Patent Publication Number: US-2016219958-A1

Title: Package assembly for hair extensions

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/110,132, filed Jan. 30, 2015, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to product packaging, and more particularly to a package assembly for storing hair extensions. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Hair integrations, more commonly referred to as hair extensions, are used to add length and/or fullness to a person&#39;s existing hair. Frequently, hair extensions are manufactured and sold with a desired amount of curl prior to receipt by the purchaser. As such, once the curl has been provided to the hair extension, it is desirable to be able to both ship and store the product prior to purchase in a manner that retains the curls all in the same direction, or put more simply, maintain a one-directional curl. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One embodiment of the invention includes a package assembly for a hair extension including an attachment element and hairs extending therefrom, including a box portion having a back wall, a top wall and opposed bottom wall extending from a top edge and a bottom edge of the back wall, respectively, and a pair of side walls extending from opposed side edges of the back wall, the box portion defining an interior volume, and a retainer portion including a first panel having a top end, a bottom end, and a pair of side edges extending therebetween, wherein the attachment element of the hair extension is attached to the top end of the first panel and the hairs extend along the first panel to its bottom end, the bottom end of the first panel is curved upwardly toward the top end of the first panel, and the retainer portion is slidably received within the interior volume of the box portion. 
     Another embodiment of the invention includes a package assembly for a hair extension including an attachment element and hairs extending therefrom, including a retainer portion having a center portion including a first panel and a second panel, both the first and the second panels having an inner surface, an outer surface, a top end, a bottom end, and a pair of side edges extending therebetween, the first inner surfaces of the first and the second panels being adjacent to each other, wherein the attachment element of the hair extension is attached to the top end of the center portion and the hairs extend along the outer surfaces of the first panel and the second panel to their bottom ends, and the bottom ends of the first panel and the second panel are curved upwardly toward the top end of the retainer portion. 
     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a package assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of the box portion and retainer assembly of the package assembly shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the retainer portion of the package assembly shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a plan view of the form used to make the retainer portion shown in  FIG. 3 , prior to folding; 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are perspective views of an insert from the package assembly shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a plan view of the form used to make the insert shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , prior to folding; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the box portion of the package assembly shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a plan view of the form used to make the box portion shown in  FIG. 7 , prior to folding; 
         FIG. 9  is a plan view of the form used to make the cover portion of the package assembly shown in  FIG. 1 , prior to folding; 
         FIGS. 10A through 10C  are perspective views of the retainer portion of the package assembly shown in  FIG. 1 , in various steps of use; 
         FIG. 11  is a front view of the retainer assembly of the package assembly shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a plan view of a form used to make a retainer portion of an alternate embodiment of a package assembly in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 13 and 14  are perspective and front views of the retainer assembly of second embodiment of a package assembly in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a retainer portion of a third embodiment of a package assembly in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the retainer portion of the third embodiment of a package assembly in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 17 and 18  are perspective and front views of the retainer assembly of the third embodiment of a package assembly in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a package assembly in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 20  is a side view of the box portion of the package assembly shown in  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a side view of the retainer portion and inserts of the package assembly shown in  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a package assembly in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 23  is a side view of the box portion of the package assembly shown in  FIG. 22 ; 
         FIG. 24  is a side view of the retainer portion and inserts of the package assembly shown in  FIG. 22 ; 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a package assembly in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 26A and 26B  are side and exploded side views of the sixth embodiment of the package assembly shown in  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of a package assembly in accordance with the present disclosure; and 
         FIGS. 28A and 28B  are side and exploded views of the seventh embodiment of the package assembly shown in  FIG. 27 . 
     
    
    
     Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features or elements of the invention. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope and spirit thereof. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used on another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     As used herein, the term “hair extension” means a manufactured covering of natural or synthetic hair for the head. The hair extension is either woven to a user&#39;s natural hair for long term use or detachable for short term use. Typically, a hair extension includes one or more wefts, “weft” meaning a collection of multiple “hairs” (strands of natural or synthetic hair) that are attached together by stitch work with a sewing machine or fused together by glue and woven material. Each weft is treated as a unit in the manufacture of the hair extension. A “weaving band” is a strip of material to which wefts of hair are attached. The weaving band is used to attach the hair extension to the user&#39;s own hair. 
     Referring now to the figures,  FIGS. 1 and 2  show a package assembly  100  for a hair extension  190  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Package assembly  100  includes a box portion  110 , a cover portion  130  and a retainer assembly  150  that is configured to receive and hold the hair extensions  190  in a configuration that maintains a desired curl of the hair extension, as discussed in greater detail below. Retainer assembly  150  preferably includes a retainer portion  151 , a pair of inserts  170  and an outer panel  182  that assists in maintaining retainer assembly  150  in the assembled state, as best seen in  FIG. 11 , prior to being slidably inserted into box portion  110  of package assembly  100 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , retainer portion  151  preferably includes a center portion  152  formed by a pair of adjacent panels  153 . A top end  154  of each panel  153  includes a pair of opposed slots  156 , each slot depending inwardly toward a longitudinal center axis of the corresponding panel  153  from a side edge  157  thereof. When folded, the pair of slots  156  is configured to removably receive a weaving band  192  of hair extension  190  that is to be stored thereon, as discussed in greater detail below. Additionally, two pairs of apertures  158   a  and  158   b  are preferably formed in the top end  154  of each panel  153  prior to folding form  149 . Apertures  158   a  and  158   b  in each panel  153  are aligned with the corresponding pair of apertures  158   a  and  158   b  in the other panel  153  once form  149  is folded. Apertures  158   a  and  158   b  are configured to receive elastic bands (not shown), or wire bands, therethrough, thereby retaining weaving band  192  of hair extension  190  in slots  156 . 
     Each panel  153  includes a bottom end  164  that may be curved as desired for maintaining a curl in hairs  194  of the corresponding hair extension  190 . Specifically, for a tight curl, each bottom end may be given a curve having a small radius of curvature in coordination with the overall width of box portion  110  of package assembly  100 , as best seen in  FIG. 2 . For a wider curl, a correspondingly wider box portion  110  is utilized, thereby allowing the curved portion of each bottom end  164  of panels  153  to have a greater radius of curvature. Additionally, a pair of opposed flaps  160  extends outwardly from corresponding side edges  157  of each panel  153 . Each flap  160  is foldable inwardly toward the corresponding panel  153  so that hairs  194  of the corresponding hair extension  190  may be maintained in alignment against the panels  153 . As such, the pairs of opposed flaps  160  help prevent tangling of hairs  194  during shipment and storage of the hair extension. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5A, 5B and 6 , a preferred embodiment of an insert  170  for package assembly  100  is shown. Insert  170  includes a top panel  172  formed by a pair of top flaps  172   a , a bottom panel  174 , a pair of side panels  180 , each formed by a pair of side flaps  180   a , extending therebetween, and a front panel  176  and a rear panel  178 , each formed by a corresponding pair of front flaps  176   a  and rear flaps  178   a . When forming insert  170  from insert form  171 , adhesives such as, but not limited to, glue, tape, etc., may be used to secure flaps  172   a ,  176   a  and  178   a  of each pair together, when forming top panel  172 , front panel  176  and rear panel  178 , respectively. As shown in  FIG. 5B , top panel  172  is preferably both rectangular and planar, whereas bottom panel  174  is semi-cylindrical, as best seen in  FIG. 5A . Preferably, the radius of curvature of bottom panel  174  is substantially similar to the radius of curvature of the curved bottom end  164  of the corresponding panel  153  it is received adjacent to, as best seen in  FIG. 2 . The present embodiment of insert  170  can be made with formed material, cardboard, paper mache, polyethylene, polyurethane, polystyrene, polybutadiene or formed plastic. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , box portion  110  and box portion form  111  of package assembly  100  are shown. Box portion  110  includes a back wall  112 , opposed top and bottom walls  114  and  116  extending from opposed top and bottom edges thereof, respectively, and a pair of opposed side walls  118  extending from opposed side edges of back wall  112  between the top and bottom walls. As best seen in  FIG. 2 , the overall width of box portion  110  from side wall  118  to side wall  118  dictates the radius of curvature of the bottom ends  164  of the panels  153  of retainer portion  151 . As such, for a narrow curl of hairs  194  of the corresponding hair extension  190 , a narrow box portion  110  is used. For a larger curl, a wider box portion  110  is used. As shown, top wall  114  of box portion  110  includes a front panel  120  and bottom panel  122 , each of which includes a slot  124  formed therein. Slot  124  is configured to slidably receive the top end  154  of each panel  153 , thereby maintaining retainer assembly  150  in the proper, center position within box portion  110 , as best seen in  FIG. 2 . Referring specifically to  FIG. 8 , box portion form  111  includes a plurality of reinforcing members denoted by a letter “a” that are folded against the respective walls to enhance the strength of box portion  110 . Additionally, end flaps  119  are provided and may be secured by adhesives such as, but not limited to, glue, tape, etc., to maintain box portion  110  in its assembled state. An aperture  117  is provided in back wall  112  to facilitate hanging package assembly  100  on a display board. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 9 , cover portion  130  of package assembly  100  is shown. Cover portion  130  includes a front wall  132 , opposed top and bottom walls  134  and  136  extending from opposed top and bottom edges thereof, respectively, and a pair of opposed side walls  138  extending between the top and bottom walls from opposed side edges of front wall  132 . Referring specifically to  FIG. 9 , cover portion form  131  includes a plurality of reinforcing members denoted by a letter “a” that are folded against the respective walls to enhance the strength of cover portion  130 . Additionally, end flaps  133  are provided and may be secured by adhesives such as, but not limited to, glue, tape, etc., to maintain cover portion  130  in its assembled state. A viewing aperture  142  is formed in front wall  132  of cover portion  130 , so that the contents of package assembly may be viewed without opening it. Note, however, in alternate embodiments of the cover portion  130 , a viewing aperture need not be provided. Preferably, a clear sheet of material is used to cover viewing aperture  142 . A pair of cutouts  140  is provided and the bottom edge of each side wall  138  to facilitate removing covered portion  130  from box portion  110  of package assembly  100 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 10A through 10C , use of package assembly  100  is discussed. In order to store hair extension  190  in package assembly  100 , hair extension  190  is first wrapped around center portion  152  of retainer portion  151  so that approximately half of the corresponding hairs  194  are disposed on each side of center portion  152 . When wrapping hair extension  190  about retainer portion  151 , weaving band  192  is preferably retained adjacent the top ends  154  of panels  153  by the pairs of opposed slots  156 . As well, weaving band  192  is wrapped around panels  153  so that it is disposed between the pairs of apertures  158   a  and  158   b , thereby allowing the weaving band to be maintained in the desired position by elastic bands  196  that are passed through apertures  158   a  and  158   b , as best seen in  FIG. 10A . Note, when wrapping hair extension  190  about retainer portion  151 , hairs  194  are positioned so that the curled portion extends outwardly from the corresponding panel  153 . 
     Hairs  194  are maintained in the desired alignment by folding the corresponding pairs of flaps  160  inwardly toward their corresponding panel  153  and securing them in place, such as by tape. Next, as best seen in  FIG. 10C , bottom ends  164  of panels  153  are curved to match the curl of the hairs  194 , and an insert  170  is positioned adjacent each panel  153  so that the curled portions of hairs  194  are disposed between the curved bottom ends  164  of panels  153  and curved bottom panels  174  of inserts  170 , as best seen in  FIG. 11 . An elongated, rectangular outer panel  182  is formed into a U-shape about both retainer portion  151  and inserts  170  to facilitate placing retainer assembly  150  in the corresponding box portion  110 . As best seen in  FIG. 2 , retainer assembly  150  is slid into box portion  110  so that top ends  154  of panels  153  are slidably received in slot  124  of top wall  114 . As such, retainer assembly  150  is held in the desired position within box portion  110 . Note, as best seen in  FIG. 2 , the size of the curl to be maintained in the hairs of hair extension  190  is directly related to the overall width of the package assembly&#39;s box portion  110 . The present insert  170  can be replaced with other embodiments, such as a roller having the same curve as that of the desired curl of the hairs  194 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 12 , a form  249  for a retainer portion of an alternate embodiment of a package assembly is shown. The form  249  of the retainer portion differs primarily from the previously discussed embodiment in that multiple sets of opposed slots  156   a ,  156   b  and  156   c  are formed in a top end  154  of each panel  153 . As such, multiple hair extensions of varying lengths may be stored in the corresponding package assembly, each hair extension having the same size curl in its hairs. As shown, three (3) hair extensions may be disposed on the retainer portion, with other embodiments holding up to five (5) hair extensions. Additionally, each flap  160  is attached to the corresponding panel  253  by a pair of fold lines  161 . Utilizing two fold lines  161  for each flap  160  allows the flaps  160  to be spaced further from the corresponding panel  253 , as would be desirable when multiple hair extensions are being stored in the package assembly. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , a retainer assembly  350  of an alternate embodiment of a package assembly in accordance with the present invention is shown. Retainer assembly  350  includes a center panel  353 , a retainer portion  351 , and a pair of rollers  370 . As shown, retainer portion  351  is substantially similar to the previously described retainer portion  151  ( FIG. 3 ) of the first embodiment. Retainer portion  351  preferably includes a pair of panels  153 . Each panel  153  includes a bottom end  164  that may be curved as desired for maintaining a unidirectional curl in hairs  194  of the corresponding hair extension  190 . Specifically, for a tight curl, each bottom end may be given a curve having a small radius of curvature in coordination with the overall width of the corresponding box portion  110  ( FIG. 7 ) of the package assembly. For a wider curl, a correspondingly wider box portion  110  is utilized, thereby allowing the curved portion of each bottom end  164  of center panels  153  to have a greater radius of curvature. The curved bottom ends  164  of panels  153  are used in combination with rollers  370  to maintain the desired unidirectional curl, as discussed below. Rollers  370  can be made with formed material, cardboard, paper mache, polyethylene, polyurethane, polystyrene, polybutadiene or formed plastic. 
     Additionally, a pair of opposed flaps  160  extends outwardly from corresponding side edges  157  of each panel  153 . Each flap  160  is foldable inwardly toward the corresponding panel  153  so that hairs  194  of the corresponding hair extension  190  may be maintained in alignment against the center panels  153 . Note, the present embodiment of retainer assembly  350  differs from the first embodiment in that hairs  194  of hair extension  190  are secured between flaps  160  and the inner surface of the corresponding panel  153  rather than its outer surface. This is in keeping with the fact that the bottom ends of the hairs are curled inwardly rather than outwardly relative to center panel  353 . As such, the pairs of opposed flaps  160  help prevent the tangling of hairs  194  during shipment and storage of the hair extension. 
     As noted above, retainer assembly  350  includes planar center panel  353 . A top end  355  of center panel  353  includes a pair of opposed slots  357 , each slot depending inwardly toward a longitudinal center axis of center panel  353  from a side edge thereof. The pair of slots  357  is configured to removably receive a weaving band  192  of hair extension  190  that is to be stored thereon, as discussed in greater detail below. Additionally, two pairs of apertures (not shown) are preferably formed in the top end  355  of each center panel  353 . The apertures are configured to receive elastic bands (not shown), or wire bands, therethrough, thereby retaining weaving band  192  of hair extension  190  in slots  357 . 
     Retainer assembly  350  also differs from the previously discussed first embodiment ( FIG. 11 ) in that inserts  170  are not used but, rather, rollers  370  are utilized to maintain the described unidirectional curl in the ends of hairs  194 . As shown, the ends of the hairs  194  are wrapped inwardly around a roller  370  of the desired diameter, which in turn is received inside the curved bottom end  164  of a corresponding panel  153 . An outer panel  182 , similar to that shown in  FIG. 11 , is wrapped around retainer portion  351  and rollers  370  prior to sliding the retainer assembly  350  inside a corresponding box portion  110  ( FIG. 7 ) of the package assembly, as discussed above. The rollers  370  can be made with formed material, cardboard, paper mache, polyethylene, polyurethane, polystyrene, polybutadiene or formed plastic. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 15 through 18 , a retainer assembly  450  of an alternate embodiment of a package assembly in accordance with the present invention is shown, Retainer assembly  450  includes a retainer portion  451  and two pairs of rollers, each pair including an inner roller  470  and an outer roller  472 . Retainer portion  451  preferably includes a center portion  152  formed by a pair of adjacent panels  153 . As shown, retainer portion  451  is substantially similar to the previously described retainer portion  151  ( FIG. 3 ) of the first embodiment, with the exception that it does not include curved bottom portions on its panels  153 . However, a top end  154  of each panel  153  includes a pair of opposed slots  156 , each slot depending inwardly toward a longitudinal center axis of the corresponding panel  153  from a side edge  157  thereof. When folded, the pair of slots  156  is configured to removably receive a weaving band  192  of a corresponding hair extension  190 . Additionally, two pairs of apertures  158   a  and  158   b  are preferably formed in the top end  154  of each panel  153 . Apertures  158   a  and  158   b  in each panel  153  are aligned with the corresponding pair of apertures  158   a  and  158   b  in the other panel  153 . Apertures  158   a  and  158   b  are configured to receive elastic bands (not shown), or wire bands, therethrough, thereby retaining elastic band  192  of hair extension  190  in slots  156 . 
     Each panel  153  includes a pair of opposed flaps  160  extending outwardly from corresponding side edges  157  of each panel  153 . Each flap  160  is foldable inwardly toward the corresponding panel  153  so that hairs  194  of the corresponding hair extension  190  may be maintained in alignment against the outer surfaces of panels  153 . As such, the pairs of opposed flaps  160  help prevent tangling of hairs  194  during shipment and storage of the hair extension. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , rather than utilizing curved bottom portions of panels  153  to help maintain the unidirectional curl of hairs  194 , the present embodiment utilizes two pairs of curlers. Specifically, the bottom ends of hairs  194  are first curled around the corresponding inner roller  470 . The diameter of the inner roller  470  is selected based on the desired size of the curl of the hair. Next, a corresponding outer roller  472  is slid over each inner roller  470  so that the bottom ends of hairs  194  are disposed between the rollers. A slot  474  is provided along the length of each outer roller  472  so that the inner rollers are slidably receivable therein. After the inner and outer rollers  470  and  472  are in place, an outer panel  182 , similar to that shown in  FIG. 11 , is wrapped abound retainer portion  451  and the pairs of rollers  470  and  472  prior to sliding retainer assembly  450  inside a corresponding box portion  110  ( FIG. 7 ), as previously discussed. The inner and outer rollers  470  and  472  can be made with formed material, cardboard, paper mache, polyethylene, polyurethane, polystyrene, polybutadiene or formed plastic. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 19 through 21 , an alternate embodiment of a package assembly  500  for a hair extension  190  ( FIG. 1 ) in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. Package assembly  500  includes a box portion  510 , and a retainer assembly  550  that is configured to receive and hold hair extensions  190  in a configuration that maintains a desired curl of the hair extension, as previously discussed. Retainer assembly  550  preferably includes a retainer portion  551  and a pair of inserts  570 , as best seen in  FIG. 21 . 
     Referring specifically to  FIG. 21 , retainer portion  551  preferably includes a center portion  552 , a top end  554  of which includes a pair of opposed slots (not shown), similar to those of the previous embodiments, each slot depending inwardly toward a longitudinal center axis of the center portion  552 . The pair of slots is configured to removably receive a weaving band  192  of hair extension  190  that is to be stored thereon. Additionally, two pairs of apertures ( FIG. 3 ) are preferably formed in the top end  554  of center portion  554  to receive elastic bands (not shown), or wire bands, therethrough, thereby retaining weaving band  192  of hair extension  190  on the retainer portion  551 . 
     Retainer portion  551  includes a pair of bottom ends  564  that may be curved as desired for maintaining a curl in hairs  194  of the corresponding hair extension  190 . Specifically, for a tight curl, each bottom end may be given a curve having a small radius of curvature in coordination with the overall width of a bottom portion  512  of box portion  510  of the package assembly, as best seen in  FIG. 19 . For a wider curl, a correspondingly wider bottom portion  512  of box portion  510  is utilized, thereby allowing the curved portion of each bottom end  564  to have a greater radius of curvature. 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 19 and 21 , a preferred embodiment of an insert  570  for package assembly  500  is shown. Each insert  570  is substantially wedge-shaped and includes a curved body panel  574 , and a pair of side panels  580  extend from the opposed side edge of body panel  574 . Preferably, the radius of curvature of the bottom portions of body panels  574  are substantially similar to the radius of curvature of the curved bottom ends  564  of retainer portion  551 . Preferably, inserts  570  and retainer portion  551  are all molded of a clear plastic material such as, but not limited to polyethylene, polyurethane, polystyrene, polybutadiene or formed plastic 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 19 and 20 , box portion  510  of package assembly  500  is shown. Box portion  510  includes bottom portion  512  and a pair of opposed side portions  514  and  516  extending upwardly from opposed side edges of bottom portion  512 . Preferably, side portions  514  and  516  are pivotably connected to the opposed side edges of bottom portion by a living hinge. As such, side portions  514  and  516  remain connected to bottom portion  512  of box portion  510  even after the opening thereof. A pair of closure buttons  522 ,  524  are co-molded into the upper ends of side portions  514  and  516  for releasably securing side portions  514  and  516  in the closed position. Each closure button includes a projection  522  formed in one side portion that is releasably received in a corresponding recess  524  formed in the other side portion. An aperture  526  is formed in the top end of each side portion  514 ,  516  so that the package assembly may be hung from a hook of a display. Preferably, box portion  510  of package assembly  500  is molded of a clear plastic such as, but not limited to, polyethylene, polyurethane, polystyrene, polybutadiene or formed plastic. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 22 through 24  an alternate embodiment of a package assembly  600  for a hair extension  190  ( FIG. 1 ) in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. Package assembly  600  is similar to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 19 through 21 , with the primary exception that it provides for maintaining a “tighter” curl in the ends of the hairs of the hair extension  192  stored thereon. Package assembly  600  includes a box portion  610 , and a retainer assembly  650  that is configured to receive and hold hair extensions  190 . Retainer assembly  650  preferably includes a retainer portion  651  and a pair of inserts  670 , as best seen in  FIG. 24 . 
     Referring specifically to  FIG. 24 , retainer portion  651  preferably includes a center portion  652 , a top end  654  of which includes a pair of opposed slots (not shown), similar to those of the previous embodiments, each slot depending inwardly toward a longitudinal center axis of the center portion  652 . The pair of slots is configured to removably receive weaving band  192  of the corresponding hair extension  190 . Additionally, two pairs of apertures ( FIG. 3 ) are preferably formed in the top end  654  of center portion  652  to receive elastic bands (not shown), or wire bands, therethrough, thereby retaining weaving band  192  of hair extension  190  on the retainer portion  651 . 
     Retainer portion  651  includes a pair of bottom ends  664  that may be curved as desired for maintaining a curl in hairs  194  of the corresponding hair extension  190 . Specifically, for a tight curl, each bottom end  664  may be given a curve having a small radius of curvature in coordination with the overall width of a bottom portion  612  of box portion  610  of the package assembly, as best seen in  FIG. 22 . For a wider curl, a correspondingly wider bottom portion  612  of box portion  610  is utilized, thereby allowing the curved portion of each bottom end  664  to have a greater radius of curvature. As shown, bottom ends  664  of retainer portion  651  are substantially semi-cylindrical, forming almost a full half-cylinder shape for a tight curl. 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 22 and 24 , a preferred embodiment of an insert  670  for package assembly  600  is shown. Each insert  670  is substantially wedge-shaped and includes a curved body panel  674 , and a pair of side panels  680  extend from the opposed side edge of body panel  674 . Preferably, the radius of curvature of the bottom portions of body panels  674  are substantially similar to the radius of curvature of the curved bottom ends  664  of retainer portion  651 . Preferably, inserts  670  and retainer portion  651  are all molded of a clear plastic material such as, but not limited to polyethylene, polyurethane, polystyrene, polybutadiene or formed plastic. 
     Box portion  610  of package assembly  600  is best seen in  FIGS. 22 and 23 . Box portion  610  includes a bottom portion  612  and a pair of opposed side portions  614  and  616  extending upwardly from opposed side edges of bottom portion  612 . Preferably, side portions  614  and  616  are pivotably connected to the opposed side edges of bottom portion by a living hinge. As such, side portions  614  and  616  remain connected to bottom portion  612  of box portion  610  even after the opening thereof. A pair of closure buttons  622 ,  624  are co-molded into the upper ends of side portions  614  and  616  for releasably securing side portions  614  and  616  in the closed position. Each closure button includes a projection  622  formed in one side portion that is releasably received in a corresponding recess  624  formed in the other side portion. An aperture  626  is formed in the top end of each side portion  614 ,  616  so that the package assembly may be hung from a hook of a display. Preferably, box portion  610  of package assembly  600  is molded of a clear plastic such as, but not limited to, polyethylene, polyurethane, polystyrene, polybutadiene or formed plastic. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 25, 26A and 26B , an alternate embodiment of a package assembly  700  for a hair extension  190  ( FIG. 1 ) in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. Package assembly  700  includes a box portion  710  and a retainer portion  751  that cooperates therewith to receive and hold hair extensions  190  in a configuration that maintains a desired curl of the hair extension. Package assembly  700  differs primarily from the embodiment previously discussed with regard to  FIGS. 19 through 21  in that package assembly  700  does not include a pair of inserts. 
     As best seen in  FIG. 26B , retainer portion  751  preferably includes a center portion  752 , a top end  754  of which includes a pair of opposed slots (not shown), similar to those of the previous embodiments, each slot depending inwardly toward a longitudinal center axis of the center portion  752 . The pair of slots is configured to removably receive weaving band  192  of hair extension  190  that is to be stored thereon. Additionally, two pairs of apertures ( FIG. 3 ) are preferably formed in the top end  754  of center portion  752  to receive elastic bands (not shown), or wire bands, therethrough, thereby retaining weaving band  192  on the retainer portion  751 . 
     Retainer portion  751  includes a pair of bottom ends  764  that may be curved as desired for maintaining a curl in hairs  194  of the corresponding hair extension  190 . Specifically, for a tight curl, each bottom end may be given a curve having a small radius of curvature in coordination with the overall width of a bottom portion  712  of box portion  710  of the package assembly, as best seen in  FIG. 25 . For a wider curl, a correspondingly wider bottom portion  712  of box portion  710  is utilized, thereby allowing the curved portion of each bottom end  764  to have a greater radius of curvature. 
     As shown, box portion  710  of package assembly  700  includes a first half portion  714  and a second side portion  716  that are releasably connected to each other by closure buttons  722 ,  724 . Closure buttons  722 ,  724  are co-molded into the upper and bottom ends of first and second half portions  714  and  716  for releasably securing the half portions in the closed position. Each closure button includes a projection  722  formed in one half portion that is releasably received in a corresponding recess  724  formed in the other half portion. Each half portion  714  and  716  includes a pair of substantially triangular side panels  780  and a curved body panel  774  extending therebetween. Preferably, the radius of curvature of the bottom portions of body panels  774  are substantially similar to the radius of curvature of the curved bottom ends  764  of retainer portion  751 . As such, retainer portion  751  cooperates with body panels  774  to maintain the desired curl in the corresponding hairs even though inserts are not utilized. An aperture  726  may be formed in the top end of each half portion  714 ,  716  so that the package assembly may be hung from a hook of a display. Preferably, box portion  710  and retainer portion  751  of package assembly  700  are molded of a clear plastic such as, but not limited to, polyethylene, polyurethane, polystyrene, polybutadiene or formed plastic. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 27, 28A and 28B , an alternate embodiment of a package assembly  800  for a hair extension  190  ( FIG. 1 ) in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. Package assembly  800  includes a box portion  810  and a retainer portion  851  that cooperates therewith to receive and hold hair extensions  190  in a configuration that maintains a desired curl of the hair extension. Package assembly  800  differs primarily from the embodiment previously discussed with regard to  FIGS. 22 through 24  in that package assembly  800  does not include a pair of inserts. 
     As best seen in  FIG. 28B , retainer portion  851  preferably includes a center portion  852 , a top end  854  of which includes a pair of opposed slots (not shown), similar to those of the previous embodiments, each slot depending inwardly toward a longitudinal center axis of the center portion  852 . The pair of slots is configured to removably receive weaving band  192  of hair extension  190  that is to be stored thereon. Additionally, two pairs of apertures ( FIG. 3 ) are preferably formed in the top end  854  of center portion  852  to receive elastic bands (not shown), or wire bands, therethrough, thereby retaining weaving band  192  on the retainer portion  851 . 
     Retainer portion  851  includes a pair of bottom ends  864  that may be curved as desired for maintaining a curl in hairs  194  of the corresponding hair extension  190 . Specifically, for a tight curl, each bottom end may be given a curve having a small radius of curvature in coordination with the overall width of a bottom portion  812  of box portion  810  of the package assembly, as best seen in  FIG. 27 . For a wider curl, a correspondingly wider bottom portion  812  of box portion  810  is utilized, thereby allowing the curved portion of each bottom end  864  to have a greater radius of curvature. 
     As shown, box portion  810  of package assembly  800  includes a first half portion  814  and a second half portion  816  that are releasably connected to each other by closure buttons  822 ,  824 . Closure buttons  822 ,  824  are co-molded into the upper and bottom ends of first and second half portions  814  and  816  for releasably securing the half portions in the closed position. Each closure button includes a projection  822  formed in one half portion that is releasably received in a corresponding recess  824  formed in the other half portion. Each half portion  814  and  816  includes a pair of substantially triangular side panels  880  and a curved body panel  874  extending therebetween. Preferably, the radius of curvature of the bottom portions of body panels  874  are substantially similar to the radius of curvature of the curved bottom ends  864  of retainer portion  851 . As such, retainer portion  851  cooperates with body panels  874  to maintain the desired curl in the corresponding hairs even though inserts are not utilized. An aperture  826  may be formed in the top end of each half portion  814 ,  816  so that the package assembly may be hung from a hook of a display. Preferably, box portion  810  and retainer portion  851  of package assembly  800  are molded of a clear plastic such as, but not limited to, polyethylene, polyurethane, polystyrene, polybutadiene or formed plastic. 
     While one or more preferred embodiments of the invention have been described above, it should be understood that any and all equivalent realizations of the present invention are included within the scope and spirit thereof. The embodiments depicted are presented by way of example and are not intended as limitations upon the present invention. Thus, those of ordinary skill in this art should understand that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments since modifications can be made. Therefore, it is contemplated that any and all such embodiments are included in the present invention as may fall within the scope and spirit thereof.