Abstract:
A wig with integral clinging foundation for enhanced securement of the wig to the head of a wearer. A plurality of hair strands are attached to a foundation base element. One or more securement elements are connected to the periphery of the foundation base element. Each securement element is flexible and has an inner surface including unidirectional piled fiber adapted to cause frictional engagement between the securement element and a portion of either the skin or the natural hair of the head of the wearer. The frictional engagement occurs in a frictional direction which is generally toward the crown portion of the foundation base element. As a result, the wig can be easily slipped onto the head of a wearer, yet remain effectively secured thereto. Thus, the construction of the wig allows it to be worn securely, comfortably and universally for wearers with and without their own natural hair.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of wigs. More particularly, the invention concerns a wig with an improved foundation structure which enhances the securement of the wig to the head of the wearer. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Wigs are used to provide a variety of hairstyles for those who have experienced significant or total hair loss, as well as those who still have all or most of their own natural hair. For those who have very little or none of their own natural hair, it can be difficult to effectively anchor a wig or other hairpiece to their head without using adhesives or tapes that can be inconvenient or irritating to their skin. For those who still have most or all of their own natural hair, modern wigs commonly require the use of one or more clips to anchor the wig foundation to their natural hair. It is common, in fact, for such clips to be integrated within the foundation of the wig itself. Over time, such clips can cause localized trauma to the scalp and natural hair of the wearer, often resulting in the formation of bald spots at the clip locations. 
     Those in the art are well aware of the challenges of producing a wig with an effective fully-integrated anchoring system, for use by those with and without their own natural hair, and which does not cause some form of inconvenience, discomfort or injury to the wearer. These challenges are compounded substantially when coupled with the universal desire to reduce manufacturing costs. Accordingly, there exists a need for a less-expensively produced wig with an integral foundation that provides enhanced securement of the wig to the head of a wearer in a manner which is comfortable, convenient, safe and effective. Just as importantly, there is a need for such a wig to perform universally for those wearers with and without their own natural hair. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     By way of summary, the embodiments concern a wig with integral clinging foundation for enhanced securement of the wig to the head of a wearer. 
     Embodiments generally include a foundation base element, a plurality of strands of hair, and at least a first securement element. The foundation base element is substantially thin and flexible, and has an inner side, an outer side, a crown portion, a forward periphery, a rear periphery, a right periphery and a left periphery. Each of the plurality of hair strands is attached to the foundation base element and extend generally outward of the outer side. The first securement element is flexible and has a first inner surface and a first outer surface. The first securement element is in first connection with the foundation base element. The first inner surface includes unidirectional piled fiber adapted to cause a first frictional engagement between the first securement element and a first adjacent object in contact therewith so as to hinder movement of the first securement element in a first frictional direction with respect to the first adjacent object. 
     In certain embodiments, the first connection is made proximate the forward periphery, while in other embodiments, the first connection may be made, for example, proximate the rear periphery. 
     Further embodiments comprise a second securement element. The second securement element is flexible and has a second inner surface and a second outer surface. The second securement element is in second connection with the foundation base element. The second inner surface includes unidirectional piled fiber adapted to cause a second frictional engagement between the second securement element and a second adjacent object in contact therewith so as to hinder movement of the second securement element in a second frictional direction with respect to the second adjacent object. In embodiments with first and second securement elements, it is typical for the first connection to be made proximate the forward periphery while the second connection is made proximate the rear periphery. 
     Particular embodiments further comprise a third securement element and a fourth securement element. The third securement element is flexible and has a third inner surface and a third outer surface. The third securement element is in third connection with the foundation base element. The third inner surface includes unidirectional piled fiber adapted to cause a third frictional engagement between the third securement element and a third adjacent object in contact therewith so as to hinder movement of the third securement element in a third frictional direction with respect to the third adjacent object. The third connection is made proximate the right periphery. 
     The fourth securement element is flexible and has a fourth inner surface and a fourth outer surface. The fourth securement element is in fourth connection with the foundation base element. The fourth inner surface includes unidirectional piled fiber adapted to cause a fourth frictional engagement between the fourth securement element and a fourth adjacent object in contact therewith so as to hinder movement of the fourth securement element in a fourth frictional direction with respect to the fourth adjacent object. The fourth connection is made proximate the left periphery. 
     In certain embodiments, the second, third, and fourth securement elements may each also include a readily reshapable strip therein. The shape of the readily reshapable strip is adjustable to provide additional pressure between the second, third and fourth inner surfaces and the second, third and fourth adjacent objects, respectively. 
     In embodiments, the first, second, third and fourth adjacent objects, where applicable, are typically separate portions of either the skin of the wearer or the natural hair of the wearer (more particularly, the skin or natural hair of the head of the wearer). The first, second, third and fourth frictional directions are generally toward the crown portion. Each frictional engagement and their respective frictional directions, individually and (where applicable) in combination, contributes to the enhanced securement of the wig to the head of the wearer. 
     Certain embodiments may also comprise an elastic band extending generally from the right periphery, along the rear periphery and to the left periphery. The elastic band may also have a length that is adjustable, for example, by way of a small conventional quick-release clip. 
     The detailed description of embodiments of the wig with integral clinging foundation is intended to serve merely as examples, and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the appended claims to these described embodiments. Accordingly, modifications to the embodiments described are possible, and as will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art, the invention may be practiced in many different ways than the embodiments specifically described below, and still remain within the scope of the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Further advantages of the present invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art with the benefit of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and upon reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic perspective view of a wig with integral clinging foundation in accordance with the present invention, shown secured to the head of a wearer; 
         FIG. 2  is a diagrammatic perspective view of a wig with integral clinging foundation in accordance with the present invention, but shown without the plurality of hair strands attached to the foundation base element; 
         FIG. 3  is a diagrammatic side view of a wig with integral clinging foundation in accordance with the present invention, shown secured to the head of a wearer and without the plurality of hair strands attached to the foundation base element; 
         FIG. 4  is a diagrammatic front view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a diagrammatic rear view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 6  is a diagrammatic perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 7  is a diagrammatic partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment illustrating the unidirectional piled fiber of the first inner surface of the first securement fabric element in proximity to a first adjacent object such as a portion of the skin of a wearer; 
         FIG. 8  is a diagrammatic partial cross-sectional view similar to that shown in  FIG. 7 , but in which the first adjacent object is shown in contact with the first securement fabric element so as to hinder movement of the first securement fabric element in a first frictional direction with respect to the first adjacent object. 
         FIG. 9  is a diagrammatic partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment illustrating the unidirectional piled fiber of the third inner surface of the third securement fabric element in proximity to a third adjacent object such as a portion of the natural hair of a wearer; and 
         FIG. 10  is a diagrammatic partial cross-sectional view similar to that shown in  FIG. 9 , but in which the third adjacent object is shown in contact with the third securement fabric element so as to hinder movement of the third securement fabric element in a third frictional direction with respect to the third adjacent object. 
     
    
    
     While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and may herein be described in detail. The drawings may not be to scale. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and the detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular for disclosed, but to the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring particularly to the FIGS. for the purposes of illustration of the best modes only, and not limitation,  FIG. 1  depicts an embodiment of a wig with integral clinging foundation generally at  20 , comprising, in part, a plurality of hair strands shown generally at  38 . 
       FIG. 2  depicts a clinging foundation of a wig  20  generally at  90 . The foundation base element, shown generally at  22 , is substantially thin and flexible, and has an inner side  24 , an outer side  26 , a crown portion  28 , a forward periphery  30 , a rear periphery  32 , a right periphery  34  and a left periphery  36 . The foundation base element  22  is generally made of a porous or net-like material which permits the sturdy attachment of hair strands thereto. Each of the plurality of hair strands  38  is attached to the foundation base element  22  by conventional means and extend generally outward of the outer side  26 . The first securement fabric element  40  is flexible and has a first inner surface  42  and a first outer surface  44 . The first securement fabric element  40  is in first connection with the foundation base element  22 . The first inner surface  42  includes unidirectional piled fiber  46  adapted to cause a first frictional engagement between the first securement fabric element  40  and a first adjacent object (see, for example,  48  in  FIGS. 7-8 ) in contact therewith so as to hinder movement of the first securement fabric element  40  in a first frictional direction (see, for example,  50  in  FIGS. 3 and 8 ) with respect to the first adjacent object  48 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 7-10  for illustration, the securement fabric elements discussed herein (such as those shown at  40  and  66 ) can be made from individual pieces of unidirectionally piled fabric. It is important to note, however, that basic velvet or velour-like materials are generally not sufficient for use in forming the securement fabric elements, because their piled fiber is not necessarily inherently unidirectionally oriented, and therefore does not produce a unidirectional frictional engagement when placed in contact with an adjacent object. Rather, it is essential that the selected material, whether a type of velour, velvet, or another piled fabric, includes piled fiber which is unidirectionally oriented. The unidirectional orientation of the piled fibers  46  of such materials (see, for example,  FIGS. 7-10 ) provides these unidirectional frictional properties. As a result of these unidirectional frictional properties, when such material is placed in contact with an adjacent object such as skin or hair (illustrated, for example, at  48  and  72 , respectively), the material will frictionally engage that object substantially upon relative movement in one direction (such as those shown at  50  and  74 , for example), but far less so upon movement in the opposite direction. 
     Importantly, when pieces of such material are applied and oriented optimally as part of a wig foundation, these unidirectional frictional properties advantageously allow the wig to more easily slide onto the head of a wearer, while simultaneously enhancing the securement of the wig thereto. Further, the softness of the material enhances comfort to the wearer, in contrast to the clips common in prior art wig systems. The securement fabric elements can be a variety of shapes and sizes, depending on the particular configuration of the wig and the desired frictional properties. For example, a larger securement fabric element placed on one side of the clinging foundation can provide greater friction to counteract the weight of a larger mass of hair hanging on the opposite side. 
     In certain embodiments, the first connection is made proximate the forward periphery  30 , while in other embodiments, the first connection may be made, for example, proximate the rear periphery  32 . Such connections, as generally discussed herein, may be made by stitching operation, adhesive bond, or other conventional connection means. Further, such connections may be made directly between the respective edges or peripheries of two interconnected elements, or there may, in some embodiments, be varying degrees of overlapping between interconnected elements. For example, where the securement fabric elements cover relatively large sections of the clinging foundation  90 , it may be desirable for the foundation base element  22  to substantially overlap one or more of the securement fabric elements, so that hair strands can be attached to visually obscure the outside surface of those securement fabric elements. 
     Embodiments, such as those shown in  FIGS. 1-6 , in which the first securement fabric element  40  is in first connection with the foundation base element  22  at the forward periphery  30 , typically include a front foundation strip  92  connected to the first securement fabric element  40 . The front foundation strip  92  is made of thin, flexible net-like material and extends forward beyond the first securement fabric element  40  to the artificial hairline so as to mask the presence of the first securement fabric element  40  from the viewpoint of an observer. A further plurality of hair strands are applied to the front foundation strip  92 , thereby creating the appearance of a natural hairline which does not risk visual exposure of the first securement fabric element  40  located rearwardly thereof. 
     Some embodiments may include an auxiliary foundation member made from, for example, a rubber-like compound with the appearance of a natural scalp to which further hair strands are attached. Such an auxiliary foundation member would typically be integrated toward the top-front portion of the wig  20  to enhance the realism of the scalp of the wearer where hair is parted. Also, where a larger securement fabric element is positioned toward the front of the head of the wearer in order to provide additional frictional engagement to offset the weight of the hair hanging from the back of the wig, such an auxiliary foundation member could be advantageously integrated with the remainder of the wig to cover up the larger securement fabric element. 
     Turning  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  5 , further embodiments of a wig with integral clinging foundation  20  comprise a second securement fabric element  54 . The second securement fabric element  54  is flexible and has a second inner surface  56  and a second outer surface  58 . The second securement fabric element  54  is in second connection with the foundation base element  22 . The second inner surface  56  includes unidirectional piled fiber  46  adapted to cause a second frictional engagement between the second securement fabric element  54  and a second adjacent object in contact therewith so as to hinder movement of the second securement fabric element  54  in a second frictional direction (see, for example,  62  in  FIG. 3 ) with respect to the second adjacent object. In embodiments with first and second securement fabric elements  50  and  54 , it is typical for the first connection to be made proximate the forward periphery  30  while the second connection is made proximate the rear periphery  32 . 
     Particular embodiments further comprise a third securement fabric element  66  and a fourth securement fabric element  76 . The third securement fabric element  66  is flexible and has a third inner surface (not shown) and a third outer surface  70 . The third securement fabric element  66  is in third connection with the foundation base element  22 . The third inner surface includes unidirectional piled fiber  46  adapted to cause a third frictional engagement between the third securement fabric element  66  and a third adjacent object (see, for example,  72  in  FIGS. 9-10 ) in contact therewith so as to hinder movement of the third securement fabric element in a third frictional direction (see, for example,  74  in  FIG. 4 ) with respect to the third adjacent object  72 . The third connection is made proximate the right periphery  34 . 
     The fourth securement fabric element  76  is flexible and has a fourth inner surface  78  and a fourth outer surface (not shown). The fourth securement fabric element is in fourth connection with the foundation base element. The fourth inner surface  78  includes unidirectional piled fiber  46  adapted to cause a fourth frictional engagement between the fourth securement fabric element  76  and a fourth adjacent object in contact therewith so as to hinder movement of the fourth securement fabric element  76  in a fourth frictional direction (see, for example,  84  in  FIG. 4 ) with respect to the fourth adjacent object. The fourth connection is made proximate the left periphery  36 . 
     In certain embodiments, the second, third, and fourth securement fabric elements (illustrated, for example, at  54 ,  66  and  76 , respectively) may each also include a readily reshapable strip  64  therein. Such reshapable strips  64  are typically a thin metal strip which the wearer can easily bend by hand and reform without the aid of tools.  FIGS. 5 and 6  depict examples of where such reshapable strips  64  may be positioned. The shape of the readily reshapable strip  64  is adjustable to provide additional pressure between the second, third and fourth inner surfaces and the second, third and fourth adjacent objects, respectively. 
     In embodiments, the first, second, third and fourth adjacent objects, where applicable, are typically separate portions of either the skin of the wearer or the natural hair of the wearer (more particularly, the skin or natural hair of the head of the wearer). Turning to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the first, second, third and fourth frictional directions (illustrated, for example, at  50 ,  62 ,  74  and  84 , respectively) are typically toward the crown portion shown generally at  28 . Each frictional engagement and their respective frictional directions, individually and (where applicable) in combination, contributes to the enhanced securement of the wig  20  to the head of the wearer. 
     Certain embodiments may also comprise an elastic band  86  extending generally from the right periphery  34 , along the rear periphery  32  and to the left periphery  36 . The elastic band  86  may also have a length that is adjustable, for example, by way of a small conventional quick-release clip (not shown). In embodiments comprising an elastic band  86  with a length that is adjustable, the elastic band may be selected to be far less elastic. Certain embodiments with one or more of a second, third and fourth securement fabric element find particular utility in the inclusion of an elastic band  86  because the elastic band  86  can apply additional pressure between the securement fabric elements and their respective adjacent objects, thereby increasing the degree of frictional engagement therebetween. 
     The foregoing detailed description of the invention is intended to be illustrative and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Changes and modifications are possible with respect to the embodiments detailed in the foregoing descriptions, and it is understood that the invention may be practiced otherwise than that specifically described herein and still be within the scope of the appended claims.