Patent Publication Number: US-2004050751-A1

Title: Packaging for display of hairbrushes

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001] The invention relates generally to packaging and more particularly to packaging for displaying hairbrushes.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002] Known packaging for personal hygiene products, such as hairbrushes, includes a display member to which the hairbrush is mounted. The packaging shown in FIG. 6 of U.S. Pat. No. 4,039,079 to Laughton, for example, includes a cardboard backing sheet to which the hairbrush is mounted. A molded plastic cover is placed over the handle and secured to the backing sheet by heat sealing. Such a construction desirably leaves the bristled portion of the hairbrush exposed for tactile examination by a potential purchaser. The package construction of Laughton, however, leaves all of the bristles exposed. Therefore, the use of the product for its intended purpose (i.e., to brush hair) prior to purchase of the product and removal from the packaging is not discouraged.  
       [0003] It is also known, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,740,908 to Anzalone, to provide packaging for hairbrushes including a flexible sheet having a first portion forming a tube that receives the bristled portion of a hairbrush. The flexible sheet includes a second portion positioned to extend from an end of the tube and having a hole dimensioned to receive the handle of the hairbrush. The packaging is placed on the hairbrush by insertion of the handle through the tubular first portion and through the hole in the second portion. The packaging of Anzalone, however, does not otherwise secure the hairbrush within the tube formed by the flexible sheet. The packaging of Anzalone &#39;908 also provides only limited space for presentation of information relating to the displayed hairbrush.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004] According to one aspect, the invention comprises a display member for supporting a hairbrush. The display member includes a support panel defining a hairbrush mounting surface and adapted for attachment of a hairbrush that is positioned on the hairbrush mounting surface. The display member also includes an elongated barrier panel of a foldable material. The barrier panel is capable of being deflected to form an arcuate configuration that spans the hairbrush mounting surface of the support panel for enclosing a portion of a hairbrush attached to the support panel. The display member further includes an elongated reinforcing member secured to the barrier panel. The reinforcing member has sufficient flexibility to allow the barrier panel to be deflected into the arcuate configuration. The reinforcing member, however, also has sufficient stiffness to maintain the barrier panel in the arcuate configuration without folding of the foldable material.  
       [0005] According to another aspect, the invention comprises packaging for displaying a hairbrush. The packaging includes a display member having a support panel. The support panel defines a hairbrush mounting surface and includes at least one pair of openings communicating with the hairbrush mounting surface. The openings of each pair are spaced from each other by a distance that is sufficient for receipt therebetween of a portion of a hairbrush placed on the hairbrush mounting surface. The packaging also includes a hairbrush securing member for each pair of openings in the support panel having opposite ends that are receivable by the respective pair of openings for engagement between the securing member and the portion of the hairbrush. The opposite ends of the securing members engageable with each other to secure the hairbrush securing member to the support panel.  
       [0006] The display member further includes an elongated barrier panel having a first end connected to a side of the support panel and an attachment portion at an opposite second end. The barrier panel is deflectable into an arcuate configuration that is adapted to span the hairbrush mounting surface to enclose a portion of the hairbrush. The arcuate configuration positions the attachment portion of the barrier panel adjacent a barrier attachment surface of the support panel that is opposite the hairbrush mounting surface. The attachment portion of the barrier panel is adapted to engage an opening in the support panel that communicates with the barrier attachment surface.  
       [0007] According to another aspect, the invention comprises a foldable display member for a hairbrush having a support panel. The support panel includes opposite first and second surfaces, opposite first and second ends and opposite first and second sides. A fold line extends between the ends and is intermediately located between the sides to define first and second sub-panels. The support panel is foldable along the fold line such that the first surfaces of the first and second sub-panels are oppositely located from each other. The first sub-panel of the support panel includes at least one pair of openings spaced from each other by a distance sufficient for receipt therebetween of a portion of a hairbrush placed against the first surface of the first sub-panel. Each pair of openings is adapted for receipt of a flexible member for securing the hair brush to the first surface of the first sub-panel.  
       [0008] The foldable display member further includes an elongated barrier panel having a first end connected to the second sub-panel of the support panel along the second side thereof. The barrier panel is deflectable into an arcuate configuration capable of spanning the first surface of the first sub-panel with the support panel folded along the fold line such that the first surface of the first sub-panel is opposite the first surface of the second sub-panel. The barrier panel includes a second end opposite the first end that is adapted to engage an opening in the second sub-panel of the support panel with the barrier panel deflected into the arcuate configuration. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0009]FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of packaging according to the present invention for displaying hairbrushes;  
     [0010]FIG. 2 is a plan view of a first surface of foldable display member of the packaging of FIG. 1 shown in an unfolded condition;  
     [0011]FIG. 3 is a plan view of a second surface of the foldable display member of FIG. 1 shown in an unfolded condition with a hairbrush secured thereto;  
     [0012]FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the hairbrush and foldable display member of FIG. 3 with the display member shown in a partially folded condition;  
     [0013]FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the hairbrush and display member of FIG. 3 with the display member shown in a folded condition and secured condition;  
     [0014]FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of packaging according to the present invention for displaying hairbrushes; and  
     [0015]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the foldable display member of the packaging of FIG. 6 showing a first hairbrush support in a folded condition and a second hairbrush support in a partially folded condition. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
     [0016] Referring to the drawings, where like numerals identify like elements, there is illustrated in FIG. 1 packaging  10  according to the present invention supporting a hairbrush  12 . The packaging  10  includes a hairbrush display member  14  having a support panel  16  to which the hairbrush  12  is secured by flexible securing members  18 ,  20 . The display member  14  also includes an elongated panel  22  forming an arcuate configuration when packaging  10  is secured to the hairbrush  12 . The elongated panel  22 , in combination with the support panel  16 , encloses part of the bristled head portion  24  of hairbrush  12 . As shown, the elongated panel  22  has a width that is limited to provide for exposure of bristles  26  at opposite ends of the head portion  24 . The exposure of the bristles  26  in this manner allows for tactile examination of the bristles by a prospective purchaser of the hairbrush  12 . The elongated panel  22 , however, is sufficiently wide and is intermediately positioned with respect to the head portion  24  to provide a barrier that limits contact with the head portion  24  of hairbrush  12 . The inclusion of the barrier panel  22  wrapped around the head portion  24 , therefore, discourages use of the hairbrush  12  for its intended purpose of brushing hair prior to removal of the hairbrush from packaging  10 .  
     [0017] Referring to FIG. 2, a first surface  27  of the hairbrush display member  14  is shown in an unfolded condition. The support panel  16  of the display member  14  includes opposite ends  28 ,  30  and opposite sides  32 ,  34 . A centrally located fold line  36  extends between the ends  28 ,  30  to divide the support panel  16  into first and second sub-panels  38 ,  40 . The barrier panel  22  of the display member  14  has opposite ends  42 ,  44  and extends perpendicularly from side  32  of the support panel  16  approximately halfway between ends  28 ,  30 . The display member  14  further includes a portion  46  adjacent end  42  of barrier panel  22  opposite the support panel  16 . The end securing portion  46  carries tabs  48 ,  50  for securing the barrier panel  22  in the arcuate condition shown in FIG. 1 as will be described in greater detail. Each of the support panel  16 , barrier panel  22  and end securing portion  46  is made from a foldable material, preferably a paperboard or cardboard material.  
     [0018] The display member  14  includes fold lines  52 ,  54  adjacent ends  42 ,  44  of the barrier panel  22  to facilitate wrapping of the barrier panel  22  about a secured hairbrush, as shown in FIG. 1. The display member  14  also includes a reinforcement member  56  secured to the first surface  27  of barrier panel  22 , preferably by adhesive. The reinforcement member  56  is made from a resilient material, preferably a plastic material. The reinforcing member  56  is sufficiently flexible to allow the barrier panel  22  to be formed into the desired arcuate configuration, as shown in FIG. 1. The reinforcing member  56 , however, possesses sufficient stiffness such that the barrier panel  22  will be maintained in the arcuate configuration without the panel  22 , which is made from a foldable material, folding upon itself.  
     [0019] The first sub-panel  38  of support panel  16  includes two sets of openings  58 ,  60  for respectively receiving flexible securing members  18 ,  20  to support the hairbrush  12 . The first sub-panel  38  also includes an indented portion  62  extending along side  34 . The indented portion  62  accommodates end  44  of the barrier panel  22  when the display member is folded along fold lines  36  and  54 .  
     [0020] The second sub-panel  40  of support panel  16  includes a substantially rectangular opening  64  that is dimensioned for receipt of the tabs  48 ,  50  of end securing portion  46  as will be described below. Each of the first and second sub-panels  38 ,  40  also includes an elongated opening  66  adjacent end  28  of the support panel  16 . The openings  66  are positioned on the respective sub-panels  38 ,  40  such that, when the support panel  16  is folded along fold line  36  as shown in FIG. 1, the openings  66  are in substantial alignment with each other. The alignment of the openings  66  in this manner provides for receipt by the openings  66  of a display hook for a hanging display of a packaged hairbrush.  
     [0021] Referring to FIGS.  3 - 5 , the formation of packaging  10  from an unfolded display member  14  is shown. In FIG. 3, a second surface  68  of the display member  14  is illustrated in an unfolded condition. For this embodiment of the invention, the second surface  68  of the first sub-panel  38  provides the support surface on which the hairbrush  12  is mounted. The hairbrush  12  is positioned on the second surface  68  of first sub-panel  38  such that the head portion  24  of the hairbrush is intermediately located between ends  28 ,  30  of the support panel  16 . As shown, the openings  58  have a spacing that provides for positioning of the head portion  24  between the openings  58 . Flexible securing member  18  is then received by openings  58  such that flexible securing member  18  extends around the head portion  24 . Similarly, openings  60  have a spacing that provides for positioning of the handle  70  of the hairbrush therebetween for receiving flexible securing member  20  with the securing member  20  wrapped about the handle.  
     [0022] As shown in FIG. 5, the flexible securing members  18 ,  20  are preferably twistable tie members having opposite ends  72 ,  74  that are capable of being secured to each other adjacent thereby securing the flexible securing members to the display member  14 . Referring again to FIG. 3, separation of the hairbrush  12  from the display member  14  is prevented by engagement between the flexible securing members  18 ,  20  and the hairbrush  12 . Further, removal of the hairbrush  12  by sliding translation of the hairbrush with respect to the display member  14  will be prevented by engagement between flexible member  18  and the bristles  26  of head portion  24 . Relative translation may also be limited by engagement between flexible member  20  and handle  70 . For the hairbrush  12  shown in FIG. 3, for example, upward translation of the hairbrush with respect to display member  14  (from the point of view of FIG. 3) will be limited by engagement between the handle  70  and flexible member  20 . It is not required by the invention, however, that the handle  70  of the hairbrush  12  be tapered in this manner for limiting sliding translation between the hairbrush and the display member  14 .  
     [0023] After the hairbrush  12  has been secured to the second surface  68  of the first sub-panel  38  by flexible securing members  18 ,  20 , the support panel  16  of display member  14  is folded along fold line  36 . The folding of support panel  14  along fold line  36  brings the first surfaces  27  of sub-panels  38 ,  40  together in a confronting relationship that positions the second surfaces  68  of the first and second sub-panels  38 ,  40  opposite each other. The folding of support panel  16  in this manner also desirably encloses the secured ends  72 ,  74  of the flexible securing members  18 ,  20  between the sub-panels  38 ,  40  as illustrated in FIG. 5.  
     [0024] The display member  14  is then folded along fold line  54  adjacent to barrier panel  22  and the barrier panel is deflected into an arcuate configuration. In the arcuate configuration, the end securing portion  46  is brought toward fold line  36 , which forms an edge of the hairbrush support surface when the support panel  16  is in its folded condition. The barrier panel  22 , in combination with the hairbrush support surface defined by the second surface  68  of first sub-panel  38 , encloses part of the head portion  24  of hairbrush  12 . As described previously, the attachment of the resilient reinforcement member  56  functions to prevent the foldable barrier panel  22  from folding upon itself when the barrier panel is formed into the arcuate configuration. It should be understood that the purpose of the barrier panel  22  is not to secure the hairbrush  12  to the display member  14 . As described above, it is the flexible securing members  18 ,  20  that secure the hairbrush  12  to the display member  14 . The purpose of the elongated panel  22  is to provide a physical barrier between the bristles  26  of the hairbrush  12  and a prospective purchaser to limit use of the hairbrush  12  for brushing hair. It is, therefore, not required by the invention that the barrier panel  22  contact the bristles  26 .  
     [0025] The display member  14  is then folded along fold line  52  such that the tabs  48 ,  50  carried by end securing portion  46  are positioned adjacent opening  64  in second sub-panel  40  as shown in FIG. 5. For this embodiment of the invention, the second surface  68  of the second sub-panel  40  is located opposite the second surface  68  of the first sub-panel  38  to provide a mounting surface for tabs  48 ,  50 . As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, tab  48  is formed as a substantially hemi-circular projection from edge  76  of end securing portion  46 . Tab  50  is defined by a substantially hemi-circular perforation in end securing portion  46 . As shown, tabs  48 ,  50  are positioned on the end securing portion  46  such that the tabs  48 ,  50  and barrier panel  22  are substantially aligned with each other. The rectangular opening  64  is positioned on the second sub-panel  40  between ends  28 ,  30  of support panel  16  such that the opening  64  is also aligned with the tabs  48 ,  50  and barrier panel  22 . The opening  64  is also positioned at a distance from fold line  36  of support panel  16  such that the tabs  48 ,  50  can be engaged with the opening  64  when the display member  14  is in the folded condition shown in FIG. 5.  
     [0026] After the tabs  48 ,  50  have been engaged with the rectangular opening  64  in the second sub-panel  40  of support panel  16 , a circular disc  78  is secured over the engaged tabs by an adhesive layer applied to the disc  78 . The disc  78  has a diameter that is sufficient to cover the rectangular opening  64 . The inclusion of the disc  78  limits removal of the tabs  48 ,  50  from engagement with the opening  64  until the hairbrush  12  is to be removed from the packaging  10  following purchase of the hairbrush for example.  
     [0027] The packaging  10  provides for a large amount of space that is suitable for printing information about the hairbrush  12  that is included. In addition to the portion of the second surface  68  of first sub-panel  38  that is not covered by the hairbrush  12 , information relating to the hairbrush  12  could be displayed to a potential purchaser on the second surfaces  68  of the second sub-panel  40  and the barrier panel  22 . Furthermore, the inclusion of a support panel  16  having sub-panels  38 ,  40  that are folded together in the manner described above provides for additional space for information regarding the packaged hairbrush or general hair care information, for example. Thus, following purchase of the hairbrush  12  and removal of the tabs  48 ,  50  from the rectangular opening  64 , the display member could be unfolded to expose the first surface  27  of the display member  14 . The entire first surface  27  of both the first and second sub-panels  38 ,  40  of the support panel  16  is suitable for bearing printed information. It is also conceivable that the resilient reinforcement member  22  on the first surface  27  of the barrier panel  22  could also present indicia relating to the hairbrush included with packaging  10 .  
     [0028] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, there is shown a second embodiment of packaging  80  according to the present invention for displaying a round hairbrush  82  that includes a head portion  84  having bristles  86  that extend completely around a shaft  88 . The packaging  80  includes a foldable display member  90  to which the hairbrush  82  is secured by flexible securing members  92 ,  94 .  
     [0029] The display member  90 , shown in FIG. 7 in an unfolded condition, includes first and second surfaces  96 ,  98 . As shown, the display member  90  includes a support panel  100  having opposite ends and opposite sides. The support panel  100  differs from the support panel  16  of packaging  10  in that the support panel  100  of display member  90  does not include sub-panels formed by a central fold line. The display member  90  includes a barrier panel  22  having opposite ends  42 ,  44  and an end securing portion  46  carrying tabs  48 ,  50  similar to the display member  14  of packaging  10 . A resilient reinforcement member  56  is secured to the barrier panel  22  on the second surface  98  of the display member  90 . The purpose of the resilient reinforcement member  56  is to maintain the foldable barrier panel  22  in the arcuate configuration, shown in FIG. 6, in a similar fashion to the barrier panel  22  of packaging  10 . The support panel  100  includes a rectangular opening  64  positioned on support panel  100  for engagement by tabs  48 ,  50  similar to display member  14 .  
     [0030] The display member  90  includes openings  102 ,  104  for receiving flexible securing members  106 ,  108  for securing the hairbrush  82  to the display member  90  in a similar fashion to packaging  10 . The display member  90  also includes an elongated opening  66  adjacent end  110  of the support panel  100  for receiving a display hook for hanging display of the packaged hairbrush  82 .  
     [0031] The display member  90  of packaging  80  also includes hairbrush supports  112 ,  114  formed in the support panel  100 . The supports  112 ,  114  respectively define curved edges  116 ,  118 . The supports  112 ,  114  are attached to the support panel at fold lines  120 ,  122  such that the supports can be folded to extend from the first surface  96  of the display member, as shown in FIG. 6, substantially perpendicular to the support panel  100 . In the folded and perpendicular condition, the curved edges  116 ,  118  are positioned to respectively engage the shaft  88  of head portion  84  and the handle  124  of hairbrush  82 .  
     [0032] To assemble packaging  80  from the unfolded display member  90  shown in FIG. 7, the supports  112 ,  114  are folded along fold lines  120 ,  124  to extend from the first surface  96  of the display member  90 . The hairbrush  82  is then positioned adjacent the first surface  96  of the display member  90  such that the shaft  88  and handle  124  are respectively received by the curved edges  116 ,  118  of supports  112 ,  114 . Flexible securing members  92 ,  94  are then received by openings  102 ,  104  to secure the hairbrush  82  to the display member  90 . This construction differs from packaging  10  of FIGS.  1 - 5  in which the hairbrush  12  was secured to the second surface  68  of the display member  14  prior to folding of the support panel  14  along fold line  36 .  
     [0033] After the hairbrush  82  has been secured to the first surface  96  of the display member  90 , the barrier panel  22  is deflected into an arcuate configuration, similar to the barrier panel  22  of packaging  10 , such that panel  22  encircles the head portion  84  of hairbrush  82 . The display member  90  is then folded along fold line  52  such that tabs  48 ,  50  can engage opening  64  from the second surface  98  of support panel  100 .