Cosmetology training mannequin securing device

Abstract

A cosmetology training mannequin securing device for securing the mannequin to an edge of a wash basin in a non-vertical position for shampoo training includes: a) a mannequin neck strap, adapted to extend around the mannequin neck; b) an intermediate connection component connected to the strap and to a clamp; c) the clamp, connected to the intermediate connection component and in a position so as to attach to the wash basin with the mannequin in a shampooing non-vertical position. There is also a mannequin and securing device combination.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application has no related cases at the time of its filing.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

a. Field of Invention

The present invention generally relates to devices for cosmetology training exercises, and especially shampooing. Historically and currently, most cosmetology schools utilize mannequins, known as training mannequins that have a neck, a head and hair. The end of the neck is typically flat so that the mannequin may rest thereon to be vertical, as on a table, desk or other flat surface. In this vertical position, the mannequin may be used for eye and other cosmetic application training or not, but it is essentially used for hair styling, dressing and coloring training. It is also used in a non-vertical position, well titled or even horizontal, for shampoo training. The student or another student will sometimes hold the mannequin in the shampooing position (non-vertical) while conducting practice shampoo and rinse exercises. However, the awkwardness of holding it while shampooing it, or using devices that require drilled mannequin necks, are not efficient. Thus, the present invention device is a securing device for these training mannequins to position them in a shampooing position and to secure them in this position to a wash basin (e. g., a sink, shampoo bowl or the like). The present invention devices may be easily attached to and removed from the training mannequins. The present invention also includes the securing device in combination with the training mannequin.

b. Description of Related Art

The following patents are representative of the field pertaining to the present invention:

U.S. Pat. No. 7,410,358 B2 to Morehead describes an apparatus having a support base and a removable hair portion for training personal appearance workers. In one embodiment, the releasable hair portion is the crown of a mannequin head and is detachably fixed to the support base of the mannequin head, which is adapted to be fixed to a work surface or mount. In another embodiment the releasable hair portion is the chin and surrounding area, which is detachably fixed to the support base of the mannequin head. The removable hair portion of the mannequin attaches to the support base of the mannequin head with a latching system that securely fixes the hair portion to the head. The latching system includes at least one fastening tab and a releasable clip that engages an opening in the support base. In another embodiment, a detent system is positioned between a fastening tab and the locking clip.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,109,921 to Yau describes a soft skin make-up mannequin head having an “ideal” facial configuration, the make-up mannequin head having a smooth, realistic surface and texture simulative of human skin. The make-up mannequin head is accompanied by at least one flexible, soft-skin companion mask carrying a facial configuration identical with the facial configuration carried by said make-up mannequin head. The companion mask is stretchable and elastically resilient and mountable tightly upon said make-up mannequin head and selectively removable therefrom. The make-up mannequin head and associated companion mask presented particularly is intended for the teaching, training and practice of application of permanent make-up using tattoo techniques. The invention further is directed to the provision of a make-up mannequin kit which includes, in addition to the make-up mannequin head and at least one companion mask as well as the necessary tools particularly for permanent make-up application using tattoo techiques, such as surgical needles, containers of inks, pigments and other compositions employed in the tattoo art, plural eyebrow and other stencil templates and instructional material.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,763 to Yau describes a cosmetology training, teaching and practice system, and a make-up mannequin kit, each charcterized by provision of a soft skin make-up mannequin head having a body carrying an oval symmetrical facial configuration and plural soft skin flexible, elastic, resilient and stretchable companion mask members suitable for mounting upon the make-up mannequin head. Each of the companion mask members having, each of which is formed of size and shape conforming to the size of the make-up mannequin head and having a facial configuration identical to the facial configuration of said make-up mannequin head. Each companion mask member having a surface of skin tone and color representative of the skin tone and color of different plural human ethnic and racial origin. The selected companion mask is stretched to mount upon the make-up mannequin head and is sufficiently resilient to spring back in tight engagement with the facial configuration of the make-up mannequin head. The mannequin kit includes, in addition to the make-up mannequin head and companion masks, all the instructions, application implements and cosmetic compositions required for the teaching, training and practice of the cosmetology art along with a stand for mounting the make-up mannequin head and a carrier for holding and transporting the contents of the kit.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,320,535 to Min describes a mannequin head for use in make-up practice instead of a human body. The mannequin head has at least one human-face-like face section either on the rear or front surface thereof. With the single mannequin head of this invention, a variety of make-up practice can be done. With this single mannequin of this invention, the make-up practice can be effectively done and a user can have an economical benefits.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,874,345 to Dirks describes a doll with a doll head for releasably mounting changeable hair piece thereon. The hair piece includes a suction cup portion which snaps on the doll's head and maintains a tight fit such that the cup has to be peeled off in order to remove the hair piece from the head. The hair piece includes a fastening element for attaching an auxiliary hair piece thereto.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,810,196 to Walker describes a mannequin for use as a tool in demonstrating a variety of hair styling techniques such as hair cutting, permanent waving, blending, texturizing and the like includes a simulated human head having a skull, scalp, and human hair attached to the scalp. The hair is of a length and thickness approximating that of an individual of a prescribed sex, size, and type. In a preferred embodiment as used for demonstrating hair cutting techniques, a plurality of variously colored line diagrams are applied to the hair to defined a plurality of cutting lines to be followed to accomplish a plurality of prescribed hair styles.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,968,104 to Yoneso Ito describes a human head model provided with hairs and adapted to be used for training purpose of apprentices in the fields of hair dressing, make-up, beauty culture, face massage and the like, or to serve as showing model to exhibit hair styles, hair accessories and the like.

Notwithstanding the prior art, the present invention is neither taught nor rendered obvious thereby.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention is a cosmetology training mannequin securing device for securing a training mannequin to an edge of a wash basin in a non-vertical position for shampoo training sessions. The training mannequin has at least a neck and head and hair, and sometimes has detailed make training features. The present invention is directed to a securing device and, in combination, a training mannequin and a securing device.

The present invention securing device includes: a) a mannequin neck strap, being flexible and adapted to extend around the neck of the mannequin, the strap having closing means for loosening and for fixedly securing it to the mannequin neck; b) an intermediate connection component connected to the strap and to a clamp; and c) the clamp connected to the intermediate connection component and in a position so as to attach to the wash basin with the mannequin in a shampooing non-vertical position.

In some embodiments of the present invention cosmetology training mannequin securing device, the intermediate connection component includes a horizontal leg and a downwardly extending leg to which the clamp is connected. In some embodiments of the present invention cosmetology training mannequin securing device, the intermediate connection component includes two segments that are rotatably connected to one another and further includes a lock-unlock mechanism to enable changing and locking an angle between the two segments.

In some embodiments of the present invention cosmetology training mannequin securing device, the mannequin neck strap is selected from the group consisting of cloth, leather, plastic, metal and combinations thereof. Also, in some embodiments of the present invention cosmetology training mannequin securing device, the closing means is selected from the group consisting of a buckle, a hook and loop mechanism, a snap mechanism, and a latch mechanism.

In some embodiments of the present invention cosmetology training mannequin securing device, the clamp is selected from the group consisting of a spring clamp, a screw clamp and a latch clamp. In some preferred embodiments of the present invention cosmetology training mannequin securing device, the clamp is a wire spring clamp.

In some embodiments of the present invention cosmetology training mannequin securing device, the horizontal leg of the intermediate connection component is an elongated component having a top surface that is flat. In other embodiments of the present invention cosmetology training mannequin securing device, the horizontal leg of the intermediate connection component is an elongated component that is curved at a right angle to its elongation to correspond to a curve of a back of the neck of the mannequin.

In addition to the securing device, as mentioned above, the present invention is also directed to a combination of a mannequin and a securing device. This is referred to herein as a cosmetology training device. It includes: (a) a cosmetology training device mannequin having at least a neck, a head and hair; and (b) a mannequin securing device for securing the cosmetology training mannequin to an edge of a wash basin for shampoo training. This securing device is the same the securing device described above and includes the same three main components and the various embodiment features set forth above.

Further in some embodiments of this combination, the neck of the mannequin has a circumferential track or recess for receiving the neck strap for appropriate positioning thereof relative to the neck. In some of these embodiments, there is also a recess at a right angle to the circumferential track for position of at least a portion of the intermediate connection component.

Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and together with the detailed description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an oblique side view of an embodiment of a training mannequin for use with the mannequin securing device of the present invention;

FIG. 2a is a top view of one embodiment of a present invention training mannequin securing device;

FIG. 2b is a front view of the embodiment of a present invention training mannequin securing device shown in FIG. 2a;

FIG. 2c is a side view of the embodiment of a present invention training mannequin securing device shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of various options for the present invention training mannequin securing device;

FIG. 4 is a side view with a present invention combination training mannequin and securing device in use;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of various options for the present invention combination training mannequin and securing device;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a present invention training mannequin neck with a recess for receiving and positioning the present invention securing device neck strap; and,

FIG. 7 is a side view of a present invention training mannequin neck with a recess for receiving and positioning the present invention securing device neck strap and a transverse recess for receiving and positioning the present invention securing device intermediate connection component.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is concerned with enhancement of cosmetology training lessons and particularly shampoo and rinse training with training mannequins. Historically and currently, most cosmetology schools utilize mannequins, known as training mannequins that have a neck, a head and hair. The head may have various textures such as to practice eye shadowing, lipstick and other make-up techniques. The hair is washable. The end of the neck is typically flat so that the mannequin may rest thereon to be vertical, as on a table, desk or other flat surface. In this vertical position, the mannequin may be used for eye and other cosmetic application training or not, but it is essentially used for hair styling, dressing and coloring training. It is also used in a non-vertical position, well titled or even horizontal, for shampoo and rinse training. The student using it, or a second assisting student, will sometimes hold the mannequin in the shampooing position (non-vertical) while conducting practice shampoo and rinse exercises. However, the awkwardness of holding it while shampooing it, or alternatively using devices that require drilled mannequin necks, are not efficient. Thus, the present invention device is a securing device for these training mannequins to position them in a shampooing position and to secure them in this position to a wash basin (e. g., a sink, shampoo bowl or the like). The present invention devices are easily attached to and removed from the training mannequins. The present invention also includes the securing device in combination with the training mannequin.

FIG. 1 is an oblique side view of an embodiment of a training mannequin 1 for use with the mannequin securing device of the present invention. Mannequin 1 is a solid or hollow training mannequin that includes a head 3, real or realistic hair 5, and a neck 7. It also includes human-like features, such as eyes, nose, and lips 11. In this embodiment, neck 7 has a rim 9, but this is an optional feature. Training mannequin 1 is flat at the bottom (underside) of neck 7 so that it will stand on its own on a table, desk or other flat surface. Hair 5 is washable and is typically of intermediate length to afford practicing washing and drying. The facial features and skin may be of any reasonable material, but is typically of material to which makeup and other cosmetics may be applied and removed. This mannequin 1 may be used with the present invention securing device and is some embodiments is part of the invention in combination with the securing device.

FIG. 2a is a top view of one embodiment of a present invention training mannequin securing device 2. It has a strap 22, with a closure mechanism that may be used to open, close, tighten or loosen the strap on a training mannequin, such a mannequin 1 in FIG. 1. The closure mechanism is any closing means, such as hook and loop buckle 24. Permanently connected to strap 22 at a right angle thereto is an intermediate connection component, with top bar 26, and this intermediate connection component has multiple functions: (1) it connects the strap the clamp for attachment to a wash basin (“wash basin” is used broadly to mean a sink, bowl or other water-containing implement that may be used for hair washing and rinsing training); (2) with the strap, it acts like a splint or support keeping a rigid and non-twisting relationship between the mannequin and the securing device (it braces and keeps the mannequin from flopping around when attached to a wash basin); (3) it becomes a rest surface for the mannequin when the mannequin is horizontal, as when it is attached to a wash basin; (4) it maintains the clamp in correct clamping positions, and, optionally, it may be in two portions that are connected by an axle or pin for relative rotation, enabling angle changing between the mannequin and the clamp (and thus the basin to which it is attached, e.g., when the basin has an angled rather than vertical wall). In this top view, the clamp, shown generally as clamp 32, is more apparent from FIGS. 2b and 2c.

FIG. 2b is a front view of the embodiment of a present invention training mannequin securing device 2 shown in FIG. 2a. (Identical elements shown in FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c are identically numbered and need not be repeatedly identified.) Top bar 26 is connected to (downcomer) vertical bar 28 (or the two bars are parts one bar shaped at 90 degrees). Top bar 26 may be attached to strap 22 in any manner, such as rivets or pressed grips, e. g., rivet 30. Clamp 32 is connected at the lower portion of vertical bar 28 by any means (weld, rivet, nut and bolt, etc.). Clamp 32 had squeeze opposing handles such as handle 34 and has a spring 36 as well as opposing grips, such as grip 38 (with optional internal pads). FIG. 2c is a side view of the embodiment of a present invention training mannequin securing device 2 shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, giving a side exposure of the various components already identified. The clamp spring details are not shown, but clamps attached to other elements, such as temporary spot lights, are well known and within the purview of the artisan.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of various options for the present invention cosmetology training mannequin securing device 50 The strap 51 is attachable and removable to and from the mannequin neck. Its preferred closures 57 are set forth, as are the materials of construction set forth in block 59. The intermediate connection component 53 connects the strap 51 to the clamp 55. Its preferred materials of construction are set forth in block 61 and its preferred forms are in block 63. A rotating component may have two rotatably connected elements that may be rotated to change the angle between them and then locked, to accommodate non-vertical wash basin walls while maintaining a horizontal or near horizontal aspect of the training mannequin.

FIG. 4 is a side view with a present invention combination training mannequin 1 and securing device 10, in use. Mannequin 1 is that shown in FIG. 1 above with like numbered components. Here the mannequin is in a horizontal or other shampooing position and hair 5 is hanging down and into water 30 of wash basin 32. Strap 13 is securely fastened to neck 7 of mannequin 1 with fastener 21 and intermediate connection component 15 is permanently and fixedly connected to strap 13 and to clamp 19, which is spring-biased at the top (see handle 17) and functions like any spring clamp and is clamped to the wall of wash basin 32. This frees both hands of the student (or eliminates a second (holding) student), so that proper wash and rinse training may be pursued. The securing device 10 may be removed after that training and the mannequin 1 may be used in a vertical position, resting on a desk for other training, e.g., make-up.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of various options for the present invention combination of the securing device 70 and the training mannequin 71. The mannequin may be standard 73, that is, with no changes or attachments for use the securing device 70. The mannequin 71 and securing device 70 maybe permanently attached 75, as by fixing the strap to the neck (rivet, staples, etc.). The mannequin may have one change- a circular recess 77 for positioning and more easily securing the strap (see FIG. 6 below), or it may have both circular and vertical recesses 79 for positioning both a strap and an intermediate component (FIG. 7 below).

FIG. 6 is a side view of a present invention training mannequin neck 100 with the head not shown. Neck 100 has a sidewall 101 and a base 103. There is a circumferential recess 105 molded or machined into sidewall 101 for receiving and positioning present invention securing device neck straps such as are described above. This recess 105 makes it easier to fasten and secure the security device at an optimal position for use.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a present invention training mannequin neck 120 with the head not shown. Neck 120 has a sidewall 121 and a base 123. There is a circumferential recess 125 molded or machined into sidewall 121 and a similarly made transversing (vertical) recess 127. Recess 125 is for receiving and positioning present invention securing device neck straps such as neck strap 22 of FIG. 2c described above, and recess 127 is for receiving and positioning present invention securing device intermediate connection components, such as component 26 of FIG. 2c above. These recesses 125 and 127 make it easier to fasten and secure the security device at an optimal position for use.

Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those particular embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cosmetology training mannequin securing device for securing said mannequin to an edge of a wash basin in a non-vertical position for shampoo training wherein said mannequin has at least a neck and head and hair, which comprises:

a) a mannequin neck strap, said strap being flexible and adapted to extend around said neck of said mannequin, said strap having closing means for loosening and for fixedly securing it to said mannequin neck; and,

b) an intermediate connection component connected to said strap and to a clamp;

c) said clamp connected to said intermediate connection component and in a position so as to attach to said wash basin with said mannequin in a shampooing non-vertical position.

2. The cosmetology training mannequin securing device of claim 1 wherein said intermediate connection component includes a horizontal leg and a downwardly extending leg to which said clamp is connected.

3. The cosmetology training mannequin securing device of claim 1 wherein said intermediate connection component includes two segments that are rotatably connected to one another and further includes a lock-unlock mechanism to enable changing and locking an angle between said two segments.

4. The cosmetology training mannequin securing device of claim 1 wherein said mannequin neck strap is selected from the group consisting of cloth, leather, plastic, metal and combinations thereof.

5. The cosmetology training mannequin securing device of claim 1 wherein said closing means is selected from the group consisting of a buckle, a hook and loop mechanism, a snap mechanism, and a latch mechanism.

6. The cosmetology training mannequin securing device of claim 1 wherein said clamp is selected from the group consisting of a spring clamp, a screw clamp and a latch clamp.

7. The cosmetology training mannequin securing device of claim 6 wherein said clamp is a wire spring clamp.

8. The cosmetology training mannequin securing device of claim 1 wherein said horizontal leg of said intermediate connection component is an elongated component having a top surface that is flat.

9. The cosmetology training mannequin securing device of claim 1 wherein said horizontal leg of said intermediate connection component is an elongated component that is curved at a right angle to its elongation to correspond to a curve of a back of said neck of said mannequin.

10. A cosmetology training device that comprises:

(a) a cosmetology training device mannequin having at least a neck, a head and hair;

(b) a mannequin securing device for securing said cosmetology training mannequin to an edge of a wash basin for shampoo training, which includes: (i) a mannequin neck strap, said strap being flexible and adapted to extend around said neck of said mannequin, said strap having closing means for loosening and for fixedly securing it to said mannequin neck; (ii) an intermediate connection component connected to said strap and to a clamp; (iii) said clamp connected to said intermediate connection component and in a position so-as to attach to said wash basin with said mannequin in a shampooing non-vertical position.

11. The cosmetology training device of claim 10 wherein said neck of said mannequin has a circumferential track for receiving said neck strap for appropriate positioning thereof relative to said neck.

12. The cosmetology training device of claim 10 wherein said neck of said mannequin has a circumferential track for receiving said neck strap for appropriate positioning thereof relative to said neck and a recess at a right angle to said circumferential track for position of a portion of said intermediate connection component.

13. The cosmetology training device of claim 10 wherein said intermediate connection component includes a horizontal leg and a downwardly extending leg to which said clamp is connected.

14. The cosmetology training device of claim 10 wherein said intermediate connection component includes two segments that are rotatably connected to one another and further includes a lock-unlock mechanism to enable changing and locking an angle between said two segments.

15. The cosmetology training device of claim 10 wherein said mannequin neck strap is selected from the group consisting of cloth, leather, plastic, metal and combinations thereof.

16. The cosmetology training device of claim 10 wherein said closing means is selected from the group consisting of a buckle, a hook and loop mechanism, a snap mechanism, and a latch mechanism.

17. The cosmetology training device of claim 10 wherein said clamp is selected from the group consisting of a spring clamp, a screw clamp and a latch clamp.

18. The cosmetology training mannequin device of claim 17 wherein said clamp is a wire spring clamp.

19. The cosmetology training mannequin device of claim 10 wherein said horizontal leg of said intermediate connection component is an elongated component having a top surface that is flat.

20. The cosmetology training mannequin device of claim 10 wherein said horizontal leg of said intermediate connection component is an elongated component that is curved at a right angle to its elongation to correspond to a curve of a back of said neck of said mannequin.