Grooming Apparatus for Facial Hair

Abstract

An apparatus to aid in the grooming of facial hair, said apparatus comprising a symmetrical template and an alignment system consisting of several markings on the template's exterior. The template contours to fit the user's face, covering facial hair in a pre-determined pattern to prevent it from being cut or trimmed during shaving. The alignment system is positioned so that the user can rest the external markings upon the bridge of their nose and their philtrum, allowing the user to center the apparatus symmetrically on their face when in use. The apparatus can be operated by one hand, leaving the other hand free. When used in conjunction with an outlining pencil, razor trimmer, and/or similar grooming tool, the apparatus allows for the creation of neat, smooth edges along the perimeter of the user's facial hair.

The invention claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus to aid in the grooming of facial hair, said apparatus comprising:
 a symmetrical template; and   an alignment system that comprises a plurality of markings on the template's exterior, wherein the template is contoured to fit a user's face, covering facial hair in a pre-determined pattern to prevent the facial hair from being trimmed during shaving; and   wherein the markings of the alignment system are positioned so that the user can rest the markings upon the bridge of one or more of the user's nose and philtrum, allowing the user to center the apparatus symmetrically on the user's face when in use.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is constructed from a single piece of plastic. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is constructed from a single piece of wood. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is constructed from a single piece of metal. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the markings comprise one or more visible markings. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the markings comprise one or more raised features. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the template comprises one or more grip positions configured to allow the user to securely hold the template against the face. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the one or more grip positions each comprise a textured area configured to prevent slippage from fingertips of the user. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the template is configured to be held against the face of the user with one hand.