WO2015005911A1

WO2015005911A1 - Improved hair-appliance holder

Info

Publication number: WO2015005911A1
Application number: PCT/US2013/049811
Authority: WO
Inventors: Erin Balogh
Original assignee: Erin Balogh
Priority date: 2013-07-09
Filing date: 2013-07-09
Publication date: 2015-01-15

Abstract

An improved hair-appliance holder for retaining a hair-styling appliance, such as a hot hair iron, a hair dryer or the like, in hanging relationship from an upper edge portion of a pedestal sink basin, or alternatively from a countertop, and which, while retaining the hair appliance, reduces the likelihood of burning contact by the appliance with adjacent objects and a user thereof, the hair-appliance holder comprising a flexible entirely-silicone strap member and a flexible entirely-silicone heat-resistant retaining member integrally attached to the strap member and having at least one open end and a flexible front portion molded in cross-section form of an outwardly curved arch (when viewed in a top view) so as to allow easy deformation of the opening while maintaining the opening in an opened position during hanging and adapted for receiving a hair-styling appliance.

Description

DESCRIPTION TITLE IMPROVED HAIR-APPLIANCE HOLDER

FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates in general to a portable receptacle for use by consumers hanging from a pedestal sink or hanging from a bathroom countertop, and in particular to an improved silicone, heat-resistant sheath or pouch having an opening that is structured so as to remain open for easy repeated insertion, removal and storing by consumers of electric heated hair-styling appliances such as curling irons, straightening irons, flattening irons, heated rollers, hot brushes, hot air curlers, and stylers such as hair dryers and the like.

BACKGROUND

[0002] There are a number and variety of electric heated hair-styling appliances, including without limitation curling irons, straightening or flattening irons, heated rollers, hot brushes, and hot-air curlers and stylers. To use most of these devices, the appliance must be plugged into an electrical outlet and allowed to warm up. After use, the unplugged appliance can take up to fifteen minutes to cool to a safe handling and storage temperature. During use of these hair appliances, the consumer repeatedly picks up the appliance to apply heat and styling strokes to the hair, and then places the appliance back down, for example to brush the hair. These repeated actions during styling are made relatively quickly and while concentrated on looking in the mirror, so there have been problems with finding a safe location on or in which to store the hair appliance during use. [0003] Many of these appliances are operated in small or cluttered bathrooms and at times when the user of the appliance is in a rush. Particularly for users of these appliances whose bathrooms are designed with a free-standing pedestal sink, there is no counter space or unoccupied surface on which to rest the appliance while it warms up, cools off, or during use thereof wherein the user repeatedly picks up the appliance, uses it on his or her hair, and then sets it back down, often times in the sink basin. Alternatively, many smaller home or hotel bathrooms today have only very limited countertop space on which to place hair-styling appliances. The use of very hot appliances in such crowded conditions may create a risk of injury to the user or other individual, as well as increasing the risk of damage to property.

[0004] Hair dryers and curling irons account for many residential fires every year, resulting in deaths, injuries, and millions of dollars in property loss. Further, there do occur very many hair care appliance related injuries every year. To date, there has not been available, for small bathrooms having simply a pedestal sink, or small bathrooms having limited countertop space, a simple means of safely storing a hot hair appliance during and after use thereof. Consequently, such storage and use of hot hair appliances has involved increased risk of storage in exposed fashion with hot surfaces of the appliance being closely adjacent combustible material or persons that use the appliance.

[0005] Referring to FIGS, la - lc hereof, wherein reference characters are employed corresponding with like reference characters in this specification. US Patent No. 8,434,615 B2, to Balogh, for Hair-Appliance Holder, US Patent No. 8,430,241 Bl, to Balogh, for Hair- Appliance Holder, and US Design Patent No. D682,469 S to Balogh for Hair Iron Holder, disclose previous embodiments of hair-appliance holders 10 that have comprised a flexible silicone pouch 5 that either has had a flat leading edge 1 to the opening 4 to the pouch as shown in FIG. la hereof, or a leading edge 2 that bows inwardly when hanging from a pedestal sink 8 as shown in FIG. lb hereof, or a leading edge 3 that is flat, or straight line, as shown in FIG. lc hereof. In the case of a previous hair-appliance holder 10 hanging from a sink basin 13, for example, the flat leading edge 1, 3, or inwardly bowed leading edge 2, has been caused by forces transmitted from a lower edge 11 of a countertop or sink basin 13 through an upper portion 6 defining the opening 4 that have pushed two upper and outer corners 7, 8 of the opening away from the edge of the countertop while the silicone between the two upper and outer corners has been retained by its interconnection along the front portion 9 of the pouch retaining member 5 to the bottom partially closed end 14 of the pouch retaining member. In either case, whether with a flat leading edge 1 , 3 sleeve or pouch 5 opening 4 or an inwardly arcing leading edge 2 sleeve or pouch 5 opening 4, it has been more difficult for a user to easily place a hair styling appliance 16 in the pouch during repeated use. These factors have also led to a pouch 5 which has been more susceptible to swinging from the edge of a countertop or a sink basin 13, and this has further tended to cause the leading edge 2 of the pouch retaining member 5 to bow inwardly which in turn has decreased the space presented by the pouch retaining member to a user thereof. This sagging or drooping has also been occasioned by "molecular memory" of the silicone front portion upon being removed from the mold during manufacturing into an upright position for curing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there has been developed an improved innovation that provides a flexible, preferably silicone, hair-appliance holder for retaining a hot hair-styling appliance, such as a hot hair iron, relative to and suspended hanging from an upper, horizontal ledge, or edge, portion near the top of a pedestal sink basin having a concave inner surface, or alternatively suspended hanging from an edge of a countertop, and which, while retaining the hot hair-styling appliance, reduces the likelihood of burning contact by the iron with adjacent objects and a user thereof, is provided. The hair-appliance holder in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention comprises a counterweight member, such as preferably a flexible silicone mat or strap, and a preferably integral heat-resistant silicone retaining member, pouch, pocket, envelope or sheath, having at least one open end biased towards a maximum opened position and into which a hot hair-styling appliance may be easily inserted, and removed, over and over again during use thereof.

[0007] The strap member comprises a first end and a second end, the first end of the strap member being adapted for residing in a sink basin, and the second end of the strap member being preferably integrally connected to the heat-resistant retaining member. The strap member further comprises an upper surface and an underside surface, the underside surface comprising an outer non-slip waterproof surface portion adapted for residing on and making gripping contact along the underside surface of the strap member with the concave inner surface of the sink basin or countertop and the upper surface comprising an outer non-slip waterproof heat-resistant and burn-resistant surface adapted for non-slip support of the hot hair appliance when the user sets the hair-appliance down on the strap during use.

[0008] The flexible silicone partially enclosed retaining member adapted for hanging from an upper edge of the sink basin or countertop comprises first and second ends, the retaining member being at least partially closed at the first end thereof. The second end of the silicone retaining member defines an opening for inserting a hair appliance during repeated use and further comprises a back portion, a plurality of side portions and a front portion which define the opening. The front portion partially defining the opening of the second end of the retaining member is preferably flexible and molded in a cross-section form of an outwardly curved arch (when viewed in a top view, such as FIG. 5) so as to allow easy deformation of the opening while also maintaining the opening in a fully-opened position despite contrary gravitational forces, static forces imparted by the sink basin or countertop, and strap and retaining member static forces, so as to facilitate the opening to remain open adapted to receive the hair appliance during repeated insertion and removal during use of the hot hair- styling appliance from said retaining member. The flexible opening is adapted for remaining fully open, regardless of whether the retaining member is hanging from a sink basin or a countertop, or even if the retaining member is lying on a countertop with the back portion of the retaining member on the countertop.

[0009] Preferably, the retaining member is contiguous and integral with the silicone strap member. The silicone strap member comprises a first end and a second end, the second end of the strap member being connected adjacent to the open end of the retaining member, that is, connected to the back portion of the second end of the retaining member. The strap member is of sufficient size and weight such that, together with the non-slip gripping of the strap member along the underside of the strap member, the strap member is adapted to provide sufficient counterweight and friction between the lower surface of the strap member, and the gripping contact along the underside surface portion of the strap member along and with the concave inner surface of the sink basin, or alternatively the countertop, such that the strap member is adapted to retain the hair-appliance holder with the retaining member suspended hanging from and over the edge of the sink basin or countertop when the hair appliance is in the retaining member.

[0010] Preferably, in the improved hair-appliance holder of this first aspect of the invention, the first end of the retaining member further comprises at least one hole formed in the first end of the retaining member, the hole being adapted for allowing liquid to pass out of the retaining member during use hanging from the sink basin or countertop. [0011] While, preferably the elements of the hair-appliance holder, and especially the retaining member, are constructed of silicone, or other flexible, heat- resistant material that is waterproof and provides a non-slip, gripping, surface for tool- free installation resting on and hanging from a bathroom sink, any heat resistant material with similar characteristics may be used.

[0012] In accordance with one anticipated use of the invention, the heat- resistant retaining member is suspended hanging from the upper, horizontal ledge, or top edge, of a sink basin, balanced by the counterweight member or strap/mat placed within the sink basin near the top edge of the sink basin. In this embodiment, the sleeve or sheath opening preferably faces upwardly and remains open and easily accessible to placement of the hair appliance by the consumer, for example when a user, looking in a mirror, goes to brush his or her hair between application of hot iron styling strokes to the hair. It is at this time that ease of placing the device in a biased- open retaining member, or on an upper non-slip surface portion of a heat resistant mat, is at a premium - when the consumer is typically not paying very close attention to where to place the iron and doesn't want to burn a countertop or other item.

[0013] In accordance with another anticipated use of the invention, the heat- resistant retaining member is suspended hanging from an upper surface and edge of a countertop so that the retaining member is adapted for retaining a hair-styling appliance relative to the countertop having an edge and while reducing the likelihood of contact by the hair appliance with the countertop, other objects and a user thereof. In this embodiment, the sleeve or sheath opening preferably faces upwardly and remains open and accessible to placement of the hair appliance by the user. Again, during this type of anticipated use, while the user is looking in the mirror to brush the hair, the accessibility of a biased-open retaining member, or on an upper non-slip surface portion of a heat-resistant mat, is at a premium to consumers.

[0014] Further in accordance with this aspect of the invention, preferably, the underside of the strap member of the hair-appliance holder is further comprised of a gripping, or grippable material to aid retention of the hair-appliance holder hanging from and relative to the edge of the countertop or sink basin. "Gripping" or

"grippable" in this context means that the silicone material preferably used to create the underside of the strap member adapted to make contact with and lie along the upper surface of a countertop, or the inner concave and upper convex surfaces of the sink basin, is finished with a smooth surface and has a high coefficient of friction so that the strap in effect grips the surface of the sink basin, or the countertop, thus providing sufficient holding power, or grip, to enable dangling of the retaining member over the front edge of the sink basin, or counter, with a hair appliance held therein, despite repeated removals and insertions of the hair appliance in the retaining member, or pouch, during repeated use thereof. The strap member is also preferably of sufficient size to allow resting of the hair appliance thereon without touching of the hair appliance to the countertop.

[0015] The hair-appliance holder of the present invention allows for safe and convenient placement of a hot hair appliance in the heat-resistant receptacle during and after use of the hot hair appliance. Those familiar with the uses and risks of electric hair-styling appliances will appreciate the greater degree of safety offered by having a convenient, versatile receptacle, usable in many kinds of bathrooms and regardless of limited counter space, for storing heated hair-styling devices while the appliances are warming up, between uses, or cooling down. With a hair-appliance holder, such as a hair-iron holder, available, a user of an electric heated hair-styling appliance will be able to safely deposit the heated appliance in the heat-resistant sheath as long as reasonably necessary during the course of normal use.

[0016] The hair-appliance holder is easily user-installed, without drilling, screwing, affixing, or adhering, etc., by placing the strap member over the top edge of a sink basin or laying the strap member on a countertop.

[0017] To install the hair-appliance holder in accordance with the first embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the user simply places the first end of the strap of the hair-appliance holder in the sink basin, near the top horizontal edge, suspending the heat-resistant silicone sheath conveniently over the edge of the sink in front of the user or on either side of a typical sink basin. Alternatively, to install the hair-appliance holder in accordance with the alternative anticipated use of this aspect of the invention, the strap member may be laid upon the countertop with the retaining member hanging over the edge of the countertop, or with the retaining member hanging over any other edge surface, such as a cupboard, a drawer, or on the front of a sink and combined countertop arrangement.

[0018] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the hair-appliance holder of the invention is preferably made of semi-rigid, flexible silicone that is flexible enough to be easily folded, stored, or packed for travel. This flexible material selection also allows for easy packaging and storage on a shelf of a store for selling such items. As for storing the hair-appliance holder after use, a user may place a warm hair iron in the sheath, for placement in a drawer or baggage, as long as he/she takes sufficient care not to allow contact of the iron with a combustible material or a material or surface that may be damaged by the heat. Users are cautioned to not place any heated hair iron in contact with combustible material or material that may be damaged by exposure or contact with high heat. [0019] Users of heated hair appliances who use the hair-appliance holder on the edge of a bathroom sink or countertop, will be able to easily remove the accessory when no longer in use, and it will not conflict with or be an obstacle to ordinary use of the sink or countertop. The hair-appliance holder also removes completely, without leaving marks or any glue residue, and without causing damage to the surface underneath. Upon removal of the hair-appliance holder from its packaging, users are capable of installing the hair-appliance holder in a safe and convenient manner without using any tools.

[0020] The present invention addresses the safety concerns involved with operation and handling of heated hair appliances. Risk of damage to property by contact with a hot hair iron, for instance, is resolved by providing an enclosed, heat- resistant receptacle, rather than requiring ample counter space clear of other potentially ignitable items. By reducing exposure of the heated appliance, the risk of injury to the user or other person is also lessened.

[0021] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a heat-resistant, easily installable, hair-appliance holder that is adaptable for various models of bathroom sinks. In accordance with this aspect of the invention, the strap member connected between the counterweight, if any, and the heat-resistant retaining member, is of sufficient length, or varying widths, to accommodate varying widths of sink edges and varying sizes of hair appliances. This makes the hair- appliance holder a versatile bathroom accessory easily installable in a number of different settings.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the strap member makes contact with the basin and top edge of a standard pedestal sink, with the heat-resistant retaining member suspended stably in front of or on the side of the sink. Alternatively, the strap member is long enough to provide the counterweight and friction necessary, to secure the appliance holder on a countertop with the appliance holder pouch or sleeve hanging over the edge of the front of the countertop.

[0023] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided an improved hair-appliance holder in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, further comprising at least one curved transition member, also referred to herein as a webbed corner, molded integrally between the strap member and preferably the two side portions of the retaining member. Preferably, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, there are provided a plurality of curved transition members, such as a fillet type curved transitions between the strap member and each side portion of the retaining member. This aspect of the invention strengthens the interconnection, integral or otherwise, between the strap and the retaining member, which intersection or joint, in turn, is more resistant to stress failure or sagging of the pouch or sleeve.

[0024] Still further, in accordance with another aspect of the invention, the angle formed between the strap member and the side portions of the retaining member has been reduced to approximately 87 degrees (measured above the opening), and thereby also a supplementary angle of 93 degrees (measured below the opening). This upwardly inclined angle serves to better resist the pull of gravity and static forces from the countertop and within the strap and retaining member itself, and this assists in the opening of the pouch staying open. Still further, through experimentation the applicant learned that thickening part of the front portion of the retaining member, such as by placing an integral silicone decorative star or other design on the front portion of the retaining member, serves to prevent sagging caused by the effects of gravity and the static forces between the strap member and the retaining member. This thickening of the walls of the front surface area, which may also be applied to the side walls or to a rib portion formed around a part of the periphery of the opening at the front and side portions defining the opening, is effective to resist inward bowing of the front portion of the retaining member which in prior versions of the hair-appliance holder has partially closed the opening adapted for receiving the hair appliance as shown in FIG. lb. Nevertheless, care is taken not to thicken the front or side walls of the pouch too much, or not to make the front or side walls too rigid, as another purpose of the invention would then be frustrated, since the pouch is to be flexible for retaining hair appliances, and the pouch is to be capable of being folded easily for compact storage.

[0025] Still further, in accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a slightly humped or mounded portion included in a transition area located between the strap and the back portion of the pouch which serves to slightly rigidify the back surface portion of the opening, which in turn tends to counteract static forces applied by the lower edge of a countertop and pushing out on the side walls, during hanging of the pouch from the countertop, so as to cause the leading edge portion to bow inwardly as described previously. The humped our mounded portion also serves to lend greater structure to the way in which the hair-appliance holder hangs from the edge of a countertop, which together with the webbed corner members, serves to resist swinging during hanging and also serves also to counteract the forces of the lower edge of a countertop from pushing out on the side walls so as to cause the leading edge portion to bow inwardly.

[0026] The subject matter of the present invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of this specification. However, both the organization and method of operation, together with further advantages and objects thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following descriptions taken in connection with accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters refer to like elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] FIG. la is a front left perspective view of an earlier model of

Applicant's hair-appliance holder shown on a standard pedestal sink;

[0028] FIG. lb is a front left perspective view of another earlier model of Applicant's hair appliance holder shown on a standard pedestal sink;

[0029] FIG. lc is a front perspective view of another earlier model of

Applicant's hair-appliance holder shown on a countertop adjacent a sink basin inset in a countertop;

[0030] FIG. 2 is a front left perspective view of an improved hair-appliance holder in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention and shown on a standard pedestal sink;

[0031] FIG. 3 is a left side plan view of an improved hair-appliance holder in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention shown laying on a countertop;

[0033] FIG. 4 is a left side plan view of an improved hair-appliance holder in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention shown installed on a standard pedestal sink with the sink shown in cross section; and

[0034] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an improved hair-appliance holder in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention shown installed on the edge of a countertop.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 2 - 5, a hair-appliance holder 108 according to the present invention comprises a vertically hanging and partially enclosed heat-resistant retaining member, pouch, sleeve, sheath, or envelope 110 that is preferably and approximately 6-9 inches wide by 10 inches long by 1-2.5 inches deep, or other suitable size for a corresponding hair appliance, and though made preferably of heat- resistant, semi-rigid silicone, may be constructed of any of a number of heat-resistant materials known in the art and possessing properties suitable for the purposes and functions of the invention primarily adapted, as improved, to remain open during hanging, or even laying, use, ready to receive a hair appliance during repeated use.

[0036] An opening 112 on the top of this pouch 110 is generally bordered by a back portion 111 that is flat in shape, side portions 117 that are generally flat in shape (though curving as they extend towards the front thereof), and a front portion 115 that is generally arc-shaped (if viewed from a top view as in FIG. 5, or alternatively in top- view cross-section). Due to the flexible nature of the silicone material the opening 112 may be more oval or curved in shape when in use according to its design, having a hot hair-styling appliance 106, or other hair appliance such as a hair dryer, placed within the retaining member 110 by the user. A bottom portion 109 of the retaining member 110 is closed, and the closed bottom corners 116 may be rounded in shape in accordance with standard methods for sealing the silicone retaining member.

Preferably, at least one hole 107 is advantageously formed in the bottom portion 109 of the retaining member 110 to allow the passage out of the retaining member of any water that may incidentally or accidentally fall into the retaining member. This helps prevent electrocution hazard relating to bringing an electrical hair appliance into contact with water. Users are cautioned never to place an electrical hair appliance in contact with water as electrocution, serious injury or death may result. The top of the portion 111 of the retaining member 110 is connected to a strap, or mat, member 113, which is preferably rectangular in shape and has a first end 124 and a second end 126. [0037] The strap member 113 is also preferably made of heat-resistant, semirigid silicone, approximately 1/4-inch in thickness. The strap member 113 is connected at the second end 126 thereof to the top portion 111 of the retaining member 110. The first end 124 of the strap 113 may optionally be connected to a silicon portion 127 of counterweight member 114. The counterweight member 114 (if any in addition to the strap 113 itself) attached on the first end 124 of the strap member 113, preferably consists of a contiguous silicone mat/strap portion, though alternatively it may be comprised of an inner metal or other weight made of steel, pot metal, sand or other suitable relatively heavy material.

[0038] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the strap member

113 is made of a material, such as silicone, that has sufficient gripping, suction or adhesion properties on one surface, this surface being the underside surface 132 of the strap member 113 contiguous with the back, or inner, retaining member pouch wall 135, such that when this surface is placed over the top front edge 134 or side edge 137 of a standard pedestal sink 130 (or countertop 250 of FIG. 5), the end 124 of the strap at the one end is situated in the basin 200 of the sink 130 and the heat-resistant retaining member 110 is suspended in front of the sink, or alternatively on either side of the sink, with the opening 112 clearly open, visible and accessible to the user located in front of and facing toward the pedestal sink. It will be appreciated that the hair-appliance holder 108 may be installed on either side of, or in front of, sink 130 without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0039] It will be appreciated that the gripping surface 132 on the underside of the strap member 113, serves to provide traction with the surface on which the hair- appliance holder 108 is mounted, such as the top front edge 134, or side edge 137, of a standard pedestal sink 130 or countertop 163, thereby suspending the retaining member 110 in a stable manner, balanced by the mass of the strap member 113, 114. Also, the upper surface 139 of the strap member 113 has gripping or friction type properties to allow easy placement of the hair appliance thereon, without slipping, for example during brushing of the user's hair. Thus, there is provided a silicone flexible strap member having first and second ends 124, 126, an upper surface 139 and an underside surface 132, the underside surface comprising an outer non-slip waterproof surface portion adapted for residing on and making gripping contact along the underside surface of the strap 113 member with the concave inner surface 201 of the sink basin or countertop 163 and the upper surface 139 comprising an outer non-slip waterproof heat-resistant and burn-resistant surface adapted for non-slip support of the hot hair appliance 106 when the user sets the hair appliance down on the strap during use;

[0040] The strap member 113 is preferably of sufficient size, such as 6 inches wide by 18 inches long, to allow resting of the hair iron 106, or a hair dryer, thereon without touching of the hair appliance to the countertop 163. This not only serves to prevent the hair appliance, in the case of the hot hair iron 106, from burning the countertop, but also prevents falling of the hair iron or hair dryer onto the ground, or undue shifting of the appliance, to avoid breakage or other damage or injury such as burns to the user. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that varying combinations of sizes of strap members and stickiness of the underside gripping or high-friction portion 132 of the strap member 113 may be used to adequately hold the pouch 110 and hair appliance 106 in position relative to the countertop 163.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the strap member 113 is made of a material, such as silicone, that has sufficient gripping, suction or adhesion properties on one surface, this surface being the underside surface 132 of the strap member contiguous with the back, or inner, retaining member pouch wall 111 , 135 such that when this surface is placed over the edge 161 or side edge of a countertop 163 or cupboard, the counterweighting strap 113 is situated on the countertop a sufficient distance from the (front) edge 161 with the pouch member 110 suspended in front of the countertop, or on either side of the countertop, with the opening 112 clearly open, visible and accessible to the user located in front of and facing toward the countertop. In accordance with the preferred improved embodiment of the invention, the opening 112 is biased towards a more open position by several unique features comprising webbed transition members 203, upwardly angled portion 230, ribbed opening 107, thickened front material 234 and arched front portion 115.

[0042] Thus, as installed, in any embodiment of the improved present invention, the heat-resistant retaining member 110, preferably being composed of semi-rigid silicone, remains open and accessible as a receptacle for hair-styling appliances 106, such as a hot hair iron or hair dryer, as an alternative to setting such hair-styling appliances on a counter 163 or other surface. The front portion 115 of the second end 107 defining the opening 112 is preferably flexible and molded in a cross-section form of an outwardly curved arch as seen in a top view at 115 (see FIG. 5) so as to allow easy deformation of the opening while also maintaining the opening in a fully-opened position despite contrary gravitational and strap 113 and retaining member 110 static forces so as to facilitate the opening 112 to remain open adapted to receive the hair appliance 106 during repeated insertion and removal during use of the hot hair-styling appliance from said retaining member. The flexible opening 112 is adapted for remaining fully open, regardless of whether the retaining member 110 is hanging from a sink basin 130 or a countertop 163, or even if the hair-appliance holder 108 is laying on its back side, i.e., laying on lower surfaces 132 and 135 of strap 113 and retaining member 110, respectively, on a countertop 163.

[0043] Preferably, the retaining member 110 is contiguous and integral with the silicone strap member 113. The silicone strap member 113 comprises a first end 109 and a second end 107, the second end of the strap member being connected adjacent to the open end 107 of the retaining member 110, that is, connected to the back portion 111 of the second end 107 of the retaining member. The strap member 113 is of sufficient size and weight such that, together with the non-slip gripping of the strap member along the underside 132 of the strap member, the strap member is adapted to provide sufficient counterweight and friction between the lower surface of the strap member, and the gripping contact along the underside surface portion of the strap member along and with the concave inner surface 201 of the sink basin 200, or alternatively the countertop 163, such that the strap member is adapted to retain the hair-appliance holder with the retaining member suspended hanging from and over the edge of the sink basin or countertop when the hair appliance 106 is in the retaining member.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, in accordance with another aspect of the invention, the improved hair-appliance holder 108 further comprises at least one curved transition member 203, also referred to herein as a webbed corner, molded integrally between the strap member 113 and preferably the two side portions 117 of the retaining member 110. Preferably, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, there are provided a plurality of curved transition members 113, such as a fillet type curved transitions between the strap member 113 and each side portion 117 of the retaining member 110. This aspect of the invention strengthens the interconnection, integral or otherwise, between the strap 113 and the retaining member 110, which intersection or joint, in turn, is more resistant to stress failure or sagging of the pouch or sleeve 110. Through experimentation, it has been determined that the transition members 113 also serve to reduce swinging of the retaining member 110 during use and also serve to resist forces imparted by a lower edge 207 of a countertop or sink basin that would cause a gap 209 between the underside 132 of strap 113 and the countertop, which forces tend to push side portions 117 outwardly and contribute to inward bowing, or arcing, of the front upper portion 115 of the retaining member 110 which has caused reduced clearance in the opening 112 suitable for easy removal and insertion of the hair appliance 106.

[0045] Referring primarily to FIG. 3, in accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is to be provided an acute angle 230 formed at approximately 87 degrees between the strap member 113 and the side portions 117 of the retaining member 110. This angle 230 has been reduced to approximately 87 Degrees

(measured above the opening 112), and a supplementary angle 232 of 93 degrees (measured below the opening 112). This upwardly inclined angle 230 serves to better resist the pull of gravity and static forces within the strap 113 and retaining member 110 itself, and this assists in the opening 112 to the pouch 110 staying open. Still further, there is provided a thickened part of the front portion 115 of the retaining member 110, such as by placing an integrally molded silicone decorative star 234 or other design on the front portion of the retaining member, which also serves to prevent sagging caused by the effects of gravity and the static forces between the strap member 113 and the retaining member 110. This thickening of the walls 115 of the front surface area 115, which may also be done to the side walls 113 or to a rib portion 220 formed around a part of the periphery of the opening 112 at the front and side portions 115, 117 defining the opening, is effective to resist inward bowing of the front portion 115 of the retaining member which in prior versions of the hair- appliance holder has partially closed the opening adapted for receiving the hair appliance as shown in FIG. lb. This was an undesirable effect of previous versions of the hair-appliance holder that has been addressed with the improved version of the hair-appliance holder 108 of the present invention. Nevertheless, care has is taken not to thicken the front 115 or side walls 117 too much, or not to make the front or side walls too rigid, as other purposes of the invention to be flexible for retaining hair appliances 106 therein, and to be able to be folded up for compact storage, would thereby be frustrated.

[0046] Still further, in accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a slightly humped or mounded portion 240 included in a transition area located between the strap 113 and the back portion 111 of the pouch 110 which serves to slightly rigidify the back surface portion 111 of the opening 112, which in turn tends to counteract the forces of the lower edge 207 of a countertop 263 from pushing out on the side walls 117 so as to cause the leading edge portion 115 to bow inwardly. The humped our mounded portion 240 also serves to lend greater structure to the way in which the hair-appliance holder 108 hangs from the edge of a countertop, which together with the webbed corner members 203, serves to resisting swinging during hanging and serves also to counteract the forces of the lower edge 207 of a countertop 163 from pushing out on the side walls so as to otherwise cause the leading edge portion 115 to bow inwardly.

[0047] Still further, in accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a thickened portion 217, such as thickened wall star-shaped portion 217, as shown in FIG. 2. This thickened wall portion 217 serves to somewhat rigidify the front wall portion, which in turn also resists inward arcing, or bowing inwardly, of the pouch 110, which would contribute to a lessened ability to easily receive a hair appliance 106. Of course, it will be appreciated that other ornamental shapes, other than a star, may be used to thicken the front wall portion 115 of the retaining member 110.

[0048] Further, around the periphery of the opening 112 of the improved hair- appliance holder 108, preferably there is provided a rib or band 220, which serves to somewhat rigidify the periphery of the opening 112, which in turn also resists inward arcing, or bowing inwardly, of the pouch 110 (as shown at 2 in FIG. lb), which would otherwise contribute to a lessened adapted to easily receive a hair appliance 106.

[0049] Still further, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is provided a bead, rim, or raised edge 270 around the outer periphery of the mat 113. This raised edge 270 serves to strengthen the edge of the mat 113 against tearing, provides a visually appealing edge around the mat, and provides a slightly raised barrier against a device rolling off of the mat.

[0050] It will also be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the design of the hair-appliance holder 108 is versatile, being adapted for installation and use in connection with a large variety of sink types, ledges, countertops or cupboards without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. There is also no need for the use of tools or other equipment to perform additional installation procedures, such as drilling, screwing, affixing, or adhering. Since the process of installation is uncomplicated, the process of removal can likewise be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0051] Preferably, the hair-appliance holder, when no longer in use, is uninstalled by removing the mat 113 from the basin 201 of the sink (or alternatively removing it from the countertop 163, and lifting the attached strap member and retaining member to relocate the hair-appliance holder to the desired storage area. Preferably being composed of semi-rigid silicone, the hair-appliance holder is foldable, allowing for a wide range of storage options as well as the possibility to pack the hair-appliance holder for travel. This flexibility feature also allows for compact storage of the hair-appliance holder in a box or other compact packaging for shipping and display on a store shelf. Regarding packing of the hair-appliance holder in baggage, or storing of it in a drawer or other enclosure, caution should be used to ensure that combustible material, or any surface that may be damaged by contact with a hot iron, is not allowed to come into contact with the iron despite its being stored in the silicone retaining member.

[0052] While a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. For example, it will be appreciated that there are other locations in which the hair-appliance holder can be mounted, such as over the front or side edge of a sink built into a counter as opposed to strictly a pedestal sink. Further, it will be appreciated that other sizes of pouches and straps may be employed, and using different materials having similar heat resistant, flexibility, gripping and waterproof characteristics to the preferred semi-rigid and flexible silicone, all without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The appended claims are therefore intended to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1) An improved flexible silicone hair-appliance holder adapted for retaining a hot hair-styling appliance relative to and suspended hanging from an upper edge portion of a sink basin having a concave inner surface or suspended hanging from an edge of a countertop, the hair-appliance holder reducing the likelihood of contact by the hair appliance with the countertop, other objects and a user thereof, said hair-appliance holder comprising:

A silicone flexible strap member having first and second ends, an upper surface and an underside surface, the underside surface comprising an outer non-slip waterproof surface portion adapted for residing on and making gripping contact along the underside surface of said strap member with the concave inner surface of the sink basin or countertop and the upper surface comprising an outer non-slip waterproof heat-resistant and burn-resistant surface adapted for non-slip support of the hot hair appliance when the user sets the hair appliance down on the strap during use;

A silicone flexible partially enclosed retaining member adapted for hanging from an upper edge of the sink basin or countertop and comprising first and second ends, said retaining member being at least partially closed at the first end thereof, the second end of said silicone retaining member defining an opening having a back portion, a plurality of side portions and a front portion, the opening being adapted for receiving the hair appliance during repeated use, the front portion of the second end defining the opening being flexible and molded in a cross-section form of an outwardly curved arch so as to allow easy deformation of the opening while maintaining the opening in an opened position despite contrary gravitational and strap and retaining member static forces so as to remain open adapted to receive the hair appliance during repeated insertion and removal during use of the hot hair- styling appliance from said retaining member, the opening adapted for remaining fully open whether said retaining member is hanging from a sink basin or a countertop, said retaining member being contiguous and integral with said silicone strap member, said silicone strap member having a first end and a second end, said second end of said strap member connected adjacent to the open end of said retaining member, said strap member being of sufficient size and weight such that, together with the non-slip gripping of said strap member along the underside of said strap member, said strap member is adapted to provide sufficient counterweight and friction between the lower surface of said strap member, and the gripping contact along the underside surface portion of said strap member along and with the concave inner surface of the sink basin or countertop such that said strap member is adapted to retain the hair-appliance holder with the retaining member suspended hanging from and over the edge of the sink basin or countertop when the hair appliance is in said retaining member. 2) The improved hair-appliance holder of claim 1 , wherein the first end of said retaining member comprises at least one hole formed in the first end of the retaining member, the hole being adapted for allowing liquid to pass out of the retaining member during use hanging from the sink basin or countertop.

3) The improved hair-appliance holder of claiml, further comprising at least one curved transition member molded integrally between said strap member and said retaining member.

4) The improved hair-appliance holder of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of side portions defining the opening form an acute angle with said strap member to prevent sagging of said retaining member.

5) The improved hair-appliance holder of claim 1, further comprising a thickened portion comprising a decorative portion integrally molded on the front portion of said retaining member to prevent sagging of said retaining member.