Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a wig base using a fabric, a wig obtained by implanting
false hair on a wig base, and a method of manufacturing a wig base.
Background Art
[0002] For wigs to be worn on the head of a person, a fabric formed in mesh form is used
for many wig bases in consideration of air permeability and wear comfort. In order
to obtain a more natural appearance, there is known a wig in which artificial skin
made from synthetic resin is used for a hair parted portion of a wig base or the like.
However, since wigs are usually formed by directly joining false hair with a filament
constituting a mesh of a wig base, a location for implantation is restricted. This
may cause difficulty in providing a desired amount of hair or forming a flow of hair
for hair whorl, a hair parted portion, or the like.
[0003] In order to cope with this, there has been proposed a wig in which a fabric having
a dense mesh in a hair parted portion of hair is placed on a fabric having a coarse
mesh and sewn together. (See, for example, Patent Literature 1).
Citation List
Patent Literature
Summary of Invention
Technical Problem
[0005] According to the wig described in Patent Literature 1, a sufficient amount of hair
can be obtained in the hair parted portion while air permeability is secured. However,
since the coarse and dense fabrics are placed on top of each other, a difference in
height, distortion, or the like occurs in a wig base, a gap is generated between a
wearer's head and the wig being worn, and fitting comfort is impaired. Further, since
a process of joining the fabrics is performed, quality stability and productivity
may be lowered.
[0006] Therefore, there has also been proposed a wig in which net structures of different
squares are integrally knitted together on an entire surface (see, for example, Patent
Literature 2). According to the wig described in Patent Literature 2, it is possible
to obtain an effect similar to that of the invention described in Patent Literature
1, and it is also possible to suppress a difference in height in a wig base.
[0007] However, since a complicated process is required when net structures having different
squares are integrally knitted together on an entire surface, productivity is extremely
lowered.
[0008] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and it
is an object of the present invention to provide a wig base in which a difference
in height at a boundary between regions having different mesh densities is suppressed,
thereby improving fitting comfort, the wig base capable of being easily manufactured
at low cost, a wig obtained by implanting false hair on the wig base, and a method
of manufacturing the wig base.
Solution to Problem
[0009] In order to achieve the above object, a wig base according to one embodiment of the
present invention includes a base fabric, which is an etched fabric, having a dense
mesh region formed of two or more kinds of fibers including a first fiber and a second
fiber and a coarse mesh region in which the first fiber is removed as compared with
the dense mesh region.
[0010] A wig according to one embodiment of the present invention obtained by implanting
false hair on the wig base.
[0011] A method of manufacturing a wig base according to one embodiment of the present invention
is a method of manufacturing the wig base, the method including: a first step of preparing
a fabric formed of two or more kinds of fibers including a first fiber and a second
fiber; a second step of applying an etching agent that dissolves or decomposes the
first fiber and does not dissolve or decompose the second fiber to a region of part
of the fabric and heating the fabric if necessary; and a third step of washing the
fabric after the second step to remove the first fiber having been dissolved or decomposed.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0012] As described above, the present invention can provide a wig base in which a difference
in height at a boundary between regions having different mesh densities is suppressed
to improve fitting comfort, the wig base capable of being easily manufactured at low
cost, a wig obtained by implanting false hair on the wig base, and a method of manufacturing
the wig base.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0013]
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a wig base according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a wig base according to another embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a wig base according to still another embodiment of
the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a fabric in which a first fiber and a second fiber are
knitted in a dense mesh form.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a method of manufacturing a wig base according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view (photograph) showing an example of a wig base according
to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a plan view (photograph) showing an example of a wig according to the present
invention. Description of Embodiments
[0014] A wig base according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a base
fabric, which is an etched fabric, having a dense mesh region formed of two or more
kinds of fibers including a first fiber and a second fiber and a coarse mesh region
in which the first fiber is removed as compared with the dense mesh region.
[0015] In the present embodiment, since the dense mesh region and the coarse mesh region
can be obtained by one etched fabric, it is possible to suppress a difference in height
at the boundary between the regions having different mesh densities. Therefore, a
misalignment hardly occurs between a wearer's head and the wig base when the wig is
worn, and excellent fitting comfort is obtained. Further, by an etching process, it
is possible to easily form the wig base at low cost without a complicated knitting
process or the like.
[0016] A second embodiment of the present invention provides the wig base, according to
the first embodiment, in which a knot of a fiber is not included in a boundary portion
between the dense mesh region and the coarse mesh region.
[0017] The present embodiment does not have a knot of fibers, which has conventionally been
formed when a hair parted portion and a mesh portion are sewn, at the boundary portion
between the dense mesh region and the coarse mesh region. Accordingly, a wig using
the base fabric does not cause uncomfortable feeling or discomfort due to a wearer's
head hitting the knot, and a wig excellent in fitting comfort can be obtained.
[0018] A third embodiment of the present invention provides the wig base, according to the
first or second embodiment, in which the dense mesh region is disposed in a hair parted
portion.
[0019] In the present embodiment, since the dense mesh region is disposed in the hair parted
portion, wearing of a wig is hardly found out and a more natural appearance can be
obtained.
[0020] A fourth embodiment of the present invention provides the wig base, according to
any one of the first to third embodiments, in which the dense mesh region is disposed
in an edge portion of the base fabric.
[0021] In present embodiment, since the dense mesh region is disposed in the edge portion
of the base fabric, it is possible to increase the strength of the edge portion of
the base fabric and to provide a wig base excellent in durability with less deformation.
[0022] A fifth embodiment of the present invention provides the wig base, according to any
one of the first to fourth embodiments, in which at least part of the base fabric
is colored to a color similar to a color of a wearer's scalp.
[0023] In the present embodiment, since at least part of the base fabric is colored to a
color similar to a color of a wearer's scalp, the wig base fits the skin, and a natural
appearance that does not cause visual discomfort can be obtained.
[0024] A wig according to a six embodiment of the present invention is obtained by implanting
false hair on the wig base according to any one of the first to fifth embodiments.
[0025] In the present embodiment, any optional function and effect described above can be
obtained.
[0026] A method of manufacturing a wig base according to a seventh embodiment of the present
invention is a method of manufacturing the wig base according to any one of the first
to fifth embodiments, the method including: a first step of preparing a fabric formed
of two or more kinds of fibers including a first fiber and a second fiber; a second
step of applying an etching agent that dissolves or decomposes the first fiber and
does not dissolve or decompose the second fiber to a region of part of the fabric
and heating the fabric if necessary; and a third step of washing the fabric after
the second step to remove the first fiber having been dissolved or decomposed.
[0027] In the present embodiment, it is possible to obtain the dense mesh region and the
coarse mesh region with a simple process by the etching process using the etching
agent without requiring a complicated knitting process or the like. Accordingly, the
wig base can be easily manufactured at low cost.
[0028] Next, the wig base, the wig obtained by implanting false hair on the wig base, and
the method of manufacturing the wig base according to embodiments of the present invention
will be described in detail below with referring to the drawings.
(Description of a wig base according to embodiments of the present invention)
[0029] First, with referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the wig base according to some embodiments
of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a wig base
according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are plan views
showing the wig base according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] In all the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a wig base 2 includes a base fabric
8, which is an etched fabric, having a dense mesh region 4 formed of two or more kinds
of fibers including a first fiber and a second fiber, and a coarse mesh region 6 in
which the first fiber is removed as compared with the dense mesh region 4. In FIGS.
1 to 3, a shape of the mesh is schematically shown.
[0031] The etched fabric is a fabric formed by an etching process and also referred to as
an etched cloth. In the etching process, an etching agent is applied to a predetermined
region of a fabric, in which a fiber that is to be dissolved or decomposed by the
etching agent and a fiber that is not to be dissolved or decomposed by the etching
agent are combined, to remove one of the fibers.
[0032] In the present embodiment, the first fiber is a fiber which is dissolved or decomposed
by etching, and the second fiber is a fiber which is not dissolved or decomposed by
etching. It is noted that the first fiber may include a plurality of fibers, and the
second fiber may include a plurality of fibers.
[0033] Here, FIGS. 4(a) to 4(d) show an example of a fabric formed into a dense mesh form
using the first fiber and the second fiber. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a fabric
in which the first fiber and the second fiber are knitted in a dense mesh form. As
is apparent from the drawings, the first fiber 10 is knitted between coarse meshes
made of the second fiber 12 to form a dense mesh.
[0034] By removing the first fiber 10 by applying a etching agent to a predetermined region
of the fabric having such a dense mesh form, an etched fabric having a dense mesh-like
region and a coarse mesh-like region can be formed. It is noted that the fabric shown
in FIGS. 4(a) to 4(d) is merely an example, and a fabric in which the first fiber
10 and the second fiber 12 are knitted in other optional patterns can be used.
[0035] In the present embodiment, by applying an etching agent to (if necessary, by heating)
a region corresponding to the coarse mesh region 6, the first fiber in the applied
region is removed, and the base fabric 8 having the dense mesh region 4 and the coarse
mesh region 6 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is formed.
[0036] In the etched fabric formed in the above manner, filaments are hardly scattered in
a boundary between a region of the first fiber applied with the etching agent and
a region not applied with the etching agent, and the sharpness of the boundary is
excellent. Particularly, the fabric is preferably formed with a structure by which
the fabric is hardly frayed even if some threads melt (or are decomposed) in the design
of a knitting structure and a weaving structure.
[0037] The formed base fabric 8 does not have a knot of fibers, which has conventionally
been formed when a hair parted portion and a mesh portion are sewn, at the boundary
portion between the dense mesh region 4 and the coarse mesh region 6. Accordingly,
a wig using the base fabric 8 does not cause uncomfortable feeling or discomfort due
to a wearer's head hitting the knot, and a wig excellent in fitting comfort can be
obtained.
[0038] In all the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the dense mesh region 4 is disposed
in a hair parted portion. In the wig base 2, it is possible to bind false hair with
a filament of the coarse mesh region 6, and also to bind false hair of an amount corresponding
to a hairline with a filament in the dense mesh region 4 in the hair parted portion.
At this time, since the dense mesh region 4 is disposed in the hair parted portion,
wearing of a wig becomes inconspicuous and a more natural appearance can be obtained.
[0039] Furthermore, it is possible to color the dense mesh region 4 disposed in the hair
parted portion to a color similar to that of a scalp. In such a case, a more natural
appearance can be obtained. Other than the above, it is also possible to color the
entire base fabric 8 to a color similar to that of a scalp. In a case where at least
part of the base fabric 8 is colored to a color similar to that of the scalp of a
wearer, the wig base 2 fits the skin, a natural appearance that does not cause visual
discomfort can be obtained.
[0040] In the other embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the dense mesh region 4 is disposed
not only in a hair parted portion but also in an edge portion of the base fabric 8.
In this manner, it is possible to increase the strength of the edge portion of the
base fabric, and the wig base 2 with less deformation and excellent durability can
be provided.
[0041] In another embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a reinforcing member 20 is further sewn to
the edge portion of the base fabric 8 on which the dense mesh region 4 is disposed.
By an increase in the strength by the reinforcing member 20 in addition to the increase
in the strength by the dense mesh region 4, the wig base 2 with even less deformation
and excellent durability can be provided.
[0042] As the reinforcing member 20, a cloth member having a denser mesh can be used. Further,
the reinforcing member can be obtained by sewing thick threads, and other optional
members can be used as reinforcing members.
[0043] In all the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the wig base for an entire head wig
is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and there
may be a case of a wig base for a partial wig. Further, in the embodiments shown in
FIGS. 1 to 3, the dense mesh region 4 is disposed in the hair parted portion and the
edge portion of the base fabric. However, the present invention is not limited to
this, and the dense mesh region 4 can be placed at other optional positions in accordance
with purposes.
[0044] As described above, the wig base 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention
includes the base fabric 8 made from an etched fabric having the dense mesh region
4 formed of two or more kinds of fibers including the first fiber 10 and the second
fiber 12, and the coarse mesh region 6 obtained by removing the first fiber 10 from
the dense mesh region 4.
[0045] Accordingly, since the dense mesh region 4 and the coarse mesh region 6 can be obtained
by one etched fabric, it is possible to suppress a difference in height at the boundary
between the regions having different mesh densities. Therefore, a misalignment hardly
occurs between a wearer's head and the wig base when the wig is worn, and excellent
fitting comfort is obtained. Further, by an etching process, it is possible to easily
form the wig base at low cost without a complicated knitting process or the like.
<Fabric>
[0046] Examples of the fabric used in the present invention include a knitted fabric and
a woven fabric. Examples of the knitted fabric include weft knitted fabric, such as
plain stitch, rib stitch, pearl stitch, or the like and a warp knitted fabric, such
as tricot stitch, cord stitch, atlas stitch, or the like. Examples of the woven fabric
include plain weave, twill weave, satin weave, or the like. However, the fabric is
not limited to the above. Among them, a knitted fabric is preferably used from the
viewpoint of elasticity and emphasis on appropriate see-through sensation and comfort.
[0047] Further, since it is possible to flexibly design a structure, a composite structure
combining two or more kinds of structures is preferably used.
[0048] Further, denbigh stitch that allows knitting to be performed evenly over an entire
surface is preferably used, without limitation, as a structure of the first fiber.
The first fiber can be combined with the second fiber by a method, such as interknitting,
combined weaving, mixed spinning, intertwisting, or the like. Among them, combination
by interknitting and combined weaving is preferably used, so that the strength after
etching is improved, and a coarse portion and a dense portion can be more clearly
formed.
[0049] Further, as the structure of the second fiber, in order to enhance durability, the
second fiber is preferably knitted with atlas stitch or two needle stitch of a knitting
structure. Furthermore, combination by interknitting is preferably used for improving
elasticity.
[0050] Further, preferably the first fiber is 20% to 75% by weight and the second fiber
is 25% to 80% by weight, and more preferably, the first fiber is 30% to 70% by weight
and the second fiber is preferably 30% to 70% by weight.
[0051] Further, if the first fiber is 20% by weight or more, that is, the second fiber is
80% by weight or less, the form of the fabric can be secured at the time of etching.
[0052] Further, when the first fiber is 75% by weight or less, that is, the second fiber
is 25% by weight or more, the strength as a wig base material can be easily secured.
[0053] An aperture ratio in the coarse mesh region 6 is preferably 20% to 90%, and more
preferably 50% to 80%. If the opening ratio is 90% or less, a hair implanted area
that looks naturally can be secured. Further, if the opening ratio is 20% or more,
sufficient air permeability can be obtained and the wig can be worn comfortably without
the feeling of stuffiness.
<Yarn of the first fiber>
[0054] A single fiber fineness of the first fiber is preferably 1 to 4 decitex, and more
preferably 1 to 3 decitex. When the single fiber fineness is 4 decitex or less, flexibility
is sufficiently obtained, and variations in dissolution or decomposition are reduced.
If the single fiber fineness is 1 decitex or more, sufficient flexibility is obtained
and wearing comfort for a wearer is improved.
[0055] A total fineness of the first fiber is preferably 11 to 110 decitex, more preferably
33 decitex or less, so that sufficient flexibility is obtained, variations in dissolution
or decomposition of the first fiber are reduced, and also wearing comfort for a wearer
is improved. Further, if the total fineness of the first fiber is 11 decitex or more,
sufficient strength can be obtained, and breakage, split, or the like at the time
of production can be reduced.
<Yarn of the second fiber>
[0056] A single fiber fineness of the second fiber is preferably 1 to 9 decitex, and more
preferably 1 to 6 decitex. If the single fiber fineness is 6 decitex or less, sufficient
flexibility is obtained and also wearing comfort for a wearer is improved. Further,
if the single fiber fineness is 1 decitex or more, sufficient strength can be obtained
even in the coarse mesh region 6 which has been subject to an etching process.
[0057] Further, the total fineness of the second fiber is preferably 20 to 100 decitex.
When the total fineness of the second fiber is 100 decitex or less, the second fiber
is thin and lightweight, furthermore flexibility is sufficiently obtained, and wearing
comfort for a wearer is improved. Further, if the total fineness of the second fiber
is 20 decitex or more, occurrence of thread breakage due to external stress can be
reduced.
<Kinds of the etching agent and the first and second fibers>
[0058] The first fiber is not limited in particular as long as the first fiber is a fiber
that is etched by an etching process, that is, a fiber that is dissolved or decomposed
by the etching agent. The first fiber can be determined based on a type of the etching
agent to be used.
[0059] To give an example, in a case where the etching agent is an alkaline aqueous solution
containing guanidine weak acid salt, sodium hydroxide, alkali metal hydroxide, alkaline
earth hydroxide, or the like, alkaline soluble cation dyeable polyester fiber or the
like is exemplified as the first fiber.
[0060] In this case, as the second fiber, a nylon-based fiber, a regular polyester-based
fiber, a polyurethane-based fiber, cotton, a cellulose-based fiber for rayon, and
composite fibers of these can be used.
[0061] In a case where the etching agent is an acidic aqueous solution containing phenols,
alcohols, aluminum sulfate, sodium acidic sulfate or the like, a cellulose-based fiber,
such as rayon, Bemberg (registered trademark), lyocell, cotton, hemp, acetate-based
fiber, or the like, a nylon-based fibers, such as nylon 6, nylon 66, or the like is
exemplified as the first fiber.
[0062] In this case, as the second fiber, a polyester-based fiber, a polyurethane-based
fiber, an animal-based natural fiber, such as wool and silk, which are fibers other
than the above fibers can be used.
[0063] When the etching agent is water, a water-soluble fiber, such as vinylon, is exemplified
as the first fiber. In this case, as the second fiber, a fiber other than a water-soluble
fiber can be used.
[0064] As a combination of the first fiber, the second fiber, and the etching agent, a combination,
in which the first fiber is a cation dyeable polyester fiber, the second fiber is
nylon 6 or nylon 66, the etching agent is an acrylic aqueous solution, is preferably
used. According to such a configuration, even when processing is performed with an
alkaline aqueous solution, strength of the non-etched second fiber is not lowered,
and breakage or the like in the coarse mesh region 6 can be reduced. Further, by using
a polyester-based fiber and a nylon-based fiber as fiber types, excellent durability
is obtained.
[0065] When coloring of a fiber is performed, dyeing with acid dye and disperse dye, or
cationic dye can be performed easily. Furthermore, when an alkaline aqueous solution
is used as the etching agent, a guanidine weak acid salt is preferable from the viewpoint
that coarse and dense formation is easily obtained, and the environment and safety
are excellent. Among them, guanidine carbonate is particularly preferable from the
viewpoint that pH of an aqueous solution is low, 10 to 13, as compared with other
strong alkali, such as sodium hydroxide, the safety of work and the device are hardly
corroded, there is less influence on the dye used for coloring the fiber, or the like.
[0066] It is noted that guanidine carbonate is considered to decompose a cation dyeable
polyester fiber because the guanidine carbonate is decomposed into urea and ammonia
to be changed to strong alkali in a process of heat treatment performed after application
of the guanidine carbonate.
(Description of a method of manufacturing the wig base according to the embodiments
of the present invention)
[0067] Next, with referring to FIG. 5, a method of manufacturing the wig base according
to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart
showing the method of manufacturing the wig base according to one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0068] In FIG. 5, at first, a fabric formed of two or more kinds of fibers including the
first fiber and the second fiber is prepared (step S1). In this case, there may be
a case where a desired fabric is manufactured, or a fabric available on the market
can be used. Next, the etching agent which dissolves or decomposes the first fiber
and does not dissolve or decompose the second fiber is applied to a region (for example,
a hair parted portion) of part of a fabric, and if necessary, the fabric is heated
to dissolve or decompose the first fiber (step S2).
[0069] In step S2, for example, the etching agent can be applied to a region of part of
the fabric by an inkjet method. In the inkjet method, the etching agent can be applied
in a complicated and fine shape. Accordingly, it is possible to obtain a base fabric
having optimum coarse and dense patterns in accordance with the purposes. Furthermore,
coloring of a fabric can also be carried out in the same process by using an inkjet
method, which can contribute to simplification of the manufacturing process and reduction
of manufacturing cost.
[0070] However, the application of the etching agent is not limited to the case of using
the inkjet method, but it is also possible to use a screen type or roller type printing
device, such as silk screen.
[0071] As described above, when the etching agent is a compound, such as guanidine carbonate,
the fabric is heated for a predetermined period of time in order to decompose the
first fiber in step S2.
[0072] After step S2, the fabric is washed to remove the first fiber having been dissolved
or decomposed (step S3). In this manner, the base fabric 8, which is an etched fabric,
having the dense mesh region 4 formed of two or more kinds of fibers including the
first fiber and the second fiber, and the coarse mesh region 6 in which the first
fiber is removed as compared with the dense mesh region can be obtained. Through the
above steps, the wig base 2 according to the above embodiment can be manufactured.
[0073] As described above, in the present embodiment, it is possible to obtain the dense
mesh region 4 and the coarse mesh region 6 with a simple process by the etching process
using the etching agent without requiring a complicated knitting process or the like.
Accordingly, the wig base 2 can be easily manufactured at low cost.
(Description of examples)
<Wig base>
[0074] An example of the wig base manufactured as described above is shown in FIG. 6. FIG.
6 is a perspective view (photograph) showing an example of the wig base according
to the present invention. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the dense mesh region 4
is disposed in a hair parted portion and an edge portion of the base fabric.
<Wig>
[0075] A wig can be manufactured by binding false hair with a filament constituting a mesh
of the wig base 2. As the false hair, human hair can be used, or artificial hair made
from a synthetic fiber can also be used. In order to bind the false hair with the
filament, a known optional binding method can be employed.
[0076] FIG. 7 shows an example of a wig 30 in which false hair 32 is implanted in the wig
base 2 shown in FIG. 6 as described above. FIG. 7 is a plan view (photograph) showing
an example of the wig according to the present invention.
[0077] It goes without saying that the wig according to the present invention can exhibit
the above optional action and effect.
[0078] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described, the disclosed
content may be changed in details of the configuration, and a change or the like of
the combination and order of elements in the embodiment may be made without deviating
from the scope and spirit of the claimed present invention.
Reference Signs List
[0079]
- 2
- wig base
- 4
- dense mesh region
- 6
- coarse mesh region
- 8
- base fabric
- 10
- first fiber
- 12
- second fiber
- 20
- reinforcing member
- 30
- wig
- 32
- false hair