Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to hair styling aids. In particular, the present invention relates to hair styling aids devices that comprise angle-measurement means, which are used to measure the angle of the aids relative to the hair treated during the styling of the hair.

Background Art

[0002] Hair styling requires high level of skill and experience to produce proper and professional shape of haircut, particularly the desired angle(s) of cut of the hair. Attempts have been made to overcome the need for relying on the visual senses of the hair stylist and his or hers mental vision of the haircut they wish to make when deciding at what angle to cut the hair of a client at different areas of the head. Particular angle measuring devices mounted on different hair cutting aids have been suggested. For example, US 4,383,374 to Bertero describes a ring worn on the index finger of one hand of the hair stylists that holds a section of hair when cutting it with scissors held with his other hand. A disk with multiple markings indicating different angles relative to a zero point indicated by pointer that points downwards, is attached to the ring in a way that shows the angle of cut whenever the hand and index finger is inclined relative to the section of hair that it holds.

[0003] US 4,428,124 to Asakura describes scissors with removable disk shaped angle gauge with multiple markings and a needle that points to the zero reference point towards the ground at all times. The markings on the angle gauge register clockwise and counterclockwise relative to the zero point. The needle points to the angle of inclination of the scissors held by the hair stylist in the angle gauge, thus allowing him to determine whether to cut the hair at such angle.

[0004] CN 201550792 describes a disk shaped angle gauge mounted on a comb with a heavy bob that points to the zero reference point downwards. The bob in the angle gauge shows the angle of inclination of the comb held by the hair stylist, enabling him or her to improve the precision of the hair cutting angle.

[0005] These instruments, however, suffer from inconvenient use making the swift hand movement of the hair stylist cumbersome. Additionally, they lay a further burden on him or her to constantly observe the angle gauge while maneuvering the hand and instrument to the desired angle of cutting. Lastly, the gauge requires the hair stylist to both read it and decide whether the angle shown is the desired one.

\ [0006] It is, therefore, an objective of the present invention to provide hair cutting and hair styling aids with angle measurement means that overcome the shortcoming of the prior art.

[0007] Accordingly, it is another objective of the present invention is to provide angle measurement means mounted on hair cutting and hair styling aids in a comfortable way that does not interrupt the flow of cutting and styling the hair.

[0008] Still, it is another objective of the present invention to provide hair styling and hair cutting aids with angle measurement means that relieve the hair stylist from constant observation of the angle, enabling continuous work flow.

[0009] This and other objectives of the present invention will become apparent as the description unfolds.

Summary of Invention

[0010] In one aspect the present invention provides hair styling and hair cutting aids with an electronic tiltmeter mounted on them. Such tiltmeter is adapted to be mounted on aids in a convenient manner that does not interrupt the work flow of the hair stylist. An air bubble floating within an electrolytic fluid in the tiltmeter moves according to the inclination of the hair styling or hair cutting aid on which the tiltmeter is mounted.

Electrodes at the ends of the electrolytic solution respond to the change of current flow within the solution by producing a change in electric current and voltage. This change is recorded and translated to angle of inclination.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the tiltmeter may be programmed to register and record particular angles of inclination. Alternatively, the tiltmeter is preprogrammed to indicate only particular angles of inclination, which are required at the work of the hair stylist.

[0012] In another embodiment, the tiltmeter is equipped with visual indication of the angle of inclination, showing change of color for each selected angle. Particularly, the tiltmeter may be pre-programmed to measure four specific angles of inclination of the hair styling or hair cutting aid, where such angles are the most important ones for the work of the hair stylist. Accordingly, the visual indication is four small light bulbs, each light bulb having a different color and turned on when the tiltmeter measures the particular angle of inclination.

[0013] In still another embodiment, the tiltmeter is equipped with audible indication turned on when a particular angle is measured, where the tiltmeter is pre-programmed to measure a selected number of angles. Particularly, the audible indication beeps in a different tone for each selected angle of inclination.

[0014] The visual and audible indications may be provided separately with the tiltmeter or combined so that a light bulb with particular color is turned and a particular tone is made when a selected angle of inclination is measured.

[0015] In one particular embodiment, the tiltmeter is configured to be mounted on hair

styling and hair cutting means selected from scissors, comb, ring worn on a finger of the hair stylist, brush and fan.

[0016] In still another embodiment, the tiltmeter is provided is integrated with the hair

styling or hair cutting aid. Otherwise, the tiltmeter may be reversible engaged to the hair styling or hair cutting aid.

[0017] In view of the above, the present invention provides in one embodiment a hair styling or hair cutting aid, which is configured to measure the tilt angle between hair styling or hair cutting means and a lock of hair held in a hand of a hair stylist. Such aid comprising the following:

hair styling or hair cutting means;

at least one electronic tiltmeter;

casing configured for enclosing said tiltmeter in its inner side. The casing is attached to an outer surface of the hair styling or hair cutting means;

indicator means located at and outer side of the casing; and

electronic circuitry connected to the tiltmeter on one end and the indicator means on second end and located within the casing.

[0018] In still another particular embodiment, the present invention provides a hair styling or hair cutting aid configured for measuring a tilt angle between hair styling or hair cutting means and a lock of hair comprising:

hair styling or hair cutting means;

at least one electronic tiltmeter;

electronic circuitry and control means communicating with said tiltmeter and indicator means;

indicator means configured to be viewable and/or audible at an outer side of casing enclosing electric battery means, said electronic tiltmeter and said electronic circuitry and control means;

electric battery means connected to said electronic circuitry and control means; and casing configured for enclosing said electric battery means, electronic tiltmeter, electronic circuitry and control means and indicator means, said casing is configured to be attached to or integrated with said hair styling or hair cutting means.

[0019] The hair styling or hair cutting aid may further comprise a rechargeable battery

connected to the tiltmeter and electronic circuitry and power outlet located on the outer side of the casing and configured for charging the rechargeable battery.

[0020] The indicator means may be visual and comprise at least one LED bulb located at the outer side of the casing and connected to the electronic circuitry. This LED bulb is configured to light up or flash when the tiltmeter measures a selected angle between the hair styling or hair cutting aid and a lock of hair held in a hand of a hair stylist.

[0021] In particular, the indicator means comprises four LED bulbs, each one of the LED bulbs is configured to light up or flash in a selected color and respond to measurement of a selected angle that the tiltmeter measures between the hair styling or hair cutting aid and a lock of hair held in a hand of a hair stylist.

[0022] In a second alternative, the indicator means is audible and comprises a speaker

located on the outer side of said casing and connected to the electronic circuitry. The speaker is configured to release at least one tone when the tiltmeter measures a selected angle between the hair styling or hair cutting aid and a lock of hair held in a hand of a hair stylist.

[0023] The speaker may also be configured to release four different tones, where each tone responds to measurement of a selected angle that the tiltmeter measures between the hair styling or hair cutting aid and a lock of hair held in a hand of a hair stylist.

[0024] This electronic tiltmeter may be selected from electrolytic tiltmeter and Microelec- tromechanical systems (MEMS) sensor.

[0025] In one particular embodiment, the hair styling or hair cutting aid comprises two

electronic tiltmeters that compensate each other for offset measurements of the tilt angle or deviation from it. Therefore, one tiltmeter is configured to measure tilt angle in X-Z plane and a second tiltmeter is configured to measure tilt angle in Y-Z plane between the hair styling or hair cutting aid held in a hand of a hair stylist. The electronic circuitry is programmed to calculate average of angle measurements made by the two tiltmeters and provide higher accuracy of angle measurement.

[0026] The electronic circuitry may also programmed to respond to absolute value of

deviation from a selected angle value measured and activate the indicator means, whether visual or audible, when an angle that deviates from the selected angle is measured. The absolute value of deviation may be determined together with selecting the desired angle of measurement. This provides the hair stylist certain latitude in cutting, combing or otherwise styling the hair of a client.

[0027] As shown in the Figures and described later in the description, the hair styling or hair cutting means comprises a handle protruding on the outer surface of the hair styling or hair cutting means. The casing comprises a hanger protruding from its side. Each of the handle and hanger comprises a hole, where these holes are configured to form a cavity for inserting a pin, screw or nail when overlapping each other. The pin, screw or nail are configured to fasten the casing to the hair styling or hair cutting means and prevent spatial movement of and mechanical disturbance to the tiltmeter.

[0028] The following will describe particular and non-limiting examples of the present invention with reference to the drawings without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. [0029] Fig. 1 shows an example of a certain MEMS type of tiltmeter that can be employed in the hair styling aids.

Fig. 2 shows an example of a certain air-bubble type of tiltmeter that can be employed in the hair styling aids.

Fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of the electronics of the present invention integrating MEMS type tiltmeter.

Fig. 4 illustrates three dimensional perspective view of hair styling aid ring comprising angle-measuring tiltmeter.

Fig. 5 illustrates side view of hair styling aid ring comprising angle-measuring tiltmeter.

Fig. 6 illustrates top view of hair styling aid ring comprising angle-measuring tiltmeter.

Fig. 7 illustrates second side view of hair styling aid ring comprising angle- measuring tiltmeter.

Fig. 8 illustrates second top view of hair styling aid ring comprising angle-measuring tiltmeter and showing charging inlet.

Figs. 9A-B illustrate front and back perspective views of hair styling ring aid comprising angle-measuring tiltmeter.

Figs. 10A-B illustrate a vacant space allocated for an angle-measuring tiltmeter integrated within a comb and an angle measuring tiltmeter integrated within the comb.

Figs. 11A-B illustrate the casing parts of the angle-measuring tiltmeter designed for integration within a comb.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

[0030] A tiltmeter is an instrument designed to measure very small changes from the vertical level, either on the ground or in structures. It should be noted that the use of tiltmeter in the hair styling and hair cutting aids of the present invention is not limited to a particular technology of measuring angles with tiltmeters. Therefore, any type of tiltmeter operating based on a certain physical principle and electronic arrangement is considered within the scope of the present invention and may be integrated with the hair styling and hair cutting aids. Accordingly, in still another particular non-limiting embodiment, the tiltmeter is Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensor that enables tilt angle measuring tasks to be performed conveniently in both single and dual axis mode. Ultra-high precision 2-axis MEMS driven digital tiltmeter is available for speedy angle measurement.

[0031] Fig. 1 shows a MEMS type tiltmeter (A), which is Freescale FXLS8471Q 3 Axis Digital Accelerometer. This tiltmeter (A) measures G forces. Since the constant of gravity force is g = 9.82, the angle of inclination of an article carrying the tiltmeter (A) is calculated according to its position using 3 vectors representing X axis, Y axis and Z axis. Generally, measuring the position of the article and tiltmeter (A) along the X and Z axis is sufficient. Communication is done via SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) from Microcontroller (D) (shown in Fig. 3) to the accelerometer (A). In this case the ac- celerometer (A) is the slave and the Microcontroller (D) is the master.

[0032] Fig. 2 shows another example of one particular non-limiting embodiment of an

electronic tiltmeter (B) that uses a simple bubble level principle, as used in the common carpenter level. An arrangement of excitation electrodes (bl, b2) senses the exact position of the bubble (b3) in the electrolytic solution (b4), to a high degree of precision upon application of AC voltage. Central pick-up electrode (b5) measures the AC output as a function of the tilt angle. Any small changes in the level are recorded using a standard datalogger. The AC output may be converted to DC current provided that appropriate AC/DC conversion means are connected to the electrode (b5). Such tiltmeter may be integrated with any hair styling or hair cutting aid according to the present invention in a fashion that is exemplified and illustrated in the following Figures and detailed below.

[0033] Fig. 3 shows a block diagram (C) of the electronics of the angle measuring tiltmeter.

The major components are the accelerometer (A), microcontroller (D), LED bulbs ( Fl-4), generic charger (E), regulator (G) and coin cell battery (H).

In one particular non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the components in the block diagram in Fig. 3 are as follows:

(1) Accelerometer (A) - MEMS type tiltmeter that measures the angle of inclination of an article or device to which it is attached, such as the wearable ring (1), shown in Fig. 4, and comb (11) in Figs. 10A-B;

(2) Microcontroller (D) - that controls and communicates data received from the accelerometer (A);

(3) 5V generic charger (E) (phone charger) that requires a connector for charging, generally a Standard B Type Micro USB;

(4) Voltage regulator, specifically LM3480 LDO Voltage Regulator;

(5) Rechargeable coin cell battery (H), particularly Panasonic ML1220 3VDC rechargeable coin cell Lithium-ion battery is used with capacity rate at 17mAh and dimensions of 12.5 mm in diameter and 2 mm in thickness; and

(6) LED bulbs (Fl-4) that visually indicate a particular angle of inclination each in a different color as follows:

• Orange - 0°

• Red - 45°

• Yellow - 60°

• Green - 90°.

[0034] The microcontroller (D) communicates with the accelerometer via SPI, analyzes the samples and calculates the angle relative to the horizon. Eventually it drives the LEDs (Fl-4) to indicate the inclination for the user in different colors. Only one LED is driven at a given time. Two or more will never be ON at the same time. The voltage drops on each LED is around VLED=1.8V.

[0035] A generic 5V charger (E) (phone charger) is used to charge the rechargeable coin cell battery (H). The required connector for charging is standard B Type Micro USB (not shown). Accordingly a regulator (G) is also required, which will convert the voltage from 5VDC to 3VDC and by doing so prevent damaging the coin cell battery (H) while charging it.

[0036] Figs. 4-9A-B illustrate a particular application of the tiltmeter-hair styling or hair cutting aid coupling (1). Specifically, as illustrated in Fig. 4 a ring-shaped aid (2) configured to be worn on the index finger of a hair stylist is coupled with a casing (3) that contains a tiltmeter that can be the tiltmeter shown in Fig. 2. A 90 degrees angular shape casing (3) of the tiltmeter (10) wraps around the ring-shaped aid (2) and locks to it with a reversible connection on one wall. This connection can use, for example, a screw or pin inserted within a cavity (6) formed by two holes matching each other one in a hanger (5) extending from the casing (3), the other in a handle (4) extending from the ring-shaped aid (2) and surrounding half or more of its circumference. A second screw or pin with a matching hole is located in the other wall. This is shown, for example, in Figs. 6 and 8, showing the extension (5') on the second wall of the casing ( 3) and hole (6') on the ring (2).

[0037] Another perspective of pin/screw-hole coupling (6a, 6b) between the ring (2) and in the two walls of the tiltmeter casing (3) is illustrated in Figs. 9A-9B. The LED bulbs display (Fl-4) showing through the wall of the casing (3) is also shown in Fig. 9A.

[0038] As the ring-shaped aid (2) dressed on the index finger of the hair stylist, moves in concert with the natural movement of the hair stylist hand, the tiltmeter within the casing (3) senses the angular change, namely angle of inclination, caused by the movement.

[0039] For MEMS tiltmeter, the system and method of measuring the angle of inclination of the ring is exemplified in Fig. 2.

[0040] LED bulb (8) is wired to the output of the tiltmeter (10 in Fig. 4) through electrical circuitry, PCB (7 in Fig. 5, made visible for illustrative purposes), which responds to a particular output current and causes LED bulb (8) to light up or flash. In one particular embodiment, four LED bulbs (8) are electrically wired to the tiltmeter (10) (shown in Fig. 4), located within the casing wall and made visible at the exterior surface of the tiltmeter casing (3). Each one of the four LED bulbs (8) lights of flashes in a different color that indicates a certain electric current and corresponding tilt angle detected by the tiltmeter (10). The electric current is indicative of the angular change of the ring- shaped aid (2) that the tiltmeter (10) senses. This way, the tiltmeter (10) signals the hair stylist on the particular angle of his or her hand that holds the hair of a client. The hair stylist can then appreciate whether that is the desirable angle of cutting, combing or styling the particular lock of hair he or she hold in their hand.

[0041] For the tiltmeter shown in Fig. 2, the air bubble (b3) in a tiltmeter (B) sweeps

towards one of the electrodes (bl) and (b2), and causes a change in the electric current flowing through the electrolytic solution (b4). This output current results in electrical output measured by electrode (b5) and translated to the corresponding tilt angle according to calibration and registration procedure.

[0042] In one particular non-limiting embodiment, it is sufficient to use four LED bulbs (8) corresponding to four major angles required for styling or cutting hair as shown in Fig. 3, component (F 1-4) and detailed in the corresponding description. The electrical circuitry, i.e. the PCB (7) wired to the tiltmeter (10), is calibrated according to electrical current/voltage produced with the tilting angle. Four values of electrical current/voltage corresponding to four tilt angles are selected to activate the four LED bulbs (8), when such electrical current/voltage is measured.

[0043] In one particular embodiment, the calibration and registration procedure conducted before installing the tiltmeter (10) in the casing (3) takes into account deviations from the accurate measurement of the tilt angle and errors inherent to the particular tiltmeter of certain type and make. Thus, PCB (7) of each one of the LED bulbs (8) may be programmed to respond to electric output with pre-determined margins, so that the hair stylist is informed on the particular angle of holding the lock of hair of a client with certain latitude.

[0044] It is to be understood, that the tiltmeter (10) and electrical circuitry, PCB (7), may be re-calibrated to respond to tilt angles different from previously elected angles. Further, the casing (3) may be configured to contain electrical circuitry (7) programmed to respond to more or less than four electrical current/voltage values and corresponding tilt angles. Accordingly, more or less LED bulbs (8) may be connected to the PCB (7) and placed on the outer surface of the casing (3).

[0045] Fig. 5 is a side view of the tiltmeter equipped ring-shaped aid (1). The electrical circuitry, PCB (7), and the LED bulbs (8) are placed within one wall of the casing (3) and made visible on the exterior side of this wall, the circuitry being electrically connected to the tiltmeter (Accelerometer A in Figs. 1 and 2, for example), which is located within the casing (3). The physical connection between the casing (3) and the ring-shaped aid (2) with the corresponding handle (4) and hanger (5), provides the stability that the tiltmeter requires in order to accurately measure the tilt/inclination angle of the ring-shaped aid (2) itself. This connection is made through the cavity (6) that is formed by holes in the handle (4) and hanger (5) that overlap each other and enable their interconnection with a pin/screw inserted in it.

[0046] Fig. 6 is a top view of ring-shaped aid equipped with the tiltmeter (1), showing the tiltmeter (10) located at the inner side of the casing (3) between the casing (3) and the outer surface of the ring-shaped aid (2). This tiltmeter (10) is fastened to the casing (3) inner side to prevent false indication of tilt angle measured. Fig. 7 is another side view of the tiltmeter equipped ring-shaped aid (1). This view shows the exterior surface of the casing (3) of the tiltmeter (10) (not shown in this Figure), with the four electronic circuitry (7) leading each separately to the LED bulbs (8), each bulb lighting in a different color (see Fig. 3). In both Figs. 6 and 7 the two walls of the casing (3) are shown in flat perspective from two different views to illustrate the connection between the electronics (7) and display, namely LED bulbs (8) of the tiltmeter (10).

[0047] Fig. 8 is another top view of the tiltmeter equipped ring-shaped aid (1), showing the charging door (9) to the coin cell battery (H in Fig. 3) of the tiltmeter (10). This way, the battery within the tiltmeter (10) can be charged externally without disassembling the tiltmeter casing (3) from the ring-shaped aid (2) and possibly releasing the tiltmeter (10) from the casing (3). Therefore, a charging unit may be plugged in to a power outlet covered by the charging door (9) and charge the battery of the tiltmeter (10).

[0048] It is clear that the configuration of the tiltmeter equipped ring-shaped hair styling aid may be adapted to any hair styling aid used by a hair stylist such as scissors, comb, brush and fan. Accordingly, the tiltmeter casing can be configured to be attached to other aids, without changing the position of the tiltmeter within the casing, the electrical communication of the tiltmeter to the LED bulbs on the exterior surface of the casing and the power outlet for charging the tiltmeter battery. The hair stylist may then apply any one of the hair styling aids equipped with the tiltmeter on a client hair and receive realtime visual or audible indication of the most important angles for cutting, combing, designing or otherwise styling the client's hair.

[0049] This is exemplified in Figs. 10A-B and corresponding casing parts illustrated in Figs.

11A-B showing tiltmeter integrated within a comb (11). For this, a number of teeth is removed from the comb, making space (11a) sufficient to conveniently accommodate the tiltmeter (12) that is attached to the shaft (lib). Parts (13) and (14) of the casing of the tiltmeter (12) adapted for the comb (11) in Figs. 11A and 11B complete each other to form closed space for the tiltmeter, electronics and LED bulbs, illustrated in Fig. 3. Part (13) comprises a rear plate (13h) and part (14) comprises the front cover (14d) of the casing. Holes (14a) and (14b) match hollow protrusions (13a) and (13b), respectively, where each pair is designed to fit a pin or screw that fasten the rear plate ( 13e) to the cover (14) of the casing. Extension (14e) in the cover (14) slides into recess (13e) in the vertical part (13g) of the rear part (13), thus providing mechanical friction and improved stability to the casing. Holes (13c) and (13d) are used to attach the casing to comb shaft (lib) and firmly holding it in place, thus making the angle measurement accurate and reliable. Recess (13f) matches an extension parallel to recess ( 13e) in the rear part (13) and is adapted to match extension (not shown) parallel to extension (14e) in the cover part (14). Windows (14f) enable viewing LED bulbs (Fl-4 in Fig. 3), while moving the comb on a client on a client's hair. Opening (14c) in the cover (14) enables charging the battery externally.

[0050] In another option, the tiltmeter equipment may be provided with audible signaling for the hair stylist for any of the angles elected. Accordingly a speaker may be introduced on the exterior surface of the tiltmeter casing connected to the electrical circuitry and producing different sounds for each tilt angle measured. Alternatively, both visual and audible signaling may be used and turned on simultaneously so that the hair stylist is properly notified on the tilt angle of his hand or hair styling aid relative to a hair lock of a client.

[0051] Although selected embodiments of the present invention have been shown and

described, it is to be understood the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments. Instead, it is to be appreciated that changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof.