US20230091868A1

US20230091868A1 - Salon Chair Buddy Device

Info

Publication number: US20230091868A1
Application number: US17/946,187
Authority: US
Inventors: Synthia Schmidt
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-09-22
Filing date: 2022-09-16
Publication date: 2023-03-23

Abstract

The present invention relates to a novel salon chair buddy device. The device is designed to secure to a salon chair, allowing barbers and stylists to practice on a mannequin head at any desired position and/or angle. The device comprises a pair of open and close release plates that will allow the device to fit on any salon chair. The release plates will open and close via a control knob which allows the release plates to open to a maximum and minimum width. Above the release plates, the device further comprises an axis ball joint which supports a mannequin head. Once secure, the axis ball joint allows the mannequin head to move to any desired position or angle. Further, the back of the device can also comprise a storage tray component used to support styling items.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/246,924, which was filed on Sep. 22, 2021, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of salon chair devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improved salon chair buddy device that provides users with a clamp-style bracket that can be secured to a salon chair, allowing users and stylists to practice on a mannequin at any desired position or angle. Accordingly, this disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

By way of background, this invention relates to improvements in salon chairs. Barbers and stylists may need to consistently practice their skills on mannequins and wigs to learn how to style hair for a client. Users may lack the means to stabilize a mannequin and/or a wig, resulting in frustration and difficulties during their learning experience. Further, if a mannequin head can be stabilized, it typically can only be placed in one position.
Thus, it is necessary for users to have a means for securing a mannequin head to a salon chair to practice cutting and styling hair. Further, users need a means for securing the mannequin head at any desired position and/or angle, as well as allowing a user to change the angle and/or move the mannequin head as needed during use. During use, barbers and stylists must be able to wash, cut, style, color, dry, etc., a mannequin’s hair, and thus must be able to move the mannequin head in multiple positions and/or angles as needed.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a salon chair buddy device that provides users with a clamp-style bracket that can be secured to a salon chair, allowing barbers and stylists to practice on a mannequin at any desired position or angle. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a salon chair buddy device that allows users to firmly secure the device to the back of a salon chair via a knob that moves the plates of the device between a maximum and minimum width. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a salon chair buddy device that includes a small knob that can rotate to any desired position and angle to support a mannequin head at a desired position. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that features a storage plate on the back to accommodate styling tools like curling irons, flat irons, etc. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a salon chair buddy device that offers a way for barbers and stylists to practice on a mannequin, enabling them to wash, style, cut, color, etc., in a simple and convenient manner. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a salon chair buddy device that stabilizes a mannequin head in multiple positions and/or angles.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a salon chair buddy device. The device is designed to be secured to a salon chair, allowing barbers and stylists to practice on a mannequin head at any desired position and/or angle. The device comprises a pair of open and close release plates that will allow the device to fit on any salon chair. The release plates will open and close via a control knob, which allows the release plates to open to a maximum and minimum width. Above the release plates, the device further comprises an axis ball joint which supports a mannequin head. Once secure, the axis ball joint allows the mannequin head to move to any desired position or angle. Further, the back of the device can also comprise a storage tray component used to support styling items, such as curling irons, flat irons, etc. Thus, the device allows barbers and stylists to wash, cut, style, color, etc., the mannequin hair for practice.
In this manner, the salon chair buddy device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides users with a device that enables users to wash, style, cut, color, etc., a mannequin’s hair for training purposes. The device provides users with a clamp-style bracket which secures to a salon chair for retaining a mannequin head in a desired position and/or angle. The device fits most salon chairs and is securable to most mannequin heads.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a salon chair buddy device. The device is designed to be secured to a salon chair, allowing barbers and stylists to practice on a mannequin head at any desired position and/or angle. The device comprises a pair of open and close release plates that will allow the device to fit on any salon chair. The release plates will open and close via a control knob, which allows the release plates to open to a maximum and minimum width. Above the release plates, the device further comprises an axis ball joint which supports a mannequin head. Once secure, the axis ball joint allows the mannequin head to move to any desired position or angle.
In one embodiment, the device comprises a pair of open and close release plates. Typically, the pair of open and close release plates are a mirror image of each other, but do not have to be identical and can be any suitable size and shape as is known in the art. The pair of release plates are disposed in a spaced apart position, one in front of the other, movably secured together to form a generally cylindrical cavity. The generally cylindrical cavity is then positioned over a salon chair back and secured.
In one embodiment, the device comprises a control knob that is used to move the release plates closer together or farther apart, depending on the width of the salon chair back in which the device is being secured to. Typically, the control knob is threaded through the first release plate and then movably secured to the second release plate. Thus, when the control knob is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise, it moves the release plates. A user would rotate the control knob to move the release plates farther apart. Once in a desired distance, the release plates are placed around a salon chair back. The control knob is then rotated in an opposite direction to move the release plates closer together. The release plates are then secured around the salon chair back.
In one embodiment, the device comprises an axis ball joint that secures the mannequin head to the device. The axis ball joint is a typical ball and socket joint that allows the mannequin head to swivel in multiple directions and angles during use. Typically, the mannequin head is secured to the axis ball joint via any suitable securing means as is known in the art, such as gluing, welding, screwing, etc.
In one embodiment, the device secures a mannequin head in multiple positions and/or angles, but any suitable portion of a mannequin can be used, including the torso, etc.
In one embodiment, the back of the device comprises a storage tray component used to support styling items, such as curling irons, flat irons, etc. The storage tray component can be any suitable tray as is known in the art. The tray can have multiple opening and/or through holes which can hold various styling items and accessories as is known in the art, based on the needs and/or wants of a user.
In yet another embodiment, the salon chair buddy device comprises a plurality of indicia.
In one embodiment, the salon chair buddy device is typically manufactured from sheet metal or other suitable flexible metals, or heat-sealable plastic or polymers, such as polypropylene or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), or any other suitable material as is known in the art, etc. Generally, the salon chair buddy device is also manufactured from a material that is water resistant or water permeable.
In yet another embodiment, a method of securing a mannequin head in desired positions and/or angles on a salon chair is described. The method includes the steps of providing a salon chair buddy device comprising a pair of open and close release plates controlled by a knob. The method also comprises positioning the release plates over the back of a salon chair and twisting the control knob to secure the release plates against the salon chair back. Further, the method comprises securing a mannequin head to the axis ball joint. Finally, positioning the mannequin head in any desired position and/or angle as needed for use.
Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the salon chair buddy device of the present invention in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the salon chair buddy device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the salon chair buddy device of the present invention wherein the axis ball joint rotates in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the salon chair buddy device of the present invention wherein a mannequin head is placed on the axis ball joint in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the salon chair buddy device of the present invention disclosing the storage tray component in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of securing a mannequin head in desired positions and/or angles on one potential embodiment of the salon chair buddy device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a salon chair buddy device that provides users with a clamp-style bracket that can be secured to a salon chair, allowing barbers and stylists to practice on a mannequin at any desired position or angle. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a salon chair buddy device that allows users to firmly secure the device to the back of a salon chair via a knob that moves the plates of the device between a maximum and minimum width. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a salon chair buddy device that includes a small knob that can rotate to any desired position and angle to support a mannequin head at a desired position. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that features a storage plate on the back to accommodate styling tools like curling irons, flat irons, etc. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a salon chair buddy device that offers a way for barbers and stylists to practice on a mannequin, enabling them to wash, style, cut, color, etc., in a simple and convenient manner. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a salon chair buddy device that stabilizes a mannequin head in multiple positions and/or angles.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel salon chair buddy device. The device is designed to be secured to a salon chair, allowing barbers and stylists to practice on a mannequin head at any desired position and/or angle. The device comprises a pair of open and close release plates that will allow the device to fit on any salon chair. The release plates will open and close via a control knob, which allows the release plates to open to a maximum and minimum width. Above the release plates, the device further comprises an axis ball joint which supports a mannequin head. Once secure, the axis ball joint allows the mannequin head to move to any desired position or angle. Further, the back of the device can also comprise a storage tray component used to support styling items. The present invention also includes a novel method of securing a mannequin head in desired positions and/or angles on a salon chair. The method includes the steps of providing a salon chair buddy device comprising a pair of open and close release plates controlled by a knob. The method also comprises positioning the release plates over the back of a salon chair and twisting the control knob to secure the release plates against the salon chair back. Further, the method comprises securing a mannequin head to the axis ball joint. Finally, positioning the mannequin head in any desired position and/or angle as needed for use.
Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the salon chair buddy device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the salon chair buddy device 100 is an improved salon chair buddy device that allows mannequin heads 102 to be attached to any salon chair 104 and positioned at any desired angle for use. The device 100 is designed to be secured to a salon chair 104, allowing barbers and stylists 106 to practice on a mannequin head 102 at any desired position and/or angle. The device 100 comprises a pair of open and close release plates 106, 108 that will allow the device 100 to fit on any salon chair 104. The release plates 106, 108 will open and close via a control knob 110, that allows the release plates 106, 108 to open to a maximum and minimum width. Above the release plates 106, 108, the device 100 further comprises an axis ball joint 112 which supports a mannequin head 102. Once secure, the axis ball joint 112 allows the mannequin head 102 to move to any desired position or angle.
As shown in FIG. 2 , the device 100 comprises a pair of open and close release plates 106, 108. Typically, the pair of open and close release plates 106, 108 are a mirror image of each other, but do not have to be identical and can be any suitable size and shape as is known in the art. The pair of release plates 106, 108 are disposed in a spaced apart position, one in front of the other, movably secured together to form a generally cylindrical cavity 200. The generally cylindrical cavity 200 is then positioned over a salon chair back 202 and secured. The release plates 106, 108 can be movably secured together via any suitable securing means as is known in the art, such as welding, gluing, screws, bolts, a hinge, etc. In another embodiment, the release plates 106, 108 are formed as a single, integral piece and bent into shape, forming the generally cylindrical cavity 200.
In one embodiment, the device 100 comprises a control knob 110 that is used to move the release plates 106, 108 closer together or farther apart, depending on the width of the salon chair back 202 which the device 100 is being secured to. Typically, the control knob 110 is threaded through the first release plate 106 and then movably secured to the second release plate 108. Thus, when the control knob 110 is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise, it moves the release plates 106, 108 closer or farther apart. Thus, a user would rotate the control knob 110 to move the release plates 106, 108 to the desired distance. Once at a desired distance, the release plates 106, 108 are placed around a salon chair back 202. The control knob 110 is then rotated in an opposite direction to move the release plates 106, 108 closer together. The release plates 106, 108 are then secured around the salon chair back 202. The release plates 106, 108 can move using any suitable moving means as is known in the art, with or without use of a control knob or any other control component as is known in the art, depending on the wants and/or needs of a user.
As shown in FIGS. 3-4 , in this embodiment, the device 100 comprises an axis ball joint 112 that secures the mannequin head 102 to the device 100. The axis ball joint 112 is a typical ball and socket joint that allows the mannequin head 102 to swivel in multiple directions and angles during use. The axis ball joint 112 can be any suitable movable joint as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user, as long as the movable joint allows the mannequin head 102 to move and swivel in multiple directions and angles. Typically, the mannequin head 102 is secured to the axis ball joint 112 via any suitable securing means as is known in the art, such as gluing, welding, screwing, bolts, adhesive, etc.
Further, the device 100 secures a mannequin head 102 in multiple positions and/or angles, but any suitable portion of a mannequin can be used, including the torso, arms, legs, full body, etc., depending on the needs and/or wants of a user.
As shown in FIG. 5 , the back or rear of the device 100 comprises a storage tray component 500 used to support styling items (not shown), such as curling irons, flat irons, etc. The storage tray component 500 can be any suitable tray as is known in the art. The tray 500 can have multiple opening and/or through holes 502 which can hold various styling items and accessories as is known in the art, based on the needs and/or wants of a user. The tray 500 can be any suitable size and shape as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. The tray 500 can have a ridge or lip around its perimeter or can just be a flat shelf or plate structure, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user.
In yet another embodiment, the salon chair buddy device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 504. The release plates 106, 108 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the outer surface, or any other indicia 504 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 504 as is known in the art can be included, such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be salon or brand related.
Furthermore, the salon chair buddy device 100 is typically manufactured from sheet metal or other suitable flexible metals, or heat-sealable plastic or polymers, such as polypropylene or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, etc. or any other suitable material as is known in the art, etc. Generally, the salon chair buddy device 100 is also manufactured from a material that is water resistant or water permeable, or the release plates 106, 108 can comprise a coating that is water resistant or water permeable.
FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of the method of securing a mannequin head in desired positions and/or angles on a salon chair. The method includes the steps of at 600, providing a salon chair buddy device comprising a pair of open and close release plates controlled by a control knob. The method also comprises at 602, positioning the release plates over the back of a salon chair and twisting the control knob to secure the release plates against the salon chair back. Typically, the control knob is threaded through the first release plate and then movably secured to the second release plate. Thus, when the control knob is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise, it moves the release plates closer or farther apart. Further, the method comprises at 604, securing a mannequin head to the axis ball joint, such that the mannequin head can move and swivel in multiple positions and angles. Finally, at 606, positioning the mannequin head in any desired position and/or angle as needed for use.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “salon chair buddy device”, “salon chair device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the salon chair buddy device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the salon chair buddy device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the salon chair buddy device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-6 are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the salon chair buddy device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the salon chair buddy device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the salon chair buddy device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user’s needs and/or preferences.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A salon chair device for securing a mannequin head to a salon chair and positioning the mannequin head at a desired angle for use, the salon chair device comprising:

a pair of open and close release plates;

a control knob; and

an axis ball joint;

wherein the pair of open and close release plates are disposed in a spaced apart position, movably secured together to form a generally cylindrical cavity;

wherein the control knob allows the pair of open and close release plates to open and close to a maximum and minimum width, respectively; and

further wherein the axis ball joint secures a mannequin head to the salon chair.

2. The salon chair device of claim 1, wherein the pair of open and close release plates are a mirror image of each other.

3. The salon chair device of claim 1, wherein the generally cylindrical cavity is positioned over a salon chair back.

4. The salon chair device of claim 1, wherein the control knob is threaded through a first open and close release plate and then movably secured to a second open and close release plate.

5. The salon chair device of claim 4, wherein when the control knob is rotated in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, the pair of open and close release plates move closer together or farther apart, respectively.

6. The salon chair device of claim 1, wherein the axis ball joint is a ball and socket joint.

7. The salon chair device of claim 6, wherein the mannequin head is glued to the axis ball joint.

8. The salon chair device of claim 1 further comprising a storage tray component.

9. The salon chair device of claim 8, wherein the storage tray component comprises a plurality of openings.

10. The salon chair device of claim 9, wherein the plurality of openings retain a plurality of styling items and accessories.

11. The salon chair device of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of indicia.

12. The salon chair device of claim 1, wherein the salon chair device is manufactured from a sheet metal.

13. A salon chair device for securing a mannequin head to a salon chair and positioning the mannequin head at a desired angle for use, the salon chair device comprising:

a pair of open and close release plates;

a control knob;

an axis ball joint; and

a storage tray component for storing a plurality of styling items and accessories;

wherein the pair of open and close release plates are disposed in a spaced apart position, movably secured together to form a generally cylindrical cavity that is positioned over a salon chair back;

further wherein the axis ball joint secures a mannequin head.

14. The salon chair device of claim 13, wherein the axis ball joint is a ball and socket joint.

15. The salon chair device of claim 13, wherein the control knob is threaded through a first open and close release plate and then movably secured to a second open and close release plate.

16. The salon chair device of claim 15, wherein when the control knob is rotated in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, the pair of open and close release plates move closer together or farther apart, respectively.

17. The salon chair device of claim 13, wherein the storage tray component comprises a plurality of openings.

18. The salon chair device of claim 17, wherein the plurality of openings retain the plurality of styling items and accessories.

19. The salon chair device of claim 13 further comprising a plurality of indicia.

20. A method of securing a mannequin head in a desired position or at a desired angle on a salon chair, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a salon chair device comprising a pair of open and close release plates controlled by a control knob;

positioning the pair of open and close release plates over the back of the salon chair and twisting the control knob to secure the pair of open and close release plates against a back of the salon chair;

securing the mannequin head to the axis ball joint, such that the mannequin head can move and swivel in multiple positions and at multiple angles; and

positioning the mannequin head in the desired position and at the designed angle.