Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention provide a styling comb that can be used to train stylists to make precisely angled cuts, the styling comb having a single spirit level with indicia corresponding to at least two predetermined angles. Particularly preferred embodiments of the styling comb have the same feel (e.g., weight, balance, etc.) as a standard styling comb.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    This disclosure is related to styling combs and, more particularly, to styling combs that can be used at predetermined angles. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Many modern hairstyles require cuts to be made in straight lines at precise angles. Getting the angle exactly right and/or the line exactly straight can be difficult, and the consequences of failing to do so can be significant. Accordingly, such hairstyles are typically styled by professionals. Even for professionals who are trained to make such cuts, however, getting the angle exactly right and/or the line exactly straight can be difficult. All haircuts require more than one angle or straight line cut. One example of a hairstyle that requires straight line cuts at multiple angles is the “graduated bob.” In this particular cut, the outline angle needs to be the same on both sides, the interior graduation needs to be the same on both sides, and the bang needs to be square. 
         [0003]    Unfortunately, most existing methods of training stylists to make precisely angled cuts are not systematized, but rather involve a visual check, which leads to a significant degree of trial and error. Some of the systematized methods involve having trainees use specialized training combs, but each of those training combs has significant drawbacks. For example, some training combs have a spirit level integrated into their spines with indicia indicating only whether the comb is horizontal. One important drawback with this kind of training comb is that it does not help stylists/trainees with cuts at predetermined, non-zero angles to horizontal. 
         [0004]    Other training combs have two separate spirit levels integrated into their spines-one with indicia corresponding to horizontal and the other with indicia corresponding to a desired predetermined angle. There are at least two noteworthy drawbacks associated with such a training comb. First, having two spirit levels can upset the balance of the comb. A stylist/trainee who learns to balance and work with such a training comb will have to re-learn how to balance and work with a standard styling comb upon completion of training. Second, and perhaps more importantly, the second spirit level gets in the way of several of the teeth, thereby inhibiting the functionality of those affected teeth. This second drawback becomes more pronounced as stylists are trained to make cuts at more than two predetermined angles, as including a separate spirit level for each predetermined angle would severely impede the functionality of the training comb. 
         [0005]    Still another training comb has a single longer spirit level that can apparently be used to position the comb at multiple predetermined angles but that has no indicia that tells a stylist/trainee when the comb is at those predetermined angles. This training comb is disclosed in French Patent No. 2,615,706 to Cohen. Cohen&#39;s styling comb has indicia on the spine indicating distance increments from one end of the comb to the other, but no indicia indicating angles. Not having ever seen such a training comb in the marketplace, it is difficult to understand how a stylist/trainee would have known that the comb is positioned at the desired predetermined angle. Needless to say, not being able to easily determine whether the training comb is positioned at the desired predetermined angle is a significant drawback. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    Embodiments of the present invention provide a styling comb that can be used to train and assist stylists to make precisely angled cuts, as well as verify and correct completed cuts, because of its single spirit level that has indicia corresponding to at least two predetermined angles. Embodiments of the present invention may provide one or more of the following advantages. Some embodiments can be used as part of a systematized way of training stylists to make precisely angled cuts. In most embodiments, two or more predetermined angles are clearly indicated by indicia. Any suitable number of predetermined angles can be indicated, depending on a desired level of training. The predetermined angles can be any desired angles, depending on the application. In some embodiments, the styling comb can have the same feel (e.g., weight, balance, etc.) as a standard styling comb. In many embodiments, the spirit level is visible from the top and both sides of the styling comb, making the styling comb more user-friendly. In many embodiments, multiple predetermined angles can be precisely measured in connection with the enhanced functionality afforded by styling combs having both fine and coarse teeth. In some such embodiments, the distance can be measured from either end of the styling comb to the midline of the comb. Embodiments are compatible with all known methodologies for styling hair. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    The following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of the present invention and therefore do not limit the scope of the invention. The drawings are not to scale (unless so stated) and are intended for use in connection with the explanations in the following detailed description. Embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in connection with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements. 
           [0008]      FIG. 1A  is a front view of an illustrative styling comb according to embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0009]      FIG. 1B  is a rear view of the styling comb of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0010]      FIG. 1C  is a top view of the styling comb of  FIGS. 1A-1B . 
           [0011]      FIG. 1D  is an end view of the styling comb of  FIGS. 1A-1C . 
           [0012]      FIG. 2A  is a front view of an illustrative styling comb according to embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2B  is a rear view of the styling comb of  FIG. 2A . 
           [0014]      FIG. 2C  is a top view of the styling comb of  FIGS. 2A-2B . 
           [0015]      FIG. 2D  is an end view of the styling comb of  FIGS. 2A-2C . 
           [0016]      FIG. 3A  is a front view of an illustrative styling comb according to embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3B  is a rear view of the styling comb of  FIG. 3A . 
           [0018]      FIG. 3C  is an end view of the styling comb of  FIGS. 3A-3B . 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a top view of a styling comb section having an illustrative spirit level that can be incorporated into some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIGS. 5A-5G  show an illustrative styling comb section selectively positioned such that the spine forms various predetermined angles with the horizontal. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0021]    The following detailed description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following description provides practical illustrations for implementing exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Examples of constructions, materials, dimensions, and manufacturing processes are provided for selected elements, and all other elements employ that which is known to those of skill in the field of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the examples provided have suitable alternatives that can be utilized. 
         [0022]      FIGS. 1A-1D ,  2 A- 2 D, and  3 A- 3 D show three illustrative embodiments of a styling comb  100 ,  200 ,  300  according to the present invention. The styling comb  100  of  FIGS. 1A-1D  and the styling comb  200  of  FIGS. 2A-2D  can enable the versatility of being able to create crisp finished cut lines and/or to create more softness in the finished cut line. The styling comb  300  of  FIGS. 3A-3C  can be particularly useful for combing through hair with conditioner prior to cutting. 
         [0023]    The styling combs  100 ,  200 ,  300  share many common characteristics, some of which are also shared by other styling combs according to the present invention. The styling combs  100 ,  200 ,  300  can include an elongate spine  105 ,  205 ,  305 , a first plurality of teeth  110 ,  210 ,  310  extending from the spine  105 ,  205 ,  305 , and a spirit level  115 ,  215 ,  315  integrated into the spine  105 ,  205 ,  305 . The elongate spine  105 ,  205 ,  305  can include a first end  120 ,  220 ,  320 , a midline  125 ,  225 ,  325 , and a second end  130 ,  230 ,  330 . In some embodiments, the spirit level  115 ,  215 ,  315  is visible from the top (see  FIGS. 1C and 2C ) and both sides (see  FIGS. 1A-1B ,  2 A- 2 B, and  3 A- 3 B) of the styling comb  100 ,  200 ,  300 . 
         [0024]    Styling combs incorporate a variety of kinds of teeth, depending on the application. In most embodiments, the teeth  135 ,  235 ,  335  of the first plurality of teeth  110 ,  210 ,  310  are generally coplanar with each other (see especially  FIGS. 1D ,  2 D,  3 C). Likewise, in most embodiments, the teeth  135 ,  235 ,  335  of the first plurality of teeth  110 ,  210 ,  310  are generally parallel to each other (see especially  FIGS. 1A-1B ,  2 A- 2 B, and  3 A- 3 B). In some embodiments, the teeth  135 ,  235 ,  335  of the first plurality of teeth  110 ,  210 ,  310  have substantially the same width and thickness as each other. 
         [0025]    In  FIGS. 1A-1B  and  2 A- 2 B, the first plurality of teeth  110 ,  210  are fine teeth. Fine teeth are generally more suitable for creating tension in the hair that they engage, thereby allowing the stylist to make a crisper, cleaner cut. In  FIGS. 3A-3B , the first plurality of teeth  315  are coarse teeth. Coarse teeth are generally easier to work with, making them preferable for styles for which a softer finished cut is preferable. In many instances, a stylist will use fine teeth to make a cut and then use coarse teeth to determine how the cut hair responds naturally. 
         [0026]    As seen in  FIGS. 1A-1B  and  2 A- 2 B, some styling comb embodiments according to the present invention include both fine and coarse teeth. The styling combs  100 ,  200  of these Figures include a second plurality of teeth  140 ,  240  extending from the spine  105 ,  205 . As with the first plurality of teeth  115 ,  215 , the teeth  145 ,  245  of the second plurality of teeth  140 ,  240  are typically generally coplanar with each other (see especially  FIGS. 1C and 2C ). Further, the teeth  145 ,  245  of the second plurality of teeth  140 ,  240  are often generally coplanar with the teeth  135 ,  235  of the first plurality of teeth  110 ,  210  (again, see especially  FIGS. 1C and 2C ). In many embodiments, the teeth  145 ,  245  of the second plurality of teeth  140 ,  240  are generally parallel to each other and the teeth  135 ,  235  of the first plurality of teeth  110 ,  210  (see especially  FIGS. 1A-1B  and  2 A- 2 B). In some embodiments, the width and thickness of the teeth  145 ,  245  are substantially the same as those of each other but different from those of the teeth  135 ,  235  of the first plurality of teeth  110 ,  210 . For example, the teeth  145 ,  245  of the second plurality of teeth  140 ,  240 —the coarse teeth in  FIGS. 1A-1B  and  2 A- 2 B—can be generally wider and thicker, and spaced further apart, than the teeth  135 ,  235  of the first plurality of teeth  110 ,  210 —the fine teeth in  FIGS. 1A-1B  and  2 A- 2 B. 
         [0027]    Most styling combs that include both fine and coarse teeth are split roughly near the middle of the spine, with the fine teeth extending from approximately one-half of the spine and the coarse teeth extending from the remainder of the spine. If a stylist/trainee wishes to use such a comb, he/she often grips the comb such that his/her hand covers half of the comb. If the stylist/trainee wishes to use the coarse teeth, his/her hand often covers the fine teeth, and vice versa. As shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D  and  2 A- 2 D, the first plurality of teeth  110 ,  210  can stretch from near the first end  120 ,  220  of the spine  105 ,  205  to near the midline  125 ,  225  of the spine  105 ,  205 , and the second plurality of teeth  140 ,  240  can stretch from near the midline  125 ,  225  of the spine  105 ,  205  to near the second end  130 ,  230  of the spine  105 ,  205 . As can be seen, in the styling combs  100 ,  200  of  FIGS. 1A-1B  and  2 A- 2 B, the transition from fine teeth to coarse teeth is not exactly at the midline  125 ,  225 . In many embodiments, the transition from fine teeth to coarse teeth is substantially exactly at the midline  125 ,  225 . 
         [0028]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1B ,  2 B, and  3 B, styling combs are often used to measure distances. An example could involve a stylist resting either the first end  120 ,  220 ,  320  or the second end  130 ,  230 ,  330  against a person&#39;s head and draping that person&#39;s hair along the styling comb  100 ,  200 ,  300  for measurement. Another example could involve a stylist resting either the first end  120 ,  220 ,  320  or the second end  130 ,  230 ,  330  against a person&#39;s ear and then measuring the distance to a point at which the stylist can make a line. Yet another example is creating a man&#39;s sideburns of equal length and angle. The spines  105 ,  205 ,  305  of the styling combs  100 ,  200 ,  300  shown in  FIGS. 1B ,  2 B, and  3 B include a first set of markings  150 ,  250 ,  350  indicating distance increments from the first end  120 ,  220 ,  320  of the spine  105 ,  205 ,  305  to the midline  125 ,  225 ,  325  of the spine  105 ,  205 ,  305 . The spine  105 ,  205 ,  305  can include a second set of markings  155 ,  255 ,  355  indicating distance increments from the second end  130 ,  230 ,  330  of the spine  105 ,  205 ,  305  to the midline  125 ,  225 ,  325  of the spine  105 ,  205 ,  305 . An advantage of being able to measure along both the fine and coarse teeth is related to measuring along soft finish cuts (coarse teeth) and not-so-soft finish cuts (fine teeth). 
         [0029]      FIG. 4  shows a more detailed view of a spirit level  415  like the spirit levels  115 ,  215  of  FIGS. 1C and 2C . The spirit level  415  can include a generally transparent casing  460  integrated into the spine  405 , and that casing  460  can house liquid. The spirit level  415  can include a gas bubble  465  housed within the casing  460 . As the spirit level  415  is tilted one way or the other, the gas bubble  465  can translate within the casing  465  to indicate the extent to which the spirit level  415  is tilted. 
         [0030]    The spirit level  415  of  FIG. 4  includes a plurality of indicia that helps stylists/trainees easily determine the angle the spine  405  makes with the horizontal. As is discussed above, certain hairstyles require cuts at specific precise angles. Styling combs according to the present invention can be created with those predetermined angles in mind. For example, if a style requires cuts at zero degrees, 12 degrees, and −6 degrees, a styling comb according to the present invention can be created that has three indicia indicating that the comb is positioned at zero degrees, 12 degrees, and −6 degrees when the gas bubble is aligned with the respective indicia. Similarly, styling combs can be created based on general trends in the field. For example, many styles require cuts at 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 20 degrees, 35 degrees, 60 degrees, and so on (as well as negatives of all of these values). Styling combs according to the present invention that have two or more indicia corresponding to two or more of those angles can be used in a variety of styles. In some embodiments, the indicia correspond only to positive angles, and stylists/trainees can form negative angles by tilting the comb downwardly. Such embodiments allow the angle to be measured using either side of a styling comb, which often means that a stylist/trainee can use both fine and coarse teeth at desired angles. 
         [0031]    Many kinds of indicia can be incorporated into spirit levels to indicate predetermined angles. Referring still to  FIG. 4 , the spirit level  415  can include first and second indicia  470 ,  475  on the casing  460  for indicating which, if any, of a plurality of predetermined angles the spine  405  forms with the horizontal. The first indicium  470  can indicate that the spine  405  forms a first predetermined angle with the horizontal when the gas bubble  465  is aligned with the first indicium  470 . The second indicium  475  can indicate that the spine  405  forms a second predetermined angle with the horizontal when the gas bubble  465  is aligned with the second indicium  475 . In some embodiments, the first indicium  470  (e.g., a first line or pair of lines) is a first color and the second indicium  475  (e.g., a second line or pair of lines) is a second color. In some embodiments, the first indicium  470  can be a pair of lines each having a first thickness (or a first line having a first thickness), and the second indicium  475  can be a pair of lines each having a second thickness (or a second line having a second thickness) that is visibly greater than or less than the first thickness. In some embodiments, the casing  460  is transparent but colored, with different sections having different colors that correspond to predetermined angles. In some embodiments, the indicia can be the actual numbers that correspond to the predetermined angles (e.g., an indicium for a predetermined angle of 9 degrees can be “9° ”). 
         [0032]    Embodiments of the present invention can include a greater or lesser number of indicia, depending on the particular kind of style for which the styling comb will be used or on general trends in the field. Referring still to  FIG. 4 , the spirit level  415  can include a third indicium  480  on the casing  460  indicating that the spine  405  forms a third predetermined angle with the horizontal when the gas bubble  465  is aligned with the third indicium  480 . In some preferred embodiments, the spirit level includes fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh indicia  481 ,  482 ,  483 ,  484  on the casing  460 . In such embodiments, the fourth indicium  481  can indicate that the spine  405  forms a fourth predetermined angle with the horizontal when the gas bubble  465  is aligned with the fourth indicium  481 . In such embodiments, the fifth indicium  482  can indicate that the spine  405  forms a fifth predetermined angle with the horizontal when the gas bubble  465  is aligned with the fifth indicium  482 . In such embodiments, the sixth indicium  483  can indicate that the spine  405  forms a sixth predetermined angle with the horizontal when the gas bubble  465  is aligned with the sixth indicium  483 . In such embodiments, the seventh indicium  484  can indicate that the spine  405  forms a seventh predetermined angle with the horizontal when the gas bubble  465  is aligned with the seventh indicium  484 . 
         [0033]      FIGS. 5A-5G  show examples of how a styling comb can be selectively positioned to perform one or more styling operations on hair. A stylist/trainee can selectively position the styling comb such that the spine  505  forms various (e.g., two or more) predetermined angles with the horizontal (H). In doing so, he or she can align the gas bubble  565  with one or more given indicia (e.g., first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, or seventh) to form one or more given predetermined angle (e.g., first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, or seventh). 
         [0034]      FIGS. 5A-5G  show a styling comb section  500  selectively positioned such that the spine  505  forms seven different predetermined angles with the horizontal.  FIG. 5A  shows the gas bubble  565  aligned with the first indicium  570 , meaning that the spine  505  forms a first predetermined angle of zero degrees with the horizontal (H).  FIG. 5B  shows the gas bubble  565  aligned with the second indicium  575 , meaning that the spine  505  forms a second predetermined angle (θ) with the horizontal (H).  FIG. 5C  shows the gas bubble  565  aligned with the third indicium  580 , meaning that the spine  505  forms a third predetermined angle (−θ) with the horizontal (H).  FIG. 5D  shows the gas bubble  565  aligned with the fourth indicium  581 , meaning that the spine  505  forms a fourth predetermined angle (λ) with the horizontal (H).  FIG. 5E  shows the gas bubble  565  aligned with the fifth indicium  582 , meaning that the spine  505  forms a fifth predetermined angle (−λ) with the horizontal (H).  FIG. 5F  shows the gas bubble  565  aligned with the sixth indicium  583 , meaning that the spine  505  forms a sixth predetermined angle (α) with the horizontal (H).  FIG. 5G  shows the gas bubble  565  aligned with the seventh indicium  584 , meaning that the spine  505  forms a seventh predetermined angle (−α) with the horizontal (H). 
         [0035]    As is noted above, different embodiments of the present invention can include indicia at different predetermined angles with the horizontal. In embodiments having three indicia and three corresponding predetermined angles, the first predetermined angle can be zero degrees, the second predetermined angle (θ) can be 5 degrees, and the third predetermined angle (−θ) can be negative 5 degrees. 
         [0036]    Referring still to  FIGS. 5A-5G , many embodiments of the present invention incorporate pairs of lines as indicia.  FIG. 5A  shows that the first indicium  570  can be a first pair of lines that are each generally parallel to the teeth of the first plurality of teeth (see, e.g.,  110  of  FIGS. 1A-1B ). Referring again to  FIG. 5A , the gas bubble  565  can be aligned with the first indicium  570  when the gas bubble  565  is between the two lines of the first pair of lines.  FIG. 5B  shows that the second indicium  575  can be a second pair of lines that are each generally parallel to the teeth of the first plurality of teeth (see, e.g.,  110  of  FIGS. 1A-1B ). Referring again to  FIG. 5B , the gas bubble  565  can be aligned with the second indicium  575  when the gas bubble  565  is between the two lines of the second pair of lines.  FIG. 5C  shows that the third indicium  580  can be a third pair of lines that are generally parallel to the teeth of the first plurality of teeth (see, e.g.,  110  of  FIGS. 1A-1B ). Referring again to  FIG. 5C , the gas bubble  565  can be aligned with the third indicium  580  when the gas bubble  565  is between the two lines of the third pair of lines. 
         [0037]    In many embodiments, each indicium may include a single line that is generally parallel to the teeth of the first plurality of teeth. In such embodiments, the gas bubble  565  can be aligned with such indicia when the center of the gas bubble  565  is aligned with the center of the line. 
         [0038]    In the foregoing detailed description, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, it may be appreciated that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. Thus, some of the features of preferred embodiments described herein are not necessarily included in preferred embodiments of the invention that are intended for alternative uses.