WIG

Abstract

A wig optimized to reduce sweating effects, itching and other discomforts, while maintaining a natural appearance and feel, comprises a front and top first wig region with welded lace. A second region provided below in relation to the front and top first region, comprises further lace material which is more amenable to trimming at edges without leaving the edges ragged and sharp to the touch. Hairs are knotted to the lace region and third region is located to rear of the first region and comprises soft, stretchable material made with holes for breathability. Lastly, a wicking material lining is located at various regions and comprises bamboo material which is located to contact a wearer's scalp and reduce sweating effects.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/300,934 filed on Feb. 3, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to wigs and, more particularly to wigs that optimize the natural appearance and feel of the wigs and reduce sweating effects, itching and other discomforts of prior art wigs.

The wigs described herein were created in specific response to the most common issues experienced by wig wearers, particularly those suffering form cancer or alopecia, with their attendant problems of complete or substantial hair loss, sweating bouts and the like.

A standard regular wig can at times be heavy and itchy. It can cause sweating and irritation. Some of the most common complaints from wig wearers are that wigs are itchy, heavy, uncomfortable, and fit poorly. Numerous women have reported severe skin irritation caused by wearing wigs.

One of the common issues for a wig wearer is the discomfort caused by sweating. Wearing a wig naturally causes perspiration. Additionally, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy sometimes experience hot flashes and thus tend to perspire more. Engaging in activities such as aerobics which cause sweating further aggravates the discomfort to the point where the wig wearers will avoid exercising altogether.

In general, the objectives of the present disclosure include stopping excessive perspiration. Not only will the wig not cause sweating but actually remove the moisture of normal sweating more effectively, as compared to prior art wigs, keeping the skin cool and dry.

Another objective is to render the look of the wigs more natural, both at the edges where the appearance must blend undetectably into the natural scalp color and skin texture and at the locations of hair parts or the like (where the wig net to which the hairs are attached is visible), by designing the wig to mimic the appearance of hair growing from the underlying scalp skin.

A still further objective is to provide a wig which the wearer can treat as though it was her own hair, as by allowing it to be washed on the head while showering, and to be combed and blow dried while on the head, in the manner of natural hair.

The foregoing and other features of the invention are realized with a wig which is optimized to reduce sweating effects, itching and other discomforts of prior art wigs, while maintaining natural appearance and feel of such wigs. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the wig comprises a front and top first wig region which is formed of welded lace and a second region provided below in relation to the first region and which comprises further lace material which, compared to the welded lace of the first region, is more amenable to trimming at edges without leaving the edges ragged and sharp to the touch. Hair is invisibly knotted to the lace regions. A third region is located to the rear of the first region and comprises soft, stretchable material made with holes for breathability. Lastly, wicking material lining is located at least at a knape region of the wig and comprises bamboo material which is located at places most optimal for wicking sweat and generally shaped to contact and conform to the shape of the wearer's scalp.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention which refers to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a second embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a diagram of the wig showing the right side, it being understood that the left side is symmetrical. Typically, the wig 10 consists of portions that respectively cover the top of the head, the rear, the neck area, the nape and the right and left temples. The edges 11 of the underlying netting into which the hair is woven are of particular importance, particulars at the forehead, and at the sides where the hair must mimic natural hair growth.

In FIG. 1, the front and top of the wig going all around till the ears is made with welded lace 12. In FIG. 1, the welded lace 12 is one half inch welded lace which extends over the regions 14. At the region 16, a double layer welded lace is provided, which is more amenable to trimming at the edges without leaving the edges ragged and sharp to the touch. The hairs get knotted to the lace with invisible knots, creating a very natural look mimicking natural scalp growth, and allowing the hairs to be pulled back without seeing the defined wig finish.

The back of the wig is made with a fishnet material layer 18, which is a soft stretch material made with large holes for breathability. The hairs are all individually hand tied, so that it is very lightweight and natural looking.

In FIG. 1, the welded lace 12 and fishnet material layer 18 are lined, at the areas 20 and 22, i.e., on the top and in the back by the nape, with a wicking material 24. Preferably, the wicking material is 70 percent tencile, 25 percent bamboo and 5 percent elastic material. An example of a type of such material is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,313,906, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

Wicking material works by pulling heat and sweat away from the skin keeping the skin dry and cool. The wicking fabric is machine sewn into the inside of the wig 10 on the top and a large area by the nape, as shown. The material is preferably skin colored to mimic scalp color, and designed to match a patients or customer's unique requirements. When looking at the top of the wig, the visual impression is of hair sprouting out of the scalp.

It is within the scope of the invention to affix the wicking material by any means including with snaps, Velcro, or by being applied to sections of the wig other than shown.

The wig 10 preferably includes a poly/silk layer 26 below the double layer welded lace region 12. An elastic band (two sides) 28 is provided at the nape, as shown.

Several stays/bones 30a, 30b, 30c and 30d are provided in the indicated orientations, which in well known manner can be pinched and shaped to cause the wig to more tightly grasp or conform to the shape of the wearer's scalp.

In FIG. 2, the locations of the various layers of a slightly differently shaped version of the wig of FIG. 1 are indicated with the same reference numerals.

Importantly, FIG. 2 also illustrated the locations and presence of a chin strap 40 attached via hooks 42 right below the ears. The straps can be attached and detached easily as needed. The wearer can wear the wig in the shower, and blow dry the wig on her head, feeling as if she is blow drying her own hair. The chin strap 40 can be attached by any means, e.g. snaps, clips, Velcro, etc. and the strap can be provided as a kit with the wig.

The wig can be made in several size, preferably three, that can be further adjusted by the customers. The welded lace can easily be trimmed above and around the ears to suit each individual's needs.

Preferably, the wigs are made of one hundred percent human hair, woven into the imitation scalp base, making them look and feel natural as well as incredibly luxurious. Cancer patients will no longer have to feel traumatized when they look in the mirror. With the wig of the present invention, they can feel like themselves again.

With further reference to FIG. 1, the region therein designated with reference numeral 24 may be a 5 inch by 5 inch O fiber attached by sewing. The area designated by reference numeral 12 can be a one-half inch welded lace, while the area designated by reference numeral 16 can be double layer weld of lace. The position of the stays is indicated and also shown is the adjustable strap 40 and the one inch elastic band (two sides). The area 18 is made of stretchable material.

In FIG. 2, at the location of element 20, a 5 inch by 5 inch C fiber is used, sewn with welded lace. At location 12, one-half inch welded lace is used and the location of the stays is indicated and the material of region 26 can be one inch poly/silk. A one inch elastic band on two sides is also indicated.

In the wig according to the present invention, the user enjoys additional benefits, including a more secure fit, owing to the presence of the wicking material which more naturally and readily adjusts itself to the wearer's scalp. In addition, the inclusion of the wicking material provides for a wig that offers more use and longer wear.

The wigs described herein, can be treated just like one's own hair. It does not have to be taken off the head to be washed or placed on a clamp to blow dry. The wigs come complete with the strap that can be conveniently attached to allow the wearer the ease of washing and blow drying the wig while on their own head.

Although the present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is preferred, therefore, that the present invention be limited not by the specific disclosure herein.

Claims

1. A wig, comprising:

a front and top first wig region comprising lace;

a second region provided below in relation to said front and top first region and comprising a further lace material which, compared to the lace of the first region, is more amenable to trimming at edges without leaving the edges ragged and sharp to the touch;

a plurality of hairs knotted to the lace regions;

a third region located to the rear of the front and top first region and comprising soft, stretchable material made with holes for breathability; and

a wicking material lining located at least at a knape region of the wig and comprising bamboo material, the wicking material being in a location which contacts a wearer's scalp.

2. The wig of claim 1, wherein the welded lace of the front and top first region comprises a one-half inch welded lace.

3. The wig of claim 1, wherein the second region comprises double layer welded lace.

4. The wig of claim 3, wherein the hairs are knotted to the lace with invisible knots.

5. The wig of claim 1, wherein the soft, stretchable material comprises fishnet material and the hairs being individually hand-tied thereto.

6. The wig of claim 1, wherein the wicking material is provided at the front and top first region of the wig and at the location of the soft, stretchable material.

7. The wig of claim 1, wherein the wicking material comprises about 70% tencile, about 25% bamboo and about 5% elastic material.

8. The wig of claim 1, wherein the wicking material is machine sewn inside the wig.

9. The wig of claim 1, wherein the wicking material is skin colored.

10. The wig of claim 1, wherein the wicking material is affixed by means of at least one of snaps or Velcro®.

11. The wig of claim 3, further including a poly/silk layer below the double layer welded lace second region.

12. The wig of claim 1, further comprising an elastic band on two sides.

13. The wig of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of stays/bones which are pinchable and shapeable to cause the wig to more tightly grasp or conform to the shape of the wearer's scalp.

14. The wig of claim 1, further comprising a strap attached via hooks below an ear location on the wig.

15. The wig of claim 1, wherein the hairs are 100% human hair.

16. The wig of claim 1, wherein the wig is made of hand washable materials.