AU2018101385A4 - Gift wrapping - Google Patents

Abstract

A roll of gift wrapping, a method of manufacturing a roll of gift wrapping, and a retail display of a plurality of rolls of gift wrapping are provided. The roll of gift wrapping includes: a substantially cylindrical retainer; and embossed metallic wrapping rolled around the substantially cylindrical retainer. The retainer is configured to enable a desired amount of wrapping to be unrolled from the retainer and cut or torn for use. The embossed metallic wrapping is pliable and adapted to conform to and thus wrap a gift without requiring the use of adhesive. 10-l-OFigure 3 305 505 Figure 5 r----------------------------------------------- -------------- ---------- i Ir-------------- 605 iiIIi II ii 605 ii I11I1111 ii II ii1lu II ii I610 610i II ii I610 II ii I610 600iIIi II ii I600 Fiur 6 i Fiur 7

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to gift wrapping.

BACKGROUND ART [0002] It is customary in many cultures to wrap gifts, such as birthday or Christmas gifts. In most cases, wrapping paper is used to enclose the gift, and tape is used to hold the wrapping paper in place. The use of wrapping provides excitement and anticipation to the recipient of the gift, which is not present if the item is given it unwrapped form.

[0003] Many people take great care in wrapping their gifts. It is well appreciated that first impressions are important, and a nicely hand-wrapped gift shows a personal investment in the gift. However, it is difficult for many to nicely wrap a gift, and even more so for those with developing or limited dexterity.

[0004] In particular, the wrapping must generally be held in place while applying adhesive tape at appropriate positions to secure sheets of wrapping around the gift, which can be difficult. As a result, many people are unable to wrap gifts in such way that they, or others, considers to be acceptable.

[0005] Many attempts have been made to solve this problem, including by providing selfadhesive wrapping paper. While self-adhesive wrapping paper alleviates the need to also use adhesive tape, it creates other difficulties in that the self-adhesive sheets often adhere to each other accidentally, or adhere to the gift, which makes the gift difficult to unwrap.

[0006] Gift boxes or bags are often used, in which the gift is simply placed. Gift boxes can be provided in very decorative forms, and greatly simplify packaging of the gift. However, gift boxes and bags come in only a limited number of sizes, and are generally not adaptable to fit gifts of other sizes or shapes. Furthermore, gift boxes and bags do not show the same investment in the gift as wrapping, or provide the same unwrapping experience, as a gift that has been wrapped traditionally with wrapping.

[0007] As such, there is clearly a need for improved gift wrapping.

[0008] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

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SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0009] The present invention is directed to gift wrapping which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0010] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a roll of gift wrapping, the roll of gift wrapping including:

a substantially cylindrical retainer; and embossed metallic wrapping rolled around the substantially cylindrical retainer, the retainer configured to enable a desired amount of wrapping to be unrolled from the retainer and cut or torn for use, wherein the embossed metallic wrapping is pliable and adapted to conform to and thus wrap a gift without requiring the use of adhesive.

[0011] Advantageously, the roll of gift wrapping is easy to use, including for gifts of various sizes and shapes. As the metallic wrapping is pliable and adapted to confirm to and thus wrap a gift, regardless of shape, and does not require the use of adhesive, which simplifies the wrapping process. Furthermore, as the wrapping is pliable, any wrapping mistakes made may be corrected. Similarly, a desired amount of wrapping may be easily unrolled from the retainer (e.g. a tube) for use, which makes the roll of wrapping easily adaptable for use with gifts of various sizes.

[0012] The use of embossing (e.g. corrugation or another pattern) provides an attractive wrapping, unlike traditional wrapping paper. Furthermore, the use of embossing provides strength and rigidity to the foil, and hides small imperfections in the wrapping which are otherwise present in glossy foil or paper wrapping. In this regard, we note that the word “embossed” is used broadly and relates to the presence of reliefs or indentations in the metallic wrapping.

[0013] Preferably, the cylindrical retainer is a tube around which the embossed metallic wrapping is rolled. The tube may be a cardboard tube.

[0014] The embossing may comprise a regular pattern. The embossing may comprise corrugation.

[0015] The embossing may be substantially uniform across a width of the wrapping. The embossing may be uniform in a direction parallel to an axis of the cylindrical retainer.

[0016] The embossing may be repetitive along a length of the wrapping.

2018101385 21 Sep 2018 [0017] In one form, the embossing comprises corrugation in the form of a repetitive peaks and troughs defined in a direction normal to a plane of the gift wrapping.

[0018] The peaks and troughs may form a concertina-like arrangement which enables the wrapping to extend and contract.

[0019] The peaks and troughs may be joined by a substantially planar intermediate portion. The peaks and troughs may be substantially triangular in cross section. The peaks and troughs may be substantially curved in cross section.

[0020] The embossing may have a depth of between 0.2mm and 1 mm. In the case of a repetitive pattern along a length of the pattern, the pattern may have a width (pitch) of between 0.2mm and 1mm.

[0021 ] The metallic wrapping may have a thickness of between 5 microns and 200 microns. The metallic wrapping may have a thickness of between 10 microns and 100 microns. The metallic wrapping may have a thickness of between 10 microns and 50 microns. Preferably, the metallic wrapping has a thickness of between about 15-30 microns.

[0022] The embossing may have a depth of at least twice a thickness of the metallic wrapping. The embossing may have a depth of about five times a thickness of the metallic wrapping.

[0023] The metallic wrapping may be between about 40cm wide and about 75cm wide. The metallic wrapping may be between about 1m long and about 5m long. The metallic wrapping may be about 50cm wide. The metallic wrapping may be about 1.5m long.

[0024] The metallic wrapping may include a printed surface. Preferably, the metallic wrapping includes a printed outer surface. The metallic wrapping may be printed prior to embossing. The printed surface may include a protective coating applied thereto.

[0025] In another form, the invention resides broadly in a retail display of a plurality of rolls of gift wrapping, the retail display including an open receptacle in which the plurality of rolls are received, wherein each of the plurality of rolls includes:

a substantially cylindrical retainer; and embossed metallic wrapping rolled around the substantially cylindrical retainer, the retainer configured to enable a desired amount of wrapping to be unrolled from the retainer and cut or torn for use.

wherein the embossed metallic wrapping is pliable and adapted to conform to and thus wrap a gift without requiring the use of adhesive.

2018101385 21 Sep 2018 [0026] Preferably, the open receptacle comprises a box with an open top. Preferably, the rolls extend outwardly from the open top.

[0027] A protective hood may be provided to protect the box during transport. The box may be used directly as a retail display by removing the hood.

[0028] In another form, the invention resides broadly in a method of manufacturing a roll of gift wrapping, the method including:

receiving a sheet of metallic foil;

embossing the sheet of metallic foil to generate the gift wrapping; and wrapping the embossed gift metallic wrapping around a substantially cylindrical retainer, wherein the retainer is configured to enable a desired amount of wrapping to be unrolled from the retainer and cut or torn for use, and wherein the embossed metallic wrapping is pliable and adapted to conform to and thus wrap a gift without requiring the use of adhesive.

[0029] The method may include pressing or extruding the sheet of metallic foil.

[0030] The method may including printing on the metallic foil prior to embossing the metallic foil.

[0031] The step of embossing the sheet of metallic foil may comprising mechanically embossing the sheet of metallic foil.

[0032] The step of embossing may include embossing the sheet of metallic foil to a depth of at least twice a thickness of the metallic wrapping. The embossing may have a depth of about five times a thickness of the metallic wrapping.

[0033] The embossing may have a depth of between 0.2mm and 1 mm. In the case of a repetitive pattern along a length of the pattern, the pattern may have a width (pitch) of between 0.2mm and 1mm.

[0034] The metallic wrapping may have a thickness of between 5 microns and 200 microns. The metallic wrapping may have a thickness of between 10 microns and 100 microns. The metallic wrapping may have a thickness of between 10 microns and 50 microns. Preferably, the metallic wrapping has a thickness of between about 15-30 microns.

[0035] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

2018101385 21 Sep 2018 [0036] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0037] Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0038] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a roll of gift wrapping, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 2 illustrates an end view of the roll of gift wrapping of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 3 illustrates a side view of a portion of embossed metallic wrapping of the roll of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041 ] Figure 4 illustrates a partially wrapped gift, that has been partially wrapped using the roll of gift wrapping of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 5 illustrates a side view of a portion of embossed metallic wrapping, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 6 illustrates a side view of a retail display box, including a plurality of rolls of embossed metallic wrapping, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 7 illustrates a front view of the retail display box of Figure 6.

[0045] Figure 8 illustrates a method of manufacturing a roll of gift wrapping, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0047] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a roll of gift wrapping 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 illustrates an end view of the roll of gift wrapping 100. The roll of gift wrapping 100 is easy to use, including for gifts of various sizes and shapes.

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As outlined below, the wrapping is metallic and is pliable, and is adapted to confirm to and thus wrap a gift, regardless of shape. As such, the wrapping does not require the use of adhesive, which simplifies the wrapping process, and any wrapping mistakes made may be corrected.

[0048] The roll of gift wrapping 100 is elongate, and includes embossed metallic wrapping 105 rolled around a substantially cylindrical retainer in the form of a tube 110. The embossed metallic wrapping 105 is formed of aluminium and is pliable and adapted to conform to and thus wrap a gift (not illustrated) without requiring the use of adhesive.

[0049] As best illustrated in Figure 3, the embossed metallic wrapping 105 comprises a regular pattern in the form of a sawtooth or corrugated pattern, which repeats along a length of the wrapping 105, and is uniform across a width of the wrapping.

[0050] In particular, the embossed metallic wrapping 105 includes a plurality of repetitive peaks 305 and troughs 310 defined in a direction normal to a plane of the gift wrapping 105. Each adjacent peak 305 and trough 310 is joined by a substantially planar intermediate portion 315.

[0051] The peaks 305 and troughs 310 are substantially triangular in cross section. This provides a concertina-like arrangement which enables the wrapping to extend and contract, similar to a concertina, to confirm to the gift being wrapped. The peaks 305 and troughs 310 defining embossing having a depth more than twice a thickness of the metallic wrapping, and in particular about five times a thickness of the metallic wrapping.

[0052] The metallic wrapping 105 includes a printed surface on either one or both sides thereof. As an illustrative example, the printed surface may be printed with ink, and may include a protective coating applied thereto. The metallic wrapping may be printed prior to embossing, enabling the metallic wrapping to be printed using commonly available ink-based printing technology.

[0053] The use of such printing together with embossing provides an attractive wrapping, unlike traditional wrapping paper. In particular, the concertina-like arrangement provides texture and depth to the wrapping paper, which together with a printed surface of the wrapping 105, can provide a luxurious textured surface that may also hide small imperfections in the wrapping of the gift which are otherwise clear when glossy foil or paper wrapping is used.

[0054] Furthermore, the use of embossing provides strength and rigidity to the wrapping 105, and thus may prevent the wrapping from deforming.

[0055] Now returning to Figure 2, the embossed metallic wrapping 105 is rolled around

2018101385 21 Sep 2018 the tube 110 multiple times, enabling a large sheet of embossed metallic wrapping 105 to be stored in a compact manner, and forming separate layers 105a of embossed metallic wrapping 105. The tube 110 is a cardboard tube, but may be formed of any suitable material.

[0056] The tube 110 enables a desired amount of wrapping to be unrolled and cut or torn for use. This is particularly useful as it enables the single roll 100 to be used with a wide variety of gift shapes and sizes.

[0057] As best illustrated in Figure 1, and in particular the enlarged portion thereof, the embossing is uniform in a direction parallel to an axis of the tube. This enables the metallic wrapping 105 to have significant depth in the embossing, which is not deformed when the wrapping 105 is wrapped around the roll. In the case of the roll of gift wrapping 100, the embossing has a depth (i.e. distance between the peaks 305 and troughs 310) of between about 0.2mm and 1mm. Similarly, a width (pitch) of the embossing (i.e. a distance between adjacent peaks 305 or troughs 310) is between about 0.2mm and 1mm.

[0058] The metallic wrapping 105 has a thickness of between 5 microns and 200 microns, and preferably between 10 microns and 100 microns, more preferably between 10 microns and 50 microns, and more preferably again between about 15-30 microns. Such thicknesses are sufficiently thin that they enable the wrapping 105 to be easily pliable enabling it to conform to, and thus wrap, a gift.

[0059] The metallic wrapping 105 is about 50cm wide and about 1.5m long. However, the skilled addressee will readily appreciate that the wrapping may be between about 40cm wide and about 75cm wide, and between about 1m long and about 5m long.

[0060] Figure 4 illustrates a partially wrapped gift 400, that has been partially wrapped using the roll of gift wrapping 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Initially, a sheet of wrapping 105 is removed from the roll 100 and cut or torn to a desired size. A gift 405 is then placed on the sheet of wrapping 105 and the sheet is initially folded around the gift 405 such that ends of the sheet define an overlapping region 410. Such initial folds are preferably made parallel to a direction of the embossing.

[0062] The gift 405 is, at such stage partially wrapped, as illustrated in Figure 4 with open ends, and edges 415a-415d of wrapping extending past the ends of the gift 405.

[0063] The edges 415a-415d are then folded inwards to close the ends. This may be performed at side edges 415a, 415b, followed by top and bottom edges 415c, 415d. This enables the longer top and bottom edges 415c, 415d to hold in the shorter side edges 415a,

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415b. The same is repeated at the other end, to enclose the gift 405.

[0064] Each fold may be finally pressed again, e.g. by running a fingernail along the fold, to help prevent the fold from opening, and thus unwrapping the gift. In case an error is made, the fold may be undone and redone.

[0065] The gift 405 is illustrated as being of cuboid shape, and thus having rectangular sides. However, the roll of gift wrapping 100 is particularly useful for wrapping gifts which have complex shapes. In such case, the wrapping may be initially wrapped around the gift coarsely, such that it overlaps, similar to what was described for the gift 405 above. The wrapping may then be pressed, by hand, down onto the gift, such that it conforms to the shape of the gift. As this happens, small folds are created in the wrapping which holds the wrapping in place around the gift.

[0066] While the roll of gift wrapping 100 has peaks 305 and troughs 310 that are substantially triangular in cross section, providing a sawtooth or concertina-like arrangement, the skilled addressee will readily appreciate that other profiles may be used.

[0067] Figure 5 illustrates a side view of a portion of embossed metallic wrapping 500, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The embossed metallic wrapping 500 is similar to the embossed metallic wrapping 105, but instead of having a triangular peaks and troughs, includes curved peaks 505 and troughs 510.

[0068] In particular, the peaks 505 are semi-circular in shape, and the troughs 510 are semi-circular in shape and in an opposite direction.

[0069] In a corrugated metallic wrapping, different effects can be provided by having peaks and troughs are sharp, like in the wrapping 105, or soft, like in the wrapping 500. Together with printing style, including whether the printed surface is matt or glossy, the embossing of the wrapping can be used to disperse the light in different ways, creating different effects.

[0070] In addition to the corrugated embossing, described above, embossing may be used that is not uniform across a width of the wrapping. As an illustrative example, embossing in the form of a geometric pattern that repeats itself along both a length and width.

[0071] In a retail environment, a large number of rolls, potentially with different printing and/or embossing, are sold together. These may be transported and sold in a retail display box, as outlined below.

2018101385 21 Sep 2018 [0072] Figure 6 illustrates a side view of a retail display box 600, including a plurality of rolls of embossed metallic wrapping 605, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 illustrates a front view of the retail display box 600. The rolls of embossed metallic wrapping 605 may be similar or identical to the roll 100, but may include a variety of different prints or embossing.

[0073] The retail display box 600 comprises an open receptacle of cardboard in which the plurality of rolls 605 are received. The retail display box 600 has a rectangular cross section, and is configured to receive 20 rolls in five rows of four rolls 605.

[0074] The retail display box 600 may be transported with a protective hood 610 placed thereover, to protect the retail display box and the contents thereof, namely the rolls 605. The protective hood 610 is formed of Kraft board or similar material that provides strength and durability and thus protects both the rolls 605 and the display box 600.

[0075] Figure 8 illustrates a method 800 of manufacturing a roll of gift wrapping, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method 800 may be similar or identical to the method used to form the roll of wrapping 100.

[0076] At step 805, a sheet of metallic foil is pressed or extruding to a desired thickness. The metallic foil sheeting may, for example be formed of aluminium, and in such case the generating the metallic foil sheeting may comprise initially rolling sheet ingots cast from molten billet aluminium, and subsequently re-rolling the sheet on a rolling mill to a desired thickness. The metallic foil sheeting may be rolled to a thickness of about 15-30 microns.

[0077] At step 810, the sheet of metallic foil is printed on. This may comprise printed ink in the form of a solid colour, a pattern (e.g. stripes or geometric shapes), an image, logo or any other suitable print, and may comprise a decorative print. The printed ink may be coated with a protective layer to protect the printed ink. The protective layer may also be useful to prevent tearing of the foil.

[0078] At step 815, the printed foil is mechanically embossed, e.g. by pressing and/or rolling, to generate the gift wrapping. In particular, the printed foil sheeting is provided into a roller or press, which is shaped according to the embossing. The roller or press mechanically embosses the printed foil using pressure, generally using male and female dies.

[0079] The step of embossing may include embossing the sheet of metallic foil to a depth of at least twice a thickness of the metallic wrapping. The embossing may have a depth of about five times a thickness of the metallic wrapping.

2018101385 21 Sep 2018 [0080] As outlined above, the embossing may take on any suitable pattern. For example, the embossing may comprise a repetitive pattern, such as repeated images embossed on the foil, geometric patterns, or corrugation or fluting.

[0081] The embossed metallic wrapping is pliable and adapted to conform to and thus wrap a gift without requiring the use of adhesive. This is achieved both as the sheet of metallic foil generated in 805 is a suitable thickness, and as the embossing is of suitable size and shape for such purpose.

[0082] At step 820, the embossed foil is wrapped around a cylindrical retainer. The retainer (e.g. tube), enables a desired amount of wrapping to be unrolled from the retainer and cut or torn for use.

[0083] In certain embodiments, the cylindrical retainer is a tube of about 0.5m in length and about 3cm in diameter. About 1.5m of embossed foil may be wrapped around the tube, the embossed foil having a width of about 0.5m and thus extending across an entire length of the tube. In other embodiments, the tube and foil may be between about 40cm long/wide and about 75cm long/wide. For example, the tube and foil may be about 60cm long/wide. The foil may be about 3m long or about 5m long.

[0084] The foil sheet may be rolled onto large commercial rolls between steps 805 and 810 and/or steps 810 and 815, to simplify transport and storage thereof. Similarly, the embossed metallic wrapping may be rolled onto large commercial rolls between steps 815 and 820. This is particularly useful if some of the steps are performed at one location, and other of the steps are performed at another location.

[0085] Advantageously the roll of gift wrapping is both easy to use and visually appealing. Unlike polymer films coated with a thin layer of aluminium, the gift wrapping has a thickness that provides structure, which enables it to both hold its shape around a gift, and hold a structure of the actual wrapping (i.e. embossing).

[0086] The use of embossing enables different textures and appearances to be provided, as it changes the way light is reflected from the wrapping. As an illustrative example, matt printing together with a textured surface can provide the appearance of a luxurious texture unlike that of traditional metallic foils.

[0087] The use of the tube (or similar retainer) provides ease of use, as it enables a desired amount of wrapping to be removed to accommodate gifts of various sizes and shapes. As the metallic wrapping is pliable and adapted to confirm to and thus wrap a gift, regardless of

2018101385 21 Sep 2018 shape, and does not require the use of adhesive, which simplifies the wrapping process, even for children and those with limited dexterity. Furthermore, as the wrapping is pliable, any wrapping mistakes made may be corrected.

[0088] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0089] Reference throughout this specification to One embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0090] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

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Claims (5)

1. A roll of gift wrapping, the roll of gift wrapping including: a substantially cylindrical retainer; and embossed metallic wrapping rolled around the substantially cylindrical retainer, the retainer configured to enable a desired amount of wrapping to be unrolled from the retainer and cut or torn for use, wherein the embossed metallic wrapping is pliable and adapted to conform to and thus wrap a gift without requiring the use of adhesive.

2. The roll of gift wrapping of claim 1, wherein the embossing comprises corrugation in the form of a repetitive peaks and troughs defined in a direction normal to a plane of the gift wrapping, and the embossing is uniform in a direction parallel to an axis of the cylindrical retainer.

3. The roll of gift wrapping of claim 1, wherein the embossing has a depth of between 0.2mm and 1mm, the embossed metallic wrapping has a thickness of between 5 microns and 200 microns, and the embossing has a depth of at least twice a thickness of the metallic wrapping.

4. A retail display of a plurality of rolls of gift wrapping, the retail display including an open receptacle in which the plurality of rolls are received, wherein each of the plurality of rolls includes:

a substantially cylindrical retainer; and embossed metallic wrapping rolled around the substantially cylindrical retainer, the retainer configured to enable a desired amount of wrapping to be unrolled from the retainer and cut or torn for use.

wherein the embossed metallic wrapping is pliable and adapted to conform to and thus wrap a gift without requiring the use of adhesive.

5. A method of manufacturing a roll of gift wrapping, the method including: receiving a sheet of metallic foil;

embossing the sheet of metallic foil to generate the gift wrapping; and wrapping the embossed gift metallic wrapping around a substantially cylindrical

2018101385 21 Sep 2018 retainer, wherein the retainer is configured to enable a desired amount of wrapping to be unrolled from the retainer and cut or torn for use, and wherein the embossed metallic wrapping is pliable and adapted to conform to and thus wrap a gift without requiring the use of adhesive.

1/3

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415a

415d

2/3

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Figure 6

Figure 7

3/3

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800

Figure 8