Saving Face

Abstract

Saving Face, hair-styling tool burn protector. The exact size nor shape of this product's design is as relevant or unique to its function as is the combining of the components themselves. Used cautiously by an adult, it will prevent “flash-burns” on the face caused by the brief touch of a hot hair-styling iron while styling hair around the forehead.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

• #61/894738 filed Oct. 23, 2013
• Filed for Saving Face (Provisional) #61/586767 filed Jan. 1, 2012

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is said that necessity is the mother of invention. That is how Saving Face was born. To style the front of my hair, bangs, just as I wanted, I had to bring the hot styling iron down at an angle precariously close to my skin. Despite being a licensed cosmetologist since 1977, no matter how carefully I used the iron, I continued to just briefly touch my skin resulting in burns, some leaving scars. I have coined this “flash burns.” The necessity was there, so I created a crude version for my own use. After a few burn free years, I wondered if “flash burns” may also be a problem for others. That is when I began to test various fabrics, designed and created two homemade prototypes.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

When used as directed, Saving Face is designed to prevent burns caused by hot hair-styling irons on the forehead region of face. Slogan: “You don't need to get burned to look hot!”

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Basic dimensions: 7½″ L×4″ W

FIG. 1: Depicts the entire unit, dimensions, and components.

FIG. 2: Signifies the first two components rolled back revealing the inner core.

COMPONENTS

1. Inner Core: 2-ply of ¼″ cotton batting. 1-ply of ½″ cotton batting can be used if available.

2. Mid-layer: 2 layers, enveloping inner core, of Therma-Flec heat resistant fabric.

3. Outer Shell: Decorative cotton fabric, such as prototypes' flame-retardant flannel.

4. Elastic Band: 13½″ L×⅜″W

5. Double-Fold Bias Tape: 2 ft. L×½″ W (Used only with top-stitching).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Research:

Hair-styling irons can reach temperatures of 500 degrees F. or more. This is as hot as the typical gas oven on broil. Blisters can occur on skin exposed to temperatures as low as 140 degrees F. Out of 100 women polled, approximately ¾ attested to burning their faces with a styling-iron more than once. Many refused to use again for fear of serious burns. These facts indicated a need.

Design:

After viewing and measuring a variety of faces and hairlines, a shape was designed that would protect as much skin as possible. A cardboard template was then made to use in the cutting of the various materials. The shape is intended to accommodate a variety of people and only facilitate the success of burn protection, which is achieved mainly by the layering of the components themselves.

Testing:

Testing of various materials showed that natural fabrics, such as cotton, withstand heat better than synthetics. The inner core, (component 1.), of cotton batting is used to provide cushioning and distance between skin and the styling-iron. This inner core is sandwiched between two layers of Therma-flec heat-resistant fabric, (component 2.). While Therma-Flec is available in a quilted version, it was shown that without the inner core batting, it did not offer the desired thickness nor protection, as did the components layered separately. While the outer fabric, (component 3), is in part for aesthetics, since it is the fabric to be touched by the iron, it had to be a natural fabric and because it is what directly lays against the skin it needed to be comfortable. The flame-retardant flannel serves these purposes well. A universally sized elastic band, (component 4.), is used versus a band with Velcro, as hair was found to become entangled in the Velcro especially with continued use.

Testing of the Assembled Prototype:

The purpose of the experiment was to find out exactly how long the hot iron could be held directly against the prototype on flesh before warmth was felt. The three participants were told to stop the stop-clock the moment they felt warmth on their tender belly skin. The average time was 60 seconds. Test was then repeated on foreheads with equal result.

Assembly:

Basic sewing skills are required to assemble components. A non-commercial sewing machine was used. Using the cardboard template of designed shape, cut out all the fabrics. Then 13½″ length of elastic band. Need to cut out two pieces of each fabric, (the first 3 components). Layer the two pieces of batting together, (or one piece of ½″ batting), place one piece of Therma-Flec and one piece of outer fabric on each side of batting. The ends of band should be tucked within the layers; one end on each side of the length of materials. Two prototypes were made. The first was sewn with a ¼″ inseam all around perimeter of the shape except for a 2″ gap, which was needed to invert the fabrics so the seam and ends of band was on the inside. This gap was then hand-sewn. For manufacturing in quantities, I believe that it would be expeditious to use double-fold bias tape around edges of fabric and then top-stitched. Two slits were made in the bias tape to allow for insertion of band ends. This eliminates the need for inverting the fabrics and hand-sewing a gap. A second was made in this manner. The only difference between the two prototypes was the ¼″ inseam decreased the finished overall dimensions by ¼″. The effectiveness is unchanged.

Directions for Use:

While holding material against forehead, place elastic band around back of head. Slide material into place as near to hairline as possible. Be certain that skin is fully covered where exposure to heat of the styling-iron may occur. Flip bangs, front of hair, over top of material so that fabric is between flesh and hair to be styled.

Claims

1. what I claim as my invention is saving face hair-styling tool burn protector, which when used as directed will prevent facial forehead burns caused by the brief touch-1 min. or less, of hot hair-styling irons; which comprises layering of materials: Inner core of cotton batting, enveloped by Therma-Flec heat-resistant fabric, and an outer fabric, flame-retardant cotton flannel, for aesthetics and comfort, sewn together by either having an inseam or edges covered with ribbon or bias tape and top-stitched; including the use of a band to assist in holding unit in position; comprising a shape designed to accommodate a variety of faces and hairlines.