Abstract:
A device that can be worn by a person getting their hair washed and/or cut is described and taught. The device has a cape and a mask that the user can comfortably wear throughout the duration of the washing and cutting process. The device may take many forms but has a transparent mask that attaches to a water proof cape. The mask may also have ear protection and a padded perimeter to provide further comfort for the wearer. In some cases, the ear protection may have integrated speakers for the playing of music or listening to a proximal television. The device further has a trough for collecting excess water or hair. The attachment mechanism employed by the device can vary but will include snaps, hook and loop fasteners, zippers, and the like.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/772,573 filed on Mar. 5, 2013 and 61/867,188 filed on Aug. 19, 2013, the contents of both of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The field of the invention relates to hair treatment devices, namely those that keep the customer clean and dry while undergoing cutting and washing. In particular, to a mask and cape combination that fits to a customer and provides comfort and, in some cases, entertainment throughout the duration of the treatment process. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Hair care can be an extremely lucrative business, or it can be as simple as cutting your own hair in your own home. Wherever the location and cost, people are plagued by numerous problems associated with hair care, specifically the washing and cutting of hair. 
         [0004]    Often times when a client visits a salon they will have their hair washed. This involves the client sitting into a chair that reclines at a particular angle to align the customer above a sink. Depending on the length of hair or force of water used, this results in excess water running off the hair and splashing down the customer&#39;s clothing. This water often contains shampoo and other treatment products that can ruin clothes or get into the eyes or other orifices and cause discomfort or injury. These problems are only exacerbated when performed in the home with less than ideal equipment. 
         [0005]    Additionally, many of the same problems arise with cutting the hair. The hair can find its way into the smallest of crevices and require showering to rid oneself of it. Often times clothing will require washing to remove the hair. 
         [0006]    There needs to be a device that can comfortably cover and keep a person dry and product free. The device needs to restrict movement as little as possible. In some instances, it may be desired to have entertainment such as music for the customer on particularly long visits. The current invention meets and exceeds these needs. 
       REVIEW OF RELATED TECHNOLOGY 
       [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,996,918 teaches a haircutting cape worn by a user that 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&#39;s neck. Moreover, the haircutting cape provides a barrier over substantially all of the user&#39;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&#39;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. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,065,791 teaches a salon cape water guard with two pockets and that can hang on the neckline of a salon cape and catch water with a towel that could be inserted into one or both pockets. The water guard is made from any material that absorbs or resists water. Therefore, it protects the customer&#39;s clothing and back from getting wet. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,987,967 teaches a cap useful for protecting against either rainwater or shower water that is at least partially of transparent material that can hang down over the front of the face, the cap body portion including air vents over which flaps to keep out water are disposed. The cap further includes an integral hair pouch into which long hair, such as a pony tail, may be placed to protect that hair likewise from water. The pouch with contained hair can be allowed to hang down the back, or alternatively a hair pouch in the form of an arc within the cap interior may be used to contain the long hair or pony tail within an arc surrounding the upper neck, and leaving the lower neck and shoulders uncovered. Either of such embodiments is easily pressed into a flattened form and placed into an envelope of appropriate size so as to permit convenient storage using a minimum of shelf space. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,709,420 teaches a shampoo cape includes a splash guard or capelette which bridges the cape shoulder portions, when the cape is placed on the user, and is received within the sink in which the hair is to be washed or shampooed to deflect water from the hair into the sink and prevent water from impinging on the cape, the user&#39;s clothes and chair. 
         [0011]    U.S. Patent Application 20100138979 teaches an ergonomically shaped water blocking face screen which provides a new and improved protective device for use in separating the facial portion of the head from the portion of the head bearing hair whereas to create a physical division between the two and thus allow work to be done on either side without reciprocal contamination or interference. A preferred embodiment comprises the use of a protective visor with a skin contacting seal and a means to affix the visor to the user&#39;s head and face. 
         [0012]    Various devices are known in the art. However, their structure and means of operation are substantially different from the present disclosure. The other inventions fail to solve all the problems taught by the present disclosure. At least one embodiment of this invention is presented in the drawings below and will be described in more detail herein. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    The present invention discloses a hair treatment accessory comprising a cape of a sufficiently water resistant material, wherein the cape is substantially rectangular in shape and having an aperture with a first attachment mechanism thereon on a first terminal end and a trough on a second terminal end, the trough having an attachment mechanism at a first lateral end and a second lateral end creating a U-shaped portion with openings on either of the lateral ends of the trough; and a mask having a transparent lens and a second attachment mechanism fitting that of the first attachment mechanism disposed on the aperture and having a protective area covering the ears and shape that substantially mirrors the contours of the human face creating a comfortable, water resistant fit. 
         [0014]    Ideally, the mask will have a padded layer disposed along the outer perimeter of the mask for added comfort and protection. This layer may be removable or it can be permanently adhered to the perimeter. The mask can be attached by a variety of means including, but not limited to, snaps, zippers, hook and loop fasteners, buckles, belts and the like. The cape component is preferably neoprene, but may comprise any sufficiently water resistant material including rubber, silicone or latex. The device as a whole fits around the head of the user between the brow and frontal hairline and below the rear hairline. This leaves the head exposed and the remainder of the body protected and dry. 
         [0015]    In another embodiment, the hair treatment accessory may further comprise at least one speaker within the protective ear covering area. The speaker(s) are preferably wireless, but may have wired means as well. The speakers can operate through a number of wireless protocols including Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi, ANT and ZigBee. Additionally options may also be available such as infrared (IR) communications. This would allow the speakers to interact with various entertainment devices such as music players and televisions. Thus, it may be preferable to include a manual volume control or other such controls for the users. 
         [0016]    In yet another embodiment, the cape and mask are distinct entities rather than the mask attaching to an extension of the cape. Here, the hair treatment accessory comprises a cape of a sufficiently water resistant material having a first portion and a second portion, with the first portion having a first flexible strap extending from a distal end and the second portion having a second flexible strap extending from a distal end, wherein the first flexible strap and the second flexible strap have male and female adherence properties thereon, and wherein the cape is substantially rectangular in shape having an aperture defined by the first and the second flexible strap with a first adhesive means disposed thereon a first terminal end and a trough on a second terminal end, the trough having an attachment mechanism on a first lateral end and a second lateral end creating a U-shaped portion with openings on either of the lateral ends of the trough; and a mask having a transparent lens and a second attachment mechanism fitting that of the first attachment mechanism disposed on the cape having a protective area covering the ears and a shape that substantially mirrors the contours of the human face and having a padded layer extending the entire outer perimeter of the transparent mask creating a comfortable, water resistant fit. 
         [0017]    The first flexible strap and second flexible strap join to form an enclosed space designed to snugly fit a person&#39;s neck thereby covering the person&#39;s lower neck, shoulders, torso and lower body. The straps can adhere by a number of means including, but not limited to, zippers, snaps, buckles, belts, hook and loop fasteners and the like. The cape is worn in a way that it sits between the brow and frontal hairline of the user and below the user&#39;s rear hairline. 
         [0018]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a hair treatment accessory that keeps an individual dry. 
         [0019]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a hair treatment accessory that is lightweight and comfortable. 
         [0020]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a hair treatment accessory that protects the eyes and face. 
         [0021]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a hair treatment accessory that protects the ears. 
         [0022]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a hair treatment accessory that provides entertainment to the user. 
         [0023]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a hair treatment accessory that funnels water down and away from the user. 
         [0024]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a hair treatment accessory that does not obstruct the vision of the wearer. 
         [0025]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a hair treatment accessory that can be put on or taken off with ease. 
         [0026]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a hair treatment accessory that conforms to the features of the user. 
         [0027]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a hair treatment accessory that can be used as a consumer protection device in a multitude of environments including dentists&#39; offices, doctors&#39; offices, and the like. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0028]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of the mask component of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 1B  is a rear view of the mask component of the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of the cape component of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 2B  is a rear view of the cape component of the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 3  is an interior view of the ear protection feature of the present invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the current invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0035]    The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified, as far as possible, with the same reference numerals. Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto without deviating from the innovative concepts of the invention. 
         [0036]    Referring to the drawings,  FIGS. 1A and 1B  shows a perspective and rear view, respectively, of the mask  120  component of the present invention. The mask  120  has a transparent lens  105  and two ear protectors  160 , one on each side of the mask  120 , extending therefrom. The lens  105  is of a shape that will not restrict the user&#39;s line of sight or periphery. Thus, the lens  105  may be wide enough or wrap around and form fit to the user&#39;s face. The lens  105  should be of proper quality to resist damages from various hair treatment chemicals, as well as shatter resistant. Suitable materials may involve polycarbonates and the like. It may be preferential to have a scratch resistant coating in place to aid in the longevity of the lens  105 . 
         [0037]    The outer perimeter of the lens  105  has a padded coating  115  to provide comfort. This padded coating  115  may be a silicone coating that provides cushioning between the face of the user and the lens  105 . This type of padded coating  115  would help to provide a seal between the user&#39;s face and the lens thus keeping out all foreign materials. Alternatively, the padded coating  115  may be more of a traditional padded material such as a foam or cotton enrobed in a water resistant exterior. This would provide the user with more comfort but a more permeable seal between the lens and the user&#39;s face. It can be appreciated by those in the art that there can be many other alternative material used for such an application not mentioned herein. 
         [0038]    The mask  120  may optionally have an extended nose piece  220  for further protection purposes. The nose piece  220  is preferably formed from the same material as the lens  105  and is for all intents and purposes an extension of the lens  105 . It may cover the bridge and tip of the nose to help prevent injury from items being dropped. Alternatively, the nose piece  220  may fully cover the nose and nasal passages, having nasal openings as to not constrict the user&#39;s breathing. In  FIG. 1B , one can see the same features as well as some additional components. Here, one can see the interior of the ear protectors  160 . The ear protectors  160  are of sufficient size and shape as to encapsulate the user&#39;s ear without impinging any part thereof. Surrounding exterior circumference of the ear protectors  160  there is a padded area  205 . This padded area  205  is preferably a rubber or similar water resistant exterior filled with a soft, cotton or synthetic fill. The interior of the ear protectors may have speakers  165 . Additionally, the mask  120  has adherence means  175  for joining the mask  120  to the cape component  110  discussed below. The adherence means are plenty and may include, but not limited to, snaps, buckles, belts, zippers, hook and fastener loops, clamps, and the like. 
         [0039]    In  FIG. 2A , there is a frontal view of a preferred embodiment of the cape  110  component. The cape  110  is defined by a first terminal end  135  having an aperture  130  and a second terminal end  155  having a trough  140 . By nature, the cape  110  must be water proof or at least water resistant. There are many known water proof or water resistant materials, but the cape  110  is preferably neoprene. However, one can appreciate that any at least water resistant material that is light weight and form fitting may be used. The cape  110  is substantially rectangular in shape. The exact dimensions may vary but the cape can be about 0.30 m (12 inches) by about 0.61 m (24 inches) to about 1.22 m (48 inches) by 1.83 m (72 inches). The cape is preferably about 0.91 m (36 inches) by 1.37 m (54 inches). The trough  140  is formed by adhering a bottom portion of the cape  110  to itself with an attachment mechanism (not shown). The trough  140  is U-shaped to collect any hair or water that may fall. The depth of the trough  140  may vary from about 1.27 cm (0.5 inches) to about 15.2 cm (6 inches) and is preferably about 6.35 cm (2.5 inches) in depth. The trough  140  has openings at the lateral ends  145  for excess water or hair to run out of the trough  140 .  FIG. 2B  shows  FIG. 2A  from the reverse. Here, one can see the attachment mechanism  150  for adhering the cape  110  to itself. These means may include snaps, buckles, belts, stitching, hook and loop fasteners or the like. 
         [0040]      FIG. 3  shows and interior of the ear protector  160  having the optional speaker  165 . The speaker  165  is surrounded by padded area  205 . The padded area  205  is situated along the circumference of the ear protector  160  providing an encapsulating, cushioned area for the user&#39;s ear(s). The padded area  205  comprises a water resistant exterior surface, such as rubber, neoprene or the like, and is filled with cotton or a similar synthetic material. The exterior shell of the ear protector  160  should be a thermoformed plastic, resin, fiberglass or alternate rigid structure. The exterior shell (not shown) must be sufficiently water proof as it houses the electronic components of the speakers  165 . 
         [0041]    The speakers  165  in the ear protectors  160  may be either wired or preferably wireless. The wireless speakers  165  can operate through a variety of different wireless protocols including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, ANT and ZigBee. The most effective means being the implementation of Bluetooth® technology. With an integrated Bluetooth® receiver embedded therein, the ear protectors  160  and thus speakers  165  will be able to pick up the sound from various enabled devices such as music players or television sets. The salon may have televisions set up around the salon with Bluetooth® transmitters embedded therein. The user can then turn the speakers on and listen to the television. In some instances, the ear protectors  160  may have manual touch sensitive controls. This would permit the user to change which television or television channel they are listening to or in some cases change/stop/pause/play the song they are listening to. In more modest versions, there is only a manual volume control  210  by which the user can increase or decrease the volume of the specific entertainment medium to their liking. 
         [0042]      FIG. 4  shows a preferred embodiment of the current invention with the mask  120  and cape  110  joined in unison. The mask  120  is attached to the cape  110  preferably by way of a hook and loop fastener  190 . Alternatively, the mask may be attached using buttons, snaps, belts, zippers, buckles or the like. 
         [0043]    Here, the hair treatment accessory  100  has an aperture  130  which is sized and shaped to fit around a user&#39;s head. There may be varying styles of the hair treatment accessory  100  with various sized apertures  130  in order to select on best suited for the job. The perimeter of the aperture fits around the user&#39;s head below the frontal hairline and above the brow, and below their rear hairline. The cape  110  drapes down their back and protects their person from receiving any excess water or chemical spray. The mask  120  fits on to the attachment mechanism  125  extending along the perimeter of the aperture. These may include any of the previously mentioned attachment mechanism of any combination thereof. The mask  120  once firmly in place, should fit the contour of the user&#39;s face. The padded perimeter  115  of the mask  120  should provide added comfort and protection. The ear protectors  160  should fit around and enclose the ears from contamination with any sort of water or chemical. 
         [0044]    As the cape  110  extends downward to a second terminal end  155 , the trough  140  is present to catch excess water or hair. The water or hair comes off the user and runs down the cape  110 . The trough  140  is U-shaped and designed to catch and funnel the materials it encounters. These materials are disposed of at the lateral ends of the trough  145 . These lateral ends  145  also aid in the cleaning and drying of the hair treatment accessory  100 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 5  shows an alternate embodiment of the current invention wherein the cape  110  and mask  120  are not physically connected to one another. Here, the mask  120  attaches to the cape  110 . The attachment mechanism for the mask may include snaps, belts, buckles, hook and loop fasteners, zippers and the like. The attachment mechanism may also include any combination of these means. The cape  110  has a first flexible strap  185  and a second flexible strap  190 . Each of these straps carry complimentary adhesive means which may include snaps, buckles, belts, hook and loop fasteners, and the like. Additionally, the cape  110  itself may include zippers, snaps, or other adhesive means down the front. 
         [0046]    The user ideally would have the cape  110  wrapped around their head, and secured with the first flexible strap  185  and second flexible strap  190  across their forehead. The user may further be covered by the closing of additional attachment mechanism (not shown) down the front of the cape  110 . The user can then adhere the mask  120  to the first and second flexible strap  185 ,  190 . The first and second flexible straps  185 ,  190  should be positioned below the frontal hairline of the user and above their brow and the cape  110  below their rear hairline. The mask  120  should fit the contour of the user&#39;s face with the ear protectors  160  situated comfortably thereon the user&#39;s ears. The device  100  may accommodate various adjustment means to conform to different users comfortably. 
         [0047]    The present invention has been described with a particular amount of detail and its applications including those of a hair salon. However, the present invention may also be used in a variety of scenarios and environments including dentists&#39; offices, doctors&#39; offices, in the home, and the like. The present invention can be readily employed when it is necessary to protect eyes, mouths, clothing, and the like of an individual. In some instances, these specialized uses may have unique capabilities such as providing chemicals that have analgesic and/or anesthetic properties. The present invention may be able to distribute such chemicals through a specialized port attached to a supply source. Alternatively, there may be lighting sources present on the invention to aid in visual inspection of the wearer or provide greater clarity for the wearer.