US20090235428A1

US20090235428A1 - Item Wrapping Assistance Device

Info

Publication number: US20090235428A1
Application number: US12/052,294
Authority: US
Inventors: Franklin Stebin Horne, III
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-03-20
Filing date: 2008-03-20
Publication date: 2009-09-24

Abstract

A device (100) for assisting a user in wrapping items, packages, or presents, in one embodiment, includes a layer of material (101) configured as a glove. The layer of material (101) can be a stretchable material configured to provide a contour fit about a user's hand. The glove can include various tools and devices coupled thereto, including a cutting tool (104), a ribbon-curling device (207), and a carrier (106) configured to hold and dispense adhesive tape. Additionally, a ribbon-dispensing device (610) can also be coupled. The glove can be manufactured from stretchy material configured to provide a contour fit to the user, and may include either full or partial finger portions (203). Graphical indicia, such as a visible pattern (611), can be applied to customize the device (100) in various ways.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field
This invention relates generally a device, such as a wearable device like a glove, and more specifically to a device having integrated components suitable for assisting a user in wrapping packages or items.
2. Background Art
For people other than the truly skilled, wrapping packages can be a difficult and time-consuming task. When one sets out to wrap a present for example, paper, tape, ribbon, cards, and so forth must all be gathered together. With these implements in place, the wrapping task remains daunting for many. First, paper must be properly measured, cut, and folded. While holding these folds in place, tape must be dispensed from a roll and applied in select locations. Minor errors in folding or taping can result in a gift having a less than stellar appearance.
Even if the user is able to get the paper properly around the gift, the task of creating a proper ribbon can be even more challenging. Knots must be tied while fingers hold the ribbon in place. Curls can be applied, but if not uniform can detract from the overall presentation. Often, people wrapping presents simply feel that they “do not have enough hands” to adequately complete the task.
Similar problems arise when wrapping packages for shipment through the mails. Paper must be cut and carefully applied. It must then be held in place with one hand, while dispensing and applying tape with the other hand. Where the person wrapping the package is not exceptionally talented at performing complex motor skills with both hands independently, the wrapping process can be compromised. Substandard wrapping can lead to bubbles and gaps in the wrapping that can snag and tear during shipment, thereby leaving the wrapped items vulnerable to potential damage.
There is thus a need for a device that assists a user in the complex procedure of wrapping items, including packages and presents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a device for assisting a user in wrapping packages in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a device for assisting a user in wrapping packages in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a ribbon-curling device in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a cutting tool in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a carrier configured to receive and dispense adhesive tape in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a device for assisting a user in wrapping packages in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates another alternate embodiment of a device for assisting a user in wrapping packages in accordance with the invention.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention are now described in detail. Referring to the drawings, like numbers indicate like parts throughout the views. As used in the description herein and throughout the claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise: the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.” Relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. Also, reference designators shown herein in parenthesis indicate components shown in a figure other than the one in discussion. For example, talking about a device (10) while discussing figure A would refer to an element, 10, shown in figure other than figure A.
Embodiments of the present invention include a device, such as a glove, for assisting a user in wrapping items, presents, or packages. In one embodiment, the device comprises a stretchable glove, with full or partial fingers, having several package wrapping tools incorporated therein. A cutting tool can be coupled to an edge palm section, a finger section, or other sections. A ribbon-curling device, which may consist of a blunt edge or edged member and receiver, can be coupled to a finger section, palm section or other section. A carrier, for receiving and dispensing adhesive tape, can be coupled to a rear palm section or other section. Other optional components, including a ribbon dispenser or carrier, or a measuring tool, can also be coupled to the device. In one embodiment, each of these tools is configured so as to be detachable for independent use, service, or replacement.
Embodiments of the present invention provide a convenient and streamlined device to assist a user with the wrapping process. Rather than having to spread out numerous implements across a table when wrapping a package, users of embodiments of the present invention have each of the necessary tools attached to a comfortable glove that fits easily over the user's hand. Embodiments of the present invention permit the user to hold materials such as wrapping paper with their fingers while having quick and easy access to cutting tools, adhesive tools, and ribbon-curling tools.
In one embodiment, the glove is manufactured with a polypropylene-ceramic material, which may have a therapeutic effect upon a wearer. As such, users of the present invention who have difficulty wrapping packages due to arthritic or other conditions will find the package wrapping process a more achievable task.
In some embodiments, the layer of material defining the glove can include patterns, logos, monograms, or other indicia. As such, embodiments of the present invention can be customized and tailored to specific brands or people.
Turning now to FIG. 1, illustrated therein is one embodiment of a device 100 for assisting a user in wrapping packages in accordance with the invention. The device 100 of FIG. 1 includes a layer of material 101 defining a glove. The glove includes a palm portion 102 and a plurality of finger portions 103. The layer of material 101, in one embodiment, is a stretch-type material such as elasticized cotton, elasticized nylon, elasticized polyester, or blends of commonly used, elasticized textile materials. Additionally, the layer of material 101 can be constructed from other materials such as neoprene, spandex, or Lycra.
In one embodiment, the layer of material 101 is a polypropylene-ceramic material, such as the nanotechnology textile materials manufactured by Prolotex™. According to the manufacturer, these polypropylene-ceramic fabrics provide pain-relieving, therapeutic effects to the wearer.
While a glove is one configuration for the layer of material 101, embodiments of the present invention are not so limited. It will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that the layer of material 101 can be made in other configurations as well, both wearable and non-wearable. For example, the layer of material 101 can be configured as a wristband. Alternatively, the layer of material 101 can be configured as a sleeve. In another embodiment, the layer of material can be configured as a lapel attachment that hangs from a user's chest and is readily accessible to the user's hands. Other configurations will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.
Coupled to the layer of material 101 are one or more tools useful in the wrapping process. Each of these tools can be placed in a variety of locations along the glove, as will be described herein with reference to the various drawings. Further, each of these tools can either be fixedly coupled to the glove or detachable.
Where the tools are fixedly coupled to the glove, the tools can be attached in one of a variety of ways. First, they can be sewn in to pockets that are incorporated into the layer of material 101. Second, they may be mechanically coupled to the layer of material 101 by way of latches or leaf springs that are inserted into slits in the layer of material. Other means of coupling may also be employed, including snaps, rivets, grommets, or other fastening means. Where the tools are detachable, they may be coupled to the layer of material 101 by way of hook and loop or other detachable fastening mechanisms. Other suitable coupling mechanisms will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.
As shown in FIG. 1, in one embodiment, a cutting tool 104 is coupled to the glove. The cutting tool 104 can be used for cutting wrapping paper, ribbon, and other sliceable media. While the cutting tool 104 can be placed in a variety of locations, in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 the cutting tool 104 is coupled to an edge palm section 105. In this configuration, the user simply rotates the palm such that it is generally orthogonal with a sliceable medium, such as wrapping or packing paper. The user then cuts the sliceable medium by moving either the hand across the sliceable medium or the sliceable medium across a blade disposed within the cutting tool 104.
Turning briefly to FIG. 4, illustrated therein is one embodiment of a cutting tool 104 suitable for use with embodiments of the present invention. As will be described with other embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 6, conventional cutting devices such as scissors can be used in some embodiments. Where the cutting tool 104 is disposed along the edge palm section (105), however, it can be advantageous to use cutting tools having safety mechanisms configured to prevent accidental cuts. While the cutting tool of FIG. 4 includes safety mechanisms, other configurations may also be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
The cutting tool 104 of FIG. 4 includes both a blade 401 and a guide member 402. The guide member 402, which in one embodiment is a leaf spring, has the blade 401 coupled thereto, such that the blade 401 projects distally from the guide member 402. Other configurations could also be used, including one where the guide member 402 is disposed and configured so as to oppose at least a portion of the blade 401.
In one embodiment, the guide member 402 is one component of a housing 403 encompassing the blade 401, and is manufactured from a plastic by way of an injection molding process. Alternatively, an insert molding process can be used to couple the blade 401 to the guide member 402 within the housing. The guide member 402 can also be manufactured from a springy metal.
In one embodiment, the blade 401 may intersect the guide member 402 such that the blade 401 projects downwardly into the housing from the guide member 402. Alternatively, the blade may sit in the housing 403 beneath the guide member such that the blade 401 slopes away from the guide member 402. Sliceable media 407 and other materials passed along the bottom of the guide member 402 intersect the blade 401 and can be cut.
The illustrative cutting tool 104 of FIG. 4 also includes guide rails 404,405. The guide rails 404,405, which are disposed substantially parallel with the blade 401 and opposite the guide member 402, work to prevent the blade 401 from accidentally contacting materials which the user does not intend to cut. For instance, in on embodiment, the blade 401 is disposed between the guide rails 404,405 so as to prevent objects from inadvertently contacting the blade 401 from a lateral angle. Further, the guide member 402 and guide rails 404,405 can be configured such that only objects having a thickness that is less than a predetermined threshold are able to pass between the guide member 402 and the guide rails 404,405. By way of example, the space 406 between the guide member 402 and the guide rails 404,405 can be configured such that only paper and other similar objects are able to pass therethrough. When a sliceable medium 407 is passed between the guide rails 404,405 and the guide member 402 so as to be drawn across the blade 401, the cutting tool 104 is configured to make a precise and effortless cutting action.
Turning now back to FIG. 1, in addition to the cutting tool 104, the device 100 also includes a carrier 106 configured to receive adhesive tape. As rolls of adhesive tape can be bulky, in one embodiment, the carrier 106 is configured to receive an accordion-type, W-stacked pad of superimposed adhesive tape strips. For ease of access, in one embodiment the carrier 106 is disposed along a rear palm section of the glove.
Turning now briefly to FIG. 5, illustrated therein is one embodiment of a carrier 106 in accordance with the invention. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5, the carrier 106 has a housing 501 that is manufactured from a plastic or similar material by way of an injection molding process. The housing 501 includes an internal retention chamber 502 that is configured to receive adhesive tape or adhesive tape packs.
To access the internal retention chamber 502, such that adhesive tape or adhesive tape packs can be inserted into the housing 501, in one embodiment the housing 501 includes a slidable member 503 disposed along a top portion 504 of the housing 501. The slidable member 503 is configured such that it can be opened by sliding the slidable member 503 laterally across the top portion 504 of the housing 501. When the slidable member 503 is opened, access is provided to the internal retention chamber 502 for replacement of adhesive tape or adhesive tape packs.
When the slidable member 503 is moved to a closed position, a longitudinally centralized opening 505 remains. Strips of adhesive tape 506 then protrude through the longitudinally centralized opening 505 for easy access to a user.
While the carrier 106 of FIG. 5 is designed primarily for W-stacked pads of superimposed adhesive tape strips, it will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that the invention is not so limited. Other types of carriers may also be used. For instance, rather than accommodating W-stacked pads of superimposed adhesive tape strips, the carrier 106 can also be configured to accommodate a horizontally mounted roll of conventional tape, as will be described in the embodiment of FIG. 7.
Turning now to FIG. 2, illustrated therein is an alternate embodiment of a device 200 for assisting a user in wrapping packages in accordance with the invention. While the device 200 of FIG. 2 differs in some respects from the device (100) of FIG. 1, note that the features of each are not mutually exclusive. Features from the device (200) of FIG. 2 can be substituted or added to those of FIG. 1, and vice versa.
The device 200 of FIG. 2, as with the device (100) of FIG. 1, is configured as a glove. However, in FIG. 2, the plurality of finger portions 203 each comprise partial finger portions. Some users may prefer the tactile feedback received by exposed fingers when wrapping packages. Additionally, some users may find it easier to make particular folds with bare fingers than with covered fingers. Where such desires exist, partial finger portions can be employed.
The device 200 of FIG. 2 includes some of the same components as the device (100) of FIG. 1. In particular, the device 200 includes both a carrier 206 and cutting tool 204. The carrier 206 and cutting tool 204 are disposed along the glove at locations similar to those shown in FIG. 1, although they could have been disposed in other areas.
The device 200 includes additional components as well. Specifically, in one embodiment, a ribbon-curling device 207 is coupled to the glove. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, the ribbon-curling device 207 is coupled between a thumb finger portion 208 and either the palm portion 201 or the forefinger portion 209. The ribbon-curling device 207 is configured, in one embodiment, to provide curl-inducing shearing forces on a length of ribbon (not shown) when the length of ribbon is clamed in the ribbon-curling device and drawn therethrough.
As many users who wrap gifts enjoy making their own ribbons, the ribbon-curling device 207 permits users to apply curls of varying degree to ribbon. Turning now to FIG. 3, illustrated therein is one embodiment of a ribbon-curling device 207 suitable for use with embodiments of the invention.
In its simplest form, the ribbon-curling device 207 consists of an edged member 301 suitable for applying the curl-inducing shearing forces to a piece of ribbon. The edged member 301 can be coupled to one of the finger portions of the glove or to the palm portion of the glove. As was shown in FIG. 2, the edged member 301 can be coupled to the thumb finger portion (208). In such a configuration, a section of ribbon can be clammed between the edged member 301 and the palm of the user's hand, and then the ribbon can be drawn across the edged member.
In another embodiment, the ribbon-curling device 207 comprises the edged member 301 and a corresponding receiver 302. The receiver 302 can be a flat, rigid plate, such as a plastic or metal plate. Additionally, the receiver may have a groove into which the edged member 301 sits when the edged member 301 and receiver 302 are clammed together.
When the edged member 301 is coupled to one of the finger portions of the glove, and the receiver 302 is coupled to an adjacent finger member or the palm portion of the glove, the user can clam the ribbon-curling components together across a piece of ribbon by pressing the finger portion having the edged member 301 coupled thereto against the finger portion or palm portion having the receiver 302 coupled thereto. The ribbon can then be drawn across the edged member 301 to produce a curl.
The components can be arranged in opposite fashion as well, of course, with the receiver 302 being coupled to the thumb finger portion and the edged member 301 begin coupled to another finger portion or the palm portion. Similarly, the ribbon-curling device 207 can be disposed between finger portions other than the thumb finger portion.
The use of a receiver 302 offers another advantage. Where only the edged member 301 is used, it can be beneficial to configure the edged member 301 with a blunt edge to prevent any possible user aggravation associated with a sharp edge. However, when a receiver 302 is used in conjunction with the edged member 301, the edged member 301 can be honed more sharply. Some users may prefer a sharper ribbon-curling edge when imparting curls in ribbon, and therefore may prefer devices having both the edged member and the receiver 302.
Turning now to FIG. 6, illustrated therein is another embodiment of a device 600 for assisting a user in wrapping a package or present in accordance with the invention. The device 600 of FIG. 6 illustrates some of the flexibility of design offered by the various embodiments.
As with FIGS. 1 and 2, the device 600 is configured as a glove. The device includes a cutting tool 604, a ribbon-curling device 207, and a carrier 206 for holding and dispensing adhesive tape. One difference between the device of FIG. 6 and the devices (100,200) of FIGS. 1 and 2 is in the cutting tool 604. While the cutting tool (204) in FIGS. 1 and 2 was disposed along a palm edge portion (205) of the glove, the cutting tool 604 of FIG. 6 is disposed between two of the finger portions 603 of the glove.
Another difference is in the design of the cutting tool 604. While the cutting tool (204) of FIGS. 1 and 2 included a guide member (402) and guide rails (404,405), the cutting tool 604 of FIG. 6 is that of a more conventional scissor type. Placing the cutting tool 604 between adjacent finger portions lends itself to scissor type cutting. However, cutting tools such as that shown in FIG. 4 may also be coupled to finger portions.
The device 600 of FIG. 6 also includes a ribbon-dispensing device 610 coupled to the glove. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the ribbon-dispensing device 610 includes a spool of ribbon that wraps around the palm portion 602 of the glove. A user may access ribbon by simply pulling the ribbon through an opening in the ribbon-dispensing device 610, thereby causing the ribbon to spool about the palm portion 602 and extend from the glove.
The device 600 also includes a visible pattern 611 disposed thereon. The visible pattern 611, which may be printed on the glove, woven into the layer of fabric, dyed into the glove, or otherwise incorporated into the layer of fabric, allows manufacturers to customize the device 600 in accordance with their trademarks or other logos. Similarly, groups or clubs could personalize the device 600 for use within their organizations or as give-away items. Further, individuals could obtain the device 600 in a particular color or with a particular pattern so as to match clothing that they typically wear. Additionally, monograms or other graphical indicia may be incorporated into the device 600 via the visible pattern 611.
Turning now to FIG. 7, illustrated therein is yet another embodiment of a device 700 for assisting a user in wrapping packages or gifts in accordance with the invention. As with previous embodiments, the device 700 of FIG. 7 includes a cutting tool 704, a ribbon-curling device 707, a carrier 706 for accommodating and dispensing adhesive tape, and a ribbon-dispensing device 710. Each of these components is configured slightly differently, however, again illustrating the flexibility of the device.
In FIG. 7, the cutting tool 704 is coupled to the device 700 between the thumb finger portion 709 and the palm portion 702. Additionally, the cutting tool 704 is configured as a traditional scissor tool, as the user may easily move the thumb finger portion 709 against the palm portion 702.
In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the ribbon-curling device 707 is coupled to one of the finger portions 703. In particular, both the edged member 301 and the receiver 302 are coupled to the same finger portion. As such, the user may clam the edged member 301 and the receiver 302 about a piece of ribbon by pinching with the index finger.
The carrier 706, rather than being configured for a W-stacked pad of superimposed adhesive tape strips, has been configured for a conventional spool of tape 714. Similarly, the ribbon-dispensing device 710 has been configured for a spool of ribbon 713. Both the spool of tape 714 and the spool of ribbon 713 are disposed horizontally across the rear palm portion of the glove.
The flexibility of the layer of material 701 can also be seen in FIG. 7. As noted above, in one embodiment the layer of material 701 is a stretchable material configured to provide a contour fit about a user's hand. The flexing 712 of the flexible material can be seen in FIG. 7.
A measuring device 715 can also be coupled to the glove. The measuring device 715 of FIG. 7 is coupled to one of the finger portions 703. The measuring device 715 can be used to measure both the size of packages and the amount of paper that should be left about the package so as to satisfactorily wrap the edges and ends. In one embodiment, the measuring device 715 can be printed along one of the finger portions 703. In another embodiment, the measuring device 715 can be a rigid or semi-rigid ruler that extends either from the palm portion 702 or one of the finger portions 703.
In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. Thus, while preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is clear that the invention is not so limited. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present invention. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims.

Claims

1. A device for assisting a user in wrapping items, comprising:

a layer of material defining a glove, the glove comprising a palm portion and a plurality of finger portions;

a cutting tool coupled to the glove; and

a carrier coupled to the glove and configured to receive adhesive tape.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of finger portions comprise partial finger portions.

3. The device of claim 1, further comprising a ribbon-curling device coupled to the glove.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the ribbon-curling device is configured to provide curl-inducing shearing forces on a length of ribbon when the length of ribbon is clamed in the ribbon-curling device and drawn therethrough.

5. The device of claim 3, wherein the ribbon-curling device comprises an edge, wherein the edge is coupled to one of the plurality of finger portions.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the ribbon-curling device further comprises a receiver, wherein the receiver is coupled to another of the plurality of finger portions.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein one of edge or the receiver is coupled to a thumb finger portion.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the palm portion comprises an edge palm section, wherein the cutting tool is disposed along the edge palm section.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the cutting tool is coupled to at least one of the plurality of finger portions.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the cutting tool comprises a blade and a guide member.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the guide member comprises a leaf spring member having at least a portion of the blade coupled thereto.

12. The device of claim 10, wherein the cutting tool further comprises a housing having guide rails disposed substantially parallel with the blade and opposite the guide member, wherein the blade is disposed between the guide rails.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the cutting tool is configured to cut a sliceable medium when the sliceable medium is passed between the guide rails and the guide member so as to be drawn across the blade.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein the palm portion comprises a rear palm section, wherein the carrier is disposed along the rear palm section.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein the carrier comprises a housing having an internal retention chamber configured to receive the adhesive tape, a top having a slidable member configured to be opened so as to provide access to the internal retention chamber, and a longitudinally centralized opening through the top.

16. The device of claim 15, further comprising an adhesive tape pack, wherein the adhesive tape pack comprises a W-stacked pad of superimposed adhesive tape strips.

17. The device of claim 1, further comprising a ribbon-dispensing device coupled to the glove.

18. The device of claim 1, wherein the material comprises a polypropylene-ceramic blend.

19. The device of claim 1, wherein the material comprises a visible pattern disposed thereon.

20. The device of claim 1, wherein the material comprises a stretchable material configured to provide a contour fit about a user's hand.