SWIMMING CAP WIG

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/064,495, filed on Oct. 16, 2014, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to novel combined swimming cap wig.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Many women have elaborate and expensive wigs, wiglets, weaves, hair extensions, natural hair treatments, and chemically treated hair (such as relaxers) to provide a variety of hairstyles and hair colors. These extensions and treatments, once applied, often require extensive daily maintenance. Furthermore, wigs and hair extensions are used to provide hairstyles for those who have experienced some or complete hair loss, such as patients experiencing hair loss as a side effect of chemotherapy. It is a difficult and time consuming process to effectively treat hair, or anchor a wig or other hair extension to a woman's head.

Once the hair is treated, or hair extensions/weaves anchored, women may avoid water-related activities to maintain and preserve the appearances of their hair, such as swimming. Any such water-related activity could cause the hair to become wet, damaging the hair extension anchor or hair treatment. Furthermore, swimming poses the additional risk of damage to hair extensions/weaves or other hair treatments as a result of chlorine present in pool water or salt water present in oceans.

By avoiding water-related activities, these women cannot fully enjoy activities that involve pools, fully enjoying vacation locations, engaging in water sports, snorkeling, certain beach activities, or even engage in the beneficial exercise of swimming. Furthermore, these women may avoid engaging in competitive water sports.

Swimming caps can help these women avoid the damaging effects of water on their hair. Swimming caps generally cover and provide a water-tight seal to the upper portion of the swimmer's ears and contain the swimmer's hair during swimming. The material is generally of a stretch-type material to overlie and protect to an individual's hair within the cap structure.

However, many women avoid using a swimming cap due to their unappealing appearance during use. These women spend a great deal of resources treating and maintaining their hairstyles, and do not want to hide all of their hair during all water-related activities.

Accordingly, what is needed is a device that shields hair from the damaging effects of chlorine-treated water and salt water, but maintains an appealing appearance to the user, that can be worn as a protectant hairstyle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.

The subject invention discloses a wig with integral swimming cap for substantial securement of the wig to a head of a wearer during water activities, said wig with integral swimming cap comprising: a waterproof swimming cap comprising a substantially thin, flexible elastomeric body with an inner surface and an outer surface, the elastomeric body further comprising a forward edge, a rearward edge, a right edge, and a left edge defining an open lower periphery about the inner surface, wherein the open lower periphery and the inner surface are adapted to substantially conform to a top surface of the wearer's head to elastically retain the body on the top surface of the wearer's head, wherein the elastomeric body further comprises a center portion with a first thickness, and a second thickness at the forward and rearward edges, wherein the first thickness is greater than the second thickness; and the wig comprising a plurality of hair strands, wherein the plurality of hair strands are adhered to the top surface of the elastomeric body outward to the forward edge, right edge, and the left edge, wherein the plurality of hair strands extend outward to the rearward edge, but are not adhered to the rearward edge.

The subject invention also discloses wig with integral swimming cap for substantial securement of the wig to a head of a wearer during water activities, said wig with integral swimming cap comprising: a waterproof swimming cap comprising a substantially thin, flexible elastomeric body with an inner surface and an outer surface, the elastomeric body further comprising a forward edge, a rearward edge, a right edge, and a left edge defining an open lower periphery about the inner surface, wherein the open lower periphery and the inner surface are adapted to substantially conform to a top surface of the wearer's head to elastically retain the body on the top surface of the wearer's head, wherein the elastomeric body further comprises a center portion with a first stiffness, and a second stiffness at the forward and rearward edges, wherein the first stiffness is greater than the second stiffness; and the wig comprising a plurality of hair strands, wherein the plurality of hair strands are adhered to the top surface of the elastomeric body outward to the forward edge, right edge, and the left edge, wherein the plurality of hair strands extend outward to the rearward edge, but are not adhered to the rearward edge.

The subject invention further discloses a swimming cap wig for substantial securement of the wig to a head of a wearer during water activities, said swimming cap wig comprising: a waterproof cap comprising a substantially thin, flexible elastomeric body generally hemispherical in shape with an inner surface and an outer surface, the elastomeric body further comprising a forward edge, a rearward edge, a right edge, and a left edge defining an open lower periphery about the inner surface, wherein the open lower periphery and the inner surface are adapted to substantially conform to a top surface of the wearer's head to elastically retain the body on the top surface of the wearer's head, wherein the elastomeric body further comprises a center portion with a first stiffness, and a second stiffness at the forward and rearward edges, wherein the first stiffness is greater than the second stiffness; and the wig comprising a plurality of hair strands, wherein the plurality of hair strands are adhered to the top surface of the elastomeric body outward to the forward edge, right edge, and the left edge, wherein the plurality of hair strands extend outward to the rearward edge, but are not adhered to the rearward edge.

The subject invention discloses a wig with an integral clinging swimming cap for enhanced securement of the wig to the head of a wearer during water activities, said wig with an integral clinging swimming cap comprising: a swimming cap comprising an elastomeric member, the elastomeric member being substantially thin, flexible, and open along a lower periphery and adapted to substantially cover a wearer's head, the elastomeric member comprising an inner side, an outer side, a center portion, a forward edge, a rearward edge, a right edge, and a left edge, wherein the stiffness of the swimming cap decreases from a maximum stiffness at the center portion, to a lesser stiffness at the forward and rearward edges, and wherein the swimming cap is elastically retained on the swimmer's head by the elastomeric member; and a plurality of hair strands, each said hair strand being attached to the swimming cap and extending generally outward of the outer side.

In embodiments of the subject invention, the first thickness at the center portion may be a thickness up to 0.125 inches.

In further embodiments of the subject invention, the second thickness at the forward and rearward edges may be a thickness no less than 0.06 inches.

In additional embodiments of the subject invention, the swimming cap may be bonded to the plurality of hairs with an adhesive selected from the group consisting of DAP 0068 Household Waterproof Adhesive Sealant 100% Silicone and Devcon 12045 Premium Silicone Adhesive.

In other embodiments of the subject invention, the plurality of hair strands comprise hair may be selected from the group consisting of: natural human hair, animal hair, and synthetic hair.

In further embodiments of the subject invention, the wig may be selected from the group consisting of a mesh wig and a lace-based wig.

In embodiments of the subject invention, the swimming cap may be a color selected from the group consisting of dark skin tones, medium skin tones, tanned skin tones, olive skin tones, pink skin tones, and fair skin tones.

In additional embodiments of the subject invention, the right and left edges of the elastomeric body may substantially cover the wearer's hair and ears, the forward edge extends to the wearer's forehead, and the rearward edge extends to the wearer's nape.

In further embodiments of the subject invention, the swimming cap may be a maximum thickness of about 0.125 inches and a minimum thickness of about 0.06 inches.

In other embodiments of the subject invention, the swimming cap may be formed from an injection-moldable thermoplastic polymer.

In embodiments of the subject invention, the swimming cap may be bonded to the plurality of hairs with Permatex black silicone sealant, in addition to other forms of bonding techniques

In additional embodiments of the subject invention, the plurality of hair strands may comprise natural human hair, animal hair, or synthetic hair.

In embodiments of the subject invention, the wig may have a natural part. In embodiments of the subject invention, the swimming cap wig may be one piece.

In embodiments of the subject invention, the term “substantially” is defined as at least close to (and can include) a given value or state, as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. In one embodiment, the term “substantially” refers to ranges within 10%, preferably within 5%, more preferably within 1%, and most preferably within 0.1% of the given value or state being specified.

In embodiments of the subject invention, the term “relatively” is defined as a comparison of a property, or the proportion of a property between two components.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order for the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order for the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty, which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, which description should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates the swimming cap with an integrated long straight hair wig.

FIG. 2 illustrates the swimming cap with an integrated short hair wig.

FIG. 3 illustrates the swimming cap with an integrated long wavy hair wig.

FIG. 4 illustrates the swimming cap with an integrated curvy hair wig.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

While several variations of the present invention have been illustrated by way of example in particular embodiments, it is apparent that further embodiments could be developed within the spirit and scope of the present invention, or the inventive concept thereof. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, and are inclusive, but not limited to the following appended claims as set forth.

The subject invention comprises a combined swimming cap wig 1 that shields natural hair from water and serves as a hair protectant against chlorine in commercial and residential pools, and salt water in the oceans. The swimming cap 1 comprises a substantially waterproof swimming cap 2 bonded to a wig 3 composed of natural hair, synthetic hair, animal hair, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment of the subject invention, the wig 3 will be bonded to the cap 2 with a strong adhesive, such as, but not limited to Permatex black silicone sealant, DAP 0068 Household Waterproof Adhesive Sealant 100% Silicone, or Devcon 12045 Premium Silicone Adhesive.

In embodiments of the subject invention, the swimming cap 2 may vary in color to substantially mimic various skin colors in order to blend more naturally with a wearer's skin color. These colors may include, but are not limited to dark skin tones, medium skin tones, tanned skin tones, olive skin tones, pink skin tones, and fair skin tones.

In embodiments of the subject invention the term “wig” means an easily detachable manufactured covering of natural or synthetic hair for the head. The term “hair extension” means natural or synthetic hair which is either woven to a user's natural hair for long-term use or detachable attachment for short term use, commonly termed a weave or hair extension.

In embodiments of the subject invention, the wig 3 may be a regular mesh or lace-based wig in all variations of hair color and styles. In further embodiments of the subject invention, the hair extensions may also be attached directly to the swimming cap 2 without a mesh or lace base. The weft of the hair weave is glued or sewn directly unto the swimming cap 2. The wig 3 comprises portions that respectively cover the top of the head, the rear, the neck area, the nape and the right and left temples. The edges and forehead of the wig 3 should substantially mimic natural hair growth lines. In further embodiments of the subject invention, the wig 3 will comprise a natural part 4.

The welded lace may be one quarter to one inch single or double layer-welded lace. The wig hairs may be knotted to the lace, including along the perimeter of the swimming cap, to create a natural look mimicking natural scalp growth, and allowing the hairs to be pulled back without seeing the defined wig finish.

In other embodiments of the subject invention, the hair can be formed into strips and then the strips of hair can be fitted to the cap.

In embodiments of the subject invention, the swimming cap 2 is generally hemispherical in shape with a relatively elastic open lower periphery 5. In further embodiments of the subject invention, the swimming cap 2 is composed from a relatively thin, pliant, stretchable, and resilient material, such as a manmade fabric (e.g., spandex silicone, latex, elastomeric thermoplastic or thermoset materials. Other molding techniques, for example various casting methods or transfer molding techniques may alternatively be used. In the preferred embodiment the swimming cap is of unitary construction from a single material. In additional embodiments of the subject invention, the swimming cap 2 may comprise various skin tone colors.

The swimming cap 2 should have a degree of elasticity to provide a comfortable fit to the wearer. The swimming cap 2 should conform to the shape of the wearer's head and should fit securely on the wearer's head while still providing support to hold the wig hairs in place. The swimming cap 2 should come in various sizes to accommodate head sizes from young children to adults.

A wearer dons the swimming cap wig 1 through the relatively elastic open lower periphery 5. Once in place, the swimming cap 2 substantially covers the wearer's hair and ears, extending from a forward edge at the wearer's forehead to a rearward edge at the wearer's neck.

The stiffness of the swimming cap wig 1 varies from firmer at a center portion to less firm and more flexible along the lower portion 5. In embodiments of the invention, the variable stiffness is accomplished, at least in part, by varying the thickness of the swimming cap 2, decreasing from a maximum thickness at the center portion to thinner at the edges.

In further embodiments of the invention, the swimming cap 2 maximum thickness is about 0.125 inches, and the swimming cap 2 minimum thickness is 0.06 inches.

The swimming cap wig 1 of the subject invention is assembled by obtaining a hair wig 3, pulling back the hair on the outer front and side edges of the hair wig 3, including the bangs and side hairs, and securing the hair back using either clips or bobby pins to avoid getting adhesive on the hair. A silicone swimming cap 2 is stretched tightly over a Styrofoam® or plastic wig stand. The top surface of the swimming cap 2 is coated with DAP 0068 Household Waterproof Adhesive Sealant, 100% Silicone. The back and nape of the swimming cap 2 are not coated with Adhesive. The inner surface of the hair wig 3 is applied to the top surface of the swimming cap 2, starting from the back of the swimming cap 2 to the front, and pulling the wig 3 down to the front and side edges of the cap 2. Once the hair wig 3 is fit securely around the swimming cap 2, additional adhesive is applied between the back of the hair wig 3 and silicone cap 2 as close to the edge of the back of the hair wig 3 as possible. The swimming cap 2 and the wig 3 may dry for up to 24 hours before use. Excess swimming cap 2 is trimmed.

The many aspects and benefits of the invention are apparent from the detailed description, and thus, it is intended for the following claims to cover such aspects and benefits of the invention, which fall within the scope, and spirit of the invention. In addition, because numerous modifications and variations will be obvious and readily occur to those skilled in the art, the claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described herein. Accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents should be understood to fall within the scope of the invention as claimed herein.