HAIR WASHING SUPPORT DEVICE

Abstract

A hair washing support device is disclosed including a hair support body having a first end and a second end, and a body length separating the first and second ends. The first end includes an outer edge defining a U-shaped cavity adapted to receive a user's neck area. The hair support body further includes a bottom surface and an upper surface, wherein the upper surface spans from the first end to a body aperture disposed along the body length. A container is coupled to the hair support body. The container can be seen extending downwardly away from the upper surface of the body and outside of an area projected away from the bottom surface of the hair support body. The container can be conveniently removed and emptied.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a hair washing device, and, more particularly, relates to a hair washing support device with a container that can conveniently remove accumulated fluid.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is well known that people who are physically injured or bed ridden struggle with, or are incapable of, washing their own hair. Therefore, these people often rely upon caretakers, nurses, and the like to wash their hair. Often times, the person must be transported to a sink or bathroom to have his or her hair washed, which may be a difficult, if not impossible, task.

A known device used to wash the hair of these persons includes a hair washing tray. The hair washing trays in existence are typically shaped at an angle to allow water to drain into a sink during the hair washing process. Consequently, the use of many of those known hair washing trays require transporting the person to the sink to complete the hair washing process. Again, it may be difficult, if not impossible, to transport the person to the sink to complete the hair washing process. Furthermore, many known hair washing trays are of a shape and width such that the person's neck must be lifted several inches to insert the hair washing tray under the person's neck during use. Moreover, some washing trays require the entire upper torso of a user to be lifted to accommodate the tray. Lifting the person's neck and/or back may cause strain or tension, which could result in further injury and/or pain for the person. Moreover, many of the known hair washing sinks include shallow bins which allow the collection of dirty water at the bottom of the sink. Unfortunately, the person's hair then sits in the dirty water for the remainder of the hair washing process. Likewise, the short depth of the shallow bin may cause water to overflow from the bin, onto electronic equipment, for example, such as in the hospital, nursing home or rehabilitation type setting.

A known alternative device for hair washing is a stand-alone hair washing sink. Known hair washing sinks, however, normally require that the sink be connected to its own drainage source, which increases the installation cost of the assemblies, e.g., requires additional plumbing. Moreover, the person must be transported to the sink's location for hair washing. Some of those known hair washing assemblies also require the user's head and hair to be inserted through an aperture and then tightened in a water-tight configuration to prevent any leaking. This causes many of the aforementioned problems discussed above. More specifically, the user's head, neck, and often back, must also be maneuvered to fit within the neck/head receiving portion of the assembly, which may cause neck strain or injury to the neck. Moreover, it creates an often unstable container for carrying the fluid used in the hair washing processes, thereby increasing the likelihood of spills. Furthermore, the known hair washing sinks are often bulky, making it difficult for the operator to move the hair washing sink. Additionally, many of those known hair washing sinks normally include numerous parts that must be assembled prior to using the hair washing sink, which takes time and effort on the part of the operator.

An additional problem presented by known hair washing trays and hair washing sinks is that water often splashes into the user's face and/or is prone to errand paths of travel during the hair washing process. Most, if not all of these known devices, fail to provide a barrier to prevent water or soap from going into the person's face. As many instances of use of these assemblies is in environments where the user is surrounded by electrical equipment and, in the hospital setting, bandages and clothing that is desired to be dry, the above described devices create obvious disadvantages.

Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as discussed above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a hair washing support device that overcomes the hereinaforementioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices and methods of this general type and that provides a hair washing support device with a container that can be conveniently removed and emptied and permits the user to have his or her hair washed with relatively minimal movement in his or her neck and back. An additional embodiment of the present invention includes a visor coupled to the body of the device to prevent water from splashing into a user's face during the hair washing process. With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a hair washing support device including a hair support body having a first end and a second end, and a body length separating the first and second ends. The first end includes an outer edge defining a U-shaped cavity sized to receive a user's neck area. The hair support body also includes a bottom surface and an upper surface spanning from the first end to a body aperture disposed along the body length. The hair washing support device also includes a container coupled to the hair support body, wherein the container extends downwardly away from the upper surface of the body. Advantageously, the container extends outside of an area projected downwardly away from, and defined by, the outer edges of the bottom surface of the hair support body so as to provide operators the ability to maneuver the device under a bedridden patient, while simultaneously providing comfort to the patient. The container is in fluid communication with the body aperture and defines a volume of at least 8 fluid ounces.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the hair support body and the container are portable.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, a visor is rotatably coupled to the first end of the hair support body.

In accordance with an additional feature of the present invention, the visor includes a first side, a second side, and a curved surface separating the first and second sides of the visor.

In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, a resilient padding substantially covers the outer edge of the U-shaped cavity, the resilient padding of a material different than a material of the hair support body.

In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, the container further includes a proximal end removably coupleable to the hair support body.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, a jug is removably couplable to the hair support body.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the container includes a volume fill limit, wherein the jug includes a visual indicia corresponding to the volume fill limit of the container.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, at least a portion of the bottom surface includes an anti-slip covering, or a portion with a friction-inducing material.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the container includes a distal end configured to receive a removable stopper.

The present invention, according to another embodiment, includes a hair washing support device having an elongated hair support body including a first end, a second end, and a body length separating the first and second ends. The hair support body also includes a bottom surface and an upper surface. The upper surface spans from the first end of the hair support body to a body aperture disposed along the body length and has a portion defined by a plurality of side walls that tapers inwardly to funnel fluid to the body aperture. The hair washing support device also includes a container coupled to the elongated hair support body in a water-tight configuration and in fluid communication with the body aperture.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the hair washing support device includes a substantially planar hair support body of a thickness no greater than six inches.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, a visor is rotatably coupled to the hair support body.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the portion of the upper surface defined by the plurality of side walls downwardly slopes to the body aperture.

In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, the body aperture is of a diameter sufficient to allow a volume of fluid to flow at a moderate rate through the body aperture to the container.

In accordance with an additional feature of the present invention, the container is removably couplable to the second end of the body and in fluid communication with the body aperture.

In accordance with an additional feature of the present invention, the container is operable to receive and store fluid from the upper surface independently of a drainage source.

In accordance with a further feature, a plug is removably coupled to the container. The plug is operable to seal fluid in the container and operable to allow fluid to be emptied from the container.

The present invention, according to another embodiment, includes a hair washing support device having a portable hair support body. The hair support body includes a first end and a second end, wherein a body length separates the first and second ends. The portable hair support body also includes a bottom surface and an upper surface, the upper surface spanning from the first end to a body aperture disposed along the body length. The hair washing support device includes a container coupled to the hair support body, the container extending downwardly away from the upper surface of the body, in fluid communication with the body aperture, and defining a volume of at least 8 fluid ounces. The hair washing support device further includes a visor coupled to the hair support body and rotatable with respect to the first end of the hair support body.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the visor includes a first side, a second side, and a curved surface separating the first and second sides of the visor.

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a hair washing support device, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention.

Other features that are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. The figures of the drawings are not drawn to scale.

Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.

As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a hair washing support device with a hair support body and a container coupled to the hair support body, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a left side of a hair washing support device with a body and a container coupled thereto, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a partial top view of the hair washing support device depicting the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a partial top view of the hair support device of FIG. 1 with a jug and a strap attached thereto, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the hair washing support device with a hair support body of FIG. 1 being used by a user wearing a visor coupled to the hair washing support device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the hair washing support device with a hair support body of FIG. 1 being used by a user wearing another embodiment of a visor, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a hair washing support device with a container, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the hair washing support device of FIG. 1, depicting a bottom surface having an anti-slip covering, in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms.

With reference to FIG. 1, the present invention provides a novel and efficient hair washing support device 100 that is portable and includes a container 104 that provides a user the ability accumulate and remove fluid, thereby eliminating the need for an independent drainage source, such as the one required for a traditional sink. Advantageously, the portability allows the operator to carry the hair washing support device 100 to the user's location. For example, when a user is confined to a hospital bed and therefore unable to ambulate, the hair washing support device 100 may be utilized to wash the user's hair directly from the hospital bed. Beneficially, as shown in more detail in FIG. 2, the device 100 can be seen with the container 104 extending away from the body 102 and being relatively minimal in overall thickness 212 such that the user will not be subjected to unnecessary and often strenuous movement required for placement in conjunction with the hair washing support device 100. These features decrease the chances of the user sustaining injury during transportation to the bathroom or a sink for hair washing. Moreover, due to the hair washing support device 100 including an aperture 700 (shown more clearly in FIGS. 3 and 7) disposed along the body 102, dirty water flows through the aperture 700 and into the container 104 and is prevented from accumulating within the body 102 hair washing support device 100. In certain embodiments, the container 104 may be easily removed and emptied by an operator, during or after hair washing. In addition, the present invention provides a visor 500 (shown in FIG. 5) to prevent water from splashing into a user's face.

FIG. 1 shows several advantageous features of the present invention, but, as will be described below, the invention can be provided in several shapes, sizes, combinations of features and components, and varying numbers and functions of the components. In this first embodiment of FIG. 1, the presently inventive hair washing support device 100 features a hair support body 102 and a container 104, coupled to the hair support body 102. The hair support body 102 includes a first end 106 and a second end 108. A body length 110 separates the first end 106 from the second end 108. In an embodiment, the hair support body 102 is elongated. The term “elongated” is defined herein as of a length that is longer than the average overall width of a referencing object. The width 112 separating two sides of the device body 102 may be approximately 1.0 to 2.0 feet, while the length 110 is approximately 2.0 to 4.0 feet. In other embodiments, the length 110 and width 112 of the hair support body 102 may vary outside of these ranges or may be equal to one another. The length 110 of the body 102 provides the user the ability to support his or her head and hair in the washing process, without the user's hair resting in or contacting the accumulated fluid from the washing process. The first and second ends 106, 108 are preferably, but not necessarily, where the end of the body 102 terminates. The ends 106, 108 may also be considered where the top surface 206 begins and where the top surface 206 ends at the body aperture 700 (shown in FIG. 7) is disposed.

In an embodiment, the material of the hair support body 102 is plastic, e.g., ABS plastic, with a thickness ranging from approximately 0.25 to 0.75 inches. In other embodiments, the material of the hair support body 102 may be aluminum, a composite material, or another polymer material that is lightweight and durable. Moreover, the thickness of the body 102 may vary outside of the aforementioned ranges. Advantageously, the plastic material provides the operator with a hair washing support device 100 that can be carried to the user, rather than the operator having to transport the user to a sink or bathroom. This can be very beneficial for patients confined to a hospital bed or who are physically injured. Although the hair washing support device 100 is designed with physically ill or bedridden persons in mind, the use of the hair washing support device 100 is not limited to use of the physically injured. The hair washing support device 100 can also be utilized for other purposes and settings, as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the hair washing support device 100 can provide traveling hair stylists with a way of facilitating hair washing at a user's home, various salons or the like, without the user being placed in awkward positions that would cause pain or discomfort to the user.

The first end 106 of the hair support body 102 includes an outer edge 114 defining a U-shaped cavity 116. The U-shaped cavity 116 is sized to receive a user's neck area. In an embodiment, the U-shaped cavity 116 has an opening and minimal diameter 118 of approximately 5-6 inches (for young children) and approximately 6-9 inches (for adults) and a circumference between approximately 13-19 inches. In other embodiments, the length of the U-shaped cavity 116 may vary outside of these ranges, for example, when the hair washing apparatus is designed to assist in the hair washing of a child's hair. The term “U-shaped” is defined as having at least three sides with two vertices (whether visually appreciable or not) or two sides and one vertices (same) where the two sides intersect.

In an embodiment, the edge 114 of the U-shaped cavity 116 is substantially covered, i.e., at least 50%, by a resilient padding 120. In such an embodiment, the resilient padding 120 is of a material different than the material of the hair support body 102. The term “resilient” is defined herein as capable of regaining its original shape after being compressed. Accordingly, the resilient padding 120 is capable of regaining its original shape after receiving the neck of a user during the hair washing process. Additionally, the resilient padding 120 may extend over an outer surface of the body 102 to advantageously provide comfort to a user's neck during the hair washing process when the user's neck is not inserted within the U-shaped cavity 116. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, one use of the hair washing device is with a user lying face up, with his or her neck/head over the U-shaped cavity 116 and resting on the padding 120. The resilient padding 120 provides cushion, similar to that of a pillow, and prevents the user's neck from sitting directly on the material of the hair support body 102. In one embodiment, the padding 120 is an elastomeric material such as silicone rubber or neoprene. In other embodiments, the padding 120 is made of a water resilient fabric stuffed with fiber, e.g., cotton. In another embodiment, the padding 120 of the U-shaped cavity 116 may be of the same material as the hair support body 102, although the use of the resilient padding 120 is preferred.

As illustrated in an exemplary embodiment of a hair device 200 shown in FIG. 2, the shape of the hair support body 202, similar to the body 102 of the device 100 in FIG. 1, is substantially planar with an average thickness 212 no greater than 6 inches. Preferably, however, the maximum thickness 212 is no greater than 6 inches. The term “substantially planar” is defined herein as generally flat or level with respect to the average width of the referencing object. Said another way, the aspect ratio of average width to average thickness of the referencing object is no less than 3:1. Width, again, is from one side to another side of an object. Although the hair support body 102 is described herein as substantially “planar,” the term, as used herein, is not intended to indicate a complete lack of curvature in the body 202 of the device 200. For example, the body 202 can be seen having a plurality of side walls 204A, 204B, each with upper edges 208A, 208B extending upwardly approximately 4-7 inches from an upper surface 206 of the body 202. The upper surface 206 can be seen having a downward slope as it extends substantially from the first end 106 to a body aperture 700 (as shown more clearly in FIG. 7). In one embodiment, the upper surface 206 continually slopes. In other embodiments, the distance between the upper surface 206 and the upper edges 208A, 208B continually increases to prevent any water channeling to the aperture 700 from exiting the device 200. Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, the hair support body 202 has a portion that is defined by the plurality of side walls 204A, 204B that tapers inwardly to funnel fluid used in the washing process to the body aperture 700. The container 210 is coupled to the hair support body 202 in a water-tight configuration and in fluid communication with the body aperture 700 to permit the channeled fluid to be collected.

As discussed in more detail below, the difference between the device 200 of FIG. 2 and the device 100 of FIG. 1 centers around the shape and configuration of the container 204 of the device 200, as opposed to the shape of the body 202, which is the substantial equivalent to the body 102 shown in FIG. 1. Therefore, the description of the body 202 shown in FIG. 2 applies to the body 102 shown in FIG. 1. The downward slope of the upper surface 206 creates a slight curvature that is advantageous as it allows fluid to flow to the body aperture 700, rather than accumulate within the hair support body 102, as many known prior-art hair washing devices.

As shown in FIG. 2, the thickness 212 of the hair support body 202 spans vertically from the upper edges 208A, 208B of the side walls 204A, 204B to a bottom surface 804 (shown in FIG. 8). The above-described thickness 212 allows the hair support body 202 to be advantageously inserted under the head of a user, with minimal movement to the user's head and neck. This feature can be especially beneficial for users with neck injuries or users who have limited range of motion in their necks, for various reasons. Moreover, the user does not have to strain his or her neck during the hair washing process as he or she would if the thickness such that the resting position of the user's neck and/or head is elevated approximately 25-45 degrees relative to the ground/resting surface. Moreover, the elongated length, thickness 212, and substantially planar geometry of the device 200 all independently facilitate those persons washing the user's hair to insert and remove the device 200 from the resting position of the user.

For example, many hospitals beds have headboards that prevent the user from using typical hair washing apparatuses without elevating/raising a portion of the bed. Elevating the bed, however, comes at a cost providing an unbalance position to wash a user's hair, thereby increasing the likelihood of water spillage. Therefore, the inventive device 200 either permits those persons to insert or remove the device under potential apertures in the headboard, which are generally too small to fit many known prior-art devices, or move the user into a position on the bed with minimal movement of the user's head/neck/back. The thickness 212 may also, advantageously, prevent water from spilling over the sides 204A, 204B of the hair support body 202. This may be beneficial, for example, in the hospital setting where there may be electrical equipment surrounding the bedside that would be damaged if water spilled onto the equipment. Although the preferred thickness 212 of the hair support body 202 is no greater than six inches, in other embodiments, the hair support body 202 may be of a thickness 212 greater than six inches.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 7, in one embodiment the body aperture 700 is of a diameter sufficient to allow a volume of fluid to flow at a moderate rate through the body aperture 700 to the container 210. The term “moderate rate” is defined herein as a rate which is fast enough to prevent fluid from accumulating on the upper surface 206 of the hair support body 202, yet slow enough to prevent a rush of fluid into the container. The diameter of the aperture 700 may be approximately 1-1¼ inches, equal to the diameter of a standard bathroom drainage pipe. In other embodiments, the diameter may be outside this range and the fluid may flow into multiple apertures defined by the body 202. The term “fluid” is defined herein as water, a water mixture, shampoo, conditioner, and the like.

As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, the hair support body 202 includes an upper surface 206 and a bottom surface (not shown). The upper surface 206 spans the body length 110 (shown in FIG. 1), from the first end 214 to the second end 216. The body aperture 700 is disposed along the body length 110. In an embodiment, the body aperture 700 may be disposed along the body length 110 where the plurality of side walls 204A, 204B taper inwardly to funnel fluid to the body aperture 700. The upper surface 206 creates a fluid channel configured and shaped to allow fluid to flow along the body length 110, through the body aperture 700, and into the container 210.

The material of the container 210 is preferably a lightweight material such as plastic, rubber, or the like, which provides an operator with a container 210 that can be easily transported and maneuvered during hair washing, and which is operable to store fluid during the hair washing process. In an embodiment, the container 210 can be seen extending downwardly away from the upper surface 206 and outside of an area 214 projected downwardly away from the bottom surface 804 of the hair support body 102. Also shown in FIG. 2 is the area 218 defined by the projection or profile of the outer edges, e.g., 220, that define the bottom surface 804 (shown in FIG. 8). Advantageously, because the container 210 extends downwardly away from the upper surface 206, fluid can flow downwardly from the upper surface 206 into the container 210, rather than accumulate on the upper surface 206 of the hair support body 202. The extension of the container 210 outside of the downwardly projected area 218 advantageously provides a device 200 that prevents the user's head/neck area from being significantly elevated and/or raised. Additionally, it also permits the device 200 to be inserted, removed, and maneuvered in areas where prior-art devices have difficulty being positioned without jeopardizing the balance of fluid flow. As shown in FIG. 7, the container 702 can be seen extending outwardly from the hair support body 704. In this embodiment, the container 702 can be placed on a level surface such as a person's bedside, or the bed itself, during the hair washing process.

With reference now to FIG. 3, a close-up view of the container 104 depicted in FIG. 1 is illustrated. The container 104 includes a proximal end 300 and a distal end 302. In one embodiment, the proximal end 300 is removably couplable to the hair support body 102, at, for example, the second end 108. The proximal end 300 may be removably coupled to the hair support body 102 by a threads found on each of the ends 300, 108, a tongue-and-grove configuration, a twistable stopper, or other similar fastening mechanism to form a water-tight configuration. The aforementioned fastening mechanisms may also utilize rubber seals to assure a water-tight configuration. The fastening mechanisms provide a secure and tight connection, such that the container 104 remains coupled to the hair support body 102 when filled with the weight of the fluid and prevents water from leaking therefrom.

In one embodiment, the distal end 302 of the container 104 defines an opening 304. The opening 304 is configured to receive a seal 306, e.g., cap, operable to seal the opening 304 and keep fluid within the container 104. The seal 306 may be a removable stopper, a cap configured to twist within the distal end 302, or other fastener operable to be removed and fasten to form a water-tight configuration. In another embodiment, the seal may be a plug, a cork, or other similar sealing mechanism. Once the container 104 is filled with fluid, the seal 306 may be selectively removed so that fluid can be emptied from the container 104. Advantageously, the seal 306 provides the operator with a configuration wherein the operator does not have to use a separate drainage source, such as a drain, sink, shower, or hose to empty fluid from the hair washing support device 100 during hair washing. The operator can complete the hair washing process and later remove and empty fluid from the container 104. Additionally, the operator is provided with the ability to walk completely around the hair washing support device 100 and fully access the user's head, without bumping into the separate drainage source.

The container 104 can be seen in fluid communication with the body aperture 700 such that the fluid coming from the top surface 206 of the body 102 collects into the container 104. In one embodiment, to prevent back flow of fluid into the top surface 206 after it has entered the container, the container 104 or the body 102 includes a check valve 308, e.g., a ball check valve. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the check valve 308 is operably translated via a moderate fluid flow rate or any other desired fluid flow rate.

In an additional embodiment, the container 104 includes a volume fill limit. In one embodiment, the container 104 may define a volume fill limit of at least 8 fluid ounces. In other embodiments, the container 104 may define a volume fill limit of more than 8 fluid ounces. The fill limit is generally reached when fluid accumulates to reach the proximal end 302 of the container 104. In other embodiments, the fluid fill limit is reached when fluid accumulates to reach the check valve 308 or any other desired level. In one embodiment, the container 104 includes a visual indicia 310 corresponding to the volume of fluid within the container 104. For example, the visual indicia 310 may be in the form of horizontal lines, wherein the horizontal lines represent the number of fluid ounces. Accordingly, when in use, the operator can monitor the amount of fluid accumulating in the container 104 and the corresponding need to empty the container 104 when the container 104 has reached the volume fill limit. The container 104 may also include one or more clear windows to permit the user to view the level of fluid in the container 104. Alternatively, the container 104 itself may be made of a transparent or translucent material to permit the user to view the level of fluid in the container 104.

FIG. 4 shows an additional feature that can be provided with the present invention. In one embodiment, the hair support body 102 further includes a separate and independent container, e.g., jug 400, that may be removably coupled to the hair support body 102 by way of, for example, a strap 402 having snapping fasteners. In another embodiment, the jug 400 may be removably coupled to the hair support body 102 by a loop string, hook, tie, or other similar coupling mechanism. The jug 400 can be filled with water for use during hair washing, eliminating the need for the operator to utilize a separate hose, tube, or handheld sprayer, for access to water during hair washing. The jug 400 may also include a removably coupable cap to facilitate transport of the device 100 with fluid held within the jug. In an additional embodiment, the jug 400 includes a visual indicia 404 corresponding to the volume fill limit of the jug 400. The volume fill limit of the jug 400 may also be set to equal the volume fill limit of the container 104. Advantageously, when in use, the operator is provided with a visual indication of the amount of water that can be filled in the jug 400 and sustainable by the container 104 during hair washing so as to prevent overflow in the container.

FIG. 5 shows an additional feature that can be provided with the present invention. In one embodiment, the hair washing support device 100 includes a visor 500. The visor 500 is operable to be placed over the forehead area of a user 502 to shield any fluid introduced into the device 100 from contacting the face of the user 502 during the hair washing or cleaning process. The visor 500 may be sized to accommodate various head sizes of users. In an exemplary embodiment, the visor 500 includes a first side 504, a second side 506, and a curved surface 508, wherein the curved surface 508 separates the first and second sides 504, 506. In one embodiment, the visor 500 is operable to be rotatable with respect to the body 102 and the U-shaped cavity 116.

FIG. 5 also illustrates the user 502 positioned on the device 100 such that when the operator pours fluid over the user's hair, it drains into the container 104. An exemplary path of fluid flow is depicted by the arrows 510. Advantageously, it can be seen that the shape and orientation of the upper surface 206 facilitates effective and efficient transportation of fluid to the container 104.

The visor 500 may attached at its ends via a snap fastener means located on the upper surface 206. In other embodiments, the visor 500, particularly the ends of the visor 500, may be rotatably coupled to the hair support body 102 at the location of the sidewalls 204A, 204B as illustrated in FIG. 6. In other embodiments, the visor 500 be rotatably coupled or removably coupled to the hair support body 102 by a loop string, clip, adhesive or other similar coupling mechanism. Preferably, the ends of the visor 500 are operable to rotate from the hair support body 102 to be placed on the head of a user 502. In use, the curved surface 508 will make contact with the forehead of a user 502. In one embodiment, the visor 500 is of a material different than the material of the hair support body 102. For example, the material of the visor 500 may be made with cotton, polyester, acrylic material, or another similar material, designed for comfort, while simultaneously shielding fluid from contacting the user's face during use. In other embodiments, the visor 500 may be of the same material as the hair support body 102 and/or container 104.

Referring now to FIG. 8, at least a portion of the bottom surface 804 is shown having an anti-slip covering 800, which can be any friction-inducing material. In one embodiment, the anti-slip covering is made of rubber. In other embodiments, the anti-slip covering may be made with an anti-slip tape, or another similar anti-slip material with a generally coefficient of friction generally greater than the coefficient of friction of the body of the hair washing device. The anti-slip covering 800 enables the hair washing support device 100 to be secured in a stationary position during the hair washing process. Furthermore, the anti-slip covering 800 may also be removably couplable to the bottom surface 804 using adhesive. In other embodiments, the anti-slip covering may be secured to the bottom surface 804 using a hook and loop fastener, glue, or another similar bonding material. Advantageously, by being removably coupled to the bottom surface 804, the anti-slip covering 800 can be inexpensively replaced when necessary following normal wear and tear. FIG. 8 shows the anti-slip covering 800 spanning a length 802 of approximately 2.0 to 4.0 feet along the bottom surface 804. In another embodiment, the anti-slip covering 800 may span a length 802 outside of this range. The width of the anti-slip covering 800 may be approximately 1.0 to 2.0 feet, depending on the width of the body of the device. In an embodiment, the thickness of the anti-slip covering 804 may be less than 0.25 inches. In another embodiment, the thickness of the anti-slip covering may be greater than 0.25 inches. The thickness of less than 0.25 inches is preferred, so that when the hair washing support device 100 is inserted under the user's neck, the user will not be subjected to unnecessary and often strenuous movement required for placement in conjunction with the hair washing support device 100.

A hair washing support device has been disclosed that includes a container that can be conveniently removed and emptied, eliminating the need for an independent drainage source. The hair washing support device may also include a visor operable to prevent water from splashing into a user's face during hair washing.

Claims

1. A hair washing support device comprising:

a hair support body having: a first end and a second end, a body length separating the first and second ends, the first end including an outer edge defining a U-shaped cavity sized to receive a user's neck area; and a bottom surface and an upper surface, the upper surface spanning from the first end to a body aperture disposed along the body length; and

a container coupled to the hair support body, the container: extending downwardly away from the upper surface of the body; extending outside of an area projected downwardly away from, and defined by, the outer edges defined by the bottom surface of the hair support body; in fluid communication with the body aperture; and defining a volume of at least 8 fluid ounces.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein:

the hair support body and the container are portable.

3. The device according to claim 1, further comprising:

a visor rotatably coupled to the first end of the hair support body.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein:

the visor includes a first side, a second side, and a curved surface separating the first and second sides of the visor.

5. The device according to claim 1, further comprising:

a resilient padding substantially covering the outer edge of the U-shaped cavity, the resilient padding of a material different than a material of the hair support body.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the container further comprises:

a proximal end removably coupleable to the hair support body.

7. The device according to claim 1, further comprising:

a jug removably couplable to the hair support body.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the container further comprises a volume fill limit, wherein the jug includes a visual indicia corresponding to the volume fill limit of the container.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein the bottom surface further comprises:

a portion of a friction-inducing material.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the container further comprises:

a distal end configured to receive a removable stopper.

11. A hair washing support device comprising:

an elongated hair support body having: a first end, a second end, and a body length separating the first and second ends; a bottom surface and an upper surface, the upper surface: spanning from the first end of the hair support body to a body aperture disposed along the body length; and having a portion defined by a plurality of side walls that tapers inwardly to funnel fluid to the body aperture; and a container coupled to the elongated hair support body in a water-tight configuration and in fluid communication with the body aperture.

12. The device according to claim 11, further comprising:

a substantially planar hair support body of a thickness no greater than six inches.

13. The device according to claim 12, further comprising:

a visor rotatably coupled to the hair support body.

14. The device according to claim 11, wherein:

the portion of the upper surface defined by the plurality of side walls downwardly slopes to the body aperture.

15. The device according to claim 11, wherein:

the body aperture is of a diameter sufficient to allow a volume of fluid to flow at a moderate rate through the body aperture to the container.

16. The device according to claim 11, wherein:

the container is removably couplable to the second end of the body and in fluid communication with the body aperture.

17. The device according to claim 16, wherein:

the container is operable to receive and store fluid from the upper surface independently of a drainage source.

18. The device according to claim 17, wherein the container further comprises:

a plug removably coupled to the container, the plug operable to seal fluid in the container and operable for allow fluid to be emptied from the container.

19. A hair washing support device comprising:

a portable hair support body having: a first end and a second end, a body length separating the first and second ends; and a bottom surface and an upper surface, the upper surface spanning from the first end to a body aperture disposed along the body length;

a container coupled to the hair support body, the container extending downwardly away from the upper surface of the body, in fluid communication with the body aperture, and defining a volume of at least 8 fluid ounces; and

a visor coupled to the hair support body and rotatable with respect to the first end of the hair support body.

20. The device according to claim 19, wherein:

the visor includes a first side, a second side, and a curved surface separating the first and second sides of the visor.