WIG MAKING DEVICE AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME

Abstract

The presently disclosed subject matter is generally directed to a device that can be used to construct or repair a wig. Particularly, the device comprises a tray or other support surface for housing a hair bundle. The device further includes one or more needles of various sizes that can be used to knot the hair into the apertures of an associated mesh cap. The device includes various sensors and controls that allow the size, shape, and location of the hair insertion to be customized by the user.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/987,916 filed Mar. 11, 2020, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The presently disclosed subject matter is generally directed to a device that can be used to make and/or repair a variety of wigs. The presently disclosed subject matter is further directed to methods of making and using the device.

BACKGROUND

Throughout history, men and women have worn wigs and hairpieces as a practical alternative to styling or caring for natural hair. Over the past few years, wigs have continued to grow in popularity in the United States and throughout the world. Wigs are commonly used to conceal baldness, to provide fullness to the hair, and/or for fashion reasons (e.g., to create the illusion of a styled head of hair). Wigs are frequently worn on a daily basis, providing convenience to the wearer by allowing the wigs to be styled ahead of time. In general, wigs are comprised of a cap constructed from net or resin with a curved surface fitting to the shape of the head of a user. Conventionally, individual hairs are attached to the cap by hand, which is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. In addition, if the hair is attached to the cap too loosely, the hair can release and fall out. Alternatively, if the hair is attached too tightly, the wig can have a deformed and artificial appearance. It would therefore be beneficial to provide a device that can be used to make a wig by simultaneously attaching a plurality of hairs to a cap in a consistent manner.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a device for constructing a wig. Particularly, the device comprises a support tray for housing a bundle of hair. The tray comprises a support surface and two pairs of opposing edges. The device includes a moveable belt sized and shaped to move the support tray along a predetermined path, and an opening for the insertion of a mesh cap comprising a grid pattern defined by a plurality of apertures. The device further comprises one or more needles that enable attachment of hair to the apertures of the mesh cap. The device includes one or more sensors that detect a quality and location of the cap, hair, needle, or combinations thereof. The user can input information to control the size, location, knotting, and/or thickness of the produced wig.

In some embodiments, the device further comprises a viewing monitor.

In some embodiments, the hair is selected from human hair, animal hair, synthetic hair, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the wig is selected from a closure, a partial, a frontal, a 360, or a full wig.

In some embodiments, the one or more sensors can detect thickness of the mesh cap, size of the mesh cap apertures, entry point of the mesh cap, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the tray comprises four sidewalls operably attached to the support surface.

In some embodiments, the one or more needles comprise ventilating needles.

In some embodiments, the needle comprises a grip.

In some embodiments, the one or more needles includes needles of various sizes.

In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a method of producing or repairing a wig. Specifically, the method comprises adding a bundle of hair to the support surface of the tray of the disclosed device. The method includes adding a mesh cap to the disclosed device, and inputting information about the wig to be produced or repaired. The method further includes threading a needle through a first mesh cap aperture to grasp one or more hairs from the hair bundle, and moving the needle in a downward direction to bring the one or more hairs from the bundle down through the mesh aperture to create a loop through the original entry point. The method includes forming a loop with the needle above the aperture, grabbing the remainder of the one or more hairs with the needle at an angle to form a loop, and pulling the needle through the loop in a downward direction to create a knot. The steps are then repeated for a desired number of knots at a desired number of locations in the mesh cap to create or repair a wig.

In some embodiments, the knot is selected from a single knot, a double knot, or a split knot.

In some embodiments, the angle is about 45 degrees.

In some embodiments, the size of the needle can be changed after the creation of a knot.

In some embodiments, the information is selected from the type of knot, the area of knot, the location of repair, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the information is input with a keyboard or through Bluetooth technology.

In some embodiments, a user can view progress of the method through a viewing monitor.

In some embodiments, the hair is selected from human hair, animal hair, synthetic hair, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the wig is selected from a closure, a partial, a frontal, a 360, or a full wig.

In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a wig produced by the disclosed method.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a is a perspective view of a tray that can be used to house and/or transport hair in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 1b is a perspective view of a tray comprising sidewalls that can be used in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 1c is a side plan view of a tray configured on a belt in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 2a is a side plan view of a mesh wig cap in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 2b is a fragmentary view of a mesh wig cap in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 3a is a front plan view of a needle that can be used in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 3b is a side plan view of the needle of FIG. 3a comprising a grip in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustrating one embodiment of loading a device in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustrating one method of using a device in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 6a is a top plan view of a hair bundle that can be used in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 6b is a perspective view of a tray housing a hair bundle in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIGS. 7a-7e are top plan views of one method of adding hair to a mesh cap in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The presently disclosed subject matter is introduced with sufficient details to provide an understanding of one or more particular embodiments of broader inventive subject matters. The descriptions expound upon and exemplify features of those embodiments without limiting the inventive subject matters to the explicitly described embodiments and features. Considerations in view of these descriptions will likely give rise to additional and similar embodiments and features without departing from the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter pertains. Although any methods, devices, and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the presently disclosed subject matter, representative methods, devices, and materials are now described.

Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms “a”, “an”, and “the” refer to “one or more” when used in the subject specification, including the claims. Thus, for example, reference to “a device” can include a plurality of such devices, and so forth. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including” when used herein specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of components, conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the instant specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the presently disclosed subject matter.

As used herein, the term “about”, when referring to a value or to an amount of mass, weight, time, volume, concentration, and/or percentage can encompass variations of, in some embodiments +/−20%, in some embodiments +/−10%, in some embodiments +/−5%, in some embodiments +/−1%, in some embodiments +/−0.5%, and in some embodiments +/−0.1%, from the specified amount, as such variations are appropriate in the disclosed packages and methods.

As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Relative terms such as “below” or “above” or “upper” or “lower” or “horizontal” or “vertical” may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element, layer, or region to another element, layer, or region as illustrated in the drawing figures. It will be understood that these terms and those discussed above are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawing figures.

The embodiments set forth below represent the necessary information to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and illustrate the best mode of practicing the embodiments. Upon reading the following description in light of the accompanying drawing figures, those skilled in the art will understand the concepts of the disclosure and will recognize applications of these concepts not particularly addressed herein. It should be understood that these concepts and applications fall within the scope of the disclosure and the accompanying claims.

The presently disclosed subject matter is generally directed to a device that can be used to construct and/or repair a wig. The term “wig” as used herein refers generally to any of a wide variety of head or hair accessories made from human hair, animal hair, or synthetic hair. For example, the term “wig” can include (but is not limited to) a frontal (a half wig that goes from ear to ear), a closure (a wig that spans a section of the head), a partial (a wig for the front portion of the head), a 360 (hair extends continuously through 360 degrees), and/or a full wig (covering the full scalp). Advantageously, the disclosed device is configured to add a plurality of hairs to a wig cap in a timely and consistent manner. As a result, the wig is constructed in a shorter time frame and the quality of the wig is more consistent compared to prior art hand knotting methods.

The disclosed device comprises a tray to support hair to be inserted into a mesh or lace cap. Any type of hair can be used, such as (but not limited to) human hair, animal hair, synthetic hair (e.g., constructed from plastic or other man-made materials), or combinations thereof. The term “tray” broadly refers to any container or vessel that can hold an amount of hair. FIG. 1a illustrates one embodiment of tray 5 comprising two opposed pairs of parallel edges 10 and 15 that surround central support 20. The central support provides a planar surface for hair to rest so that it is contained until needed by the device. In some embodiments, the tray can include one or more upright sidewalls 30, as illustrated in FIG. 1b. The sidewalls are integral with support 20 such that the sidewalls terminate on the same horizontal plane with the central support. The sidewalls function to contain the hair and prevent or reduce the likelihood of hair escaping from the tray.

The tray can have any desired dimensions. For example, in some embodiments, the tray can have length and/or width of about 3-60 inches (e.g., at least/no more than about 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41,42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, or 60 inches. In some embodiments, the tray can have a height of at least about 0.1-5 inches, depending on the height of sidewalls 30 (e.g., at least/no more than about 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, or 5 inches). However, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited and tray 20 can have dimensions outside the ranges given herein.

Tray 5 can be configured in any shape, such as rectangular as shown in FIG. 1a. However, the shape of the tray is not limited and can be formed in any desired shape (e.g., square, circular, oval, triangular, pentagonal, heart-shaped, diamond-shaped, hexagonal, octagonal, abstract, and the like).

Tray 5 can include one or more handles 25 that can be used to easily lift and/or move the tray. However, it should be appreciated that handles 25 are optional and tray 5 can be configured without handles.

Tray 5 can be constructed from any desired material. Suitable materials can therefore include (but are not limited to) metal (e.g., aluminum, steel, stainless steel, copper, tin, iron, and the light), polymeric material (e.g., high density polyethylene), ceramics, glass, wood, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the disclosed device comprises a moveable belt tray to move one or more hair strands along a path during the course of weaving. The term “belt tray” refers to a tray that is permanently or removably attached to belt that is capable of moving the tray along a desired path. One embodiment of belt tray assembly 6 is illustrated in FIG. 1c. As shown, tray 5 is releasably attached to belt 7 that moves along the path of Arrow 8. In this way, tray 5 comprising an amount of hair to be added to a wig can be accurately positioned during the wig making process. The belt tray arrangement can be moved using any known mechanism, such as drive pulleys and the like. It should be appreciated that any arrangement can be used. The belt can therefore act as a conveyor, distributing tray 5 and an amount of hair to a desired location at any point before, during, and/or after the wig making process occurs.

As described in detail below, the disclosed device is capable of adding a plurality of hairs to a mesh cap to create a wig. Specifically, many strands of natural hair or synthetic hair are anchored in the cap to form the wig. One embodiment of a mesh cap is illustrated in FIG. 2a. As shown, cap 36 can be constructed with nylon, knit, polyester, lace, etc. fabrics to create at least a portion of the shape of a user's head. The cap can be adjustable based on the measurement of the fabric. Sizes of small, medium, and large can be created by increasing or decreasing the measurements, as would be known in the art. The cap can be constructed in various colors, such as beige, neutral, black, brown, or natural skin tone colors to match the skin and scalp tones of the wearer. In some embodiments, cap 36 can include elastic band 37 to ensure the cap remains in proper position when being worn.

Cap 36 includes grid pattern 38 comprising a series of apertures that allow hair to be tied to the cap. In addition, the grid pattern allows for ventilation during wear by the user. The grid pattern can change based upon the hair pattern design. One embodiment of grid pattern 38 is illustrated in FIG. 2b. The grid includes elongated ribs 41 that connect to transversely aligned bars 42 to form apertures 39. The apertures can have any desired shape (e.g., circular, square, etc.). The grid pattern allows one or more hairs to be attached to cap 36 as described in detail below. It should be appreciated that cap 36 is not limited to the grid pattern shown in FIG. 2b.

The disclosed device further comprises one or more needles that enable attachment of hairs to cap 36. As illustrated in FIG. 3a, needle 35 can be a ventilating needle, comprising elongated body 40 and curved or hooked tip 45. However, the disclosed device is not limited and any type of needle that can be used to pull one or more strands of hair through a mesh cap can be used.

Needle 35 can have a length of about 1-5 inches (e.g., at least/no more than about 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, or 5 inches). However, needle 35 is not limited and can be longer or shorter than the range set forth herein. As would be known, needle 35 can be used to create single knots, double knots, and/or split knots. The term “single knot” refers to a method wherein the hair is tied with one knot to the mesh cap, such that the hair remains flat (commonly used for the temple and side areas of a wig). The term “double knot” refers to a method wherein the hair is tied with two knots to the mesh cap, mainly used for the back portion of the wig. The term “split knot” refers to a method where half of the hair stays on one side and half on the other side of the mesh cap aperture, typically used in the front of a wig.

Needles 35 can be configured in a variety of sizes, wherein the needle size determines how many strands of hair the needle will hold at one time. Thus, needles of size 0-1, 1-2, 2-3, or 3-4 can be used. For example, a needle size 1-2 will pull 1 to 2 stands of hair at a time. The device can select a particular needle based on the number of hairs that are to be included in a knot at a desired location on the wig cap.

Needles 35 can be constructed from any desired material. For example, a needle can be constructed from plastic, wood, metal (e.g., stainless steel, titanium, brass, copper, and the like), ceramics, and the like.

The disclosed device can include any desired number of needles 35. For example, in some embodiments a single needle is used. However, in other embodiments, a plurality of needles can be used (e.g., 2-10 or more). In some embodiments, the device can include needles of various sizes for use in specific areas of the wig cap.

In some embodiments, needle 35 includes grip 40 that functions as a handle to allow the device to more easily move the needle to a desired location, as illustrated in FIG. 2b. Grip 40 can be constructed from any known material, such as plastic, wood, rubber, metal, and the like.

The disclosed device further includes one or more sensors that can detect a quality and/or a change in state. For example, a sensor can be used to sense the location and/or thickness of a mesh wig base, the size of mesh cap apertures 39, thickness of the mesh cap, the location on the mesh cap where hairs should be added, and the like. Thus, one or more sensors can count the entry point of the mesh and/or determine the cap thickness. Particularly, the thickness of the base is used to calculate the mesh strength which corresponds to the number of knots needed per hair. Any conventional or known sensor can be used, such as (but not limited to) acoustic sensors, infrared sensors, proximity sensors, pressure sensors, and the like.

In some embodiments, the device includes a viewing apparatus (e.g., a monitor) to allow the user to visually observe the device in action. In some embodiments, the requested area can be highlighted. The monitor can also allow a user to input information into the device, such as (but not limited to) the size, shape, or type of wig desired, whether the wig needs repair, the type of hair used, the length of hair used, the type of needle selected, and the like. In this way, construction (or repair) of the wig can be adapted or modified as desired by the user.

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic of one method of using the disclosed device to construct a wig. Particularly, at step 200, a predetermined amount of hair 50 is positioned within an interior of tray 5. The hair is typically provided as bundle 51 as shown in FIG. 6a. The bundle can include any desired number of hairs (e.g., 25-1000 or more). In some embodiments, the bundle can include hairs that are approximately the same length and/or size. In some embodiments, the bundle hairs are all of the same style (e.g., curly, straight, crimped, or wavy). The bundle of hair can have any desired length needed or desired for use in a corresponding wig or wig repair. For example, hair 50 can have a length of about 1-60 inches (e.g., at least/no more than about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41,42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, or 60 inches. It should be appreciated that hair with lengths longer or shorter than those given in the range above can also be used.

Bundle 51 is deposited into the interior of tray 5, directly on support surface 20 as illustrated in FIG. 6b. The ends of the bundles can be measured, such as through the use of an adjuster to determine the true length of the hair. It should be appreciated that the tray and/or adjuster are sized and shaped to ensure that the hair is not smashed (e.g., that it remains accessible and does not change shape). Mesh cap 36 is also fed into the disclosed device at step 201. In some embodiments, the mesh cap and/or the tray can be properly positioned through the use of one or more sensors.

At step 210, the user can input information into the device about the type of wig desired, the type of hair used, etc. For example, the user can specify the length of hair to be used, as well as the particular location, direction, and/or arrangement of strands. The user input can be accomplished through the use of a keyboard or other input device. In some embodiments, the user can input the information using Bluetooth® or other technology that allows a user to enter information via a smart phone or computer. The device then initiates production of a wig (or repair of a wig) at step 220 in accordance with the information provided by the user.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustrating one embodiment of using the disclosed device to prepare or repair a wig. In some embodiments, the needle can use an under-over method to initiate the movement of starting the process of inserting under one entry of the mesh and grabbling the hair through the opposite side. However, it should be appreciated that any method can be used. At step 300, the needle is threaded through a desired aperture in mesh cap 36. The tip of needle 35 is sized and shaped to grasp a desired number of hairs from bundle 51, as shown in FIG. 7a. For example, at the ½ inch measurement, the raw hair will be the point of contact where the first needle (e.g., size 0-1) is used to grab a loose hair. In some embodiments, the hair is pulled under mesh elongated rib 41.

At step 310, the selected strand(s) of hair are then grasped and pulled into aperture 39, as illustrated in FIG. 7b. Particularly, using the needle that is pointed downward, the strand is hooked at the ½ inch mark. Still pointed down, the needle then brings the strand down back through the mesh, creating a loop through the original entry point.

The needle is used to form a loop in the selected hair at step 320. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7c, the needle is rotated in a circular direction at area 71 (over the top of the mesh), grabbing the remainder of the hair strand at an angle (e.g., a 45-degree angle). As a result, the hair forms a loop. Once the remaining hair is hooked on the needle, it has a hair strand in the mouth of the needle and a loop around the needle neck.

The needle then grabs the remaining strand to pull through the loop, as the needle moves in a downward direction at step 330 and as illustrated in FIG. 7d. As the needle brings the remaining hair through the loop positioned on the neck, it also turns back to the original position downwardly. The movement ties the knot and avoids the risk of damaging the strand of hair.

As shown in FIG. 7e, the needle is then removed, leaving a strand of hair tied in the mesh cap as knot 72, at step 340. The steps are then repeated for a desired number of times to create a wig at step 350. For example, the steps can then be repeated for a measurement of an ½ inch on the mesh cap to create the edges. After the edges have been completed, the needle can then be switched to a larger needle over ¼ of an inch. As a result, the wig portion is given a desired volume and density. Afterwards, the completed mesh cap will be fed through the opposite side of the device, producing the finished product.

The disclosed device also has the ability to repair damaged wigs, so long as the mesh is intact. For example, if a preformed wig is missing hairs (e.g., through misuse, overuse, and/or normal wear and tear), the mesh cap apertures that are missing hairs can be filled with replacement hairs to restore the integrity of the wig using the device as disclosed herein.

The disclosed invention affords many improvements over the prior art. Specifically, the disclosed device automates the time-consuming process of hand knotting wigs. As a result, significant time-savings can be achieved.

In addition, the disclosed device provides consistent quality of knotting used in the wig making process. As a result, the finished product is more consistent, with more realistic results.

The disclosed device allows a user to customize the creation of a wig. For example, the user can vary hair lengths, hair types, and location depending on the overall desired look.

The disclosed device is simple to use, allowing virtually any user to create a customized wig.

As described above, although a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A device for constructing a wig, the device comprising:

a support tray for housing a bundle of hair, the tray comprising a support surface and two pairs of opposing edges;

a moveable belt sized and shaped to move the support tray along a predetermined path;

an opening for the insertion of a mesh cap comprising a grid pattern defined by a plurality of apertures;

one or more needles that enable attachment of hair to the apertures of the mesh cap; and

one or more sensors that detect a quality and location of the cap, hair, needle, or combinations thereof;

wherein the user can input information to control the size, location, knotting, thickness, or combinations thereof of the produced wig.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a viewing monitor.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the hair is selected from human hair, animal hair, synthetic hair, or combinations thereof.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the wig is selected from a closure, a partial, a frontal, a 360, or a full wig.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors can detect thickness of the mesh cap, size of the mesh cap apertures, entry point of the mesh cap, or combinations thereof.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the tray comprises four sidewalls operably attached to the support surface.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the one or more needles comprise ventilating needles.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the needle comprises a grip.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the one or more needles includes needles of various sizes.

10. A method of producing or repairing a wig, the method comprising:

adding a bundle of hair to the support surface of the tray of the device of claim 1;

adding a mesh cap to the device of claim 1;

inputting information about the wig to be produced or repaired;

threading a needle through a first mesh cap aperture to grasp one or more hairs from the hair bundle;

moving the needle in a downward direction to bring the one or more hairs from the bundle down through the mesh aperture to create a loop through the original entry point;

forming a loop with the needle above the aperture;

grabbing the remainder of the one or more hairs with the needle at an angle to form a loop;

pulling the needle through the loop in a downward direction to create a knot; and

repeating for a desired number of knots at a desired number of locations in the mesh cap to create or repair a wig.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the knot is selected from a single knot, a double knot, or a split knot.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the angle is about 45 degrees.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the size of the needle can be changed after the creation of a knot.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein the information is selected from the type of knot, the area of knot, the location of repair, or combinations thereof.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein the information is input with a keyboard or through Bluetooth technology.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein a user can view progress of the method through a viewing monitor.

17. The method of claim 10, wherein the hair is selected from human hair, animal hair, synthetic hair, or combinations thereof.

18. The method of claim 10, wherein the wig is selected from a closure, a partial, a frontal, a 360, or a full wig.

19. The method of claim 10, wherein the one or more needles are ventilation needles.

20. A wig produced by the method of claim 10.