GB2483880A

GB2483880A - A support for hairdressing tools

Info

Publication number: GB2483880A
Application number: GB1015915.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Helen Jeromson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-09-22
Filing date: 2010-09-22
Publication date: 2012-03-28
Also published as: GB201015915D0

Abstract

A support 10 for hairdressing tools such as a hairdryer or hair straighteners, comprises a releasable clip 12, and at least one tool holder 14 mounted to the releasable clip 12. The tool holder 14 is pivotally mounted to the clip 12, and locking means in the form of a key 35 which engages a slot are provided, for locking the tool holder 14 in an angular position relative to the clip 12. A second tool holder 16 may be mounted to the first holder, so that two styling devices can be supported at the same time. The support may be moved from location to location with ease.

Description

TITLE: SUPPORT The present invention relates to a support and particularly but not exclusively to a support for hairdressing tools.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Hairdressing supports in the form of wall mounted holders and holders requiring flat surfaces to stand on are well known. However, most wall mounted holders are intended for permanent installation. They generally require fixing to a wall using wall plugs and screw fixings. Once fixed it may not be desirable to re-position the holder due to the holes already present on the wall behind the holder.

Although hairdressing holders that stand on flat surfaces require little or no installation and are easy to reposition, they require a flat surface, for example, the presence of a dressing table or sink unit to stand on, and surface space may be limited.

Furthermore, they have a tendency to be unstable. Also, a typical hair dryer stand does not have facility for holding, for example, a curling tongs.

it is an object of the invention to provide a support, for example, for hairdressing and hair styling tools, which substantially mitigates or reduces these problems.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided a support for hairdressing tools comprising a releasable clip, at least one tool holder mounted to the releasable clip, the tool holder being pivotally mounted to the clip, and locking means for locking the tool holder in any angular position relative to the clip.

The releasable clip allows the support to be repositionable, giving the device the flexibility to be removed from one position to another, with ease. This may be within a salon, home or between hairdressing locations. The releasable clip allows the device to be placed in different positions, such as on the vertical back of a chair or on the horizontal edge of a table. The locking means enables positioning of the tool holder at

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a suitable angular position. The support is usually engaged on the edge of a piece of thrniture, enabling a hairdressing tool placed within the support to be kept conveniently aside, but within easy reach. The hairdressing tool may be kept away from the surface of the furniture, thus reducing the risk of a hot tool damaging the piece of furniture.

A second tool holder may be mounted to the first holder, allowing more than one hairdressing tool to be supported at any one time. Many households and most hairdressing salons have multiple hairdressing tools and by providing two holders, the tools can be kept together tidily with their wires in an untangled condition. By accommodating two tools on the same support it makes a better use of space, which is especially advantageous where space is limited.

The releasable clip may include a central body and two resilient arms extending from the central body, and a space being disposed between the resilient arms for locating on a supporting member, such as the edge of a shelf. The resilient arms are flexible and can accommodate a range of support member thicknesses.

At least one resilient arm may have an outwardly flared lip for facilitating separation of the resilient arms. This allows a user to utilise the lip when prising the arms apart, making it easier for the user when positioning the support onto the supporting member and when withdrawing it.

At least part of the inner facing surfaces of the resilient arms may be provided with a rubber surface, providing a firmer grip when engaging with a supporting member. No external fixtures, such as screws, are required when fitting the support onto a supporting member, making the device simple to install.

Typically, the locking means is biased towards the locked position, so that when in the rest position the tool holder is locked relative to the releasable clip.

The locking means may include a first set of teeth fixed relative to the releasable clip and a second set of teeth fixed relative to the first tool holder, the teeth of the releasable clip co-operating with the teeth of the first tool holder for locking the releasable clip and tool holder in a fixed relative angular position.

A circular aperture may be provided through the central body of the releasable clip, and a tubular sleeve may be located within the circular aperture, the tubular sleeve being locked against rotation relative to the central body and canying the first set of teeth. A rotating barrel may be mounted within the tubular sleeve and the first tool holder may be mounted to the rotating barrel.

A locking member may be rigidly mounted to the rotating barrel and carries the second set of teeth. The locking member may be axially movable between a first position in which the first and the second set of teeth are engaged and a second position in which thc two sets of teeth are spaced and disengaged.

A spring may be housed between the rotating barrel and the locking member within the tubular sleeve for biasing the locking member to the locked position.

Preferably, a push button is provided for releasing the locking means. The depression of the push button may cause compression of the spring, enabling the locking member to move axially to its second position. As the two sets of teeth are disengaged, the locking member is freed from its locked position and the rotating barrel and the first tool holder are allowed to rotate relative to the releasable clip.

An aperture may be provided through the tubular sleeve and the central body of the releasable clip, a tongue of the first tool holder extending through the apertures and being engaged with the rotating barrel.

Typically, the first and second tool holders are rings, which may be circular or non-circular, for receiving a hairdressing tool. The two rings may be of different sizes in order to accommodate hairdressing tools of different sizes and shapes. The rings can accommodate different types of hairdressing tools, such as a hair dsyer by positioning it inside the ring, or a hair straightener by straddling the ring with the two arms of the hair straightener.

The second tool holder may be pivotally mounted to the first tool holder. This allows the second tool holder to overlap in part, or completely, with the first tool holder, making the support more compact when not in use.

A rubber insert may be positioned around the inside of the first and second tool holders to provide improved gripping surfaces for when hairdressing tools are positioned inside the rings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: iS Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a support; Figure 2 shows a schematic side view of the support of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective exploded view of the support of Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the locking means of the support of Figure 1 in an engaged position; Figure 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the locking means of the support of Figure 1 in a disengaged position; Figure 6 shows a schematic perspective view of the support of Figure 1 where the support is located on the back of a chair and a hairdressing tool is received in each of the first and second tool holder; and Figure 7 shows a schematic perspective view of the support of Figure 1 where the support is located on the edge of a shelf or table and a hairdressing tool is received in the first tool holder.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2, a support is indicated generally at 10. The support includes a releasable clip 12 for attachment to a piece of furniture or the like, and first and second tool holders 14,16 mounted to the releasable clip 12. The tool holders 14,16 are angularly movable with respect to the releasable clip 12.

The releasable clip 12 has a substantially circular central body 18 and two resilient arms 20,22 extending from the central body 18. The resilient arms 20,22 are substantially arranged parallel with one another with a space 24 between the resilient arms 20,22 for locating on a support member, for example, the back of a chair or the edge of a shelt as shown in Figures 6 and 7 respectively. The resilient arms 20,22 cxtend tangentially from opposite sides of the central body 18. A slight inward curve, provided in the length of the resilient arm 20 results in the opening of the space 24 iS being narrower than its base. This improves the grip on the support member when the releasable clip 12 is in use. The flexibility of the resilient arms 20,22 enables the releasable clip 12 to accommodate support members of different thicknesses.

ln this preferred embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, an outwardly flared lip or curve 26 is provided at the end of the resilient arm 20 for facilitating separation of the resilient arms 20,22, by band. The length of the resilient arm 20 is longer than the other arm 22 enabling a lower force to be applied to the resilient arm 20 for separation of the arms 20,22. Rubber surfaces 28 with an array of rubber protrusions at least partially line the inner facing surfaces of the resilient arms 20,22 to provide an enhanced grip when the releasable clip 12 is engaged with a support member. The same rubber surface 28 is also found on the lower outer surface of the resilient arm 20 to provide an enhanced grip for a user.

The locking means will be described with reference to Figure 3. A circular aperture 30 is provided through the central body 18 of the releasable clip 12. As seen in figure 4, aperture 30 steps down in diameter, at 31, towards the left hand end of the aperture 30, as viewed. A hollow tubular sleeve 32 is located in, and has the same length as, the circular aperture 30, and also steps down in diameter at 33 at the same position as the step down 31. A key 35 is provided on the smaller diameter of the tubular sleeve

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32 adjacent the step 33. The key 35 engages in a corresponding slot or keyway in the internal wall of the circular aperture 30. The key 35 and slot, when engaged, lock the tubular sleeve 32 against rotation relative to thc central body 18. Rcferring also to Figure 5, a first set of teeth 37 is found on the inside circumference of the tubular sleeve 32, which are effectively fixed relative to the releasable clip 12. A substantially elongate aperture 34,36 is provided through the central body 18 of the releasable clip 12 and the tubular sleeve 32, the two apertures being similar in size and shape and being substantially aligned. The width of the apertures 34,36 define the extent of which the first tool holder 14 can rotate.

A substantially circular rotating barrel 38 is mounted within the tubular sleeve 32. A reccss 40 is provided on the sidc of the rotating barrel 38. The recess 40 is substantially aligned with the two apertures 34,3 6, allowing the first tool holder 14 to engage with the recess 40 of the rotating barrel 38 through thc apertures 34,36. A iS spigot 42 of reduced diameter is disposed at the end of the rotating barrel 38. A spring 44, with substantially similar diameter as the spigot 42, is positioned next to and abuts the end of the spigot 42 of the rotating barrel 38.

A substantially cylindrical locking member 46 fits over and is rigidly mounted to the rotating barrel 38. A partition wall 47 is positioned on the inside of the locking member 46, part way along its length, The spring 44 is contained within the locking member 46 between the end of the spigot 42 and the partition wall 47. A second set of teeth 48 is disposed around the outer circumference of the locking member 46. The teeth 48 are fixed relative to the rotating barrel 38 and the first tool holder 14 which is attached to the rotating barrel 38. The second set of teeth 48 are positioned to engage with the first set of teeth 37 on the tubular sleeve 32 and to lock the first tool holder 14 in a fixed position relative to the releasable clip 12 when the locking means is at rest. in other words, the spring 44 biases the teeth 37,48 into cngagemcnt. A push button 50 locates on the end of the locking member 46. When the push button 50 is pressed, the locking member 46 moves axially towards the rotating barrel 38 and the spring 44 is compressed. The two sets of teeth are disengaged allowing the rotating barrel 38, and the first tool holder 14 mounted to the rotating barrel 38, to rotate relative to the releasable clip 12. To lock the first tool holder 14 in place again, the pressure applied to the push button 50 is released, and the spring 44 biases the two sets of teeth back into engagement. A further cap 52 is disposed on the other end of the central body 18 to substantially seal the end of the device.

The first tool holder 14 includes an integral ring or loop 54 for receiving a hairdressing tool. A substantially biconcave neck 56 extends from the side of the ring 54. The end of the neck 56 is substantially straight and has a concave surface, corresponding to the outside diameter of the central body 18. A projection 58, extends from mid-point of the straight side of the neck 56, which engages in the recess 40 of the rotating barrel 38, with a snap fit. The first tool holder 14 can rotate up to around 180 degrees, but the width of the apertures 34,36 can be altered to allow for any desired rotation.

A second tool holder 16, in the form of a further ring or loop 64, is attached to the ring or loop 54 of the first tool holder 14. A raised extension platform 60, level with the iS upper or lower side of the first tool holder 14, is provided on the upper or lower side of the first tool holder 14 and a substantially sphere-shaped socket is provided within the extension platform 60. A corresponding platform 62, found on the second tool holder 16, with a spherical protrusion is permanently snap fitted into the socket within the platform 60 of the first tool holder 14. The round fitting of the protrusion of the second tool holder platform 62 and socket of the first tool holder platform 60 enables the second tool holder 16 to pivot 360 degrees relative to the first tool holder 14, allowing it to overlap in part, or completely, with the first tool holder 14. In the preferred embodiment as illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, the ring 64 of the second tool holder 16 is smaller in size than that of the first tool holder 14 to accommodate hairdressing tools of different sizes and shapes, but this can be altered as desired. A rubber insert 66,68 is positioned around the inside of the first and second tool holders 14,16 to provide improved gripping surfaces for hairdressing tools placed inside the rings.

ln use, the releasable clip 12 of the support 10 is located on a supporting membet; such as the back of a chair as demonstrated in Figure 6 or the edge of a table as in Figure 7. The flexible resilient arms 20,22 can be prised apart to accommodate the supporting member between the two resilient arms 20,22. The first tool holder 14 is fixed relative to the releasable clip 12 when the push button 50 is at rest. To rotate the first tool holder 14 to a suitable position, the push button 50 is depressed allowing rotation of the rotating barrel 38 and the first tool holder 14. Once a suitable position is found, the pressure on the push button 50 can be released, locking the first tool holder 14 in place. For example, if the releasable clip 12 is positioned on a substantially vertical support member, it may be desirable to position the first tool holder 14 substantially perpendicular to the releasable clip 12, to present the first tool holder 14 substantially horizontally. If the releasable clip 12 is fixed onto a substantially horizontal support member, the first tool holder 14 can be positioned to be levelled with the support member, A hairdressing tool, such as a hair dryer, can be placed inside the ring 54 of the first tool holder 14, the outer surface of the tool engaging with the internal sides of the first tool holder 14 holding the hairdressing tool in place. If required, the second tool holder 16 can pivot to any suitable location to accommodate a second hairdressing iS tool, such as a hair straightener, as demonstrated in Figure 6. As shown in Figure 7, the second tool holder 16 can be pivoted to lock or restrain a relatively small tool in the larger first tool holder 14. To reposition the support 10, the resilient arms 20,22 can be pulled apart, with the aid of the outward flared lip 26, to disengage with the support member and be placed on a different location.

The support is beneficial because the device can accommodate more than one hairdressing tool, and of different types, at any given time. It requires little effort for installation and is repositionable. The releasable clip can be fitted to different furniture and does not leave any lasting damage to the surfaces the clip is engaged on.

The support is compact and portable, enabling the device to be used in different environments, such as in the bedroom or bathroom at home, or in a hairdressing salon.

As the device is usually engaged on the edge of a piece of furniture, such as the edge of a table, hairdressing tools placed on the support can be kept conveniently to hand without taking up valuable surface space. Wires can also be kept tidy and untangled.

Claims

CLAIMS1 * A support for hairdressing tools comprising a releasable clip, at least one tool holder mounted to the releasable clip, the tool holder being pivornlly mounted to the clip, and locking means for locking the tool holder in any angular position relative to the clip.
2. A support as claimed in claim 1, in which a second tool holder is mounted to the first holder.
3. A support as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the releasable clip includes a central body and two resilient arms extending from the central body, and a space being disposcd betwecn the resilient arms for locating on a supporting member.
4. A support as claimed in claim 3, in which at least one resilient arm has an outwardly flared lip for facilitating separation of the resilient arms.
5. A support as claimed in claim 4, in which at least part of the inner facing surfaces of the resilient arms are provided with a rubber surface.
6. A support as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the locking means is biased towards the locked position.
7. A support as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the locking means includes a first set of teeth fixed relative to the releasable clip and a second set of teeth fixed relative to the first tool holder, the teeth of the releasable clip co-operating with the teeth of the first tool holder for locking the releasable clip and tool holder in a fixed relative angular position.
8. A support as claimed in claim 7 when dependent on claim 3, in which a circular aperture is provided through the central body of the releasable clip, and a tubular sleeve is located within the circular aperture, the tubular sleeve being locked against rotation relative to the central body and carrying the first set of teeth.
9. A support as claimed in claim S. in which a rotating baael is mounted within the tubular sleeve and the first tool holder is mounted to the rotating barrel.
10. A support as claimed in claim 9, in which a locking member is rigidly mounted to the rotating barrel and carries the second set of teeth.
ii. A support as claimed in any one of claims 7-10, in which the locking member is axially movable between a first position in which the first and the second set of teeth are engaged and a second position in which the two sets of teeth are spaced and disengaged.
12. A support as claimed in any one of claims 9-il, in which a spring is housed between the rotating barrel and the locking member within the tubular sleeve for biasing the locking member to the locked position.
13. A support as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a push button is provided for releasing the locking means.
14. A support as claimed in claim 13 when dependent on claim 12, in which depression of the push button causes compression of the spring, enabling the locking member to move axially to its second position.
15. A support as claimed in claim 9 when dependent on claim 3, in which an aperture is provided through the tubular sleeve and the central body of the releasable clip, a part of the first tool holder extending through the apertures and being engaged with the rotating barrel.
16. A support as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the first tool holder is a ring for receiving a hairdressing tool. l017. A support as claimed in claim 2. in which the second tool holder is a ring for receiving another hairdressing tool.18. A support as claimed in claim 17, in which the second tool holder is pivotally mounted to the first tool holder.19. A support as claimed in claims 1 and 2, in which a rubber insert is positioned around the inside of the first and second tool holder.20. A support substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 1 to 7 of the accompanying drawings.S ii