Title of Invention

DISPOSABLE WIG

Abstract A disposable wig, comprising a base (1) formed of an extremely thin sheet, implanted hair materials (3) implanted in the base, and an adhesive layer (7) installed on the rear surface of the base. The thickness of the base is in unit of micron (µ ). The adhesive layer is formed on the entire rear surface of the base with such a uniform thickness that irregularities are formed between the projected parts (9) put over the root parts (5) of the implanted bair materials projected from the rear surface of the base and the other portions, and when the wig is fitted to the skin of a person, the projected parts are raised to the surface side of the base. When the wig is fitted onto a scalp (13), the irregularities on the rear surface of the base are pressed by the surface of the scalp and raised, and the projected parts pur over the root parts on the surface of the base are brought in a state that are raised from the other portions. Accordingly, light hitting the base is irregularly reflected, and the wig becomes hard to be distinguished from true hair. Since the implanted hair materials are brought in a state of being pressed by the scalp on the surface side of the base, the fixing of the implanted hair materials is reinforced and the implanted hair materials are prevented from being released (so-called the epilation).
Full Text SPECIFICATION
FIELD OF THE ART
[0001] The present invention relates to an wig and more particularly to a disposable wig.
BACKGROUND OF THE ART
[0002] A wig has been manufactured by handwork and, therefore, is expensive. There
has been no concept that a wig is used once or only several times and thrown away.
[0003] The wig has been manufactured by handwork in such a manner that a hair
segment to be implanted is folded in two, which is one by one implanted by hand onto a thick
base formed into a three-dimensional shape, for example. When one folded hair segment is
implanted, it looks as if two hairs are implanted. In another operation, a bundle of several
folded hair segments have been implanted at one time.
[0004] A disposable wig has first been proposed by the present inventor, one example
of which is disclosed in the following patent document 1.
[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application No. 1999-264131
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION
[0006] Such a prior art handwork hair-implantation is extremely inefficient, because it
would take about three weeks to implant 20,000 hair segments, for example, to the utmost. In
addition, when a wig is manufactured in foreign countries in order to save labor costs, it tends to
increase inferior products and reduce a yield of production.
[0007] The inventors have made some attempts to form an adhesive layer on the
underside of the base by coating and spraying methods, but they have ended in failure because
the adhesive layer formed by such methods would be too thick or have uneven surface.
[0008] If the base, including the adhesive layer formed on the underside of the base,
should not be formed as a thin skin, it provides a remarkable level difference when it is fitted
onto a human skin. It looks really like a wig and sould easily be recognized as artificial hair.
[0009] Further, if the surface of the adhesive layer is not even, the fitting surface of the
wig tends to wrinkle, resulting in unnatural appearance.
[0040] Still further, If the surface of the adhesive layer is not even, the adhesive strength

would not be uniform, so that it becomes easier to be partially peeled off.
[0011] The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the above-described
problems and more specifically to provide a wig that is hardly recognized as artificial hair and
can be thrown away after it has been deteriorated with time.
MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS
[0012] To achieve the above objects, a disposable wig according to the present
invention comprises a base formed of an extremely thin sheet, hair segments implanted onto
the base and an adhesive layer formed on the underside of the base, characterized in that the
thickness of the base is of the order of microns(µ), the adhesive layer is formed on the entire
underside of the base with a uniform thickness, having projected portions and remaining
portions, the projected portions engaging the root portions of the implanted hair segments
protruding from the underside of the base, and the projected portions are raised toward the
surface side of the base when the wig is fitted onto a human skin.
The disposable wig defined in claim 1 may further be characterized in that the thickness
of the adhesive layer is in a range of up to about 20 times greater than the thickness of the
base.
The disposable wig defined in claim 1 may further be characterized in that the projected
portions of the adhesive layer have height of 80 microns.
ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0013] When the wig is fitted onto a substantially flat surface of a human skin
(such as scalp), the projected portions at the underside of the base become
substantially flat because the entire underside of the base is in planar contact with the
flat surface of the scalp, so that the projected portions will now appear at the top
surface of the base. Accordingly, at the base surface, the projected portions that
engage the root portions of the implanted hair segments are raised when compared
with the remaining (recessed) portions.
[0014] When the entire top surface of the base becomes so rugged with the
projected portions and the remaining portions, light that hits the base is irregularly
reflected so that the base will not glisten and the wig is hard to be distinguished from
true hair.

[0015] In addition, due to a reversal phenomenon of the rugged underside
of the base (that is a phenomenon wherein the underside of the base having the
downward projected portions becomes flat and the top surface of the base becomes
rugged with upward projected portions), the root portions of the implanted hair segments
are urged by the scalp, through the thin adhesive layer, toward the surface side of the
base, thereby reinforcing the fixing of the implanted hair segments and prevent the
implanted hair segments from being removed from the base.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0016] [Fig.1] is a perspective view showing a disposable wig according to
an embodiment of the present invention.
[Fig. 2] is an enlarged view taken along ll-ll line in Fig. 1.
[Fig. 3] is a view showing a disposable wig according to the present
invention when it is fitted onto a human scalp.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF INVENTION
[0017] Next, a disposable wig according to the present invention will be
described in more detail with reference to those drawings. For the sake of convenience,
parts having the same function are indicated by the same reference numerals and
explanation thereof will be omitted. Reference numeral 1 indicates a base that is
formed of an extremely thin sheet having thickness substantially equal to that of a
human skin (for example, 30 microns). The base 1 is made from elastic, colorless,
transparent material such as polyurethane. and formed as substantially a flat sheet.
Reference numerals 3 indicate hair segments 3 implanted onto the bases tnat are made
from polyester fiber. The hair segments 3 are implanted by V-implanting method, for
example. Reference numeral 4 indicates adhesive that is applied in a dotty pattern to a
root portion 5 of each hair segment 3 by using a pin, not shown, when the hair segment
3 is implanted, so as to secure the root portion 5 to the underside of the base 1. This
reinforces the fitting of the implanted hair segment 3 onto the base 1 and supports the
upstanding condition of the hair segment 3. The root portion 5 of the implanted hair
segment 3 is projected from the underside of the base 1. Reference numerals 6
indicate free ends of the implanted hair segment 3. Reference numeral 7 indicates an
adhesive layer that is formed on the entire underside of the base 1 with a uniform

thickness. The thickness B of the adhesive layer 7 is formed in such a manner that there is a
rugged underside with projected portions 9 that engage the root portions 5 and the remaining
portions (recessed portions 11).
[0018] The adhesive layer 7 is formed by a transfer process from acryl-based
adhesive. More particularly, an acryl-based adhesive sheet with release papers 15,
17 at opposite sides thereof is prepared and one 15 of the release papers (PET) is
removed so that the exposed surface of the adhesive is adhered to the entire
underside of the base 1. For use, the other release paper 17 is removed so that the
base is fitted onto a desired portion of the scalp or other human body.
[0019] Table 1 shows examples of the thickness B of the adhesive layer 7, ratios
between them and the thickness A of the base 1 (B/A ratios), examples of the heights
C of the projected portions 9 from the surface of the recessed portions 11 and ratios
between them and the thickness A of the base 1 (C/A ratios). The actual numerical
values have been rounded to two decimal places and the resulting rounded values are
shown in Table 1

[0021] The B/A ratios are proportional to the thickness B of the adhesive layer 7
because the thickness A of the base 1 is constant, but all examples have the constant
C/A ratio because the adhesive layer 7 has the uniform thickness B and the constant
height C. This provides the following results.
[0022] First, when the wig is fitted onto a human skin (such as the scalp 13), the
rugged underside of the base becomes into press-contact with the scalp 13 so that the
projected portions 9 now appear at the surface side of the base, as shown in Fig. 3.

[0023] Accordingly, at the surface of the base 1, the projected portions 9 that
engage the root portions 5 of the implanted hair segments 3 are raised when
compared with the recessed portions 11. This is called a reversal phenomenon of the
unevenness (that is a phenomenon wherein the projected portions originally directing
downward becomes one directing upward). This is caused by the fact that the base 1
and the adhesive layer 7 are both formed to have extremely thin, but uniform thickness.
The projected portions 9 that become raised are shown by reference numerals 9A.
[0024] When the entire surface of the base 1 becomes so rugged with the
projected portions and the remaining portions, light (shown by an arrow) that hits the
base 1 is irregularly reflected so that the base 1 will not glisten and the wig is hard to
be distinguished from true hair.
[0025] Due to the above-described reversal phenomenon of the projected
portions which can be seen when the wig is fitted onto the human body, as shown by
the arrows F, the implanted hair segments 3 become into press-contact with the scalp
13, through the thin adhesive layer 7, toward the surface side of the base 1, thereby
reinforcing the fixing of the implanted hair segments 3 and prevent the implanted hair
segments 3 from being removed or epilated from the base 1.
[0026] As shown in Fig. 3, the portions (the recessed portions 11) at which no
hair segments 3 are implanted are well transparent because the base 1 and the
adhesive layer 7 are both extremely thin, so that the scalp 13 beneath these portions
11 can be seen therethrough. This will also contribute to the fact that the wig is hard
to be distinguished from true hair.
[0027] The adhesive layer is formed by the transfer process and has constant
C/A ratio, so that the adhesive layer having uniform but extremely thin thickness may
be mechanically and industrially produced.
[0028] The base 1 formed of elastic material shrinks after the wig is fitted onto
the human body, so that there is an advantage that the portions of hair-implantation
becomes inconspicuous.
[0029] Once integrally fitted on the human skin, anyone wearing the wig is free
to scratch the head, brush, shampoo while wigged, swim, etc. without no anxiety for

displacement of the wig. Moreover, the wig may be tightly fitted with no clearance or
gap between the wig and the skin, so that it has improved compatibility to natural hair
and any one holds no strange feelings when touching the wig. In addition, because
there is no gap between the wig and the skin, no sound may be heard when tapping
the wig. Therefore, the user will be free from any uneasy and stress.
[0030] In comparison with the conventional wig that is placed onto the head and
connected with the own hair, the wig according to the present invention is in direct
contact with the skin and, therefore, is applicable to any desired skin area even if such
has no own hair, including private parts of atrichosis. In addition, there is no load to
the own hair.
[0031] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.
For example, it should be understood that numerical values designating the thickness
of the base 1, the thickness of the adhesive layer 7 and the height of the projected
portions 9 in the above-described embodiment are only examples and may be
changed without departing the gist of the present invention. For example, the
thickness A of the base 1, the thickness B of the adhesive layer 7 and the height C of
the projected portions 9 may be changed as shown in Table 2.

[0033] Variations of B/A ratios shown in Table 1 or Table 2 may be selectively
used depending upon the skin area and condition to which the wig or the adhesive
sheet with the implanted artificial hair according to the present invention is applied.
For example, when applied to a sudoresis or a skin area of greater sebum secretion, a wig
having a greater B/A ratio is preferred, because the adhesive layer 7 absorbs sweat and sebum.

When applied to a skin area at which own hair is to be grown, a wig having a smaller B/A ratio is
used to prevent interruption of growth of the own hair.
[0034] The tensile strength of the base 1 increases with its thickness, whereas
its compatibility to skin increases as it becomes thin. Accordingly, when applied to a
skin area such as eyebrow and mustache, for example, that requires the compatibility
rather than the tensile strength, a wing having a thin base 1 is preferred.
[0035] How to implant the hair segments is optional.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0036] The present invention may be used as a wig or an adhesive sheet with
implanted artificial hair of a completely novel type.

WE CLAIM :
1. A disposable wig comprising a base formed of an extremely thin sheet, hair
segments implanted onto the base and an adhesive layer formed on the underside of
the base, characterised in that the thickness of the base is of the order of microns (µ),
the adhesive layer is uniformly formed on the entire underside of the base with such a
thickness that there is a little unevenness with projected portions and remaining
portions, the projected portions engaging the root portions of the implanted hair
segments protruding from the underside of the base, the projected portions are raised
toward the surface side of the base when the wig is fitted onto a human skin, and the
thickness of the adhesive layer is in a range of up to about 20 times greater than the
thickness of the base.
2. The disposable wig as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adhesive layer has the
unevenness of 80 microns.

A disposable wig, comprising a base (1) formed of an extremely thin sheet, implanted hair materials (3) implanted
in the base, and an adhesive layer (7) installed on the rear surface of the base. The thickness of the base is in unit of micron (µ ). The
adhesive layer is formed on the entire rear surface of the base with such a uniform thickness that irregularities are formed between
the projected parts (9) put over the root parts (5) of the implanted bair materials projected from the rear surface of the base and the
other portions, and when the wig is fitted to the skin of a person, the projected parts are raised to the surface side of the base. When
the wig is fitted onto a scalp (13), the irregularities on the rear surface of the base are pressed by the surface of the scalp and raised,
and the projected parts pur over the root parts on the surface of the base are brought in a state that are raised from the other portions.
Accordingly, light hitting the base is irregularly reflected, and the wig becomes hard to be distinguished from true hair. Since the
implanted hair materials are brought in a state of being pressed by the scalp on the surface side of the base, the fixing of the implanted
hair materials is reinforced and the implanted hair materials are prevented from being released (so-called the epilation).

Documents:

669-KOLNP-2006-FORM-27.pdf

669-kolnp-2006-granted-abstract.pdf

669-kolnp-2006-granted-assignment.pdf

669-kolnp-2006-granted-claims.pdf

669-kolnp-2006-granted-correspondence.pdf

669-kolnp-2006-granted-description (complete).pdf

669-kolnp-2006-granted-drawings.pdf

669-kolnp-2006-granted-examination report.pdf

669-kolnp-2006-granted-form 1.pdf

669-kolnp-2006-granted-form 18.pdf

669-kolnp-2006-granted-form 3.pdf

669-kolnp-2006-granted-form 5.pdf

669-kolnp-2006-granted-gpa.pdf

669-kolnp-2006-granted-reply to examination report.pdf

669-kolnp-2006-granted-specification.pdf


Patent Number 227286
Indian Patent Application Number 669/KOLNP/2006
PG Journal Number 02/2009
Publication Date 09-Jan-2009
Grant Date 05-Jan-2009
Date of Filing 22-Mar-2006
Name of Patentee PROPIA CO., LTD.
Applicant Address 4-3, NISHI-SHINJUKU-KU, 7-CHOME, SHINJUKU-KU, TOKYO,
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 HOCHI, HIROSHI 11-1, HACHIYAMA-CHO, SHIBUYA-KU, TOKYO 150-0035
PCT International Classification Number A41G 3/00
PCT International Application Number PCT/JP2004/014645
PCT International Filing date 2004-10-05
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 2003-347416 2003-10-06 Japan