U.S. patent application number 11/342291 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-26 for apparatus and methods for manipulating spreadable materials.
Invention is credited to Robert David Castagno, William James Coleman.
Application Number | 20070169789 11/342291 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38284337 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070169789 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Castagno; Robert David ; et
al. |
July 26, 2007 |
Apparatus and methods for manipulating spreadable materials
Abstract
Disclosed are apparatus and methods for efficiently and
effectively manipulating spreadable materials. Such apparatus and
methods may be incorporated for uses such as applying spreadable
materials such as hair color to a surface such as the surface of
strands of hair for the purpose of highlighting or otherwise
coloring the hair. A variety of applicators including varying edges
are disclosed, wherein each edge creates a different affect when
used for hair highlighting. Furthermore, a hair colorist may select
one or more of the disclosed applicators based upon ease of use for
the particular hair colorist, personal preference, and/or the type
of hair to be colored and/or highlighted. The applicators disclosed
herein may be used to paint color on the hair, however, such
applicators retain their rigidity during use, are faster-drying,
and easier to clean than highlighting brushes known in the prior
art.
Inventors: |
Castagno; Robert David;
(Warren, NJ) ; Coleman; William James; (Green
Pond, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LAW OFFICES OF RITA C. CHIPPERSON
89 HEADQUARTERS PLAZA NORTH
14TH FLOOR, SUITE 1472
MORRISTOWN
NJ
07960
US
|
Family ID: |
38284337 |
Appl. No.: |
11/342291 |
Filed: |
January 26, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/320 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 19/02 20130101;
A45D 19/0066 20210101; A45D 19/012 20210101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/320 |
International
Class: |
A45D 40/26 20060101
A45D040/26 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for manipulating a spreadable material comprising:
a head including a tip having equally tapered upwardly and
downwardly facing surfaces; a handle coupled to said head; wherein
said head is manufactured from a semi-rigid material; wherein said
equally tapered upwardly and downwardly facing surfaces increases
the flexibility of said tip; and wherein said spreadable material
may be painted on a surface via said tip.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to
apparatus and methods for efficiently and effectively manipulating
spreadable materials. More specifically, the present invention
relates to apparatus and methods for applying spreadable materials
such as hair color to a surface such as the surface of strands of
hair.
[0002] Many systems and methods have been created to apply hair
creams and lotions to the hair. Many such systems and methods have
been created in the form of an applicator. In its most simplistic
form, such systems include a rat-tail handled applicator having a
head shaped as a blade. In one such system, the stylist applies
hair products such as relaxing creams, setting creams, and lotions
via the blade and may use such blade to scrape off any excess hair
product. The rat-tail handle allows the stylist to reverse the
applicator to use such handle to separate the hair without changing
tools.
[0003] Similarly, another applicator is disclosed having a head
shaped as a comb and a rat-tail handle. However, one side of the
comb end is serrated to allow the applicator to better hold the
hair. To use the applicator, the flat side of the comb is aligned
against the hair such that the flat blade is perpendicular to the
hair. Lotion is then applied above the applicator such that the
flat portion of the applicator catches any spilled lotion. The
applicator is then rotated such that it is parallel to the hair
thereby allowing the excess lotion on the comb to come in contact
with the hair.
[0004] In addition, highlighting brushes exist. Such brushes are
immersed in a colorant such as a bleaching agent and are then used
to paint the colorant on the desired strands of hair. In some
scenarios, the hair to which such colorant has been applied is then
wrapped in a material such as foil to prevent the colorant from
accidentally contacting adjacent hair.
[0005] In a similar but more complex system, a set of tools that
includes a palette, a color board, and a color blade is disclosed.
In this system, a layer of hair coloring agent is placed on the
color palette. A piece of foil such as aluminum foil is then
wrapped around the color board such that one side is entirely
covered with foil and the other side is partially covered with
foil. The color board is placed perpendicular to the scalp directly
below the strands of hair to be colored with the completely foiled
side facing upward. One side of the color blade is then used to
remove the coloring agent from the color palette and to apply it to
the hair. The opposing side of the color blade is kept clean to
prevent accidental application of the coloring agent to the scalp
or adjacent strands of hair. After application of the coloring
agent, the foil is wrapped around the hair to allow the color to
set. This process is then repeated until all desired portions of
the hair have been treated with the coloring agent.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In one aspect of the present invention, disclosed is an
apparatus for manipulating a spreadable material including a head
including a tip having equally tapered upwardly and downwardly
facing surfaces and a handle coupled to said head, wherein said
head is manufactured from a semi-rigid material, wherein said
equally tapered upwardly and downwardly facing surfaces increases
the flexibility of said tip, and wherein said spreadable material
may be painted on a surface via said tip.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be
better understood when read in conjunction with the appended
drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are
shown in the drawings embodiments that are presently preferred. It
should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to
the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the
drawings:
[0008] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an apparatus for
manipulating spreadable material having serrated teeth in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0009] FIG. 1B is a top view of the apparatus depicted in FIG.
1A;
[0010] FIG. 1C is a side view of the apparatus depicted in FIG.
1A;
[0011] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an apparatus for
manipulating spreadable material having a straight edge in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2B is a top view of the apparatus depicted in FIG.
2A;
[0013] FIG. 2C is a side view of the apparatus depicted in FIG.
2A;
[0014] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an apparatus for
manipulating spreadable material having an angled edge in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 3B is a top view of the apparatus depicted in FIG.
3A;
[0016] FIG. 3C is a side view of the apparatus depicted in FIG.
3A;
[0017] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an apparatus for
manipulating spreadable material having a rounded edge in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 4B is a top view of the apparatus depicted in FIG. 4A;
and
[0019] FIG. 4C is a side view of the apparatus depicted in FIG.
4A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] Referring first to FIGS. 1A-1C, depicted is a perspective
view of an apparatus for manipulating spreadable material having a
serrated tip in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention. In the depicted embodiment of the present invention,
applicator 100 includes head 102, handle 108, and indentation
110.
[0021] In some embodiments of the present invention, head 102
includes a first head end 104 and a second head end 106. First head
end 104 is the portion of applicator 100 used to apply spreadable
material such as hair color to a surface such as the surface of a
selected set of hair strands. First head end 104 includes a
proximal edge having the same width and height as second head end
106. Although the width remains constant throughout the depth of
first head end 104, the upwardly and downwardly facings surfaces
112 and 114, respectively, of first end 104 taper inward equally as
depicted in the side view of applicator 100 (as depicted in FIG.
1C) such that a flexible edge having a relatively small height is
formed at the distal end of head 102. Such tapering allows first
head end 104 to flex, thereby allowing applicator 100 to be used as
a paintbrush. That is, a spreadable material may be applied to both
the upwardly and downwardly facing surfaces 112 and 114,
respectively, of first head end 104 and such material may be
applied to a surface via bi-directional brushing or painting
motions. Such application allows a greater quantity of the
spreadable material to be applied to head 102 in each instance,
thereby decreasing the time required to perform a process such as
highlighting hair. Furthermore, the ability to apply the spreadable
material to both surfaces of head 102 minimizes and/or eliminates
the precision required when applying such material to head 102.
That is, a hair colorist does not have to be careful to avoid
accidental application of the spreadable material to one of the two
surfaces of head 102. This feature of the present invention
facilitates use of any process incorporating applicator 100.
However, such spreadable material may be applied to a single
surface of head 102 without departing from the scope hereof.
[0022] In many embodiments of the present invention, bi-directional
brushing or painting motions will result in better and/or faster
application of the spreadable material to the intended surface.
Bi-directional brushing allows the spreadable material on each
surface of head 102 to be applied to the same intended surface as
compared to a uni-directional application of material in which
spreadable material on a single surface of head 102 only may be
applied to the intended surface.
[0023] In contrast to use of a brush, applicator 100 is quick and
easy to clean. Also, the rigidity of applicator 100 is constant in
both a wet and dry state as compared to a brush, which becomes
softer and less rigid when wet. As compared to a brush, spreadable
materials may be washed from applicator 100 easily via rinsing or
wiping. That is, there are no individual bristles that must be
individually separated and cleaned. In addition, applicator 100 may
be re-used consecutively without waiting for it to dry and without
any loss of rigidity. Since applicator 100 has head 102 formed of a
solid piece, applicator 100 may be manually dried with a cloth,
towel, or the like, as compared to a brush for which a user must
wait for the individual bristles to completely dry in order for its
rigidity to return. Therefore, a busy hair colorist may use a
single applicator 100 to service a plurality of consecutive
clients, whereas the same hair colorist would require multiple
brush-type applicators to service the same quantity of clients.
[0024] First head end 104 is coupled to handle 108 via second head
end 106. Second head end 106 is provided to add strength to head
102 and to prevent uncontrollable or hard-to-control flexing of
first head end 104. That is, second head end 106 provides greater
control to a user of applicator 100 by minimizing the natural flex
of first head end 104 (i.e., flex that is not created by a user of
applicator 100). However, alternate embodiments of the present
invention are envisioned in which second head end 106 is omitted
(i.e., first head end 104 is coupled directly to handle 106)
without departing from the scope of the present invention. Or,
alternatively, second head end 106 may be formed in a different
configuration than that depicted in FIGS. 1A-1C without departing
from the scope hereof.
[0025] In some embodiments of the present invention, handle 108
includes a proximal end having an equal width and height to second
head end 106. However, handle 108 gradually tapers as it approaches
its distal end, which is long and narrow and includes handle point
116 at the far distal end. The proximal end of handle 106 is of
sufficient width that a user of applicator 100 may hold it with
multiple fingers, thereby providing a better grip closer to head
102, which typically provides the user with better and more
accurate control of head 102. Handling of applicator 100 may be
alternated between the proximal and distal ends of handle 106 as
needed and depending on the type of brushing and/or spreading
motions desired.
[0026] In one aspect of the present invention, the handle 108
includes indentation 110. Indentation 110 is recessed below the
surface of the proximal end of handle 106 to provide a user of
applicator 100 with better control of applicator 100. For one, the
perimeter of indentation 110 is raised to prevent and/or minimize
the possibility that a user's fingers will slip off of applicator
100. In addition, the recessed nature of indentation 110 allows a
user to place his or her forefinger, index finger, and the like
closer to his or her thumb, providing a better grip of applicator
100 and potentially better control thereof. That is, the recessed
nature of indentation 110 minimizes the space between a user's
forefinger, index finger, and the like, which are typically placed
atop the upwardly facing surface of indentation 110, and a user's
thumb, which is typically placed on the downwardly facing surface
of the proximal end of handle 108.
[0027] Furthermore, inclusion of indentation 110 or the like in
apparatus 100 reduces the weight of such apparatus. This lighter
weight increases the ease with which applicator 100 may be used by
producing less stress for the hair colorist's hands, potentially
preventing stress and/or repetitive stress related ailments such as
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The lighter weight is also likely to
increase the length of time a hair colorist may work continuously
prior to fatigue of the hands, wrists, and the like. However,
handles without indentations 110 may be substituted without
departing from the scope hereof.
[0028] Handle point 116 allows applicator 100 to be reversed when
required such that handle point 116 may be used to manipulate
and/or reposition strands of hair while removing a minimal amount,
if any, of the spreadable material therefrom. However, alternate
configurations for handle 108 may be substituted without departing
from the scope of the present invention.
[0029] In some aspects of the present invention, head 102 is
manufactured from a semi-rigid soft rubber material such as thermal
plastic elastomer and the like. However, other materials (e.g., low
density polyethylene) may be substituted without departing from the
scope hereof. The semi-rigid nature of the material allows head 102
to flex as needed for application of a spreadable material. For
ease of manufacturing, handle 108 may also be formed of the same
material, however, handle 108 may be formed of alternative
materials (e.g., rigid materials) such as polypropylene without
departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0030] In one aspect of the present invention, applicator 100 is
used to apply color during a hair highlighting process. In such a
process, the hair colorist typically separates a set of strands of
hair to be highlighted from adjacent hair, which will not be
highlighted. In some embodiments, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or
the like is placed below the strands to be highlighted and the hair
colorist holds the strands of hair held atop the aluminum foil,
plastic wrap, or the like with a first hand while applying the
color via applicator 100 with the second hand. The color may be
contained in a bowl or the like, into which head 102 of applicator
100 is dipped to pickup the color to be applied. Thereafter, the
color is brushed onto the hair.
[0031] The equally tapered nature of head 102 allows the hair
colorist to apply color close to the scalp, without accidentally
applying color to the scalp or to the roots of adjacent strands of
hair, which are not to be colored. This close to the scalp
application of the color provides a longer lasting highlight that
minimizes the frequency of touchups for the person receiving the
highlights (the "client") since the close to the scalp application
of color will lengthen the time required for the client to see
roots of his or her hair having its natural color. That is,
applying color close to the scalp lengthens the time required for
the hair to grow to a length at which the hair's natural color is
seen. This lengthening of time saves the client money and time by
minimizing his or her visits to the hair salon.
[0032] The ability of the hair colorist to apply color close to the
scalp without accidentally applying color to the scalp or to the
roots of adjacent strands of hair, which are not to be colored, is
also of importance. Although such mistaken application of color may
not be immediately noticeable, as the client's hair grows, mistaken
application of color will show itself in the form of one or more
large spots of color. Such spots of color are highly undesirable
and may cost the hair colorist business. However, the tapered
nature of head 102 allows the stylist to apply color close to the
scalp without affecting the adjacent areas, since the color may be
pinpointed on the hair by the narrow edge of head 102. In the
tapered embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1A,
color may be contained between serrated teeth 118, thereby
resulting in a horizontal application of color (relative to the
position of applicator 100) rather than a vertical application of
color.
[0033] Although applicator 100 may be used alone without the use of
any items (e.g., foil, plastic wrap, coloring boards, etc.) other
than a coloring agent, it may also be used in conjunction with such
items without departing from the scope hereof. In one aspect of the
present invention, applicator 100 is used for baliage (i.e., a
process in which hair color or hair lightener is handpainted
freestyle onto selected strands of hair). However, other uses of
applicator 100 are envisioned without departing from the scope
hereof.
[0034] Referring next to FIG. 1B, a top view of applicator 100
including a view of serrated teeth 118 is depicted. The serrated
nature of head 102 breaks the straight line of an applicator such
as applicator 200 (FIGS. 2A-2C), thereby providing a more natural
look. In one aspect of the present invention, a weaved, soft,
natural look is provided. In the depicted embodiment, the depth d
of each serrated tooth 118 is 3/32 inches and the angle of each of
the two sides of each tooth is 20 degrees. However, serrated teeth
118 having varying depths (e.g., 1/16 inch, 1/8 inch, etc.) and
varying angles (e.g., 30 degrees, 45 degrees, etc.) may be
substituted without departing from the scope of the present
invention. Varying the depth and/or angle of serrated teeth 118
varies the look of the highlight achieved via use of applicator
100. Therefore, a hair colorist may be equipped with a plurality of
applicators 100 having varying dimensions, as well as applicator
200 (FIGS. 2A-2C), applicator 300 (FIGS. 3A-3C), and/or applicator
400 (FIGS. 4A-4C) such that the appropriate applicator may be
selected to achieve the desired highlighting affect.
[0035] Turning now to FIG. 1C, depicted is a side view of
applicator 100 further detailing the equally tapered nature of
first head end 104, as well as the tapered nature of handle 108.
The equally tapered nature of first head end 104 contributes to its
brush-like and flexible nature, however, varying tapers may be
substituted without departing from the scope of the present
invention. Furthermore, the tapered nature of handle 108 proves
handle point 116 as present in some embodiments of the present
invention.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 2A, depicted is a perspective view of
applicator 200 having a straight edge 220. The other features of
applicator 200 including head 202, first head end 204, second head
end 206, handle 208, indentation 210, upwardly facing first head
end surface 212, downwardly facing first head end surface 214, and
handle point 216 are similar to head 102, first head end 104,
second head end 106, handle 108, indentation 110, upwardly facing
first head end surface 112, downwardly facing first head end
surface 114, and handle point 116 as discussed above with respect
to FIGS. 1A-1C. However, the inclusion of straight edge 220 in lieu
of serrated teeth 118 allows a more precise application of a
spreadable material to a surface, as a user is not concerned about
application of the quantity of spreadable material held within
serrated teeth 118. Rather, a user of applicator 200 may paint the
spreadable material such that it begins at a straight (rather than
weaved) edge via use of straight edge 220.
[0037] Referring next to FIG. 2B, a top view of applicator 200
including a top view of straight edge 220 is depicted. Straight
edge 220 allows a more precise application of a spreadable material
such as hair color, hair lightener, and the like to be applied to a
surface such as the surface of a set of strands of hair as compared
to applicator 100. The straight nature of head 202 provides a
straight line of color, thereby providing a stark look. Also, some
hair colorists may find applicator 200 easier or tougher to use
than one or more of applicators 100, 300, and 400. Such difficulty
may be based upon the individual skills of the hair colorist or may
be due to personal preference of the hair colorist. Consequently,
provision of multiple embodiments of the applicator of the present
invention allows the hair colorist to choose an applicator based
upon a plurality of factors such as the applicator that he or she
prefers, the applicator that will achieve the desired look, the
applicator that will work best for the specific client's hair type,
and the like.
[0038] Turning next to FIG. 2C, depicted is a side view of
applicator 200 further detailing the equally tapered nature of
first head end 204, the height h.sub.1 of straight edge 220, and
the tapered nature of handle 208. In the depicted embodiment, the
height h.sub.1 of straight edge 220 is 1/16 of an inch and the edge
is perfectly straight. However, straight edges 220 having varying
heights (e.g., 1/32, inch, 3/16 inch, 1/8 inch, etc.) and varying
vertical angles (e.g., 30 degrees, 45 degrees, etc.) may be
substituted without departing from the scope of the present
invention. Varying the height and/or vertical angle of straight
edge 220 may vary the look of the highlight achieved via use of
applicator 200 and/or its ease of use for a particular hair
stylist. Therefore, a hair colorist may be equipped with a
plurality of applicators 200 having varying dimensions, as well as
applicator 100 (FIGS. 1A-1C), applicator 300 (FIGS. 3A-3C), and/or
applicator 400 (FIGS. 4A-4C), such that the appropriate applicator
may be selected to achieve the desired highlighting affect. The
equally tapered nature of first head end 204 contributes to its
brush-like and flexible nature, however, varying tapers may be
substituted without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
[0039] Now referencing FIG. 3A, depicted is a perspective view of
applicator 300 having an angled edge 320. The other features of
applicator 300 including head 302, first head end 304, second head
end 306, handle 308, indentation 310, upwardly facing first head
end surface 312, downwardly facing first head end surface 314, and
handle point 316 are similar to head 102, first head end 104,
second head end 106, handle 108, indentation 110, upwardly facing
first head end surface 112, downwardly facing first head end
surface 114, and handle point 116 as discussed above with respect
to FIGS. 1A-1C. However, the inclusion of angled edge 320 in lieu
of serrated teeth 118 and/or straight edge 220 allows a different
application of spreadable material in that, for example, the line
of coloring applied to the hair has an edge that approximates the
angle of angled edge 320 rather than a weaved edge or straight edge
as formed by serrated teeth 118 (FIGS. 1A-1C) and straight edge 220
(FIGS. 2A-2C), respectively. That is, the hair color is applied
close to the scalp for those portions of the strands of hair that
are in contact with the rightmost side of first head end 304 and
the hair color is applied progressively farther from the scalp for
those portions of the strands of hair that are in contact with the
leftmost side of first head end 304. Such application provides a
different look than that achieved by use of the non-angled versions
of the applicator of the present invention.
[0040] Referring next to FIG. 3B, a top view of applicator 300
including a top view of angled edge 320 is depicted. Angled edge
320 allows a more precise application of a spreadable material such
as hair color, hair lightener, and the like to be applied to a
surface such as the surface of a set of strands of hair as compared
to applicator 100. The angled nature of head 302 provides an angled
line of color approximating the angle of head 302. Also, some hair
colorists may find applicator 300 easier or tougher to use than one
or more of applicators 100, 200, and 400. Such difficulty may be
based upon the individual skills of the hair colorist or may be due
to personal preference of the hair colorist. Consequently,
provision of multiple embodiments of the applicator of the present
invention allows the hair colorist to choose an applicator based
upon a plurality of factors such as the applicator that he or she
prefers, the applicator that will achieve the desired look, the
applicator that will work best for the specific client's hair type,
and the like.
[0041] Turning next to FIG. 3C, depicted is a side view of
applicator 300 further detailing the equally tapered nature of
first head end 304, the height h.sub.2 of straight edge 320, and
the tapered nature of handle 308. In the depicted embodiment, the
height h.sub.2 of angled edge 320 is 1/16 of an inch and the edge
is perfectly straight. However, angled edges 320 having varying
heights (e.g., 1/32, inch, 3/16 inch, 1/8 inch, etc.) and varying
vertical angles (e.g., 30 degrees, 45 degrees, etc.) may be
substituted without departing from the scope of the present
invention. Varying the height and/or vertical angle of straight
edge 320 may vary the look of the highlight achieved via use of
applicator 300 and/or its ease of use for a particular hair
stylist. Therefore, a hair colorist may be equipped with a
plurality of applicators 300 having varying dimensions, as well as
applicator 100 (FIGS. 1A-1C), applicator 200 (FIGS. 2A-2C), and/or
applicator 300 (FIGS. 3A-3C), such that the appropriate applicator
may be selected to achieve the desired highlighting affect. The
equally tapered nature of first head end 304 contributes to its
brush-like and flexible nature, however, varying tapers may be
substituted without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
[0042] Turning next to FIG. 4A, depicted is a perspective view of
applicator 400 having a rounded edge 420. The other features of
applicator 400 including head 402, first head end 404, second head
end 406, handle 408, indentation 410, upwardly facing first head
end surface 412, downwardly facing first head end surface 414, and
handle point 416 are similar to head 102, first head end 104,
second head end 106, handle 108, indentation 110, upwardly facing
first head end surface 112, downwardly facing first head end
surface 114, and handle point 116 as discussed above with respect
to FIGS. 1A-1C. However, the inclusion of rounded edge 420 in lieu
of serrated teeth 118, straight edge 220, and/or angled edge 320
allows a different application of spreadable material in that, for
example, the line of coloring applied to the hair has an edge that
approximates rounded edge 420 rather than a weaved edge, straight
edge, or angled edge as formed by serrated teeth 118 (FIGS. 1A-1C),
straight edge 220 (FIGS. 2A-2C), and angled edge 320 (FIGS. 3A-3C),
respectively. That is, the hair color is applied close to the scalp
for those portions of the strands of hair that are in contact with
the center of first head end 404 and the hair color is applied
progressively farther from the scalp for those portions of the
strands of hair that are in contact with the right and left sides
of first head end 404. Such application provides a different look
than that achieved by use of the non-rounded versions of the
applicator of the present invention.
[0043] Referring next to FIG. 4B, a top view of applicator 400
including a top view of rounded edge 420 is depicted. Rounded edge
420 allows a more precise application of a spreadable material such
as hair color, hair lightener, and the like to be applied to a
surface such as the surface of a set of strands of hair as compared
to applicator 100. The rounded nature of head 420 provides a line
of color approximating the rounded edge of head 402. Also, some
hair colorists may find applicator 400 easier or tougher to use
than one or more of applicators 100, 200, and 300. Such difficulty
may be based upon the individual skills of the hair colorist or may
be due to personal preference of the hair colorist. Consequently,
provision of multiple embodiments of the applicator of the present
invention allows the hair colorist to choose an applicator based
upon a plurality of factors such as the applicator that he or she
prefers, the applicator that will achieve the desired look, the
applicator that will work best for the specific client's hair type,
and the like.
[0044] Turning next to FIG. 4C, depicted is a side view of
applicator 400 further detailing the equally tapered nature of
first head end 404, the height h.sub.3 of rounded edge 420, and the
tapered nature of handle 408. In the depicted embodiment, the
height h.sub.2 of rounded edge 420 is 1/16 of an inch and the edge
is perfectly straight. However, rounded edges 420 having varying
heights (e.g., 1/32, inch, 3/16 inch, 1/8 inch, etc.) and varying
vertical angles (e.g., 30 degrees, 45 degrees, etc.) may be
substituted without departing from the scope of the present
invention. Varying the height and/or vertical angle of rounded edge
420 may vary the look of the highlight achieved via use of
applicator 400 and/or its ease of use for a particular hair
stylist. Therefore, a hair colorist may be equipped with a
plurality of applicators 400 having varying dimensions, as well as
applicator 100 (FIGS. 1A-1C), applicator 200 (FIGS. 2A-2C), and/or
applicator 300 (FIGS. 3A-3C), such that the appropriate applicator
may be selected to achieve the desired highlighting affect. The
equally tapered nature of first head end 404 contributes to its
brush-like and flexible nature, however, varying tapers may be
substituted without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
[0045] Although FIGS. 1A-4C depict four (4) configurations of heads
102 through 402, varying head configurations having virtually any
type of edge may be substituted without departing from the scope of
the present invention including, but not limited to, waved edges,
undulated edges, jagged edges, sinusoidal edges, lettered edges,
and the like.
[0046] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
changes could be made to the embodiments described above without
departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is
understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the
particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover
modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention
as defined by the appended claims.
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