US20130206628A1 - Hair carrier bag - Google Patents
Hair carrier bag Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20130206628A1 US20130206628A1 US13/839,805 US201313839805A US2013206628A1 US 20130206628 A1 US20130206628 A1 US 20130206628A1 US 201313839805 A US201313839805 A US 201313839805A US 2013206628 A1 US2013206628 A1 US 2013206628A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- hair
- edge
- fixed plate
- clip assembly
- carrier bag
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C11/00—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00
- A45C11/24—Etuis for purposes not covered by a single one of groups A45C11/02 - A45C11/22, A45C11/26, A45C11/32 - A45C11/38
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C11/00—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C11/00—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00
- A45C11/26—Roll-up holders with pockets for separate articles
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C13/00—Details; Accessories
- A45C13/001—Accessories
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C15/00—Purses, bags, luggage or other receptacles covered by groups A45C1/00 - A45C11/00, combined with other objects or articles
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
- A45D44/00—Other cosmetic or toiletry articles, e.g. for hairdressers' rooms
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
- A45D44/00—Other cosmetic or toiletry articles, e.g. for hairdressers' rooms
- A45D44/16—Hair-collecting boxes or containers for the same purpose ; Hair collecting devices, e.g. with suction means
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
- Y10T24/44—Clasp, clip, support-clamp, or required component thereof
- Y10T24/44291—Clasp, clip, support-clamp, or required component thereof including pivoted gripping member
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
- Y10T24/44—Clasp, clip, support-clamp, or required component thereof
- Y10T24/44291—Clasp, clip, support-clamp, or required component thereof including pivoted gripping member
- Y10T24/44376—Spring or resiliently biased about pivot
- Y10T24/44385—Distinct spring
- Y10T24/44462—Coil spring
- Y10T24/4447—Coil spring having coil portion coaxial or parallel with pivotal axis
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to hair carrier bags, and, in particular, to bags having clip assemblies for securing hair products therein but which may be reconfigured into a folded state in which the bags resemble women's clutch bags, tote bags, purse bags, pocketbooks, or the like.
- hair enhancement products The market and use for hair enhancement products is continually growing.
- the use of hair extensions, wigs, and falls made of human and synthetic hair are all increasing in frequency and amount.
- a variety of people are buying and utilizing various hair systems on the market today.
- One particular niche is the use of hair extensions to supplement a user's natural hair, often to create the appearance of longer and fuller hair.
- hair extensions of varying colors can be used to create highlights or depth of color on demand.
- a user may have a somewhat conservative hair style for their work and use a set of hair extensions to create long flowing hair styles for weekends or more formal social engagements.
- the use of wigs has become more common for a variety of uses. Many cancer patients use wigs after losing their hair through either radiation or chemotherapy treatment or both. Many users are turning to wigs to quickly change their hairstyle.
- a person with multiple wigs may have multiple colors, styles, and lengths that can be selected any given time and used at will to provide a desired appearance for that particular day.
- a hair carrier apparatus to store hair products including extensions, wigs, and falls.
- a component storage system that can carry the hair products compactly for travel.
- a hair storage and travel carrier that is fashionable and has the appearance of a clutch purse currently carried by women as a fashion accessory.
- the present invention is a hair carrier bag, including: an elongated body having a top, a bottom, and an inner surface, the elongated body including a plurality of fold sections; a clip assembly, coupled to the inner surface of the elongated body; and a hair product disposed against the inner surface of the elongated body and having a portion that is secured within the clip assembly; wherein the fold sections of the elongated body are adapted to be temporarily folded against each other, thereby reconfiguring the elongated body into a folded state and retaining the hair product therein.
- the hair product is a hair extension.
- the hair product is a wig.
- the hair product is a fall.
- the present invention according to another aspect is a hair carrier bag, including: an elongated body having a top, a bottom, and an inner surface, the elongated body including a plurality of fold sections and a top overlap section; a clip assembly, coupled to the inner surface of the elongated body, for securing a hair product; a protective cover for covering the hair product; and a closure for temporarily coupling the top overlap section to the outer surface of one of the fold sections when the elongated body is configured into a folded state.
- the elongated body has a top, a bottom, a first side, a second side, and an outer surface.
- the protective cover includes a first cover sheet having a top, a bottom, a first side, a second side, and an outer surface.
- one side of the first cover sheet is coupled to one side of the elongated body and is foldable about the joint formed between the first cover sheet and the elongated body.
- the clip assembly is positioned and located a distance offset from a top of the elongated body, the offset distance defining substantially the length of the top overlap section.
- the protective cover includes a first cover sheet and an enclosure panel, wherein the first cover sheet is foldable along one side of the elongated body, wherein the enclosure panel is foldable along the opposite side of the elongated body.
- a portion of the enclosure panel is configured to overlap a portion of the first cover sheet; and/or a distal edge of the first cover sheet may be removably coupled to the enclosure panel.
- the bag further includes a storage pocket associated with a surface of the elongated body.
- the storage pocket is built into the inner surface of the elongated body; the storage pocket is built into an outer inner surface of the elongated body; and/or the storage pocket includes a zipper.
- the top overlap section includes a hanger slot configured to receive the hook portion of a clothes hanger such that the hair carrier bag may be hung from a hanging fixture.
- the bag further includes a loop member extendable through said hanger slot.
- the protective cover is substantially clear.
- the clip assembly includes a spring loaded clamp.
- the clip assembly lies parallel to the top of the elongated body.
- the clip assembly further includes a plurality of clips.
- the clip assembly lies parallel to and proximate one side of the elongated body.
- the clip assembly further comprises a plurality of clips.
- the clip assembly includes a magnetic clip.
- the clip assembly includes an elastic clip.
- the bag further includes a loop member adapted for hanging the bag.
- the bag is arranged to resemble a woman's clutch bag when configured in the folded state.
- the bag is arranged to resemble a woman's tote bag when configured in the folded state.
- the bag is arranged to resemble a woman's purse bag when configured in the folded state.
- the bag is arranged to resemble a woman's pocketbook when configured in the folded state.
- the closure includes a magnet.
- the magnet is enclosed between an inner surface and an outer surface of the elongated body.
- At least a portion of a hair product is retained within the hair carrier bag by the clip assembly.
- the plurality of fold sections includes five fold sections.
- the plurality of fold sections includes three fold sections.
- the present invention according to another aspect is a clip assembly for retaining a hair product in a hair carrier bag, including: a fixed plate, adapted to be fastened to a structure of a hair carrier bag and having a bottom side or edge; a clamp plate, rotationally coupled to the fixed plate and having a bottom side or edge, the bottom side or edge of the clamp plate being held against or in close proximity to the bottom side or edge of the fixed plate; and a hair product having an end portion that is clamped between the bottom side or edge of the clamp plate and the bottom side or edge of the fixed plate such that the hair product may be retained within the hair carrier bag when the fixed plate is fastened to the structure of the hair carrier bag.
- the clip assembly includes a spring that biases the bottom side or edge of the clamp plate against the bottom side or edge of the fixed plate.
- the clip assembly includes an axle that rotationally couples the clamp plate to the fixed plate.
- the fixed plate includes two end supports that support opposite ends of the axle.
- the clamp plate includes a plurality of end flaps supported by the axle.
- the clip assembly includes a coil spring that is carried around the axle.
- the clip assembly includes at least one additional clamp plate, where each of the at least one additional clamp plate includes a plurality of clamp plates, each being rotationally coupled to the fixed plate and operable as a functionally separate clip; the at least one additional clamp plate includes exactly one clamp plate that is rotationally coupled to the fixed plate and operable as a functionally separate clip; and/or the at least one additional clamp plate includes exactly two clamp plates, each being rotationally coupled to the fixed plate and operable as a functionally separate clip.
- the clip assembly includes a soft pad, disposed along the bottom side or edge of at least one of the fixed plate and the clamp plate, for protecting the hair product; the soft pad is a first soft pad disposed along the bottom side or edge of the fixed plate, and wherein the clip assembly further comprises a second soft pad disposed along the bottom side or edge of the clamp plate; the soft pad is made of polymeric or elastomeric foam; and/or the soft pad includes teethed grooves running lengthwise from one end to the other.
- the clip assembly includes a first interlocking pad and a second interlocking pad, wherein the first interlocking pad is disposed along the bottom side or edge of the clamp plate, wherein the second interlocking pad is disposed along the bottom side or edge of the fixed plate, and wherein the first and second interlocking pads are arranged to interlock with each other; wherein each interlocking pad includes teethed grooves running lengthwise from one end to the other.
- the clamp plate is adapted to be rotated so as to release the hair product, thereby permitting its removal from the clip assembly.
- the present invention according to another aspect is a clip assembly for retaining a hair product in a hair carrier bag, including: a fixed plate, adapted to be fastened to a structure of a hair carrier bag and having a bottom side or edge; at least one clamp plate, each of the at least one clamp plates being rotationally coupled to the fixed plate and having a bottom side or edge; wherein the respective bottom side or edge of each of the at least one clamp plate is held against or in close proximity to the bottom side or edge of the fixed plate so as to clamp a portion of a hair product therebetween.
- the clip assembly further includes a spring that biases the bottom side or edge of at least one clamp plate against the bottom side or edge of the fixed plate.
- the clip assembly further includes an axle that rotationally couples the at least one clamp plate to the fixed plate.
- the fixed plate includes two end supports that support opposite ends of the axle; the at least one clamp plate includes a plurality of end flaps supported by the axle; and/or the clip assembly further includes a coil spring that is carried around the axle.
- the at least one clamp plate includes a plurality of clamp plates, each being rotationally coupled to the fixed plate and operable as a functionally separate clip.
- the plurality of clamp plates include two clamp plates, each being rotationally coupled to the fixed plate and operable as a functionally separate clip; and/or the plurality of clamp plates include three clamp plates, each being rotationally coupled to the fixed plate and operable as a functionally separate clip.
- the clip assembly further includes a soft pad disposed along the bottom side or edge of at least one of the fixed plate and the at least one clamp plate.
- the clip assembly further includes a first soft pad disposed along the bottom side or edge of the fixed plate and a second soft pad disposed along the bottom side or edge of the at least one clamp plate; the soft pad is made of polymeric or elastomeric foam; and/or the soft pad includes teethed grooves running lengthwise from one end to the other.
- the clip assembly further includes a first interlocking pad and a second interlocking pad, the first interlocking pad is disposed along the bottom side or edge of the at least one clamp plate, the second interlocking pad is disposed along the bottom side or edge of the fixed plate, and the first and second interlocking pads are arranged to interlock with each other when the at least one clamp plate is held against or in close proximity to the bottom side or edge of the fixed plate so as to clamp a portion of a hair product therebetween.
- each interlocking pad includes teethed grooves running lengthwise from one end to the other.
- the clamp plate is adapted to be rotated so as to release the hair product, thereby permitting its removal from the clip assembly.
- the present invention according to another aspect is a clip assembly for retaining a hair product in a hair carrier bag, including: a fixed plate, adapted to be fastened to a structure of a hair carrier bag; and at least one elastic strap or band whose ends are coupled to the fixed plate; wherein the elastic straps or bands are biased into a position against or in close proximity to the fixed plate so as to clamp a portion of a hair product between the straps or bands and the fixed plate.
- the at least one elastic strap or band is coupled to the fixed plate by retention posts.
- the present invention according to another aspect is a hair carrier bag, including: an elongated body having a top, a bottom, and an inner surface, the elongated body including a plurality of fold sections; a clip assembly, coupled to the inner surface of the elongated body, for securing a hair product; and a closure for temporarily coupling at least two of the fold sections together when the elongated body is configured into a folded state.
- the bag when the elongated body is configured into a folded state, the bag is arranged to resemble a woman's tote bag.
- the bag when the elongated body is configured into a folded state, the bag is arranged to resemble a woman's purse bag.
- the bag when the elongated body is configured into a folded state, the bag is arranged to resemble a woman's pocketbook.
- one of the fold sections functions as the front of the hair carrier bag, one of the fold sections functions as the rear of the hair carrier bag, one of the fold sections functions as the bottom of the hair carrier bag, and wherein a top of the hair carrier bag may be opened by uncoupling the closure.
- the present invention according to another aspect is a hair carrier bag as shown and described.
- the present invention according to another aspect is a hair carrier bag that be arranged to resemble a woman's clutch bag when configured in the folded state as shown and described.
- the present invention according to another aspect is a hair carrier bag that be arranged to resemble a woman's tote bag when configured in the folded state as shown and described.
- the present invention according to another aspect is a hair carrier bag that be arranged to resemble a woman's purse bag when configured in the folded state as shown and described.
- the present invention according to another aspect is a hair carrier bag that be arranged to resemble a woman's pocketbook when configured in the folded state as shown and described.
- the present invention according to another aspect is a clip assembly for retaining a hair product in a hair carrier bag, as shown and described.
- the present invention according to another aspect is a spring-loaded clip assembly for retaining a hair product in a hair carrier bag, as shown and described.
- the present invention according to another aspect is a clip assembly including an elastic strap or band for retaining a hair product in a hair carrier bag, as shown and described.
- FIG. 1 is a front view of a hair carrier bag in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention, shown in its closed “clutch” state;
- FIG. 2 is a front view of the hair carrier bag of FIG. 1 , shown in its uncoiled state;
- FIG. 3 is a front view of the hair carrier bag of FIG. 2 , shown with the protective cover sheet pulled away from the elongated body for better access to the interior thereof;
- FIG. 4 is a front view of the clip assembly of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the clip assembly of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 6 is a top view of the clip assembly of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 7 is an end view of the clip assembly of FIG. 2 , shown attached to a flap of the body;
- FIG. 8 is an end cross-sectional view of the clip assembly of FIG. 4 , taken along line 8 - 8 ;
- FIG. 9 is a front view of the hair carrier bag of FIG. 3 , shown with the clip assembly removed;
- FIG. 10 is an isometric view of an alternative clip assembly in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 11 is a front view of a hair carrier bag in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention, shown in its open, uncoiled state;
- FIG. 12 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a clip of the hair carrier clutch bag of FIG. 11 taken generally along line 12 - 12 of FIG. 11 in the direction of the arrows;
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a clip for use with the present hair carrier clutch bag
- FIG. 14 is a fragmentary front view of a hair carrier bag having an alternate hair retention device in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 15 is a top view of the hair carrier clutch bag of FIG. 11 showing the protective cover sheet and enclosure panel in their folded position;
- FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the hair carrier clutch bag of FIG. 11 showing the length of the present hair carrier clutch bag partially folded.
- FIG. 17 is a partial perspective view of the hair carrier clutch bag of FIG. 11 showing the length of the present hair carrier bag in its fully folded position.
- FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the hair carrier clutch bag of FIG. 11 in its fully folded position resembling a clutch bag;
- FIG. 19 is a front view of another hair carrier bag in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention, shown in its folded or closed state;
- FIG. 20 is a front view of the hair carrier bag of FIG. 19 , shown in its unfolded state and with the protective cover sheet pulled away from the body for better access to the interior thereof;
- FIG. 21 is a front view of another hair carrier bag in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention, shown in its folded or closed state;
- FIG. 22 is a front view of the hair carrier bag of FIG. 19 , shown in its unfolded state and with the protective cover sheet pulled away from the body for better access to the interior thereof;
- FIG. 23 is a front view another hair carrier bag in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention, shown in its hanging or carry state;
- FIG. 24 is a front view of the hair carrier bag of FIG. 23 , shown in a resting state;
- FIG. 25 is a rear view of the hair carrier bag of FIG. 23 , shown in a resting state.
- FIG. 26 is a front view of the hair carrier bag of FIG. 23 , shown in its unfolded state and with the protective cover sheet pulled away from the body for better access to the interior thereof.
- any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the appended claims rather than the description set forth herein.
- a picnic basket having an apple describes “a picnic basket having at least one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.”
- a picnic basket having a single apple describes “a picnic basket having only one apple.”
- a picnic basket having cheese or crackers describes “a picnic basket having cheese without crackers,” “a picnic basket having crackers without cheese,” and “a picnic basket having both cheese and crackers.”
- “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.”
- reference to “a picnic basket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well as describes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese.”
- FIG. 1 is a front view of a hair carrier bag 110 in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention, shown in its closed “clutch” state
- FIG. 2 is a front view of the hair carrier bag 110 of FIG. 1 , shown in its uncoiled state.
- the hair carrier bag 110 includes an elongated body 112 , a clip assembly 114 , a protective cover sheet 116 and a closure system 118 .
- FIG. 3 is a front view of the hair carrier bag 110 of FIG. 2 , shown with the protective cover sheet 116 pulled away from the elongated body 112 for better access to the interior thereof.
- the hair carrier bag 110 may also include a second protective cover sheet or enclosure panel 120 , an internal pocket 122 , and/or a hanger loop or ring 125 .
- the elongated body 112 includes a top edge 126 , a bottom edge 128 , a first side or edge 130 , a second side or edge 132 , an inner surface 134 , and an outer surface 136 .
- the elongated body 112 further includes a plurality of longitudinal stitches or creases 138 , orientated substantially parallel to the top and bottom edges 126 , 128 , spanning substantially the entire width of the body 112 and disposed along the length of the body 112 .
- the longitudinal stitches or creases 138 are spaced along the length, thereby dividing the body 112 into a plurality of fold sections 140 .
- One stitch or crease 138 may also define a top overlap section 142 of the body 112 , proximate the top edge 126 .
- the embodiment of the hair carrier bag 110 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 includes five stitches/creases 138 a - 138 e partitioning the body 112 into five fold sections 140 a - 140 e in the main portion of the body 112 and one top overlap section 142 .
- the fold sections 140 may be approximately equally sized, or alternatively, the length (top-to-bottom) of the fold sections 140 a - 140 e may slightly increase from the bottom to the top of the elongated body 112 (i.e., the topmost fold section 140 a may be slightly longer, top-to-bottom, than the second fold section 140 b , the second fold section 140 b may be slightly longer, top-to-bottom, than the third fold section 140 c , the third fold section 140 c may be slightly longer, top-to-bottom, than the fourth fold section 140 d , and the fourth fold section 140 d may be slightly longer, top-to-bottom, than the bottommost fold section 140 e ) in order to better facilitate folding or coiling of the hair carrier bag 110 into the configuration shown in FIG.
- the body 112 may be sequentially folded by folding the bottommost fold section 140 e up onto the fourth fold section 140 d , folding the bottom two folded sections 140 d , 140 e up onto the third fold section 140 c , folding the bottom three folded sections 140 c - 140 e up onto the second fold section 140 b , folding the bottom four folded sections 140 b - 140 e up onto the topmost fold section 140 a , and then folding the top overlap section 142 down to rest on the outer surface 136 of the second fold section 140 b .
- the hair carrier bag 110 resembles a woman's clutch-type bag.
- the length of the body 112 corresponds to the length of the hair extension or wig that can be accommodated by the carrier bag 110 .
- the more common lengths of hair extensions range from about ten inches (10′′) to about twenty inches (20′′).
- wigs or hair extensions may be any length known in the art.
- the body length ranges from about twelve inches (12′′) to about forty inches (40′′). In at least some of these embodiments, the body length ranges from about twenty-four inches (24′′) to thirty-six inches (36′′). In at least some of these embodiments, the body length is about thirty-three inches (33′′).
- the width of the body 112 may be selected to provide the capacity to fit the hair products. Further, because in at least some embodiments, the hair carrier bag 110 is configured to resemble a standard woman's clutch bag, the width generally corresponds to widths of standard clutch bags as known in the art. In at least some embodiments, the width of the body 112 ranges from about six inches (6′′) to about eighteen inches (18′′). In at least some of these embodiments, the width of the body 112 ranges from about nine inches (9′′) to about fifteen inches (15′′). In at least some of these embodiments, the width of the body 112 is about twelve inches (12′′). However, it will be appreciated that in at least some embodiments, the hair carrier bag 110 does not have to resemble a woman's clutch bag, and it will be further appreciated that the body 112 may be configured to accommodate any length and/or width of hair products.
- the carrier bag 110 of FIG. 1 includes five stitches/creases 138 partitioning the body 112 into five fold sections 140 and one top overlap section 142 .
- the number of creases and/or folds may vary.
- only a single crease, partitioning the body into two fold sections may be provided, while in another embodiment, two creases, partitioning the body into three fold sections, may be provided.
- the inner surface 134 of the body 112 also forms the inner surface of the fold sections 140 a - 140 e .
- the inner surface 134 is comprised of an inner liner constructed from a material that will not damage the hair products when the body 112 is folded or coiled about itself as described above.
- Material suitable for use for the inner liner may include, but are not limited to, silk, polyester, nylon, plastic, cotton fabric, vinyl, microfiber, canvas, fleece, wool, chamois, imitation chamois, woven fabric, suede, and any other suitable material now known or hereafter developed, or any combination thereof.
- the inner surface 134 of the top overlap section 142 is comprised of the same material as the outer surface 136 as described below. However, the inner surface 134 of the top overlap section 142 may alternatively be comprised of the same material as the inner liner.
- the outer surface 136 of the body 112 is covered in a finish material that is adapted to be exposed to the environment, such as sun and rain, and normal wear and tear, as well as to protect the interior contents of the hair carrier bag 110 . Additionally and/or alternatively, the material of the outer surface 136 may also be chosen for its color, finish, pattern, texture, or any other aesthetic reason. Materials suitable for use on or as the outer surface 136 may include, but are not limited to, silk, polyester, nylon, canvas, wool, vinyl, plastic, leather, animal skin, microfiber, other polymers, suede, and any other suitable material now known or hereafter developed, or any combination thereof.
- the material of the outer surface 136 may be patterned and/or textured to resemble natural materials such as animal skin, leather, or other more exotic or expensive materials.
- the material of the outer surface 136 may be any color within the visible spectrum.
- the hair carrier bag 110 may also include a decorative border (not shown) around its perimeter that covers the exposed edges of the fabric associated with the inner and outer surfaces 134 , 136 .
- FIGS. 4-6 are a front view, an isometric view, and a top view of the clip assembly 114 of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 7 is an end view of the clip assembly 114 of FIG. 2 , shown attached to a flap of the body 112 ;
- FIG. 8 is an end cross-sectional view of the clip assembly 114 of FIG. 4 , taken along line 8 - 8 .
- the clip assembly 114 includes a fixed plate 144 , one or more clamp plates 146 , at least one axle 157 rotationally coupling the clamp plates 146 to the fixed plate 144 , and one or more springs 148 disposed between each clamp plate 146 and the fixed plate 144 .
- the fixed plate 144 includes a top side or edge 150 and a bottom side or edge 152 , and further includes at least two end supports 151 as well as a center spring support 153 for each clamp plate 146 .
- Each clamp plate 146 includes a top side or edge 154 , a bottom side or edge 156 , and two end flaps 155 .
- the axle 157 is carried by the end supports 151 and center spring supports 153 .
- Each spring 148 has a fixed end 158 , a loading end 160 and a spring coil 162 disposed therebetween and carried around the axle 157 .
- the fixed end 158 of each spring 148 is retained against one of the center supports 153 of the fixed plate 144 , while the loading end 160 of each spring 148 engages its respective clamping plate 146 .
- Each spring 148 is pre-loaded such that bottom side or edge 156 of the clamp plate 146 exerts a downward force upon the bottom side or edge 152 of the fixed plate 144 .
- Each spring 148 is further configured such that when a user puts a downward force directly on the top side or edge 154 of one of the clamp plates 146 , such movement is resisted by the springs 148 associated with that clamp plate 146 .
- the clamp plate 146 pivots or rotates about the axle 157 and bottom side or edge 156 moves upward.
- interlocking pads 163 , 165 are disposed on the fixed and clamp plates 144 , 146 .
- the pads 163 , 165 are comprised of a soft polymeric or elastomeric foam, but in other embodiments the pads 163 , 165 may be rubber, felt, elastomeric, polymeric, or any other material now known or hereafter developed that performs the function in an equivalent manner.
- one pad 165 is disposed proximate the lower edge 156 of each clamp plate 146
- another pad 163 is disposed proximate the lower edge 152 of the fixed plate 144 .
- the pad 163 on the fixed plate 144 is segmented into a plurality of separate pads
- the pad 165 on each clamp plate 146 is segmented into a plurality of separate pads.
- the pads 163 , 165 include teethed grooves running lengthwise from one end to the other and that are positioned to mesh with each other when the fixed plate 144 and clamp plate 146 are closed (i.e., when the clamp plate 146 is released by the user such that it biased against the fixed plate 144 ).
- FIG. 7 illustrates the fixed plate 144 of the clip assembly 114 being coupled to the body 112 by a plurality of fasteners 166 .
- the clip assembly 114 may be fastened to a reinforced flap 141 that is attached along its upper edge to the lower edge of the top overlap section 142 , proximate the topmost stitch/crease 138 a .
- FIG. 9 is a front view of the hair carrier bag 110 of FIG. 3 , shown with the clip assembly 114 removed.
- the reinforced flap 141 includes two layers of material, such as leather, and the fasteners 166 are rivets that extend through the fixed plate 144 and both layers of the reinforced flap 141 .
- the fixed plate 144 may be fastened using rivet fasteners, glue, hook and loop fasteners, bolts, screws, threaded fasteners, and/or any other mechanical fastener known or hereafter developed.
- the fixed plate 144 may be coupled to the body 112 directly using any suitable means including sewn or stitched to the body 112 .
- FIGS. 2-6 illustrate the clip assembly 114 having two individual clamp plates 146 , each with its own spring(s) 148 to facilitate operation thereof, thereby providing the functionality of two separate clips.
- any number of clamp plates 146 may be utilized, each functioning as a separate clip, and the clamp plates 146 , and resulting clips, may be of the same size or may be different sizes.
- multiple clamp plates 146 and clips allow a user to secure multiple hair extensions or other hair products individually, or allow a user to secure a portion of their hair extensions and then secure another portion or group of hair extensions without having to release the previously secured hair extensions that could dislodge or move.
- the clip assembly 114 may utilize a single clamp plate 146 , and thus a single clip, that spans substantially the entire width of the body 112 .
- FIG. 10 is an isometric view of an alternative clip assembly 214 in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention.
- the clip assembly 214 includes only one clamp plate 246 and one fixed plate 244 .
- the clamp plate 246 includes various decorative features meant, at least, to improve the overall attractiveness of the product; however, the various elements of the clip assembly 214 , and the resulting functionality thereof, are otherwise similar to those of the clip assembly 114 of FIG. 4 .
- the hanger loop or ring 125 may be a loop member configured to be hooked or hung from anywhere or anything, thereby allowing hair carrier bag 110 , in its unfolded state, to be hung in a closet or behind a door, on a hook, door knob, towel rack, or other hanging fixture when traveling or for storage.
- the loop or ring 125 is a metal ring retained by a loop of material 123 , which may be reinforced by an additional piece of material 127 ; in other embodiments, the loop or ring 125 is a loop of fabric, leather, or other material.
- the loop or ring 125 can be attached to either the inner or outer surface 134 , 136 of the body 112 .
- An optional hanger slot may also be provided adjacent the hanger loop 125 , or in place thereof, for likewise allowing the hair carrier bag 110 to be hung therefrom.
- the hanger slot may be configured for the hooked portion of a clothes hanger or other similar device to pass through the slot wherein the length of the slot is such that the entire hanger does not pass through thereby allowing an unfolded hair carrier bag 110 to be hung in various locations.
- the loop or ring 125 can be fed or extended through the hanger slot if such a slot is incorporated into the carrier bag 110 .
- the hair carrier bag 110 preferably includes the protective cover sheet 116 , which may serve one or more of the purposes of retaining the hair products stored in the bag 110 , protecting the hair products from damage, keeping the hair products clean, or the like.
- the protective cover sheet 116 may be omitted in some of the embodiments.
- FIG. 3 illustrates the protective cover sheet 116 having a top 178 , a bottom 180 , a first or proximate side or edge 182 , a second or distal side or edge 184 , an inner surface 186 , an outer surface 188 , and a plurality of fasteners 190 .
- the first side 182 is coupled to the second side or edge 132 of the body 112 such that the protective cover sheet 116 is configured to fold over and lie above the inner surface 134 of the body 112 .
- the inner face 186 of the protective cover sheet 116 faces the inner surface 134 of the body 112 when the protective cover sheet 116 is in place.
- the bottom 180 of the protective cover sheet 116 is generally aligned with, or configured to be slightly above, the bottom edge 128 of the body 112 , as shown.
- the fasteners 190 are used to couple the cover sheet 116 to the body 112 or to the protective enclosure panel 120 as described below.
- the cover sheet 116 folds along the joint between the second side or edge 132 of the body 112 and the first side or edge 182 of the protective cover sheet 116 and is configured to cover or substantially cover the inner surface 134 of the body 112 .
- the top 178 may be configured to lie below the clip assembly 114 as shown. Alternatively, the top of the cover sheet may cover the clip assembly 114 to provide additional protection, such as abrasion protection.
- the cover sheet 116 utilizes the fasteners 190 to hold the cover sheet 116 in place over the hair product in this overlapped position.
- the protective cover sheet 116 may be fastened directly to inner surface 134 of the body 112 and can cover substantially all of the hair product located therebelow.
- the cover sheet 116 may be configured such that its width is slightly less than the width of the body 112 and a protective enclosure panel 120 may be folded over the second or distal side or edge 184 of the protective cover sheet 116 , thereby overlapping a narrow portion of the protective cover sheet 116 as shown in FIG. 2 .
- the distal side or edge 184 of the protective cover sheet 116 may be removably coupled to the protective enclosure panel 120 using corresponding fasteners 190 , 204 , as described below.
- the bottom 180 of the protective cover sheet 116 may alternatively or additionally be attached to the bottom edge 128 of the body 112 and may be foldable over the inner surface 134 from the bottom edge 128 of the body 112 .
- fasteners 190 are disposed along the top 178 and/or the sides 182 , 184 of the cover sheet 116 and may be mated with complementary fasteners disposed on inner surface 134 of body 112 . It is also recognized that the cover sheet 116 could be coupled or attached to the first side or edge 130 of the body 112 and hinged or folded along the joint between the first side or edge 130 of the body 112 and the second or distal side 184 of the protective cover sheet 116 .
- the hair carrier bag 110 preferably includes the second protective cover sheet or enclosure panel 120 , which may serve one or more of the purposes of retaining the hair products stored in the bag 110 , protecting the hair products from damage, keeping the hair products clean, retaining the first protective cover sheet 116 in place, or the like.
- the second protective cover sheet 120 is omitted in at least some of the embodiments.
- the second protective cover sheet or enclosure panel 120 includes a top 192 , a bottom 194 , a first or proximate side or edge 196 , a second or distal side or edge 198 , an inner surface 200 , an outer surface 202 , and a plurality of fasteners 204 .
- the second or distal side 198 of the protective enclosure panel 120 is attached to the first side 130 of the body 112 such that protective enclosure panel 120 may hinge or fold and overlap the inner surface 134 of the body 112 as shown in FIG. 3 .
- the top 192 may be configured to end just below the clip assembly 114 , or alternatively may cover the clip assembly 114 to provide additional protection, such as abrasion protection, between the inner surface of the top overlap section 142 and the clip assembly 114 .
- the fasteners 190 and 204 may be any mateable and separable fastener now known or hereafter developed including, but not limited to, snap closures, magnets, buttons, hook and loop fasteners, and/or other equivalent fasteners.
- the fasteners 190 and 204 preferably have a relatively flat profile because the fold sections 140 a - 140 e fold over each other, and a flat profile may provide a more pleasing overall appearance.
- the fasteners 190 and 204 are preferably positioned and located on the sheet 116 and the panel 120 , respectively, so as to cooperatively engage each other when the panels 116 , 120 are folded into their overlapping positions.
- the enclosure panel 120 could alternatively be attached to the second side 132 of body 112 if the cover sheet 116 is attached to the first side 130 of the body 112 . Still further, it will be appreciated that any amount of overlap between the cover sheet 116 and the enclosure panel 120 is possible.
- the cover sheet 116 and the panel 120 can be configured to mate with each other at the center or middle portion of inner surface 134 with substantially little or no overlap. Any combination of cover sheet 116 and enclosure panel 120 is envisioned and anticipated.
- both the protective cover sheet 116 and the protective enclosure panel 120 are included. However, it will be appreciated that one or both of the protective cover sheet 116 and the protective enclosure panel 120 may be omitted.
- the protective cover sheet 116 and the protective enclosure panel 120 may be comprised of a material that will not damage the hair products when the body 112 is folded up or coiled as described above.
- Materials suitable for use in the protective cover sheet 116 and/or the protective enclosure panel 120 may include, but are not limited to: silk, polyester, nylon, plastic, cotton, vinyl, microfiber, fleece, chamois, imitation chamois, woven fabric, suede, and any other suitable material now known or hereafter developed, or any combination thereof.
- the protective cover sheet 116 and the protective enclosure panel 120 each primarily comprise a sheet of nylon mesh woven with a spacing of approximately 1 mm. In at least some other embodiments, the protective cover sheet 116 and the protective enclosure panel 120 each primarily comprises a sheet of clear nylon, plastic or vinyl. The protective cover sheet 116 and the protective enclosure panel 120 may be of the same material or may each be of a different material.
- the body 112 of the hair carrier bag 110 further includes an internal pocket 122 in the bottommost fold panel 140 e .
- similar internal pockets may additionally or alternatively be disposed in one or more of the other fold panels 140 a - 140 d .
- the internal pockets 122 may be in any configuration known in the art and may be closeable with a zipper 206 or any other known closure mechanism.
- Each internal pocket 122 may be sewn into the liner comprising the inner surface 134 or may just be a pocket, such as pocket formed between the bottommost stitch/crease 138 e and the bottom 128 of the body 112 .
- Each internal pocket 122 may include substantially the entire area of a fold panel 140 a - 140 e as shown, or may be any size within the area of such fold panel 140 a - 140 e .
- Each internal pocket 122 may be used to store and carry hair styling products, pins, barrettes, hair bands, any other hair care related items of the user, other personal items of the user carried during travel including toiletries, or any other products desired by the user.
- the closure system 118 includes a plurality of pairs of complementary magnets disposed between the outer surface 136 and the inner surface 134 , with one magnet in each pair being disposed in the top overlap section 142 and one being disposed in the second fold section 140 b .
- the magnet pairs are configured such that when the hair carrier bag 110 is coiled or folded upon itself as described herein, the magnets in the fold section 140 b are proximate corresponding magnets in the overlap section 142 , wherein the portions of the magnet facing each other in the folded position have opposite (complementary) polarities. As such, the magnets are attracted to each other and thereby temporarily couple the top overlap portion 142 to the fold section 140 b .
- closure system 118 may be include any fasteners now known or hereafter developed in the art including snaps, zippers, buttons, grommets, clips, buckles, straps, studs, hook and loop fasteners, clasps, and any other coupling mechanisms.
- the hair carrier bag 110 is used to store and transport hair products such as wigs, hair extensions, falls, and other real or imitation hair strands.
- the hair carrier bag 110 is first uncoiled, unfolded, or otherwise opened and is positioned in the uncoiled, unfolded and open orientation shown in FIG. 2 .
- the protective cover 116 is likewise unfolded or otherwise opened such that it extends partially or completely away from the body 112 .
- the protective enclosure panel 120 may likewise be unfolded or otherwise opened.
- one or more hair products, such as hair extensions 208 may be secured within one or more of the clips or the clip assembly 114 .
- one end of a hair extension may be secured in a clip of the clip assembly 114 and the second end may extend longitudinally substantially parallel to the first and second sides 130 and 132 of the body, toward the bottom edge 128 .
- the first protective cover sheet 116 may be folded over onto the body 112 such that inner surface 186 of the protective cover sheet 116 faces the inner surface 134 of the body 112 . This traps the hair product between the inner surface 134 of the body 112 and the first protective cover sheet 116 .
- the second protective cover sheet or enclosure panel 120 may be folded over the second or distal side or edge 184 of the protective cover sheet 116 .
- the protective cover sheet 116 and the protective enclosure panel 120 may then be coupled together using the mating fasteners 190 , 204 .
- the protective cover sheet 116 could be coupled to the inner surface 134 of the body 112 , proximate the first side or edge 130 in a similar manner.
- the body 112 may next be folded upon itself, starting at the bottom end 128 .
- the bottommost fold section 140 e is folded over upon the fold section 140 d immediately above it such that inner surface 134 of the bottommost fold section 140 e faces the inner surface 134 of the next fold section 140 d .
- Folded sections 140 e , 140 d may then be folded over upon section 140 c such that outer surface 136 of the bottommost fold section 140 e faces the inner surface 134 of the middle fold section 140 c .
- the folded sections 140 e , 140 d , 140 c may then be folded over onto the next fold section 140 b , wherein the outer surface 136 of fold section 140 d faces the inner surface 134 of fold section 140 b .
- the folded sections 140 e , 140 d , 140 c , 140 b may then be folded over onto the uppermost fold section 140 a , wherein the outer surface 136 of the middle fold section 140 c faces the inner surface 134 of the uppermost fold section 140 a .
- the body 112 has been folded or coiled until all the fold sections 140 a - 140 e are folded upon each other and only the top overlap section 142 remains unfolded.
- the top overlap section 142 may then be folded onto fold section 140 b such that it overlaps fold section 140 b . As shown in FIG. 1 , the top overlap section 142 is temporarily and removably coupled to the outer surface 136 of fold section 140 b by means of the closure system 118 .
- the hair carrier bag 110 of the present invention When completely folded, the hair carrier bag 110 of the present invention is configured to resemble a woman's clutch bag, thereby providing users with a convenient, stylish, effective, and safe apparatus in which to store and transport their hair products, including wigs, hair extensions, falls, and the like.
- the folded hair carrier bag 110 may be placed in checked or carryon luggage or may even be carried as a purse by the user during travel.
- the folded hair carrier bag 110 may also be used to store hair products in a drawer or closet while protecting the hair products and taking up minimal storage space.
- FIG. 11 is a front view of a hair carrier bag 10 in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention, shown in its open, uncoiled state.
- the hair carrier bag 10 includes an elongated body 12 , a clip assembly 14 , a protective cover sheet 16 and a closure system 18 .
- the hair carrier bag 10 may also include a second protective cover sheet or enclosure panel 20 , an internal pocket 22 , and/or a hanger slot 24 .
- the elongated body 12 includes a top edge 26 , a bottom edge 28 , a first side or edge 30 , a second side or edge 32 , an inner surface 34 , and an outer surface 36 .
- the elongated body 12 further includes a plurality of longitudinal stitches or creases 38 , orientated substantially parallel to the top and bottom edges 26 , 28 , spanning substantially the entire width of the body 12 and disposed along the length of the body 12 .
- the longitudinal stitches or creases 38 are spaced along the length, thereby dividing the body 12 into a plurality of fold sections 40 .
- One stitch or crease 38 may also define a top overlap section 42 of the body 12 , proximate the top edge 26 .
- the 11 includes five stitches/creases 38 a - 38 e partitioning the body 12 into five fold sections 40 a - 40 e in the main portion of the body 12 and one top overlap section 42 .
- the fold sections 40 may be approximately equally sized, or alternatively, the length (top-to-bottom) of the fold sections 40 a - 40 e may slightly increase from the bottom to the top of the elongated body 12 (i.e.
- the topmost fold section 40 a may be slightly longer, top-to-bottom, than the second fold section 40 b
- the second fold section 40 b may be slightly longer, top-to-bottom, than the third fold section 40 c
- the third fold section 40 c may be slightly longer, top-to-bottom, than the fourth fold section 40 d
- the fourth fold section 40 d may be slightly longer, top-to-bottom, than the bottommost fold section 40 e ) in order to better facilitate folding or coiling of the hair carrier bag 10 as shown, for example, in FIG. 17 .
- the body 12 may be sequentially folded by folding the bottommost fold section 40 e up onto the fourth fold section 40 d , folding the bottom two folded sections 40 d , 40 e up onto the third fold section 40 c , folding the bottom three folded sections 40 c - 40 e up onto the second fold section 40 b , folding the bottom four folded sections 40 b - 40 e up onto the topmost fold section 40 a , and then folding the top overlap section 42 down to rest on the outer surface 36 of the second fold section 40 b .
- the hair carrier bag 10 resembles a woman's clutch-type bag.
- the length of body 12 corresponds to the length of the hair extension or wig that can be accommodated by the carrier bag 10 .
- the more common lengths of hair extensions range from about ten inches (10′′) to about twenty inches (20′′).
- wigs or hair extensions may be any length known in the art.
- the body length ranges from about twelve inches (12′′) to about forty inches (40′′).
- the body length ranges from about twenty-four inches (24′′) to thirty-six inches (36′′). In at least some of these embodiments, the body length is about thirty-three inches (33′′).
- the width of the body 12 may be selected to provide the capacity to fit the hair products. Further, because in at least some embodiments, the hair carrier bag 10 is configured to resemble a standard woman's clutch bag, the width generally corresponds to widths of standard clutch bags as known in the art. In at least some embodiments, the width of the body 12 ranges from about six inches (6′′) to about eighteen inches (18′′). In at least some of these embodiments, the width of the body 12 ranges from about nine inches (9′′) to about fifteen inches (15′′). In at least some of these embodiments, the width of the body 12 is about twelve inches (12′′). However, it will be appreciated that in at least some embodiments, the hair carrier bag 10 does not have to resemble a woman's clutch bag, and it will be further appreciated that the body 12 may be configured to accommodate any length and/or width of hair products.
- the carrier bag 10 of FIG. 11 includes five stitches/creases 38 partitioning the body 12 into five fold sections 40 and one top overlap section 42 .
- the number of creases and/or folds may vary.
- only a single crease, partitioning the body into two fold sections may be provided, while in another embodiment, two creases, partitioning the body into three fold sections, may be provided.
- the inner surface 34 of the body 12 also forms the inner surface of the fold sections 40 a - 40 e .
- the inner surface 34 is comprised of an inner liner constructed from a material that will not damage the hair products when the body 12 is folded or coiled about itself as described above.
- Material suitable for use for the inner liner may include, but are not limited to, silk, polyester, nylon, plastic, cotton fabric, vinyl, microfiber, canvas, fleece, wool, chamois, imitation chamois, woven fabric, suede, and any other suitable material now known or hereafter developed, or any combination thereof.
- the inner surface 34 of the top overlap section 42 is comprised of the same material as the outer surface 36 as described below. However, the inner surface 34 of the top overlap section 42 may alternatively be comprised of the same material as the inner liner.
- the outer surface 36 of the body 12 is covered in a finish material that is adapted to be exposed to the environment, such as sun and rain, and normal wear and tear, as well as to protect the interior contents of the hair carrier bag 10 . Additionally and/or alternatively, the material of the outer surface 36 may also be chosen for its color, finish, pattern, texture, or any other aesthetic reason. Materials suitable for use on or as the outer surface 36 may include, but are not limited to, silk, polyester, nylon, canvas, wool, vinyl, plastic, leather, animal skin, microfiber, other polymers, suede, and any other suitable material now known or hereafter developed, or any combination thereof. The material of the outer surface 36 may be patterned and/or textured to resemble natural materials such as animal skin, leather, or other more exotic or expensive materials. The material of the outer surface 36 may be any color within the visible spectrum.
- the hair carrier bag 10 may also include a decorative border (not shown) around its perimeter that covers the exposed edges of the fabric associated with the inner and outer surfaces 34 , 36 .
- FIG. 12 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a clip of the hair carrier clutch bag 10 of FIG. 11 taken generally along line 12 - 12 of FIG. 11 in the direction of the arrows.
- the clip 14 includes a fixed arm or plate 44 , a clamp plate or arm 46 , and a spring 48 disposed between the fixed arm 44 and the clamp arm 46 .
- the fixed arm 44 includes a first end 50 and a second end 52 .
- the clamp arm 46 includes a first end 54 and a second end 56 .
- the spring 48 includes a fixed end 58 , a loading end 60 and a spring coil 62 disposed therebetween.
- Loading end 60 engages clamping arm 46 and fixed end 58 engages fixed arm 44 and spring 48 is pre-loaded such that second end 56 of clamping arm 46 exerts a downward force upon the second end 52 of the fixed arm 44 .
- the spring 48 is further configured such that when a user puts a downward force directly on the first end 54 of the clamp arm 46 , the spring 48 resists the movement. When the user applies a downward force on the first end 54 of the clamp arm 46 greater than the spring force, the clamp arm 46 pivots about the spring 48 and the second end 56 moves upward. When the second end 56 disengages the second end 52 of the fixed arm 44 , one or more hair products can be placed therebetween.
- the spring force brings the second end 56 of the clamp arm back into proximate contact with the second end 52 of the fixed arm 44 , thereby securing the hair products therebetween.
- One or both of the second ends 52 , 56 may have a pad 64 to dampen the force applied to the hair product.
- the pad 64 may be rubber, felt, elastomeric, polymeric, or any other material now known or hereafter developed that performs the function in an equivalent manner.
- FIG. 12 illustrates the fixed arm 44 of the clip 14 being coupled to the body 12 by a fastener 66 .
- the fastener 66 may be a rivet fastener, glue, hook and loop fastener, bolt, screw, threaded fastener, or other mechanical fastener known or hereafter developed.
- the fixed arm 44 may be coupled to the body 12 using any suitable means including sewn or stitched to body 12 .
- FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate the hair securing clip 14 being coupled to the inner surface 34 of the body 12 on fold section 40 a proximate the topmost stitch/crease 38 a between the topmost fold section 40 a and the top overlap section 42 .
- the clip 14 is positioned and located a distance offset from the top 26 of the body 12 , this offset distance defining substantially the length of the top overlap section 42 .
- FIG. 11 illustrates the clip 14 being three individual clamp members as describe above.
- any number of clip members 14 may be utilized and the clip members may be of the same size or may be different sizes.
- multiple clip members allow a user to secure multiple hair extensions individually, or allow a user to secure a portion of their hair extensions and then secure another portion or group of hair extensions without having to release the previously secured hair extensions that could dislodge or move.
- clip 14 may be one member that spans substantially the entire width of the body 12 .
- Hanger slot 24 is configured for the hooked portion of a clothes hanger or other similar device to pass through the slot wherein the length of the slot is such that the entire hanger does not pass through thereby allowing an unfolded hair carrier bag 10 to be hung in a closet or behind a door, on a hook, door knob, towel rack, or other hanging fixture when traveling or for storage.
- An optional fabric piece or loop member 25 may also be provided adjacent hanger slot 24 , or in place thereof, for likewise allowing the hair carrier bag 10 to be hung therefrom.
- the fabric piece 25 can be attached to either the inner or outer surface 34 , 36 of body 12 and it can be fed or extended through the hanger slot 24 if slot 24 is incorporated into the carrier bag 10 .
- the loop member 25 can be hooked or hung from anywhere or anything to provide an additional hanging option.
- FIG. 13 illustrates another embodiment of clip 14 comprising a fixed arm 68 , a clamp arm 70 , a hinge 72 , a clasp 74 and a release 76 .
- the hair extensions can be laid over fixed arm 68 and clamp arm 70 may be pivotally moved into contact with the hair extensions and fixed arm 68 .
- Clasp 74 engages a mechanism in fixed arm 68 to temporarily fix their relative position.
- the hair extensions can be removed for use by pressing release 76 and pivotally moving clamp arm 70 upward.
- FIG. 14 is a fragmentary front view of a hair carrier bag 310 having an alternate hair retention device 314 in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention.
- the hair retention device includes a fixed plate 344 and one or more pre-tensioned elastic straps or bands 345 , wherein each end of each strap or band 345 is coupled to the fixed plate 344 .
- each end of each strap or band 345 could be coupled to the inner surface 34 , 134 of the body 12 , 112 , 312 of the hair carrier bag 10 , 110 , 310 .
- a plurality of elastic straps or bands 345 are provided, and/or the elastic straps or bands 345 are in the form of elastic loops that are stretched around retention posts 347 .
- the elastic straps, bands or loops 345 are interchangeable, and may be removed and replaced for repair or to suit personal tastes.
- the hair product is secured by lifting and stretching the elastic bands 345 , placing the hair product beneath or between one or more of the elastic straps or bands 345 and/or between one or more of the elastic straps or bands 345 and the body 12 , 112 , 312 then releasing the strap(s) or band(s) 345 to contact the body 12 , 112 , 312 thereby securing the hair product beneath or between the elastic strap(s) or band(s) or between the elastic band or bands 345 and the body 12 , 112 , 312 .
- Any number of hair retention devices 314 can be coupled to the body 12 , 112 , 312 , similar to the clip 14 or clip assembly 114 .
- FIG. 14 illustrates the fixed plate 344 of the hair retention device 314 being coupled to the body 312 of the hair carrier bag 310 by a plurality of fasteners 366 .
- the clip assembly 314 may be fastened to a reinforced flap that is attached along its upper edge to the lower edge of a top overlap section, proximate a stitch/crease, as described previously.
- the fasteners 366 may be rivets that extend through the fixed plate 344 and the reinforced flap.
- the fixed plate 344 may be fastened using rivet fasteners, glue, hook and loop fasteners, bolts, screws, threaded fasteners, and/or any other mechanical fastener known or hereafter developed.
- the fixed plate 344 may be coupled to the body 312 directly using any suitable means including sewn or stitched to the body 312 .
- Yet another embodiment includes a series of sleeves or netting built into or coupled to inner surface 34 that are configured to receive the comb section of a standard hair extension in a downward orientation to replicate the way the hair extension is secured to a person's head thereby temporarily securing the hair extension to body 12 .
- clip 14 may include a pair of bar magnet members wherein a bottom bar is coupled to the inner surface 34 of body 12 and a top bar is magnetically attachable to/removable from the bottom bar. The hair product can be placed on top of the bottom bar and sandwiched between the top and bottom bars when the top bar is coupled to the bottom bar. Still other clip mechanisms are envisioned and anticipated. Any mechanism for securing hair products within the carrier of the present invention in a substantially equivalent manner is envisioned and is within the scope of the present invention.
- clip 14 as described above may be disposed parallel and proximate first side 30 or second side 32 .
- This embodiment includes a clip configured to match the length of one or more fold sections 40 such that clip 14 does not impede the folding of the hair carrier clutch bag of the present invention.
- the hair products may be in a horizontal configuration in this embodiment, or they may be held in position along one side thereof.
- the hair carrier bag 10 preferably includes the protective cover sheet 16 , which may serve one or more of the purposes of retaining the hair products stored in the bag 10 , protecting the hair products from damage, keeping the hair products clean, or the like. However, the protective cover sheet 16 may be omitted in some embodiments.
- FIG. 11 illustrates the protective cover sheet 16 having a top 78 , a bottom 80 , a first side 82 , a second side 84 , an inner surface 86 , an outer surface 88 , and at least two fasteners 90 .
- First side 82 is coupled to second side 32 of body 12 such that protective cover sheet 16 is configured to fold over and lie above inner surface 34 of body 12 .
- Inner face 86 of protective cover sheet 16 faces inner surface 34 of body 12 when folded.
- Bottom 80 of protective cover sheet 16 is generally aligned with or configured to be slightly above bottom 28 of body 12 as shown.
- Cover sheet 16 also includes fasteners 90 that couple cover sheet 16 to body 12 or to protective enclosure panel 20 as described below.
- cover sheet 16 folds along the joint between second side 32 of body 12 and first side 82 of protective cover sheet 16 and is configured to cover or substantially cover inner surface 34 of body 12 .
- Top 78 may be configured to lie below clip 14 as shown.
- top 78 of cover sheet 16 may cover clips 14 to protect the inner surface of body 12 when the hair carrier of the present invention is folded for storage or transport.
- Cover sheet 16 utilizes fasteners 90 to fix cover sheet 16 over the hair product in this overlapped position.
- Protective cover sheet 16 may be fastened directly to inner surface 34 of body 12 and can cover substantially all of the hair product located therebelow.
- cover sheet 16 may be configured such that its width is slightly less than the width of body 12 and protective enclosure panel 20 may be folded over to overlap protective cover sheet 16 as shown in FIG. 15 .
- Protective cover sheet 16 may be removably coupled to protective enclosure panel 20 using fasteners 90 and fasteners 104 as described below.
- bottom 80 of protective cover sheet 16 may be coupled to bottom 28 of body 12 and foldable over inner surface 34 from the bottom 28 of body 12 .
- One embodiment includes fasteners 90 disposed along the top 78 and/or the sides 82 , 84 of cover sheet 16 and mateable with complimentary fasteners disposed on inner surface 34 of body 12 .
- cover sheet 16 could be coupled or attached to the first side 30 of body 12 and folded along the joint between the first side 30 of body 12 and the second side 84 of the protective cover sheet 16 .
- a second protective cover sheet or enclosure panel 20 includes a top 92 , a bottom 94 , a first side 96 , a second side 98 , an inner surface 100 , an outer surface 102 , and fasteners 104 .
- Second side 98 of protective enclosure panel 20 is coupled to first side 30 of body 12 such that protective enclosure panel may fold and overlap inner surface 34 of body 12 as shown in FIG. 11 .
- Top 92 may be configured to end just below clips 14 , or alternatively may cover clips 14 to provide abrasion protection between the inner surface of top overlap section 42 and the clips 14 .
- Fasteners 90 and 104 may be any mateable, removable fastener now known or hereafter developed including, but not limited to, snap closures, magnets, buttons, hook and loop fasteners, or other equivalent fastener.
- Fasteners 90 and 104 preferably have a flat profile as the fold sections 40 a - 40 e fold over each other and a flat profile will provide a better overall appearance.
- the fasteners 90 and 104 are positioned and located respectively on sheet 16 and panel 20 so as to cooperatively engage each other when folded into their overlapping positions.
- panel 20 could be coupled or attached to the second side 32 of body 12 if cover sheet 16 is coupled to the first side 30 of body 12 .
- cover sheet 16 and enclosure panel 20 can be configured to mate with each other at the center or middle portion of inner surface 34 with substantially little or no overlap. Any combination of cover sheet 16 and enclosure panel 20 is envisioned and anticipated.
- both the protective cover sheet 16 and the protective enclosure panel 20 are included. However, it will be appreciated that one or both of the protective cover sheet 16 and the protective enclosure panel 20 may be omitted.
- the protective cover sheet 16 and protective enclosure panel 20 may be comprised of a material that will not damage the hair products when the body 12 is folded about itself as described above. Material used for protective cover sheet 16 and protective enclosure panel 20 may include, but shall not be limited to: silk, polyester, nylon, plastic, cotton fabric, vinyl, microfiber, fleece, chamois, imitation chamois, woven fabric, suede, any other suitable material now known or hereafter developed, or any combination thereof.
- protective cover sheet 16 and protective enclosure panel 20 are clear plastic or vinyl.
- Protective cover sheet 16 and protective enclosure panel 20 may be the same material or may each be a different material.
- An embodiment of the present invention may include an internal pocket 22 disposed in any fold panel 40 a - 40 e .
- internal pocket 22 is located within fold panel 40 e .
- Internal pocket 22 may be any configuration known in the art and may be closeable with zipper 106 or any other known closure mechanism.
- Internal pocket 22 may be sewn into the liner comprising inner surface 34 or may just be a pocket formed between stitch/crease 38 e and bottom 28 .
- Internal pocket 22 may include substantially the entire area of fold panel 40 e as shown, or may be any size within the area of fold panel 40 e .
- Internal pocket 22 may be used to store and carry hair styling products, pins, barrettes, hair bands, any other hair care related items of the user, other personal items of the user carried during travel including toiletries, or any other products desired by the user.
- closure 18 is a pair of magnets between the outer surface 36 and the inner surface 34 in both top overlap section 42 and fold section 40 b .
- the magnets are configured such that when the hair carrier bag 10 is folded upon itself as described below, the magnet in fold section 40 b is proximate the magnet in overlap section 42 wherein the portions of the magnet facing each other in the folded position have opposite polarity. As such, the magnets are attracted to each other and thereby temporarily couple top overlap portion 42 to fold section 40 b .
- closure 18 may be any fastener now known or hereafter developed in the art including snaps, zippers, buttons, grommets, clips, buckles, straps, studs, hook and loop fasteners, clasps, or any other coupling mechanism.
- hair carrier bag 10 may be used to store and transport hair products such as wigs, hair extensions, falls, and other real or imitation hair strands.
- the hair carrier bag 10 may be positioned in an unfolded and open orientation as shown in FIG. 11 .
- This unfolded and open orientation includes both protective cover sheet 16 and protective enclosure panel 20 extending outwardly from body 12 .
- the hair product, such as hair extensions 108 may be secured within clip 14 (see FIGS. 14 and 15 ).
- one end of a hair extension may be secured in clip 14 and the second end may extend longitudinally substantially parallel to first and second sides 30 and 32 toward second end 28 .
- first protective cover sheet 16 is folded over onto body 12 such that inner surface 86 of protective cover sheet 16 faces inner surface 34 of body 12 . This traps the hair product between the inner surface 34 of body 12 and the first protective cover sheet 16 .
- second protective cover sheet or enclosure panel 20 is present, it is folded over second end 84 of protective cover sheet 16 .
- protective cover sheet 16 and protective enclosure panel 20 are coupled together using mating fasteners 90 and 104 .
- FIG. 15 illustrates hair carrier bag 10 at this stage of use.
- protective cover sheet 16 could be coupled to inner surface 34 of body 12 proximate first side 30 in a similar manner.
- body 12 is next folded upon itself starting at bottom end 28 .
- Fold section 40 e is folded over upon fold section 40 d such that inner surface 34 of fold section 40 e faces inner surface 34 of fold section 40 d .
- Folded sections 40 e and 40 d are then folded over upon section 40 c such that outer surface 36 of fold section 40 e faces inner surface 34 of fold section 40 c .
- the folded sections 40 e , 40 d , 40 c are next folded over onto fold section 40 b wherein outer surface of fold section 40 d faces inner surface 34 of fold section 40 b.
- top overlap section 42 is now folded onto fold section 40 b such that it overlaps fold section 40 b .
- top overlap section 42 is temporarily and removably coupled to the outer surface 36 of fold section 40 b by means of closure 18 .
- the completely folded hair carrier bag 10 of the present invention is configured to resemble a woman's clutch bag to provide users a convenient, stylish, effective, safe and stylish apparatus in which to store and transport their hair products, including wigs, hair extensions and falls.
- the folded hair carrier bag 10 of the present invention may be placed in checked or carryon luggage or may even be carried as a purse by the user during travel.
- the folded hair carrier bag 10 may also be used to store hair products in a drawer or closet while protecting the hair product and taking up minimal storage space.
- FIG. 19 is a front view of another hair carrier bag 410 in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention, shown in its folded or closed state
- FIG. 20 is a front view of the hair carrier bag 410 of FIG. 19 , shown in its unfolded state and with the protective cover sheet 416 pulled away from the body for better access to the interior thereof.
- the hair carrier bag 410 includes an elongated body 412 , a clip assembly 414 , a protective cover sheet 416 (shown in an open state in FIG. 20 ), and a closure system 418 .
- the hair carrier bag 410 may also include a second protective cover sheet or enclosure panel 420 , an internal pocket 422 , and/or a hanger loop or ring 425 .
- the elongated body 412 may have many similarities with the elongated body 112 of the hair carrier bag 110 of FIGS. 2 and 3 , including but not limited to a top edge 426 , a bottom edge 428 , an inner surface 434 , and an outer surface 436 , but is partitioned into only three fold sections 440 a , 440 b , 440 c and does not include a top overlap section.
- the middle fold section 440 b serves as the “bottom” of the bag 410 in the configuration shown in FIG.
- the bag 410 may be closed by first closing the protective cover sheet 420 over the inner surface 434 of the elongated body 412 and then folding the topmost and bottommost fold sections 440 a , 440 c upward, along respective stitches or creases 438 , such that the bottom edge 428 is placed in close proximity to the top edge 426 . In this state, a generally flat bag bottom is created and on which the closed or folded bag 410 may be rested such that it stands in an upright position.
- the closed bag 410 is shown in FIG. 19 .
- the length of the body 412 corresponds to the length of the hair extension or wig that can be accommodated by the carrier bag 410 .
- the more common lengths of hair extensions range from about ten inches (10′′) to about twenty inches (20′′).
- wigs or hair extensions may be any length known in the art.
- the body length ranges from about twelve inches (12′′) to about forty inches (40′′). In at least some of these embodiments, the body length ranges from about twelve inches (12′′) to twenty-four inches (24′′). In at least some of these embodiments, the body length is about sixteen inches (16′′).
- the width of the body 412 may be selected to provide the capacity to fit the hair products. Further, in at least some embodiments, the width of the body 412 ranges from about six inches (6′′) to about eighteen inches (24′′). In at least some of these embodiments, the width of the body 412 ranges from about nine inches (9′′) to about eighteen inches (18′′). In at least some of these embodiments, the width of the body 412 is about fifteen inches (15′′).
- the middle fold section 440 b which forms the bottom of the bag 410 when placed in a standing, upright position, ranges from about 1 ⁇ 2 inch (0.5′′) to about four inches (4′′) in size.
- the middle fold section 440 b ranges from about one inch (1′′) to about two inches (2′′) in size. In at least some of these embodiments, the middle fold section 440 b is about one and 1 ⁇ 2 inches (1.5′′) in size. It will be appreciated that in at least some embodiments, the hair carrier bag 410 does not have to resemble a woman's clutch bag, and it will be further appreciated that the body 412 may be configured to accommodate any length and/or width of hair products.
- the carrier bag 410 of FIG. 20 includes two stitches/creases 438 partitioning the body 412 into three fold sections 440 .
- the number of creases and/or folds may vary.
- only a single crease, partitioning the body into two fold sections may be provided, while in another embodiment, five creases, partitioning the body into six fold sections, may be provided.
- the inner surface 434 of the body 412 also forms the inner surface of the fold sections 440 a - 440 c .
- the inner surface 434 is comprised of an inner liner constructed from a material that will not damage the hair products when the body 412 is folded or coiled about itself as described above.
- Material suitable for use for the inner liner may include, but are not limited to, silk, polyester, nylon, plastic, cotton fabric, vinyl, microfiber, canvas, fleece, wool, chamois, imitation chamois, woven fabric, suede, and any other suitable material now known or hereafter developed, or any combination thereof.
- the outer surface 436 of the body 412 is covered in a finish material that is adapted to be exposed to the environment, such as sun and rain, and normal wear and tear, as well as to protect the interior contents of the hair carrier bag 410 . Additionally and/or alternatively, the material of the outer surface 436 may also be chosen for its color, finish, pattern, texture, or any other aesthetic reason. Materials suitable for use on or as the outer surface 436 may include, but are not limited to, silk, polyester, nylon, canvas, wool, vinyl, plastic, leather, animal skin, microfiber, other polymers, suede, and any other suitable material now known or hereafter developed, or any combination thereof.
- the material of the outer surface 436 may be patterned and/or textured to resemble natural materials such as animal skin, leather, or other more exotic or expensive materials.
- the material of the outer surface 436 may be any color within the visible spectrum.
- the hair carrier bag 410 may also include a decorative border (not shown) around its perimeter that covers the exposed edges of the fabric associated with the inner and outer surfaces 434 , 436 .
- the clip assembly 414 may comprise any of the clips and/or clip assemblies described and/or illustrated herein.
- the hanger loop or ring 425 may be a loop member configured to be hooked or hung from anywhere or anything, thereby allowing hair carrier bag 410 , in its unfolded state, to be hung in a closet or behind a door, on a hook, door knob, towel rack, or other hanging fixture when traveling or for storage.
- the loop or ring 425 is a metal ring retained by a loop of material 423 , which may be reinforced by an additional piece of material (not shown); in other embodiments, the loop or ring 425 is a loop of fabric, leather, or other material.
- the loop or ring 425 can be attached to either the inner or outer surface 434 , 436 of the body 412 .
- An optional hanger slot may also be provided adjacent the hanger loop 425 , or in place thereof, for likewise allowing the hair carrier bag 410 to be hung therefrom.
- the hanger slot may be configured for the hooked portion of a clothes hanger or other similar device to pass through the slot wherein the length of the slot is such that the entire hanger does not pass through thereby allowing an unfolded hair carrier bag 410 to be hung in various locations.
- the loop or ring 425 can be fed or extended through the hanger slot if such a slot is incorporated into the carrier bag 410 .
- FIG. 20 illustrates the protective cover sheet 416 in an open state and the enclosure panel 420 in a closed state.
- the protective cover sheet 416 and enclosure panel 420 may have many similarities with the protective cover sheet 116 and enclosure panel 120 of the hair carrier bag 110 of FIGS. 2 and 3 . It will be noted, however, that the protective cover sheet 416 and enclosure panel 420 of FIG. 20 each extend over, or “cover,” the clip assembly 414 , unlike the protective cover sheet 116 and enclosure panel 120 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 .
- both the protective cover sheet 416 and the protective enclosure panel 420 are included. However, it will be appreciated that one or both of the protective cover sheet 416 and the protective enclosure panel 420 may be omitted.
- the protective cover sheet 416 and the protective enclosure panel 420 may be comprised of a material that will not damage the hair products when the body 412 is closed or folded up as described above.
- Materials suitable for use in the protective cover sheet 416 and/or the protective enclosure panel 420 may include, but are not limited to: silk, polyester, nylon, plastic, cotton, vinyl, microfiber, fleece, chamois, imitation chamois, woven fabric, suede, and any other suitable material now known or hereafter developed, or any combination thereof.
- the protective cover sheet 416 and the protective enclosure panel 420 each primarily comprise a sheet of clear nylon. In at least some other embodiments, the protective cover sheet 416 and the protective enclosure panel 420 each primarily comprises a sheet of nylon mesh woven with a spacing of approximately 1 mm. The protective cover sheet 416 and the protective enclosure panel 420 may be of the same material or may each be of a different material.
- the body 412 of the hair carrier bag 410 further includes an internal pocket 422 in the bottommost fold panel 440 c .
- a similar internal pocket may additionally or alternatively be disposed in the uppermost fold panel 440 a .
- the internal pockets 422 may be in any configuration known in the art and may be closeable with a zipper 406 or any other known closure mechanism.
- Each internal pocket 422 may be sewn into the liner comprising the inner surface 434 or may just be a pocket, such as pocket formed between the bottommost stitch/crease 438 and the bottom 428 of the body 412 .
- Each internal pocket 422 may include substantially the entire area of a fold panel 440 a , 440 c as shown, or may be any size within the area of such fold panel 440 a , 440 c .
- Each internal pocket 422 may be used to store and carry hair styling products, pins, barrettes, hair bands, any other hair care related items of the user, other personal items of the user carried during travel including toiletries, or any other products desired by the user.
- the zipper 406 may be a #5 nylon locking zipper. In an embodiment in which the body 412 is fifteen inches (15′′) wide, the zipper 406 may be thirteen inches (13′′) in length.
- the closure system 418 may include complementary strip magnets, or series of magnets, disposed between the outer surface 436 and the inner surface 434 along the upper and lower edges 426 , 428 of the body 412 .
- the magnets are configured such that when the hair carrier bag 410 is closed or folded upon itself as described herein, the magnet or magnets along the bottom edge 428 are proximate corresponding magnets along the top edge 426 , wherein the portions of the magnet facing each other in the folded position have opposite (complementary) polarities. As such, the magnets are attracted to each other and thereby temporarily couple the top edge 426 to the bottom edge 428 .
- closure system 418 may be include any fasteners now known or hereafter developed in the art including snaps, zippers, buttons, grommets, clips, buckles, straps, studs, hook and loop fasteners, clasps, and any other coupling mechanisms.
- the hair carrier bag 410 is used to store and transport hair products such as wigs, hair extensions, falls, and other real or imitation hair strands.
- the hair carrier bag 410 is first unfolded or otherwise opened and is positioned in the unfolded and open orientation generally shown in FIG. 20 .
- the protective cover 416 is likewise unfolded or otherwise opened such that it extends partially or completely away from the body 412 .
- the protective enclosure panel 420 may likewise be unfolded or otherwise opened.
- one or more hair products may be secured within one or more of the clips or the clip assembly 414 .
- one end of a hair extension may be secured in a clip of the clip assembly 414 and the second end may extend longitudinally substantially parallel to the sides of the body 412 , toward the bottom edge 428 .
- the first protective cover sheet 416 may be folded over onto the body 412 such that inner surface of the protective cover sheet 416 faces the inner surface 434 of the body 412 . This traps the hair product between the inner surface 434 of the body 412 and the first protective cover sheet 416 .
- the second protective cover sheet or enclosure panel 420 may be folded over the distal side or edge of the protective cover sheet 416 .
- the protective cover sheet 416 and the protective enclosure panel 420 may then be coupled together using the mating fasteners.
- the protective cover sheet 416 could be coupled to the inner surface 434 of the body 412 .
- the body 412 may next be folded upon itself by folding the topmost and bottommost fold sections 440 a , 440 c upward from the middle fold section 440 b .
- the middle fold section 440 b then functions as the bottom of the closed bag 410 as described previously.
- the top of the closed bag is formed by the top edge of the body and the bottom edge of the body, which are temporarily coupled together by the closure system 418 .
- the hair carrier bag 410 of the present invention When completely folded, the hair carrier bag 410 of the present invention is configured to resemble a woman's purse, clutch bag, or the like, thereby providing users with a convenient, stylish, effective, and safe apparatus in which to store and transport their hair products, including wigs, hair extensions, falls, and the like.
- the folded hair carrier bag 410 may be placed in checked or carryon luggage or may even be carried as a purse by the user during travel.
- the folded or unfolded hair carrier bag 410 may also be used to store hair products in a drawer or closet while protecting the hair products and taking up minimal storage space.
- FIG. 21 is a front view of another hair carrier bag 510 in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention, shown in its folded or closed state
- FIG. 22 is a front view of the hair carrier bag 510 of FIG. 21 , shown in its unfolded state and with the protective cover sheet 416 pulled away from the body for better access to the interior thereof.
- This hair carrier bag 510 is similar to the hair carrier bag 410 of FIGS. 19 and 20 , but includes a top overlap section 542 , somewhat similar to the top overlap section 142 of the bag 110 of FIGS. 1-3 , and the upper magnet strip or series of magnets is disposed above the clip assembly 414 rather than along the upper edge 526 of the body 512 .
- Fold sections are created that are somewhat similar to the fold sections 440 a , 440 b , 440 c of the bag 410 of FIGS. 19 and 20 , but the topmost fold section 540 a is separated from the top overlap section 542 by a stitch or crease 538 .
- the hair carrier bag 510 is used like the bag 410 of FIGS. 19 and 20 to store and transport hair products such as wigs, hair extensions, falls, and other real or imitation hair strands.
- the hair carrier bag 510 is first unfolded or otherwise opened and is positioned in the unfolded and open orientation generally shown in FIG. 22 .
- the bag 510 is rearranged into the state shown in FIG. 21 by folding the body 512 upon itself. This may be accomplished by folding the topmost and bottommost fold sections 540 a , 540 c upward from the middle fold section 540 b .
- the top of the closed bag 510 is formed by the crease 538 between the top overlap section 542 and the bottom edge of the body 512 , which are temporarily coupled together by the closure system 418 .
- the top overlap section 542 is folded down over the outer surface 536 of the bottommost fold section 540 c .
- the middle fold section 540 b then functions as the bottom of the closed bag 510 as described previously.
- the carrier bag 510 of FIG. 22 includes three stitches/creases 538 partitioning the body 512 into three fold sections 540 and a top overlap section 542 .
- the number of creases and/or folds may vary.
- only a single crease, partitioning the body into two fold sections may be provided, while in another embodiment, five creases, partitioning the body into six fold sections, may be provided.
- FIG. 23 is a front view another hair carrier bag 610 in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention, shown in its hanging or carry state;
- FIGS. 24 and 25 are a front view and rear view, respectively, of the hair carrier bag 610 of FIG. 23 , shown in a resting state;
- FIG. 26 is a front view of the hair carrier bag 610 of FIG. 23 , shown in its unfolded state and with the protective cover sheet 616 pulled away from the body 612 for better access to the interior thereof.
- the hair carrier bag 610 includes an elongated body 612 , a clip assembly 614 , a protective cover sheet 616 (shown in an open state in FIG.
- the hair carrier bag 610 may also include a second protective cover sheet or enclosure panel 620 , an internal pocket 622 , and/or a hanger loop or ring 625 .
- the elongated body 612 may have many similarities with the elongated body 112 of the hair carrier bag 110 of FIGS. 2 and 3 , including but not limited to a top edge 626 , a bottom edge 628 , an inner surface 634 , and an outer surface 636 , but is partitioned into only three fold sections 640 a , 640 b , 640 c and does not include a top overlap section.
- the middle fold section 640 b serves as the “bottom” of the bag 610 in the configuration shown in FIGS.
- the bag 610 may be closed by first closing the protective cover sheet 620 over the inner surface 634 of the elongated body 612 and then folding the topmost and bottommost fold sections 640 a , 640 c upward, along respective stitches or creases 638 , such that the bottom edge 628 is placed in close proximity to the top edge 626 . In this state, a generally flat bag bottom is created and on which the closed or folded bag 610 may be rested such that it stands in an upright position.
- the closed bag 610 is shown in FIGS. 23-25 .
- the length of the body 612 corresponds to the length of the hair extension or wig that can be accommodated by the carrier bag 610 .
- the more common lengths of hair extensions range from about ten inches (10′′) to about twenty inches (20′′).
- wigs or hair extensions may be any length known in the art.
- the body length ranges from about twelve inches (12′′) to about forty inches (40′′). In at least some of these embodiments, the body length ranges from about twenty-four inches (24′′) to thirty-six inches (36′′).
- the body length is about twenty-seven and 1 ⁇ 2 inches (27.5′′).
- the width of the body 612 may be selected to provide the capacity to fit the hair products. Further, because in at least some embodiments, the hair carrier bag 610 is configured to resemble a woman's tote bag, purse bag, pocketbook, or the like, the width generally corresponds to widths of conventional bags as known in the art. In at least some embodiments, the width of the body 612 ranges from about six inches (6′′) to about eighteen inches (18′′). In at least some of these embodiments, the width of the body 612 ranges from about nine inches (9′′) to about fifteen inches (15′′).
- the width of the body 612 is about thirteen inches (13′′).
- the middle fold section 640 b which forms the bottom of the bag 610 when placed in a standing, upright position, ranges from about 1 ⁇ 2 inch (0.5′′) to about four inches (4′′) in size. In at least some of these embodiments, the middle fold section 640 b ranges from about 3 ⁇ 4 inch (0.75′′) to about two inches (2′′) in size. In at least some of these embodiments, the middle fold section 640 b is about one inch (1′′) in size.
- the hair carrier bag 610 does not have to resemble a woman's tote bag, purse bag, pocketbook, or the like, and it will be further appreciated that the body 612 may be configured to accommodate any length and/or width of hair products.
- the carrier bag 610 of FIG. 26 includes two stitches/creases 638 partitioning the body 612 into three fold sections 640 .
- the number of creases and/or folds may vary.
- only a single crease, partitioning the body into two fold sections may be provided, while in another embodiment, five creases, partitioning the body into six fold sections, may be provided.
- the inner surface 634 of the body 612 also forms the inner surface of the fold sections 640 a - 640 c .
- the inner surface 634 is comprised of an inner liner constructed from a material that will not damage the hair products when the body 612 is folded or coiled about itself as described above.
- Material suitable for use for the inner liner may include, but are not limited to, silk, polyester, nylon, plastic, cotton fabric, vinyl, microfiber, canvas, fleece, wool, chamois, imitation chamois, woven fabric, suede, and any other suitable material now known or hereafter developed, or any combination thereof.
- the outer surface 636 of the body 612 is covered in a finish material that is adapted to be exposed to the environment, such as sun and rain, and normal wear and tear, as well as to protect the interior contents of the hair carrier bag 610 . Additionally and/or alternatively, the material of the outer surface 636 may also be chosen for its color, finish, pattern, texture, or any other aesthetic reason. Materials suitable for use on or as the outer surface 636 may include, but are not limited to, silk, polyester, nylon, canvas, wool, vinyl, plastic, leather, animal skin, microfiber, other polymers, suede, and any other suitable material now known or hereafter developed, or any combination thereof.
- the material of the outer surface 636 may be patterned and/or textured to resemble natural materials such as animal skin, leather, or other more exotic or expensive materials.
- the material of the outer surface 636 may be any color within the visible spectrum.
- the hair carrier bag 610 may also include a decorative border (not shown) around its perimeter that covers the exposed edges of the fabric associated with the inner and outer surfaces 634 , 636 .
- the clip assembly 614 may comprise any of the clips and/or clip assemblies described and/or illustrated herein.
- the hanger loop or ring 625 may be a loop member configured to be hooked or hung from anywhere or anything, thereby allowing hair carrier bag 610 , in its unfolded state, to be hung in a closet or behind a door, on a hook, door knob, towel rack, or other hanging fixture when traveling or for storage.
- the loop or ring 625 is a metal ring retained by a loop of material 623 , which may be reinforced by an additional piece of material 627 ; in other embodiments, the loop or ring 625 is a loop of fabric, leather, or other material.
- the loop or ring 625 can be attached to either the inner or outer surface 634 , 636 of the body 612 .
- An optional hanger slot may also be provided adjacent the hanger loop 625 , or in place thereof, for likewise allowing the hair carrier bag 610 to be hung therefrom.
- the hanger slot may be configured for the hooked portion of a clothes hanger or other similar device to pass through the slot wherein the length of the slot is such that the entire hanger does not pass through thereby allowing an unfolded hair carrier bag 610 to be hung in various locations.
- the loop or ring 625 can be fed or extended through the hanger slot if such a slot is incorporated into the carrier bag 610 .
- FIG. 26 illustrates the protective cover sheet 616 in an open state and the enclosure panel 620 in a closed state.
- the protective cover sheet 616 and enclosure panel 620 may have many similarities with the protective cover sheet 116 and enclosure panel 120 of the hair carrier bag 110 of FIGS. 2 and 3 , and with the protective cover sheet 416 and enclosure panel 420 of the hair carrier bag 410 of FIG. 20 . It will be noted, however, that neither the protective cover sheet 616 nor the enclosure panel 620 of FIG. 26 extend over, or “cover,” the clip assembly 614 , like the protective cover sheet 116 and enclosure panel 120 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 but unlike those shown in FIG. 20 .
- both the protective cover sheet 616 and the protective enclosure panel 620 are included. However, it will be appreciated that one or both of the protective cover sheet 616 and the protective enclosure panel 620 may be omitted.
- the protective cover sheet 616 and the protective enclosure panel 620 may be comprised of a material that will not damage the hair products when the body 612 is closed or folded up as described above. Materials suitable for use in the protective cover sheet 616 and/or the protective enclosure panel 620 may include, but are not limited to: silk, polyester, nylon, plastic, cotton, vinyl, microfiber, fleece, chamois, imitation chamois, woven fabric, suede, and any other suitable material now known or hereafter developed, or any combination thereof.
- the protective cover sheet 616 and the protective enclosure panel 620 each primarily comprise a sheet of clear nylon. In at least some other embodiments, the protective cover sheet 616 and the protective enclosure panel 620 each primarily comprises a sheet of nylon mesh woven with a spacing of approximately 1 mm. The protective cover sheet 616 and the protective enclosure panel 620 may be of the same material or may each be of a different material.
- the body 612 of the hair carrier bag 610 further includes an external pocket 621 in the outer surface of the topmost fold panel 640 a .
- a similar external pocket may additionally or alternatively be disposed in the bottommost fold panel 640 c .
- the external pockets 621 may be in any configuration known in the art and may be closeable with a zipper 605 or any other known closure mechanism. Each external pocket 621 may be sewn into the material comprising the outer surface 634 or may just be a pocket.
- Each external pocket 621 may include only a part of the entire area of a fold panel 640 a , 640 c as shown, substantially the entire area of a fold panel 640 a , 640 c , or may be any size within the area of such fold panel 640 a , 640 c .
- Each external pocket 621 may be used to store and carry hair styling products, pins, barrettes, hair bands, any other hair care related items of the user, other personal items of the user carried during travel including toiletries, or any other products desired by the user.
- the zipper 605 may be a #5 nylon locking zipper. In an embodiment in which the body 612 is thirteen inches (13′′) wide, the zipper 605 may be about seven inches (7′′) in length.
- the body 612 of the hair carrier bag 610 further includes an internal pocket 622 in the bottommost fold panel 640 c .
- a similar internal pocket may additionally or alternatively be disposed in the uppermost fold panel 640 a .
- the internal pockets 622 may be in any configuration known in the art and may be closeable with a zipper 606 or any other known closure mechanism.
- the internal pocket 622 of the carrier bag 610 of FIG. 26 opens near the bottom edge 628 of the body 612 .
- the orientation of this pocket 622 will be inverted.
- the pocket 622 opens downward from the zipper 606 , like a conventional pocket, and thus may be more useful than the pocket 422 of FIGS. 20 and 22 .
- Each internal pocket 622 may be sewn into the liner comprising the inner surface 634 or may just be a pocket.
- Each internal pocket 622 may include substantially the entire area of a fold panel 640 a , 640 c as shown, or may be any size within the area of such fold panel 640 a , 640 c .
- Each internal pocket 622 may be used to store and carry hair styling products, pins, barrettes, hair bands, any other hair care related items of the user, other personal items of the user carried during travel including toiletries, or any other products desired by the user.
- the zipper 606 may be a #5 nylon locking zipper. In an embodiment in which the body 612 is thirteen inches (13′′) wide, the zipper 606 may be eleven inches (11′′) in length.
- the closure system 618 may include at least one zipper 619 along each side of the elongate body 612 .
- the zippers 619 are configured such that when the hair carrier bag 610 is closed or folded upon itself as described herein, the zippers 619 may be zipped closed, thereby retaining the sides or edges of the bottommost fold panel 640 c against the sides or edges of the topmost fold panel 640 a as shown in FIGS. 23-25 .
- closure system 618 may be include any fasteners now known or hereafter developed in the art including magnets, snaps, zippers, buttons, grommets, clips, buckles, straps, studs, hook and loop fasteners, clasps, and any other coupling mechanisms.
- the hair carrier bag 610 is used to store and transport hair products such as wigs, hair extensions, falls, and other real or imitation hair strands.
- the hair carrier bag 610 is first unzipped and then unfolded or otherwise opened.
- the protective cover 616 is likewise unfolded or otherwise opened such that it extends partially or completely away from the body 612 .
- the protective enclosure panel 620 may likewise be unfolded or otherwise opened.
- one or more hair products may be secured within one or more of the clips or the clip assembly 614 .
- one end of a hair extension may be secured in a clip of the clip assembly 614 and the second end may extend longitudinally substantially parallel to the sides of the body 612 , toward the bottom edge 628 .
- the first protective cover sheet 616 may be folded over onto the body 612 such that inner surface of the protective cover sheet 616 faces the inner surface 634 of the body 612 . This traps the hair product between the inner surface 634 of the body 612 and the first protective cover sheet 616 .
- the second protective cover sheet or enclosure panel 620 may be folded over the distal side or edge of the protective cover sheet 616 .
- the protective cover sheet 616 and the protective enclosure panel 620 may then be coupled together using the mating fasteners.
- the protective cover sheet 616 could be coupled to the inner surface 634 of the body 612 .
- the body 612 may next be folded upon itself by folding the topmost and bottommost fold sections 640 a , 640 c upward from the middle fold section 640 b .
- the middle fold section 640 b then functions as the bottom of the closed bag 610 as described previously.
- the top of the closed bag is formed by the top edge of the body 612 and the bottom edge of the body 612 , while the sides of the body 612 are coupled together by the zippers 619 .
- the hair carrier bag 610 of the present invention When completely folded, the hair carrier bag 610 of the present invention is configured to resemble a woman's purse, thereby providing users with a convenient, stylish, effective, and safe apparatus in which to store and transport their hair products, including wigs, hair extensions, falls, and the like.
- the handles 611 permit the bag 610 to be lifted and carried in a user's hand, over a user's shoulder, or the like, or to be hung on a hook, doorknob, or the like.
- the folded hair carrier bag 610 may be placed in checked or carryon luggage or may even be carried as a purse by the user during travel.
- the folded or unfolded hair carrier bag 610 may also be used to store hair products in a drawer or closet while protecting the hair products and taking up minimal storage space.
Abstract
A hair carrier bag includes an elongated body, a clip assembly, and a hair product. The elongated body has a top, a bottom, and an inner surface, and includes a plurality of fold sections. The clip assembly is coupled to the inner surface of the elongated body. The hair product is disposed against the inner surface of the elongated body and has a portion that is secured within the clip assembly. The fold sections of the elongated body are adapted to be temporarily folded against each other, thereby reconfiguring the elongated body into a folded state and imprisoning the hair product therein.
Description
- The present application is a U.S. continuation-in-part patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to, U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 13/111,719 to Batres et al., filed May 19, 2011 and entitled “HAIR CARRIER CLUTCH BAG,” which nonprovisional patent application published as U.S. patent application publication no. US 2011/0284397 A1, which '719 application and its publication are each incorporated by reference herein, and the present application is also a U.S. nonprovisional patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/726,972 to Batres et al., filed Nov. 15, 2012 and entitled “HAIR CARRIER BAG,” which provisional patent application is incorporated by reference herein.
- All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved.
- 1. Field of the Present Invention
- The present invention relates generally to hair carrier bags, and, in particular, to bags having clip assemblies for securing hair products therein but which may be reconfigured into a folded state in which the bags resemble women's clutch bags, tote bags, purse bags, pocketbooks, or the like.
- 2. Background
- The market and use for hair enhancement products is continually growing. The use of hair extensions, wigs, and falls made of human and synthetic hair are all increasing in frequency and amount. A variety of people are buying and utilizing various hair systems on the market today. One particular niche is the use of hair extensions to supplement a user's natural hair, often to create the appearance of longer and fuller hair. Further, hair extensions of varying colors can be used to create highlights or depth of color on demand. Thus, a user may have a somewhat conservative hair style for their work and use a set of hair extensions to create long flowing hair styles for weekends or more formal social engagements. Further, the use of wigs has become more common for a variety of uses. Many cancer patients use wigs after losing their hair through either radiation or chemotherapy treatment or both. Many users are turning to wigs to quickly change their hairstyle. A person with multiple wigs may have multiple colors, styles, and lengths that can be selected any given time and used at will to provide a desired appearance for that particular day.
- With the increased popularity of hair extensions, wigs, falls and their more widespread use, many users are looking for a way to conveniently store their hair products. Further, users are continually looking for a good way to travel with their hair products wherein the hair does not get damaged. In addition, many of the users of these products are fashion conscious and would desire a fashionable apparatus for storing and travelling with their hair products.
- There are a couple attempts to provide the users of these hair products an approach for storing, carrying, and transporting the hair products. One existing attempt is essentially a soft bag of fabric that surrounds the entire length of hair extensions. The hair extension is tied up at the top of the bag and ties along the length bring in the excess fabric to narrow the profile. Another attempt is a “hair dress” that wraps around the hair extensions to look like a woman's dress. Further, another hair carrier holds extensions in a horizontal position and the hair is merely placed in a pocket like enclosure wherein the hair bunches up and can damage itself when the pocket is moved or shifts positions.
- All of the existing attempts to meet the needs of consumers of hair extension carriers fail to securely hold the hair product in the carrier and fail to protect the hair product from damage from its own weight or from an outside force. Further, none of the existing offerings are configured to carry products other than hair extensions.
- Thus, there is a need in the art for a hair carrier apparatus to store hair products including extensions, wigs, and falls. There is a further need to provide a component storage system that can carry the hair products compactly for travel. There is a further need in the art for a hair storage and travel carrier that is fashionable and has the appearance of a clutch purse currently carried by women as a fashion accessory.
- Broadly defined, the present invention according to one aspect is a hair carrier bag, including: an elongated body having a top, a bottom, and an inner surface, the elongated body including a plurality of fold sections; a clip assembly, coupled to the inner surface of the elongated body; and a hair product disposed against the inner surface of the elongated body and having a portion that is secured within the clip assembly; wherein the fold sections of the elongated body are adapted to be temporarily folded against each other, thereby reconfiguring the elongated body into a folded state and retaining the hair product therein.
- In a feature of this aspect, the hair product is a hair extension.
- In another feature of this aspect, the hair product is a wig.
- In another feature of this aspect, the hair product is a fall.
- Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is a hair carrier bag, including: an elongated body having a top, a bottom, and an inner surface, the elongated body including a plurality of fold sections and a top overlap section; a clip assembly, coupled to the inner surface of the elongated body, for securing a hair product; a protective cover for covering the hair product; and a closure for temporarily coupling the top overlap section to the outer surface of one of the fold sections when the elongated body is configured into a folded state.
- In a feature of this aspect, the elongated body has a top, a bottom, a first side, a second side, and an outer surface.
- In another feature of this aspect, the protective cover includes a first cover sheet having a top, a bottom, a first side, a second side, and an outer surface. In a further feature, one side of the first cover sheet is coupled to one side of the elongated body and is foldable about the joint formed between the first cover sheet and the elongated body.
- In another feature of this aspect, the clip assembly is positioned and located a distance offset from a top of the elongated body, the offset distance defining substantially the length of the top overlap section.
- In another feature of this aspect, the protective cover includes a first cover sheet and an enclosure panel, wherein the first cover sheet is foldable along one side of the elongated body, wherein the enclosure panel is foldable along the opposite side of the elongated body. In further features, a portion of the enclosure panel is configured to overlap a portion of the first cover sheet; and/or a distal edge of the first cover sheet may be removably coupled to the enclosure panel.
- In another feature of this aspect, the bag further includes a storage pocket associated with a surface of the elongated body. In further features, the storage pocket is built into the inner surface of the elongated body; the storage pocket is built into an outer inner surface of the elongated body; and/or the storage pocket includes a zipper.
- In another feature of this aspect, the top overlap section includes a hanger slot configured to receive the hook portion of a clothes hanger such that the hair carrier bag may be hung from a hanging fixture. In a further feature, the bag further includes a loop member extendable through said hanger slot.
- In another feature of this aspect, the protective cover is substantially clear.
- In another feature of this aspect, the clip assembly includes a spring loaded clamp.
- In another feature of this aspect, the clip assembly lies parallel to the top of the elongated body. In a further feature, the clip assembly further includes a plurality of clips.
- In another feature of this aspect, the clip assembly lies parallel to and proximate one side of the elongated body.
- In another feature of this aspect, the clip assembly further comprises a plurality of clips.
- In another feature of this aspect, the clip assembly includes a magnetic clip.
- In another feature of this aspect, the clip assembly includes an elastic clip.
- In another feature of this aspect, the bag further includes a loop member adapted for hanging the bag.
- In another feature of this aspect, the bag is arranged to resemble a woman's clutch bag when configured in the folded state.
- In another feature of this aspect, the bag is arranged to resemble a woman's tote bag when configured in the folded state.
- In another feature of this aspect, the bag is arranged to resemble a woman's purse bag when configured in the folded state.
- In another feature of this aspect, the bag is arranged to resemble a woman's pocketbook when configured in the folded state.
- In another feature of this aspect, the closure includes a magnet. In a further feature, the magnet is enclosed between an inner surface and an outer surface of the elongated body.
- In another feature of this aspect, at least a portion of a hair product is retained within the hair carrier bag by the clip assembly.
- In another feature of this aspect, the plurality of fold sections includes five fold sections.
- In another feature of this aspect, the plurality of fold sections includes three fold sections.
- Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is a clip assembly for retaining a hair product in a hair carrier bag, including: a fixed plate, adapted to be fastened to a structure of a hair carrier bag and having a bottom side or edge; a clamp plate, rotationally coupled to the fixed plate and having a bottom side or edge, the bottom side or edge of the clamp plate being held against or in close proximity to the bottom side or edge of the fixed plate; and a hair product having an end portion that is clamped between the bottom side or edge of the clamp plate and the bottom side or edge of the fixed plate such that the hair product may be retained within the hair carrier bag when the fixed plate is fastened to the structure of the hair carrier bag.
- In a feature of this aspect, the clip assembly includes a spring that biases the bottom side or edge of the clamp plate against the bottom side or edge of the fixed plate.
- In another feature of this aspect, the clip assembly includes an axle that rotationally couples the clamp plate to the fixed plate.
- In a feature of this aspect, the fixed plate includes two end supports that support opposite ends of the axle.
- In another feature of this aspect, the clamp plate includes a plurality of end flaps supported by the axle.
- In another feature of this aspect, the clip assembly includes a coil spring that is carried around the axle.
- In another feature of this aspect, the clip assembly includes at least one additional clamp plate, where each of the at least one additional clamp plate includes a plurality of clamp plates, each being rotationally coupled to the fixed plate and operable as a functionally separate clip; the at least one additional clamp plate includes exactly one clamp plate that is rotationally coupled to the fixed plate and operable as a functionally separate clip; and/or the at least one additional clamp plate includes exactly two clamp plates, each being rotationally coupled to the fixed plate and operable as a functionally separate clip.
- In another feature of this aspect, the clip assembly includes a soft pad, disposed along the bottom side or edge of at least one of the fixed plate and the clamp plate, for protecting the hair product; the soft pad is a first soft pad disposed along the bottom side or edge of the fixed plate, and wherein the clip assembly further comprises a second soft pad disposed along the bottom side or edge of the clamp plate; the soft pad is made of polymeric or elastomeric foam; and/or the soft pad includes teethed grooves running lengthwise from one end to the other.
- In another feature of this aspect, the clip assembly includes a first interlocking pad and a second interlocking pad, wherein the first interlocking pad is disposed along the bottom side or edge of the clamp plate, wherein the second interlocking pad is disposed along the bottom side or edge of the fixed plate, and wherein the first and second interlocking pads are arranged to interlock with each other; wherein each interlocking pad includes teethed grooves running lengthwise from one end to the other.
- In another feature of this aspect, the clamp plate is adapted to be rotated so as to release the hair product, thereby permitting its removal from the clip assembly.
- Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is a clip assembly for retaining a hair product in a hair carrier bag, including: a fixed plate, adapted to be fastened to a structure of a hair carrier bag and having a bottom side or edge; at least one clamp plate, each of the at least one clamp plates being rotationally coupled to the fixed plate and having a bottom side or edge; wherein the respective bottom side or edge of each of the at least one clamp plate is held against or in close proximity to the bottom side or edge of the fixed plate so as to clamp a portion of a hair product therebetween.
- In a feature of this aspect, the clip assembly further includes a spring that biases the bottom side or edge of at least one clamp plate against the bottom side or edge of the fixed plate.
- In another feature of this aspect, the clip assembly further includes an axle that rotationally couples the at least one clamp plate to the fixed plate. In further features, the fixed plate includes two end supports that support opposite ends of the axle; the at least one clamp plate includes a plurality of end flaps supported by the axle; and/or the clip assembly further includes a coil spring that is carried around the axle.
- In another feature of this aspect, the at least one clamp plate includes a plurality of clamp plates, each being rotationally coupled to the fixed plate and operable as a functionally separate clip. In further features, the plurality of clamp plates include two clamp plates, each being rotationally coupled to the fixed plate and operable as a functionally separate clip; and/or the plurality of clamp plates include three clamp plates, each being rotationally coupled to the fixed plate and operable as a functionally separate clip.
- In another feature of this aspect, the clip assembly further includes a soft pad disposed along the bottom side or edge of at least one of the fixed plate and the at least one clamp plate. In further features, the clip assembly further includes a first soft pad disposed along the bottom side or edge of the fixed plate and a second soft pad disposed along the bottom side or edge of the at least one clamp plate; the soft pad is made of polymeric or elastomeric foam; and/or the soft pad includes teethed grooves running lengthwise from one end to the other.
- In another feature of this aspect, the clip assembly further includes a first interlocking pad and a second interlocking pad, the first interlocking pad is disposed along the bottom side or edge of the at least one clamp plate, the second interlocking pad is disposed along the bottom side or edge of the fixed plate, and the first and second interlocking pads are arranged to interlock with each other when the at least one clamp plate is held against or in close proximity to the bottom side or edge of the fixed plate so as to clamp a portion of a hair product therebetween. In a further feature, each interlocking pad includes teethed grooves running lengthwise from one end to the other.
- In another feature of this aspect, the clamp plate is adapted to be rotated so as to release the hair product, thereby permitting its removal from the clip assembly.
- Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is a clip assembly for retaining a hair product in a hair carrier bag, including: a fixed plate, adapted to be fastened to a structure of a hair carrier bag; and at least one elastic strap or band whose ends are coupled to the fixed plate; wherein the elastic straps or bands are biased into a position against or in close proximity to the fixed plate so as to clamp a portion of a hair product between the straps or bands and the fixed plate.
- In a feature of this aspect, the at least one elastic strap or band is coupled to the fixed plate by retention posts.
- Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is a hair carrier bag, including: an elongated body having a top, a bottom, and an inner surface, the elongated body including a plurality of fold sections; a clip assembly, coupled to the inner surface of the elongated body, for securing a hair product; and a closure for temporarily coupling at least two of the fold sections together when the elongated body is configured into a folded state.
- In a feature of this aspect, when the elongated body is configured into a folded state, the bag is arranged to resemble a woman's tote bag.
- In another feature of this aspect, when the elongated body is configured into a folded state, the bag is arranged to resemble a woman's purse bag.
- In another feature of this aspect, when the elongated body is configured into a folded state, the bag is arranged to resemble a woman's pocketbook.
- In another feature of this aspect, when the elongated body is configured into a folded state, one of the fold sections functions as the front of the hair carrier bag, one of the fold sections functions as the rear of the hair carrier bag, one of the fold sections functions as the bottom of the hair carrier bag, and wherein a top of the hair carrier bag may be opened by uncoupling the closure.
- Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is a hair carrier bag as shown and described.
- Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is a hair carrier bag that be arranged to resemble a woman's clutch bag when configured in the folded state as shown and described.
- Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is a hair carrier bag that be arranged to resemble a woman's tote bag when configured in the folded state as shown and described.
- Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is a hair carrier bag that be arranged to resemble a woman's purse bag when configured in the folded state as shown and described.
- Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is a hair carrier bag that be arranged to resemble a woman's pocketbook when configured in the folded state as shown and described.
- Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is a clip assembly for retaining a hair product in a hair carrier bag, as shown and described.
- Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is a spring-loaded clip assembly for retaining a hair product in a hair carrier bag, as shown and described.
- Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is a clip assembly including an elastic strap or band for retaining a hair product in a hair carrier bag, as shown and described.
- Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
- Further features, embodiments, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, wherein:
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FIG. 1 is a front view of a hair carrier bag in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention, shown in its closed “clutch” state; -
FIG. 2 is a front view of the hair carrier bag ofFIG. 1 , shown in its uncoiled state; -
FIG. 3 is a front view of the hair carrier bag ofFIG. 2 , shown with the protective cover sheet pulled away from the elongated body for better access to the interior thereof; -
FIG. 4 is a front view of the clip assembly ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the clip assembly ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 6 is a top view of the clip assembly ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 7 is an end view of the clip assembly ofFIG. 2 , shown attached to a flap of the body; -
FIG. 8 is an end cross-sectional view of the clip assembly ofFIG. 4 , taken along line 8-8; -
FIG. 9 is a front view of the hair carrier bag ofFIG. 3 , shown with the clip assembly removed; -
FIG. 10 is an isometric view of an alternative clip assembly in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention; -
FIG. 11 is a front view of a hair carrier bag in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention, shown in its open, uncoiled state; -
FIG. 12 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a clip of the hair carrier clutch bag ofFIG. 11 taken generally along line 12-12 ofFIG. 11 in the direction of the arrows; -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a clip for use with the present hair carrier clutch bag; -
FIG. 14 is a fragmentary front view of a hair carrier bag having an alternate hair retention device in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention; -
FIG. 15 is a top view of the hair carrier clutch bag ofFIG. 11 showing the protective cover sheet and enclosure panel in their folded position; -
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the hair carrier clutch bag ofFIG. 11 showing the length of the present hair carrier clutch bag partially folded; and -
FIG. 17 is a partial perspective view of the hair carrier clutch bag ofFIG. 11 showing the length of the present hair carrier bag in its fully folded position. -
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the hair carrier clutch bag ofFIG. 11 in its fully folded position resembling a clutch bag; -
FIG. 19 is a front view of another hair carrier bag in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention, shown in its folded or closed state; -
FIG. 20 is a front view of the hair carrier bag ofFIG. 19 , shown in its unfolded state and with the protective cover sheet pulled away from the body for better access to the interior thereof; -
FIG. 21 is a front view of another hair carrier bag in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention, shown in its folded or closed state; -
FIG. 22 is a front view of the hair carrier bag ofFIG. 19 , shown in its unfolded state and with the protective cover sheet pulled away from the body for better access to the interior thereof; -
FIG. 23 is a front view another hair carrier bag in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention, shown in its hanging or carry state; -
FIG. 24 is a front view of the hair carrier bag ofFIG. 23 , shown in a resting state; -
FIG. 25 is a rear view of the hair carrier bag ofFIG. 23 , shown in a resting state; and -
FIG. 26 is a front view of the hair carrier bag ofFIG. 23 , shown in its unfolded state and with the protective cover sheet pulled away from the body for better access to the interior thereof. - As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the present invention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the invention and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention.
- Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.
- Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the appended claims rather than the description set forth herein.
- Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.
- Regarding applicability of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6, no claim element is intended to be read in accordance with this statutory provision unless the explicit phrase “means for” or “step for” is actually used in such claim element, whereupon this statutory provision is intended to apply in the interpretation of such claim element.
- Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having at least one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” In contrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes “a picnic basket having only one apple.”
- When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese without crackers,” “a picnic basket having crackers without cheese,” and “a picnic basket having both cheese and crackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well as describes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese.”
- Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent like components throughout the several views, one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention are next described. The following description of one or more preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.
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FIG. 1 is a front view of ahair carrier bag 110 in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention, shown in its closed “clutch” state, andFIG. 2 is a front view of thehair carrier bag 110 ofFIG. 1 , shown in its uncoiled state. As shown therein, thehair carrier bag 110 includes anelongated body 112, aclip assembly 114, aprotective cover sheet 116 and aclosure system 118.FIG. 3 is a front view of thehair carrier bag 110 ofFIG. 2 , shown with theprotective cover sheet 116 pulled away from theelongated body 112 for better access to the interior thereof. In at least some embodiments, thehair carrier bag 110 may also include a second protective cover sheet orenclosure panel 120, aninternal pocket 122, and/or a hanger loop orring 125. - The
elongated body 112 includes atop edge 126, abottom edge 128, a first side oredge 130, a second side oredge 132, aninner surface 134, and anouter surface 136. Theelongated body 112 further includes a plurality of longitudinal stitches or creases 138, orientated substantially parallel to the top andbottom edges body 112 and disposed along the length of thebody 112. The longitudinal stitches or creases 138 are spaced along the length, thereby dividing thebody 112 into a plurality of fold sections 140. One stitch or crease 138 may also define atop overlap section 142 of thebody 112, proximate thetop edge 126. The embodiment of thehair carrier bag 110 shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 includes five stitches/creases 138 a-138 e partitioning thebody 112 into five fold sections 140 a-140 e in the main portion of thebody 112 and onetop overlap section 142. The fold sections 140 may be approximately equally sized, or alternatively, the length (top-to-bottom) of the fold sections 140 a-140 e may slightly increase from the bottom to the top of the elongated body 112 (i.e., thetopmost fold section 140 a may be slightly longer, top-to-bottom, than thesecond fold section 140 b, thesecond fold section 140 b may be slightly longer, top-to-bottom, than thethird fold section 140 c, thethird fold section 140 c may be slightly longer, top-to-bottom, than thefourth fold section 140 d, and thefourth fold section 140 d may be slightly longer, top-to-bottom, than thebottommost fold section 140 e) in order to better facilitate folding or coiling of thehair carrier bag 110 into the configuration shown inFIG. 1 . More particularly, thebody 112 may be sequentially folded by folding thebottommost fold section 140 e up onto thefourth fold section 140 d, folding the bottom two foldedsections third fold section 140 c, folding the bottom three foldedsections 140 c-140 e up onto thesecond fold section 140 b, folding the bottom four foldedsections 140 b-140 e up onto thetopmost fold section 140 a, and then folding thetop overlap section 142 down to rest on theouter surface 136 of thesecond fold section 140 b. As shown inFIG. 1 , when thebody 112 is completely folded or coiled, thehair carrier bag 110 resembles a woman's clutch-type bag. - The length of the
body 112, and more particularly the length of thebody 112 from theclip assembly 114 to thebottom edge 128, corresponds to the length of the hair extension or wig that can be accommodated by thecarrier bag 110. The more common lengths of hair extensions range from about ten inches (10″) to about twenty inches (20″). However, wigs or hair extensions may be any length known in the art. In at least some embodiments of thehair carrier bag 110, the body length ranges from about twelve inches (12″) to about forty inches (40″). In at least some of these embodiments, the body length ranges from about twenty-four inches (24″) to thirty-six inches (36″). In at least some of these embodiments, the body length is about thirty-three inches (33″). The width of thebody 112 may be selected to provide the capacity to fit the hair products. Further, because in at least some embodiments, thehair carrier bag 110 is configured to resemble a standard woman's clutch bag, the width generally corresponds to widths of standard clutch bags as known in the art. In at least some embodiments, the width of thebody 112 ranges from about six inches (6″) to about eighteen inches (18″). In at least some of these embodiments, the width of thebody 112 ranges from about nine inches (9″) to about fifteen inches (15″). In at least some of these embodiments, the width of thebody 112 is about twelve inches (12″). However, it will be appreciated that in at least some embodiments, thehair carrier bag 110 does not have to resemble a woman's clutch bag, and it will be further appreciated that thebody 112 may be configured to accommodate any length and/or width of hair products. - As noted previously, the
carrier bag 110 ofFIG. 1 includes five stitches/creases 138 partitioning thebody 112 into five fold sections 140 and onetop overlap section 142. However, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the number of creases and/or folds may vary. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, only a single crease, partitioning the body into two fold sections, may be provided, while in another embodiment, two creases, partitioning the body into three fold sections, may be provided. - The
inner surface 134 of thebody 112 also forms the inner surface of the fold sections 140 a-140 e. In at least some embodiments, theinner surface 134 is comprised of an inner liner constructed from a material that will not damage the hair products when thebody 112 is folded or coiled about itself as described above. Material suitable for use for the inner liner may include, but are not limited to, silk, polyester, nylon, plastic, cotton fabric, vinyl, microfiber, canvas, fleece, wool, chamois, imitation chamois, woven fabric, suede, and any other suitable material now known or hereafter developed, or any combination thereof. In at least some embodiments, theinner surface 134 of thetop overlap section 142 is comprised of the same material as theouter surface 136 as described below. However, theinner surface 134 of thetop overlap section 142 may alternatively be comprised of the same material as the inner liner. - The
outer surface 136 of thebody 112 is covered in a finish material that is adapted to be exposed to the environment, such as sun and rain, and normal wear and tear, as well as to protect the interior contents of thehair carrier bag 110. Additionally and/or alternatively, the material of theouter surface 136 may also be chosen for its color, finish, pattern, texture, or any other aesthetic reason. Materials suitable for use on or as theouter surface 136 may include, but are not limited to, silk, polyester, nylon, canvas, wool, vinyl, plastic, leather, animal skin, microfiber, other polymers, suede, and any other suitable material now known or hereafter developed, or any combination thereof. The material of theouter surface 136 may be patterned and/or textured to resemble natural materials such as animal skin, leather, or other more exotic or expensive materials. The material of theouter surface 136 may be any color within the visible spectrum. Thehair carrier bag 110 may also include a decorative border (not shown) around its perimeter that covers the exposed edges of the fabric associated with the inner andouter surfaces -
FIGS. 4-6 are a front view, an isometric view, and a top view of theclip assembly 114 ofFIG. 2 ;FIG. 7 is an end view of theclip assembly 114 ofFIG. 2 , shown attached to a flap of thebody 112; andFIG. 8 is an end cross-sectional view of theclip assembly 114 ofFIG. 4 , taken along line 8-8. As shown therein, theclip assembly 114 includes a fixedplate 144, one ormore clamp plates 146, at least oneaxle 157 rotationally coupling theclamp plates 146 to the fixedplate 144, and one ormore springs 148 disposed between eachclamp plate 146 and the fixedplate 144. The fixedplate 144 includes a top side oredge 150 and a bottom side oredge 152, and further includes at least two end supports 151 as well as acenter spring support 153 for eachclamp plate 146. Eachclamp plate 146 includes a top side oredge 154, a bottom side oredge 156, and two end flaps 155. Theaxle 157 is carried by the end supports 151 and center spring supports 153. Eachspring 148 has a fixedend 158, aloading end 160 and aspring coil 162 disposed therebetween and carried around theaxle 157. Thefixed end 158 of eachspring 148 is retained against one of the center supports 153 of the fixedplate 144, while theloading end 160 of eachspring 148 engages itsrespective clamping plate 146. - Each
spring 148 is pre-loaded such that bottom side or edge 156 of theclamp plate 146 exerts a downward force upon the bottom side or edge 152 of the fixedplate 144. Eachspring 148 is further configured such that when a user puts a downward force directly on the top side or edge 154 of one of theclamp plates 146, such movement is resisted by thesprings 148 associated with thatclamp plate 146. When the user applies a downward force on the top side or edge 154 of theclamp plate 146 that is greater than the spring force, theclamp plate 146 pivots or rotates about theaxle 157 and bottom side or edge 156 moves upward. When thelower edge 156 disengages the lower side or edge 152 of the fixedplate 144, one or more hair products can be placed between theopen plates upper edge 154 of theclamp plate 146, the spring force brings thelower edge 156 of theclamp plate 146 back toward thelower edge 152 of the fixedplate 144, thereby securing the hair product therebetween. - In order to more reliably retain hair products between the
plates pads plates pads pads pad 165 is disposed proximate thelower edge 156 of eachclamp plate 146, and anotherpad 163 is disposed proximate thelower edge 152 of the fixedplate 144. In other embodiments (not shown), thepad 163 on the fixedplate 144 is segmented into a plurality of separate pads, and/or thepad 165 on eachclamp plate 146 is segmented into a plurality of separate pads. In at least some embodiments, thepads plate 144 andclamp plate 146 are closed (i.e., when theclamp plate 146 is released by the user such that it biased against the fixed plate 144). -
FIG. 7 illustrates the fixedplate 144 of theclip assembly 114 being coupled to thebody 112 by a plurality offasteners 166. In particular, theclip assembly 114 may be fastened to a reinforcedflap 141 that is attached along its upper edge to the lower edge of thetop overlap section 142, proximate the topmost stitch/crease 138 a.FIG. 9 is a front view of thehair carrier bag 110 ofFIG. 3 , shown with theclip assembly 114 removed. As shown inFIG. 7 , the reinforcedflap 141 includes two layers of material, such as leather, and thefasteners 166 are rivets that extend through the fixedplate 144 and both layers of the reinforcedflap 141. The heads of therivets 166 on the back side of theflap 141 are recessed or countersunk into the back of the flap so as to avoid interfering with, or creating unnecessary bumps in, theflap 141 and the rest of thebody 112. In various embodiments, the fixedplate 144 may be fastened using rivet fasteners, glue, hook and loop fasteners, bolts, screws, threaded fasteners, and/or any other mechanical fastener known or hereafter developed. Alternatively, the fixedplate 144 may be coupled to thebody 112 directly using any suitable means including sewn or stitched to thebody 112. -
FIGS. 2-6 illustrate theclip assembly 114 having twoindividual clamp plates 146, each with its own spring(s) 148 to facilitate operation thereof, thereby providing the functionality of two separate clips. However, any number ofclamp plates 146 may be utilized, each functioning as a separate clip, and theclamp plates 146, and resulting clips, may be of the same size or may be different sizes. For example,multiple clamp plates 146 and clips allow a user to secure multiple hair extensions or other hair products individually, or allow a user to secure a portion of their hair extensions and then secure another portion or group of hair extensions without having to release the previously secured hair extensions that could dislodge or move. Alternatively, theclip assembly 114 may utilize asingle clamp plate 146, and thus a single clip, that spans substantially the entire width of thebody 112. -
FIG. 10 is an isometric view of analternative clip assembly 214 in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention. In particular, theclip assembly 214 includes only oneclamp plate 246 and one fixedplate 244. Theclamp plate 246 includes various decorative features meant, at least, to improve the overall attractiveness of the product; however, the various elements of theclip assembly 214, and the resulting functionality thereof, are otherwise similar to those of theclip assembly 114 ofFIG. 4 . - The hanger loop or
ring 125 may be a loop member configured to be hooked or hung from anywhere or anything, thereby allowinghair carrier bag 110, in its unfolded state, to be hung in a closet or behind a door, on a hook, door knob, towel rack, or other hanging fixture when traveling or for storage. In some embodiments, the loop orring 125 is a metal ring retained by a loop ofmaterial 123, which may be reinforced by an additional piece ofmaterial 127; in other embodiments, the loop orring 125 is a loop of fabric, leather, or other material. The loop orring 125 can be attached to either the inner orouter surface body 112. An optional hanger slot (not shown) may also be provided adjacent thehanger loop 125, or in place thereof, for likewise allowing thehair carrier bag 110 to be hung therefrom. In this regard, the hanger slot may be configured for the hooked portion of a clothes hanger or other similar device to pass through the slot wherein the length of the slot is such that the entire hanger does not pass through thereby allowing an unfoldedhair carrier bag 110 to be hung in various locations. In at least some embodiments, the loop orring 125 can be fed or extended through the hanger slot if such a slot is incorporated into thecarrier bag 110. - The
hair carrier bag 110 preferably includes theprotective cover sheet 116, which may serve one or more of the purposes of retaining the hair products stored in thebag 110, protecting the hair products from damage, keeping the hair products clean, or the like. However, theprotective cover sheet 116 may be omitted in some of the embodiments.FIG. 3 illustrates theprotective cover sheet 116 having a top 178, a bottom 180, a first or proximate side oredge 182, a second or distal side oredge 184, aninner surface 186, anouter surface 188, and a plurality offasteners 190. With reference toFIGS. 2 and 3 , thefirst side 182 is coupled to the second side or edge 132 of thebody 112 such that theprotective cover sheet 116 is configured to fold over and lie above theinner surface 134 of thebody 112. Theinner face 186 of theprotective cover sheet 116 faces theinner surface 134 of thebody 112 when theprotective cover sheet 116 is in place. Thebottom 180 of theprotective cover sheet 116 is generally aligned with, or configured to be slightly above, thebottom edge 128 of thebody 112, as shown. Thefasteners 190 are used to couple thecover sheet 116 to thebody 112 or to theprotective enclosure panel 120 as described below. - As seen in
FIG. 2 , thecover sheet 116 folds along the joint between the second side or edge 132 of thebody 112 and the first side or edge 182 of theprotective cover sheet 116 and is configured to cover or substantially cover theinner surface 134 of thebody 112. The top 178 may be configured to lie below theclip assembly 114 as shown. Alternatively, the top of the cover sheet may cover theclip assembly 114 to provide additional protection, such as abrasion protection. Thecover sheet 116 utilizes thefasteners 190 to hold thecover sheet 116 in place over the hair product in this overlapped position. In at least some embodiments, theprotective cover sheet 116 may be fastened directly toinner surface 134 of thebody 112 and can cover substantially all of the hair product located therebelow. Alternatively, thecover sheet 116 may be configured such that its width is slightly less than the width of thebody 112 and aprotective enclosure panel 120 may be folded over the second or distal side or edge 184 of theprotective cover sheet 116, thereby overlapping a narrow portion of theprotective cover sheet 116 as shown inFIG. 2 . The distal side or edge 184 of theprotective cover sheet 116 may be removably coupled to theprotective enclosure panel 120 usingcorresponding fasteners bottom 180 of theprotective cover sheet 116 may alternatively or additionally be attached to thebottom edge 128 of thebody 112 and may be foldable over theinner surface 134 from thebottom edge 128 of thebody 112. In at least one embodiment,fasteners 190 are disposed along the top 178 and/or thesides cover sheet 116 and may be mated with complementary fasteners disposed oninner surface 134 ofbody 112. It is also recognized that thecover sheet 116 could be coupled or attached to the first side or edge 130 of thebody 112 and hinged or folded along the joint between the first side or edge 130 of thebody 112 and the second ordistal side 184 of theprotective cover sheet 116. - The
hair carrier bag 110 preferably includes the second protective cover sheet orenclosure panel 120, which may serve one or more of the purposes of retaining the hair products stored in thebag 110, protecting the hair products from damage, keeping the hair products clean, retaining the firstprotective cover sheet 116 in place, or the like. However, the secondprotective cover sheet 120 is omitted in at least some of the embodiments. As seen inFIG. 3 , the second protective cover sheet orenclosure panel 120 includes a top 192, a bottom 194, a first or proximate side oredge 196, a second or distal side oredge 198, aninner surface 200, anouter surface 202, and a plurality offasteners 204. The second ordistal side 198 of theprotective enclosure panel 120 is attached to thefirst side 130 of thebody 112 such thatprotective enclosure panel 120 may hinge or fold and overlap theinner surface 134 of thebody 112 as shown inFIG. 3 . The top 192 may be configured to end just below theclip assembly 114, or alternatively may cover theclip assembly 114 to provide additional protection, such as abrasion protection, between the inner surface of thetop overlap section 142 and theclip assembly 114. Thefasteners fasteners fasteners sheet 116 and thepanel 120, respectively, so as to cooperatively engage each other when thepanels enclosure panel 120 could alternatively be attached to thesecond side 132 ofbody 112 if thecover sheet 116 is attached to thefirst side 130 of thebody 112. Still further, it will be appreciated that any amount of overlap between thecover sheet 116 and theenclosure panel 120 is possible. Also, thecover sheet 116 and thepanel 120 can be configured to mate with each other at the center or middle portion ofinner surface 134 with substantially little or no overlap. Any combination ofcover sheet 116 andenclosure panel 120 is envisioned and anticipated. - In the illustrated embodiments, both the
protective cover sheet 116 and theprotective enclosure panel 120 are included. However, it will be appreciated that one or both of theprotective cover sheet 116 and theprotective enclosure panel 120 may be omitted. When included, theprotective cover sheet 116 and theprotective enclosure panel 120 may be comprised of a material that will not damage the hair products when thebody 112 is folded up or coiled as described above. Materials suitable for use in theprotective cover sheet 116 and/or theprotective enclosure panel 120 may include, but are not limited to: silk, polyester, nylon, plastic, cotton, vinyl, microfiber, fleece, chamois, imitation chamois, woven fabric, suede, and any other suitable material now known or hereafter developed, or any combination thereof. In at least some embodiments, theprotective cover sheet 116 and theprotective enclosure panel 120 each primarily comprise a sheet of nylon mesh woven with a spacing of approximately 1 mm. In at least some other embodiments, theprotective cover sheet 116 and theprotective enclosure panel 120 each primarily comprises a sheet of clear nylon, plastic or vinyl. Theprotective cover sheet 116 and theprotective enclosure panel 120 may be of the same material or may each be of a different material. - The
body 112 of thehair carrier bag 110 further includes aninternal pocket 122 in thebottommost fold panel 140 e. In other embodiments, similar internal pockets may additionally or alternatively be disposed in one or more of the other fold panels 140 a-140 d. Theinternal pockets 122 may be in any configuration known in the art and may be closeable with azipper 206 or any other known closure mechanism. Eachinternal pocket 122 may be sewn into the liner comprising theinner surface 134 or may just be a pocket, such as pocket formed between the bottommost stitch/crease 138 e and thebottom 128 of thebody 112. Eachinternal pocket 122 may include substantially the entire area of a fold panel 140 a-140 e as shown, or may be any size within the area of such fold panel 140 a-140 e. Eachinternal pocket 122 may be used to store and carry hair styling products, pins, barrettes, hair bands, any other hair care related items of the user, other personal items of the user carried during travel including toiletries, or any other products desired by the user. - Returning to
FIGS. 2 and 3 , theclosure system 118 includes a plurality of pairs of complementary magnets disposed between theouter surface 136 and theinner surface 134, with one magnet in each pair being disposed in thetop overlap section 142 and one being disposed in thesecond fold section 140 b. The magnet pairs are configured such that when thehair carrier bag 110 is coiled or folded upon itself as described herein, the magnets in thefold section 140 b are proximate corresponding magnets in theoverlap section 142, wherein the portions of the magnet facing each other in the folded position have opposite (complementary) polarities. As such, the magnets are attracted to each other and thereby temporarily couple thetop overlap portion 142 to thefold section 140 b. Alternatively or additionally, theclosure system 118 may be include any fasteners now known or hereafter developed in the art including snaps, zippers, buttons, grommets, clips, buckles, straps, studs, hook and loop fasteners, clasps, and any other coupling mechanisms. - In use, the
hair carrier bag 110 is used to store and transport hair products such as wigs, hair extensions, falls, and other real or imitation hair strands. To use it, thehair carrier bag 110 is first uncoiled, unfolded, or otherwise opened and is positioned in the uncoiled, unfolded and open orientation shown inFIG. 2 . As shown inFIG. 3 , theprotective cover 116 is likewise unfolded or otherwise opened such that it extends partially or completely away from thebody 112. If necessary or useful, theprotective enclosure panel 120 may likewise be unfolded or otherwise opened. In this partially or fully opened state, one or more hair products, such ashair extensions 208 may be secured within one or more of the clips or theclip assembly 114. For example, one end of a hair extension may be secured in a clip of theclip assembly 114 and the second end may extend longitudinally substantially parallel to the first andsecond sides bottom edge 128. - With the
hair product 208 installed in place, the firstprotective cover sheet 116 may be folded over onto thebody 112 such thatinner surface 186 of theprotective cover sheet 116 faces theinner surface 134 of thebody 112. This traps the hair product between theinner surface 134 of thebody 112 and the firstprotective cover sheet 116. Next, if the second protective cover sheet orenclosure panel 120 is present, it may be folded over the second or distal side or edge 184 of theprotective cover sheet 116. Theprotective cover sheet 116 and theprotective enclosure panel 120 may then be coupled together using themating fasteners protective enclosure panel 120 is provided, theprotective cover sheet 116 could be coupled to theinner surface 134 of thebody 112, proximate the first side oredge 130 in a similar manner. - To place the
hair carrier bag 110 in the state shown inFIG. 1 , thebody 112 may next be folded upon itself, starting at thebottom end 128. Thebottommost fold section 140 e is folded over upon thefold section 140 d immediately above it such thatinner surface 134 of thebottommost fold section 140 e faces theinner surface 134 of thenext fold section 140 d. Foldedsections section 140 c such thatouter surface 136 of thebottommost fold section 140 e faces theinner surface 134 of themiddle fold section 140 c. The foldedsections next fold section 140 b, wherein theouter surface 136 offold section 140 d faces theinner surface 134 offold section 140 b. The foldedsections uppermost fold section 140 a, wherein theouter surface 136 of themiddle fold section 140 c faces theinner surface 134 of theuppermost fold section 140 a. At this point, thebody 112 has been folded or coiled until all the fold sections 140 a-140 e are folded upon each other and only thetop overlap section 142 remains unfolded. Thetop overlap section 142 may then be folded ontofold section 140 b such that it overlapsfold section 140 b. As shown inFIG. 1 , thetop overlap section 142 is temporarily and removably coupled to theouter surface 136 offold section 140 b by means of theclosure system 118. - When completely folded, the
hair carrier bag 110 of the present invention is configured to resemble a woman's clutch bag, thereby providing users with a convenient, stylish, effective, and safe apparatus in which to store and transport their hair products, including wigs, hair extensions, falls, and the like. The foldedhair carrier bag 110 may be placed in checked or carryon luggage or may even be carried as a purse by the user during travel. The foldedhair carrier bag 110 may also be used to store hair products in a drawer or closet while protecting the hair products and taking up minimal storage space. -
FIG. 11 is a front view of ahair carrier bag 10 in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention, shown in its open, uncoiled state. As shown therein, thehair carrier bag 10 includes anelongated body 12, aclip assembly 14, aprotective cover sheet 16 and aclosure system 18. In at least some embodiments, thehair carrier bag 10 may also include a second protective cover sheet orenclosure panel 20, aninternal pocket 22, and/or ahanger slot 24. - The
elongated body 12 includes atop edge 26, abottom edge 28, a first side oredge 30, a second side oredge 32, aninner surface 34, and anouter surface 36. Theelongated body 12 further includes a plurality of longitudinal stitches or creases 38, orientated substantially parallel to the top andbottom edges body 12 and disposed along the length of thebody 12. The longitudinal stitches or creases 38 are spaced along the length, thereby dividing thebody 12 into a plurality of fold sections 40. One stitch orcrease 38 may also define atop overlap section 42 of thebody 12, proximate thetop edge 26. The embodiment of thehair carrier bag 10 shown inFIG. 11 includes five stitches/creases 38 a-38 e partitioning thebody 12 into five fold sections 40 a-40 e in the main portion of thebody 12 and onetop overlap section 42. The fold sections 40 may be approximately equally sized, or alternatively, the length (top-to-bottom) of the fold sections 40 a-40 e may slightly increase from the bottom to the top of the elongated body 12 (i.e. thetopmost fold section 40 a may be slightly longer, top-to-bottom, than thesecond fold section 40 b, thesecond fold section 40 b may be slightly longer, top-to-bottom, than thethird fold section 40 c, thethird fold section 40 c may be slightly longer, top-to-bottom, than thefourth fold section 40 d, and thefourth fold section 40 d may be slightly longer, top-to-bottom, than thebottommost fold section 40 e) in order to better facilitate folding or coiling of thehair carrier bag 10 as shown, for example, inFIG. 17 . More particularly, thebody 12 may be sequentially folded by folding thebottommost fold section 40 e up onto thefourth fold section 40 d, folding the bottom two foldedsections third fold section 40 c, folding the bottom three foldedsections 40 c-40 e up onto thesecond fold section 40 b, folding the bottom four foldedsections 40 b-40 e up onto thetopmost fold section 40 a, and then folding thetop overlap section 42 down to rest on theouter surface 36 of thesecond fold section 40 b. As perhaps best shown inFIG. 18 , when thebody 12 is completely folded or coiled, thehair carrier bag 10 resembles a woman's clutch-type bag. - The length of
body 12, and more particularly the length of thebody 12 from theclip assembly 14, corresponds to the length of the hair extension or wig that can be accommodated by thecarrier bag 10. The more common lengths of hair extensions range from about ten inches (10″) to about twenty inches (20″). However, wigs or hair extensions may be any length known in the art. In at least some embodiments of thehair carrier bag 10, the body length ranges from about twelve inches (12″) to about forty inches (40″). In at least some of these embodiments, the body length ranges from about twenty-four inches (24″) to thirty-six inches (36″). In at least some of these embodiments, the body length is about thirty-three inches (33″). The width of thebody 12 may be selected to provide the capacity to fit the hair products. Further, because in at least some embodiments, thehair carrier bag 10 is configured to resemble a standard woman's clutch bag, the width generally corresponds to widths of standard clutch bags as known in the art. In at least some embodiments, the width of thebody 12 ranges from about six inches (6″) to about eighteen inches (18″). In at least some of these embodiments, the width of thebody 12 ranges from about nine inches (9″) to about fifteen inches (15″). In at least some of these embodiments, the width of thebody 12 is about twelve inches (12″). However, it will be appreciated that in at least some embodiments, thehair carrier bag 10 does not have to resemble a woman's clutch bag, and it will be further appreciated that thebody 12 may be configured to accommodate any length and/or width of hair products. - As noted previously, the
carrier bag 10 ofFIG. 11 includes five stitches/creases 38 partitioning thebody 12 into five fold sections 40 and onetop overlap section 42. However, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the number of creases and/or folds may vary. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, only a single crease, partitioning the body into two fold sections, may be provided, while in another embodiment, two creases, partitioning the body into three fold sections, may be provided. - The
inner surface 34 of thebody 12 also forms the inner surface of the fold sections 40 a-40 e. In at least some embodiments, theinner surface 34 is comprised of an inner liner constructed from a material that will not damage the hair products when thebody 12 is folded or coiled about itself as described above. Material suitable for use for the inner liner may include, but are not limited to, silk, polyester, nylon, plastic, cotton fabric, vinyl, microfiber, canvas, fleece, wool, chamois, imitation chamois, woven fabric, suede, and any other suitable material now known or hereafter developed, or any combination thereof. In at least some embodiments, theinner surface 34 of thetop overlap section 42 is comprised of the same material as theouter surface 36 as described below. However, theinner surface 34 of thetop overlap section 42 may alternatively be comprised of the same material as the inner liner. - The
outer surface 36 of thebody 12 is covered in a finish material that is adapted to be exposed to the environment, such as sun and rain, and normal wear and tear, as well as to protect the interior contents of thehair carrier bag 10. Additionally and/or alternatively, the material of theouter surface 36 may also be chosen for its color, finish, pattern, texture, or any other aesthetic reason. Materials suitable for use on or as theouter surface 36 may include, but are not limited to, silk, polyester, nylon, canvas, wool, vinyl, plastic, leather, animal skin, microfiber, other polymers, suede, and any other suitable material now known or hereafter developed, or any combination thereof. The material of theouter surface 36 may be patterned and/or textured to resemble natural materials such as animal skin, leather, or other more exotic or expensive materials. The material of theouter surface 36 may be any color within the visible spectrum. Thehair carrier bag 10 may also include a decorative border (not shown) around its perimeter that covers the exposed edges of the fabric associated with the inner andouter surfaces -
FIG. 12 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a clip of the hair carrierclutch bag 10 ofFIG. 11 taken generally along line 12-12 ofFIG. 11 in the direction of the arrows. As shown therein, theclip 14 includes a fixed arm orplate 44, a clamp plate orarm 46, and aspring 48 disposed between the fixedarm 44 and theclamp arm 46. The fixedarm 44 includes afirst end 50 and asecond end 52. Theclamp arm 46 includes afirst end 54 and asecond end 56. Thespring 48 includes afixed end 58, aloading end 60 and aspring coil 62 disposed therebetween. Loadingend 60 engages clampingarm 46 and fixedend 58 engages fixedarm 44 andspring 48 is pre-loaded such thatsecond end 56 of clampingarm 46 exerts a downward force upon thesecond end 52 of the fixedarm 44. Thespring 48 is further configured such that when a user puts a downward force directly on thefirst end 54 of theclamp arm 46, thespring 48 resists the movement. When the user applies a downward force on thefirst end 54 of theclamp arm 46 greater than the spring force, theclamp arm 46 pivots about thespring 48 and thesecond end 56 moves upward. When thesecond end 56 disengages thesecond end 52 of the fixedarm 44, one or more hair products can be placed therebetween. When the user releases the downward force on thefirst end 54 of theclamp arm 46, the spring force brings thesecond end 56 of the clamp arm back into proximate contact with thesecond end 52 of the fixedarm 44, thereby securing the hair products therebetween. One or both of the second ends 52,56 may have apad 64 to dampen the force applied to the hair product. Thepad 64 may be rubber, felt, elastomeric, polymeric, or any other material now known or hereafter developed that performs the function in an equivalent manner. -
FIG. 12 illustrates the fixedarm 44 of theclip 14 being coupled to thebody 12 by afastener 66. Thefastener 66 may be a rivet fastener, glue, hook and loop fastener, bolt, screw, threaded fastener, or other mechanical fastener known or hereafter developed. Alternatively, the fixedarm 44 may be coupled to thebody 12 using any suitable means including sewn or stitched tobody 12.FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate thehair securing clip 14 being coupled to theinner surface 34 of thebody 12 onfold section 40 a proximate the topmost stitch/crease 38 a between thetopmost fold section 40 a and thetop overlap section 42. In this regard, theclip 14 is positioned and located a distance offset from the top 26 of thebody 12, this offset distance defining substantially the length of thetop overlap section 42.FIG. 11 illustrates theclip 14 being three individual clamp members as describe above. However, any number ofclip members 14 may be utilized and the clip members may be of the same size or may be different sizes. For example, multiple clip members allow a user to secure multiple hair extensions individually, or allow a user to secure a portion of their hair extensions and then secure another portion or group of hair extensions without having to release the previously secured hair extensions that could dislodge or move. Alternatively,clip 14 may be one member that spans substantially the entire width of thebody 12. -
Hanger slot 24 is configured for the hooked portion of a clothes hanger or other similar device to pass through the slot wherein the length of the slot is such that the entire hanger does not pass through thereby allowing an unfoldedhair carrier bag 10 to be hung in a closet or behind a door, on a hook, door knob, towel rack, or other hanging fixture when traveling or for storage. An optional fabric piece or loop member 25 (FIG. 11 ) may also be providedadjacent hanger slot 24, or in place thereof, for likewise allowing thehair carrier bag 10 to be hung therefrom. In this regard, thefabric piece 25 can be attached to either the inner orouter surface body 12 and it can be fed or extended through thehanger slot 24 ifslot 24 is incorporated into thecarrier bag 10. Theloop member 25 can be hooked or hung from anywhere or anything to provide an additional hanging option. - The
clip 14 is not limited to the clamp embodiment shown and may be any mechanism known or hereafter developed in the art capable of securing hair products, particularly between two members, and/or keep the portions of the hair products secured from being dislodged during transport.FIG. 13 illustrates another embodiment ofclip 14 comprising a fixedarm 68, aclamp arm 70, ahinge 72, aclasp 74 and arelease 76. The hair extensions can be laid over fixedarm 68 and clamparm 70 may be pivotally moved into contact with the hair extensions and fixedarm 68.Clasp 74 engages a mechanism in fixedarm 68 to temporarily fix their relative position. The hair extensions can be removed for use by pressingrelease 76 and pivotally movingclamp arm 70 upward. -
FIG. 14 is a fragmentary front view of a hair carrier bag 310 having an alternate hair retention device 314 in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention. As shown therein, the hair retention device includes a fixed plate 344 and one or more pre-tensioned elastic straps or bands 345, wherein each end of each strap or band 345 is coupled to the fixed plate 344. Alternatively, each end of each strap or band 345 could be coupled to theinner surface body hair carrier bag body body body body clip 14 orclip assembly 114. -
FIG. 14 illustrates the fixed plate 344 of the hair retention device 314 being coupled to the body 312 of the hair carrier bag 310 by a plurality of fasteners 366. In particular, the clip assembly 314 may be fastened to a reinforced flap that is attached along its upper edge to the lower edge of a top overlap section, proximate a stitch/crease, as described previously. The fasteners 366 may be rivets that extend through the fixed plate 344 and the reinforced flap. In various embodiments, the fixed plate 344 may be fastened using rivet fasteners, glue, hook and loop fasteners, bolts, screws, threaded fasteners, and/or any other mechanical fastener known or hereafter developed. Alternatively, the fixed plate 344 may be coupled to the body 312 directly using any suitable means including sewn or stitched to the body 312. - Yet another embodiment includes a series of sleeves or netting built into or coupled to
inner surface 34 that are configured to receive the comb section of a standard hair extension in a downward orientation to replicate the way the hair extension is secured to a person's head thereby temporarily securing the hair extension tobody 12. Still further,clip 14 may include a pair of bar magnet members wherein a bottom bar is coupled to theinner surface 34 ofbody 12 and a top bar is magnetically attachable to/removable from the bottom bar. The hair product can be placed on top of the bottom bar and sandwiched between the top and bottom bars when the top bar is coupled to the bottom bar. Still other clip mechanisms are envisioned and anticipated. Any mechanism for securing hair products within the carrier of the present invention in a substantially equivalent manner is envisioned and is within the scope of the present invention. - Alternatively,
clip 14 as described above may be disposed parallel and proximatefirst side 30 orsecond side 32. This embodiment includes a clip configured to match the length of one or more fold sections 40 such thatclip 14 does not impede the folding of the hair carrier clutch bag of the present invention. The hair products may be in a horizontal configuration in this embodiment, or they may be held in position along one side thereof. - The
hair carrier bag 10 preferably includes theprotective cover sheet 16, which may serve one or more of the purposes of retaining the hair products stored in thebag 10, protecting the hair products from damage, keeping the hair products clean, or the like. However, theprotective cover sheet 16 may be omitted in some embodiments.FIG. 11 illustrates theprotective cover sheet 16 having a top 78, a bottom 80, afirst side 82, asecond side 84, aninner surface 86, anouter surface 88, and at least twofasteners 90.First side 82 is coupled tosecond side 32 ofbody 12 such thatprotective cover sheet 16 is configured to fold over and lie aboveinner surface 34 ofbody 12.Inner face 86 ofprotective cover sheet 16 facesinner surface 34 ofbody 12 when folded.Bottom 80 ofprotective cover sheet 16 is generally aligned with or configured to be slightly abovebottom 28 ofbody 12 as shown. Coversheet 16 also includesfasteners 90 that couple coversheet 16 tobody 12 or toprotective enclosure panel 20 as described below. - As seen in
FIG. 15 ,cover sheet 16 folds along the joint betweensecond side 32 ofbody 12 andfirst side 82 ofprotective cover sheet 16 and is configured to cover or substantially coverinner surface 34 ofbody 12.Top 78 may be configured to lie belowclip 14 as shown. Alternatively, top 78 ofcover sheet 16 may coverclips 14 to protect the inner surface ofbody 12 when the hair carrier of the present invention is folded for storage or transport. Coversheet 16 utilizesfasteners 90 to fixcover sheet 16 over the hair product in this overlapped position.Protective cover sheet 16 may be fastened directly toinner surface 34 ofbody 12 and can cover substantially all of the hair product located therebelow. Alternatively, coversheet 16 may be configured such that its width is slightly less than the width ofbody 12 andprotective enclosure panel 20 may be folded over to overlapprotective cover sheet 16 as shown inFIG. 15 .Protective cover sheet 16 may be removably coupled toprotective enclosure panel 20 usingfasteners 90 andfasteners 104 as described below. Alternatively, bottom 80 ofprotective cover sheet 16 may be coupled tobottom 28 ofbody 12 and foldable overinner surface 34 from the bottom 28 ofbody 12. One embodiment includesfasteners 90 disposed along the top 78 and/or thesides cover sheet 16 and mateable with complimentary fasteners disposed oninner surface 34 ofbody 12. It is also recognized thatcover sheet 16 could be coupled or attached to thefirst side 30 ofbody 12 and folded along the joint between thefirst side 30 ofbody 12 and thesecond side 84 of theprotective cover sheet 16. - As seen in
FIG. 11 , a second protective cover sheet orenclosure panel 20 includes a top 92, a bottom 94, afirst side 96, asecond side 98, aninner surface 100, anouter surface 102, andfasteners 104.Second side 98 ofprotective enclosure panel 20 is coupled tofirst side 30 ofbody 12 such that protective enclosure panel may fold and overlapinner surface 34 ofbody 12 as shown inFIG. 11 .Top 92 may be configured to end just below clips 14, or alternatively may coverclips 14 to provide abrasion protection between the inner surface oftop overlap section 42 and theclips 14.Fasteners Fasteners fasteners sheet 16 andpanel 20 so as to cooperatively engage each other when folded into their overlapping positions. It is also recognized thatpanel 20 could be coupled or attached to thesecond side 32 ofbody 12 ifcover sheet 16 is coupled to thefirst side 30 ofbody 12. Still further, any amount of overlap betweencover sheet 16 andenclosure panel 20 is possible. Also, coversheet 16 andpanel 20 can be configured to mate with each other at the center or middle portion ofinner surface 34 with substantially little or no overlap. Any combination ofcover sheet 16 andenclosure panel 20 is envisioned and anticipated. - In the illustrated embodiments, both the
protective cover sheet 16 and theprotective enclosure panel 20 are included. However, it will be appreciated that one or both of theprotective cover sheet 16 and theprotective enclosure panel 20 may be omitted. When included, theprotective cover sheet 16 andprotective enclosure panel 20 may be comprised of a material that will not damage the hair products when thebody 12 is folded about itself as described above. Material used forprotective cover sheet 16 andprotective enclosure panel 20 may include, but shall not be limited to: silk, polyester, nylon, plastic, cotton fabric, vinyl, microfiber, fleece, chamois, imitation chamois, woven fabric, suede, any other suitable material now known or hereafter developed, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment,protective cover sheet 16 andprotective enclosure panel 20 are clear plastic or vinyl.Protective cover sheet 16 andprotective enclosure panel 20 may be the same material or may each be a different material. - An embodiment of the present invention may include an
internal pocket 22 disposed in any fold panel 40 a-40 e. In the embodiment ofFIG. 11 ,internal pocket 22 is located withinfold panel 40 e.Internal pocket 22 may be any configuration known in the art and may be closeable withzipper 106 or any other known closure mechanism.Internal pocket 22 may be sewn into the liner comprisinginner surface 34 or may just be a pocket formed between stitch/crease 38 e and bottom 28.Internal pocket 22 may include substantially the entire area offold panel 40 e as shown, or may be any size within the area offold panel 40 e.Internal pocket 22 may be used to store and carry hair styling products, pins, barrettes, hair bands, any other hair care related items of the user, other personal items of the user carried during travel including toiletries, or any other products desired by the user. - Further, as shown in
FIG. 11 ,closure 18 is a pair of magnets between theouter surface 36 and theinner surface 34 in bothtop overlap section 42 and foldsection 40 b. The magnets are configured such that when thehair carrier bag 10 is folded upon itself as described below, the magnet infold section 40 b is proximate the magnet inoverlap section 42 wherein the portions of the magnet facing each other in the folded position have opposite polarity. As such, the magnets are attracted to each other and thereby temporarily coupletop overlap portion 42 to foldsection 40 b. Alternatively,closure 18 may be any fastener now known or hereafter developed in the art including snaps, zippers, buttons, grommets, clips, buckles, straps, studs, hook and loop fasteners, clasps, or any other coupling mechanism. - In use,
hair carrier bag 10 may be used to store and transport hair products such as wigs, hair extensions, falls, and other real or imitation hair strands. Thehair carrier bag 10 may be positioned in an unfolded and open orientation as shown inFIG. 11 . This unfolded and open orientation includes bothprotective cover sheet 16 andprotective enclosure panel 20 extending outwardly frombody 12. At this time, the hair product, such ashair extensions 108 may be secured within clip 14 (seeFIGS. 14 and 15 ). For example, one end of a hair extension may be secured inclip 14 and the second end may extend longitudinally substantially parallel to first andsecond sides second end 28. - Next, the first
protective cover sheet 16 is folded over ontobody 12 such thatinner surface 86 ofprotective cover sheet 16 facesinner surface 34 ofbody 12. This traps the hair product between theinner surface 34 ofbody 12 and the firstprotective cover sheet 16. Next, if the second protective cover sheet orenclosure panel 20 is present, it is folded oversecond end 84 ofprotective cover sheet 16. At this time,protective cover sheet 16 andprotective enclosure panel 20 are coupled together usingmating fasteners FIG. 15 illustrateshair carrier bag 10 at this stage of use. Alternatively, if noprotective enclosure panel 20 is provided,protective cover sheet 16 could be coupled toinner surface 34 ofbody 12 proximatefirst side 30 in a similar manner. - As shown in
FIG. 16 ,body 12 is next folded upon itself starting atbottom end 28.Fold section 40 e is folded over uponfold section 40 d such thatinner surface 34 offold section 40 e facesinner surface 34 offold section 40 d. Foldedsections section 40 c such thatouter surface 36 offold section 40 e facesinner surface 34 offold section 40 c. The foldedsections fold section 40 b wherein outer surface offold section 40 d facesinner surface 34 offold section 40 b. - The folded
sections d fold section 40 a wherein the outer surface offold section 40 c facesinner surface 34 offold section 40 a. At this point,body 12 has been folded until all the fold sections 40 a-40 e are folded upon the other and onlytop overlap section 42 remains unfolded.Top overlap section 42 is now folded ontofold section 40 b such that it overlapsfold section 40 b. As shown inFIG. 17 ,top overlap section 42 is temporarily and removably coupled to theouter surface 36 offold section 40 b by means ofclosure 18. - The completely folded
hair carrier bag 10 of the present invention is configured to resemble a woman's clutch bag to provide users a convenient, stylish, effective, safe and stylish apparatus in which to store and transport their hair products, including wigs, hair extensions and falls. The foldedhair carrier bag 10 of the present invention may be placed in checked or carryon luggage or may even be carried as a purse by the user during travel. The foldedhair carrier bag 10 may also be used to store hair products in a drawer or closet while protecting the hair product and taking up minimal storage space. - As noted previously, hair carrier bags may alternatively be provided in other forms. For example,
FIG. 19 is a front view of anotherhair carrier bag 410 in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention, shown in its folded or closed state, whileFIG. 20 is a front view of thehair carrier bag 410 ofFIG. 19 , shown in its unfolded state and with theprotective cover sheet 416 pulled away from the body for better access to the interior thereof. As shown therein, thehair carrier bag 410 includes anelongated body 412, aclip assembly 414, a protective cover sheet 416 (shown in an open state inFIG. 20 ), and aclosure system 418. In at least some embodiments, thehair carrier bag 410 may also include a second protective cover sheet orenclosure panel 420, aninternal pocket 422, and/or a hanger loop orring 425. - The
elongated body 412 may have many similarities with theelongated body 112 of thehair carrier bag 110 ofFIGS. 2 and 3 , including but not limited to atop edge 426, abottom edge 428, aninner surface 434, and anouter surface 436, but is partitioned into only threefold sections middle fold section 440 b serves as the “bottom” of thebag 410 in the configuration shown inFIG. 19 , and may be separated from theother fold sections bag 410, and the use of themiddle fold section 440 b as the “bottom” of thebag 410, when thebag 410 is in the folded or closed state. Thebag 410 may be closed by first closing theprotective cover sheet 420 over theinner surface 434 of theelongated body 412 and then folding the topmost andbottommost fold sections creases 438, such that thebottom edge 428 is placed in close proximity to thetop edge 426. In this state, a generally flat bag bottom is created and on which the closed or foldedbag 410 may be rested such that it stands in an upright position. Theclosed bag 410 is shown inFIG. 19 . - The length of the
body 412, and more particularly the length of thebody 412 from theclip assembly 414 to thebottom edge 428, corresponds to the length of the hair extension or wig that can be accommodated by thecarrier bag 410. The more common lengths of hair extensions range from about ten inches (10″) to about twenty inches (20″). However, wigs or hair extensions may be any length known in the art. In at least some embodiments of thehair carrier bag 410, the body length ranges from about twelve inches (12″) to about forty inches (40″). In at least some of these embodiments, the body length ranges from about twelve inches (12″) to twenty-four inches (24″). In at least some of these embodiments, the body length is about sixteen inches (16″). The width of thebody 412 may be selected to provide the capacity to fit the hair products. Further, in at least some embodiments, the width of thebody 412 ranges from about six inches (6″) to about eighteen inches (24″). In at least some of these embodiments, the width of thebody 412 ranges from about nine inches (9″) to about eighteen inches (18″). In at least some of these embodiments, the width of thebody 412 is about fifteen inches (15″). Finally, in at least some embodiments of thehair carrier bag 410, themiddle fold section 440 b, which forms the bottom of thebag 410 when placed in a standing, upright position, ranges from about ½ inch (0.5″) to about four inches (4″) in size. In at least some of these embodiments, themiddle fold section 440 b ranges from about one inch (1″) to about two inches (2″) in size. In at least some of these embodiments, themiddle fold section 440 b is about one and ½ inches (1.5″) in size. It will be appreciated that in at least some embodiments, thehair carrier bag 410 does not have to resemble a woman's clutch bag, and it will be further appreciated that thebody 412 may be configured to accommodate any length and/or width of hair products. - As noted previously, the
carrier bag 410 ofFIG. 20 includes two stitches/creases 438 partitioning thebody 412 into three fold sections 440. However, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the number of creases and/or folds may vary. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, only a single crease, partitioning the body into two fold sections, may be provided, while in another embodiment, five creases, partitioning the body into six fold sections, may be provided. - The
inner surface 434 of thebody 412 also forms the inner surface of the fold sections 440 a-440 c. In at least some embodiments, theinner surface 434 is comprised of an inner liner constructed from a material that will not damage the hair products when thebody 412 is folded or coiled about itself as described above. Material suitable for use for the inner liner may include, but are not limited to, silk, polyester, nylon, plastic, cotton fabric, vinyl, microfiber, canvas, fleece, wool, chamois, imitation chamois, woven fabric, suede, and any other suitable material now known or hereafter developed, or any combination thereof. - The
outer surface 436 of thebody 412 is covered in a finish material that is adapted to be exposed to the environment, such as sun and rain, and normal wear and tear, as well as to protect the interior contents of thehair carrier bag 410. Additionally and/or alternatively, the material of theouter surface 436 may also be chosen for its color, finish, pattern, texture, or any other aesthetic reason. Materials suitable for use on or as theouter surface 436 may include, but are not limited to, silk, polyester, nylon, canvas, wool, vinyl, plastic, leather, animal skin, microfiber, other polymers, suede, and any other suitable material now known or hereafter developed, or any combination thereof. The material of theouter surface 436 may be patterned and/or textured to resemble natural materials such as animal skin, leather, or other more exotic or expensive materials. The material of theouter surface 436 may be any color within the visible spectrum. Thehair carrier bag 410 may also include a decorative border (not shown) around its perimeter that covers the exposed edges of the fabric associated with the inner andouter surfaces - The
clip assembly 414 may comprise any of the clips and/or clip assemblies described and/or illustrated herein. - The hanger loop or
ring 425 may be a loop member configured to be hooked or hung from anywhere or anything, thereby allowinghair carrier bag 410, in its unfolded state, to be hung in a closet or behind a door, on a hook, door knob, towel rack, or other hanging fixture when traveling or for storage. In some embodiments, the loop orring 425 is a metal ring retained by a loop ofmaterial 423, which may be reinforced by an additional piece of material (not shown); in other embodiments, the loop orring 425 is a loop of fabric, leather, or other material. The loop orring 425 can be attached to either the inner orouter surface body 412. An optional hanger slot (not shown) may also be provided adjacent thehanger loop 425, or in place thereof, for likewise allowing thehair carrier bag 410 to be hung therefrom. In this regard, the hanger slot may be configured for the hooked portion of a clothes hanger or other similar device to pass through the slot wherein the length of the slot is such that the entire hanger does not pass through thereby allowing an unfoldedhair carrier bag 410 to be hung in various locations. In at least some embodiments, the loop orring 425 can be fed or extended through the hanger slot if such a slot is incorporated into thecarrier bag 410. -
FIG. 20 illustrates theprotective cover sheet 416 in an open state and theenclosure panel 420 in a closed state. Theprotective cover sheet 416 andenclosure panel 420 may have many similarities with theprotective cover sheet 116 andenclosure panel 120 of thehair carrier bag 110 ofFIGS. 2 and 3 . It will be noted, however, that theprotective cover sheet 416 andenclosure panel 420 ofFIG. 20 each extend over, or “cover,” theclip assembly 414, unlike theprotective cover sheet 116 andenclosure panel 120 shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 . - In the illustrated embodiments, both the
protective cover sheet 416 and theprotective enclosure panel 420 are included. However, it will be appreciated that one or both of theprotective cover sheet 416 and theprotective enclosure panel 420 may be omitted. When included, theprotective cover sheet 416 and theprotective enclosure panel 420 may be comprised of a material that will not damage the hair products when thebody 412 is closed or folded up as described above. Materials suitable for use in theprotective cover sheet 416 and/or theprotective enclosure panel 420 may include, but are not limited to: silk, polyester, nylon, plastic, cotton, vinyl, microfiber, fleece, chamois, imitation chamois, woven fabric, suede, and any other suitable material now known or hereafter developed, or any combination thereof. In at least some embodiments, theprotective cover sheet 416 and theprotective enclosure panel 420 each primarily comprise a sheet of clear nylon. In at least some other embodiments, theprotective cover sheet 416 and theprotective enclosure panel 420 each primarily comprises a sheet of nylon mesh woven with a spacing of approximately 1 mm. Theprotective cover sheet 416 and theprotective enclosure panel 420 may be of the same material or may each be of a different material. - The
body 412 of thehair carrier bag 410 further includes aninternal pocket 422 in thebottommost fold panel 440 c. In other embodiments, a similar internal pocket may additionally or alternatively be disposed in theuppermost fold panel 440 a. Theinternal pockets 422 may be in any configuration known in the art and may be closeable with azipper 406 or any other known closure mechanism. Eachinternal pocket 422 may be sewn into the liner comprising theinner surface 434 or may just be a pocket, such as pocket formed between the bottommost stitch/crease 438 and thebottom 428 of thebody 412. Eachinternal pocket 422 may include substantially the entire area of afold panel such fold panel internal pocket 422 may be used to store and carry hair styling products, pins, barrettes, hair bands, any other hair care related items of the user, other personal items of the user carried during travel including toiletries, or any other products desired by the user. In at least some embodiments, thezipper 406 may be a #5 nylon locking zipper. In an embodiment in which thebody 412 is fifteen inches (15″) wide, thezipper 406 may be thirteen inches (13″) in length. - Returning to
FIG. 20 , in one suitable arrangement, theclosure system 418 may include complementary strip magnets, or series of magnets, disposed between theouter surface 436 and theinner surface 434 along the upper andlower edges body 412. The magnets are configured such that when thehair carrier bag 410 is closed or folded upon itself as described herein, the magnet or magnets along thebottom edge 428 are proximate corresponding magnets along thetop edge 426, wherein the portions of the magnet facing each other in the folded position have opposite (complementary) polarities. As such, the magnets are attracted to each other and thereby temporarily couple thetop edge 426 to thebottom edge 428. Alternatively or additionally, theclosure system 418 may be include any fasteners now known or hereafter developed in the art including snaps, zippers, buttons, grommets, clips, buckles, straps, studs, hook and loop fasteners, clasps, and any other coupling mechanisms. - In use, the
hair carrier bag 410 is used to store and transport hair products such as wigs, hair extensions, falls, and other real or imitation hair strands. To use it, thehair carrier bag 410 is first unfolded or otherwise opened and is positioned in the unfolded and open orientation generally shown inFIG. 20 . As also shown inFIG. 20 , theprotective cover 416 is likewise unfolded or otherwise opened such that it extends partially or completely away from thebody 412. If necessary or useful, theprotective enclosure panel 420 may likewise be unfolded or otherwise opened. In this partially or fully opened state, one or more hair products may be secured within one or more of the clips or theclip assembly 414. For example, one end of a hair extension may be secured in a clip of theclip assembly 414 and the second end may extend longitudinally substantially parallel to the sides of thebody 412, toward thebottom edge 428. - With the hair product installed in place, the first
protective cover sheet 416 may be folded over onto thebody 412 such that inner surface of theprotective cover sheet 416 faces theinner surface 434 of thebody 412. This traps the hair product between theinner surface 434 of thebody 412 and the firstprotective cover sheet 416. Next, if the second protective cover sheet orenclosure panel 420 is present, it may be folded over the distal side or edge of theprotective cover sheet 416. Theprotective cover sheet 416 and theprotective enclosure panel 420 may then be coupled together using the mating fasteners. Alternatively, if noprotective enclosure panel 420 is provided, theprotective cover sheet 416 could be coupled to theinner surface 434 of thebody 412. - To place the
hair carrier bag 410 in the state shown inFIG. 19 , thebody 412 may next be folded upon itself by folding the topmost andbottommost fold sections middle fold section 440 b. Themiddle fold section 440 b then functions as the bottom of theclosed bag 410 as described previously. The top of the closed bag is formed by the top edge of the body and the bottom edge of the body, which are temporarily coupled together by theclosure system 418. - When completely folded, the
hair carrier bag 410 of the present invention is configured to resemble a woman's purse, clutch bag, or the like, thereby providing users with a convenient, stylish, effective, and safe apparatus in which to store and transport their hair products, including wigs, hair extensions, falls, and the like. The foldedhair carrier bag 410 may be placed in checked or carryon luggage or may even be carried as a purse by the user during travel. The folded or unfoldedhair carrier bag 410 may also be used to store hair products in a drawer or closet while protecting the hair products and taking up minimal storage space. -
FIG. 21 is a front view of anotherhair carrier bag 510 in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention, shown in its folded or closed state, whileFIG. 22 is a front view of thehair carrier bag 510 ofFIG. 21 , shown in its unfolded state and with theprotective cover sheet 416 pulled away from the body for better access to the interior thereof. Thishair carrier bag 510 is similar to thehair carrier bag 410 ofFIGS. 19 and 20 , but includes atop overlap section 542, somewhat similar to thetop overlap section 142 of thebag 110 ofFIGS. 1-3 , and the upper magnet strip or series of magnets is disposed above theclip assembly 414 rather than along theupper edge 526 of thebody 512. Fold sections are created that are somewhat similar to thefold sections bag 410 ofFIGS. 19 and 20 , but thetopmost fold section 540 a is separated from thetop overlap section 542 by a stitch orcrease 538. - In use, the
hair carrier bag 510 is used like thebag 410 ofFIGS. 19 and 20 to store and transport hair products such as wigs, hair extensions, falls, and other real or imitation hair strands. To use it, thehair carrier bag 510 is first unfolded or otherwise opened and is positioned in the unfolded and open orientation generally shown inFIG. 22 . Once a hair product installed in place, and theprotective cover sheet 416 andenclosure panel 420 are folded or closed, thebag 510 is rearranged into the state shown inFIG. 21 by folding thebody 512 upon itself. This may be accomplished by folding the topmost andbottommost fold sections middle fold section 540 b. The top of theclosed bag 510 is formed by thecrease 538 between thetop overlap section 542 and the bottom edge of thebody 512, which are temporarily coupled together by theclosure system 418. In addition, thetop overlap section 542 is folded down over theouter surface 536 of thebottommost fold section 540 c. Themiddle fold section 540 b then functions as the bottom of theclosed bag 510 as described previously. - The
carrier bag 510 ofFIG. 22 includes three stitches/creases 538 partitioning thebody 512 into three fold sections 540 and atop overlap section 542. However, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the number of creases and/or folds may vary. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, only a single crease, partitioning the body into two fold sections, may be provided, while in another embodiment, five creases, partitioning the body into six fold sections, may be provided. -
FIG. 23 is a front view anotherhair carrier bag 610 in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention, shown in its hanging or carry state;FIGS. 24 and 25 are a front view and rear view, respectively, of thehair carrier bag 610 ofFIG. 23 , shown in a resting state; andFIG. 26 is a front view of thehair carrier bag 610 ofFIG. 23 , shown in its unfolded state and with theprotective cover sheet 616 pulled away from thebody 612 for better access to the interior thereof. As shown therein, thehair carrier bag 610 includes anelongated body 612, aclip assembly 614, a protective cover sheet 616 (shown in an open state inFIG. 26 ), aclosure system 618, and a pair ofhandles 611. In at least some embodiments, thehair carrier bag 610 may also include a second protective cover sheet orenclosure panel 620, aninternal pocket 622, and/or a hanger loop orring 625. - The
elongated body 612 may have many similarities with theelongated body 112 of thehair carrier bag 110 ofFIGS. 2 and 3 , including but not limited to atop edge 626, abottom edge 628, aninner surface 634, and anouter surface 636, but is partitioned into only threefold sections middle fold section 640 b serves as the “bottom” of thebag 610 in the configuration shown inFIGS. 23-25 , and may be separated from theother fold sections bag 610, and the use of themiddle fold section 640 b as the “bottom” of thebag 610, when thebag 610 is in the folded or closed state. Thebag 610 may be closed by first closing theprotective cover sheet 620 over theinner surface 634 of theelongated body 612 and then folding the topmost andbottommost fold sections creases 638, such that thebottom edge 628 is placed in close proximity to thetop edge 626. In this state, a generally flat bag bottom is created and on which the closed or foldedbag 610 may be rested such that it stands in an upright position. Theclosed bag 610 is shown inFIGS. 23-25 . - The length of the
body 612, and more particularly the length of thebody 612 from theclip assembly 614 to thebottom edge 628, corresponds to the length of the hair extension or wig that can be accommodated by thecarrier bag 610. The more common lengths of hair extensions range from about ten inches (10″) to about twenty inches (20″). However, wigs or hair extensions may be any length known in the art. In at least some embodiments of thehair carrier bag 610, the body length ranges from about twelve inches (12″) to about forty inches (40″). In at least some of these embodiments, the body length ranges from about twenty-four inches (24″) to thirty-six inches (36″). In at least some of these embodiments, the body length is about twenty-seven and ½ inches (27.5″). The width of thebody 612 may be selected to provide the capacity to fit the hair products. Further, because in at least some embodiments, thehair carrier bag 610 is configured to resemble a woman's tote bag, purse bag, pocketbook, or the like, the width generally corresponds to widths of conventional bags as known in the art. In at least some embodiments, the width of thebody 612 ranges from about six inches (6″) to about eighteen inches (18″). In at least some of these embodiments, the width of thebody 612 ranges from about nine inches (9″) to about fifteen inches (15″). In at least some of these embodiments, the width of thebody 612 is about thirteen inches (13″). Finally, in at least some embodiments of thehair carrier bag 610, themiddle fold section 640 b, which forms the bottom of thebag 610 when placed in a standing, upright position, ranges from about ½ inch (0.5″) to about four inches (4″) in size. In at least some of these embodiments, themiddle fold section 640 b ranges from about ¾ inch (0.75″) to about two inches (2″) in size. In at least some of these embodiments, themiddle fold section 640 b is about one inch (1″) in size. However, it will be appreciated that in at least some embodiments, thehair carrier bag 610 does not have to resemble a woman's tote bag, purse bag, pocketbook, or the like, and it will be further appreciated that thebody 612 may be configured to accommodate any length and/or width of hair products. - As noted previously, the
carrier bag 610 ofFIG. 26 includes two stitches/creases 638 partitioning thebody 612 into three fold sections 640. However, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the number of creases and/or folds may vary. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, only a single crease, partitioning the body into two fold sections, may be provided, while in another embodiment, five creases, partitioning the body into six fold sections, may be provided. - The
inner surface 634 of thebody 612 also forms the inner surface of the fold sections 640 a-640 c. In at least some embodiments, theinner surface 634 is comprised of an inner liner constructed from a material that will not damage the hair products when thebody 612 is folded or coiled about itself as described above. Material suitable for use for the inner liner may include, but are not limited to, silk, polyester, nylon, plastic, cotton fabric, vinyl, microfiber, canvas, fleece, wool, chamois, imitation chamois, woven fabric, suede, and any other suitable material now known or hereafter developed, or any combination thereof. - The
outer surface 636 of thebody 612 is covered in a finish material that is adapted to be exposed to the environment, such as sun and rain, and normal wear and tear, as well as to protect the interior contents of thehair carrier bag 610. Additionally and/or alternatively, the material of theouter surface 636 may also be chosen for its color, finish, pattern, texture, or any other aesthetic reason. Materials suitable for use on or as theouter surface 636 may include, but are not limited to, silk, polyester, nylon, canvas, wool, vinyl, plastic, leather, animal skin, microfiber, other polymers, suede, and any other suitable material now known or hereafter developed, or any combination thereof. The material of theouter surface 636 may be patterned and/or textured to resemble natural materials such as animal skin, leather, or other more exotic or expensive materials. The material of theouter surface 636 may be any color within the visible spectrum. Thehair carrier bag 610 may also include a decorative border (not shown) around its perimeter that covers the exposed edges of the fabric associated with the inner andouter surfaces - The
clip assembly 614 may comprise any of the clips and/or clip assemblies described and/or illustrated herein. - The hanger loop or
ring 625 may be a loop member configured to be hooked or hung from anywhere or anything, thereby allowinghair carrier bag 610, in its unfolded state, to be hung in a closet or behind a door, on a hook, door knob, towel rack, or other hanging fixture when traveling or for storage. In some embodiments, the loop orring 625 is a metal ring retained by a loop of material 623, which may be reinforced by an additional piece of material 627; in other embodiments, the loop orring 625 is a loop of fabric, leather, or other material. The loop orring 625 can be attached to either the inner orouter surface body 612. An optional hanger slot (not shown) may also be provided adjacent thehanger loop 625, or in place thereof, for likewise allowing thehair carrier bag 610 to be hung therefrom. In this regard, the hanger slot may be configured for the hooked portion of a clothes hanger or other similar device to pass through the slot wherein the length of the slot is such that the entire hanger does not pass through thereby allowing an unfoldedhair carrier bag 610 to be hung in various locations. In at least some embodiments, the loop orring 625 can be fed or extended through the hanger slot if such a slot is incorporated into thecarrier bag 610. -
FIG. 26 illustrates theprotective cover sheet 616 in an open state and theenclosure panel 620 in a closed state. Theprotective cover sheet 616 andenclosure panel 620 may have many similarities with theprotective cover sheet 116 andenclosure panel 120 of thehair carrier bag 110 ofFIGS. 2 and 3 , and with theprotective cover sheet 416 andenclosure panel 420 of thehair carrier bag 410 ofFIG. 20 . It will be noted, however, that neither theprotective cover sheet 616 nor theenclosure panel 620 ofFIG. 26 extend over, or “cover,” theclip assembly 614, like theprotective cover sheet 116 andenclosure panel 120 shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 but unlike those shown inFIG. 20 . - In the illustrated embodiments, both the
protective cover sheet 616 and theprotective enclosure panel 620 are included. However, it will be appreciated that one or both of theprotective cover sheet 616 and theprotective enclosure panel 620 may be omitted. When included, theprotective cover sheet 616 and theprotective enclosure panel 620 may be comprised of a material that will not damage the hair products when thebody 612 is closed or folded up as described above. Materials suitable for use in theprotective cover sheet 616 and/or theprotective enclosure panel 620 may include, but are not limited to: silk, polyester, nylon, plastic, cotton, vinyl, microfiber, fleece, chamois, imitation chamois, woven fabric, suede, and any other suitable material now known or hereafter developed, or any combination thereof. In at least some embodiments, theprotective cover sheet 616 and theprotective enclosure panel 620 each primarily comprise a sheet of clear nylon. In at least some other embodiments, theprotective cover sheet 616 and theprotective enclosure panel 620 each primarily comprises a sheet of nylon mesh woven with a spacing of approximately 1 mm. Theprotective cover sheet 616 and theprotective enclosure panel 620 may be of the same material or may each be of a different material. - With reference to
FIG. 25 , thebody 612 of thehair carrier bag 610 further includes anexternal pocket 621 in the outer surface of thetopmost fold panel 640 a. In other embodiments, a similar external pocket may additionally or alternatively be disposed in thebottommost fold panel 640 c. Theexternal pockets 621 may be in any configuration known in the art and may be closeable with azipper 605 or any other known closure mechanism. Eachexternal pocket 621 may be sewn into the material comprising theouter surface 634 or may just be a pocket. Eachexternal pocket 621 may include only a part of the entire area of afold panel fold panel such fold panel external pocket 621 may be used to store and carry hair styling products, pins, barrettes, hair bands, any other hair care related items of the user, other personal items of the user carried during travel including toiletries, or any other products desired by the user. In at least some embodiments, thezipper 605 may be a #5 nylon locking zipper. In an embodiment in which thebody 612 is thirteen inches (13″) wide, thezipper 605 may be about seven inches (7″) in length. - The
body 612 of thehair carrier bag 610 further includes aninternal pocket 622 in thebottommost fold panel 640 c. In other embodiments, a similar internal pocket may additionally or alternatively be disposed in theuppermost fold panel 640 a. Theinternal pockets 622 may be in any configuration known in the art and may be closeable with azipper 606 or any other known closure mechanism. Notably, unlike theinternal pocket 422 shown in thecarrier bags FIGS. 20 and 22 , theinternal pocket 622 of thecarrier bag 610 ofFIG. 26 opens near thebottom edge 628 of thebody 612. It will be appreciated that when thebottommost panel 640 c is folded upward to create the configuration shown inFIGS. 23-25 , the orientation of thispocket 622 will be inverted. In other words, when the carrier bag is in the purse-like configuration ofFIGS. 23-25 , thepocket 622 opens downward from thezipper 606, like a conventional pocket, and thus may be more useful than thepocket 422 ofFIGS. 20 and 22 . - Each
internal pocket 622 may be sewn into the liner comprising theinner surface 634 or may just be a pocket. Eachinternal pocket 622 may include substantially the entire area of afold panel such fold panel internal pocket 622 may be used to store and carry hair styling products, pins, barrettes, hair bands, any other hair care related items of the user, other personal items of the user carried during travel including toiletries, or any other products desired by the user. In at least some embodiments, thezipper 606 may be a #5 nylon locking zipper. In an embodiment in which thebody 612 is thirteen inches (13″) wide, thezipper 606 may be eleven inches (11″) in length. - Returning to
FIG. 26 , in one suitable arrangement, theclosure system 618 may include at least onezipper 619 along each side of theelongate body 612. Thezippers 619 are configured such that when thehair carrier bag 610 is closed or folded upon itself as described herein, thezippers 619 may be zipped closed, thereby retaining the sides or edges of thebottommost fold panel 640 c against the sides or edges of thetopmost fold panel 640 a as shown inFIGS. 23-25 . Alternatively or additionally, theclosure system 618 may be include any fasteners now known or hereafter developed in the art including magnets, snaps, zippers, buttons, grommets, clips, buckles, straps, studs, hook and loop fasteners, clasps, and any other coupling mechanisms. - In use, the
hair carrier bag 610 is used to store and transport hair products such as wigs, hair extensions, falls, and other real or imitation hair strands. To use it, thehair carrier bag 610 is first unzipped and then unfolded or otherwise opened. Once positioned in the unfolded and open orientation generally shown inFIG. 26 , theprotective cover 616 is likewise unfolded or otherwise opened such that it extends partially or completely away from thebody 612. If necessary or useful, theprotective enclosure panel 620 may likewise be unfolded or otherwise opened. In this partially or fully opened state, one or more hair products may be secured within one or more of the clips or theclip assembly 614. For example, one end of a hair extension may be secured in a clip of theclip assembly 614 and the second end may extend longitudinally substantially parallel to the sides of thebody 612, toward thebottom edge 628. - With the hair product installed in place, the first
protective cover sheet 616 may be folded over onto thebody 612 such that inner surface of theprotective cover sheet 616 faces theinner surface 634 of thebody 612. This traps the hair product between theinner surface 634 of thebody 612 and the firstprotective cover sheet 616. Next, if the second protective cover sheet orenclosure panel 620 is present, it may be folded over the distal side or edge of theprotective cover sheet 616. Theprotective cover sheet 616 and theprotective enclosure panel 620 may then be coupled together using the mating fasteners. Alternatively, if noprotective enclosure panel 620 is provided, theprotective cover sheet 616 could be coupled to theinner surface 634 of thebody 612. - To place the
hair carrier bag 610 in the state shown inFIGS. 24 and 25 , thebody 612 may next be folded upon itself by folding the topmost andbottommost fold sections middle fold section 640 b. Themiddle fold section 640 b then functions as the bottom of theclosed bag 610 as described previously. The top of the closed bag is formed by the top edge of thebody 612 and the bottom edge of thebody 612, while the sides of thebody 612 are coupled together by thezippers 619. - When completely folded, the
hair carrier bag 610 of the present invention is configured to resemble a woman's purse, thereby providing users with a convenient, stylish, effective, and safe apparatus in which to store and transport their hair products, including wigs, hair extensions, falls, and the like. As shown inFIG. 23 , thehandles 611 permit thebag 610 to be lifted and carried in a user's hand, over a user's shoulder, or the like, or to be hung on a hook, doorknob, or the like. The foldedhair carrier bag 610 may be placed in checked or carryon luggage or may even be carried as a purse by the user during travel. The folded or unfoldedhair carrier bag 610 may also be used to store hair products in a drawer or closet while protecting the hair products and taking up minimal storage space. - Based on the foregoing information, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those specifically described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention.
- Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements; the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.
Claims (26)
1.-36. (canceled)
37. A clip assembly for retaining a hair product in a hair carrier bag, comprising:
a fixed plate, adapted to be fastened to a structure of a hair carrier bag and having a bottom side or edge;
a clamp plate, rotationally coupled to the fixed plate and having a bottom side or edge, the bottom side or edge of the clamp plate being held against or in close proximity to the bottom side or edge of the fixed plate; and
a hair product having an end portion that is clamped between the bottom side or edge of the clamp plate and the bottom side or edge of the fixed plate such that the hair product may be retained within the hair carrier bag when the fixed plate is fastened to the structure of the hair carrier bag.
38. The clip assembly of claim 37 , further comprising a spring that biases the bottom side or edge of the clamp plate against the bottom side or edge of the fixed plate.
39. The clip assembly of claim 37 , further comprising an axle that rotationally couples the clamp plate to the fixed plate.
40. The clip assembly of claim 39 , wherein the fixed plate includes two end supports that support opposite ends of the axle.
41. The clip assembly of claim 39 , wherein the clamp plate includes a plurality of end flaps supported by the axle.
42. The clip assembly of claim 39 , further comprising a coil spring that is carried around the axle.
43. The clip assembly of claim 37 , further comprising at least one additional clamp plate, wherein each of the at least one additional clamp plate includes a plurality of clamp plates, each being rotationally coupled to the fixed plate and operable as a functionally separate clip.
44. The clip assembly of claim 43 , wherein the at least one additional clamp plate includes exactly one clamp plate that is rotationally coupled to the fixed plate and operable as a functionally separate clip.
45. The clip assembly of claim 43 , wherein the at least one additional clamp plate includes exactly two clamp plates, each being rotationally coupled to the fixed plate and operable as a functionally separate clip.
46. The clip assembly of claim 37 , further comprising a soft pad, disposed along the bottom side or edge of at least one of the fixed plate and the clamp plate, for protecting the hair product.
47. The clip assembly of claim 46 , wherein the soft pad is a first soft pad disposed along the bottom side or edge of the fixed plate, and wherein the clip assembly further comprises a second soft pad disposed along the bottom side or edge of the clamp plate.
48. The clip assembly of claim 46 , wherein the soft pad is made of polymeric or elastomeric foam.
49. (canceled)
50. The clip assembly of claim 37 , further comprising a first interlocking pad and a second interlocking pad, wherein the first interlocking pad is disposed along the bottom side or edge of the clamp plate, wherein the second interlocking pad is disposed along the bottom side or edge of the fixed plate, and wherein the first and second interlocking pads are arranged to interlock with each other.
51. The clip assembly of claim 50 , wherein each interlocking pad includes teethed grooves running lengthwise from one end to the other.
52. The clip assembly of claim 37 , wherein the clamp plate is adapted to be rotated so as to release the hair product, thereby permitting its removal from the clip assembly.
53. A clip assembly for retaining a hair product in a hair carrier bag, comprising:
a fixed plate, adapted to be fastened to a structure of a hair carrier bag and having a bottom side or edge;
at least one clamp plate, each of the at least one clamp plates being rotationally coupled to the fixed plate and having a bottom side or edge;
wherein the respective bottom side or edge of each of the at least one clamp plate is held against or in close proximity to the bottom side or edge of the fixed plate so as to clamp a portion of a hair product therebetween.
54.-58. (canceled)
59. The clip assembly of claim 53 , wherein the at least one clamp plate includes a plurality of clamp plates, each being rotationally coupled to the fixed plate and operable as a functionally separate clip.
60.-65. (canceled)
66. The clip assembly of claim 53 , further comprising a first interlocking pad and a second interlocking pad, wherein the first interlocking pad is disposed along the bottom side or edge of the at least one clamp plate, wherein the second interlocking pad is disposed along the bottom side or edge of the fixed plate, and wherein the first and second interlocking pads are arranged to interlock with each other when the at least one clamp plate is held against or in close proximity to the bottom side or edge of the fixed plate so as to clamp a portion of a hair product therebetween.
67.-68. (canceled)
69. A clip assembly for retaining a hair product in a hair carrier bag, comprising:
a fixed plate, adapted to be fastened to a structure of a hair carrier bag; and
at least one elastic strap or band whose ends are coupled to the fixed plate;
wherein the elastic straps or bands are biased into a position against or in close proximity to the fixed plate so as to clamp a portion of a hair product between the straps or bands and the fixed plate.
70. The clip assembly of claim 69 , wherein the at least one elastic strap or band is coupled to the fixed plate by retention posts.
71.-75. (canceled)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/839,805 US20130206628A1 (en) | 2011-05-19 | 2013-03-15 | Hair carrier bag |
PCT/US2013/070080 WO2014078525A1 (en) | 2012-11-15 | 2013-11-14 | Hair carrier bag |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/111,719 US9185956B2 (en) | 2010-05-21 | 2011-05-19 | Hair carrier clutch bag |
US201261726972P | 2012-11-15 | 2012-11-15 | |
US13/839,805 US20130206628A1 (en) | 2011-05-19 | 2013-03-15 | Hair carrier bag |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/111,719 Continuation-In-Part US9185956B2 (en) | 2010-05-21 | 2011-05-19 | Hair carrier clutch bag |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20130206628A1 true US20130206628A1 (en) | 2013-08-15 |
Family
ID=48944720
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/839,805 Abandoned US20130206628A1 (en) | 2011-05-19 | 2013-03-15 | Hair carrier bag |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20130206628A1 (en) |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9185956B2 (en) | 2010-05-21 | 2015-11-17 | Made3, Llc | Hair carrier clutch bag |
US9220329B1 (en) | 2014-09-17 | 2015-12-29 | Shake-N-Go Fashion, Inc. | Packaging for hairpieces |
US20160206030A1 (en) * | 2015-01-16 | 2016-07-21 | Sky Trading, LLC | Hair Weave and Extension Material Packaging |
US20180037385A1 (en) * | 2016-08-03 | 2018-02-08 | Balanced Act LLC | Hair accessory holder |
US20180242716A1 (en) * | 2017-01-13 | 2018-08-30 | June Naoko Calabrese | Hair Extension Storage Organizer |
US20200062493A1 (en) * | 2018-08-22 | 2020-02-27 | Kim Joseph | Apparatus for an improved wig bag |
US11375787B2 (en) * | 2018-06-28 | 2022-07-05 | Ecouia Harrison | Hair carrying device |
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US20200062493A1 (en) * | 2018-08-22 | 2020-02-27 | Kim Joseph | Apparatus for an improved wig bag |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |