Patent Document

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention generally relates to a styling station. More particularly, the present invention relates to a portable and interchangeable shelving system capable of adaptively attaching to multiple chair backs. 
         [0002]    Professional hairstylists and makeup artists (collectively “professional stylists”) typically require the use of many types of beauty products (e.g. makeup, scissors, styling gel, shampoo, etc.) and electrical hand-held appliances (e.g. blow dryers, curling irons, etc.). Workstations that store these beauty products and electrical appliances are generally known in the art and tend to vary extensively by design. In general, designs include workstations that organize power cords via retractable extension cords, large portable workstations and workstations having rigidly attached styling trays. There are many different types and forms of styling workstations available to professional stylists. But, there are currently no customizable and highly portable workstations widely used in the industry that are capable of adaptively storing beauty products and electrical appliances according to the specific needs of the professional stylist. 
         [0003]    Workstations may incorporate one or more various devices that organize hairstyling products, makeup products and electrical appliances. Beauty products and other electrical appliances associated with hairstyling and makeup artists, hairdressing studios and hairstyling emporiums are ideally easily accessible to the professional stylist to ensure efficient styling. It is no surprise, therefore, that there are many special purpose workstations and styling trays that endeavor to solve a plurality of problems in the art. Professional stylists, especially those in the entertainment industry, often treat the skin and style hair, scalp, coiffure, wigs, and other accessories with a wide variety of products and procedures. These professional stylists need specialized workstation aids in order to provide exceptional and efficient styling services. Such workstation aids might include styling trays that organize products, devices that organize electrical cords or housings that shield the heating elements from a curling iron or blow dryer. 
         [0004]    In one example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,245,716 to Danner discloses a styling tray rigidly mounted to a chair backrest. The styling tray is designed to efficiently disconnect from the chair backrest with minimum effort. The tray is vertically and horizontally adjustable via a set of sliding brackets of which some are rigidly screwed into the chair backrest. The tray is preferably placed directly behind the backrest to best accommodate the busy professional stylist. Such a tray has multiple receptacle portions for accommodating a variety of beauty products and hairstyling appliances. Removing the tray from the chair backrest allows the professional stylist to clean the tray. But, such a tray is not highly portable and is not usable with chairs that do not have brackets mounted thereto. 
         [0005]    Another specific workstation design solves problems associated with storing and shielding dangling electrical cords of electrical appliances. This workstation includes a number of receptacles designed to hold electrical appliances, such as a blow dryer or curling iron, during non-use. Each receptacle has a charging plug from which the electrical appliance may draw electricity. The charging plug has a corresponding exposed adapter capable of being unwound to increase the operational distance of the electrical appliance. A set of electrical containers may be removably disposed in the receptacles and have varying interchangeable designs for storing other beauty products or tools. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,014,371 to Heel discloses a relatively large portable workstation that includes a movable cart and electrical supply. Portable workstations are especially useful for professional stylists that work at different locations all within the same general site. Such portable workstations are generally formed from a multi-sided box-like container having a set of wheels and a plurality of slots for storing beauty products and electrical appliances. These workstations can hold and organize small beauty products and accessories such as curlers, clips, hairpins, hair and scalp treatment solutions, etc. Mounting a container to larger portable workstations, for example, increases the on-site convenience of the workstation, but can decrease portability of the workstation among multiple locations (e.g. between movie sets). 
         [0007]    In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,159,773 to Losenno discloses a tool hanger for supporting electrical appliances like curling irons and blow dryers. The tool hanger specifically addresses a need in the art for safely using and storing curling irons, hot comb hangers and blow dryers. Previously, such devices were placed on a vanity or other comparable and convenient surface. This significantly increased the possibility of the heating elements coming into contact with the surroundings and, in turn, increased the fire hazard. Fire hazards were especially problematic when the heating elements were accidentally left on after completed use. Thus, the tool hanger provides an electrical appliance retainer that thermally insulates the heating elements from the surrounding environment. The hangers are designed to position the heating elements away from the face, hands and other body parts of the professional stylist. But, the tool hanger fails as a versatile portable storage device capable of aiding a professional stylist outside of simply holding electrical appliances. 
         [0008]    One major problem with the prior art is that professional stylists tend to work in different environments, such as homes, styling establishments, backstage areas at theaters, movie sets, etc. Professional stylists that travel to different locations to do work may create an improvised or makeshift portable hairstyling station depending, of course, on the location, the surrounding environment and the type of work to be performed. This is particularly disadvantageous to the professional stylist as products may constantly require reorganization to create an adequate workstation for each location or work to be performed. In turn, the professional stylist may experience a decrease in efficiency and quality of work for the lack of being able to obtain certain beauty products and electrical appliances in a quick, consistent and efficient manner. 
         [0009]    Thus, there is a need in the art for widespread adaptation of a versatile styling station that aids professional stylists in performing any of the above-described services. Such a styling station should be highly portable, foldable, include an interchangeable shelving storage system, and be capable of adjustment such that the styling station may attach to a wide variety of items with simple hooks, straps and retaining rings. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further related advantages. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The versatile styling station disclosed herein includes a product retainer, a pair of straps coupled to the product retainer and an attachment mechanism associated with the product retainer and the straps. The attachment mechanism connects the styling station to a base and the straps slidably adjust to level the product retainer once connected. Preferably, the straps comprise a continuous strip of flexible material that encompasses the outer portion of the product retainer. The shape of the product retainer effectively gives the styling station its shape. The styling station may further include a product holder slidably receivable by the product retainer. In one embodiment, the product holder comprises a box for storing a plurality of styling products. In another embodiment, the product holder comprises a holder capable of insulating the heating elements of a hairdryer or curling iron. The product retainer may selectively disengage the straps and may be selectively positionable along the length of the straps. In a preferred embodiment, the styling station attaches to a base that comprises a chair back, an armrest or a door. 
         [0011]    In one embodiment disclosed herein, the styling station includes an attachment mechanism that comprises an adjustable hook. The hook is selectively slidably engageable with a clip coupled to a strap. The hook further includes a lock that removably engages the clip to ensure securement thereto. In a preferred embodiment, the clip comprises a D-ring. Moreover, the hook should be sized to adaptively engage the corresponding base and may be configured to change in size depending on the corresponding application. 
         [0012]    In an alternative embodiment of the versatile styling station disclosed herein, the attachment mechanism comprises a pair of looped extensions formed from the straps. The looped extensions are sized to encompass the width of the base. Moreover, the looped extensions are adjustable and are capable of attaching to differently sized bases. In this regard, the adjustment end of the straps enables a user to increase or decrease the length of the looped extensions, depending on the size and thickness of the corresponding base to which the styling station is to be attached. Moreover, the styling station may further include a connector that selectively engages each of the looped extensions. The connector effectively prevents the straps from pulling away from one another when the styling station is attached to the corresponding base. A cushion may selectively attach to the connector to ensure that a user does not come into contact with either the connector or the straps when sitting in a chair having the styling station attached thereto. Accordingly, the cushion may comprise a lumbar support or a pillow. 
         [0013]    Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a styling station in accordance with the present invention, including a pair of hooks; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a front view of the styling station of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the styling station of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of the styling station of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is another perspective view of the styling station of  FIG. 1 , illustrating attachment to a chair back via the hooks; 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged perspective view of the styling station of  FIG. 5 , further illustrating retainment of a plurality of hair styling products; 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is an alternative perspective view of the styling station disclosed herein, including a pair of adjustable straps; 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is a front view of the alternative styling station of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  is a side view of the alternative styling station of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  is a rear perspective view of the alternative styling station of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  is another perspective view of the alternative styling station of  FIG. 7 , illustrating attachment to a chair back via the straps; 
           [0026]      FIG. 12  is an enlarged perspective view of the alternative styling station of  FIG. 11 , further illustrating retainment of multiple styling products; 
           [0027]      FIG. 13  is an alternative perspective view of the styling station attached to a chair back by the pair of straps, further illustrating retention thereto by a connector; and 
           [0028]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the styling station of  FIG. 13 , illustrating attachment of a pillow. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0029]    As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, the present invention for a styling station is referred to generally by the reference number  10 . In general, the styling station  10  is a portable and versatile shelving system capable of adaptively attaching to multiple objects, such as chair backs. The adjustability and compatibility of using the styling station  10  in multiple settings derives primarily from the arrangement of a first strap  12  and second strap  14  that interconnect with at least one of a top shelf  16  and a bottom shelf  18 .  FIGS. 1-6  illustrate one embodiment wherein the styling station  10  is removably attachable to a chair back  20  ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ) via a pair of hooks  22 . Alternatively, with respect to  FIGS. 7-14 , the styling station  10  may removably attach to the chair back  20  by the straps  12 ,  14  themselves. The hooks  22  enable the styling station  10  to attach to a chair back  20 , per  FIGS. 5 and 6 , or any one of a number of other items, such as arm rests, doors, window sills or other pieces of furniture or parts of a building to which the hooks  22  may grasp. The straps  12 ,  14  are preferably used to attach the styling station  10  to a chair back  20  in accordance with the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 11-14 . Although, a person of ordinary skill in the art may use the straps  12 ,  14  to attach the styling station  10  to other pieces of furniture or parts of a building in accordance with the functionality of the straps  12 ,  14 , as described herein. 
         [0030]      FIG. 1  illustrates the styling station  10  including a pair of hooks  22  integral with the straps  12 ,  14  via a pair of upper clips  24 . The straps  12 ,  14  thread through these upper clips  24 , as described in more detail below, and may be interchanged with other straps having varying shapes and sizes. The straps  12 ,  14  are preferably made from a durable and resilient material that may include leather, vinyl or rubber. Preferably, the straps  12 ,  14  do not stretch. But, at least a portion of the straps  12 ,  14  may stretch in order to attach the styling station  10  to an object. As best shown with respect to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the straps  12 ,  14  have a first end  26  that is fixedly attached to the upper clips  24 . In this respect, the first end  26  and the upper clips  24  must also be manufactured from a substantially resilient material capable of carrying the weight of the corresponding components of the styling station  10  and any styling accessories used in conjunction therewith. Preferably, the upper clips  24  are manufactured from a rigid plastic or metal material. The first end  26  may attach to the upper clips  24  by folding a portion of the strap material about itself to form an eyelet that encompasses a portion of the upper clips  24 . Therefrom, the first end  26  of the straps  12 ,  14  extends downwardly along a back section  28  of the styling station  10 . The straps  12 ,  14  extend down and around a bottom section  30  of the styling station  10 , namely underneath the bottom shelf  18 . Accordingly, the straps  12 ,  14  extend upwardly along a front section  32  and eventually angle upward back toward the upper clips  24 . The straps  12 ,  14  then thread through the upper clips  24  and a pair of lower clips  34  slidably retained along a section of the straps  12 ,  14  along the back section  28 , as best shown in  FIGS. 3-4  and  9 - 10 . With respect to the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1-6 , an adjustment end  36  of the straps  12 ,  14  folds back along the straps  12 ,  14  along the back section  28  of the styling station  10 . With respect to the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 7-14 , the adjustment end  36  is used to tighten the styling station  10  around the chair, as described in more detail below. 
         [0031]    The shelves  16 ,  18  may be permanently or removably attached to the straps  12 ,  14  by any mechanism known in the art, including rivets, screws, glue or by being sewn into the straps  12 ,  14 . In a particularly preferred embodiment, the styling station  10  includes at least the bottom shelf  18  coupled to the straps  12 ,  14  to provide support and some structure as the straps  12 ,  14  themselves are generally flexible. A person of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that any one of a number of different shelves may be used in conjunction with the styling station  10  as disclosed herein. The shelves  16 ,  18  may be fourteen inches wide by four inches deep to ensure adequate space for retaining a plurality of styling products. Preferably, the styling station  10  includes the top shelf  16  in a fixed location along the straps  12 ,  14  relative to the bottom shelf  18 . In a particularly preferred embodiment, the space between the top shelf  16  and the bottom shelf  18  is ten inches. In an alternative embodiment, the top shelf  16  and the bottom shelf  18  may be adjusted by removably attaching the straps  12 ,  14  thereto via a hook and loop mechanism (e.g. Velcro), snaps, snap buckles or another set of connectors that allow adjustability of the shelves  16 ,  18  along the length of the straps  12 ,  14 . The shelves  16 ,  18  as shown in  FIG. 1  include a lip  38  that generally extends upwardly approximately one-half inch from a base  40  of the shelves  16 ,  18  and is approximately one-quarter inch in width. In general, the lip  38  extends around the outer perimeter of the shelves  16 ,  18  and is used primarily to retain any one of a plurality of styling products placed on the base  40 . That is, the lip  38  ensures that products placed on the base  40  do not simply slide off in the event that the shelves  16 ,  18  become tilted to any degree. This is particularly useful when adjusting the styling station  10  or transporting the styling station  10  from one location to another. Thus, this makes the substantially planar base  40  ideal for placement of styling products such as makeup or hair products. 
         [0032]    Moreover, the styling station  10  may include an upper bracket  42  and a lower bracket  44  for use with the top shelf  16  and the bottom shelf  18 , respectively, as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . Like the shelves  16 ,  18 , the brackets  42 ,  44  may also be removably or permanently attached to the straps  12 ,  14  utilizing the same or a similar attachment mechanism, described above. In one aspect, the brackets  42 ,  44  may be adjustably positioned relative to the shelves  16 ,  18 . Adjustability of the brackets  42 ,  44  allows individual professional stylists to customize the height between the brackets  42 ,  44  and the shelves  16 ,  18  depending on the products used with the styling station  10 . In a particularly preferred embodiment, the brackets  42 ,  44  are placed approximately two inches above the respective shelves  16 ,  18 . Accordingly, the space between the brackets  42 ,  44  and the corresponding lip  38  of the shelves  16 ,  18  is approximately one and one quarter inches. The adjustability of the styling station  10  provides more flexibility for professional stylists to customize the shelving. For example, the distance between the upper bracket  42  and the lip  38  or the base  40  of the top shelf  16  may be relatively smaller compared to the distance between the lower bracket  44  and the lip  38  or the base  40  of the bottom shelf  18 . In this example, makeup and hair styling containers of relatively short height would be placed and stored in the top shelf  16 , while makeup and hair styling containers (e.g. shampoo or hair spray bottles) having relatively tall height would be placed and stored on the bottom shelf  18 . Of course, the positioning of the shelves  16 ,  18  and the brackets  42 ,  44  may be configured according to the needs of each individual professional stylist. Preferably, the materials that comprise the shelves  16 ,  18  and the brackets  42 ,  44  are rigid and capable of being transported without wearing out or breaking. Such materials may include wood, metal, Plexiglas, Kydex, injected molded plastic products, or other materials having like properties. Of course, a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that additional removable shelving and brackets (not shown) may attach anywhere between the top shelf  16  and the bottom shelf  18  by any of the aforementioned attachment mechanisms compatible with the styling station  10 . 
         [0033]    As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the hooks  22  are configured for sliding engagement with the styling station  10 . Preferably, the hooks  22  are manufactured from a resilient, yet flexible material such that a user may define the width of the U-shape portion of the hooks  22  in order to fit the styling station  10  to variously sized chair backs or other furniture items, as described above. A terminal end  46  of the hooks  22  is configured to slidingly engage the upper clips  24  for attachment thereto as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . The terminal end  46  is preferably curved to form a chamber through which the upper clips  24  may reside, yet not easily disengage.  FIG. 3  is an exemplary illustration of the formation of the terminal end  46  of the hooks  22  such that the styling station  10  hangs therefrom and does not otherwise disengage the hooks  22  during use, especially when attached to the chair back  20  of  FIGS. 5 and 6 . The terminal end  46  forms a locking chamber that prevents disengagement. The terminal end  46  may also comprise other locking mechanisms such as clips, snaps, hooks/loops (e.g. Velcro) or another similar mechanism capable of performing the same function. A person of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the hooks  22  may securely engage the upper clips  24  by any means known in the art to prevent inadvertent disengagement therefrom. The adjustment end  36  of the straps  12 ,  14  may simply fold back upon itself as best shown in  FIG. 4 . In this embodiment, the hooks  22  attach the styling station  10  to the chair back  20 . Of course, the hooks  22  may be formed of any shape or size that enables at least partial adjustment thereof. For example, the hooks  22  may expand or contract depending on the width of the chair back or other furniture item to which the styling station  10  is to be attached. In another aspect, the hooks  22  may vertically adjust to accommodate taller or shorter chair backs or other furniture items, in accordance with the disclosures herein. 
         [0034]      FIGS. 7-14  illustrate an alternative embodiment of the styling station  10  wherein attachment to the chair back  20  is accomplished via a pair of loops  48  formed from the straps  12 ,  14 . When attaching the styling station  10  to the chair back  20  ( FIGS. 11-14 ) with the straps  12 ,  14  (instead of the hooks  22 ), the adjustment end  36  thereof is detached from the corresponding portions of the straps  12 ,  14  as generally shown in  FIG. 4 . The material of the straps  12 ,  14  otherwise unused in  FIGS. 1-6  is thereafter used to create the loops  48 . Retracting the adjustment end  36  back through the lower clips  34  enables this excess material of the straps  12 ,  14  to expand outwardly into the loops  48 . Of course, the size of the loops  48  may be adjusted depending on the object to which the styling station  10  will be attached. The adjustment end  36  may be removably attached by any one of a number of attachment mechanisms known in the art, including a hook and loop arrangement (e.g. Velcro), buttons, snaps or clips. The loops  48  should at least initially be large enough to slide around the outside of the width of the chair back  20 . Thereafter, the loops  48  may be adjusted and tightened to the chair back  20 , as described in more detail below. 
         [0035]    As shown in  FIGS. 11-14 , the loops  48  extend around the outside of the chair back  20 . Accordingly, the straps  12 ,  14  may be tightened or loosened by threading more or less material through the lower clips  34 . For example, in using  FIG. 9  as a reference, the loop  48  may be decreased in size by threading additional strap material through the lower clip  34 , thereby lengthening the adjustment end  36 . In this regard, the adjustment end  36  would attach to a position higher up on the chair back  20  than its current position as shown in  FIG. 13 . Alternatively, more strap material may be threaded back through the lower clip  34 , thereby increasing the size of the loop  48  and decreasing the length of the adjustment end  36 . In this embodiment, the adjustment end  36  would attach to a lower portion on the chair back  20  relative to the position in  FIG. 13 . Increasing and/or decreasing the size of the loop  48  depends, of course, on the size of the chair back  20  or other furniture item to which the styling station  10  is to be attached. For example, decreasing the size of the loop  48  is particularly ideal for smaller or skinnier chair backs, while increasing the size of the loop  48  is particularly preferred for larger or thicker chair backs. Tightening and loosening the straps  12 ,  14  can also change the tilt angle of the shelves  16 ,  18  and the brackets  42 ,  44 , as described in more detail below. Of course, the straps  12 ,  14  may be adjustably configured by a hook and loop configuration (e.g. Velcro), buckles, snaps, snap buckles, the upper clips  24 , a connector  50  ( FIG. 13 ), the adjustment end  36  or the lower clips  34 . Preferably the upper clips  24  and the lower clips  34  comprise a D-ring. 
         [0036]    Alternatively, the lower clips  34  may comprise a snap buckle and a set of adjustment clips located along the length of the straps  12 ,  14 . In this embodiment, the adjustment end  36  of the straps  12 ,  14  simply snaps into the snap buckle threaded thereon, instead of threading through the lower clips  34 . The snap buckle, like the lower clips  34 , is slidably retained along the back section  28  of the straps  12 ,  14 . The size of the loops  48  may be changed through use of the adjustment clips integral to the straps  12 ,  14 , instead of the lower clips  34 . In this regard, a user may adjust the size of the loops  48  with a set of three −bar adjustment clips mounted along the length of the straps  12 ,  14  between the first end  26  and the adjustment end  36 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 13  illustrates the styling station  10  including the connector  50  for retaining together the straps  12 ,  14  when attached to the chair back  20 . The connector  50  functions to prevent the straps  12 ,  14  from falling off the sides of the char back  20 . In this regard, the straps  12 ,  14  are first tightened to the chair back  20 , as described above. Then, as shown in  FIG. 13 , the connector  50  attaches to the straps  12 ,  14  along the chair back  20 . The connector  50  may fold upon itself for attachment thereto by any of the aforementioned retainment mechanisms, such as a hook and loop arrangement (e.g. Velcro), snaps, clips or other mechanisms known in the art. In this case, the connector  50  helps retain the straps  12 ,  14  relative to one another along the chair back  20 . Without the connector  50 , the straps  12 ,  14  risk pulling apart and falling off either side of the chair back  20 . Accordingly, the connector  50  may also help maintain and center the styling station  10  in the middle of the chair back  20 . 
         [0038]    Moreover,  FIG. 11  illustrates a pillow  52  that may be integrated with the styling station  10  as described herein. The pillow  52  is preferably any type of lumbar support or cushion attachable to the styling station  10  via the connector  50  to ensure maximum comfort and support. In this regard, the pillow  52  simply threads into the connector  50  during attachment to the straps  12 ,  14 . The pillow  52  may include a sleeve (not shown) for receiving the connector  50  or may include another mechanism, such as a hook and loop attachment (i.e. Velcro), capable of facilitating attachment to the connector  50 . When a user is sitting in a chair  54  and leaning up against the chair back  20 , the pillow  52 , as attached to the connector  50 , prevents the user from directly contacting the connector  50  and/or the straps  12 ,  14 . Thus, the pillow  52  is designed to provide comfort and support to a person receiving styling services from a stylist using the styling station  10 . 
         [0039]    The straps  12 ,  14  are flexible in that the styling station  10  does not need to pull tight against a back portion of the chair back  20  to operate. As shown in  FIGS. 5-6  and  11 - 14 , the styling station  10  is not flush with the back portion of the chair back  20 . The design of the styling station  10  ensures that the shelves  16 ,  18  are capable of being oriented according to the needs of the professional stylist. The shelves  16 ,  18  are preferably positioned substantially horizontal to the floor and positioned at an offset angle relative to the back portion of the chair back  20 , unless, of course, the chair back  20  is perpendicular to the floor. Adjusting the straps  12 ,  14  to shorten the distance around the chair back  20  would tighten the loops  48  therearound and cause the styling station  10  to tilt forward. Increasing the size of the loops  48  tilts the styling station  10  backward toward the chair back  20 . This tilting feature is especially useful for maximum adjustability of the styling station  10  for use with a wide variety of chairs, including angled chairs. This ensures that the styling station  10  does not simply dangle from the chair back  20 . Rather, the styling station  10  may securely attach to the chair back  20  and be properly adjusted to ensure that the shelves  16 ,  18  remain substantially parallel to the floor in order to stabilize the styling products placed thereon. Hence, the professional stylist is able to work from the styling station  10  without worrying that makeup and hairstyling products, retained in the shelves  16 ,  18  and by the corresponding brackets  42 ,  44 , may fall out. The styling station  10  is especially useful and conformable to the pitch of different styling chairs and may attach to a hydraulic salon chair back, an ordinary chair back and any railing or doorframe with straps or hooks. Accordingly, the styling station  10  can be adjusted for different chair back heights, door heights and angles to keep the shelves  16 ,  18  level. 
         [0040]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the styling station  10  may further include any one of a plurality of accessories such as a box  56  or a holder  58 . The box  56  is preferably sized to fit neatly within the interior of the top shelf  16  as formed by the lip  38 . The styling station  10  may also include a mechanism for attaching the box  56  to the top shelf  16 , such as by a mechanical mechanism or an adhesive mechanism. The box  56  may hold any one of a number of small styling accessories such as a pin  60  ( FIGS. 6 and 12 ). Of course, a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the box  56  is capable of being placed in either the top shelf  16 , as described above, the bottom shelf  18  or any other shelves intermediate between the top shelf  16  and the bottom shelf  18 . Moreover, the professional stylist may endeavor to use multiple boxes  56  to hold a variety of other styling products requiring individual compartments. The box  56  may be larger or smaller than that shown in the representative figures and may be further customized to include smaller individual compartments therein (not shown). The box  56  is preferably flush with the corresponding bracket when placed on the base  40  of any respective shelf, as shown best in  FIG. 2 . The upper bracket  42  helps stabilize the box  56  when placed in the top shelf  16 . In this regard, the upper bracket  42  prevents the box  56  from tipping or otherwise falling out of the top shelf  16 . 
         [0041]    Also shown in  FIG. 1  is the holder  58 , which may retain a curling iron  62 , a hairdryer  64  ( FIGS. 5-6  and  11 - 12 ), or any other comparable styling device. The holder  58  preferably includes a horizontally extending ledge  66 . The ledge  66  enables the holder  58  to seat flush against the base  40  of the top shelf  16  through a corresponding aperture  68 . As best shown in  FIGS. 4 and 10 , the top shelf  16  may include a plurality of apertures  68 ,  68 ′,  68 ″. The shelves compatible with the styling station  10  may include one or more of the apertures  68  in any one of a number of different configurations. Moreover, the aperture  68  may be sized to retain one of a plurality of devices and/or specially shaped to accommodate a specific device that a professional stylist may want to use. Any one of a number of different accessories may also be used in association with the aperture  68 . For example, the box  56  covers the aperture  68 ″, as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 10 . The holder  58  or another accessory may be inserted into any one of the apertures  68 ,  68 ′,  68 ″. Preferably, the holder  58  is capable of insulating the heating element of the curling iron  62  or the hairdryer  64  to prevent exposure and possible burn risk. Of course, any one of a number of different sized or shaped holders  58  may be used in conjunction with a plurality of the aforementioned apertures  68 . The holder  58  is preferably made of a metal, a flexible heat resistant fabric or other fire retardant material resistant to large temperature changes that may result from direct contact with the heating elements of the curling iron  62 , the hairdryer  64 , or other similar device. 
         [0042]    The styling station  10  may also retain other items in the shelves  16 ,  18 , as shown in  FIGS. 5-6  and  11 - 12 , including a water bottle  70 , a hairspray bottle  72  or a shampoo bottle  74 . Of course, a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the styling station  10  may effectively retain any one of a number of different products to aid a professional stylist. 
         [0043]    The styling station  10  is specifically designed to be detached from the chair back  20  for travel with the professional stylist in and among varying locations without forcing the professional stylist to reconfigure the styling station  10  at each of the independent locations. 
         [0044]    Although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made to each without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the appended claims.

Technology Category: a