Head ornament fastening member and head ornament

A head ornament fastening member that attaches a head ornament to hairs on a head. The head ornament fastening member comprises a first fastening member that includes a base, and a plurality of stems which protrude from a surface of the base and are inserted into the hairs from upside; and a second fastening member that includes a plurality of comb-tooth-like portions which intersect the plurality of stems and are inserted into the hairs from a lateral direction. The plurality of stems of the first fastening member and the plurality of comb-tooth-like portions of the second fastening member intersect with each other in the hairs from upside and a lateral direction, thereby fastening the head ornament to the hairs.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a head ornament fastening member that attaches a head ornament such as a wig or a hair increasing tool to hairs on a head, and a head ornament that includes the head ornament fastening member.

BACKGROUND ART

There are various known fastening members configured to attach a head ornament such as a wig or a hair increasing tool, via hairs remaining on a head. For example, Patent Document 1 below describes a stopper in which plural protrusion pieces are attached to one leg piece of a metallic reversible member so as to have a comb shape, and a friction member is attached to the other leg piece. The stopper is configured to be opened and closed by reversing and restoring the reversible member. In order to attach the head ornament to the hairs using the stopper, the reversible member of the stopper is first reversed to be released while the stopper is attached to the rear surface of the head ornament. Subsequently, the stopper is placed on the head, and a user restores the reversible member by pressing the reversible member with his hand, so that the head ornament is attached to the hair.

Patent Document 2 below discloses a wig attachment tool which includes a male component of a so-called hook-and-loop fastener, with a configuration in which plural monofilaments protrude from one surface of a base sheet. In order to attach the wig to the hairs using the wig attachment tool, the hairs are tangled with the monofilaments by pressing the front surface of the wig toward the head, while the wig attachment tool is attached to the rear surface of the wig. Thus, the wig is attached to the hairs.

Patent Document 3 below describes an attachment tool which includes a so-called spring comb with plural comb-tooth-like portions, which are formed by bending an elongated member at the front end of the comb. In order to attach the wig to the hairs using the attachment tool, the hairs are clamped by the comb-tooth-like portions by inserting the comb-tooth-like portions into the hairs on the head, while an ornament tool is attached to the rear surface of the wig. Thus, the wig is attached to the hairs.

RELATED ART DOCUMENTS

Patent Documents

Patent Document 1: Japanese Examined Utility Model Application Publication No. S56-23294

Patent Document 2: Japanese Registered Utility Model No. 3134280

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

However, with respect to the stopper described in Patent Document 1, there is a need to increase the reversing force of the reversible member in order to obtain a sufficient fixing force to use the stopper. The user must clamp or release the hairs by pressing the reversible member with his/her fingers. For this reason, when the required force for reversing the stopper is set to be, for example 0.7 to 1.0 Kg or more, a person with hand injury or other hand problems or weakness, or a weak or older person may not successfully reverse the stopper, which means the wig would not be easily attached and detached. On the other hand, when the required force for reversing the stopper is set to be small in order to easily reverse the reversible member, a sufficient fixing force by the stopper may not be obtained. Thus, there is a problem in that the fixing force of the stopper is incompatible with the easiness of attaching and detaching the wig.

When wearing a wig with such a stopper, the portion where the stopper is fixed is rolled up to be positioned before attaching the wig. For example, when a wig with the stopper on the circumferential edge is attached to a head, there is a need to roll up the circumferential edge of the wig in order to deeply insert the comb-tooth-like portions of the stopper into the hairs. For this reason, there is another problem in that the repeated attachment/detachment operations cause a fatigue in a portion of the wig base where the stopper is fixed, and the durability of the wig is thus easily lowered.

In the attachment tool of Patent Document 2 above, the monofilaments may be easily tangled with the hairs simply by slightly pressing down the surface of the wig after the wig is mounted on a head, so attaching and detaching the wig is satisfactorily easy. However, the fixing force by the attachment tool is not sufficient. If plural attachment tools are provided on the head ornament in order to obtain a strong fixing force, the total number of the monofilaments as a male component of the hook-and-loop fastener increases with the number of the attachment tools. For this reason, this attachment tool has other problems in that the number of the monofilaments which do not contribute to fixing the hairs increases, and the hairs on the head or the wig can become easily tangled with those monofilaments. As a result, the handling of the attachment tool becomes troublesome.

In the attachment tool such as a spring comb described in Patent Document 3 above, because the wig is attached to a head in a manner so that the wig is put on the head and the comb-tooth-like portions are inserted into the hairs, a special force is not needed and thus attaching/detaching the wig is comparatively satisfactorily easy. However, although the attachment tool has a high fixing force in the width direction, the fixing force by the comb-tooth-like portions in the longitudinal direction or the vertical direction is low.

Since the spring comb is intended to hold the hairs themselves, when the spring comb is used to attach a head ornament such as a wig or a hair increasing tool, it is difficult to obtain the required fixing force for the fastening member of the head ornament.

Therefore, the present invention is directed to a head ornament fastening member that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to the limitations and disadvantages of the prior art. The first objective of the present invention is to provide a head ornament fastening member, which can provide a sufficient fixing force to hairs, and can make the attaching and detaching operations easy. Further, the second objective of the invention is to provide a head ornament, which can provide a sufficient fixing force to hairs, and can make the attaching and detaching operations easy. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the descriptions that follow and in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims thereof, as well as in the appended drawings.

Means for Solving the Problems

In order to achieve the first objective, a head ornament fastening member according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first fastening means that includes a base, and a plurality of stems which protrude from a surface of the base and are inserted into the hairs from upside; and a second fastening means that includes a plurality of comb-tooth-like portions which intersect the plurality of stems and are inserted into the hairs from a lateral direction, wherein the plurality of stems of the first fastening means and the plurality of comb-tooth-like portions of the second fastening means intersect with each other while being inserted into the hairs so as to be fastened to the hairs, thereby fastening the head ornament to the hairs.

With respect to the head ornament fastening member, the first fastening means includes the plural stems which protrude from one surface of the base and are inserted into the hairs from upside. Thanks to this, fastening force by the first fastening means may be obtained by tangling or engaging the hairs with the plural stems. Further, the second fastening means includes the plural comb-tooth-like portions which intersect the plural stems and are inserted into the hairs in a lateral direction. Thanks to this, fastening force by the second fastening means may be obtained in a manner such that the hairs are clamped between the comb-tooth-like portions, and are tangled with the comb-tooth-like portions.

The head ornament is attached to the hairs by inserting the plural stems and the plural comb-tooth-like portions into the hairs so as to intersect with each other. Thanks to this, for example, one stem of the first fastening means and one comb-tooth-like portion of the second fastening means are engaged with the same hairs while intersecting to each other, enhancing the fastening forces by the respective fastening members. Further, the stems of the first fastening means and the comb-tooth-like portions of the second fastening means limit the relative movement of the other. Thus, the fastening forces by the first fastening means and the second fastening means may be improved, and it is possible to obtain a sufficient fixing force of the head ornament fastening member to the hairs.

In addition, the head ornament fastening member may be easily attached to the hairs in such a manner that the stems of the first fastening means are inserted into the hairs from upside, and the comb-tooth-like portions of the second fastening means are inserted into the hairs in a lateral direction. The head ornament fastening member may be easily detached by releasing the fastening state between the first fastening means and the second fastening means. Thus, the attaching and detaching operations are easily performed.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the second fastening means is preferably connected to the base of the first fastening means so as to be slidable in the lateral direction, and hence the plurality of comb-tooth-like portions are slid and inserted into the hairs. With this construction, when fastening the head ornament fastening member, the plural comb-tooth-like portions of the second fastening means may be inserted into while the movement of the hairs is limited by the plural stems of the first fastening means. Thus, sufficient fastening force is obtained.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the second fastening means is preferably connected to the base of the first fastening means so as to be inclinable, and hence the plurality of comb-tooth-like portions can be inserted into the hairs while being inclined. With this construction, when the plural comb-tooth-like portions of the second fastening means are slid into after the plural stems of the first fastening means are tangled with the hairs, the inclination angle of the plural comb-tooth-like portions can be adjusted. Thanks to this, the comb-tooth-like portions of the second fastening means may be inserted into the desirable position between the hairs, so that the attachment is easily performed.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the stems are preferably formed of an elastic material, such that when the plurality of comb-tooth-like portions are slid, the stems are elastically deformed and inserted into the hairs. The rigidity of the stems preferably ranges 1.5 to 4.0 times that of the hairs. With this construction, since the stems may be elastically deformed when the plural comb-tooth-like portions are slid, the plural comb-tooth-like portions may be inserted at a closer position to the base of the first fastening means, so that the plural stems and the plural comb-tooth-like portions may easily intersect with each other.

In an embodiment of the present invention, each of the stems preferably includes an elongated material protruding from the base of the first fastening means, and a swollen portion swollen laterally from an axis of the elongated material, the swollen portion being able to be engaged with the hairs. With this construction, the respective stems and the hairs may be easily tangled with each other, so that the fastening force may be easily improved.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of stems of the first fastening means are preferably formed to have irregular lengths. With this construction, when the plural stems are inserted into the hairs, the depths of the respective stems may be irregular, and hence the respective stems may be easily tangled with the hairs, thereby easily improving the fastening force.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the lengths of the stems preferably range 3-6 mm. The density of the stems preferably ranges 50-120 stems/cm2. With this construction, the hairs may be easily tangled with the stems, so that the fastening force may be easily improved.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the comb-tooth-like portions are preferably formed of an elastic material having a rigidity higher than that of the stems. With this construction, when sliding the second fastening means, the respective comb-tooth-like portions may be easily inserted between the plural stems or the hairs, so that the attachment may be easily performed.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the comb-tooth-like portion preferably includes a longitudinal opening inside the comb-tooth-like portion, and hence the comb-tooth-like portion is deformed with the deformation of the longitudinal opening. With this construction, when sliding the second fastening means, the respective comb-tooth-like portions are easily deformed, so that the respective comb-tooth-like portions may be easily inserted into where the stems and the hairs are tangled with each other.

In the second fastening means of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, spaces between the adjacent comb-tooth-like portions are preferably wider at the front end, and are narrower at the rear end. With this construction, the force clamping the hairs between the adjacent comb-tooth-like portions may increase as sliding the second fastening means, so that the fastening force may be improved.

In the second fastening means, the plurality of comb-tooth-like portions are preferably formed by repeatedly folding one wire material in a plane, such that the adjacent comb-tooth-like portions are continuous to each other through a circular-arc loop portion, and the diameter of the circular-arc loop portion is larger than the space between the adjacent comb-tooth-like portions.

With this construction, thanks to the biasing force by the loop portion, when the hairs are clamped between the adjacent comb-tooth-like portions, they would prevent the wire material from being deformed and making the space between the adjacent comb-tooth-like portions wider. Thus, the clamping force between the respective comb-tooth-like portions may be improved.

In the second fastening means of the present invention, it is preferable that the comb-tooth-like portions are loosely engaged with annular connection portions fixed to the base, so that the second fastening means is slidably connected to the base. With this construction, the second fastening means may be slidably connected to the base of the first fastening means with a simple construction.

In this construction, it is preferable that the comb-tooth-like portions of the second fastening means disposed at outer sides in a width direction are, respectively at one position, engaged with the annular connection portion. With this construction, the sliding resistance can be small against the second fastening means sliding relatively to the base of the first fastening means. Thus, the operability may be easily improved.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the base of the first fastening means is preferably formed of a flexible material, and is deformable with the deformation of the head ornament. With this construction, it is possible to prevent interfering with the deformation of the head ornament.

In order to achieve the second object, a head ornament of the present invention comprises: a first fastening means that includes a base fixed to the head ornament body, and a plurality of stems protruding from a surface of the base and are inserted into the hairs from upside; and a second fastening means that includes a plurality of comb-tooth-like portions which intersect the plurality of stems and are inserted into the hairs from lateral direction, wherein the plurality of stems of the first fastening means and the plurality of comb-tooth-like portions of the second fastening means intersect with each other while being inserted into the hairs so as to be fastened to the hairs, thereby fastening the head ornament to the hairs.

With respect to the head ornament, the first fastening means includes the base which is fixed to the head ornament body, and the plural stems which protrude from one surface of the base and are inserted into the hairs from upside. Thanks to this, fastening force by the first fastening means may be obtained by tangling the plural stems with the hairs. Further, the second fastening means includes the plural comb-tooth-like portions which intersect the plural stems and are inserted into the hairs from a lateral direction. Thanks to this, fastening force may be obtained by clamping and tangling the hairs between the comb-tooth-like portions.

With respect to the fastening member of an embodiment of the present invention, the plural stems and the plural comb-tooth-like portions are inserted into the hairs so as to intersect with each other, and thus fixed to the hairs. Thus, for example, one stem of the first fastening means and one comb-tooth-like portion of the second fastening means are engaged with the same hair while intersecting to each other, improving the fastening force. Further, the stems of the first fastening means and the comb-tooth-like portions of the second fastening means may limit the relative movement of the other. Thanks to this, the fastening forces by the first fastening means and the second fastening means may be improved, and thus a sufficient fixing force of the head ornament to the hairs can be obtained.

In addition, when attaching the head ornament to the hairs, the stems of the first fastening means are inserted into the hairs from the upside, and the comb-tooth-like portions of the second fastening means are inserted into the hairs in a lateral direction. In this way the head ornament may be easily attached to the head. On the other hand, the head ornament may be easily detached by releasing the fastening state. Thus, the head ornament attaching and detaching operations may be easily performed.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the first fastening means and the second fastening means are preferably arranged at a plurality of separate positions at a circumferential edge of the head ornament body. Since a sufficient fixing force may be obtained by the first fastening means and the second fastening means, the area where the first fastening means and the second fastening means are arranged can be small. Thanks to this, it is possible to prevent hairs from becoming unintentionally tangled with the first fastening means and the second fastening means when the head ornament is not in use or when attaching and detaching. Thus, the handling of the head ornament is easy.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of comb-tooth-like portions are preferably connected to the base of the first fastening means so as to be slidable inward from the circumferential edge of the head ornament body. With this construction, the head ornament may be attached to the hairs without largely rolling up the circumferential edge of the head ornament body. Thus, the head ornament attaching and detaching operations may be easily performed.

The second fastening means is connected to the first fastening means, preferably in such a manner that the rear ends of the plurality of comb-tooth-like portions in the sliding direction are slidable from a position outside of the circumferential edge to a position inside the circumferential edge of the head ornament body. With this construction, the head ornament may be easily attached to the head and an excellent appearance can be achieved, because the plural comb-tooth-like portions are not visible from the outside after the head ornament is attached to the head.

Effects of the Invention

According to the head ornament fastening member of an embodiment of the present invention, the head ornament fastening member comprising: a first fastening means that includes a base, and a plurality of stems which protrude from a surface of the base and are inserted into the hairs from upside; and a second fastening means that includes a plurality of comb-tooth-like portions which intersect the plurality of stems and are inserted into the hairs from a lateral direction. The plurality of stems of the first fastening means and the plurality of comb-tooth-like portions of the second fastening means intersect to each other while being inserted into the hairs so as to be fastened to the hairs, thereby fastening the head ornament to the hairs. Thanks to this, a head ornament fastening member capable of obtaining a sufficient fixing force to hairs and facilitating the attaching and detaching operations can be provided.

With respect to a head ornament of the present invention, the head ornament comprising: a first fastening means that includes a base fixed to the head ornament body, and a plurality of stems protruding from a surface of the base and are inserted into the hairs from upside; and a second fastening means that includes a plurality of comb-tooth-like portions. The plurality of stems of the first fastening means and the plurality of comb-tooth-like portions of the second fastening means intersect to each other while being inserted into the hairs so as to be fastened to the hairs, thereby fastening the head ornament to the hairs. Thanks to this, a head ornament capable of obtaining a sufficient fixing force to hairs and facilitating the attaching and detaching operation can be provided. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following drawings and detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS

10: HEAD ORNAMENT FASTENING MEMBER

11: BASE SHEET

13: MALE COMPONENT

18: CONNECTION EDGE

20: HEAD ORNAMENT

22: HEAD ORNAMENT BODY

23: LOOP PORTION

24: CONNECTION PORTION

27: JOINT LAYER

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 to 3illustrate a head ornament fastening member10according to an embodiment, andFIGS. 9 and 10illustrate head ornament20having the head ornament fastening member10.

The head ornament20of the embodiment is, for example, a wig or a hair increasing tool. The head ornament20includes a head ornament body22in which multiple hairs are implanted in various bases21, and fastening members10are attached to the rear surface of the base21of the head ornament body22. InFIG. 9, natural or artificial hairs are attached to the base21, but are not specifically illustrated.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 3, the fastening member10of the embodiment has a construction, in which a male component13of a hook-and-loop fastener (hereinafter, referred to as a male component) serving as a first fastening means is connected to a spring comb15serving as a second fastening means.

The male component13includes a base sheet11which is attachable to the base21, and filament protrusions12serving as plural stems, which are protruding from one surface of the base sheet11and to be inserted into the hairs19so as to be fastened to the hairs19.

The base sheet11is formed of a flexible material such as resin, which is deformable according to the shape of the base21of the head ornament body22and the head surface. It is desirable that the base sheet11is formed softer than the base21of the head ornament body22, because the deformation of the head ornament body22is not prevented. In the base sheet11, the surface not having the filament protrusions12is to be attached to the head ornament body22. Note that, other thin members such as a film and a plate may be also used as the base sheet11.

The plural filament protrusions12are uprightly formed on one surface of the base sheet11. Each of the filament protrusions12protrudes in the longitudinal direction from the base sheet11toward a surface of a scalp. The longitudinal direction may be a direction, which is directed from one surface of the base sheet11toward the head, and may not be necessarily perpendicular to the base sheet11. Each of the filament protrusions12may be formed linear, curved, or bent, provided that at least a part of the filament protrusion12is directed from the surface of the base sheet11toward the head.

The filament protrusion12of the embodiment is formed of an elongated material which is elastically deformable due to the flexibility thereof, for example, resin such as polypropylene. The surface of the filament protrusion12may be provided with a coating of styrene elastomer in order to increase the friction coefficient thereof.

The filament protrusion12includes a filament16which protrudes and extends from the base sheet11and a swollen portion17which is swollen laterally from the axis of the filament16.

The swollen portion17can be at the free end of each filament16, or can be at the middle portion of the filament16. It is desirable that the swollen portion17is at the free end, because the hairs19are easily tangled with the filament protrusion12when the filament protrusion12is inserted into the hairs19, and the tangled hairs are not easily separated from the filament protrusion12. For example, the swollen portion17can be formed in a spherical shape which protrudes from the entire circumference of the filament16, or can be formed in a shape in which the filament16is bent or curved so as to protrude toward one side.

The respective filaments16can be regularly arranged with the same length so as to be parallel to each other as illustrated inFIG. 4(a), or can be irregularly arranged with different lengths in different directions as illustrated inFIG. 4(b). When the respective filaments16are arranged with different lengths and different directions, or some of the filaments16are tangled with each other, the hairs19may be easily tangled with the filaments, thereby obtaining a stable fastening force. When the lengths of the plural filament protrusions12are irregular, the positions where the hairs19are tangled with the filament protrusions12may be different from each other.

It is particularly desirable that the length of the filament protrusion12is 3 to 6 mm. When the lengths of the filament protrusions12are too short, the filament protrusions are not easily tangled with the hairs19. On the other hand, when the filament protrusions12are too long, the base sheet11easily rises from the head surface or the filament protrusions12are excessively deformed when the head ornament is attached, and thus the filament protrusions cannot be easily tangled with the hairs19.

The thickness of the filament16may be in a range which could give the necessary elasticity or strength, and for example, the diameter of the filament16may be 1.2 to 6.0 times the diameter of the hair19. It is desirable that the rigidity, which is exhibited by the deflection load, of the plural filaments16protruding from the base sheet11is 1.5 to 4.0 times that of the hair19. When the filaments16are too soft, the filaments may not be easily inserted into the hairs19when being attached thereto, and therefore the filaments16are not easily tangled with the hairs19. On the other hand, when the filaments16are too hard, the filaments are not easily tangled with the hairs19or the filaments16may be easily untangled, and therefore the fastening force may be reduced.

It is desirable that the arrangement density of the filament protrusions12is 50 to 120 filaments/cm2. When the arrangement density is low, the hairs are not easily tangled with the filament protrusion12, and the desired fastening force of the fastening member10may not be ensured. On the other hand, when the arrangement density is too high, the space between the respective filament protrusions12is narrowed, and therefore the hairs19are not easily tangled with the fastening member, although the fastening force between the fastening member10and the hairs19may be more easily ensured as the arrangement density becomes higher.

The spring comb15of the fastening member10according to the embodiment includes plural comb-tooth-like portions14which extend in a lateral direction so as to intersect the filament protrusions12, and a connection edge18which connects the respective comb-tooth-like portions14at the rear end. The extension directions of the respective comb-tooth-like portions14may be different from each other, or otherwise the extension directions from the connection edges18may be the same to each other, such that they are substantially parallel to each other. When the extension directions of the respective comb-tooth-like portions14are almost same to each other, the spring comb15may be easily slid as described below.

Metal, synthetic resin, ceramic, and the like may be exemplified as the material which forms the spring comb15. The spring comb15may be formed by various methods such as wire bending, strip material pressing, and molding.

Each of the comb-tooth-like portions14is formed of an elastic material such as metal or synthetic resin, so that it is appropriately elastically deformable in the width direction. When the comb-tooth-like portion is elastically deformable in the width direction, the hairs19may be strongly elastically clamped in a space28between the adjacent comb-tooth-like portions14, and in a space between the comb-tooth-like portion14and the male component13, thereby improving the fastening force of the fastening member10.

Furthermore, when a metal wire is used, the entire surface of the metal wire may be coated with, for example, a material in which acrylic beads with a diameter of 1 to 10 μm are contained by about 1.5 wt % in urethane paint, for the purpose of preventing a metallic allergy.

The spring comb15of the embodiment is formed by repeatedly folding one elastic wire in a plane, so that plural comb-tooth-like portions14are arranged in a flat shape. Each of the comb-tooth-like portions14is formed in such a way that a wire material is extended from the connection edge18toward the front end, and is folded back at the front end to return to the connection edge18. The respective adjacent comb-tooth-like portions14are continuous through the connection edge18.

When the spring comb15is formed by bending a wire, a longitudinal opening14eis formed inside each comb-tooth-like portion14, in addition to the space28between the adjacent comb-tooth-like portions14. Thanks to this, as described below, when the spring comb15is slid, the respective comb-tooth-like portions14may be easily deformed, and therefore each comb-tooth-like portion14may be easily inserted into where the filament protrusions12and the hairs19are tangled. Further, when the head ornament is attached to the head, the hairs19may be easily tangled through the opening14eor the space28.

The shape of each comb-tooth-like portion14of the spring comb15is thinner at the front end and is thicker at the connection edge18. The space28between the adjacent comb-tooth-like portions14is wider at the front end and is narrower at the connection edge18. When such the shape is employed, as described below, the hairs19may be strongly clamped in the space28between the adjacent comb-tooth-like portions14when the spring comb15is slid to attach the head ornament.

For example, as illustrated inFIG. 6, the shape of each comb-tooth-like portion14may be formed in such a way that the width gradually increases from the front end toward the connection edge18. Furthermore, as illustrated inFIG. 5, a predetermined area at the front end of each comb-tooth-like portion14may be formed as a narrow portion14ahaving a substantially constant width, and the remainder area may be formed as a wide portion14cthicker than the narrow portion14a, via a bent portion14b.In this embodiment, the space28between the adjacent narrow portions14ais wider, and the space28between the wide portions14cis narrower.

The shape of the connection edge18of the spring comb15may also be appropriately selected. For example, it can have a simply U-shaped folded-back shape as illustrated inFIG. 6, and a loop portion23can be appropriately formed as illustrated inFIG. 5. The diameter of the loop portion23is larger than the space28between the comb-tooth-like portions14. Thanks to this, the wire forming the comb-tooth-like portion14may be biased by the loop portion23so that the space between the spaces28is not widened. As a result, when the filament protrusion12sor the hairs19are clamped between the respective comb-tooth-like portions14, the force clamping the filament protrusions12or the hairs in the space28may be improved. In addition, when the loop portion23is formed, a user may grasp it to operate when attaching or detaching the head ornament fastening member10, and thus the usability may be improved.

When a wire is used as the material of the spring comb15, it is desirable that the thickness of the wire is 0.4 mm to 1.0 mm. It is more desirable that the thickness of the wire is 0.7 mm to 0.9 mm for ensuring the force of clamping the hairs19.

The rigidity of the comb-tooth-like portion14is made at least harder than that of the hair19, and is desirably made harder than that of the filament protrusion12. Since the fastening member10is attached by laterally inserting the comb-tooth-like portion14into where the filament protrusions12are tangled with the hairs19, the less rigidity of the comb-tooth-like portion14would make it difficult to insert the comb-tooth-like portion14because of the easy bendability. For example, when the bending rigidity of each comb-tooth-like portion14is set to a certain degree, with which the comb-tooth-like portion14is deformed under the load of 0.9 to 1.5 N, the comb-tooth-like portion14may be easily inserted between the hairs19and the comb-tooth-like portion14may be easily and appropriately deformed according to the shape of the head.

The length of each comb-tooth-like portion14from the connection edge18to the front end may be set to one, in which a part of the comb-tooth-like portion14crosses over the male component13beyond the peripheral edge of the male component13, for example, 25 mm to 35 mm. When the length is too short, the fastening force decreases. On the other hand, when the length is too long, there may be a long portion, which is deeply inserted into the head ornament20and does not follow the shape of the head when the head ornament20is fixed to the hairs19. Thus, the user may feel unpleasant.

The width of the front end of each comb-tooth-like portion14in the arrangement direction, that is, the width of the longitudinal opening14emay be substantially equal to the width of the space28between the adjacent comb-tooth-like portions14. It is desirable that the width is 0.5 to 2.0 mm, and the width of about 1.0 mm is particularly desirable. When the width is too wide, the hairs may easily escape from the space28, so that the number of the reliably clamped hairs may decreases. When the width is too narrow, the hairs19may not be easily inserted into the space28between the comb-tooth-like portions14, so that the number of the clamped hairs19extremely decreases and hence the fixing force decreases.

In the fastening member10of the embodiment, as illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 7, the male component13and the spring comb15are overlappingly connected to each other. The spring comb15is disposed on the surface area of the base sheet11having the filament protrusions12, so as to intersect the filament protrusions12.

In a state where the male component13and the spring comb15are connected to each other, the distance from the base sheet11to the comb-tooth-like portions14is preferably made smaller than the length of at least some of the filament protrusions12. With such the distance, when the head ornament fastening member10is attached to the head, some of the filament protrusions12of the male component13penetrate the space28between the comb-tooth-like portions14of the spring comb15, such that the relative movement of the head ornament fastening member10may be surely limited.

In this embodiment, a connection portion24which connects the spring comb15to the base sheet11is formed in an annular shape by fixing a filament thread or string of synthetic resin to the base sheet11of the male component13. The wire material which forms the comb-tooth-like portion14of the spring comb15is loosely inserted into the connection portion24, and therefore the spring comb15is slidable along the extension direction of the comb-tooth-like portions14relative to the male component13.

In this embodiment, the connection portions24are fixed to the base sheet11at the same position in the extending direction of each comb-tooth-like portion14, that is, a position on an imaginary line substantially perpendicular to the extension direction of the comb-tooth-like portion14. One connection portion24may be preferably provided to one comb-tooth-like portion14. Thanks to this, as illustrated inFIG. 8, when the spring comb15is slid such that the connection portion24is disposed near the connection edge18of the comb-tooth-like portion14, the spring comb15can be inclined with respect to the base sheet11, with the connection portion24being as a support point.

In this embodiment, only the comb-tooth-like portions14disposed at outer sides of the spring comb15are connected by the connection portions24. Thanks to this, the sliding resistance generated when the spring comb15is slid relatively to the base sheet11made smaller, and thus the operability becomes satisfactory.

Next will be described how the head ornament20is attached to the hairs19, using the fastening member10according to the embodiment.

First, as illustrated inFIG. 9, the fastening members10are attached to the rear side of the circumferential edge in the base21of the head ornament body22at plural positions with a distant from each other, such that the head ornament20is completed. Since the sufficient fixing force is obtained by the male component13and the spring comb15, there is no need for providing the fastening members10over the entire circumference of the base21. The number and the position of the fastening members10can be conveniently selected, and the respective fastening members10may be provided with an interval in between.

The fastening members10are attached to the base21in such a way that each comb-tooth-like portion14of the spring comb15is directed from the circumferential edge of the head ornament body22toward the inside of the head ornament body22, that is, the comb-tooth-like portion14is slidable toward the inside of the head ornament body22.

The fastening member10may be fixed to the base21in a manner such that, for example, a joint layer27such as an adhesive, a glue, and a double-face tape is provided on a surface of the base sheet11having no protrusion12by which the fastening member10is attached to the base21, or the base sheet11is sewn to the base21for fixing the fastening member10to the base21.

Subsequently, in order to attach the head ornament20to the head, the head ornament20is mounted onto the head and the filament protrusions12of the male component13are inserted into hairs19from upside, as illustrated inFIG. 10. The filament protrusions12are inserted between the hairs19by pressing a portion of the head ornament20corresponding to the male component13from the outside. At this time, the filament protrusions12may be tangled with the hairs19.

With keeping to press that portion of the base21by a hand, the comb-tooth-like portions14of the spring comb15are slid from the side of the loop portion23toward the other end. Accordingly, the comb-tooth-like portions14are pressed into between the hairs19and the filament protrusions12in a lateral direction. Thus, the comb-tooth-like portions14of the spring comb15are inserted in at where the filament protrusions12of the male component13are tangled with the hairs19.

When the spring comb15is slid, the inclination of each comb-tooth-like portion14with respect to the base sheet11is appropriately adjusted depending on the state of the remaining hairs, such that the angle of the inserted spring comb15is adjusted. Thanks to this, the stronger fastening force may be obtained depending on the state of the remaining hairs.

In this way, when the spring comb15is sufficiently slid while the comb-tooth-like portions14and the filament protrusions12are elastically deformed, the hairs19are clamped in the space28between the comb-tooth-like portions14. The hairs19may be clamped between the comb-tooth-like portions14of the spring comb15and the male component13. Further, the hairs19may be tangled into the space28inside the wire, which forms each comb-tooth-like portion14. As illustrated inFIG. 11, fixing the fastening member10to the hairs19, the attaching operation is completed.

In the fastening member10with the above-described construction, plural filament protrusions12of the male component13protrude from the base sheet11. Thus, the plural filament protrusions12are inserted and engaged between the plural hairs19, and tangled with the hairs19, such that the fastening force may be obtained. In addition, the plural hairs19are clamped between the comb-tooth-like portions14of the spring comb15, and the hairs19are engaged with the comb-tooth-like portions14, such that the fastening force may be obtained.

In the fastening member10, for attaching the head ornament20to the hairs19, the male component13and the spring comb15intersect the hairs19in the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction, so that one filament protrusion12and one comb-tooth-like portion14intersect one hair19, thereby improving the fastening force. Further, the filament protrusion12and the comb-tooth-like portion14can limit the movement of the other, such that the fastening force by the male component13and the spring comb15may be enhanced.

In addition, according to the invention, the head ornament20may be attached to the head in such a way that the filament protrusions12of the male component13are inserted into the hair19from the upside and the comb-tooth-like portions14of the spring comb15are inserted into that position in the lateral direction. Thanks to this, the attaching operation may be easily performed, because there is no need to apply a reversing force to a reversible member, which was needed for example in the prior art stopper.

On the other hand, when detaching the fastening member10, the loop portions23of the spring comb15are pulled out toward the circumferential edge of the head ornament20, contrary to when attaching for example, such that the fastening state of the comb-tooth-like portions14may be released. Since the head ornament20may be easily detached from the head in this way, the head ornament20may be easily attached and detached.

In particular, the spring comb15can be slid relatively to the base sheet11, and therefore the comb-tooth-like portions14may be easily inserted into where plural filament protrusions12are tangled with the hairs19. Thanks to this, the comb-tooth-like portions14may be disposed into where the filament protrusions12are tangled with the hairs19, and therefore the fixing force is further enhanced.

According to the head ornament20of the invention in which the fastening member10is fixed to the base21, the head ornament may be firmly attached to the hairs, with a sufficient fixing force to the hairs19.

In the head ornament20, the fastening members10are attached to the circumference of the head ornament body22at plural positions with a distance from each other, and there is no need for providing the fastening members10over the entire circumference of the head ornament body22. Further, since the spring comb15is provided at the surface area of the filament protrusions12of the male component13, it is possible to prevent the hairs of the head ornament from being tangled with the filament protrusions12, which would happen if the male components13are densely arranged without any intervals in between. For this reason, the head ornament20may be easily handled.

In the head ornament20, the plural comb-tooth-like portions14are connected to the base sheet11so as to be slidable inward in the lateral direction from the circumferential edge of the head ornament body22. Thanks to this, the head ornament20may be attached to the hairs19without largely rolling up the circumferential edge of the head ornament body22, so that the deterioration of the head ornament20is prevented and its durability is ensured.

The spring comb15is connected to the base sheet11, such that the loop portion23, which is located at the rear end in the slide direction of the plural comb-tooth-like portions14, can be slid from a position outside the circumferential edge of the head ornament body22to a position inside the circumferential edge. Thanks to this, the head ornament20may be easily attached to the hairs, and the plural comb-tooth-like portions may be prevented from being recognized from the outside after attached, thereby obtaining a satisfactory appearance in use.

The above-described embodiments may be appropriately modified within the scope of the present invention. For example, the head ornament is not limited to a particular one, as long as it is what can be attached via the hairs19.

In the above, there has been described an embodiment, where the male component13in the hook-and-loop fastener is employed, as a first fastening means. But, a member with plural stems would work like in the above-described embodiment.

In the above, there has been described an embodiment, where the spring comb is employed, as a second fastening means. But, there can be employed a member having plural linear materials arranged in parallel in a comb shape.

In the above, an embodiment of the head ornament20, where the fastening member10is attached to the rear surface of the base21of the head ornament body22has been described. But, the male component13and/or the spring comb15can be directly attached to the head ornament20.

EXAMPLES

Hereinafter, examples and comparative examples will be described.

The fixing forces were evaluated by using measurement samples of the examples 1-4 and the comparative examples 1-4.

A spring comb15like the one shown inFIG. 5having the comb-tooth-like portions14and the loop portions23was prepared. The spring comb15was formed of a metal wire, having a thickness of 0.85 mm. The spring comb15was formed, such that the number of the comb-tooth-like portions14was six, the width was 29 mm, and the length was 30 mm.

The male component13was formed in a rectangular shape with a width of 35 mm and a length of 15 mm, the filament protrusions12were arranged with the density of 80 filaments/cm2, and the swollen portion17of 0.4 mm height was formed at the free end of each monofilament.

The spring comb15and the male component13were connected to each other, in such a way that both outer sides of the comb-tooth-like portions14of the spring comb15were respectively, at one position, sewn to the male component13with a monofilament thread of 0.16 mm thickness, such that the spring comb15was slidable. Thus, the fastening member10was completed.

The thickness of the wire material of the spring comb15was 0.50 mm, the number of the comb-tooth-like portions14was seven, and the length was 25 mm. Other than these, the fastening member10was made in the same way as Example 1.

The spring comb15was formed without the loop portion23as shown inFIG. 6, the thickness of the wire material was 0.80 mm, and the width was 30 mm. Other than these, the fastening member10was made in the same way as Example 1.

The spring comb15and the male component13were connected to each other, in such a way that both outer sides of the comb-tooth-like portions14of the spring comb15are respectively, at two positions, sewn to the male component13. Other than these, the fastening member10was made in the same way as Example 1.

Comparative Example 1

A fastening member constituted solely of the male component13in Examples 1-4 was made.

Comparative Example 2

A fastening member constituted solely of the spring comb15in Example 1 was manufactured.

Comparative Example 3

A fastening member constituted solely of the spring comb15in Example 2 was manufactured.

Comparative Example 4

A fastening member constituted solely of the spring comb15in Example 3 was manufactured.

Evaluation of Fixing Force

The fixing forces of the fastening members obtained in the Examples 1-4 and the Comparative Examples 1-4 were measured as below.

First, a measurement sample was made. The measurement sample was made in such a way that a fastening member10is sewed and fixed to the center position of a rectangular sheet31illustrated inFIG. 12(a). Both ends of the sheet31were folded at the portions where the fastening member was attached, and then both ends of the sheet31were adhered together as illustrated inFIG. 12(b) to complete the measurement sample.

The measurement sample was mounted onto a head and was fixed thereto according to the above-described manner. That is, in Examples 1-4, plural filament protrusions12of the male component13were inserted into the hairs19of a wig fixed to a head of a mannequin from upside, and the plural comb-tooth-like portions14of the spring comb15were inserted and fixed to the hairs19in lateral direction. In Comparative Examples 1-4, plural filament protrusions12or the comb-tooth-like portions14of the spring comb15were inserted and fixed to the hairs19.

Subsequently, as illustrated inFIG. 13, loads required for a 5 cm movement were measured for each of the upward direction “U”, the downward direction “D”, and the lateral direction “S”. The loads were measured by using a digital force gauge manufactured by Shimpo Corporation (trade name: DFG-1K).

The measurement results of the respective samples are illustrated in Table 1.

As shown in Table 1, in all Examples 1-4, the fixing force was sufficiently enhanced, compared with that of a sole male component13or a sole spring comb15.

In particular, an extremely remarkable effect was found that the values of the fixing force of in some Examples were higher than a total value, which was obtained by adding the fixing force by a sole male component13and the fixing force by a sole spring comb15. For example, the fixing force in the downward direction and the fixing force in the lateral direction in Examples 1 and 4 were respectively higher than the total value of that in Comparative Examples 1 and 2. The fixing force in the lateral direction in Example 3 was higher than the total value of that in Comparative Examples 1 and 4.

Regarding the spring comb15, there is a tendency for the force of clamping the hairs19to become stronger as the wire material becomes thicker. Regarding the construction, there is a tendency that the tapered comb-tooth-like portions14and the loop portion23would make the force of clamping the hairs19stronger.

With respect to Example 4, when the male component13and the spring comb15are connected to each other at two positions, the fixing force in the lateral direction “S” decreases, although there is no difference in the fixing forces in the upward direction “U” and in the downward direction “D”. This may be because the inserting angle of the spring comb15cannot be adjusted when attaching the fastening member10to the hairs19. As a result, the hairs19are not clamped with an appropriate angle of the spring comb15depending on the remaining hairs on the head, and hence the fixing force may be reduced.

A wig of Example 5 was made by attaching the fastening members10having the male component13and the spring comb15in Example 1 to the rear surface of a head ornament body22at four positions inFIG. 14. In the wig, all front ends of the spring combs15are directed toward the center of the head ornament body22.

Comparative Example 5

A wig of Comparative Example 5 was made in the same way as Example 5, except that a fastening member constituted solely of the male component13in Example 5 was used.

Comparative Example 6

A wig of Comparative Example 6 was made in the same way as Example 5, except that a fastening member constituted solely of the spring comb15in Example 5 was used.

Next, the wigs of Example 5 and Comparative Examples 5, 6 were attached to a head, and loads required for a 5 cm movement in each of the upward direction “U”, the downward direction “D”, and the lateral direction “S” were measured. The loads were measured by using a digital force gauge manufactured by Shimpo Corporation (trade name: FGPX-5).

The measurement results of the respective wigs are shown in Table 2.

As apparent from Table 2, in the wig of Example 5, the respective fixing forces in the upward direction, the downward direction, and the lateral direction are much higher than that in Comparative Example 5, which has the fastening member constituted solely of the male component13, or that in Comparative Example 6, which has the fastening member constituted solely of the spring comb15.

In general, where the fixing force generated by the fastening member is 1000 gf or more, it is recognized that a fairly strong fixing force is achieved. In Example 5, the fixing force is 1000 gf or more in all directions, and thus the fixing force sufficient for attaching the wig is obtained.

Further, the fixing forces in the upward direction, the downward direction, and the lateral direction of Example 5 are higher than the total value, which was obtained by adding the fixing forces of Comparative Example 5 having the fastening member constituted solely of the male component13, and the fixing forces of Comparative Example 6 having the fastening member constituted solely of the spring comb15. From this, it is apparent that a synergistic effect is obtained by the combination of the male component13and the spring comb15.