Disposable Cosmetic Ear Protector

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC OR AS A TEXT FILE VIA THE OFFICE ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM (EFS-WEB)

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR A JOINT INVENTOR

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The field of endeavor which the present invention pertains to is the cosmetology industry, namely hairdressers, barbers, and cosmetologists. Not to mention the millions of Americans who perform cosmetic procedures on the hair at home. Due to the proximity of the ear in relation to the hairline, it is often at risk of injury (i.e. irritation, burns, and inflammation) from a variety of cosmetic procedures performed on the hair.

According to the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC), the applicable U.S. patent classification definitions of the claimed invention:

Class D28, Cosmetic Products and Toilet Articles

• • 9—TOILET ARTICLES AND BEAUTY PARLOR EQUIPMENT NOT ELSEWHERE SPECIFIED.
  • 46— . . . Safety Type

This subclass has no definition.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

During initial beautifying of the hair, chemicals from hair dyes, relaxers, and water can encounter the ear, which can lead to injuries (i.e. irritation, burns, and inflammation). Used as a protective cover, the present invention (made of latex) can be placed over the ears to help prevent injuries from a variety of cosmetic procedures performed on the hair; easily removed and discarded.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 is a right-side perspective view of an environmental structure (ear) of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a right-side perspective view of the present invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Due to the proximity of the ear (FIG. 1) in relation to the hairline, it is often at risk of injury (i.e. irritation, burns, and inflammation) during cosmetic procedures performed on the hair. When placed over the ears present invention (FIG. 2) can be used as a protective cover to help prevent these types of injuries from occurring. Disposability is a characteristic of the present invention, made of latex (inventor's appropriate choice).

Standard, industry-wide technology and production processes of latex are “sufficient so that any person of ordinary skill in the pertinent art, science, or area could make and use the invention without extensive experimentation.” The best mode contemplated by the inventor of carrying out the invention as set forth in the following description:

• • The production phase—Once farmers collect the sap, it goes to a factory for production. This phase includes several steps:
  • Preparing the latex—While latex comes from natural rubber latex, it is not 100 percent pure. This is because manufacturers combine the latex concentrate with a number of compounding chemicals during the initial step of the production process. This step enhances the latex's properties, such as the elasticity, as well as stabilizes the material and its shelf life.
  • Cleaning the formers—To mold the latex into the shape of an ear (FIG. 1), manufacturers can use ear-shaped ceramic formers. The approximate height of the ceramic formers are 2.5 inches, approximate width 1.5 inches, (FIG. 2). The first task is to wash these formers by dipping them in water and then bleach. This ensures no residues are left from the previous batch. Afterward, formers dip into a chemical solution of calcium carbonate and calcium nitrate to help the latex stick.
  • Dipping in latex—Once the formers are ready, manufacturers dip them into a tank full of latex, with the length of time the former is immersed in the tank varying based on the desired thickness.
  • Vulcanizing the rubber—To ensure the rubber does not crack while drying, the formers enter an oven to dry and solidify. The development of the vulcanization process was integral to the creation of the latex rubber.
  • Leaching the ears—This process involves dipping the ears in water tanks and removing excess latex proteins to lower the risk of wearers having an allergic reaction and enhance the feel.
  • Beading the cuffs—Once the ears are done with leaching, the manufacturers roll the cuffs to make the ears easier to remove. The ears may undergo leaching again after beading.
  • Applying powder—If the ears are powdered, they enter a wet food-grade cornstarch powder slurry. Afterward, manufacturers dry the ears again.
  • Chlorinating or polymer coating the ears—If the ears are powder free, they undergo alternative processes to facilitate easier donning. The first is chlorination, which makes the latex less tacky. The second involves coating the ears with a polymer, which makes the surface smoother.
  • Stripping the ears—Once the ears are finished, workers can remove them from the formers by hand.