U.S. patent application number 11/642283 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-21 for chair and sink system.
Invention is credited to Frank Giardina, Vicky Giardina.
Application Number | 20070136941 11/642283 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38171670 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070136941 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Giardina; Vicky ; et
al. |
June 21, 2007 |
Chair and sink system
Abstract
A chair is adjustable in many planes and includes inflatable
sections that support the seat of a patron as well as the lumbar
section of the patron. A sink is adjustable and is used in
conjunction with the chair to provide maximum comfort to both the
patron and to the stylist. The sink includes a neck opening that
cooperates with a neck support section on the chair whereby a
patron is comfortably supported with his or her head on both the
chair and on the sink.
Inventors: |
Giardina; Vicky;
(Louisville, KY) ; Giardina; Frank; (Louisville,
KY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SUNG I. OH, PROFESSIONAL LAW CORPORATION
710 QUAIL VALLEY LANE
WEST COVINA
CA
91791
US
|
Family ID: |
38171670 |
Appl. No.: |
11/642283 |
Filed: |
December 19, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60751613 |
Dec 19, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
4/515 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 1/11 20130101; A45D
44/02 20130101; A45D 19/10 20130101; A47C 1/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
004/515 |
International
Class: |
A45D 19/00 20060101
A45D019/00 |
Claims
1. A patron accommodating unit for use by a hair stylist
comprising: A) a chair which includes (1) an adjustable pedestal
that rests on a supporting surface, such as a floor; (2) a seat
section supported on the pedestal and which includes (a) a foot
section which has a foot rest, (b) a seat section which includes a
support surface on which a patron is supported when the seat
section is in use, the support surface having an indented portion,
(b) a back section having a portion that is a top portion when the
seat section is in use and an indented portion in the back section,
(c) arm sections connected to the back section, the arm sections
including arm rests on which control buttons are located, (d) a leg
section, (e) a neck support section on the top portion of the back
section, and (f) a protector element removably mounted on the neck
support section; (2) a flexible joint which movably connects the
leg section to the seat section; (3) a second joint which movably
connects the seat section to the back section; (4) a cup holder on
an arm rest; (5) two telescoping legs attached to the back section
and having foot elements thereon; and B) a sink which is located on
the supporting surface closely adjacent to the adjustable pedestal
of the chair and which includes (1) an adjustable pedestal that
rests on the supporting surface adjacent to the chair and which is
adjustable so the sink can be adjusted in conjunction with the
chair to accommodate a patron, (2) water connections, (3) a water
shutoff valve in the water connections, (4) a bowl which includes
(a) a drain fluidically connected to the water connections, (b) a
rim which is located adjacent to the neck support section of the
chair, (c) a neck accommodating indented portion in the rim, (d) a
pad on the rim and located in the neck accommodating indented
portion, the patron resting their neck on the pad during use, (e) a
spray nozzle unit fluidically connected to the water connections,
(f) a utility shelf mounted on the bowl, (g) a storage compartment
mounted on the bowl, and (h) a hose storage hook mounted on the
adjustable pedestal.
2. A patron accommodating unit for use by a hair stylist consisting
of: A) a chair which includes (1) an adjustable pedestal that rests
on a supporting surface, such as a floor; (2) a seat section
supported on the pedestal and which includes (a) a foot section
which has a foot rest, (b) a seat section which includes a support
surface on which a patron is supported when the seat section is in
use, the support surface having an indented portion, (b) a back
section having a portion that is a top portion when the seat
section is in use and an indented portion in the back section, (c)
arm sections connected to the back section, the arm sections
including arm rests on which control buttons are located, (d) a leg
section, (e) a neck support section on the top portion of the back
section, and (f) a protector element removably mounted on the neck
support section; (2) a flexible joint which movably connects the
leg section to the seat section; (3) a second joint which movably
connects the seat section to the back section; (4) a cup holder on
an arm rest; (5) two telescoping legs attached to the back section
and having foot elements thereon; and B) a sink which is located on
the supporting surface closely adjacent to the adjustable pedestal
of the chair and which includes (1) an adjustable pedestal that
rests on the supporting surface adjacent to the chair and which is
adjustable so the sink can be adjusted in conjunction with the
chair to accommodate a patron, (2) water connections, (3) a water
shutoff valve in the water connections, (4) a bowl which includes
(a) a drain fluidically connected to the water connections, (b) a
rim which is located adjacent to the neck support section of the
chair, (c) a neck accommodating indented portion in the rim, (d) a
pad on the rim and located in the neck accommodating indented
portion, the patron resting their neck on the pad during use, (e) a
spray nozzle unit fluidically connected to the water connections,
(f) a utility shelf mounted on the bowl, (g) a storage compartment
mounted on the bowl, and (h) a hose storage hook mounted on the
adjustable pedestal.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/751,613, filed Dec. 19, 2005, which is
hereby incorporated by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the general art of chairs,
and to the particular field of chairs used in hair salons.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Hairdressing or haircutting or cosmetology can be a tiring
occupation. A hairdresser, for example, must often spend up to ten
hours per day on his or her feet performing a variety of operations
on a customer's hair such as, for example, cutting. The fatigue
occasioned by such a schedule is physically debilitating and
mentally fatiguing to such an extent that the quality of the
service performed may suffer. Further, for some individuals with
physical impairments standing is difficult, if not impossible.
[0004] A hairdresser must also have ready variety of hairdressing
implements, such as scissors, razors, curlers, and the like and
expendable items, such as hairspray, gels, water, and the like. A
fixed table provides a surface to hold such implements or items but
must be reached by walking from a position contiguous with the
customer's chair to the table and back again. This only increases
the amount of walking a hairdresser must do and, concomitantly
increases the fatigue suffered by the hairdresser.
[0005] A requirement for a shampoo bowl may further exacerbate the
above-mentioned problems. Shampoo bowls of this general type
typically include a forward edge portion that is formed with a
so-called neck rest. The neck rest is a rearwardly extending,
rounded cut-out adapted to define a forwardly and upwardly facing
depression adapted to receive an individual's neck.
[0006] When shampooing an individual's hair in a beauty salon or
barber shop, it is common practice to seat the individual in a
chair that is positioned forwardly of the shampoo bowl, and tilt
the individual's head backward over the bowl. Preferably, the
individual's neck is received into and generally supported by the
neck rest formed in the bowl. This can be uncomfortable for the
patron as well as for the stylist. It may even be dangerous for the
patron because his or her neck may be bent at a sharp angle thereby
reducing the flow of air to and from the patron's lungs and,
possibly, increasing their blood pressure.
[0007] Accordingly, there are many types of reclining chairs
available which are particularly adapted to use in hairdressing
salons. They are used in conjunction with washbasins mounted behind
them. The chairs recline to allow the client's hair to be washed
and otherwise treated over the basin while minimizing entry of
water, shampoo and treatment agents onto the face of the
client.
[0008] A variety of techniques have been employed in attempts to
ensure that despite the wide range of sizes of clients, the basin
may be correctly and comfortably positioned under the client's head
when their chair is reclined. The most common way of providing some
adjustment for the client's size is to provide a tilting mechanism
for the basin, which is to change its angular orientation fore and
aft while maintaining the general position of its bottom where its
plumbing is connected.
[0009] A more complex arrangement includes a chair incorporating a
basin which, in addition to the tilting facility, may also be moved
backwards and forwards relative to the seat in order to better
accommodate different sized clients. While this is an improvement
over the simple tilt adjustment, some clients can still not be made
completely comfortable because either the front wings of the basin
are pushing down on the client's shoulders, or the client's neck is
being stretched by their head being pushed upwards by the basin, or
the client is not leaning far enough back. In particular it can
still be difficult to comfortably accommodate clients with longer
or shorter than average torsos or with restricted neck
movement.
[0010] Alternately, chairs may be provided with pivotally connected
backs to enable each person to reposition the angle of the back,
and the position of the chair inwardly and outwardly from the bowl
so as to adjust the length between the chair seat and the neck
rest. Frequently, however, the individual will not make the
necessary adjustment, but will simply "slide" up or down in the
chair, thus leaving the lower back unsupported.
[0011] In some "European-style" arrangements, the shampoo bowl and
chair are connected to a pedestal for positioning in a room such
that the beautician or barber stands behind the bowl to wash the
individual's hair. In this instance, the shampoo bowl may be
pivotally mounted to the pedestal to enable positioning of the bowl
to accommodate an individual's height. However, such an arrangement
has met with limited acceptance in the United States because the
shampoo bowl is traditionally and typically mounted to a wall and
the beautician or barber stands adjacent the bowl when washing the
individual's hair.
[0012] Therefore, there is a need for a chair and basin that is
comfortable for both the patron and the stylist.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The above-discussed disadvantages of the prior art are
overcome by a chair and shampoo combination which includes a chair
having several inflatable sections which are strategically located
to provide the maximum comfort and support for a patrons, even if
the patrons are widely diverse in size and comfort requirements and
a sink that is adjustable and works in conjunction with the chair
to provide the maximum comfort for a patron. The chair further
includes controls and adjustable support legs that can be used as
needed. A movable foot rest as well as a movable neck support are
also included. The sink has compartments to store items that will
be useful for the styling operation.
[0014] Using the embodying the present invention will permit a
patron to be positioned in the most comfortable position for both
the patron and for the hair stylist and to permit the patron to be
supported in an effective manner. The combination of the adjustable
chair and the adjustable sink permits matching the needs of the
patron as well as the needs of the stylist.
[0015] Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the
invention will be, or will become, apparent to one with skill in
the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed
description. It is intended that all such additional systems,
methods, features, and advantages be included within this
description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected
by the following claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0016] The invention can be better understood with reference to the
following drawings and description. The components in the figures
are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon
illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the
figures, like referenced numerals designate corresponding parts
throughout the different views.
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable chair included
in the combination embodying the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an adjustable sink included
in the combination ng the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] Referring first to the FIG. 1, it can be understood that the
present invention is embodied in a combination that includes a
chair 10 that will support a patron in a position that is
comfortable to the patron as well as to a stylist. Chair 10
includes a pedestal 12 that is adjustable and on which a seat
section 14 is supported.
[0020] Seat section 14 includes a foot section 20, a seat section
22 and a back section 24 to which arm sections 26 and support leg
section 28 are attached. A neck support section 30 is mounted on a
top section 32 of the back section. A removable protector 36 is
mounted on the neck support section.
[0021] Seat section 14 includes a support surface 40 which is
indented at 42 to be contoured to a patron. The indented section is
inflatable so the size of the indentation can be adjusted to the
particular needs and desires of the patron. Back support section 24
also includes an indented section 44 which is also inflatable so
the size thereof can be adjusted to meet the particular needs
patron's back and lower lumbar section.
[0022] A flexible joint 50 acts as a support for the rear of the
patron's knees and to movably connect the leg section to the seat
section. Joint 50 includes suitable mechanisms that are covered
with table material to be comfortable for the patron. A
corresponding joint 54 is located at the other end of the seat
section to movably connect the seat section to the back section in
a manner that is similar to the just-described joint 50. Joints 50
and 54 permit the chair to be positioned for maximum comfort for
both the patron and the stylist.
[0023] Arm sections 26 include arm rests 60 on which control
buttons 62 are located for controlling operation of the chair. A
drink holder 64 is also located on one of the arm rests. Foot
operated pedals can also be included on the chair pedestal so a
stylist can operate the chair if desired. Locks and pouches can
also be included on the chair if desired.
[0024] Foot section 20 includes a foot rest 66 which is oriented at
an angle to the leg section for comfortably supporting a patron's
feet. The foot rest can include suitable material 68 that will
securely support a patron's feet on the foot section. The foot rest
can be adjusted with respect to the remainder of the foot section
so there are several degrees of freedom for the foot section.
[0025] Telescoping legs 70 are attached at one end thereof to the
chair and have a floor-engaging foot 72 on the other end thereof.
The legs will support the back section of the chair so a patron can
lie down if necessary.
[0026] Referring next to FIG. 2, it can be understood that the
combination embodying the present invention further includes a sink
80 that is adjustable to cooperate with the chair. Sink 80 includes
a pedestal 82 which rests on the floor adjacent to the chair and
which includes water connections, such as shutoff 84. Pedestal 82
is height adjustable and includes motors and mechanisms required
for such height adjustment as well as foot operated pedals 86 that
control these mechanisms so the height of the sink can be adjusted
using the foot pedals.
[0027] Sink 80 further includes a bowl section 90 that has an outer
surface 92 and an inner surface 94. A drain 96 is located in the
inner surface and is fluidically connected to a suitable water
drain system via the pedestal. Both hot and cold water can be
directed through the sink as suitable. A rim 98 is defined on the
top of the sink and has a neck opening section 100 defined therein
to be located adjacent to neck support section 30 of the chair to
comfortably support a patron's neck during a hair washing
operation. Suitable pads, such as pad 102, can be placed on the
neck opening section to ensure comfort. A spray unit 104 is also
located in the sink and includes a flexible hose 106 to which is
attached a spray nozzle 110. A hydraulic pump can be associated
with the spray unit if suitable. Utility shelves 112 are located in
the sink to store items that are associated with hair styling
and/or hair washing. A storage compartment 120 is also defined on
the sink for further storage capacity. Brushes, combs, towels, hair
curling elements, wave rods, papers and the like can be stored in
compartment 120. First aid items can also be stored in the storage
compartment as well. A hose storage hook 130 is also located on the
pedestal.
[0028] While various embodiments of the invention have been
described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible
within the scope of this invention. Accordingly, the invention is
not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and
their equivalents.
* * * * *