US20040187182A1

US20040187182A1 - Sure-cut

Info

Publication number: US20040187182A1
Application number: US10/393,786
Authority: US
Inventors: Eric Carraway
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-03-24
Filing date: 2003-03-24
Publication date: 2004-09-30

Abstract

The Sure-Cut is designed to be worn comfortably around finger(s) to prevent user from injury to finger(s). The Sure-Cut is also designed with an edge on top and bottom to be utilized in multiple angles to create effects in the flow of the haircut, the straightedge allows for a longer more accurate guide. The Sure-Cut also has a Velcro type combing action surface, used to pull or comb more strands of hair to the surface of the straight edge for more of a precision and even haircut. This invention assist the user by providing protection against cutting, it also improves the haircutting process by increasing the distance of the cut or guide without risk of injury. In doing so, the haircutting time is decreased. While having a straightedge, it also ensures a straight cut. And by having a hard, brush like surface; the Velcro acts as a comb effect to ensure all strands of hair in a particular section are pulled creating a more precise, even haircut.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns the Sure-Cut for use in the cosmetology and barbering industries, respectively. This device will provide protection for the two fingers commonly used during the process of haircutting. The device also has a surface textured much like a comb or brush to ensure more hair is directed toward the traveling guide. With a straightedge, the device further insures a more precise and even haircut.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Stylists in the cosmetology and barbering industry encounter an occupational hazard of cutting their fingers during the haircutting process. Often times, particularly while cutting women's hair, it is necessary to cut the hair by combing it perpendicular to the scalp. When the hair is combed perpendicular to the scalp it is held vertically, in relation to scalp, between the middle and index fingers. A parallel cut along the top surface of the fingers is then executed, creating what is known as a guide. This guide is used to complete the haircut and is also referred to as a traveling guide. As a rule, if one does not cut past the second knuckle, they may avoid injury. Unfortunately, this rule varies according to the length and thickness of each individual's finger as well as the length of the blade on the shears (scissors) being used. This “rule” is currently the only protection offered to stylists in the cosmetology and barbering industry.

Thus, the Sure-Cut relates to a protective edge upon closer examination, this straightedge has a (comb/brush) Velcro surface, used to ensure more hair is combed, brushed and, or pulled to the surface ensuring a more precise, even haircut. More particularly, the Sure-Cut provides comfortable exterior protection of the finger; extending from just below the fingernail to just above the last knuckle of the middle and/or index finger. The Sure-Cut has a straightedge on top and bottom sides and the surface is the rough side of the Velcro. It is made to go over the finger. This is achieved using a conforming elastic band that encompasses the aforementioned area of the finger. And even more specifically, the Sure-Cut prevents injury and decreases haircutting time by providing a straightedge to cut along and this edge also extends a safe cutting distance, allowing more hair to be cut and angles more accurately achieved, therefore reducing the time of the overall haircut.

There are cited references of devices available that disclose finger protection. The following is a list of a few of those devices. U.S. Pat. No. 5,879,771 to Kypreos, dated Mar. 3, 1999. This device provides thermal protection. Comprising polytetrafluoroethylene, polyester, silicone and also having a thermal insulation layer, this device proves to be too complicated for use in the cosmetology and barbering industries. U.S. Pat. No. 4,507,807 to Karkanen, dated Apr. 2, 1985 discloses a work glove finger structure, with pliable stretchable material for increased sensitivity at the users fingertips. Another cited reference proven to be impractical for use in the cosmetology and barbering industries. U.S. Pat. No. 4,908,881 to Field, dated Mar. 20, 1990 includes a class of shield type devices designed to slide over the top and around the finger to protect and cover an already injured finger. This device is too bulky and too rigid for use in cosmetology and barbering. Yet another example of prior art is U.S. Pat. No. 5,540,243 to Simonton, dated Jul. 30, 1996. This patent discloses a clip on fingernail protector. Having concentrated its concerns on protecting the fingernail only, this is not a practical item for intended use of the Sure-Cut. Other cited references include U.S. Pat. No. 4,972,857 to Stewart et. al., dated November 1990. U.S. Pat. No. 5,085,234 to Silverman, dated February 1992. U.S. Pat. No. 4,694,843 to Casenhiser, dated September 1987. U.S. Pat. No. 3,972,325 to Bluestone, dated August 1976. More cited references include U.S. Pat. No. D434192. U.S. Pat. No. 2,769,179. U.S. Pat. No. 2,985,885. U.S. Pat. No. 3,608,090. U.S. Pat. No. 4,097,931. U.S. Pat. No. 5,220,690. U.S. Pat. No. 5,717,995. U.S. Pat. No. 5,685,037. U.S. Pat. No. 5,504,942. U.S. Pat. No. 4,131,952. U.S. Pat. No. 4,507,807. U.S. Pat. No. 4,654,896. U.S. Pat. No. 4,831,667 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,167,038. All the above mentioned are examples of related art. Protective finger devices designed to prevent burns; aid in sensitivity to fingertips due to gloves and the like or to provide protection to oftentimes already injured fingers. These devices—while providing excellent services in their respected fields—by nature of intent prove to be often bulky, rigid or just impractical, for use in the cosmetology and barbering industries. The Sure-Cut is a very useful and needed item for this profession.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention pertains to a device used to prevent a stylist from injury to fingers during haircutting. This summation is not intended to limit the Sure-Cut. It is an attempt to describe the components of this invention. The device comprises a finger protector made of, yet not limited to, a thin strip of sheet metal affixed on back of Velcro—rough comb/brush surface being surface between fingers—and an elastic band encompassing the finger with the two items aforementioned affixed on the band. The device extends an area on the finger below the fingernail and above the last knuckle and the circumference thereof of the middle finger and or the index finger. The Sure-Cut may be utilized on both the middle and index fingers or just the middle finger alone. These are the two most commonly utilized fingers during the process of haircutting, and the middle finger is usually the finger that is injured. In a preferred embodiment, the Sure-Cut employs the rough surface of the Velcro acts as a comb or brush like utensil, pulling and combing the strands of hair evenly to the surface of the straightedge provided via a thin sheet metal allowing a more straight, even precision haircut while preventing injury to the stylist. The Velcro, or combing devise will be altered, and/or adjusted to have less bristles on surface to impose a true combing action. Other aspects of the present invention are explained in more detail in the drawings herein and specifications set forth in the following:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Referring to the previous four illustrations, this is a representative translation of: [0006]
FIG. 1 is an illustration of a technical drawing of the Sure-Cut. The components of the device are, but not limited to, a Velcro strip (the rough side being surface), a thin lightweight strip of sheet metal and an elastic band. [0007]
FIG. 2 is an illustration of the Sure-Cut on the right hand. It is designed to be used on the middle and/or index finger. The dotted lines are a representation of the finger under the Sure-Cut's elastic band. The rough surface indicated between the fingers is representation of the Velcro or combing device. [0008]
FIG. 3 is an illustration of the Sure-Cut on the left hand. It is designed to be used on the middle and/or index finger. The dotted lines are a representation of the finger under the Sure-Cut's elastic band. The rough surface indicated between the fingers is representation of the Velcro or combing device. [0009]
FIG. 4 is an illustration of the Sure-Cut on the right hand middle finger only. The dotted lines are a representation of the finger under the Sure-Cut's elastic band. The rough surface indicated between the fingers is representation of the Velcro or combing device. [0010]
FIGS. 2, 3, [0011] 4 are illustrations of the Sure-Cut on different hands and on the middle finger only. While the Sure-Cut may be used on either hand and also on only one finger, it is also important to point out the qualities of this device. For example on FIGS. 2, 3, 4, you will notice the solid lines below the fingernail and above the last knuckle of the middle and/or index finger. These lines are representative of the elastic band and closure means. The shaded area is representative of length of elastic band as well as circumference. The solid line that is vertical in case of FIG. 4, on the right side of the middle finger is a representation of the circumferencing of the elastic band. In the case of FIG. 4, the solid line on the left side of the middle finger is a representation of the thin lightweight strip of sheet metal. And in the case of FIG. 4, the rough surface is a representation of the comb like Velcro surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description is provided for purposes of describing presently preferred embodiment of the invention only and not intended to limit the invention in any way. The Sure-Cut is a finger application used to prevent users from injury to themselves during haircutting and to enhance the level of accurate and precision cutting in the cosmetology and barbering industries, respectively. Used on the finger(s), more precisely the middle and/or index finger(s) below the fingernail and above the last knuckle and the circumference thereof, the purpose is to provide protection against injury and while having a longer more stable straightedge and combing device, the invention ensures an even more precision haircut, while decreasing the time of the overall haircut. [0012]
As illustrated in FIGS. 2-4, the Sure-Cut encompasses the middle and/or index finger(s) of the right or left hand. With an interior straightedge and rough Velcro surface, it ensures a straight line to be used as a guide, and a rough surface to be used as a comb. It is relatively easy to assemble. The Velcro strip is affixed to the tin sheet metal. The elastic band is then affixed to Velcro and sheet metal by method of, but not limited to, sewing. The stitch is just below the straightedge to ensure a contour fit. The contour fit also reduces slippage that may occur during use. The present invention in the context intended is a very useful and needed device. Although not pointed out in the illustrations, it is important to note that the present invention has the ability to decrease precision haircutting time by providing a combing/brushing device, having straightedge and longer cutting surface or edge. Also while preventing injury and having straightedge on top and bottom surfaces of fingers the Sure-Cut provides an accurate guide to an array of angles for producing elegant and precise hairstyles. [0013]

Claims

1. A finger protector providing protection against injury; providing a straight-edge cutting surface atop and below fingers; and providing a Velcro comb/brush like surface ensuring more precision comprising: A main body covering, extending area of fingernail down to the last knuckle encompassing the circumference thereof: wherein said main body covering is straight-edged atop and below cutting surface;

A closure means at one end of said main body covering;

A closure means at an opposite end of said main body covering; and

A velcro/rough comb/brush surface between fingers on said main body covering.

2. A finger protector according to claim 1, wherein said main body covering is straight-edged to prevent injury while providing a straight-edged cutting surface atop and below finger(s).

3. A finger protector according to claim 1, wherein said main body covering is a rough Velcro surface employing a combing or brushing utensil, if you will, to ensure hair is pulled to straight-edge ensuring accurate guideline to cut.

4. A finger protector according to claims 1, 2 and 3, wherein said main body covering is able to enhance haircutting time with accuracy by employing aforementioned over an increased area of cutting surface.