GB2518219A

GB2518219A - A Hairdressing Apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2518219A
Application number: GB1316405.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Louise Flaws
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-09-13
Filing date: 2013-09-13
Publication date: 2015-03-18
Also published as: GB201316405D0

Abstract

A hairdressing apparatus comprising an elongate body comprising a plurality of elongate combs 1, 11; and a measurement device (figure 5, 13) adapted to measure length with respect to the combs. The combs may be extendable with respect to the body 3. The combs may be detachable from the body, and have varied tine characteristics 9, 10. The body may also support a pin tail 2, which may be extendable or displaceable. The body may support a brush 8, which is detachable and may be inserted into a slot 4 normally used for a comb.

Description

A HAIRDRESSING APPARATUS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a hairdressing apparatus, in particular a multiple function hairdressing apparatus, containable within a device; more particularly but not exclusively a hairdressing apparatus to aid with accurate culling and styling of hair such as for highlighting or tinting.

Background

When cutting and styling hair there is often a requirement for a number of tools to be used, therefore a hair stylist may have to swap tools during styling which may be tricky and can be timely.

However in order to be able to accurately cut and style hair some tools may be essential, and it may not be easy or possible to hold all tools at once, particularly for a trainee who is learning the skills.

Furthermore for some precise hair styling/cutting actions a hairdresser may be required to cut hair to a particular length or take sections for colouring of a particular width which may be difficu't to achieve equal measurements over the whole head. * * .

* Such a skill is often achieved with experience but when learning often a trainee will * ***** * 25 need to practice on a wig before moving onto a person's real hair or will need to be *:r: heavily supervised when working on real hair thereby requiring a supervisor who is then not available for culling and styling thus potentially reducing profits. * ** * * * ****

r" 30 PnorArt Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the prob'em or simflar, including the following: International patent application WO 2012 054 407 (BALBOA) discloses a hair dressing comb for weaving, highlighting, teasing, or coloring strands of hair efficiently, comprises: a weaving stick; a handle, the handle having a plurality of non-slip grips on each side and defines a beginning tip and a forward slanted end, the weaving stick attaches to the forward slanted end of the handle, the weaving stick diminishes in width towards the end of the stick that is not attached to the forward slanted end of the handle; and a comb, the comb has a comb spine, a row of teeth, and two rigid portions, the comb spine attaches to the handle, the row of teeth extend outward from the comb spine, the two rigid portions also extend outward from the comb spine, the teeth are between each comb spine and the weaving stick extends over the comb spine and diminishes in width towards the end of the stick that is not attached to the forward slanted end of the handle.

Chinese utility model CN 201 790 183 (HONGI-IUI) relates to a tool for combing hair, in particular to a multi-row tooth pointed comb. The utility model aims at solving the technical problem to provide the multi-row tooth pointed comb which has simple structure, is comfortable to use and can be used for dividing hair paths. The utility model has the technical scheme that the multi-row tooth pointed comb mainly comprises a comb body, a comb handle and comb teeth. The utility model is characterized in that the comb body is provided with three groups of mutually parallel comb teeth in the length direction, and in addition, the spaces between two adjacent groups of comb teeth are identical.

United States patent application US 6 109 273 (SCHLEICHER) discloses a comb assembly, comprising: a pair of combs, each comb comprising an elongated spine, a longitudinal series of teeth depending from the spine, and connecting means between the combs positioning the teeth of the combs in laterally spaced relationship at a distance of loss than about 3/4 inch wherein said connecting means pivotally and slidably interconnect said combs. * *.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a hairdressing apparatus comprising an elongate body comprising a plurality of elongate combs; and a measurement device adapted to measure length with respect to the combs.

In preferred embodiments the elongate combs are displaceable with respect to the body. For example wherein the combs may be detached or removed from the body.

In order to accomplish this the body may include a plurality of comb attachment or fastening points; for example wherein the body includes a plurality of channels into and out of which the combs are slideable.

In preferred embodiments the combs have varied tine characteristics. Typically the combs are provided parallel, to form one side of the body, with the other parallel side provided by the measurement device. The measurement device in further embodiments may be situate on an edge intermediate the sides, wherein varied characteristic combs are provided on opposing sides.

In this way a user is enabled to create or define sections of hair, separate said sections with different tine characteristics, ensuring said sections share common sizes.

In addition or the alternative section sizes can be demonstrated to a client or trainee, wherein the client or trainee is often unable to recognise or visualise lengths or widths. Furthermore it is also beneficial to measure lengths of hair for symmetry and different cuts. In some further embodiments a level may be included to further aid in cut precision.

In preferred embodiments the body also supports a pin tail. The pin tail may enable said separated sections to be displaced from a remainder of the hair; such as to allow tint foil and tint to be utilised. In some embodiments the pin tail may include an arcuate tip or curve to aid with weaving. * 25

:::: In preferred embodiments the body also includes or supports a brush, wherein such brush is displaceable or detachable from the body in further preferred embodiments, but may be used to brush on tint to separated sections. * .. * * * ****

* *. 30 In preferred embodiments the combs provide a variation of tine characteristics, to include length, width and spacing. Such variation may be accomplished or provided in single combs, or may be as a result of multiple combs in concurrent use.

Said combs are advantageously arranged or arrangeable in plural parallel channels in or along the length of said body Typically therefore there is provided a hairdressing apparatus comprising: a body with more than one channel for accepting at least one hair styling comb wherein the body includes at least one related measurement device.

Advantageously this arrangement of more than one styling comb on the body may require use of less material(s) than having multiple separate combs, therefore being more environmentally friendly. In this way advantageous cost consequences are produced in manufacture and use, for example in use of recycled materials.

In preferred embodiments the body further includes a pin tail, and in yet further embodiments the pin tail is displaceable, or otherwise alterable or amendable in length or orientation. For example in some embodiments the pin tail may be hinged to the body, whereas in preferred embodiments the pin tail is detachable, extendable or telescopes from said body.

In some embodiments the body includes at least one aperture for allowing removal or insertion of tools such as the pintail or a tint brush or bristles, so as to aid with separation of the hair whilst hairdressing and allow customisation of the device.

Preferably the at least one aperture is provided on an end of the body or peripherally, wherein ideally the tool includes an arm that is accepted into the aperture and the arm is fitted to the aperture by a friction fit, click or twist mechanism so as to be securely positioned for use and allowing removal, replacement or exchange. *

* Preferably the pintail or tint brush can be removed when not required therefore ****..

allowing the hairdresser greater freedom of movement with the apparatus when no *:::: pintail or tint brush is required.

Advantageously the pintail may be removed, inverted and re-inserted into the * *. aperture so as to be stored within the body and therefore not protruding in use and less likely to become lost. * *

In some embodiments the pintail may be extendable, for example being telescopic so as to be lengthened and shortened to the desired length during use. Furthermore the pintail may be retraced to within the body so as to no require removal when not in use.

In some embodiments the pintail may include a hooked distal end to aid with grabbing, separating and weaving the hair.

Ideally the hair styling combs may include a comb or brush for use in detangling and separating the hair during cutting, colouring and styling.

Preferably the measurement device includes increments for measuring a distance for example length of hair or widths of a hair sections. Ideally the measurement device includes an adjustable ledger that can be moved to mark a particular distance so as to aid with cutting to a certain length or creating multiple even sized sections of hair.

In this way the hairdressing apparatus, or apparatus, can be used to aid with cutting andlor styling hair to particular lengths/dimensions. For example the apparatus may allow the hairdresser to more easily section the hair into defined width portions by means of the measurement device therefore providing an improved and regulable effect when colouring and culling. Additionally the increments may be used to indicate to a customer how much hair they wish cut.

It may be envisaged that the body also serves as a handle in use Preferably the body has a substantially square cross section have four faces upon which channels may be provided. In some embodiments the body includes channels on two opposing faces in order that combs inserted into the channels are sufficiently * separated so as to not to interfere with one another in use. Additionally one channel r': 25 may be used for the ledger so as to create a slot. s.*

** In some embodiments the body may be round, hemispherical or other multi-sided shapes such as hexagonal or octagonal. For example the body may be round having : **** channels or slots spaced around the arcuate surface or hemispherical having channels or slots on arcuate and flat surfaces. * *

In preferred embodiments the body is elongated to provide more than one longitudinal channel extending the length of the body and providing an increased number of usable sections. In this way in addition the body is rendered capable of holding, retaining or presenting more than one tine width or style, therefore removing the requirement for a user to attempt to hold multiple separate combs at one time.

In use therefore a plurality of combs may be inserted into the body or each channel, dependent upon user, retail or manufacture preference.

Typically any comb to be inserted into the body includes a spine dimensioned to be received by the channel in order that the comb slides into and out of the body and is held in place by resiliently deformable jaws or interference fitting. Preferably the combs are secured within the channels by a friction fit so as to remain substantially static in use in more than one plane.

It may also be envisaged that the spine may serve as a handle for the comb if used independent of the body.

For example in preferred embodiments the spine is shaped or tapered to provide an enlarged or bulbous end or side distal from the tines and a narrowed waist between end and tines in order that the channel is narrowed at its opening to correspond with the waist and allow the end to be held in the channel. In some embodiments this configuration of end is provided substantially by means of a T-section shaping.

In some embodiments the channels include stoppers to prevent comb movement in use, for example distally on the channel. In some other embodiments one end of the channel may be closed. Therefore the comb may only be added and removed from one end. * * . * *

:": 25 In some other embodiments such stoppers may be displaced within the channel. *0.

Advantageously a face of the body are able to accept two or three combs arranged adjacent to each other so as to provide multiple sets of comb tines to provide a : ** consecutive series of tines through which hair is passed during hairdressing.

***. 30 S.....

* Advantageously by having these multiple sets of tines enables the apparatus to pass through the hair by having complimentary, consecutive or concurrent tines aiding with detangling hair and interacting incrementally leading to reduced snagging.

Preferably the comb may be formed wholly or in part from a resiliently deformable material such as silicone so as to flex somewhat when passing through the hair reducing damage to the hair and aiding with detangling of the hair. Furthermore the comb may be cleaned for optimal hygiene.

Furthermore combs of different grades, or combs with portions of different grading may be provided wherein teeth are of different sizes or spacing. Therefore the user can manipulate the comb so as to use parts of the comb with different spaced teeth or may remove one comb in favour of another comb.

In some other embodiments the combs may be provided of different lengths so that part of the apparatus may be used with one comb and another part of the apparatus, for example the opposite end may be used with three combs.

Advantageously the use multiple combs allows the hair to be easily teased through the series of combs and therefore more easily detangled. In addition or the alternative embodiments of the combs are able to be wider in use allowing larger sections of hair to be tackled at any one time.

In preferred embodiments the body has increments, printed, etched, embossed, debossed or stuck to an outer face of the body in order that the user may use the increments as a guide when cutting and styling hair. Preferably the increments may be provided in metric and imperial measurements, so as to be aid maximum users and customers when determining lengths and/or widths. :" 25

Typically on the face that includes increments there may be a slot for accepting the : ledger which can be used to mark a particular measurement. In this way the ledger can be slid along the slot to a particular position and repeatedly used to measure that * S. exact distance. Typically the ledger may be provided in a different colour or style to : 30 the body so as to be distinguished in use. S..". * S

Ideally the body may be coated in a resiliently deformable material such as rubber, silicone, or other elastomer, so as to enable the body to be gripped by the user and to prevent slippage during use. In some embodiments only part of the body may be covered in a resiliently deformable material. For example the body may include raised portions, or a strip of resiliently deformable material to aid with grip.

In other embodiments the body may be textured to aid with grip having raised and lowered portions such as ridges or a knurled finish.

In preferred embodiments the body is also arranged to accept or provide a displaceable brush for use in up-styling or smoothing back-combed hair. It may be envisaged that the brush may be inserted into a channel or slot into an aperture. In preferred embodiments the brush is in use on an opposite face to the comb in the slot.

Consequently typically the brush includes a back suitable for insertion to a channel or slot as appropriate, or an arm for insertion to an aperture. In some embodiments the brush has bristles in an arcuate and/or flexible longitudinal arrangement in order to match curvature of the head; allowing the user to aid in combing a client's hair over a back combed portion of hair. Ideally the back is flexible so as to be able to bend during use, being gentler on hair thereby. Advantageously the brush is removable so that it can be detached when not required.

Furthermore as the hairdressing apparatus can include combs and brushes the user is not required to hold multiple separate tools and therefore has a free hand to hold the hair in place whilst up-styling and pinning the hair. For example the user may use the pintail to support the hair and their other hand to fix the hair in place. a * * * * .

*...: 25 Advantageously this may lend the hairdressing apparatus for use at fashion shows, photo shoots or the theatre where only requiring one toot may be preferably due to S...

*.. space and time constraints.

* In some embodiments the hairdressing apparatus may be used for aiding to blow dry hair, wherein the comb and/or brushes separate and smooth the hair to enable * straightening when blow drying without requirement for straighteners. In particular the multiple combs may aid in smoothing and straightening hair during blow-drying.

In some further embodiments the body may include a spirit level to enable the user to be able to determine a level line for àutting.

B

In preferred embodiments the apparatus can be provided in a variety of colours, patterns or colour combinations. For example the body may be provided in one colour and the combs in a second colour. Furthermore combs may be distinguished by colour, pattern or a distinguishing mark, such as each comb of a different grade being a different colour or having a different coloured spine.

In further embodiments the apparatus may be curved, wherein the combs provide an arcuate shaping in use.

In some further embodiments the brush may contain tint or colour, for example in a blister, pack or pod.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus in parts; Figure 2 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 without brush; Figure 3 shows an end view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a view from front of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; * . I * * 25 Figure 5 shows a view from rear of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; * I I... * And *1 I

Figure 6 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1. * *I * . . II..

:3 Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures the body contains three parallel grooves or channels 4 into which a plurality of variant combs 1,11 may be slid and manipulated by the body.

The pictured embodiment includes three combs, having different lengths and different tine characteristics 9,10.

The combs and body 3 are made from a resilient and relatively rigid synthetic plastics material and may be coloured or otherwise made aesthetically pleasing and distinguishable from other combs, both for the apparatus and of known art.

The body further includes a slot 12 along which the ledger 13 moves to indicate measurements along the body; in cooperation with indicia printed or otherwise provided on the body (not shown), adjacent the combs in use. The apparatus is shown in Figure 1 with two variant brushes 5,6, which include spines to be accepted intotheslot.

In a preferred embodiment the body is 215mm long and 25mm wide.

For example a first comb may be 21 5mm, a second comb may be 195mm and a third comb may be 100mm.

Preferably the comb teeth may be around 30mm in order to aid with folding foils by providing a large area around which the foil can be foiled during colouring, helping to ensure even distribution of colour.

As the combs. are typically larger than standard combs the hairdressing apparatus can work through larger sections of hair, more quickly and more efficiently.

In preferred embodiments the body and combs are made from a lightweight, durable material such as a synthetic plastic for example polyurethane (PU). Therefore the body and combs can be readily moulded. In some embodiments the body and "r. combs may be made from recycled material(s).

In a preferred embodiment the spine of each comb is 4mm and the channel is :. 30 adapted to receive a 4mm spine, therefore any comb may be used in any channel. a a

A pint-tail 2 includes a bulbous end 7 which is inserted into an aperture 11.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation1 assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims. * * . * * .

S

S..... * . * . . S. S * S. * .

S C.,

Claims

Claims 1. A hairdressing apparatus comprising an elongate body comprising a plurality of elongate combs; and a measurement device adapted to measure length with respect to the combs.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the elongate combs are displaceable with respect to the body.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the combs may be detached or removed from the body and the body includes a plurality of comb attachment or fastening points.
4. An apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the body includes a plurality of channels into andout of which the combs are slideable.
5. An apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the channels are provided parallel, to form one side of the body, with the other parallel side provided by the measurement device.
6. An apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the measurement device is situate on an edge intermediate varied characteristic combs provided on opposing sides of the body.
7. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the combs have varied tine characteristics. S. * . * * *
8. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the body also supports a pin tail, ** 30
9. An apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the pin tail is extendable.::::.
10. An apparatus according to claim 8 or9 wherein the pin tail is displaceable. * *5St* 35
11. An apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the body includes or supports a brush, wherein such brush is displaceable or detachable.
12. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the measurement means comprises indicia and a slideable ledger on the body.
13. An apparatus according to claim 12 depending on claim 11 wherein the brush is insertable into the slot.
14. An apparatus with reference to the figures and substantially as described herein. * * * * . * * * * * ** * * .* * * * * **ee* * *