Haircutting cape with front closure

A haircutting cape worn by a user that includes a front closure configuration is provided. The front closure configuration provides an unobstructed and seamless interface between the haircutting cape and the back of the user's neck. Moreover, the haircutting cape provides a barrier over substantially all of the user's body, thus effectively protecting the user from cut hair, water, and chemicals that are associated with barber and hair salon services. The haircutting cape includes a collar, a back portion, a first front portion, and a second front portion. The collar secures the haircutting cape to the user's neck, while the back portion covers the back of the user, and the first and second front portions cover the front of the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to haircutting capes. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a haircutting cape worn by a user during a haircutting or hairstyling procedure.

2. The Relevant Technology

Haircutting capes are typically employed in barbershops or hair salons to protect a user and a user's clothing from cut hair, water, and/or chemicals used during the cutting, washing, and/or styling of hair. For instance, conventional haircutting capes provide a barrier that is meant to cover the user's body when the user is sitting in a chair. Due to the barrier provided by conventional haircutting capes, a barber or hairstylist can cut, wash, and/or style the user's hair while protecting the user's body and clothing from contact with cut hair, water, or chemicals. Thus, the haircutting cape may allow the user to have a more relaxed and comfortable experience while at the barber or hair salon, as well as allow the user to leave the barber or hair salon with minimal amounts of cut hair, water, or chemicals on their clothing.

Conventional haircutting capes may be configured to be worn around a user's neck. To secure conventional haircutting capes around the user's neck, conventional haircutting capes may have a configuration that wraps around the front of the user's neck and connects to itself near the back of the user's neck. For example, a barber or hairstylist may secure the haircutting cape around the user's neck by tying, tucking, or otherwise connecting the haircutting cape at the back of the user's neck.

This conventional configuration, with the collar connecting near the back of a user's neck, may present several disadvantages. One example disadvantage is that a barber or hairstylist must tie, tuck, or otherwise connect the haircutting cape at the back of the user's neck. Due to the connection of the haircutting cape at the back of the user's neck, access to the user's neckline is often obstructed, causing difficulty for the barber or hairstylist to cut or color hair close to the neckline. In some circumstances, the collar on conventional haircutting capes must be undone and moved so that the barber or hairstylist can access the user's neckline, thus causing cut hair, water, or chemicals to fall onto the user's clothing.

In addition to obstructing access to the user's neckline, conventional haircutting capes may include a cape opening that does not provide complete coverage of the user's clothing. In particular, because of the typical configuration discussed above, many conventional haircutting capes have an opening that exposes the user's back when the user is wearing the cape. Due to the fact that the collar connects in the back, the opening in the cape is over the user's back, which does not allow the cape to properly overlap and adequately cover the user. Therefore, conventional haircutting capes may not adequately protect the user from cut hair, water, or chemicals that are part of the hair styling process.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A haircutting cape of the present invention includes a front closure configuration. The front closure configuration provides an unobstructed and seamless interface between the haircutting cape and the back of the user's neck. Moreover, the haircutting cape provides a barrier over substantially all of the user's body, thus effectively protecting the user from cut hair, water, and chemicals that are associated with barber and hair salon services.

In one implementation, the haircutting cape includes a flaccid, i.e., non-rigid, substantially rectangular sheet of material having a slit that extends from one edge of the substantially rectangular sheet of material to a collar that is positioned within the substantially rectangular sheet of material. The substantially rectangular sheet of material further includes a back portion, a first front portion, and second front portion. The first and second front portions have a longer length than the back portion. The back portion is configured to cover the back of the user, while the first and second front portions are configured to overlap one another and cover the front of the user. The collar can include various attachment elements that are used to secure the collar around the neck of the user while the user is wearing the haircutting cape.

In another example implementation, a haircutting cape is configured to be worn around the neck of a user and close over the front of the user. The haircutting cape includes a substantially rectangular sheet of material with a circular collar formed therein. The haircutting cape further includes a slit that extends between the collar and an edge of the substantially rectangular sheet of material. The slit is positioned within the haircutting cape such that the slit is configured to close over the front of the user.

In a further implementation, a method for using a haircutting cape is provided. The method includes providing a haircutting cape with a front closure configuration, wrapping the collar around the back of a user's neck, and attaching the collar proximate to the front of the user's neck.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED IMPLEMENTATIONS

A haircutting cape of the present invention includes a front closure configuration. The front closure configuration provides an unobstructed and seamless interface between the haircutting cape and the back of the user's neck. Moreover, the haircutting cape provides a barrier over substantially all of the user's body, thus effectively protecting the user from cut hair, water, and chemicals that are associated with barber and hair salon services.

FIG. 1illustrates an example haircutting cape100that is worn by a user150that is sitting in a chair160. In order to provide an effective barrier to protect the user150and the user's150clothing, the haircutting cape100can be made from a variety of materials. In one example implementation, the material of the haircutting cape100is a blend of polyester and polyurethane. In particular, in one implementation, the haircutting cape100material is about 76% polyester and about 24% polyurethane. In other implementations, the ratio of polyester and polyurethane vary depending on the overall desired look and feel of the haircutting cape100.

The polyester and polyurethane blend material provides a water proof barrier that does not allow water or other chemicals to pass through the material. Moreover, because of the blend of polyester and polyurethane, the haircutting cape100material is not damaged by most chemicals that are used in the hairstyling process. For example, the polyester and polyurethane material is not stained or compromised by coloring chemicals, bleach, developers, neutralizers, permanent solutions, or most any other styling product used in the hairstyling process.

While the polyester and polyurethane blend of material provides an effective barrier, the material is also light weight such that the haircutting cape100has a comfortable fit on the user150, as illustrated inFIG. 1. In addition, in one example implementation, the material on the top portion of the haircutting cape100is a slick material that has a low coefficient of friction. The slick material allows cut hair to slide off of the haircutting cape100so that cut hair is less likely to stick to the haircutting cape. The slick material allows the haircutting cape100the potential to be used several times before needing to be washed. However, when the haircutting cape100needs to be washed, the polyester and polyurethane blend of material is washable such that a barber or hairstylist can wash the haircutting cape100to remove any cut hair or styling product.

Depending on the particular use of the haircutting cape100, other example materials can be used to make the haircutting cape. For example, the haircutting cape materials can include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following flaccid, i.e., non-rigid, materials: cotton, canvas, polyester, nylon, polyurethane, fabric, cloth, synthetic fabrics, plastic-type materials, treated fabrics, and/or any other material or fabric that provides a suitable barrier for a particular need. For example, a barber that only cuts hair (e.g., the barber does not use chemical products or provide a shampoo service) may not require a water-proof material, and therefore, the haircutting cape can be made from 100% polyester to provide an effective barrier against the cut hair.

Notwithstanding the haircutting cape100material, the haircutting cape100is configured to be worn around the user's150neck. In particular, the haircutting cape100includes features and characteristics such that the haircutting cape100closes around the user's neck substantially at the front of the user's150neck, and therefore provides a seamless back interface, as illustrated inFIGS. 1 through 3. For example, the haircutting cape100includes a collar102that that is designed to wrap around the neck of the user100. As illustrated inFIG. 1, the collar102is a seamless band of material that is configured to wrap around the user's150neck such that a seal is formed between the user's150neck and the collar102. Therefore, the collar102stops, or substantially reduces, cut hair, water, or other styling product from moving between the user's150neck and the collar102.

The collar102can be made from the same material as described above with respect to the haircutting cape100. In one example implementation, however, the collar102is made from a different material than that of the haircutting cape100material(s). In particular, in one example implementation, the collar102is made from a nylon material that provides a comfortable fit around the user's150neck while also providing an effective seal. Other types of materials can also be used for the collar102. Moreover, in the case that the collar102is a different material than that of the haircutting cape100material, the collar102can be sewn to the haircutting cape100using conventional sewing techniques. Other similar techniques, such as gluing, can be used to secure the collar102to the haircutting cape100.

In yet a further implementation, the collar102is merely an edge portion of material adjacent a hole in the haircutting cape100that is configured to fit about the user's150neck. Thus, the term “collar” may refer to an edge portion of material adjacent an aperture112that fits about a user's neck and/or a piece of material connected to an edge portion of material adjacent an aperture112that fits about a user's neck while the haircutting cape100is being worn by the user150.

Just as the collar102material can vary, so too can the size of the collar102. For example, in one implementation, the collar102has a width of about ¾″ and a length of about 24″. In other example implementations, the collar102can have a narrower or wider width, and/or a longer or shorter length depending on the overall configuration of the collar102.

As shown inFIG. 2, the collar102includes attachment elements104aand104bsuch that the collar102can close around the user's150neck. As illustrated, the attachment elements104aand104bare positioned such that the collar102closes near the front neck of the user150. Because the collar102closes near the front neck of the user150, the collar102provides a seamless interface between the back of the user's150neck and the collar102, as illustrated inFIG. 1. The seamless interface provided by the collar102provides the barber or hairstylist with unobstructed access to the back of the user's neck, as discussed above.

The attachment elements104aand104bcan vary from one implementation to the next. In one example implementation, the attachment elements104aand104bare mating snap fasteners. In particular, attachment elements104aare female snap fasteners that are configured to couple to attachment elements104b, which are male snap fasteners. In other implementations, the attachment elements104aand104bcan be other elements configured to couple or connect the collar102to itself around the neck of the user150. For example, in alternative implementations, the attachment elements104aand104bcan be VELCRO fasteners, ties, buttons, magnets, buckles, or any other similar fastening devices.

Despite the type of attachment elements104aand104bemployed, the attachment elements can be positioned and configured to provide a collar102that is adjustable around a user's neck. For example, the attachment elements104aand104bcall allow the collar102to close in a number of different positions such that the collar102can be configured to fit any number of different neck sizes. For instance,FIGS. 2and3illustrate one example implementation where the attachment elements104aand104binclude six female snap fasteners that correspond with six male snap fasteners. In this way, a single female snap fastener can connect with a possible six male snap fasteners, thus providing six different collar102sizes using a single female snap fastener. BecauseFIGS. 2 and 3illustrate a total of six female snap fasteners and six male snap fasteners, the total number of possible collar102sizes is increased to provide a large degree of collar102adjustability around the user's150neck. In other implementations, there can be more or less female and/or male snap fasteners.

Just as the number of attachment elements104aand104bcan vary, the distance between each attachment element104aand104bcan also vary. For example,FIG. 2illustrates an example implementation where the individual female snap fasteners are positioned about 1″ apart from one another. In other implementations, the distance between the attachment elements104aand104bcan be larger or smaller depending on the degree of desired adjustability, and the type of attachment element employed.

As discussed above, the collar102secures the haircutting cape100to the user150. Notwithstanding the various collar102configurations, the haircutting cape100further includes various portions that effectively provide a barrier between the user150and the hairstyling process. In particular,FIG. 1illustrates one example of a back portion106that is configured to cover the shoulders and back of the user150. Since the collar102is configured to close in the front, the back portion106does not have an opening. Thus, the back portion106is a single piece of material that more effectively creates a barrier compared to conventional configurations of haircutting capes.

In addition to the back portion, the haircutting cape100further includes a first front portion108and a second front portion110, as illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3. In particular, the first front portion108and the second front portion110are configured to cover the front body of the user150.FIG. 2illustrates the haircutting cape100when the first front portion108and the second front portion110are in an open position.FIG. 3illustrates the haircutting cape100when the first front portion108and the second front portion110are in a closed position.

As shown inFIG. 3, the first front portion108and the second front portion110can be overlapped one on top of the other such that substantially the entire front portion of the user's body is covered with the haircutting cape100. For example, and as illustrated inFIG. 3, the first front portion108overlaps and rests upon the second front portion110. Due to the dimensions and general configuration, which will be discussed in more detail below, the first front portion108and the second front portion110provide an overlapping interface such that no opening is available for cut hair, water, or other hairstyle products to reach the user or the user's clothing.

In addition to providing a substantially overlapping interface, the dimensions and general configuration of the first front portion108and second front portion110allow gravity to hold the first front portion108and second front portion110in place. In other words, the first front portion108and second front portion110do not require a friction force between any surface to hold their respective positions, as shown inFIG. 3; rather, the configuration of the first front portion108and the second front portion110are held in place simply by folding the portions over the user's150body and allowing gravity to hold them in place. In an alternative implementation, the haircutting cape100can further include additional attachment elements located on the first front portion108and the second front portion110such that the first front portion108and the second front portion110are actually attached together by one or more attachment elements when in the closed position.

As mentioned above, the dimensions and configuration of the haircutting cape100will be explained further with reference toFIGS. 4 through 7.FIG. 4illustrates a perspective view of top side of the haircutting cape100that is positioned on a flat surface in order to illustrate additional features and characteristics. As illustrated inFIG. 4, the haircutting cape100has an overall configuration that is substantially rectangular. In other implementations, the haircutting cape100can have other overall configurations, such as circular, oval, square, diamond, or any other overall configuration that provides effective coverage of the user when the user is wearing the haircutting cape100.

The haircutting cape100illustrated inFIG. 4shows that the haircutting cape100can be considered as having a back segment118and a front segment120, as shown with reference line116. In particular, the front segment120includes the first front portion108and the second front portion110and extends from the bottom edge of the first front portion108and second front portion110to the edge of the slit114that is contiguous with the aperture112, as illustrated inFIGS. 4 and 6. The back segment118includes the remaining portion of the haircutting cape100.

The dimensional relationship between the front segment118and the back segment120can vary from one implementation to the next. For example, in one implementation the back segment118is about 31″ in length and the front segment is about 33″ in length to give a total length of about 64″. However, in alternative implementations, the back segment118may have a different length ratio to the front segment120. Moreover, the back segment118is not necessarily shorter than the front segment120, and in alternative implementations the back segment118can be longer than the front segment120. Furthermore, in one implementation, the front segment120and the back segment118may have equal lengths.

Notwithstanding the length of the back segment118and the front segment120, the width of the haircutting cape100can also vary from one implementation to the next. For example, in one implementation the haircutting cape100has an overall width of about 48″, with the first front portion108and the second front portion119each having a width of about 24″. In alternative implementations, the overall width of the haircutting cape100can be wider or narrower. Moreover, it is not necessary that the first front portion108and the second front portion110have equal widths; rather, in at least some implementations the first front portion108and the second front portion110have different widths.

In addition to variations in the length and width of the haircutting cape100, the size of the collar102can vary from one implementation to the next. As illustrated inFIG. 4, when the haircutting cape100is positioned in a flat position, the collar102forms a circular aperture112within the haircutting cape100. In one example implementation, the aperture112has an inner diameter of about 6″. In other implementations, however, the inside diameter of the aperture112can be larger or smaller depending on the overall configuration of the collar. Moreover, the aperture112does not have to be circular; rather, the aperture112can have various other configurations.

Moreover,FIG. 4further illustrates that the collar102includes a front collar portion102′ and a back collar portion102″. The front collar portion102′ is located on the part of the collar102that is adjacent to the slit114, as illustrated inFIG. 4. The back collar portion102″, on the other hand, is located on the part of the collar that is directly opposite of the first collar portion102′.

The haircutting cape100illustrated inFIG. 4further includes an outer hem122that borders the outside edge of the haircutting cape100. In one implementation, the outer hem122is made from a different material than the material of the haircutting cape100. In one example, the outer hem122is a nylon material. In other implementations, the outer hem122can be made from the same material as the haircutting cape100and simply be a hemmed edge that prevents fraying of the haircutting cape100material.

FIG. 5illustrates a perspective view of the bottom side of the haircutting cape100.FIG. 5further illustrates the attachment elements104aand104b. In particular,FIG. 5shows that the attachment elements104aand104bcan include female and male snap fasteners that can couple together to hold the collar102, and the haircutting cape100, a closed position around the neck of the user150.

FIGS. 6 and 7illustrate a plane view of the top side and bottom side of the haircutting cape100, respectively. In particular,FIG. 6illustrates that the top side of the haircutting cape100can be made from a slick material that allows cut hair to slide off of the haircutting cape100.FIG. 7, on the other hand, illustrates that the bottom side of the haircutting cape100can be a softer material designed to give a comfortable feel to the user150.