US20180199697A1

US20180199697A1 - Hair vacuum system

Info

Publication number: US20180199697A1
Application number: US15/452,358
Authority: US
Inventors: Tabatha Staples
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-01-18
Filing date: 2017-03-07
Publication date: 2018-07-19

Abstract

A hair vacuum system including a hair suction assembly having a container having a hair-intake-opening, a housing with an inner volume for storing hair, a hair-removal-opening, and at least one vent, a suction unit for vacuum suctioning excess hair during hair styling, a sensor for sensing hand movement to activate the suction unit, and a power source. Hair vacuum system provides salons and hair stylists with a vacuum device that eliminates excess wet, dry, cut, and/or dead strands of hair from the front and back of a hand of a stylist, eliminating the need to stop working on a client's hair in order to remove tangles around the hand and fingers of the stylist.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/447,900 filed Jan. 18, 2017, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art nor material to the presently described or claimed inventions, nor that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of salon accessories and more specifically relates to a hair vacuum system.

2. Description of Related Art

While styling hair, excess dry and wet hair accumulates on the front and back of the hands and fingers. Dead strands of hair that accumulate can re-enter the hair while the stylist is working, leaving clients with a less-than-desired look. People may try to use towels and other methods of removing dead hair from the hands; however, these methods may be ineffective and time consuming. Stylists spend additional time cleaning their hands and less time working with clients. A suitable solution is desired.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,675,436 to Anthony R. Fratoni, Jr. relates to a vacuum apparatus for salon and barber chairs. The described vacuum apparatus for salon and barber chairs includes a vacuum apparatus for collecting fallen cut hair from a floor during hair grooming. the vacuum apparatus has a base, a suction unit mounted on the base and a shroud removably disposed about the base. The base is separable having a female portion and a male portion for receiving a post of a chair therebetween the base portions and the portions each having a baffle therein. The shroud is separable having a plurality of inlet openings through which the cut hair initially passes while being directed by the baffle through the suction unit enroute to a receptacle removably disposed on the suction unit for collection and for subsequent disposal of the cut hair. The female and male portions are engaged in a mating relationship and are maintained therein by a sealant. The shroud, being separable, expandably fits over the base and is kept in place about the base with a hook and a loop type fastener disposed on the shroud. The vacuum apparatus can be readily adapted to fit onto an existing barber and salon chair without modification to the chair so that a floor of a hair grooming shop may be kept clean during hair cutting.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known salon accessory art, the present disclosure provides a novel hair vacuum system. The general purpose of the present disclosure, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a vacuum device that eliminates excess wet, dry, cut, and/or dead strands of hair from the front and back of a hand of a stylist while working.
A hair vacuum system is disclosed herein. The hair vacuum system includes a hair suction assembly having a container having a hair-intake-opening, a housing with an inner volume for storing hair, a hair-removal-opening, and at least one vent, a suction unit for vacuum suctioning excess hair during hair styling, a sensor for sensing hand movement to activate the suction unit, and a power source. The hair vacuum system comprises the hair suction assembly. The hair suction assembly comprises the container, the suction unit, the motion sensor, and the power source in function combination. The container comprises the hair-intake-opening, the inner volume for storing hair, the hair-removal-opening, and the at least one vent configured to vacuum suction excess hair during hair styling by waving the hand of a user over the sensor to activate the suction unit and collect the hair in the inner volume for later disposal.
The suction unit comprises a motor powered by the power source. The power source may include batteries, an ac outlet able to be accessed via an electrical cord, or other suitable power source. The container may further comprise suction cups on a bottom surface of the housing for suction-coupling the hair suction assembly to a planar surface. The housing having the inner volume houses a filter bag for storing hair and disposing of the hair when emptied. The filter bag is removable and disposable. The hair-removal-opening is positioned on the bottom surface of the container for retrieving and disposing of the hair stored within the inner volume of the housing. The container comprises a substantially rectangular prism shape. The hair-intake-opening is located on a top surface of the container allowing excess hair to enter the hair-intake-opening via the suction unit upon activation. The vent is positioned on a side wall of the container allowing for greater airflow and vacuum suctioning capability. The sensor comprises a motion sensor. The motion sensor is able to sense movement of a hand above the container and activates the suction unit. The container comprises a substantially flat bottom surface and top surface such that the container is able to be placed on the planar surface. The container may include open vented coils on the top surface.
For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, a hair vacuum system, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the hair vacuum system during an ‘in-use’ condition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the hair vacuum system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the hair vacuum system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the hair vacuum system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the hair vacuum system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relates to a salon accessory and more particularly to a hair vacuum system as used to improve the efficiency in hair cutting processes.
Generally speaking, many women enjoy going to the salon. A salon is an establishment dealing with cosmetic treatments for men and women. Some salons focus on all forms of beauty treatment, while others simply focus on hair. Hair salons employ stylists that specialize in hair coloring, hair-cutting, and hair texturing techniques. The present invention provides salons and hair stylists with a vacuum device that eliminates excess wet, dry, cut, and/or dead strands of hair from the front and back of the hand. This eliminates the need to stop working on a client's hair in order to remove tangles around the hand and fingers of the stylist.
The device disclosed may include suction cups on the bottom portion in order to firmly secure the device to a counter or tabletop surface. The present invention preferably utilizes a motion sensor in order to automatically activate the device when a person's hand is placed overtop the suction vent. The present invention saves extensive amounts of time, effort, and money in a hair salon, effectively improving efficiency while styling hair. Hair vacuum system is a small suction device designed to remove excess wet or dry hair from the hands while styling hair. The device is preferably comprised of a rectangular structure with suction cups on the bottom, side vents, a motion sensor, and a vented opening at the top.
Within the interior may be a small motor capable of being powered via an electrical plug connected to available AC power or DC batteries. The motor enables the device to provide suction, effectively removing hair from a hand when placed over the top vent. Users may plug in or otherwise activate the device when hair removal is needed. The device is able to be affixed to a tabletop or countertop via the suction cups on the bottom portion. The user can place or move their hand overtop the motion sensor and top vent. The suction from the device pulls dead, wet, and/or dry hair from the hands and into the device. A filter bag is able to store the dead hair until removal is required. The device can be emptied by opening the bottom portion of the device. The product is intended to improve efficiency for hair stylists and their clients. Hair vacuum system can be constructed using plastic, metal, and other suitable materials. The device may be available in a universal size capable of accommodating all user needs and preferences.
Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference, there is shown in FIGS. 1-5, various views of a hair vacuum system 100. FIG. 1 shows a hair vacuum system 100 during an ‘in-use’ condition 150, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As Illustrated, the hair vacuum system 100 may include a hair suction assembly 110 having a container 120 having a hair-intake-opening 126, a housing 128 with an inner volume 132 for storing hair, a hair-removal-opening 134, and at least one vent 136, a suction unit 142 for vacuum suctioning excess hair during hair styling, a sensor 158 for sensing hand movement to activate the suction unit 142, and a power source 166. As such, the hair vacuum system 100 comprises the hair suction assembly 110. The hair suction assembly 110 comprises the container 120, the suction unit 142, the sensor 158, and the power source 166 in function combination. The container 120 comprises the hair-intake-opening 126, the inner volume 132 for storing hair, the hair-removal-opening 134, and the at least one vent 136 configured to vacuum suction excess hair during hair styling by waving the hand of a user over the sensor to activate the suction unit and collect the hair in the inner volume 132 for later disposal.
FIG. 2 shows a front perspective view of the hair vacuum system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As above, the hair vacuum system 100 may include a hair suction assembly 110 having a container 120 having a hair-intake-opening 126, a housing 128 with an inner volume 132 for storing hair, a hair-removal-opening 134, and at least one vent 136, a suction unit 142 for vacuum suctioning excess hair during hair styling, a sensor 158 for sensing hand movement to activate the suction unit 142, and a power source 166. The suction unit 142 comprises a motor powered by the power source 166. The power source 166 may include (DC powering means) batteries, or an AC outlet able to be accessed via an electrical cord 168, or other suitable power source may be used.
FIG. 3 shows a front perspective view of the hair vacuum system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As above, the hair vacuum system 100 may include a container 120. The container 120 may further comprise suction cups 130 on a bottom surface of the housing 128 for suction-coupling the hair suction assembly 110 to a planar surface. The housing 128 having the inner volume 132 houses a filter bag for storing hair and disposing of the hair until when emptied. The filter bag is removable and disposable in so-equipped embodiments. The hair-removal-opening 134 is positioned on the bottom surface of the container 120 for retrieving and disposing of the hair stored within the inner volume 132 of the housing 128. The container 120 comprises a substantially rectangular prism shape, a cylindrical profile, or other suitable shape based on manufacturing.
FIG. 4 shows a front perspective view of the hair vacuum system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As above, the hair vacuum system 100 may include a container 120 having a substantially rectangular prism shape, as shown. The container 120 comprises a substantially flat bottom surface and top surface such that the container 120 is able to be placed on the planar surface.
FIG. 5 shows another front perspective view of the hair vacuum system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As above, the hair vacuum system 100 may include the hair suction assembly 110 having a container 120 having a hair-intake-opening, a housing 128 with an inner volume 132 for storing hair, a hair-removal-opening 134, and at least one vent 136, a suction unit 142 for vacuum suctioning excess hair during hair styling, a sensor 158 for sensing hand movement to activate the suction unit 142, and a power source 166.
The hair-intake-opening 126 is located on a top surface of the container 120 allowing excess hair to enter the hair-intake-opening 126 via pull from the suction unit 142 upon activation (when in an on-condition). The vent 136 may be positioned on a side wall of the container 120 allowing for greater airflow and vacuum suctioning capability. The sensor 158 comprises a motion sensor or the like. The motion sensor is able to sense movement of the hand above the container 120 and activates the suction unit 142. The container 120 preferably comprises a substantially flat bottom surface and top surface such that the container 120 is able to be placed on the planar surface. The container 120 may further comprise open vented coils on the top surface.
The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.

Claims

What is claimed is new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims:

1. A hair vacuum system, the system comprising:

a hair suction assembly having;

a container having;

a hair-intake-opening;

a housing with an inner volume for storing hair;

a hair-removal-opening; and

at least one vent;

a suction unit for vacuum suctioning excess hair during hair styling;

a sensor for sensing hand movement to activate the suction unit; and

a power source;

wherein the hair vacuum system comprises the hair suction assembly;

wherein the hair suction assembly comprises the container, the suction unit, the motion sensor and the power source in function combination; and

wherein the container comprises the hair-intake-opening, the inner volume for storing hair, the hair-removal-opening, and the at least one vent configured to vacuum suction excess hair during hair styling by waving the hand of a user over the motion sensor to activate the suction unit and collect the hair in the inner volume for later disposal.

2. The hair vacuum system of claim 1, wherein the suction unit comprises a motor powered by the power source.

3. The hair vacuum system of claim 2, wherein the power source comprises batteries.

4. The hair vacuum system of claim 3, wherein the power source is an ac outlet able to be accessed via an electrical cord.

5. The hair vacuum system of claim 1, wherein the container further comprises suction cups on a bottom surface of the housing for suction-coupling the hair suction assembly to a planar surface.

6. The hair vacuum system of claim 5, wherein the housing having the inner volume houses a filter bag for storing hair and disposing of the hair when emptied.

7. The hair vacuum system of claim 6, wherein the filter bag is removable and disposable.

8. The hair vacuum system of claim 7, wherein the hair-removal-opening is positioned on the bottom surface of the container for retrieving and disposing of the hair stored within the inner volume of the housing.

9. The hair vacuum system of claim 8, wherein the container comprises a substantially rectangular prism shape.

10. The hair vacuum system of claim 9, wherein the hair-intake-opening is located on a top surface of the container allowing excess said hair to enter the hair-intake-opening via the suction unit upon activation.

11. The hair vacuum system of claim 10, wherein the vent is positioned on a side wall of the container allowing for greater airflow and vacuum suctioning capability.

12. The hair vacuum system of claim 11, wherein the sensor comprises a motion sensor.

13. The hair vacuum system of claim 13, wherein the motion sensor is able to sense movement of said hand above the container and activates the suction unit

14. The hair vacuum system of claim 13, wherein the container comprises a substantially flat said bottom surface and said top surface such that said container is able to be placed on said planar surface.

15. The hair vacuum system of claim 14, wherein the container comprises open vented coils on the top surface.

16. The hair vacuum system of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a cylindrical shaped profile.

17. A hair vacuum system, the system comprising:

a hair suction assembly having;

a container having;

a hair-intake-opening;

a housing with an inner volume for storing hair;

a hair-removal-opening; and

at least one vent;

a suction unit for vacuum suctioning excess hair during hair styling;

a sensor for sensing hand movement to activate the suction unit; and

a power source;

wherein the hair vacuum system comprises the hair suction assembly;

wherein the hair suction assembly comprises the container, the suction unit, the motion sensor and the power source in function combination;

wherein the container comprises the hair-intake-opening, the inner volume for storing hair, the hair-removal-opening, and the at least one vent configured to vacuum suction excess hair during hair styling by waving the hand of a user over the motion sensor to activate the suction unit and collect the hair in the inner volume for later disposal;

wherein the suction unit comprises a motor powered by the power source;

wherein the power source is an ac outlet able to be accessed via an electrical cord;

wherein the container further comprises suction cups on a bottom surface of the housing for suction-coupling the hair suction assembly to a planar surface;

wherein the housing having the inner volume houses a filter bag for storing hair and disposing of the hair when emptied;

wherein the filter bag is removable and disposable;

wherein the hair-removal-opening is positioned on the bottom surface of the container for retrieving and disposing of the hair stored within the inner volume of the housing;

wherein the container comprises a substantially rectangular prism shape;

wherein the hair-intake-opening is located on a top surface of the container allowing excess said hair to enter the hair-intake-opening via the suction unit upon activation;

wherein the vent is positioned on a side wall of the container allowing for greater airflow and vacuum suctioning capability;

wherein the sensor comprises a motion sensor;

wherein the motion sensor is able to sense movement of said hand above the container and activates the suction unit; and

wherein the container comprises a substantially flat said bottom surface and said top surface such that said container is able to be placed on said planar surface.