Multiple-Layered, Tool Securing Barber Jacket

Abstract

A barber jacket has an exterior layer, an interior layer and a collar at the top of the jacket. The barber jacket further has at least one sleeve attached to the exterior layer and at least one pocket having a protective liner within. At least one removable ferromagnetic member on the exterior layer of the barber jacket releasably attaches tools of the barber's trade to the exterior side of the barber jacket. The exterior layer is made of a water repellant material. The interior layer is made of a breathable material.

Description

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

None.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to jackets, and more particularly, to a versatile water and hair resistant, tool-storing and securing multi-layered jacket for barbers and/or stylists who cut and prepare hair for others.

2. Description of the Related Art

There exist different types of barber apparel in the market that include smocks, aprons, jackets and vests. They are either made of polyester or Lycra material, but not both. If they are not made of either, then it would be different material but generally such apparel is of a single-type of material used, and not multiple types of material. In addition, some of this barber apparel may include pockets. Others do not. Those with pockets do not have protective lining as an added safety feature.

When a barber or stylist is cutting hair, they need several different tools to perform the service. These tools include scissors, shears, straight razors, combs, clippers, clipper guards, bobby pins, and the like. Many times, the barber or stylist needs to use more than one tool in conjunction with other tools (e.g., scissors and combs, razors and pins, etc.), and must constantly be returning back to his or her workstation to put down one tool and pick up another, all while seamlessly continuing to cut and style the hair of the customer. This may involve having to rotate the customer on a rotatable chair or walk back to the workstation several times during one sitting.

Therefore, there is a need for barber apparel that incorporates multiple types of material, protectively lined pockets, and a mechanism for the barber or stylist to maintain the necessary tools of the trade on his or her person. There is also a further need for the apparel to include a water repelling material on the outside, while providing breathable material in the inside to keep the barber or stylist cool while performing hair cutting or styling services. There is still a further need to be able to use the apparel in a professional setting and, with some modification, be able to use the apparel in a more personal setting.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a multiple layer article of clothing. The present invention combines various different types of material and is versatile for the barber and/or stylist. The outside of the jacket is a polyester material which repels water and hair. The inside of the jacket is made of a Lycra material to keep the barber or stylist cool, thus, minimizing or eliminating sweating altogether. The ends of the sleeves are elastic so as to provide a snug grip around the barber's wrist to prevent hair from entering into the jacket.

The more significant aspect of the barber jacket of the present invention is the incorporation of magnets on the sleeve (either or both sleeves). The present invention includes the ability to have detachable magnets for securing bobby pins, clips and various other metal based tools of the trade on the sleeve of the barber's or stylist's jacket. The use of these magnets in the sleeve allows the barber or stylist to releasably attach various tools that the barber continuously uses while cutting and styling hair. These tools include, by example and not by limitation, scissors, shears, scalpel, clippers, etc. Essentially the barber and stylist keep the tools on his or her person. The magnet portion is also removable from the jacket so that the barber or stylist may use the jacket outside of the barber shop or salon, for example, as personal jacket.

In one embodiment, the present invention has two sets of magnets which are attached to a folding flexible member. One of the two types of magnets of the present invention includes several magnets attached to the folding flexible member via sliding through a loop on the folding flexible member. The other type of magnet consists of grouping several, for example, fourteen (14), 1″×1″×1″, magnets that slant down distally from the middle section of the folding flexible member to be more configured like one's forearm. The present invention preferably utilizes a single magnet that curves to configure to one's forearm.

A leather pocket with a zipper is located at the breast area of the jacket. Two zippered pockets are located on the front of each side of the jacket on either side of the opening of the jacket. The opening can be sealed or unsealed using a zipper. The jacket also has an inside pocket for the barber or stylist to maintain his or her mobile device, such as a smartphone, iPod or other similar device.

Within each of the pockets is interior leather lining that includes a holster, also made of leather. The holster keeps the various tools secured and in place while in the pocket. The leather prevents sharp items from cutting through the material and injuring the barber or stylist, for example, scissors, cutting combs, and so acts as a safety feature.

In an alternative embodiment, a hood may also be incorporated into the barber jacket. In one embodiment, the hood is releasably attached via fasteners, such as buttons, hook-and-loop material or the like, to the collar. In another embodiment, the hood may be integrated with and stored within the collar, the hood held securely within the collar via fasteners, such as buttons, hook-and-loop material or zipper.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a front plan view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a partial front plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts a back plan view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a front perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention with the jacket opened.

FIG. 5 is a partial top view of an embodiment of the present invention showing a pocket in an opened position or configuration.

FIG. 6 depicts a partial front perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention having a patch or receiving area on the sleeve.

FIG. 7 depicts a ferromagnetic member of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 depicts a partial front view of a sleeve and the ferromagnetic member of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a partial front view of an embodiment of the present invention showing the sleeve and the ferromagnetic member attached thereto.

FIG. 10 is a close up top perspective view of the sleeve of an embodiment of the present invention and a plurality of ferromagnetic members attached thereto.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows jacket 10 of an embodiment of the present invention. Jacket 10 has exterior side 12 and interior side 14 and collar 64 at top end 62. Sleeve 16 is on left side 46 of jacket 10. Sleeve 18 is on right side 48 of jacket 10. Elastic 20 is at end 26 of sleeve 18. Similarly, elastic 22 is on end 24 of sleeve 16.

At the breast pocket area on left side 46 of jacket 10 is pocket 28. Left side 46 is the left side of jacket 10, as viewed in FIG. 1, though left side 46 may also be considered the right side of jacket 10 from the perspective of the user wearing jacket 10. Similarly, right side 48 is the right side of jacket 10 as viewed in the FIG. 1, though right side 48 may also be considered the left side of jacket 10 from the perspective of the user wearing jacket 10.

Pocket 28 may be in an open position or configuration or in a closed position or configuration using fastener 32 along top 30 of pocket 28. At the lower end of left side 46 (roughly around the waist line area) toward bottom end 50 is pocket 34 having fastener 38 along top 36 which may be used to have pocket 34 alternate between an opened configuration and a closed configuration.

At the lower end of right side 48 (roughly around the waist line area and opposite pocket 34), and near bottom end 52 is pocket 40 having fastener 44 along top 42. A breast pocket (not shown) may also be included at the breast area of right side 48 of jacket 10. Left side 46 may come together and fastened to right side 48 of jacket 10 via a fastener. Fastener 54 along end 56 of left side 46 releasably attaches to fastener 58 along end 60 of right side 48 of jacket 10.

Turning now to FIG. 2, an alternative embodiment of jacket 10 is shown. Collar 68 is now extended beyond top end 62 such that collar 68 may fully lay over exterior side 12. Pocket 70 (shown in an open position) having fastener 74 along top 72 is positioned at the breast area of right side 48 of jacket 10. Optionally, elastic stitching 76 may be incorporated within pocket 70. Left side 46 and right side 48 are shown releasably attached together via fastener 54. Exterior side 12 of jacket 10 is comprised of a water repellant material, such as polyester or the like. This polyester material further repels hair and facilitates maintaining the barber or stylist free from hair or water on the upper body while working.

The fastener used in the present invention is a zipper having the pull tab and crown (tab holder) on left side 46 of jacket 10, and molded teeth for the zipper on both ends 56 and 60, such that the crown brings the molded teeth from either side together as the zipper is zipped up. However, it is appreciated that the pull tab and crown (tab holder) may also be on right side 48 as preferred or desired by the user (e.g., male or female).

Referring now to FIG. 3, the back side of jacket 10 is shown. Stitching 78 divides the material on exterior side 12. Elastic stitching 80 traverses the perimeter just inside and above bottom ends 52 and 50. In an alternative embodiment, a drawstring (not shown) may pass through the opening formed by elastic stitching 80 so that the user may adjust how tight or how loose jacket 10 may hang.

Referring now to FIG. 4, left side 46 and right side 48 are pulled apart, exposing interior side 14 of jacket 10. Interior side 14 is comprised of a breathable material, such as Lycra, Spandex or the like. This material keeps the user cool and, thus, minimizes or eliminates sweating, and has a relaxed fit on the user. An inside pocket or pockets (not shown) may be included within interior side 14 of jacket 10 to place and secure the personal belongings, such as a wallet, checkbook or smart device (e.g., mobile phone or similar device), of the barber or stylist. These inside pockets may be located at the breast area or lower portion of inside interior 14 of jacket 10. Ferromagnetic member 66 attached to folding flexible number 82 is also shown. This will be explained in further detail below.

Turning now to FIG. 5, pocket 70 is shown in an open configuration. Within inside 84 of pocket 70 is lining 86. The lining may be comprised of leather as an added safety feature when holding sharp objects such as scissors, sheers, and the like. Holster 88 is attached to lining 84. Folds 90 and 92 on holster 88 are used to secure various tools of the trade for the barber or stylist, including scissors, sheers, blades and the like. While the present invention only shows two folds, additional folds may be incorporated into holster 88 to accommodate additional tools.

Still referring to FIG. 5, fastener 74 along top 72 of pocket 70 is used to secure items within pocket 70 in a closed position (see, e.g., FIG. 10) or, in an open position, to allow the tools to be removed. Elastic stitching 76 (see, e.g., FIGS. 2 and 6) provides for added security for the contents held within pocket 70. While the present invention only shows a single pocket having a leather liner and leather holster, each pocket (whether exterior or interior) would have the same leather lining and holster configuration.

Referring now to FIG. 6, patch or receiving area 94 on sleeve 18 is shown. Stitching 104 around the perimeter of patch or receiving area 94 secures patch or receiving area 94 in place. Patch or receiving area 94 is comprised of leather or similar resistant material that blends into and appears uniform with jacket 10. Elastic 20 at end 26 includes a stretch fabric that cuffs the wrist of the barber or stylist preventing hair freshly cut from a customer from getting into the inside of jacket 10, thus, allowing the barber or stylist to be hair free.

Turning now to FIG. 7, ferromagnetic member 66 is shown. Ferromagnetic member 66 may be a permanent magnet or comprised of ferromagnetic material. Ferromagnetic member 66 may be a single piece, or may be a plurality of ferromagnetic members 66a-66l (see, e.g., FIG. 10). Ferromagnetic member 66 is attached to folding flexible number 82. Ends 102 and 102 of folding flexible number 82 extend beyond the perimeter of ferromagnetic member 66 and act as tabs.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show how ferromagnetic member 66 is releasably attached to sleeve 18 of jacket 10. Ends 100 and 102, as shown in FIG. 8, act as tabs to secure ferromagnetic member 66 to sleeve 18. To accomplish this, end 100 is inserted under elastic stitching 96. Patch or receiving area 94 receives ferromagnetic member 66 such that ferromagnetic member 66 then rests on patch or receiving area 94. End 102 is then inserted under elastic stitching 98. Once both ends 100, 102 are in place, ferromagnetic member 66 is secured with end 100 underneath elastic stitching 96 and end 102 underneath elastic stitching 98, as shown in FIG. 9.

The plurality of ferromagnetic members 66a-66l may be used, as shown in FIG. 10. However, it is preferably for a single ferromagnetic member configured to accommodate the shape of the forearm of a barber or stylist to be used. Elastic 20 at end 26 prevents freshly cut hair from a customer from entering in interior 106 of sleeve 18.

In an alternative embodiment, a second ferromagnetic member (not shown) may be either sewn into or held within a pocket within the interior lining of sleeve 18 below receiving area 94 and opposite ferromagnetic member 66 such that when ferromagnetic member 66 is placed on receiving area 94, ferromagnetic member 66 will be held in place via the attractive magnetic forces generated between ferromagnetic member 66 and the second ferromagnetic member. While the present invention shows ferromagnetic member 66 on sleeve 18, sleeve 16 may also be configured to accommodate ferromagnetic member 66. In other words, ferromagnetic member 66 may be on either or both sleeves.

In an alternative embodiment, a hood may also be incorporated into the barber jacket. In one embodiment, the hood is releasably attached via fasteners, such as buttons, hook-and-loop material or the like, to the collar. In another embodiment, the hood may be integrated with and stored within the collar, the hood held securely within the collar via fasteners, such as buttons, hook-and-loop material or zipper. The present invention has application in the hair and salon industry.

The various embodiments described herein may be used singularly or in conjunction with other similar devices. The present disclosure includes preferred or illustrative embodiments of specifically described apparatuses, assemblies, and systems. Alternative embodiments of such apparatuses, assemblies, and systems can be used in carrying out the invention as described herein. Other aspects and advantages of the present invention may be obtained from a study of this disclosure and the drawings.

Claims

1. A barber jacket comprising: an exterior layer, interior layer and a collar at a top end;at least one sleeve attached to said exterior layer;at least one pocket having a protective liner within said at least one pocket;at least one removable ferromagnetic member on said exterior layer of said barber jacket, said at least one removable ferromagnetic member for releasably attaching tools to said exterior side of said barber jacket;wherein said exterior layer is comprised of a water repellant material; andwherein said interior layer is comprised of a breathable material.

2. The barber jacket, as recited in claim 1, wherein said protective liner is leather.

3. The barber jacket, as recited in claim 2, wherein said at least one pocket further comprises a zipper.

4. The barber jacket, as recited in claim 3, wherein said at least one removable ferromagnetic member is configured to the shape of a user's forearm.

5. The barber jacket, as recited in claim 4, wherein said at least one removable ferromagnetic member is located on said at least one sleeve.

6. The barber jacket, as recited in claim 5, wherein said end of said at least one sleeve is elastic.

7. The barber jacket, as recited in claim 6, further comprising a hood.

8. The barber jacket, as recited in claim 7, wherein said hood is releasably attached to said barber jacket.

9. The barber jacket, as recited in claim 7, wherein said hood is integrated with and stored within a collar of said barber jacket.