Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02688406 2009-11-27
DESCRIPTION
APPARATUS FOR WEARING A WIG
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001]
The present invention relates to an apparatus for wearing a wig that is bonded
to the inside of
a wig base, to which imitation hairs such as artificial hairs or human hairs
are implanted, for
easily and surely wearing a wig on a head of a wearer.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002]
The followings have been known, as an apparatus for mounting head accessories,
such as a
wig, a hat and a hair band, onto a head of a wearer. An inversion clip that is
made of a metal
or synthetic resin and fixed to the inside of a wig base, wherein the
inversion clip is so bent as
to hold the hairs of a wig wearer with teeth of the inversion clip (Patent
Document 1); an
apparatus on a back surface of a hair band having a structure, like a male
sheet of a
hook-and-loop fastener, in which a great number of monofilaments are disposed
on a base
sheet in the form of projection as an anti-slip tape (Patent Document 2); an
apparatus having
an head accessory put on a head such as a wig or a hat and a band-like member
that elastically
surrounds a head, wherein the band-like member and the head accessory put on
the head can
be attached to and detached from each other by means of attaching means such
as a
hook-and-loop fastener, hook, or the like (Patent Document 3).
[0003]
However, according to the apparatus using inversion clip disclosed in the
Patent Document 1,
finger strength to some extent is necessary for inverting the inversion clip,
and thus an elderly
person having a weak finger strength or a person who cannot freely use his/her
fingers cannot
freely attach or detach a wig by himself/herself. Further, the apparatus
entails a problem that
the clipped hairs of the wearer are pulled since the inversion clip clips the
natural hairs of the
wearer, by which the wearer feels pain. The Patent Document 2, which discloses
the use of
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a male sheet of a hook-and-loop fastener for fixing a hair band, describes
preferable length
and width of a projecting member and its disposal density. This device is used
only to
prevent a light head accessory put on a head, such as a hair band, from being
slipped off from
hairs with the structure of the monofilaments by being inserting into the
hairs like teeth of a
comb. Therefore, this device has weak fixing force to be used as an apparatus
for wearing a
wig, thus technically insufficient.
[0004]
According to an apparatus disclosed in the Patent Document 3, in which a head
accessory put
on a head and the band-like member are combined, the band-like member is
interposed
between the head of the wearer and the wig base. Therefore, the wig is not
fitted to the head
of the wearer, but lifts up, and thus, other persons might notice that a wig
is worn. When the
hook-and-loop fastener is used as the attaching means, both of the male sheet
and the female
sheet are interposed between the head of the wig wearer and the wig base to
increase the
thickness, resulting in that it is difficult for the wig to be fitted to the
head. Further, the
band-like member is attached to the head of the wig wearer with its elastic
force, like a hair
band. Therefore, if the elastic force is weak, the wig is easily detached,
while if the elastic
force is increased, the head of the wig wearer is tightened, which makes it
difficult to wear
the wig for a long time.
Patent Document 1: Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 1418657
Patent Document 2: Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 2591881
Patent Document 3: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application No. HEI11-286821
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
PROBLEM THAT THE INVENTION IS TO SOLVE
[0005]
The present invention is accomplished in view of the foregoing circumstances,
and the object
is to provide, with low cost, an apparatus for wearing a wig that can easily
and surely attach a
wig only by lightly pressing the wig, which is put on a head of a wig wearer,
from above.
Further, the apparatus for wearing a wig is excellent in fitness, and that
does not cause pain in
the attaching/detaching operation or for a long-time use.
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MEANS TO SOLVE PROBLEMS
[0006]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an apparatus for wearing a wig
according to
the present invention includes a base sheet, a plurality of monofilaments in
the form of
projection disposed on a first side of the base sheet, each having a stalk
extending from the
base sheet and a big head on the top of the stalk, and an adhesive layer
applied on a second
side of the base sheet for bonding to the inside of the wig base, whereby the
plurality of
monofilaments gets entangled and hooked with natural hair of the wearer in
wearing the wig
and this state of entanglement is kept by hooking force.
[0007]
In the present invention, a film having a larger coefficient of friction as
compared with a
material of the plurality of monofilaments may be applied on the surface of
the
monofilaments. It is preferable that a peeling force in detaching the
apparatus for wearing a
wig from the head of the wig wearer is in the range of not less than 0.29 N
(30 gf) to not more
than 0.98 N (100 gf), the deflecting force of the monofilaments in the
vicinity of their tops is
in the range of not less than 1.91 N (195 gf) to not more than 6.08 N (620 gf)
and the
deflecting force of the monofilaments in the vicinity of their bottoms is in
the range of not
less than 3.73 N (380 gf) to not more than 8.14 N (830 gf), and a disposal
density of the
monofilaments is in the range of not less than 50 pieces/cm2 to not more than
120 pieces /cm2.
Further, in the present invention, it is preferable that the height of the
stalk of each of the
monofilaments is set to be not less than 3 mm and not more than 6 mm, the
diameter of the
stalk of each of the monofilaments is set to be not less than 0.1 mm and not
more than 0.5
mm, and the diameter of the big head of each of the monofilaments is set to be
not less than
0.2 mm and not more than 1 mm.
[0008]
The apparatus for wearing a wig according to the present invention is bonded
to the inside of
the wig base with the adhesive layer applied on the second side of the base
sheet, and the
monofilaments project toward the head. When the wig is put on the head of the
wearer, and
light pressing force is applied thereon, the natural hairs of the wig wearer
and the
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monofilaments are aligned in the inserting direction to each other. The
insertion is further
advanced, the natural hairs are bent toward the lateral direction, whereby the
monofilaments
deflect in the direction substantially parallel to the base sheet or in the
direction of the base
sheet in the form of U shape or J shape to thereby get entangled with the
natural hair of the
wearer. In this entanglement, the stalk and the big head on the top of the
stalk of each of the
monofilaments get entangled and hooked with natural hairs of the wearer, and
the
entanglement state between the monofilaments and the natural hairs is kept by
a force to keep
the hooked state, which is hooking force, whereby the wig is fixed to the head
of the wig
wearer.
[0009]
The monofilaments may be surely entangled to prevent the entanglement from
being loosed
or from being released by irregularly providing the monofilaments to the base
sheet, or
applying a film having a larger coefficient of friction as compared with a
material of the
monofilaments on the surface of the monofilaments. For example, in case where
the base
sheet is made of nylon, and the monofilament is made of polypropylene, the
friction force
may be increased to enhance a fixing strength by applying an elastomer
solution having a
friction coefficient larger than that of the monofilament to form a film. In
forming a film,
the thickness of the film covering the surface of the monofilament is
preferably not more than
m. When the thickness of the film is 10 m or more, the film on the stalk and
the film
on the head of the stalk become too thick to decrease the gap between the
monofilaments.
As a result, the natural hairs cannot go in between the monofilaments, so that
the natural hairs
are pressed by the head of the stalk, which makes it difficult for the
monofilaments to
entangle with the natural hair. Thus, it is non-preferable. As the elastomer
solution, a 5
wt% solution obtained by dissolving a pellet of a styrene-based thermoplastic
elastomer,
specifically Quintac QTCSL-125 by Zeon Corporation, into toluene can be
applied to the
monofilaments.
[0010]
The monofilament of the apparatus for wearing a wig has flexibility to some
extent for getting
entangled with the natural hairs of the wig wearer. Because of this
flexibility, the stalk of
the monofilament suitably deflects, whereby the big head on the top of the
stalk get entangled
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and hooked with the stalk or the big head of other monofilaments, and the
natural hairs get
entangled between the monofilaments. This entanglement is kept. Accordingly,
the
monofilament of the apparatus for wearing a wig needs suitable flexibility.
When the
flexibility is low, the monofilaments do not deflect, so that the
monofilaments might damage
the head skin. When the flexibility of the monofilament is too high, the
monofilaments get
entangled with the natural hairs more than necessary, and thus the natural
hair is pulled to
cause pain in detaching the wig. Accordingly, the monofilament needs
appropriate
flexibility.
[0011]
The qualitative features of the apparatus for wearing a wig found by the
present inventors are
as follows.
(1) Compared to the aligned monofilaments, the monofilaments irregularly
arranged are more
easily bent in U-shape or J-shape when the monofilaments come in contact with
hairs or head
skin, whereby the monofilaments get entangled with each other and with the
hairs more easily.
Accordingly, the peeling force and the fixing force tend to increase. The
reason for this can
be given below. The aligned monofilaments cause themselves to get entangled
with other
monofilaments and the hairs in one pattern. Therefore, the state of the
entanglement is
easily released, whereby the monofilaments return to I-shape (namely, original
condition)
from the U-shape or J-shape after a long-time use. On the other hand, the
irregularly
arranged monofilaments cause themselves to get entangled with other
monofilaments and the
hairs in several patterns. Therefore, the latter can strongly keep each
pattern due to the
interaction between several patterns as compared with the former, and thus the
state of the
entanglement can be kept for a long time.
(2) There is a tendency that, as the diameter of the stalk is large, the
deflecting force increases
(the stalk becomes rigid), while as the diameter of the stalk is small, the
deflecting force
decreases (the stalk becomes flexible). When the diameter of the stalk is
small, the stalks
get entangled with each other or broken after the repeated use, and the
peeling force tends to
decrease (the durability is reduced).
(3) There is a tendency that, as the height of the stalk is large, the
deflecting force decreases,
and thus the stalk easily get entangled with natural hairs, but the wig is
liable to lift up from
CA 02688406 2009-11-27
the head. When the height of the stalk is small, the deflecting force tends to
increase, and
thus it is difficult for the stalk to get entangled with natural hairs.
Further, the height
required for getting entangled with the natural hair is not achieved, whereby
the sufficient
entanglement is difficult to be established.
(4) When the diameter of the head of the stalk is increased, the power for
keeping the
entanglement with the natural hair is enhanced, but the surface of the
apparatus becomes
close to the flat plane, which result in that it is difficult for the head of
the stalk to come in the
gap between the natural hairs. When the diameter of the head of the stalk is
decreased, the
head of the stalk easily come in the gap between the natural hairs, but if the
diameter of the
head of the stalk is too small, the state of the entanglement cannot be kept.
(5) When the disposal density of the monofilaments is high and the diameter of
the head of
the stalk is large, the monofilaments cannot go in the gap between the natural
hairs, and hence,
it is difficult for the monofilaments are to get entangled with the natural
hairs. When the
disposal density of the monofilaments is high and the diameter of the head of
the stalk is
small, the monofilaments go in the gap between the natural hairs, and then the
monofilaments
tend to excessively get entangled with the natural hairs. When the disposal
density of the
monofilaments is low, there is a tendency that the state of the entanglement
cannot be kept,
even if the monofilaments get entangled with the natural hairs, resulting in
that the peeling
force decreases.
(6) When the deflecting force is low (flexible), the monofilaments tend to
easily get entangled
with the natural hairs. When the deflecting force is high (rigid), the
monofilaments tend not
to get entangled with the natural hairs.
EFFECT OF THE INVENTION
[0012]
An apparatus for wearing a wig according to the present invention has a
structure in which a
plurality of monofilaments, each having a predetermined shape, flexibility,
and size, are
disposed on a base sheet in the form of projection, wherein a wig can surely
be attached to the
head of the wig wearer only by lightly pressing the wig, which is put on the
head of the wig
wearer, from above. Accordingly, the apparatus is suitable for an elderly
person having
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weak finger strength or a person who cannot freely use his/her fingers.
Further, the wig can
be attached without being lifted up from the head of the wearer, whereby the
apparatus is
excellent in fitness, and does not cause pain in the attaching/detaching
operation and for a
long-time use.
BRIED EXPLANATION OF DRAWINGS
[0013]
[FIG 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an apparatus for wearing a wig
according to
an embodiment of the present invention.
[FIG 2] FIG 2 is a front view showing an apparatus for wearing a wig according
to the
embodiment of the present invention.
[FIG 3] FIG 3 is an inside view of a wig to which the apparatus for wearing a
wig
according to the embodiment of the present invention is bonded.
[FIG 4] FIG 4 is a view for explaining a state of attaching a wig using the
apparatus for
wearing a wig according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[FIG 5] FIG 5 is a view showing the state in which the wig is attached
according to the
embodiment of the present invention.
[FIG 6] FIG 6 is an enlarged view of FIG 5 according to the embodiment of the
present
invention.
[FIG 7] FIG 7 is a view for explaining a manner of a test for flexibility
according to the
present invention.
[FIG 8] FIG 8 is a view for explaining a manner of a test for peeling
according to the
present invention.
[FIG 9] FIG 9 is a view for explaining a manner of a test for peeling
according to the
present invention.
EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE NUMBERS
[0014]
20 ... Apparatus for wearing a wig
21...Base sheet
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22. . . Monofilament
22a. .. Stalk of monofilament 22
22b...Head of monofilament 22
23 . . . Adhesive layer
24. . . Releasing paper
25 . . .Imitation hair
26. . . Wig
27. . . Wig base
30. . . Wearer
31...Natural hair of wearer 30
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0015]
A best mode of an apparatus for wearing a wig according to the present
invention will be
explained below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. FIG 1 is a perspective view of
the
apparatus for wearing a wig, FIG 2 is a front view of the apparatus for
wearing a wig, FIG 3
is an inside view of a wig to which the apparatus for wearing a wig is
attached, FIG 4 is a
view for explaining the state of attaching the wig using the apparatus for
wearing a wig, FIG
is a view showing the state in which the wig is attached, and FIG 6 is an
enlarged view of
FIG 5.
[0016]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an apparatus for wearing a wig 20 is formed with a
base sheet 21
made of nylon and cut into a rectangle of 1.5 cm x 3.5 cm with a thickness of
0.5 mm, for
example, on a first side of which, a plurality of monofilaments 22 are
irregularly implanted
with a density of not less than 50 and not more than 120 pieces per square
centimeters, on a
second side of the base sheet 21, an adhesive layer 23 is applied, and a
releasing sheet 24 is
bonded onto the outer face of the adhesive layer 23.
[0017]
As shown in detail in the enlarged view of A portion in FIG. 2, each of the
monofilaments 22
is made of a synthetic resin same as or different from the base sheet 21, and
is formed in a
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velvet shank shape including a stalk 22a extending from the first side of the
base sheet 21
having a diameter of not less than 0.1 mm and not more than 0.5 nun and a
length of not less
than 3 mm and not more than 6 mm, and a big head 22b like an umbrella on the
top of the
stalk 22a having a diameter of not less than 0.2 mm to not more than 1 mm. The
whole of
the monofilament 22 is made of polypropylene, and an elastomer solution having
a friction
coefficient larger than that of the polypropylene is applied on its surface,
for example.
[0018]
The deflecting force of the stalk 22a of the monofilament 22 in the vicinity
of the top thereof
is preferably set in the range of not less than 1.91 N (195 gf) to not more
than 6.08 N (620 gf),
more preferably set in the range of not less than 2.96 N (302 gf) to not more
than 5.51 N (562
gf), and further preferably set in the range of not less than 4.01 N (409 gf)
to not more than
4.94 N (504 gf). The deflecting force of the stalk 22a of the monofilament 22
in the vicinity
of the bottom thereof is preferably set in the range of not less than 3.73 N
(380 gf) to not
more than 8.14 N (830 gf), more preferably set in the range of not less than
4.78 N (488 gf) to
not more than 7.82 N (798 gf), and further preferably set in the range of not
less than 5.84 N
(596 gf) to not more than 7.51 N (766 gf). The monofilament 22 gets entangled
and hooked
with natural hair 31 of a wig wearer 30 by the deflecting force set to the
stalk 22a and the
head 22b having the diameter larger than that of the stalk 22a.
[0019]
As shown in FIG 3, plural apparatuses for wearing a wig 20 thus configured are
bonded at
equal intervals to the outer periphery of the inside of a wig base 27, which
composes a wig 26
together with imitation hairs 25, by means of the adhesive layer 23 from which
the releasing
sheets 24 are removed. As shown in FIG 4, the wig 26, to which the apparatus
for wearing
a wig 20 is attached, is put on a desired portion of the head with the
monofilaments 22 facing
the head of the wearer 30, and then, the wig 26 is lightly pressed from the
outside.
[0020]
The monofilaments 22 of the apparatus for wearing a wig 20, which project
toward the head
from the outer periphery of the inside of the wig base 27, go into the natural
hairs 31 of the
wearer 30, by putting the wig 26 on the head of the wearer 30 as shown in FIG
5. Then the
natural hairs 31 and the monofilaments 22 get further inserted into each other
by lightly
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pressing the wig 26 from the outside. When the natural hairs 31 and the
monofilaments 22
get more further inserted, and hence, the natural hairs 31 are brought into
contact with the wig
base 27 or the base sheet 21 of the apparatus for wearing a wig 20, the
natural hairs 31 are
bent toward the lateral direction before the monofilaments 22. Each of the
monofilaments
22 is brought into contact with or gets entangled with the head skin or the
natural hairs 31 of
the wearer 30 or the other monofilaments 22, whereby each of the monofilaments
22 deflects
in the direction generally parallel to the base sheet 21 or the direction in
which the
monofilaments 22 return toward the base sheet 21, in a U-shape or J-shape.
[0021]
The monofilaments 22 that deflect and deform toward the base sheet 21 randomly
get
entangled with each other, as the stalk 22a and the big head 22b on the top
thereof nip the
natural hairs 31 of the wearer 30 between the stalk 22a or the head 22b of
other
monofilaments 22. The head 22b having the diameter larger than the outer
diameter of the
stalk 22a gets entangled and hooked with the stalk 22a and the head 22b of
other
monofilaments 22, while nipping the natural hairs 31 between the big head 22b
and the other
monofilaments 22. The state of the entanglement is kept by the force that
keeps this state of
the entanglement, whereby the wig 26 is fixed onto the head of the wig wearer
30.
[0022]
The fixing force applied to the apparatus for wearing a wig 20 fixed onto the
head of the wig
wearer 30 as described above is preferably set in the range of not less than
1.27 N (130 gf) to
not more than 1.96 N (200 gf), more preferably set in the range of not less
than 1.39 N (142
gf) to not more than 1.82 N (186 gf), and further preferably set in the range
of not less than
1.50 N (153 gf) to not more than 1.68 N (171 gf). When the fixing force is
less than 1.27 N
(130 gf), the entanglement between the apparatus for wearing a wig 20 and the
hairs is not
sufficient, and thus the wig is misaligned in the horizontal direction. When
the fixing force
exceeds 1.96 N (200 gf), the peeling force exceeds 0.98 N (100 gf), which
makes it difficult
to be used by an elderly person having a weak finger strength or a person who
cannot freely
use his/her fingers, thus non-preferable.
[0023]
The peeling force applied to the apparatus for wearing a wig 20 in detaching
the wig 26 fixed
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onto the head of the wig wearer 30 as described above is preferably set in the
range of not less
than 0.29 N (30 gf) to not more than 0.98 N (100 gf), more preferably set in
the range of not
less than 0.46 N (47 gf) to not more than 0.89 N (91 gf), and further
preferably set in the
range of not less than 0.63 N (64 gf) to not more than 0.79 N (81 gf). By
setting the peeling
force within the range described above, the wig can easily be detached by an
elderly person
having a weak finger strength or a person who cannot freely use his/her
fingers.
EXAMPLES
[0024]
Four Examples and nine Comparative Examples were prepared for the apparatus
for wearing
a wig 20, and a test for attaching and detaching the wig 26 to and from the
head of the wearer
was conducted with these apparatuses. The manner of the test is as follows.
Specifically,
the wig 26 was actually attached and detached to evaluate the practicability,
and the flexibility
of the monofilaments 22 and the peeling force of the apparatus for wearing a
wig 20 in
detaching the wig 26 were measured by a tester. The peeling force corresponds
to the fixing
strength in the vertical direction caused by the entanglement between the
monofilaments 22
of the apparatus for wearing a wig 20 or the hook between the monofilaments 22
and the
natural hairs of the wig wearer, i.e., the hooking force. The fixing strength
in the horizontal
direction caused by the entanglement between the monofilaments 22 of the
apparatus for
wearing a wig 20 or the hook between the monofilaments 22 and the natural
hairs of the wig
wearer is defined as a fixing force. FIGS. 7 to 9 show the manner of the test
by the tester,
wherein FIG 7(a) and (b) show the manner of the test for the flexibility of
the monofilaments
22, and FIGS. 8 and 9 show the manner of the test of the peeling force of the
monofilaments
22 in detaching the apparatus for wearing a wig 20 using a mannequin.
[0025]
(Examples 1 and 2)
The conditions described below were set for the apparatus for wearing a wig 20
used in
Example 1.
- Base sheet 5: A sheet made of synthetic resin, having a rectangular shape of
1.5 cm x
3.5 cm with thickness of 0.5 mm
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- Arrangement of monofilaments 22 : Irregularly
- Film covering monofilament 22: Provided (l0 m)
- Diameter of stalk 22a of monofilament 22 : 0.3 mm
- Height of stalk 22a of monofilament 22 : 4 mm
- Diameter of head 22b of monofilament 22 : 0.5 mm
- Disposal density of monofilaments 22 : 80 pieces/cm2
The apparatus for wearing a wig 20 used in Example 2 was the same as that of
Example 1
except that the monofilaments 22 were aligned.
[0026]
(Comparative Examples 1 to 4)
The apparatus for wearing a wig 20 used in Comparative Example 1 was the same
as that of
Example 1 except that the diameter of the stalk 22a of the monofilament 22 was
set to 0.6
mm, the height of the stalk 22a of the monofilament 22 was set to 2 mm, the
diameter of the
head 22b of the monofilament 22 was set to 1.1 mm, the disposal density of the
monofilaments 22 was set to 40 pieces/cm2, and the monofilaments 22 having
comparatively
low flexibility were used. The apparatus for wearing a wig 20 used in
Comparative
Example 2 was the same as that of Example 1 except that the diameter of the
stalk 22a of the
monofilament 22 was set to 0.08 mm, the height of the stalk 22a of the
monofilament 22 was
set to 7 mm, the diameter of the head 22b of the monofilament 22 was set to
0.1 mm, the
disposal density of the monofilaments 22 was set to 130 pieces/cm2, and the
monofilaments
22 having comparatively high flexibility were used. The apparatus for wearing
a wig 20
used in Comparative Example 3 was the same as that of Example 1 except that
the disposal
density of the monofilaments 22 was set to 130 pieces/cm2. The apparatus used
in
Comparative Example 4 was the same as that of Example I except that the
disposal density of
the monofilaments 22 was set to 40 pieces/cm2.
[0027]
(Examples 3 and 4)
The apparatus for wearing a wig 20 used in Example 3 was the same as that of
Example 1
except that the film was absent. The apparatus for wearing a wig 20 used in
Example 4 was
the same as that of Example 2 except that the film was absent.
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[0028]
(Comparative Examples 5 to 9)
The apparatus for wearing a wig 20 used in Comparative Example 5 was the same
as that of
Comparative Example 1 except that the film was absent. The apparatus for
wearing a wig
20 used in Comparative Example 6 was the same as that of Comparative Example 2
except
that the film was absent. The apparatus for wearing a wig 20 used in
Comparative Example
7 was the same as that of Comparative Example 3 except that the film was
absent. The
apparatus for wearing a wig 20 used in Comparative Example 8 was the same as
that of
Comparative Example 4 except that the film was absent. The apparatus for
wearing a wig
20 used in Comparative Example 9 was the same as that of Comparative Example 1
except
that the thickness of the film was set to 15 m.
[0029]
The conditions in Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Examples 1 to 9 are shown in
Table 1.
[Table 1]
Examples/ Exa Comparative Comparative Comparative Comparative
Comparative examples mple I Example 2 example I exam le 2 exam le 3 example 4
How disposed Irregularly Re ular] Irregularly lrrcgularly lrre ularl Irre
ularl
Film 10 m in I O m in l0 m in I Opm in IOpm in 10 m in
thickness thickness thickness thickness thickness thickness
Diameter ofstalk 0.3mm 0.3mm 0,6mm 0.08mm 0.6mm 0.08mm
Height ofstalk 4mm 4mm 2mm 7mm 2mm 7mm
Diameterofstalk'shead 0.5mm 0.5mm I.Imm 0.1mm I 1mm 0.1mm
Disposal density 80 ieces/cmZ 80 pieces/cm2 40 ieces/cm'' 130 pieces/cm2 130
pieces/cM2 40 pieces/cm2
Deflecting force of stalk
around the top 4.01 N (409gf) 4.94N (504gf) 6.19N (632gf) 1.90N (194gf) 7.16N
(731 gf) 1.56N (159gf)
Deflecting force of stalk
aroundthebottom 5.84N(596g) 7.5IN(766gf) 8.26N(843g) 3.71N(379gf) 9.25N(944gf)
3.37N(344gf)
Peeling force 0.79N(81 f) 0.63N(64 f) 0.28N (29f) 1.20N(122 f) 0.19N(19 f)
0.21N(21 f)
Fixing force I.68N(l71 f) 1.37N(140 f) 0.58N(59gf) I.25N(128 f) 0.42N(43 f)
0.45N(46 f)
Evalu In attachin Q 0 p x x x
-ation Durin wearin Qo 0 x A x x
In detachin Qo oQ p x x x
Examples/ Exa Comparative Comparative Comparative Comparative Comparative
Comparative examples mple 3 Example 4 example 5 example 6 example 7 example 8
example 9
Flowdisposed Irregularly Regularly Irre ularl Irre ularl lrrcgularly
Irregularly Irre ularl
Film Non Non Non Non Non Non I5 m in
thickness
Diameter of stalk 0.3nun 0.3mm 0.6mm 0.08mm 0.6mm 0.08mm 0.3mm
Height of stalk 4mm 4mm 2mm 7mm 2mm 7mm 4mm
Diameterofstalk'shead 0.5mm 0.5mm I.Imm 0.1mm I.lmm O.Imm 0.5mm
Disposal density 80 ieces/cmz 80 pieces/cm2 40 pieceS/CM2 130 pieces/cm2 130
pieces/cm2 40 pieces/cmz 80 ieces/cmZ
Deflecting force of stalk
around the top 3.86N(394gf) 4.83N(493gf) 6.09N(62Igf) 1.74N(178gf) 7.0N(714gf)
1.30N(133gf) 5.03N(513gt)
Deflecting force ofstalk
around the bottom 5.66N(578gf) 7.39N(754gf) 8.14N(83Igf) 3.54N(361gf)
9.04N(922gf) 3.18N(324gf) 6.87N(7018f)
Peeling force 0.74N(75gf) 0.56N(57gf) 0.23N(23 f) 0.99N(10l f) 0.IN(I0 f)
0.12N(12 t) I.OIN(103 )
Fixingforce 1.50N(I53 f) 1.28N(13l f) 0.46N(47 f) 1.07N(109 f) 0.28N(29 f)
0.28N(29 f) 1.97N.(201 f)
Eva1u In attaching t7o 00 A x x x A
-ation During wearing 0 0 x A x x @
In detaching oO 0 A A x x A
NOTE : 0 Excellent 0 Good A Poor x Bad
13
CA 02688406 2009-11-27
[0030]
As the flexibility of the monofilaments 22, the deflecting force in the
vicinity of the top and
the deflecting force in the vicinity of the bottom were measured. As shown in
FIGS. 7(a)
and (b), the test was carried out in such a manner that an pressure equalizing
plate 9 was
placed on each test piece with its monofilaments 22 facing upward, and
pressure was applied
from above the pressure equalizing plate 9 by the tester 10 so as to measure
the force when
the monofilaments 22 were deflected. FIG 7(a) shows the case in which the
portion in the
vicinity of the bottom of the head 22b on the top of the stalk 22a of the
monofilament 22 was
deflected, while FIG 7(b) shows the case in which the portion in the vicinity
of the bottom of
the base of the stalk 22a of the monofilament 22 was deflected. The tester
described below
was used.
- Tester : Digital force gauge (DFG-1K) by Nidec-Shimpo Corporation
- Pressure equalizing plate : A plate made of synthetic resin with a weight of
1.3 g having
a size larger than the size of test pieces
[0031]
The result of the test is as follows. As shown in Table 1, the force causing
deflection in the
vicinity of the bottom of the head 22b on the top of the stalk 22a of the
monofilament 22 was
4.01 N (409 gf), and the force causing deflection in the bottom of the base of
the stalk 22a of
the monofilament 22 was 5.84 N (596 gf) in Example 1 of the present invention.
Example 1
exhibited the most satisfactory result in attaining the object of the present
invention. The
force causing deflection in the vicinity of the bottom of the head 22b on the
top of the stalk
22a of the monofilament 22 was 4.94 N (504 gf), and the force causing
deflection in the
bottom of the base of the stalk 22a of the monofilament 22 was 7.51 N (766 gf)
in Example 2
of the present invention. Example 2 exhibited the satisfactory result in
attaining the object
of the present invention.
[0032]
Comparing to Example 1 and Example 2, the flexibility of the monofilament 22
in
Comparative Example 1 was lower than that of the monofilament 22 in Example 1
and
Example 2, i.e., the monofilament 22 in Comparative Example 1 was more rigid.
Therefore,
the force causing deflection in the vicinity of the bottom of the head 22b on
the top of the
14
CA 02688406 2009-11-27
stalk 22a of the monofilament 22 was 6.19 N (632 gf), and the force causing
deflection in the
bottom of the base of the stalk 22a of the monofilament 22 was 8.26 N (843
gf). Since the
rigidity of the monofilaments 22 was too high, the monofilaments 22 might not
sufficiently
deflect when the monofilaments 22 were brought into contact with the head skin
of the wig
wearer and thus, the monofilaments 22 might damage the head skin. Further, the
monofilaments 22 could not get sufficiently entangled with the natural hairs,
thereby entailing
a problem that a predetermined fixing strength could not be obtained. This is
because the
deflecting force is high, i.e., the monofilaments 22 are rigid, due to the
large diameter and
small height of the stalk.
[0033]
The flexibility of the monofilament 22 in Comparative Example 2 was higher
than that of the
monofilament 22 in Example 1 and Example 2, i.e., the monofilament 22 in
Comparative
Example 2 was flexible. Therefore, the force causing deflection in the
vicinity of the bottom
of the head 22b on the top of the stalk 22a of the monofilament 22 was 1.9 N
(194 gf), and the
force causing deflection in the bottom of the base of the stalk 22a of the
monofilament 22 was
3.71 N (379 gf). Since the monofilaments 22 were too flexible, they got
entangled with the
natural hairs more than required. Therefore, the peeling force in detaching
the wig becomes
high, whereby the wig could not be detached easily. This is because the
deflecting force is
low, i.e., the monofilaments 22 are flexible, due to the small diameter and
great height of the
stalk.
[0034]
In Comparative Example 3, the disposal density of the monofilaments 22 in
Comparative
Example 1 was increased. Thus, the force causing deflection in the vicinity of
the bottom of
the head 22b on the top of the stalk 22a of the monofilament 22 was 7.16 N
(731 gf), and the
force causing deflection of the stalk 22a of the monofilament 22 was 9.25 N
(944 gf). Since
the flexibility was further low, i.e., more rigid than that in Comparative
Example 1, the
satisfactory result could not be obtained.
[0035]
In Comparative Example 4, the disposal density of the monofilaments 22 in
Comparative
Example 2 was decreased. Thus, the force causing deflection in the vicinity of
the bottom of
CA 02688406 2009-11-27
the head 22b on the top of the stalk 22a of the monofilament 22 was 1.56 N
(159 gf), and the
force causing deflection of the stalk 22a of the monofilament 22 was 3.37 N
(344 gf). Since
the flexibility was further high, i.e., more flexible than that in Comparative
Example 2, the
satisfactory result could not be obtained.
[0036]
The result of the influence given by the presence or absence of the film and
the thickness
thereof to each force is as shown in Table 1. The comparison of Examples 1 and
2 and
Comparative Examples 1 to 4 provided with the film and Examples 3 and 4 and
Comparative
Examples 5 to 8 having no film is described below.
(1) The monofilaments were irregularly arranged both in Examples 1 and 3.
However, since
Example 1 was provided with the film, a higher fixing strength could be
obtained.
(2) The monofilaments 22 were aligned in Examples 2 and 4. Therefore, the
fixing strength
was lower than the same in Examples 1 and 3 in which the monofilaments were
irregularly
arranged, but the fixing strength in Example 2 was 1.37 N (140 gf) and the
fixing strength in
Example 4 was 1.28 N (131 gf), which were sufficient fixing strength.
(3) In Comparative examples 1 and 5, the height of the stalk was small, and
the disposal
density was low, and thus it was difficult for the monofilaments to get
entangled, the peeling
force did not become 0.29 N (30 gf) or more, and the fixing force was lower
than 1.27 N(130
gf), whereby a sufficient fixing strength could not be obtained.
(4) In Comparative examples 2 and 6, the diameter of the stalk was small, and
the disposal
density was high. Therefore, the monofilaments easily get entangled with the
hairs, and thus
the peeling force became not less than 0.98 N (100 gf), which means that a
strong force was
necessary for detaching the apparatus. Moreover, since the height of the stalk
was large, the
monofilaments were lifted up from the hairs with the lapse of time, and hence,
the apparatus
is liable to be movable in the horizontal direction together with the movement
of the hairs.
Therefore, the fixing strength became not more than 1.27 N (130 gf), which
means that
sufficient fixing force could not be obtained.
[0037]
The film in Example 1 is in 10 m, while the film in Comparative Example 9 is
in 15 m.
Therefore, the friction coefficient increased, and thus the peeling force
became not less than
16
CA 02688406 2009-11-27
0.98 N (100 gf), which means that a strong force was needed to detach the
apparatus.
Further, since the film applied on the stalk and the head was too thick, the
gap between the
monofilaments to each other was reduced. Therefore, the natural hairs could
not go in
between the monofilaments in attaching, but the natural hairs were pressed by
the head of the
stalk, which results in that it is difficult for the monofilaments to get
entangled with the
natural hairs.
[0038]
The favorable order of Examples is as below.
1. Example 1:"Monofilaments were irregularly arranged, and film was provided."
2. Example 3:"Monofilaments were irregularly arranged, and film was not
provided."
3. Example 2:"Monofilaments were regularly arranged, and film was provided."
4. Example 4:"Monofilaments were regularly arranged, and film was not
provided."
[0039]
From the result of the measurement, it was found that the deflecting force on
the top of the
monofilaments of the apparatus for wearing a wig is preferably set in the
range of not less
than 1.91 N (195 gf) to not more than 6.08 N (620gf), more preferably set in
the range of not
less than 2.96 N (302 gf) to not more than 5.51 N (562 gf), and further
preferably set in the
range of not less than 4.01 N (409 gf) to not more than 4.94 N (504 gf).
Further, it was
found that the deflecting force in the vicinity of the bottom is preferably
set in the range of
not less than 3.73 N (380 gf) to not more than 8.14 N (830 gf), more
preferably set in the
range of not less than 4.78 N (488 gf) to not more than 7.82 N (798 gf), and
further preferably
set in the range of not less than 5.84 N (596 gf) to not more than 7.51 N (766
gf).
[0040]
Next, the peeling force of the apparatus for wearing a wig 20 was measured. As
shown in
FIGS. 8 and 9, the test was carried out in such a manner that test pieces,
respectively having
monofilaments 22 varying in height and diameter of the stalk, diameter and
shape of the head,
flexibility, and disposal density, were attached to the hairs 14 of the
mannequin 13 for getting
the monofilaments 22 entangled with the hairs 14, the tester 10 was coupled to
test pieces in
the vertical direction, and the tester 10 was pulled in the vertical direction
with speed of 2
cm/second to 3 cm/second so as to measure the maximum force in the period
until test pieces
17
CA 02688406 2009-11-27
are completely detached from the hairs. The measurement was carried out five
times for
each test piece, and the average value was obtained. Next, the fixing force of
the apparatus
for wearing a wig 20 was measured. The test of the fixing force was carried
out in the same
manner as in the test of the peeling force except that the tester was coupled
to test pieces in
the horizontal direction and then pulled in the vertical direction.
[0041]
The result of the test is as follows. As shown in Table 1, the peeling force
in Example 1 in
the present invention was 0.79 N (81 gf), which is the most satisfactory
result in attaining the
object of the present invention. The peeling force in Example 2 was 0.63 N (64
gf), which
is lower than the peeling force in Example 1 since the monofilaments were
aligned.
However, this result was satisfactory in attaining the object of the present
invention. As
shown in Table 1, the peeling force was 0.79 N (81 gf), and the fixing force
was 1.68 N (171
gf) in Example 1 provided with a film, which was formed by applying solution.
The peeling
force was 0.74 N (75 gf), and the fixing force was 1.50 N (153 gf) in Example
3 having no
film, which means that the peeling force was increased by 0.05 N (6 gf) and
the fixing force
was increased by 0.18 N (18 gf) due to the application of the solution. As
described above,
the more satisfactory range of the peeling force and the fixing force for
attaining the object of
the present invention can be achieved by forming a film on the monofilament
through the
application of the solution.
[0042]
Compared to Example 1 and Example 2, the peeling forces in Comparative Example
1,
Comparative Example 3, and Comparative Example 4 were respectively 0.28 N (29
gf), 0.19
N (19 gf), and 0.21 N (21 gf), all of which were lower than those in Example 1
and Example
2. On the other hand, the peeling force in Comparative Example 6 was 0.99 N
(101 gf),
which was higher than those in Example 1 and Example 2.
[0043]
From the result described above, when the peeling force applied to the
apparatus for wearing
a wig 20 in detaching the wig from the natural hairs (hairs) 14 becomes 0.28 N
(29 gf), the
entanglement between the natural hairs (hairs) 14 and the monofilaments 22 is
insufficient,
whereby the wig on the head is easily misaligned. On the contrary, when the
peeling force
18
CA 02688406 2009-11-27
applied to the apparatus for wearing a wig 20 becomes 0.99 N (101 gf) or more,
the fixing
strength of the wig is too strong, so that it is difficult for an elderly
person having a weak
finger strength or a person who cannot freely use his/her fingers to detach
the wig. It is also
found that the load more than required is applied to the natural hairs (hairs)
14. Therefore, it
is impractical when the peeling force exceeds 0.99 N(101 gf).
[0044]
From the above-mentioned result, it was found that the peeling force applied
to the apparatus
for wearing a wig 20 in detaching the wig from the head of the wig wearer is
preferably set in
the range of not less than 0.29 N (30 gf) to not more than 0.98 N (100 gf),
more preferably set
in the range of not less than 0.46 N (47 gf) to not more than 0.89 N (91 gf),
and further
preferably set in the range of not less than 0.63 N (64 gf) to not more than
0.79 N (81 gf).
[0045]
The disposal density of the monofilaments 22 of the apparatus for wearing a
wig 20 is
preferably set in the range of not less than 50 pieces/cm2 to not more than
120 pieces/cm2.
When the disposal density of the monofilaments 22 is 130 pieces/cm2 that
exceeds 120
pieces/cm2, the monofilaments 22 are densely arranged to reduce the gap
between the
monofilaments 22. Therefore, the natural hairs of the wig wearer cannot go in
between the
monofilaments, whereby the fixing force is weakened, thus non-preferable. On
the other
hand, when the disposal density of the monofilaments 22 is 40 pieces/cm2 that
is less than 50
pieces/cm2, the number of the monofilaments is too small, whereby the natural
hairs of the
wig wearer slip off the monofilaments 22. Therefore, the fixing force is
weakened, thus
non-preferable. Accordingly, the suitable range of the disposal density of the
monofilaments
22 is 50 pieces/cm2 or more to 120 pieces/cm2 or less.
[0046]
The height of the stalk 22a of the monofilament 22 is preferably set in the
range of not less
than 3 mm to not more than 6 mm. For example, when the height of the
monofilament 22 is
7 mm that exceeds 6 mm, it is difficult for the monofilaments 22 are to
closely contact with
the natural hairs or the head, and thus a great gap is formed between the
monofilaments and
the natural hairs or the head. Therefore, the wig is liable to lift up from
the head, which
might let other persons to notice the use of the wig. On the contrary, when
the length of the
19
CA 02688406 2009-11-27
stalk 22a of the monofilament 22 is 2 mm that is less than 3 mm, the length is
insufficient for
the monofilaments 22 to get entangled with the natural hairs, and thus the
sufficient
entanglement cannot be established. Accordingly, it is difficult to obtain a
predetermined
fixing strength.
[0047]
The diameter of the stalk 22a of the monofilament 22 is preferably set in the
range of not less
than 0.1 mm to not more than 0.5 mm. For example, when the diameter of the
stalk 22a of
the monofilament 22 is 0.6 mm that exceeds 0.5 mm, the rigidity of the
monofilament 22 is
increased, and thus it is difficult for the monofilaments 22 to deflect.
Therefore, it is
difficult for the monofilaments to sufficiently get entangled with the natural
hairs of the wig
wearer. On the contrary, when the diameter of the stalk 22a of the
monofilament 22 is 0.08
mm that is less than 0.1 mm, and that is generally equal to the popular
thickness of the
Japanese hair, the monofilaments get entangled with the natural hairs more
than required.
Therefore, the peeling force in detaching the wig is increased, which result
in that the natural
hairs are pulled to cause pain. Thus, it is not preferable.
[0048]
When the diameter of the stalk 22a is less than 0.1 mm, the stalk 22a is
folded due to the
long-time use, and thus the stalks get entangled with each other to reduce the
peeling force.
Therefore, the predetermined fixing strength might not be obtained, thus non-
preferable. In
order to prove this fact, the peeling test was repeated 100 times using
Example 1,
Comparative Example 1, and Comparative Example 2, and the force before the
test and the
data after the test was repeated 100 times were compared. Table 2 shows the
result.
[0049]
[Table 2]
Examples/ Comparative Comparative
Com arative examples Example I exam le I example 2
Peeling force Before test 0.79N 81 gf) 00.28N(29gf) 1.20N 122
After test 0.76N(78gf) 0.27N(28gf) 0.17N 7gf)
Fixing force Before test 1.68N(171gf) 0.58N(59gf) 1.25N 28gf)
After test 1.63N 66gf) 0.54N 55 0.20N 20
Evaluation In attaching OO ~ x
In detaching Qo x
NOTE : OO Excellent 0 Good 0 Poor x Bad
CA 02688406 2009-11-27
[0050]
As shown in Table 2, in Example 1, only a very slight change was recognized,
such as from
0.79 N (81 gf) before the test to 0.76 N (78 gf), which was satisfactory
result in durability.
On the other hand, in Comparative Example 2, an extreme change was recognized,
such as
from 1.20 N (122 gf) to 0.17 N (17 gf), since the entanglement between the
stalks was caused
due to the small diameter and large height of the stalk 22a, which means that
the durability
was remarkably deteriorated. On the contrary, in Comparative Example 1, only a
slight
change was recognized, such as from 0.28 N (29 gf) to 0.27 N (28 gf), since
the diameter of
the stalk 22a was large and the height thereof was small. However, this test
piece originally
has a very small peeling force, which means that the entanglement with the
natural hairs is
insufficient, which result in that it cannot be put to practical use as
described above.
Accordingly, the diameter and height affect durability, and thus the stalk 22a
are required to
be set to a predetermined diameter and height.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0051]
According to the present invention, a wig can surely be worn on a head only by
lightly
pressing the wig, which is put on the head of a wig wearer, from above, and a
strong force is
not needed in detaching the wig. Therefore, the present invention can provide
an apparatus
for wearing a wig suitable for use by an elderly person having weak finger
strength or a
person who cannot freely use his/her fingers.
21
