Patent Application
20230030325
This disclosure relates to hair care and hair aesthetics. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a protector configured to shield a portion of a user's scalp from hair care, dye, or color products.
Hair products can be applied to a user's hair to enhance and/or alter the look and/or feel of the hair. Hair colors or dye are often applied to hair to change the color of the hair. Hair dye can be applied by various processes, such as by massaging, brushing, or spraying the dye onto the hair. Many application processes, such as spray colors or dyes, lack precision and hair dye often contacts the scalp during application. Certain dyes can stain or adhere to the scalp, which can be particularly noticeable along a user's part line and can look unnatural and unaesthetic.
It is to be understood that this summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure.
This summary is exemplary and not restrictive, and it is intended neither to identify key or critical elements of the disclosure nor delineate the scope thereof. The sole purpose of this summary is to explain and exemplify certain concepts of the disclosure as an introduction to the following complete and extensive detailed description.
Disclosed is scalp protector comprising a flexible, elongate scalp cover defining a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the scalp cover configured to cover and protect at least a portion of a part line of a user; and a retaining device coupled to the scalp cover, the retaining device comprising a first weight coupled to the first end of the scalp cover and a second weight coupled to the second end of the scalp cover, the first weight and second weight configured to weight the scalp cover down against the part line
Also disclosed is a scalp protector comprising a flexible, elongate scalp cover defining a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the scalp cover configured to cover and protect at least a portion of a part line of a user; and a positioning headband configured to wrap around the circumference of a head of the user, the first end of the scalp cover coupled to a first side of the positioning headband, the scalp cover movable relative to the positioning headband.
Additionally, disclosed is a method of protecting a scalp of a user during the application of a hair product, the method comprising parting hair of the user in desired position to define a part line; covering at least a portion of the part line with an elongate, flexible scalp cover of a scalp protector; retaining the scalp cover against the part line; and applying a hair product to the hair at or adjacent to a part line of the user.
Various implementations described in the present disclosure may include additional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which may not necessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all such systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within the present disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims.
The features and components of the following figures are illustrated to emphasize the general principles of the present disclosure. Corresponding features and components throughout the figures may be designated by matching reference characters for the sake of consistency and clarity.
The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, and the previous and following description. However, before the present devices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified, and, as such, can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting.
The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of the present devices, systems, and/or methods in its best, currently known aspect. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects of the present devices, systems, and/or methods described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present disclosure. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present disclosure can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the present disclosure without utilizing other features. Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present disclosure are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present disclosure. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present disclosure and not in limitation thereof.
As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “an element” can include two or more such elements unless the context indicates otherwise.
Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.
For purposes of the current disclosure, a material property or dimension measuring about X or substantially X on a particular measurement scale measures within a range between X plus an industry-standard upper tolerance for the specified measurement and X minus an industry-standard lower tolerance for the specified measurement. Because tolerances can vary between different materials, processes and between different models, the tolerance for a particular measurement of a particular component can fall within a range of tolerances.
As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.
The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular list and also includes any combination of members of that list. Further, one should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain aspects include, while other aspects do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular aspects or that one or more particular aspects necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular aspect.
Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosed methods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutations of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods and systems. This applies to all aspects of this application including, but not limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any specific aspect or combination of aspects of the disclosed methods.
Disclosed is a scalp protector and associated methods, systems, devices, and various apparatus. Example aspects of the scalp protector can comprise a scalp cover and a retaining device configured to retain the scalp cover in position on a user's scalp. It would be understood by one of skill in the art that the scalp protector is described in but a few exemplary embodiments among many. No particular terminology or description should be considered limiting on the disclosure or the scope of any claims issuing therefrom.
Example aspects of the scalp protector 100 can comprise a scalp cover 110 and a retaining device 120. In the present aspect, the scalp cover 110 can be a part line cover 112, which can lie generally across a top 322 (shown in
The retaining device 120 can comprise one or more weights 122. For example, the retaining device 120 can comprise a first weight 122a attached to the first end 116 of the cord 114 and a second weight 122b attached to the second end 118 of the cord 114. The cord 114 can be attached to the weights 122 by any suitable fastener known in the art including adhesives, such as glue, tying the first and second ends 116,118 of the cord 114 to the corresponding weights 122, clamping the first and second ends 116,118 between two halves of the corresponding weights 122, or by any other suitable fastener or fastening technique known in the art. The first and second weights 122a,b can weigh the cord 114 down against the user's part line 314 to retain the scalp protector 100 in position and to sit the cord 114 firmly against the scalp 312. The gentle pressure on the scalp 312 created by the weights can ensure that the spray hair color or other product does not seep under the cord 114 onto the scalp 312. The weights 122 can also provide balance so that the scalp protector 100 stays in place even when positioned for an off-center or side part line 314. The size and shape of the first and second weights 122a,b can vary, and they can be made of plastic, metal, or any other suitable material known in the art. The first and second weights 122a,b can also be branded and made in an appealing and decorative design and color while still providing the weight and balance necessary to achieve the desired functionality of the scalp protector 100. For example, and without limitation, in the present aspect, each of the first and second weights 122a,b comprise a marbled design. In other aspects, the cord 114 itself can be suitably weighted to hold the cord 114 down against the user's part line 314.
In some aspects, the cord 114 can be between about 6″ and 18″ in length. In some aspects, the cord 114 can be between about 8″ and 16″ in length. In some aspects, the cord 114 can be about 12″ in length. In other aspects, the cord 114 can define any other suitable length. In some aspects, the cord 114 can define a substantially circular cross-section and can be about 4 mm or less in diameter or thickness. In some aspects, the cord 114 can be about 3 mm or less in diameter or thickness. In some aspects, the cord 114 can be about 2 mm or less in diameter or thickness. In other aspects, the cord 114 can define any other suitable diameter and/or cross-sectional shape. Furthermore, in some aspects, each of the first and second weights 122a,b can be substantially disc-shaped and can be about 4″ or less in diameter. In some aspects, each of the first and second weights 122a,b can be about 2″ or less in diameter. In other aspects, the first weight 122a and/or the second weight 122b can define any other suitable size and/or shape. In some aspects, each of the first and second weights 122a,b can be about 4 oz. or less in weight. In some aspects, each of the first and second weights 122a,b can be about 2 oz. or less in weight. In some aspect, each of the first and second weights 122a,b can be about 1.5 oz. or less in weight. In either aspects, the first weight 122a and/or the second weight 122b can define any other suitable weight.
Referring to
In some aspects, in order to store the scalp protector 100 when not in use, the scalp protector 100 can be folded to a compact configuration. For example, in the present aspect, the user 300 can wrap the cord 114 around one of the weights 122, and then sit the first weight 122a on top of the second weight 122b, or vice versa. The scalp protector 100 can then be rolled up in the shielding headband 210 and/or placed into a pocket of the shielding headband 210. The scalp protector 100 can be placed in a drawer, storage bag (e.g., a drawstring bag), or the like in the compact configuration between uses. In some aspects, the scalp protector 100 or portions of the scalp protector 100 (such as the cord 114 and the shielding headband 210) can be wipeable and/or washable to remove any hair product residue left thereon.
In some aspects, the positioning headband 410 can be adjustable and/or stretchable so that it can fit varying sizes of heads 310 and so that it can be adjusted to fit firmly on the head 310 and to stay in position once placed around the head 310. In the present aspect, the positioning headband 410 can comprise a diameter adjustment mechanism 420 for adjusting the diameter of the positioning headband 410. For example, in the present aspect, the positioning headband 410 can define a first headband end 416 and a second headband end 418 that can be selectively coupled to the first headband end 416 at varying locations via a fastener 422, such as a hook and loop fastener 424 (e.g., Velcro®), as shown. In some aspects, the positioning headband 410 can also or alternatively comprise a stretchable material to accommodate varying head sizes.
According to example aspects, an adjustable coupling device 430 can couple the cord 114 to the positioning headband 410 at a first side 412 of the positioning headband 410. In the present aspect, the adjustable coupling device 430 can be a ring 432 (e.g., a metallic ring) through which a portion of the positioning headband 410 can pass. The ring 432 can be slidable along the positioning headband 410 to adjust the position of the ring 432 relative to the positioning headband 410. In some aspects, a width of an opening 424 of the ring 432 (through which the positioning headband 410 can extend) can be slightly wider than the width W2 of the positioning headband 410 so that it can slide easily along the positioning headband 410. In other aspects, the ring 432 and/or the opening 434 thereof can define any other suitable size or shape. The scalp cover 110, such as the cord 114 described above, can be attached to the ring 432 at the first end 116 thereof. Thus, the ring 432 can be configured to reposition the cord 114 relative to the positioning headband 410 and the user's part line 314. The second end 118 of the cord 114 can be a free end 440 in some aspects, as shown. In other aspects, one of the weights 122 can be secured to the cord 114 at the second end 118. In other aspects, the second end 118 of the cord 114 can be coupled to the positioning headband 410, as shown in
An example method of using the scalp protector 100 of the present aspect an comprise parting the hair 324 (dry or damp) in desired position to define the user's part line 314, placing the positioning headband 410 circumferentially around the user's head 310, and adjusting the ring 432 along the positioning headband 410 to align the scalp cover 110 (e.g., the cord 114) with the user's part line 314 generally at either the front or the back of the user's head 310. The method can further comprise laying the cord 114 across the part line 314. In some aspects, the method can comprise tucking the free end 440 of the cord 114 between the positioning headband 410 and the user's head 310 generally at a second side 414 of the positioning headband 410, substantially opposite the first side 412. In other aspects, the free end 440 of the cord 114 may not be tucked in, but rather can be held in place by the user 300 with one hand, or one of the weights 122 can be attached to the free end 440 to hold the cord 114 down against the part line 314. In other aspects, the cord 114 itself can be weighted to retain the cord 114 in position on the part line 314. The user 300 can then apply the desired hair product (e.g., root touch-up spray, spray hair color) to the hair 324 while the part line 314 is covered by the scalp protector 100. In some aspects, the method can further comprise holding or allowing the scalp protector 100 to remain in place for a period of time (e.g., a few seconds) before lifting the cord 114 away from the part line 314.
One should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular embodiments or that one or more particular embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.
It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Any process descriptions or blocks in flow diagrams should be understood as representing modules, segments, or portions of code which include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included in which functions may not be included or executed at all, may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. Further, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any and all combinations and sub-combinations of all elements, features, and aspects discussed above. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure.
The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/227,750, filed Jul. 30, 2021, which is hereby specifically incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63227750 | Jul 2021 | US |
