NECK PAD FOR SALON BOWLS FOR RINSING THE BACK NECKLINE

Abstract

Disclosed is a salon bowl with a front wall with a neck-receiving curvature, and a hole located on an interior surface in proximity to the neck-receiving curvature. The bowl includes a cavity for receiving hair and rinsing the rear neckline of a user. The bowl is hollow inside with hollow space(s). The salon bowl includes a neck pad disposed of the neck-receiving curvature. The neck pad includes a top portion, two sidewalls, each connected to and extending downward from the top portion, and at least one flap connected to and extending downward from the first sidewall, and/or the second sidewall. One of sidewalls includes a drain pan having a well, drain out channels, and a slot. The bowl includes a hosepipe with an end connected to a water source, and another end extending out of the hole and reaching the slot passing through the hollow space(s) within the bowl.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to salon bowls, and more particularly, to a salon bowl and neck/headrest combination. More specifically, the present invention presents a salon bowl arrangement or a neck pad in the form of a neck/headrest adapted for rinsing the back neckline, wherein the neck pad is removably attachable onto the salon bowl during the hair washing procedure.

BACKGROUND

Almost every one of us has gone through hair washing procedures at hairdressers' salons, hospitals, or occasionally even at private residences. Mostly, the person undergoing hair wash has to lean his/her head rested back against the washing bowl with his/her neck being fixed at the height of the hairline in a recessed area/notch on the edge of the bowl. The washing and rinsing water is then applied by a hairstylist/hairdresser using a tap or a hand shower that gets a water connection from a water source using a hosepipe.

Although, a variety of salon bowls or sinks are known. None of the salon bowls are known to the inventor that provide sufficient comfort and satisfactory hair wash to the person undergoing hair wash. There are several instances or proposals made in the past by several inventors for example, as disclosed in at least U.S. Ser. No. 11/253,046, U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,469,430, 4,587,680, 2,161,590, 2,948,903, 4,411,032, the salon bowls include an inbuilt recessed area (or even recessed area provided with a cushioning accessory) for supporting the neck of the user getting his/her hair washed. One thing that's common in all of the above prior art is, all of these existing salon bowls have a special arrangement to fix a water tape or are provided with a hand shower connected to a water source (water tap for example) via hosepipe. The use of the fixed water tap is very cumbersome to use for washing the hair and often water splashes out of the bowl. Using the hand shower for washing hair is a better option but results in unsatisfying handling of hair and also accidental splashing of water out of the bowl when the salon professional attempts to wash the back neckline of the user. Another disadvantage is that long hair (in females) can spread out in the whole bowl and/or the ends of the hair can be swept along into the evacuation opening present in the bowl together with the washing and rinsing water that is draining off, so, long hair must be continuously held up high by the stylist using at least one hand when he/she is using the other hand to hold the hand shower. This is an undesirable activity done by the stylist.

In the light of the aforementioned background, the functionality and convenience of the state-of-the-art bowls, or arrangements for hair washing at the salons or parlours have been less than satisfactory.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a salon bowl arrangement or a neck pad that can be used with any salon bowl. Usually, the recessed portion of the salon bowl is hard and leads to neck pain for the person leaning his head rested back against the washing bowl. The proposed neck pad is made of comfortable soft gel material to provide cushioning and support.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a salon bowl arrangement in the form of a neck pad that would provide a superior neck and head comfort to the person whose neck/head is resting thereon when the neck pad is coupled to the bowl.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a back neckline rinsing system removably couplable to the salon bowls that provides: 1) a comfortable neck/headrest to the person undergoing hair wash and 2) eliminates the need for using a separate water tap attached to the salon bowl or use of hand shower for washing the neckline hair.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide the neck pad detachably and immovably fixable on the intended curvature (where the person undergoing hair washing rests his head/neck) of the salon bowl. The neck pad is provided with a plurality of suction means or suction cups underside to allow the neck pad to tightly adhere to the interior and exterior surface of the salon bowl.

As an advantageous use, during the use of the proposed neck pad with the salon bowl, the stylist usually has both of his/her hands free and can continuously use the hands to hold up high the long hair of the person undergoing hair wash from the bottom of the bowl in order to ensure a perfect washing and rinsing process.

Embodiments of the present invention describe a neckline rinsing system that includes a neck pad adapted to engage a neck-receiving curvature of a salon bowl. The neck pad includes a top portion, a first sidewall connected to and extending downward from a first side of the top portion, a second sidewall connected to and extending downward from a second side of the top portion, and at least one flap connected to and extending downward from the first sidewall or connected to and extending downward from each of the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

According to the embodiments, the first sidewall includes a drain pan configured externally thereon. The drain pan comprises a well, one or more drain-out channels, and at least one hosepipe inlet. At least one hosepipe inlet is adapted for receiving the second end of a hosepipe.

According to the embodiments, the hosepipe includes a first end, and a second end. The neckline rinsing system further comprises a water inlet attachable to the interior of the salon bowl. The water inlet comprises a main body including a front side, a rear side, and a port for connecting the first end of the hosepipe.

According to another embodiment, there is provided a salon bowl. The salon bowl includes a front wall comprising an exterior surface, an interior surface, and a neck-receiving curvature, wherein the front wall comprises a hole located on the interior surface in proximity to the neck-receiving curvature. The salon bowl further includes a back wall, a base, and one or more side walls, wherein the front wall, the back wall, the base, and the side walls together surround a cavity that facilitate receiving hair of a customer that falls within the cavity, and rinsing rear neckline of the customer while the customer rests upon the neck-receiving curvature.

According to the embodiment, the salon bowl further includes a neck pad disposed on the neck-receiving curvature of the salon bowl, the neck pad comprising: a top portion, a first sidewall connected to and extending downward from a first side of the top portion, a second sidewall connected to and extending downward from a second side of the top portion. The first sidewall of the neck pad comprises a drain pan configured externally thereon, the drain pan comprising a well, one or more drain out channel, and a slot.

According to the embodiment, the salon bowl further includes a hosepipe comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is operationally connected to a water source, and the second end extends out of the hole to reach the slot passing through at least one hollow space formed within the salon bowl.

Various advantages and features of the present invention are described herein with specificity so as to make the present invention understandable to one of ordinary skill in the art, both with respect to how to practice the present invention and how to make the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above set forth and other features of the present invention are made more apparent in the ensuing description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the attached drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of a neck pad of a neckline rinsing system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a front view of the neck pad of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the neck pad of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a top perspective view of the neck pad of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows a front perspective view of the neckline rinsing system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of the neckline rinsing system of FIG. 5.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show front perspective and back perspective views of a water inlet of the neckline rinsing system, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 shows the neckline rinsing system arranged on a salon bowl, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 show the neckline rinsing system arranged on a salon bowl and in use for hair washing at the neckline.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged sectional view of the neckline rinsing system of FIG. 5 showing connectivity of the hosepipe to the neck pad.

FIG. 13 shows a front perspective view of a neck pad of a neckline rinsing system according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 shows a side view of the neck pad of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 shows a front perspective view of a neck pad of a neckline rinsing system according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 16-17 shows a salon bowl with an integrated neck pad and a hosepipe, according to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 18 and 19 show the saloon bowl with the neck pad removed and the concealed hosepipe denoted in dotted form, according to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 20 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the salon bowl of FIG. 16 to showcase the hosepipe's connectivity to the neck pad through the salon bowl, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 shows the salon bowl of FIG. 16 in use for hair washing at the neckline.

Identical reference numerals in the figures are intended to indicate like parts, although not every feature in every figure may be called out with a reference numeral.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain terminology is used in the following description for reference only and is not limiting. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” are not limited to one element, but instead should be read as meaning “at least one.” The terminology includes the words noted above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. Before describing the present invention in detail, it should be observed that the present invention utilizes a combination of components, which constitutes a neck pad or a neckline rinsing system adapted for rinsing the back neckline undergoing hair wash in salons or other like places. Accordingly, the components have been represented, showing only specific details that are pertinent for an understanding of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that may be readily apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. As required, the detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.

The words “comprising”, “having”, “containing”, and “including”, and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open-ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items.

The salon bowl arrangement in the form of a neck pad and/or a back neckline rinsing system which the inventor regards as his invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which should be regarded as merely illustrative without restricting the scope and ambit of the present invention.

The present invention is an add-on accessory that can be used with an existing salon bowl or sink known in the art. The saloon sinks/bowls usually have different dimensions, shapes, or structures with at least a sidewall having a neck-receiving notch or recessed portion or curvature wherein the person undergoing hair wash needs to rest his head back. The present accessory is directed to sit over the notch or curvature where the person needs to rest his head.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4 in conjunction with FIG. 9, a neck pad 102 of a neckline rinsing system 100 of the present invention is shown. The neck pad 102 is adapted to engage or fit on a neck-receiving curvature 202 of a salon bowl 200. The neck-pad 102 is removably engaged to the neck-receiving curvature 202 of the bowl 200 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. However, in some embodiments, it might be possible to permanently attach the neck pad 102 to the neck-receiving curvature 202 of the bowl 200 during the manufacturing process. The neck pad 102 is preferably designed to fit on the standard/American style bowls or saloon bowls having vertical or close-to-vertical neck area. The salon bowl 200 includes a cavity 201 and a front face of the salon bowl 200 includes the neck-receiving curvature 202 adapted to receive the neck pad 102.

The neck pad 102 includes a top portion 102a, a first sidewall 102b, a second sidewall 102c, and at least one flap 102d. The top portion 102a of the neck pad 102 is concavely shaped to complement the shape of the neck-receiving curvature 202 of the salon bowl 200. The top portion 102a comes in contact with the person's neck when the neck pad 102 is installed on the salon bowl 200.

The first sidewall 102b is integrally connected to and extends downward from one side of the top portion 102a. Likewise, the second sidewall 102c is integrally connected to and extends downward from another opposing side of the top portion 102a. The extension length of the sidewalls 102b and 102c is suitably chosen so that the neck pad 102 can adapt to salon bowls of varying dimensions, particularly the extension length is chosen such that the neck pad 102 can sit over the recessed or curvature 202 of the salon bowl 200. In some other embodiment, the sidewalls 102b, and 102c may be removably connected to the top portion 102a using a snap-fit mechanism (other similar mechanisms known in the art) instead of being integrally attached to the top portion forming a unitary product.

Further, the sidewall 102b embodies a centrally located drain pan 106 with an inbuilt well 107. The drain pan 106 is configured externally on the sidewall 102b. The drain pan 106 includes one or more drain out channels 108a-108d, and at least one hosepipe inlet 108e to connect a hosepipe (not shown) receiving water from a water inlet (not shown) to rinse the rear neckline of the person during hair washing procedure as will be described in detail in the description to follow. The one or more drain out channels 108a-108d help in draining out the rinsing water out of the neck pad 102 during the rinsing process. The well 107 is suitably sized in length, width, and depth depending upon the size of the sidewall 102b. In an embodiment, the one or more drain-out channels 108a-108d may be equal in length, width, and depth. In some other embodiment, the drain out channels 108a-108d may vary in length, width, and depth. The at least one hosepipe inlet 108e receiving an end of the hosepipe is suitably sized (in length, width, and depth) to properly fit the hosepipe therein as shown in FIG. 12. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, the at least one hosepipe inlet 108e may not be an open channel to receive the end of the hosepipe (FIG. 12), but the at least one hosepipe inlet 108e may embody a port 108f to connect the end of the hosepipe thereto just like the port of the water inlet.

Further, the neck pad 102 includes at least one flap 102d integrally connected to the first sidewall 102b and that extends downward therefrom as seen in FIGS. 1-4. In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 13-14, the flap 102d may be integrally connected to both the sidewalls 102b, and 102c. In some other embodiments, the at least one flap 102d may be removably connected to either one or both of the sidewalls 102b, 102c.

According to an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, the at least one flap 102d may include one or more suction means 104 configured at underside 102e of the flap 102d. The suction means 104 according to one example comprises suction cups. The suction means 104 helps the sidewall 102b to fixedly or immovably adhere onto the interior surface 203 of the salon bowl 200. The attachment using suction means 104 creates a stronger grip between the sidewall 102b and the interior surface 203 of the bowl 200 around the curvature 202. According to other embodiments, other adhering means (for example 3M tape, glue, etc) known in the art may be utilized that would help the sidewall 102b to strongly adhere to the interior surface 203 of the bowl 200. The top portion 102a, sidewalls 102b,102c, and the flap 102d are all made of resilient gel material (E.g. silicon), or soft material pliable substance used to provide cushioning and support.

Referring to FIG. 5, 6, the neckline rinsing system 100 is shown in an assembled view, and an exploded view respectively. The neckline rinsing system 100 is shown to include a hosepipe 109, and a water inlet 110 beside the neck pad 102 discussed above. As seen, the water inlet 110 comprises a main body 110a including a front side 110b and a rear side 110c (FIGS. 7 and 8). The rear side 110c preferably includes means for removably connecting the water inlet 110 to the underside/interior 203 of the salon bowl 200 as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The attachment means may be suction cups 110d. The front side 110b is configured to connect a connecting device 205 connected to a water source (not seen). The connecting device 205 may be a pull-out shower 205 as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. One or more openings 110e present on the front side 110b of the water inlet 110 helps in moving the water from the water source to the pad 102 via the hosepipe 109 (connected to the water inlet 110 via port 110f present in the water inlet 110) during the neckline rinsing process.

In some other embodiment (not shown), it might be possible to realize the working of the invention without the use of the water inlet 110. Instead, the first end 109a of the hosepipe 109 may be directly connected to tape or other water source utilizing known plumbing connectors.

During the installation of the neckline rinsing system 100 of FIG. 5, the system 100 is configured on the salon bowl 200 as shown in FIG. 9. Particularly, the neck pad 102 is installed on the curvature 202 of the bowl 200 such that a retaining space 102f (formed by the top portion 102a and sidewalls 102b,102c of the neck pad 102 receives with the upper surface of the neck-receiving curvature 202 or a portion of the neck receiving curvature 202 of the salon bowl 200. As seen, the neck pad 102 is concavely shaped and sized to support a rear neckline of a person 300 (as seen in FIG. 11) undergoing hair washing (for example after shampooing or coloring the hair or taking similar hair care treatment). The water inlet 110 is attached to the interior wall 203 of bowl 200 and an end of the hosepipe 109 is connected to the water inlet 110 (via port 1100 whereas the other end of the hosepipe 109 is connected to the hosepipe inlet 108e of the drain pan 106 (as also seen FIG. 12).

During operation (FIGS. 10-11), the hair stylist or hair care professional first fixes or installs the neckline rinsing system 100 of FIG. 5 on the salon bowl 200 as preferably shown in FIG. 9. In the next step, the person/user undergoing hair wash leans the head backward against the top portion 102a of the neck pad 102. The stylist then opens the water source and then connects the connecting device 205 to the water inlet 110. Once the water inlet 110 receives water from the water source, the water then flows through the hosepipe 109 and to the neck pad 102 and emerges upward striking the walls of the well 107 as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. The stylist can use one hand to keep hold of the user's hair and hold it up to rinse up the shampoo or other cosmetics from the rear neckline areas of the head. While using one hand to hold up the user's hair for carrying out the rinsing process at the neckline, the user can use another hand to connect the connecting device 205 (pull-out shower) to the water inlet 110. If the stylist is required to stop the rinsing process, he just needs to disconnect the connecting device 205 from the water inlet 110.

According to yet another embodiment, the neckline rinsing system described above, specifically the neck pad 102 and the hosepipe 109 may be integrally made part of a salon bowl or salon sink 300 as shown and as will be described below with reference to FIGS. 16-21. The salon bowl 300 as seen is similar to a standard American-style salon bowl made of ceramic, cement, acrylic, or other similar material. The bowl 300 in appearance is similar to bowls manufactured and sold under the brand names for example Belvedere®, Latitude Run®.

As shown in FIGS. 18-19, the salon bowl or sink 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided with a neck-receiving curvature 302 in the normally front wall 301 of the bowl 300. The front wall 301 includes an exterior surface 301a, an interior surface 301b, and a top surface 301c. The neck-receiving curvature 302 of the top surface 301c of the front wall 301 includes a hole 301d provided thereon. In another embodiment, the hole 301d may be located on the interior surface 301b of the front wall 301 of the bowl 300 in proximity to the top surface 301c or the neck-receiving curvature 302. The bowl 300 also includes a back wall 303, and two or more side walls 304. The walls 301, 303, and 304 together surround a cavity 305 of the bowl 300. The salon bowl 300 includes a base 306. The salon bowl 300 may be made hollow inside. In particular, the walls, namely the front wall 301, the back wall 303, and side walls 304 may be made thicker and hollow inside to allow the configuration of the hosepipe 109 within the hollow space 308. Alternatively, the bowl 300 may include hollow space 308 surrounding the base adjacent to the front wall 301, the back wall 303, and the side walls 304. The hosepipe 109 comprises a first end 109a, and a second end 109b. The first end 109a is connected to a water source (not seen) using a water flow controller 310 mounted on the bowl 300. The hosepipe 109 passes through the hollow space 308 formed within the walls of the bowl 300 or the hollow space 308 surrounding the base and the walls 301,303,304. In the example shown, the hosepipe 109 may pass through the hollow space 308 of the back wall 303, the hollow space 308 of the side wall 304 (any side), and the hollow space 308 within the front wall 301 such that the second end 109b emerges out of the hole 301d formed on the bowl 300. The hollow spaces 308 of each of the walls may differ lengthwise or may be similar lengthwise depending upon the size of the walls of the bowl 300.

According to the embodiment, the neck-receiving curvature 302 is disposed on the front wall of bowl 300 to receive the neck of the person/customer whose hair is being rinsed. The usual position of the customer of a beauty salon, for example, is to have the back of the neck lie within neck-receiving curvature 302 while the customer is being seated on a chair 400 in front of the bowl 300, to allow the hair of the head of the customer to fall within bowl 300 and be washed while the customer rests upon the surface the neck-receiving curvature 302. The discomfort and inconvenience of such practice are alleviated by the provision of the neck pad 102. The neck pad 102 is similar to the neck pad 102 described in FIGS. 1-15 with some notable changes.

The neck pad 102 is fixedly attached to the neck-receiving curvature 302 according to a preferred embodiment. Glue or some other adhesives or any other permanent fixation means may be used to fix the pad 102 over the neck receiving curvature 302. In an embodiment, where the neck pad 102 is removably fixed on the neck receiving curvature 302, the neck pad 102 may include suction means 104 as described above in FIGS. 1-15 or any other means. For example, the neck pad 102 may be removably attached to the neck-receiving curvature 302 using some clipping mechanism, snap-fit mechanism, or other similar mechanism known in the art. The neck pad 102 includes a top portion 102a, a first sidewall 102b, a second sidewall 102c, and at least one flap 102d. The top portion 102a of the neck pad 102 is concavely shaped. The pad 102 is U-like shaped to complement the shape of the neck-receiving curvature 302 of the salon bowl 300. The top portion 102a comes in contact with the person's neck when the neck pad 102 is installed on the salon bowl 300. The top portion 102a may include a slot 108e therein in an embodiment. In an embodiment, the slot 108e may be located on the first sidewall 102b in proximity to the top portion 102a. The slot 108e is positionally located on the pad 102 ensuring the slot 108e coincides with the hole 301d present on the neck-receiving curvature 302 or in proximity thereto. The second end 109b of the hosepipe 109 emerges out of the slot 108e (or tends to peep out of the slot 108e or comes in proximity to the slot 108e) after passing out of the hole 301d to facilitate the rinsing rear neckline of the customer/user. The second end 109b of the hosepipe 109 is preferably provided with a nozzle 109c that passes out of the hole 301d and the slot 108e.

In an embodiment, the neck pad 102 includes one single flap 102d similar to FIG. 1. In another embodiment, the neck pad 102 includes two flaps 102d each on either side of the front wall 301, similar to FIG. 13. In some other embodiments, the neck pad 102 may not include any flaps rather just have the top portion 102a, the first sidewall 102b, the second sidewall 102c, wherein the sidewalls 102b,102c may be fixedly attached on either side of the neck-receiving curvature 302.

The sidewall 102b of the neck pad 102 embodies a centrally located drain pan 106 with an inbuilt well 107. The drain pan 106 is configured externally on the sidewall 102b. The drain pan 106 includes one or more drain out channels 108a-108d, 108f, and the slot 108e for the second end 109b of the hosepipe 109 to peep out therefrom so that water from the water source can be delivered for rear neckline rinsing using the water flow controller 310 mounted on the salon bowl 300. The drain-out channels 108a-108d, 108f facilitate draining out the rinsing water out of the neck pad 102 during the rinsing process. The well 107 is suitably sized in length, width, and depth depending upon the size of the sidewall 102b. Preferably, the slot 108e is located centrally on the well 107. In an embodiment, the drain-out channels 108a-108d, 108f may be equal in length, width, and depth. In some other embodiment, the drain out channels 108a-108d, and 108f may vary in length, width, and depth. The slot 108e receiving the end 109b of the hosepipe 109 or the nozzle 109c connected to the end 109b of the hosepipe 109 is suitably sized (in length, width, and depth) to allow the hosepipe's end 109b (or the nozzle 109c) to emerge out from there or at least peep out from there.

The neck pad 102 per se is preferably constructed of plastic material, silicon material, or some similar resilient substance that will be water repellent and capable of being maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.

In operation, the hair stylist or hair care professional first fixes or installs the salon bowl 300 behind a chair 400 where a customer is usually seated such as to allow the hair of the head of the customer to fall within bowl 300 (within the cavity 305) and be washed while the customer rests upon the top portion 102a of the neck pad 102, as preferably shown in FIG. 21. In the next step, the customer/user undergoing hair washing leans the head backward against the top portion 102a of the neck pad 102. The stylist then opens the water source using a water flow controller 310 configured on the salon bowl 300. Once the water flow controller is opened up by the stylist, water from the water source flows through the hosepipe 109 (from the first end 109a) throughout its entire length located within the hollow space formed in the bowl and reaches the neck pad 102 and emerges out of the second end 109b (particularly a nozzle 109c connected thereto) of the hosepipe 109 striking the walls of the well 107 as shown in FIG. 21 just like as described happening with respect to FIG. 10-11. The hole 301d provided on or in proximity to the neck-receiving curvature 302 and the slot 108e provided on the pad 102 allow the flowing water through the hosepipe 109 to reach and eject out of the slot 108e which can be used for rinsing the rear neckline of the customer. The stylist can use one hand to keep hold of the user's hair and hold it up to rinse up the shampoo or other cosmetics from the rear neckline areas of the head. While using one hand to hold up the customer's hair to carry out the rinsing process at the neckline. The stylist can use another hand to close the flow of water from the water source using the water flow controller 310.

The neck pad 102 and associated components, the water inlet 110, the hosepipe 109, and other components of the invention recited in FIGS. 1-15 may be made using a variety of materials and in a variety of dimensions, and thus the scope of the present invention should not be considered limited to the materials, dimensions discussed herein above. Likewise, the embodiment or improvement, that outlines the integration of the neck pad 102, hosepipe 109 and bowl 300 and any associated components as one unitary product (as shown and described with respect to FIGS. 16-21) may be made using a variety of materials and in a variety of dimensions, and thus the scope of the present invention should not be considered limited to the materials, dimensions discussed herein above.

While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A salon bowl (300), comprising: a front wall (301) comprising an exterior surface (301a), an interior surface (301b), and a neck-receiving curvature (302), wherein the front wall (301) comprises a hole (301d) located on the interior surface (301b) in proximity to the neck-receiving curvature (302);a back wall (303), a base (306), and one or more side walls (304), wherein the front wall (301), the back wall (303), the base (306), and the side walls (304) together surround a cavity (305) that facilitate receiving hair of a customer that falls within the cavity (305), and rinsing rear neckline of the customer while the customer rests upon the neck-receiving curvature (302);a neck pad (102) disposed on the neck-receiving curvature (302) of the salon bowl (300), the neck pad (102) comprising: a top portion (102a), a first sidewall (102b) connected to and extending downward from a first side of the top portion (102a), a second sidewall (102c) connected to and extending downward from a second side of the top portion (102a);wherein, the first sidewall (102) of the neck pad (102) comprises a drain pan (106) configured externally thereon, the drain pan (106) comprising a well (107), one or more drain out channels (108a-108d,108f), and a slot (108e); anda hosepipe (109) comprising a first end (109a) and a second end (109b), wherein the first end (109) is operationally connected to a water source, and the second end (109b) extends out of the hole (301d) to reach the slot (108e) passing through at least one hollow space (308) formed within the salon bowl (300).

2. The salon bowl (300) of claim 1, wherein the slot (108e) located on the neck pad (102) coincides with the hole (301d) located on the interior surface in proximity from the center of the neck-receiving curvature (302) of the salon bowl (300) when the neck pad (102) is disposed on the neck-receiving curvature (302) of the salon bowl (300).

3. The salon bowl (300) of claim 1, wherein the neck pad (102) further comprising at least one flap (102d) connected to and extending downward from at least one of: the first sidewall (102b), and the second sidewall (102c).

4. The salon bowl (300) of claim 1, wherein the salon bowl (300) is a standard American-style salon bowl made of ceramic, cement, acrylic, or other similar material.

5. The salon bowl (300) of claim 1, wherein at least one of: the front wall (301), the back wall (303), the base (306), and the side walls (304) are hollow inside with the at least one hollow space (308) formed there inside to allow placement of the hosepipe (109) within the hollow space (308).

6. The salon bowl (300) of claim 1, wherein the at least one hollow space (308) is formed around the base (306) adjacent to the front wall (301), the back wall (303), and the side walls (304).

7. The salon bowl (300) of claim 1, wherein the hosepipe (109) passes through the hollow space (108) formed within the salon bowl (300) partially or in its entirety.

8. The salon bowl (300) of claim 1, wherein the slot (108e) is located centrally on the well (107).

9. The salon bowl (300) of claim 1, wherein the neck pad (102) is concavely shaped to complement the shape of the neck-receiving curvature (302) of the salon bowl (300).

10. The salon bowl (300) of claim 3, wherein the at least one flap (102d) comprises one or more suction means (104) and adhering means configured at the underside (102e) of the at least one flap (102d) to enable the sidewall (102b) to immovably adhere onto the interior surface (301b) of the salon bowl (300).

11. The salon bowl (300) of claim 10, wherein the suction means (104) comprises one or more suction cups and the adhering means comprises at least 3M tape and glue.

12. The salon bowl (300) of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more drain-out channels (108a-108d, 1080 are equal in length, width, and depth.

13. The salon bowl (300) of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more drain-out channels (108a-108d,108f) vary in length, width, and depth.

14. The salon bowl (300) of claim 1, wherein the first sidewall (102b) is integrally connected to and extends downward from one side of the top portion (102a) and the second sidewall (102c) is integrally connected to and extends downward from another opposing side of the top portion (102a).

15. The salon bowl (300) of claim 1, wherein the first sidewall (102b) is removably connected to and extends downward from one side of the top portion (102a) and the second sidewall (102c) is removably connected to and extends downward from another opposing side of the top portion (102a).

16. The neckline rinsing system (100) of claim 1, wherein the top portion (102a), the sidewalls (102b,102c), and the at least one flap (102d) is made of resilient gel material, or soft material pliable substance for providing cushioning and support to the neckline of the customer undergoing neckline rinsing procedure.

17. A salon bowl (300), comprising: a front wall (301) comprising a neck-receiving curvature (302), wherein the front wall (301) comprises a hole (301d) located on an interior surface (301b) in proximity to the neck-receiving curvature (302);a cavity (305) formed on the salon bowl (300) that facilitates receiving hair of a customer that falls within the cavity (305), and rinsing the rear neckline of the customer while the customer rests upon the neck-receiving curvature (302);wherein the salon bowl (300) is hollow inside with at least one hollow space (308);a neck pad (102) disposed on the neck-receiving curvature (302) of the salon bowl (300), the neck pad (102) comprising: a top portion (102a), a first sidewall (102b) connected to and extending downward from a first side of the top portion (102a), a second sidewall (102c) connected to and extending downward from a second side of the top portion (102a), at least one flap (102d) connected to and extending downward from at least one of: the first sidewall (102b), and the second sidewall (102c);wherein, the first sidewall (102) of the neck pad (102) comprises a drain pan (106) configured externally thereon, the drain pan (106) comprising a well (107), one or more drain out channels (108a-108d,108f), and a slot (108e); anda hosepipe (109) comprising a first end (109a) and a second end (109b), wherein the first end (109) is operationally connected to a water source, and the second end (109b) extends out of the hole (301d) and reaches the slot (108e) passing through the at least one hollow space (308) within the salon bowl (300).

18. The salon bowl (300) of claim 17, wherein the slot (108e) located on the neck pad (102) coincides with the hole (301d) located on the interior surface in proximity to the centre of the neck-receiving curvature (302) of the salon bowl (300) when the neck pad (102) is disposed on the neck-receiving curvature (302) of the salon bowl (300).

19. The salon bowl (300) of claim 17, wherein the slot (108e) is located centrally on the well (107).

20. The salon bowl (300) of claim 17, wherein the neck pad (102) is concavely shaped to complement the shape of the neck-receiving curvature (302) of the salon bowl (300).