US20140027500A1

US20140027500A1 - Gift portfolio, box, and wrapping apparatus and method

Info

Publication number: US20140027500A1
Application number: US14/032,102
Authority: US
Inventors: Myla B. Thorn; Ashton J. Seliger; Michael S. Nebeker; Barton J. Seliger
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-12-22
Filing date: 2013-09-19
Publication date: 2014-01-30

Abstract

A gift containment system for gift cards provides a presentation appearing like gift boxes, books, portfolios, and the like used for other high value products, such as jewelry. With strength, durability, three full dimensions, colors, quality, and design options, it can receive decorations, ribbons, and bows, a to/from card, and the like. Requiring no assembly of components, a single, integrated system includes all parts and configures simply. The system may present a gift card, a debit card pre-loaded with a purchased value. Various alternative embodiments of containers are configured to fit in the same carded or bagged footprint on hangers such that their locations are arbitrarily interchangeable without altering spacing between hanger rods (e.g., pegs) on retail racks.

Description

RELATED CASES

This application: is a continuation in part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/369,229 filed Feb. 8, 2012 and entitled TUCK-AND-RETAIN, PRESENTATION PANEL APPARATUS AND METHOD; which is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/334,555 filed Dec. 22, 2011 and entitled GIFT BOXING AND PACKAGING APPARATUS AND METHOD; which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. The Field of the Invention
This invention relates to gift wrapping and packaging and, more particularly, to novel systems and methods for gift card containers.
2. The Background Art
Packaging is a multibillion dollar industry. Just as shipping of products is essential to the manufacture and distribution thereof, packaging is likewise an integral part of the distribution of goods.
Within packaging, the concept of gift packaging forms the basis for an entire industry within the packaging business. Gift packaging has various mechanisms including boxing, wrapping, bagging, and so forth. Nevertheless, a new type of gifting has given rise to a lack within the gift box or gift packaging industry. Gift cards are becoming a major portion of the gifting industry.
For example, individuals often desire to provide to a receiver a gift value that is selected by the giver. At the same time, the giver desires to represent to the receiver that some amount of thought and appreciation for the interest of the receiver have been considered. Thus, a gift card for a particular store may be given. In other instances, the gift is simply a gift of money and may be given as a gift card that operates as a debit card from a provider, such as one of the major credit card companies, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and so forth.
Presentation is important in sales. In gifting, if “it is the thought that counts,” then the presentation of the gift in an envelope, on a card, or the like seems to detract. Thus, is there any suitable way to present a gift card as a gift with a presentation as effective as that of any other gift?
Moreover, manufacturing, distributing, selling, assembling, and otherwise seeing some type of wrapping or gift presentation packaging through to the end consumer who is a giver of a gift card seems to involve many more questions and problems. It would be an advance in the art to provide a suitable gift box or other container that provides for the nature of gift cards or gifted debit cards, while also reflecting gift packaging of traditional gifts and while accommodating the realities of modern retail display, sales transactions, and so forth.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, in accordance with the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, a method and apparatus are disclosed in certain embodiments in accordance with the present invention as including a gift system including a folio, bag, or box. References herein to a box may be any of these alternatives wherever appropriate. A base with a lid that opens and closes forms a box having durable sides, floor, and lid, with proper securement, decoration, and the like. In certain embodiments, a gift box in accordance with the invention may be folded down to a packaging envelope (“envelope” meaning the overall volumetric and dimensional extent in all three dimensions) that is consistent with marketing of gift cards themselves.
For example, security in credit cards is an issue. No less so, gift cards, representing cash value, have become the subject of various fraudulent enterprises. As a result, stolen cards, fraudulent removal of card numbers, with subsequent theft of funds eventually applied to such cards, and so forth need to be avoided. Thus, retail packaging of gift cards on sealed, cardboard substrates has become more prevalent. Accordingly, gift cards are often presented now in a racking system that provides a certain standard size and shape for the cards.
Accordingly, in certain embodiments of an apparatus and method in accordance with the invention, a foldable gift box provides for a stowed or folded configuration of a box that has a completely manufactured and integrally connected set of components assembled but not erected, and therefore not finally “converted.” Thus, the box may be folded into a suitable presentation sized to fit within the spatial envelope available on the rack of a gift card sales display.
Meanwhile, the box may be opened and finally converted or erected, since all the parts are already formed and connected permanently to one another. Decisions and movements are minimized in order to provide a fold-up box that provides substantial size in all three dimensions, a suitable gifting presentation, and is configured to hold and present a gift card, gift debit card, or the like.
In certain embodiments an apparatus may be formed as a collapsible gift box comprising a base having a floor with walls, including front, back, and left and right side walls. Walls may be permanently secured thereto and foldable between a first, stowed, position substantially parallel to the floor and a second, deployed, position substantially orthogonal thereto.
A lid is foldable with respect to the walls between a first position parallel thereto, a second position extending away from the floor, and a third position substantially parallel to the floor, and adjacent and perpendicular to the walls. A closure extends from the edge of the lid and is foldable with respect to the lid between a first, open, position parallel to the lid and a second, closed, position substantially orthogonal to the lid. It may be secured to another wall of the walls, such as the front wall.
A panel, presenting the gift inside the box is folded to have an anchor flap, a tuck flap, and a deck between them. The deck is pivotable with respect to the anchor flap and the tuck flap. The anchor flap is typically permanently secured to an anchor wall (usually selected from either the front or back walls).
The tuck flap folds from a stowed position parallel to the floor to a deployed position substantially perpendicular to it. The walls, lid, and closure are best formed if integral, continuous, and contiguous with one another in the stowed and the deployed configurations. The walls, lid, and closure are also typically integral, continuous, and contiguous at all positions between the stowed and the deployed configurations.
The anchor flap is best made permanently secured in the stowed position to contact one of the front and back walls, and remains there the deployed position. It requires no further securement materials. The tuck flap is best positioned against the other of the front and back walls when folded into the deployed configuration.
Tabs connect the walls to the floor and to one another in the stowed configuration and the deployed configuration. In fact, the tabs maintain and force the relative positions of all walls in both the stowed and deployed configurations. Therefore, the anchor flap is sometimes permanently captured such that it moves in against one pair of the tabs in the deployed configuration. The tuck flap, meanwhile, is retained against the other pair of the tabs in the deployed configuration. This makes it so that one pair of the tabs is connected to draw the panel toward perpendicularity with the floor upon movement of the walls from the stowed configuration top the deployed configuration.
The tuck flap and the anchor flap are typically sized to incline the deck by extending different depths from the floor and along a height of the walls. A securement on the deck holds a gift (typically a gift card) secured to the deck.
Retail packaging is best formed as a transparent container with a hanger tag or header secured as a closure. The retail packaging also is well suited if matched to the dimensions of the packaging “envelope” (width, height, thickness) of the retail packaging for a gift card or other gift to be displayed in the same display, sold at the same time, and secured to the deck for gift giving.
A method for constructing a gift box may include providing a box, having walls, comprising a front wall, back wall, left wall, and right wall, and a floor, all permanently attached to one another in a first, stowed, configuration and a second, deployed configuration. A lid may be pivotably and permanently attached to the back wall to fold between a first position, proximate the floor and parallel thereto, corresponding to the first or stowed configuration. In a second position, the lid is parallel to the floor, spaced away from the floor by the walls. This corresponds to the deployed configuration of the box.
By providing another panel, one can form a deck, an anchor flap, and a tuck flap. The deck is usually made permanently integral with, and foldable with respect to, the anchor flap and tuck flap, from a single piece of material. The panel is secured to the box by securing the anchor flap permanently at, near, or against one of the walls, usually the front wall or back wall.
The deck can be extended parallel to the floor and the lid in the first (stowed) configuration. It and the tuck flap may be moved and folded with respect to one another to present the deck between the walls and spaced from the floor. This corresponds to the second or deployed configuration. Meanwhile, the anchor flap remains integral with the panel and the box. When folding the box into the first configuration, the panel remains integral thereto and contained entirely therein.
In one embodiment, the panel is provided as a monolithic sheet of material. A first fold defines the anchor flap and a hinge line, for pivoting of the anchor flap with respect to the deck. Making a second fold, defines the tuck flap and a tuck hinge line, for pivoting of the tuck flap with respect to the deck.
Securing the anchor flap to the back wall, enables securing the tabs, which act as folding-control tabs (extending from the ends of the side walls) to be secured at their opposite edges to the anchor flap, instead of to the back wall itself.
Sales displays permit displaying the box to a consumer at a point of purchase of gifts, such as gift cards, and even on the same, identical racks as the gift card packages. After selling the box to a consumer, and providing instructions for final conversion of the box, the consumer may erect the box without tools, without attaching or moving the walls independently from one another. Erecting the box does not require adding anything to the box not already integral to it. Erecting the box may be a reversible process from the deployed configuration to the stowed configuration without damaging the box.
Instructions may contain an instruction for erecting the box and closing the lid without separating the walls, floor, lid, or panel at their points of connection to one another. Rather, they describe changing the configuration of the box from the first position to the second position without tools, separation of hinging fold lines, or separation of components from securement to one another.
In some embodiments, a box apparatus may include a floor and walls (front, back, and left and right side walls), permanently secured to the floor. The walls are foldable with respect to the floor. A locking flap is also permanently secured to extend from, and fold with respect to, the front wall.
A lid is permanently connected directly to, and foldable with respect to, the back wall. The entire base structure is foldable between a first, stowed, configuration wherein the walls and lid are substantially parallel to the floor, and a second, deployed, configuration wherein the walls are substantially orthogonal to the floor.
The lid is foldable between a first lid position corresponding to the stowed position, an intermediate lid position, open and extending away from the floor, and a second position corresponding to the deployed configuration, wherein the lid is substantially parallel to and opposite the floor, and sitting on top of the walls, that is, adjacent and perpendicular to the walls;
A panel may be included, and folded to create an anchor flap, a tuck flap, and a deck therebetween. The deck is thus pivotable with respect to the anchor flap and the tuck flap. The panel may have the anchor flap permanently secured to at least one of the front wall and the locking flap, preferably the locking flap. In this embodiment, the tuck flap is foldable from a first position parallel to the floor to a second position substantially perpendicular to it.
Tabs pivotably connect the walls to one another. As all components, they may be formed of a cardboard, pasteboard, plastic, or the like that is stiff, or even rigid. This may be covered with a decorative material, thinner and flexible, to make the stiff components foldable with respect to one another. The tabs have substantially rigid portions, connected by hinge lines or fold lines at all connections. Thus, the tabs force all the walls to move simultaneously between the stowed and deployed configurations.
The locking flap is typically permanently and foldably secured to the anchor flap so it draws the anchor flap toward the floor in the deployed configuration. The deck is typically permanently secured to (or is a part of the same sheet of material as) the anchor flap, and thereby is connected to the locking flap, in the stowed and deployed configurations. The front edge of the deck is secured by the anchor flap (connected to it) near the floor and away from the lid in the deployed configuration. The rear edge of the deck is positioned by the tuck flap (connecting to it) away from the floor and near the lid in the deployed configuration.
Usually, the walls, lid, and closure are best formed to be integral, continuous, and contiguous with one another in the stowed and the deployed configurations, and at all positions between the stowed and the deployed configurations.
The anchor flap is permanently secured in the stowed position to move into contact with one of the front and back walls (usually the front) in the deployed position without any further securement materials therebetween. The tuck flap is positioned against the other of the front and back walls (usually the back) in the deployed configuration.
Tabs are typically configured in two pairs, connecting the walls to one another in the stowed configuration and the deployed configuration. The anchor flap is permanently captured by the tabs, and therefore drawn against one pair of the tabs (usually at the front wall) in the deployed configuration. The tuck flap is folded and tucked, being retained by friction against the other pair of the tabs (usually at the back wall) in the deployed configuration.
One (e.g., the front) pair of the tabs is connected to draw the panel toward perpendicularity with the floor upon movement of the walls from the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration. The tuck flap may then be folded and tucked. The anchor flap are sized to incline the deck by extending different depths from the floor to the deck. A securement positioned on the deck, which is thereby angled orr canted to be lower at the front, holds a gift securely to the deck.
Retail packaging may include a container, such as a transparent bag having a header secured to the top as a hanger for racking in a display rack. This entire retail package may be sized to match the retail packaging of a gift, such as a gift card, having its own security containment system and markings displayed. A gift card may even be pre-mounted on the deck and have the box system be its retail packaging. Otherwise, the box and the gift card may have retail packaging matching the same envelope (i.e., height, width, thickness) of containment. If the gift is a gift card, it may be secured to the deck and positioned to be visible through the container (e.g., bag) to a prospective purchaser at the point of purchase.
In one embodiment, a method provides a box, having a floor and walls, each substantially rigid, with the floor and walls all permanently and hingedly connected to one another. A locking flap is provided, extending between a first edge and a second edge. The first edge is hingedly and permanently connected to pivot about the front wall. It has a neutral position, where the second edge is outside the side walls, and a locking position, where the second edge extends between the side walls and runs along the front wall, near the wall and near (or even against) the floor. The box is positionable in a first, stowed, configuration and a second, deployed configuration, without adding parts, subtracting parts, without tools, without cutting, without adding fasteners or components, or the like.
A lid and the walls fold between a first position, at or near the floor and parallel to it (corresponding to the first configuration, stowed), and a second position (corresponding to the deployed configuration), where the walls are substantially perpendicular to the floor and the lid is parallel to the floor, spaced away from the floor by the walls.
The panel has a deck, anchor flap, and tuck flap. These are permanently and integrally secured to be hinged, or foldable. The panel is secured to the box by securing the anchor flap permanently to a wall, such as the back wall, or to a front wall or front locking flap.
Extending the panel parallel to the floor and the lid in the first configuration may hide the deck under the lid and over the folded down walls. When deployed, the lid is spaced from the floor by the walls perpendicular to both. The anchor flap remains integral with the panel and the box, secured to the locking flap, at all times.
At the point of sale, with the box in a transparent retail package (e.g., bag with a hanger) the lid may be positioned in one of two alternative first configurations available. The first alternative first configuration positions the panel under the lid, presenting the lid and the locking flap as representative of the decorative look, design, and color of the box.
The second alternative first configuration positions the panel outside the lid, thus showing the locking flap as representative of the box. In this configuration, the deck and tuck flap extend upward in the packaging to render the deck, its contents, or both visible to a prospective purchaser at the point of purchase. Thus, a gift card may be attached and displayed directly on the deck in the package.
It should be understood that the deck is movable, from this latter configuration, to move with the tuck flap from underneath the lid. After folding the lid back, out of the way, a user may place the deck between the side walls, spaced from the floor, in the second configuration. The anchor flap remains integral with the panel and the box while folding the box into the first configuration and into the second configuration. The box may be reversibly folded between these two configurations repeatedly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a box, in accordance with the invention, almost completely converted, and in a configuration to receive a gift card displayed therein;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the box in FIG. 1 with the lid in a closed position;

FIG. 3 is a top plan of the view of box of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan of the view of the box of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a right side elevation view thereof;

FIG. 6 is a left side elevation view thereof;

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view thereof;

FIG. 8 is a rear elevation view thereof;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a retail packaged box in accordance with the invention, folded up in a stowed position suitable for storage, transport, and sale display;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the box of FIG. 1 in a substantially folded position, or stowed position, slightly open in order to show the arrangement of the components thereof;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the box of FIGS. 1-10, with the box in an open position intermediate the stowed position and the fully converted or fully erected position;

FIG. 12 is a further perspective view of an almost complete conversion configuration thereof;

FIG. 13 is an almost completely converted or erected configuration, with the lid still open and the front wall not snugged into place;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a racking system for presenting for sale gift cards and box for use thereof made in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 15 is a schematic block diagram of a process for making, distributing, and selling boxes in accordance with the invention, along with gift cards that may be presented therein; and

FIG. 16 is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of a method of using the gift card boxes in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 17 is a frontal perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an apparatus as a box in a partially unfolded, and unfolding configuration, transitioning between the stowed position and an open position, showing one arrangement of the components thereof;

FIG. 18 is a frontal perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 17, in an almost fully erected configuration (e.g., “assembly” or “conversion” by user) with the box in an open position intermediate the stowed position and the fully converted or fully erected position;

FIG. 19 is a further frontal perspective view thereof, with the gift card installed therein, and ready for closure, with the lid still open and the front wall not snugged into place;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the bottom of an apparatus in accordance with the invention, illustrating the position with the apparatus and the fully configured or erected position, and the ribbon oriented or configured just prior to sealing with adhesive against itself;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 20, this time from the fully closed, configured, concealed configuration;

FIG. 22 is a closed, front elevation view of an apparatus in accordance with the invention, configured as a folio, in a closed configuration;

FIG. 23 a is an open, front elevation view of the system of FIG. 22, in an open configuration, illustrating the interior surfaces thereof;

FIG. 23 b is an open front elevation view of the apparatus or folio of FIGS. 22 and 23 a, fully open and having the gift card secured therein;

FIG. 24 is a frontal perspective view thereof, partially open;

FIG. 25 is a rear perspective view thereof, partially open;

FIG. 26 is a front elevation view of a system 10 in accordance with the invention, this one closed and configured in a horizontal folio arrangement;

FIG. 27 a is a front elevation view thereof fully open and absent a gift card in place;

FIG. 27 b is a front elevation view of an alternative embodiment thereof, an open configuration, with the gift card in place;

FIG. 27 c is a front elevation view thereof in an alternative configuration, with the gift card in place, covering the majority of the decorative ribbon inside the cover thereof;

FIG. 28 a is a front perspective view thereof in a partially open configuration, as seen on a horizontal supporting surface;

FIG. 28 b is a rear perspective view thereof;

FIG. 28 c is a rear perspective view of the alternative embodiment of FIG. 27 c partially open;

FIG. 29 is an exploded view illustrating the construction of the system 10, configured as a folio configuration;

FIG. 30 is a frontal perspective view of a system configured as a bag structure, in a partially open, partially closed configuration;

FIG. 31 is a frontal perspective view thereof in an open configuration; and

FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram of a rack type of display offering various gift cards with apparatus in accordance with the invention in its various embodiments, configured to fit in the same available footprint.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the drawings herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the system and method of the present invention, as represented in the drawings, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of various embodiments of the invention. The illustrated embodiments of the invention will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout.
Referring to FIG. 1 specifically, and FIGS. 1-14 generally, an apparatus 10 or system 10 for implementing the present invention may include a new box 10 suitable for folding up to a closed configuration or stowed position in order to be shipped, stored, displayed, and sold but which can be constructed, converted, or erected without a need to glue, tape, or otherwise fasten together the basic components. That is, all of the components are fastened together at the time of manufacture such that the entire box 10 may be finally converted by simply moving components or changing their relative positions in order to move the box 10 from a folded up and stowable position to a fully constructed and deployed position.
In the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 1-14, while continuing to refer specifically to FIGS. 1-10, an apparatus 10 or box 10 may include a base 12 or a base portion 12. The base 12 may be thought of as the eventual open box 12 that forms a part of the overall box 10. For example, to the base 12 is secured a lid 14. The lid 14 may be considered to include a flap 16, or the flap 16 may be considered its own component 16 in addition to the lid 14. By either notation, a lid 14 closes on the open top of a base 12 to form the entire closed box 10.
In certain embodiments, a seal 18 may be positioned between the flap 16 and the base 12 in order to seal the flap 16 to the base 12. As illustrated, the seal 18 is secured to the base 12. Nevertheless, the seal 18 could as easily be secured to the flap 16 in order that the flap 16 may seal upon contact with the base 12.
Typically, a seal 18 may involve a strip of adhesive, which may or may not be positioned on a substrate. In one embodiment, a double-sided adhesive strip may include adhesive product on both sides of a substrate. Thus, upon exposure of one side of the substrate to either the flap 16 or the base 12, that side's adhesive portion will glue or adhere the substrate in place.
An alternative embodiment may rely on magnets to secure the front wall as a seal. Two magnets, or a magnet and iron plate, may be mounted internally or externally to operate as a lock to hold the base 12 in a converted shape.
On the opposite side of the substrate, with the remaining adhesive material, a protective strip may be deployed such that adhesive will not adhere to any other portion of the box 10, including the base 12, the lid 14, or any other portion. Thus, the seal 18 may be positioned during manufacture in order to be used upon removal of the protective strip on the exposed adhesive of the seal 18.
In certain embodiments, a box 10 may be provided with a panel 20 within the base 12 to fit as a presentation panel 20 presenting the gift, typically a gift card or gift debit card 50 as described hereinafter. The panel 20 may actually be constructed to have several different portions. Some portions are secured to the base 12, others to be folded to cover the opening in the base 12. Still others are designed to be tucked in to provide stability and stiffening for the base 12 as an open box before sealing by the lid 14, flap 16, and seal 18 against the base 12.
The box 10 may include decoration 22 of various types. More than one decorative element 22 may be included. For example, the entire outer covering of the box 10 may include a material selected for its decorative qualities. A design, embossing, color, wrap, or the like, or any combination thereof may be included as a decorative element 22 of the box 10.
By the same token, a decoration 22 or decorative element 22 may include a ribbon 22, a bow 100, both, another bauble, attachment, fixture, three-dimensional object, toy, or the like. Thus, whether flowers, pictures, constructions, three-dimensional objects, or the like, decoration elements 22 may be added to the box 10 in any appropriate location. In the illustrated embodiments, a decoration 22 may typically be visible outside the lid 14 as a key portion of a decorative presentation of the box 10. A gift tag 23 (e.g., to/from tag 23) may be included with the box 10, with the decoration 22, or otherwise.
In certain contemplated embodiments, the box 10 may be provided with walls 24 pivotably connected to hinge with respect to a floor 26 of the box 10 and each other. That is, the floor 26 forms the bottom 26 of the base 12 and the box 10. The walls 24 in a deployed position fold up substantially parallel against the floor 26. Meanwhile, each of the walls 24 is attached to the floor 26 by a contiguous connection 30 (hinge 30), such as a covering over a cardboard inner structure or the like.
Also, tabs 28 connect the walls 24 to one another in a manner to register the walls 24 with one another. The walls include walls 24 a, 24 b, 24 c, and 24 d. Thus, in general, to speak of a wall 24 is to speak of any or all of the walls 24 a-24 d. Herein, a trailing reference letter after a reference numeral simply reflects a specific instance of the item that is identified by the reference numeral. Thus, it is to be understood herein that a reference numeral refers to any of a particular type of component, while a reference numeral followed by a reference letter will identify a specific instance thereof.
The operation of the tabs 28 to push and pull the respective walls 24 with respect to one another between a stowed (folded up) and a standing, deployed, fully constructed, or fully converted condition can be understood by reference to the Figures. Also, U.S. Pat. No. 7,481,355 B2, issued Jan. 27, 2009 to Vanessa Hui and directed to foldable boxes, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and provides descriptions of various construction details for foldable boxes, any one of which may be used in whole or in part to form structural elements of the box 10 in accordance with the invention.
Associated with the securement of the walls 24 to the floor 26 is a series of additional folds 30, which may be thought of as fold lines 30 or hinges 30. For example, a front hinge 30 a and a back hinge 30 b secure the walls 24 a 24 b respectively to the floor 26. Similarly, a hinge 30 c or fold line 30 c connects the lid 14 to the back wall 24 b of the base 12. Similarly, a hinge 30 d or fold line 30 d connects the main expanse of the lid 14 to the flap 16 in order that the flap 16 may pivot with respect to the lid 14 in order to effect closure. Similarly, the flap 16 may move with respect to the lid 14 in order to orient the components of the box 10 in a stowed position or a deployed position in accordance with the invention.
The panel 20 may include an anchor flap 32. The anchor flap 32 may simply be an extension of the material of the panel 20, just as a tuck flap 34 may represent an opposite extension region of the panel 20. In general, the anchor flap 32 may be hinged at a fold line 36 a, while the tuck flap 34 is anchored to the panel 20 at a fold line 36 b.
In general, the panel 20 may include the entirety of the flaps 32, 34 along with the deck 40 therebetween. The deck 40 may have a securement 38, which may be analogous or identical to the seal 18 that seals the flap 16 to the base 12. In certain embodiments, the securement 38 may secure a gift card 50 to the deck 40 for presentation in the box 10.
In the illustrated embodiments, the anchor flap 32 is secured to the base 12. The anchor flap 32 may be secured to or near the front wall 24 a or the back wall 24 b. The operation will be significantly different.
In the illustrated embodiment, an anchor flap 32 or anchor flap portion 32 of the panel 20 is secured to the back wall 24 b of the base 12 of the box 10. In this position, the panel 20 extends along the lid 14. By folding the anchor flap 32 or anchor flap portion 32 of the panel 20 along the anchor fold line 36 a, the deck 40 is moved away from the lid 14 and toward the floor 26 of the base 12.
Similarly, by folding the tuck flap 34 along the tuck fold line 36 b or the tuck hinge 36 b, the tuck flap 34 may be folded to be inserted parallel to the front wall 24 a. In certain embodiments, the tuck flap 34 may be folded at the tuck fold line 36 b upward or downward. If tucked downward, then the tuck flap 34 tends to stand the deck 40 slightly off the floor 26. The distance corresponds to the height of the tuck flap 34. If the tuck flap 34 is folded upward along the tuck fold line 36 b, then it may be advisable to provide some securement mechanism to hold the tuck flap 34 in position against the front wall 24 a in the converted configuration.
If the tuck flap 34 is instead folded upward along the tuck fold line 36 b, then the tuck flap 34 drives the deck 40 at the front of the base 12 toward the floor 26, thus accentuating the incline of the deck 40 upward toward the rear wall 24 b. If the tuck flap 34 is folded downward with respect to the deck 40, then the walls 24 will hold the panel 20 in place.
Meanwhile, the anchor flap 32 and the tuck flap 34 define, by their dimensions, the inclination of the deck 40 presenting a gift card 50 or other gift in the box 10.
Referring to FIG. 2, the box 10 may be seen in a fully converted and closed configuration. In this configuration, the walls 24 are completely converted and positioned orthogonally with respect to the floor 26 and the lid 14. Meanwhile, the flap 16 has been secured to the front wall 24 a by the seal 18 therebetween. The seal 18 may be formed of any suitable fastener, including adhesive, various types of tape, glue, hook-and-loop fasteners, magnets, a magnet and plate, a tie such as a ribbon or the like, a combination thereof, and so forth.
Referring to FIG. 3, one can see that the deck 40 presents a securement 38 for adhering a gift card 50 thereto. Meanwhile, the base 12 is not quite an entirely converted configuration in that the walls 24 are not all vertical. In the illustration, one may see the tabs 28 that connect the walls 24. Tabs 28 secure to some at the ends thereof and others on a face, where the tabs 28 (triangles 28) are angled at a 45 degree angle from a corner. This is done in order that the walls 24 may all be laid flat. The tabs 28, during folding down, push the walls 24 apart from one another in order that some walls fold inward and others fold outward to form a flat arrangement of the walls 24, parallel to the floor 26. Likewise, the tabs 28 are in a position to draw the walls 24 together, thus orienting the walls perpendicularly (i.e., orthogonally) to the floor 26 with their own ends snugged up against one another.
Referring to FIG. 4, the bottom plan view of the box 10 shows orientation of the floor 26 and lid 16, as well as the closing flap 16, with the box 10 in an open but almost completely erected or fully converted configuration, ready to receive a gift card 50.
Referring to FIGS. 5-8, the views of the box 10 show the almost completely converted box 10 with the tabs 28 drawing the walls 24 together. Meanwhile, the lid 14 and flap 16 are in an open position, ready to be closed in over the base 12 after the gift card 50 has been positioned on the deck 40 in a suitable presentation.
Referring to FIGS. 9-10, the box 10 is presented in a retail package 52 that presents the color scheme of the box 10 to a prospective purchaser. For example, a header 54 or tag 54 may be provided with an aperture 56 suitable to fit on a hanging rack for presentation. Meanwhile, a bag 58 secured to the header 54 or hang tag 54 may be formed of a clear or transparent material in order to present directly the color and decoration scheme of the box 10.
In the illustrated embodiments, the bag 58 or container 58 may be sized to maintain the box 10 collapsed in a stowed position or stowed configuration. Typically, the thicknesses of the box 10 overall, when in the stowed position, is a matter of several thickness of the material of which the box 10 is manufactured. In the illustrated embodiments, the box 10 may be seen through the container 58 or bag 58 in order that the designs, colors, and so forth characteristic of the box 10 may be viewed by a user or prospective purchaser.
Referring to FIG. 10, the box 10 is illustrated slightly open but substantially in the configuration of the stowed position as it will be contained in the bag 58 of the retail packaging 52. The walls 24 may be seen as they are laid flat with the tabs 28, against the floor 26 of the base 12.
Referring to FIGS. 11-13, while continuing to refer generally to FIGS. 1-14, a box 10 in accordance with the invention may be removed from the retail package 52 in order to be converted or finally configured. In the illustrated embodiment, the front wall 24 a may be folded out away from the floor 26 while the back wall 24 b is folded out from the floor 24. These components are effectively where they need to be in order for the side walls 24 c, 24 d to be drawn apart. Meanwhile, the lid 14 has been opened along its fold line 30 c in order to expose and position the deck 40 in the proper location for conversion into the interior of the base 12 of the box 10, captured by the walls 24 surrounding it.
Referring to FIG. 13, the deck 40, once the tuck flap 34 has contacted the floor 26 of the box 10, will be in its final position. The height of the tuck flap 34 will determine the angle of incline of the deck 40. Thus, a shorter tuck flap 34 provides a presentation with a steeper incline of the deck 40.
Once the box 10 is fully converted, the gift card 50 may be secured to the securement 38, the lid 14 closed over the top, and the flap 16 secured by the seal 18 against the front wall 24 a. The folding of the flap 16 over the front wall 24 a provides securement of the front wall 24 a and back wall 24 b to one another, thus ensuring a rigid and strong constitution for the box 10 in the closed configuration. Accordingly, upon closure of the box 10 from the configuration of FIG. 3 to the configuration of FIG. 2, the box 10 is appropriate for gift giving.
Referring to FIG. 14, a retail package 52 may be set up to display with conventional gift card packages 60, including security-carded cards. These latter cards may be enclosed in a sealed package 60 showing little of the card, such as a bar code, or only an image of a gift card 50. Tamper evident sealants completely enclosing all boundaries may prevent or resist unauthorized access. Security in gift cards is the subject of much attention from thieves and card issuers alike. In other instances, the gift card package 60 may simply be a card, container, or the like to which is mounted a gift card 50 that can be activated at a cash register upon checkout.
In the illustrated embodiment, a display 62 includes racks 64 comprising rows and columns of pegs 66, suitable for supporting products hanging therefrom. One configuration of the box 10 in accordance with the invention assures that the entire package 52 fits within the same “envelope” (where “envelope” is used in the sense of the set of three physical dimensions) of a gift card package 60.
The thickness of the retail package 52, or the folded box 10 in the container 58 of the retail packaging 52, may be thicker than the dimension required of gift card packaging 60. Nevertheless, the area, as well as the height and width of the retail package 52, correspond to those of the package 60.
Accordingly, the retail packages 52 containing the gift card boxes 10 in accordance with the invention may be interspersed on alternate columns, may be placed in certain columns, or on certain rows, or may be interspersed with the gift card packages 60. Various configurations are illustrated.
Alternatively, areas or regions of the rack 64 may be devoted to a particular brand of gift card 50, designated by the issuer who will honor the charges made against the gift card 50. Likewise, regions of the rack 64 may be devoted to particular designs, groups of designs, selections of an assortment of designs, and the like for the boxes 10 in accordance with the invention.
A user may select a gift card 50 first, and then select a particular box 10 having a suitable design. On the other hand, a user may instead select the box 10 for suitability for an occasion and then select the gift card 50. In certain configurations, as mentioned already, the gift card 50 and the box 10 may already be configured together, permitting selection of a box 10 of suitable design, which will already be provided with a gift card 50. This may be particularly appropriate where the issuer of the gift card 50 is a credit card company or the like.
For example, gift cards 50 are issued by merchants. A gift card issued by a specific merchant is redeemable only with that merchant, because that merchant is paid at the time that the gift card 50 is purchased. Therefore, no other merchant or financial institution can recognize the gift card 50. In contrast, a credit card issuing company such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or the like may issue a gift card 50 that is accepted by most merchants.
Referring to FIG. 15, while continuing to refer generally to FIGS. 1-14, a process 70 in accordance with the invention may begin with creating 71 components for a box 10. The components may then be assembled 72 into a box 10 or a system 10 as described hereinabove or hereinbelow. At the point of manufacture, “constructed” or “assembled” means the fabrication and fastening together of all the components that will make up the system 10. Thus, the complete system 10 may then be folded 73 into a configuration suitable for display and sale.
Packaging 74 the box product 10 or the box 10 with a gift card 50, provides a retail package 52 suitable for distribution 75 and display 76 on a rack 64 in a commercial display 62. In certain embodiments, the printed information on a header 54 or hanger 54 may provide direction 77 of selections to a user. Similarly, space on the rack 64 or the overall display 62 may provide directions 77 to a user directing 77 him or her in making a selection.
For example, a user may need to determine whether to purchase a gift card 50 separately from a box 10, or they may be combined Likewise, styles, designs, and the like may be coordinated between boxes 10 and gift cards 50. Likewise, a greater number of matches between gift cards 50, and, more specifically, gift cards 50 issued by various merchants, may be found if independent. That is, more cards may be matched up with a greater variety of boxes 10 if the boxes 10 and gift cards 50 are adjacent but separately suspended from the pegs 66 on the rack 64.
After a user completes a selection, the user and seller may then together transact 78 the sale of a gift card 50, a box 10, both individually, or both together in a single retail package 52. Upon payment by a customer for a gift card 50, the loading 79 of a value on the gift card 50 may be consummated by the merchant transacting 78 the sale. For example, certain online transactions may automatically occur between that merchant and issuer of the gift card 50 and other financial institutions.
Ultimately, reporting 80 the transaction 78 will be required in order to communicate the value loaded 79 on the gift card 50, any security information, the merchant transacting 78 the sale, and so forth. In certain embodiments, the gift card 50 may be embedded with information provided exclusively from the issuer. In other embodiments, security codes, identifiers, and the like may also be provided to correspond the gift card 50 with, for example, an individual purchaser, the merchant making the sale or accepting the gift card 50, or the like.
Referring to FIG. 16, while continuing to refer generally to FIGS. 1-15, a process 90 for implementing a gift box system 10 in accordance with the invention may begin with browsing 91 by a user or customer of the various selections of boxes 10 in a display 62. Upon completing 92 a selection of a particular box 10, gift card 50, each individually, or a combination together, a user may complete 93 a purchase.
A user may then assemble 94 the gift box 10, including, in certain embodiments or configurations, placing the gift card 50 on the deck 40 of the gift box 10. In some embodiments, as described hereinabove, the gift card 50 may already be secured to the deck 40 of the box 10 and its retail packaging 52.
Ultimately, however, the final steps of assembling 94 are the province of the purchaser as the walls 24 are erected above the floor 26. The panel 20 is folded into the presentation configuration, wherein the anchor flap 32 and tuck flap 34 are both placed out of sight, presenting only the gift card 50 on the deck 40. By “converting,” here, is meant the erection of the box, which has actually been manufactured and its components connected or assembled. To exist as, typically, an integral device having all its constituent parts already secured to one another, the box 10 is still not “fully converted” or configured in the gift box shape suitable for giving.
Thus, a user then folds 95 portions of the panel 20 into the base 12 of the box 10 to present the deck 40 that will hold a gift card 50 enclosed 96 by the box 10. Optionally, as indicated by the bracketed designation in the Figures, a user may apply 97 decorations 22 such as a ribbon, a bow, stickers, labels, gift tags, to/from gifting cards, or the like, as desired.
Likewise, a user may fill 98 a greeting card, whether that greeting card is simply a to/from card or a more elaborate card, in order to introduce the gift card 50 or the gift represented by the box 10. Typically, a kit in retail packaging 52 includes a to/from card, and a suitable ribbon, bow, tie, or a combination thereof. The kit needs to greeting card, only a to/from card. Thereafter, a purchaser may deliver 99 the gift constituted by the gift card 50 and the presentation box 10.
Referring to FIGS. 17-19, while continuing to refer generally to FIGS. 1-19, an alternative configuration of the box 10 may have the tuck flap 34 sized and positioned differently near the front wall 24 a. In this configuration, the tuck flap 34 may be sized to fit inside and effectively line the front wall 24 a. The presentation panel 40 may be pushed down at the front (near the front wall 24 a), letting the tuck flap 34 be folded upward away from the floor 26 while the fold line 36 b descends to the floor 24.
Referring to FIG. 17, right out of the retail packaging 52, the components are where they need to be for the side walls 24 c, 24 d to be drawn apart. The lid 14 may be opened at its fold line 30 c, exposing and positioning the deck 40 for conversion and containment within the walls 24 surrounding it.
Referring to FIG. 18, the walls 24 are folded up away from the floor 12, into position for the converted orientation. This is fundamentally as described with respect to the foregoing arrangements, particularly as illustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 11-13. The anchor flap 32 is secured to the back wall 24 b, so it elevates away from the floor therewith. The deck 40 of the panel 20 folds along the hinge line 36 a.
Here, an alternative arrangement is simpler, saves time, reduces requirements on manipulation and dexterity, and secures the box 10 in its converted configuration. As illustrated hereinabove, and in FIG. 19, a gift card 50 may be sold already attached to the deck 40 in the retail packaging 52. Alternatively, the gift card 50 may be attached by a purchaser by securing the gift card 50 to an adhesive strip 38 on the deck 50. Upon removal of the protective paper over the strip 38, a user may set the gift card in place.
To configure the deck 40 thereafter, a user merely needs to push on the gift card 50. Alternatively, one may tap on the front portion of the deck 40, on or near on the front fold line 36 b. The motion is linear (no curved motion or back-and-forth), and monotonic (does not reverse), so no manipulation is required. Pushing down against the deck anywhere, and particularly near the front drives the unattached front of the deck 40 toward the floor, drawing the tuck flap 34 with it.
As the deck 40 descends, the tuck flap 34 follows the fold line 36 b to the floor 12. The free edge of the tuck flap 34 thus extends upward adjacent the front wall 24 a. The deck 40 extends diagonally downward and forward from the fold line 36 a adjacent the lid 14 toward the fold line 36 b at the floor 12.
The deck 40, once the tuck flap 34 has contacted the floor 26 of the box 10, will be in its final position. The height of the tuck flap 34 is best selected to be coextensive with the height of the front wall 24 a. Thus, the height of the walls 24 and the front-to-back length of the floor 12 will determine the angle of incline of the deck 40.
An adhesive layer or a double-sided adhesive strip 102 may be secured to the outermost face of the tuck flap 34. An easily removable layer of non-stick paper or plastic may protect the adhesive against adhesion to other items during manufacturing and handling. However, at this point during conversion of the box to the fully erected and functional arrangement, the covering layer may be removed, exposing the adhesive next to the front wall 24 a.
Referring to FIG. 19, a user may pinch together between a thumb and forefinger the tuck panel 34 and the front wall 24 a. The tabs 28 provide some amount of clearance, but a comparatively modest pressure will bring the tuck flap 34 and front wall 24 a together. A suitable adhesive strip 102 will make the position secure. The adhesive is easiest to work with if it is strongest. This tends to make the conversion permanent as far as erecting the box 10. However, it also renders the box 10 very stable.
For example, the anchor flap 32 is very securely fastened to the back wall 24 b, thus drawing it forward to keep the rear portion of the box squared up. Meanwhile, the firm securement of the front wall 24 a to the tuck flap 34 traps the tabs 28 a therebetween, squaring up the front of the box 10. The box is thus in a fully converted configuration and easy to manipulate.
Another significant alternative, an optional configuration, may dispense with the adhesive strip 18 under a protective strip of paper or plastic. Instead of relying on a pressing motion against the front flap 16 or sealing flap 16, urging it against the adhesive strip 18 on the front wall, the strip 18 may be absent. Instead, or in addition, a seal 104 may be applied to the sealing flap 16. Upon closing the lid 14, a user folds the sealing flap 16 against the front wall 24 a, and wraps an adhesive-backed seal 104 around the corner fold line 30 a
Once the box 10 is fully converted, the gift card 50 may be secured to the securement 38 (e.g., adhesive strip 38), if not attached before. The lid 14 is closed over the top, and the flap 16 is secured by the seal 104. The seal 104 wraps around the corner formed by the front wall 24 a and the bottom 12 at the fold line 30 a. The seal 104 may be removable by the use of a comparatively removable adhesive, for re-use of the box 10.
The folding of the flap 16 over the front wall 24 a provides securement of the front wall 24 a and back wall 24 b to one another, thus ensuring a rigid and strong constitution for the box 10 in the closed configuration. Accordingly, upon closure of the box 10 from the configuration of FIG. 3 to the configuration of FIG. 2, the box 10 is appropriate for gift giving. Alternatively decoration may be added, bows, ribbon, elasticized lines, or the like may be used to hold the lid 14 in the closed position, as illustrated and described hereinabove.
Referring to FIGS. 17-21, a system 10 in accordance with the invention may be configured as a box 10, a bag 10, a folio 10, or other structure 10 for receiving a gift card for presentation to a receiver. In the illustrated embodiment, a seal 104 may be configured in a variety of ways. In FIGS. 17-19, the seal 104 is constituted by the ribbon 22. In this embodiment, the ribbon 22 is configured to wrap around not only the lid 14, but to be wrapped around the entire box 10. In the illustrated embodiment, a decorative element 22 or ribbon 22 may include a bow 100 as well as the continuing extent of a ribbon 22 wrapped around the box 10.
For example, the ribbon 22 may have an adhesive 106 configured as a strip 106 or patch 106 affixed to a fixed end 108 of the ribbon 22. For example, as illustrated, the fixed end 108 may be bonded, glued, or otherwise affixed such that it is registered at a particular location. The actual end 108 may still be free to move, but not extend, because at least the bow portion 100 on the lid 14 of the box 10 will be fixedly secured. In one presently contemplated embodiment, the bow 100 and ribbon 22 are fixed to the lid 14 and various of the walls 24 of the box 10.
A free end 109 extends from proximate the flap 16 attached to the lid 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the box 10 may be turned over when in the erected configuration to expose the adhesive 106 coating the fixed end 108. Tension may be drawn on the free end 109, thus tightening the ribbon 22 around the circumference of the box 10. A cover pad or strip protecting the adhesive 106 against accidental contact will be in place as understood in the art. Upon removal of that protective layer, the adhesive 106 is exposed. Thereafter, the free end 109 may be laid down and pressed against the adhesive 106 or adhesive patch 106.
In certain embodiments, the free end 109 may extend beyond the adhesive 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the free end 109 extends beyond the length of the adhesive patch 106. In this way, an extra ¼ to about ⅜ of an inch (6-9 millimeters) of the free end 109 may be available for gripping by fingertips or fingernails in order to draw the free end 109 away from the adhesive 106, in order to open the box 10 after gifting.
The adhesive 106 captured along a length of the fixed end 108 and the free end 109 of the ribbon 22 is loaded in shear. Thus, the pull strength is less important than the shear strength of the adhesive 106. Thus, considerable force may be applied by the ribbon 22 against the adhesive 106 in securing the box 10 in a stable, closed, erect, converted configuration.
Referring to FIGS. 22-28, including 27A through 27C and 28A through 28C, in one embodiment of a system 10 in accordance with the invention, the system 10 or apparatus 10 may be configured as a folio 110. A folio 110, for example, may also include a cover 14 on a base 12. In this configuration, the cover 14 is in close proximity to the base 12, and may be secured to be hinged thereto. For example, the hinge 30 may connect the base 12 to the cover 14 such that the system 10, 110 may be closed as illustrated in FIG. 22, or open as illustrated in FIGS. 23A and 23B.
Referring to FIGS. 22-25, the folio 10, 110 may have a ribbon 22 secured in any orientation. For example, the configuration of FIGS. 20 and 21 may actually be though of as a folio, in which the walls 24 are particularly thin, almost zero, except for the thickness of the cover 14 of the base 12. Thus, one may secure the ribbon 22 on the folio of FIGS. 22-28, in exactly the same manner as illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21.
Alternatively, a ribbon 22 may be secured around a single panel, namely the cover 14. In the embodiment of FIGS. 22 and 23 (where FIG. 23 refers to all of the FIGS. 23A, 23B, and FIG. 27 refers to Figures to 27A-27C, and so forth), the ribbon 22 may be permanently attached with the bow exposed on the outside of the cover 14.
Meanwhile, internally, a securement 38 configured as an adhesive 38 may be affixed to the inside surface of the cover 14 or the base 12. A to/from field 111 may be printed, or otherwise created on the other one thereof. Thus, the to/from field 111 may be on the base 12 or the cover 14. Meanwhile, opposite the to/from field 111 the adhesive 38 may receive a gift card 50. In the embodiment of FIGS. 22-25, the folio 10, 110 is oriented in a “vertical” hinge 30 orientation. Here, the gift card 50 is affixed to the inside surface of the cover 14. Similarly, the to/from field 111 may instead be placed on the inside surface of the cover 14, while the adhesive 38 as a securement 38 for the gift card 50 may be positioned on the inside surface of the base 12.
Referring to FIGS. 26-28C, the folio 10, 110 may be configured in a “horizontal” hinge 30 configuration. In either a vertical or horizontal orientation, the cover 14 may have the ribbon 22 extending thereacross either vertically or horizontally. Thus, the illustration of FIG. 26, or the illustration of FIG. 21 may represent a direction and securement approach for the ribbon 22, including its bow 100.
As illustrated in FIGS. 26-28C, the folio 10, 110 may be open, as illustrated in FIG. 27 a with the to/from field 111 configured on the cover 14. If the ribbon 22 is secured permanently or exclusively around the cover 14, then the to/from field 111 will need to be sized and spaced to minimize obstruction by the ribbon 22. In this embodiment, a securement 38 or adhesive 38 secured to the base 12 at the time of manufacture, or at the time of gifting, is positioned to receive a gift card 50.
Referring to FIGS. 27A-27C, the gift card 50 may be placed on the adhesive 38, again oriented in the “horizontal” configuration illustrated.
Referring to FIG. 27C, in an alternative embodiment, the gift card 50 may be secured to the cover 14, with the to/from field 111 configured on the inside surface of the base 12. Thus, the configuration of FIG. 27B requires the to/from field 111 to work around the decorative ribbon 22, while the configuration of FIG. 27C covers most of the ribbon 22 with the gift card 50 adhered to the adhesive 38 thereunder.
Referring to FIGS. 28A through 28C, the horizontal configuration of a folio 10, 110 may be displayed by setting it on a horizontal support or surface. Just as the vertical folio 10, 110 of FIGS. 24-25 may be displayed on a horizontal surface, the horizontal configuration of FIGS. 26-28C may be set on a level horizontal surface of a support for display.
Referring to FIG. 29, a system 10, 110 in accordance with the invention may be constructed using an outer wrap 112. The outer wrap may cover boards 113 or stiffeners 113. The boards 113 may be formed of cardboard, fiberboard, chipboard, or the like, considerably (e.g. 5 to 15 times) thicker and correspondingly stiffer than conventional cardstock. The outer wrap 112 may be paper, cloth, or other material as suitable. Typically, the outer wrap 112 will be coated with an adhesive, or the boards 113 may be coated with an adhesive in order to provide a continuous securement in the contact area coextensive between the outer wrap 112 and the boards 113.
Likewise, on the inner surfaces of the boards 113, a liner 114, similarly configured of paper, fabric, or other material may be secured, such as by gluing, or other adhesive surface on the boards 113, liner 114, or both. The outer wrap 112 and the liner 114 may contact one another in the space between the boards 113 a, 113 b. The liner 114 may be glued or otherwise secured to the outer wrap 112 at the hinge portion 30 of the apparatus 10, 110, or may be unsecured, positioned only by the boards 113 to which the liner 114 is secured.
In the illustrated embodiment, the outer wrap 112 may be characterized by several different portions. For example, the folded portions 115 a will be secured to the upper surface of the boards 113. That is, the interior surface of the boards 113 a, 113 b that will eventually be covered by the liner 114 will typically receive the folded portions 115 a. Preferably, the folded portions 115 a will be secured between the liner 114 and the boards 113. Again, a trailing letter is a specific instance of an item identified by the leading reference numeral. Therefore, it is proper to speak of the boards 113, collectively, or individually, and specific boards 113 a, 113 b by designation.
A flat bonded portion 115 b will be coextensive with the outer surface of a board 113. Meanwhile, an edge clearance 115 c provides for the thickness 115 f of a board 113 around which the folded portion 115 a must wrap in order to be secured to the inner surface of the board 113.
Inner 115 d and outer fold lines 115 e will be coincident with the edge corners of the boards 113. The folded over portion 115 a is wrapped around each respective board 113 at its appropriate edge. Typically, the edge clearance 115 c or edge clearance region 115 c will correspond to the thickness 115 f of the boards 113.
A central clearance 115 g is identified between fold lines 115 h in center of the outer wrap 112. These fold lines 115 h are positioned to accommodate the thickness of both boards 113 a, 113 b, the thickness of the outer wrap 112, and the double thickness of the liner 114 that will be secured to the boards 113. Thus, the central clearance 115 g will be sized to accommodate that “stack up” of other components 115. Meanwhile, a central region 115 j of the liner 114 need only span the clearance distance between the two boards 113 a, 113 b. Typically, the liner 114 in the central region 115 j may simply span the spacing distance between the boards 113 a, 113 b, and need not be adhered by adhesive or the like to the clearance region 115 g of the outer wrap 112.
Referring to FIGS. 30-31, a system 10 may be configured as a bag 10, 116. In this illustrated embodiment, the bag 116 may be provided with apertures 118 in particular walls 24 thereof. Meanwhile, the floor 26 or bottom 26 of the system 10, 116 may fold up by the flexibility of hinge lines 30 or fold lines 30 thereon, typically at the edges thereof.
In the illustrated embodiment, a ribbon 22 or a decorative element 22 may also serve as a handle 120. In one embodiment, the handle 120 may be configured as a ribbon 22 knotted after passing through the apertures 118. Thus, the ribbon 22 may be drawn upward from the apparatus 10, 116 to form a handle 120 for lifting, carrying, and the like, as well as for the decorative purposes. Thus, the ribbon 22 may include a decorative pattern, color scheme, and the like to coordinate with the color of the walls 24.
Similarly, a tag 23 may operate by including a to/from field 111 therein. This provides for ready labeling by a giver and identifying a receiver, without having to assemble any components. Between the partially open configuration of FIG. 30, and the fully opened configuration of FIG. 31, the system becomes self standing, and appropriate for use.
Typically, on the inside of the system 10, 116, a gift card may be placed on the floor 26, and covered with a suitable cover material 122 or stuffing 122, such as tissue 122 or other decorative 122 material or item. Meanwhile, each of the walls 24 may include internal fold lines 30 or hinges 30 in order to provide for a folded up configuration suitable for retail display, that will be readily configured to a fully erected and free standing configuration in FIG. 31 by a giver.
Referring to FIG. 32, in certain embodiments, the system 10, whether configured as a box 10, folio 10, 110, or bag 10, 116, may be configured of a size fitted to meet certain requirements not otherwise necessary. For example, the United States Postal Service provides guidelines for packaging. Meanwhile, the gift card industry has developed a certain standard packaging size to meet security requirements, and to serve as an industry standard for gift cards themselves. However, gift packaging, including greeting cards, boxes, gift bags, gifts themselves, and so forth, even greeting cards, are by no means standardized, and cannot be. Individual gifts, creativity, and other factors cannot be accommodated by one size to fit all.
In certain embodiments of an apparatus and method in accordance with the invention, however, a commercial package 52 for a product 10 may include a header 54 that operates as a hanger 54 near the top of a retail package 52. An aperture 56 may actually penetrate through the header 54, and an outer bag 58 that operates as a container 58 for the product 10.
In the illustrated embodiment, a picture 124 of the actual product 10 contained within the bag 58 of the package 52 may be illustrated on a footer 127 of cardstock 126. For example, a piece of cardstock 126 may actually fold to serve as the header 54, a backing material behind the product 10, and fold up in front of the product 10, to form a cardstock footer 127. Thus, a picture 124 of the product 10 in a fully erected configuration ready for use may be illustrated. Otherwise, the actual product 10 may not be known, since it is in a folded configuration within the package 52.
A name 128 or description 128 of the product, such as “gift box,” “gift bag,” “gift folio,” or the like may also be written placed on the cardstock 126 in the footer portion 127. Meanwhile, the header portion 54 may include a logo 132 of the manufacturer, pricing 134, and the like. Typically, a window 130 is available if the bag 58 is formed of a clear or glassine material. Thus, all necessary labeling of trademarks 132, pricing 134, as well pictures 124 and words 128 may all be provided on the cardstock 126 as part of the header 54 or the footer 127.
In the illustrated embodiment, the width and height of the package 52 are selected to match a standard package for a gift card. Thus, the packages 52 may be displayed on the pegs 66 in a display 62 on a rack 64 that would be used for a gift card mall. Thus, the logistics of maintenance, transport, display, and so forth are all eliminated by a configuration in accordance with invention.
A typical envelope is formed of a single sheet of a paper, generally rectangular, but oriented as a diamond, and then having all corners folded in on approximately the central half of the area of the diamond. First, left and right corners are folded in, then the bottom corner is folded up and bonded to the left and right corners. The top corner is creased to make a fold line and treated near its edge with adhesive to later effect closure. The folio 10, 110 may be packaged with an envelope in the bag 58. Thus, the entire folio 10, 110 and gift card in an envelope may be addressed and sent to a receiver by any means including mail or other courier.
The process 90 may be modified to assemble 94 a folio 10, 110 or bag 10, 116 with no need to fold 95 a panel. Rather, applying 97 a decoration may include adding 97 decorative stuffing 122. Likewise, filling 98 a gift tag may involve filling 98 the to/from field 111. Also, delivering 99 may include placing a folio 10, 110 in an envelope.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States Letters Patent is:

Claims

1. An apparatus formed as a gift container comprising:

a base;

a cover;

the cover and base, selectively positionable with respect to one another between a first, folded, closed configuration, obscuring a gift contained therein, and a second, open configuration exposing the gift contained therein;

the cover and base, each further comprising a wrap portion, decoratively appointed to be the only visible portion thereof when in the first configuration;

the cover and base, each further comprising a liner portion, decoratively appointed and visible together exclusively and simultaneously in the second configuration;

the cover and base, each comprising a board fixed between and parallel to the liner portion thereof and the wrap portion thereof, the board having a thickness substantially greater than that of the wrap and the liner and effectively imparting rigidity to the cover and the base; and

the wrap portions and the liner portions, further integrally formed to hinge the cover and base with respect to each other between the first configuration and the second configuration.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wrap portions of the base and cover are formed of a single material, continuous, contiguous, and flexible.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the liner portions of the base and cover are formed of a single material, continuous, contiguous, and flexible.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a holder, located on the liner portion of one of the cover and base, the holder being sized and configured to selectively secure a gift card against movement with respect to the apparatus.

5. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the holder comprises a first adhesive layer.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the holder comprises:

a film sufficiently durable and strong to maintain mechanical integrity during separation of the gift card from the first adhesive layer.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a second adhesive layer, the first and second adhesive layers being applied to opposite surfaces of the film.

8. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a closure secured around at least one of the base, the cover, and both thereof.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the closure is selectively sealable and openable to seal closed and open up, respectively, the cover and base with respect to one another.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein:

the closure comprises a ribbon and a closure adhesive;

the ribbon comprises first and second ends;

the adhesive is disposed along the ribbon proximate one of the first and second ends; and

the other of the first and second ends extends away from the base and the cover in the second, open configuration, and secures the base and cover together by sealing against the closure adhesive in the first, closed configuration.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising:

at least one of the first adhesive layer, second adhesive layer, and closure adhesive is covered with a strip protecting against adhesion to anything other than the strip prior to use;

the apparatus comprises a greeting panel, on the liner portion of one of the cover and base, and a gift presentation panel containing the first layer of adhesive on the liner portion of the other of the cover and base.

12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein:

the cover and base are further configured as a book; and

the apparatus further comprises an envelope sized to receive the book.

13. An apparatus comprising:

a base and a cover;

the cover and base, selectively positionable with respect to one another between a first, closed configuration for obscuring an article contained therein and a second, open configuration exposing the article contained therein;

the cover and base, each further comprising a wrap portion and a liner portion, the wrap portion being decorated and configured to be the only visible portion of the apparatus in the first configuration;

the cover and base, wherein the liner portions are visible together, exclusively and simultaneously in the second configuration;

the cover and base, each comprising a board secured to rigidize the apparatus through control of the section modulus by spacing apart the liner portion thereof and the wrap portion thereof; and

the wrap portions and the liner portions joining to form a hinge flexibly connecting the cover and base to be movable with respect to each other between the first configuration and the second configuration.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein;

the wrap portions of the base and cover are formed of a single material, continuous, contiguous, and flexible; and

the liner portions of the base and cover are formed of a single material, continuous, contiguous, and flexible.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising:

a holder, located on the liner portion of one of the cover and base, and sized and configured to selectively secure a gift card thereto by a first adhesive layer; and

a strip, protecting the first adhesive layer against contact prior to use;

the strip, selectively and readily removable by a user without tools or solvents to expose the first adhesive layer for use.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising:

a film sufficiently durable and strong to maintain mechanical integrity during separation of the gift card from the first adhesive layer;

a second adhesive layer, the first and second adhesive layers being applied to opposite surfaces of the film.

17. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a closure secured around at least one of the base, the cover, and both thereof.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the closure is selectively sealable and openable to seal closed and open up, respectively, the cover and base with respect to one another.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein:

the closure comprises a ribbon and a closure adhesive;

the ribbon comprises first and second ends;

20. A method for wrapping a gift card, the method comprising:

providing a base and cover, selectively positionable with respect to one another between a first, folded, closed configuration, obscuring a gift contained therein, and a second, open configuration exposing the gift contained therein;

the providing the cover and base, wherein each further comprises a wrap portion, decoratively appointed to be the only visible portion thereof when in the first configuration, and a liner portion, decoratively appointed and visible in the second configuration;

providing in each of the cover and base, a board fixed between and parallel to the liner portion thereof and the wrap portion thereof, to have a thickness substantially greater than that of the wrap and the liner to impart comparative rigidity to the cover and the base. the boards being separated by a hinge portion hinging the cover and base with respect to each other between the first configuration and the second configuration;

opening the apparatus to expose a first adhesive layer;

securing a gift card against the first adhesive layer;

sealing the apparatus with a closure, selected from a strand wrapped therearound and an envelope sized to receive the apparatus therein.