TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a system and a dividing member for splitting locks of hair; in particular, for holding small amounts of hair in random manner. For example, each dividing member is adapted to separate even a dozen strands of hair from a lock of hair.

A system for the division of locks of hair and a dividing member according to the present invention is advantageously applied to hair coloring activities; for example, highlighting.

PRIOR ART

It is known to use a comb or hair-parting tail for dividing single locks of hair; however, the use of such a comb leads to the creation of regular locks, essentially strips, the thickness of which depends on the skills of the individual operator (the thinner the locks, the better the end result); therefore, the end result essentially depends on the hair stylist's skillfulness , and the lock singling activity is particularly long and laborious.

Alternatively to the system described above, it is known to use a pair of adhesive sheets, which are tightened around a lock of hair (also of large dimensions and manually selected) and then moved away so as to split the initial lock into two smaller locks to be used also as base for the application of color. A system of the type described above allows to obtain locks of random shape to provide a more natural color end effect than traditional methods. However, these adhesive sheets have the disadvantage of engaging the stands of hair for their entire length minus the portion near the root (indeed, the adhesive sheets are difficult to apply near the head), thus creating a "root" effect. Additionally, by adhering nearly to the entire length of the hair, the adhesive sheets are difficult and painful to remove; in particular, some strands of hair may be pulled out during the separation of the adhesive sheets from the locks of hair.

Additionally, these adhesive sheets have the disadvantage of allowing to apply the hair color only to the portion of hair not engaged by the adhesive surface of the sheets themselves (essentially, only a given portion of the perimeter of the hair is colored, and not integrally) . Furthermore, the adhesive sheets do not allow to use other hair coloring tools of known type, such as tin foil or the like. Additionally, the adhesive sheets require great skillfulness in applying hair color and creating shades.

Finally, the adhesive sheets cannot be reused and must be thrown away after use. Therefore, carrying out a treatment using the adhesive sheet system is particular expensive because a pair of adhesive sheets must be used for each lock of hair to be bleached (this also implies a further difficulty for the operator, whose movements are hindered by the previously applied adhesive sheets) . DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide a dividing member for the division of locks of hair and a system alternative to the solutions of known type .

It is an additional object of the present invention to additionally provide a dividing member for the division of locks of hair and a system capable of overcoming the drawbacks described above and, in particular, of rapidly splitting very small locks of hair in random, simple manner. Furthermore, it is the object of the present invention to provide a dividing member for dividing locks of hair and a system capable of freeing the selected locks of hair in easy, quick and painless manner, allowing a hair stylist to work freely and at will (also with traditional systems, such as tin foils) on each lock of hair separated in this manner.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a dividing member for the division of locks of hair and a system which is quick and cost-effective to make .

A dividing member and a system for the division of locks as disclosed in the appended claims is provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate non- limitative embodiments thereof, in which:

- figure 1 is a side view of the system according to the present invention in a first operating configuration;

- figure 2 is a side view of the system according to the present invention in a second operating configuration;

- figure 3 is a plan view of a dividing member according to the present invention;

- figure 4 is similar to figure 3 and shows a first variant of the dividing member according to the present invention;

- figure 5 is a longitudinal section of a second variant of the dividing member according to the present invention;

- figure 6 is a side section of a third variant of the dividing member according to the present invention;

- figure 7 is a side view of the variant shown in figure 6;

figure 8 is similar to figure 6 and shows a fourth variant of the dividing member according to the present invention;

- figure 9 is a side view of the variant shown in figure 8;

- figure 10 is a longitudinal section of a fifth variant of the dividing member according to the present invention; - figure 11 shows a second embodiment of the system according to the present invention;

- figure 12 shows a sixth variant of the dividing element according to the present invention;

- figure 13 shows a seventh variant of the dividing element according to the present invention in operating configuration .

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In figure 1, reference numeral 1 indicates as a whole a system for the division of locks of hair C comprising a pair of dividing members 2a and 2b. It is worth noting that the expression "division of locks of hair" means selecting some strands of hair from a bunch of strands of hair. In other words, the expression "division of locks of hair" means the random separation of few strands of hair from a bunch of strands of hair, i.e. the separation of strands of hair not according to fixed diagrams or geometries (e.g. lines) which are repeatable in sequence. In this manner, the number and relative arrangement of the strands of hair taken by each dividing member 2a and 2b is different for each use .

The dividing member 2a comprises a rigid support 3a and at least one adhesive portion 4a. Similarly, the dividing member 2b comprises a rigid support 3b and at least one adhesive portion 4b. As shown in figure 1, each adhesive portion 4a of the dividing member 2a is adapted to face each adhesive portion 4b of the dividing member 2b. The adhesive portions 4a and 4b are adapted to hold in random manner strands of hair from a lock. In other words, the adhesive portions 4a and 4b are adapted to grip strands of hair without determined restrictions, so that the relative arrangement of strands of hair taken by each adhesive portion 4a and 4b is not predictable. The adhesive properties of the adhesive portions 4a and 4b are such to guarantee the virtually instant gripping of strands of hairs with a relatively low adhesive force so as to be able to free the strands of hair without tearing them out or pulling them. Preferably, the adhesive portions 4a and 4b are made of double-sided packing tape.

As shown in figure 1 and 2, the support 3a of the dividing member 2a has two free ends, indicated by reference numerals 5a and 5b, respectively. Furthermore, the dividing member 2a comprises two adhesive portions 4a' and 4a'', arranged at a free end 5a and 5b of the support 3a, respectively.

Similarly, the support 3b of the dividing member 2b has two free ends, indicated by 6a and 6b, respectively. Furthermore, the dividing member 2b comprises two adhesive portions 4b' and 4b'', each of which is arranged at a free end 6a and 6b of the support 3b, respectively.

As shown in figure 1, the dividing members 2a and 2b are adapted to fit at least partially into each other so that the adhesive portion 4a' or 4a'' of the dividing member 2a faces the adhesive portion 4b' or 4b'' of the dividing member 2b.

Preferably, the support 3a is "Z"-shaped. In other words, the support 3a comprises a central body 7 and a pair of wings 8 and 9, each of which laterally protrudes from the body 7 so as to form itself a recess 10a at the end 5a and in a recess 10b at the end 5b, respectively, with the body 7. In particular, recess 10a is symmetric to recess 10b with respect to the body 7 of the support 3a.

Preferably, the adhesive portion 4a' is applied to the wing 8 in the recess 10a; similarly, the adhesive portion 4a'' is applied to the wing 9 in the recess 10b.

Preferably, the support 3b is "Z"-shaped. In other words, the support 3b comprises a central body 11 and a pair of wings 12 and 13, each of which laterally protrudes from the body 11 so as to form a recess 14a at the end 6a and in a recess 14b at the end 6b, respectively, with the body 11 itself. In particular, the recess 14a is symmetric to the recess 14b with respect to the body 11 of the support 3b.

Preferably, the adhesive portion 4b' is applied to the wing 12 in the recess 14a; similarly, the adhesive portion 4b'' is applied to the wing 13 in the recess 14b.

Figure 3 shows a plan view of the support 3a, which has an essentially rectangular shape. It is worth noting that, similarly to that shown in figure 3, the support 3b also has a substantially rectangular plan shape.

According to a variant (not shown) , the body 7 and/or the body 11 has a circular shape.

Preferably, each adhesive portion 4 is a double- sided adhesive label. According to a variant (not shown) the dividing member 2a and/or 2b comprises (instead of the adhesive portions 4a', 4a'' and/or 4b' and 4b'') portions of hook tape of a closing system generally known as "hook and loop" or "contact" tape and made, for example, by VELCRO®. The hook tape is adapted to hold in random manner strands of hair from a lock. In other words, the hook tape is adapted to grip strands of hair without determined restrictions, so that the relative arrangement of strands of hair taken by the hook tape is not predictable.

Figure 4 shows a variant 102 of the dividing member 2a and/or 2b. The dividing member 102 comprises a support 103, which has two free ends 105a and 105b, a hair care tool 15, which protrudes from the support 103 near the end 105a, and a holding member 104 arranged on the support 103 near the free end 105b. The tool 15 may be chosen within a group different hair care tools with different shape and function. For example, the tool 15 may be a comb or, alternatively a tail for parking single locks. The holding member 104 comprises double- sided tape. According to a variant (not shown) the holding member 104 comprises a hook tape portion of a closing system generally known as "hook and loop" or "contact" tape made, for example by VELCRO®.

Figure 5 shows a variant 202 of the dividing member 2a and/or 2b. The dividing member 202 comprises a body 207, a wing 208, which protrudes from the body 207, and a label 204 applied to the wing 208. The dividing member 202 has an inner cavity 16, which faces outwards through an opening 17. Preferably, the cavity 16 is adapted to accommodate a plurality of spare labels 204. As shown in figure 5, the dividing member 202 comprises one only label 204 applied to the wing 208, i.e. arranged in operating position. The label 204 is a double-sided adhesive label. Alternatively, the label 204 has a surface on which the adhesive is applied and comprises hooks (not shown) which protrudes from the surface opposite to the one on which the adhesive substance is applied; in particular, the label 204 comprises a hook tape portion of a closing system, generally known as "hook and loop" tape or "contact" tape made, for example, by VELCRO®.

Figure 6 and 7 shows a variant 302 of the dividing member 2a and/or 2b. The dividing member 302 comprises a wing 308, which has a semicircular side profile delimited by a flat surface 305 and a curved surface 306, and a holding member 304 adapted to hold a limited, random amount of strands of hair. The holding member 304 is applied to the curved surface 306 of the wing 308. The dividing member 302 comprises only one holding member 304 applied to the wing 308. Preferably, the wing 308 is adapted to be gripped and works as rigid support 303 of the holding member 304. According to a variant (not shown) the dividing member 302 comprises a plurality of holding elements 304 applied to different points of the wing 308. The holding member 304 comprises double-sided tape. Alternatively, the holding member 304 comprises a hook tape portion of a closing system generally known as "hook and loop" or "contact" tape made, for example, by VELCRO®.

Figure 8 and 9 shows a variant 402 of the dividing member 2a and/or 2b. The dividing member 402 comprises a wing 408, which has a semicircular side profile delimited by a flat surface 405 and a curved surface 406, a hair care tool 18, which protrudes from the flat surface 405 of the wing 408, and a holding member 404 applied to the curved surface 406 of the wing 408. The holding member 404 comprises double-sided tape. Alternatively, the holding member 404 comprises a hook tape portion of a closing system generally known as "hook and loop" or "contact" tape made, for example by VELCRO®.

Figure 10 shows a variant 502 of the dividing member 2a and/or 2b. The dividing member 502 comprises a body 507, which has an inner cavity 19 adapted to be filled with liquid adhesive L, and a wing 508, which protrudes from the body 507 and has an inner conduit 20 in fluid communication with the cavity 19. Furthermore, the dividing member 502 has a plurality of holes 21, which cross, in part the wing 508 and put the conduit 20 into communication with the outside so as to allow the distribution of a layer of liquid adhesive L on the wing 508. Preferably, the body 507 comprises a deformable portion 22, through which a pressure can be applied within the cavity 19 to push the liquid adhesive L beyond the cavity 19 itself on the wing 508 through the conduit 20 and the holes 21. The dividing member 502 has a holding member 504 defined by the liquid adhesive L applied externally onto the wing 508.

According to a variant (not shown) , the support of each dividing member is split into two or more portions connected to each other.

Figure 11 shows a second embodiment of a system 601 for the division of locks of hair C comprising a pair of dividing members 602a and 602b which are connected to each other. Substantially, the system 601 is tong- shaped. In particular, the dividing member 602a comprises a rigid support 603a and a holding member 604a. Similarly, the dividing member 602b comprises a rigid support 603b and a holding member 604b. As shown in figure 11, the dividing members 602a and 602b are connected to each other by means of an elastically deformable member 605. Furthermore, the holding member 604a faces the holding member 604b. The holding members 604a and 604b comprise a double-sided adhesive label, respectively. Alternatively, the holding members 604a and 604b comprises a hook tape portion of a closing system generally known as "hook and loop" or "contact" tape made, for example, by VELCRO®, respectively.

According to a further embodiment (not shown) , the dividing members are connected to each other so as to essentially form a scissor.

Figure 12 shows a variant 702 of the dividing member 2a and/or 2b. The dividing member 702 comprises a support 708, e.g. a vane, and a holding member 704. The support 708 is shaped as a flat body with at least one pair of reciprocally counterpoised greater side surfaces 709 and 710. The greater side surfaces 709 and 710 has a first end 705a and a second end 705b. The holding member 704 protrudes from the greater side walls 709 at the second end 705b of the support 708. The holding member 704 comprises a plurality of hooks 711. Alternatively, the holding member 704 comprises a hook tape portion of a closing system generally known as "hook and loop" or "contact" tape made, for example, by VELCRO®.

According to a variant (not shown) , the dividing member 702 comprises a plurality of holding elements 704 applied in different points of the support 708.

Figure 13 shows a variant 802 of the dividing member according to the present invention in an operative configuration; in particular, two reciprocally counterpoised dividing members 802a and 802b are shown and applied to the fingers of an operator, as shown in greater detail below. The dividing member 802 comprises a supporting plate 803, a semi-annular body 805 hinged to the supporting plate 803 and a holding member 804. Preferably, the plate 803 has a pair of reciprocally counterpoised greater side surfaces 809 and 810 with each other and the holding member 804 is applied to the greater side surface 809. The holding member 804 comprises a hook tape portion of a closing system generally known as "hook and loop" or "contact" tape made, for example, by VELCRO®.

The semi-annular body 805 is U-shaped and laterally delimits, in combination with the greater side surface 810 of the plate 803, an opening 811 adapted to be crossed by an operator's finger (shown by means of dashed lines ) .

As previously mentioned, figure 13 shows two dividing members 802a and 802b, which form a dividing system 800. In figure 13, all the components of the dividing member 802a are marked by letter a, while all the components of the dividing member 802b are marked by letter b.

As shown in figure 13, an operator fits the dividing member 802a onto one finger (e.g. the index finger) and at the same time fits the dividing member 802b to another finger (e.g. the thumb) . In this manner, the holding members 804a and 804b facing the outside of the hand, and the operator can withhold some locks of hair, in random manner, simply by passing their hand over the hair itself. The dividing system 800 shown in figure 13 allows the operator to maintain maximum freedom of action, leaving the other fingers of the hand completely free.

According to a variant (not shown) , the dividing member comprises a rigid support and a holding member, which at least partially is wound about the outer surface of the rigid support. Preferably, according to the latter variant, the holding element is wound about the rigid support in circular or helical manner with respect to the main axis of the rigid support itself.

The operation of system 1 is described below.

Firstly, a lock of hair C is taken by an operator and arranged between the two dividing members 2a and 2b so as to tightened between two holding members 4a' and 4b'' so that the strands of hair C are made partially integral with the dividing member 2a and, in part, with the dividing member 2b.

Thus, the two dividing members 2a and 2b are moved away from each other so as to divide the lock of hair C in totally random manner into two portions CI and C2, respectively, each of which is integral with a respective dividing member 2a or 2b.

Secondly, each lock CI or C2 may be held differently, and in particular may be arranged again between the two dividing members 2a and 2b to be split again.

Alternatively, according to the dividing system 801 provided with holding members 804 comprising hook tape, the dividing members 802a and 802b are tightened around a lock of hair; thus, the dividing members 802a and 802b are made to slide along the lock of hair alternatively from the tip towards the root, and vice versa, (essentially similarly to a backcombing operation) so that part of the hair of the lock are pushed and accumulated towards the root, thus thinning out the initial lock of hair.

Later, the thinned lock is taken by the operator and pulled out from the two dividing members 802a and 802b so as to prepare it for later use for coloring operations of known type and using traditional coloring systems .

The dividing members 2, 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602, 702 and 802 described above may be used according to the two methods described above in interchangeable manner. The dividing members 2, 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602, 702 and 802 described above may be used according to different mutual combinations.

Substantially, each system 1, 601 or 801 of the type described above allows to split the locks of hair in extremely simple manner.

Each system 1, 601 or 801 of the type described above can be advantageously used for highlighting in which the locks of hair must be split for distributing hair colors of different shades. In particular, it is worth noting that the thinner the highlights, or in other words the fewer the strands of hair C which can be separated from the others and held, the better the end result providing a more natural looking color.

In other words, each system 1, 601 or 801 of the type described above allows by repeating again the same operation on increasingly smaller locks of hair C, CI (or C2) to separate also bunches of a few strands of hair, according to needs.

Furthermore, each system 1, 601 or 801 of the type described above allows to easily free each lock of hair CI (or C2) from the respective dividing member 2a or 2b. In this manner, a hair stylist may work freely starting from the root and on the entire length of the lock selected with different manners. In this manner, a more accurate result and a more natural hair color effect is obtained .

In other words, each system 1, 601 or 801 allows to easily and rapidly select also very small locks of hair in random manner, allowing a hair stylist to obtain excellent results to their needs rapidly.

It is worth noting that the dividing members 2, 102, 202, 302, 402, 602, 702 and 802 if provided with hooks (e.g. portions of a hook tape) as holding elements, may be used singularly for splitting locks, simply by passing the respective holding member over a lock of hair.

For example, the dividing member 702 and the dividing member 802 may be used singularly or in pairs along with another dividing member (702 or 802) so as to form a dividing system.