Thermal hair style grip mitt

Abstract

A mitt for protecting a human hand while styling hair with hot tools. The mitt includes a thermal-resistant lining, a grip enhancing shell, and a dorsal opening.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] This disclosure is in the field of cosmetology, specifically heat-protective hand coverings for hair stylists and barbers.BACKGROUND

[0002] Hair stylists work with a wide range of hot tools, including curling irons, flat irons, blow dryers, curling wands, hot rollers, styling brushes, crimpers, hair steamers, hair pressing irons, and others. Generally, hot tools have electric heating elements and some means for transmitting heat from the heating element to the hair, such as a heat-conductive surface or a blower motor. With these tools, a skilled hair stylist can manipulate the shape, texture, and finish of a client's hair to help the client achieve a desired look.

[0003] The temperatures of hot tools create a safety hazard for the stylist. The temperature of a curling or flat iron can exceed 450° F. (approximately 230° C.). The nozzle of a professional-grade blow dryer can reach at least 200° F. (approximately 95° C.). It is common for hair stylists to suffer burns and other heat-related injuries and discomforts while performing their work.

[0004] Most hot tools use a handle to distance the stylist's hands from the heating element and other dangerous parts of the tool. However, in many cases, holding a hot tool exclusively by its handle limits the stylist's control of the tool. For example, often, a stylist can maintain better control of a blow dryer by gripping its nozzle rather than the handle, or a flat iron at its heating plates rather than the handle near the hinge. Thus, handles designed for safety and comfort provide only limited utility to stylists trying to maximize control of their hot tools.

[0005] Some stylists protect their hands with heat-resistant styling gloves. Gloves can give a stylist some protection from hot tools; however, these, also, have their limitations. Most styling gloves are high-density cotton, which do not insulate well and do not grip well enough to maintain control of styling tools. Some styling gloves have silicone bumps to improve gripping; however, bumps provide only a marginal improvement in grip, and they lose their effectiveness quickly. Additionally, many heat-resistant styling gloves are made from only one layer of high-density cotton, which provides only limited protection to the stylist's hands.

[0006] A final limitation with heat-resistant styling gloves is that they cover the entire hand, trapping heat and sweat as the stylist works with hot tools in an already-moist environment. In time, traditional styling gloves become uncomfortable and dirty. What is needed is a breathable mitt that grips and protects the stylist's hands from burns so that the stylist can safely and comfortably work with hot tools while maintaining excellent control over them.SUMMARY

[0007] In an aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a mitt for protecting a human hand while styling hair. The mitt includes a mitt body with a thermal-resistant liner and a grip enhancing shell, and the mitt body generally conforms to the shape of a human hand. The mitt also includes a dorsal strap and a wrist strap. The mitt body is configured to cover the palmar side of the hand and the fingertips and to leave at least a portion of the dorsal side of the hand exposed. In some embodiments, the mitt body is configured to leave the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints exposed. In some embodiments, the mitt body is configured to leave the dorsal sides of the fingers exposed between the distal (DIP) joints and the MCP joints. In some embodiments, the dorsal strap includes a dorsal strap fastener, and the wrist strap includes a wrist strap fastener. In some embodiments, the thermal-resistant liner is made of some combination of cotton, wool, Kevlar, aramid fibers, thermal batting, ethylene-vinyl acetate, polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, neoprene, and melamine. In some embodiments, the grip enhancing shell is made of some combination of rubber, silicone, neoprene, nitrile, polyurethane, and polyvinyl chloride.

[0008] In another aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a mitt that includes a thermal-resistant liner configured to cover the palmar side of the hand and fingers of the hair stylist, a grip enhancing shell configured to cover the liner, and a dorsal strap configured to secure the mitt to the hand while leaving at least a portion of the dorsal side of the hand exposed. The mitt includes a plurality of finger pockets, each pocket configured to receive one finger. In embodiments, the mitt includes a wrist strap. In embodiments, the finger pockets are configured to leave at least a portion of the dorsal sides of the fingers exposed. In embodiments, the dorsal strap includes a dorsal strap fastener. In embodiments, the wrist strap includes a wrist strap fastener. In embodiments, the shell has a textured pattern. In embodiments, the textured pattern of the shell includes a plurality of nubs.

[0009] In another aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a hair styling mitt that includes a palm panel with a thermal-resistant inner layer and a grip enhancing outer layer. The mitt also includes a plurality of finger portions extending from the palm panel, each finger portion having a thermal-resistant inner layer, a grip enhancing outer layer, and a pocket configured to receive a human fingertip. The mitt also has a dorsal opening. In some embodiments, the mitt includes a dorsal strap across the dorsal opening and a wrist strap, the dorsal and wrist straps configured to secure the palm portion to a human palm. In some embodiments, the outer layer has a textured pattern. In some embodiments, the outer layer includes a plurality of nubs. In some embodiments, the inner layer is made of some combination of cotton, wool, Kevlar, aramid fibers, thermal batting, ethylene-vinyl acetate, polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, neoprene, and melamine, and the outer player is made of some combination of rubber, silicone, neoprene, nitrile, polyurethane, and polyvinyl chloride. In some embodiments, the mitt has a dorsal strap fastener and a wrist strap fastener. In some embodiments, the outer layer has a textured pattern.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a palmar view of a thermal hair style grip mitt worn by a human hand.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a dorsal view of a thermal hair style grip mitt worn by a human hand.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of a thermal hair style grip mitt worn by a human hand.ELEMENTS USED IN THE DRAWINGS AND DETAILED DESCRIPTION10 mitt

[0014] 11 finger pockets

[0015] 12 interior liner

[0016] 14 shell

[0017] 16 dorsal opening

[0018] 18 textured pattern

[0019] 19 nubs

[0020] 20 dorsal strap

[0021] 22 wrist strap

[0022] 24 dorsal strap fastener

[0023] 26 wrist strap fastener

[0024] 30 human hand

[0025] 31 palm side of hand

[0026] 32 fingers

[0027] 33 dorsal side of hand

[0028] 34 metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint

[0029] 36 distal (DIP) joint

[0030] 38 fingertip

[0031] 40 palm panel

[0032] 42 finger portionsDETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] Referring now to FIG. 1, a palmar view of a thermal hair style grip mitt 10 worn by a human hand 30 is shown. The mitt 10 may have a panel 40 covering the palm 31 of the hand 30 and finger portions 42 covering palmar sides of the fingers 32. Together, the palm panel 40 and finger portions 42 may conform to the shape of the hand 30. Each finger portion 42 may terminate in a finger pocket 11 configured to fit a fingertip 38. The mitt 10 may have an exterior shell 14 of a material selected to enhance the wearer's grip. In some embodiments, the shell 14 may have a textured pattern 18. Optionally, the textured pattern 18 may be comprised of nubs 19, which may be shaped as raised dots, triangles, diamonds, or other decorative designs. A wrist strap 22 may be used to secure the mitt 10 to the hand 30.

[0034] Referring now to FIG. 2, a dorsal view of a thermal hair style grip mitt 10 worn by a human hand 30 is shown. Each finger portion 42 of the mitt 10 may terminate in a finger pocket 11 configured to fit a fingertip 38 of a wearer's finger 32. Each finger pocket 11 may be configured to cover a fingertip 38. The metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints 34 of the fingers 32 may be left exposed. In some embodiments, the distal (DIP) joints 36 of the fingers 32 are covered by the finger pockets 11. In other embodiments, the DIP joints 36 are left exposed. The mitt 10 may have a dorsal opening 16 so that at least a portion of the dorsal side 33 of the hand 30 is left exposed. The dorsal opening 16 may be formed by an absence of material between the finger pockets 11 and the wrist strap 22. In embodiments, the wrist strap 22 may secure the mitt 10 to the hand 30. A dorsal strap 20 across the dorsal opening 16 may be used to further secure the mitt 10 to the hand 30. The dorsal strap 20 may have a dorsal strap fastener 24 to fasten, unfasten, or tighten the strap 20. The wrist strap 22 may have a wrist strap fastener 26 to fasten, unfasten, or tighten the strap 22. The dorsal strap fastener 24 and the wrist strap fastener 26 may be any combination of buttons, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, buckles, magnets, toggles, or other fastening means for garments.

[0035] Referring now to FIG. 3, a cross-section view of a thermal hair style grip mitt 10 worn by a human hand 30 is shown. The mitt 10 may have an interior liner 12 within an exterior shell 14 to insulate and protect the palm side 31 of the hand 30 and fingers 32 from burns and scalds. The exterior shell 14 may cover the interior liner 12. The mitt 10 may have finger pockets 11, each configured to cover a fingertip 38. The mitt 10 may have a dorsal opening 16, so that a portion of the dorsal side of the hand 33 is left exposed. The dorsal opening 16 may be formed by a space between the finger pockets 11 and a palmer panel 40 on the palm 31 side of the mitt 10. A dorsal strap 20 may be used to secure the mitt 10 to the hand. The mitt 10 may also have a wrist strap 22 to secure the mitt 10 to the hand 30.

[0036] Material for the exterior shell 14 may be selected for its gripping properties and traction as well as for its resistance to burning or melting. For example, a shell 14, including its textured pattern, may be made of any combination of rubber, silicone, neoprene, nitrile, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, and leather. In some embodiments, the nubs 19 may be made of the same materials as the shell 14. In some embodiments, the nubs 19 may be made of metal, such as (but not limited to) aluminum, steel, zinc, or tin. Material for the interior liner 12 may be selected for its thermal-insulating properties and comfort. For example, a liner 12 may be made of any combination of cotton (including denim), wool, Kevlar, aramid fibers, thermal batting, ethylene-vinyl acetate, foam sheeting, polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, neoprene, and melamine. Selection of the shell 14 and liner 12 materials may depend, in part, on the expected temperature of the stylist's hot tools, which can range from below 95° C. to above 230° C. in professional models. In some embodiments, materials for the shell 14 and liner 12 may be selected for a single-use (i.e., disposable) version of the mitt 10.

[0037] It is to be understood that the term “finger” includes any articulated, prehensile appendage of a human hand, including (but not limited to) human thumbs.

[0038] It is to be understood that the terms “including”, “comprising”, “consisting” and grammatical variants thereof do not preclude the addition of one or more components, features, steps, or integers or groups thereof and that the terms are to be construed as specifying components, features, steps or integers.

[0039] If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element.

[0040] It is to be understood that where the claims or specification refer to “a” or “an” element, such reference is not be construed that there is only one of that element.

[0041] It is to be understood that where the specification states that a component, feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, “can” or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included.

[0042] Where applicable, although state diagrams, flow diagrams or both may be used to describe embodiments, the invention is not limited to those diagrams or to the corresponding descriptions. For example, flow need not move through each illustrated box or state, or in exactly the same order as illustrated and described.

[0043] Methods of the present invention may be implemented by performing or completing manually, automatically, or a combination thereof, selected steps or tasks.

[0044] The term “method” may refer to manners, means, techniques and procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those manners, means, techniques and procedures either known to, or readily developed from known manners, means, techniques and procedures by practitioners of the art to which the invention belongs.

[0045] The term “at least” followed by a number is used herein to denote the start of a range beginning with that number (which may be a range having an upper limit or no upper limit, depending on the variable being defined). For example, “at least 1” means 1 or more than 1. The term “at most” followed by a number is used herein to denote the end of a range ending with that number (which may be a range having 1 or 0 as its lower limit, or a range having no lower limit, depending upon the variable being defined). For example, “at most 4” means 4 or less than 4, and “at most 40%” means 40% or less than 40%.

[0046] When, in this document, a range is given as “(a first number) to (a second number)” or “(a first number)-(a second number)”, this means a range whose lower limit is the first number and whose upper limit is the second number. For example, 25 to 100 should be interpreted to mean a range whose lower limit is 25 and whose upper limit is 100. Additionally, it should be noted that where a range is given, every possible subrange or interval within that range is also specifically intended unless the context indicates to the contrary. For example, if the specification indicates a range of 25 to 100 such range is also intended to include subranges such as 26-100, 27-100, etc., 25-99, 25-98, etc., as well as any other possible combination of lower and upper values within the stated range, e.g., 33-47, 60-97, 41-45, 28-96, etc. Note that integer range values have been used in this paragraph for purposes of illustration only and decimal and fractional values (e.g., 46.7-91.3) should also be understood to be intended as possible subrange endpoints unless specifically excluded.

[0047] It should be noted that where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order or simultaneously (except where context excludes that possibility), and the method can also include one or more other steps which are carried out before any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, or after all of the defined steps (except where context excludes that possibility).

[0048] Further, it should be noted that terms of approximation (e.g., “about”, “substantially”, “approximately”, etc.) are to be interpreted according to their ordinary and customary meanings as used in the associated art unless indicated otherwise herein. Absent a specific definition within this disclosure, and absent ordinary and customary usage in the associated art, such terms should be interpreted to be plus or minus 10% of the base value.

[0049] Thus, the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and attain the ends and advantages mentioned above as well as those inherent therein. While the inventive device has been described and illustrated herein by reference to certain preferred embodiments in relation to the drawings attached thereto, various changes and further modifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be made therein by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit of the inventive concept the scope of which is to be determined by the following claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0033]Referring now to FIG. 1, a palmar view of a thermal hair style grip mitt 10 worn by a human hand 30 is shown. The mitt 10 may have a panel 40 covering the palm 31 of the hand 30 and finger portions 42 covering palmar sides of the fingers 32. Together, the palm panel 40 and finger portions 42 may conform to the shape of the hand 30. Each finger portion 42 may terminate in a finger pocket 11 configured to fit a fingertip 38. The mitt 10 may have an exterior shell 14 of a material selected to enhance the wearer's grip. In some embodiments, the shell 14 may have a textured pattern 18. Optionally, the textured pattern 18 may be comprised of nubs 19, which may be shaped as raised dots, triangles, diamonds, or other decorative designs. A wrist strap 22 may be used to secure the mitt 10 to the hand 30.

[0034]Referring now to FIG. 2, a dorsal view of a thermal hair style grip mitt 10 worn by a human hand 30 is shown. Each finger portion 42 of the mitt 10 may terminate in a finger pocket...

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] This disclosure is in the field of cosmetology, specifically heat-protective hand coverings for hair stylists and barbers.BACKGROUND

[0002] Hair stylists work with a wide range of hot tools, including curling irons, flat irons, blow dryers, curling wands, hot rollers, styling brushes, crimpers, hair steamers, hair pressing irons, and others. Generally, hot tools have electric heating elements and some means for transmitting heat from the heating element to the hair, such as a heat-conductive surface or a blower motor. With these tools, a skilled hair stylist can manipulate the shape, texture, and finish of a client's hair to help the client achieve a desired look.

[0003] The temperatures of hot tools create a safety hazard for the stylist. The temperature of a curling or flat iron can exceed 450° F. (approximately 230° C.). The nozzle of a professional-grade blow dryer can reach at least 200° F. (approximately 95° C.). It is common for hair stylists to suffer burns and other heat-related injuries and discomforts while performing their work.

[0004] Most hot tools use a handle to distance the stylist's hands from the heating element and other dangerous parts of the tool. However, in many cases, holding a hot tool exclusively by its handle limits the stylist's control of the tool. For example, often, a stylist can maintain better control of a blow dryer by gripping its nozzle rather than the handle, or a flat iron at its heating plates rather than the handle near the hinge. Thus, handles designed for safety and comfort provide only limited utility to stylists trying to maximize control of their hot tools.

[0005] Some stylists protect their hands with heat-resistant styling gloves. Gloves can give a stylist some protection from hot tools; however, these, also, have their limitations. Most styling gloves are high-density cotton, which do not insulate well and do not grip well enough to maintain control of styling tools. Some styling gloves have silicone bumps to improve gripping; however, bumps provide only a marginal improvement in grip, and they lose their effectiveness quickly. Additionally, many heat-resistant styling gloves are made from only one layer of high-density cotton, which provides only limited protection to the stylist's hands.

[0006] A final limitation with heat-resistant styling gloves is that they cover the entire hand, trapping heat and sweat as the stylist works with hot tools in an already-moist environment. In time, traditional styling gloves become uncomfortable and dirty. What is needed is a breathable mitt that grips and protects the stylist's hands from burns so that the stylist can safely and comfortably work with hot tools while maintaining excellent control over them.SUMMARY

[0007] In an aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a mitt for protecting a human hand while styling hair. The mitt includes a mitt body with a thermal-resistant liner and a grip enhancing shell, and the mitt body generally conforms to the shape of a human hand. The mitt also includes a dorsal strap and a wrist strap. The mitt body is configured to cover the palmar side of the hand and the fingertips and to leave at least a portion of the dorsal side of the hand exposed. In some embodiments, the mitt body is configured to leave the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints exposed. In some embodiments, the mitt body is configured to leave the dorsal sides of the fingers exposed between the distal (DIP) joints and the MCP joints. In some embodiments, the dorsal strap includes a dorsal strap fastener, and the wrist strap includes a wrist strap fastener. In some embodiments, the thermal-resistant liner is made of some combination of cotton, wool, Kevlar, aramid fibers, thermal batting, ethylene-vinyl acetate, polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, neoprene, and melamine. In some embodiments, the grip enhancing shell is made of some combination of rubber, silicone, neoprene, nitrile, polyurethane, and polyvinyl chloride.

[0008] In another aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a mitt that includes a thermal-resistant liner configured to cover the palmar side of the hand and fingers of the hair stylist, a grip enhancing shell configured to cover the liner, and a dorsal strap configured to secure the mitt to the hand while leaving at least a portion of the dorsal side of the hand exposed. The mitt includes a plurality of finger pockets, each pocket configured to receive one finger. In embodiments, the mitt includes a wrist strap. In embodiments, the finger pockets are configured to leave at least a portion of the dorsal sides of the fingers exposed. In embodiments, the dorsal strap includes a dorsal strap fastener. In embodiments, the wrist strap includes a wrist strap fastener. In embodiments, the shell has a textured pattern. In embodiments, the textured pattern of the shell includes a plurality of nubs.

[0009] In another aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a hair styling mitt that includes a palm panel with a thermal-resistant inner layer and a grip enhancing outer layer. The mitt also includes a plurality of finger portions extending from the palm panel, each finger portion having a thermal-resistant inner layer, a grip enhancing outer layer, and a pocket configured to receive a human fingertip. The mitt also has a dorsal opening. In some embodiments, the mitt includes a dorsal strap across the dorsal opening and a wrist strap, the dorsal and wrist straps configured to secure the palm portion to a human palm. In some embodiments, the outer layer has a textured pattern. In some embodiments, the outer layer includes a plurality of nubs. In some embodiments, the inner layer is made of some combination of cotton, wool, Kevlar, aramid fibers, thermal batting, ethylene-vinyl acetate, polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, neoprene, and melamine, and the outer player is made of some combination of rubber, silicone, neoprene, nitrile, polyurethane, and polyvinyl chloride. In some embodiments, the mitt has a dorsal strap fastener and a wrist strap fastener. In some embodiments, the outer layer has a textured pattern.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a palmar view of a thermal hair style grip mitt worn by a human hand.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a dorsal view of a thermal hair style grip mitt worn by a human hand.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of a thermal hair style grip mitt worn by a human hand.ELEMENTS USED IN THE DRAWINGS AND DETAILED DESCRIPTION10 mitt

[0014] 11 finger pockets

[0015] 12 interior liner

[0016] 14 shell

[0017] 16 dorsal opening

[0018] 18 textured pattern

[0019] 19 nubs

[0020] 20 dorsal strap

[0021] 22 wrist strap

[0022] 24 dorsal strap fastener

[0023] 26 wrist strap fastener

[0024] 30 human hand

[0025] 31 palm side of hand

[0026] 32 fingers

[0027] 33 dorsal side of hand

[0028] 34 metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint

[0029] 36 distal (DIP) joint

[0030] 38 fingertip

[0031] 40 palm panel

[0032] 42 finger portionsDETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] Referring now to FIG. 1, a palmar view of a thermal hair style grip mitt 10 worn by a human hand 30 is shown. The mitt 10 may have a panel 40 covering the palm 31 of the hand 30 and finger portions 42 covering palmar sides of the fingers 32. Together, the palm panel 40 and finger portions 42 may conform to the shape of the hand 30. Each finger portion 42 may terminate in a finger pocket 11 configured to fit a fingertip 38. The mitt 10 may have an exterior shell 14 of a material selected to enhance the wearer's grip. In some embodiments, the shell 14 may have a textured pattern 18. Optionally, the textured pattern 18 may be comprised of nubs 19, which may be shaped as raised dots, triangles, diamonds, or other decorative designs. A wrist strap 22 may be used to secure the mitt 10 to the hand 30.

[0034] Referring now to FIG. 2, a dorsal view of a thermal hair style grip mitt 10 worn by a human hand 30 is shown. Each finger portion 42 of the mitt 10 may terminate in a finger pocket 11 configured to fit a fingertip 38 of a wearer's finger 32. Each finger pocket 11 may be configured to cover a fingertip 38. The metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints 34 of the fingers 32 may be left exposed. In some embodiments, the distal (DIP) joints 36 of the fingers 32 are covered by the finger pockets 11. In other embodiments, the DIP joints 36 are left exposed. The mitt 10 may have a dorsal opening 16 so that at least a portion of the dorsal side 33 of the hand 30 is left exposed. The dorsal opening 16 may be formed by an absence of material between the finger pockets 11 and the wrist strap 22. In embodiments, the wrist strap 22 may secure the mitt 10 to the hand 30. A dorsal strap 20 across the dorsal opening 16 may be used to further secure the mitt 10 to the hand 30. The dorsal strap 20 may have a dorsal strap fastener 24 to fasten, unfasten, or tighten the strap 20. The wrist strap 22 may have a wrist strap fastener 26 to fasten, unfasten, or tighten the strap 22. The dorsal strap fastener 24 and the wrist strap fastener 26 may be any combination of buttons, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, buckles, magnets, toggles, or other fastening means for garments.

[0035] Referring now to FIG. 3, a cross-section view of a thermal hair style grip mitt 10 worn by a human hand 30 is shown. The mitt 10 may have an interior liner 12 within an exterior shell 14 to insulate and protect the palm side 31 of the hand 30 and fingers 32 from burns and scalds. The exterior shell 14 may cover the interior liner 12. The mitt 10 may have finger pockets 11, each configured to cover a fingertip 38. The mitt 10 may have a dorsal opening 16, so that a portion of the dorsal side of the hand 33 is left exposed. The dorsal opening 16 may be formed by a space between the finger pockets 11 and a palmer panel 40 on the palm 31 side of the mitt 10. A dorsal strap 20 may be used to secure the mitt 10 to the hand. The mitt 10 may also have a wrist strap 22 to secure the mitt 10 to the hand 30.

[0036] Material for the exterior shell 14 may be selected for its gripping properties and traction as well as for its resistance to burning or melting. For example, a shell 14, including its textured pattern, may be made of any combination of rubber, silicone, neoprene, nitrile, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, and leather. In some embodiments, the nubs 19 may be made of the same materials as the shell 14. In some embodiments, the nubs 19 may be made of metal, such as (but not limited to) aluminum, steel, zinc, or tin. Material for the interior liner 12 may be selected for its thermal-insulating properties and comfort. For example, a liner 12 may be made of any combination of cotton (including denim), wool, Kevlar, aramid fibers, thermal batting, ethylene-vinyl acetate, foam sheeting, polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, neoprene, and melamine. Selection of the shell 14 and liner 12 materials may depend, in part, on the expected temperature of the stylist's hot tools, which can range from below 95° C. to above 230° C. in professional models. In some embodiments, materials for the shell 14 and liner 12 may be selected for a single-use (i.e., disposable) version of the mitt 10.

[0037] It is to be understood that the term “finger” includes any articulated, prehensile appendage of a human hand, including (but not limited to) human thumbs.

[0038] It is to be understood that the terms “including”, “comprising”, “consisting” and grammatical variants thereof do not preclude the addition of one or more components, features, steps, or integers or groups thereof and that the terms are to be construed as specifying components, features, steps or integers.

[0039] If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element.

[0040] It is to be understood that where the claims or specification refer to “a” or “an” element, such reference is not be construed that there is only one of that element.

[0041] It is to be understood that where the specification states that a component, feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, “can” or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included.

[0042] Where applicable, although state diagrams, flow diagrams or both may be used to describe embodiments, the invention is not limited to those diagrams or to the corresponding descriptions. For example, flow need not move through each illustrated box or state, or in exactly the same order as illustrated and described.

[0043] Methods of the present invention may be implemented by performing or completing manually, automatically, or a combination thereof, selected steps or tasks.

[0044] The term “method” may refer to manners, means, techniques and procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those manners, means, techniques and procedures either known to, or readily developed from known manners, means, techniques and procedures by practitioners of the art to which the invention belongs.

[0045] The term “at least” followed by a number is used herein to denote the start of a range beginning with that number (which may be a range having an upper limit or no upper limit, depending on the variable being defined). For example, “at least 1” means 1 or more than 1. The term “at most” followed by a number is used herein to denote the end of a range ending with that number (which may be a range having 1 or 0 as its lower limit, or a range having no lower limit, depending upon the variable being defined). For example, “at most 4” means 4 or less than 4, and “at most 40%” means 40% or less than 40%.

[0046] When, in this document, a range is given as “(a first number) to (a second number)” or “(a first number)-(a second number)”, this means a range whose lower limit is the first number and whose upper limit is the second number. For example, 25 to 100 should be interpreted to mean a range whose lower limit is 25 and whose upper limit is 100. Additionally, it should be noted that where a range is given, every possible subrange or interval within that range is also specifically intended unless the context indicates to the contrary. For example, if the specification indicates a range of 25 to 100 such range is also intended to include subranges such as 26-100, 27-100, etc., 25-99, 25-98, etc., as well as any other possible combination of lower and upper values within the stated range, e.g., 33-47, 60-97, 41-45, 28-96, etc. Note that integer range values have been used in this paragraph for purposes of illustration only and decimal and fractional values (e.g., 46.7-91.3) should also be understood to be intended as possible subrange endpoints unless specifically excluded.

[0047] It should be noted that where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order or simultaneously (except where context excludes that possibility), and the method can also include one or more other steps which are carried out before any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, or after all of the defined steps (except where context excludes that possibility).

[0048] Further, it should be noted that terms of approximation (e.g., “about”, “substantially”, “approximately”, etc.) are to be interpreted according to their ordinary and customary meanings as used in the associated art unless indicated otherwise herein. Absent a specific definition within this disclosure, and absent ordinary and customary usage in the associated art, such terms should be interpreted to be plus or minus 10% of the base value.

[0049] Thus, the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and attain the ends and advantages mentioned above as well as those inherent therein. While the inventive device has been described and illustrated herein by reference to certain preferred embodiments in relation to the drawings attached thereto, various changes and further modifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be made therein by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit of the inventive concept the scope of which is to be determined by the following claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0033]Referring now to FIG. 1, a palmar view of a thermal hair style grip mitt 10 worn by a human hand 30 is shown. The mitt 10 may have a panel 40 covering the palm 31 of the hand 30 and finger portions 42 covering palmar sides of the fingers 32. Together, the palm panel 40 and finger portions 42 may conform to the shape of the hand 30. Each finger portion 42 may terminate in a finger pocket 11 configured to fit a fingertip 38. The mitt 10 may have an exterior shell 14 of a material selected to enhance the wearer's grip. In some embodiments, the shell 14 may have a textured pattern 18. Optionally, the textured pattern 18 may be comprised of nubs 19, which may be shaped as raised dots, triangles, diamonds, or other decorative designs. A wrist strap 22 may be used to secure the mitt 10 to the hand 30.

[0034]Referring now to FIG. 2, a dorsal view of a thermal hair style grip mitt 10 worn by a human hand 30 is shown. Each finger portion 42 of the mitt 10 may terminate in a finger pocket...

Claims

1. A mitt adapted for protecting a human hand while styling hair, the mitt comprising:a mitt body including a plurality of finger pockets, the mitt body generally conforming to a shape of a human hand and including a palmar-facing side and a dorsal-facing side, the palmar-facing side including one portion of each finger pocket and the dorsal-facing side including another portion of each finger pocket, the palmar-facing side including a thermal-resistant liner and a grip enhancing shell, at least a portion of the dorsal-facing side being an open side;a dorsal strap; anda wrist strap spaced from the dorsal strap,wherein the grip enhancing shell is configured to cover substantially all of the thermal-resistant liner.

2. The mitt of claim 1, wherein the open side is configured to leave metacarpophalangeal joints exposed.

3. The mitt of claim 2, wherein the finger pocket portions of the dorsal-facing side are configured to cover distal joints.

4. The mitt of claim 1, the dorsal strap including a dorsal strap fastener that is configured to fasten and unfasten the dorsal strap, and the wrist strap including a wrist strap fastener.

5. The mitt of claim 1, wherein the thermal-resistant liner is made of any combination of wool, para aramid fibers, aramid fibers, thermal batting, ethylene vinyl acetate, foam sheeting, polyethylene, polypropylene, and melamine.

6. The mitt of claim 1, wherein the grip enhancing shell is made of any combination of rubber, silicone, nitrile, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, and leather.

7. (canceled)8. The mitt of claim 1, wherein the grip enhancing shell has a textured pattern.

9. The mitt of claim 8, wherein the textured pattern of the grip enhancing shell includes a plurality of triangular nubs.

10. A hair styling mitt, the mitt comprising:a palm panel with a thermal-resistant inner layer and a grip enhancing outer layer, the grip enhancing outer layer covering substantially all of the thermal-resistant inner layer; anda plurality of finger portions extending from the palm panel, each finger portion having a thermal-resistant inner layer, a grip enhancing outer layer, and a pocket configured to receive a human fingertip; anda dorsal opening.

11. The hair styling mitt of claim 10, further comprising a dorsal strap across the dorsal opening and a wrist strap, the dorsal and wrist straps configured to secure the palm portion to a human palm.

12. The hair styling mitt of claim 11, wherein the outer layers of the palm panel and the finger portions have a textured pattern.

13. The hair styling mitt of claim 12, wherein the textured pattern of the outer layers includes a plurality of metal nubs.

14. The hair styling mitt of claim 11, wherein the inner layers of the palm panel and the finger portions are made of any combination of wool, para-aramid fibers, aramid fibers, thermal batting, foam sheeting, ethylene-vinyl acetate, polyethylene, polypropylene, and melamine; andwherein the outer layers of the palm panel and the finger portions are made of any combination of rubber, silicone, nitrile, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, and leather.

15. The hair styling mitt of claim 14, further comprising a dorsal strap fastener and a wrist strap fastener.

16. The hair styling mitt of claim 15, wherein the outer layers have a textured pattern.

17. The hair styling mitt of claim 10, wherein the dorsal opening is sized to span from at least a metacarpophalangeal joint to, but not including, a distal joint.

18. The hair styling mitt of claim 17, wherein the dorsal opening is sized to span from, but not including, a wrist to, but not including, the distal joint.

19. (canceled)

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