WO2019178572A1 - Mannequin training head - Google Patents

Abstract

A simulated human head used for hairdresser training having a simulated scalp (18) optionally fit over a mannequin head (12). Hair attached to the scalp (18) has a first segment (14) representing new, untreated growth and distal second segment (16) representing previously treated hair. The hairdresser in training may practice by treating the first segment (14) to match the second segment (16) to refresh the look of the client. Optionally there are several clusters (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30) of hair to allow several practice sessions on a single scalp. Clusters may have different color or textures to represent different hair types or previous treatments.

Description

I. TITLE: "MANNEQUIN TRAINING HEAD"

II. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to cosmetology and barbering training, and more particularly, to an improved mannequin training head.

III. RELATED APPLICATIONS The present application is related to US Patent Application Serial No.

62/ 643,241 filed on 16 March 2018, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference and to which priority is claimed.

IV. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Several designs for cosmetology and barbering training aids have been designed in the past. None of them, however, includes a mannequin head that has hair with newly grown hair simulated near the scalp and having in the same strand of hair previously treated, processed or

manipulated hair simulated distal to the scalp.

Other prior art provides for a number of more or less complicated features that fail to solve the problem in an efficient and economical way. None of these patents suggest all of the novel features of the present invention. A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification and title are provided as well for the purposes of complying with 37 CFR 1.72 and are not intended to be used for interpreting or limiting the scope of the claims.

Without limiting the scope of the invention, a brief summary of some of the claimed embodiments of the invention is set forth below. Additional details of the summarized embodiments of the invention and/ or additional embodiments of the invention may be found in the detailed description of the invention below.

V. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is one of the main objects of the present invention to provide a mannequin training head to more closely imitate the condition of hair that will be experienced in a clinical setting.

It is another object of this invention to provide a cosmetology and barbering training aid that can be used for multiple re-treatment sessions.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a

mannequin head to train students how to match new growth hair (or hair roots) with previously treated or manipulated hair. It is yet another object of this invention to provide such a device that is economical to manufacture and maintain while retaining its

effectiveness.

It is another object of the present invention to allow the students to learn how to not apply a new treatment to previously treated hair that could cause damage to the previously treated hair. Hair can break or experience severe damage at the cross sections of old and new hair if you do not retouch it. The new growth strand is too heavy for the relaxed strand to carry therefore causing breakage. A retouch of a relaxer is very important. People have suffered severe hair loss because of inaccurate chemical retouches due to lack of clinical practice. When applying

chemicals on previously chemically treated hair, hair can experience severe breakage.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an important tool for satisfying cosmetology or barbering school curriculum

requirements per state board licensing rules for certification.

Further objects of the invention will be brought out in the following part of the specification, wherein detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing the invention without placing limitations thereon.

These and other embodiments which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages and objectives obtained by its use, reference can be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof and the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there are illustrated and described various embodiments of the invention.

VI. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With the above and other related objects in view, the invention consists in the details of construction and combination of parts as will be more fully understood from the following description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows an elevation view of a version of a mannequin training head.

Figure 2 shows a plan view of a version of a mannequin training head.

Figure 3 shows an elevation view of a version of hair that may optionally be integrated with the mannequin training head.

Figure 4 is shows an elevation view of a version of hair that may optionally be integrated with the mannequin training head. Figure 5 shows an elevation view of a version of hair that may optionally be integrated with the mannequin training head.

Figure 6 shows an elevation view of a version of hair that may optionally be integrated with the mannequin training head.

VII. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

While this invention may be embodied in many different forms, there are described in detail herein specific embodiments of the invention. This description is an exemplary of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiments illustrated and described. For the purpose of this disclosure, like reference numerals in the figures shall refer to like features unless otherwise indicated or is obvious by context.

The subject device and method of use is sometimes referred to as the device, the invention, the mannequin training head, the training head, the head, the training aid, machine or other similar terms. These terms may be used interchangeably as context requires and from use the intent becomes apparent. The masculine can sometimes refer to the feminine and neuter and vice versa. The plural may include the singular and singular the plural as appropriate from a fair and reasonable interpretation in the situation and context.

Referring now to the drawings, where the present invention is generally referred to with numeral 10, it can be observed that it basically includes a head 12, a segment 14, a segment 16, a scalp 18, a section 20, a section 22, a section 24, a section 26, a section 28, a section 30, a segment 32, a segment 34, a segment 36, a segment 38, a segment 40, a segment 42, a segment 44, a segment 46 and a scalp 48.

The head 12 is a simulated human head. It may be similar in size to an average human head or may be proportioned to approximate the look of a human head. The head 12 may be somewhat stylized as accurate human facial features are not required for all versions and embodiments of the mannequin training head.

Similar to a human, the head 12 has hair emanating from the scalp 18. The hair on the scalp may be real human hair or may be a synthetic representation of hair. The hair should have similar characteristics and qualities as natural human hair so that it behaves similar to a real person at least as far as styling and treatment performance characteristics and aesthetics.

The term hair refers to both an individual strand of hair and a clump (or bundle) of hair having the same treatment and appearing similar. A clump of hair is generally treated together to match new growth to old growth. There may be an entire head of hair or the hair may be grouped in several clumps. For example, a clump may be a bundle of hair with an untreated root segment and a treated segment away from the scalp simulating a previous hair treatment that has grown out and both the new, untreated hair and previously treated hair comprise a part of each

individual hair in a clump of similar hairs.

A clump is demonstrated in each of figures 3-6. A clump can equally be considered a cluster, bunch or bundle of hair.

As hair on a human head grows the hair gets longer. The hair follicle emits a growing hair so that the hair that was immediately adjacent to the scalp one day will be pushed further away from the scalp as time

progresses. Newer hair is therefore closer to the scalp and older hair is pushed distally away from the scalp.

An aspect of the present invention addresses the fact that as hair grows the older segment 16 is further away from the scalp 18 than the newer segment 14. If the hair has been treated or manipulated the look of segment 16 may contrast the untreated, new segment 14 as seen on the head 12 in figure 1.

It is an important part of cosmetology and barbering school

education to learn to re-treat hair to match a previous treatment. Many people prefer to have hair of uniform look throughout the length of the hair. However, as the hair grows, the previously treated segment 16 hair moves away from the scalp 18 and new growth segment 14 of hair is revealed adjacent to the scalp 18. The contrast between the new segment

Growing hair can have a significant impact on the appearance of a head of hair. For example, as seen in figure 3, section 34 of hair away from the scalp 48 is straight while the new growth of hair in section 32 is naturally a little more curly or textured. This hair in figure 3 is naturally wavy and has in the past undergone straightening treatment. However, because the hair in on an inanimate head it is not actually growing. Instead, the head is supplied with a textured section 32 of hair near the scalp 48 and a straight segment 34 for each of the individual hairs. The benefit of this is that the student working on a head with hair similar to that in any of the figures 3 through 6 is that they will learn how to treat the new growth in section 32, 36, 40 or 44, respectively, to closely match the previously treatment section 34, 38, 42 or 46 respectively. After the student treats the hair new growth section nearer the scalp 48 then each of the hairs will be uniform in appearance from scalp 48 to the tip of the hair in a seamless blend.

Figures 3 through 6 are merely some examples of how the hair on a mannequin head could be supplied. Other treatments, conditions, styles, appearances, textures, colors, looks or features could also be similarly provided.

Again by way of example, figure 3 shows natural kinky hair in section 32 and previously straightened hair in section 34. Each of the individual hairs has the new, natural hair near the scalp 48 and the previously straightened hair in section 34 distal to the scalp 48. The student can then work on the section 32 to attempt to get it to match the earlier treated section 34.

Figure 4 is another example where section 38 was colored and section 36, nearer the scalp 48, is not colored because it did not exist when the coloring treatment was made to section 38. The cosmetologist or barber-in- training can then color the hair in section 36 to match the previously treated segment 38 so that the color of the hair is consistent along the entire length of the hair from root to tip.

Figure 5 shows an example of a head simulating naturally straight hair in section 40 that was previously treated to be curly as seen in section 42. Fike the examples above, the stylist can treat section 40 in a similar manner to the way section 42 was earlier treated so that section 40 will then be a good match for the hair in section 42. In a sense, being able to know how to treat only the new growth in section 40 is a sort of beauty tune-up instead of treating the entire length of hair, which could damage the hair segment that is being treated again. Figure 6 is a simulation of an example of a section 46 of hair that was dread locked in the past and new hair in segment 44 grew from the scalp 48. The student will then be able to dread section 44 so that it can match section 46. In this way the student will learn how to re-dread earlier dreaded hair when the new section 44 of hair grows in under the

previously dreaded section 46.

Figure 2 shows an optional configuration of a head looking down from above at the crown of the head. In this version there are a plurality of separate sections 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 and 30. Each of these sections are separated by a small gap to isolate and distinguish the sections. This allows one head to be used for several training treatments. For example, a student can attempt a certain technique on section 22 and later practice the same or another technique on section 24, or any other section. A student may be able to purchase only one head for working on perfecting various cosmetology and barbering treatments. This avoids the waste associated with using an entire head with one treatment and then needing another head for another treatment.

The multiple section configuration in figure 2 can also save on the supplies needed to practice a treatment. Instead of a student needing sufficient materials, such as relaxer or colorant, for an entire head, the student can use a fraction of that amount because the volume of hair is much less than a whole head.

Figure 2 shows six sections of hair, but there could be more or less. In this version anywhere from about two to twenty sections has been shown to be effective. More sections could also be possible depending on the nature of the treatment being practiced.

The multiple section head shown in figure 2 is also readily suited for the new growth sections discussed above. Section 20 includes a new growth section 14 and a previously treated section 16. Each of the other sections 22-30 have the same treatments to the respective segments.

Similarly, each of the segments 20-30 could have different treatments to match in the new growth section.

In at least one embodiment the clumps of hair are affixed to a simulated scalp, such as fabric, plastic or rubber membrane. In this version the device is similar in construction to a wig because the hair is affixed to the scalp-like support membrane. This version can then be placed over a standard, bald mannequin head or other structure to hold the device. This version can be used with any of the other embodiments and variations described herein.

An important version of the invention can be fairly described as a mannequin training head comprised of a cluster of hair attached to a simulated scalp. The cluster of hair is comprised of a plurality of individual hairs. The individual hairs in the cluster each have a first segment

connected on a first end to the simulated scalp and a second segment beginning on a second end of the first segment and extending distal to the simulated scalp. The first segment is an untreated hair simulating a new hair growth. The second segment is a pre-treated hair simulating a

previously treatment hair that has grown away from the scalp. Each first first segment of the individual hairs in the cluster is substantially identical in color and texture so that they are all treated together like a real person's hair would be a few weeks or months after a treatment. Each second segment of individual hairs in the cluster is substantially identical in color and texture simulating older, previously treated hair. Optionally, the simulated scalp includes a plurality of separated clusters of hair each attached to the simulated scalp like that shown in figure 2. Optionally, the simulated scalp is integral with a simulated human head as shown in figure 1.

Another important version of the inventive concept can be fiarly described as a method of hairdresser training comprised of providing a cluster of hair attached to a simulated scalp. The cluster of hair is

comprised of a plurality of individual hairs. The individual hairs in the cluster each have a first segment connected on a first end to the simulated scalp and a second segment beginning on a second end of the first segment and extending distal to the simulated scalp. The first segment is an

untreated hair. The second segment is a pre-treated hair. Each first first segment of the individual hairs in the cluster is substantially identical in color and texture. Each second segment of individual hairs in the cluster is substantially identical in color and texture. Then, performing a hair treatment only on the first segment to match the appearance of the second segment. This avoid re-treating the second segment which can lead to failure of the hair.

The foregoing description conveys the best understanding of the objectives and advantages of the present invention. Different embodiments may be made of the inventive concept of this invention. It is to be

understood that all matter disclosed herein is to be interpreted merely as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.

VIII. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

It is evident that an invention such as the mannequin training head has industrial applicability in that it allows a beautician-in-training to practice several different techniques and treatments in an educational setting using a single head training device with its several sections instead of having to do a full head treatment. The costs of supplies for training will thereby be reduced and the number of practice treatment applications can simultaneously be increased.

Claims

IX. CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A mannequin training head comprised of a cluster of hair attached to a simulated scalp;

the cluster of hair is comprised of a plurality of individual hairs; the individual hairs in the cluster each have a first segment connected on a first end to the simulated scalp and a second segment beginning on a second end of the first segment and extending distal to the simulated scalp;

the first segment is an untreated hair;

the second segment is a pre-treated hair;

each first first segment of the individual hairs in the cluster is substantially identical in color and texture;

each second segment of individual hairs in the cluster is

substantially identical in color and texture.

2. The mannequin head in claim 1 further characterized that the

simulated scalp includes a plurality of separated clusters of hair each attached to the simulated scalp.

3. The mannequin head in claim 1 further characterized in that the simulated scalp is integral with a simulated human head.

4. A method of hairdresser training comprised of:

providing a cluster of hair attached to a simulated scalp;

the cluster of hair is comprised of a plurality of individual hairs; the individual hairs in the cluster each have a first segment connected on a first end to the simulated scalp and a second segment beginning on a second end of the first segment and extending distal to the simulated scalp;

the first segment is an untreated hair;

the second segment is a pre-treated hair;

each first first segment of the individual hairs in the cluster is substantially identical in color and texture;

each second segment of individual hairs in the cluster is

substantially identical in color and texture;

performing a hair treatment only on the first segment to match the appearance of the second segment.