Abstract:
The present invention is an adjustable magnetic channel closure for a salon cape. The channel closure has a reinforced tab located at or near each of the ends of the channel. Each reinforced tab has a pair of magnetic components that grip the channel when the reinforced tab is bent. The channel closure is tightened by pulling a gripping component located at each end of the channel closure. A cord located at the top of the channel prevents the reinforced tabs and magnetic components from sliding off the channel when the gripping components are pulled.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/185,235 filed on Jun. 9, 2009. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to the field of apparel and more specifically to a salon cape with an adjustable magnetic channel closure. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE. DRAWINGS 
         [0003]      FIG. 1  illustrates a front view of an exemplary embodiment of an adjustable magnetic channel closure for a salon cape. 
           [0004]      FIG. 2  illustrates a back view of an exemplary embodiment of an adjustable magnetic channel closure for a salon cape. 
           [0005]      FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an adjustable magnetic channel closure for a salon cape in use. 
           [0006]      FIG. 4  illustrates a top view of the fabric pieces of an exemplary embodiment of a salon cape. 
           [0007]      FIG. 5  illustrates a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a salon cape with an adjustable magnetic channel closure. 
       
    
    
     GLOSSARY 
       [0008]    As used herein, the term “channel” refers to the elongated portion of an adjustable magnetic channel closure that encircles the wearer&#39;s neck. 
         [0009]    As used herein, the term “channel cord” refers to the part of a channel that prevents reinforced tabs from sliding off of the channel when secured. 
         [0010]    As used herein, the term “gripping component” refers to the components of an adjustable magnetic channel closure that are pulled to tighten the channel around an individual&#39;s neck. 
         [0011]    As used herein, the term “reinforced tab” refers to a component of an adjustable magnetic channel closure that contains magnetic components, which grip the channel when reinforced tab is folded over. 
         [0012]    As used herein, the term “position indicator tab” refers to a component that marks the part of an adjustable magnetic channel closure that should be centered on the front of an individual&#39;s neck when adjustable magnetic channel closure is secured around an individual&#39;s neck. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0013]    Salon capes are used in salons and barber shops to keep hair clippings, liquids, and chemicals from reaching the individual&#39;s skin or clothing. A typical salon cape is rectangular and has a circular cut-out near one end for the attachment of a neckline, which is used to fasten the cape around an individual&#39;s neck so that the cape drapes around the individual&#39;s body. 
         [0014]    There are many types of neckline closures for salon capes known in the art. Fastening mechanisms, such as hook-and-loop fabric or snaps are commonly used for neckline closures. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/008,011 (Levy &#39;011) teaches a salon cape that has a plurality of snaps spaced along the neck portion of the cape which allow the size of the neck opening to be adjusted to fit individuals with varying neck sizes. The available sizing, however, is predetermined by the placement of the snaps and often results in a size that is too loose or uncomfortably tight. 
         [0015]    Levy &#39;011 also teaches a second embodiment of a salon cape that uses strips of hook-and-loop fabric to secure the neckline around an individual&#39;s neck. While hook-and-loop fabric allows for more adjustability, it can irritate the individual&#39;s neck and hair may become lodged in the hook-and-loop fabric making the cape unsanitary. In addition, when washed, the hook-and-loop fabric collects hair, thread and other particles that must be picked out for the hook-and-loop fabric to function properly. 
         [0016]    The use of a magnetic closure is also known in the art. U.S. Pat. No. 6,412,116 (Clark &#39;116) teaches a cape with pockets formed in each end of the collar. In the preferred embodiment, a strip containing a plurality of disk magnets encapsulated in a silicone band is inserted into each pocket. Similar to snaps, the available sizes are determined by the placement of the disc magnets in the strip. In a second embodiment, Clark &#39;116 teaches the use of a strip that has magnetic particles incorporated in the material. The strips have a width of less than 1 inch and when secured together around the individual&#39;s neck become somewhat rigid, which may be uncomfortable. 
         [0017]    A typical salon cape is designed in the shape of a square or rectangle. A circular cut-out is made near one end of the rectangle for the attachment of a neckline. When these capes are draped over an individual&#39;s shoulders, they are longer in the front and shorter in the back. The draping places a seam along the individual&#39;s back. The stylist may snag the seam with the comb while combing mid-length or long hair or accidentally cut the seam and cape with scissors or shears. 
         [0018]    It is desirable to have a closure mechanism that is adjustable to comfortably fit a variety of neck sizes. 
         [0019]    It is desirable to have a neck closure that may be repeatedly laundered and dried without affecting the fastening capability of the closure. 
         [0020]    It is desirable to have a salon cape that does not have a seam that runs along the individual&#39;s back when draped. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0021]    The present invention is an adjustable magnetic channel closure for a salon cape. The channel closure has a reinforced tab located at or near each end of the channel. Each reinforced tab has a set of magnetic components. Located at each end of the channel closure is a gripping component. The channel closure is secured to a salon cape and positioned in front of individual so that the position indicator tab is horizontally centered on the individual&#39;s neck. One side of the cape is draped over the individual&#39;s shoulder and the reinforced tab is folded so that the channel is gripped between the magnetic components. The second end of the channel is draped over the individual&#39;s other shoulder and the reinforced tab is folded so that the channel is gripped between the magnetic components. The gripping components are then pulled, tightening the channel closure until it is cinched gently around the individual&#39;s neck. A cord located at the top of the channel prevents reinforced tabs and magnetic components from sliding off the channel. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION 
       [0022]    For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the present invention, references are made in the text to exemplary embodiments of an adjustable magnetic channel closure for a salon cape, only some of which are described herein. It should be understood that no limitations on the scope of the invention are intended by describing these exemplary embodiments. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that alternate but functionally equivalent materials, shapes, and dimensions may be used. The inclusion of additional elements may be deemed readily apparent and obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art. Specific elements disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to employ the present invention. 
         [0023]    It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale; instead, emphasis has been placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In addition, in the embodiments depicted herein, like reference numerals in the various drawings refer to identical or near identical structural elements. 
         [0024]    Moreover, the terms “substantially” or “approximately” as used herein may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. 
         [0025]      FIG. 1  illustrates a front view of an exemplary embodiment of adjustable magnetic channel closure  100  for a salon cape. Adjustable magnetic channel closure  100  is comprised of channel  15 , channel cord  30 , reinforced tabs  20   a  and  20   b , gripping components  25   a  and  25   b , and position indicator tab  50 . 
         [0026]    In the embodiment shown, channel  15  has channel seams  40   a ,  40   b ,  40   c , and  40   d . Channel cord  30  is positioned at the top edge of channel  15  and is held in place by channel seam  40   a . Channel seam  40   d  secures adjustable magnetic channel closure  100  to the top edge of salon cape  200  (not shown), and channel seams  40   b  and  40   c  stabilize adjustable magnetic channel closure  100  and improve the sliding of reinforced tabs  20   a  and  20   b  and magnetic components  10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c  and  10   d . In addition, channel seams  40   b  and  40   c  increase the comfort of the individual wearing salon cape  200 . 
         [0027]    Reinforced tab  20   a  is secured to the first end of channel  15 . Reinforced tab  20   a  has magnetic components  10   a  and  10   b  and further includes gripping component  25   a  which protrudes outward from the top half of reinforced tab  20   a . In the embodiment shown, reinforced tab  20   a  is L-shaped with a height of approximately 2.156 inches, a bottom length of approximately 1 inch and a top length of approximately 1.5 inches so that gripping component  25   a  extends out approximately 0.5 inches. In other embodiments, gripping component  25   a  may be shortened or lengthened. 
         [0028]    Reinforced tab  20   b  is secured near the second edge of channel  15  and contains magnetic components  10   c  and  10   d . Gripping component  25   b  is the portion of channel  15  that extends beyond reinforced tab  20   b . In the embodiment shown, reinforced tab  20   b  is rectangular with height of approximately 2.156 inches and a length of approximately 1 inch. In the embodiment shown, gripping component  25   b  has a length of approximately 1 inch; however, in other embodiments may be shorter or longer. 
         [0029]    In the embodiment shown, channel  15  has a length of approximately 27 inches making the length of adjustable magnetic channel closure  100  approximately 30.5 inches. 
         [0030]    In the embodiment shown, reinforced tabs  20   a  and  20   b  are comprised of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and are injection molded around magnetic components  10   a  and  10   b  (reinforced tab  20   a ) and magnetic components  10   c  and  10   d  (reinforced tab  20   b ). Reinforced tabs  20   a  and  20   b  are approximately 1/64 inch thick and are flexible, which allows reinforced tabs  20   a  and  20   b  to be folded over to connect magnetic components  10   a  and  10   b  and magnetic components  10   c  and  10   d . In other embodiments, reinforced tabs  20   a  and  20   b  are comprised of a material other than LDPE, such as high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), silicone, rubber, or any other material that is flexible and into which magnetic components can be secured. 
         [0031]    Magnetic components  10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c  and  10   d  are positioned so that magnetic component  10   a  aligns with magnetic component  10   b  when reinforced tab  20   a  is folded and magnetic component  10   c  aligns with magnetic component  10   d  when reinforced tab  20   b  is folded. 
         [0032]    In the embodiment shown, magnetic components  10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c  and  10   d  are nickel-plated neodymium magnets (Grade 33H) that have a diameter of approximately 0.465 inches and a thickness of approximately 0.115 inches. In other embodiments, magnetic components  10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c  and  10   d  are comprised of another material including, but not limited to sintered neodymium-iron-boron, aluminum-nickel-cobalt, samarium cobalt, and ferrite. The diameter and thickness of magnetic components  10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c  and  10   d  may also vary. 
         [0033]    In the embodiment shown, channel cord  30  is comprised of silicone and has a diameter of approximately 0.125 inches. Channel cord  30  is high and low temperature resistant allowing adjustable magnetic channel closure  100  to be washed and dried in commercial washers and dryers. In other embodiments, channel cord  30  may have a smaller or larger diameter and may be comprised of a flexible, temperature resistant material including, but not limited to fluorosilicone, neoprene, Hypalon™ EPDM rubber, Viton™, and fabric. In various other embodiments, channel cord  30  is a shape other than circular (e.g., oval, square) and/or is attached to the exterior of channel  15 . 
         [0034]    In an exemplary embodiment, channel  15  and gripping component  25   b  are comprised of a nylon fabric and reinforced tabs  20   a  and  20   b  are encased in nylon fabric making adjustable magnetic channel closure  100  water-resistant. In other embodiments, another type of water-resistant or water-repellent fabric is used, including but not limited to soft PVC, satin, polyester, and Gore-Tex™. 
         [0035]    Position indicator tab  50  designates the part of adjustable magnetic channel closure  100  that should be placed at the center of the front of an individual&#39;s neck. In the embodiment shown, position indicator tab  50  is located approximately half way between reinforced tabs  20   a  and  20   b  and extends approximately 0.75 inches below channel  15 . In the embodiment shown, position indicator tab  50  is a loop of satin ribbon and is of a color that is distinct from the color of the nylon fabric. In various embodiments, position indicator  50  may be comprised of another type of material, be of varying shapes and sizes, or be a marking on the backside on channel  15 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 2  illustrates a back view of an exemplary embodiment of adjustable magnetic channel closure  100  for a salon cape. Visible are channel  15 , channel cord  30 , channel seams  40   a ,  40   b ,  40   c  and  40   d , reinforced tabs  20   a  and  20   b , gripping component  25   a  and  25   b , magnetic components  10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c  and  10   d , and position indicator tab  50 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of adjustable magnetic channel closure  100  in use. To secure adjustable magnetic channel closure  100  around an individual&#39;s neck, adjustable magnetic channel closure  100  is placed so that position indicator tab  50  is positioned at the center of the front of the individual&#39;s neck. Reinforced tab  20   a  is brought around the individual&#39;s neck and the portion of reinforced tab  20   a  with magnetic component  10   b  is placed between channel  15  and the individual&#39;s neck. Reinforced tab  20   a  is then folded so that channel  15  is secured between magnetic components  10   a  and  10   b  creating an overlapping collar around the individual&#39;s neck. 
         [0038]    Once reinforced tab  20   a  is secured, reinforced tab  20   b  is pulled and positioned so that magnetic component  10   d  is lined up with channel  15 . Reinforced tab  20   b  is then folded so that channel  15  is secured between magnetic components  10   c  and  10   d  so that the portion of reinforced tab  20   b  with magnetic component  10   c  rests against the individual&#39;s neck. When both reinforced tabs  20   a  and  20   b  are secured, gripping components  25   a  and  25   b  are pulled until adjustable magnetic channel closure  100  is gently cinched around the individual&#39;s neck. Reinforced tabs  20   a  and  20   b  remain folded and secured until magnetic components  10   a  and  10   b  and magnetic components  10   c  and  10   d  are pulled apart. 
         [0039]    Channel cord  30  rests in fold  22   a  of reinforced tab  20   a  and fold  22   b  of reinforced tab  20   b  when reinforced tabs  20   a  and  20   b  are secured. Channel cord  30  prevents reinforced tabs  20   a  and  20   b  from sliding off channel  15  when gripping components  25   a  and  25   b  are being pulled to tighten adjustable magnetic channel closure  100 . 
         [0040]    In the embodiment shown, channel  15  has a length of approximately 27 inches and can be adjusted for an exact fit for necks with a circumference of 12 to 24 inches. In other embodiments, channel  15  may be shorter or longer to accommodate varying sizes of necks. For example, channel  15  may range from 12 to 36 inches. 
         [0041]      FIG. 4  illustrates a top view of an exemplary embodiment of salon cape  200  comprised of main body  60 , first flap  70 , and second flap  80 . Seam  72   a  of first flap  70  is attached to main body  60  along seam  72   b . Seam  82   a  of second flap  80  is attached to main body  60  along seam  82   b . A hole is cut near the center of main body  60  creating neckline  65 . First flap  70  further includes neckline  75  and second flap further includes neckline  85 . 
         [0042]    In the embodiment shown, first flap  70  and second flap  80  are sewn to main body  60 ; however, in other embodiments, first flap  70  and second flap  80  may be attached to main body  60  using other methods including, but not limited to fabric adhesive, snaps, zippers, ties, and rivets. 
         [0043]    In the embodiment shown, main body  60 , first flap  70 , and second flap  80  are comprised of a nylon fabric that is water-resistant, anti-microbial, anti-static and chemical resistant. In other embodiments, another type of water-resistant or water-repellent fabric is used, including but not limited to soft PVC, satin, polyester, and Gore-Tex™. 
         [0044]    In the embodiment shown, main body  60  is substantially oval-shaped with a length of approximately 68 inches and a width of approximately 56 inches. In the embodiment shown, the hole for neckline  65  is approximately centered widthwise, but is not centered lengthwise. The hole for neckline  65  is located, approximately 25 inches from the left edge of main body  60  and approximately 39 to 40 inches from the right edge of main body  60 . The hole for neckline  65  is located approximately 26 inches from the top edge of main body  60  and approximately 26 inches from the bottom edge of main body  60 . 
         [0045]    In the embodiment shown, first flap  70  and second flap  80  have lengths of approximately 17 inches and seams  72   a ,  82   b  are approximately 26 inches long to correspond to the length of seams  72   b ,  82   b  of main body  60 . In other embodiments, the length and seam length of first flap  70  and second flap  80  vary with the dimensions of main body  60 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 5  illustrates a top view of an exemplary embodiment of salon cape  200  with adjustable magnetic channel closure  100 . Adjustable magnetic channel closure  100  is attached to salon cape  200  along necklines  65 ,  75  and  85  of main body  60 , first flap  70  and second flap  80 , respectively. 
         [0047]    To secure salon cape  200  around an individual, second flap  80  is draped around the individual&#39;s right shoulder and reinforced tab  20   a  is secured, first flap is then draped around the individual&#39;s left shoulder, overlapping first flap  80 , and reinforced tab  20   b  is secured, resulting in a draping seam that is in front of the individual. 
         [0048]    In the embodiment shown, the shape of salon cape  200  results in a draped cape that is relatively all one length (but may be slightly shorter in the back and longer in the front). The back of salon cape  200  is long enough to remain draped over the back of a salon chair preventing hair and liquids from coming in contact with the individual&#39;s clothes even when the individual leans forward. In addition, the shape and length of salon cape  200  allows the individual wearing it to move around more freely. 
         [0049]    In various other embodiments, adjustable magnetic channel closure  100  may be attached to an article other than a salon cape.