PACKAGE ASSEMBLY FOR HAIR EXTENSIONS

Abstract

A package assembly for a hair extension including an attachment element and hairs extending therefrom, including a box portion having a back wall, a top wall and opposed bottom wall extending from a top edge and a bottom edge of the back wall, respectively, and a pair of side walls extending from opposed side edges of the back wall. A retainer portion including a first panel having a top end, a bottom end, and a pair of side edges extending therebetween, wherein the attachment element of the hair extension is attached to the top end of the first panel and the hairs extend along the first panel to its bottom end which is curved upwardly toward the top end of the first panel, and the retainer portion is slidably received within the box portion.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/110,132, filed Jan. 30, 2015, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to product packaging, and more particularly to a package assembly for storing hair extensions.

BACKGROUND

Hair integrations, more commonly referred to as hair extensions, are used to add length and/or fullness to a person's existing hair. Frequently, hair extensions are manufactured and sold with a desired amount of curl prior to receipt by the purchaser. As such, once the curl has been provided to the hair extension, it is desirable to be able to both ship and store the product prior to purchase in a manner that retains the curls all in the same direction, or put more simply, maintain a one-directional curl.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the invention includes a package assembly for a hair extension including an attachment element and hairs extending therefrom, including a box portion having a back wall, a top wall and opposed bottom wall extending from a top edge and a bottom edge of the back wall, respectively, and a pair of side walls extending from opposed side edges of the back wall, the box portion defining an interior volume, and a retainer portion including a first panel having a top end, a bottom end, and a pair of side edges extending therebetween, wherein the attachment element of the hair extension is attached to the top end of the first panel and the hairs extend along the first panel to its bottom end, the bottom end of the first panel is curved upwardly toward the top end of the first panel, and the retainer portion is slidably received within the interior volume of the box portion.

Another embodiment of the invention includes a package assembly for a hair extension including an attachment element and hairs extending therefrom, including a retainer portion having a center portion including a first panel and a second panel, both the first and the second panels having an inner surface, an outer surface, a top end, a bottom end, and a pair of side edges extending therebetween, the first inner surfaces of the first and the second panels being adjacent to each other, wherein the attachment element of the hair extension is attached to the top end of the center portion and the hairs extend along the outer surfaces of the first panel and the second panel to their bottom ends, and the bottom ends of the first panel and the second panel are curved upwardly toward the top end of the retainer portion.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a package assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the box portion and retainer assembly of the package assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the retainer portion of the package assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the form used to make the retainer portion shown in FIG. 3, prior to folding;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective views of an insert from the package assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the form used to make the insert shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, prior to folding;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the box portion of the package assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the form used to make the box portion shown in FIG. 7, prior to folding;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the form used to make the cover portion of the package assembly shown in FIG. 1, prior to folding;

FIGS. 10A through 10C are perspective views of the retainer portion of the package assembly shown in FIG. 1, in various steps of use;

FIG. 11 is a front view of the retainer assembly of the package assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a form used to make a retainer portion of an alternate embodiment of a package assembly in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIGS. 13 and 14 are perspective and front views of the retainer assembly of second embodiment of a package assembly in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a retainer portion of a third embodiment of a package assembly in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the retainer portion of the third embodiment of a package assembly in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIGS. 17 and 18 are perspective and front views of the retainer assembly of the third embodiment of a package assembly in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a package assembly in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 is a side view of the box portion of the package assembly shown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a side view of the retainer portion and inserts of the package assembly shown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a package assembly in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 23 is a side view of the box portion of the package assembly shown in FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a side view of the retainer portion and inserts of the package assembly shown in FIG. 22;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a package assembly in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIGS. 26A and 26B are side and exploded side views of the sixth embodiment of the package assembly shown in FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of a package assembly in accordance with the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 28A and 28B are side and exploded views of the seventh embodiment of the package assembly shown in FIG. 27.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features or elements of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope and spirit thereof. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used on another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

As used herein, the term “hair extension” means a manufactured covering of natural or synthetic hair for the head. The hair extension is either woven to a user's natural hair for long term use or detachable for short term use. Typically, a hair extension includes one or more wefts, “weft” meaning a collection of multiple “hairs” (strands of natural or synthetic hair) that are attached together by stitch work with a sewing machine or fused together by glue and woven material. Each weft is treated as a unit in the manufacture of the hair extension. A “weaving band” is a strip of material to which wefts of hair are attached. The weaving band is used to attach the hair extension to the user's own hair.

Referring now to the figures, FIGS. 1 and 2 show a package assembly 100 for a hair extension 190 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Package assembly 100 includes a box portion 110, a cover portion 130 and a retainer assembly 150 that is configured to receive and hold the hair extensions 190 in a configuration that maintains a desired curl of the hair extension, as discussed in greater detail below. Retainer assembly 150 preferably includes a retainer portion 151, a pair of inserts 170 and an outer panel 182 that assists in maintaining retainer assembly 150 in the assembled state, as best seen in FIG. 11, prior to being slidably inserted into box portion 110 of package assembly 100.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, retainer portion 151 preferably includes a center portion 152 formed by a pair of adjacent panels 153. A top end 154 of each panel 153 includes a pair of opposed slots 156, each slot depending inwardly toward a longitudinal center axis of the corresponding panel 153 from a side edge 157 thereof. When folded, the pair of slots 156 is configured to removably receive a weaving band 192 of hair extension 190 that is to be stored thereon, as discussed in greater detail below. Additionally, two pairs of apertures 158a and 158b are preferably formed in the top end 154 of each panel 153 prior to folding form 149. Apertures 158a and 158b in each panel 153 are aligned with the corresponding pair of apertures 158a and 158b in the other panel 153 once form 149 is folded. Apertures 158a and 158b are configured to receive elastic bands (not shown), or wire bands, therethrough, thereby retaining weaving band 192 of hair extension 190 in slots 156.

Each panel 153 includes a bottom end 164 that may be curved as desired for maintaining a curl in hairs 194 of the corresponding hair extension 190. Specifically, for a tight curl, each bottom end may be given a curve having a small radius of curvature in coordination with the overall width of box portion 110 of package assembly 100, as best seen in FIG. 2. For a wider curl, a correspondingly wider box portion 110 is utilized, thereby allowing the curved portion of each bottom end 164 of panels 153 to have a greater radius of curvature. Additionally, a pair of opposed flaps 160 extends outwardly from corresponding side edges 157 of each panel 153. Each flap 160 is foldable inwardly toward the corresponding panel 153 so that hairs 194 of the corresponding hair extension 190 may be maintained in alignment against the panels 153. As such, the pairs of opposed flaps 160 help prevent tangling of hairs 194 during shipment and storage of the hair extension.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A, 5B and 6, a preferred embodiment of an insert 170 for package assembly 100 is shown. Insert 170 includes a top panel 172 formed by a pair of top flaps 172a, a bottom panel 174, a pair of side panels 180, each formed by a pair of side flaps 180a, extending therebetween, and a front panel 176 and a rear panel 178, each formed by a corresponding pair of front flaps 176a and rear flaps 178a. When forming insert 170 from insert form 171, adhesives such as, but not limited to, glue, tape, etc., may be used to secure flaps 172a, 176a and 178a of each pair together, when forming top panel 172, front panel 176 and rear panel 178, respectively. As shown in FIG. 5B, top panel 172 is preferably both rectangular and planar, whereas bottom panel 174 is semi-cylindrical, as best seen in FIG. 5A. Preferably, the radius of curvature of bottom panel 174 is substantially similar to the radius of curvature of the curved bottom end 164 of the corresponding panel 153 it is received adjacent to, as best seen in FIG. 2. The present embodiment of insert 170 can be made with formed material, cardboard, paper mache, polyethylene, polyurethane, polystyrene, polybutadiene or formed plastic.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, box portion 110 and box portion form 111 of package assembly 100 are shown. Box portion 110 includes a back wall 112, opposed top and bottom walls 114 and 116 extending from opposed top and bottom edges thereof, respectively, and a pair of opposed side walls 118 extending from opposed side edges of back wall 112 between the top and bottom walls. As best seen in FIG. 2, the overall width of box portion 110 from side wall 118 to side wall 118 dictates the radius of curvature of the bottom ends 164 of the panels 153 of retainer portion 151. As such, for a narrow curl of hairs 194 of the corresponding hair extension 190, a narrow box portion 110 is used. For a larger curl, a wider box portion 110 is used. As shown, top wall 114 of box portion 110 includes a front panel 120 and bottom panel 122, each of which includes a slot 124 formed therein. Slot 124 is configured to slidably receive the top end 154 of each panel 153, thereby maintaining retainer assembly 150 in the proper, center position within box portion 110, as best seen in FIG. 2. Referring specifically to FIG. 8, box portion form 111 includes a plurality of reinforcing members denoted by a letter “a” that are folded against the respective walls to enhance the strength of box portion 110. Additionally, end flaps 119 are provided and may be secured by adhesives such as, but not limited to, glue, tape, etc., to maintain box portion 110 in its assembled state. An aperture 117 is provided in back wall 112 to facilitate hanging package assembly 100 on a display board.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 9, cover portion 130 of package assembly 100 is shown. Cover portion 130 includes a front wall 132, opposed top and bottom walls 134 and 136 extending from opposed top and bottom edges thereof, respectively, and a pair of opposed side walls 138 extending between the top and bottom walls from opposed side edges of front wall 132. Referring specifically to FIG. 9, cover portion form 131 includes a plurality of reinforcing members denoted by a letter “a” that are folded against the respective walls to enhance the strength of cover portion 130. Additionally, end flaps 133 are provided and may be secured by adhesives such as, but not limited to, glue, tape, etc., to maintain cover portion 130 in its assembled state. A viewing aperture 142 is formed in front wall 132 of cover portion 130, so that the contents of package assembly may be viewed without opening it. Note, however, in alternate embodiments of the cover portion 130, a viewing aperture need not be provided. Preferably, a clear sheet of material is used to cover viewing aperture 142. A pair of cutouts 140 is provided and the bottom edge of each side wall 138 to facilitate removing covered portion 130 from box portion 110 of package assembly 100.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 10A through 10C, use of package assembly 100 is discussed. In order to store hair extension 190 in package assembly 100, hair extension 190 is first wrapped around center portion 152 of retainer portion 151 so that approximately half of the corresponding hairs 194 are disposed on each side of center portion 152. When wrapping hair extension 190 about retainer portion 151, weaving band 192 is preferably retained adjacent the top ends 154 of panels 153 by the pairs of opposed slots 156. As well, weaving band 192 is wrapped around panels 153 so that it is disposed between the pairs of apertures 158a and 158b, thereby allowing the weaving band to be maintained in the desired position by elastic bands 196 that are passed through apertures 158a and 158b, as best seen in FIG. 10A. Note, when wrapping hair extension 190 about retainer portion 151, hairs 194 are positioned so that the curled portion extends outwardly from the corresponding panel 153.

Hairs 194 are maintained in the desired alignment by folding the corresponding pairs of flaps 160 inwardly toward their corresponding panel 153 and securing them in place, such as by tape. Next, as best seen in FIG. 10C, bottom ends 164 of panels 153 are curved to match the curl of the hairs 194, and an insert 170 is positioned adjacent each panel 153 so that the curled portions of hairs 194 are disposed between the curved bottom ends 164 of panels 153 and curved bottom panels 174 of inserts 170, as best seen in FIG. 11. An elongated, rectangular outer panel 182 is formed into a U-shape about both retainer portion 151 and inserts 170 to facilitate placing retainer assembly 150 in the corresponding box portion 110. As best seen in FIG. 2, retainer assembly 150 is slid into box portion 110 so that top ends 154 of panels 153 are slidably received in slot 124 of top wall 114. As such, retainer assembly 150 is held in the desired position within box portion 110. Note, as best seen in FIG. 2, the size of the curl to be maintained in the hairs of hair extension 190 is directly related to the overall width of the package assembly's box portion 110. The present insert 170 can be replaced with other embodiments, such as a roller having the same curve as that of the desired curl of the hairs 194.

Referring now to FIG. 12, a form 249 for a retainer portion of an alternate embodiment of a package assembly is shown. The form 249 of the retainer portion differs primarily from the previously discussed embodiment in that multiple sets of opposed slots 156a, 156b and 156c are formed in a top end 154 of each panel 153. As such, multiple hair extensions of varying lengths may be stored in the corresponding package assembly, each hair extension having the same size curl in its hairs. As shown, three (3) hair extensions may be disposed on the retainer portion, with other embodiments holding up to five (5) hair extensions. Additionally, each flap 160 is attached to the corresponding panel 253 by a pair of fold lines 161. Utilizing two fold lines 161 for each flap 160 allows the flaps 160 to be spaced further from the corresponding panel 253, as would be desirable when multiple hair extensions are being stored in the package assembly.

Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14, a retainer assembly 350 of an alternate embodiment of a package assembly in accordance with the present invention is shown. Retainer assembly 350 includes a center panel 353, a retainer portion 351, and a pair of rollers 370. As shown, retainer portion 351 is substantially similar to the previously described retainer portion 151 (FIG. 3) of the first embodiment. Retainer portion 351 preferably includes a pair of panels 153. Each panel 153 includes a bottom end 164 that may be curved as desired for maintaining a unidirectional curl in hairs 194 of the corresponding hair extension 190. Specifically, for a tight curl, each bottom end may be given a curve having a small radius of curvature in coordination with the overall width of the corresponding box portion 110 (FIG. 7) of the package assembly. For a wider curl, a correspondingly wider box portion 110 is utilized, thereby allowing the curved portion of each bottom end 164 of center panels 153 to have a greater radius of curvature. The curved bottom ends 164 of panels 153 are used in combination with rollers 370 to maintain the desired unidirectional curl, as discussed below. Rollers 370 can be made with formed material, cardboard, paper mache, polyethylene, polyurethane, polystyrene, polybutadiene or formed plastic.

Additionally, a pair of opposed flaps 160 extends outwardly from corresponding side edges 157 of each panel 153. Each flap 160 is foldable inwardly toward the corresponding panel 153 so that hairs 194 of the corresponding hair extension 190 may be maintained in alignment against the center panels 153. Note, the present embodiment of retainer assembly 350 differs from the first embodiment in that hairs 194 of hair extension 190 are secured between flaps 160 and the inner surface of the corresponding panel 153 rather than its outer surface. This is in keeping with the fact that the bottom ends of the hairs are curled inwardly rather than outwardly relative to center panel 353. As such, the pairs of opposed flaps 160 help prevent the tangling of hairs 194 during shipment and storage of the hair extension.

As noted above, retainer assembly 350 includes planar center panel 353. A top end 355 of center panel 353 includes a pair of opposed slots 357, each slot depending inwardly toward a longitudinal center axis of center panel 353 from a side edge thereof. The pair of slots 357 is configured to removably receive a weaving band 192 of hair extension 190 that is to be stored thereon, as discussed in greater detail below. Additionally, two pairs of apertures (not shown) are preferably formed in the top end 355 of each center panel 353. The apertures are configured to receive elastic bands (not shown), or wire bands, therethrough, thereby retaining weaving band 192 of hair extension 190 in slots 357.

Retainer assembly 350 also differs from the previously discussed first embodiment (FIG. 11) in that inserts 170 are not used but, rather, rollers 370 are utilized to maintain the described unidirectional curl in the ends of hairs 194. As shown, the ends of the hairs 194 are wrapped inwardly around a roller 370 of the desired diameter, which in turn is received inside the curved bottom end 164 of a corresponding panel 153. An outer panel 182, similar to that shown in FIG. 11, is wrapped around retainer portion 351 and rollers 370 prior to sliding the retainer assembly 350 inside a corresponding box portion 110 (FIG. 7) of the package assembly, as discussed above. The rollers 370 can be made with formed material, cardboard, paper mache, polyethylene, polyurethane, polystyrene, polybutadiene or formed plastic.

Referring now to FIGS. 15 through 18, a retainer assembly 450 of an alternate embodiment of a package assembly in accordance with the present invention is shown, Retainer assembly 450 includes a retainer portion 451 and two pairs of rollers, each pair including an inner roller 470 and an outer roller 472. Retainer portion 451 preferably includes a center portion 152 formed by a pair of adjacent panels 153. As shown, retainer portion 451 is substantially similar to the previously described retainer portion 151 (FIG. 3) of the first embodiment, with the exception that it does not include curved bottom portions on its panels 153. However, a top end 154 of each panel 153 includes a pair of opposed slots 156, each slot depending inwardly toward a longitudinal center axis of the corresponding panel 153 from a side edge 157 thereof. When folded, the pair of slots 156 is configured to removably receive a weaving band 192 of a corresponding hair extension 190. Additionally, two pairs of apertures 158a and 158b are preferably formed in the top end 154 of each panel 153. Apertures 158a and 158b in each panel 153 are aligned with the corresponding pair of apertures 158a and 158b in the other panel 153. Apertures 158a and 158b are configured to receive elastic bands (not shown), or wire bands, therethrough, thereby retaining elastic band 192 of hair extension 190 in slots 156.

Each panel 153 includes a pair of opposed flaps 160 extending outwardly from corresponding side edges 157 of each panel 153. Each flap 160 is foldable inwardly toward the corresponding panel 153 so that hairs 194 of the corresponding hair extension 190 may be maintained in alignment against the outer surfaces of panels 153. As such, the pairs of opposed flaps 160 help prevent tangling of hairs 194 during shipment and storage of the hair extension.

Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 18, rather than utilizing curved bottom portions of panels 153 to help maintain the unidirectional curl of hairs 194, the present embodiment utilizes two pairs of curlers. Specifically, the bottom ends of hairs 194 are first curled around the corresponding inner roller 470. The diameter of the inner roller 470 is selected based on the desired size of the curl of the hair. Next, a corresponding outer roller 472 is slid over each inner roller 470 so that the bottom ends of hairs 194 are disposed between the rollers. A slot 474 is provided along the length of each outer roller 472 so that the inner rollers are slidably receivable therein. After the inner and outer rollers 470 and 472 are in place, an outer panel 182, similar to that shown in FIG. 11, is wrapped abound retainer portion 451 and the pairs of rollers 470 and 472 prior to sliding retainer assembly 450 inside a corresponding box portion 110 (FIG. 7), as previously discussed. The inner and outer rollers 470 and 472 can be made with formed material, cardboard, paper mache, polyethylene, polyurethane, polystyrene, polybutadiene or formed plastic.

Referring now to FIGS. 19 through 21, an alternate embodiment of a package assembly 500 for a hair extension 190 (FIG. 1) in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. Package assembly 500 includes a box portion 510, and a retainer assembly 550 that is configured to receive and hold hair extensions 190 in a configuration that maintains a desired curl of the hair extension, as previously discussed. Retainer assembly 550 preferably includes a retainer portion 551 and a pair of inserts 570, as best seen in FIG. 21.

Referring specifically to FIG. 21, retainer portion 551 preferably includes a center portion 552, a top end 554 of which includes a pair of opposed slots (not shown), similar to those of the previous embodiments, each slot depending inwardly toward a longitudinal center axis of the center portion 552. The pair of slots is configured to removably receive a weaving band 192 of hair extension 190 that is to be stored thereon. Additionally, two pairs of apertures (FIG. 3) are preferably formed in the top end 554 of center portion 554 to receive elastic bands (not shown), or wire bands, therethrough, thereby retaining weaving band 192 of hair extension 190 on the retainer portion 551.

Retainer portion 551 includes a pair of bottom ends 564 that may be curved as desired for maintaining a curl in hairs 194 of the corresponding hair extension 190. Specifically, for a tight curl, each bottom end may be given a curve having a small radius of curvature in coordination with the overall width of a bottom portion 512 of box portion 510 of the package assembly, as best seen in FIG. 19. For a wider curl, a correspondingly wider bottom portion 512 of box portion 510 is utilized, thereby allowing the curved portion of each bottom end 564 to have a greater radius of curvature.

As best seen in FIGS. 19 and 21, a preferred embodiment of an insert 570 for package assembly 500 is shown. Each insert 570 is substantially wedge-shaped and includes a curved body panel 574, and a pair of side panels 580 extend from the opposed side edge of body panel 574. Preferably, the radius of curvature of the bottom portions of body panels 574 are substantially similar to the radius of curvature of the curved bottom ends 564 of retainer portion 551. Preferably, inserts 570 and retainer portion 551 are all molded of a clear plastic material such as, but not limited to polyethylene, polyurethane, polystyrene, polybutadiene or formed plastic

Referring now to FIGS. 19 and 20, box portion 510 of package assembly 500 is shown. Box portion 510 includes bottom portion 512 and a pair of opposed side portions 514 and 516 extending upwardly from opposed side edges of bottom portion 512. Preferably, side portions 514 and 516 are pivotably connected to the opposed side edges of bottom portion by a living hinge. As such, side portions 514 and 516 remain connected to bottom portion 512 of box portion 510 even after the opening thereof. A pair of closure buttons 522, 524 are co-molded into the upper ends of side portions 514 and 516 for releasably securing side portions 514 and 516 in the closed position. Each closure button includes a projection 522 formed in one side portion that is releasably received in a corresponding recess 524 formed in the other side portion. An aperture 526 is formed in the top end of each side portion 514, 516 so that the package assembly may be hung from a hook of a display. Preferably, box portion 510 of package assembly 500 is molded of a clear plastic such as, but not limited to, polyethylene, polyurethane, polystyrene, polybutadiene or formed plastic.

Referring now to FIGS. 22 through 24 an alternate embodiment of a package assembly 600 for a hair extension 190 (FIG. 1) in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. Package assembly 600 is similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 19 through 21, with the primary exception that it provides for maintaining a “tighter” curl in the ends of the hairs of the hair extension 192 stored thereon. Package assembly 600 includes a box portion 610, and a retainer assembly 650 that is configured to receive and hold hair extensions 190. Retainer assembly 650 preferably includes a retainer portion 651 and a pair of inserts 670, as best seen in FIG. 24.

Referring specifically to FIG. 24, retainer portion 651 preferably includes a center portion 652, a top end 654 of which includes a pair of opposed slots (not shown), similar to those of the previous embodiments, each slot depending inwardly toward a longitudinal center axis of the center portion 652. The pair of slots is configured to removably receive weaving band 192 of the corresponding hair extension 190. Additionally, two pairs of apertures (FIG. 3) are preferably formed in the top end 654 of center portion 652 to receive elastic bands (not shown), or wire bands, therethrough, thereby retaining weaving band 192 of hair extension 190 on the retainer portion 651.

Retainer portion 651 includes a pair of bottom ends 664 that may be curved as desired for maintaining a curl in hairs 194 of the corresponding hair extension 190. Specifically, for a tight curl, each bottom end 664 may be given a curve having a small radius of curvature in coordination with the overall width of a bottom portion 612 of box portion 610 of the package assembly, as best seen in FIG. 22. For a wider curl, a correspondingly wider bottom portion 612 of box portion 610 is utilized, thereby allowing the curved portion of each bottom end 664 to have a greater radius of curvature. As shown, bottom ends 664 of retainer portion 651 are substantially semi-cylindrical, forming almost a full half-cylinder shape for a tight curl.

As best seen in FIGS. 22 and 24, a preferred embodiment of an insert 670 for package assembly 600 is shown. Each insert 670 is substantially wedge-shaped and includes a curved body panel 674, and a pair of side panels 680 extend from the opposed side edge of body panel 674. Preferably, the radius of curvature of the bottom portions of body panels 674 are substantially similar to the radius of curvature of the curved bottom ends 664 of retainer portion 651. Preferably, inserts 670 and retainer portion 651 are all molded of a clear plastic material such as, but not limited to polyethylene, polyurethane, polystyrene, polybutadiene or formed plastic.

Box portion 610 of package assembly 600 is best seen in FIGS. 22 and 23. Box portion 610 includes a bottom portion 612 and a pair of opposed side portions 614 and 616 extending upwardly from opposed side edges of bottom portion 612. Preferably, side portions 614 and 616 are pivotably connected to the opposed side edges of bottom portion by a living hinge. As such, side portions 614 and 616 remain connected to bottom portion 612 of box portion 610 even after the opening thereof. A pair of closure buttons 622, 624 are co-molded into the upper ends of side portions 614 and 616 for releasably securing side portions 614 and 616 in the closed position. Each closure button includes a projection 622 formed in one side portion that is releasably received in a corresponding recess 624 formed in the other side portion. An aperture 626 is formed in the top end of each side portion 614, 616 so that the package assembly may be hung from a hook of a display. Preferably, box portion 610 of package assembly 600 is molded of a clear plastic such as, but not limited to, polyethylene, polyurethane, polystyrene, polybutadiene or formed plastic.

Referring now to FIGS. 25, 26A and 26B, an alternate embodiment of a package assembly 700 for a hair extension 190 (FIG. 1) in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. Package assembly 700 includes a box portion 710 and a retainer portion 751 that cooperates therewith to receive and hold hair extensions 190 in a configuration that maintains a desired curl of the hair extension. Package assembly 700 differs primarily from the embodiment previously discussed with regard to FIGS. 19 through 21 in that package assembly 700 does not include a pair of inserts.

As best seen in FIG. 26B, retainer portion 751 preferably includes a center portion 752, a top end 754 of which includes a pair of opposed slots (not shown), similar to those of the previous embodiments, each slot depending inwardly toward a longitudinal center axis of the center portion 752. The pair of slots is configured to removably receive weaving band 192 of hair extension 190 that is to be stored thereon. Additionally, two pairs of apertures (FIG. 3) are preferably formed in the top end 754 of center portion 752 to receive elastic bands (not shown), or wire bands, therethrough, thereby retaining weaving band 192 on the retainer portion 751.

Retainer portion 751 includes a pair of bottom ends 764 that may be curved as desired for maintaining a curl in hairs 194 of the corresponding hair extension 190. Specifically, for a tight curl, each bottom end may be given a curve having a small radius of curvature in coordination with the overall width of a bottom portion 712 of box portion 710 of the package assembly, as best seen in FIG. 25. For a wider curl, a correspondingly wider bottom portion 712 of box portion 710 is utilized, thereby allowing the curved portion of each bottom end 764 to have a greater radius of curvature.

As shown, box portion 710 of package assembly 700 includes a first half portion 714 and a second side portion 716 that are releasably connected to each other by closure buttons 722, 724. Closure buttons 722, 724 are co-molded into the upper and bottom ends of first and second half portions 714 and 716 for releasably securing the half portions in the closed position. Each closure button includes a projection 722 formed in one half portion that is releasably received in a corresponding recess 724 formed in the other half portion. Each half portion 714 and 716 includes a pair of substantially triangular side panels 780 and a curved body panel 774 extending therebetween. Preferably, the radius of curvature of the bottom portions of body panels 774 are substantially similar to the radius of curvature of the curved bottom ends 764 of retainer portion 751. As such, retainer portion 751 cooperates with body panels 774 to maintain the desired curl in the corresponding hairs even though inserts are not utilized. An aperture 726 may be formed in the top end of each half portion 714, 716 so that the package assembly may be hung from a hook of a display. Preferably, box portion 710 and retainer portion 751 of package assembly 700 are molded of a clear plastic such as, but not limited to, polyethylene, polyurethane, polystyrene, polybutadiene or formed plastic.

Referring now to FIGS. 27, 28A and 28B, an alternate embodiment of a package assembly 800 for a hair extension 190 (FIG. 1) in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. Package assembly 800 includes a box portion 810 and a retainer portion 851 that cooperates therewith to receive and hold hair extensions 190 in a configuration that maintains a desired curl of the hair extension. Package assembly 800 differs primarily from the embodiment previously discussed with regard to FIGS. 22 through 24 in that package assembly 800 does not include a pair of inserts.

As best seen in FIG. 28B, retainer portion 851 preferably includes a center portion 852, a top end 854 of which includes a pair of opposed slots (not shown), similar to those of the previous embodiments, each slot depending inwardly toward a longitudinal center axis of the center portion 852. The pair of slots is configured to removably receive weaving band 192 of hair extension 190 that is to be stored thereon. Additionally, two pairs of apertures (FIG. 3) are preferably formed in the top end 854 of center portion 852 to receive elastic bands (not shown), or wire bands, therethrough, thereby retaining weaving band 192 on the retainer portion 851.

Retainer portion 851 includes a pair of bottom ends 864 that may be curved as desired for maintaining a curl in hairs 194 of the corresponding hair extension 190. Specifically, for a tight curl, each bottom end may be given a curve having a small radius of curvature in coordination with the overall width of a bottom portion 812 of box portion 810 of the package assembly, as best seen in FIG. 27. For a wider curl, a correspondingly wider bottom portion 812 of box portion 810 is utilized, thereby allowing the curved portion of each bottom end 864 to have a greater radius of curvature.

As shown, box portion 810 of package assembly 800 includes a first half portion 814 and a second half portion 816 that are releasably connected to each other by closure buttons 822, 824. Closure buttons 822, 824 are co-molded into the upper and bottom ends of first and second half portions 814 and 816 for releasably securing the half portions in the closed position. Each closure button includes a projection 822 formed in one half portion that is releasably received in a corresponding recess 824 formed in the other half portion. Each half portion 814 and 816 includes a pair of substantially triangular side panels 880 and a curved body panel 874 extending therebetween. Preferably, the radius of curvature of the bottom portions of body panels 874 are substantially similar to the radius of curvature of the curved bottom ends 864 of retainer portion 851. As such, retainer portion 851 cooperates with body panels 874 to maintain the desired curl in the corresponding hairs even though inserts are not utilized. An aperture 826 may be formed in the top end of each half portion 814, 816 so that the package assembly may be hung from a hook of a display. Preferably, box portion 810 and retainer portion 851 of package assembly 800 are molded of a clear plastic such as, but not limited to, polyethylene, polyurethane, polystyrene, polybutadiene or formed plastic.

While one or more preferred embodiments of the invention have been described above, it should be understood that any and all equivalent realizations of the present invention are included within the scope and spirit thereof. The embodiments depicted are presented by way of example and are not intended as limitations upon the present invention. Thus, those of ordinary skill in this art should understand that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments since modifications can be made. Therefore, it is contemplated that any and all such embodiments are included in the present invention as may fall within the scope and spirit thereof.

Claims

1. A package assembly for a hair extension including an attachment element and hairs extending therefrom, comprising:

a box portion having a back wall, a top wall and opposed bottom wall extending from a top edge and a bottom edge of the back wall, respectively, and a pair of side walls extending from opposed side edges of the back wall, the box portion defining an interior volume; and

a retainer portion including a first panel having a top end, a bottom end, and a pair of side edges extending therebetween,

wherein the attachment element of the hair extension is attached to the top end of the first panel and the hairs extend along the first panel to its bottom end,

the bottom end of the first panel is curved upwardly toward the top end of the first panel, and

the retainer portion is slidably received within the interior volume of the box portion.

2. The package assembly of claim 1, wherein the retainer portion further comprises a first pair of opposed flaps extending outwardly from the side edges of the first panel, and the first pair of flaps are foldable inwardly so that the hairs are secured between the first pair of flaps and the first panel.

3. The package assembly of claim 1, wherein the retainer portion further comprises a first insert having a top end and a bottom end, the bottom end of the first insert being curved and disposed adjacent the curved bottom end of the first panel so that a portion of the hairs is disposed therebetween.

4. The package assembly of claim 3, wherein the curved bottom end of the first panel and the curved bottom end of the first insert have substantially same radius of curvature.

5. The package assembly of claim 3, wherein the top wall of the box portion defines a slot that is perpendicular to a longitudinal center axis of the back wall of the box portion, and the top end of the first panel is slidably received therein.

6. The package assembly of claim 3, wherein the first insert is disposed between the first panel and one of the sidewalls of the retainer portion.

7. The package assembly of claim 1, wherein the attachment element of the hair extension is a weaving band, the retainer portion further comprises a pair of opposed slots depending inwardly from the opposed side edges of the first panel adjacent the top end of the first panel, and the weaving band is removably received in the pair of opposed slots.

8. The package assembly of claim 1, wherein the retainer portion further comprises:

a second panel having a top end, a bottom end, and a pair of side edges extending therebetween,

wherein the attachment element of the hair extension is attached to the top end of the second panel and the hairs extend along the second panel to its bottom end, and

the bottom end of the second panel is curved upwardly toward the top end of the second panel.

9. The package assembly of claim 8, wherein the retainer portion further includes a second pair of opposed flaps extending outwardly from the side edges of the second panel, and the second pair of flaps are foldable inwardly so that the hairs are secured between the second pair of flaps and the second panel.

10. The package assembly of claim 9, wherein the retainer portion further comprises a second insert having a top end and a bottom end, the bottom end of the second insert being curved and disposed adjacent the curved bottom end of the second panel so that a portion of the hairs are disposed therebetween.

11. The package assembly of claim 8, wherein the curved bottom ends of the first panel and the second panel extend outwardly from opposing sides of the retainer portion.

12. The package assembly of claim 2, wherein the retainer portion further comprises a cylindrical first roller, and a portion of the hairs are curled around an outer surface of the first roller.

13. The package assembly of claim 12, wherein the first roller is disposed adjacent the curved bottom end of the first panel so that the portion of the hairs is disposed between the first roller and the curved bottom end of the first panel.

14. The package assembly of claim 12, wherein the retainer portion further comprises a cylindrical second roller disposed concentrically about the first roller so that the portion of the hair is disposed between the first and the second rollers.

15. A package assembly for a hair extension including an attachment element and hairs extending therefrom, comprising:

a retainer portion including a center portion having a first panel and a second panel, both the first and the second panels having an inner surface, an outer surface, a top end, a bottom end, and a pair of side edges extending therebetween, the first inner surfaces of the first and the second panels being adjacent to each other;

wherein the attachment element of the hair extension is attached to the top end of the center portion and the hairs extend along the outer surfaces of the first panel and the second panel to their bottom ends; and

the bottom ends of the first panel and the second panel are curved upwardly toward the top end of the retainer portion.

16. The package assembly of claim 15, further comprising:

a box portion having a back wall, a top wall and opposed bottom wall extending from a top edge and a bottom edge of the back wall, respectively, and a pair of side walls extending from opposed side edges of the back wall, the box portion defining an interior volume,

wherein the retainer portion is slidably received within the interior volume of the box portion.

17. The package assembly of claim 16, wherein the top wall of the box portion defines a slot that is perpendicular to a longitudinal center axis of the back wall of the box portion, and the top ends of the first and the second panels are slidably received therein.

18. The package assembly of claim 15, wherein the retainer portion further comprises a first and second pair of opposed flaps extending outwardly from the side edges of the first and the second panels, respectively, and the first and the second pairs of flaps are foldable inwardly so that the hairs are secured between the first and the second pairs of flaps and the first and the second panels, respectively.

19. The package assembly of claim 15, wherein the retainer portion further comprises a first and a second insert, each having a top end and a bottom end, the bottom end being curved and disposed adjacent the curved bottom end of a corresponding one of the first and the second panels so that a portion of the hairs is disposed therebetween.

20. The package assembly of claim 19, wherein the curved bottom ends of the first and the second panels and the curved bottom ends of the first and the second inserts have substantially same radius of curvature.

21. The package assembly of claim 15, wherein the attachment element of the hair extension is a weaving band, the retainer portion further comprises a pair of opposed slots depending inwardly from opposed side edges of the center portion adjacent a top end of the center portion, and the weaving band is removably received in the pair of opposed slots.

22. The package assembly of claim 15, wherein the retainer portion further comprises a cylindrical first roller, and a portion of the hairs are curled around an outer surface of the first roller.

23. The package assembly of claim 22, wherein the first roller is disposed adjacent the curved bottom end of the first panel so that the portion of the hairs is disposed between the first roller and the curved bottom end of the first panel.

24. The package assembly of claim 22, wherein the retainer portion further comprises a cylindrical second roller disposed concentrically about the first roller so that the portion of the hair is disposed between the first and the second rollers.