Hair extension apparatus and method of manufacturing same

Abstract

A display package for hair extensions is disclosed, comprising a backer panel with a front surface, back surface, top end, and bottom end. The package includes a hair extension formed from a bundle of artificial hair and a belt member with a top and bottom edge. The belt member is coupled to the backer panel and extends across the front surface of the backer panel, securing the hair extension between the belt member and the backer panel. The hair extension features artificial hair strands of substantially equal length, offset to create a layered, natural appearance. The display package is designed to highlight the distinctive characteristics of the hair extension while simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs. The disclosed product is suitable for retail sale, providing users with an aesthetically appealing and cost-effective hair styling solution.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S. Application No. 19 / 332,953, filed September 18, 2025, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 696,054, filed on September 18, 2024, the entire content of each of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] The present application relates generally to hair extensions, and in particular, to a hair extension apparatus configured to improve the length, volume and appearance of a user’s natural hair, a display package, and a method of manufacturing the same.

[0003] Hair extensions have been used in the hair styling industry for many years and have recently become popular with ordinary consumers and celebrities alike. Hair extensions are used by consumers to enhance the volume, length and / or color of their natural hair. Hair extensions may be used where the user has thin or thinning hair. Hair extensions can also be used to improve the user’s aesthetic appearance with an alternative hair style and / or hair color.

[0004] The use of hair extensions to enhance natural hair appearance has grown substantially in recent years, extending beyond professional salons to everyday consumers. These extensions serve to add length, volume, and color variety, accommodating thin or thinning hair and supporting a wide range of styling preferences. As demand has broadened, manufacturers have explored various materials—ranging from human and animal hair to synthetic fibers—in diverse color palettes. The primary objective remains consistent: to deliver a customizable solution that integrates seamlessly with a user’s own hair, providing a natural-looking enhancement without compromising comfort or wearability.

[0005] Consumers and retailers alike seek hair extension offerings that combine aesthetic versatility with reliable performance. Products are expected to cater to different application methods—such as clip-ins, tape-ins, and sewn-in weaves—while ensuring ease of use for both professionals and novices. In addition, retail packaging plays an important role in communicating product features, preserving strand alignment, and preventing tangling during display and transport. As a result, there is a pressing need for solutions that address not only the end-use styling goals but also the logistical and commercial aspects of hair extension distribution.

[0006] Despite a variety of existing products, current approaches often rely on multiple hair lengths within a single extension to mimic layered, cascading styles. While effective in creating depth, this method introduces complexity into the manufacturing process, requiring additional sorting, handling, and quality control steps. Moreover, many display packages struggle to maintain strand arrangement, leading to user frustration when extensions become misaligned or tangled. Such challenges increase production costs and detract from the consumer experience, highlighting the importance of more efficient and user-friendly systems.

[0007] Conventional hair extensions are manufactured with multiple different lengths of artificial hair to provide natural-appearing layering. However, the use of multiple different lengths of artificial hair increases the manufacturing cost. Accordingly, there is a need to find simple cost-effective solutions to reduce the cost of manufacturing hair extensions. That is, more streamlined manufacturing approaches are needed that minimize variations in hair length while still achieving a layered appearance through innovative strand arrangement. At the same time, an elegant retail presentation should hold extensions securely in place, prevent unwanted movement, and clearly showcase length and volume to prospective buyers. By reducing assembly steps and improving package design, manufacturers can offer cost-effective hair extension solutions that align with consumer expectations for quality, convenience, and aesthetic appeal.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In one embodiment, a display package includes a backer panel having a front surface, a back surface, a top end and a bottom end; a hair extension comprising a bundle of artificial hair; and a belt member with a top edge and a bottom edge coupled to the backer panel so that the belt member extends across the front surface with the hair extension held between the belt member and the front surface.

[0009] In another embodiment, the hair extension comprises at least one first artificial hair and at least one second artificial hair, each having a predetermined length, a center point and two ends, the first and second lengths being substantially equal. The center points are offset by a predetermined spacing, and the ends of one artificial hair extend beyond the ends of the other by equal spacings. The backer panel may include a slit through which the hair extension passes so that portions of the hair extension lie adjacent to both the front and back surfaces; the center points lie adjacent to the back surface and the ends lie adjacent to the front surface.

[0010] In another embodiment, the display package further comprises a ring member coupled to the front surface of the backer panel, the ring member having a top edge on which the hair extension rests. The belt member may include teeth along its bottom edge to hold the artificial hair in place. A sleeve member positioned between the belt member and the bottom end of the backer panel may also include teeth along its bottom edge, and the belt member and sleeve member work together to maintain a consistent width of the artificial hair, aligning with the width of any slit in the backer panel.

[0011] In another embodiment, the hair extension comprises at least four artificial hairs, each having equal predetermined lengths and center points. The first and second center points are offset by a first predetermined spacing with corresponding ends offset by equal spacings, and the third and fourth center points are offset by a second predetermined spacing with corresponding ends offset by further spacings. The first and second spacings are arranged so as to partially overlap or not overlap.

[0012] These and other features will be more fully understood upon consideration of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments will be more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a hair extension apparatus, according to a first embodiment;

[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a hair extension apparatus, according to a second embodiment;

[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of a display package with a hair extension disposed therein;

[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view of a backer panel of the display package; and

[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates a display package according to a further embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The following detailed description of certain embodiments will be made in reference to the accompanying drawings. In the detailed description, explanation about related functions or constructions known in the art are omitted for the sake of clearness in understanding the concept of the invention, to avoid obscuring the invention with unnecessary detail. Reference to individual embodiments, whether by number of embodiment or relevant feature of the embodiment, is used for convenience in describing such embodiments. Moreover, reference to individual embodiments does not indicate that any of such embodiments are preferred over any other embodiments. Each individual embodiment, or any feature of each embodiment, may be combined with any other individual embodiment, whether or not expressly stated.

[0020] The following detailed description provides illustrative embodiments of the described subject matter and is intended to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the described subject matter. The embodiments described herein are presented for the purpose of explaining the principles of the described subject matter and are not intended to limit the scope of the described subject matter in any way. It will be understood that the described subject matter is capable of various modifications and adaptations, as well as combinations and sub-combinations of the specific features described, all of which are considered to fall within the scope of the described subject matter as defined by the claims.

[0021] For clarity and conciseness, certain well-known structures, techniques, and operations that are commonly employed in the field of hair extensions and packaging have not been described in detail. Such omissions are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed subject matter but rather to avoid obscuring the novel aspects of the disclosed subject matter with unnecessary detail. The examples provided herein are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting; variations and modifications to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter.

[0022] The phrase “artificial hair,” as used herein, refers to synthetic hair products as well as human hair or animal hair and combinations thereof. The artificial hair may be embodied in various traditional hair colors, such as black, brown, blonde, and red, as well as non-traditional hair colors, such as blue, green, and purple, and combinations thereof, including individual strands of hair having two or more colors.

[0023] The term “user,” as used herein, refers to any purchaser of the hair extension apparatus configured according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein, including, but not limited to, individual members of the public, wholesale distributors, retail merchants, manufacturers, importers and exporters of the hair extension and related aspects of the hair extension.

[0024] Embodiments of the invention described herein provide a hair extension apparatus and a display package. The hair extension apparatus is formed with separate pieces of artificial hair that have the same length. As further described herein, the separate pieces of artificial hair are offset with respect to each other to create a layering effect towards the end of the hair extension apparatus. This layering of the offset pieces of artificial hair provides a fashionable “feathered” appearance. Using one length of artificial hair to manufacture a hair extension simplifies the production process and is more efficient and cost-effective than using multiple different lengths of artificial hair.

[0025] According to the embodiments described herein, a hair extension apparatus is provided that enables a user to add artificial hair to their natural hair that provides a natural and aesthetically desirable appearance. Furthermore, the hair extension apparatus can be sold in a display package to users for retail sale. The display package displays the hair extension apparatus to the user in a manner that shows the unique features of the hair extension apparatus, as further described herein.

[0026] As described herein, the "width" of the artificial hair refers to how wide the bundle of hair appears when the bundle is laid flat or displayed in a display package. If the artificial hair is not properly secured, the strands might spread out unevenly or become tangled, making the display package look untidy or unprofessional. Certain components of the display package described herein, including the sleeve, slit, and belt are structural features of the display package that work in harmony to keep the artificial hair of the hair extensions neatly aligned and uniformly wide. This not only enhances the visual appeal of the display package but also ensures that the hair extension remains securely in place during storage, transport, and display.

[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates a hair extension apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The hair extension apparatus 100 includes at least one first artificial hair 105 and at least one second artificial hair 110. The first artificial hair 105 has a first predetermined length. The second artificial hair 110 has a second predetermined length. In certain embodiments, the first predetermined length is substantially equal to the second predetermined length. As used herein with respect to the first predetermined length and the second predetermined length, the term “substantially” means that the length of the first artificial hair 105 and the second artificial hair 110 is approximately equal, but allowing for some minor deviation in length that occurs during the manufacturing process, as known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In certain embodiments, the first predetermined length is equal to the second predetermined length.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the first artificial hair 105 and the second artificial hair 110 are pre-stretched synthetic hair. In certain embodiments, the first artificial hair 105 and the second artificial hair 110 are pre-stretched by hand. In certain embodiments, the first artificial hair 105 and the second artificial hair 110 are pre-stretched by hand and are not hackled.

[0029] In certain embodiments, the first artificial hair 105 is multiple synthetic hairs and the second artificial hair 110 is multiple synthetic hairs, i.e., each of the first artificial hair 105 and the second artificial hair 110 is a bundle of synthetic hair. When placed together to form the hair extension 100, the first artificial hair 105 and the second artificial hair 110 are sufficiently voluminous and dense to provide a user with a natural-appearing and aesthetically appealing hair extension.

[0030] The first artificial hair 105 includes a first center point 105A, a first end 105B and a second end 105C. The second artificial hair 110 includes a second center point 110A, a first end 110B and a second end 110C. The hair extension 100 is formed by bringing the first artificial hair 105 and the second artificial hair 110 together. In this embodiment, the first center point 105A and the second center point 110A are offset by a first predetermined spacing X, identified by the corresponding region between the dashed lines in FIG. 1. The second end 110B extends beyond the first end 105B by a second predetermined spacing Y, identified by the corresponding region between the dashed lines in FIG. 1. The second end 105C extends beyond the second end 110C by a third predetermined spacing Z, identified by the corresponding region between the dashed lines in FIG. 1. The first predetermined spacing, the second predetermined spacing, and the third predetermined spacing are equal.

[0031] In certain embodiments, the first predetermined length and the second predetermined length are at least about 12 inches, 16 inches, 20 inches, 24 inches, 28 inches, 32 inches, 36 inches, 40 inches, 44 inches, 48 inches, 52 inches, 56 inches, 60 inches, 64 inches, 68 inches, 72 inches, 76 inches, 80 inches, 84 inches, 88 inches, 92 inches, 96 inches, or 100 inches.

[0032] In certain embodiments, the first predetermined spacing, the second predetermined spacing, and the third predetermined spacing are about 1 / 20, 1 / 10, 3 / 20, 1 / 5, 1 / 4, 6 / 20, 7 / 20, 2 / 5, 9 / 20, or 1 / 2 of the first predetermined length and the second predetermined length.

[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates a hair extension apparatus 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The hair extension apparatus 200 includes at least one first artificial hair 205, at least one second artificial hair 210, at least one third artificial hair 215 and at least one fourth artificial hair 220. The first artificial hair 205 has a first predetermined length. The second artificial hair 210 has a second predetermined length. The third artificial hair 215 has a third predetermined length. The fourth artificial hair 220 has a fourth predetermined length. In certain embodiments, the first predetermined length, the second predetermined length, the third predetermined length and the fourth predetermined length are substantially equal. As used herein with respect to the first predetermined length, the second predetermined length, the third predetermined length and the fourth predetermined length, the term “substantially” means that the length of the first artificial hair 205, the second artificial hair 210, the third artificial hair 215 and the fourth artificial hair 220 are approximately equal, but allowing for minor deviation in length that occurs during the manufacturing process, as known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In certain embodiments, the first predetermined length, the second predetermined length, the third predetermined length and the fourth predetermined length are equal.

[0034] In certain embodiments, the first artificial hair 205, the second artificial hair 210, the third artificial hair 215 and the fourth artificial hair 220 are pre-stretched synthetic hair.

[0035] In certain embodiments, the first artificial hair 205, the second artificial hair 210, the third artificial hair 215 and the fourth artificial hair 220 each are multiple synthetic hairs. When placed together to form the hair extension 200, the first artificial hair 205, the second artificial hair 210, the third artificial hair 215 and the fourth artificial hair 220 are sufficiently voluminous and dense to provide a user with natural-appearing and aesthetically appealing hair extension.

[0036] The first artificial hair 205 includes a first center point 205A, a first end 205B and a second end 205C. The second artificial hair 210 includes a second center point 210A, a first end 210B and a second end 210C. The third artificial hair 215 includes a third center point 215A, a first end 215B and a second end 215C. The fourth artificial hair 220 includes a fourth center point 220A, a first end 220B and a second end 220C. The hair extension 200 is formed by bringing the first artificial hair 205, the second artificial hair 210, the third artificial hair 215 and the fourth artificial hair 220 together.

[0037] In this embodiment, the first center point 205A and the second center point 210A are offset by a first predetermined spacing X1, identified by the corresponding region between the dashed lines in FIG. 2. The second end 210B extends beyond the first end 205B by a second predetermined spacing Y1, identified by the corresponding region between the dashed lines in FIG. 2. The second end 205C extends beyond the second end 210C by a third predetermined spacing Z1, identified by the corresponding region between the dashed lines in FIG. 2. The first predetermined spacing, the second predetermined spacing, and the third predetermined spacing are equal. The third center point 215A and the second center point 220A are offset by a fourth predetermined spacing X2, identified by the corresponding region between the dashed lines in FIG. 2. The first end 220B extends beyond the first end 215B by a fifth predetermined spacing Y2, identified by the corresponding region between the dashed lines in FIG. 2. The second end 215C extends beyond the second end 220C by a sixth predetermined spacing Z1, identified by the corresponding region between the dashed lines in FIG. 2.

[0038] In certain embodiments, the first predetermined spacing X1, the second predetermined spacing Y1, the third predetermined spacing Z1, the fourth predetermined spacing X2, the fifth predetermined spacing Y2 and the sixth predetermined Z2 are equal.

[0039] In certain embodiments, the first predetermined spacing X1, the second predetermined spacing Y1, the third predetermined spacing Z1 are equal and are a first predetermined distance and the fourth predetermined spacing X2, the fifth predetermined spacing Y2 and the sixth predetermined Z2 spacing are equal and are a second predetermined distance.

[0040] In certain embodiments the first predetermined distance is greater than the second predetermined distance. In certain embodiments the first predetermined distance is less than the second predetermined distance.

[0041] In certain embodiments, the first predetermined spacing X1 and the fourth predetermined spacing X2 overlap. In certain embodiments, the first predetermined spacing X1 and the fourth predetermined spacing X2 do not overlap.

[0042] In certain embodiments, the first center point 205A and the third center point 215A are aligned. In certain embodiments, the first center point 205A and the third center point 215A are not aligned. In certain embodiments, the second center point 210A and the fourth center point 220A are aligned. In certain embodiments, the second center point 210A and the fourth center point 220A are not aligned.

[0043] In certain embodiments, the first predetermined length, the second predetermined length, the third predetermined length and the fourth predetermined length are at least about 12 inches, 16 inches, 20 inches, 24 inches, 28 inches, 32 inches, 36 inches, 40 inches, 44 inches, 48 inches, 52 inches, 56 inches, 60 inches, 64 inches, 68 inches, 72 inches, 76 inches, 80 inches, 84 inches, 88 inches, 92 inches, 96 inches, or 100 inches.

[0044] In certain embodiments, the first predetermined spacing, the second predetermined spacing, and the third predetermined spacing are about 1 / 20, 1 / 10, 3 / 20, 1 / 5, 1 / 4, 6 / 20, 7 / 20, 2 / 5, 9 / 20, or 1 / 2 of the first predetermined length and the second predetermined length. In certain embodiments, the fourth predetermined spacing, the fifth predetermined spacing, and the sixth predetermined spacing are about 1 / 20, 1 / 10, 3 / 20, 1 / 5, 1 / 4, 6 / 20, 7 / 20, 2 / 5, 9 / 20, or 1 / 2 of the third predetermined length and fourth predetermined length.

[0045] As further described herein, the embodiments described above with respect to FIGS. 1 and FIG. 2 may be sold to users in a display package.

[0046] FIG. 3 illustrates a display package 300. The display package 300 includes multiple hair extensions 305, a backer panel 310, a belt member 315, and a sleeve member 320. It is noted that the hair extensions 305 are configured according to the embodiments described above with respect to FIGS. 1 and FIG. 2, including all features and alternatives as described. The hair extensions 305 are coupled to the backer panel 310. The backer panel 310 includes a front surface 310A, a back surface 310B, a top end 310C and a bottom end 310D.

[0047] The belt member 315 includes a top edge 315A and a bottom edge 315B. The belt member 315 is coupled to the backer panel 310. The belt member 315 may be constructed of a rigid material or a semi-rigid material. The belt member 315 can be constructed of any material, such as cardboard, plastic, cellophane, or other suitable material, including opaque or translucent materials. The belt member 315 may include two ends or the belt member 315 may be a continuous loop of material. The belt member 315 extends across the front surface 310A of the backer panel 310 with the hair extension 305 disposed between the belt member 315 and the front surface 310A of the backer panel 310. The belt member 315 may be permanently attached to the front surface 310A of the backer panel 310. The belt member 315 may be permanently attached to the back surface 310B of the backer panel 310 and extend around the sides of the backer panel 310 across the front surface 310A.

[0048] FIG. 3 further illustrates the display package 300 according to an embodiment including a ring member 325 coupled to the front surface 310A of the backer panel 310. The ring member 325 includes a top ring edge 325A and a bottom ring edge 325B. The ring member 325 is configured such that the hair extension 305 rests on the top edge 325A of the ring member 325. The belt member 315 and the ring member 325 are configured to maintain a substantially constant width of the artificial hair of the hair extension 305. That is, the width of the artificial hair of the hair extension 305 remains substantially the same between the position of the belt member 315 and the position of the ring member 325.

[0049] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the first end of the first artificial hair is disposed between the second end of the first artificial hair and the front surface 310A of the backer panel 310. The first end of the second artificial hair is disposed between the second end of the second artificial hair and the front surface 310A of the backer panel 310. Additionally, the first end and the second end of the first artificial hair are disposed adjacent to the front surface 310A of the backer panel 310. The first end and the second end of the second artificial hair are disposed adjacent to the front surface 310A of the backer panel 310.

[0050] In certain embodiments, the first end of the first artificial hair is disposed between the second end of the first artificial hair and the front surface 310A of the backer panel 310. The first end of the second artificial hair is disposed between the second end of the second artificial hair and the front surface 310A of the backer panel 310.

[0051] In certain embodiments, the first center point is substantially equidistant from the first end of the first artificial hair and the second end of the first artificial hair. The second center point is substantially equidistant from the first end of the second artificial hair and the second end of the second artificial hair.

[0052] In certain embodiments, the first center point is disposed adjacent to the back surface 310B of the backer panel 310 and the second center point is disposed adjacent to the back surface 310B of the backer panel 310.

[0053] The sleeve member 320 includes a top sleeve edge 320A and a bottom sleeve edge 320B. The sleeve member 320 is configured to hold a width of the artificial hair of the hair extension 305 substantially constant and in place. That is, the sleeve member 320 limits the amount of movement that the hair extension 305 can perform away from the front surface 310A of the backer panel 310 or side to side of the backer panel 310. The sleeve member 320 may be constructed of a rigid material or a semi-rigid material. The sleeve member 320 can be constructed of any material, such as cardboard, plastic, cellophane, or other suitable material, including opaque or translucent materials. The sleeve member 320 is disposed between the belt member 315 and the bottom end of the backer panel 310. Furthermore, the sleeve member 320 and the belt member 315 are configured to maintain a substantially constant width of the artificial hair of the hair extension 305. That is, the width of the artificial hair of the hair extension 305 remains substantially the same between the position of the sleeve member 320 and the position of the ring member 315. Maintaining the width of the hair extension 305 limits the amount of movement of the artificial hair, which prevents tangling of the artificial hair during shipment of the display package 300 to retail stores.

[0054] In certain embodiments, the backer panel 310 includes a slit 330, which is illustrated in FIG. 4. A portion of the hair extension 305 is inserted through the slit 330. The slit 330 extends from the front surface 310A through the back surface 310B of the backer panel 310. That is, a portion of the hair extension 305 is visible from the front surface 310A and the back surface 310B of the backer panel 310.

[0055] In certain embodiments, the backer panel 310 comprises a slit 330 extending from the front surface 310A through the back surface 310B. The hair extension 305 extends through the slit 330 such that a first portion of the hair extension 305 is disposed adjacent to the back surface 310B of the backer panel 310 and a second portion of the hair extension 305 is disposed adjacent to the front surface 310A of the backer panel 310.

[0056] In certain embodiments, the backer panel 310 includes one slit. In the case of one slit, the hair extension 305 is inserted through the slit 330 such that approximately half of the hair extension 305 is disposed adjacent to the front surface 310A and the other half of the hair extension 30 is disposed adjacent to the back surface 310B.

[0057] In certain embodiments, the backer panel 310 includes two or more slits. The hair extension 305 is inserted through the first slit 330A from the front surface 310A to the back surface 310B and then back through the second slit 310B from the back surface 310B to the front surface 310A. The hair extension 305 extends through the slit 330 such that a first portion of the hair extension 305 is disposed adjacent to the back surface 310B of the backer panel 310 and a second portion of the hair extension 305 is disposed adjacent to the front surface 310A of the backer panel 310. Furthermore, the first end and the second end of the first artificial hair of the hair extension 305 are disposed adjacent to the front surface 310A of the backer panel 310 and the first end and the second end of the second artificial hair of the hair extension 305 are disposed adjacent to the front surface 310A of the backer panel 310. The first end of the first artificial hair is disposed between the second end of the first artificial hair and the front surface 310A of the backer panel 310 and the first end of the second artificial hair is disposed between the second end of the second artificial hair and the front surface 310A of the backer panel 310.

[0058] In certain embodiments, the sleeve member 320 and the belt member 315 are configured to maintain the width of the artificial hair of the hair extension 305 to be substantially equal to a width of the slit 330.

[0059] In certain embodiments, the ring member 325, the sleeve member 320 and the belt member 315 are configured to maintain the width of the artificial hair of the hair extension 305 to be substantially equal to a width of the slit 330.

[0060] In certain embodiments, the sleeve member 320 is adjustably coupled to the backer panel 310. That is, the sleeve member 320 is configured to be adjusted up and down along the length of the backer panel 310. In certain embodiments, the sleeve member 320 covers the ends of the artificial hair of the hair extension 305. In certain embodiments, the ends of the artificial hair of the hair extension 305 extend passed the sleeve member 320.

[0061] In certain embodiments, the first center point is substantially equidistant from the first end of the first artificial hair of the hair extension 305 and the second end of the first artificial hair of the hair extension 305. In certain embodiments, the second center point is substantially equidistant from the first end of the second artificial hair of the hair extension 305 and the second end of the second artificial hair of the hair extension 305.

[0062] In certain embodiments, the first center point is disposed adjacent to the back surface 310B of the backer panel 310 and the second center point is disposed adjacent to the back surface 310B of the backer panel 310.

[0063] FIG. 5 illustrates the display package 300 according to an embodiment. The belt member 315 a plurality of belt member teeth 335. The belt member teeth 335 project towards the bottom end of the backer panel 310. The belt member teeth 335 are illustrated as coming to a point that has an acute angle, however, in certain embodiments, the point may have an obtuse angle or a right angle. The belt member teeth 335 are disposed along the bottom edge of the belt member 315. The belt member teeth 335 are configured to hold the artificial hair of the hair extension 305 in place. In certain embodiments, there are at least one, two, three, four, five, or up to ten, belt member teeth 335 for each hair extension 305.

[0064] FIG. 5 further illustrates the sleeve member 320 coupled to the backer panel 310. The sleeve member 320 includes sleeve member teeth 340. The sleeve member teeth 340 project towards the bottom end of the backer panel 310. The sleeve member teeth 340 are illustrated as coming to a point that has an acute angle, however, in certain embodiments, the point may have an obtuse angle or a right angle. The sleeve member teeth 340 are disposed along the bottom sleeve edge 320B of the sleeve member 320. The sleeve member teeth 340 are configured to hold the artificial hair of the hair extension 305 in place. In certain embodiments, there are at least one, two, three, four, five, or up to ten, sleeve member teeth 340 for each hair extension 305.

[0065] Embodiments of the invention described herein further include a method of manufacturing the hair extension apparatus 100 and the hair extension apparatus 200. The method includes hackling the first artificial hair, the second artificial hair, the third artificial hair and the fourth artificial hair. The term “hackling” refers to the process of blending separate bunches of synthetic hair. Once the first artificial hair, the second artificial hair, the third artificial hair and the fourth artificial hair is sufficiently blended, the hair extension apparatus 100 or the hair extension apparatus 200, includes securing the first center point, the second center point, the third center point and the fourth center point to each other. The first center point, the second center point, the third center point and the fourth center point may be secured to each other by any method known to those of ordinary skill in the art such as, for example, a twist tie, a zip tie, a rubber band, a length of string or other suitable method and combinations thereof. The method further includes inserting the hair extension apparatus 100 or the hair extension apparatus 200 into the display package 300, as described above, wrapped in cellophane or other suitable material, and then shipped to retail stores for purchase by users.

[0066] As described herein, embodiments of the invention provide a hair extension apparatus that is configured to provide a layered and fashionable appearance. That is, using separate pieces of artificial hair having substantially the same length with such pieces being offset with respect to each other provides a layered and natural-appearing hair extension. The display package displays the unique and desirable features of the hair extension apparatus to potential users in the retail setting, while also maintaining the integrity of the hair extension’s artificial hair in a neat and orderly manner.

[0067] While embodiments of the invention have been shown and described with reference to certain embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A display package comprising:a backer panel comprising a front surface, a back surface, a top end and a bottom end;a hair extension comprising a bundle of artificial hair; a belt member comprising a top edge and a bottom edge, wherein the belt member is coupled to the backer panel and the belt member extends across the front surface of the backer panel with the hair extension disposed between the belt member and the front surface of the backer panel.

2. The display package according to claim 1, wherein the hair extension comprises: at least one first artificial hair comprising a first predetermined length, a first center point, a first end and a second end; at least one second artificial hair comprising a second predetermined length, a second center point, a first end and a second end.

3. The display package according to claim 2, wherein the first predetermined length is substantially equal to the second predetermined length.

4. The display package according to claim 3, wherein the first center point and the second center point are offset by a first predetermined spacing, the second end of the second artificial hair extends beyond the first end of the first artificial hair by a second predetermined spacing, the second end of the first artificial hair extends beyond the second end of the second artificial hair by a third predetermined spacing, and wherein the first predetermined spacing, the second predetermined spacing, and the third predetermined spacing are equal.

5. The display package according to claim 4, wherein the backer panel comprises a slit extending from the front surface through the back surface and wherein the hair extension extends through the slit such that a first portion of the hair extension is disposed adjacent to the back surface of the backer panel and a second portion of the hair extension is disposed adjacent to the front surface of the backer panel.

6. The display package according to claim 4, wherein the first end and the second end of the first artificial hair are disposed adjacent to the front surface of the backer panel and wherein the first end and the second end of the second artificial hair are disposed adjacent to the front surface of the backer panel.

7. The display package according to claim 6, wherein the first end of the first artificial hair is disposed between the second end of the first artificial hair and the front surface of the backer panel and wherein the first end of the second artificial hair is disposed between the second end of the second artificial hair and the front surface of the backer panel.

8. The display package according to claim 7, wherein the first center point is substantially equidistant from the first end of the first artificial hair and the second end of the first artificial hair and wherein the second center point is substantially equidistant from the first end of the second artificial hair and the second end of the second artificial hair.

9. The display package according to claim 8, wherein the first center point is disposed adjacent to the back surface of the backer panel and the second center point is disposed adjacent to the back surface of the backer panel.

10. The display package according to claim 2, further comprising a ring member coupled to the front surface of the backer panel, the ring member comprising a top ring edge and a ring bottom edge, wherein the ring member is configured such that the hair extension rests on the top edge of the ring member.

11. The display package according to claim 10, wherein the belt member and the ring member are configured to maintain a substantially constant width of the artificial hair of the hair extension as the artificial hair extends towards the bottom end of the backer panel.

12. The display package according to claim 11, wherein the first end of the first artificial hair is disposed between the second end of the first artificial hair and the front surface of the backer panel and wherein the first end of the second artificial hair is disposed between the second end of the second artificial hair and the front surface of the backer panel.

13. The display package according to claim 1, wherein the belt member comprises a plurality of belt member teeth projecting towards the bottom end of the backer panel, the belt member teeth disposed along the bottom edge of the belt member, wherein the belt member teeth are configured to hold the artificial hair of the hair extension in place.

14. The display package according to claim 5, further comprising a sleeve member coupled to the backer panel, the sleeve member comprising a top sleeve edge and bottom sleeve edge, wherein the sleeve member is disposed between the belt member and the bottom end of the backer panel, and wherein the sleeve member is configured to hold a width of the artificial hair of the hair extension substantially constant between the belt member and the sleeve member.

15. The display package according to claim 14, wherein the sleeve member and the belt member are configured to maintain a width of the artificial hair of the hair extension to be substantially equal to a width of the slit as the artificial hair extends towards the bottom end of the backer panel.

16. The display package according to claim 14, wherein the sleeve member comprises a plurality of sleeve member teeth projecting towards the bottom end of the backer panel, wherein the sleeve member teeth is disposed along the bottom edge of the sleeve member, and wherein the sleeve member teeth are configured to hold the artificial hair of the hair extension in place.

17. The display package according to claim 1, wherein the hair extension comprises:at least one first artificial hair comprising a first predetermined length, a first center point, a first end and a second end;at least one second artificial hair comprising a second predetermined length, a second center point, and a second end;at least one third artificial hair comprising a third predetermined length, a third center point, a first end and a second end;at least one fourth artificial hair comprising a fourth predetermined length, a fourth center point, a first end and a second end;wherein, the first predetermined length, the second predetermined length, the third predetermined length and the fourth predetermined length are substantially equal.

18. The display package according to claim 17, wherein the first center point and the second center point are offset by a first predetermined spacing, the first end of the second artificial hair extends beyond the first end of the first artificial hair by a second predetermined spacing, the second end of the first artificial hair extends beyond the second end of the second artificial hair by a third predetermined spacing, and wherein the first predetermined spacing, the second predetermined spacing, and the third predetermined spacing are equal.

19. The display package according to claim 18, wherein the third center point and the second center point are offset by a fourth predetermined spacing, the first end of the fourth artificial hair extends beyond the first end of the third artificial hair by a fifth predetermined spacing, the second end of the third artificial hair extends beyond the second end of the fourth artificial hair by a sixth predetermined spacing, wherein the first predetermined spacing and the fourth predetermined spacing do not overlap.

20. The display package according to claim 19, wherein the third center point and the second center point are offset by a fourth predetermined spacing, the first end of the fourth artificial hair extends beyond the first end of the third artificial hair by a fifth predetermined spacing, the second end of the third artificial hair extends beyond the second end of the fourth artificial hair by a sixth predetermined spacing, wherein the first predetermined spacing and the fourth predetermined spacing partially overlap and partially do not overlap.

Images