COMBINATION HAIR STYLING DEVICE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a combination hair styling device for use in connection with sectioning, combing and clasping hair so that the hair can be cut, colored, highlighted or worked using a single device with ease and convenience by a professional or an amateur. DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Combination hair styling devices are desirable for providing a user the functionality of multiple separate hair styling tools, such as hair pick, combs and hair clips, in a single device The use of hairdressing combs, picks and clips are known in the prior art. Hair stylists presently use multiple tools to highlight or color hair, which they either hold in their free hand, attach to their clothing or keep on a nearby table. Such tools used by hair stylists in highlighting or coloring hair are combs with picks, commonly known as "rattail" combs, and hair clips.

Known rattail combs are specially-shaped hair styling items with a comb on one end and a sectioning tool on the other. The sectioning tool looks like a rat's tail that has been straightened. It is primarily used for sectioning, parting, and styling the hair. Hair stylists also use it for teasing and backcombing, and it is most commonly used for coloring and chemical treatments.

The main portion of known rat tail combs is a very fine-toothed comb with little space between the teeth. Unlike other standard combs, which have either no handle or a straight handle, the end of rattail comb is thin and comes to a point at the bottom. However, known rattail combs do not include a means to clasp or retain hair in a particular position. This disadvantage requires hair stylist to use an additional tool, such as hair clips, to assist in highlighting or hair coloring processes.

In addition to rattail combs, hair stylists would also use hair clips, which are devices used for securing a user's hairstyle or sections of hair. Known hair clips come in a wide range of shapes, colors, styles, and sizes. The primary function of hair clips are used as tools to secure a user's hair, such as to assist in moving hair out of the way while performing hairdressing work.

Known hair clips typically comprise of an upper body and alower body, attached together by a spring member that is engaged with the upper and lower bodies. This known design makes it convenient for a user to open and close the hair clip with a pivot shaft and enables the user to maintain hair strands in place.

Most conventional hair clips in the market place are not designed nor used for highlighting or hair coloring processes. Hair stylists that do use conventional hair clips for hair highlighting or hair coloring processes face limitations in their use and are frustrated in the totality of their functionality. Additionally, the hair stylist would need to use additional tools in combination with the hair clips to complete the highlighting or hair coloring process. Frustrations may include time lost, added labor costs, additional tool costs, and inconvenience caused to customers because of unexpected delays or undesired result.

Standard hair highlighting practice includes sectioning the hair to be highlighted with a rattail comb, and then weaved. After the hair has been combed, the stylist needs to flip the rattail comb in order to use the "rattail" portion of the comb so as to be able to weave sectioned hair. The stylist would then need to use at least one hair clip to secure the hair in position and out of the way so that highlighting or coloring chemicals can be applied.

It can thus be appreciated that the limited functionality of rattail combs and conventional hair clips forces most hair stylists to use more than one tool to attain best results. The present invention eliminates the disadvantage of using a rattail comb in combination with the use of multiple conventional hair clips.

For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a hair styling tool that combines the basic functions of a rattail comb and a hair clip, which could be used for hair coloring or hair highlighting with ease and efficiency. The combined hair styling tool should be easily maneuverable, easily transportable, inexpensive to manufacture, and lightweight.

While the above-described devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not describe a combination hair styling device that allows sectioning, combing or clasping of hair.

Therefore, a need exists for a new and improved combination hair styling device that can be used for sectioning, combing and clasping hair. In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this need. In this respect, the combination hair styling device according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of sectioning, combing and clasping hair. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of combs and hair clips now present in the prior art, the present invention provides an improved combination hair styling device, and overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art. As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new and improved combination hair styling device and method which has all the advantages of the prior art mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a combination hair styling device which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by the prior art, either alone or in any combination thereof.

To attain this, the present invention essentially comprises a hair styling device for sectioning, combing and clasping hair. The device has a first member pivotably attached to a second member, and a biasing element that urges the device to a closed position. The first member has a free end section, a first body adjacent the free end section, a first actuation end adjacent the first body, a plurality of combing teeth extending out from the first body, and at least one first side wall extending from the first body. The first side wall has an edge with at least a portion thereof being a serrated. The second member has a free end, a second body adjacent the free end, a second actuation section adjacent the second body, and at least one second side wall extending from the second body. The first side wall is pivotably connected with the second side wall. The biasing element is positioned between the first member and the second member, and the biasing element urges the first member and second member to a closed position.

A portion of the first body defines a recess configured to receive at least a portion of the free end of the second member when the hair styling device is in the closed position.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.

The invention may also include a second actuation end adjacent the second actuation section. The second actuation end extends past the first actuation end along a longitudinal axis of the combination hair styling device. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims attached.

Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In this respect, before explaining the current embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved combination hair styling device that has all of the advantages of the prior art combs and hair clips and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved combination hair styling device that may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed.

An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved combination hair styling device that has a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such combination hair styling device economically available to the buying public.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new combination hair styling device that provides in the apparatuses and methods of the prior art some of the advantages thereof, while simultaneously overcoming some of the disadvantages normally associated therewith.

Even still another object of the present invention is to provide a combination hair styling device for sectioning, combing and clasping hair. This allows a user to replace current clips with the option of a three in one tool that combines the functions of a clip, a comb and a pick. The present invention is designed to save time for users, and it eliminates repetitive body movement due to its three functions in one design resulting in saved time and less fatigue and injury to the user's hands, wrists, neck, shoulders, upper back, back lower back and/or legs.

- A - Lastly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved method of styling and sectioning hair. In use, the user's thumb can rest on an exterior surface of the first actuation portion, while the user' s index finger is on an exterior surface of the second actuation portion and/or the second actuation end. The second actuation end aids in manipulating/controlling the present invention with the index finger while sectioning the hair. The user would use the combing teeth to straighten or comb the hair, and then insert the tapering end section into the hair for sectioning the hair. The present invention would then be opened by squeezing the actuation ends together, and the sectioned hair could then be placed in the opened device. The user would then close the device, thus clasping the sectioned hair in positioned for further treating or styling.

These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the combination hair styling device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention, with any phantom lines depicting environmental structure and forming no part of the claimed invention.

Fig. 2is a perspective view of the combination hair styling device of the present invention in an open configuration.

Fig. 3 is a top elevational view of the combination hair styling device of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a bottom planar view of the combination hair styling device of the present invention.

Fig.5 is a right side elevational view of the combination hair styling device of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the first jaw member of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a cross-section view of a section of the combing teeth of the present invention taken along line 7-7 in Fig. 3.

Fig. 8 is a cross-section view of the first jaw member of the present invention taken along line 8-8 in Figure 5.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the second jaw member of the present invention.

Fig. 10 is a cross-section view of the combination hair styling device of the present invention taken along line 10-10 in Fig. 5.

Fig. 11 is a cross-section view of the combination hair styling device of the present invention taken along line 11-11 in Fig. 10.

The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to Figs. 1-11, an embodiment of the combination hair styling device of the present invention is shown and generally designated by the reference numeral 10.

In Figs. 1-5, a new and improved combination hair styling device 10 of the present invention for sectioning, combing and clasping hair is illustrated and will be described. More particularly, the combination hair styling device 10 has a first jaw member 12 pivotably attached to a second jaw member 40 via a spring and pivot configured to urge the first and second jaw members to a closed position. The first and second jaw members 12, 40 are allowed to be pivoted about a pivotal axis between a closed position, shown in Fig. 1, and an open position, shown in Fig. 2. Hair is retained by securing the hair between the first and second jaw members 12, 40.

The combination hair styling device 10 may be made from any suitable material, such as plastic, composite, alloy or metal, or any combination thereof. Preferably, the combination hair styling device 10 is made from injection molded plastic.

The first jaw member 12 broadly includes an end section 14, a first elongated body 16, a set of combing or hair separating teeth 18, 22, and a first actuation end 32. The second jaw member 40 broadly includes a second elongated body 42, a second actuation portion 44, and a second actuation end 46 adjacent the second actuation portion 44. A portion of the first body 16 of the first jaw member 12 and the second jaw member 40 are arcuate in shape allowing conformity to a head of a person receiving hair dressing or styling services, as best illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 5.

Referring to Figs . 3 and 4, the combination hair styling device 10 has a generally tapered configuration with the first and second bodies 16, 42 converging toward the pointed end section 14. The combing teeth 18, 22 are a plurality of teeth of equal length extending out from both sides of the first body 16 so that the combing teeth taper in a converging manner similar to that of the combination hair styling device 10. It can be appreciated that the combing teeth 18, 22 may be of varying lengths and shapes, and that the combing teeth 18, 22 can extending out from one or more sides or surfaces of the first jaw member 12 or the second jaw member 40.

When assembled, the second actuation end 46 of the second jaw member 40 extends out past the first actuation end 32 of the first jaw 12, thus providing additional leverage on the device 10 when in use. The first actuation end 32 and the second actuation portion 44 each have a generally circular shape, with the first actuation end having a diameter larger than the second actuation portion 44.

Referring to Figs. 1, 2 and 6, the end section 14 of the firstjaw member 12 has a rounded or pointed free end, thus producing a hair pick or rattail-like section for manipulating hair or inserting into hair. The end section 14 can be, but not limited to, a flat planar section with tapering sides, a flat planar section with parallel sides, an arcuate section with tapering sides, an arcuate section with parallel sides, or any other configuration that can be inserted into hair. Additionally, it can be appreciated that the end section 14 can include recesses, projections, hooks, teeth or any other element for manipulating hair.

The first body 16 includes first and second side walls 28 that extend outwardly from edges of the first body 16 toward the second jaw member 40. The side walls 28 are in spaced apart relation which defines an opening therebetween. A plurality of teeth or projections is formed at a free edge of each of the side walls 28 along a majority of the length of the side walls, thus forming serrated edges 26. The serrated edges 26 are configured to engage with hair when hair is positioned between the first and second jaw members 12, 40. The teeth of the serrated edges 26 can have, but not limited to, rounded, pointed or sharp edges.

A recess 24 is defined in the first body 16 and in a portion of the first actuation end 32 on a side facing the second jaw 40. The recess 24 is in communication with the opening between the side walls 28 and is configured to receive the second body 42 or a portion of the second body 42 when the combination hair styling device 10 is in the closed position. The free edge of the first and second side walls 28 of the first jaw member 12 is a continuous arcuate shape that extends toward the second jaw member 40, thereby producing a concave profile toward the second jaw member, as best illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, 5 and 6. The first body 16 has a corresponding arcuate shape and concave profile for a majority of its length, but subsequently curves away from the free edge of the side walls 28 near an area adjacent the first actuation end 32. The side walls 28 are thus larger at an area adjacent the first actuation end 32 than at an area adjacent the pointed end section 14, thereby forming a flange section 29. A bore 30 is defined through each of the flange sections 29. A free edge of the flange section then continues in a converging direction toward the first actuation end 32. It can be appreciated that a side of the first body 16 and the first actuation end opposite the free edge of the side walls 28 has a generally sinusoidal shape, while the serrated edges 26 on the free edge of the side walls has a continuous arcuate shape.

The combing teeth 18, 22 extend out from both sides of the first body 16 and follow the general sinusoidal shape of the first body when viewed from the side, as best illustrated in Fig.5. The combing teeth 18, 22 can be perpendicular to the side walls 28 or can extend out at an angle. First and last combing teeth 18 include curved leading and trailing edges 20 that smoothly transition to the side walls 28, as best illustrated in Figs. 1 -4, 6 and 7. Each combing teeth 18, 22 has a tapered configuration that converges from the side walls 28 to a free end of each combing teeth 18, 22, as best illustrated in Fig. 8. The free ends of the combing teeth 18, 22 can be rounded, chamfered, pointed or flat. It can be appreciated that the first and last combing teeth 18 can have a cross-sectional free end shape that is different to that of the remaining combing teeth 22. It can be appreciated that each combing teeth 18, 22 can be, in the alternative, straight or diverging, and can have any geometric cross-sectional shape. The spacing between each combing teeth 18, 22 can be a predetermined distance or they can vary along the length of the first body 16.

The end section 14, the first body 16 and/or the first actuation end 32 may include designs, logos or text thereon. An exterior surface of the first actuation end 32 may include recesses, protrusions, ridges or elements thereon for assisting in the gripping or actuation of the device 10.

Referring to Figs. 1 , 2 and 9, the second jaw member 40 has a continuous arcuate profile with an exterior surface being exterior of the device 10, and an interior surface facing the first jaw member 12. The second body 42 has a free end with the second actuation portion 44 extending from the second body 42 opposite the free end. The second actuation end 46 extends from the second actuation portion 44 in a converging manner away from the second actuation portion 44.

A pair of side walls 48 extends from the interior surface of the second body 42 toward the first jaw member 12. The side walls 48 are in spaced apart relation which defines an opening therebetween. The distance between the side walls 48 is configured so that the side walls 48 are received in the opening defined by the flange sections 29 of the first jaw member 12. Each of the side walls 48 include a bore 49 therethrough configured to receive a pin 50, as best illustrated in Fig. 10.

The exterior surface of the second jaw member 40 may include decorations, logos or text which is printed, etched or embossed with the exterior surface. The exterior surface of the second actuation portion 44 and/or the second actuation end 46 may include embossed or etched decorations, texts or gripping elements, which would present information to the user or provide additionally gripping action to the user's fingers during operation.

The second body 42 has a generally tapered configuration that converges at or near its free end. However, it can be appreciated that the body 42 can be non-tapered or can converge at or near the second actuation portion 44. It can be appreciated that an interior surface of the second body 42 may include materials or elements that increase its hair gripping or clamping characteristics, or which can decrease the friction between the lower surface and hair in contact therewith. Furthermore, the exterior surface may include materials or elements that increase its gripping characteristics with hair or scalp contacting therewith, or which can decrease the friction between the upper surface and hair or scalp in contact therewith.

The second actuation portion 44 can have a generally circular or elliptical configuration, and has a width or diameter greater than a width of the second body 42. It can be appreciated that the second actuation portion 44 can have any geometric configuration in two-dimensions or three-dimensions. The second actuation end 46 extends out from the second actuation potion 44 along a longitudinal plane of the second body 42, and has a width less than the width of the second actuation portion 44. The second actuation end 46 tapers away from the device 10 in a converging manner. However, it can be appreciated that the second actuation end 46 can have any geometric configuration. The interior surface of the second jaw member 40 further includes a recess 54 defined in the second body 42 adjacent the side walls 48, and optionally extending into the second actuation portion 44.

Referring now to Figs. 10 and 11, the side walls 48 of the second jaw member 40 are received in the opening between the flange sections 29 of the first jaw member 12, so that the bores 30, 49 are aligned. The pin 50 is fitted in the bores 30, 49 so as to produce a pivot axis along a longitudinal axis of the pin 50, thereby allowing the first and second jaw members 12, 40 to open and close. The pin 50 can feature chamfered or rounded ends 52 to assist in the insertion of the pin 50 through the bores 30, 9.

It can be appreciated that in the alternative, the pin 50 could he a post that projects from each of the side walls 48 so as to be received in the bores 30 of the first jaw member 12. Further in the alternative, the pin 50 could be a post that projects from each of the flange sections 29 so as to be received in the bores 49 of the second jaw member 40.

The spring 60 is positioned between the first and second jaw members 12, 40, and provides resiliency to hold the first jaw member 12 and second jaw member 14 together. The spring 60 can be, but not limited to, a torsion spring, a leaf spring, a coil spring wrapped around the pin or a biased strip. The spring 60 can be made from plastic, metal, composite or any biasing material. A portion of the spring 60 can be received in and retained by the recess 54 of the second jaw member 40, and an additional portion of the spring 60 can be received in and retained by the recess 24 of the first jaw member 12. Alternatively, the spring 60 can be received between and retained in position by the flange sections 29 and/or the side walls 48.

The spring 60 is deformed when the first actuation end 32 and the second actuation portion 44 and/or the second actuation end 46 is actuated to open the first and second jaw members 12, 40. When the first actuation end 32 and the second actuation portion 44 and/or the second actuation end 46 is released, the spring 60 closes the first and second jaw members 12, 40 and holds the first and second jaw members 12, 0 closed.

In use, it can now be understood that the combination hair styling device 10 is used for sectioning, combing and clasping hair. It would be usual, but not mandatory, for the user's thumb to rest on an exterior surface of the first actuation portion 32, while the user' s index finger is on the exterior surface of the second actuation portion 44 and/or the second actuation end 46. The second actuation end 46 aids in manipulating/contnjlling the device 10 with the index finger while sectioning the hair, and provides additional leverage in opening the device 10. It can be appreciated that the user can use the device as a hair pick, a comb or a hair clip in separate operations.

In operation and while the device 10 is in the closed position, the user would manipulate the device 10 so as to insert the pointed end section 14 into the hair, while the arcuate profile of the second jaw member 40 allows the device 10 to follow the contours of the head. The pointed end section 14 is thus used for sectioning the hair.

The user can then rotate the device 10 so that the combing teeth 18, 22 are positioned in the hair and moved along the hair so as to comb, straighten or position the hair for preparation for clasping.

The user could then open the device 10 by squeezing the first actuation end 32 and the second actuation portion 44 and/or the second actuation end 46 together using the user' s hands, fingers, thumbs or any combination thereof to pivotably actuate the device 10. After which, the sectioned hair can then be received between the opened first and second jaw members 12, 0.

Once the hair has been sectioned, the user could then close the device 10 by releasing pressure on the first actuation end 32 and the second actuation portion 44 and/or the second actuation end 46. This will allow the device 10 to close by force of the spring 60, and thus clasp the sectioned hair in position. The serrated edges 26 further aids in gripping the sectioned hair when in die device 10 is in the closed position.

The device 10 is intended to replace current clips with the option of a three in one tool that combines the functions of a clip, a comb and a pick. The device 10 was designed to save time for users. It eliminates repetitive body movement due to its three functions in one tool resulting in saved time.

While embodiments of the combination hair styling device have been described in detail, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. For example, any suitable sturdy material such as metal, plastic, composites, or a variety of wood may be used instead of the above described. And although sectioning, combing and clasping hair have been described, it should be appreciated that the combination hair styling device herein described is also suitable for all other hair dressing and styling processes such as ,but not limited to, weaving, styling, separating, medical treatment or wig placement.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.