COLLAPSIBLE HAIR CATCHER

Abstract

A collapsible hair catcher including a tray panel having a central neck opening and a wall panel having a bottom edge portion and an upper edge portion. The bottom edge portion of the wall panel is attached to an outer perimeter portion of the tray panel. The collapsible hair catcher can also include a first hoop disposed around the outer perimeter portion of the tray panel, a second hoop disposed around a perimeter of the upper edge portion, and a plurality of spacers extending between the bottom edge portion and the upper edge portion.

Claims

1. A collapsible hair catcher, comprising: a tray panel having a neck opening; a wall panel having a bottom edge portion and an upper edge portion, wherein the bottom edge portion is attached to an outer perimeter portion of the tray panel; and a plurality of spacers positioned to extend between the bottom edge portion and the upper edge portion.

2. The collapsible hair catcher of claim 1, wherein the plurality of spacers are secured to one of the bottom edge portion and the upper edge portion.

3. The collapsible hair catcher of claim 2, further comprising a first hoop disposed around the outer perimeter portion of the tray panel and a second hoop disposed around a perimeter of the upper edge portion.

4. The collapsible hair catcher of claim 3, wherein the first and second hoops are movable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration.

5. The collapsible hair catcher of claim 4, wherein the first and second hoops comprise spring steel.

6. The collapsible hair catcher of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of spacers includes a releasable fastener connectable to a corresponding fastener on the wall panel.

7. The collapsible hair catcher of claim 2, wherein the plurality of spacers comprise flexible strips.

8. The collapsible hair catcher of claim 1, wherein the tray panel is circular in shape.

9. The collapsible hair catcher of claim 1, further comprising a neck panel attached to a perimeter portion of the opening.

10. The collapsible hair catcher of claim 9, wherein the tray panel has a slit extending radially from the opening and further comprising a flap attached to the tray panel along a side of the slit.

11. A collapsible hair catcher, comprising: a tray panel having a central neck opening; a wall panel having a bottom edge portion and an upper edge portion, wherein the bottom edge portion is attached to an outer perimeter portion of the tray panel; a first hoop disposed around the outer perimeter portion of the tray panel; a second hoop disposed around a perimeter of the upper edge portion; and a plurality of spacers positioned to extend between the bottom edge portion and the upper edge portion.

12. The collapsible hair catcher of claim 11, wherein the tray panel is circular in shape.

13. The collapsible hair catcher of claim 11, wherein the first and second hoops are movable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration.

14. The collapsible hair catcher of claim 11, wherein the first and second hoops comprise spring steel.

15. The collapsible hair catcher of claim 11, further comprising a neck panel attached to a perimeter portion of the neck opening.

16. The collapsible hair catcher of claim 11, wherein the tray panel has a slit extending radially from the neck opening and further comprising a flap attached to the tray panel along a side of the slit.

17. A collapsible hair catcher, comprising: a circular tray panel having a central neck opening, wherein the tray panel has a slit extending radially from the neck opening; a flap attached to the tray panel along a side of the slit; a neck panel attached to a perimeter portion of the neck opening; a wall panel having a bottom edge portion and an upper edge portion, wherein the bottom edge portion is attached to an outer perimeter portion of the tray panel; a plurality of spacers positioned to extend between the bottom edge portion and the upper edge portion, wherein the plurality of spacers are secured to one of the bottom edge portion and the upper edge portion and each of the plurality of spacers includes a releasable fastener connectable to a corresponding fastener on the wall panel; a first hoop disposed around the outer perimeter portion of the tray panel; and a second hoop disposed around a perimeter of the upper edge portion; wherein the first and second hoops are movable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration.

18. The collapsible hair catcher of claim 17, wherein the first and second hoops comprise spring steel.

19. The collapsible hair catcher of claim 17, wherein the plurality of spacers comprise flexible strips.

20. The collapsible hair catcher of claim 17, wherein the neck panel includes a hem portion having an elastic cord draw string.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The collapsible hair catcher described herein may be better understood by referring to the following Detailed Description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate identical or functionally similar elements:

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a collapsible hair catcher according to some embodiments of the disclosed technology; and

[0012] FIGS. 2-6 are flat pattern views of the components of the collapsible hair catcher shown in FIG. 1.

[0013] The headings provided herein are for convenience only and do not necessarily affect the scope of the embodiments. Further, the drawings have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be expanded or reduced to help improve the understanding of the embodiments. Moreover, while the disclosed technology is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail below. The intention, however, is not to unnecessarily limit the embodiments described. On the contrary, the embodiments are intended to cover all suitable modifications, combinations, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Various examples of the systems, methods, and devices introduced above will now be described in further detail. The following description provides specific details for a thorough understanding and enabling description of these examples. One skilled in the relevant art will understand, however, that the techniques and technologies discussed herein may be practiced without many of these details. Likewise, one skilled in the relevant art will also understand that the technology can include many other features not described in detail herein. Additionally, some well-known structures or functions may not be shown or described in detail below so as to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the relevant description.

[0015] The disclosed technology is directed to a collapsible hair catcher that is worn by a person receiving a haircut, when cutting their own hair, or trimming their beard, for example. The collapsible hair catcher can include a circular tray panel having a cinchable neck opening and a pair of collapsible hoops disposed about a perimeter of the tray panel. In a deployed configuration the wire hoops are spaced apart to support a wall panel therebetween.

[0016] With reference to FIG. 1, a collapsible hair catcher 100, according to some embodiments, includes a tray panel 102 having a central neck opening 126 and a rim or wall panel 104. The wall panel 104 can have a bottom edge portion 105 and an upper edge portion 107. The bottom edge portion 105 of the wall panel 104 is attached (e.g., sewn) to an outer perimeter portion 103 of the tray panel 102. The collapsible hair catcher 100 can also include a first hoop 110(1) disposed around the outer perimeter portion 103 of the tray panel 102 and a second hoop 110(2) disposed around a perimeter of the upper edge portion 107.

[0017] A plurality of spacers 112 extend between the bottom edge portion 105 and the upper edge portion 107. In some embodiments, the collapsible hair catcher 100 can include four spacers 112 spaced approximately equidistant around the outer perimeter 103 of the tray panel 102, for example. One end of the spacers 112 is secured to e.g., the bottom edge portion 105. For example, the spacers 112 are sewn or riveted in place with suitable thread 114 or hardware, and the other end includes a snap 116 or another suitable releasable fastener that is releasably fastened to the upper edge portion 107. In an example, the snaps 116 can include a male portion attached to the wall panel 104 and a female portion attached to the spacer 112. In another example, cooperative hook and loop material, e.g., Velcro, can be used. In some examples, the spacers 112 can be flexible plastic strips.

[0018] When the collapsible hair catcher 100 is in the expanded configuration as shown in FIG. 1, the hoops 110 apply tension around the perimeter 103 of the tray panel 102 and wall panel edge portions 105, 107 to form a generally circular shaped tray and wall. The spacers 112 maintain separation between the upper and lower edge portions and corresponding hoops 110 to provide a wall that prevents hair clippings from sliding off the tray panel 102. Thus, the hair clippings are conveniently collected in a collection region 128 of the collapsible hair catcher 100.

[0019] The first and second hoops 110(1), 110(2) are movable between a collapsed configuration and the expanded configuration shown. The hoops 110 can be expanded and collapsed by twisting and folding them into a smaller diameter as is known in the art. In some embodiments, the first and second hoops 110(1), 110(2) can comprise spring steel. For example, the hoops 110 can be -inch flat steel strips that are joined at the ends by welding or securing in a crimp fastener (not shown). The bottom hoop 110(1) can be contained in a hemmed portion of the wall panel and the upper hoop 110(2) can be contained in a folded over and hemmed portion of the wall panel 104.

[0020] The collapsible hair catcher 100 can further include a neck panel 106 attached (e.g., sewn) to a perimeter portion 127 of the neck opening 126. In some examples, the neck panel 106 can include a hem portion 124 toward the opening 126 that contains an elastic cord draw string 120 that can be adjusted with a cord lock 122. In other examples, the hem portion 124 can include a Velcro strap to adjust the neck opening 126.

[0021] In some embodiments, the tray panel 102 can have a wedge-shaped cutout 109 extending radially from the neck opening 126 and the hair catcher 100 can further include a flap 108 attached to the tray panel 102 along a side of the cutout 109. The flap 108 can overlap a portion of the tray panel 102 to help prevent hair clippings from falling through the cutout 109. In some examples, the cutout can be a slit extending from the neck opening 126 rather than a wedge-shaped cutout. The flap 108 can include a Velcro closure 118 along one side to secure the flap 108 in position.

[0022] FIGS. 2-6 illustrate flat patterns for the components of the collapsible hair catcher 100. Specifically, FIG. 2 illustrates the tray panel 102; FIG. 3 illustrates the wall panel portions 104; FIG. 4 illustrates the neck panel 106; FIG. 5 illustrates the flap panel 108; and FIG. 6 illustrates a pouch that can be used to store the hair catcher 100. In some embodiments, the panels can be cut from nylon material, such as 70D ripstop; however, other suitable materials, weaves, and/or weights can be used.

[0023] In an embodiment, the components of the collapsible hair catcher 100 can be assembled by cutting out the panels according to the dimensions shown in FIGS. 2-6 from a suitable material. The dimensions shown in FIGS. 2-6 are for example only and are not to be construed as limiting.

[0024] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the wall panel 104 can include multiple wall portions or rim pieces 104(1) and 104(2), for example. The rim pieces 104(1) and 104(2) are positioned end to end and seamed together along the short (e.g., 4.5) edge and then the remaining free ends are seamed together to form a loop. In some examples, the ends are joined with French seams. A hem of 0.25 is sewn into the wall panel's upper edge portion 107. The bottom edge portion 105 of the wall panel 104 is hemmed by folding over 0.75 of material and stitching to form a 0.25 hem leaving a 0.5 flap for attachment to the circumference of tray panel 102. The 0.25 hem openings at the upper and bottom edge portions 105, 107 receive the -inch flat steel strips that are each joined at their ends with a corresponding crimp fastener.

[0025] The long side of the neck panel 106 shown in FIG. 4 is sewn around the neck opening 126. The short side of the neck panel 106 can include a hem portion containing an elastic cord draw string, for example. The hem portion can be covered with 1 wide soft binding to provide a comfortable fit. FIG. 5 illustrates the flap panel 108 that fills in the wedge-shaped cutout 109 (FIG. 2). The flap panel 108 provides extra material to accommodate hems and an overlapping area for the Velcro closure 118.

[0026] FIG. 6 illustrates a pouch panel 130. Two pouch panels 130 can be sewn around the circular portions leaving the 9 portion open to receive the folded hair catcher 100. In some examples, the opening can be finished with an elastic cord drawstring and cord lock. In another example, the opening can be finished with a cooperative hook and loop Velcro closure.

[0027] While the disclosed technology is amenable to various modifications, alternative forms, and combinations of features, specific embodiments have been shown and described herein. These specific embodiments should not be interpreted as unnecessarily limiting. On the contrary, the embodiments are intended to cover all suitable modifications, combinations, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of this disclosure.

REMARKS

[0028] The above description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in some instances, well-known details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. Further, various modifications may be made without deviating from the scope of the embodiments.

[0029] Reference in this specification to one embodiment or an embodiment means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase in one embodiment in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not for other embodiments.

[0030] The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. It will be appreciated that the same thing can be said in more than one way. Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein, and any special significance is not to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for some terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification, including examples of any term discussed herein, is illustrative only and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions, will control.

[0031] The adverb approximately modifying a value or result means that a shape, structure, measurement, value, determination, calculation, etc. may deviate from an exactly described geometry, distance, measurement, value, determination, calculation, etc., because of imperfections in materials, machining, manufacturing, sensor measurements, computations, processing time, communications time, etc.

[0032] The numerical adjectives first, second, etc., are used throughout this document as identifiers and do not signify importance, order, or quantity.

[0033] Use of in response to, based on, and upon determining herein indicates a causal relationship, not merely a temporal relationship.

[0034] The disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings, and the disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.