown generally at 50.
Referring to FIGS. 1 a-1 d: Head 11 is shown at 10 in FIG. 1 a with thinning hair 12. A first portion 21, shown in FIG. 1 b, is placed at the back of the head 11 preferably through use of attachment means 41 shown in FIG. 1 c for example. First portion 21 is preferably a synthetic material and is preferably in a color resembling or matching hair colors. First portion 21 may be made of a fibrous material, thin, and expandable or flexible. Thinning hair 12 or hair near the back of the head region is wrapped around the first portion 21 to cover the first portion 21 and integrate same with hair 12. A second portion 25 is provided that is appointed to be inserted or attached to first portion 21. Second portion 25 is constructed having a braided member 26 having a distal end 26 a and a proximal end 26 b. Distal end 26 a is preferably thinner in diameter than proximal end 26 b. Distal end 26 a terminates at 26 a′. Proximal end 26 b gradually terminates braided construction leaving long hairs extending therefrom forming flowing hair member 27. Braided member 26 is appointed to be slipped behind or under first portion 21 so that it is contained and secured behind first portion 21 between first portion 21 and head 11. Flowing hair member 27 is formed as a hair main with a plurality of hairs extending from braid member 26. Flowing hair member 27 may be curly, straight, wavy, or a variety of hair textures. Moreover, flowing hair member 27 may be provided as a plurality of colors and textures to match or closely match a variety of hair colors to accommodate a wearer's natural hair color. The first portion is composed of a synthetic portion that is appointed to be placed at the back of the head of a person. The natural hair of the person is wrapped around the first portion or synthetic portion to hold it in place. A second portion of the hair piece is provided that is composed of natural hair or/natural looking hair, and is attached to the first portion or synthetic portion, so that the second portion rests on the top of the wearer's head.
FIGS. 2 a-2b illustrate an embodiment of the first portion. FIG. 2 a illustrates a top plan view of an embodiment of the first portion, and FIG. 2 b illustrates a bottom plan view of the first portion. The first portion herein is shown generally at 121. First portion 121 is preferably constructed from a synthetic material that is in colors generally found on the human hair color chart (white—blonde—red—brunette—black and variations thereof). More preferably, first portion 121 is constructed from a natural fiber to prevent the head from becoming hot, and is constructed of a thin elastic material so that it is expandable or flexible and can be stretched to accommodate the head and snapped back to secure the person's hair. The first portion 121 is constructed as a band 122 having a top wall 123, bottom wall 124 and side walls 125 and a front face 126 and back face 127. Attachment means 130 are located on each of the side walls 125. Herein the attachment means are shown as comb type members, however, the attachment means may be clips, bands, barrettes—or other known hair attachments. Alternatively, at least one secondary attachment means 132 is located on the front face 126 of the band 122. Further, at least one attachment means 133 may be located on the back face 127. The attachment means 133 on the back face 127 is appointed to attach to the top surface of the braid member to secure the braid member between the first portion 121 and head.
FIG. 3 illustrates a top plan view of an embodiment of the second portion, shown generally at 225. Second portion 225 is appointed so that braided member 226 is to be inserted behind or attached to the first portion (see FIG. 2 a, 2 b). Second portion 225 is constructed having a braided member 226 having a distal end 226 a and a proximal end 226 b. Distal end 226 a is preferably thinner in diameter than proximal end 226 b so that it is a gradual decrease in diameter from proximal end 226 b to distal end 226 a. This is so that the distal end 226 a can readily be slid behind the first portion and rest between the first portion and the head. Distal end 226 a terminates at 226 a′. Proximal end 226 b gradually terminates braided construction leaving long hairs extending therefrom forming flowing hair member 227. Flowing hair member 227 is formed as a hair main with a plurality of hairs extending from braid member 226. Flowing hair member 227 may be curly, straight, wavy, or a variety of hair textures and lengths. Moreover, flowing hair member 227 may be provided as a plurality of colors and textures to match or closely match a variety of hair colors to accommodate a wearer's natural hair color. Unlike the first portion, which is composed of a fibrous or synthetic material, the second portion 225 is constructed from natural hairs.
Optionally, the second portion 225 may include attachment means, such as those shown at proximal end 226 b, shown generally at 230. The attachment means 230 is preferably located so that is can attach to the first portion and/or to local hair clumps. Alternatively, rather than on the proximal end 226 b, or in conjunction with the proximal end 226 b, the edge 226 a′ of the distal end 226 a includes attachment means. The attachment means may be a clip, barrette, combs, pins, or band, etc.
FIGS. 4 a-4 e illustrates the method of applying an embodiment of the hair piece assembly. FIG. 4 a illustrates a side view of a head of hair before the subject hair piece system is applied to the head; FIG. 4 b illustrates a back view of the head of hair, showing thinning hair areas or regions; FIG. 4 c illustrates the back of the head with the first portion attached thereon; FIG. 4 d illustrates insertion of the second portion within the first portion; FIG. 4 e illustrates the second portion attached to the first portion and the flowing hair from the second portion arranged to on the head, yielding a full looking head of hair.
Referring to FIGS. 4 a-4 e, head 311 is shown at 310 in FIGS. 4 a and 4 b with thinning hair 312. A first portion 321 is placed at the back of the head 311, preferably through use of attachment means 341 (see FIGS. 4 b, 4 c). Thinning hair 312 or hair near the back of the head region is wrapped around the first portion 321 to cover the first portion 321 and integrate same with hair 312, as shown in FIG. 4 c. A second portion 325 is provided that is appointed to be inserted or attached to first portion 321, as shown in FIG. 4 d. Second portion 325 is constructed having a braided member 326 having a distal end 326 a and a proximal end 326 b. Distal end 326 a is preferably thinner in diameter than proximal end 326 b. Proximal end 326 b gradually terminates braided construction leaving long hairs extending therefrom forming flowing hair member 327. Braided member 326 is appointed to be slipped behind or under first portion 321 so that it is contained and secured behind first portion 321 between first portion 321 and head 311 as shown in FIG. 4 d. Flowing hair member 327 is formed as a hair main with a plurality of hairs extending from braid member 326. After being inserted and secured in the first portion 325, hair member 327 is spread over the head to give the appearance of a full head of hair, as shown at 450 in FIG. 4 e.
Having thus described the invention in rather full detail, it will be understood that such detail need not be strictly adhered to, but that additional changes and modifications may suggest themselves to one skilled in the art, all falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the subjoined claims.

Claims

1. A hair piece assembly comprising:

a. a first portion having first attachment means integrated therein adapted to be placed on a head attached by way of said first attachment means and further adapted to be covered with natural hair on said head;

b. said first portion being, constructed as a band having a top wall, bottom wall and side walls and a front face and back face;

c. a second portion having a braided member having a distal end and a proximal end, said distal end terminates at an edge and said proximal end gradually terminates said braided construction to yield free unbraided hairs extending therefrom said braided member forming a flowing hair member;

d. said first portion and said second portion being separate portions and said braided member of said second portion being adapted to be inserted between said first portion and said head and said flowing hair member extends therefrom.

2. A hair piece assembly as recited by claim 1, wherein said second portion comprises attachment means.

3. A hair piece assembly as recited by claim 1, wherein said proximal end comprises attachment means.

4. A hair piece assembly as recited by claim 1, wherein said edge of second braided member's distal end comprises attachment means.

5. A hair piece assembly as recited by claim 1, wherein said first portion is constructed from a synthetic material.

6. A hair piece assembly as recited by claim 1, wherein said first portion is constructed from a fibrous, thin, and elastic, expandable or flexible material.

7. (canceled)

8. A hair piece assembly as recited by claim 7, wherein said first attachment means are located on each of said side walls.

9. A hair piece assembly as recited by claim 7, wherein said first attachment means are located on each of said side walls and at least one secondary attachment means is located on said front face of said band.

10. A hair piece assembly as recited by claim 7, wherein at least one attachment means is located on said back face.

11. A hair piece assembly as recited by claim 1, wherein said braided member includes a top surface having an attachment means thereon appointed to attach to a back face of said first portion.

12. A hair piece assembly as recited by claim 1, wherein said braided member's distal end is thinner in diameter than said proximal end and wherein said braided member is appointed to be slipped behind or under said first portion so that it is contained and secured behind said first portion.

13. A hair piece assembly as recited by claim 1, wherein said first portion and said second portion are the same or similar colors.

14. A hair piece assembly as recited by claim 1, wherein said flowing hair member is formed from natural hair strands.

15. A hair piece assembly as recited by claim 1, wherein said flowing hair member is constructed to as natural hair selected from the group consisting of curly, straight, waived, and a variety of hair textures.

16. A method of using a hair piece assembly, comprising the steps of:

a. selecting said hair piece assembly based on a hair color, texture and length, said hair piece assembly comprising:

i. a first portion having first attachment means integrated therein adapted to be placed on a head attached by way of said first attachment means and further adapted to be covered with natural hair on said head;

ii. said first portion being constructed as a band having a top wall, bottom wall and side walls and a front face and back face;

iii. a second portion having a braided member having a distal end and a proximal end, said distal end terminates at an edge and said proximal end gradually terminates said braided construction to yield free unbraided hairs extending therefrom said braided member forming a flowing hair member;

iv. said first portion and said second portion being separate portions and said braided member of said second portion being adapted to be inserted between said first portion and said head and said flowing hair member extends therefrom.

b. placing said first portion on a head region and placing thinning hair or hair near said region over said first portion to cover said first portion and integrate same with said hair;

c. inserting and securing said distal end of said second portion's braid member behind said first portion to rest between said first portion and said head;

d. arranging said flowing hair member of said second portion on said head.