WO2024118621A1 - Hair extension bar comb tool and method of use - Google Patents

Hair extension bar comb tool and method of use Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024118621A1
WO2024118621A1 PCT/US2023/081369 US2023081369W WO2024118621A1 WO 2024118621 A1 WO2024118621 A1 WO 2024118621A1 US 2023081369 W US2023081369 W US 2023081369W WO 2024118621 A1 WO2024118621 A1 WO 2024118621A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
hair
platform
comb
elongated
hair extension
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2023/081369
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Crystal Adams
Susan CAVALIERE
Original Assignee
Xtendbar, Llc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US18/070,411 external-priority patent/US20240122283A1/en
Application filed by Xtendbar, Llc filed Critical Xtendbar, Llc
Publication of WO2024118621A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024118621A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D44/00—Other cosmetic or toiletry articles, e.g. for hairdressers' rooms
    • A45D44/14—Stands for performing hairdressing work; Postiche heads
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D19/00—Devices for washing the hair or the scalp; Similar devices for colouring the hair
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D24/00—Hair combs for care of the hair; Accessories therefor
    • A45D24/38—Comb supports
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D44/00—Other cosmetic or toiletry articles, e.g. for hairdressers' rooms
    • A45D44/02—Furniture or other equipment specially adapted for hairdressers' rooms and not covered elsewhere
    • A45D44/04—Special adaptations of portable frames or racks
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A41—WEARING APPAREL
    • A41G—ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS; WIGS; MASKS; FEATHERS
    • A41G5/00—Hair pieces, inserts, rolls, pads, or the like; Toupées

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a hair extension bar comb tool for hair extensions. More specifically, the present invention relates to a hair extension comb tool and a respective method of nse thereof, where hair extensions are woven through teeth extending upward from one or both of a pair of combs and a top surface and each of associated side surfaces support and provide backing for strands of hair of the hair extension during various treatments of the hair, including: washing, drying, styling, coloring, etc.
  • Various integrated features aid in retaining and supporting the strands of hair during the various treatment processes.
  • Hair extensions contain a voluminous quantity of strands of hair. Hair extensions are commonly treated prior to placement within a client’s natural hair. Treatments can include washing, drying, coloring, styling, conditioning, hair straighteners, and the like. The hair stylist has two hands to control the strands of hair and provide the one or more treatments. The natural flow and movement of the strands of hair makes controlling the strands of hair while treating the strands of hair very difficult with only two hands. This increases the time required to provide and complete the treatments, which affects the profitability of the process.
  • Hair extensions commonly require a series of different treatments. For example, the hair would be wetted, then colored, then rinsed, then dried. Each step requires a different handling process and transport between a working location and a water applying location.
  • Treatment of hair extensions requires applications of a variety of chemicals. If the hair extension rests against a surface when the chemicals are being applied, the chemicals can remain on the surface and transfer to a different hair extension subsequently placed upon the surface.
  • the hair extension bar comb retains a hair extension thereon and is adapted to be removably mounted to a floor or table stand.
  • the hair extension bar comb has an elongated base having laterally spaced apart, generally parallel side regions.
  • First and second comb teeth rows are respectively mounted on corresponding, laterally spaced apart, parallel side regions.
  • Each comb teeth row has a multiplicity or a plurality of teeth. A portion of these teeth in at least one comb teeth row captures extension hair therein.
  • the hair extension bar comb includes a mounting coupler adapted to removably attach the mounting coupler to a supporting member, wherein the supporting member is carried by a stand adapted to be placed upon a floor and/or a table, an arm adapted to be temporarily secured to a countertop, a faucet, etc. or any other suitable supporting system.
  • the comb teeth row defines a plurality of aligned teeth to enable an application of a coloring process on the extension hair and the hair extension whelp captured in the lateral space extending between the first and the second comb teeth rows and between the laterally spaced apart first and second top side regions.
  • the present invention provides an apparatus for aiding a hair stylist when working on a hair extension, the apparatus comprising: an elongated platform comprising a first side surface, a second side surface and a top surface extending between an upper edge of the first side surface and an upper edge of the second side surface; a series of comb teeth extending upward from the top surface, wherein the series of comb teeth are spatially arranged along an elongated direction of the elongated platform; and at least one magnetically charged element carried by at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface.
  • the at least one magnetically charged element is inlayed within the at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface.
  • the at least one magnetically charged element is flush with the at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface.
  • the at least one magnetically charged element is recessed within the at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface. [0017] In yet another aspect, wherein the at least one magnetically charged element is one of Neodymium or Samarium Cobalt.
  • the at least one magnetically charged element is recessed within the at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface and retained within the recess by an adhesive.
  • the at least one magnetically charged element is recessed within the at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface and retained within the recess by a mechanical fastener.
  • the at least one magnetically charged element is recessed within the at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface and covered with a material.
  • the at least one magnetically charged element is recessed within the at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface and retained within the recess by a covering material.
  • the at least one magnetically charged element is recessed within the at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface and retained within the recess by a covering material, wherein an exterior surface of the covering material is flush with the respective one of the first side surface and the second side surface.
  • the at least one magnetically charged element is recessed within the at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface and retained within the recess by a covering material, wherein the covering material is of a same size and shape as the respective one of the first side surface and the second side surface.
  • the at least one magnetically charged element is recessed within the at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface and covered with a non-magnetic material.
  • the at least one magnetically charged element is proud from the at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface.
  • the at least one magnetically charged element extends substantially along an elongated length of the at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface.
  • the at least one magnetically charged element includes a series of spatially arranged magnetically charged elements extending substantially along an elongated length of the at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface.
  • the at least one magnetically charged element includes a series of spatially arranged magnetically charged elements extending substantially along an elongated length of the at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface and retained by a covering material.
  • the at least one magnetically charged element includes a series of spatially arranged magnetically charged elements extending substantially along an elongated length of the at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface, each magnetically charged element is inserted into a respective countersink within the respective one of the first side surface and the second side surface.
  • the at least one magnetically charged element includes a series of spatially arranged magnetically charged elements extending substantially along an elongated length of the at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface, each magnetically charged element is inserted into a respective countersink within the respective one of the first side surface and the second side surface and retained by a covering material.
  • the at least one magnetically charged element is located proximate at least one end of the at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface.
  • the system includes a paddle.
  • the paddle comprising a blade.
  • the paddle comprising a blade and a handle.
  • the paddle comprising a blade, a blade backing member, and a handle.
  • the paddle comprising a blade carried by the blade backing member, the blade backing member being carried by the handle.
  • the paddle comprising a mechanical assembly member inserted through each of the blade, the blade backing member and the handle.
  • the paddle comprising a mechanical assembly member inserted through each of the blade, the blade backing member and the handle, the mechanical assembly member being a threaded member.
  • the paddle having a size and shape to adequately support the strands of hair of the hair extension.
  • the paddle is fabricated of a non-magnetically attracting material.
  • the paddle is fabricated of a magnetically attracting material.
  • the blade of the paddle is fabricated of a magnetically attracting material.
  • the blade is fabricate of a magnetically attracting material and covered with a non-magnetically attracting material.
  • the blade is fabricate of a magnetically attracting material and covered with a plastic material.
  • the blade is supported by one of the first side surface and the second side surface.
  • the magnetically attracting material of the blade is temporarily retained by the at least one magnetically charged element carried by the one of the first side surface and the second side surface.
  • the blade is of a thickness that is substantially the same as a depth of the recess between the one of the first side surface and the second side surface and the magnetically charged material carried by the respective one of the first side surface and the second side surface.
  • the blade is of a thickness that is substantially the same as a depth of the recess between the one of the first side surface and the second side surface and the covering material covering the magnetically charged material carried by the respective one of the first side surface and the second side surface,
  • the at least one magnetically charged element located at the at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface is used to temporarily retain at least one tool used by the hair stylist.
  • the at least one magnetically charged element located at the at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface is used to temporarily retain at least one hair stylizing tool used by the hair stylist.
  • the at least one magnetically charged element carried by at least one of the first end surface and the second end surface.
  • a pin receiving member is carried by the top surface.
  • a pin receiving member is carried by the top surface, the pin receiving member being located on one side of the series of comb teeth.
  • a pin receiving member is earned by the top surface, the pin receiving member being located on both sides of the series of comb teeth.
  • the present invention provides an apparatus for aiding a hair stylist when working on a hair extension, the apparatus comprising: an elongated platform comprising a first side surface, a second side surface, a top surface extending between an upper edge of the first side surface and an upper edge of the second side surface, a first end surface located at a first end surface of the elongated platform and a second end surface located at a second, opposite end of the elongated platform; a series of comb teeth extending upward from the top surface, wherein the series of comb teeth are spatially arranged along an elongated direction of the elongated platform; and at least one magnetically charged element carried by at least one of the first end surface and the second end surface.
  • the at least one magnetically charged element is inlayed within the at. least one of the first end surface and the second end surface.
  • the at least one magnetically charged element is flush with the at least one of the first end surface and the second end surface.
  • the at least one magnetically charged element is proud from the at least one of the first end surface and the second end surface.
  • a covering material is placed over the at least one magnetically charged element located at the at least one of the first end surface and the second end surface.
  • the at least one magnetically charged element extends substantially along an elongated length of the at least one of the first end surface and the second end surface.
  • the at least one magnetically charged element is located proximate at least one end of the at least one of the first end surface and the second end surface.
  • the at least one magnetically charged element located at the at least one of the first end surface and the second end surface is used to temporarily retain at least one tool used by the hair stylist.
  • the at least one magnetically charged element located at the at least one of the first end surface and the second end surface is used to temporarily retain at least one hair stylizing tool used by the hair stylist.
  • the present invention provides an apparatus for aiding a hair stylist when working on a hair extension, the apparatus comprising: an elongated platform comprising a first side surface, a second side surface and a top surface extending between an upper edge of the first side surface and an upper edge of the second side surface; a first series of comb teeth extending upward from the top surface, wherein the first series of comb teeth arc spatially arranged along an elongated direction of the elongated platform; and a second series of comb teeth extending upward from the top surface, wherein the second series of comb teeth are spatially arranged along an elongated direction of the elongated platform.
  • first series of comb teeth and the second series of comb teeth are substantially parallel with one another.
  • first side surface and the second side surface extend outward and downward from each respective edge of the top surface.
  • first side surface and the second side surface are planar.
  • first side surface and the second side surface are arched.
  • the elongated platform has a square cross section shape.
  • the elongated platform has a rectangular cross section shape.
  • the elongated platform has a rounded rectangular cross section shape.
  • the elongated platform has a trapezoidal cross section shape.
  • the elongated platform has a semi-circular cross section shape.
  • the elongated platform has a semi -elliptical cross section shape.
  • the elongated platform has a circular cross section shape.
  • the elongated platform has an elliptical cross section shape.
  • the elongated platform can be segmented allowing for expansion or contraction along the elongated dimension.
  • the elongated platform can be segmented allowing for expansion or contraction along the elongated dimension, wherein the segments include an insert element and a receiving formation.
  • the elongated platform can be segmented allowing for expansion or contraction along the elongated dimension, wherein the segments include an insert element in a form of a pin and a receiving formation in a form of a bore.
  • a pin receiving member is earned by the top surface.
  • a pin receiving member is earned by the top surface and extends substantially along the elongated length of the elongated platform.
  • a pin receiving member is earned by the top surface and extends between the first series of comb teeth and the second series of comb teeth.
  • a pin receiving member is carried by the top surface and extends substantially along the elongated length of the elongated platform between the first series of comb teeth and the second series of comb teeth.
  • an elongated pointed member of a pin is inserted through a portion of the hair extension and seated into the pin receiving member.
  • the pin includes a single elongated pointed member and a grip element.
  • the pin includes a pair of elongated pointed members.
  • the pin includes a pair of elongated pointed members provided in a formation having a U shape.
  • the pin includes a pair of elongated members and a grip element.
  • the pin includes a pair of elongated members extending in a same direction from a grip element.
  • the present invention provides an apparatus for aiding a hair stylist when working on a hair extension, the apparatus comprising: an elongated platform comprising a first side surface, a second side surface, a top surface extending between an upper edge of the first side surface and an upper edge of the second side surface, a first end surface located at a first end surface of the elongated platform and a second end surface located at a second, opposite end of the elongated platform; a series of comb teeth extending upward from the top surface, wherein the series of comb teeth are spatially arranged along an elongated direction of the elongated platform; and a groove extending along the elongated platform between the first end surface and the second end surface.
  • the groove extending parallel to the series of comb teeth.
  • the groove extending parallel to the series of comb teeth along a top surface of the elongated platform.
  • the groove extending parallel to the series of comb teeth along a top surface of the elongated platform at a location between the series of comb teeth and a respective side surface.
  • the groove extending substantially parallel to the series of comb teeth.
  • the groove extending inward from an exterior surface of the elongated platform.
  • the groove extending inward from the exterior surface of the elongated platform, the groove comprising two parallel surfaces extending between the exterior surface of the elongated platform and a bottom of the groove.
  • the groove extending inward from the exterior surface of the elongated platform, the groove comprising two parallel surfaces extending between the exterior surface of the elongated platform and the bottom of the groove, the two parallel surfaces being substantially perpendicularly to the respective exterior surface.
  • the groove extending inward from the exterior surface of the elongated platform, the groove having an inverted T-shaped cross section, the groove comprising two parallel surfaces extending between the exterior surface of the elongated platform and the bottom of the groove, the bottom of the groove having a widened portion.
  • the groove extending inward from the exterior surface of the elongated platform, the groove having an inverted T-shaped cross section, the groove comprising two parallel surfaces extending between the exterior surface of the elongated platform and the bottom of the groove, the bottom of the groove having a widened portion, the groove commonly referred to as a key-slot.
  • the groove extending inward from the exterior surface of the elongated platform, the groove comprising two non-parallel surfaces extending between the exterior surface of the elongated platform and the bottom of the groove, the two non-parallel surfaces diverging as the two non-parallel surfaces approach the bottom of the groove.
  • the groove extending inward from the exterior surface of the elongated platform, the groove comprising two non-parallel surfaces extending between the exterior surface of the elongated platform and the bottom of the groove, the two non-parallel surfaces diverging as the two non-parallel surfaces approach the bottom of the groove forming a dovetail shaped groove.
  • system comprising at least one accessory that is inserted into the groove.
  • the system comprising at least one accessory that is inserted into the groove, wherein the at least one accessory is a sidewall extension platform.
  • the sidewal l extension platform is fabricated of a substantially rigid material.
  • the sidewall extension platform is fabricated of a substantially rigid plastic material.
  • the sidewall extension platform includes a retention segment formed at an assembly end.
  • the retention segment of the sidewall extension platform formed having an L shape.
  • the retention segment of the sidewall extension platform formed having an L shape, a base of the L extending towards a platform support side.
  • the retention segment of the sidewall extension platform formed having an L shape, a base of the L extending away from the platform support side.
  • the retention segment of the sidewall extension platform formed having a T shape.
  • the retention segment of the sidewall extension platform is slideably assembled to the groove.
  • the retention segment of the sidewall extension platform is vertically inserted into the groove.
  • the system comprising at least one accessory that is inserted into the groove, wherein the at least one accessory is a sheet of a flexible material.
  • the sheet of flexible material is inserted into the groove and secured by a flexible sheet retention member.
  • the flexible sheet retention member is designed to be inserted and removable from the groove.
  • the flexible sheet retention member is an elongated member.
  • the flexible sheet retention member is an elongated member extending between a first end of the elongated platform and a second end of the elongated platform.
  • the flexible sheet retention member is an elongated member extending a length that is slightly longer than a dimension between a first end of the elongated platform and a second end of the elongated platform.
  • the flexible sheet retention member includes a backbone member and at least one retention member extending outward from the backbone member.
  • the flexible sheet retention member includes a backbone member and a pair of retention members extending outward from the backbone member in opposing directions.
  • the flexible sheet retention member includes a backbone member and a plurality of pairs of retention members extending outward from the backbone member in opposing directions.
  • the flexible sheet retention member includes a cap located along the backbone member.
  • the sheet of flexible material is fabricated of a foil.
  • the sheet of flexible material is fabricated of an aluminum foil.
  • the sheet of flexible material is fabricated of a wax paper.
  • the elongated platform can be supported by a stand.
  • the elongated platform can be supported by a pipe clamp based stand.
  • the elongated platform can be supported by a stand, wherein the stand is secured to a sink faucet.
  • the elongated platform can be supported by a support member comprising a flexible arm, wherein the support member is secured to a sink faucet and the flexible arm allows positioning of the elongated platform over a sink.
  • the elongated platform can be supported by a support member comprising a flexible arm, wherein the support member is secured to a sink faucet and the flexible arm allows positioning of the elongated platform at least partially over a sink.
  • the elongated platform can further comprise a tubular support attachment member.
  • the elongated platform can further comprise a tubular support attachment member, the tubular support attachment member having an interior size and shape to engage with a stem coupler of a coupling assembly.
  • the elongated platform can further comprise a tubular support attachment member, the tubular support attachment member having an interior size and shape to slideably engage with a stem coupler of a coupling assembly,
  • the tubular support attachment member of the elongated platform is of a size enabling a user to grip the tubular support attachment member.
  • the tubular support attachment member of the elongated platform is of a size enabling a user to grip the tubular support attachment member, supporting the elongated member.
  • the tubular support attachment member of the elongated platform is of a size enabling a user to grip the tubular support attachment member, supporting the elongated member and transfer the elongated member between a first support, stand and a second support stand.
  • the tubular support attachment member of the elongated platform is of a size enabling a user to grip the tubular support attachment member, supporting the elongated member and transfer the elongated member between a floor/countertop support stand and a sink support stand,
  • the elongated platform can further comprise a tubular support attachment member, the tubular support attachment member having an interior size and shape to slideably engage with a stem coupler of a coupling assembly in an axial direction,
  • the elongated platform can further comprise a tubular support attachment member, the tubular support attachment member having an interior size and shape to slideably engage with a stem coupler of a coupling assembly.
  • the elongated platform can further comprise an insert, located within an interior of the tubular support attachment member, the insert having interior size and shape to slideably engage with the stem coupler of the coupling assembly.
  • the elongated platform can further comprise an insert located within an interior of the tubular support attachment member, the insert having interior size and shape to slideably engage with the stem coupler of the coupling assembly, wherein an exterior surface of the stem coupler has a frustum shape.
  • the elongated platform can further comprise an insert, located within an interior of the tubular support attachment member, the insert having a frustum shaped interior sized to slideably engage with the stem coupler of the coupling assembly.
  • the stem coupler is pivotally positionable within the coupling assembly.
  • the stem coupler includes a ball joint, wherein the ball joint is pivotally positionable within the coupling assembly.
  • the stem coupler includes a ball joint, wherein the ball joint is pivotally positionable and lockable within the coupling assembly.
  • the coupling assembly comprising a housing having an upper clamping formation formed on an upper portion of an interior surface thereof.
  • the coupling assembly comprising a lower clamping member having a lower clamping formation formed on an upper portion of an exterior surface thereof.
  • the coupling assembly comprising a lower clamping member having a lower clamping formation formed having a concave shape on the upper portion of an exterior surface thereof.
  • the coupling assembly comprising a base member.
  • the coupling assembly comprising a base member, the base member providing an operational function to the coupling assembly.
  • the coupling assembly comprising a base member, the base member providing an operational function to the coupling assembly, wherein the operational function includes a translation of a radial motion to an axial motion.
  • the coupling assembly comprising a base member, the base member providing an operational function to the coupling assembly, wherein the operational function includes a translation of a radial motion to an axial motion, wherein the radial motion is provided by an angular clamp controlling member.
  • the coupling assembly comprising a base member, the base member providing an operational function to the coupling assembly, wherein the operational function includes a translation of a radial motion to an axial motion, wherein the radial motion is provided by an angular clamp controlling member, wherein the angular clamp controlling member is a threaded member.
  • the coupling assembly comprising a base member, the base member providing an operational function to the coupling assembly, wherein the operational function includes a translation of a radial motion to an axial motion, wherein the radial motion is provided by an angular clamp controlling member, wherein the angular clamp controlling member is a threaded member having a conically shaped end.
  • the coupling assembly comprising a base member, the base member providing an operational function to the coupling assembly, wherein the operational function includes a frustum shaped feature formed on an interior upper surface providing a translation of a radial motion to an axial motion, wherein the radial motion is provided by an angular clamp controlling member, wherein the angular clamp controlling member is a threaded member having a conically shaped end.
  • the coupling assembly comprising a base member, the base member providing an operational function to the coupling assembly, wherein the operational function includes a frustum shaped feature formed on an interior upper surface providing a, wherein the radial motion is provided by an angular clamp controlling member, wherein the angular clamp controlling member is a threaded member having a conically shaped end and the translation of the radial motion to the axial motion is provided by engagement between the conically shaped end of the threaded member and the frustum shaped feature formed on the interior upper surface of the base member.
  • the base member is assembled to a support stem.
  • the base member is threadably assembled to a support stem.
  • the base member is threadably assembled to the support stem and secured in position by a locking member.
  • the base member is threadably assembled to the support stem and secured in position by a locking nut.
  • the base member is assembled to an upper support stem of a telescoping subassembly.
  • the present invention provides an apparatus for aiding a hair stylist when working on a hair extension, the apparatus comprising: an elongated platform comprising a first side surface, a second side surface, a top surface extending between an upper edge of the first side surface and an upper edge of the second side surface, a first end surface located at a first end surface of the elongated platform and a second end surface located at a second, opposite end of the elongated platform; a series of comb teeth extending upward from the top surface, wherein the series of comb teeth are spatially arranged along an elongated direction of the elongated platform; and at least one platform extension member, each at least one platform extension member assembled to the elongated platform wherein a side extending panel section of the respective platform extension member extends a working height of a respective one of the first side surface and the second side surface.
  • the at least one platform extension member is detachably assembled to the elongated platform.
  • the at least one platform extension member is pivotally assembled to the elongated platform.
  • the at least one platform extension member is pivotally assembled to the elongated platform by a pivot assembly.
  • the at least one platform extension member is pivotally assembled to the elongated platform by a locking pivot assembly.
  • the at least one platform extension member is pivotally assembled to the elongated platform, wherein each of the at least one platform extension member pivots between a retracted, stored position and an extended, in use position.
  • the present invention provides a method of supporting hair extensions, the method comprising steps of: placing hair extensions into a hair extension bar comb assembly, the hair extension bar comb assembly comprising: an elongated platform comprising a top working surface, the top working surface being substantially planar and extending laterally and continuously across a plane defined by top surfaces of a pair of elongated edges, and a pair of laterally spaced apart side surfaces, each side surface extending in one of (a) a direction substantially downward from each respective edge or (b) a direction generally downward and outward from each respective edge at an obtuse angle from a generally horizontal orientation, a first comb teeth row extending in a generally upward direction from a location on the elongated platform proximate a first elongated edge of the pair of elongated edges, the first comb teeth row extending in the generally upward direction from a position on the elongated platform that is one of (a) at the top working surface or (b) below the top working
  • the gaps between adjacent teeth of the first comb teeth row and gaps between adjacent teeth of the second comb teeth row are located at one of proximate or passing across the top working surface of the elongated platform, the method further comprising a step of: positioning the first portion of strands of hair of the respective hair extension within the gap between two adjacent teeth of the first comb teeth row and resting a hair strand connecting element against the top working surface.
  • a third portion of strands of hair of the respective hair extension is positioned between two adjacent teeth of the second comb teeth row.
  • At least one of a color and a treatment are applied to the strands of hair of the hair extension while the hair extension is supported by the hair extension bar comb assembly.
  • backing support is provided to the hair extension during the step of applying at least one of a color and a treatment to the strands of hair of the hair extension, the backing support being provided by at least one of:
  • the elongated platform is supported by a support member
  • the present invention provides a method of supporting hair extensions, the method comprising steps of: placing hair extensions into a hair extension bar comb assembly, the hair extension bar comb assembly comprising: an elongated platform comprising a top working surface and a pair of laterally spaced apart side surfaces, each side surface extending in one of (a) a direction generally downward from a respective one of a first transition region or a second transition region or (b) a direction generally downward and outward from a respective one of a first transition region or a second transition region at an obtuse angle from a generally horizontal orientation, a first comb teeth row extending in a generally upward direction from a location on the elongated platform proximate the respective one of the first transition region or the second transition region, the first comb teeth row extending in the generally upward direction from a position on the elongated platform that is one of (a) at the top working surface or (b) below the top working surface, and a second comb teeth row extending in
  • the present invention provides a method of supporting hair extensions, the method comprising steps of: placing hair extensions into a hair extension bar comb assembly, the hair extension bar comb assembly comprising: an elongated platform comprising a top working surface, the top working surface being substantially planar and extending laterally and continuously across a plane defined by top surfaces of and a pair of laterally spaced apart side surfaces, each side surface extending in a direction generally substantially downward and outward from a respective one of a first transition region or a second transition region at an obtuse angle from a generally horizontal orientation, a first comb teeth row extending in a generally upward direction from a location on the elongated platform proximate the respective one of the first transition region or the second transition region, the first comb teeth row extending in the generally upward direction from a position on the elongated platform that is one of (a) at the top working surface or (b) below the top working surface, and a second comb teeth row extending in a generally upward direction
  • the present invention provides a method of supporting hair extensions, the method comprising steps of: placing hair extensions into a hair extension bar comb assembly, the hair extension bar comb assembly comprising: an elongated platform comprising a top working surface, the top working surface being substantially planar and extending laterally and continuously across a plane defined by top surfaces of and a pair of laterally spaced apart side surfaces, each side surface extending in a direction generally substantially downward and outward from a respective one of a first transition region or a second transition region at an obtuse angle from a generally horizontal orientation, at least one comb teeth row extending in a generally upward direction from a top surface of the elongated platform, and a detachable coupling member that detachably supports the elongated member and a support member to one another, the detachable coupling member is of a shape and size enabling gripping and support of the entire elongated member assembly, wherein at least a portion of the multiplicity of teeth in the
  • FIG. 1 presents an isometric side view of a first exemplary hair extension bar comb tool:
  • FIG. 2 presents an isometric view of an exemplary paddle comprising a magnetically attracting blade
  • FIG. 3 presents an isometric cross sectional view of the exemplary paddle originally introduced in FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 4 presents an isometric view of an exemplary paddle comprising blade fabricated of a non-magnetically attracting material:
  • FIG. 5 presents an end view of a second exemplary hair extension bar comb tool having an alternative cross-sectional shape
  • FIG. 6 presents an end view of a third exemplary hair extension bar comb tool having another alternative cross-sectional shape
  • FIG. 7 presents an isometric side view of a section of a hair extension weft centered on a flat working region located between a first comb row and a second comb row of the exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 8 presents an end view' of the first exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 1, wherein the drawing illustrates how hair of the hair extension lays against and is supported by a sidewall of the first exemplary hair extension bar comb tool;
  • FIG. 9 presents an end view' of a fourth exemplary hair extension bar comb tool having another alternative cross-sectional shape, wherein the drawing illustrates how hair of the hair extension lays against and is supported by a sidewall of the forth exemplary hair extension bar comb tool;
  • FIG. 10 presents an exploded isometric assembly of a fifth exemplary hair extension bar comb tool, wherein the drawing illustrates an enhanced, expandable variant of the first exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 11 presents an isometric assembly of the fifth exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 10;
  • FIG. 12 presents an exploded isometric assembly of a variant of the fifth exemplary hair extension bar comb tool, wherein the drawing illustrates an enhanced, expandable variant of the fifth exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 10;
  • FIG. 13 presents a side view of an exemplary stand mount for the hair extension bar comb tool
  • FIG. 14 presents a front elevation view of an optional desk mounting bracket for supporting any of the embodiments of the exemplary hair extension bar comb tools;
  • FIG. 15 presents a front, top isometric view of an optional faucet mounting bracket for supporting any of the embodiments of the exemplary hair extension bar comb too I s ;
  • FIG. 16 presents an illustrative view of the first exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 1, wherein the drawing illustrates an exemplary use of the first exemplary hair extension bar comb tool enabling a hair stylist to wash the hair extensions, while the hair extensions remain supported by the first exemplary hair extension bar comb tool;
  • FIG. 17 presents an illustrative view of the first exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 1, wherein the drawing illustrates another exemplary use of the first exemplary hair extension bar comb tool enabling a hair stylist to blow dry the hair extensions, while the hair extensions remain supported by the first exemplary hair extension bar comb tool;
  • FIG. 18 presents an illustrative view of the first exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 1, wherein the drawing illustrates yet another exemplary use of the first exemplary hair extension bar comb tool enabling a hair stylist to curl the hair extensions, while the hair extensions remain supported by the first exemplary hair extension bar comb tool:
  • FIG. 19 presents an illustrative view' of the first exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 1, wherein the drawing illustrates yet another exemplary use of the first exemplary hair extension bar comb tool enabling a hair stylist to color the hair extensions, while the hair extensions and hair coloring backing sheets are supported by the first exemplary hair extension bar comb tool;
  • FIG. 20 presents an illustrative view' of the first exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 1, wherein the drawing illustrates yet another exemplary use of the first exemplary hair extension bar comb tool enabling a hair stylist to color a base portions of the hair extensions, while the hair extensions, and more specifically, the base portions of the hair extension are supported by the first exemplary hair extension bar comb tool; and
  • FIG. 21 presents an illustrative view' of the first exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 1, wherein the drawing illustrates yet another exemplary use of the first exemplary hair extension bar comb tool enabling a hair stylist to color and highlight or provide multiple colors to the hair extensions, while the hair extensions and hair coloring backing sheets are supported by the first exemplary hair extension bar comb tool;
  • FIG. 22 presents an end view of enhanced version of the exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 1, the enhanced version introducing a recessed magnetic tool support system;
  • FIG. 23 presents a top front, side isometric view of the enhanced exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 22, the illustration presenting a paddle being supported by the magnetic tool support and enlarging the area of the hair strand support surface;
  • FIG. 24 presents an end view of alternative to the enhanced version of the exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 22, the alternative version introducing a recessed magnetic tool support system covered by a magnetically passive encapsulating member;
  • FIG. 25 presents an end view of another enhanced version of the exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 1 , the subject enhanced version introducing a first exemplary accessory receiving slot, the subject exemplary' accessory receiving slot retaining an exemplary accessory, the illustrated exemplary accessory being a sidewall extender;
  • FIG. 26 presents a top front, side isometric view of the enhanced exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 25, the illustration presenting the sidewall extender being retained by the exemplary accessory receiving slot and enlarging the area of the hair strand support surface;
  • FIG. 27 presents an end view of variant of the exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 25, the subject enhanced version introducing a second exemplary accessory receiving slot, the subject exemplary accessory receiving slot retaining another exemplary accessory, the illustrated exemplary accessory being a flexible sheet of material;
  • FIG. 28 presents a top front, side isometric view of the exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 27, the illustration presenting the flexible sheet of material being retained within the exemplary accessory receiving slot by a retaining element, the flexible sheet of material providing a barrier between any chemicals and the surface of the sidewall, the flexible sheet of material optionally being sized to enlarge the area of the hair strand support surface while allowing flexibility for the hair stylist;
  • FIG. 29 presents a top front, side isometric view of an exemplary slot-supported paddle for use with the exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 25 or the exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 27;
  • FIG. 30 presents an end view of yet another enhanced version of the exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 1, the subject enhanced version introducing a pair of pivoting extension member assemblies, the pair of pivoting extension member assemblies being illustrated in a retracted, stored position;
  • FIG. 31 presents an end view of yet the exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 30, the pair of pivoting extension member assemblies being illustrated in an extended, in use position;
  • FIG. 32 presents a top front, side isometric view of the enhanced exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 30, the illustration presenting the pair of pivoting extension member assemblies in the retracted, stored position;
  • FIG. 33 presents a top front, side isometric view of the enhanced exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 30, the illustration presenting the pair of pivoting extension member assemblies in the extended, in use position;
  • FIG. 34 presents a side elevation view of a slightly modified version of the exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 1 carried by a universal support stand detachable stem receiving assembly, the universal support stand detachable stem receiving assembly being designed to slideably engage with a top stem coupler member of a universal support system base coupling assembly, the illustration presenting the universal support system base coupling assembly being inserted into the universal support stand detachable stem receiving assembly;
  • FIG. 35 presents a side elevation view of the exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 33, the illustration presenting the universal support stand detachable stem receiving assembly being separated from the universal support system base coupling assembly for handheld operations or transference to a different universal support system base coupling assembly;
  • FIG. 36 presents a partially sectioned side elevation view of the exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 33, the section taken along a centerline of the universal support stand platform support assembly.
  • FIG. 1 diagrammalically illustrates a hair extension bar comb tool 110.
  • a hair extension bar 111 of the comb tool 110 (“hair extension bar- comb tool 110") has a generally planar bottom or lower surface 124 and a parallel, generally planar top surface 126.
  • the hair extension bar/platform 111 is sometimes referred to as a platform 1 11. Sloped sides 112, 1 14 of the bar/platform 111 depend from the planar top surface 126 at an obtuse angle 116a. This angle is approximately 60°.
  • Two sets of comb teeth 120, 122 extend upward from upper surface 126 of the platform in a generally vertical direction.
  • a lateral span 116c of the upper surface 126 is less than a lateral span 116b of the lower surface of the comb tool 110.
  • tool 10 is mounted on a stand 150 (FIG. 13) and is substantially horizontal while in use.
  • the hair extension bar comb tool 110 is designed to be removed from the stand 150 (FIG. 13) at times to facilitate washing (similar to the process illustrated in FIG.
  • Each of the two sets of comb teeth 120, 122 are preferably formed having a plurality of elongated members or teeth extending upward from a backing section.
  • Each of the two sets of comb teeth 120, 122 can be molded of a plastic material, cast of a metallic material, or formed of any other suitable material using any suitable fabrication process. Multiple combs can be placed in a row' to form each of the two sets of comb teeth 120, 122.
  • the backing section can be inserted into a groove formed in the top surface 126 of the hair extension bar/platform 111.
  • each of the two sets of comb teeth 120, 122 can include a series of elongated members or teeth which are individually set into a respective bore formed in the top surface 126 of the hair extension bar/platform 111.
  • the comb teeth 120, 122 extend the length of bar/platform 111. In FIG.
  • FIG. 13 shows that the lower surface 124 of the bar/platform 111 includes a coupler mechanism 139 which coacts with a complementary top stem coupler unit 151 supported by the stem 153, wherein the stem 153 extends upward from either a floor mount 150, a table mount 160 or a mannequin head mount or stand.
  • the bar coupler 139 extending below' the lower surface 124 can be configured such that it fits on a stand for a mannequin head.
  • the bottom of the stand stem 153 or 163 may include a clamp-dow'n grip 166, 167 (FIG.
  • the hair extension bar/platform 111 is about 18 - 24 inches long.
  • the bar or platform 111 includes a top planar surface 126 having a width 116c of about 2 inches and a bottom or lower planar surface 124 having a width 116b of about 3 inches.
  • Comb teeth 120, 122 extend substantially vertically above the generally planar top surface 126 for a distance of about 1 inch.
  • the hair extension bar comb tool 110 is a hair extension tool that allows the stylist 900 (FIG. 16) to organize placement, color and cut and style the hair extensions 140 while detached and before attachment or re-attachment to the client's head.
  • the hair extension bar comb tool 110 is a stylist's assistant without hands.
  • the hair extensions 140 need to have a refresh tone applied or need to be re-colored or glossed or treated (color or other treatment 942 applied using a color applicator brush 940 as shown in FIGS. 19, 20, and 21 ) and then blow dried (blow dried using a hair blower 920 as shown in FIG. 17) after removal and before reinstallation on the client’s head.
  • the hair extension bar comb tool 110 cuts refresh/re-colorization application time in half and produces an organized, clean system to keep the hair extension 140 in prime condition, that is, a de-tangled condition and gives the stylist 900 the freedom of creativity with color without a mess to clean up.
  • the hair extension bar comb tool 110 acts as a hair extension assistant without hands. There are six challenges in the hair extension industry and this hair extension bar comb system 110 provides a unique, inventive solution. Function: (a) color (FIGS. 19, 20, and 21) (providing colored hair 149), (b) rinse (FIG. 16) (providing washed hair 146), (c) blow dry (FIG. 17) (providing dried hair 147), (d) style (FIG.
  • the hair extension bar comb tool 110 is an extension system with five unique attachments that attach to a customized base that allows the stylist 900 to organize placement, color (FIGS. 19, 20, and 21), cut and style (FIGS. 17 and 18) while the hair extension 140 is detached from the client's head.
  • hair extension 140 will need a refresh or tone not to mention recolor or a treatment (provided by applying color or other treatment 942). This is typically done during removal of the hair extension 140 because the hair extension 140 requires different treatment than the client's natural hair and usually requires two hands on stylist 900 to complete. With the hair extension bar comb tool 110 (FIGS. 19), this is no longer an issue. The stylist 900 will be able to use unused hair on a variety of people because they will now ha ve the freedom to color the leftover hair (colored hair 149) to match their next client.
  • the comb tool 110 can be enhanced by introducing a pin receiving member 184 to an upper surface 125 of the comb tool 110.
  • the pin receiving member 184 can remain proud or be recessed within a slot or groove.
  • the pin receiving member 184 is preferably sized and located to span between facing surfaces of the first set of comb teeth 120 and the second set of comb teeth 122.
  • the pin receiving member 184 can be fabricated of any material suitable of receiving pins or other thin, sharp elongated objects. It is preferred that the pin receiving member 184 is additionally resistant to staining, deters retention of any fluids, and includes any other properties that would be helpful to hair treatment processes.
  • the pin receiving member 184 can be fabricated of neoprene, rubber, cork, or any other suitable material.
  • the pin receiving member 184 can be fabricated of a plurality of materials, such as plastic laminated over neoprene, etc.
  • the hair stylist can place a protective material over the pin receiving member 184, such as wax paper, a thin plastic, aluminum foil or any other suitable material to provide a barrier between any treatment compositions and the pin receiving member 184.
  • the hair stylist can insert one or more retention pins 186 through the hair weft braid or the weft carrier 142 and into the pin receiving member 184 to retain the hair extension 140 in position on the comb tool 110.
  • the retention pin 186 can be of any suitable shape.
  • the retention pin 186 include a pair of thin, pointed, elongated members.
  • the pair of thin, pointed, elongated members can be provided as individual elements or formed in a U shape.
  • a small plastic formation can be overmolded at a distal (non-pointed) end of each of the pair of thin, pointed, elongated members.
  • the small plastic formation can be used to assemble a third elongated member, wherein the third elongated member extends from the small plastic formation in a direction opposite of the pair of thin, pointed, elongated members.
  • a pin head can be provided on a distal, free end of the third elongated member, wherein the user would grip the pin head or the small plastic formation when manipulating the retention pin 186.
  • the retention pin 186 can be of a more familiar pin, the retention pin 186 comprising a single thin, pointed, elongated member having a pinhead provided on the distal, free end thereof.
  • the pin receiving member 184 can be arranged extending between facing surfaces of the first set of comb teeth 120 and the second set of comb teeth 122 as described above.
  • An additional section of pin receiving member 184 can be located on an opposite side of one or both of the first set of comb teeth 120 and the second set of comb teeth 122.
  • the pin receiving member 184 can be located on one or both sides of the single set of comb teeth.
  • the pin receiving member 184 can include or be replaced by a magnetized material or magnetically attracting material to temporarily secure a hair extension 140 having a magnetic attachment design.
  • the magnetic attachment design would contact the magnetized material or magnetically attracting material, thus being retained by the magnetic attraction between the elements of the magnetic attachment design of the hair extension and the magnetized material or magnetically attracting material.
  • the weft carrier 142 of the hair extension can be sandwiched between a magnetic or magnetically attracted material placed on top of the weft carrier 142 of the hair extension and the magnetized material or magnetically attracting material carried by the comb tool 110.
  • the hairstylist commonly employs tools to assist the hairstylist during one or more types of treatments of the hair extension 140.
  • the comb tool 110 is enhanced by introducing a system for temporarily holding tools, such as a hair working paddle 190 (detailed in FIGS. 2 and 3).
  • a magnetized member (sidewall segment) 180 can be integrated into the comb tool 110. More specifically, in one example, one magnetized member (sidewall segment) 180 can be integrated into one or both respective sloped sides 112, 114 of the hair extension bar/platform 1 11.
  • a magnetized member (end wall segment) 182 can be integrated into one or both end walls 113.
  • the magnetized member (end wall segment) 182 can extend across an entire width of the end wall 113 (as shown) or be provided as a shape, preferably centrally located, (such as an exemplary magnetized member (end wall segment) 482 illustrated in FIG. 9).
  • the hair working paddle 190 is one exemplary tool.
  • the hair working paddle 190 includes a hair working paddle handle 194 extending radially from a hair working paddle blade 192.
  • a hair working paddle supporting magnetically attracted material 196 can be integrated within at least one of the hair working paddle blade 192 and the hair working paddle handle 194.
  • the hair working paddle blade 192 is inserted into a hair working paddle blade receiving slot 195’ of a hair working paddle blade assembly sleeve 195 as best illustrated in FIG. 3.
  • the hair working paddle blade assembly sleeve 195 is inserted into a hair working paddle blade assembly sleeve receiving groove 191 formed at an assembly end of the hair working paddle handle 194.
  • a hair working paddle assembly fastener clearance 198 extends through the hair working paddle handle 194, the hair working paddle blade assembly sleeve 195, and the hair working paddle blade 192.
  • a hair working paddle assembly fastener countersink 198’ is optionally formed in the hair working paddle handle 194 at each of the hair working paddle assembly fastener clearance 198 to recess heads of the hair working paddle assembly fastener 197.
  • the hair working paddle blade 192 can be fabricated having an optional hair working paddle blade protective coating 193 coating a hair working paddle supporting magnetically attracted material 196.
  • the hair working paddle blade protective coating 193 protects the hair working paddle blade 192 from corrosion and the chemicals used to treat the hair extension 140.
  • the hair working paddle blade protective coating 193 can also provide protection to hair stylists and others from sharp edges commonly associated with the hair working paddle supporting magnetically attracted material 196.
  • a magnetic attraction between the magnetized member (sidewall segment) 180 and/or the magnetized member (end wall segment) 182 and the hair working paddle supporting magnetically attracted material 196 is sufficient to retain the hair working paddle 190 in position against the sloped side 112, 114.
  • the magnetized member (sidewall segment) 180 and/or the magnetized member (end wall segment) 182 can additionally be shaped to introduce a mechanical retention interface in addition to or alternatively to the magnetic attraction.
  • the magnetized member (sidewall segment) 180 and/or the magnetized member (end wall segment) 182 can be flush with the respective surface of the hair extension bar/platform 1 11.
  • the magnetized member (sidewall segment) 180 and/or the magnetized member (end wall segment) 182 can be proud, respective to the surface of the hair extension bar/platform 111.
  • the magnetized member (sidewall segment) 180 retains the hair working paddle blade 192 of the hair working paddle assembly 190 in position during a process of treating a hair extension 140 (FIG. 7).
  • the hair working paddle blade 192 rests against the respective one of the sloped side 112, 114.
  • the hair working paddle blade 192 acts as an extension of the surface area of the sloped side 112, 114.
  • the hair stylist can utilize the hair working paddle blade 192 to support strands 144a of the hair extension 140 during any application of a treatment, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 21.
  • the magnetic attraction is the preferred temporary attachment interface, as the magnetic interface is unlikely to be affected by chemicals used for treating hair extensions 140.
  • Alternatives such as a dense hook and loop tape interface, a mechanical interface, or any other suitable interface can be employed to temporarily hold a tool in place on the comb tool 110.
  • the comb tool 110 can be inclusive or exclusive of the magnetized member (sidewall segment) 180.
  • a hair working paddle 190A is an alternative to the hair working paddle assembly 190.
  • the hair working paddle 190 A is fabricated of a non -metallic material, such as a molded rigid plastic.
  • the exemplary hair working paddle 190A is manufactured as a unitarily molded product having a hair working paddle blade 192A extending upward from a hair working paddle handle 194A. The hair working paddle blade 192A would be placed against the sloped side 112, 114 and held by the hair stylist.
  • FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 diagrammatically illustrate alternative cross-sectional shapes for the hair extension bar comb 110.
  • a hair extension bar comb tool 210 is introduced in FIG. 5.
  • Like elements of the hair extension bar comb tool 110 and the hair extension bar comb tool 210 are numbered the same, whereas the elements of the hair extension bar comb tool 210 are preceded by the numeral “2”.
  • the hair extension bar comb tool 210 is formed having cross section shape in a form of a rectangle with sides 212, 214 at right angles (90 degrees) to the top surface 126 or extending downward from the top surface 126.
  • the absence of a slope 131 (dashed lines), referring to the sloped sides 112, 114 of the hair extension bar comb tool 110, may reduce the efficiency of the coloring task (adding color or other treatment 942) of the stylist 900 because the stylist 900 needs to pull out the hair away from the side 214.
  • a circular or partly elliptical cross-sectional shape 330 is introduced in FIG. 6.
  • Like elements of the hair extension bar comb tool 110 and the hair extension bar comb tool 310 are numbered the same, whereas the elements of the hair extension bar comb tool 310 are preceded by the numeral “3”.
  • the circular or partly elliptical cross-sectional shape 330 variant of the hair extension bar comb tool 110 introduced in FIG.
  • the upper circumference (above mid-line 333) of the hair extension bar comb defines a reasonably large work region 327a to capture the hair weft braid 144 or the weft carrier 142, then the upper hemisphere of the hair extension bar comb in FIG. 6 may work reasonably efficiently.
  • the circumferential distance 327a between comb rows 320, 322 should be adequately large to capture the hair weft braid 144 or the weft carrier 142 therebetween.
  • the slope 329a may be adequate to permit the stylist 900 to apply color or treatment 942 to hair strands 144 of the extension hair 140 near, but not adjacent the hair weft braid 144 or weft carrier 142.
  • a hemispherical shape may also be used if FIG.
  • the hair extension bar comb tools 210, 310, 410, 510 (FIG. 10, 11), 610 (FIG. 12) can be supported by either of the stands/supports 150, 160, 170 illustrated in FIGS. 13, 14 and 15.
  • the stylist 900 can use the hair extension bar comb tools 210, 310, 410 in the same manner as the processes described herein using the hair extension bar comb tool 110.
  • the lower surface 124 of hair extension bar comb tool 110 need not be parallel to upper surface 126, although there is a benefit associated with a flat lower surface 124 when the stylist 900 washes the hair extension mounts on bar/platform 111 and when the stylist 900 carries the bar/platform 111, the lower surface 124 could be shaped in any form or manner.
  • the lower surface 124 can include a shape to receive a mount for securing a supporting member.
  • the lower surface 124 can include a planar section of at least a size and shape of a mounting plate for attaching and detaching a support system, such as a stand.
  • the hair extension bar comb tool 110 can be made out of any durable material.
  • the double set of comb teeth 120, 122 extend upward in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the upper flat surface 126 of the bar/platform 111.
  • the sloped side surfaces 112, 114 depend from the upper flat surface 126 of the bar/platform 111 and arc angled to permit the stylist 900 or user to color (provided by applying color or other treatment 942) the hair 144 or blow dry the hair 144 using a hair blower 920.
  • the hair extension bar comb tool 110 has, at its midpoint on the lower parallel flat surface 124, a coupling joint 139 (FIG. 13), which cooperates with a downward extending stem 151 (FIG. 13).
  • the hair extension bar comb tool 110 includes an elongated base 111, of various cross-sectional shapes (quadrilateral, a trapezoidal, isosceles trapezoidal, rectangular, rounded-rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, circular, semi-circular, hemi-spherical, semi- elliptical, and hemispherical elliptical a; see FIGS. 1, 5, and 6) wherein two comb teeth rows 120, 122, in parallel with each other, capture extension hair from a hair extension 140 on at least a portion of teeth of one of the comb teeth rows 120, 122 (FIG. 7).
  • various cross-sectional shapes quadrilateral, a trapezoidal, isosceles trapezoidal, rectangular, rounded-rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, circular, semi-circular, hemi-spherical, semi- elliptical, and hemispherical ellip
  • all individual strands of hair 144a of the hair extension 140 may pass through gaps between adjacent teeth of one of the comb teeth row 120, 122 and captured by one portion of one comb teeth row 120 (FIG. 7 shows two-way hair capture (row's 120, 122), but one-way hair capture (row' 120) operates the same).
  • a flat top surface 126 is helpful, but gentle curved surfaces 326 (FIG. 6), with sufficient top working region 327a, may also provide similar operational benefits discussed herein.
  • the substantially flat top surface optimally has a lateral working region span of between about 0.5 inches and 4.0 inches, and typically about 1.5 inches.
  • Sloped sides are operationally helpful and optimally provide a sloped working region of between about 0.5 inches and about 4.0 inches, and typically about 1.0 - 1.5 inches.
  • the objective achieved by the parallel, spaced apart comb teeth rows 120, 122 is to provide a coloration process platform, which is working region 127, therebetween. Additionally, the sloped working region 112, 114 provides an additional coloration process platform.
  • the components of the hair extension bar comb tool 110 are generally classified as follows: a customized base attachment that fits onto a mannequin head stand.
  • One 22-inch double sided, comb-like bar (bar 111 with comb teeth rows 120, 122, (FIG. 1)) with an 1-inch flat center work region 127 on top surface 126.
  • hair extension bar comb tool 110 will attach to base attachment.
  • a second configuration of the hair extension bar comb is a 14-inch double sided, comb-like bar (bar 111 with comb teeth rows 120, 122, (FIG. 1 )) with a 1- inch flat center work region 127.
  • the bar 111 that attaches to a base and stem attachment (FIG. 13).
  • a third configuration is a 10- inch double sided, comb-like bar with a 1- inch flat work center region 127.
  • a fourth configuration is a collapsible placement tool which consists of 18-inch full circular comb, 22 inch full circular comb, an 11 inch and 9 inch halfmoon comb. These will all connect and collapse for storage.
  • a wig /toupee attachment with a 22 inch circular comb and a solid dome center for stability is another configuration.
  • hair extension bar comb tool 110 has a comb bar or base 11 1 with two rows of comb teeth 120, 122 spaced apart and defining a working region 127 on a top surface 126 of the bar 111.
  • a short lateral working region 125 defines the periphery of the top surface 126 between comb row 122 and the edge defining top surface 126 and sloped surface 114.
  • a similar short lateral surface is found to the right of comb row' 120 and the right edge of surface 126 and slope 112.
  • Slopes 112, 1 14 define a third working region or working surface.
  • FIG. 7 diagrammatically illustrates a double sided version of a hair extension weft 144 centered on flat working region 126 between comb rows 120, 122.
  • FIG. 8 diagrammatically illustrates two single sided versions of hair extension wefts 144, each having the hair weft braid or the weft carrier 142 located within the flat working region 127 between comb rows 120, 122.
  • FIG. 9 diagrammatically illustrates a single sided version of hair extension weft 144, having the hair weft braid or the weft carrier 142 located within a working region 427a between comb rows 420, 422 of the hair extension bar comb tool 110.
  • extension hair 144 is laid in a gap 121 provided between adjacent comb teeth.
  • Individual strands of hair 144a are diagrammatically illustrated to show the utility of the flat working region 127 on top surface 126, the short side-lateral working regions and the slope 114.
  • the density of the hair falling from hair extension weft carrier 144 is too dense to show in the line drawings of this disclosure.
  • the extension hair is placed in both rows of comb teeth 120, 122; however the extension hair may be placed in either comb teeth row 120 or comb teeth row' 122.
  • pins are needed to affix hair extension weft carrier 144 to the top surface 126.
  • FIG. 8 demonstrates how the sloped sides 112, 114 backs or supports the strands of hair 144a of the hair extension 140.
  • the support provided by the sloped sides 112, 114 enables the hair stylist 900 to apply pressure to the hair strands 144a.
  • the illustration presented in FIG. 9 demonstrates how an arched side surface 412, 414 of another exemplary comb tool 410 backs or supports the strands of hair 144a of the hair extension 140.
  • the fourth exemplary comb tool 410 includes a hair extension bar/platform 411 having an arched upper surface (preferably semicircular) 412, 414 and a generally planar bottom surface 424.
  • the fourth exemplary comb tool 410 includes a pair of comb teeth 420, 422 extending radially outward from the arched upper surface (preferably semicircular) 426.
  • a circumferential distance between comb rows 427a extends between each of the first set of comb teeth 420 and the second set of comb teeth 422.
  • a portion of the arched upper surface (preferably semicircular) 426 extending downward from each of the comb teeth 420, 422 defines a slope 429a.
  • the support provided by the slope portion 429a (comprising side surfaces 412, 414) of the arched upper surface (preferably semicircular) 426 enables the hair stylist 900 to apply pressure to the hair strands 144a.
  • the exemplary comb tools 110, 210, 310, 410 can be enhanced by introducing an extension feature, as presented in an exemplary extendable comb tool 510 illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11.
  • the exemplary comb tool 510 replicates the comb tool 110, it is understood that the concept can be applied to any of the exemplary comb tools 110, 210, 310, 410.
  • Like elements of the hair extension bar comb tool 110 and the extendable hair extension comb tool 510 are numbered the same, whereas the elements of the extendable hair extension bar comb tool 510 are preceded by the numeral “5”.
  • a hair extension comb tool extension 510a and the exemplary comb tool 510 comprise a number of like elements.
  • Like elements of the extendable hair extension bar comb tool 510 and the hair extension comb tool extension 510a are numbered the same, whereas the elements of the hair extension comb tool extension 510a are succeeded by the letter “a”.
  • the extendable hair extension comb tool 510 includes at least one comb tool extension platform assembly insert receiving cavity 518, which can extend inward from one or both ends of the extendable hair extension comb tool 510.
  • the comb tool extension platform assembly insert receiving cavity 518 is similar in shape to the exterior surface of the extendable comb tool 510.
  • the comb tool extension platform assembly insert receiving cavity 518 can be formed as a bore or cavity, having an end wall or formed as a hollow member where the comb tool extension platform assembly insert receiving cavity 518 extends through the length of the extendable hair extension comb tool 510.
  • the comb tool extension 510a includes a comb tool extension platform assembly insert 519a, which is of a size and shape for engagement and insertion to the comb tool extension platform assembly insert receiving cavity 518.
  • the exemplary extendable comb tool 510 introduces an extendable comb tool padded top surface element 528, where the extendable comb tool padded top surface element 528 provides the extendable comb tool planar top surface 526.
  • the extendable comb tool padded top surface element 528 can be fabricated of any suitable material, including any pliant material, foam, closed cell foam, any suitable polymer, silicone, rubber, silicone- rubber, plastic, laminated composite material, and the like.
  • the extendable comb tool padded top surface element 528 provides several functions to the extendable comb tool 510.
  • the extendable comb tool padded top surface element 528 provides a pliant surface for absorbing any pressure from the color applicator brush 940 or any other forces applied to the hair extensions 140.
  • the extendable comb tool padded top surface element 528 enables insertion of pins to further restrain the hair extensions 140 from movement while being subjected to processing, during storage, or during any other applied force.
  • the comb tool extension 510a would include a comb tool extension platform padded top surface element 528a to maintain consistency in shape and function with the extendable comb tool 510.
  • the stylist 800 or other user can insert the comb tool extension platform assembly insert 519a of the comb tool extension 510a into the comb tool extension platform assembly insert receiving cavity 518 of the extendable comb tool 510 to extend a length of the extendable comb tool 510. It is desirous that the cross sectional shape of the extendable comb tool 510 and the comb tool extension 510a be symmetric about a vertical section extending along an elongated central axis of the extendable comb tool 510 and the comb tool extension 510a. This enables the comb tool extension 510a to be inserted on each end of the extendable comb tool 510.
  • the comb tool extension 510a can include a comb tool extension platform assembly insert receiving cavity 518a, enabling assembly of a second comb tool extension 510a to the first comb tool extension 510a, providing more flexibility to the stylist 800 to obtain a desired length, while maintaining a compact storage size.
  • An optional end cap 560 can be assembled to each end of the final assembly comprising the extendable comb tool 510 and the any number of comb tool extensions 510a, wherein the end cap 560 provides an aesthetic end, and preferably a watertight seal.
  • the optional end cap 560 includes an end cap assembly insert 569 extending axially from an assembly surface of an end cap wall 562.
  • the end cap assembly insert 569 is of a size and shape enabling insertion and assembly to an exposed end of either of the extendable comb tool 510 and/or the comb tool extension 510a.
  • the end cap assembly insert 569 is of a size and shape enabling insertion into the comb tool extension platform assembly insert receiving cavity 518 of the extendable comb tool 510 and/or the comb tool extension platform assembly insert receiving cavity 518a of the comb tool extension 510a.
  • a seal or other gasket material can be inserted between mating faces of the end cap wall 562 and the extendable comb tool 510 or the comb tool extension 510a.
  • each of the at least one comb tool extension platform assembly insert receiving cavity 518 can be of any suitable cross sectional shape and depth. In a condition where the cross sectional shape were circular, it would be advantages to include at least two comb tool extension platform assembly insert receiving cavities 518 to avoid an unwanted rotational motion between the extendable comb tool 510 and the comb tool extension 510a, such as the extendable comb tool 610 and the comb tool extension 610a introduced in FIG. 12.
  • the exemplary extendable hair extension comb tool 510 and the exemplary extendable hair extension comb tool 610 utilize a comb tool extension platform assembly insert 619a having a circular cross sectional shape and the respective comb tool extension platform assembly insert receiving cavity 618 having a like circular cross sectional shape.
  • a plurality of comb tool extension platform assembly inserts 619a and the respective comb tool extension platform assembly insert receiving cavities 618 are employed in the extendable comb tool 610 and the comb tool extension 610a.
  • the comb tool extension platform assembly inserts 619a can be fabricated of a dowel.
  • the dowel can be fabricated of wood, plastic, metal, a composite material, and the like.
  • the utilization of a circular cross section shaped comb tool extension platform assembly insert 619a and respective comb tool extension platform assembly insert receiving cavities 618 simplifies the manufacturing process when fabricating an extendable comb tool platform 611 of certain materials, such as a solid material, wood, metal, plastic, and the like, where the respective comb tool extension platform assembly insert receiving cavities 618 can be drilled into each respective end thereof.
  • the bore can be drilled through the comb tool extension platform 611a, where circular cross section shaped comb tool extension platform assembly insert 619a can be inserted into one of the ends of the through hole and mechanically secured (such as by a screw, a rivet, etc.) or bonded in position (using an adhesive, an epoxy, a glue, or any other suitable bonding agent).
  • the end cap 660 can include a plurality of end cap assembly insert receiving bores 668, an end cap assembly insert 669 inserted into each respective end cap assembly insert receiving bore 668.
  • the exterior surface can be sanded or machined smooth following assembly of the end cap assembly inserts 669 into the end cap assembly insert receiving bores 668.
  • the end cap assembly inserts 669 can be inserted into end cap assembly insert receiving bores 668 that terminate internally within the end cap wall 662.
  • the flat working region 127 is needed to color (or re-color) or otherwise treat the extension hair near the hair extension weft 144.
  • a “hair extension weft” 144 is generally defined as: “Machine wefted or machine weft hair extensions refer to products which have been sewn or ‘wefted’ to create the bundle of extensions. Loose or ‘bulk’ hair is fed through a triple-head sewing machine to add a reinforced stitch near the top (root) of the individual strands.” See “Hair Extension Types - Indique Hair” at ⁇ https://www.indiquehair.com/hair- extensions-types.html> (captured Mar. 11 , 2019); see also "WHAT ARE WEFT HAIR EXTENSIONS?
  • Weft hair extensions are traditionally known as ‘machine weft’ which is one long piece of hair extensions which is sewn together.” at ⁇ https://www .humanhairextensiononline, com.au/blog/what -are- weft-hair -extensions/> (captured March 11, 2019).
  • a "weft” 144 in the fabric industry is defined "(in weaving) [as] the crosswise threads on a loom over and under the warp threads to make cloth. [.As in] ‘weft threads’. Oxford online dictionary at ⁇ https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/weft> (captured Mar. 11, 2019).
  • Stylists 900 may or may not distinguish machine-made hair extension wefts 144 with skin injection hair wefts 144. However, all these hair extension wefts 144 need to be color-matched to the client's desired hair style. Hence, the need for coloring or re-coloring (application of color or other treatment 942) close to the hair extension carrier 142, whether that carrier 142 is polyurethane or keratin or a weft woven carrier, as shown in the exemplary illustration presented in FIG. 20.
  • the hair extension bar comb tool 110 provides a flat surface at work region 127 such that the stylist 900 can carefully apply color or other treatment 942 to the extension hair near and adjacent the weft 144 or extension carrier 142 using a color applicator brush 940, as shown in the exemplary illustration presented in FIG. 20. Further, if the weft 144 or carrier 142 is not pinned down to the top surface 126, the stylist 900 can pull the weft 144 or carrier 142 closer to one comb row 120, 122 compared to the other comb row 122, 120.
  • the color application is uniformly applied over the length of the hair extension 140 by a simple "pulling left” action by the stylist 900 or a simple “pulling right” action by the stylist 900.
  • the dots represent further hairs from weft or carrier 144.
  • the obtuse angle 16a greatly improves the application of color or other treatments 942 (FIGS. 19, 20, and 21).
  • extension hair strands 129 falling off beyond a lower edge of the slope 114 can be easily colored or treated by the stylist 900 using one hand (illustrated as the second hand 912) behind the falling or unsupported hair strands 129 and the other hand (illustrated as the first hand 910) holding the color applicator brush 940 (FIGS. 19, 20, and 21).
  • the hair extension bar comb tool 110 mimics the hair falling off the client’s head.
  • hair strands 144a are shown only to illustrate that the stylist 900 can flatten out the hair strands 129 falling over slope 114 to achieve nearly a one-on-one hair treatment.
  • the slope 112 acts in the same manner as the slope 114.
  • the hair extension weft 144 need not be passed through both comb rows 120, 122. Instead, all the strands of extension hairs from the hair weft 144 can be placed through a single comb row' 120 for color or other treatment 942, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9.
  • the hair extension bar comb tool 1 10 is used to wash the strands of hair 144a of the mounted hair extension 140 in a sink or tub 710, as illustrated in FIG. 16.
  • the stylist 900 de-couples the hair extension bar comb tool 110 from the stand 150, 160 (see stand 150 in FIG. 13, stand 160 in FIG. 14, or stand 170 in FIG. 15) and places the hair extension bar comb tool 110 over a comer of the sink or tub 710.
  • the strands of hair 144a of the hair extension 140 then fall into the sink 710 and the stylist 900 washes the strands of hair 144a of the hair extension 140 in the sink 710 using water 714 flowing from a faucet 712.
  • the stylist 900 may re- mount the hair extension bar comb tool 110 onto the stand 150, 160 (or clamp the stand stem 163 on a table or shelf 720) and blow dry the hair extension 140, as illustrated in FIG. 17.
  • One hand 910, 912 of the stylist 900 holds a hair blower 920, drying hair 147, while the other hand 912, 910, of the stylist 900 holds open the strands of hair 144a of the hair extension 140 or uses a hair brush 922, drying hair 147. Further the stylist 900 can comb out the strands of hair 144a of the hair extension 140 mounted on the hair extension bar comb tool 110 without difficulty, such as by using a comb or the hair brush 922.
  • the strands of hair 144a of the hair extension 140 can be styled, such as by using a curling iron 930, as illustrated in FIG. 18, creating styled hair 148.
  • the hair extensions 140 are supported by the comb tool 110 mounted to the stand 150, 160, 170 (such as the stand 150, 160, 170 illustrated in FIG. 13, FIG. 14, or FIG. 15, respectively), freeing up both hands 910, 912 of the hair stylist 900 to form curls in the strands of hair 144a of the hair extensions 140 using the curling iron 930.
  • Some hair colorization uses portions of the strands of hair 144a of the hair extension 140 placed atop wax paper 944, as illustrated in FIG. 19.
  • the wax paper 944 is secured to or placed on either or both slopes 112, 114, a small segment of strands of hair 144a is drawn over the wax paper 944 and the stylist 900 colors (adding color or other treatment 942) the segmented hair thereon, commonly accomplished by using a color applicator brush 940.
  • Multiple sheets of wax paper 944 are secured to the sloped surface 112, 114 or sloped surfaces 112, 114 which the stylist 900 will be placing over or already having the hair extensions 140 laying over.
  • 114 Using multiple sheets of wax paper 944 secured to the sloped surfaces 112, 114 enables the stylist 900 to separate a portion of the hair strands 144a from the entire set of hair strands 144a of the hair extensions 140 and apply color or other treatment 942 to that section without interference from other sections of the hair extension 140.
  • the customer may desire having multiple colors, highlights, etc. (provided by applying color or other treatment 942) applied to the hair extensions 140, thus coloring hair 149.
  • the hair extension bar comb 110 eases the process of applying multiple colors, highlights, etc. (provided by applying color or other treatment 942) to the hair extensions 140, as illustrated in FIG. 21.
  • FIG. 13 diagrammatically illustrates one stand mount 150 for hair extension bar comb tool 110.
  • Other mount systems such as the table mounting stand 160 (FIG. 14) or the pipe clamp based stand 170 (FIG. 15) may be used.
  • the bottom or lower surface 124 of the hair extension bar comb tool 110 can include a mounting coupler 139 that mates with a complementary top stem coupler unit 151.
  • a height adjustment control 152 is a rotation-type grip lock which can be rotated to permit the stylist 900 to raise or lower the hair extension bar comb tool 110.
  • Stem segments slide within each other.
  • a lower stem 155 is movably mounted beneath a stem segment 153 with a second rotation-type height adjustment control 154.
  • Tripod legs 156 illustrate one of the many stable floor stands 150 that may be used with the hair extension bar comb 110.
  • An exemplary table mount assembly 160 includes a complementary top stem coupler unit 161 for securing the damp to the bar coupler 139, such as via a mount adapter 850.
  • the exemplary mount adapter 850 includes a mount adaptor body 852 having a mount adaptor receptacle 856 formed therein and a mount adapter assembly flange 854 located along an assembly portion of the mount adaptor body 852.
  • a series of mount adapter assembly flange apertures 858 are provided through the mount adapter assembly flange 854.
  • the series of mount adapter assembly flange apertures 858 are preferably arranged in a standardized pattern enabling the user to exchange the mount adapter 850 with any other existing mounting system assembled to a lower surface 124 of the hair extension bar/platform 111.
  • the mount adapter 850 is preferably assembled to the hair extension bar/platform 111 using a number of threaded members, such as screws, bolts, or any other suitable mechanical assembly component.
  • the mount adaptor receptacle 856 is of a size and shape to receive and retain the complementary top stem coupler unit 161.
  • a table mounted support assembly for the hair extension bar comb tool 110 includes a complementary top stem coupler unit 161 pivotally supported by a ball joint 164.
  • the table mounted support assembly is secured to an edge of a table top, desktop, countertop (collectively represented by 720), and the like by a clamping system.
  • the clamping system can include an upper clamp member 166 and a lower clamp member (not shown). The upper clamp member 166 and the lower clamp member are drawn together by a clamp pressure applicator 167.
  • the ball joint 164 pivots within a ball joint receptacle 165.
  • the ball joint 164 is retained in position within the ball joint receptacle 165 by a clamping force provided by a ball joint compression applicator 168.
  • the complementary top stem coupler unit 161 can be adjusted to different heights by a sliding the stand stem 163 to a desired height and locking the stand stem 163 in position by tightening a height adjustment control 162.
  • the tripod of the floor or table stand 150 may include a pipe clamp based stand 170, which permits the stylist 900 to mount the hair extension bar comb tool 110 to a faucet 712 of a sink 710, as illustrated in FIG. 15.
  • the exemplary pipe clamp based stand 170 includes a flexible stand stem 173.
  • a complementary' top stem coupler unit 171 is carried at a free, distal end of the flexible stand stem 173.
  • the flexible stand stem 173 enables the stylist 900 to reposition the complementary top stem coupler unit 171 to orient the hair extension bar comb tool 110 at any suitable and desired angle.
  • the exemplary- pipe clamp based stand 170 can be adapted to include a ball joint subassembly comprising the ball joint 164, the ball joint receptacle 165, and the ball joint compression applicator 168, as previously introduced in FIG. 14.
  • the ball joint subassembly provides additional flexibility for positioning of the hair extension bar comb tool 110.
  • the exemplary pipe clamp based stand 170 is supported by a clamping system comprising a fixed clamp member 179, an adjustable clamp member 176, and a clamp pressure applicator 177.
  • the fixed clamp member 179 is located at a distal end of the flexible stand stem 173; the adjustable clamp member 176 is slideably assembled onto the flexible stand stem 173 at a location proximate the fixed clamp member 179; and the clamp pressure applicator 177 is threadably assembled to the flexible stand stem 173 at a location proximate the adjustable clamp member 176.
  • the clamp pressure applicator 177 applies a force to the adjustable clamp member 176 creating a clamping force between opposing faces of the adjustable clamp member 176 and the fixed clamp member 179.
  • the opposing faces of the adjustable clamp member 176 and the fixed clamp member 179 include arched surfaces.
  • the arched surfaces provide a more stable grip around rounded surfaces, such as a pipe, a faucet 712, or any other object located proximate a basin of the sink 710.
  • the exemplary pipe clamp based stand 170 can be utilized to support any of the hair extension bar comb tools 110, 210 (FIG. 5), 310 (FIG. 6), 410 (FIG. 9), 510 (FIGS. 10, 11). Any of the hair extension bar comb tools 110, 210 (FIG. 5), 310 (FIG. 6), 410 (FIG. 9), 510 (FIGS. 10, 1 1) would include the bar coupler 139.
  • a comb tool 1010 presented in FIGS. 22 and 23, is a first example of a modified version of the comb tool 110.
  • the comb tool 110 and the comb tool 1010 are substantially alike, essentially rearranging the like components.
  • the same elements of the comb tool 1010 as the elements of the comb tool 110 are numbered the same, except the reference numbers of the comb tool 1010 are preceded by the numeral “10”.
  • the first set of comb teeth 120 and the second set of comb teeth 122 are individual pins seated within a respective bore.
  • each of the first set of comb teeth 1020 and the second set of comb teeth 1022 of the comb tool 1010 are provided as a single components, wherein the first set of comb teeth 1020, and the second set of comb teeth 1022 are connected to a first set of comb teeth backbone member 1030 and a second set of comb teeth backbone member 1032 respecti vely.
  • Each of the first set of comb teeth backbone member 1030 and the 1032 are inserted within and secured via any fastening scenario (adhesive, a mechanical fastener, a clamping, etc.) into a comb backbone receiving slot 1019.
  • Each of the first set of comb teeth 1020 and the second set of comb teeth 1022 can be fabricated of a molded plastic, a machined metal, a stamped metal, a or any other suitable material or combination thereof.
  • the comb tool 1010 includes a platform extension insert receiving cavity 1018, wherein the platform extension insert receiving cavity 1018 is similar to the comb tool extension platform assembly insert receiving cavity 618 of the extendable comb tool 610, introduced in FIG. 12; the platform extension insert receiving cavity 1018 enabling assembly and removal of extensions 610a to/from the extendable comb tool 610.
  • the magnetized member (sidewall segment) 1080 is oriented to be parallel to the platform sloped side 1012, 1014 and seated within a magnetized member receiving recession 1028.
  • the magnetized member receiving recession 1028 is slightly deeper than a thickness of the 1080, creating a platform sloped side recess 1015, as illustrated in the enlarged portion of the illustration.
  • the depth of the platform sloped side recess 1015 is preferably substantially the same as a thickness of the hair working paddle blade 192 of the hair working paddle assembly 190, as best illustrated in the enlarged view in FIG. 22.
  • the magnetized member (sidewall segment) 1080 is located adjacent to the bar lower surface 1024 of the hair extension bar/platform 1011.
  • the actual location of the magnetized member (sidewall segment) 1080 can be at any location along the platform sloped side 1012, particularly if the magnetized member receiving recession 1028 has a depth that is substantially equal to a thickness of the magnetized member (sidewall segment) 1080,
  • the magnetized member (sidewall segment) 1080 can be retained within the magnetized member receiving recession 1028 by an adhesive bond, mechanical fasteners or any other suitable assembly arrangement.
  • the stylize would position a distal edge of the hair working paddle blade 192 against the exposed edge of the magnetized member receiving recession 1028, as illustration in FIG. 23 then slide the hair working paddle assembly 190 laterally along the platform sloped side 1012, 1014, maintaining the distal edge of the hair working paddle blade 192 against the ledge defining the platform sloped side recess 1015 as illustrated in FIG. 22.
  • a comb tool 1110 presented in FIG. 24, is an enhanced variant of the comb tool 1010.
  • the comb tool 1010 and the comb tool 1110 are substantially alike, essentially a slight modification of the like components.
  • the same elements of the comb tool 1110 as the elements of the comb tool 1010 are numbered the same, except the reference numbers of the comb tool 1110 are preceded by the numeral “11”.
  • the magnetized member (sidewall segment) 1180 of the comb tool 1110 is recessed into a magnetized member receiving recession 1128, A magnetized member cover 1189 is placed over the magnetized member (sidewall segment) 1180 and is seated within a magnetized member cover receiving recession 1129.
  • the comb tool 1110 provides an arrangement where the magnetized member cover 1189 is flush with the surface of the respective sloped side 1112, 1114, as illustrated in the enlarged portion of FIG. 24.
  • the arrangement of the magnetized member (sidewall segment) 1180 on the comb tool 1110 enables the user to place the hair working paddle blade 192 anywhere on the respective sloped side 1112, 1114.
  • the magnetized member (sidewall segment) 1180 can be a single component extending along an entire length of the respective sloped side 1112, 1114 or a series of short components spatially arranged along the entire length of the respective sloped side 1112, 1114.
  • the shorter magnetized components 1180 can be inserted into a single recess or into individual pockets sized to receive each individual shorter magnetized component 1180.
  • a single magnetized member cover 1189 would cover the entire set of shorter magnetized components 1180 inserted into the magnetized member receiving recession 1128.
  • the magnetized member cover 1189 provides a barrier between chemicals used for treating the hair extension 140 and the magnetized member (sidewail segment) 1180, thus protecting the magnetized member (sidewall segment) 1180 from the chemicals, exposure to the environment, and any other corrosive scenarios.
  • Each of the magnetized members (sidewall segment) 1180 can be secured within the magnetized member receiving recession 1028 using an adhesive, a mechanical fastener, or being entrapped by the magnetized member cover 1189.
  • the comb tool 110 can be modified to accept other accessories.
  • a comb tool 1210 is illustrated in FIGS. 25 and 26.
  • the comb tool 110 and the comb tool 1210 are substantially alike, essentially rearranging the like components.
  • the same elements of the comb tool 1210 as the elements of the comb tool 110 are numbered the same, except the reference numbers of the comb tool 1210 are preceded by the numeral “12”.
  • the exemplary illustrated version of the comb tool 1210 excludes any magnetized materials, such as the magnetized member (sidewall segment) 180, the magnetized member (sidewall segment) 1080 and the magnetized member (sidewall segment) 1180. These can be optionally included in the comb tool 1210, but are excluded for clarity.
  • the comb tool 1210 introduces a first exemplary elongated slot 1228, 1229 that extends along a length of a hair extension bar/platform 1211.
  • the sidewalls or key slot elongated segments 1228 of the slot or groove are illustrated as being parallel, extending from the exterior surface of the flat lateral side region 1225 to a bottom wall of the groove.
  • the key slot elongated segments 1228 can be parallel to one another or tapered in either direction.
  • the top of the groove can be narrower than the bottom of the groove forming a dovetailed shape.
  • the top of the groove can be wider than the bottom of the groove forming a funnel shape.
  • the exemplary comb tool 1210 introduces a T-shaped (keyhole) styled groove, where a key slot transverse segment 1229 extends across a bottom of the key slot elongated segment 1228, wherein the key slot transverse segment 1229 is wider than the span at the bottom of the key slot elongated segments 1228.
  • the key slot transverse segment 1229 can be used to restrict, an upward or undesired removal force of any accessory.
  • a sidewall extender 1290 is one exemplary accessory that is temporarily assembled to the comb tool 1210.
  • the exemplary sidewall extender 1290 includes a sidewall extender top transition segment 1295 extending between an upper edge of a side wall extender elongated retention segment 1298 and a like edge of a sidewall extender support panel section 1292, as illustrated in the enlarged view presented in FIG. 25.
  • the exemplary sidewall extender 1290 is preferably fabricated of a rigid material, such as a plastic or a thin metal.
  • a length of the exemplary sidewall extender 1290 can be determined by the designer or the end user.
  • the exemplary sidewall extender 1290 can be provided to the user having an excessively long sidewall extender support panel section 1292. The user would trim the sidewall extender support panel section 1292 to a desired length.
  • the key slot elongated segments 1228 are substantially perpendicular to the flat lateral side region 1225.
  • the sidewall extender 1290 includes a sidewall extender transverse retention segment 1299 at a free end of the key slot elongated segment 1228, wherein the sidewall extender transverse retention segment 1299 would be seated within the key slot transverse segment 1229.
  • the sidewall extender transverse retention segment 1299 is illustrated as a “T”, the sidewall extender transverse retention segment 1299 can extend in one direction from the key slot elongated segment 1228, forming an “L” shape. The direction of the foot of the “L” shape would be determined by the designer.
  • the key slot elongated segment 1228 can be angled respective to the flat lateral side region 1225. The angle of the key slot elongated segment 1228 respective to the flat lateral side region 1225 in combination with the angle of the sidewall extender support panel section 1292can use geometry to aid in retaining the sidewall extender elongated retention segment 1298 within the groove defined by the key slot elongated segment 1228 exclusive of a need for the key slot transverse segment 1229.
  • the exemplary sidewall extender 1290 can include an optional flexible sheet hair support fluid collection section 1293 along a lower edge of the exemplary sidewall extender 1290.
  • the optional flexible sheet hair support fluid collection section 1293 is an upward formation designed to collect excess fluids that run off the hair extensions 140 and the comb tool 1210.
  • the accessory retainer can be provided in any of a number of formats.
  • the comb tools 110, 210, 310, 410 include a first exemplary accessory receiving magnetically charged element 180, 280, 380, 480 and a pin receiving element 184, 294, 394, 484.
  • the comb tool 1010 includes a second exemplary accessory receiving magnetically charged element 1080.
  • the comb tool 1110 includes a third exemplary accessory receiving magnetically charged element 1180.
  • the sidewall extender support panel section 1292 increases the surface area of the sloped side 1212, 1214.
  • the hair stylist can utilize the sidewall extender support panel section 1292to support strands 144a of the hair extension 140 during any application of a treatment, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 21.
  • the comb tool 1210 includes a first exemplary accessory receiving groove.
  • a comb tool 1310 presents a second exemplary accessory receiving groove.
  • a comb tool 1310 is illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 28.
  • the comb tool 1210 and the comb tool 1310 are substantially alike, with the only modification being the shape of a dovetail accessory retention slot 1328.
  • the same dements of the comb tool 1310 as the elements of the comb tool 1210 are numbered the same, except the reference numbers of the comb tool 1310 are preceded by the numeral “13”.
  • the exemplary illustrated version of the comb tool 1310 excludes any magnetized materials, such as the magnetized member (sidewall segment) 180, the magnetized member (sidewall segment) 1080 and the magnetized member (side wall segment) 1180. These can be optionally included in the comb tool 1310, but are excluded for clarity.
  • the accessory receiving groove of the comb tool 1310 is formed as a dovetail accessory retention slot 1328.
  • the dovetail accessory retention slot 1328 includes a pair of diverging sidewalls.
  • the sidewalls of the dovetail accessory retention slot 1328 have a span therebetween at a flat lateral side region 1325 that is narrower than a span therebetween at a base of the dovetail accessory retention slot 1328.
  • the dovetailed shape of the slot 1328 retains accessories in both a lateral and vertical orientations, only enabling a longitudinal motion.
  • FIGS. 27 and 28 introduce another accessory: a flexible sheet 1390.
  • the flexible sheet 1390 can be fabricated of any suitable material, including any foil, aluminum foil, wax paper, and the like. It is preferred that the selected material have properties that prevent the chemicals from passing therethrough, thus ensuring the chemicals do not contact or remain on the platform assembly sloped side 1312 of the comb tool 1310, minimizing cross contamination between different hair extensions 140.
  • the flexible sheet 1390 is shaped to include a flexible sheet hair support panel section 1392, a flexible sheet top transition segment 1395, and a flexible sheet retention segment 1398.
  • the flexible sheet retention segment 1398 is formed and pressed into the dovetail accessory retention slot 1328 by an insertion of a flexible sheet retention member 1380 into the dovetail accessory retention slot 1328.
  • the dovetail accessory retention slot 1328 and the flexible sheet retention member 1380 can be of any suitable shape that will accomplish the desired function of retaining the flexible sheet 1390 to the comb tool 1310.
  • the exemplary flexible sheet retention member 1380 includes a series of flexible sheet retention member fin segment 1383 extending transversely outward from a flexible sheet retention member central segment 1381. More specifically, the flexible sheet retention member 1380 includes multiple pairs of flexible sheet retention member fin segments 1383 extending in opposing directions from the flexible sheet retention member central segment 1381.
  • a flexible sheet retention member cap segment 1382 is provided at an upper end of the flexible sheet retention member central segment 1381.
  • the flexible sheet retention member cap segment 1382 restricts the flexible sheet retention member 1380 from being pressed to far into the dovetail accessory retention slot 1328.
  • the flexible sheet retention member 1380 is preferably fabricated as an extrusion using a flexible material, such as rubber, nylon, silicone, or any other suitable material.
  • the flexible sheet retention member 1380 is preferably of a length slightly longer than an elongated dimension of the hair extension bar/platform 1311, where, when inserted, the overhand provides an area that can be gripped by the hair stylist to remove the flexible sheet retention member 1380 from the dovetail accessory retention slot 1328 when desired.
  • Magnetically charged elements and grooves or slots are preferred as they can remain flush with the adjacent surfaces.
  • Other accessory retaining configurations such as clips, pins, and the like can be used.
  • the accessory receiving slots can be used to support multiple accessories.
  • a hair working retaining paddle 1490 is a modified version of the hair working non- metallic paddle 190/3.
  • the hair working retaining paddle retention segment 1498 can be fabricated of any suitable material, including plastic, a composite material, metal, etc.
  • the hair working retaining paddle 1490 includes a hair working retaining paddle blade 1492 extending upward from a hair working retaining paddle handle 1494.
  • a hair working retaining paddle transition segment 1495 is formed at an opposite end of the hair working retaining paddle blade 1492.
  • a hair working retaining paddle retention segment 1498 is provided at a retention, upper end of the hair working retaining paddle 1490.
  • the hair working retaining paddle retention segment 1498 is designed to be inserted into the accessory receiving slot 1228, 1328.
  • the exemplary hair working retaining paddle retention segment 1498 has a linear shape, enabling the hair working retaining paddle retention segment 1498 to be inserted into the accessory receiving slot having any shape with a width that is equal to or greater than a thickness of the hair working retaining paddle retention segment 1498,
  • the previous versions of the comb tool include detachable arrangements to support accessories, such as extensions for the surface of the sidewalls.
  • a comb tool 1510 as illustrated in FIGS. 30 through 33, introduces a sidewall surface extension arrangement that is affixed to a comb tool 1510.
  • the comb tool 1510 and the comb tool 1010 are substantially alike, with the only modification being an introduction of a pivoting extension member assembly 1590.
  • the same elements of the comb tool 1510 as the elements of the comb tool 1010 are numbered the same, except the reference numbers of the comb tool 1510 are preceded by the numeral “15”.
  • the comb tool 1510 provides a collapsible sidewall extension 1592 offering an enlarged work surface while retaining a reduced volume for storage.
  • a pivoting extension member support panel section 1592 is pivotally assembled to the platform lower surface 1524 of the hair extension bar/platform 1511 by a pivoting extension member support panel hinge 1596.
  • the pivoting extension member support panel section 1592 can be fabricated of any suitable material, including metal, plastic, wood, or any other suitable material,
  • a first pivoting attachment member (not shown) of the pivoting extension member support panel hinge 1596 assembles the pivoting extension member support panel hinge 1596 to the platform lower surface 1524 and a second pivoting attachment member 1594 of the pivoting extension member support panel hinge 1596 assembles the pivoting extension member support panel hinge 1596 to the 1592.
  • the pivoting extension member support panel hinge 1596 is preferably a piano hinge style to maintain the edge of the pivoting extension member support panel section 1592 against the respective edge of the platform assembly sloped side 1512, 1514.
  • a pivoting control assembly 1580 retains the pivoting extension member support panel section 1592 in a retracted (stored) orientation (FIGS. 30 and 32) and in an extended (in use) orientation (FIGS. 31 and 33).
  • the exemplary pivoting control assembly 1580 includes a series of aims pivotally assembled to one another by a number of hinges.
  • the pivoting control assembly 1580 is assembled to the platform lower surface 1524 by a pivoting control platform attachment member 1581.
  • the pivoting control assembly 1580 is assembled to the pivoting extension member support panel section 1592 by a pivoting control support panel attachment member 1582. Movement of the pivoting extension member support panel section 1592 is controlled by a pivoting control assembly first pivot arm 1586 and a pivoting control assembly second pivot arm 1587.
  • the pivoting control assembly first pivot arm 1586 and the pivoting control assembly second pivot arm 1587 are pivotally joined to one another by a pivoting control assembly central hinge 1585.
  • An opposite end of the pivoting control assembly first pivot arm 1586 is pivotally assembled to the pivoting control platform attachment member 1581 by a pivoting control platform attachment member hinge 1588.
  • An opposite end of the pivoting control assembly second pivot arm 1587 is pivotally assembled to the pivoting control support panel attachment member 1582 by a pivoting control support panel attachment member hinge 1589.
  • the pivoting extension member support panel section 1592 is placed into the retracted (stored) orientation (FIGS. 30 and 32) by pivoting the pivoting control assembly first pivot arm 1586 and the pivoting control assembly second pivot arm 1587 away from a linear arrangement respective to one another.
  • the pivoting extension member support panel section 1592 is placed into the extended (in use) orientation (FIGS. 31 and 33) by pivoting the pivoting control assembly first pivot arm 1586 and the pivoting control assembly second pivot arm 1587 into a linear arrangement respective to one another.
  • the comb tools can be supported by any of a variety of supporting systems.
  • the floor or table stand 150 was introduced in FIG. 13.
  • the clamp based stand 160 was introduced in FIG. 14.
  • the pipe clamp based stand 170 was introduced in FIG. 15. Details of a portable support system 1600 are illustrated in FIGS. 34 through 36.
  • a universal support stand assembly 1600 can be employed by any of the previously presented support arrangements 150, 160. 170.
  • the universal support stand assembly 1600 enables easy assembly onto a first universal support stand base subassembly 1602, removal from the first universal support stand base subassembly 1602, then use as a hand held unit or use when assembled onto a second universal support stand base subassembly 1602 of a different support arrangement.
  • the universal support stand base subassembly 1602 is supported by an exemplary telescoping table or floor stand.
  • a telescoping assembly comprising a support stem 1653 slideably assembled to a lower stem 1655 is supported by a tripod leg assembly 1656.
  • the telescoping movement is governed by a rotation locking height adjustment control 1654.
  • the universal support stand assembly 1600 includes a universal support stand platform support subassembly 1604 that is easily assembled to (as illustrated in FIG. 34) and separated from (as illustrated in FIG. 35) a universal support stand base subassembly 1602.
  • a platform support gripping section 1610 of the universal support stand platform support subassembly 1604 enables hand held support as well as removable engagement with a top stem coupler member 1661 of the universal support stand base subassembly 1602.
  • a platform support upper support sleeve interior surface 1632 is formed on either a platform support upper support sleeve 1630 (as illustrated) or as an interior of a platform support upper support segment 1620.
  • the platform support upper support sleeve 1630 is slideably inserted and seated against a platform support upper support segment interior surface 1622 within the platform support upper support segment 1620.
  • the platform support upper support sleeve interior surface 1632 is shaped to engage with a majority of an exterior surface of the top stem coupler member 1661. The longer the axial engagement between the surface of the top stem coupler member 1661 and the platform support upper support sleeve interior surface 1632, the sturdier the assembly.
  • the exterior surface of the top stem coupler member 1661 is formed having a slightly tapered shape. This restricts an axial motion while maximizing any radial support. Grooves can be provided in the top stem coupler member 1661 to avoid an airtight seal and enhance removability.
  • a platform support gripping section 1610 has an extended tubular shape providing a sufficient surface for the hair stylist to grip.
  • a pair of platform support brace member 1612 extends angularly between the platform support gripping section 1610 and a platform support brace member attachment flange 1614.
  • the platform support brace member attachment flange 1614 is secured to the platform lower surface 1024 of the comb tool 1010.
  • the platform support brace member s 1612 add stability to the comb tool 1010 over relying upon the interface between the platform support upper support segment 1620 and the platform lower surface 1024.
  • a bail joint 1664 is assembled to the top stem coupler member 1661 by a ball joint stem 1663.
  • the ball joint 1664 provides omnidirectional motion of the top stem coupler member 1661.
  • a ball joint angular adjusting mechanism 1660 is carried atop any support arrangement.
  • the ball joint angular adjusting mechanism 1660 includes a ball joint angular adjusting mechanism locking nut 1680 slideably inserted against a ball joint retention system outer clamping member interior surface 1666 within the ball joint retention system outer clamping member 1665.
  • a bottom of the ball joint angular adjusting mechanism locking nut 1680 rests upon a top surface of a ball joint retention system base member 1670.
  • the ball joint retention system base member 1670 is slideably inserted against the ball joint retention system outer clamping member interior surface 1666 within the ball joint retention system outer clamping member 1665.
  • a ball joint retention system lower clamping formation 1687 is formed on a top surface of the ball joint angular adjusting mechanism locking nut 1680 and designed to engage with a bottom portion of the ball joint 1664.
  • a ball joint retention system upper clamping formation 1667 is formed on an upper interior region of the ball joint retention system outer clamping member 1665 and designed to engage with a top portion of the ball joint 1664.
  • a ball joint retention system base member clamping control surface 1674 translates a tangential motion of ball joint outer angular clamp controlling member 1678 into an axial motion of the ball joint retention system base member 1670.
  • An inward direction of a tapered end of the ball joint outer angular clamp controlling member 1678 against a frustum shaped ball joint retention system base member clamping control surface 1674 generated a clamping force upon the ball joint 1664 and an outward direction of the tapered end of the ball joint outer angular clamp controlling member 1678 against the frustum shaped ball joint retention system base member clamping control surface 1674 releases the clamping force from the ball joint 1664.
  • the axial motion of the ball joint retention system base member 1670 generates a clamping force between the ball joint retention system lower clamping formation 1687 of the ball joint angular adjusting mechanism locking nut 1680 and the ball joint retention system upper clamping formation 1667 of the ball joint retention system outer clamping member 1665 upon the ball joint 1664.
  • the ball joint angular adjusting mechanism 1660 is assembled to a top of a stand support stem 1653 by threadably assembling support stem attachment threads 1657 to a ball joint retention system base member threaded assembly socket 1677.
  • a ball joint angular adjusting mechanism locking nut 1680 can be used to inhibit a removal rotation between the ball joint retention system base member 1670 of the ball joint angular adjusting mechanism 1660 and the stand support stem 1653.
  • a ball joint outer angular clamp retention member 1679 is threadably inserted/ removed against the ball joint retention system base member clamping control surface 1674 by threadably engaging with threads within a ball joint outer angular clamp retention member receiving member 1669.
  • the ball joint outer angular clamp retention member 1679 retains the assembly between the ball joint retention system outer clamping member 1665 and the ball joint retention system base member 1670.
  • first set of comb teeth backbone member 1532 second set of comb teeth backbone member

Landscapes

  • Brushes (AREA)

Abstract

A hair extension bar platform (110, 410, 510, 610, 1010, 1110, 1210, 1310, 1510) retains hair extensions (140) for a coloration or treatment process on an elongated platform (111, 411, 511, 611, 1011, 1111, 1211, 1311, 1511). A first comb teeth row (120, 420, 520, 620, 1020, 1120, 1220, 1320, 1520) and a second comb teeth row (122, 422, 522, 622, 1022, 1122, 1222, 1322, 1522) are mounted in parallel on laterally spaced apart side regions of the base (111, 411, 511, 611, 1011, 1111, 1211, 1311, 1511), typically on a top flat surface (126, 426, 526, 626, 1026, 1126, 1226, 1326, 1526). The use, a portion of the comb teeth (122, 422, 522, 622, 1022, 1122, 1222, 1322, 1522) captures the extension hair (140). A coloration and/or treatment process is engaged on captured extension hair (140) in the lateral space (127) between the first comb teeth row (120, 420, 520, 620, 1020, 1120, 1220, 1320, 1520) and the second comb teeth row (122, 422, 522, 622, 1022, 1122, 1222, 1322, 1522). A hair extension retention system can utilize pins pushed into a pin receiving member (184, 484, 584, 684, 1084, 1 184, 1284, 1384, 1584) and/or a magnetic attraction between a magnetically charged element and a magnetically attracting element. The hair extension bar assembly can be supported by a floor (150), table (150), countertop (160), clamp (170) or other support system. Hair styling tools (190, 190A, 1290, 1390, 1490 1590) can be supported by an accessory retention member (###), such as a magnetically charged element (180, 480, 1080, 1180), carried by the elongated platform (111, 411, 511, 611, 1011, 1111, 1211, 1311, 1511), a groove (1228, 1328) formed within the elongated platform (111, 411, 511, 611, 1011, 1111, 1211, 1311, 1511), and the like.

Description

HAIR EXTENSION BAR COMB TOOL AND METHOD OF USE
Cross Reference to Related Applications
[0001] This International Patent Application claims the benefit of United States NonProvisional Patent Application Serial No. 18/070,411 filed on November 28, 2023, and this International Patent .Application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63/603,087, filed on November 27, 2023.
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a hair extension bar comb tool for hair extensions. More specifically, the present invention relates to a hair extension comb tool and a respective method of nse thereof, where hair extensions are woven through teeth extending upward from one or both of a pair of combs and a top surface and each of associated side surfaces support and provide backing for strands of hair of the hair extension during various treatments of the hair, including: washing, drying, styling, coloring, etc. Various integrated features aid in retaining and supporting the strands of hair during the various treatment processes.
Background of the Invention
[0003] Typically, a stylist needs two hands for any treatment process for treating hair extensions and does not have a third hand to hold the hair weft or the hair extension.
[0004] Hair extensions contain a voluminous quantity of strands of hair. Hair extensions are commonly treated prior to placement within a client’s natural hair. Treatments can include washing, drying, coloring, styling, conditioning, hair straighteners, and the like. The hair stylist has two hands to control the strands of hair and provide the one or more treatments. The natural flow and movement of the strands of hair makes controlling the strands of hair while treating the strands of hair very difficult with only two hands. This increases the time required to provide and complete the treatments, which affects the profitability of the process.
[0005] Hair extensions commonly require a series of different treatments. For example, the hair would be wetted, then colored, then rinsed, then dried. Each step requires a different handling process and transport between a working location and a water applying location.
[0006] Treatment of hair extensions requires applications of a variety of chemicals. If the hair extension rests against a surface when the chemicals are being applied, the chemicals can remain on the surface and transfer to a different hair extension subsequently placed upon the surface.
[0007] It is desired to have the hair extensions extended and flowing during the washing and rinsing process. It is also desired to support the hair extensions while applying a treatment, such as a styling treatment, a color, highlighting, etc. to the hair extension. It is very beneficial to be able to accomplish all of the various processes while the hair extension is supported by the same apparatus. It is desired to provide a disposable surface to avoid transfer of the chemicals between different hair extensions.
Objects of the Invention
[0008] It is an object of the invention to provide a hair extension bar comb tool permitting the stylist to mount hair extensions thereon for further treatment, colorization, highlighting, washing and drying.
[0009] It is a further object to permit such hair extension bar comb to be mounted above a floor or table.
[0010] It is a further object to transport the hair extension bar- comb between a floor support, a hand held support, and/or a support within a washbasin.
Brief Summary of the Present Invention
[0011] The hair extension bar comb retains a hair extension thereon and is adapted to be removably mounted to a floor or table stand. The hair extension bar comb has an elongated base having laterally spaced apart, generally parallel side regions. First and second comb teeth rows are respectively mounted on corresponding, laterally spaced apart, parallel side regions. Each comb teeth row has a multiplicity or a plurality of teeth. A portion of these teeth in at least one comb teeth row captures extension hair therein. In one embodiment, the hair extension bar comb includes a mounting coupler adapted to removably attach the mounting coupler to a supporting member, wherein the supporting member is carried by a stand adapted to be placed upon a floor and/or a table, an arm adapted to be temporarily secured to a countertop, a faucet, etc. or any other suitable supporting system.
[0012] The comb teeth row defines a plurality of aligned teeth to enable an application of a coloring process on the extension hair and the hair extension whelp captured in the lateral space extending between the first and the second comb teeth rows and between the laterally spaced apart first and second top side regions.
[0013] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for aiding a hair stylist when working on a hair extension, the apparatus comprising: an elongated platform comprising a first side surface, a second side surface and a top surface extending between an upper edge of the first side surface and an upper edge of the second side surface; a series of comb teeth extending upward from the top surface, wherein the series of comb teeth are spatially arranged along an elongated direction of the elongated platform; and at least one magnetically charged element carried by at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface.
[0014] In a second aspect, the at least one magnetically charged element is inlayed within the at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface.
[0015] In another aspect, the at least one magnetically charged element is flush with the at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface.
[0016] In yet another aspect, the at least one magnetically charged element is recessed within the at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface. [0017] In yet another aspect, wherein the at least one magnetically charged element is one of Neodymium or Samarium Cobalt.
[0018] In yet another aspect, the at least one magnetically charged element is recessed within the at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface and retained within the recess by an adhesive.
[0019] In yet another aspect, the at least one magnetically charged element is recessed within the at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface and retained within the recess by a mechanical fastener.
[0020] In yet another aspect, the at least one magnetically charged element is recessed within the at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface and covered with a material.
[0021] In yet another aspect, the at least one magnetically charged element is recessed within the at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface and retained within the recess by a covering material.
[0022] In yet another aspect, the at least one magnetically charged element is recessed within the at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface and retained within the recess by a covering material, wherein an exterior surface of the covering material is flush with the respective one of the first side surface and the second side surface.
[0023] In yet another aspect, the at least one magnetically charged element is recessed within the at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface and retained within the recess by a covering material, wherein the covering material is of a same size and shape as the respective one of the first side surface and the second side surface.
[0024] In yet another aspect, the at least one magnetically charged element is recessed within the at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface and covered with a non-magnetic material.
[0025] In yet another aspect, the at least one magnetically charged element is proud from the at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface.
[0026] In yet another aspect, the at least one magnetically charged element extends substantially along an elongated length of the at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface.
[0027] In yet another aspect, the at least one magnetically charged element includes a series of spatially arranged magnetically charged elements extending substantially along an elongated length of the at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface.
[0028] In yet another aspect, the at least one magnetically charged element includes a series of spatially arranged magnetically charged elements extending substantially along an elongated length of the at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface and retained by a covering material.
[0029] In yet another aspect, the at least one magnetically charged element includes a series of spatially arranged magnetically charged elements extending substantially along an elongated length of the at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface, each magnetically charged element is inserted into a respective countersink within the respective one of the first side surface and the second side surface.
[0030] In yet another aspect, the at least one magnetically charged element includes a series of spatially arranged magnetically charged elements extending substantially along an elongated length of the at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface, each magnetically charged element is inserted into a respective countersink within the respective one of the first side surface and the second side surface and retained by a covering material.
[0031] In yet another aspect, the at least one magnetically charged element is located proximate at least one end of the at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface.
[0032] In yet another aspect, the system includes a paddle.
[0033] In yet another aspect, the paddle comprising a blade.
[0034] In yet another aspect, the paddle comprising a blade and a handle.
[0035] In yet another aspect, the paddle comprising a blade, a blade backing member, and a handle. [0036] In yet another aspect, the paddle comprising a blade carried by the blade backing member, the blade backing member being carried by the handle.
[0037] In yet another aspect, the paddle comprising a mechanical assembly member inserted through each of the blade, the blade backing member and the handle.
[0038] In yet another aspect, the paddle comprising a mechanical assembly member inserted through each of the blade, the blade backing member and the handle, the mechanical assembly member being a threaded member.
[0039] In yet another aspect, the paddle having a size and shape to adequately support the strands of hair of the hair extension.
[0040] In yet another aspect, the paddle is fabricated of a non-magnetically attracting material.
[0041] In yet another aspect, the paddle is fabricated of a magnetically attracting material.
[0042] In yet another aspect, the blade of the paddle is fabricated of a magnetically attracting material.
[0043] In yet another aspect, the blade is fabricate of a magnetically attracting material and covered with a non-magnetically attracting material.
[0044] In yet another aspect, the blade is fabricate of a magnetically attracting material and covered with a plastic material.
[0045] In yet another aspect, the blade is supported by one of the first side surface and the second side surface.
[0046] In yet another aspect, the magnetically attracting material of the blade is temporarily retained by the at least one magnetically charged element carried by the one of the first side surface and the second side surface.
[0047] In yet another aspect, the blade is of a thickness that is substantially the same as a depth of the recess between the one of the first side surface and the second side surface and the magnetically charged material carried by the respective one of the first side surface and the second side surface. [0048] In yet another aspect, the blade is of a thickness that is substantially the same as a depth of the recess between the one of the first side surface and the second side surface and the covering material covering the magnetically charged material carried by the respective one of the first side surface and the second side surface,
[0049] In yet another aspect, the at least one magnetically charged element located at the at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface is used to temporarily retain at least one tool used by the hair stylist.
[0050] In yet another aspect, the at least one magnetically charged element located at the at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface is used to temporarily retain at least one hair stylizing tool used by the hair stylist.
[0051] In yet another aspect, the at least one magnetically charged element carried by at least one of the first end surface and the second end surface.
[0052] In yet another aspect, a pin receiving member is carried by the top surface.
[0053] In yet another aspect, a pin receiving member is carried by the top surface, the pin receiving member being located on one side of the series of comb teeth.
[0054] In yet another aspect, a pin receiving member is earned by the top surface, the pin receiving member being located on both sides of the series of comb teeth.
[0055] In a first variant, the present invention provides an apparatus for aiding a hair stylist when working on a hair extension, the apparatus comprising: an elongated platform comprising a first side surface, a second side surface, a top surface extending between an upper edge of the first side surface and an upper edge of the second side surface, a first end surface located at a first end surface of the elongated platform and a second end surface located at a second, opposite end of the elongated platform; a series of comb teeth extending upward from the top surface, wherein the series of comb teeth are spatially arranged along an elongated direction of the elongated platform; and at least one magnetically charged element carried by at least one of the first end surface and the second end surface.
[0056] In yet another aspect, the at least one magnetically charged element is inlayed within the at. least one of the first end surface and the second end surface.
[0057] In yet another aspect, the at least one magnetically charged element is flush with the at least one of the first end surface and the second end surface.
[0058] In yet another aspect, the at least one magnetically charged element is proud from the at least one of the first end surface and the second end surface.
[0059] In yet another aspect, a covering material is placed over the at least one magnetically charged element located at the at least one of the first end surface and the second end surface.
[0060] In yet another aspect, the at least one magnetically charged element extends substantially along an elongated length of the at least one of the first end surface and the second end surface.
[0061] In yet another aspect, the at least one magnetically charged element is located proximate at least one end of the at least one of the first end surface and the second end surface.
[0062] In yet another aspect, the at least one magnetically charged element located at the at least one of the first end surface and the second end surface is used to temporarily retain at least one tool used by the hair stylist.
[0063] In yet another aspect, the at least one magnetically charged element located at the at least one of the first end surface and the second end surface is used to temporarily retain at least one hair stylizing tool used by the hair stylist.
[0064] In another variant, the present invention provides an apparatus for aiding a hair stylist when working on a hair extension, the apparatus comprising: an elongated platform comprising a first side surface, a second side surface and a top surface extending between an upper edge of the first side surface and an upper edge of the second side surface; a first series of comb teeth extending upward from the top surface, wherein the first series of comb teeth arc spatially arranged along an elongated direction of the elongated platform; and a second series of comb teeth extending upward from the top surface, wherein the second series of comb teeth are spatially arranged along an elongated direction of the elongated platform.
[0065] In yet another aspect, the first series of comb teeth and the second series of comb teeth are substantially parallel with one another.
[0066] In yet another aspect, the first side surface and the second side surface extend outward and downward from each respective edge of the top surface.
[0067] In yet another aspect, the first side surface and the second side surface are planar.
[0068] In yet another aspect, the first side surface and the second side surface are arched.
[0069] In yet another aspect, the elongated platform has a square cross section shape.
[0070] In yet another aspect, the elongated platform has a rectangular cross section shape.
[0071] In yet another aspect, the elongated platform has a rounded rectangular cross section shape.
[0072] In yet another aspect, the elongated platform has a trapezoidal cross section shape.
[0073] In yet another aspect, the elongated platform has a semi-circular cross section shape.
[0074] In yet another aspect, the elongated platform has a semi -elliptical cross section shape.
[0075] In yet another aspect, the elongated platform has a circular cross section shape.
[0076] In yet another aspect, the elongated platform has an elliptical cross section shape.
[0077] In yet another aspect, the elongated platform can be segmented allowing for expansion or contraction along the elongated dimension.
[0078] In yet another aspect, the elongated platform can be segmented allowing for expansion or contraction along the elongated dimension, wherein the segments include an insert element and a receiving formation.
[0079] In yet another aspect, the elongated platform can be segmented allowing for expansion or contraction along the elongated dimension, wherein the segments include an insert element in a form of a pin and a receiving formation in a form of a bore.
[0080] In yet another aspect, a pin receiving member is earned by the top surface.
[0081] In yet another aspect, a pin receiving member is earned by the top surface and extends substantially along the elongated length of the elongated platform.
[0082] In yet another aspect, a pin receiving member is earned by the top surface and extends between the first series of comb teeth and the second series of comb teeth.
[0083] In yet another aspect, a pin receiving member is carried by the top surface and extends substantially along the elongated length of the elongated platform between the first series of comb teeth and the second series of comb teeth.
[0084] In yet another aspect, an elongated pointed member of a pin is inserted through a portion of the hair extension and seated into the pin receiving member.
[0085] In yet another aspect, the pin includes a single elongated pointed member and a grip element.
[0086] In yet another aspect, the pin includes a pair of elongated pointed members.
[0087] In yet another aspect, the pin includes a pair of elongated pointed members provided in a formation having a U shape.
[0088] In yet another aspect, the pin includes a pair of elongated members and a grip element.
[0089] In yet another aspect, the pin includes a pair of elongated members extending in a same direction from a grip element. [0090] In another variant, the present invention provides an apparatus for aiding a hair stylist when working on a hair extension, the apparatus comprising: an elongated platform comprising a first side surface, a second side surface, a top surface extending between an upper edge of the first side surface and an upper edge of the second side surface, a first end surface located at a first end surface of the elongated platform and a second end surface located at a second, opposite end of the elongated platform; a series of comb teeth extending upward from the top surface, wherein the series of comb teeth are spatially arranged along an elongated direction of the elongated platform; and a groove extending along the elongated platform between the first end surface and the second end surface.
[0091] In yet another aspect, the groove extending parallel to the series of comb teeth.
[0092] In yet another aspect, the groove extending parallel to the series of comb teeth along a top surface of the elongated platform.
[0093] In yet another aspect, the groove extending parallel to the series of comb teeth along a top surface of the elongated platform at a location between the series of comb teeth and a respective side surface.
[0094] In yet another aspect, the groove extending substantially parallel to the series of comb teeth.
[0095] In yet another aspect, the groove extending inward from an exterior surface of the elongated platform.
[0096] In yet another aspect, the groove extending inward from the exterior surface of the elongated platform, the groove comprising two parallel surfaces extending between the exterior surface of the elongated platform and a bottom of the groove.
[0097] In yet another aspect, the groove extending inward from the exterior surface of the elongated platform, the groove comprising two parallel surfaces extending between the exterior surface of the elongated platform and the bottom of the groove, the two parallel surfaces being substantially perpendicularly to the respective exterior surface.
[0098] In yet another aspect, the groove extending inward from the exterior surface of the elongated platform, the groove having an inverted T-shaped cross section, the groove comprising two parallel surfaces extending between the exterior surface of the elongated platform and the bottom of the groove, the bottom of the groove having a widened portion.
[0099] In yet another aspect, the groove extending inward from the exterior surface of the elongated platform, the groove having an inverted T-shaped cross section, the groove comprising two parallel surfaces extending between the exterior surface of the elongated platform and the bottom of the groove, the bottom of the groove having a widened portion, the groove commonly referred to as a key-slot.
[00100] In yet another aspect, the groove extending inward from the exterior surface of the elongated platform, the groove comprising two non-parallel surfaces extending between the exterior surface of the elongated platform and the bottom of the groove, the two non-parallel surfaces diverging as the two non-parallel surfaces approach the bottom of the groove.
[00101] In yet another aspect, the groove extending inward from the exterior surface of the elongated platform, the groove comprising two non-parallel surfaces extending between the exterior surface of the elongated platform and the bottom of the groove, the two non-parallel surfaces diverging as the two non-parallel surfaces approach the bottom of the groove forming a dovetail shaped groove.
[00102] In yet another aspect, the system comprising at least one accessory that is inserted into the groove.
[00103] In yet another aspect, the system comprising at least one accessory that is inserted into the groove, wherein the at least one accessory is a sidewall extension platform.
[00104] In yet another aspect, the sidewal l extension platform is fabricated of a substantially rigid material.
[00105] In yet another aspect, the sidewall extension platform is fabricated of a substantially rigid plastic material. [00106] In yet another aspect, the sidewall extension platform includes a retention segment formed at an assembly end.
[00107] In yet another aspect, the retention segment of the sidewall extension platform formed having an L shape.
[00108] In yet another aspect, the retention segment of the sidewall extension platform formed having an L shape, a base of the L extending towards a platform support side.
[00109] In yet another aspect, the retention segment of the sidewall extension platform formed having an L shape, a base of the L extending away from the platform support side.
[00110] In yet another aspect, the retention segment of the sidewall extension platform formed having a T shape.
[00111] In yet another aspect, the retention segment of the sidewall extension platform is slideably assembled to the groove.
[00112] In yet another aspect, the retention segment of the sidewall extension platform is vertically inserted into the groove.
[00113] In yet another aspect, the system comprising at least one accessory that is inserted into the groove, wherein the at least one accessory is a sheet of a flexible material.
[00114] In yet another aspect, the sheet of flexible material is inserted into the groove and secured by a flexible sheet retention member.
[00115] In yet another aspect, the flexible sheet retention member is designed to be inserted and removable from the groove.
[00116] In yet another aspect, the flexible sheet retention member is an elongated member.
[00117] In yet another aspect, the flexible sheet retention member is an elongated member extending between a first end of the elongated platform and a second end of the elongated platform.
[00118] In yet another aspect, the flexible sheet retention member is an elongated member extending a length that is slightly longer than a dimension between a first end of the elongated platform and a second end of the elongated platform.
[00119] In yet another aspect, the flexible sheet retention member includes a backbone member and at least one retention member extending outward from the backbone member.
[00120] In yet another aspect, the flexible sheet retention member includes a backbone member and a pair of retention members extending outward from the backbone member in opposing directions.
[00121] In yet another aspect, the flexible sheet retention member includes a backbone member and a plurality of pairs of retention members extending outward from the backbone member in opposing directions.
[00122] In yet another aspect, the flexible sheet retention member includes a cap located along the backbone member.
[00123] In yet another aspect, the sheet of flexible material is fabricated of a foil.
[00124] In yet another aspect, the sheet of flexible material is fabricated of an aluminum foil.
[00125] In yet another aspect, the sheet of flexible material is fabricated of a wax paper.
[00126] In yet another aspect, the elongated platform can be supported by a stand.
[00127] In yet another aspect, the elongated platform can be supported by a pipe clamp based stand.
[00128] In yet another aspect, the elongated platform can be supported by a stand, wherein the stand is secured to a sink faucet.
[00129] In yet another aspect, the elongated platform can be supported by a support member comprising a flexible arm, wherein the support member is secured to a sink faucet and the flexible arm allows positioning of the elongated platform over a sink.
[00130] In yet another aspect, the elongated platform can be supported by a support member comprising a flexible arm, wherein the support member is secured to a sink faucet and the flexible arm allows positioning of the elongated platform at least partially over a sink. [00131] In yet another aspect, the elongated platform can further comprise a tubular support attachment member.
[00132] In yet another aspect, the elongated platform can further comprise a tubular support attachment member, the tubular support attachment member having an interior size and shape to engage with a stem coupler of a coupling assembly.
[00133] In yet another aspect, the elongated platform can further comprise a tubular support attachment member, the tubular support attachment member having an interior size and shape to slideably engage with a stem coupler of a coupling assembly,
[00134] In yet another aspect, the tubular support attachment member of the elongated platform is of a size enabling a user to grip the tubular support attachment member.
[00135] In yet another aspect, the tubular support attachment member of the elongated platform is of a size enabling a user to grip the tubular support attachment member, supporting the elongated member.
[00136] In yet another aspect, the tubular support attachment member of the elongated platform is of a size enabling a user to grip the tubular support attachment member, supporting the elongated member and transfer the elongated member between a first support, stand and a second support stand.
[00137] In yet another aspect, the tubular support attachment member of the elongated platform is of a size enabling a user to grip the tubular support attachment member, supporting the elongated member and transfer the elongated member between a floor/countertop support stand and a sink support stand,
[00138] In yet another aspect, the elongated platform can further comprise a tubular support attachment member, the tubular support attachment member having an interior size and shape to slideably engage with a stem coupler of a coupling assembly in an axial direction,
[00139] In yet another aspect, the elongated platform can further comprise a tubular support attachment member, the tubular support attachment member having an interior size and shape to slideably engage with a stem coupler of a coupling assembly. [00140] In yet another aspect, the elongated platform can further comprise an insert, located within an interior of the tubular support attachment member, the insert having interior size and shape to slideably engage with the stem coupler of the coupling assembly.
[00141] In yet another aspect, the elongated platform can further comprise an insert located within an interior of the tubular support attachment member, the insert having interior size and shape to slideably engage with the stem coupler of the coupling assembly, wherein an exterior surface of the stem coupler has a frustum shape.
[00142] In yet another aspect, the elongated platform can further comprise an insert, located within an interior of the tubular support attachment member, the insert having a frustum shaped interior sized to slideably engage with the stem coupler of the coupling assembly.
[00143] In yet another aspect, the stem coupler is pivotally positionable within the coupling assembly.
[00144] In yet another aspect, the stem coupler includes a ball joint, wherein the ball joint is pivotally positionable within the coupling assembly.
[00145] In yet another aspect, the stem coupler includes a ball joint, wherein the ball joint is pivotally positionable and lockable within the coupling assembly.
[00146] In yet another aspect, the coupling assembly comprising a housing having an upper clamping formation formed on an upper portion of an interior surface thereof.
[00147] In yet. another aspect, the coupling assembly comprising a housing having an upper clamping formation formed having a concave shape on the upper portion of the interior surface thereof.
[00148] In yet another aspect, the coupling assembly comprising a lower clamping member having a lower clamping formation formed on an upper portion of an exterior surface thereof.
[00149] In yet another aspect, the coupling assembly comprising a lower clamping member having a lower clamping formation formed having a concave shape on the upper portion of an exterior surface thereof. [00150] In yet another aspect, the coupling assembly comprising a base member.
[00151] In yet another aspect, the coupling assembly comprising a base member, the base member providing an operational function to the coupling assembly.
[00152] In yet another aspect, the coupling assembly comprising a base member, the base member providing an operational function to the coupling assembly, wherein the operational function includes a translation of a radial motion to an axial motion.
[00153] In yet another aspect, the coupling assembly comprising a base member, the base member providing an operational function to the coupling assembly, wherein the operational function includes a translation of a radial motion to an axial motion, wherein the radial motion is provided by an angular clamp controlling member.
[00154] In yet another aspect, the coupling assembly comprising a base member, the base member providing an operational function to the coupling assembly, wherein the operational function includes a translation of a radial motion to an axial motion, wherein the radial motion is provided by an angular clamp controlling member, wherein the angular clamp controlling member is a threaded member.
[00155] In yet another aspect, the coupling assembly comprising a base member, the base member providing an operational function to the coupling assembly, wherein the operational function includes a translation of a radial motion to an axial motion, wherein the radial motion is provided by an angular clamp controlling member, wherein the angular clamp controlling member is a threaded member having a conically shaped end.
[00156] In yet another aspect, the coupling assembly comprising a base member, the base member providing an operational function to the coupling assembly, wherein the operational function includes a frustum shaped feature formed on an interior upper surface providing a translation of a radial motion to an axial motion, wherein the radial motion is provided by an angular clamp controlling member, wherein the angular clamp controlling member is a threaded member having a conically shaped end.
[00157] In yet another aspect, the coupling assembly comprising a base member, the base member providing an operational function to the coupling assembly, wherein the operational function includes a frustum shaped feature formed on an interior upper surface providing a, wherein the radial motion is provided by an angular clamp controlling member, wherein the angular clamp controlling member is a threaded member having a conically shaped end and the translation of the radial motion to the axial motion is provided by engagement between the conically shaped end of the threaded member and the frustum shaped feature formed on the interior upper surface of the base member.
[00158] In yet another aspect, the base member is assembled to a support stem.
[00159] In yet another aspect, the base member is threadably assembled to a support stem.
[00160] In yet another aspect, the base member is threadably assembled to the support stem and secured in position by a locking member.
[00161] In yet another aspect, the base member is threadably assembled to the support stem and secured in position by a locking nut.
[00162] In yet another aspect, the base member is assembled to an upper support stem of a telescoping subassembly.
[00163] In another variant, the present invention provides an apparatus for aiding a hair stylist when working on a hair extension, the apparatus comprising: an elongated platform comprising a first side surface, a second side surface, a top surface extending between an upper edge of the first side surface and an upper edge of the second side surface, a first end surface located at a first end surface of the elongated platform and a second end surface located at a second, opposite end of the elongated platform; a series of comb teeth extending upward from the top surface, wherein the series of comb teeth are spatially arranged along an elongated direction of the elongated platform; and at least one platform extension member, each at least one platform extension member assembled to the elongated platform wherein a side extending panel section of the respective platform extension member extends a working height of a respective one of the first side surface and the second side surface. [00164] In yet another aspect, the at least one platform extension member is detachably assembled to the elongated platform.
[00165] In yet another aspect, the at least one platform extension member is pivotally assembled to the elongated platform.
[00166] In yet another aspect, the at least one platform extension member is pivotally assembled to the elongated platform by a pivot assembly.
[00167] In yet another aspect, the at least one platform extension member is pivotally assembled to the elongated platform by a locking pivot assembly.
[00168] In yet another aspect, the at least one platform extension member is pivotally assembled to the elongated platform, wherein each of the at least one platform extension member pivots between a retracted, stored position and an extended, in use position.
[00169] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method of supporting hair extensions, the method comprising steps of: placing hair extensions into a hair extension bar comb assembly, the hair extension bar comb assembly comprising: an elongated platform comprising a top working surface, the top working surface being substantially planar and extending laterally and continuously across a plane defined by top surfaces of a pair of elongated edges, and a pair of laterally spaced apart side surfaces, each side surface extending in one of (a) a direction substantially downward from each respective edge or (b) a direction generally downward and outward from each respective edge at an obtuse angle from a generally horizontal orientation, a first comb teeth row extending in a generally upward direction from a location on the elongated platform proximate a first elongated edge of the pair of elongated edges, the first comb teeth row extending in the generally upward direction from a position on the elongated platform that is one of (a) at the top working surface or (b) below the top working surface, and a second comb teeth row extending in a generally upward direction from a location on the elongated platform proximate a second elongated edge of the pair of elongated edges, the second comb teeth row extending in the generally upward direction from a position on the elongated plat form that is one of (a) at the top working surface or (b) below the top working surface, each of the first comb teeth row and the second comb teeth row having a multiplicity of spatially arranged teeth, wherein at least a portion of the multiplicity of teeth in one of the first comb teeth row and second comb teeth row is adapted to capture strands of hair of the hair extension therebetween, positioning a bonded section of each hair extension at a location between the first comb teeth row and the second comb teeth row, where a first portion of strands of hair of the respective hair extension is positioned between two adjacent teeth of the first comb teeth row and a second portion of strands of hair of the respective hair extension is positioned between a different two adjacent teeth of the first comb teeth row and the bonded section of the respective hair extension rests against the top working surface at least located between the first comb teeth row and the second comb teeth row; and applying a hair processing treatment onto the bonded section of the respective hair extension.
[00170] In yet another aspect, the gaps between adjacent teeth of the first comb teeth row and gaps between adjacent teeth of the second comb teeth row are located at one of proximate or passing across the top working surface of the elongated platform, the method further comprising a step of: positioning the first portion of strands of hair of the respective hair extension within the gap between two adjacent teeth of the first comb teeth row and resting a hair strand connecting element against the top working surface.
[00171] In yet another aspect, a third portion of strands of hair of the respective hair extension is positioned between two adjacent teeth of the second comb teeth row.
[00172] In yet another aspect, at least one of a color and a treatment are applied to the strands of hair of the hair extension while the hair extension is supported by the hair extension bar comb assembly.
[00173] In yet another aspect, backing support is provided to the hair extension during the step of applying at least one of a color and a treatment to the strands of hair of the hair extension, the backing support being provided by at least one of:
(a) the top surface,
(b) a first side surface of the pair of laterally spaced apart side surfaces, and
(c) a second side surface of the pair of laterally spaced apart side surfaces.
[00174] In yet another aspect, the elongated platform is supported by a support member
[00175] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method of supporting hair extensions, the method comprising steps of: placing hair extensions into a hair extension bar comb assembly, the hair extension bar comb assembly comprising: an elongated platform comprising a top working surface and a pair of laterally spaced apart side surfaces, each side surface extending in one of (a) a direction generally downward from a respective one of a first transition region or a second transition region or (b) a direction generally downward and outward from a respective one of a first transition region or a second transition region at an obtuse angle from a generally horizontal orientation, a first comb teeth row extending in a generally upward direction from a location on the elongated platform proximate the respective one of the first transition region or the second transition region, the first comb teeth row extending in the generally upward direction from a position on the elongated platform that is one of (a) at the top working surface or (b) below the top working surface, and a second comb teeth row extending in a generally upward direction from a location on the elongated platform proximate the respective other of the first transition region or the second transition region, the second comb teeth row extending in the generally upward direction from a position on the elongated platform that is one of (a) at the top working surface or (b) below the top working surface, each of the first comb teeth row and the second comb teeth row having a multiplicity of spatially arranged teeth, wherein at least a portion of the multiplicity of teeth in one of the first comb teeth row and second comb teeth row is adapted to capture strands of hair of the hair extension therebetween, positioning a bonded section of each hair extension at a location between the first comb teeth row and the second comb teeth row, where a first portion of strands of hair of the respective hair extension is positioned between two adjacent teeth of the first comb teeth row and a second portion of strands of hair of the respective hair extension is positioned between a different two adjacent teeth of the first comb teeth row; arranging and treating the hair extensions in accordance with at least one of:
(a) locating the bonded section of the respective hair extension to rest against the top working surface located between the first comb teeth row and the second comb teeth row' and applying a hair processing treatment onto the bonded section of the respective hair extension, and.
(b) securing a backing sheet to the elongated platform, locating the strands of hair of the hair extension to rest against the backing sheet, and applying the hair processing treatment onto the strands of hair of the respective hair extension resting against the backing sheet.
[00176] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method of supporting hair extensions, the method comprising steps of: placing hair extensions into a hair extension bar comb assembly, the hair extension bar comb assembly comprising: an elongated platform comprising a top working surface, the top working surface being substantially planar and extending laterally and continuously across a plane defined by top surfaces of and a pair of laterally spaced apart side surfaces, each side surface extending in a direction generally substantially downward and outward from a respective one of a first transition region or a second transition region at an obtuse angle from a generally horizontal orientation, a first comb teeth row extending in a generally upward direction from a location on the elongated platform proximate the respective one of the first transition region or the second transition region, the first comb teeth row extending in the generally upward direction from a position on the elongated platform that is one of (a) at the top working surface or (b) below the top working surface, and a second comb teeth row extending in a generally upward direction from a location on the elongated platform proximate the respective other of the first transition region or the second transition region, the second comb teeth row' extending in the generally upward direction from a position on the elongated platform that is one of (a) at the top working surface or (b) below' the top working surface, each of the first comb teeth row and the second comb teeth row having a multiplicity of spatially arranged teeth, wherein at least a portion of the multiplicity of teeth in one of the first comb teeth row and second comb teeth row is adapted to capture strands of hair of the hair extension therebetween, positioning a bonded section of each hair extension to rest against the top working surface at a location between the first comb teeth row' and the second comb teeth row, where a first portion of strands of hair of the respective hair extension is positioned between two adjacent teeth of the first comb teeth row and a second portion of strands of hair of the respective hair extension is positioned between a different two adjacent teeth of the first comb teeth row; and applying a hair processing treatment onto the bonded section of the respective hair extension.
[00177] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method of supporting hair extensions, the method comprising steps of: placing hair extensions into a hair extension bar comb assembly, the hair extension bar comb assembly comprising: an elongated platform comprising a top working surface, the top working surface being substantially planar and extending laterally and continuously across a plane defined by top surfaces of and a pair of laterally spaced apart side surfaces, each side surface extending in a direction generally substantially downward and outward from a respective one of a first transition region or a second transition region at an obtuse angle from a generally horizontal orientation, at least one comb teeth row extending in a generally upward direction from a top surface of the elongated platform, and a detachable coupling member that detachably supports the elongated member and a support member to one another, the detachable coupling member is of a shape and size enabling gripping and support of the entire elongated member assembly, wherein at least a portion of the multiplicity of teeth in the comb teeth row is adapted to capture strands of hair of the hair extension therebetween, positioning a bonded section of each hair extension to rest against the top working surface at a location proximate the comb teeth row a, where a first portion of strands of hair of the respective hair extension is positioned between two adjacent teeth of the comb teeth row and a second portion of strands of hair of the respective hair extension is positioned between a different two adjacent teeth of the comb teeth row; and applying a hair processing treatment onto the bonded section of the respective hair extension.
[00178] These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawings and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which follow.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[00179] Further objects and advantages of the present inventions are discussed in the connection with the detailed description of the embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
[00180] FIG. 1 presents an isometric side view of a first exemplary hair extension bar comb tool:
[00181] FIG. 2 presents an isometric view of an exemplary paddle comprising a magnetically attracting blade;
[00182] FIG. 3 presents an isometric cross sectional view of the exemplary paddle originally introduced in FIG. 2;
[00183] FIG. 4 presents an isometric view of an exemplary paddle comprising blade fabricated of a non-magnetically attracting material:
[00184] FIG. 5 presents an end view of a second exemplary hair extension bar comb tool having an alternative cross-sectional shape;
[00185] FIG. 6 presents an end view of a third exemplary hair extension bar comb tool having another alternative cross-sectional shape;
[00186] FIG. 7 presents an isometric side view of a section of a hair extension weft centered on a flat working region located between a first comb row and a second comb row of the exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 1;
[00187] FIG. 8 presents an end view' of the first exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 1, wherein the drawing illustrates how hair of the hair extension lays against and is supported by a sidewall of the first exemplary hair extension bar comb tool;
[00188] FIG. 9 presents an end view' of a fourth exemplary hair extension bar comb tool having another alternative cross-sectional shape, wherein the drawing illustrates how hair of the hair extension lays against and is supported by a sidewall of the forth exemplary hair extension bar comb tool;
[00189] FIG. 10 presents an exploded isometric assembly of a fifth exemplary hair extension bar comb tool, wherein the drawing illustrates an enhanced, expandable variant of the first exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 1 ;
[00190] FIG. 11 presents an isometric assembly of the fifth exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 10;
[00191] FIG. 12 presents an exploded isometric assembly of a variant of the fifth exemplary hair extension bar comb tool, wherein the drawing illustrates an enhanced, expandable variant of the fifth exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 10;
[00192] FIG. 13 presents a side view of an exemplary stand mount for the hair extension bar comb tool;
[00193] FIG. 14 presents a front elevation view of an optional desk mounting bracket for supporting any of the embodiments of the exemplary hair extension bar comb tools;
[00194] FIG. 15 presents a front, top isometric view of an optional faucet mounting bracket for supporting any of the embodiments of the exemplary hair extension bar comb too I s ;
[00195] FIG. 16 presents an illustrative view of the first exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 1, wherein the drawing illustrates an exemplary use of the first exemplary hair extension bar comb tool enabling a hair stylist to wash the hair extensions, while the hair extensions remain supported by the first exemplary hair extension bar comb tool; [00196] FIG. 17 presents an illustrative view of the first exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 1, wherein the drawing illustrates another exemplary use of the first exemplary hair extension bar comb tool enabling a hair stylist to blow dry the hair extensions, while the hair extensions remain supported by the first exemplary hair extension bar comb tool;
[00197] FIG. 18 presents an illustrative view of the first exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 1, wherein the drawing illustrates yet another exemplary use of the first exemplary hair extension bar comb tool enabling a hair stylist to curl the hair extensions, while the hair extensions remain supported by the first exemplary hair extension bar comb tool:
[00198] FIG. 19 presents an illustrative view' of the first exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 1, wherein the drawing illustrates yet another exemplary use of the first exemplary hair extension bar comb tool enabling a hair stylist to color the hair extensions, while the hair extensions and hair coloring backing sheets are supported by the first exemplary hair extension bar comb tool;
[00199] FIG. 20 presents an illustrative view' of the first exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 1, wherein the drawing illustrates yet another exemplary use of the first exemplary hair extension bar comb tool enabling a hair stylist to color a base portions of the hair extensions, while the hair extensions, and more specifically, the base portions of the hair extension are supported by the first exemplary hair extension bar comb tool; and
[00200] FIG. 21 presents an illustrative view' of the first exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 1, wherein the drawing illustrates yet another exemplary use of the first exemplary hair extension bar comb tool enabling a hair stylist to color and highlight or provide multiple colors to the hair extensions, while the hair extensions and hair coloring backing sheets are supported by the first exemplary hair extension bar comb tool;
[00201] FIG. 22 presents an end view of enhanced version of the exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 1, the enhanced version introducing a recessed magnetic tool support system; [00202] FIG. 23 presents a top front, side isometric view of the enhanced exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 22, the illustration presenting a paddle being supported by the magnetic tool support and enlarging the area of the hair strand support surface;
[00203] FIG. 24 presents an end view of alternative to the enhanced version of the exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 22, the alternative version introducing a recessed magnetic tool support system covered by a magnetically passive encapsulating member;
[00204] FIG. 25 presents an end view of another enhanced version of the exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 1 , the subject enhanced version introducing a first exemplary accessory receiving slot, the subject exemplary' accessory receiving slot retaining an exemplary accessory, the illustrated exemplary accessory being a sidewall extender;
[00205] FIG. 26 presents a top front, side isometric view of the enhanced exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 25, the illustration presenting the sidewall extender being retained by the exemplary accessory receiving slot and enlarging the area of the hair strand support surface;
[00206] FIG. 27 presents an end view of variant of the exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 25, the subject enhanced version introducing a second exemplary accessory receiving slot, the subject exemplary accessory receiving slot retaining another exemplary accessory, the illustrated exemplary accessory being a flexible sheet of material;
[00207] FIG. 28 presents a top front, side isometric view of the exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 27, the illustration presenting the flexible sheet of material being retained within the exemplary accessory receiving slot by a retaining element, the flexible sheet of material providing a barrier between any chemicals and the surface of the sidewall, the flexible sheet of material optionally being sized to enlarge the area of the hair strand support surface while allowing flexibility for the hair stylist;
[00208] FIG. 29 presents a top front, side isometric view of an exemplary slot- supported paddle for use with the exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 25 or the exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 27;
[00209] FIG. 30 presents an end view of yet another enhanced version of the exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 1, the subject enhanced version introducing a pair of pivoting extension member assemblies, the pair of pivoting extension member assemblies being illustrated in a retracted, stored position;
[00210] FIG. 31 presents an end view of yet the exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 30, the pair of pivoting extension member assemblies being illustrated in an extended, in use position;
[00211] FIG. 32 presents a top front, side isometric view of the enhanced exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 30, the illustration presenting the pair of pivoting extension member assemblies in the retracted, stored position;
[00212] FIG. 33 presents a top front, side isometric view of the enhanced exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 30, the illustration presenting the pair of pivoting extension member assemblies in the extended, in use position;
[00213] FIG. 34 presents a side elevation view of a slightly modified version of the exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 1 carried by a universal support stand detachable stem receiving assembly, the universal support stand detachable stem receiving assembly being designed to slideably engage with a top stem coupler member of a universal support system base coupling assembly, the illustration presenting the universal support system base coupling assembly being inserted into the universal support stand detachable stem receiving assembly;
[00214] FIG. 35 presents a side elevation view of the exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 33, the illustration presenting the universal support stand detachable stem receiving assembly being separated from the universal support system base coupling assembly for handheld operations or transference to a different universal support system base coupling assembly; and
[00215] FIG. 36 presents a partially sectioned side elevation view of the exemplary hair extension bar comb tool originally introduced in FIG. 33, the section taken along a centerline of the universal support stand platform support assembly. Detailed Description of the Present Invention
[00216] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
[00217] FIG. 1 diagrammalically illustrates a hair extension bar comb tool 110. A hair extension bar 111 of the comb tool 110 ("hair extension bar- comb tool 110") has a generally planar bottom or lower surface 124 and a parallel, generally planar top surface 126. The hair extension bar/platform 111 is sometimes referred to as a platform 1 11. Sloped sides 112, 1 14 of the bar/platform 111 depend from the planar top surface 126 at an obtuse angle 116a. This angle is approximately 60°. Two sets of comb teeth 120, 122 extend upward from upper surface 126 of the platform in a generally vertical direction. A lateral span 116c of the upper surface 126 is less than a lateral span 116b of the lower surface of the comb tool 110. In one embodiment, tool 10 is mounted on a stand 150 (FIG. 13) and is substantially horizontal while in use. However, the hair extension bar comb tool 110 is designed to be removed from the stand 150 (FIG. 13) at times to facilitate washing (similar to the process illustrated in FIG.
16) and drying (similar to the process illustrated in FIG. 17) and transporting of a comb- mounted hair extension 140 (FIG. 7). Each of the two sets of comb teeth 120, 122 are preferably formed having a plurality of elongated members or teeth extending upward from a backing section. Each of the two sets of comb teeth 120, 122 can be molded of a plastic material, cast of a metallic material, or formed of any other suitable material using any suitable fabrication process. Multiple combs can be placed in a row' to form each of the two sets of comb teeth 120, 122. The backing section can be inserted into a groove formed in the top surface 126 of the hair extension bar/platform 111. In an alternative configuration, each of the two sets of comb teeth 120, 122 can include a series of elongated members or teeth which are individually set into a respective bore formed in the top surface 126 of the hair extension bar/platform 111.
[00218] In general, the comb teeth 120, 122 extend the length of bar/platform 111. In FIG.
1 , a portion of the comb teeth 122 are represented by a series of circles. FIG. 13 shows that the lower surface 124 of the bar/platform 111 includes a coupler mechanism 139 which coacts with a complementary top stem coupler unit 151 supported by the stem 153, wherein the stem 153 extends upward from either a floor mount 150, a table mount 160 or a mannequin head mount or stand. The bar coupler 139 extending below' the lower surface 124 can be configured such that it fits on a stand for a mannequin head. Rather than a floor/table stand 150, 160, the bottom of the stand stem 153 or 163 may include a clamp-dow'n grip 166, 167 (FIG. 15), such that the hair extension bar comb tool 110 is mounted on a table top, countertop, shelf 720 (FIG. 14) and the like. When working near or requiring water 714 (FIG. 16), the hair extension bar comb tool 110 can be mounted on a pipe clamp based stand 170 (FIG. 15). In one embodiment of the comb tool 110, the hair extension bar/platform 111 is about 18 - 24 inches long. The bar or platform 111 includes a top planar surface 126 having a width 116c of about 2 inches and a bottom or lower planar surface 124 having a width 116b of about 3 inches. Comb teeth 120, 122 extend substantially vertically above the generally planar top surface 126 for a distance of about 1 inch.
[00219] The hair extension bar comb tool 110 is a hair extension tool that allows the stylist 900 (FIG. 16) to organize placement, color and cut and style the hair extensions 140 while detached and before attachment or re-attachment to the client's head. The hair extension bar comb tool 110 is a stylist's assistant without hands. There are many times where the hair extensions 140 need to have a refresh tone applied or need to be re-colored or glossed or treated (color or other treatment 942 applied using a color applicator brush 940 as shown in FIGS. 19, 20, and 21 ) and then blow dried (blow dried using a hair blower 920 as shown in FIG. 17) after removal and before reinstallation on the client’s head. This refresh/re-color and blow dry has become challenging for the stylist 900 and often requires two hands for the hair extension 140 and a third hand for the touch-up or colorization brush 940 and/or the blow drier 920. The hair extension bar comb tool 110 cuts refresh/re-colorization application time in half and produces an organized, clean system to keep the hair extension 140 in prime condition, that is, a de-tangled condition and gives the stylist 900 the freedom of creativity with color without a mess to clean up.
[00220] The hair extension bar comb tool 110 acts as a hair extension assistant without hands. There are six challenges in the hair extension industry and this hair extension bar comb system 110 provides a unique, inventive solution. Function: (a) color (FIGS. 19, 20, and 21) (providing colored hair 149), (b) rinse (FIG. 16) (providing washed hair 146), (c) blow dry (FIG. 17) (providing dried hair 147), (d) style (FIG. 18) (providing styled, such as curled hair 148), (e) organize the hair extension for re -placement and re-installation on the client’s head; and (f) storage of the hair extension for future use and for compact organization of the finished hair extension 140 for the consumer or the stylist 900.
[00221] The hair extension bar comb tool 110 is an extension system with five unique attachments that attach to a customized base that allows the stylist 900 to organize placement, color (FIGS. 19, 20, and 21), cut and style (FIGS. 17 and 18) while the hair extension 140 is detached from the client's head.
[00222] As a hair extension artist, there are many times the challenge has presented itself where the client’s hair extension 140 will need a refresh or tone not to mention recolor or a treatment (provided by applying color or other treatment 942). This is typically done during removal of the hair extension 140 because the hair extension 140 requires different treatment than the client's natural hair and usually requires two hands on stylist 900 to complete. With the hair extension bar comb tool 110 (FIGS. 19), this is no longer an issue. The stylist 900 will be able to use unused hair on a variety of people because they will now ha ve the freedom to color the leftover hair (colored hair 149) to match their next client.
[00223] The comb tool 110 can be enhanced by introducing a pin receiving member 184 to an upper surface 125 of the comb tool 110. The pin receiving member 184 can remain proud or be recessed within a slot or groove. The pin receiving member 184 is preferably sized and located to span between facing surfaces of the first set of comb teeth 120 and the second set of comb teeth 122. The pin receiving member 184 can be fabricated of any material suitable of receiving pins or other thin, sharp elongated objects. It is preferred that the pin receiving member 184 is additionally resistant to staining, deters retention of any fluids, and includes any other properties that would be helpful to hair treatment processes. For example, the pin receiving member 184 can be fabricated of neoprene, rubber, cork, or any other suitable material. The pin receiving member 184 can be fabricated of a plurality of materials, such as plastic laminated over neoprene, etc. The hair stylist can place a protective material over the pin receiving member 184, such as wax paper, a thin plastic, aluminum foil or any other suitable material to provide a barrier between any treatment compositions and the pin receiving member 184.
[00224] In use, the hair stylist can insert one or more retention pins 186 through the hair weft braid or the weft carrier 142 and into the pin receiving member 184 to retain the hair extension 140 in position on the comb tool 110. The retention pin 186 can be of any suitable shape. In the exemplary illustration, the retention pin 186 include a pair of thin, pointed, elongated members. The pair of thin, pointed, elongated members can be provided as individual elements or formed in a U shape. A small plastic formation can be overmolded at a distal (non-pointed) end of each of the pair of thin, pointed, elongated members. The small plastic formation can be used to assemble a third elongated member, wherein the third elongated member extends from the small plastic formation in a direction opposite of the pair of thin, pointed, elongated members. A pin head can be provided on a distal, free end of the third elongated member, wherein the user would grip the pin head or the small plastic formation when manipulating the retention pin 186. Alternatively, the retention pin 186 can be of a more familiar pin, the retention pin 186 comprising a single thin, pointed, elongated member having a pinhead provided on the distal, free end thereof.
[00225] The pin receiving member 184 can be arranged extending between facing surfaces of the first set of comb teeth 120 and the second set of comb teeth 122 as described above. An additional section of pin receiving member 184 can be located on an opposite side of one or both of the first set of comb teeth 120 and the second set of comb teeth 122.
[00226] When the comb tool 110 includes a single set of comb teeth, the pin receiving member 184 can be located on one or both sides of the single set of comb teeth. [00227] The pin receiving member 184 can include or be replaced by a magnetized material or magnetically attracting material to temporarily secure a hair extension 140 having a magnetic attachment design. In use, the magnetic attachment design would contact the magnetized material or magnetically attracting material, thus being retained by the magnetic attraction between the elements of the magnetic attachment design of the hair extension and the magnetized material or magnetically attracting material. Alternatively, the weft carrier 142 of the hair extension can be sandwiched between a magnetic or magnetically attracted material placed on top of the weft carrier 142 of the hair extension and the magnetized material or magnetically attracting material carried by the comb tool 110.
[00228] The hairstylist commonly employs tools to assist the hairstylist during one or more types of treatments of the hair extension 140. The comb tool 110 is enhanced by introducing a system for temporarily holding tools, such as a hair working paddle 190 (detailed in FIGS. 2 and 3). A magnetized member (sidewall segment) 180 can be integrated into the comb tool 110. More specifically, in one example, one magnetized member (sidewall segment) 180 can be integrated into one or both respective sloped sides 112, 114 of the hair extension bar/platform 1 11. A magnetized member (end wall segment) 182 can be integrated into one or both end walls 113. The magnetized member (end wall segment) 182 can extend across an entire width of the end wall 113 (as shown) or be provided as a shape, preferably centrally located, (such as an exemplary magnetized member (end wall segment) 482 illustrated in FIG. 9).
[00229] The hair working paddle 190 is one exemplary tool. The hair working paddle 190 includes a hair working paddle handle 194 extending radially from a hair working paddle blade 192. A hair working paddle supporting magnetically attracted material 196 can be integrated within at least one of the hair working paddle blade 192 and the hair working paddle handle 194. In the exemplary' hair working paddle assembly 190, the hair working paddle blade 192 is inserted into a hair working paddle blade receiving slot 195’ of a hair working paddle blade assembly sleeve 195 as best illustrated in FIG. 3. The hair working paddle blade assembly sleeve 195 is inserted into a hair working paddle blade assembly sleeve receiving groove 191 formed at an assembly end of the hair working paddle handle 194. A hair working paddle assembly fastener clearance 198 extends through the hair working paddle handle 194, the hair working paddle blade assembly sleeve 195, and the hair working paddle blade 192. A hair working paddle assembly fastener countersink 198’ is optionally formed in the hair working paddle handle 194 at each of the hair working paddle assembly fastener clearance 198 to recess heads of the hair working paddle assembly fastener 197. The hair working paddle blade 192 can be fabricated having an optional hair working paddle blade protective coating 193 coating a hair working paddle supporting magnetically attracted material 196. The hair working paddle blade protective coating 193 protects the hair working paddle blade 192 from corrosion and the chemicals used to treat the hair extension 140. The hair working paddle blade protective coating 193 can also provide protection to hair stylists and others from sharp edges commonly associated with the hair working paddle supporting magnetically attracted material 196.
[00230] A magnetic attraction between the magnetized member (sidewall segment) 180 and/or the magnetized member (end wall segment) 182 and the hair working paddle supporting magnetically attracted material 196 is sufficient to retain the hair working paddle 190 in position against the sloped side 112, 114. The magnetized member (sidewall segment) 180 and/or the magnetized member (end wall segment) 182 can additionally be shaped to introduce a mechanical retention interface in addition to or alternatively to the magnetic attraction. In one variant, the magnetized member (sidewall segment) 180 and/or the magnetized member (end wall segment) 182 can be flush with the respective surface of the hair extension bar/platform 1 11. In a second variant, the magnetized member (sidewall segment) 180 and/or the magnetized member (end wall segment) 182 can be proud, respective to the surface of the hair extension bar/platform 111.
[00231] The magnetized member (sidewall segment) 180 retains the hair working paddle blade 192 of the hair working paddle assembly 190 in position during a process of treating a hair extension 140 (FIG. 7). The hair working paddle blade 192 rests against the respective one of the sloped side 112, 114. The hair working paddle blade 192 acts as an extension of the surface area of the sloped side 112, 114. The hair stylist can utilize the hair working paddle blade 192 to support strands 144a of the hair extension 140 during any application of a treatment, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 21.
[00232] The magnetic attraction is the preferred temporary attachment interface, as the magnetic interface is unlikely to be affected by chemicals used for treating hair extensions 140. .Alternatives, such as a dense hook and loop tape interface, a mechanical interface, or any other suitable interface can be employed to temporarily hold a tool in place on the comb tool 110.
[00233] In an alternative arrangement, the comb tool 110 can be inclusive or exclusive of the magnetized member (sidewall segment) 180. A hair working paddle 190A is an alternative to the hair working paddle assembly 190. The hair working paddle 190 A is fabricated of a non -metallic material, such as a molded rigid plastic. The exemplary hair working paddle 190A is manufactured as a unitarily molded product having a hair working paddle blade 192A extending upward from a hair working paddle handle 194A.The hair working paddle blade 192A would be placed against the sloped side 112, 114 and held by the hair stylist.
[00234] FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 diagrammatically illustrate alternative cross-sectional shapes for the hair extension bar comb 110. .As an alternative to the quadrilateral or trapezoidal shape of the hair extension bar comb tool 110 in FIG. 1 (an isosceles trapezoid shape), a hair extension bar comb tool 210 is introduced in FIG. 5. Like elements of the hair extension bar comb tool 110 and the hair extension bar comb tool 210 are numbered the same, whereas the elements of the hair extension bar comb tool 210 are preceded by the numeral “2”. The hair extension bar comb tool 210 is formed having cross section shape in a form of a rectangle with sides 212, 214 at right angles (90 degrees) to the top surface 126 or extending downward from the top surface 126. However, the absence of a slope 131 (dashed lines), referring to the sloped sides 112, 114 of the hair extension bar comb tool 110, may reduce the efficiency of the coloring task (adding color or other treatment 942) of the stylist 900 because the stylist 900 needs to pull out the hair away from the side 214.
[00235] In another alternative to the quadrilateral or trapezoidal shape of the hair extension bar comb tool 110 in FIG. 1 (an isosceles trapezoid shape), is a circular or partly elliptical cross-sectional shape 330, which is introduced in FIG. 6. Like elements of the hair extension bar comb tool 110 and the hair extension bar comb tool 310 are numbered the same, whereas the elements of the hair extension bar comb tool 310 are preceded by the numeral “3”. As for the circular or partly elliptical cross-sectional shape 330 variant of the hair extension bar comb tool 110, introduced in FIG. 6, the upper circumference (above mid-line 333) of the hair extension bar comb defines a reasonably large work region 327a to capture the hair weft braid 144 or the weft carrier 142, then the upper hemisphere of the hair extension bar comb in FIG. 6 may work reasonably efficiently. The circumferential distance 327a between comb rows 320, 322 should be adequately large to capture the hair weft braid 144 or the weft carrier 142 therebetween. The slope 329a may be adequate to permit the stylist 900 to apply color or treatment 942 to hair strands 144 of the extension hair 140 near, but not adjacent the hair weft braid 144 or weft carrier 142. A hemispherical shape may also be used if FIG. 6 is bisected at mid-line 333. It is understood that the hair extension bar comb tools 210, 310, 410, 510 (FIG. 10, 11), 610 (FIG. 12) can be supported by either of the stands/supports 150, 160, 170 illustrated in FIGS. 13, 14 and 15. The stylist 900 can use the hair extension bar comb tools 210, 310, 410 in the same manner as the processes described herein using the hair extension bar comb tool 110.
[00236] The lower surface 124 of hair extension bar comb tool 110 need not be parallel to upper surface 126, Although there is a benefit associated with a flat lower surface 124 when the stylist 900 washes the hair extension mounts on bar/platform 111 and when the stylist 900 carries the bar/platform 111, the lower surface 124 could be shaped in any form or manner. The lower surface 124 can include a shape to receive a mount for securing a supporting member. For example, in a design where the bottom surface 124 is not planar, the lower surface 124 can include a planar section of at least a size and shape of a mounting plate for attaching and detaching a support system, such as a stand.
[00237] The hair extension bar comb tool 110 can be made out of any durable material. The double set of comb teeth 120, 122 extend upward in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the upper flat surface 126 of the bar/platform 111. The sloped side surfaces 112, 114 depend from the upper flat surface 126 of the bar/platform 111 and arc angled to permit the stylist 900 or user to color (provided by applying color or other treatment 942) the hair 144 or blow dry the hair 144 using a hair blower 920. The hair extension bar comb tool 110 has, at its midpoint on the lower parallel flat surface 124, a coupling joint 139 (FIG. 13), which cooperates with a downward extending stem 151 (FIG. 13).
[00238] As indicated above, the hair extension bar comb tool 110 includes an elongated base 111, of various cross-sectional shapes (quadrilateral, a trapezoidal, isosceles trapezoidal, rectangular, rounded-rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, circular, semi-circular, hemi-spherical, semi- elliptical, and hemispherical elliptical a; see FIGS. 1, 5, and 6) wherein two comb teeth rows 120, 122, in parallel with each other, capture extension hair from a hair extension 140 on at least a portion of teeth of one of the comb teeth rows 120, 122 (FIG. 7). As discussed, all individual strands of hair 144a of the hair extension 140 may pass through gaps between adjacent teeth of one of the comb teeth row 120, 122 and captured by one portion of one comb teeth row 120 (FIG. 7 shows two-way hair capture (row's 120, 122), but one-way hair capture (row' 120) operates the same). A flat top surface 126 is helpful, but gentle curved surfaces 326 (FIG. 6), with sufficient top working region 327a, may also provide similar operational benefits discussed herein. The substantially flat top surface optimally has a lateral working region span of between about 0.5 inches and 4.0 inches, and typically about 1.5 inches. Sloped sides are operationally helpful and optimally provide a sloped working region of between about 0.5 inches and about 4.0 inches, and typically about 1.0 - 1.5 inches. The objective achieved by the parallel, spaced apart comb teeth rows 120, 122 is to provide a coloration process platform, which is working region 127, therebetween. Additionally, the sloped working region 112, 114 provides an additional coloration process platform.
[00239] The components of the hair extension bar comb tool 110 are generally classified as follows: a customized base attachment that fits onto a mannequin head stand. One 22-inch double sided, comb-like bar (bar 111 with comb teeth rows 120, 122, (FIG. 1)) with an 1-inch flat center work region 127 on top surface 126. As shown in FIG. 13, hair extension bar comb tool 110 will attach to base attachment. A second configuration of the hair extension bar comb is a 14-inch double sided, comb-like bar (bar 111 with comb teeth rows 120, 122, (FIG. 1 )) with a 1- inch flat center work region 127. The bar 111 that attaches to a base and stem attachment (FIG. 13). A third configuration is a 10- inch double sided, comb-like bar with a 1- inch flat work center region 127. A fourth configuration is a collapsible placement tool which consists of 18-inch full circular comb, 22 inch full circular comb, an 11 inch and 9 inch halfmoon comb. These will all connect and collapse for storage. A wig /toupee attachment with a 22 inch circular comb and a solid dome center for stability is another configuration.
[00240] As shown in FIG. 1 , hair extension bar comb tool 110 has a comb bar or base 11 1 with two rows of comb teeth 120, 122 spaced apart and defining a working region 127 on a top surface 126 of the bar 111. A short lateral working region 125 defines the periphery of the top surface 126 between comb row 122 and the edge defining top surface 126 and sloped surface 114. A similar short lateral surface is found to the right of comb row' 120 and the right edge of surface 126 and slope 112. Slopes 112, 1 14 define a third working region or working surface. [00241] FIG. 7 diagrammatically illustrates a double sided version of a hair extension weft 144 centered on flat working region 126 between comb rows 120, 122. Similarly, FIG. 8 diagrammatically illustrates two single sided versions of hair extension wefts 144, each having the hair weft braid or the weft carrier 142 located within the flat working region 127 between comb rows 120, 122. Similarly, FIG. 9 diagrammatically illustrates a single sided version of hair extension weft 144, having the hair weft braid or the weft carrier 142 located within a working region 427a between comb rows 420, 422 of the hair extension bar comb tool 110.
[00242] In FIG. 7, the distance between each comb tooth and the serially adjacent comb tooth is exaggerated to show that extension hair 144 is laid in a gap 121 provided between adjacent comb teeth. Individual strands of hair 144a are diagrammatically illustrated to show the utility of the flat working region 127 on top surface 126, the short side-lateral working regions and the slope 114. In use, the density of the hair falling from hair extension weft carrier 144 is too dense to show in the line drawings of this disclosure. In FIG. 7, the extension hair is placed in both rows of comb teeth 120, 122; however the extension hair may be placed in either comb teeth row 120 or comb teeth row' 122. Sometimes, pins are needed to affix hair extension weft carrier 144 to the top surface 126.
[00243] The illustration presented in FIG. 8 demonstrates how the sloped sides 112, 114 backs or supports the strands of hair 144a of the hair extension 140. The support provided by the sloped sides 112, 114 enables the hair stylist 900 to apply pressure to the hair strands 144a.
[00244] The illustration presented in FIG. 9 demonstrates how an arched side surface 412, 414 of another exemplary comb tool 410 backs or supports the strands of hair 144a of the hair extension 140. The fourth exemplary comb tool 410 includes a hair extension bar/platform 411 having an arched upper surface (preferably semicircular) 412, 414 and a generally planar bottom surface 424. The fourth exemplary comb tool 410 includes a pair of comb teeth 420, 422 extending radially outward from the arched upper surface (preferably semicircular) 426. A circumferential distance between comb rows 427a extends between each of the first set of comb teeth 420 and the second set of comb teeth 422. A portion of the arched upper surface (preferably semicircular) 426 extending downward from each of the comb teeth 420, 422 defines a slope 429a. The support provided by the slope portion 429a (comprising side surfaces 412, 414) of the arched upper surface (preferably semicircular) 426 enables the hair stylist 900 to apply pressure to the hair strands 144a.
[00245] The exemplary comb tools 110, 210, 310, 410 can be enhanced by introducing an extension feature, as presented in an exemplary extendable comb tool 510 illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. Although the exemplary comb tool 510 replicates the comb tool 110, it is understood that the concept can be applied to any of the exemplary comb tools 110, 210, 310, 410. Like elements of the hair extension bar comb tool 110 and the extendable hair extension comb tool 510 are numbered the same, whereas the elements of the extendable hair extension bar comb tool 510 are preceded by the numeral “5”. A hair extension comb tool extension 510a and the exemplary comb tool 510 comprise a number of like elements. Like elements of the extendable hair extension bar comb tool 510 and the hair extension comb tool extension 510a are numbered the same, whereas the elements of the hair extension comb tool extension 510a are succeeded by the letter “a”.
[00246] The extendable hair extension comb tool 510 includes at least one comb tool extension platform assembly insert receiving cavity 518, which can extend inward from one or both ends of the extendable hair extension comb tool 510. In the exemplary embodiment, the comb tool extension platform assembly insert receiving cavity 518 is similar in shape to the exterior surface of the extendable comb tool 510. The comb tool extension platform assembly insert receiving cavity 518 can be formed as a bore or cavity, having an end wall or formed as a hollow member where the comb tool extension platform assembly insert receiving cavity 518 extends through the length of the extendable hair extension comb tool 510. The comb tool extension 510a includes a comb tool extension platform assembly insert 519a, which is of a size and shape for engagement and insertion to the comb tool extension platform assembly insert receiving cavity 518.
[00247] The exemplary extendable comb tool 510 introduces an extendable comb tool padded top surface element 528, where the extendable comb tool padded top surface element 528 provides the extendable comb tool planar top surface 526. The extendable comb tool padded top surface element 528 can be fabricated of any suitable material, including any pliant material, foam, closed cell foam, any suitable polymer, silicone, rubber, silicone- rubber, plastic, laminated composite material, and the like. The extendable comb tool padded top surface element 528 provides several functions to the extendable comb tool 510. The extendable comb tool padded top surface element 528 provides a pliant surface for absorbing any pressure from the color applicator brush 940 or any other forces applied to the hair extensions 140. The extendable comb tool padded top surface element 528 enables insertion of pins to further restrain the hair extensions 140 from movement while being subjected to processing, during storage, or during any other applied force. The comb tool extension 510a would include a comb tool extension platform padded top surface element 528a to maintain consistency in shape and function with the extendable comb tool 510.
[00248] The stylist 800 or other user can insert the comb tool extension platform assembly insert 519a of the comb tool extension 510a into the comb tool extension platform assembly insert receiving cavity 518 of the extendable comb tool 510 to extend a length of the extendable comb tool 510. It is desirous that the cross sectional shape of the extendable comb tool 510 and the comb tool extension 510a be symmetric about a vertical section extending along an elongated central axis of the extendable comb tool 510 and the comb tool extension 510a. This enables the comb tool extension 510a to be inserted on each end of the extendable comb tool 510. Additionally, the comb tool extension 510a can include a comb tool extension platform assembly insert receiving cavity 518a, enabling assembly of a second comb tool extension 510a to the first comb tool extension 510a, providing more flexibility to the stylist 800 to obtain a desired length, while maintaining a compact storage size.
[00249] An optional end cap 560 can be assembled to each end of the final assembly comprising the extendable comb tool 510 and the any number of comb tool extensions 510a, wherein the end cap 560 provides an aesthetic end, and preferably a watertight seal. The optional end cap 560 includes an end cap assembly insert 569 extending axially from an assembly surface of an end cap wall 562. The end cap assembly insert 569 is of a size and shape enabling insertion and assembly to an exposed end of either of the extendable comb tool 510 and/or the comb tool extension 510a. More specifically, the end cap assembly insert 569 is of a size and shape enabling insertion into the comb tool extension platform assembly insert receiving cavity 518 of the extendable comb tool 510 and/or the comb tool extension platform assembly insert receiving cavity 518a of the comb tool extension 510a. A seal or other gasket material can be inserted between mating faces of the end cap wall 562 and the extendable comb tool 510 or the comb tool extension 510a.
[00250] It is understood that each of the at least one comb tool extension platform assembly insert receiving cavity 518 can be of any suitable cross sectional shape and depth. In a condition where the cross sectional shape were circular, it would be advantages to include at least two comb tool extension platform assembly insert receiving cavities 518 to avoid an unwanted rotational motion between the extendable comb tool 510 and the comb tool extension 510a, such as the extendable comb tool 610 and the comb tool extension 610a introduced in FIG. 12.
[00251] Like elements of the extendable hair extension comb tool 510 and the extendable hair extension comb tool 610 are numbered the same, whereas the elements of the extendable hair extension bar comb tool 610 are preceded by the numeral “6”. A hair extension comb tool extension 610a and the exemplary comb tool 610 comprise a number of like elements. Like elements of the extendable hair extension bar comb tool 610 and the hair extension comb tool extension 610a are numbered the same, whereas the elements of the hair extension comb tool extension 610a are succeeded by the letter “a”.
[00252] The exemplary extendable hair extension comb tool 510 and the exemplary extendable hair extension comb tool 610 utilize a comb tool extension platform assembly insert 619a having a circular cross sectional shape and the respective comb tool extension platform assembly insert receiving cavity 618 having a like circular cross sectional shape. To avoid any rotation due to either of the comb tool extension platform assembly insert 619a and the respective comb tool extension platform assembly insert receiving cavity 618 having a circular cross sectional shape, a plurality of comb tool extension platform assembly inserts 619a and the respective comb tool extension platform assembly insert receiving cavities 618 are employed in the extendable comb tool 610 and the comb tool extension 610a. The comb tool extension platform assembly inserts 619a can be fabricated of a dowel. The dowel can be fabricated of wood, plastic, metal, a composite material, and the like. The utilization of a circular cross section shaped comb tool extension platform assembly insert 619a and respective comb tool extension platform assembly insert receiving cavities 618 simplifies the manufacturing process when fabricating an extendable comb tool platform 611 of certain materials, such as a solid material, wood, metal, plastic, and the like, where the respective comb tool extension platform assembly insert receiving cavities 618 can be drilled into each respective end thereof. In the comb tool extension 610a, the bore can be drilled through the comb tool extension platform 611a, where circular cross section shaped comb tool extension platform assembly insert 619a can be inserted into one of the ends of the through hole and mechanically secured (such as by a screw, a rivet, etc.) or bonded in position (using an adhesive, an epoxy, a glue, or any other suitable bonding agent).
[00253] The end cap 660 can include a plurality of end cap assembly insert receiving bores 668, an end cap assembly insert 669 inserted into each respective end cap assembly insert receiving bore 668. The exterior surface can be sanded or machined smooth following assembly of the end cap assembly inserts 669 into the end cap assembly insert receiving bores 668. Alternatively, the end cap assembly inserts 669 can be inserted into end cap assembly insert receiving bores 668 that terminate internally within the end cap wall 662.
[00254] The flat working region 127 is needed to color (or re-color) or otherwise treat the extension hair near the hair extension weft 144. A “hair extension weft” 144 is generally defined as: “Machine wefted or machine weft hair extensions refer to products which have been sewn or ‘wefted’ to create the bundle of extensions. Loose or ‘bulk’ hair is fed through a triple-head sewing machine to add a reinforced stitch near the top (root) of the individual strands.” See “Hair Extension Types - Indique Hair” at <https://www.indiquehair.com/hair- extensions-types.html> (captured Mar. 11 , 2019); see also "WHAT ARE WEFT HAIR EXTENSIONS? Weft hair extensions are traditionally known as ‘machine weft’ which is one long piece of hair extensions which is sewn together.” at <https://www .humanhairextensiononline, com.au/blog/what -are- weft-hair -extensions/> (captured March 11, 2019). A "weft" 144 in the fabric industry is defined "(in weaving) [as] the crosswise threads on a loom over and under the warp threads to make cloth. [.As in] ‘weft threads’. Oxford online dictionary at <https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/weft> (captured Mar. 11, 2019).
[00255] Stylists 900 may or may not distinguish machine-made hair extension wefts 144 with skin injection hair wefts 144. However, all these hair extension wefts 144 need to be color-matched to the client's desired hair style. Hence, the need for coloring or re-coloring (application of color or other treatment 942) close to the hair extension carrier 142, whether that carrier 142 is polyurethane or keratin or a weft woven carrier, as shown in the exemplary illustration presented in FIG. 20.
[00256] Therefore, the hair extension bar comb tool 110 provides a flat surface at work region 127 such that the stylist 900 can carefully apply color or other treatment 942 to the extension hair near and adjacent the weft 144 or extension carrier 142 using a color applicator brush 940, as shown in the exemplary illustration presented in FIG. 20. Further, if the weft 144 or carrier 142 is not pinned down to the top surface 126, the stylist 900 can pull the weft 144 or carrier 142 closer to one comb row 120, 122 compared to the other comb row 122, 120. In this manner the color application is uniformly applied over the length of the hair extension 140 by a simple "pulling left" action by the stylist 900 or a simple "pulling right" action by the stylist 900. In FIG. 7, the dots represent further hairs from weft or carrier 144.
[00257] The sloped working region 1 14 and, to some extent, the flat lateral side region 125, permits the stylist 900 to better and more easily apply color or treatment to the remaining length of extension hair falling from the hair extension bar comb tool 110. The obtuse angle 16a (FIG. 1) greatly improves the application of color or other treatments 942 (FIGS. 19, 20, and 21). Further, extension hair strands 129 falling off beyond a lower edge of the slope 114 can be easily colored or treated by the stylist 900 using one hand (illustrated as the second hand 912) behind the falling or unsupported hair strands 129 and the other hand (illustrated as the first hand 910) holding the color applicator brush 940 (FIGS. 19, 20, and 21). In this sense, the hair extension bar comb tool 110 mimics the hair falling off the client’s head. In FIGS. 7 and 8, hair strands 144a are shown only to illustrate that the stylist 900 can flatten out the hair strands 129 falling over slope 114 to achieve nearly a one-on-one hair treatment. Of course, the slope 112 acts in the same manner as the slope 114.
[00258] It should be noted that the hair extension weft 144 need not be passed through both comb rows 120, 122. Instead, all the strands of extension hairs from the hair weft 144 can be placed through a single comb row' 120 for color or other treatment 942, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9.
[00259] In addition to color treatments 942, the hair extension bar comb tool 1 10 is used to wash the strands of hair 144a of the mounted hair extension 140 in a sink or tub 710, as illustrated in FIG. 16. The stylist 900 de-couples the hair extension bar comb tool 110 from the stand 150, 160 (see stand 150 in FIG. 13, stand 160 in FIG. 14, or stand 170 in FIG. 15) and places the hair extension bar comb tool 110 over a comer of the sink or tub 710. The strands of hair 144a of the hair extension 140 then fall into the sink 710 and the stylist 900 washes the strands of hair 144a of the hair extension 140 in the sink 710 using water 714 flowing from a faucet 712.
[00260] To dry the strands of hair 144a of the hair extension 140, the stylist 900 may re- mount the hair extension bar comb tool 110 onto the stand 150, 160 (or clamp the stand stem 163 on a table or shelf 720) and blow dry the hair extension 140, as illustrated in FIG. 17.
One hand 910, 912 of the stylist 900 holds a hair blower 920, drying hair 147, while the other hand 912, 910, of the stylist 900 holds open the strands of hair 144a of the hair extension 140 or uses a hair brush 922, drying hair 147. Further the stylist 900 can comb out the strands of hair 144a of the hair extension 140 mounted on the hair extension bar comb tool 110 without difficulty, such as by using a comb or the hair brush 922.
[00261] Similarly, the strands of hair 144a of the hair extension 140 can be styled, such as by using a curling iron 930, as illustrated in FIG. 18, creating styled hair 148. The hair extensions 140 are supported by the comb tool 110 mounted to the stand 150, 160, 170 (such as the stand 150, 160, 170 illustrated in FIG. 13, FIG. 14, or FIG. 15, respectively), freeing up both hands 910, 912 of the hair stylist 900 to form curls in the strands of hair 144a of the hair extensions 140 using the curling iron 930.
[00262] Some hair colorization uses portions of the strands of hair 144a of the hair extension 140 placed atop wax paper 944, as illustrated in FIG. 19. With the hair extension bar comb tool 110, the wax paper 944 is secured to or placed on either or both slopes 112, 114, a small segment of strands of hair 144a is drawn over the wax paper 944 and the stylist 900 colors (adding color or other treatment 942) the segmented hair thereon, commonly accomplished by using a color applicator brush 940. Multiple sheets of wax paper 944 are secured to the sloped surface 112, 114 or sloped surfaces 112, 114 which the stylist 900 will be placing over or already having the hair extensions 140 laying over. Using multiple sheets of wax paper 944 secured to the sloped surfaces 112, 114 enables the stylist 900 to separate a portion of the hair strands 144a from the entire set of hair strands 144a of the hair extensions 140 and apply color or other treatment 942 to that section without interference from other sections of the hair extension 140.
[00263] In certain applications, the customer may desire having multiple colors, highlights, etc. (provided by applying color or other treatment 942) applied to the hair extensions 140, thus coloring hair 149. The hair extension bar comb 110 eases the process of applying multiple colors, highlights, etc. (provided by applying color or other treatment 942) to the hair extensions 140, as illustrated in FIG. 21.
[00264] FIG. 13 diagrammatically illustrates one stand mount 150 for hair extension bar comb tool 110. Other mount systems, such as the table mounting stand 160 (FIG. 14) or the pipe clamp based stand 170 (FIG. 15) may be used. The bottom or lower surface 124 of the hair extension bar comb tool 110 can include a mounting coupler 139 that mates with a complementary top stem coupler unit 151. A height adjustment control 152 is a rotation-type grip lock which can be rotated to permit the stylist 900 to raise or lower the hair extension bar comb tool 110. Stem segments slide within each other. A lower stem 155 is movably mounted beneath a stem segment 153 with a second rotation-type height adjustment control 154. Tripod legs 156 illustrate one of the many stable floor stands 150 that may be used with the hair extension bar comb 110.
[00265] As an alternative to the tripod of the floor or table stand 150 may include a clamp based stand 160, which permits the stylist 900 to mount the hair extension bar comb tool 110 to a table or shelf 720, as illustrated in FIG. 14. See, for example, clamps in the U.S. Patent 286,662; and U.S. Patent 6,585,207. An exemplary table mount assembly 160 includes a complementary top stem coupler unit 161 for securing the damp to the bar coupler 139, such as via a mount adapter 850. The exemplary mount adapter 850 includes a mount adaptor body 852 having a mount adaptor receptacle 856 formed therein and a mount adapter assembly flange 854 located along an assembly portion of the mount adaptor body 852. A series of mount adapter assembly flange apertures 858 are provided through the mount adapter assembly flange 854. The series of mount adapter assembly flange apertures 858 are preferably arranged in a standardized pattern enabling the user to exchange the mount adapter 850 with any other existing mounting system assembled to a lower surface 124 of the hair extension bar/platform 111. The mount adapter 850 is preferably assembled to the hair extension bar/platform 111 using a number of threaded members, such as screws, bolts, or any other suitable mechanical assembly component. The mount adaptor receptacle 856 is of a size and shape to receive and retain the complementary top stem coupler unit 161. One or more exemplary mount adapters 850 can be offered, wherein each exemplary mount adapter 850 is designed to receive a specifically shaped complementary top stem coupler unit 161. A table mounted support assembly for the hair extension bar comb tool 110 includes a complementary top stem coupler unit 161 pivotally supported by a ball joint 164. The table mounted support assembly is secured to an edge of a table top, desktop, countertop (collectively represented by 720), and the like by a clamping system. The clamping system can include an upper clamp member 166 and a lower clamp member (not shown). The upper clamp member 166 and the lower clamp member are drawn together by a clamp pressure applicator 167. The ball joint 164 pivots within a ball joint receptacle 165. Once properly positioned, the ball joint 164 is retained in position within the ball joint receptacle 165 by a clamping force provided by a ball joint compression applicator 168. The complementary top stem coupler unit 161 can be adjusted to different heights by a sliding the stand stem 163 to a desired height and locking the stand stem 163 in position by tightening a height adjustment control 162.
[00266] In yet another alternative to the tripod of the floor or table stand 150 may include a pipe clamp based stand 170, which permits the stylist 900 to mount the hair extension bar comb tool 110 to a faucet 712 of a sink 710, as illustrated in FIG. 15. The exemplary pipe clamp based stand 170 includes a flexible stand stem 173. A complementary' top stem coupler unit 171 is carried at a free, distal end of the flexible stand stem 173. The flexible stand stem 173 enables the stylist 900 to reposition the complementary top stem coupler unit 171 to orient the hair extension bar comb tool 110 at any suitable and desired angle. The exemplary- pipe clamp based stand 170 can be adapted to include a ball joint subassembly comprising the ball joint 164, the ball joint receptacle 165, and the ball joint compression applicator 168, as previously introduced in FIG. 14. The ball joint subassembly provides additional flexibility for positioning of the hair extension bar comb tool 110. The exemplary pipe clamp based stand 170 is supported by a clamping system comprising a fixed clamp member 179, an adjustable clamp member 176, and a clamp pressure applicator 177. In the exemplary- embodiment, the fixed clamp member 179 is located at a distal end of the flexible stand stem 173; the adjustable clamp member 176 is slideably assembled onto the flexible stand stem 173 at a location proximate the fixed clamp member 179; and the clamp pressure applicator 177 is threadably assembled to the flexible stand stem 173 at a location proximate the adjustable clamp member 176. The clamp pressure applicator 177 applies a force to the adjustable clamp member 176 creating a clamping force between opposing faces of the adjustable clamp member 176 and the fixed clamp member 179. In the exemplary illustration, the opposing faces of the adjustable clamp member 176 and the fixed clamp member 179 include arched surfaces. The arched surfaces provide a more stable grip around rounded surfaces, such as a pipe, a faucet 712, or any other object located proximate a basin of the sink 710. Although the above description describes using the exemplary pipe clamp based stand 170 to support the hair extension bar comb tool 110, the exemplary pipe clamp based stand 170 can be utilized to support any of the hair extension bar comb tools 110, 210 (FIG. 5), 310 (FIG. 6), 410 (FIG. 9), 510 (FIGS. 10, 11). Any of the hair extension bar comb tools 110, 210 (FIG. 5), 310 (FIG. 6), 410 (FIG. 9), 510 (FIGS. 10, 1 1) would include the bar coupler 139.
[00267] Features of the comb tool 110 can be modified. A comb tool 1010, presented in FIGS. 22 and 23, is a first example of a modified version of the comb tool 110. The comb tool 110 and the comb tool 1010 are substantially alike, essentially rearranging the like components. The same elements of the comb tool 1010 as the elements of the comb tool 110 are numbered the same, except the reference numbers of the comb tool 1010 are preceded by the numeral “10”.
[00268] In the comb tool 110, the first set of comb teeth 120 and the second set of comb teeth 122 are individual pins seated within a respective bore. Conversely, each of the first set of comb teeth 1020 and the second set of comb teeth 1022 of the comb tool 1010 are provided as a single components, wherein the first set of comb teeth 1020, and the second set of comb teeth 1022 are connected to a first set of comb teeth backbone member 1030 and a second set of comb teeth backbone member 1032 respecti vely. Each of the first set of comb teeth backbone member 1030 and the 1032 are inserted within and secured via any fastening scenario (adhesive, a mechanical fastener, a clamping, etc.) into a comb backbone receiving slot 1019. Each of the first set of comb teeth 1020 and the second set of comb teeth 1022 can be fabricated of a molded plastic, a machined metal, a stamped metal, a or any other suitable material or combination thereof.
[00269] The comb tool 1010 includes a platform extension insert receiving cavity 1018, wherein the platform extension insert receiving cavity 1018 is similar to the comb tool extension platform assembly insert receiving cavity 618 of the extendable comb tool 610, introduced in FIG. 12; the platform extension insert receiving cavity 1018 enabling assembly and removal of extensions 610a to/from the extendable comb tool 610. The magnetized member (sidewall segment) 1080 is oriented to be parallel to the platform sloped side 1012, 1014 and seated within a magnetized member receiving recession 1028. The magnetized member receiving recession 1028 is slightly deeper than a thickness of the 1080, creating a platform sloped side recess 1015, as illustrated in the enlarged portion of the illustration. The depth of the platform sloped side recess 1015 is preferably substantially the same as a thickness of the hair working paddle blade 192 of the hair working paddle assembly 190, as best illustrated in the enlarged view in FIG. 22. In the exemplary illustrations, the magnetized member (sidewall segment) 1080 is located adjacent to the bar lower surface 1024 of the hair extension bar/platform 1011. The actual location of the magnetized member (sidewall segment) 1080 can be at any location along the platform sloped side 1012, particularly if the magnetized member receiving recession 1028 has a depth that is substantially equal to a thickness of the magnetized member (sidewall segment) 1080, The magnetized member (sidewall segment) 1080 can be retained within the magnetized member receiving recession 1028 by an adhesive bond, mechanical fasteners or any other suitable assembly arrangement.
[00270] In use, the stylize would position a distal edge of the hair working paddle blade 192 against the exposed edge of the magnetized member receiving recession 1028, as illustration in FIG. 23 then slide the hair working paddle assembly 190 laterally along the platform sloped side 1012, 1014, maintaining the distal edge of the hair working paddle blade 192 against the ledge defining the platform sloped side recess 1015 as illustrated in FIG. 22.
[00271] A comb tool 1110, presented in FIG. 24, is an enhanced variant of the comb tool 1010. The comb tool 1010 and the comb tool 1110 are substantially alike, essentially a slight modification of the like components. The same elements of the comb tool 1110 as the elements of the comb tool 1010 are numbered the same, except the reference numbers of the comb tool 1110 are preceded by the numeral “11”. The magnetized member (sidewall segment) 1180 of the comb tool 1110 is recessed into a magnetized member receiving recession 1128, A magnetized member cover 1189 is placed over the magnetized member (sidewall segment) 1180 and is seated within a magnetized member cover receiving recession 1129. The comb tool 1110 provides an arrangement where the magnetized member cover 1189 is flush with the surface of the respective sloped side 1112, 1114, as illustrated in the enlarged portion of FIG. 24.
[00272] In use, the arrangement of the magnetized member (sidewall segment) 1180 on the comb tool 1110 enables the user to place the hair working paddle blade 192 anywhere on the respective sloped side 1112, 1114. The magnetized member (sidewall segment) 1180 can be a single component extending along an entire length of the respective sloped side 1112, 1114 or a series of short components spatially arranged along the entire length of the respective sloped side 1112, 1114. When utilizing shorter magnetized components 1180, the shorter magnetized components 1180 can be inserted into a single recess or into individual pockets sized to receive each individual shorter magnetized component 1180. It is preferred that a single magnetized member cover 1189 would cover the entire set of shorter magnetized components 1180 inserted into the magnetized member receiving recession 1128. The magnetized member cover 1189 provides a barrier between chemicals used for treating the hair extension 140 and the magnetized member (sidewail segment) 1180, thus protecting the magnetized member (sidewall segment) 1180 from the chemicals, exposure to the environment, and any other corrosive scenarios. Each of the magnetized members (sidewall segment) 1180 can be secured within the magnetized member receiving recession 1028 using an adhesive, a mechanical fastener, or being entrapped by the magnetized member cover 1189.
[00273] The comb tool 110 can be modified to accept other accessories. A comb tool 1210 is illustrated in FIGS. 25 and 26. The comb tool 110 and the comb tool 1210 are substantially alike, essentially rearranging the like components. The same elements of the comb tool 1210 as the elements of the comb tool 110 are numbered the same, except the reference numbers of the comb tool 1210 are preceded by the numeral “12”. The exemplary illustrated version of the comb tool 1210 excludes any magnetized materials, such as the magnetized member (sidewall segment) 180, the magnetized member (sidewall segment) 1080 and the magnetized member (sidewall segment) 1180. These can be optionally included in the comb tool 1210, but are excluded for clarity.
[00274] The comb tool 1210 introduces a first exemplary elongated slot 1228, 1229 that extends along a length of a hair extension bar/platform 1211. The sidewalls or key slot elongated segments 1228 of the slot or groove are illustrated as being parallel, extending from the exterior surface of the flat lateral side region 1225 to a bottom wall of the groove. The key slot elongated segments 1228 can be parallel to one another or tapered in either direction. The top of the groove can be narrower than the bottom of the groove forming a dovetailed shape. The top of the groove can be wider than the bottom of the groove forming a funnel shape. The exemplary comb tool 1210 introduces a T-shaped (keyhole) styled groove, where a key slot transverse segment 1229 extends across a bottom of the key slot elongated segment 1228, wherein the key slot transverse segment 1229 is wider than the span at the bottom of the key slot elongated segments 1228. The key slot transverse segment 1229 can be used to restrict, an upward or undesired removal force of any accessory. A sidewall extender 1290 is one exemplary accessory that is temporarily assembled to the comb tool 1210. The exemplary sidewall extender 1290 includes a sidewall extender top transition segment 1295 extending between an upper edge of a side wall extender elongated retention segment 1298 and a like edge of a sidewall extender support panel section 1292, as illustrated in the enlarged view presented in FIG. 25. The exemplary sidewall extender 1290 is preferably fabricated of a rigid material, such as a plastic or a thin metal. A length of the exemplary sidewall extender 1290 can be determined by the designer or the end user. The exemplary sidewall extender 1290 can be provided to the user having an excessively long sidewall extender support panel section 1292. The user would trim the sidewall extender support panel section 1292 to a desired length.
[00275] In the exemplary illustration, the key slot elongated segments 1228 are substantially perpendicular to the flat lateral side region 1225. In the exemplary illustration, the sidewall extender 1290 includes a sidewall extender transverse retention segment 1299 at a free end of the key slot elongated segment 1228, wherein the sidewall extender transverse retention segment 1299 would be seated within the key slot transverse segment 1229.
Although the sidewall extender transverse retention segment 1299 is illustrated as a “T”, the sidewall extender transverse retention segment 1299 can extend in one direction from the key slot elongated segment 1228, forming an “L” shape. The direction of the foot of the “L” shape would be determined by the designer. Alternatively, the key slot elongated segment 1228 can be angled respective to the flat lateral side region 1225. The angle of the key slot elongated segment 1228 respective to the flat lateral side region 1225 in combination with the angle of the sidewall extender support panel section 1292can use geometry to aid in retaining the sidewall extender elongated retention segment 1298 within the groove defined by the key slot elongated segment 1228 exclusive of a need for the key slot transverse segment 1229.
[00276] The exemplary sidewall extender 1290 can include an optional flexible sheet hair support fluid collection section 1293 along a lower edge of the exemplary sidewall extender 1290. The optional flexible sheet hair support fluid collection section 1293 is an upward formation designed to collect excess fluids that run off the hair extensions 140 and the comb tool 1210.
[00277] The accessory retainer can be provided in any of a number of formats. The comb tools 110, 210, 310, 410 include a first exemplary accessory receiving magnetically charged element 180, 280, 380, 480 and a pin receiving element 184, 294, 394, 484. The comb tool 1010 includes a second exemplary accessory receiving magnetically charged element 1080. The comb tool 1110 includes a third exemplary accessory receiving magnetically charged element 1180.
[00278] The sidewall extender support panel section 1292 increases the surface area of the sloped side 1212, 1214. The hair stylist can utilize the sidewall extender support panel section 1292to support strands 144a of the hair extension 140 during any application of a treatment, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 21.
[00279] The comb tool 1210 includes a first exemplary accessory receiving groove. A comb tool 1310 presents a second exemplary accessory receiving groove. A comb tool 1310 is illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 28. The comb tool 1210 and the comb tool 1310 are substantially alike, with the only modification being the shape of a dovetail accessory retention slot 1328. The same dements of the comb tool 1310 as the elements of the comb tool 1210 are numbered the same, except the reference numbers of the comb tool 1310 are preceded by the numeral “13”. The exemplary illustrated version of the comb tool 1310 excludes any magnetized materials, such as the magnetized member (sidewall segment) 180, the magnetized member (sidewall segment) 1080 and the magnetized member (side wall segment) 1180. These can be optionally included in the comb tool 1310, but are excluded for clarity.
[00280] The accessory receiving groove of the comb tool 1310 is formed as a dovetail accessory retention slot 1328. The dovetail accessory retention slot 1328 includes a pair of diverging sidewalls. The sidewalls of the dovetail accessory retention slot 1328 have a span therebetween at a flat lateral side region 1325 that is narrower than a span therebetween at a base of the dovetail accessory retention slot 1328. The dovetailed shape of the slot 1328 retains accessories in both a lateral and vertical orientations, only enabling a longitudinal motion.
[00281] The exemplary illustrations, FIGS. 27 and 28 introduce another accessory: a flexible sheet 1390. The flexible sheet 1390 can be fabricated of any suitable material, including any foil, aluminum foil, wax paper, and the like. It is preferred that the selected material have properties that prevent the chemicals from passing therethrough, thus ensuring the chemicals do not contact or remain on the platform assembly sloped side 1312 of the comb tool 1310, minimizing cross contamination between different hair extensions 140. The flexible sheet 1390 is shaped to include a flexible sheet hair support panel section 1392, a flexible sheet top transition segment 1395, and a flexible sheet retention segment 1398. The flexible sheet retention segment 1398 is formed and pressed into the dovetail accessory retention slot 1328 by an insertion of a flexible sheet retention member 1380 into the dovetail accessory retention slot 1328. The dovetail accessory retention slot 1328 and the flexible sheet retention member 1380 can be of any suitable shape that will accomplish the desired function of retaining the flexible sheet 1390 to the comb tool 1310. The exemplary flexible sheet retention member 1380 includes a series of flexible sheet retention member fin segment 1383 extending transversely outward from a flexible sheet retention member central segment 1381. More specifically, the flexible sheet retention member 1380 includes multiple pairs of flexible sheet retention member fin segments 1383 extending in opposing directions from the flexible sheet retention member central segment 1381. A flexible sheet retention member cap segment 1382 is provided at an upper end of the flexible sheet retention member central segment 1381. The flexible sheet retention member cap segment 1382 restricts the flexible sheet retention member 1380 from being pressed to far into the dovetail accessory retention slot 1328. The flexible sheet retention member 1380 is preferably fabricated as an extrusion using a flexible material, such as rubber, nylon, silicone, or any other suitable material. The flexible sheet retention member 1380 is preferably of a length slightly longer than an elongated dimension of the hair extension bar/platform 1311, where, when inserted, the overhand provides an area that can be gripped by the hair stylist to remove the flexible sheet retention member 1380 from the dovetail accessory retention slot 1328 when desired.
[00282] Magnetically charged elements and grooves or slots are preferred as they can remain flush with the adjacent surfaces. Other accessory retaining configurations such as clips, pins, and the like can be used.
[00283] The accessory receiving slots can be used to support multiple accessories. For example, a hair working retaining paddle 1490 is a modified version of the hair working non- metallic paddle 190/3. The hair working retaining paddle retention segment 1498 can be fabricated of any suitable material, including plastic, a composite material, metal, etc. The hair working retaining paddle 1490 includes a hair working retaining paddle blade 1492 extending upward from a hair working retaining paddle handle 1494. A hair working retaining paddle transition segment 1495 is formed at an opposite end of the hair working retaining paddle blade 1492. A hair working retaining paddle retention segment 1498 is provided at a retention, upper end of the hair working retaining paddle 1490. The hair working retaining paddle retention segment 1498 is designed to be inserted into the accessory receiving slot 1228, 1328. The exemplary hair working retaining paddle retention segment 1498 has a linear shape, enabling the hair working retaining paddle retention segment 1498 to be inserted into the accessory receiving slot having any shape with a width that is equal to or greater than a thickness of the hair working retaining paddle retention segment 1498,
[00284] The previous versions of the comb tool include detachable arrangements to support accessories, such as extensions for the surface of the sidewalls. A comb tool 1510, as illustrated in FIGS. 30 through 33, introduces a sidewall surface extension arrangement that is affixed to a comb tool 1510. The comb tool 1510 and the comb tool 1010 are substantially alike, with the only modification being an introduction of a pivoting extension member assembly 1590. The same elements of the comb tool 1510 as the elements of the comb tool 1010 are numbered the same, except the reference numbers of the comb tool 1510 are preceded by the numeral “15”.
[00285] Since the sloped sidewalls 1512, 1514 are outwardly tapered, an extended length of the sloped sidewalls 1512, 1514 creates a significantly w ider bottom of the comb tool 1510 when compared to a bottom 1524 of the hair extension bar/platform 1511. This would impact costs, storage, etc. The comb tool 1510 provides a collapsible sidewall extension 1592 offering an enlarged work surface while retaining a reduced volume for storage.
[00286] .A pivoting extension member support panel section 1592 is pivotally assembled to the platform lower surface 1524 of the hair extension bar/platform 1511 by a pivoting extension member support panel hinge 1596. The pivoting extension member support panel section 1592 can be fabricated of any suitable material, including metal, plastic, wood, or any other suitable material, A first pivoting attachment member (not shown) of the pivoting extension member support panel hinge 1596 assembles the pivoting extension member support panel hinge 1596 to the platform lower surface 1524 and a second pivoting attachment member 1594 of the pivoting extension member support panel hinge 1596 assembles the pivoting extension member support panel hinge 1596 to the 1592. The pivoting extension member support panel hinge 1596 is preferably a piano hinge style to maintain the edge of the pivoting extension member support panel section 1592 against the respective edge of the platform assembly sloped side 1512, 1514. A pivoting control assembly 1580 retains the pivoting extension member support panel section 1592 in a retracted (stored) orientation (FIGS. 30 and 32) and in an extended (in use) orientation (FIGS. 31 and 33). The exemplary pivoting control assembly 1580 includes a series of aims pivotally assembled to one another by a number of hinges. The pivoting control assembly 1580 is assembled to the platform lower surface 1524 by a pivoting control platform attachment member 1581. The pivoting control assembly 1580 is assembled to the pivoting extension member support panel section 1592 by a pivoting control support panel attachment member 1582. Movement of the pivoting extension member support panel section 1592 is controlled by a pivoting control assembly first pivot arm 1586 and a pivoting control assembly second pivot arm 1587. The pivoting control assembly first pivot arm 1586 and the pivoting control assembly second pivot arm 1587 are pivotally joined to one another by a pivoting control assembly central hinge 1585. An opposite end of the pivoting control assembly first pivot arm 1586 is pivotally assembled to the pivoting control platform attachment member 1581 by a pivoting control platform attachment member hinge 1588. An opposite end of the pivoting control assembly second pivot arm 1587 is pivotally assembled to the pivoting control support panel attachment member 1582 by a pivoting control support panel attachment member hinge 1589.
[00287] The pivoting extension member support panel section 1592 is placed into the retracted (stored) orientation (FIGS. 30 and 32) by pivoting the pivoting control assembly first pivot arm 1586 and the pivoting control assembly second pivot arm 1587 away from a linear arrangement respective to one another. The pivoting extension member support panel section 1592 is placed into the extended (in use) orientation (FIGS. 31 and 33) by pivoting the pivoting control assembly first pivot arm 1586 and the pivoting control assembly second pivot arm 1587 into a linear arrangement respective to one another.
[00288] The comb tools can be supported by any of a variety of supporting systems. The floor or table stand 150 was introduced in FIG. 13. The clamp based stand 160 was introduced in FIG. 14. The pipe clamp based stand 170 was introduced in FIG. 15. Details of a portable support system 1600 are illustrated in FIGS. 34 through 36.
[00289] A universal support stand assembly 1600 can be employed by any of the previously presented support arrangements 150, 160. 170. The universal support stand assembly 1600 enables easy assembly onto a first universal support stand base subassembly 1602, removal from the first universal support stand base subassembly 1602, then use as a hand held unit or use when assembled onto a second universal support stand base subassembly 1602 of a different support arrangement.
[00290] The universal support stand base subassembly 1602 is supported by an exemplary telescoping table or floor stand. A telescoping assembly comprising a support stem 1653 slideably assembled to a lower stem 1655 is supported by a tripod leg assembly 1656. The telescoping movement is governed by a rotation locking height adjustment control 1654.
[00291] Details of the universal support stand assembly 1600 are best shown in the section view presented in FIG. 36. The universal support stand assembly 1600 includes a universal support stand platform support subassembly 1604 that is easily assembled to (as illustrated in FIG. 34) and separated from (as illustrated in FIG. 35) a universal support stand base subassembly 1602. A platform support gripping section 1610 of the universal support stand platform support subassembly 1604 enables hand held support as well as removable engagement with a top stem coupler member 1661 of the universal support stand base subassembly 1602. A platform support upper support sleeve interior surface 1632 is formed on either a platform support upper support sleeve 1630 (as illustrated) or as an interior of a platform support upper support segment 1620. The platform support upper support sleeve 1630 is slideably inserted and seated against a platform support upper support segment interior surface 1622 within the platform support upper support segment 1620. The platform support upper support sleeve interior surface 1632 is shaped to engage with a majority of an exterior surface of the top stem coupler member 1661. The longer the axial engagement between the surface of the top stem coupler member 1661 and the platform support upper support sleeve interior surface 1632, the sturdier the assembly. It is preferred that the exterior surface of the top stem coupler member 1661 is formed having a slightly tapered shape. This restricts an axial motion while maximizing any radial support. Grooves can be provided in the top stem coupler member 1661 to avoid an airtight seal and enhance removability.
[00292] A platform support gripping section 1610 has an extended tubular shape providing a sufficient surface for the hair stylist to grip. A pair of platform support brace member 1612 extends angularly between the platform support gripping section 1610 and a platform support brace member attachment flange 1614. The platform support brace member attachment flange 1614 is secured to the platform lower surface 1024 of the comb tool 1010. The platform support brace member s 1612 add stability to the comb tool 1010 over relying upon the interface between the platform support upper support segment 1620 and the platform lower surface 1024.
[00293] A bail joint 1664 is assembled to the top stem coupler member 1661 by a ball joint stem 1663. The ball joint 1664 provides omnidirectional motion of the top stem coupler member 1661.
[00294] A ball joint angular adjusting mechanism 1660 is carried atop any support arrangement. The ball joint angular adjusting mechanism 1660 includes a ball joint angular adjusting mechanism locking nut 1680 slideably inserted against a ball joint retention system outer clamping member interior surface 1666 within the ball joint retention system outer clamping member 1665. A bottom of the ball joint angular adjusting mechanism locking nut 1680 rests upon a top surface of a ball joint retention system base member 1670. The ball joint retention system base member 1670 is slideably inserted against the ball joint retention system outer clamping member interior surface 1666 within the ball joint retention system outer clamping member 1665. A ball joint retention system lower clamping formation 1687 is formed on a top surface of the ball joint angular adjusting mechanism locking nut 1680 and designed to engage with a bottom portion of the ball joint 1664. A ball joint retention system upper clamping formation 1667 is formed on an upper interior region of the ball joint retention system outer clamping member 1665 and designed to engage with a top portion of the ball joint 1664. A ball joint retention system base member clamping control surface 1674 translates a tangential motion of ball joint outer angular clamp controlling member 1678 into an axial motion of the ball joint retention system base member 1670. An inward direction of a tapered end of the ball joint outer angular clamp controlling member 1678 against a frustum shaped ball joint retention system base member clamping control surface 1674 generated a clamping force upon the ball joint 1664 and an outward direction of the tapered end of the ball joint outer angular clamp controlling member 1678 against the frustum shaped ball joint retention system base member clamping control surface 1674 releases the clamping force from the ball joint 1664. The axial motion of the ball joint retention system base member 1670 generates a clamping force between the ball joint retention system lower clamping formation 1687 of the ball joint angular adjusting mechanism locking nut 1680 and the ball joint retention system upper clamping formation 1667 of the ball joint retention system outer clamping member 1665 upon the ball joint 1664. The clamping retains a rotational position of the top stem coupler member 1661 to optimize the orientation of the comb tool 1010. [00295] In the exemplary illustration, the ball joint angular adjusting mechanism 1660 is assembled to a top of a stand support stem 1653 by threadably assembling support stem attachment threads 1657 to a ball joint retention system base member threaded assembly socket 1677. A ball joint angular adjusting mechanism locking nut 1680 can be used to inhibit a removal rotation between the ball joint retention system base member 1670 of the ball joint angular adjusting mechanism 1660 and the stand support stem 1653. A ball joint outer angular clamp retention member 1679 is threadably inserted/ removed against the ball joint retention system base member clamping control surface 1674 by threadably engaging with threads within a ball joint outer angular clamp retention member receiving member 1669. The ball joint outer angular clamp retention member 1679 retains the assembly between the ball joint retention system outer clamping member 1665 and the ball joint retention system base member 1670.
[00296] Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.
Reference Character Descriptions
Ref. No. Description
110 comb tool
111 hair extension bar/platform
112 sloped side
113 end wall
114 sloped side
116a obtuse angle
116b lateral span (lower surface)
116c lateral span (top surface)
120 first set of comb teeth
121 gap between adjacent comb teeth
122 second set of comb teeth lower surface flat lateral side region planar top surface flat work center region a reasonably large work region extension hair strands falling off beyond the a lower edge of the slope bar coupler hair extension hair weft braid or the weft carrier hair extension weft carrier a strands of hair washed hair dried hair curled or styled hair colored hair floor or table stand complementary top stem coupler unit / floor or table stand height adjustment control stand stem second rotation-type height adjustment control lower stem tripod legs clamp based stand complementary top stem coupler unit height adjustment control stand stem ball joint ball joint receptacle upper clamp member clamp pressure applicator ball joint compression applicator pipe clamp based stand complementary top stem coupler unit 173 flexible stand stem
176 adjustable clamp member
177 clamp pressure applicator
179 fixed clamp member
180 magnetized member (sidewall segment)
182 magnetized member (end wall segment)
184 pin receiving member
186 retention pin
190 hair working paddle assembly
190A hair working non-metallic paddle
191 hair working paddle blade assembly sleeve receiving groove
192 hair working paddle blade
192A hair working non-metallic paddle blade
413193 hair working paddle blade protective coating
194 hair working paddle handle
194 A hair working non-metallic paddle handle
195 hair working paddle blade assembly sleeve
195' hair working paddle blade receiving slot
196 hair working paddle supporting magnetically attracted material
197 hair working paddle assembly fastener
198 hair working paddle assembly fastener clearance
198* hair working paddle assembly fastener countersink
210 comb tool
220 first set of comb teeth
222 second set of comb teeth
224 lower surface
226 top surface
212 side
214 side
231 slope
310 comb tool
312 side
314 side first set of comb teeth second set of comb teeth lower surface top surface side mid -line a circumferential distance between comb rows a slope comb tool hair extension bar/platfonn end wall first set of comb teeth second set of comb teeth bottom or lower surface top surface a circumferential distance between comb rows a slope side surface magnetized member (sidewall segment) magnetized member (end wall segment) pin receiving member retention pin extendable comb tool a comb tool extension extendable comb tool platform a comb tool extension platform extendable comb tool sloped side a comb tool extension sloped side extendable comb tool sloped side a comb tool extension sloped side comb tool extension platform assembly insert receiving cavitya comb tool extension platform assembly insert receiving cavitya comb tool extension platform assembly insert extendable comb tool first set of comb teeth a comb tool extension first set of comb teeth extendable comb tool second set of comb teeth a comb tool extension second set of comb teeth extendable comb tool lower surface a comb tool extension platform lower surface 5 extendable comb tool flat lateral side region 5a comb tool extension platform flat lateral side region 6 extendable comb tool planar top surface 6a comb tool extension platform planar top surface 8 extendable comb tool padded top surface element 8a comb tool extension platform padded top surface element end cap 2 end cap wall end cap assembly insert pin receiving member A pin receiving member extendable comb tool a comb tool extension 1 extendable comb tool platform la comb tool extension platform extendable comb tool sloped side a comb tool extension sloped side extendable comb tool sloped side a comb tool extension sloped side 8 comb tool extension platform assembly insert receiving cavity8a comb tool extension platform assembly insert receiving cavity a comb tool extension platform assembly insert extendable comb tool first set of comb teeth a comb tool extension first set of comb teeth extendable comb tool second set of comb teeth a comb tool extension second set of comb teeth extendable comb tool lower surface 624a comb tool extension platform lower surface
625 extendable comb tool flat lateral side region
625a comb tool extension platform flat lateral side region
626 extendable comb tool planar top surface
626a comb tool extension platform planar top surface
628 extendable comb tool padded top surface element
628a comb tool extension platform padded top surface element
660 end cap
662 end cap wall
668 end cap assembly insert receiving bore
669 end cap assembly insert
684 pin receiving member
684A pin receiving member
810 sink or tub
812 faucet
814 water
820 table top, desktop, countertop
850 mount adapter
852 mount adaptor body¬
854 mount adapter assembly flange
856 mount adaptor receptacle
858 mount adapter assembly flange aperture 00 stylist 10 stylist first hand 12 stylist second hand 20 hair blower 22 hair brush 30 curling iron 40 color applicator brush
942 color or other treatment 44 wax or other backing paper
1010 comb tool
101 1 hair extension bar/platform 1012 platform sloped side
1013 platform end wall
1014 platform sloped side
1015 platform sloped side recess
1018 platform extension insert receiving cavity
1019 comb backbone receiving slot
1020 first set of comb teeth
1022 second set of comb teeth
1024 platform lower surface
1025 flat lateral side region
1026 planar top surface
1028 magnetized member receiving recession
1030 first set of comb teeth backbone member
1032 second set of comb teeth backbone member
1080 magnetized member (sidewall segment)
1084 pin receiving member
1110 comb tool
1111 hair extension bar/platform
1112 platform assembly sloped side
1114 platform sloped side
1118 platform extension insert receiving cavity
1119 comb backbone receiving slot
1120 first set of comb teeth
1122 second set of comb teeth
1124 bar lower surface
1125 flat lateral side region
1126 planar top surface
1128 magnetized member receiving recession
1129 magnetized member cover receiving recession
1130 first set of comb teeth backbone member
1132 second set of comb teeth backbone member
1180 magnetized member (side wall segment)
1184 pin receiving member 1189 magnetically passive encapsulating member
1210 comb tool
1211 hair extension bar/platform
1212 platform assembly sloped side
1213 platform end wall
1214 platform sloped side
1218 platform extension insert receiving cavity
1219 comb backbone receiving slot
1220 first set of comb teeth
1222 second set of comb teeth
1224 bar lower surface
1225 flat lateral side region
1226 planar top surface
1228 key slot elongated segment
1229 key slot transverse segment
1230 first set of comb teeth backbone member
1232 second set of comb teeth backbone member
1284 pin receiving member
1290 sidewall extender
1292 sidewall extender support panel section
1293 flexible sheet hair support fluid collection section
1295 sidewall extender top transition segment
1298 sidewall extender elongated retention segment
1299 sidewall extender transverse retention segment
1310 comb tool
1311 hair extension bar/platform
1312 platform assembly sloped side
1313 platform end wall
1314 platform sloped side
1318 platform extension insert receiving cavity
1319 comb backbone receiving slot
1320 first set of comb teeth
1322 second set of comb teeth 1324 bar lower surface
1325 flat lateral side region
1326 planar top surface
1328 dovetail slot dovetail accessory retention slot
1330 first set of comb teeth backbone member
1332 second set of comb teeth backbone member
1380 flexible sheet retention member
1381 flexible sheet retention member central segment
1382 flexible sheet retention member cap segment
1383 flexible sheet retention member fin segment
1384 pin receiving member
1390 flexible sheet
1392 flexible sheet hair support panel section
1395 flexible sheet top transition segment
1398 flexible sheet retention segment
1490 hair working retaining paddle
1492 hair working retaining paddle blade
1494 hair working retaining paddle handle
1495 hair working retaining paddle transition segment
1498 hair working retaining paddle retention segment
1510 comb tool
1511 hair extension bar/platform
1512 platform assembly sloped side
1513 platform end wall
1514 platform sloped side
1518 platform extension insert receiving cavity
1519 comb backbone receiving slot
1520 first set of comb teeth
1522 second set of comb teeth
1524 platform lower surface
1525 flat lateral side region
1526 planar top surface
1530 first set of comb teeth backbone member 1532 second set of comb teeth backbone member
1580 pivoting control assembly
1581 pivoting control platform attachment member
1582 pivoting control support panel attachment member
1584 pin receiving member
1585 pivoting control assembly central hinge
1586 pivoting control assembly first pivot arm
1587 pivoting control assembly second pivot arm
1588 pivoting control platform attachment member hinge
1589 pivoting control support panel attachment member hinge
1590 pivoting extension member assembly
1592 pivoting extension member support panel section
1594 pivoting extension member support panel attachment bracket
1596 pivoting extension member support panel hinge
1600 universal support stand platform support assembly
1602 universal support system base coupling assembly
1604 universal support stand detachable stem receiving assembly
1610 platform support gripping section
1612 platform support brace member
1614 platform support brace member attachment flange
1620 platform support tipper support segment
1622 platform support upper support segment interior surface
1630 platform support upper support sleeve
1632 platform support upper support sleeve interior surface
1653 support stem
1654 rotation locking height adjustment control
1655 lower stem
1656 tripod leg assembly
1657 support stem attachment threads
1660 ball joint angular adjusting mechani sm
1661 top stem coupler member
1663 ball joint stem
1664 ball joint 1665 ball joint retention system outer clamping member
1666 ball joint retention system outer clamping member interior surface
1667 ball joint retention sy stem upper clamping formation
1669 ball joint outer angular clamp retention member receiving member
1670 ball joint retention system base member
1674 ball joint retention system base member clamping control surface
1677 ball joint retention system base member threaded assembly socket
1678 ball joint outer angular clamp controlling member
1679 ball joint outer angular clamp retention member
1680 ball joint retention system lower clamping member
1687 ball joint retention system lower clamping formation
1688 ball joint angular adjusting mechanism locking nut

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:
1. A hair extension support platform (110, 410, 510, 610, 1010, 1110, 1210, 1310, 1510) comprising: an elongated platform (111, 411, 511, 611, 1011, 1111, 1211, 1311, 1511) comprising a top working surface (126, 426, 526, 626, 1026, 1126, 1226, 1326, 1526 ), a first side surface (112, 412, 512, 612, 1012, 1112, 1212, 1312, 1512) having an upper edge that is contiguous with a first edge of the top working surface (126, 426, 526, 626, 1026, 1126, 1226, 1326, 1526), and a second side surface fl 14, 414, 514, 614, 1014, 1114, 1214, 1314, 1514) having an upper edge that is contiguous with a second edge of the top working surface (126, 426, 526, 626, 1026, 1126, 1226, 1326, 1526), the elongated platform (111, 411, 511, 611, 1011, 1111, 1211, 1311, 1511) having an upper span dimensioned between the upper edge of the first side surface (112, 412, 512, 612, 1012, 1112, 1212, 1312, 1512) and the upper edge of the second side surface (114, 414, 514, 614, 1014, 1114, 1214, 1314, 1514) and a lower span dimensioned between a lower edge of the first side surface (112, 412, 512, 612, 1012, 1112, 1212, 1312, 1512) and a lower edge of the second side surface (114, 414, 514, 614, 1014, 1114, 1214, 1314, 1514), the upper span being smaller than the lower span, a series of comb teeth (120, 420, 520, 620, 1020, 1120, 1220, 1320, 1520) extending in a generally upward direction from the top working surface (126, 426, 526, 626, 1026, 1126, 1226, 1326, 1526), wherein at least a portion of a multiplicity of teeth of the series of comb teeth (120, 420, 520, 620, 1020, 1120, 1220, 1320, 1520) is adapted to capture strands of hair (144a) of a hair extension (140) therebetween, an accessory retention feature (180, 182, 184, 480, 482, 484, 584, 684, 1080, 1084, 1180, 1184, 1228, 1284, 1328, 1384, 1580, 1584), wherein the accessory retention feature (180, 182. 184, 480. 482, 484. 584, 684. 1080, 1084, 1180. 1184, 1284, 1228, 1328, 1580) is at least one of: a pin receiving member (184, 484, 584, 684, 1084, 1184, 1284, 1384, 1584) fabricated of a material having properties enabling insertion of pins (186, 486), an accessory retention feature (1228, 1328) located on the top working surface (1226, 1326) at a location between the series of comb teeth (1220, 1320) and the proximately adjacent upper edge of the respective one of the first side surface (1212, 1312) or the second side surface (1214, 1314), an accessory retention feature (180, 480, 1080, 1180) located along at least one of the first side surface (112, 412, 1012, 1112) and the second side surface (114, 414, 1014, 1114), an accessory retention feature (182, 482) located along at least one of the first end wall surface (113, 413) and the second end wail surface (113, 413), a pivoting control assembly (1580) assembled to the elongated platform (1510) wherein the pivoting control assembly (1580) pivots a pivoting extension member support panel section (1592) between a retracted orientation and an extended orientation.
2. The hair extension support platform (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 1010, 1110, 1210, 1310, 1510) as recited in claim 1, wherein the first side surface (112, 412, 512, 612, 1012, 1112, 1212, 1312, 1512) is sloped and the second side surface (114, 414, 514, 614, 1014, 1114, 1214, 1314, 1514) is sloped.
3. The hair extension support platform (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 1010, 1110, 1210, 1310, 1510) as recited in one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the elongated member (511, 611, 1011, 1111, 1211, 1311, 1511) includes at least one extension coupling element (518, 618, 1018, 1118, 1218, 1318, 1518), the extension coupling element is designed to receive and retain a hair extension support platform extending member (510a, 610a).
4. The hair extension support platform (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 1010, 1110, 1210, 1310, 1510) as recited in one of claims 1 through 3, further comprising a second series of comb teeth (122, 422, 522, 622, 1022, 1122, 1222, 1322, 1522) extending in a generally upward direction from the top working surface (126, 426, 526, 626, 1026, 1126, 1226, 1326, 1526), wherein at least a portion of a multiplicity of teeth of the second series of comb teeth (122, 422, 522, 622, 1022, 1122, 1222, 1322, 1522) is adapted to capture strands of hair (144a) of a hair extension (140) therebetween.
5. The hair extension support platform (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 1010, 1110, 1210, 1310, 1510) as recited in one of claims 1 through 4, wherein the accessory retention feature (1228, 1328) inchides at least one slot (1228, 1328).
6. The hair extension support platform (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 1010, 1110, 1210, 1310, 1510) as recited in at least one of claims 1 through 5, the hair extension support platform (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 1010, 1110, 1210, 1310, 1510) further comprising at least one accessory (190, 190A), wherein the at least one accessory (190, 190A) is at least one of: a) a paddle (190, 190A), b) a paddle (190) comprising a blade (192) fabricated of a magnetically attracted material (196), c) a paddle (190) comprising a blade (192) fabricated of a magnetically attracted material (196) coated with a non-magnetic material (193), and d) a paddle (190A) comprising a blade (192A fabricated of a non-magnetically attracted material.
7. The hair extension support platform (1210, 1310) as recited in at least one of claims 1 through 5, wherein the accessory retention feature is a slot, the hair extension support platform (1210, 1310) further comprising at least one accessory (1290, 1380, 1390, 1490), wherein the at least one accessory (1290, 1380, 1390, 1490) is at least one of: a) a paddle (1490) comprising a retention feature (1498) formed at a distal end of a blade (1492), the blade retention feature (1498) designed to be inserted into the slot (1228, 1328), b) a sheet of flexible material (1390) and a flexible sheet retention member (1380), the flexible sheet retention member (1380) designed to entrap a section (1398) of the sheet of flexible material (1390) within the slot (1228, 1328), c) a sidewall extender (1290) comprising a retention segment (1298) formed at a distal end of the sidewall extender (1290), the retention segment (1298) designed to be inserted into the slot (1228, 1328), and d) a sidewall extender (1290) comprising a retention segment (1298) formed at a distal end of the sidewall extender (1290) and a fluid collection formation (1299) along a bottom edge of the sidewall extender (1290), the retention segment (1298) designed to be inserted into the slot (1228, 1328).
8. The hair extension support platform (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 1010, 1110, 1210, 1310, 1510) as recited in at least one of claims 1 through 7, the accessory retention feature (180, 480, 1080, 1180) located along at least one of the first side surface (112, 412, 1012, 1112) and the second side surface (114, 414, 1014, 1114), the accessory retention feature (180, 480, 1080, 1180) including a magnetically charged element (180, 480, 1080, 1180), the magnetically charged element (180, 480, 1080, 1180) being at least one of: a) embedded within the at least one of the first side surface (112, 412, 1012, 1112) and the second side surface (114, 414, 1014, 1114), b) embedded within a groove formed within the at least one of the first side surface (112, 412, 1012, 1112) and the second side surface (114, 414, 1014, 1114), c) embedded within a recess (1128) formed within the at least one of the first side surface (112, 412, 1012, 1112) and the second side surface (114, 414, 1014, 1114), d) embedded within a rabbet (1028) formed within the at least one of the first side surface (1012) and the second side surface (1014), e) embedded within a rabbet (1028) formed within the at least one of the first side surface (1012) and the second side surface (1014), wherein an exposed surface of the magnetically charged element (####) is recessed from the respective one of the first side surface (112, 412, 1012, 1112) and the second side surface (114, 414, 1014, 1114), f) embedded within a rabbet (1028) formed within the at least one of the first side surface (1012) and the second side surface (1014), wherein an exposed surface of the magnetically charged element (180, 480, 1080, 1180) is recessed from the respective one of the first side surface (112, 412, 1012, 1112) and the second side surface (114, 414, 1014, 1114) at a dimension that is substantially equal to a thickness of a blade (192) of a paddle (190), and g) embedded within a recess (1128) formed within the at least one of the first side surface (1112) and the second side surface (1114) and covered with a magnetically passive encapsulating member (1189) embedded within a second recess (1129).
9. The hair extension support platform (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 1010, 1110, 1210, 1310, 1510) as recited in at least one of claims 1 through 8, further comprising a universal support stand detachable stem receiving assembly (1604) assembled to a bottom surface (125, 424, 524, 624, 1024, 2424, 1224, 1324, 1524) of the elongated platform (111, 411, 511, 611, 1011, 1111, 1211, 1311, 1511).
10. The hair extension support platform (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 1010, 1110, 1210, 1310, 1510) as recited in claim 9, the universal support stand detachable stem receiving assembly (1604) further comprising an elongated member (1610) located below and oriented substantially perpendicularly to the elongated platform (111, 411, 511, 611, 1011, 1111, 1211, 1311, 1511).
11. The hair extension support platform (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 1010, 1110, 1210, 1310, 1510) as recited in claim 10, further comprising a tapered cavity formed within an interior of the elongated member (1610).
12. The hair extension support platform (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 1010, 1110, 1210, 1310, 1510) as recited in one of claims 1 through 11, further comprising a support assembly (150, 160, 170, 1602), the support assembly (150, 160, 170, 1602) comprising at least one of: a) a telescoping support member (153, 154, 155, 1653, 1654, 1655), b) a top stem coupler member (1661), c) a tapered top stem coupler member (1661), d) an omnidirectional joint (1660) enabling omnipositioning of the top stem coupler member (1661), e) a flexible support member (173), f) a tripod stand (156, 1656), g) a countertop clamp (166), and h) a pipe clamp (176, 177, 179).
13. A method of using the hair extension support platform (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 1010, 1110, 1210, 1310, 1510) as recited in one of claims 1 through 12, the method comprising steps of: securing an accessory (190, 192, 1290, 1390, 1490, 1590) to the elongated platform (111, 411, 511, 611, 1011, 1111, 1211, 1311, 1511), the accessory at least partially covering the respective first side surface (112, 412, 512, 612, 1012, 1112, 1212, 1312, 1512) and a lower edge of the second side surface (114, 414, 514, 614, 1014, 1114, 1214, 1314, 1514), wherein the accessory (190, 192, 1290, 1390, 1490, 1590) enlarges a surface area of the respective first side surface ( 112, 412, 512, 612, 1012, 1112, 1212, 1312, 1512 ) and a lower edge of the second side surface (114, 414, 514, 614, 1014, 1114, 1214, 1314, 1514), and using the accessory as a backing member to support the strands of hair (144a) any forces applied during an application of applying the treatment to the strands of hair (144a).
14. A method of using the hair extension support platform (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 1010, 1110, 1210, 1310, 1510) as recited in one of claims 1 through 12, the method comprising steps of: assembling a universal support stand platform support subassembly (1604) assembled to the elongated platform (111, 411, 511, 611, 1011, 1111, 1211, 1311, 1511) to a first universal support stand base subassembly (1602) of a first supporting assembly (150, 160, 170, 1600), separating the elongated platform (111, 411, 511, 611, 1011, 1111, 1211, 1311, 1511) from the first supporting assembly (150, 160, 170, 1600) by separating the universal support stand platform support subassembly (1604) from the first universal support stand base subassembly (1602), and at least one of the following: a) manually supporting the hair extension support platform (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 1010, 1110, 1210, 1310, 1510) by gripping the universal support stand platform support subassembly (1604), and b) assembling the universal support stand platform support subassembly (1604) assembled to the elongated platform (111, 411, 511, 611, 1011, 1111, 1211, 1311, 1511) to a second universal support stand base subassembly (1602) of a second supporting assembly (150, 160, 170, 1600).
15. The method of using the hair extension support platform (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 1010, 1110, 1210, 1310, 1510) as recited in claim 14, the universal support stand platform support subassembly (1604) comprising an elongated tapered cavity, the first universal support stand base subassembly (1602) comprising an elongated tapered stem coupler member having a size and shape to slideably engage with the elongated tapered cavity of the universal support stand platform support subassembly (1604), and the second universal support stand base subassembly (1602) comprising an elongated tapered stem coupler member having a size and shape to slideably engage with the elongated tapered cavity of the universal support stand platform support subassembly (1604), the method further comprising steps of: slideably inserting the elongated tapered stem coupler member of one of the first universal support stand base subassembly (1602) or the second universal support stand base subassembly (1602) into the elongated tapered cavity of the universal support stand platform support subassembly (1604); slideably separating the elongated tapered stem coupler member of one of the first universal support stand base subassembly (1602) or the second universal support stand base subassembly (1602) from the elongated tapered cavity of the universal support stand platform support subassembly (1604); and slideably inserting the elongated tapered stem coupler member of the other of the first universal support stand base subassembly (1602) or the second universal support stand base subassembly (1602) into the elongated tapered cavity of the universal support stand platform support subassembly (1604).
PCT/US2023/081369 2022-11-28 2023-11-28 Hair extension bar comb tool and method of use WO2024118621A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US18/070,411 2022-11-28
US18/070,411 US20240122283A1 (en) 2018-07-24 2022-11-28 Hair extension bar comb tool and method of use
US202363603087P 2023-11-27 2023-11-27
US63/603,087 2023-11-27

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4393668A (en) * 1981-08-20 1983-07-19 Leach Sr Clifford Manual knitting frame with support
GB2147918A (en) * 1983-10-10 1985-05-22 Univ Technology Knitting apparatus
EP1915920A1 (en) * 2006-10-27 2008-04-30 Fabio Zaffignani Selective hair-dyeing tool
WO2020232302A1 (en) * 2018-07-24 2020-11-19 Crystal Adams Hair extension bar comb tool and hair extension bag with interior comb hanger and method of use

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4393668A (en) * 1981-08-20 1983-07-19 Leach Sr Clifford Manual knitting frame with support
GB2147918A (en) * 1983-10-10 1985-05-22 Univ Technology Knitting apparatus
EP1915920A1 (en) * 2006-10-27 2008-04-30 Fabio Zaffignani Selective hair-dyeing tool
WO2020232302A1 (en) * 2018-07-24 2020-11-19 Crystal Adams Hair extension bar comb tool and hair extension bag with interior comb hanger and method of use

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