Hairstyling Support Device

Abstract

A hairstyling support device is provided. The device includes a frame having a front panel integrally affixed to a rear panel via a plurality of supports disposed about a perimeter of each of the front and rear panels. A plurality of openings are disposed through the front panel in a grid pattern. At least one telescopic panel is disposed within the front panel, wherein the telescopic panel is selectively movable between a stored position and a deployed position. The telescopic panel includes a secondary plurality of openings therethrough. A plurality of pegs is securable within the plurality of openings. A lighting system is disposed between the front panel and the rear panel, wherein the lighting system illuminates one or more of the plurality of openings when activated.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to hairstyling devices. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a hairstyling support device allowing a hairstylist to simultaneously support several sections of hair for efficient braiding.

Many individuals and hairstylists spend extensive periods of time braiding and styling an individual's hair. Some hairstyles are so complex that styling appointments may last several hours. It may not be uncommon for some particularly complex styling appointments to last at least eight hours. As a result, hairstylists may only be able to see one or two clients each day due to the length and inherent inefficiency of the hairstyling process. This can significantly impact salon profitability.

Particularly, during braiding sessions, hair is separated into various sections to be braided into a particular pattern or style. In complex braiding sessions, there may be more sections of hair than can be held by a hairstylist, and as such, the additional sections must be organized and placed aside until needed. Typically, this results in each section being placed on random objects around the hairstylist for storage until needed, which can lead to excess strain on the hairstylist reaching for various objects. Additionally, haphazardly placing sections of hair about random objects can result in disorganization that can result in incorrectly braiding the individual's hair, which in turn extends the hairstyling session as the braiding must be reversed and recompleted. Therefore, a device that enables a hairstylist to easily section off, organize, and prepare an individual's hair to increase hairstyling session efficiency is desired.

In light of the devices disclosed in the known art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the known art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing hairstyling devices. In this regard, the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of hairstyling devices now present in the known art, the present invention provides a hairstyling support device wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when separating and identifying several sections of an individual's hair for braiding into a particular style.

The present system comprises a frame having a front panel integrally affixed to a rear panel via a plurality of support disposed about a perimeter of each of the front and rear panels. A plurality of openings is disposed through the front panel in a grid pattern. At least one telescopic panel is disposed within the front panel, wherein the telescopic panel is selectively movable between a stored position and a deployed position. The telescopic panel further comprises a second plurality of openings therethrough. A plurality of pegs is securable within the plurality of openings. A lighting system is disposed between the front panel and the rear panel, wherein the lighting system is configured to illuminate one or more of the plurality of openings when activated.

In some embodiments, each peg of the plurality of pegs includes a hook on a distal end thereof, wherein the hook is angled rearwardly towards a proximal end of the peg. In another embodiment, each peg of the plurality of pegs further comprises a silicone coating thereon. In other embodiments, each peg of the plurality of pegs comprises a plurality of telescopic sections, such that each peg is selectively movable between a collapsed position and an extended position. In yet another embodiment, a plate extends from a proximal end of each peg of the plurality of pegs, wherein the plate rests against a rear surface of the front panel to retain the peg within an opening of the plurality of openings. In some embodiments, a plurality of wheels is disposed on a lower side of the frame. In another embodiment, a wheel lock is disposed on each of the plurality of wheels, wherein the wheel lock is configured to prevent the plurality of wheels from rolling when engaged. In other embodiments, a support arm is pivotally affixed to the rear panel, wherein the support arm selectively moves between a resting configuration flush against the rear panel and a use configuration away from the rear panel to support the front and rear panels in an upright configuration. In yet another embodiment, a locking mechanism is disposed on the support arm, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to retain the support arm in the use configuration. In some embodiments, one or more lighting elements having a fastener and a light source, wherein the fastener is removably securable to the plurality of supports. In other embodiments, the light source is pivotally affixed to the fastener. In yet another embodiment, the lighting system is operably connected to a processor and a memory storage device each disposed within the frame, wherein the processor illuminates a subset of the plurality of openings in a pattern stored on the memory storage device. In some embodiments, a port is disposed on the frame, wherein the port is operably connected to the processor. In other embodiments, the frame comprises a first portion and a second portion foldable about a seam, such that the frame is selectively movable between a folded position and an unfolded position. In another embodiment, a cover is removably securable over the frame. In yet another embodiment, the rear panel further comprises a tertiary plurality of openings disposed in a grid pattern. In some embodiments, each opening of the secondary plurality of openings is coaxially aligned with an opening of the plurality of openings when the telescopic panel is in the stored position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the hairstyling support device.

FIG. 2 shows a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the hairstyling support device.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the hairstyling support device.

FIG. 4 shows an upper perspective view of an embodiment of the hairstyling support device.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of the hairstyling support device.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the hairstyling support device in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the hairstyling support device. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

According to some embodiments, the operations, techniques, and/or components described herein can be implemented as (i) a special-purpose computing device having specialized hardware and a logic hardwired into the computing device to persistently perform the disclosed operations and/or techniques or (ii) a logic that is implementable on an electronic device having a general purpose hardware processor to execute the logic and a computer-readable medium, e.g. a memory, wherein implementation of the logic by the processor on the electronic device provides the electronic device with the function of a special-purpose computing device.

In the interests of economy, the present disclosure refers to “a computer-readable medium,” “a processor,” and so on. However, this should not be read as limiting in any way as the present disclosure contemplates embodiments of the present invention utilizing “one or more computer-readable media,” “one or more processors,” and so on. Unless specifically limited to a single unit, “a” is intended to be equivalent to “one or more” throughout the present disclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the hairstyling support device. The hairstyling support device 11 comprises a frame 12 having a front panel 13 affixed to a rear panel 14 via a plurality of supports 15, such that an interior volume is defined therebetween. The frame 12 is contemplated to comprise a variety of shapes and sizes commensurate with particular uses of the device. For example, a smaller form factor may be desired when using the frame 12 in a personal or individual setting, such as on a side table other locations, whereas a larger form factor may be desired for commercial operation, such as in a hair salon. In the shown embodiment, the front panel 13 is disposed parallel to the rear panel 14. A plurality of openings 16 are disposed across the front panel 13 in a grid pattern, wherein each opening of the plurality of openings 16 is dimensioned to removably secure a peg of a plurality of pegs (as shown in FIG. 3, 19) therein. The grid pattern provides a wide variety of peg arrangements to facilitate the separation and storage of several separated hair sections for braiding. As further described elsewhere herein, the interior volume between the front panel 13 and the rear panel 14 is dimensioned to secure a lighting system (as shown in FIG. 3, 20) therein, wherein the lighting system is configured to illuminate desired openings of the plurality of openings 16. In some embodiments, a plurality of containers are defined along the upper edge of the frame 12 between the plurality of supports 15, wherein the plurality of containers extend into the interior volume. In such embodiments, the plurality of containers provide a storage location for hairstyling tools or other items during use. In the shown embodiment, a plurality of wheels 28 are disposed along a lower edge 29 of the frame 12, wherein the plurality of wheels 28 facilitate the movement of the frame 12 to a desired position for use. The plurality of wheels 28 are contemplated to comprise a pivotable castor wheel system to increase maneuverability of the frame 12. In some embodiments, the plurality of wheels 28 further comprise a wheel locking mechanism to retain the frame 12 in a desired position during use.

In the illustrated embodiment, the frame 12 is further subdivided into a first portion 39 pivotally affixed to a second portion 40 along a seam 41, such that the frame 12 is selectively movable between a folded position and an unfolded position. When in the folded position, a face of the first portion 39 rests flush against a face of the second portion 40. In some such embodiments, the seam 41 along the front panel 13 comprises a hinge, wherein the seam 41 disposed along the rear panel 14 defines a separation, allowing the front panel 13 to fold about the hinge, while the rear panel 14 separates to facilitate movement to the folded configuration. In this manner, the frame 12 can be selectively folded about the seam 41 to provide a reduced form factor to improve ease of transport and storage of the frame 12. Additionally, the folded position reduces exposure of the plurality of openings 16 to the surrounding environment to reduce accumulation of dust, hair, or other debris therein. Alternatively, in other embodiments, a cover is removably securable over the frame 12, wherein the cover provides an added layer of protection to the frame 12. In such embodiments, the cover is contemplated to comprise an enclosure securable over an entirety of the frame 12, or a plate removably securable to each of the front and rear panels 13, 14.

In the illustrated embodiment, a telescopic panel 17 is slidably disposed within the front panel 13, wherein the telescopic panel 17 further comprises a secondary plurality of openings 18 thereon. Similar to the plurality of openings 16, the secondary plurality of openings 18 are dimensioned to removably receive a peg of the plurality of pegs therein. In this manner, the telescopic panel 17 can be selectively moved between a deployed position and a stored position to increase the surface area upon which pegs can be secured, thereby increasing the number of storage locations for separated sections of hair during the braiding process. In some embodiments, the secondary plurality of openings 18 are coaxially aligned with the plurality of openings 16 when the telescopic panel 17 is in the stored position, such that illumination from the lighting system is not impeded by the telescopic panel 17 when the telescopic panel 17 is in the stored position. In the shown embodiment, the telescopic panel 17 further comprises a handle 44 extending perpendicularly from a lateral side of the telescopic panel 17. The handle 44 provides a gripping surface for deploying the telescopic panel 17 from within the front panel 13. When in the stored position, the lateral side of the telescopic panel 17 rests flush with the side of the front panel 13, such that an entirety of the telescopic panel 17 is disposed within the front panel 13. In some embodiments, additional telescopic panels 17 are contemplated to be slidably disposed within the rear panel 14. Furthermore, in embodiments having a foldable first portion 39 and second portion 40, a telescopic panel 17 is contemplated to be slidably disposed within each of the first and second portions 39, 40.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the hairstyling support device. In the illustrated embodiment, a support arm 31 is pivotally secured to the rear panel 14 of the frame, such that the support arm 31 supports the front and rear panels 13, 14 in an upright position for use. The support arm 31 is selectively movably between a resting configuration, wherein the support arm 31 is flush against the rear panel 14, and a use configuration away from the rear panel 14 as shown in FIG. 2. In this manner, the shown embodiment can be supported on a table top or other flat support surface for a smaller and more portable frame for use in less involved braiding processes. In the shown embodiment, a locking arm 32 comprises a pair of hinged arm portions configured to lock in a substantially linear arrangement to retain the support arm 31 in the use configuration. In some embodiments, a notch is disposed within the rear panel 14, wherein the notch is dimensioned to removably secure the support arm 31 there via snap fit. In this way, the support arm 31 can be locked in each of the in-use configuration and the resting configuration. In some embodiments, the support arm 31 comprises a coating therein, wherein the coating comprises a material configured to increase frictional engagement with the support surface, such as rubber, silicone, or the like. In the shown embodiment, the telescopic panel 17 is disposed in the stored position flush with the lateral side of the front panel 13.

Alternatively, in other embodiments, a tripod support structure is affixed along the lower edge of the frame, wherein the tripod support structure is selectively movable between a deployed configuration and a collapsed configuration. The tripod support structure includes three telescopic legs allowing the user to selectively adjust a length of each leg to support the frame at a desired height during use. In some embodiments, the plurality of legs are pivotally affixed to the lower edge, such that the plurality of legs are capable of folding parallel to the lower edge when not in use. In some such embodiments, a wheel is disposed on a distal end of each leg of the plurality of legs, wherein the wheel is configured to lock to prevent rotation thereof. In this manner, the frame can be retained in a desired position. Alternatively, a rubber foot is disposed on the distal end of each leg of the tripod support structure, such that the tripod can be retained in a desired position. In yet another embodiment, a bracket is affixed to an upper edge of the frame, wherein the bracket is configured to receive a plurality of fasteners therethrough to secure the frame to a wall support or other vertical structure. In alternate embodiments, mounting apertures are disposed within the rear panel 14, wherein the mounting apertures are configured to retain a fastener therein for securing the frame to a wall surface.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the hairstyling support device. In the shown embodiment, the rear panel 14 further comprises a tertiary plurality of openings 43 therethrough, wherein each opening of the tertiary plurality of openings 43 is dimensioned to removably secure a peg of the plurality of pegs 19 therein. In the shown embodiment, the plurality of pegs 19 each include a hook 21 on a distal end 22 of each peg, wherein the hook 21 is rearwardly angled towards a proximal end 23 of the peg. In this manner, a separated section of hair can be retained on one or more pegs and prevented from sliding from the distal end 22 via the hook 21. In the shown embodiment, a plate 26 extends perpendicularly from the proximal end 23 of each peg of the plurality of pegs 19, wherein the plate 26 rests against an interior surface of the front panel 13 to retain each peg within the front panel 13. Similarly, when inserted into the rear panel 14 or the telescopic panel, the plate 26 is configured to rest against an interior surface thereof to retain each peg within an opening. In the shown embodiment, each peg of the plurality of pegs 19 comprises a plurality of telescopic sections 25, such that each peg is selectively movable between an extended position (as shown in FIG. 3) and a collapsed position, wherein a linear distance between the distal end 22 and the proximal end 23 is minimal in the collapsed position. In some such embodiments, the plurality of pegs 19 are integrally affixed within the hairstyling support device, wherein the plurality of pegs 19 are moved to the collapsed position when not in use. In some embodiments, the hook 21 is pivotally affixed to the distal end 22, such that the hook 21 is selectively movable between a stored position and an extended position, wherein the hook 21 is disposed entirely within one of the telescopic sections 25 of the peg 19. In this manner, the peg 19 can be readily collapsed via the plurality of telescopic sections 25 without interference from the hook 21. In the shown embodiment, a silicone coating 24 is disposed over an exterior of each peg of the plurality of pegs 19, wherein the silicone coating 24 is configured to increase frictional engagement between separated sections of hair and each peg. In this manner, the individual sections of hair are further retained on the plurality of pegs 19 during use, such that the user can readily organize and store multiple sections of hair simultaneously to increase efficiency of hairstyling and braiding procedures.

In the shown embodiment, the lighting system 20 comprises a lighting panel disposed between each of the front and rear panels 13, 14, wherein the lighting system 20 is configured to illuminate one or more openings of the plurality of openings 16 or the tertiary plurality of openings 43. In some embodiments, the lighting system 20 is configured to illuminate the plurality of openings 16 in a predefined pattern to illuminate particular openings in order to instruct the user as to which pegs of the plurality of pegs 19 to support separate sections of hair on for particular braiding and hairstyling procedures. In this way, the user can increase the efficiency of braiding and hairstyling procedures. The lighting system 20 is further contemplated to comprise individual lights adjacent to or within each opening of the plurality of openings 16, wherein each individual light is operably connected to a processor (as shown in FIG. 5, 36) to illuminate desired openings of the plurality of openings 16.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown an upper perspective view of an embodiment of the hairstyling support device. In the illustrated embodiment, supplemental lighting elements 33 are removably securable to the frame to provide additional illumination to the working area. In the shown embodiment, each lighting element 33 comprises a light source 34 affixed to a fastener 35, wherein the fastener 35 is removably securable to one or more of the plurality of supports 15 extending between the front and rear panels 13, 14. In the shown embodiment, the fastener 35 comprises a hook, whereas, in alternate embodiments, the fastener 35 comprises a carabiner or other securement device. In this manner, the lighting elements 33 can be securely affixed to the frame. In some embodiments, the light source 34 is pivotally affixed to the fastener 35, such that a user can selectively adjust an angle of the light source 34 relative to the fastener 35. In this manner, the user can direct light emitted from the light source 34 to a desired area. In the shown embodiment, each light source 34 comprises a spot lamp, however, alternate light sources 34 capable of illuminating a desired area are also contemplated. In some embodiments, each lighting element 33 is independently powered via an internal battery, however, each lighting element 33 can be operably connected to the lighting system of the hairstyling support device to electrically connect each lighting element 33 to a power source (as shown in FIG. 5, 45) providing power to the hairstyling support device.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a schematic view of an embodiment of the hairstyling support device. In the shown embodiment, the lighting system 20 is operably connected to a processor 36 disposed within the hairstyling support device, wherein the processor 36 selectively illuminates the lighting system 20 in one of a plurality of preset patterns associated with a particular hairstyling or braiding method. In some embodiments, the processor 36 is further operably connected to a memory storage device 37, wherein the memory storage device 37 is configured to store a plurality of preset patterns thereon. In the shown embodiment, the memory storage device 37 is further operably connected to a connection port 38 disposed on the hairstyling support device 11, such that the user can install additional patterns of illumination onto the memory storage device 37 for access via the processor 36. The connection port 38 is contemplated to comprise a USB port or other data transfer port to facilitate connection to an external electronic device. In this manner, the user can program additional lighting patterns associated with different braiding or hairstyling processes for use via the hairstyling support device 11. In the illustrated embodiment, a power source 45 comprises an external power supply and is operably connected to the hairstyling support device 11, however, in alternate embodiments, the power source 45 is contemplated to be an integral rechargeable power source disposed within the hairstyling support device 11 to facilitate portability and independence from external power systems.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the hairstyling support device in use. In one use, the user places the front panel 13 of the frame adjacent to an individual's head. One or more openings of the plurality of openings 16 can then be illuminated via the lighting system to inform the user as to which pegs of the plurality of pegs 19 to use for a desired hairstyling or braiding process. The user can then insert the plurality of pegs 19 into the illuminated openings for future use during the braiding process. In this manner, the user can maximize efficiency of the braiding process by placing each separate section of hair 46 on a predefined selection of pegs to be easily retrieved as needed to achieve a desired hairstyle. During use, the hairstylist can separate an individual's hair into a plurality of hair sections 46, wherein the plurality of hair sections 46 are stored on the plurality of pegs 19 for optimal braiding efficiency. As each hair section 46 is needed, the user can retrieve the desired hair section 46 from the associated pegs to be woven into a desired braiding style. In this manner, the plurality of hair sections 46 are organized such that the user need not reach for distantly placed hair sections or use random objects in the surroundings to support an individual's hair thereon.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in various embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, 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.

Claims

1. A hairstyling support device, comprising: a frame comprising a front panel integrally affixed to a rear panel via a plurality of supports disposed about a perimeter of each of the front and rear panels;a plurality of openings disposed through the front panel in a grid;at least one telescopic panel disposed within the front panel, wherein the telescopic panel is selectively movable between a stored position and a deployed position;wherein the telescopic panel comprises a secondary plurality of openings therethrough;a plurality of pegs securable within the plurality of openings;a lighting system disposed between the front panel and the rear panel;wherein the lighting system is configured to illuminate one or more of the plurality of openings when activated.

2. The hairstyling support device of claim 1, wherein each peg of the plurality of pegs includes a hook on a distal end thereof, wherein the hook is angled rearwardly towards a proximal end of the peg.

3. The hairstyling support device of claim 1, wherein each peg of the plurality of pegs further comprises a silicone coating thereon.

4. The hairstyling support device of claim 1, wherein each peg of the plurality of pegs comprises a plurality of telescopic sections, such that each peg is selectively movable between a collapsed position and an extended position.

5. The hairstyling support device of claim 1, further comprising a plate extending from a proximal end of each peg of the plurality of pegs, wherein the plate rests against a rear surface of the front panel to retain the peg within an opening of the plurality of openings.

6. The hairstyling support device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of wheels disposed on a lower side of the frame.

7. The hairstyling support device of claim 6, further comprising a wheel lock configured to prevent the plurality of wheels from rolling when the wheel lock is engaged.

8. The hairstyling support device of claim 1, further comprising a support arm pivotally affixed to the rear panel, wherein the support arm selectively moves between a resting configuration flush against the rear panel and a use configuration away from the rear panel to support the frame in an upright configuration.

9. The hairstyling support device of claim 8, further comprising a locking mechanism to retain the support arm in the use configuration.

10. The hairstyling support device of claim 1, further comprising one or more lighting elements having a fastener and a light source, wherein the fastener is removably securable to the plurality of supports.

11. The hairstyling support device of claim 10, wherein the light source is pivotally affixed to the fastener.

12. The hairstyling support device of claim 1, wherein the lighting system is operably connected to a processor and a memory storage device each disposed within the frame, wherein the processor illuminates a subset of the plurality of openings in a pattern stored on the memory storage device.

13. The hairstyling support device of claim 12, further comprising a port disposed on the frame operably connected to the processor.

14. The hairstyling support device of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a first portion and a second portion foldable about a seam, such that the frame is selectively movable between a folded position and an unfolded position.

15. The hairstyling support device of claim 1, further comprising a handle extending from a lateral side of the telescopic panel.

16. The hairstyling support device of claim 1, wherein the rear panel further comprises a tertiary plurality of openings disposed in a grid.

17. The hairstyling support device of claim 1, wherein each opening of the secondary plurality of openings is coaxially aligned with an opening of the plurality of openings when the telescopic panel is in the stored position.