US20160081459A1

US20160081459A1 - Apparatus for a hair wash sink basin neck pillow

Info

Publication number: US20160081459A1
Application number: US14/842,645
Authority: US
Inventors: Michael Edward Amick; Nelson Garcia; Philip Andrew Amick
Original assignee: Salon Comfort LLC
Current assignee: Salon Comfort LLC
Priority date: 2014-09-22
Filing date: 2015-09-01
Publication date: 2016-03-24

Abstract

An apparatus includes a sink adapter that includes a first side and a second side. The second side is shaped to couple to an edge of a hair wash sink basin. The apparatus includes a pillow. The pillow includes a foam cushion. The pillow includes a gel pack coupled to the foam cushion. The foam cushion and the gel pack are disposed inside the pillow. The apparatus includes an attachment. The attachment includes a first coupler and a second coupler. The first coupler is disposed on the first side of the sink adapter and the second coupler is disposed on the pillow. The first coupler couples to the second coupler. The gel pack is disposed between the second coupler and the foam cushion. The apparatus includes a removable cap disposed around the pillow.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/053,721, filed Sep. 22, 2014, entitled “Neck Pillow to be used in Beauty Salon during Hair Washing and Hair coloring process” for Michael Edward Amick, et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

This invention relates to neck pillows and more particularly relates to an apparatus for a hair wash sink basin neck pillow.

BACKGROUND

During hair washing and hair coloring at a hair salon, a customer may experience discomfort from resting his or her neck on the edge of the hair salon's sink. Many health inspectors will not allow hair salons to use conventional neck rests on the edge of their sinks because the neck rests are not sanitary for a variety of reasons.

SUMMARY

An apparatus for a hair wash sink basin neck pillow is disclosed. The apparatus includes a sink adapter. The sink adapter includes a first side and a second side. The second side is shaped to couple to an edge of a hair wash sink basin. The apparatus includes a pillow. The pillow includes a foam cushion. The pillow includes a gel pack coupled to the foam cushion. The foam cushion and the gel pack are disposed inside the pillow. The apparatus includes an attachment. The attachment includes a first coupler and a second coupler. The first coupler is disposed on the first side of the sink adapter. The second coupler is disposed on the pillow. The first coupler couples to the second coupler. The gel pack is disposed between the second coupler and the foam cushion. The apparatus includes a removable cap disposed around the pillow.
In one embodiment, the sink adapter includes a flange disposed on the second side. The flange engages with an edge of the hair wash sink basin. In one embodiment, the first side of the sink adapter includes a surface wider than an edge of the hair wash sink basin where the sink adapter is connected. In a further embodiment, the sink adapter includes one or more non-slip surfaces. In one embodiment, the sink adapter includes a pliable material adaptable to an edge of the hair wash sink basin. In a further embodiment, the pliable material further comprises a polyurethane.
In one embodiment, the pillow includes a water resistant covering disposed around the foam cushion and the gel pack. In a further embodiment, the covering includes waterproof sealing. In one embodiment, the width of the pillow is sized to extend around the width of a neck of a user. In a further embodiment, the height of the pillow is sized to extend less than the height of the neck of the user. In one embodiment, the neck pressing on the gel pack moves one or more portions of gel to one or more side portions of the gel pack. In a further embodiment, a portion of gel in a side portion of the gel pack pushes an adjacent portion of the foam cushion around the neck. In one embodiment, the foam cushion includes memory foam, low-resistance polyurethane foam, sorbothane, silicone, and/or neoprene.
In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an adhesive that couples the foam cushion to the gel pack. In one embodiment, the adhesive includes one or more pieces of two-sided tape. In one embodiment, the attachment includes one or more hook and loop fasteners. In a further embodiment, the attachment includes snaps and/or magnets.
In one embodiment, the removable cap extends around an edge of the pillow and substantially surrounds the pillow. In a further embodiment, the removable cap extends to an edge of the attachment. In one embodiment, the removable cap includes an elastic material, a clear material, a waterproof material, a polyethylene, and/or a disposable material. In a further embodiment, the removable cap includes a clear polyethylene sheet with an elastic edge that gathers the removable cap around the pillow.
Another apparatus for a hair wash sink basin neck pillow is disclosed. The apparatus includes a sink adapter. The sink adapter includes a first side and a second side. The second side is shaped to couple to an edge of a hair wash sink basin. The second side includes a flange that engages with an edge of the hair wash sink basin. The apparatus includes a pillow. The pillow includes a foam cushion that includes memory foam. The pillow includes a gel pack coupled to the foam cushion. The foam cushion and the gel pack are disposed inside the pillow. The pillow includes an adhesive that couples the foam cushion to the gel pack. The pillow includes a water resistant covering disposed around the foam cushion and the gel pack. The covering includes waterproof stitching.
The apparatus includes an attachment with a first coupler and a second coupler. The first coupler is disposed on the first side of the sink adapter. The second coupler is disposed on the pillow. The first coupler couples to the second coupler. The gel pack is disposed between the second coupler and the foam cushion. The apparatus includes a removable cap disposed around the pillow. The removable cap substantially surrounds the pillow and extends to an edge of the attachment. The removable cap includes an elastic, waterproof, disposable, sheet with an elastic edge that gathers the removable cap around the pillow.
In one embodiment, the width of the pillow is sized to extend around a width of the neck of a user. The height of the pillow is sized to extend less than the height of the neck of the user. The neck pressing on the gel pack moves one or more portions of gel to one or more side portions of the gel pack. A portion of gel in a side portion of the gel pack pushes an adjacent portions of the foam cushion around the neck.
An apparatus for a hair wash sink basin neck pillow is disclosed. The apparatus includes a sink adapter. The sink adapter includes a polyurethane. The sink adapter includes a first side and a second side. The second side is shaped to couple to an edge of a hair wash sink basin. The second side includes a flange that engages with an edge of the hair wash sink basin.
The apparatus includes a pillow. The pillow includes a foam cushion that includes memory foam. The pillow includes a gel pack coupled to the foam cushion. The foam cushion and the gel pack are disposed inside the pillow. The neck of a user pressing on the gel pack moves one or more portions of gel to one or more side portions of the gel pack. A portion of gel in a side portion of the gel pack pushes an adjacent portion of the foam cushion around the neck. The pillow includes an adhesive including one or more pieces of two-sided tape. The one or more pieces of two-sided tape couple the foam cushion to the gel pack. The pillow includes a water resistant covering disposed around the foam cushion and the gel pack. The covering includes waterproof stitching.
The apparatus includes an attachment. The attachment includes a first coupler and a second coupler. The first coupler is disposed on the first side of the sink adapter and the second coupler disposed on the pillow. The first coupler couples to the second coupler. The gel pack is disposed between the second coupler and the foam cushion. The attachment includes one or more hook and loop fasteners.
The apparatus includes a removable cap disposed around the pillow that extends around an edge of the pillow. The removable cap substantially surrounds the pillow. The removable cap extends to an edge of the attachment. The removable cap includes a clear, elastic, waterproof, disposable, polyethylene sheet with an elastic edge that gathers the removable cap around the pillow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of an apparatus for a hair wash sink basin neck pillow;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating one embodiment of an apparatus for a hair wash sink basin neck pillow;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a sink adapter;

FIG. 3B is a section side view illustrating a further embodiment of a sink adapter;

FIG. 3C is a cutaway section side view illustrating a further embodiment of a sink adapter;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a pillow;

FIG. 4B is a cutaway side view illustrating a further embodiment of a pillow;

FIG. 5 is a cutaway side view illustrating one embodiment of an apparatus for a hair wash sink basin neck pillow;

FIG. 6A is an exploded perspective view illustrating one embodiment of an attachment;

FIG. 6B is an exploded perspective view illustrating a second embodiment of an attachment;

FIG. 6C is an exploded perspective view illustrating a third embodiment of an attachment;

FIG. 6D is an exploded perspective view illustrating one embodiment of multiple attachments coupling to a sink adapter; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a removable cap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, but mean “one or more but not all embodiments” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise.
The schematic flow chart diagrams included herein are generally set forth as logical flow chart diagrams. As such, the depicted order and labeled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the presented method. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employed are provided to explain the logical steps of the method and are understood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which a particular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown.
Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments.
FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an apparatus 100 for a hair wash sink basin neck pillow. In one embodiment, the apparatus 100 may include a sink adapter 102, a pillow 104 (shown inside a removable cap by dotted lines), an attachment 106 (shown between the pillow 104 and the sink adapter 102 in dotted lines), and a removable cap 108, as described below. In a further embodiment, the apparatus may couple, attach, mount, or the like to a hair wash sink basin, shown by dotted lines. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the hair wash sink basin may include a dip, cavity, or the like in one or more sides of the hair wash sink basin. The dip, cavity, or the like may allow a user to place his or her neck on an edge of the sink. In one embodiment, the hair wash sink basin may not include a dip, cavity or the like. One or more components of the apparatus 100 may couple to an edge of the hair wash sink basin.
FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of an apparatus 200 for a hair wash sink basin neck pillow. In one embodiment, the apparatus 200 may include a sink adapter 102, a pillow 104, an attachment 106, and a removable cap 108. As illustrated in FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the attachment 106 may include a first coupler 202 and a second coupler 204. In a further embodiment, the sink adapter 102 may couple to the first coupler 202 of the attachment 106. For example, in one embodiment, sink adapter 102 may include a first side 206 and a second side 208, the second side 208 shaped to couple to an edge of the hair wash sink basin. The first coupler 202 may couple to the first side 206 of the sink adapter 102.
The first coupler 202 may couple to the first side 206 of the sink adapter 102 in a variety of ways. For example, in one embodiment, the first coupler 202 may be sewn into the first side 206 of the sink adapter 102. In a further embodiment, the first coupler 202 may be built into the first side 206 of the sink adapter 102. In one embodiment, the first coupler 202 may include an adhesive and the first coupler 202 may adhere to the first side 206 of the sink adapter 102. For example, adhesives may include, without limitation, a glue, tape, paste, bonding, or any other adhesive.
In one embodiment, the first coupler 202 may couple to a second coupler 204 of the attachment 106. Various embodiments of the first coupler 202 and second coupler 204 of the attachment 106 are described below in relation to FIGS. 6A-C.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the second coupler 204 of the attachment 106 may couple to the pillow 104. The second coupler 204 may couple to the pillow 104 in a variety of ways. For example, in some embodiments, the pillow 104 may include one or more substantially flat or planar sides, as shown in FIG. 2. In one embodiment, the second coupler 204 may be sewn into the exterior of a planar side of the pillow 104. In a further embodiment, the second coupler 204 may be built into the exterior of the pillow 104. In one embodiment, the second coupler 204 may include an adhesive and the second coupler 204 may adhere to the exterior of the pillow 104. For example, adhesives may include, without limitation, a glue, tape, a paste, a bonding, or any other adhesive. In one embodiment, the pillow 104 may include a foam cushion and a gel pack coupled to the foam cushion, the foam cushion and gel pack disposed inside the pillow 104, as described below in relation to FIGS. 4A-B. In one embodiment, the gel pack may be disposed between the second coupler 204 and the foam cushion.
In one embodiment, the removable cap 108 may be disposed around the pillow 104. Various embodiments of the disposable cap are described below in relation to FIG. 7.
FIG. 3A illustrates one embodiment of a sink adapter 102. In one embodiment, the sink adapter 102 may include a first side 206 and a second side 208. In a further embodiment, the second side 208 may be shaped to couple to an edge of a hair wash sink basin. In one embodiment, the sink adapter 102 may include a thickness that may elevate the pillow 104. The sink adapter 102 may provide padding or cushioning to a user while in use.
In one embodiment, the first side 206 of the sink adapter 102 may include a surface 302 wider than an edge of the hair wash sink basin where the sink adapter 102 is connected. For example, in one embodiment, the edge of the sink basin from the edge disposed on the interior of the basin to the edge disposed on the exterior of the basin may include a width of 2 inches (approx. 5.08 cm). The first side 206 of the sink adapter 102 may include a surface 302 with a width greater than 2 inches. The width of the edge of the sink basin or the width of the surface 302 of the first side 206 of the adapter is not limited to these example widths. One of skill in the art will recognize other ways in which the first side 206 of the sink adapter 102 may include a surface 302 wider than an edge of the hair wash sink basin where the sink adapter 102 is connected.
In one embodiment, the sink adapter 102 includes one or more non-slip surfaces. The term “non-slip surface,” as used herein, may include any surface that may prevent objects from sliding on the surface or may reduce a tendency for objects sliding on the surface. For example, in one embodiment, the second side 208 of the sink adapter 102 may include a non-slip surface. The non-slip surface of the second side 208 of the sink adapter 102 may couple to the edge of the hair wash sink basin and help prevent the sink adapter 102 from sliding around on the edge of the hair was sink basin, sliding off the edge on the hair wash sink basin, or the like. In one embodiment, a non-slip surface of the sink adapter 102 may facilitate a user in gripping the sink adapter 102. For example, the non-slip surface of the sink adapter 102 may aid a user in gripping the sink adapter 102 during installation of the sink adapter 102 on the edge of the hair wash sink basin, during removal of the sink adapter 102 from the hair wash sink basin, or the like. In one embodiment, the first side 206 of the sink adapter 102 may include a non-slip surface. The non-slip surface may prevent the pillow 104, the removable cap 108, or another component from slipping or moving in relation to the sink adapter 102.
In one embodiment, the non-slip surface may be built into the sink adapter 102 and/or the non-slip material may be a property of the material of the sink adapter 102. In another embodiment, the non-slip surface may be added to the sink adapter 102. In one embodiment, the non-slip surface may include a non-slip material. Examples of non-slip material may include, without limitation, self-skinning polyurethane, vinyl foam, a cork material, a rubber material, a tacky material, silicone caulk, rubber cement, or the like. In one embodiment, the non-slip surface may include one or more suction cups. The suction cups may couple a surface of the sink adapter 102 to an edge of the hair wash sink basin.
In one embodiment, the sink adapter 102 may include a pliable material adaptable to an edge of a hair wash sink basin. For example, in one embodiment, the pliable material may include a polyurethane, for example, a self-skinning polyurethane. In one embodiment, the pliable material may include a silicone. In other embodiments, the pliable material may include a foam. In one embodiment, the pliable material may include a polyurethane foam. In one embodiment, the pliable material may include a waterproof or water-resistant material. In a further embodiment, the pliable material may allow the sink adapter 102 to adapt to an edge of a hair wash sink basin. The sink adapter 102 may stretch, bend, or the like to conform to different sizes of hair wash sink basin edges.
FIG. 3B depicts a section side view (300 b of FIG. 3A) of one embodiment of a sink adapter 102. As illustrated in FIG. 3B, in some embodiments, the sink adapter 102 may include a curved shape for conforming to an edge of a hair wash sink basin. The curved shape may also provide support and comfort to a user. The sink adapter 102 is not limited to a curved shape. In one embodiment, the sink adapter 102 may include a substantially flat shape. The sink adapter 102 may conform to an edge of hair wash sink basin that may be substantially flat.
In a further embodiment, a thickness of the first side 206 of the sink adapter 102 may taper in one or more directions. For example, in one embodiment, a center portion of the first side 206 may be thicker than one or more side portions of the first side 206. A thicker center portion of the first side 206 may include a substantially flatter surface where the pillow 104 couples to the sink adapter 102 or where a user's neck may rest. In one embodiment, the first side 206 may include a thickness that is uniform throughout the first side 206. In a further embodiment, a uniform thickness may provide support and/or cushioning to a user's neck. In one embodiment, one or more side portions of the first side 206 may be thicker than a center portion of the first side 206. In a further embodiment, the one or more side portions may cradle a user's neck and/or hold it in place during use.
FIG. 3C depicts a second section side view (300 c of FIG. 3A) of an embodiment of a sink adapter 102. As shown in FIG. 3C, in some embodiments, the sink adapter 102 may include one or more protrusions 304 that protrude away from the first side 206 of the sink adapter 102. The one or more protrusions 304 may fit over an edge of a hair wash sink basin. In one embodiment, the protrusion 304 may fit down sides of the hair wash sink basin and may grip the edge of the hair wash sink basin and hold the sink adapter 102 in place.
In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3C, the sink adapter 102 further may include a flange 306 disposed on the second side 208 of the sink adapter 102. The flange 306 may engage with an edge of a hair wash sink basin. For example, in one embodiment, the flange 306 may grip to the edge of the hair wash sink basin. In a further embodiment, the flange 306 may grip underneath an edge of the hair wash sink basin. The flange 306 may lock the sink adapter 102 to the edge of the hair wash sink basin and prevent the sink adapter 102 from moving in relation to the hair wash sink basin.
FIG. 4A depicts one embodiment of a pillow. The pillow 104 may include one or more substantially flat portions 402. The one or more flat portions 402 may allow a user to rest his or her head, neck, or the like on the pillow 104. The pillow 104 may include a pillow of any shape. For example, in some embodiments, the pillow 104 may include, without limitation, a square shape, a rectangular shape, a circular shape, an oval shape, a tube shape, a spherical shape, or the like. In a further embodiment, the pillow 104 may include a “U” shape that may wrap around a user's neck. In one embodiment, the pillow 104 may include an indentation. The indentation may include a shape fitted for a user's neck. The pillow 104 may include an indentation of any size, depth, thickness, or the like.
In one embodiment, the pillow 104 may include different sizes. For example, in a further embodiment, the pillow 104 may include a wide pillow. A wide pillow may be designed to accommodate a user with a large neck. In another embodiment, the pillow 104 may include a tall pillow. The tall pillow may be designed to accommodate a user with a long neck. In one embodiment, the pillow 104 may include a uniform thickness. The uniform thickness may conform to the shape of a foam cushion and/or gel pack, as discussed below in relation to FIG. 4B.
FIG. 4B depicts a further embodiment of a pillow. In one embodiment, the pillow 104 may include a foam cushion 404. In a further embodiment, the pillow 104 may include a gel pack 406 coupled to the foam cushion 404. In some embodiments, the foam cushion 404 and gel pack 406 may be disposed inside the pillow 104. In certain embodiments, the gel pack 406 may be disposed between the foam cushion 404 and the attachment 106 (the attachment 106, in some embodiments, being disposed on the exterior of the pillow 104).
In one embodiment, the pillow 104 may include a foam cushion 404. The foam cushion 404 may include a cushion of any size or shape. For example, in one embodiment, the foam cushion 404 may include a shape substantially the same as the pillow 104. In a further embodiment, the foam cushion 404 may substantially fill the volume of the pillow 104. In one embodiment, the foam cushion 404 may fill a portion of the volume of the pillow 104. The foam cushion 404 may be any thickness, density, or the like.
In a further embodiment, the pillow may include a gel pack 406. The gel of the gel pack may be any gel. For example, in some embodiments, the gel may include, without limitation, a hydrogel, an organogel, a xerogel, a combination of different types of gel, or the like. In one embodiment, the gel may include a solid, jelly-like material. In another embodiment, the gel may include a liquid. In a further embodiment, a liquid gel may include liquids with various viscosities. In one embodiment, the gel may include a gel that can be cooled or heated. A cooled or heated gel pack may cool or warm one or more components of the pillow 104 or the user's neck and provide added comfort to the user.
In one embodiment, the gel pack 406 may include a cover. The cover may include any material that may contain the gel inside the gel pack 406. For example, the cover may include a plastic, a rubber, or the like. The cover may include a pliable and/or stretchable material. In one embodiment, the cover may include a pliable but non-stretchable material. In some embodiments, the gel pack 406 may include a size and/or shape substantially similar to the foam cushion 404. In another embodiment, the gel pack 406 may include a size and/or shape different from the foam cushion 404.
In one embodiment, the pillow 104 may include a covering 408 disposed around the foam cushion 404 and the gel pack 406. For example, in a further embodiment, the pillow 104 may include a water resistant covering 408 disposed around the foam cushion 404 and the gel pack 406. In some embodiments, the covering 408 may include a waterproof sealing 410. The waterproof sealing 410 may seal the covering 408 closed around the foam cushion 404 and the gel pack 406. In one embodiment, the water resistant covering 408 may include vinyl, leather, rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane, or the like. In one embodiment, the covering 408 may include a different material disposed inside of the covering 408 than the material disposed on the outside of the covering 408. In one embodiment, the different material disposed inside the covering 408 may prevent the foam cushion 404 or the gel pack 406 from shifting inside the pillow 104. For example, in one embodiment, the different material disposed inside the covering 408 may include a soft cloth. The soft cloth may give the covering 408 a soft feel.
In one embodiment, the covering 408 may include a material formed around the foam cushion 404 and the gel pack 406. For example, in one embodiment, the material formed around the foam cushion 404 and the gel pack 406 may include a rubber cement applied around the foam cushion 404 and the gel pack 406. In another embodiment, the material may include a rubber applied around the foam cushion 404 and the gel pack 406 to form a pillow 104. In another embodiment, the material may be any water resistant or waterproof material that can be applied around the foam cushion 404 and the gel pack 406 to protect the foam cushion 404 and gel pack 406 from moisture.
In one embodiment, the pillow 104 may include a waterproof sealing 410. For example, in one embodiment, the waterproof sealing 410 may include waterproof stitching. In one embodiment, waterproof stitching may include anti-wick thread with a wax coating. The wax coating may prevent water or other liquids from entering holes created by the stitching. In one embodiment, the waterproof stitching may include nylon thread. In another embodiment, the waterproof stitching may include stitching with a seam sealer applied over the stitching. For example, the seam sealer may include polyurethane, urethane, a vinyl cement, or some other compound capable of waterproofing threads or stitching.
In one embodiment, the waterproof sealing 410 may include a heat seal. For example, a heat seal may include using heat and pressure to fuse together one or more edges of the covering 408. In one embodiment, the waterproof sealing 410 may include a waterproof adhesive. In a further embodiment, for example, the waterproof adhesive may include a silicone sealant, a polyurethane glue, a waterproof tape, or the like.
Referring to FIG. 5, in one embodiment, a width of the pillow 104 may be sized to extend around a width of a neck 502 of a user. For example, in one embodiment, a pillow 104 may include a width that may support and extend around a person's neck. In some embodiments, different pillows 104 may include different widths to accommodate different users or different sizes of sinks. In a further embodiment, a height of the pillow 104 may be sized to extend less than a height of the neck 502 of the user. In a further embodiment, the neck 502 pressing on the gel pack 406 may move one or more portions of gel to one or more side portions of the gel pack 406. In one embodiment, a portion of gel in a side portion of the gel pack 406 may push an adjacent portion of the foam cushion 404 around the neck 502.
For example, in one embodiment, a user may place his or her neck 502 on the pillow 104 (or, in some embodiments, on the removable cap 108 disposed around the pillow 104). The user's neck 502 may press on a portion of the pillow 104. In one embodiment, the user's neck 502 pressing on a portion of the pillow 104 may include pressing on a portion of the foam cushion 404, as shown by the dotted arrow 504 in FIG. 5. The portion of the foam cushion 404 under pressure from the user's neck 502 may press on one or more portions of the gel pack 406 disposed under the portion of the foam cushion 404. In a further embodiment, one or more portions of the gel in the gel pack 406 may move to one or more sides of the gel pack 406, as shown by the dotted arrows 506.
In one embodiment, a portion of gel in a side portion of the gel pack 406 may push on an adjacent portion of the foam cushion 404. For example, in one embodiment, as shown by the dotted arrows 508 in FIG. 5, a portion of gel may push up on a portion of the foam cushion 404 above the portion of gel. In one embodiment, the portion of gel may push on a portion of the foam cushion 404 disposed to the side of the portion of the gel.
In some embodiments, the gel in the gel pack 406 may include different viscosities. A high viscosity may indicate a high resistance to deformation while a low viscosity may indicate a low resistance to deformation. Different viscosities may affect the behavior of one or more components of the pillow 104. For example, in one embodiment, the gel in the gel pack 406 may include a high viscosity. The gel pack 406 may respond more slowly to pressure from the user's neck 502 and the foam cushion 404 and may push on a portion of the foam cushion 404 more slowly than a gel pack 406 with a gel with lower viscosity. In one embodiment, a gel with a high viscosity may give the pillow 104 a firmer feel. In one embodiment, a gel with a low viscosity may allow a user to form the pillow 104 into a comfortable shape. One of skill in the art will recognize other properties that high, low, and other viscosity gels may have.
In one embodiment, the adjacent portion of the foam cushion 404 may move around a portion of the user's neck 502. The foam cushion 404 around a portion of the user's neck 502 may provide comfort to the user by supporting a greater area of the user's neck 502. The foam cushion 404 around a portion of the user's neck 502 may relieve pressure on portions of the user's neck 502. In one embodiment, the foam cushion 404 around a portion of the user's neck 502 may reduce the amount of effort required by the user to stabilize his or her neck 502 during use.
In one embodiment, the gel pack 406 may be disposed on top of the foam cushion 404. The gel pack 406 on top of the foam cushion 404, in some embodiments, may allow the gel pack 406 to receive and store heat in the gel. In one embodiment, the gel pack 406 may transfer heat to a neck 502 of a user. In a further embodiment, the gel pack 406 disposed on top of the foam cushion 404 may provide a different feel to a user than the foam cushion 404 disposed on top of the gel pack 406.
Returning to FIG. 4B, in one embodiment, the foam cushion 404 may include memory foam. In a further embodiment, the foam cushion 404 may include low-resistance polyurethane foam. In another embodiment, the foam cushion 404 may include sorbothane, silicone, or neoprene. In one embodiment, the foam cushion 404 may include a rectangular shape, a square shape, an oval shape, a circle shape, or any other shape that may be disposed inside and fit inside the pillow 104. In one embodiment, the foam cushion 404 may include a shape different from the shape of the pillow 104.
In one embodiment, the gel pack 406 may include a volume substantially the same as the foam cushion 404. In another embodiment, the gel pack 406 may include a volume smaller than the foam cushion 404 or larger than the foam cushion 404. In certain embodiments, the gel pack 406 may include a width or a height substantially the same as the foam cushion 404.
In one embodiment, an adhesive 412 may couple the foam cushion 404 to the gel pack 406. The adhesive 412 may be disposed between the foam cushion 404 and the gel pack 406. The adhesive 412 may couple the foam cushion 404 to the gel pack 406 in a variety of ways. For example, in one embodiment, the adhesive 412 may include one or more pieces of two-sided tape. In another embodiment, the adhesive 412 may include stitching or sewing the foam cushion 404 to the gel pack 406. In one embodiment, the adhesive 412 may include a glue, paste, bonding, or any other adhesive.
FIGS. 6A-C depict various embodiments of an attachment. In some embodiments, the attachment 106 may include a first coupler 202 and a second coupler 204. The first coupler 202 may be disposed on the first side 206 of the sink adapter 102 and the second coupler 204 may be disposed on the pillow 104. The first coupler 202 may couple to the second coupler 204. The attachment 106 may allow the pillow 104 to decouple from the sink adapter 102. In one embodiment, a user may decouple the pillow 104 from the sink adapter 102 to clean the pillow 104 or the sink adapter 102. A user may decouple the pillow 104 from the sink adapter 102 to place a removable cap 108 on the pillow 104 or remove a removable cap 108 from the pillow 104. In one embodiment, a user may decouple the pillow 104 from the sink adapter 102 and couple a different pillow 104 to the sink adapter. The different pillow 104 may include a pillow 104 of a different size or thickness or a pillow 104 that may include one or more hypo-allergenic materials.
FIG. 6A depicts one example of an embodiment of an attachment 106. In one embodiment, the attachment 106 may include one or more hook and loop fasteners. In one embodiment, the one or more hooks 602 may be disposed on the first coupler 202 and the one or more loops 604 may be disposed on the second coupler 204. In another embodiment, the one or more hooks 602 may be disposed on the second coupler 204 and the one or more loops 604 may be disposed on the second coupler 204. The first coupler 202 or second coupler 204 may include any number of hooks 602 or loops 604 and the one or more hooks 602 and the one or more loops 604 may be of any size that may couple the first coupler 202 to the second coupler 204.
FIG. 6B depicts one embodiment of an attachment. The attachment 106 may include a first coupler 202 and a second coupler 204. In one embodiment, the attachment 106 may include one or more snap fasteners. In a further embodiment, the snap fastener may include a snap protrusion 606 and a snap receiver 608. In one embodiment, a snap protrusion 606 may include a base coupled to a first coupler 202 or a second coupler 204. The base of the snap protrusion may connect to a protrusion sized to couple with a snap receiver 608. In a further embodiment, a snap receiver 608 may include a base coupled to a first coupler 202 or a second coupler 204. The base of the snap receiver 608 may include a channel sized to receive a protrusion of a snap protrusion 606. For example, in one embodiment, the one or more snap protrusions 606 may be disposed on the first coupler 202 and the one or more snap receivers 608 may be disposed on the second coupler 204. In another embodiment, the one or more snap protrusions 606 may be disposed on the second coupler 204 and the one or more snap receivers 608 may be disposed on the first coupler 202.
In one embodiment, the one or more snap fasteners may include any number of snap fasteners. The one or more snap fasteners may include snap fasteners of any size. In one embodiment, the one or more snap fasteners may include snap fasteners of different sizes.
FIG. 6C depicts one embodiment of an attachment. The attachment 106 may include, in some embodiments, a first coupler 202 and a second coupler 204. In one embodiment, the attachment 106 may include one or more magnets 610. A magnet 610 may include a permanent magnet. As used herein, the term “permanent magnet” includes a magnet that is magnetized and creates a persistent magnetic field. In further embodiments, a magnet may include a neodymium magnet (“neo magnet”). A magnet may include a north pole and a south pole. Opposite poles (i.e. north and south) may attract each other while similar poles (i.e. north and north, or, south and south) may repel each other.
The one or more magnets 610 may couple to the first coupler 202 and the second coupler 204. The one or more magnets 610 may be oriented such that a magnet 610 on the first coupler 202 attracts a corresponding magnet 610 on the second coupler 204. For example, in one embodiment, a magnet 610 coupled to the first couple may include a north pole faced toward the south pole of a magnet 610 disposed on the second coupler 204. In another example embodiment, a magnet 610 coupled to the first couple may include a south pole faced toward the north pole of a magnet 610 disposed on the second coupler 204. In some embodiments, the one or more magnets 610 of the of the first coupler 202 may be oriented with the same poles facing the same direction (e.g. the north poles of all of the one or more magnets 610 face second coupler 204) and the one or more magnets 610 of the second coupler 204 may be oriented with the same poles facing the same direction (e.g. the south poles of all of the one or more magnets 610 face the first coupler 202). In another embodiment, one or more magnets 610 may oriented in one direction and the other one or more magnets 610 may be oriented in the other direction.
In one embodiment, the attachment 106 is not limited to the attachments 106 described above. One of skill in the art will recognize other ways an attachment 106 may couple the sink adapter 102 to the pillow 104. Furthermore, in some embodiments, multiple attachments 106 may couple the sink adapter 102 to the pillow 104, as described below. In one embodiment, all of the multiple attachments 106 may include the same type of attachment 106. In another embodiment, the multiple attachments 106 may include different types of attachments 106. In a further embodiment, an attachment 106 may allow a user to adjust the position of the pillow 104 in relation to the sink adapter 102. For example, in one embodiment, a portion of the first coupler 202 may couple to a portion of the second coupler 204. In a further embodiment, the portion of the first coupler 202 may couple at various angles. In another embodiment, the portion of the first coupler 202 may couple to various positions on the second coupler 204. In one embodiment, the portion of the first coupler 202 may couple at various orientations, for example, rotated from the positions depicted in FIGS. 6A-C. In some embodiments, allowing a user to adjust the position of the pillow 104 in relation to the sink adapter 102 may allow the pillow 104 to accommodate different sizes, shapes, or the like of necks, heads, or the like of different users and provide more comfort to the users.
In some embodiments, multiple attachments 106 may couple the sink adapter 102 to the pillow 104. The multiple attachments 106 may each include a first coupler 202 and a second coupler 204. Each first coupler 202 may couple to one or more locations on the first side 206 of the sink adapter 102. Each first coupler 202 may couple to a corresponding second coupler 204. Each second coupler 204 may couple to the exterior of the pillow 104. In one embodiment, the multiple attachments 106 coupling the pillow 104 to the sink adapter may secure the pillow 104 to the sink adapter 102 more than an embodiment with one attachment 106.
FIG. 6D depicts one example of an embodiment of a sink adapter coupled to multiple attachments. In one embodiment, a first coupler 202 a may couple to a location distal from a center portion of the first side 206 of the sink adapter 102 and another first coupler 202 b may couple to another location distal from the center portion of the first side 206 and on the opposite side of the center portion from the first coupler 202 a. The multiple first couplers 202 a, 202 b may couple to any locations on the first side 206 of the sink adapter 102. For example, in one embodiment, the first coupler 202 a may couple to a first end of the first side 206 of the sink adapter 102 and the first coupler 202 b may couple to a second end of the first side 206 of the sink adapter 102, the first and second ends of the first side 206 of the sink adapter 102 being disposed on opposite sides horizontally of the first side 206.
In some embodiments, three or more first couplers 202 may couple to the first side 206 of the sink adapter 102. One of skill in the art will recognize other locations that one or more first couplers 202 may couple to on the sink adapter 102.
In one embodiment, the one or more first couplers 202 may couple to one or more second couplers 204. For example, as depicted in FIG. 6D, in one embodiment, a second coupler 204 a may couple to the first coupler 202 a and a second coupler 204 b may couple to the first coupler 202 b. The one or more second couplers 204 a, 204 b may couple to the pillow 104. In one embodiment, the one or more first couplers 202 a, 202 b may couple to the sink adapter 102.
FIG. 7 depicts one embodiment of a removable cap. In one embodiment, the removable cap 108 may be disposed around the pillow 104. In one embodiment, the removable cap 108 may fit tightly around the pillow 104. In another embodiment, the removable cap 108 may fit loosely around the pillow 104. In some embodiments, the removable cap 108 may protect the pillow 104 from chemicals used to wash or color hair. The removable cap 108 may provide a sanitary surface where a user can place his or her neck, head, or the like.
In one embodiment, the removable cap 108 may extend around an edge of the pillow 104 and may substantially surround the pillow 104. As used herein, the term “substantially surround” may include surrounding more than half of the surface area of the pillow 104. For example, in one embodiment, an edge 702 of an opening 704 of the removable cap 108 may extend over an edge of a flat portion 402 of the pillow 104 and cover a portion of a flat portion 402 on the opposite side of the pillow 104. The removable cap 108 may extend to a variety of locations on the pillow 104. For example, in one embodiment, the removable cap 108 may extend to an edge of the attachment 106. As shown in FIG. 7, in one embodiment, the edge 702 of the opening 704 of the removable cap 108 may extend to an edge of the attachment 106. The opening 704 of the removable cap 108 may be sized or shaped to extend to the edge of the attachment 106. The edge 702 of an opening 704 the removable cap 108 extending to the edge of the attachment 106 may allow the removable cap 108 to provide a sanitary location for a user to place his or her head, neck, or the like and may allow the removable cap 108 to protect the underside and other areas of the pillow 104 from chemicals in hair products, splashing water, or the like.
In one embodiment, the removable cap 108 may include an elastic material. In a further embodiment, the removable cap 108 may include a clear material. A clear material may allow a user to inspect the pillow 104 while the removable cap 108 is disposed around the pillow 104. In another embodiment, the removable cap 108 may include an opaque material. The opaque material may include a color or a pattern disposed on the removable cap 108. In one embodiment, the removable cap 108 may include a waterproof material. A waterproof material may protect the pillow 104 from water or chemicals in the water splashing on the pillow 104.
In a further embodiment, the removable cap 108 may include a polyethylene. In a further embodiment, the removable cap 108 may include a disposable material. A disposable material may allow a user to quickly remove and replace a removable cap 108. A disposable material may also be more economical. In another embodiment, the removable cap 108 may include a washable material. The washable material may be cleaned with soap, one or more chemicals, or the like. The washable material may allow a user to reuse the removable cap 108 and produce less waste. In one embodiment, the removable cap 108 may include a clear polyethylene sheet with an elastic edge that gathers the removable cap 108 around the pillow 104.
In one embodiment, the removable cap 108 may include a single opening. The opening may be positioned or sized on the removable cap 108 to allow the opening to extend to an edge of the attachment 106. In one embodiment, the opening may be positioned or sized on the removable cap 108 to allow the opening to extend to an edge of multiple attachments 106. The multiple attachments 106 may be positioned at various locations on the pillow 104. In one embodiment, the removable cap 108 may include multiple openings. The multiple openings may be positioned or sized on the removable cap 108 to allow the multiple openings to extend to the edges of multiple attachments 106. The multiple attachments 106 may be positioned at various locations on the pillow 104.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus comprising:

a sink adapter comprising a first side and a second side, the second side shaped to couple to an edge of a hair wash sink basin;

a pillow comprising:

a foam cushion; and

a gel pack coupled to the foam cushion, the foam cushion and the gel pack disposed inside the pillow;

an attachment comprising a first coupler and a second coupler, the first coupler disposed on the first side of the sink adapter and the second coupler disposed on the pillow, the first coupler coupling to the second coupler, the gel pack disposed between the second coupler and the foam cushion; and

a removable cap disposed around the pillow.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sink adapter further comprises a flange disposed on the second side and the flange engages with an edge of the hair wash sink basin.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first side of the sink adapter comprises a surface wider than an edge of the hair wash sink basin where the sink adapter is connected.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sink adapter comprises one or more non-slip surfaces.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sink adapter further comprises a pliable material adaptable to an edge of the hair wash sink basin.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the pliable material further comprises a polyurethane.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pillow further comprises a water resistant covering disposed around the foam cushion and the gel pack, the water resistant covering further comprising waterproof sealing.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a width of the pillow is sized to extend around a width of a neck of a user, a height of the pillow is sized to extend less than a height of the neck of the user, and the neck pressing on the gel pack moves one or more portions of gel to one or more side portions of the gel pack, wherein a portion of gel in a side portion of the gel pack pushes an adjacent portion of the foam cushion around the neck.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the foam cushion further comprises one or more of memory foam, low-resistance polyurethane foam, sorbothane, silicone, and neoprene.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an adhesive, wherein the adhesive couples the foam cushion to the gel pack.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the adhesive further comprises one or more pieces of two-sided tape.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the attachment further comprises one or more hook and loop fasteners.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the attachment further comprises one or more of one or more snaps and one or more magnets.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the removable cap extends around an edge of the pillow and substantially surrounds the pillow.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the removable cap extends to an edge of the attachment.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the removable cap further comprises one or more of an elastic material, a clear material, a waterproof material, a polyethylene, and a disposable material.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the removable cap further comprises a clear polyethylene sheet with an elastic edge that gathers the removable cap around the pillow.

18. An apparatus comprising:

a sink adapter comprising a first side and a second side, the second side shaped to couple to an edge of a hair wash sink basin, the second side comprising a flange that engages with an edge of the hair wash sink basin;

a pillow comprising:

a foam cushion comprising memory foam;

an adhesive that couples the foam cushion to the gel pack; and

a water resistant covering disposed around the foam cushion and the gel pack, the water resistant covering further comprising waterproof stitching;

a removable cap disposed around the pillow that substantially surrounds the pillow and extends to an edge of the attachment, the removable cap comprising an elastic, waterproof, disposable, sheet with an elastic edge that gathers the removable cap around the pillow.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein a width of the pillow is sized to extend around a width of a neck of a user, a height of the pillow is sized to extend less than a height of the neck of the user, and the neck pressing on the gel pack moves one or more portions of gel to one or more side portions of the gel pack, wherein a portion of gel in a side portion of the gel pack pushes an adjacent portions of the foam cushion around the neck.

20. An apparatus comprising:

a sink adapter comprising polyurethane, a first side and a second side, the second side shaped to couple to an edge of a hair wash sink basin, the second side comprising a flange that engages with an edge of the hair wash sink basin;

a pillow comprising:

a foam cushion comprising memory foam;

a gel pack coupled to the foam cushion, the foam cushion and the gel pack disposed inside the pillow, wherein a neck of a user pressing on the gel pack moves one or more portions of gel to one or more side portions of the gel pack, wherein a portion of gel in a side portion of the gel pack pushes an adjacent portion of the foam cushion around the neck;

an adhesive comprising one or more pieces of two-sided tape that couples the foam cushion to the gel pack; and

an attachment comprising a first coupler and a second coupler, the first coupler disposed on the first side of the sink adapter and the second coupler disposed on the pillow, the first coupler coupling to the second coupler, the gel pack disposed between the second coupler and the foam cushion, the attachment comprising one or more hook and loop fasteners; and

a removable cap disposed around the pillow that extends around an edge of the pillow, substantially surrounds the pillow, and extends to an edge of the attachment, the removable cap comprising a clear, elastic, waterproof, disposable, polyethylene sheet with an elastic edge that gathers the removable cap around the pillow.