US20060249563A1 - Mailable greeting article - Google Patents
Mailable greeting article Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060249563A1 US20060249563A1 US11/121,526 US12152605A US2006249563A1 US 20060249563 A1 US20060249563 A1 US 20060249563A1 US 12152605 A US12152605 A US 12152605A US 2006249563 A1 US2006249563 A1 US 2006249563A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- cavity
- article
- top panel
- cover
- bag
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
- B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
- B42D15/00—Printed matter of special format or style not otherwise provided for
- B42D15/02—Postcards; Greeting, menu, business or like cards; Letter cards or letter-sheets
- B42D15/04—Foldable or multi-part cards or sheets
- B42D15/045—Multi-part cards or sheets, i.e. combined with detachably mounted articles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
- B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
- B42D15/00—Printed matter of special format or style not otherwise provided for
- B42D15/02—Postcards; Greeting, menu, business or like cards; Letter cards or letter-sheets
- B42D15/04—Foldable or multi-part cards or sheets
- B42D15/042—Foldable cards or sheets
Definitions
- the present inventions are directed to tissue dispensers, and more particularly, tissue boxes that can be mailed, hung, and/or include trash bags.
- Greeting cards come in various shapes and designs and are usually mailed inside envelopes, though designs exist which can be mailed without the use of an envelope, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2003-0098581, published May 29, 2003.
- tissue containers are well known and come in a variety of colors and sizes, as well as shapes.
- a tissue container has an opening in an upper portion thereof, through which tissues can be withdrawn from the container.
- the containers are sold in various sizes, the container must typically rest on a flat surface.
- An aspect of at least one of embodiments disclosed herein includes the realization that using a tray pre-filled with delicate materials before insertion into another box can solve difficulties associated with manufacturing small boxes filled with delicate materials.
- a relatively thin tissue box i.e., tissue boxes that are less than about two inches thick
- Such a manufacturing process can include the step of forming a box with an open longitudinal end, and inserting delicate materials, such as facial tissues, into the open end of the box. It is difficult for the commercially available manufacturing machines to insert tissues as such. This is because the tissues and other similar delicate materials are light and easily disturbed by air movement. As such, it is difficult to keep such material together during a step of inserting the material into the box through the open longitudinal end. By placing such delicate materials into a tray, the pre-filled tray can then be easily inserted into small box with a machine.
- Such a tray can also provide further advantages. For example, such a tray can provide additional strength to the box, thereby preventing damage to the box and its contents during distribution or mailing.
- a tissue box for containing tissues can include a box member configured to enclose a plurality of tissues on all sides.
- the box can have an opening on a side thereof for allowing a user to extract a tissue from an interior of the box.
- the box can include a tray member disposed inside the box, wherein the plurality of tissues are disposed in the tray.
- a method for loading an article with linear material comprising providing a body having a top panel and a plurality of surfaces defining a cavity, the cavity accessible through an open end of the body.
- the method also comprises providing a tray pre-filled with linear material and automatically inserting the tray into the cavity of the body through said open end.
- the method further comprises closing said open end to seal the cavity.
- greeting articles such as greeting cards
- delicate items such as facial tissues, handkerchiefs, napkins, etc.
- a cover over the aperture through which the delicate materials can be removed For example, during mailing, a greeting card is exposed to dusts and other particulates that may enter the interior of the greeting article and contaminate the delicate materials disposed therein. Where those delicate materials a facial tissues, the contaminates might cause irritation when the tissues are sued by a user.
- a mailable greeting article comprises a body having a top panel and a plurality of surfaces defining a cavity.
- a removable portion is formed on the top panel to provide access to the cavity, and a cover is movably attached to the body of the article.
- At least one of the surfaces is configured to display a greeting thereon, and another of the surfaces defines a postage area and an address area thereon for mailing.
- a mailable tissue box can be made sufficiently large to include a significant number of tissues and still fit in standard publicly accessible mailboxes around the world. More specifically, it has been found that the height of standard publicly accessible mail slots in the United States and many other countries is often limited to about 13 ⁇ 4 inches. Further, by providing the mailable tissue box with a thickness of at least 1 ⁇ 2 inch, the tissue box can be provided with at least about 15-20 tissues. Thus, if the thickness of the mailable tissue box is between about 1 ⁇ 2 and 13 ⁇ 4 inches, then it can hold about 15-100 tissues (depending on the type and size of the tissues) yet be easily mailable from publicly accessible mail slots around the world. Thus, in some embodiments, a tissue box is provided with a thickness of about 1 ⁇ 2 and 13 ⁇ 4 inches.
- the box By constructing the box to have a thickness of at least about 1 ⁇ 2′′ provides another advantage. For example, if the thickness of a tissue container is less than about 1 ⁇ 2′′, such as thicknesses in the range of about one-eight to about one-quarter of inch, it is substantially more difficult to construct the box out of folded cardboard; the most widely used and economical material for such an application. This is due to limitations of the currently available manufacturing machines used for folding cardboard into boxes having discreet side, top and bottom panels. Thus, a tissue box having a thickness in the range of about one-eight to about one-quarter of inch is practicable in a more two-dimensional configuration, i.e., folded into an envelope-type shape. However, the envelope configuration creates other drawbacks, for example, the outer edges of the envelope exert more pressure on the tissues contained therein than the central portions of the envelope. Thus, the more tissues are contained in such an envelope, the more difficult it is to withdraw the tissues therefrom.
- a mailable greeting article comprising a body having a top panel and a plurality of surfaces defining a cavity. Additionally, the article comprises a removable portion formed on said top panel to provide access to the cavity.
- a hook extends from the body of the article and has a cantilevered portion defining a slot. The hook is deformable and configured to support the body.
- a mailable greeting article comprising a body having a top panel on a plurality of surfaces defining a cavity.
- the article also comprises a removable portion formed on said top panel to provide access to the cavity and a cover movably attached to the body and extending from one of the surfaces.
- a bag is attached to the cover and has a compartment accessible through the cover, wherein the bag is movable between a folded and an unfolded configuration.
- a tissue box comprises a body having a top panel and a plurality of surfaces defining a cavity. A plurality of tissues is disposed in the cavity. An aperture is formed on the top panel to provide access to the tissues in the cavity. A bag is attached to the body and is configured to be moveable between a folded and an unfolded configuration.
- a mailable greeting article comprising a body having a top panel and a plurality of surfaces defining a cavity and a removable portion formed on said top panel to provide access to the cavity.
- the article also comprises a cover movably attached to the body and extending from one of the surfaces.
- a bag is attached to the cover and has a compartment accessible through the cover, wherein the bag is movable between a folded and an unfolded configuration.
- a hook extends from the cover and has a cantilevered portion defining a slot. The hook is deformable and configured to support the body.
- At least one of the surfaces is configured to display a greeting thereon, and another of the surfaces defines a postage area and an address area thereon for mailing.
- FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a frame for a tissue box, in accordance with an embodiment, in an unfolded state.
- FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a modification of the frame illustrated in FIG. 1 , in an unfolded state.
- FIG. 3 is a top, front and right side perspective view of a tissue box shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , in an assembled configuration.
- FIG. 4 is a front and top perspective view of the tissue box illustrated in FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 5 is a front and bottom perspective view of the tissue box illustrated in FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 6 is a top and front perspective view of the tissue box shown in FIG. 4 , illustrating the loading of delicate material into the tissue box.
- FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a frame for a tissue box, in accordance with another embodiment.
- FIG. 8 is a top, front and side perspective view of the tissue box shown in FIG. 7 in an assembled configuration.
- FIG. 9 is a top, front and side perspective view of a modification of the tissue box in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 10 is a schematic view of another embodiment of a tissue box.
- FIG. 11 is a top, front and side perspective view of a modification of the tissue box illustrated in FIG. 10 .
- FIG. 12 is a side view of the tissue box illustrated in FIG. 11 .
- FIG. 13 is a top, side and front view of a modification of the tissue box illustrated in FIG. 11 , and having a hook.
- FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of the tissue box illustrated in FIG. 13 .
- FIG. 15 is a top, front and left side view of yet another modification of the tissue box illustrated in FIG. 11 .
- orientation such as “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “front,” “rear,” and “end” are used here to simplify the description of the context of the illustrated embodiments.
- terms of sequence such as “first” and “second,” are used to simplify the description of the illustrated embodiments. Because other orientations and sequences are possible, however, the present invention should not be limited to the illustrated orientation. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other orientations of the various components described above are possible.
- FIGS. 1-6 illustrate a tissue box 100 .
- the various tissue boxes and greeting cards disclosed herein are described in the context of containers for storing facial tissues because they have particular utility in this context
- the boxes and greeting cards disclosed herein can also be used for containing any other type of material, including but without limitation, delicate materials, handkerchiefs, napkins, and the like.
- the box 100 can include a frame 2 .
- the frame 2 can be constructed from various materials, including but without limitation, paper, cardboard, corrugated cardboard, plastic, and/or appropriate like materials.
- the chosen material for constructing the frame 2 can be any substantially rigid but foldable material. It will be appreciated that, although denominated as rigid, the chosen material would preferably have a certain amount of flexibility.
- the frame 2 has multiple fold lines 12 a - e, 14 a - d, 16 a - d, 18 a - f which define various sections of the frame 2 , as discussed further below.
- the fold lines 12 a - e, 14 a - d, 16 a - d, and 18 a - f can be formed as perforations in the frame 2 , i.e., broken cut lines passing partially or completely through the material forming the frame.
- the fold lines 12 a - e, 14 a - d, 16 a - d, 18 a - f can be crushed portions of the material forming the frame 2 .
- the fold lines 12 a - e, 14 a - d, 16 a - d, 18 a - f can also be formed as mechanical hinges, thinned portions of the frame 2 , or any other appropriate mechanical connection, which would allow various portions of the frame 2 to be folded or rotated with respect to each other.
- the frame 2 preferably has a top panel 20 defined by the fold lines 12 a - b, 14 a - b, wherein the top panel 20 has a first length L 1 and a first width W 1 .
- the top panel 20 has a generally rectangular shape.
- the top panel 20 can have other suitable shapes, such as square, polygonal, round, oval, etc.
- the top panel 20 preferably has a removable portion 22 formed thereon, wherein the removable portion 22 is defined by a boundary line 24 .
- the boundary line 24 is scored to facilitate the removal of the removable portion 22 from the top panel 20 .
- the top panel 20 also preferably defines a flap 26 along an edge 26 a proximal the fold line 12 .
- the edge 26 a can be cut using, for example, scissors to allow the flap 26 to move relative to the top panel 20 and define an aperture 26 b (see FIG. 3 ) through the top panel 20 .
- the aperture 26 b is a rectangular through hole in the top pane. 20 .
- the frame 2 also preferably has a bottom panel 30 defined by fold lines 12 c - d, 14 c - d, wherein the bottom panel 30 has a second length L 2 and a second width W 2 .
- the second length L 2 and second width W 2 are equal to the first length L 1 and first width W 1 , respectively, of the top panel 20 , so that the top and bottom panels 20 , 30 have the same shape.
- the bottom panel 30 preferably connects to the top panel 20 , as further discussed below.
- the frame 2 also preferably has a foldable cover portion 40 .
- the foldable cover portion can be formed in any suitable manner, and from a single or multiple pieces.
- the cover portion 40 can be shaped complimentary to the frame portion 2 .
- the cover portion can have any shape, such as, for example, but without limitation, rectangular, square; polygonal, round, oval, etc.
- the cover portion 40 can be shaped to resemble other items such as a piano, a piano lid, a pair of lips, a laptop computer lid, etc.
- the cover portion 40 includes a first panel 42 and a second panel 44 , first and second panels 42 , 44 joined at a fold line 19 .
- the fold line 19 is scored for the optional removal of the second panel 44 .
- the first panel 42 preferably has a third length L 3 and a third width W 3 .
- the second panel 44 preferably has a fourth length L 4 and a fourth width W 4 .
- the third and fourth lengths L 3 , L 4 are equal to each other, and the third and fourth widths W 3 , W 4 are equal to each other.
- the third and fourth widths W 3 , W 4 are preferably equal to the first width W 1 .
- the third and fourth lengths L 3 , L 4 can be equal to the first length L 1 .
- the third and fourth lengths L 3 , L 4 can be shorter than the first length L 1 .
- a tab 46 which is defined by a boundary line 48 , is formed on the second panel 44 adjacent the fold line 19 .
- the boundary line 48 can be cut with, for example, scissors to allow the tab 46 to move relative to the second panel 44 , while remaining attached to the first panel 42 .
- the bottom panel 30 connects to the top panel 20 via a front side panel 50 , wherein the front side panel 50 is defined by fold lines 12 b - c, 16 a - b.
- the front side panel 50 preferably has a width along the fold lines 12 b - c equal to the first width W 1 of the top panel 20 .
- the front side panel 50 preferably has a length L 5 along the fold lines 16 a - b, which defines a thickness t′ of the tissue box 100 once it is assembled.
- the length L 5 of the front side panel 50 is in the range of between about 0.5 inch and about 13 ⁇ 4 inches.
- the length L 5 is between about 3 ⁇ 4 inch and about 11 ⁇ 2 inches.
- the length L 5 is no more than about one inch.
- the foldable cover portion 40 connects to the bottom panel 30 via a rear side panel 52 defined by fold lines 12 d - e, 16 c - d.
- the rear side panel 52 has a width along the fold line 12 d - e, which is preferably equal to the second width W 2 of the bottom panel 30 .
- the rear side panel 52 has a length L 6 along the fold line 16 .
- the length L 6 of the rear side panel 52 is equal to the length L 5 of the front side panel, which defines the thickness t′.
- the frame 2 also preferably has a first left side panel 60 and a first right side panel 70 attached to the top panel 20 along the fold lines 14 a, 14 b, respectively.
- the first left and right side panels 60 , 70 have a length equal to the first length L 1 of the top panel 20 .
- the first left and right side panels 60 , 70 preferably have a width equal to the thickness t′.
- the first left and right side panels 60 , 70 attach to a left end 50 a and a right end 50 b of the front side panel 50 , respectively, via fold lines 18 a, 18 c.
- the left and right ends 50 a, 50 b of the front side panel 50 preferably have a length equal to the length L 5 of the front side panel 50 , and a width equal to the width of the first left and right side panels 60 , 70 , respectively.
- the fold line 18 a connecting the first left side panel 60 to the left end 50 a can be cut, for example, with the use of scissors, to allow the first left side panel 60 to move freely relative to the left end 50 a of the front side panel 50 .
- the fold line 18 c connecting the first right side panel 70 to the right end 50 b of the front side panel 50 can be cut to allow the first right side panel 70 to move freely relative to the right end 50 b of the front side panel 50 .
- the fold lines 18 a, c can also be scored to facilitate the detachment of the first side panels 60 , 70 from the left and right ends 50 a, 50 b of the front side panel 50 , respectively.
- the frame 2 also has a second left side panel 62 and a second right side panel 72 attached to the bottom panel 30 along the fold lines 18 e, 18 f, respectively, and to the top panel 20 along fold lines 18 b, 18 d, respectively.
- the length of the second left and right side panels 62 , 72 is equal to the length L 2 of the bottom panel 30 .
- the width of the second left and right side panels 62 , 72 is preferably equal to the length L 6 of the rear side panel 52 .
- the second left and right side panels 62 , 72 preferably connect to a left end 52 a and a right end 52 b of the rear side panel 52 , via fold lines 18 e, 18 f.
- the left and right ends 52 a, 52 b of the rear side panel 52 preferably have a length equal to the length L 6 of the rear side panel 52 , and a width equal to the width of the second left and right side panels 62 , 72 , respectively.
- the fold line 18 e connecting the second left side panel 62 to the left end 52 a can be cut, for example, with the use of scissors, to allow the second left side panel 62 to move freely relative to the left end 52 a of the rear side panel 50 .
- the fold line 18 f connecting the second right side panel 72 to the right end 52 b of the rear side panel 52 can be cut to allow the second right side panel 72 to move freely relative to the right end 52 b of the rear side panel 52 .
- the frame 2 also has a connecting side panel 80 attached to the top panel 20 along the fold line 12 a, as shown in FIG. 1 .
- the connecting side panel 80 preferably has a width equal to the width W 1 of the top panel 20 .
- the connecting side panel 80 preferably has a length L 7 equal to the length L 6 of the rear side panel 52 .
- the length L 7 of the connecting side panel 80 is shorter than the length L 6 of the rear side panel 52 .
- the connecting side panel 80 has an edge 82 with tapered ends 84 .
- the edge 82 can have other configurations, such as curved or square.
- the frame 2 is preferably foldable along the fold lines 12 a - e, 14 a - d, 16 a - d, and 19 , in order to assemble the tissue box 100 , as shown in FIGS. 3 through 6 .
- the second panel 44 of the foldable cover portion 40 can be rotated onto the first panel 42 , such that the first and second panels 42 , 44 are adjacent each other.
- the tab 46 can be cut or detached from the second panel 44 so that it extends from the edge defined by the fold line 19 .
- the first and second panels 42 , 44 are adhered to each other using, for example, an adhesive.
- the first and second panels 42 , 44 of the foldable cover portion 40 can display a greeting drawn or printed thereon.
- the greeting can include text or visual designs, and be two-dimensional or three-dimensional (e.g., a pop-up greeting).
- the greeting can be adhered to the first and second panels 42 , 44 using an adhesive.
- the other forms of greetings or shapes can be used, and that many other methods of attaching or printing and greetings on to the panels 42 , 44 can be used.
- the greetings can be placed on any of the surfaces of the tissue box 100 and are not limited to the panels 42 , 44 of the foldable covered portion 40 .
- the first left and right side panels 60 , 70 are folded along the fold lines 14 a - b relative to the top panel 20 , preferably such that they extend generally perpendicular to the top panel 20 .
- the left and right ends 50 a, 50 b of the front side panel 50 are preferably detached from the first left and right side panels 60 , 70 along the fold lines 18 a, c.
- the second left and right side panels 62 , 72 are folded along the fold lines 14 c, d relative to the bottom panel 30 , preferably so that they extend generally perpendicular to the bottom panel 30 .
- the left and right ends 52 a, 52 b of the rear side panel 52 are preferably detached from the second left and right side panels 62 , 72 along the fold lines 18 e, 18 f.
- the second left and right side panels 62 , 72 are preferably detached from the left and right ends 50 a, 50 b of the front side panel 50 along fold lines 18 b, d.
- the top side panel 20 is preferably folded along the fold line 12 b and rotated over the bottom panel 30 , such that the top panel 20 is substantially aligned with, and extends generally parallel to, the bottom panel 30 .
- the front side panel 50 is also folded along the fold lines 12 b - c so that it extends generally perpendicular to the top and bottom panels 20 , 30 .
- the first left and right side panels 60 , 70 are preferably positioned adjacent, and fastened to, the second left and right side panels 62 , 72 , respectively.
- the first left and right side panels 60 , 70 are fastened to the second left and right side panels 62 , 72 via an adhesive, such as glue or tape.
- any suitable fasteners can be used.
- the left and right side panels 60 , 70 , 62 , 72 can be fastened to each other with staples or similar fasteners.
- the left and right ends 50 a, 50 b of the front side panel 50 are disposed between the top and bottom panels 20 , 30 when the top panel 20 is rotated over the bottom panel 30 .
- the connecting side panel 80 can be folded along the fold line 12 a and oriented generally perpendicular to the top panel 20 . Additionally, the rear side panel 52 can be folded along the fold lines 12 d - e so that it extends generally normal to the bottom panel 20 . Preferably, the connecting side panel 80 is fastened to the rear side panel 52 , with the left and right ends 52 a, 52 b of the rear side panel 52 disposed in between the top and bottom panels 20 , 30 .
- the frame 2 In the assembled configuration, such as that shown in FIG. 3 , the frame 2 defines a compartment or cavity 86 (see FIG. 4 ) between the top and bottom panels 20 , 30 . Accordingly, the frame 2 can be assembled to form the tissue box 100 , such as that shown in FIG. 3 .
- the removable portion 22 has a generally rectangular shape.
- the removable portion 22 can have any suitable shape, such as round, oval, square, or shapes resembling flowers, lips, a RolodexTM card file, a heart, a nose, etc.
- the frame 2 is manually assembled into the tissue box 100 .
- a machine (not shown) can be used to assemble the frame 2 into the tissue box 100 .
- the foldable cover portion 40 can advantageously be removably fastened to the top panel 20 by inserting the tab 46 in the aperture 26 b. Accordingly, the foldable cover portion 40 substantially protects the top panel 20 and the removable portion 22 of the tissue box 100 during mailing.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a plan view of another embodiment of a frame 2 ′ for assembling a tissue box 100 ′.
- the frame 2 ′ illustrated in FIG. 2 is constructed similar to the frame 2 shown in FIG. 1 , except as noted below.
- the reference numerals used to designate the various components of the frame 2 ′ are identical to those used for identifying the corresponding components of the frame 2 in FIG. 1 , except that a “′” has been added to the reference numerals.
- the first left and right side panels 60 ′, 70 ′ have first projections 60 a, 70 a extending therefrom along fold lines 15 a, 15 b, respectively.
- the first projections 60 a, 70 a extend along a length shorter than the first length L 1 ′ of the top panel 20 ′.
- the first projections 60 a, 70 a preferably have a generally trapezoidal configuration with angled edges 60 b, 70 b.
- the first projections 60 a, 70 a can have other suitable shapes, such as rectangular.
- the second left and right side panels 62 ′, 72 ′ have second projections 62 a, 72 a extending therefrom along the fold lines 15 c, 15 d, respectively.
- the second projections 62 a, 72 a extend along a length substantially equal to the second length L 2 ′ of the bottom panel 30 ′.
- the second projections 62 a, 72 a preferably have a generally rectangular configuration. However, in other embodiments, the second projections 62 a, 72 a can have other suitable shapes, such as trapezoidal.
- the bottom panel 30 ′ preferably has a left flap 36 and a right flap 38 defined thereon along edges 36 a, 38 a adjacent the fold lines 14 c ′, 14 d ′, respectively.
- the edges 36 a, 38 a can be cut using, for example, scissors to allow the flaps 36 , 38 to move relative to the bottom panel 30 ′ to define apertures (not shown) adjacent the fold lines 14 c′, d′ .
- the apertures in the bottom panel 30 ′ are similar to the aperture 26 b′ formed on the top panel 20 ′, as previously discussed.
- the apertures on the bottom panel 30 ′ are preferably sized to receive the projections 60 a, 70 a extending from the first left and right side panels 60 ′, 70 ′.
- the angled edges 60 b, 70 b of the projections 60 a, 70 a preferably facilitate the insertion of the projections 60 a, 70 a into said apertures.
- the frame 2 ′ is assembled into the tissue box 100 ′ in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the tissue box 100 , except as noted below.
- the projections 60 a, 70 a can be inserted into the apertures formed by flaps 36 , 38 , thus forming the enclosed cavity or compartment 86 ′ between the top and bottom panels 20 ′, 30 ′ (see FIG. 4 ).
- clearances 90 separate the left and right ends 50 a′, 50 b′ of the front side panel 50 ′ from the first and second left and right side panels 60 ′, 70 ′, 62 ′, 72 ′.
- the clearances 90 separate the left and right ends 52 a′, 52 b′ of the rear side panel 52 ′ from the second left and right side panels 62 ′, 72 ′.
- the clearances 90 provide gaps between the left and right ends 50 a′, 50 b′, 52 a′, 52 b′ of the front and rear side panels 50 ′, 52 ′ and the first and second left and right side panels 60 ′, 70 ′, 62 ′, 72 ′, such that when a user rotates the side panels 60 ′, 70 ′, 62 ′, 72 ′ about the fold lines 14 a′ - d′, the side panels 60 ′, 70 ′, 62 ′, 72 ′ will rotate freely and not be impeded by the left and right ends 50 a′, 50 b′, 52 a′, 52 b′.
- the frame 2 ′ can be folded to assemble the tissue box 100 ′, as shown in FIGS. 3-6 .
- the projections 60 a, 70 a, 62 a, 72 a can advantageously provide further support to the assembled tissue box 100 ′.
- the projections 62 a, 72 a can be folded and positioned generally perpendicular to the second side panels 62 ′, 72 ′ and fastened to the top panel 20 ′. Therefore, the projections 62 a, 72 a can add further structural support to increase the rigidity of the tissue box 100 ′.
- the frame 2 ′ can, in one embodiment, be manually assembled into the tissue box 100 ′.
- a machine (not shown) can be used to assemble the frame 2 ′ into the tissue box 100 ′.
- the removable portion 22 , 22 ′ can additionally have a second removable part 28 defined by a scored edge 28 a.
- the second removable part 28 facilitates the removal of the removable portion 22 , 22 ′ from the top panel 20 , 20 ′ to permit access to the compartment or cavity 86 , 86 ′ between the top and bottom panels 20 , 20 ′, 30 , 30 ′ of the tissue box 100 , 100 ′.
- FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of the tissue box 100 , 100 ′.
- the bottom panel 30 , 30 ′ has a postage area 92 and an address area 94 formed thereon.
- the postage and address areas 92 , 94 can be designated by score lines, printed solid or broken lines, stitch lines, or the like. Accordingly, the tissue box 100 , 100 ′ is readily configured to be mailed by a user.
- the tissue box 100 , 100 ′ can enclose additional materials 200 .
- the contents enclosed in the tissue box 100 need not be linear and can comprise other shapes such as oval, or square.
- the tissue box 100 is packed with tissue paper 210 ; a delicate material.
- tissue paper 210 is pre-loaded onto a tray 220 , which is then inserted into the cavity 86 , 86 ′ between the top and bottom panels 20 , 20 ′, 30 , 30 ′.
- the right side panels 70 , 72 , 70 ′, 72 ′ can be folded about the right ends 50 b, 50 b′ and fastened to each other to seal the linear material 200 in the tissue box 100 , 100 ′.
- An aspect of at least some of the embodiments disclosed herein includes the realization that pre-loading the tray 220 with a delicate material, such as tissue paper products 210 (e.g., tissues) the process of inserting the tissues into the box is simplified and can be performed at high speed with loading machines.
- tissue paper products 210 e.g., tissues
- the tray 220 Without the tray 220 , delicate material is difficult to insert into a small cavity, such as the cavities 86 , 86 ′. Thus, such a procedure would be performed manually. However, by pre-loading such delicate material into a tray, such as the tray 220 , the tray 220 and any delicate material pre-loaded into the tray 220 , can easily and quickly be inserted into another container, such as the cavities 86 , 86 ′ quickly, and optionally, by existing machines.
- a method of forming the tissue box can include providing the frame 2 , 2 ′, as discussed above, and assembling the frame 2 , 2 ′ into the tissue box 100 , 100 ′.
- the material 200 is preferably pre-loaded into a tray 220 .
- the tray 220 is then inserted into the cavity 86 , 86 ′ of the tissue box 100 , 100 ′ through an open end defined by the right side panels 70 , 72 , 70 ′, 72 ′.
- the open end is then closed to seal the linear material 200 in the cavity 86 , 86 ′.
- the tray 220 is manually inserted into the cavity 86 , 86 ′ of the tissue box 100 . In other embodiments, the tray 220 is automatically inserted into the cavity 86 , 86 ′ of the tissue box 100 using a machine (not shown). In some embodiments, the tissue box 100 , 100 ′ can be assembled mechanically, using, for example, an assembly-line type process known in the art. Machines for automatically inserting materials into a box are commercially available from suppliers such as Langenpac N.V.
- FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a frame 302 for a tissue box 300 .
- the frame 302 is similar to the frame 2 illustrated in FIG. 1 , except as noted below.
- the tissue box 300 can have any shape, thickness and can be configured to contain any number of delicate articles, including, but without limitation, tissues.
- the frame 302 includes a top panel 320 and a bottom panel 330 , first left and right side panels 360 , 370 attached to the top panel 320 , and second left and right side panels 362 , 372 attached to the bottom panel 330 , in a similar fashion to that discussed above for FIG. 1 . Additionally, the frame 302 has a front side panel 350 , a rear side panel 352 , and a connecting panel 380 .
- the frame 302 can be assembled into the tissue box 300 in the same manner as the frame 2 shown in FIG. 1 , along fold lines 312 a - d, 314 a - d, 316 a - d, 318 a - f, except that the frame 302 does not have a corresponding foldable cover portion.
- the frame 302 comprises a hook 390 extending from the rear side panel 352 .
- the hook 390 is integral with the rear side panel 352 and rotatable about a fold line 398 .
- the hook 390 is attached to the rear side panel 352 via, for example, an adhesive.
- the hook 390 comprises a cantilevered portion 392 defining a slot 394 and at least one slit 396 formed on the cantilevered portion 392 .
- multiple slits 396 are shown.
- the slits 396 advantageously allow the cantilevered portion 392 to deform to allow object of varying sizes into the slot 394 .
- the slits 396 extend a distance into the cantilever portion 392 to provide adequate flexibility, while maintaining the structural rigidity of the hook 390 sufficiently to support the entire weight of the article 300 .
- the cantilevered portion 392 can deform to allow the hook 390 to be fastened onto a variety of supports (not shown).
- the hook 390 can be fastened to a head-rest of a car seat, or the dashboard of a car.
- the hook 390 can be fastened to door handles, drawer handles, baby strollers, make-up counters, and chairs.
- the hook 390 can also be fastened to cup holders, such as those in automobiles, movie theaters, etc.
- cup holders such as those in automobiles, movie theaters, etc.
- the hook 390 can be fastened to a variety of other supports.
- the frame 302 illustrated in FIG. 7 can be assembled into the tissue box 300 , as discussed above, and as shown in FIG. 8 .
- the removable portion 322 on the top panel 320 of the tissue box extends along a plane P 1 generally parallel to a plane P 2 on which the hook 390 extends. Accordingly, when the removable portion 322 is removed to allow access to the contents inside the cavity 386 between the top and bottom panels 320 , 330 , said contents can be removed in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane P 2 of the hook 390 .
- the removable portion 322 has a second removable part 328 formed thereon and defined by a scored boundary 328 a to facilitate the removal of the removable portion 322 and access to the cavity 386 .
- the hook 390 is preferably deformable to allow fastening of the hook 390 to a variety of supports. Accordingly, the cantilevered portion 392 of the hook 390 can be deformed so as to extend at an angle to the plane P 1 of the top panel 320 .
- a thickness t′′ of the tissue box 300 is between about 1 ⁇ 2 inch and about 13 ⁇ 4 inches. In another preferred embodiment, the thickness t′′ of the tissue box 300 is preferably between about 3 ⁇ 4 inch and about 11 ⁇ 2 inches. In still another embodiment, the thickness t′′ is preferably not greater than one inch.
- the frame 302 can have other dimensions so as to form an tissue box 300 ′ having a different configuration, such as a cube, a cylinder, or a pyramid.
- a removable portion 322 ′ of a top panel 320 ′ extends along a plane P 3 generally perpendicular to the plane P 2 of the hook 390 . Accordingly, when the removable portion 322 ′ is removed to allow access to the contents in the cavity 386 ′, the contents can be removed in a direction generally parallel to the plane P 2 of the hook 390 .
- FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of a tissue box 400 .
- a container 410 is attached to a bag 480 .
- the container 410 is a tissue box.
- the container 410 of the tissue box 400 comprises a top panel 420 and a bottom panel 430 opposite the top panel 420 .
- the panels 420 , 430 define a cavity 456 therebetween.
- the top panel 420 has a removable portion 422 defined by a boundary line 424 , the removal of which provides access to the contents inside the cavity 456 .
- a second removable part 428 defined by boundary 428 a is formed on the removable portion 422 to facilitate the removal of the removable portion 428 .
- a cover 442 is attached to the container 410 , wherein the cover 442 has an opening 443 defined by an inner edge 444 .
- the cover 442 is made of a flexible material, as discussed above, and is movable relative to the container 410 .
- the edge 44 is shaped to define a target area 445 .
- the target area 445 can be in the shape of a basketball rim.
- the target area 445 can be in the shape of a bull's-eye.
- the target area 445 can have any desired form.
- the bag 480 can be attached to the cover 442 , such that an open end 482 of the bag 480 is fastened to the edge 444 of the cover 442 .
- the bag 480 has an aperture 484 at the open end 482 of the bag 480 , which provides access through the opening 443 to a compartment (not shown) within the bag 480 .
- the bag 480 also has a body 486 extending from the open end 482 of the bag to a bottom or closed end 488 .
- the bag 480 is movable between a folded and unfolded configuration.
- the bag 480 can be made out of any material.
- the bag 480 can be made of a flexible but resilient material.
- the bag can be made of plastic.
- the bag 480 can be made of any suitable material configured to contain moisture.
- the bag 480 is configured to provide a support configured to support the tissue box 400 in an upright orientation.
- the bag 480 can be made of plain or waxed paper. Such paper bags are widely commercially available. Additionally, such bags are somewhat stiff when unfolded into an opened configuration. This stiffness can be sufficient to support a tissue box, such as the box 400 , in an upright orientation, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 .
- the open end 482 of the bag 480 can be accessed through the cover 442 , and the bag 480 can serve as a receptacle for, for example, trash, used tissues, and the like.
- the bag 480 can be used to hold used tissues.
- the tissue box 400 thus advantageously provides a source of tissues and a receptacle for storing used tissues.
- the container 410 also defines a right side panel 460 having a thickness t′′′.
- the thickness t′′′ is between about 1 ⁇ 2 inch and 13 ⁇ 4 inches.
- the thickness t′′′ is between about 3 ⁇ 4 inch and about 11 ⁇ 2 inch.
- the thickness t′′′ is less than about one inch.
- the cover 442 can be folder over the bottom panel 430 of the container 410 , with the bag 480 in the folded position therebetween, to provide a collapsed configuration for the tissue box 400 . In said collapsed configuration, the thickness of the tissue box 400 is generally equal to the thickness t′′′.
- FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate another embodiment of a tissue box 400 ′.
- the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13-14 is similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11-12 , except as noted below.
- the reference numerals used to designate the various components of the tissue box 400 ′ are identical to those used for identifying the corresponding components of the tissue box 400 in FIGS. 11-12 , except that a “′” has been added to the reference numerals.
- a hook 490 extends from a top portion of a cover 442 ′, allowing the tissue box 400 ′ to be hung from said hook 490 when attached to a support, such as a handle as described above.
- the hook 490 preferably has a cantilevered portion 492 that defines a slot 494 therebetween, and at least one slit 496 formed on the cantilevered portion.
- the cantilever portion 492 has multiple slits 496 , which facilitate the deflection of the cantilever portion 492 to allow a support to enter the slot 494 .
- at least one of the surfaces on the cover 442 ′ and container 410 ′ can have a greeting or other design displayed thereon.
- FIG. 15 illustrates another embodiment of a tissue box 400 ′′.
- the illustrated embodiment is similar to the embodiment described above with respect to FIGS. 13-14 , except as noted below.
- the reference numerals used to designate the various components of the tissue box 400 ′′ are identical to those used for identifying the corresponding components of the tissue box 400 ′ in FIGS. 13-14 , except that a “′” has been added to the reference numerals.
- the top panel 420 ′′ of the container 410 ′′ preferably has a postage area 498 and an address area 499 . Accordingly, user can provide a delivery address on the address area 499 and affix a stamp on the postage area 498 for mailing the tissue box 400 ′′. As with any of the embodiments described above, any surface of the cover 442 ′′ or container 410 ′′ can receive or carry a greeting or design thereon.
- tissue box may not feature all objects and advantages discussed above to use certain features, aspects and advantages of the present invention.
- those skill in the art will recognize that the invention can be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or a group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.
- the invention can be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or a group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.
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Abstract
A mailable greeting article comprises a body having a top panel and a plurality of surfaces defining a cavity. A removable portion is formed on the top panel to provide access to the cavity. Additionally, a cover is movably attached to the body and extends from one of the surfaces. A bag is attached to the cover and has a compartment accessible through the cover, wherein the bag is movable between a folded and an unfolded configuration. A hook extends from the cover and has a cantilevered portion defining a slot. The hook is deformable and configured to support the body. At least one of the surfaces is configured to display a greeting thereon, and another of the surfaces defines a postage area and an address area thereon for mailing the article.
Description
- 1. Field of the Inventions
- The present inventions are directed to tissue dispensers, and more particularly, tissue boxes that can be mailed, hung, and/or include trash bags.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- Greeting cards come in various shapes and designs and are usually mailed inside envelopes, though designs exist which can be mailed without the use of an envelope, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2003-0098581, published May 29, 2003.
- Likewise, tissue containers are well known and come in a variety of colors and sizes, as well as shapes. Typically, a tissue container has an opening in an upper portion thereof, through which tissues can be withdrawn from the container. Although the containers are sold in various sizes, the container must typically rest on a flat surface.
- An aspect of at least one of embodiments disclosed herein includes the realization that using a tray pre-filled with delicate materials before insertion into another box can solve difficulties associated with manufacturing small boxes filled with delicate materials. For example, where it is desired to manufacture a relatively thin tissue box; i.e., tissue boxes that are less than about two inches thick, a difficulty arises in inserting the tissues into the box. Such a manufacturing process can include the step of forming a box with an open longitudinal end, and inserting delicate materials, such as facial tissues, into the open end of the box. It is difficult for the commercially available manufacturing machines to insert tissues as such. This is because the tissues and other similar delicate materials are light and easily disturbed by air movement. As such, it is difficult to keep such material together during a step of inserting the material into the box through the open longitudinal end. By placing such delicate materials into a tray, the pre-filled tray can then be easily inserted into small box with a machine.
- Such a tray can also provide further advantages. For example, such a tray can provide additional strength to the box, thereby preventing damage to the box and its contents during distribution or mailing.
- Thus, in accordance with an embodiment, a tissue box for containing tissues can include a box member configured to enclose a plurality of tissues on all sides. The box can have an opening on a side thereof for allowing a user to extract a tissue from an interior of the box. Additionally, the box can include a tray member disposed inside the box, wherein the plurality of tissues are disposed in the tray.
- In accordance with another embodiment, a method for loading an article with linear material is provided comprising providing a body having a top panel and a plurality of surfaces defining a cavity, the cavity accessible through an open end of the body. The method also comprises providing a tray pre-filled with linear material and automatically inserting the tray into the cavity of the body through said open end. The method further comprises closing said open end to seal the cavity.
- Another aspect of at least one of embodiments disclosed herein includes the realization that greeting articles, such as greeting cards, that include delicate items such as facial tissues, handkerchiefs, napkins, etc., can benefit from having a cover over the aperture through which the delicate materials can be removed. For example, during mailing, a greeting card is exposed to dusts and other particulates that may enter the interior of the greeting article and contaminate the delicate materials disposed therein. Where those delicate materials a facial tissues, the contaminates might cause irritation when the tissues are sued by a user.
- Thus, in accordance with one embodiment, a mailable greeting article comprises a body having a top panel and a plurality of surfaces defining a cavity. A removable portion is formed on the top panel to provide access to the cavity, and a cover is movably attached to the body of the article. At least one of the surfaces is configured to display a greeting thereon, and another of the surfaces defines a postage area and an address area thereon for mailing.
- Another aspect of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein includes the recognition that a mailable tissue box can be made sufficiently large to include a significant number of tissues and still fit in standard publicly accessible mailboxes around the world. More specifically, it has been found that the height of standard publicly accessible mail slots in the United States and many other countries is often limited to about 1¾ inches. Further, by providing the mailable tissue box with a thickness of at least ½ inch, the tissue box can be provided with at least about 15-20 tissues. Thus, if the thickness of the mailable tissue box is between about ½ and 1¾ inches, then it can hold about 15-100 tissues (depending on the type and size of the tissues) yet be easily mailable from publicly accessible mail slots around the world. Thus, in some embodiments, a tissue box is provided with a thickness of about ½ and 1¾ inches.
- By constructing the box to have a thickness of at least about ½″ provides another advantage. For example, if the thickness of a tissue container is less than about ½″, such as thicknesses in the range of about one-eight to about one-quarter of inch, it is substantially more difficult to construct the box out of folded cardboard; the most widely used and economical material for such an application. This is due to limitations of the currently available manufacturing machines used for folding cardboard into boxes having discreet side, top and bottom panels. Thus, a tissue box having a thickness in the range of about one-eight to about one-quarter of inch is practicable in a more two-dimensional configuration, i.e., folded into an envelope-type shape. However, the envelope configuration creates other drawbacks, for example, the outer edges of the envelope exert more pressure on the tissues contained therein than the central portions of the envelope. Thus, the more tissues are contained in such an envelope, the more difficult it is to withdraw the tissues therefrom.
- In accordance with another embodiment, a mailable greeting article is provided comprising a body having a top panel and a plurality of surfaces defining a cavity. Additionally, the article comprises a removable portion formed on said top panel to provide access to the cavity. A hook extends from the body of the article and has a cantilevered portion defining a slot. The hook is deformable and configured to support the body.
- In accordance with yet another embodiment, a mailable greeting article is provided comprising a body having a top panel on a plurality of surfaces defining a cavity. The article also comprises a removable portion formed on said top panel to provide access to the cavity and a cover movably attached to the body and extending from one of the surfaces. A bag is attached to the cover and has a compartment accessible through the cover, wherein the bag is movable between a folded and an unfolded configuration.
- In accordance with still another embodiment, a tissue box, comprises a body having a top panel and a plurality of surfaces defining a cavity. A plurality of tissues is disposed in the cavity. An aperture is formed on the top panel to provide access to the tissues in the cavity. A bag is attached to the body and is configured to be moveable between a folded and an unfolded configuration.
- In accordance with a further embodiment, a mailable greeting article is provided comprising a body having a top panel and a plurality of surfaces defining a cavity and a removable portion formed on said top panel to provide access to the cavity. The article also comprises a cover movably attached to the body and extending from one of the surfaces. A bag is attached to the cover and has a compartment accessible through the cover, wherein the bag is movable between a folded and an unfolded configuration. A hook extends from the cover and has a cantilevered portion defining a slot. The hook is deformable and configured to support the body. At least one of the surfaces is configured to display a greeting thereon, and another of the surfaces defines a postage area and an address area thereon for mailing.
-
FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a frame for a tissue box, in accordance with an embodiment, in an unfolded state. -
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a modification of the frame illustrated inFIG. 1 , in an unfolded state. -
FIG. 3 is a top, front and right side perspective view of a tissue box shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 , in an assembled configuration. -
FIG. 4 is a front and top perspective view of the tissue box illustrated inFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 5 is a front and bottom perspective view of the tissue box illustrated inFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 6 is a top and front perspective view of the tissue box shown inFIG. 4 , illustrating the loading of delicate material into the tissue box. -
FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a frame for a tissue box, in accordance with another embodiment. -
FIG. 8 is a top, front and side perspective view of the tissue box shown inFIG. 7 in an assembled configuration. -
FIG. 9 is a top, front and side perspective view of a modification of the tissue box in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 10 is a schematic view of another embodiment of a tissue box. -
FIG. 11 is a top, front and side perspective view of a modification of the tissue box illustrated inFIG. 10 . -
FIG. 12 is a side view of the tissue box illustrated inFIG. 11 . -
FIG. 13 is a top, side and front view of a modification of the tissue box illustrated inFIG. 11 , and having a hook. -
FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of the tissue box illustrated inFIG. 13 . -
FIG. 15 is a top, front and left side view of yet another modification of the tissue box illustrated inFIG. 11 . - In the following detailed description, terms of orientation such as “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “front,” “rear,” and “end” are used here to simplify the description of the context of the illustrated embodiments. Likewise, terms of sequence, such as “first” and “second,” are used to simplify the description of the illustrated embodiments. Because other orientations and sequences are possible, however, the present invention should not be limited to the illustrated orientation. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other orientations of the various components described above are possible.
-
FIGS. 1-6 illustrate atissue box 100. The various tissue boxes and greeting cards disclosed herein are described in the context of containers for storing facial tissues because they have particular utility in this context However, the boxes and greeting cards disclosed herein can also be used for containing any other type of material, including but without limitation, delicate materials, handkerchiefs, napkins, and the like. - With reference to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , thebox 100 can include aframe 2. Theframe 2 can be constructed from various materials, including but without limitation, paper, cardboard, corrugated cardboard, plastic, and/or appropriate like materials. The chosen material for constructing theframe 2 can be any substantially rigid but foldable material. It will be appreciated that, although denominated as rigid, the chosen material would preferably have a certain amount of flexibility. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , theframe 2 hasmultiple fold lines 12 a-e, 14 a-d, 16 a-d, 18 a-f which define various sections of theframe 2, as discussed further below. Thefold lines 12 a-e, 14 a-d, 16 a-d, and 18 a-f can be formed as perforations in theframe 2, i.e., broken cut lines passing partially or completely through the material forming the frame. In another embodiment, thefold lines 12 a-e, 14 a-d, 16 a-d, 18 a-f can be crushed portions of the material forming theframe 2. Of course, depending on the material used to construct theframe 2, thefold lines 12 a-e, 14 a-d, 16 a-d, 18 a-f can also be formed as mechanical hinges, thinned portions of theframe 2, or any other appropriate mechanical connection, which would allow various portions of theframe 2 to be folded or rotated with respect to each other. - The
frame 2 preferably has atop panel 20 defined by thefold lines 12 a-b, 14 a-b, wherein thetop panel 20 has a first length L1 and a first width W1. Preferably, thetop panel 20 has a generally rectangular shape. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that thetop panel 20 can have other suitable shapes, such as square, polygonal, round, oval, etc. - The
top panel 20 preferably has aremovable portion 22 formed thereon, wherein theremovable portion 22 is defined by aboundary line 24. In one preferred embodiment, theboundary line 24 is scored to facilitate the removal of theremovable portion 22 from thetop panel 20. - The
top panel 20 also preferably defines aflap 26 along an edge 26 a proximal thefold line 12. The edge 26 a can be cut using, for example, scissors to allow theflap 26 to move relative to thetop panel 20 and define an aperture 26 b (seeFIG. 3 ) through thetop panel 20. In one embodiment, the aperture 26 b is a rectangular through hole in the top pane. 20. - The
frame 2 also preferably has abottom panel 30 defined by fold lines 12 c-d, 14 c-d, wherein thebottom panel 30 has a second length L2 and a second width W2. Preferably, the second length L2 and second width W2 are equal to the first length L1 and first width W1, respectively, of thetop panel 20, so that the top andbottom panels bottom panel 30 preferably connects to thetop panel 20, as further discussed below. - The
frame 2 also preferably has afoldable cover portion 40. The foldable cover portion can be formed in any suitable manner, and from a single or multiple pieces. Additionally, thecover portion 40 can be shaped complimentary to theframe portion 2. For example, as noted above with respect to the shape of theframe portion 2, the cover portion can have any shape, such as, for example, but without limitation, rectangular, square; polygonal, round, oval, etc. Further, thecover portion 40 can be shaped to resemble other items such as a piano, a piano lid, a pair of lips, a laptop computer lid, etc. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
cover portion 40 includes afirst panel 42 and asecond panel 44, first andsecond panels fold line 19. In one embodiment, thefold line 19 is scored for the optional removal of thesecond panel 44. Thefirst panel 42 preferably has a third length L3 and a third width W3. Likewise, thesecond panel 44 preferably has a fourth length L4 and a fourth width W4. Preferably, the third and fourth lengths L3, L4 are equal to each other, and the third and fourth widths W3, W4 are equal to each other. Moreover, the third and fourth widths W3, W4 are preferably equal to the first width W1. In one embodiment, the third and fourth lengths L3, L4 can be equal to the first length L1. In another embodiment, the third and fourth lengths L3, L4 can be shorter than the first length L1. - As illustrated in
FIG. 1 , atab 46, which is defined by aboundary line 48, is formed on thesecond panel 44 adjacent thefold line 19. Theboundary line 48 can be cut with, for example, scissors to allow thetab 46 to move relative to thesecond panel 44, while remaining attached to thefirst panel 42. - The
bottom panel 30 connects to thetop panel 20 via afront side panel 50, wherein thefront side panel 50 is defined byfold lines 12 b-c, 16 a-b. Thefront side panel 50 preferably has a width along the fold lines 12 b-c equal to the first width W1 of thetop panel 20. Additionally, thefront side panel 50 preferably has a length L5 along the fold lines 16 a-b, which defines a thickness t′ of thetissue box 100 once it is assembled. In a preferred embodiment, the length L5 of thefront side panel 50 is in the range of between about 0.5 inch and about 1¾ inches. In another embodiment, the length L5 is between about ¾ inch and about 1½ inches. In still another embodiment, the length L5 is no more than about one inch. - Similarly, as shown in
FIG. 1 , thefoldable cover portion 40 connects to thebottom panel 30 via arear side panel 52 defined byfold lines 12 d-e, 16 c-d. Therear side panel 52 has a width along thefold line 12 d-e, which is preferably equal to the second width W2 of thebottom panel 30. Additionally, therear side panel 52 has a length L6 along the fold line 16. Preferably, the length L6 of therear side panel 52 is equal to the length L5 of the front side panel, which defines the thickness t′. - The
frame 2 also preferably has a firstleft side panel 60 and a firstright side panel 70 attached to thetop panel 20 along the fold lines 14 a, 14 b, respectively. Preferably, the first left andright side panels top panel 20. Additionally, the first left andright side panels - The first left and
right side panels front side panel 50, respectively, viafold lines 18 a, 18 c. In the illustrated embodiment, the left and right ends 50 a, 50 b of thefront side panel 50 preferably have a length equal to the length L5 of thefront side panel 50, and a width equal to the width of the first left andright side panels left side panel 60 to the left end 50 a can be cut, for example, with the use of scissors, to allow the firstleft side panel 60 to move freely relative to the left end 50 a of thefront side panel 50. Similarly, thefold line 18 c connecting the firstright side panel 70 to the right end 50 b of thefront side panel 50 can be cut to allow the firstright side panel 70 to move freely relative to the right end 50 b of thefront side panel 50. However, as discussed above, the fold lines 18 a, c can also be scored to facilitate the detachment of thefirst side panels front side panel 50, respectively. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , theframe 2 also has a secondleft side panel 62 and a secondright side panel 72 attached to thebottom panel 30 along the fold lines 18 e, 18 f, respectively, and to thetop panel 20 along fold lines 18 b, 18 d, respectively. Preferably, the length of the second left andright side panels bottom panel 30. Likewise, the width of the second left andright side panels rear side panel 52. - The second left and
right side panels left end 52 a and aright end 52 b of therear side panel 52, via fold lines 18 e, 18 f. In the illustrated embodiment, the left and right ends 52 a, 52 b of therear side panel 52 preferably have a length equal to the length L6 of therear side panel 52, and a width equal to the width of the second left andright side panels left side panel 62 to theleft end 52 a can be cut, for example, with the use of scissors, to allow the secondleft side panel 62 to move freely relative to theleft end 52 a of therear side panel 50. Similarly, the fold line 18 f connecting the secondright side panel 72 to theright end 52 b of therear side panel 52 can be cut to allow the secondright side panel 72 to move freely relative to theright end 52 b of therear side panel 52. - The
frame 2 also has a connectingside panel 80 attached to thetop panel 20 along the fold line 12 a, as shown inFIG. 1 . The connectingside panel 80 preferably has a width equal to the width W1 of thetop panel 20. Additionally, the connectingside panel 80 preferably has a length L7 equal to the length L6 of therear side panel 52. In another embodiment, the length L7 of the connectingside panel 80 is shorter than the length L6 of therear side panel 52. In the illustrated embodiment, the connectingside panel 80 has an edge 82 with tapered ends 84. In another embodiment, the edge 82 can have other configurations, such as curved or square. - As discussed above, the
frame 2 is preferably foldable along thefold lines 12 a-e, 14 a-d, 16 a-d, and 19, in order to assemble thetissue box 100, as shown inFIGS. 3 through 6 . In the illustrated embodiment, thesecond panel 44 of thefoldable cover portion 40 can be rotated onto thefirst panel 42, such that the first andsecond panels tab 46 can be cut or detached from thesecond panel 44 so that it extends from the edge defined by thefold line 19. In a preferred embodiment, the first andsecond panels - Any suitable adhesive can be used, such as glue and tape. Additionally, in some embodiments, the first and
second panels foldable cover portion 40 can display a greeting drawn or printed thereon. The greeting can include text or visual designs, and be two-dimensional or three-dimensional (e.g., a pop-up greeting). In another embodiment, the greeting can be adhered to the first andsecond panels panels tissue box 100 and are not limited to thepanels portion 40. - The first left and
right side panels top panel 20, preferably such that they extend generally perpendicular to thetop panel 20. As discussed above, the left and right ends 50 a, 50 b of thefront side panel 50 are preferably detached from the first left andright side panels - Similarly, the second left and
right side panels bottom panel 30, preferably so that they extend generally perpendicular to thebottom panel 30. The left and right ends 52 a, 52 b of therear side panel 52 are preferably detached from the second left andright side panels right side panels front side panel 50 along fold lines 18 b, d. - The
top side panel 20, as shown inFIG. 1 , is preferably folded along thefold line 12 b and rotated over thebottom panel 30, such that thetop panel 20 is substantially aligned with, and extends generally parallel to, thebottom panel 30. In said position, thefront side panel 50 is also folded along the fold lines 12 b-c so that it extends generally perpendicular to the top andbottom panels - The first left and
right side panels right side panels right side panels right side panels right side panels front side panel 50 are disposed between the top andbottom panels top panel 20 is rotated over thebottom panel 30. - The connecting
side panel 80 can be folded along the fold line 12 a and oriented generally perpendicular to thetop panel 20. Additionally, therear side panel 52 can be folded along the fold lines 12 d-e so that it extends generally normal to thebottom panel 20. Preferably, the connectingside panel 80 is fastened to therear side panel 52, with the left and right ends 52 a, 52 b of therear side panel 52 disposed in between the top andbottom panels - In the assembled configuration, such as that shown in
FIG. 3 , theframe 2 defines a compartment or cavity 86 (seeFIG. 4 ) between the top andbottom panels frame 2 can be assembled to form thetissue box 100, such as that shown inFIG. 3 . - In the illustrated embodiment, the
removable portion 22 has a generally rectangular shape. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that theremovable portion 22 can have any suitable shape, such as round, oval, square, or shapes resembling flowers, lips, a Rolodex™ card file, a heart, a nose, etc. In some embodiments, theframe 2 is manually assembled into thetissue box 100. In other embodiments, a machine (not shown) can be used to assemble theframe 2 into thetissue box 100. - As shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4 , thefoldable cover portion 40 can advantageously be removably fastened to thetop panel 20 by inserting thetab 46 in the aperture 26 b. Accordingly, thefoldable cover portion 40 substantially protects thetop panel 20 and theremovable portion 22 of thetissue box 100 during mailing. -
FIG. 2 illustrates a plan view of another embodiment of aframe 2′ for assembling atissue box 100′. Theframe 2′ illustrated inFIG. 2 is constructed similar to theframe 2 shown inFIG. 1 , except as noted below. Thus, the reference numerals used to designate the various components of theframe 2′ are identical to those used for identifying the corresponding components of theframe 2 inFIG. 1 , except that a “′” has been added to the reference numerals. - As shown on
FIG. 2 , the first left andright side panels 60′, 70′ have first projections 60 a, 70 a extending therefrom along fold lines 15 a, 15 b, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the first projections 60 a, 70 a extend along a length shorter than the first length L1′ of thetop panel 20′. The first projections 60 a, 70 a preferably have a generally trapezoidal configuration withangled edges 60 b, 70 b. However, in other embodiments, the first projections 60 a, 70 a can have other suitable shapes, such as rectangular. - Similarly, the second left and
right side panels 62′, 72′ have second projections 62 a, 72 a extending therefrom along the fold lines 15 c, 15 d, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the second projections 62 a, 72 a extend along a length substantially equal to the second length L2′ of thebottom panel 30′. The second projections 62 a, 72 a preferably have a generally rectangular configuration. However, in other embodiments, the second projections 62 a, 72 a can have other suitable shapes, such as trapezoidal. - The
bottom panel 30′ preferably has aleft flap 36 and aright flap 38 defined thereon along edges 36 a, 38 a adjacent the fold lines 14 c′, 14 d′, respectively. The edges 36 a, 38 a can be cut using, for example, scissors to allow theflaps bottom panel 30′ to define apertures (not shown) adjacent the fold lines 14 c′, d′. In one embodiment, the apertures in thebottom panel 30′ are similar to the aperture 26 b′ formed on thetop panel 20′, as previously discussed. The apertures on thebottom panel 30′ are preferably sized to receive the projections 60 a, 70 a extending from the first left andright side panels 60′, 70′. The angled edges 60 b, 70 b of the projections 60 a, 70 a preferably facilitate the insertion of the projections 60 a, 70 a into said apertures. - The
frame 2′ is assembled into thetissue box 100′ in a manner similar to that described above with respect to thetissue box 100, except as noted below. When thetop panel 20′ is folded onto thebottom panel 30′, such that thepanels 20′, 30′ are aligned generally parallel to each other, the projections 60 a, 70 a can be inserted into the apertures formed byflaps bottom panels 20′, 30′ (seeFIG. 4 ). - As can be seen from
FIG. 2 ,clearances 90 separate the left and right ends 50 a′, 50 b′ of thefront side panel 50′ from the first and second left andright side panels 60′, 70′, 62′, 72′. Likewise, theclearances 90 separate the left and right ends 52 a′, 52 b′ of therear side panel 52′ from the second left andright side panels 62′, 72′. Theclearances 90 provide gaps between the left and right ends 50 a′, 50 b′, 52 a′, 52 b′ of the front andrear side panels 50′, 52′ and the first and second left andright side panels 60′, 70′, 62′, 72′, such that when a user rotates theside panels 60′, 70′, 62′, 72′ about the fold lines 14 a′-d′, theside panels 60′, 70′, 62′, 72′ will rotate freely and not be impeded by the left and right ends 50 a′, 50 b′, 52 a′, 52 b′. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
frame 2′ can be folded to assemble thetissue box 100′, as shown inFIGS. 3-6 . In one embodiment, the projections 60 a, 70 a, 62 a, 72 a can advantageously provide further support to the assembledtissue box 100′. For example, when the second left andright side panels 62′, 72′ are folded generally perpendicular to thebottom panel 30′, the projections 62 a, 72 a can be folded and positioned generally perpendicular to thesecond side panels 62′, 72′ and fastened to thetop panel 20′. Therefore, the projections 62 a, 72 a can add further structural support to increase the rigidity of thetissue box 100′. - As discussed before, the
frame 2′ can, in one embodiment, be manually assembled into thetissue box 100′. In another embodiment, a machine (not shown) can be used to assemble theframe 2′ into thetissue box 100′. - With reference to
FIG. 4 , theremovable portion removable portion top panel bottom panels tissue box -
FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of thetissue box bottom panel address area 94 formed thereon. The postage andaddress areas 92, 94 can be designated by score lines, printed solid or broken lines, stitch lines, or the like. Accordingly, thetissue box - As shown on
FIG. 6 , thetissue box additional materials 200. However, the contents enclosed in thetissue box 100 need not be linear and can comprise other shapes such as oval, or square. In the illustrated embodiment, thetissue box 100 is packed withtissue paper 210; a delicate material. - A further advantage is achieved where the
tissue paper 210 is pre-loaded onto atray 220, which is then inserted into the cavity 86, 86′ between the top andbottom panels tray 220 has been inserted into the cavity 86, 86′, theright side panels linear material 200 in thetissue box tray 220 with a delicate material, such as tissue paper products 210 (e.g., tissues) the process of inserting the tissues into the box is simplified and can be performed at high speed with loading machines. - Without the
tray 220, delicate material is difficult to insert into a small cavity, such as the cavities 86, 86′. Thus, such a procedure would be performed manually. However, by pre-loading such delicate material into a tray, such as thetray 220, thetray 220 and any delicate material pre-loaded into thetray 220, can easily and quickly be inserted into another container, such as the cavities 86, 86′ quickly, and optionally, by existing machines. - With continued reference to
FIG. 6 , a method of forming the tissue box, such as theboxes frame frame tissue box material 200 is preferably pre-loaded into atray 220. Thetray 220 is then inserted into the cavity 86, 86′ of thetissue box right side panels linear material 200 in the cavity 86, 86′. - In some embodiments, the
tray 220 is manually inserted into the cavity 86, 86′ of thetissue box 100. In other embodiments, thetray 220 is automatically inserted into the cavity 86, 86′ of thetissue box 100 using a machine (not shown). In some embodiments, thetissue box -
FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of aframe 302 for atissue box 300. In the illustrated embodiment, theframe 302 is similar to theframe 2 illustrated inFIG. 1 , except as noted below. Thetissue box 300 can have any shape, thickness and can be configured to contain any number of delicate articles, including, but without limitation, tissues. - As shown on
FIG. 7 , theframe 302 includes atop panel 320 and abottom panel 330, first left andright side panels top panel 320, and second left andright side panels bottom panel 330, in a similar fashion to that discussed above forFIG. 1 . Additionally, theframe 302 has afront side panel 350, arear side panel 352, and a connectingpanel 380. Theframe 302 can be assembled into thetissue box 300 in the same manner as theframe 2 shown inFIG. 1 , alongfold lines 312 a-d, 314 a-d, 316 a-d, 318 a-f, except that theframe 302 does not have a corresponding foldable cover portion. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
frame 302 comprises ahook 390 extending from therear side panel 352. In some embodiments, thehook 390 is integral with therear side panel 352 and rotatable about afold line 398. In other embodiments, thehook 390 is attached to therear side panel 352 via, for example, an adhesive. - Preferably, the
hook 390 comprises a cantileveredportion 392 defining aslot 394 and at least oneslit 396 formed on the cantileveredportion 392. In the illustrated embodiment,multiple slits 396 are shown. - The
slits 396 advantageously allow the cantileveredportion 392 to deform to allow object of varying sizes into theslot 394. Preferably, theslits 396 extend a distance into thecantilever portion 392 to provide adequate flexibility, while maintaining the structural rigidity of thehook 390 sufficiently to support the entire weight of thearticle 300. - Preferably, the cantilevered
portion 392 can deform to allow thehook 390 to be fastened onto a variety of supports (not shown). For example, thehook 390 can be fastened to a head-rest of a car seat, or the dashboard of a car. In another example, thehook 390 can be fastened to door handles, drawer handles, baby strollers, make-up counters, and chairs. Thehook 390 can also be fastened to cup holders, such as those in automobiles, movie theaters, etc. Of course, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that thehook 390 can be fastened to a variety of other supports. - The
frame 302 illustrated inFIG. 7 can be assembled into thetissue box 300, as discussed above, and as shown inFIG. 8 . In the illustrated embodiment, theremovable portion 322 on thetop panel 320 of the tissue box extends along a plane P1 generally parallel to a plane P2 on which thehook 390 extends. Accordingly, when theremovable portion 322 is removed to allow access to the contents inside thecavity 386 between the top andbottom panels hook 390. As described above with respect toFIG. 3 , theremovable portion 322 has a second removable part 328 formed thereon and defined by a scored boundary 328 a to facilitate the removal of theremovable portion 322 and access to thecavity 386. - As discussed above, the
hook 390 is preferably deformable to allow fastening of thehook 390 to a variety of supports. Accordingly, the cantileveredportion 392 of thehook 390 can be deformed so as to extend at an angle to the plane P1 of thetop panel 320. Preferably, a thickness t″ of thetissue box 300 is between about ½ inch and about 1¾ inches. In another preferred embodiment, the thickness t″ of thetissue box 300 is preferably between about ¾ inch and about 1½ inches. In still another embodiment, the thickness t″ is preferably not greater than one inch. - As shown on
FIG. 9 , theframe 302 can have other dimensions so as to form antissue box 300′ having a different configuration, such as a cube, a cylinder, or a pyramid. In the illustrated embodiment, aremovable portion 322′ of atop panel 320′ extends along a plane P3 generally perpendicular to the plane P2 of thehook 390. Accordingly, when theremovable portion 322′ is removed to allow access to the contents in thecavity 386′, the contents can be removed in a direction generally parallel to the plane P2 of thehook 390. -
FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of atissue box 400. In the illustrated embodiment, acontainer 410 is attached to abag 480. In the illustrated embodiment, thecontainer 410 is a tissue box. - As shown on
FIG. 11 , thecontainer 410 of thetissue box 400 comprises atop panel 420 and abottom panel 430 opposite thetop panel 420. Thepanels cavity 456 therebetween. Thetop panel 420 has aremovable portion 422 defined by aboundary line 424, the removal of which provides access to the contents inside thecavity 456. - Similar to other embodiments discussed above, a second removable part 428 defined by boundary 428 a is formed on the
removable portion 422 to facilitate the removal of the removable portion 428. In the illustrated embodiment, acover 442 is attached to thecontainer 410, wherein thecover 442 has anopening 443 defined by aninner edge 444. Preferably, thecover 442 is made of a flexible material, as discussed above, and is movable relative to thecontainer 410. Preferably, theedge 44 is shaped to define atarget area 445. In one embodiment, thetarget area 445 can be in the shape of a basketball rim. In another embodiment, thetarget area 445 can be in the shape of a bull's-eye. However, thetarget area 445 can have any desired form. - The
bag 480 can be attached to thecover 442, such that anopen end 482 of thebag 480 is fastened to theedge 444 of thecover 442. Preferably, thebag 480 has anaperture 484 at theopen end 482 of thebag 480, which provides access through theopening 443 to a compartment (not shown) within thebag 480. - The
bag 480 also has abody 486 extending from theopen end 482 of the bag to a bottom orclosed end 488. Preferably, thebag 480 is movable between a folded and unfolded configuration. - The
bag 480 can be made out of any material. In some embodiments, thebag 480 can be made of a flexible but resilient material. In another embodiment, the bag can be made of plastic. However, thebag 480 can be made of any suitable material configured to contain moisture. - A further advantage is achieved wherein the
bag 480 is configured to provide a support configured to support thetissue box 400 in an upright orientation. In some embodiments, thebag 480 can be made of plain or waxed paper. Such paper bags are widely commercially available. Additionally, such bags are somewhat stiff when unfolded into an opened configuration. This stiffness can be sufficient to support a tissue box, such as thebox 400, in an upright orientation, as shown inFIGS. 11 and 12 . - As shown in
FIG. 12 , theopen end 482 of thebag 480 can be accessed through thecover 442, and thebag 480 can serve as a receptacle for, for example, trash, used tissues, and the like. In some embodiments, where thecontainer 410 is a tissue box, thebag 480 can be used to hold used tissues. In this embodiment, thetissue box 400 thus advantageously provides a source of tissues and a receptacle for storing used tissues. - As shown in
FIG. 11 , thecontainer 410 also defines aright side panel 460 having a thickness t′″. In one preferred embodiment, the thickness t′″ is between about ½ inch and 1¾ inches. In another preferred embodiment, the thickness t′″ is between about ¾ inch and about 1½ inch. In still another embodiment, the thickness t′″ is less than about one inch. Advantageously, thecover 442 can be folder over thebottom panel 430 of thecontainer 410, with thebag 480 in the folded position therebetween, to provide a collapsed configuration for thetissue box 400. In said collapsed configuration, the thickness of thetissue box 400 is generally equal to the thickness t′″. -
FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate another embodiment of atissue box 400′. The embodiment shown inFIGS. 13-14 is similar to the embodiment shown inFIGS. 11-12 , except as noted below. Thus, the reference numerals used to designate the various components of thetissue box 400′ are identical to those used for identifying the corresponding components of thetissue box 400 inFIGS. 11-12 , except that a “′” has been added to the reference numerals. - As shown in
FIG. 13 In the illustrated embodiment, ahook 490 extends from a top portion of acover 442′, allowing thetissue box 400′ to be hung from saidhook 490 when attached to a support, such as a handle as described above. As discussed previously, thehook 490 preferably has a cantileveredportion 492 that defines aslot 494 therebetween, and at least oneslit 496 formed on the cantilevered portion. In the illustrated embodiment, thecantilever portion 492 hasmultiple slits 496, which facilitate the deflection of thecantilever portion 492 to allow a support to enter theslot 494. As with other embodiments, at least one of the surfaces on thecover 442′ andcontainer 410′ can have a greeting or other design displayed thereon. -
FIG. 15 illustrates another embodiment of atissue box 400″. The illustrated embodiment is similar to the embodiment described above with respect toFIGS. 13-14 , except as noted below. Thus, the reference numerals used to designate the various components of thetissue box 400″ are identical to those used for identifying the corresponding components of thetissue box 400′ inFIGS. 13-14 , except that a “′” has been added to the reference numerals. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
top panel 420″ of thecontainer 410″ preferably has apostage area 498 and anaddress area 499. Accordingly, user can provide a delivery address on theaddress area 499 and affix a stamp on thepostage area 498 for mailing thetissue box 400″. As with any of the embodiments described above, any surface of thecover 442″ orcontainer 410″ can receive or carry a greeting or design thereon. - Of course, the foregoing description is that of certain features, aspects and advantages of the present invention to which various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Moreover, the tissue box may not feature all objects and advantages discussed above to use certain features, aspects and advantages of the present invention. Thus, for example, those skill in the art will recognize that the invention can be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or a group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. In addition, while a number of variations of the invention have been shown and described in detail, other modifications and methods of use, which are within the scope of this invention, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of these specific features and aspects of embodiments may be made and still following the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the discussed tissue box.
Claims (24)
1. A mailable greeting article, comprising:
a body having a top panel and a plurality of surfaces defining a cavity;
a removable portion formed on said top panel to provide access to the cavity; and
a cover movably attached to the body,
wherein at least one of the surfaces is configured to display a greeting thereon, and wherein another of the surfaces defines a postage area and an address area thereon for mailing.
2. The article of claim 1 , wherein the cover is solid and removably fastenable to the top panel to protect the top panel during mailing.
3. The article of claim 1 , wherein the body has a thickness in the range of between about ½ inch and 1¾ inches.
4. The article of claim 1 , wherein the body has a thickness of between about ¾ inch and 1½ inches.
5. The article of claim 1 , wherein the body has a thickness of no more than about 1½ inches.
6. The article of claim 1 , further comprising a tray removably insertable in the cavity, the tray configured to carry a linear material.
7. The article of claim 6 , wherein the linear material is tissue paper.
8. The article of claim 6 , wherein the tray is automatically fed into the cavity of the body during manufacture.
9. A mailable greeting article, comprising:
a body having a top panel and a plurality of surfaces defining a cavity;
a removable portion formed on said top panel to provide access to the cavity; and
a hook extending from the body and configured to support the body, the hook being deformable and having a cantilever portion defining a slot.
10. The article of claim 9 , wherein the cantilever portion has at least one slit configured to facilitate the deformation of the cantilever portion.
11. The article of claim 9 , wherein the hook extends along a plane generally parallel to the top panel.
12. The article of claim 9 , wherein the hook extends along a plane generally normal to the top panel.
13. A tissue box, comprising:
a body having a top panel and a plurality of surfaces defining a cavity;
a plurality of tissues disposed in the cavity;
an aperture formed on the top panel to provide access to the tissues in the cavity; and
a bag attached to the body and configured to be moveable between a folded and an unfolded configuration.
14. The tissue box of claim 13 , wherein the bag is configured to support the body in a generally upright position when in the unfolded configuration.
15. The tissue box of claim 13 additionally comprising a cover member pivotally connected to the body, wherein the bag is configured to be disposed between the cover and the body when in the folded configuration.
16. The tissue box of claim 15 , wherein the top panel is disposed opposite the cover when the cover is substantially adjacent the body and the bag is in the folded configuration.
17. The tissue box of claim 13 additionally comprising a cover member pivotally connected to the body, the cover member including a second aperture, the bag having a opening connected to the second aperture such that an interior of the bag can be accessed through the second aperture.
18. A mailable greeting article, comprising:
a body having a top panel and a plurality of surfaces defining a cavity;
a removable portion formed on said top panel to provide access to the cavity;
a cover movably attached to the body and extending from one of the surfaces;
a bag attached to the cover and having a compartment accessible through the cover, the bag moveable between a folded and unfolded configuration; and
a hook extending from the cover and configured to support the body, the hook being deformable and having a cantilever portion defining a slot.
19. The article of claim 18 , wherein the cantilever portion has at least one slit configured to facilitate the deformation of the cantilever portion.
20. A mailable greeting article, comprising:
a body having a top panel and a plurality of surfaces defining a cavity;
a removable portion formed on said top panel to provide access to the cavity;
a cover movably attached to the body and extending from one of the surfaces;
a bag attached to the cover and having a compartment accessible through the cover, the bag moveable between a folded and unfolded configuration; and
a hook extending from the cover and configured to support the body, the hook being deformable and having a cantilever portion defining a slot,
wherein at least one of the surfaces is configured to display a greeting thereon, and wherein another of the surfaces defines a postage area and an address area thereon for mailing.
21. The article of claim 20 , wherein the body has a thickness in the range of between about ½ inch and 1½ inches.
22. The article of claim 20 , wherein the body has a thickness of between about ¾ inch and 1¼ inches.
23. A tissue box comprising a box member enclosing a plurality of tissues on all sides, an opening disposed on a side of the box configured to allowing a user to extract a tissue from an interior of the box, and a tray member disposed inside the box, wherein the plurality of tissues are disposed in the tray.
24. A method for loading a mailable greeting article, comprising:
providing a body having a top panel and a plurality of surfaces defining a cavity, the cavity accessible through an open end of the body;
providing a tray pre-filled with linear material;
automatically inserting the tray into the cavity of the body through said open end; and
closing said open end to seal the cavity.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/121,526 US20060249563A1 (en) | 2005-05-04 | 2005-05-04 | Mailable greeting article |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/121,526 US20060249563A1 (en) | 2005-05-04 | 2005-05-04 | Mailable greeting article |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20060249563A1 true US20060249563A1 (en) | 2006-11-09 |
Family
ID=37393191
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/121,526 Abandoned US20060249563A1 (en) | 2005-05-04 | 2005-05-04 | Mailable greeting article |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20060249563A1 (en) |
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US20160207303A1 (en) * | 2014-09-26 | 2016-07-21 | John M. Nader | Systems and processes for producing products having cards attached thereto |
US9561681B2 (en) | 2014-02-10 | 2017-02-07 | Crayola, Llc | Foldable greeting card and tissue box cover |
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US20030098581A1 (en) * | 2001-11-19 | 2003-05-29 | Cundiff Meg M. | Mailable articles |
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US5096058A (en) * | 1990-11-13 | 1992-03-17 | Adi D. Juravin | Combined greeting card and candy holder |
US5232087A (en) * | 1992-09-21 | 1993-08-03 | Allen Schluger | Combination product transmittal package and greeting card |
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US5363986A (en) * | 1993-03-22 | 1994-11-15 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Packages for single-use folded towels which provide for unfolding of the towel upon removal from the package |
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US9561681B2 (en) | 2014-02-10 | 2017-02-07 | Crayola, Llc | Foldable greeting card and tissue box cover |
US20160207303A1 (en) * | 2014-09-26 | 2016-07-21 | John M. Nader | Systems and processes for producing products having cards attached thereto |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |