Method and device for securing hairpieces

Abstract

A hairpiece securing device has a sheath having a front and rear wall in between which a hairpiece is received. The hairpiece in inserted through an opening in the sheath. At least one receiving hole extends through the sheath. A securing means prevents the hairpiece from falling to the bottom of the sheath and an optional closing means can close the opening in the sheath. A method of securing hairpieces involves inserting a hairpiece into an opening in a sheath. The sheath has a front wall and a rear wall, and the hairpiece is received in between these two walls. At least one receiving hole extends through the sheath and a securing means in inserted through the at least one receiving hole and through the hairpiece.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to hairpieces and, more particularly, to packaging and a method for securing hairpieces.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The typical packaging used in retail for selling hairpieces generally is little more than a sealed plastic bag. The hairpiece, whether made of human or synthetic hair, generally shifts within the bag since there generally are no structures or other features to fix the hairpiece relative to the packaging.

[0003] The packaging of the current art suffers from various drawbacks and disadvantages. For example, the shifting of the hairpiece may cause it to become knotted or tangled; the hairpiece often collects on the bottom of the bag, making it difficult for the customer to view the item. As yet another drawback, hairpieces displayed in this manner are aesthetically unappealing as well.

[0004] The above shortcomings of current hairpiece packaging lead to still further disadvantages: for instance, since customers have difficulty viewing the hairpieces in current packaging, they often, when possible, open the packaging to determine how the hair feels, how badly tangled or knotted the hair is, or to otherwise evaluate the hairpiece. Once the package is opened, certain customers may be less inclined to purchase it for fear it has been damaged or worn.

[0005] Still other customers may take advantage of the opened package to remove the hairpiece and steal it. Such theft is all the easier since, when out of its packaging, the hairpiece is especially easy to fold or manipulate to fit into small places such as the shoplifter's pocketbook or pants pockets. Even when the hairpiece remains in its packaging, the packaged hairpiece is flexible, malleable, and manipulable enough to be at risk from shoplifters.

[0006] Because of the inadequate ways hairpieces are being packaged, hairpieces are often stored in locked or “behind the counter” display cabinets or in other areas where customers cannot physically touch or hold the hairpieces. While this may reduce compromising the packaging or shoplifting, the customers, without being able to touch and hold the hairpieces, are not able to determine whether they like the materials that comprise the hairpieces or the condition of the hairpieces, potentially decreasing a store's sales of hairpieces as a consequence of using such display cabinets or similar security methods.

[0007] As a result of the high incidence of theft of hairpieces, retail storeowners are not left with many options. The owners can either make the hairpieces physically accessible to the customers, thereby increasing the likelihood of theft, or the hairpieces can be made inaccessible to the customers, as previously mentioned, by displaying the hairpieces in a display case.

[0008] It is also beneficial to be able to leave the hairpieces in their packaging, not have the hair on the hairpieces become knotted or tangled, and not have the hairpieces fall to the bottom of the packaging.

[0009] Thus, there is a need for a device that both protects the hairpieces and prevents theft.

SUMMARY

[0010] In accordance with the present invention, a hairpiece securing device is disclosed. A sheath has a front and rear wall and the hairpiece is received in between these two walls. The sheath also has at least one receiving hole that extends through the sheath. The hairpiece is inserted into the sheath through an opening found in the sheath. A means for securing the hairpiece is present, and this securing means can optionally be an anti-theft device. Optionally, a means for closing the opening in the sheath is available to prevent the hairpiece from falling out of the sheath and to keep the hairpiece clean.

[0011] A method of securing hairpieces is also disclosed. A hairpiece is inserted into an opening in a sheath and the sheath has front and rear walls. The hairpiece is received in between the front and rear walls. A securing means is inserted through at least one receiving hole and through the hairpiece and the at least one receiving hole extends through the sheath. The securing means is used to prevent the hairpiece from falling to the bottom of the sheath and, optionally, it can be an anti-theft device.

[0012] In the drawings, which are discussed below, one or more preferred embodiments are illustrated, with the same reference numerals referring to the same pieces of the invention throughout the drawings. It is understood that the invention is not limited to the preferred embodiment depicted in the drawings herein, but rather it is defined by the claims appended hereto and equivalent structures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 is a front view of the present invention for synthetic hair packages.

[0014] FIG. 2 is the side view of FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a view of a synthetic hairpiece inserted and secured in the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 4 is the front view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention for real hair packages.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a view of a natural hairpiece inserted and secured in the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention for synthetic hair packages.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as the invention, the invention will now be further described by reference to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the above-described accompanying drawings.

[0020] Referring now to the drawings, and in particular FIG. 1, a hairpiece securing device 21 preferably comprises a sheath 23, having features which serve to display aesthetically hairpiece 25 received therein, while also inhibiting shoplifting, as explained below. Sheath 23 is made out of a translucent material, such as plastic or any other suitable material, such translucence permitting customers to view hairpiece 25. The thickness of the plastic comprising sheath 23 is preferably sufficient to prevent sheath 23 from bending, which makes it difficult to impossible to fold sheath 23 or otherwise make it easy to shoplift in a pocket or pocketbook. The sheath has a rear wall 31 and a front wall 35 which define a volume into which a hairpiece is received. Front wall 31 has an opening in which a hairpiece can be inserted into sheath 23 and vertical portions 27, 27 of the front wall surround the opening. This opening also allows customers to examine hairpiece 25 without removing it from sheath 23. The measurements of the different sections of sheath 23 can vary as is required by the size and dimensions of the hairpieces to be secured thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, rear 31 is preferably 4 inches wide by 5 inches high. Front 31 has dimensions that are suitable to prevent hairpiece 25 from falling out of sheath 23 if suitable means for securing the hairpiece are not utilized.

[0021] Hairpiece securing device 21 includes suitable means for securing hairpiece 25 to sheath 23, here shown as pin 29 received through hole 33 formed in sheath 23 that extends through rear 31. Pin 29 preferably pierces through hairpiece 25 and is located and oriented relative to sheath 23 so that it extends into and through sheath 23 through hole 33. To avoid damage to hairpiece 25, pin 29 passes through it in between the places where the hair is stitched into the material that holds the hair of hairpiece 25. Pin 29 is equipped with clip 37 or other suitable means for inhibiting removal of pin 29 from hairpiece 25 and sheath 23.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, pin 29 and clip 37 are part of or comprise an anti-theft device 47, such as a so-called EAS hard tag, which activates an anti-theft alarm or otherwise signals the unauthorized removal of the packaged hairpiece 25. The anti-theft device 47 may likewise take the form to emit a dye or otherwise render the hairpiece 25 to which it is attached unusable.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 3, when pin 29 and clip 37 comprise anti-theft device 47, the components for signaling the alarm or for activating the dye are secured to pin 29, preferably at one of its ends. Such components are encased in a housing 49 which, when mounted at the tip of pin 29, comprise part of clip 37.

[0024] In this way, anti-theft device 47 not only serves to deter shoplifting in the typical manner when secured to a consumer good, but also serves to mount the hairpiece 25 to sheath 23, rendering the resulting package less pilferable, and displaying the hairpiece 25 more aesthetically within its packaging.

[0025] Sheath 23 optionally includes a second hole 51 that extends through rear 31 at a location to permit a second pin 55 to extend substantially orthogonally through sheath 23. Pin 55 preferably extends through sheath 23 at a location spaced from that of pin 29 to anchor or secure hairpiece 25 to sheath 23 at a second independent location, thereby making hairpiece 25 even more difficult to separate from sheath 23.

[0026] As with pin 29, pin 55 is preferably equipped with suitable means for inhibiting its casual removal from sheath 23, such as a clip 57. Pin and clip 55, 57 can likewise comprise or include an anti-theft device 47.

[0027] Sheath 23 includes optional features enabling it to be displayed by hanging. In particular, tab 61 extends outwardly at a suitable location from sheath 23 and has a bore 59 or is otherwise formed to hang from a display hook (not shown).

[0028] The dimensions of sheath 23 relative to hairpiece 25 can be varied to suit any of the variety of sizes and shapes likely to be encountered. Similarly, the location of hole 33 as well as the corresponding location of pin 29 can be varied, so long as pin 29 serves its function of securing and displaying hairpiece 25.

[0029] If only receiving hole 33 is utilized, the hairpiece will be held in place in the sheath, but it will also be able to swing from side-to-side. Hairpiece 25 will swing from side-to-side when pin 29 passes through hairpiece 25, through hole 33, and then through rear 31 of sheath 23. Clip 37 is attached to pin 29 to lock pin 37 into place. If more than one receiving hole has a securing means associated with it, the hairpiece will not swing from side-to-side and it will still be held in place in the sheath as a result of the securing means attached through receiving hole 33. For example, hairpiece 25 will be held in place and will not be subject to side-swing when pins 29 and 55 pass through hairpiece 25, through holes 33 and 55, respectively, and then through rear 31 of sheath 23. Again, clips 37, 57 are connected to pins 29, 55 to secure pins 29, 55.

[0030] Clip 37 is secured to or otherwise engages the tip of pin 29 when the tip has been passed through hairpiece 25. Clip 37 has features that engage the rear of clip 37, as well as features which inhibit movement or removal of clip 37 relative to pin 29. In the illustrated embodiment, clip 37 includes a locking mechanism, such as a spring activated member to bear against pin 29, or a rubber gasket or similar non-sliding component engaged between clip 37 and pin 29, such mechanism inhibiting movement of clip 37. Clip 37 is equipped with flanges that bear against rear 31 of sheath 23.

[0031] Another embodiment is shown in FIG. 4, in which sheath 123 is dimensioned to be particularly suitable for securing a human hairpiece 135. The sheath 123 has a height of 14 inches, a base width of 2 inches, a top width of approximately 3 inches, and a front of 4 inches in the illustrated embodiment. Again, the measurements of the different sections of the sheath can vary as is required by the dimensions of the hairpiece 135 to be contained therein, and the sheath 123 is made out of a translucent material, such as plastic or any other suitable material, that is thick as necessary to prevent the sheath 123 from bending. Sheath 123 includes features similar to those discussed with reference to sheath 23.

[0032] However, hairpiece securing device 121 differs from hairpiece securing device 21 in the following respects. Sheath 123 is open on the sides. Hairpiece 135 is placed inside of sheath 123 so that front 133 extends over the hairpiece 135, as shown in FIG. 5. The first receiving hole is hole 125 which is located on the front 133 of sheath 123. Hole 125 corresponds to hole 127. Holes 125, 127 are located to permit a pin to extend substantially through sheath 123. A pin passes through hole 125, into the interior of sheath 123, through hairpiece 135, and then out of sheath 123 through hole 127. Alternatively, a pin could pass through either hole 125 or 127 and not pass through the corresponding hole resulting in at least one receiving hole being used. For example, a pin could pass through hole 125, through hairpiece 135, through front 133 of sheath 123, and then be attached to a clip without ever utilizing hole 127; or, a pin could pass through hairpiece 135, through hole 127, through rear 131 of sheath 123, and then be attached to a clip without ever making use of hole 125. A third optional hole 129 is preferably located so as to anchor or secure hairpiece 135 to sheath 131 at a second independent location.

[0033] In still other variations, rear 31, 131 of sheaths 23, 123, respectively, may be of suitably stiff material to completely prevent manual folding of the sheath, and thus causing the sheath to bulge out when placed in a pocket. Having such a stiff material present creates a tongue in rear 31, 131 of sheaths 23, 123. Not only does such a stiff material protect the hairpiece, but it also allows sheath 23, 123 to be visually detected should a customer attempt to conceal it on his or her body or in a bag.

[0034] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6, a closing means can be implemented to close the sheath and further protect the hairpiece. A closing means for closing the package is preferably formed as flap 151, which is narrower and shorter than the rear of the sheath. A flap is only one of the available means that can be used to close the package. Another way to close the package is by adhering an additional material, such as cardboard or another piece of translucent or non-translucent material, to the package by using glue, tape, or VELCRO®. FIG. 6 demonstrates the combination of flap 151 with tape 153 wherein tape 153 adheres to front 35 of sheath 23 resulting in flap 151 not inadvertently opening. Several ways in which to close the package can be thought of by one skilled in the art, and all of these ways are encompassed in this invention.

[0035] It should be noted that as a result of the present invention using securing means to secure the hairpieces in place, a more aesthetically appealing manner of displaying hairpieces is provided which also can prevent shoplifting.

[0036] Additional advantages and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and those variations, as well as others which skill or fancy may suggest, are intended to be within the scope of the present invention, along with equivalents thereto, the invention being defined by the claims attended hereto.

Claims

1. A hairpiece securing device comprising

a sheath having a front and rear wall, wherein a hairpiece is received in between said front and rear walls;

an opening in said sheath wherein a hairpiece can be inserted;

at least one receiving hole wherein said receiving hole extends through said sheath; and

means for securing said hairpiece to said sheath.

2. The hairpiece securing device of claim 1, wherein said means for securing said hairpiece to said sheath comprises a pin and a clip.

3. The hairpiece securing device of claim 1, wherein said means for securing said hairpiece between said front and rear walls comprises a theft-deterrent device.

4. The hairpiece securing device of claim 1, further comprising a means for closing said opening in said sheath.

5. The hairpiece securing device of claim 4, wherein said means for closing is a flap.

6. The hairpiece securing device of claim 1, further comprising a tongue.

7. A method of securing hairpieces comprising

inserting a hairpiece into an opening in a sheath, wherein said sheath has a front and rear wall in between which a hairpiece is received, and at least one receiving hole extending through said sheath; and

inserting a securing means through at least one receiving hole and through said hairpiece.

8. The method of securing hairpieces of claim 7, wherein said securing means is a pin and a clip.

9. The method of securing hairpieces of claim 7, wherein said securing means comprises a theft-deterrent device.

10. The method of securing hairpieces of claim 7, further comprising closing a means for closing said opening in said sheath.

11. The method of securing hairpieces of claim 10, wherein said closing means comprises a flap.

12. A hairpiece securing device comprising

a sheath having a front and rear wall, wherein a hairpiece is received in between said front and rear walls;

an opening in said sheath;

two receiving holes wherein said receiving holes extend through said sheath;

two anti-theft devices wherein said hairpiece is secured to said sheath by said anti-theft devices;

a tag extending outwardly from said sheath; and

a bore in said tag.