The present invention relates to a portable hairpiece holder and a method of using a portable hairpiece holder for storing a hairpiece.

Long and/or voluminous hair is considered attractive. A user may increase their attractiveness by wearing or connecting one or more hairpieces to their head and/or hair.

The term “hairpiece” used herein and throughout is intended to include at least hair extensions, wigs, and hair weaves. The hair may be synthetic, natural or a combination of both.

Once attached to the user’s head and/or hair, the hairpiece can be styled along with the user’s hair to create a seamless look. Some types of hairpiece may be removed from the user’s head when not in-use. However, keeping the hairpieces loose may result in damage to the hair from friction, abrasion, light, or drying conditions. Hairpieces can become tangled, particularly if bunched with or in contact with other hairpieces. Colour and/or chemicals from one hairpiece may accidentally transfer to another hairpiece upon contact between the hairpieces.

One solution is to suspend the hairpieces spaced-apart from each other, for example on a permanently positioned holder, such as a wall hook. Whilst this may reduce the contact between hairpieces, a permanently positioned holder may not be space efficient. Additionally, a permanently positioned holder cannot be used to transport hairpieces to another location.

To transport one or more hairpieces to another location, the user can insert the hairpieces into a bag. However, the bag does not eliminate the issues of bunching and contact between hairpieces, leading to tangling, breakage, and undesirable transfer of chemicals. The hairpieces can additionally catch on features of the bag, such as zips or other fasteners and break. The materials of the bag may additionally result in drying of the hair.

To locate a specific hairpiece, the user may need to handle more than one hairpiece, leading to further breakage. One solution is to reduce the number of hairpieces transported, but this is impractical. Due to the bunching, tangling, and frizzing, the hairpiece will need to be restyled prior to use, which can be time consuming.

The present invention seeks to provide a solution to these problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable hairpiece holder comprising: a body; a first pocket for receiving a first hairpiece therein, the first pocket being connected to the body; a second pocket for receiving a second hairpiece therein, the second pocket being connected to the body, wherein the second pocket overlaps at least in part with the first pocket; and a tether associated with each of the first pocket and the second pocket, each tether for supporting a hairpiece fastener.

The portable hairpiece holder advantageously provides the user with a means for transporting hairpieces in discrete pockets. Different types of hairpiece may be stored such as wigs, clip-in or tape-in hair extensions, and/or weaves at the same time within the holder. The hairpieces can lay flat within the plurality of, optionally tiered, pockets, which may prevent bunching or gathering of the hair, at least in comparison to existing solutions in which the hair is folded, gathered, or bunched multiple times. Storage in separate pockets reduces or prevents contact between hairpieces, thereby reducing or eliminating the risk of hairpieces tangling, frizzing and/or knotting. The risk of transfer of chemicals and/or colour from one hairpiece to another hairpiece is also reduced or eliminated. Additionally, storing hairpieces in individual pockets increases the ease of access, insertion, and removal of an individual hairpiece from the holder. Pockets may enable the hairpieces to be organised such that the user can easily and quickly locate a particular hairpiece without needing to handle and optionally separate adjacent hairpieces. Damage associated with overhandling is minimised. The overlapping nature of the pockets increases the compactness of the holder. In other words, a greater number of hairpieces may be stored for a given size of holder.

Furthermore, the tether provides a dedicated area for attachment of the hairpiece. The hairpieces may be suspendable. When the hairpiece fasteners are secured in position, the risk of the hairpiece fasteners being tangled in the hairpiece itself is reduced or eliminated. The tether may also enable the user to brush and/or stylise a hairpiece secured to the tether but hanging outside of the pocket.

Preferably, the first pocket and the second pocket may each have a pocket-opening, each pocket-opening of the first and second pockets being spaced apart along a first dimension of the body. The staggered or tiered arrangement of the pocket-openings increases the ease of access to a specific pocket-opening.

Advantageously, the first pocket may have a first length and the second pocket may have a second length, and wherein the first length may be greater than the second length for storage of hairpieces with differing lengths. Having different lengths of pocket gives the user the option to store hairpieces with differing lengths. The pocket lengths may be optimised for hairpieces of different lengths. As shorter pockets require less materials to manufacture than longer pockets, the manufacture is simpler and cheaper, the holder is lighter and environmentally friendlier. Preferably, at least one said tether may include an elongate tether body located at a mounting portion of the first and/or second pockets, respectively. This is advantageous because the tether being an elongate mounting element allows for the user to attach, and therefore store, a wide hairpiece with multiple hairpiece fasteners. Alternatively, multiple hairpieces can be connected to the tether body, spaced-apart along the length of the tether body. In an alternative embodiment, it may easily be envisioned that the tether may instead comprise one or more nonelongate tether bodies, such as a loop, or hook. The hairpiece fastener may be connectable to such a loop. Optionally, at least one tether may further include a hairpiece fastener. The hairpiece fastener may optionally be integrally formed with, connected to or connectable to the tether body. The hairpiece fastener may be useful to secure a hairpiece devoid of a hairpiece fastener.

Preferably, the elongate tether body may have two end portions and may only connected to the mounting portion via the end portions. A hair extension, such as a wig, may be draped over both sides of the tether body before extending into the pocket. This may result in greater stability to the hairpiece, compared to only hanging down one side of the tether body. Additionally, as the weight of the hairpiece is no longer solely supported by the hairpiece fastener or fasteners, the risk of the fastener or fasteners becoming detached from the hair is reduced.

Preferably, the tether may comprise a clip engagement portion for attaching the hairpiece fastener thereto. The clip engagement portion is a dedicated area or portion for the hairpiece fasteners to be attached to.

Preferably, the portable hairpiece holder may further comprise a pocket cover for covering the first and/or second pockets. This is advantageous as the said pocket cover protects the first and/or second pockets and therefore the first and/or second hairpieces.

Advantageously, a first said pocket cover and a second said pocket cover may be associated with the first pocket and the second pocket respectively for covering the first pocket and the second pocket, respectively. Each of the first and second pockets having an associated, respective first and second pocket cover allows each of the pockets, and therefore the first and second hairpieces, to be protected individually, such as from the external environment.

Preferably, the portable hairpiece holder may further comprise a pocket-cover fastening means for selectably fastening the or at least one said pocket cover to the body and/or pocket. Optionally, the holder may further comprise a first pocket-cover fastening means and a second pocket-cover fastening means to fasten the first and second pocket covers to the body and/or pocket for preventing and/or inhibiting the first and/or second pocket from uncovering the respective first and/or second pocket-openings. When the user is transporting the portable hairpiece holder, the first and second pocket covers are fastened in a closed condition. The risk of the first and second pocket covers uncovering the first and second pocket-openings.

Preferably, the tether associated with a said pocket may be positioned between the body and at least one of: a front surface of the pocket and the associated pocket cover when the pocket cover is in a closed configuration for enabling the pocket cover in the closed configuration and/or the front surface to provide a protective cover to the tether. The tether is intermediate between the back surface and at least one of: the pocket cover and the front surface.

Additionally, the or a said pocket cover may include a pocket cover connection means for connecting the pocket cover to the pocket and/or body, and at least part of the associated tether may be positioned along a first dimension of the body between the pocket cover connection means and a free edge of a front surface of the associated pocket. The tether, and therefore any hairpiece connected thereto may be partially positioned out of the pocket so as to be shielded by both the pocket cover and the front surface of the pocket. The tether may be solely protected by the pocket cover if the whole tether is positioned along the first dimension between the free edge of the front surface and the pocket cover connection means.

Advantageously, the portable hairpiece holder may further comprise a positioning means for maintaining the body in a desired position and/or orientation. The positioning means allows the body to be in a selected position, height and/or configuration. This may be achieved by suspending the body or supporting the body from below.

Advantageously, the positioning means may include a hanging means for hanging the portable hairpiece holder. This allows the user to easily access the hairpieces at an appropriate height. The portably hairpiece holder is easy to store, for example in a wardrobe or cupboard.

Beneficially, the portable hairpiece holder may have a plurality of spaced-apart hanging means for maintaining the portable hairpiece holder in an open configuration when the portable hairpiece holder is suspended. The positioning of the hanging means stabilises the holder in an open configuration to enable the user to access the pockets and/or hairpieces within the holder when suspended. The holder is prevented or inhibited from closing.

Preferably, the portable hairpiece holder may include a satin surface. Additionally or alternatively, the portable hairpiece holder may include a silk surface. Including a satin and/or silk material reduces the risk of the hairpieces being tangled, frizzed and/or knotted. The nature of these materials promotes the hairpiece to slide over the surface rather than becoming caught on it. Additionally, silk or satin may prevent or inhibit moisture loss from the hair such that the hair does not dry out or dries out more slowly.

Advantageously, the portable hairpiece holder may further include a heat resistant material. This material prevents and/or inhibits the hairpiece from overheating or being damaged by heat if the hairpiece is adjacent to or comes into contact with a heat-emitting element such as a hot hair straightener. The heat resistance material also prevents and/or inhibits the hairpiece from being styled in an unwanted way. The risk of the holder catching fire may be reduced.

Optionally, the portable hairpiece holder may further include a third pocket for receiving a third hairpiece therein. An additional hairpiece may be stored.

Furthermore, the portable hairpiece holder may further comprise an accessories receiver for receiving one or more accessories. Optionally, the accessories receiver may include an accessories pocket for storing hairpiece accessories. Hairpiece accessories may be stored in or on the accessories receiver such as clips, pins, or a brush.

Additionally, the portable hairpiece holder may further comprise a secondary cover selectably positionable over one or more said pockets. Beneficially, the secondary cover may include a mesh material. In other words, a net cover may be provided to place over the first and/or second pockets for added protection to the one or more hairpieces. The net cover further protects the hairpiece fasteners and therefore the hairpieces, such as from the external environment.

Optionally, the portable hairpiece holder may comprise a secondary cover fastening means for fastening the secondary cover to the body and/or pocket. This is advantageous as having the secondary cover fastening means prevents the secondary cover from uncovering the first and/or second pockets and therefore prevents the uncovering of the respective hairpieces.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of using a portable hairpiece holder for storing at least one hairpiece, the method comprising the steps of: a] providing the portable hairpiece holder, preferably in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the portable hairpiece holder being in an open configuration; b] fastening one or more hairpieces via one or more hairpiece fasteners to the tether associated with one or more pockets respectively and inserting the or each hairpiece into the corresponding pocket.

The attachment of the first hairpiece to the tether is advantageous as this allows the hairpiece to hang within the first pocket whilst the risk of tangling or damage is reduced.

Preferably, the portable hairpiece holder may further comprise at least one pocket cover, the method may comprise a further step prior to step b] of: c] moving the or each pocket cover away from a pocket-opening of the or each pocket for providing access to the associated tether. Beneficially, the method may further comprise a step after step b] of: d] moving the or each pocket cover so as to cover the or each pocket-opening and/or the or each tether. Optionally, the method may also comprise a step of securing the or at least one pocket cover in a closed configuration by engaging the pocket-cover fastening means. Advantageously, the tether is covered by the first pocket cover which further protects the hairpiece.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable hair-piece holder comprising: a body; a first pocket for receiving a first hairpiece therein, the first pocket being connected to the body; and a second pocket for receiving a second hairpiece therein, the second pocket being connected to the body, wherein the second pocket overlaps at least in part with the first pocket.

The portable hairpiece holder advantageously provides the user with a means for transporting hairpieces in discrete pockets, thereby reducing the risk of hairpieces tangling, frizzing and/or knotting. The portable hairpiece holder is more compact due to the overlapping of the pockets.

The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a side view of a first embodiment of a portable hairpiece holder in accordance with the first and third aspects of the invention, in a closed condition and suspended via hanging means from wall hooks; Figure 2 illustrates the portable hairpiece holder of Figure 1 in an open condition, with the hanging means of Figure 1 omitted for clarity;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional representation of the portable hairpiece holder of Figure 1 taken along line A-A in Figure 2;

Figure 4 shows an enlarged view of box B in Figure 2, in which two pocket covers are shown in a closed configuration;

Figure 5 illustrates the enlarged view of Figure 4, after one of the two pocket covers has been moved to be in an access configuration such that a tether of the portable hairpiece holder is visible;

Figure 6 shows a close-up view of the portable hairpiece holder of Figure 1 , in use, in which a pocket cover is being moved to be in an access configuration to provide access to the tether and to a pocket-opening of a pocket of the portable hairpiece holder;

Figure 7 illustrates the portable hairpiece holder of Figure 6, in use, in which a front surface of the pocket is being moved away from a back surface of the pocket to widen the pocket-opening for providing increased access to a pocket-space of the pocket;

Figure 8 shows a close-up of a hairpiece and associated hairpiece fastener prior to engagement with the tether of the portable hairpiece holder of Figure 1 ;

Figure 9 illustrates the hairpiece of Figure 8 after the hairpiece fastener has been connected with the tether and part of the hairpiece has been received in the pocket-space of a pocket of the portable hairpiece holder of Figure 1 in accordance with the second aspect, with the associated pocket cover shown in the access configuration; and

Figure 10 shows a side view of a second embodiment of a portable hairpiece holder in accordance with the first and third aspects of the invention, in an open condition and suspended via hanging means from wall hooks.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a first embodiment of a hairpiece holder indicated generally at 10. The hairpiece holder 10, also referred to as a holder, or carrier, in-use enables one or more hairpieces to be stored within. As the holder 10 is preferably portable or movable, the holder 10 additionally enables the one or more hairpieces stored within to be transportable. Permanently mounted or connected to a surface, such as a wall, may be an option, however.

The holder 10 or any part thereof may comprise any natural material and/or any synthetic material. The material may be soft and/or rigid or hard. The holder 10 may comprise one or more materials. The one or more materials may optionally be selected from: cotton, linen, velvet, silk, satin, leather, denim, canvas, card, glass, carbon fibre, glass fibre, metal, plastics, an elastomeric material, jute, hessian, string, or any further suitable material, by way of example only. The holder 10 may include a heat resistant material, such as silicone. The holder 10 has positioning means 12, identification means 14, a body 16, an accessories receiver 18, a pocket 20, a pocket cover 22, a pocket-cover fastening means 24, a tether 26, a secondary cover, and a secondary cover fastening means, but any of the above features may be omitted and/or a plurality of any of the above may be provided.

The positioning means 12 in-use enables the body 16 to be maintained in a desired position and/or orientation. The positioning means, positioning element or portion 12 preferably includes a hanging means 28, but any alternative or additional means for positioning the body may be envisioned

The hanging means 28 in-use enables hanging or suspension of the holder 10, as best seen in Figure 1. The hanging means 28 may also be referred to as a hanging portion, suspension element, or hanger. The hanging means 28 is integrally formed with, attached or attachable to the body 16. The hanging means 28 preferably extends from at or adjacent to a periphery of the body 16, but away from the periphery may be an option. The hanging means 28 is preferably attached to an in-use upper portion of the body 16 but additionally or alternatively may be attached to an in-use lower portion and/or one or more side portions of the body 16. The hanging means 28 may extend from an internal surface 30a and/or, preferably, from an external surface 30b of the body 16. The hanging means 28 preferably includes at least one of: a handle, a loop, a strap, an aperture, a hook, a chain, any other suitable hanging element, any combination thereof, and a plurality of any of the above. The hanging means 28 may optionally be formed of the same material as the body 16 or the external surface 30b thereof. The hanging means 28 may optionally be made of a rigid material such as canvas or denim for additional structural integrity or support. More preferably, the holder 10 includes a plurality of hanging means 28. In the shown embodiment, there are four hanging means 28, but any number, including none, one, two, three or at least five may be options.

The identification means 14, also referred to as an identifier, identifying element or portion, in- use identifies the contents of the holder 10 and/or any part thereof. The identification means 14 comprises at least one label-holder and/or at least one label. The label-holder 10 preferably includes a clear window through which to view a label received in or on the label-holder 10. The identification means 14 may be provided on one or more of any of: the body 16, the or a pocket 20, the accessories receiver 18, the or a pocket cover 22, the positioning means 12, the or a pocket-cover fastening means 24, the or a tether 26, the or a secondary cover, and the or a secondary cover fastening means, or any other component of the holder 10.

The body 16 in-use provides a support for one or more of the components of the holder 10. The body 16 includes at least a layer of material and more preferably, is a storage bag or pouch. The body 16 preferably includes a fabric or material having high tensile strength. The fabric may be denim or canvas, by way of examples. The body 16 may optionally be pliable or foldable. As shown in Figure 1, the body 16 is or is substantially rectangular in side view when in a closed condition but alternative shapes may be envisioned. The body 16 has a first extent measured along a direction or dimension L, a second extent measured along a direction or dimension W and third extent measured along a direction or dimension D. As the body 16 in the closed condition is preferably rectangular or substantially rectangular, the first dimension L, second dimension W and third dimension D correspond to the length, width, and depth respectively. For clarity, the terms “length”, “width” and “depth” will be maintained, even if the width in an alternative embodiment were greater than the length. The body 16 has a first body portion 32a, a second body portion 32b, a hinge member 34 and connecting means 36, but any of the above may be omitted and/or a plurality of any of the above may be provided.

Whilst there are preferably only two body portions, it may easily be envisioned that one of the body portions may be omitted or further body portions may be provided, as required.

Additionally or alternatively to being pliable or foldable, the body 16 may comprise a rigid support structure, skeleton, or casing. A rigid support structure may comprise plastics, metal, wood or any other suitable rigid material or combination of materials. Optionally, the rigid support structure may be provided at or adjacent a periphery of the body 16 and/or of at least one of the body portions 32a, 32b. The rigid support structure may optionally extend across all, a major or a minor extent of a surface area of the or at least one body portion, for additional structural support.

Figure 1 illustrates the body 16 in the closed condition or configuration. The closed condition in- use enables easier transportation of the portable hairpiece holder 10. Figure 2 shows the body 16 in an open condition or open configuration. The open condition in-use enables easier access to the inside of the body 16. The holder 10 may be suspended or suspendable when the body 16 is in only one of or, preferably, either of: the closed configuration, and the open configuration. The first body portion 32a has an inner face 38a, and outer face 38b and at least one, and preferably four body-edges 40. The body-edges 40 may be referred to as a first or top bodyedge, a second or side body-edge, a third or bottom body-edge and a fourth or side body-edge. The first body portion 32a also has an extent along each of the first dimension L, second dimension Wand third dimension D.

Similarly, the second body portion 32b has an inner face 38a, and outer face 38b and at least one, and preferably four body-edges 40. Again, the four body-edges 40 may be referred to as a first or top body-edge, a second or side body-edge, a third or bottom body-edge and a fourth or side body-edge for clarity.

Side body-edges of the first body portion 32a and the second body portion 32b may be connectable, connected or, preferably, are integrally formed with each other.

The second body portion 32b also has an extent measured along each of a first dimension L, a second dimension W and a third dimension D. For clarity, the first dimension L, second dimension W and third dimension D of each body portion 32a, 32b extend along the same direction as the first dimension L, second dimension W and third dimension D of the body 16, respectively. As such, each of the first body portion 32a and the second body portion 32b preferably have a length, width, and depth. Optionally, the sum of the widths of the body portions may equal or substantially equal the total width of the body 16. The inner faces 38a may together form the internal surface 30a of the body 16. Similarly, the outer faces 38b may together form the external surface 30b of the body 16. Preferably, the pocket or pockets 20 for receiving hair are predominantly or solely associated on the first body portion 32a whilst the accessories receiver 18 is predominantly or solely associated with the second body portion 32b, or vice-versa. Alternatively, hair-receiving pockets and parts of the accessories receiver may be provided on either or both body portions.

The hinge member 34 enables the body 16 to be foldable about the said hinge member 34 such that the body 16 is reconfigurable into the closed configuration or into the open configuration. In other words, the said first body portion 32a and the second body portion 32b are interconnected by the hinge member 34 such that the hinge member 34 enables the first body portion 32a to be movable relative to the second body portion 32b. More preferably, the hinge member 34 is a live hinge, but any alternative hinge may be envisioned.

If provided and when engaged, the connecting means 36 in-use maintains or holds the first body portion 32a and second body portion 32b together such that the body 16 is in the closed configuration. The connecting means 36 may also be referred to as a closure element, a connection element, or a connector. The connecting means 36 is preferably provided located at or adjacent a periphery of the body 16, but away therefrom may be an option. In the preferred embodiment, the connecting means 36 includes hook and loop engagement portions such as Velcro (RTM). The hook and loop engagement portions, represented schematically in dashed lines in Figure 1 , are preferably provided on the external surface 30b and on a flap 42 as shown in Figure 1, but alternative position of the hook and loop engagement portions may be an option. In a further modification, any additional or alternative connection means may be envisioned, such as a zip, a buckle, a hook, an eyelet, a popper, a lace, a padlock, a button, a clasp, an opening, a loop, any other suitable connector, a plurality of any of the above, and any combination thereof.

Preferably, at least one hanging means 28 is associated with each of the first body portion 32a and the second body portion 32b. Alternative, a same hanging means 28 may extend from the first body portion 32a and connect to the second body portion 32b. In either case, one or more hanging means 28 may prevent or inhibit the holder 10 when the body 16 is hanging in the open condition from folding or being folded into the closed condition. The accessories receiver 18 in-use receives or provides a support for storing at least one hairstyling or hair accessory. An accessory 44 may include a clip, a pin, a fastener, a hair band, a hairbrush, a comb, a hair pin, hair straighteners, hair irons or curlers, a hair dryer, any other desirable hair accessory, by way of example only. Optionally, the accessories receiver 18 may receive hair-styling products, such as shampoo, conditioner, hair-fixing gel, hair-fixing aerosol, hair-dyes, and bleach. The accessories receiver 18 may even receive or store a beauty kit or components thereof, such as make up, brushes, blush, eyeliner,, money, medicine, a user telecommunications device, such as a phone, by way of example. Optionally, the holder 10 may even be provided with one or more accessories 44, as part of a kit. The accessories receiver 18 may be located on the external surface 30b but preferably is provided on the internal surface 30a of the body 16, as shown. More preferably, the accessories receiver 18 is provided on the second body portion 32b, as shown, but may be provided on both body portions or on the other of the body portions. The accessories receiver 18 may be integrally formed with, connected or connectable to the body 16. For instance, the accessories receiver 18 may be connected to the body 16 by a sewn engagement. Alternatively, the accessories receiver 18 may be built into the body 16. In the shown embodiment, the accessories receiver 18 includes at least one, and preferably a plurality of pockets, referred to as further pockets, accessories pockets or accessories compartments 46a for clarity. One or more of the accessories pockets 46a may optionally be provided with a closure element, not shown. Whilst the closure element may preferably include a zip, any alternative or additional type of closure element may be envisioned. Optionally, one or more of the accessories pockets 46a may be open at two ends, for example for ease of insertion and removal of an accessory. The accessories receiver 18 may optionally include a strap, strip or band 46b, for example for receiving at least one fastener, clip or pin thereupon or therethrough, also shown in Figure 2.

Optionally, at least part of the body 16 may comprise a heat resistant material or heat insulating material, such as silicone. More preferably, at least part of the accessories receiver 18 may comprise the heat resistant material or heat insulating material. The heat resistant material may be provided as a layer, sheet or mat. Optionally, the layer, sheet or mat may be formed into the accessories pocket. This may prevent or inhibit heat emanating from a hair-styling device, such as hair straighteners, for damaging or setting fire to the holder 10 and/or any hairpieces received within the holder 10, when the hot hair-styling device is inserted into the accessories receiver 18 and/or an accessories pocket 20 thereof. It may be necessary to insert the hot hairstyling device into the accessories receiver, for example if the user is in a hurry and cannot wait for the hair-styling device to cool. Alternatively, there may be no suitable surface in the vicinity upon which to place the hair-styling device to cool. A said pocket 20, also referred to as a hairpiece-receiving pocket 20 in-use receives and protects at least one hairpiece. The pocket 20 is connectable with, connected to, or, preferably, integrally formed with body 16. The pocket 20 is preferably positioned on the internal surface 30a but one or more pockets may additionally or alternatively be associated with the external surface. Furthermore, the pocket 20 is provided on or associated with the first body portion 32a but may be provided additionally or alternatively with the second body portion 32b. Although preferably permanently connected to the body 16, one or more pockets and/or the accessories receiver or part thereof may be removably attachable to the body, for example for enabling the number of pockets to be selectable and/or pockets to be repositionable.

The pocket 20 has a back surface 48a, a front surface 48b, a pocket-opening 50, a pocketspace 52 and a mounting portion 54, but any of the above may be omitted and/or a plurality of any of the above may be provided.

The front surface 48b joins with the back surface 48a along at least one, and preferably three pocket edges. The front surface 48b further comprises a free edge 56a. The front surface 48b and the back surface 48a jointly define a pocket-space 52 for receiving a hairpiece within, and the said pocket-opening 50 for accessing the pocket-space 52. The pocket-opening 50 in-use provides an access to the pocket-space 52. The pocket edge 56b spaced-apart from or opposite the pocket-opening 50 may be referred to as a bottom pocket edge. It is understood that the front surface 48b and/or the free edge 56a may optionally be elastically deformable. Thus, the volume of the pocket-space may be variable and even null or substantially null, for example if the pocket 20 is compressed. Optionally, the back surface 48a may be a portion or part of the body 16 and/or may be provided by a layer of fabric connected thereto. Optionally, the back surface 48a and/or front surface 48b may comprise any or any combination of: cotton, linen, satin, silk, velvet, a heat-resistant material, but any additional or alternative material may be envisioned. It is feasible that the body 16 and one or more pockets 20or part thereof may be made of the same or different materials. For example, the body 16 may be made of the heat resistant material while the inner face or faces of the, each or at least one pocket 20 may be made of silk and/or satin. The front surface 48b and the back surface 48a also define a pocketlength, a pocket-width and a pocket-depth of the pocket 20.

The pocket-length is measured along the first dimension L of the body 16 and/or the first dimension L of the corresponding body portion. The pocket-length may extend along all or a major extent of the first dimension L but a minor extent may be an option.

Similarly, the pocket-width is measured along the second dimension W of the body 16 and/or the second dimension W of the corresponding body portion. The pocket-width may extend along all or a major extent of the second dimension W but a minor extent may be an option. The pocket-depth is measured along the third dimension D of the body 16 and/or the third dimension D of the corresponding body portion.

The mounting portion 54 is an area at or adjacent the pocket-opening 50 to which the tether 26 is attached or attachable. The mounting portion 54 is preferably part of the back surface 48a in the shown embodiment but could easily be part of the front surface.

In the shown embodiment, the holder 10 has a plurality of said pockets 20 for receiving hairpieces, here four pockets 20 but any number including one, two, three, or at least five may be options. For clarity, each said pocket 20 may be numbered incrementally as first pocket 20 and second pocket 20. Respective features of each pocket 20 may be given similarly incremental numbering for clarity. The numbering is merely provided for clarity and is not attached to a particular pocket, such that any of the pockets may be considered to be the first pocket.

A plurality of pockets 20 may be provided along one or both of the first dimension L and the second dimension W. In other words, a plurality of pockets may be provided side by side along the width W of the body 16 and/or body portion. Additionally or alternatively, as shown, the pockets 20 may be provided one above the other along the length L of the body 16 and/or body portion. More preferably, the pockets 20 are preferably fully or, preferably, at least partially overlapping with one another, although non-overlapping may be an option. The overlap may be along the second dimension W but is preferably along the first dimension L. The benefit of overlapping pockets 20 is that the number of pockets 20 may be increased without necessarily reducing the length of each pocket 20. In turn, a greater number of the discrete hairpieces can be stored in discrete pockets 20, separated from one another.

The pocket-lengths of all or at least two said pockets 20 may be the same but preferably differ from each other.

As shown in Figure 3, at least two and preferably all bottom pocket edges 56b overlap with each other, and more preferably overlap with each other at or adjacent a bottom body edge 40. If a plurality of bottom body edges 40 connect to the body 16, they may be referred to as a common attachment point. However, the bottom edge of all or at least two said pockets may be spacedapart along the first dimension and/or second dimension in another embodiment.

Furthermore, the pocket-lengths of at least two, and preferably all pockets 20 are preferably different, and more preferably monotonically decreasing. In other words, the first pocket 20 preferably has a first length and the second pocket 20 preferably has a second length. The first pocket-length is greater than that of the second pocket-length and thus the first pocket-length is preferably able to store a longer hairpiece. Different pocket-lengths enables hairpieces of different lengths to be stored, whilst optimising the amount of materials required to manufacture the holder 10. As a result of the different pocket-lengths and position of the bottom pocket-edges, at least two said pocket-openings 50 are spaced-apart or staggered along the second dimension W and/or the first dimension L, as shown. In other words, the pocket-openings 50 form a tiered arrangement.

A said pocket cover 22 may be associated with one or more pockets 20. Preferably, however, a pocket cover 22 is provided with each pocket 20, such that there is a plurality of pocket covers 22. Figure 4 illustrates two pocket covers 22, associated with two pockets 20. One pocket cover 22 will be described hereinafter in more depth, but it is understood that the description and caveats apply to each or at least one further said pocket cover 22.

The pocket cover 22, also referred to as a pocket closure element or pocket closure in-use selectably inhibits or prevents access to the associated pocket-opening 50. Optionally, the pocket cover 22 may also in-use provide a protective barrier to the tether 26 and any hairpiece received within the associated pocket 20. Each pocket cover 22 is preferably connected to the body 16 and/or to part of a said pocket 20. More preferably, the pocket cover 22 is connected to the back surface 48a of the associated pocket 20, the pocket-opening 50 of which is selectably closeable by the pocket cover 22. Alternatively or additionally, the pocket cover 22 may be attached to an outer face of the front surface 48b of an adjacent pocket 20. In the preferred case, due to the overlap of pockets 20, at least part of the back surface 48a of one pocket 20 is the same as at least part of the front surface 48b of an adjacent pocket 20. In other words, a layer of fabric may provide both the back surface 48a of one pocket 20 and the front surface 48b of a further pocket 20. Thus, in the present case, the pocket cover 22 may be connected or connectable simultaneously to the back surface 48a of one pocket 20 and to the front surface 48b of a further said pocket 20. Even more preferably, the pocket cover 22 connects to the back surface 48a above the mounting portion 54.

The pocket cover 22 preferably extends all or a major extent of the pocket-width. As such, there is preferably one pocket cover 22 spanning or substantially spanning the pocket-width of the associated pocket 20. It may easily be envisioned however that a plurality of pocket covers may be provided per pocket, optionally side by side and/or at least partly overlapping.

The, each or at least one pocket cover 22 and/or pocket 20 are preferably opaque, for example by being formed of an opaque fabric. Opaqueness may prevent or reduce damage to a hairpiece received in a pocket 20 due to light, such as UV, or Infrared.

The pocket cover 22 preferably includes an elongate member or flap 42, and a cover connection means or connector 58, but either may be omitted and/or a plurality of either may be provided.

The cover connection means 58 connects the pocket cover 22 to the body 16 and/or a said pocket 20. More preferably, the cover connection means 58 includes a cover hinge. The cover hinge enables the pocket cover 22 to be movable into an access configuration or into a closed configuration for in-use providing or inhibiting access, respectively, to the pocket-opening 50. The cover hinge is preferably formed by a sewn connection. The mounting portion 54 of a pocket 20 is more specifically defined as the portion of the back surface 48a of the pocket 20 extending from the cover connection means 58 to at least the pocket-opening 50. Optionally, the mounting portion 54 may extend at least partly beyond the pocket-opening 50 along the pocket-length towards the bottom pocket edge 56b. If the cover hinge is or is substantially level with the pocket-opening 50, the mounting portion 54 may even be fully positioned between the front surface 48b and the body 16, within the pocket-space 52.

The pocket-cover fastening means 24, also, referred to as a pocket fastener or fastening element, in-use enables the pocket cover 22 to be secured one of or either of: the access configuration and the closed configuration. The pocket-cover fastening means 24 is preferably provided on any of: the body 16, a said pocket 20, and the or a said tether 26 or part thereof. Preferably, the holder 10 includes at least one pocket-cover fastening means 24 per pocket cover 22, but any pocket cover may be devoid of a pocket-cover fastening means. The pocketcover fastening means 24 preferably includes at least one button and at least one loop. However, any alternative may be envisioned, such as a buckle, a popper, an opening, a button, hook and loop engagement portions or Velcro (RTM), a hook, a lace, any other suitable fastener, a plurality of any of the above, and any combination thereof.

The tether 26 in-use supports or receives a hairpiece fastener of a hairpiece. The tether 26 may be referred to as a hair fastener-mount or support. The tether 26 is provided at or adjacent at least one, and preferably each pocket-opening 50. As such, there is preferably a plurality of tethers 26. Part of a tether 26 is visible in the close-up of Figure 5, as the pocket cover 22 is in the access configuration. Once again, one of the tethers 26 will be described in more detail but it is understood that the description and caveats apply to at least one and more preferably each tether 26.

The tether 26 preferably includes at least one tether body 60. The tether body 60 is preferably an elongate mounting element, elongate strip or band. The tether body 60 is preferably planar or substantially planar. The tether body 60 preferably has a tether front surface 62a, a tether back surface 62b, a tether upper end 64a terminating at a tether upper edge 66a, a tether lower end 64b terminating at a tether lower edge 66b, two tether end portions 68 terminating at side edges 69, and at least one clip engagement portion or area 70, , but any of the above may be omitted and/or a plurality of any of the above may be provided.

The tether upper edge 66a and/or tether lower edge 66b are preferably linear, as shown, but non-linear may be an option. For example, a rough edge may provide greater grip for the hairpiece fastener. Each of the tether edges 66a, 66b is preferably perpendicular to at least one other tether edge 66a, 66b.

The tether body 60 preferably includes fabric. As such, the tether body 60 is preferably at least partly deformable or pliable. The fabric may optionally be or include a rigid material, such as canvas or denim.

Optionally, the tether body 60 may even have structural support or reinforcing element 72. The reinforcing element 72 may include a particular stitching pattern. In the shown embodiment, a periodic stitching pattern may be applied. As shown, the stitching pattern may be or be substantially a saw-tooth wave, but any alternative stitching pattern may be envisioned, such as a sinusoidal wave, a triangular wave, or a square wave. The saw-tooth wave is preferably truncated at at least one end in the shown embodiment. Optionally, a reinforcing element may include a backbone support, such as a rod or plate. The rod or plate may be connected to, or received within the tether body by way of example only. A rigid material, stitching pattern and/or a structural support may provide strength when a hairpiece fastener is attached to the tether body 60. In a modified embodiment, the tether body 60 may optionally be or may include a resilient member and/or an elastic member.

Preferably, the tether 26 includes a layer of fabric 73, although the layer of fabric may be omitted. The layer of fabric 73 is connected to the tether body 60, preferably by a sewn engagement. The sewn engagement is positioned so that the layer of fabric 73 and the tether body 60 form at least one, and preferably a plurality of pockets. In the shown embodiment, as the pattern of stitching is or is substantially a saw-tooth wave, the pattern of stitching forms one or more triangular pockets. The pockets may receive loose clips and pins within.

The tether 26 is preferably positioned at, in, over, against, or adjacent to the mounting portion 54 of the pocket 20. Thus, the tether 26 is preferably covered or coverable by the pocket cover 22 and/or the front surface 48b of the pocket 20. In other words, the tether 26 is positioned between the back surface 48a, and at least one of: the pocket cover 22 in the closed condition, and the front surface 48b.

The tether side edges 69 may be integrally formed with, connected or connectable to the body 16 and/or pocket 20. The tether side edges 69 preferably span all or at least a major extent of the pocket-width. As such, the tether side edges 69 preferably connect at or adjacent to the side body-edges 40. The tether 26 is preferably connected to the body 16 at or adjacent to the outer side body-edge 40 and the said hinge member 34 of the body 16.

The tether upper edge 66a and/or the tether lower edge 66b are preferably detached from the body 16 and/or pocket 20 but either may be attached. If detached, the tether body 60 is preferably only attached to the body 16 and/or pocket 20 via the two tether side edges. It may, however, be envisioned that one or more strengthening strips or partition element may connect the tether body to the pocket and/or body between the tether side edges. The partition element may additionally provide strengthening of the tether. Optionally, the partition element may limit the extent to which the tether may be moved away from and/or towards the body and/or pocket.

The or each clip engagement portion 70, also referred to as a fastener engagement area or portion, in-use enables a hairpiece fastener to be mounted or connected thereto. The or each clip engagement portion 70 is preferably integrally formed with the tether body 60. If a tether body 60 comprises a plurality of clip engagement portions 70, the clip engagement portions 70 may or may not be distinct from one another.

If at least one partition element is provided, the at least one partition element may in-use partition or provide a barrier between clip engagement portions. This may provide separation of each hairpiece fastener.

The secondary cover, not shown in the first embodiment, in-use may be positioned so as to maintain one or more pocket covers 22 in the closed configuration if both a secondary cover and one or more pocket covers are provided. Additionally or alternatively, the secondary cover may in-use provide a further protection of the hairpieces stored in each of the pockets 20. Optionally, the secondary cover may act as a partition between the first body portion 32a and the second body portion 32b. The secondary cover preferably includes a net or mesh fabric. The mesh fabric may optionally be formed of an elastomeric material, chiffon or gauze, by way of example only. Net or mesh may provide a protection and/or restraining whilst permitting improved air flow. As such, the secondary cover may be referred to as a net cover. The secondary cover may have a surface area which may correspond with all, a major extent, or a minor extent of a surface area of the first body portion 32a or second body portion 32b.

The secondary cover fastening means, also referred to as a secondary cover fastener or net fastener, also not shown in the first embodiment, in-use secures the secondary cover to the body 16 and/or to a pocket 20. The secondary cover fastening means preferably includes at least one of: a button, a buckle, a popper, hook and loop engagement portions or Velcro (RTM), any other suitable fastening element or portion, a plurality of any of the above, and any combination thereof. The secondary cover fastening means is preferably attached or attachable to the body 16 at or adjacent a said body-edge 40.

In-use, the user obtains a holder 10. If the body 16 is not already in the open configuration, the user opens the holder 10 so that the body 16 is an open configuration by opening or detaching the connecting means 36 and by moving the first body portion 32a and second body portion 32b apart from each other. The portable hairpiece holder 10 may be positioned using the positioning means 12 at any time. More preferably, the holder 10 is suspended, such as on a hook or hangar, using the hanging means 28, oriented such that the pockets 20 extend at least partly downwards.

If a plurality of pockets 20 is provided, the user selects a, notionally first, pocket 20 to insert a, notionally first, hairpiece into. The length of the hairpiece may optionally dictate the choice of pocket 20. If a pocket cover 22 is provided with the pocket 20, the user uncovers the tether 26 associated with the or the selected pocket 20 by moving the pocket cover 22 out of the way to be in the access configuration. In the shown embodiment, the pocket cover 22 is rotated about its cover hinge, here in an upwards motion, indicated by arrow C in Figure 6. The user may also pull the front surface 48b away from back surface 48a to widen the pocket-opening 50 as indicated by arrow D in Figure 7, if required.

The user grasps a notionally first, hairpiece 74, which preferably has at least one attached fastener 76 as shown in Figure 8, before mounting the or each hairpiece fastener 76 of the, notionally first, hairpiece 74 to one or more clip engagement portions 70 of the tether body 60. Before or after mounting the or each fastener 76 to the, each or at least one clip engagement portion 70, the user inserts or tucks the hairpiece 74 through the pocket-opening 50 and into the pocket-space 52. Figure 9 illustrates the hairpiece 74 mounted to the clip engagement portion 70 and received within the pocket-space 52 of the pocket 20.

If a hairpiece 74 is attached using multiple hairpiece fasteners 76, the hairpiece fasteners 76 may enable the first hairpiece 74 to be spread out along at least part of the pocket-width. This may prevent or inhibit friction and/or tangling of hair of a same hairpiece 74. Additionally, as the back surface 48a and/or front surface 48b or an inner lining of the pocket 20 is preferably made of a satin and/or silk material, friction and/or knotting of the first hairpiece 74 is further prevented or inhibited.

The user moves the pocket cover 22 into the closed configuration, to cover the first pocketopening 50 and the associated first tether 26. The pocket cover 22 is preferably moved about the cover hinge in a downwards motion in the shown embodiment. Optionally, the pocket cover 22 may move towards the closed configuration due to gravity.

The first pocket cover 22 may optionally be fastened or secured in the closed configuration by the pocket-cover fastening means 24. In the preferred embodiment, this involves engaging the or each loop around the or each button.

If a, notionally second, hairpiece 74 is to be stored in the holder 10, the user may repeat the above steps, preferably in relation to another of the pockets 20. This enables the first and second hairpieces 74 to be in distinct pockets 20 and therefore not contact each other. Thus, the first hairpiece 74 is able to hang from the first tether body 60 into the first pocket 20 without coming into contact with the second hairpiece 74. If the holder 10 has additional pockets 20 and the user wishes to store further hairpieces 74, the above steps may be repeated as many times as necessary. Preferably in each case, only one hairpiece 74 is received in each pocket 20. However, a plurality of hairpieces 74 may be inserted into the same pocket 20 if desired or required, for example if the number of hairpieces 74 exceeds the number of available pockets 20. Minimising the number of hairpieces 74 per pocket 20 is still beneficial as knotting and/or friction is reduced compared to storing all hairpieces 74 together within a same pocket or omitting the pockets entirely.

Optionally, if provided, the secondary cover may be made to span or extend across the surface area of the body 16 and/or a body portion thereof. The secondary cover may optionally be fastened to the body 16 and/or pocket 20 via the secondary cover fastener 76.

Optionally, the user may engage or insert one or more accessories 44 with the accessories receiver 18 at any point, as required. The holder 10 may even be provided with one or more accessories 44.

Once the user has secured the or each hairpiece 74 to the holder 10, the user may decide to maintain the body 16 in the open configuration or fold the body 16 about the hinge member 34 so that the inner face 38a of the first body portion 32a and the inner face 38a of the second body portion 32b are facing one another. The user can then maintain the body 16 in the closed configuration by reattaching or reconnecting the connecting means 36.

The holder 10 can be used to transport the hairpieces 74 if desired, for example to another location.

To access the hairpieces 74 and/or accessories 44, the user detaches or disconnects the connecting means 36 if provided and engaged. The user opens the holder 10 by moving the first and second body portions 32a, 32b away from each other. The user can suspend the holder 10 via the hanging means 28 at any time, whether in the closed configuration or in the open configuration.

Figure 10 shows a second embodiment of the portable hairpiece holder 110. The second embodiment of the holder 110 is similar to the first embodiment of the holder 10, having similar positioning means 112 comprising hanging means 128, body 116, first body portion 132a, second body portion 132b, hinge member 134, connecting means 136, accessories receiver 118, at least one pocket 120, at least one pocket cover 122, at least one tether 126, a secondary cover 178, and a secondary cover fastening means 180, although any of the above may be omitted and/or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. Detailed description of identical or similar features and caveats have been omitted for brevity. The positioning means 112 may be referred to as a positioning element or portion. The hanging means 128 may be referred to as a hanging portion, suspension element, or hanger. The connecting means 136 may be referred to as a closure element, a connection element, or a connector. Features of the second embodiment which are similar or identical to the first embodiment have similar reference numerals, with the prefix “1” added.

In the second embodiment, there are preferably fewer than four hair-receiving pockets 120. More preferably, there are two hair-receiving pockets 120, but any number may be envisioned. Preferably the, each or at least one tether 126 has an elastically deformable tether body 160. The tether body 160 may be elastically deformable by virtue of including an elastomeric material, such as an elastic band.

The tether body 160 of at least one of the tethers 126 is preferably provided in, on, at or adjacent to the front surface 148b of either the pocket 120 or, preferably as shown, an adjacent pocket 120. More preferably, the tether body 160 is attached to or is even provided within the front surface 148b and more preferably within the free edge 156a of the pocket 120. Thus, if the tether body 160 is elastically deformable, the tether body 160 may have a plurality of functions. The first function may be to provide a support for a hairpiece fastener received thereupon, as in the first embodiment. The second function may be to maintain the pocket 120 in a closed or substantially closed condition or bias the pocket 120 toward a closed condition if the pocket 120 is in an open condition.

Whilst in the first embodiment, a pocket cover 22 is preferably provided with each pocket 20, in the second embodiment there may be fewer pocket covers 122 than pockets 120. In other words, a pocket cover 122 is preferably not provided with each pocket 120, although this alternative may be an option. In Figure 10, there is only one pocket cover 122, but it could easily be omitted. There are preferably no pocket-cover fastening means in the second embodiment, although one or more pocket-cover fastening means may easily be added.

The secondary cover 178 is preferably used to cover the tether 126 associated with a said pocket 120. The secondary cover 178 preferably spans at least the pocket-width 182 and may optionally span an extent greater than the pocket-width 182. The secondary cover 178 may span at least a minor extent, and more preferably all or a major extent of the second dimension W of a said body portion 132a, 132b. Optionally, the secondary cover 178 may even span a major extent or all of the second dimension W of the body 116. The secondary cover 178 preferably spans a minor extent of the first dimension L of a said body portion 132a, 132b, but a major extent or all of the first dimension may be options.

The uses of the second embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment. Detailed description of the common steps and caveats are omitted for brevity.

In the second embodiment, if no pocket cover 122 is provided for the selected pocket 120, there is no need to move the pocket cover 122 to be able to access the tether 126. Furthermore, the user attaches the or each hairpiece fastener to the tether 126 which is here the free edge 156a of a pocket 120. The user inserts at least part of the hairpiece 174 into the pocket-space of either the same pocket 120 or, as shown, of the pocket 120 below. If provided, the secondary cover 178 may be moved to cover at least part of the hairpiece or hairpieces 174 and fastened to the, each or at least one secondary cover fastening means or fastener 180, which are here shown as buttons.

Whilst both embodiments have at least one tether, it could be envisioned that all, or at least one tether may be omitted. The user may simply insert the hairpiece into the pocket without securing the hairpiece to a tether. The hairpiece may be made to extend along the pocket-length and/or along the pocket-width.

Whilst the or each pocket cover and/or the or each pocket are preferably both opaque in the above embodiments, in an alternative embodiment, an at least partially transparent or translucent pocket cover and/or pocket may be provided, to enable viewing of the hairpiece stored within the pocket without having to move or remove the pocket cover and/or pocket. Translucent or transparent plastic may be used to this effect. The user may, for example, locate more quickly the or a specific hairpiece stored within the holder. In a further modification, the pocket cover and/or pocket may be both opaque and transparent, for example, by having a transparent window in an otherwise opaque pocket and/or pocket cover.

Whilst the cover hinge is preferably provided by a sewn connection, any alternative type of hinge may be envisioned, such as a live hinge, a butterfly or case hinge, a butt hinge, a strap hinge or a flush hinge, by way of example only. The pocket cover may even be connected via a non-hinged connection, such as via hook and loop engagement portions, hooks, buttons, or a zip, by way of example.

In the above embodiments, one or more hairpiece fasteners are provided with a hairpiece. However, in either of the above embodiments, the tether may optionally further comprise one or more hairpiece fasteners. The or each hairpiece fastener may be connectable, connected to, or integrally formed with the tether body. The or a said hairpiece fastener and the tether body may even be one and the same. The fastener may comprise at least one elongate clip such as a barrette clip. The barrette clip may optionally extend at least a minor extent, and more preferably all or a major extent of a pocket-width.

Whilst a preferred shape may have been specified for any of the above-described features, any alternative shape may be envisioned in any of transverse or lateral cross-section, longitudinal cross-section, in side view, or in plan view. The shape may be any or any combination of: curved, part curved, non-curved, linear, part linear, non-linear, a broken line, any polygon, whether regular or irregular, having one or more chamfered and/or rounded corners, a triangle, a quadrilateral, such as a square, a rectangle, a trapezium, a trapezoid, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, an octagon, or any other polygon, a cross, an ellipse, a circle, part circular, an oval, or any abstract shape. Any of the features and caveats that apply to one of the embodiments may easily be provided or applicable to any of the other embodiments.

It is therefore possible to provide a portable hairpiece holder with dedicated pockets for hairpieces to prevent and/or inhibit friction, tangling, frizzing and/or knotting of hairpieces. If the portable hairpiece holder has a tether, bunching of hairpieces can be prevented or inhibited by fastening one or more hairpiece fasteners of the hairpiece to the tether and laying out at least some of the length of hairpiece in the associated pocket-space of the pocket.

It is also possible to provide a method of storing hairpieces which prevents or inhibits contact between hairpieces, thereby reducing friction, tangling, frizzing and/or knotting of wefts of hair.

The words ‘comprises/comprising’ and the words ‘having/including’ when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.