Selectively activated color changing hairpiece

Number: 9977267
Published: 2018-05-22
Filed: 2014-12-18
Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
Inventors: Grundhofer; Anselm
CPC: G02F1/0126; A41G3/00
Verdict: High Hardware
Source: Google Patents · FreePatentsOnline

The keeper's note

Color-changing costume hairpiece.

Abstract

A color-changing hairpiece is disclosed. The hairpiece may include a plurality of elongated light sources that emit light when activated and a photochromic layer provided in association with at least one light source such that the light emitted from the at least one light source impinges on a portion of the photochromic layer, the photochromic layer configured to change color responsive to the light emitted from the at least one light source.

Background

FIELD(1) The present invention relates generally to a color-changing wig or other hairpiece, and more specifically to wig or other hairpiece having a photochromic property triggered by a light source integrated within the wig.BACKGROUND(2) Wigs or other artificial hairpieces are used in many settings. For example, actors and actresses may wear wigs for certain roles in a dramatic performance. Pop stars and other vocalists may wear wigs on stage during a concert or other performance. Some wigs may be used merely for the purpose of giving the appearance of hair or a hair style that is not otherwise possible with wearer's natural hair. Other wigs may feature some special effect that allows the wearer or other person to change the wig's appearance in some way. For example, some wigs include colored lights or like that may be activated to make the wig glow or otherwise emit light. Other special effect wigs include those that have been treated with a florescent chemical or other compound that causes the wig to glow when illuminated by an external light source.(3) Typically, these special effect features are included in a wig to give the wig a kind of flair that is valued for its artificiality or garishness. Even when this is not the intention, existing special effects still tend to give a wig an unnatural appearance. For example, florescent wigs may be used with the intention of having a bright or otherwise noticeable appearance that mimics a natural hair color. However, these wigs

Claims

1. A hairpiece, comprising: a plurality of elongated light sources that emit light when activated; and a photochromic layer formed on an outer surface of at least one light source of the plurality of elongated light sources such that the light emitted from the at least one light source impinges on an inwardly facing portion of the photochromic layer, wherein the photochromic layer changes color in response to the light emitted from the at least one light source. 14. A wig, comprising: a plurality of elongated light sources that emit light when activated; a wearable cap portion through which first ends of at least the plurality of elongated light sources are interconnected; and a photochromic layer formed on an outer surface of at least one light source of the plurality of elongated light sources such that the light emitted from the at least one light source impinges on an inwardly facing portion of the photochromic layer, wherein the photochromic layer changes color in response to the light emitted from the at least one light source. 18. A method, comprising: externally illuminating a hairpiece with light having a first range of frequencies; reflecting the external light from the hairpiece so as to produce a first color; activating a photochromic dye formed on an outer surface of an elongated light source integrated with the hairpiece by illuminating individual strands of the hairpiece with the elongated light source integrated with the hairpiece, the light source producing light having a second range of frequencies; and reflecting the external light from the hairpiece while the individual strands are illuminated by the elongated light source integrated with the hairpiece so as to produce a second color.