Barber Platform and Mat

Abstract

The present invention is a platform and mat for use by barbers. The platform elevates a mat a few inches above the ground and is generally of rectangular shape with a semicircular cut out to account for a barber chair in the shape of a barber mat in which a barber can stand on. The shape should not be construed as limiting; however, as relevant mats in the field exist in a variety of shapes and sizes. Additionally, the invention may comprise a lip extending approximately an inch above the mat along the upper perimeter of the platform to give the barber notice of the edge of the platform before falling off the platform.

Description

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to platforms for elevating barbers and hair stylists.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventional barber mats typically rest on the ground and are only an inch or less in height. The prior art does not demonstrate elevated barber mats.

To the extent that previously existing mats may be elevated, they generally are not particularly safe for barbers as the barber may easily step off the platform and trip. Moreover, similar elevated mats may not necessarily account for the shape of the barber chair and/or platform.

Other barber mats may not necessarily have the comfort associated with the present invention. That is, the present invention acknowledges material and cushion and allows the barber to work for extended periods of time.

Other problems include mats or platforms that are not appropriate size: either too large or too small. To the extent that mats are too large, they don't account for the actual positioning of other barber chairs in barber shops. On the other hand, barber mats that are too small don't allow for a barber to work and move around the customer when working on their hair.

Although this application is generally discussed with reference to barbers, it applies with equal force to hair stylists and other related disciplines.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a platform and mat for use by barbers. It is elevated a few inches above the ground and generally of rectangular shape with a semicircular cut out to account for a barber chair in the shape of a barber mat in which a barber can stand on. The shape should not be construed as limiting; however, as relevant mats in the field exist in a variety of shapes and sizes. Additionally, in certain embodiments the invention will comprise a lip extending approximately an inch above the mat along the upper perimeter of the platform to give the barber notice of the edge of the platform before falling off the platform.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION AND SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view thereof without a barber mat

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 as used with a barber chair.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the present invention as depicted in FIG. 1 with a riser.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a riser as used with the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following is a description of a preferred embodiment of a barber platform and mat.

FIG. 1 illustrates a platform 50 generally having a rectangular shape with a semicircular cut out along one of its sides. The platform 50 comprises a top face 52 (not depicted in FIG. 1) that in most embodiments is covered by a barber mat 54. The barber mat 54 is used to provide comfort to the barber as he/she works for extended periods of time. Along the perimeter of the top face 52 of the platform 50 is a lip 56 that extends vertically above the top face 52. The lip 56 is positioned along the perimeter of the top face 52 so as to form a reservoir above the top face 52. The resulting reservoir can hold a barber mat 54. The lip 56 also warns a barber of the edge of the platform 50 so that the barber does not accidently step off the platform 50. Although not illustrated, in certain embodiments, the platform 50 will consist of a frame that forms the overall shape of the platform 50, a top face 52 supporting a barber mat 54, and a lip 56. The frame may be alternatively characterized as a series of sidewalls.

In alternative embodiments, the lip 56 will not be present.

As discussed below, the frame in certain embodiments will comprise a generally rectangular shape with a semicircular cutout along one of the sidewalls. In other embodiments, the cutout might be a square or other shape. The cutout shape is generally intended to resemble the shape of a barber chair 60 (not shown in FIG. 1) in association with the platform 50. Similarly, and in alternative embodiments, the platform 50 itself may resemble a shape other than a rectangle. For instance, bar mats often come in different shapes, such as semicircles. Accordingly, it is intended that in other embodiments, the shape of the platform may more closely resemble the shape of alternatively shaped barber mats. Such alternative shapes may include ovals or semi-circles.

By incorporating a semicircular cut out, the platform 50 can more closely resemble and correspond with the shape of a barber chair 60. The platform 50 is of generally sufficient size so as to give the barber plenty of space to work around the barber chair 60. Similarly, the platform 50 is not so large as to take up unnecessary space in a barber shop.

FIG. 2 illustrates the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 1 without a mat. The mat can be removed from the platform 50 in order to properly clean the mat and/or the remainder of the platform 50; to allow the barber or stylist to interchange mats while cleaning or for personal style and pizazz or for other reasons. Alternatively, the barber may opt to use the platform 50 without the mat.

FIG. 3 illustrates the embodiment discussed above as used with a typical barber chair 60. The semi-circular cut out is characterized in part by its diameter being slightly larger than the diameter of the base of the column supporting the barber chair 60. In embodiments where the cut out is a shaper other than a semi-circle, the cut out may be characterized by other geometric attributes or dimensions, including: the diagonal or length of a rectangle; the hypotenuse of a right triangle.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention comprising a riser 70. The riser 70 may be used to add additional height to the platform 50. In this particular embodiment, the riser 70 extends the lower perimeter of the platform 50 along the bottom of the sidewalls. The riser 70 may vary in height depending on the need of the barber. The riser is of a similar shape to that of the platform 50 itself (i.e., generally rectangular with a semi-circular cut out).

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the riser 70 depicted and discussed in FIG. 4. In this particular embodiment, the riser 70 is generally shorter along an outer diameter 72 having a height (h_OD) than an inner diameter 74 having a height (h_ID). The disparate heights between the inner diameter 74 and outer diameter 72 allow the platform 50 to rest along the outer diameter 72. Similarly, the inner diameter 74 allows the platform 50 to remain in place laterally. As used here, the riser 70 is generally the same shape as the external perimeter of the platform 50. Often, the outer diameter may 72 be of a width (w_OD) equal or close to the width of the sidewalls of the platform 50. Alternative to a riser 70, the invention may use legs or other means for extending the height for the platform 50.

FIG. 6 illustrates the top plan view of the platform 50 discussed above with a barber mat 54.

Alternative embodiments of the present invention may comprise a narrower semicircular cut out. In this particular, the narrower semicircular cut may closer resemble the shape and dimensions of the pole connecting the barber chair 60 to the supporting circular base. It is generally practiced in the prior art to have a base for a barber chair 60 that is wider than the pole connecting the base to the chair. In such an embodiment, the cut out may be narrower, but the bottom of the platform 50 would accommodate a wider chair base to extend underneath the platform 50. This accommodation would be possible through an external perimeter of the platform 50 (and supporting framework) through a cutout along the side face of the platform containing the semicircle cutout.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention. This embodiment does not comprise a semicircular cut out. Instead, the platform 50 would be positioned adjacent/tangential to the pole connecting the barber chair 60 and barber chair base and allowing a barber chair base to extent underneath the platform 50. The base of the barber chair 60 would to extend underneath the platform 50 through a cutout along the side face of the platform containing the semicircle cutout.

In certain embodiments, this invention is made of durable material which may include metal, or plastic, fiberglass, or a number of other materials. Metal can come from machined aluminum, aluminum weldment or castings or similar steel or alloy. Molded and machine plastic can be used with recommended strengthening. The preferred embodiment materials will be a very light weight. The particular thickness and other dimensions of the materials are not particularly important so long as the pieces are necessarily durable for the purpose of a barber safely standing on a mat indoor platform 50 wall, working on someone's hair. In most embodiments, the invention will include various nuts, bolts, screw, etc. for securing the pieces together. However, the present invention may be constructed of generally, singular material and molded such that do not require these fastening material and connecting pieces. The length and width of these pieces may be in various dimensions.

It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in these specific embodiments while maintaining the scope of the invention as described through the present embodiments and are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrated. Non-restricted other features and aspects of this invention will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art upon reading and comprehending this disclosure. Such features, aspects, and expected variations and modifications and the reported results and examples are clearly within the scope of the invention with the invention being solely by the script of the following:

Claims

1. A barber platform comprising: a. a first wall;b. a second wall connected perpendicularly to the first wall;c. a third wall connect perpendicularly to the second wall and parallel to the first wall;d. a fourth wall connected perpendicularly to the first wall;e. a fifth wall connected perpendicularly to the third wall;f. the fourth wall and the fifth wall positioned along a first plain and separated by a first diameter;g. the first diameter characterizing a first cutout wall connecting the fourth wall and the second wall; andh. a top face circumscribed by the first wall, the second wall, the third wall, the fourth wall, the fifth wall, and the first cutout wall.

2. The barber platform of claim 1 further comprising a mat at least partially covering the top face.

3. The barber platform of claim 2, wherein at least one or more or more of the first wall, the second wall, the third wall, the fourth wall, the fifth wall, and the first cutout wall are at least partially taller than the mat.

4. The barber platform of claim 1, where in the first diameter is slightly longer than the diameter of the base of a barber chair.

5. The barber platform of claim 1, wherein the first diameter is slightly longer than the diameter of a barber chair pole.

6. The barber platform of claim 1 further comprising a riser.

7. The barber platform of claim 6 wherein the riser comprises a short portion and a tall portion; the short portion being of generally the same dimension as the shape resulting from the connection with the first wall, the second wall, the third wall, the fourth wall, the fifth wall, and the first cutout wall: the taller portion interiorly adjacent to the shorter portion.

8. The barber platform of claim 1 further comprising: a. a first leg connected to the first wall;b. a second leg connected to the second wall;c. a third leg connected to the third wall; andd. a fourth leg connected to the second wall.