Patent Publication Number: US-2023148755-A1

Title: Portable Salon Station and Accessories

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a salon station and, more particularly, to a convertible wheeled case with height adjustable chair and accessories that convert into a portable salon station. 
     2. Discussion of the Related Art 
     The typical business model for modern stylist involves a salon in a building, commonly known as a “brick and mortar” or traditional salon. This type of salon involves substantial expense for the building, facilities, equipment, and other items necessary to carry out the day-to-day business. These expenses are paid by the stylists who work at the salon from the fees charged to customers; thus, reducing the stylists&#39; income for simply having access to a work station. 
     With travel and social distancing limitations imposed on society within the past few years it has become increasingly difficult to find access to brick and mortar salons as they are limited by the number of people allowed to be present. In addition to these limitations there is also the issue of being in a confined space with a number of people that may or may not have the same or similar safety concerns as the customer. 
     Additionally, customers can find it difficult to schedule an appointment during regular business hours as the customers are also typically employed and working at that time. Customers can also find it difficult to schedule appointments in off-hours and weekends as they are competing with others with similar schedules with limited time to go to a salon. Further, the stylists need to accommodate the clients&#39; schedules or have limited income; thus, the hairstylist must make a choice between scheduling time outside of normal work hour to accommodate clients or have personal time away from work. 
     It is common for some stylists to travel to their customers&#39; homes, workplaces, and a variety of other locations to provide services to individuals or groups of individuals. It is also a goal to provide professional styling services with ease and grace to the home-bound, immobile and others with the inability to go to a traditional salon or barber shop. As the aged population increases there will also be an increasing need for services for those “aging in place.” 
     Traveling to non-salon locations typically involves the stylist having to improvise a makeshift styling tote or station with a subset of equipment and subject to the facilities are available (e.g., appropriate height salon chair, mirrors, shelves, table for tools, running water, wash basin, vacuum, etc. . . . ) wherever the work is to be performed. Facilities may be an individual&#39;s home, an office space, conference room, or even outdoors. Attempts to create a salon-like atmosphere are still lacking as some of the essential tools, such as an adjustable chair, stationary mirrors, or workspace are typically not easily portable. Carting the amount of items needed to provide typical services can create significant disadvantages, including fatigue and lack of convenience from carting a work cart or bag not intended for expanding into a stylist&#39;s workspace. These carts or bags also provide limited space and may limit the variety of items available for use and may even limit the functionality of items compared to similar equipment in a traditional salon as smaller items are typically used to minimize weight and space. 
     Quality work is also more difficult when a stylist arrives with limited equipment and uses the client&#39;s chair and table to create their workspace. The client&#39;s chair is unlikely to be adjustable or have a foot rest, either or both help position the client properly for hair cutting, coloring, and styling. Not having a proper chair that allows for the client to be adjusted to the proper height for the stylist can create back pain for the stylist. Having the client at eye level is a preferred arrangement but difficult to achieve with typical chairs and benches available at home, offices, and other locations. 
     Using a client&#39;s chair and table as part of the workspace can also be problematic as it impacts the integrity of the client&#39;s home or office with the possibility of leaving debris, oil, or chemical spills on the client&#39;s furniture. Further, the client&#39;s table or other space is likely to be occupied with the client&#39;s belongings providing for limited available space for the stylist&#39;s materials. 
     It is desirable to provide greater flexibility in terms of working hours, locations, safety protocols, and breadth of capabilities for stylists. It is also desirable to provide an organized arrangement to facilitate hairstylists to perform styling operations in virtually any location at any time in a manner that is similar to being in a traditional salon. It is also desirable to provide a portable case that is light weight and easily moveable that can be expanded into a workstation that provides the same features as a typical salon with the functionality of the very heavy, non-portable chairs, mirrors, service carts, and other equipment typically found in a salon. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a portable hairstylist&#39;s station with improved accessories for use in a wide range of locations 
     The intention of the stylist&#39;s salon is to provide a portable case for ease of transport of a stylist&#39;s tools and accessories that are easily adapted with the portable case for creating a transportable combination that expands into a work station similar to that in a traditional salon, including a salon chair, accessories stand, mirrors, and a service cart. 
     The stylist&#39;s station of the present invention includes a portable case, a salon chair, and accessories stand. In one embodiment, the chair includes a chair seat and a chair base. The chair seat is adaptable with the portable case in that it may be fit over the portable case. The chair base is a collapsible stand and interconnects with the chair seat to form the salon chair. When stored, the chair base is collapsed and contained within the portable case. The chair base provides the ability to adjust the height of the salon chair to suit the customer, as well as place the customer at the appropriate height for the stylist; thus, providing the best position to provide a professional haircut and styling, as well as limiting back pain and stress for the stylist. 
     According to a further embodiment, the chair seat includes a hinged section that allows the back of the chair seat to fold in half. A further embodiment allows the chair seat to recline. These adjustments allow for the customer to sit in a comfortable position at a comfortable height for the stylist to easily work. In further embodiments of the present invention, the hinge of the chair seat allows a customer to lean back to allow for manipulation of longer hair or provide ease of access to a washbasin for washing a customer&#39;s hair. In further embodiments, the chair seat further includes padding to provide additional comfort to the customer. In yet another embodiment, a foot rest may be incorporated in or attached to the chair base to provide a foot rest for the customer. With a client comfortably situated and stationary, the stylist may work around the client utilizing mirrors in front and back for a professional styling as if in a salon. 
     In another embodiment, the salon chair includes an attachable foot rest that is stored in the portable case when not in use. In a further embodiment, the foot rest is telescopic and may be collapsed for storage. 
     In a further embodiment, the stylist&#39;s station further includes a mirror that is carried in the portable case when in transport and that is adaptively attached to a telescoping handle on the portable case. The mirror may be attached with a compression fit, hook and loop fasteners, a magnetic connection, or other fixture that allows for the mirror to be connected and disconnected as needed by the stylist. 
     In another embodiment, the stylist&#39;s station includes an accessories stand for holding accessories in front of the client. In one embodiment the accessories stand holds a mirror that may be attached with a compression fit, hook and loop fasteners, a magnetic connection, or other fixture that allows for the mirror to be connected and disconnected as needed by the stylist. 
     The stylist&#39;s station further includes one or more trays that are carried in the portable case when in transport and that are adaptively attached to the telescoping handle on the portable case when in use. Each tray provides the stylist with a location to place tools or other items within easy reach while attending to a customer. Each tray may be attached with a compression fit, hook and loop fasteners, a magnetic connection, or other fixture that allows for the tray to be connected and disconnected as needed by the stylist. 
     In one embodiment, a tray provides a service basket with an indent or groove to fit on the handle of the portable case. This particular tray is deeper than other trays to be able to hold color bowls and materials for color treatments. In a further embodiment, the deep tray may also be inverted and used as a booster seat. 
     Further embodiments of the present invention provide access panels on the portable case allowing for access to the interior of the portable case from a variety of locations. In one embodiment, the portable case includes side panels that may be opened to allow easy access from the top to the bottom of the portable case providing the ability to access single items anywhere in the case without emptying the case or laying the case on its back or side to retrieve tools and equipment at any location within the case. 
     Further embodiments of the present invention provide heat protected pockets on the portable case to allow for protected placement of heated tools, such as flat irons and curling irons while the tools are too hot to place on other surfaces. 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a portable stylists&#39; station with a portable case and a foldable chair that includes a backrest that adjusts forward or backward for optimal positioning and comfort of the user. The chair also interconnects with an adjustable base that allows for height adjustment. In a further embodiment, a footrest also interconnects with the chair. With the adjustable base and footrest removed, the chair is adaptable to firmly interconnect with the portable case for ease of transport. 
     It is also an object of the present invention to provide a portable stylists&#39; station comprising a portable case with an extendable handle and a mirror that connects to the extendable handle while the stylists&#39; station is in use. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a portable stylists&#39; station comprising a portable case with an extendable handle and one or more trays that temporarily connect to the handle while the stylists&#39; station is in use. 
     It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a portable stylists&#39; station comprising a portable case with openings that provide access throughout the portable case without the need to empty the case or lay the case down to move items in and out of the case. 
     It is still further object of the present invention to provide a portable stylists&#39; station with a portable case with heat resistant pockets for holding heated objects with the objects are at high temperatures. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide additional pockets for placement of sanitary items, such as sani-neck strips, hand sanitizer, and first aid items. It will be appreciated that many additional pockets can be customized for materials and tools for services provided by the stylist. 
     These and other features and advantages will be set forth in the description that follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the present invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof, as well as the appended drawings. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: 
         FIG.  1    shows a portable hairstylist&#39;s salon according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  2   a    shows a detailed view of chair base for use with the portable stylist&#39;s salon in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  2   b    shows a view of the chair base according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  3   a   , shows an accessory tray for use with the portable stylist&#39;s salon according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  3   b    shows an embodiment of an accessory tray with a pocket for placing over the extendable handle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  3   c    shows multiple accessory trays in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  3   d    shows an accessory tray in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  3   e    show an accessory tray according to a further embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  4    shows a mirror attached to the extendable handle of the portable case in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  5    shows a front view of a silicone pocket for use with the with the stylist&#39;s salon, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  6   a    shows a portable case according to a further embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  6   b    shows a portable case in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG.  6   c    shows a portable case according to a further embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to the drawings in more detail,  FIG.  1    shows a portable stylists salon  10  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The portable stylists&#39; salon  10  includes a portable case  100 , a salon chair  110 , and an accessories stand  120 . According to one embodiment, the portable case  100  includes case openings  102  for access to the inside of the portable case  100 , an extendable handle  104  for pulling the portable case  100 , as well as mounting additional accessories when in use. 
     The salon chair  110  further comprises a chair seat  112  and a chair base  114 . In a further embodiment the salon chair  110  further includes a foot rest  116 . When in use, the chair seat  112  interconnects with the chair base  114 , wherein the chair base  114  is adjustable and may extend or retract allowing for a height adjustment that allows a client to be placed at a convenient height for access by the stylist. In further embodiments, the chair base  114  may be hydraulic, pneumatic, or other mechanism for ease of adjustment. In a further embodiment, the foot rest  116  connects with the chair seat  112 . In a further embodiment, the foot rest  116  is extendable and collapsible for adjustment specific to a client. 
     When stored or transported, the collapsible stand  114  and foot rest  116  are detachable and collapsible for compact storage within the portable case  100 . The chair seat  112  is formed in a manner that allows it to be placed on the portable base  100  and over the extendable handle  120  to secure the chair seat  112  to the portable case  100  when the in transit. 
     The accessories stand  120  provides a collapsible stand that may be stored in a compact manner within the portable case  100  when not in use. When in use, accessories may be attached to the accessories stand  120 , such as a mirror  122 . In further embodiments, additional accessories, such as trays, shelves, tool holders, or other items may be attached to the accessories stand  120  when in use to provide convenient access for the hairstylist. 
       FIG.  2   a    shows a detailed view of chair seat  112  for use with the portable stylists&#39; salon in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the chair seat  112  further includes a back section  210  and a seat section  220 . In a further embodiment, the back section  210  and the seat section  220  are interconnected with one or more hinges  230 . According to one embodiment, the one or more hinges  230  allow the back section  210  to fold flat to the seat section  220  create a compact version of the chair seat  112 . In a further embodiment, the back section  210  may be reclined when needed for shampooing or other activities. 
     The one or more hinges  230  will also provide the ability to lay a client backward to allow for use of a sink basin, when available, to wash the client&#39;s hair or other uses. In accordance with further embodiments of the present invention, the back section  210  further includes a back pad  212  and seat section  220  further includes seat pad  222 .  FIG.  2   b    further shows a chair seat  112  with hinge  230  according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
     Turning to  FIG.  3   a   , an accessory tray  30  according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The accessory tray  30 , as shown, attaches with a compression fit to the extendable handle  104  of the portable case  100 . In a further embodiment, the accessory tray  30  is attached with hook and loop fasteners. Further embodiments of the accessory tray  30  allow for a connection with the extendable handle  104  on the vertical extension posts  104  of the extendable handle  104 .  FIG.  3   b    shows a further embodiment in which the accessory tray  30  has a pocket that is placed over the extendable handle  104  to securely fasten the tray to the portable case  100 . 
       FIG.  3   c    provides a view of multiple accessory trays  30  attached to the extendable handle  104  of the portable case  100 , in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.  FIG.  3   d    provides a view of another embodiment of accessory tray  30  attached to the extendable handle  104  of the portable case  100 , in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention.  FIG.  3   e    provides yet another embodiment of accessory tray  30 . As shown in  FIG.  3   e    accessory tray  30  contains a pocket that rests on the extendable handle  104 . In a further embodiment, the tray  30  provides a service basket with an indent or groove to fit on the handle of the portable case. This particular tray is deeper than other trays to be able to hold color bowls and materials for color treatments. In a further embodiment, the deep tray may also be inverted and used as a booster seat. 
     While many more embodiments could be shown, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that many additional combinations of accessory trays may be configured to attach to the extendable handle  104 , as well as the accessory stand  120  without deviating from the scope and intent of the present invention 
       FIG.  4    shows a view of a mirror  40  attached to the extendable handle  104  of the portable case  100  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Pursuant to  FIG.  4   , the mirror  40  is attached with magnets  42  to the extendable handle  104 . In further embodiments, the mirror  40  may be attached with hook and loop fasteners, compression fittings, a pocket for placing over the extendable handle  104 . Returning to  FIG.  1   , accessory stand  120  may also hold a mirror  122  allowing for a client to see mirror  40 ; thus, being able to view the back of their head while their hair is being cut or styled. 
       FIG.  5    shows a front view of a heat resistant pocket  50  for use with the stylist&#39;s salon  10 . According to various embodiments of the present invention, heat resistant pocket  50  may be attached to the portable case  100  for holding tools  55  such as flat irons and curling irons that may damage other materials due to excessive heat. The heat resistant pocket  50  insulates surrounding materials from the heat of the tool  55 . In one embodiment, the heat resistant pocket is made of silicone. In a further embodiment, the heat resistant pocket is incorporated as a pocket in the portable case  100 . According to various embodiments, the heat resistant pocket  50  may be removably attached to the portable case  100  with hook-and-loop fasteners, magnets, or other connectors. 
       FIG.  6   a    shows a further embodiment of portable case  100  of the stylist&#39;s salon  10 . According to the embodiment shown in  FIG.  6   a   , the portable case  100  further comprises a front panel  60  that folds open to allow access to the internal compartments of the portable case  100 . The portable case  100  further includes vertically-oriented handle  610  on the side of portable case  100 . Further embodiments of the portable case  600  may include side panels, pockets, or various combinations of panels and pockets. According to various embodiments, the portable case  100  includes openings to hold the chair base  114 , the foot rest  116 , the mirror easel  120 , as well as provide a location for refuse and used items, such as drop clothes. 
       FIG.  6   b    shows a further embodiment of the portable case  100  with pockets  620  to hold stylist&#39;s tools or other items from the portable salon  10 .  FIG.  6   c    shows a further embodiment of the portable case  100  with multiple access doors  630  on the front of the portable case  100 , as well as a side opening  640  for access to the portable case  100  from the side without needing to empty the contents of the portable case  100  to access items near the bottom. 
     While many more embodiments could be shown, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that many additional configurations could be disclosed without deviating from the scope and intent of the present invention. 
     In summary, the stylist&#39;s salon and improved accessories disclosed above provide examples that are illustrative of some of the applications of the principles of the present subject matter. Thus it is contemplated that the stylist&#39;s salon and accessories may be constructed for many different applications and alterations may be made wherein a stylist&#39;s salon may include many of the above-mentioned advantages. Further additions or alterations may be made and may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that a number of variations, including those described, may be made to the fabrics, materials, and other elements, and the processes for making parts of the stylist&#39;s salon, all without departing from the scope of the invention, which is described above and defined by the appended claims.