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[0001] This invention relates generally to protective coverings, and more particularly to protective capes especially suited to salon patrons and employees.
[0002] There are many types of protective coverings and garments available to protect one's clothes from the damaging effects of dirt, chemicals, and moisture. In hair care establishments, these garments are most commonly in the form of a cape. Such protective capes are worn by both hairdressers and clients as protection against chemicals and shampoos while shampooing, cutting, or dying a client's hair, For salon clients, the cape also tends to keep irritating hair clippings away from the skin. Traditionally, the capes are comprised of a sheet of fabric or plastic material, which is draped over the client's shoulders and tied or clasped together in the front or back of the client's neck.
[0003] Although prior art capes utilized in salons provide some protection, they still have several deficiencies. First of all, because the capes arc normally re-used, not only might the level of hygiene be compromised, but also soiled capes require both special cleaning as well as valuable storage space while awaiting cleaning. Another deficiency of prior art capes is that many do not provide adequate coverage, so that part of the user's body, as well as their legs, remain uncovered. Thirdly, the enclosure around the neck is oftentimes not very adjustable or comfortable, allowing hair clippings and moisture to fall through, irritating the user's skin and sticking to the user's clothes. Finally, prior art capes are limited in use; because of the manner in which such capes drape over the user's body, any arm movement compromises the protective coverage.
[0004] The present invention offers an alternative construction for a cape that provides greater body coverage, versatility, and improved hygienic level, and is convenient and inexpensive to use both in salons and at home.
[0005] The present invention is an improved protective cape made of re-usable or disposable, liquid-impermeable material that fully covers the user's body. There is a head opening located at the center of the cape that can be adjusted in a variety of ways to fit snugly and comfortably around the neck of the user. Thus covered, the user is protected from water, chemicals, hair clippings and other irritants. Options for this cape include adding a perforated scam running from the head opening to the outer edge for easy removal, and arm holes, secured in the same manner as the head opening, which increase the functionality of the invention by allowing the user free use of his/her arms without compromising on protection.
[0006] These and further features and advantages of the invention will become more clearly understood in the light of the ensuing description of a preferred embodiment thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein;
[0007]
[0008]
[0009]
[0010] The present invention is a cape
[0011] Cape
[0012] One embodiment of the present invention contains an elasticized opening for the head. This might be achieved with an elastic band attached along the edge
[0013] Another embodiment involves a non-elastic strap attached along edge
[0014] A third embodiment requires a string or strip of plastic to be threaded through edge
[0015] A fourth embodiment allows use of an elastic string in the same manner as described above.
[0016] The cape can be easily removed from the user by tearing it off. To this end, the cape can also be designed with a perforated seam
[0017] A further embodiment suggests adding armholes
[0018] There is the option of enhancing the comfort of opening
[0019] Finally, the present invention in any of its embodiments may be constructed of inexpensive but efficient materials, and may be distributed as a disposable cape. Such a disposable cape may be distributed within do-it-yourself hair dye kits, or used in salons—in place of using a single cape that is worn by every client—for hygienic purposes.
[0020] While the above description contains many specifities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as exemplifications of the preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other possible variations that are within its scope. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiment illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.