Breathable and Waterproof Swimming Cap SMP Wig

Abstract

The present invention is an apparatus for head wear comprising a swimming cap portion that is breathable, and protects the hair and scalp of the user from water and other watery substance(s); and a wig portion that has the versatility/appearance of natural hair, and retains a desired style even after multiple use.

Claims

1. A breathable and waterproof swimming cap SMP wig to be used as a headwear during water activities comprising: an integral breathable/waterproof swimming cap comprising a body made of a water-resistant top layer, a water-repellent middle layer, a moisture wicking bottom layer, and a watertight band with an inner surface and an outer surface, the 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 retain the breathable/waterproof swimming cap body on the top surface of the wearer's head, wherein the breathable/waterproof swimming cap 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 less than the second thickness; and a wig, comprising a plurality of hair strands made from shape-memory polymers that have been treated such that they will relax when wet and return to their original shape when dry, so as to mimic natural hair when wet and retain their desired style when dry, wherein the plurality of hair strands are adhered to the top surface of the water resistant layer of the breathable/waterproof swimming cap body outward to the forward edge, right edge, and the left edge, wherein the plurality of hair strands extend outward to the rearward edge, a. The integral breathable/waterproof swimming cap body of claim 1, wherein the first thickness at the center portion comprises a thickness of 0.5 mm, b. The integral breathable/waterproof swimming cap body of claim 1, wherein the second thickness at the forward and rearward edges comprises a thickness of 2.0 mm, c. The breathable and waterproof swimming cap SMP wig of claim 1, wherein the integral breathable waterproof swimming cap body is bonded to a plurality of hairs through sewing, d. The breathable and waterproof swimming cap SMP wig of claim 1, wherein the plurality of hair strands comprise shape memory polymers selected from the group consisting of: polyurethane, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polystyrene, e. The breathable and waterproof swimming cap SMP wig of claim 1, wherein the wig is selected from a group consisting of a mesh wig and a lace-based wig, f. The breathable and waterproof swimming cap SMP wig of claim 1, wherein the integral breathable/waterproof swimming cap body comprises 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, g. The breathable and waterproof swimming cap SMP wig of claim 1, wherein the right and left edges of the integral breathable/waterproof swimming cap body substantially cover the wearer's scalp and/or hair, the forward edge extends past the wearer's front hairline, and the rearward edge extends past the wearer's back hairline. A breathable and waterproof swimming cap SMP wig to be used as a headwear during water activities comprising: a breathable/waterproof swimming cap body made of a water resistant top layer, a water-repel lent middle layer, a moisture wicking bottom layer, and a watertight band having an inner surface and an outer surface, the breathable/waterproof swimming cap 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 retain the breathable/waterproof swimming cap body on the top surface of the wearer's head, wherein the breathable/waterproof 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 less than the second stiffness; and a wig comprising a plurality of hair strands made from shape-memory polymers that have been treated such that they will relax when wet and return to their original shape when dry, so as to mimic natural hair when wet and retain their desired style when dry, wherein the plurality of hair strands are adhered to the top surface of the water-resistant layer of the breathable/waterproof swimming cap body outward to the forward edge, right edge, and the left edge, wherein the plurality of hair strands extend outward to the rearward edge, a. The breathable and waterproof swimming cap SMP wig of claim 2, wherein the integral breathable waterproof swimming cap body is bonded to a plurality of hairs through sewing, b. The breathable and waterproof swimming cap SMP wig of claim 2, wherein the plurality of hair strands comprise shape memory polymers selected from the group consisting of: polyurethane, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polystyrene, c. The breathable and waterproof swimming cap SMP wig of claim 2, wherein the wig is selected from a group consisting of a mesh wig and a lace-based wig, d. The breathable and waterproof swimming cap SMP wig of claim 2, wherein the integral breathable/waterproof swimming cap body comprises 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, e. The breathable and waterproof swimming cap SMP wig of claim 2, wherein the right and left edges of the integral breathable/waterproof swimming cap body substantially cover the wearer's scalp and/or hair, the forward edge extends past the wearer's front hairline, and the rearward edge extends past the wearer's back hairline. A breathable and waterproof swimming cap SMP wig to be used as a headwear during water activities comprising: a breathable/waterproof swimming cap body made of a water resistant top layer, a water-repellent middle layer, a moisture wicking bottom layer, and a watertight band generally hemispherical in shape with an inner surface and an outer surface, the breathable/waterproof swimming cap 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 retain the body on the top surface of the wearer's head, wherein the 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 less than the second stiffness; and a wig comprising a plurality of hair strands made from shape-memory polymers that have been treated such that they will relax when wet and return to their original shape when dry, so as to mimic natural hair when wet and retain their desired style when dry, wherein the plurality of hair strands are adhered to the top surface of the water-resistant layer of the breathable/waterproof swimming cap body outward to the forward edge, right edge, and the left edge, wherein the plurality of hair strands extend outward to the rearward edge, a. The breathable and waterproof swimming cap SMP wig of claim 3, wherein the integral breathable waterproof swimming cap body is bonded to a plurality of hairs through sewing, b. The breathable and waterproof swimming cap SMP wig of claim 3, wherein the plurality of hair strands comprise shape memory polymers selected from the group consisting of: polyurethane, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polystyrene, c. The breathable and waterproof swimming cap SMP wig of claim 3, wherein the wig is selected from a group consisting of a mesh wig and a lace-based wig, d. The breathable and waterproof swimming cap SMP wig of claim 3, wherein the integral breathable/waterproof swimming cap body comprises 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, e. The breathable and waterproof swimming cap SMP wig of claim 3, wherein the right and left edges of the integral breathable/waterproof swimming cap body substantially cover the wearer's scalp and/or hair, the forward edge extends past the wearer's front hairline, and the rearward edge extends past the wearer's back hairline.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] 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.

[0033] The subject invention comprises a breathable and waterproof swimming cap SMP wig having an integral breathable/waterproof swimming cap body with a microporous structure that is dynamically air permeable, allowing for air exchange to help shed excess moisture vapor without compromising the waterproofness of the integral breathable/waterproof swimming cap body, shielding natural hair from water and serving as a hair protectant against chlorine in commercial and residential pools, and salt water in the oceans. The breathable and waterproof swimming cap SMP wig comprises a substantially breathable/waterproof swimming cap comprising a body made of a water resistant top layer, a water-repellent middle layer, a moisture wicking bottom layer, and a watertight band, said breathable/waterproof swimming body is attached to a wig composed of shape memory polymers. In one embodiment of the subject invention, the wig will be bonded to the cap by sewing.

[0034] In embodiments of the subject invention, the integral breathable/waterproof swimming cap body 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] In the preferred embodiment, the hair strands of the wig from the subject invention are made from monofilament fiber with a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) composition which does not contain polyethylene and is heat resistant, has no tangling issue, reflects light much softer and thus has a more natural hair luster, wherein the wig arrives pre-styled and is capable of being curled, flat ironed and used with hot rollers with general conventional heat styling tools not to exceed 350 degrees F.

[0037] In embodiments of the subject invention, the weft of the hair weave is sewn directly unto the water-resistant layer of the integral breathable/waterproof swimming cap body. The wig comprises portions that respectively cover the top of the head, the rear, the neck area, the nape and the right and left temples. The watertight band at the edges and forehead of the wig should go past the natural hair growth lines for a watertight seal.

[0038] In embodiments of the subject invention, the integral breathable/waterproof swimming cap body is generally hemispherical in shape with an open lower periphery. In further embodiments of the subject invention, the integral breathable/waterproof swimming cap body is composed of a water-resistant top layer, a water-repellent middle layer, a moisture wicking bottom layer, and a watertight band. In the preferred embodiment, the water resistant top layer is made of monofilament, the water-repellent middle layer is made of polyurethane, the moisture wicking bottom layer (closest to the scalp) is made of a polyester and spandex mix, and the watertight band is made of a rubber material. In additional embodiments of the subject invention, the integral breathable/waterproof swimming cap body may comprise various colors.

[0039] The integral breathable/waterproof swimming cap body should have a degree of flexibility that provides a comfortable fit to the wearer. The integral breathable/waterproof swimming cap body 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 should come in various sizes to accommodate head sizes from young children to adults.

[0040] A wearer dons the breathable and waterproof swimming cap SMP wig through the open lower periphery. Once in place, the integral breathable/waterproof swimming cap body substantially covers the wearer's head, extending from a forward edge at the wearer's forehead to a rearward edge at the wearer's neck past the natural hairline for a watertight seal.

[0041] The stiffness of the integral breathable/waterproof swimming cap body varies from less firm and more flexible at a center portion to more firm and less flexible along the lower portion. In embodiments of the invention, the variable stiffness is accomplished, at least in part, by varying the thickness of the integral breathable/waterproof swimming cap body, decreasing from a minimum thickness at the center portion to maximum at the edges.

[0042] In further embodiments of the invention, the integral breathable/waterproof swimming cap body has a maximum thickness of about 5.0 mm inches and a minimum thickness of about 0.5 mm.

[0043] The breathable and waterproof swimming cap SMP wig of the subject invention is assembled by sewing or hand tying hair weave extensions to the top surface of the integral breathable/waterproof swimming cap body water-resistant layer, the weave is attached from back to front covering the entirety of the water-resistant layer except for sewing lines designed to sew the different layers of the breathable/waterproof swimming cap body together; then the water-resistant layer and the wig are sewn onto the middle water-repellent layer which has been coated onto the bottom moisture wicking layer along sewing lines, leaving excess material on the lower edge of the swimming cap body; the watertight band is added by sewing a resistance band on the inner lower edge of the breathable/waterproof swimming cap body.

[0044] 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.