U.S. patent application number 10/665223 was filed with the patent office on 2004-03-25 for gift package.
Invention is credited to Parsons, Kevin L..
Application Number | 20040055921 10/665223 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25299895 |
Filed Date | 2004-03-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040055921 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Parsons, Kevin L. |
March 25, 2004 |
Gift package
Abstract
The present invention is directed to packaging for a product.
The packaging includes a tray for carrying the product, and a card
for covering and containing the tray, wherein the card includes a
first panel that is folded over a second panel to form an inner
compartment therebetween for containing the tray, and a third panel
that serves as a cover and is folded over the inner
compartment.
Inventors: |
Parsons, Kevin L.;
(Appleton, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Welsh & Katz, Ltd.
Daniel M. Gurfinkel
22nd Floor
120 South Riverside Plaza
Chicago
IL
60606
US
|
Family ID: |
25299895 |
Appl. No.: |
10/665223 |
Filed: |
September 17, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10665223 |
Sep 17, 2003 |
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09847150 |
May 2, 2001 |
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6659271 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/472 ;
206/486 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 77/0433 20130101;
B65D 5/422 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/472 ;
206/486 |
International
Class: |
B65D 073/00 |
Claims
1. Packaging for a product comprising: a tray for carrying the
product; and a card for covering and containing the tray, the card
including a first panel that is folded over a second panel to form
an inner compartment therebetween for containing the tray, and a
third panel that serves as a cover and is folded over the inner
compartment formed by the first and second panels.
2. The packaging of claim 1 wherein the tray comprises a flocked
surface with a cavity for carrying the product.
3. The packaging of claim 2 wherein the tray further comprises ribs
for reinforcing the tray against collapsing.
4. The packaging of claim 2 wherein the tray extends the entire
length of the card.
5. The packaging of claim 1 wherein the cover is provided with one
of the following: advertising related to the product contained
therein, a holiday greeting, or an inspirational message.
6. The packaging of claim 5 wherein the cover further comprises a
cut-out portion for accommodating a photograph.
7. The packaging of claim 1 wherein the inner compartment is
provided with a window for viewing the product carried by the
tray.
8. The packaging of claim 1 wherein the card is further provided
with a bottom surface, the bottom surface including information
regarding the product carried by the tray.
9. The packaging of claim 1 wherein the tray is thermoformed.
10. The packaging of claim 1 wherein the inner compartment is
collapsible to allow customization of the card.
11. The packaging of claim 1 further including a fourth panel that
is folded over the third panel and attached thereto to form the
cover.
12. The packaging of claim 1 wherein the first panel includes a
window to allow the tray to be viewed when the tray is positioned
in the inner compartment.
13. The packaging of claim 1 wherein the card further comprises a
flap attached to the first panel.
14. The packaging of claim 13 wherein the flap is folded and
attached to the second panel to form the inner compartment.
15. The packaging of claim 1 wherein the product carried by the
tray is a flashlight.
16. The packaging of claim 1 wherein the product carried by the
tray is a medallion.
17. The packaging of claim 7, wherein the window is a clear lid
placed over a raised portion of the tray.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is directed to product packaging that
serves as the primary protective packaging for a product contained
therein, yet also serves as gift packaging that allows the product
to be presented as a gift in a distinctive and stylish manner.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Over the years it has become a common practice to provide
gifts to valued employees, clients, customers, and business
associates. These gifts may serve as tokens of appreciation from a
grateful boss or business associate. Often, the gifts may be
provided with the logo of the company sending the gift. Providing
gifts with a company logo has been found to be a particularly
effective marketing tool where the gift is a useful item, such as a
keychain, or flashlight, that is carried by the recipient
throughout the day. The recipient of the gift is reminded of the
generosity of the gift-giver each time the gift is used. This
serves to generate good will and the company that gave the gift
remains in the minds of the gift recipients.
[0003] Similarly, it has also become a common practice to present
cards, such as "Thank You" cards, cards commemorating a holiday or
other events, such as graduation, as well as cards providing
inspirational messages. Often, it is desirable to provide a gift,
as well as an explanatory card including a message that explains
the reason for the gift. For example, a gift may be given along
with a card having the message "Thank you for your business." Cards
of this type were typically mailed to the intended recipient, and
may have been accompanied by a separately packaged gift.
[0004] In the past, packaging of small items, such as gifts,
typically included the use of a clamshell package or a gift box
including a foam core. Both of these approaches, however, had their
shortcomings. Since clamshells tend to be unsightly, consumers are
hesitant to send them as gifts. To do so, consumers must remove the
item from the clamshell and repackage the item. As for gift boxes,
although a gift box can be presented as a gift, the foam core that
oftentimes carries the item is very expensive to manufacture. In
addition, if the gift sender were also planning to a send a card,
then the card and gift would have to be repackaged in a common
envelope or package. This required additional effort on the part of
the gift sender, and the resulting package received by the
recipient was not particularly impressive or memorable.
[0005] Thus, there is a need in the prior art for packaging that
enables the item contained therein to be presented as a gift. In
other words, there is a need to provide packaging that functions as
the primary protective packaging for the product and also serves to
present the product as a gift. Further, there is a need for
giftable packaging that can be inexpensively manufactured.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention recognizes the current trend of
businesses that provide gifts or promotional items to valued
employees, customers, clients, and business associates. The present
invention is directed to providing the primary protective packaging
for a product contained therein, in a package that also serves to
present the product as a gift. The present invention meets the
shortcomings of the prior art by providing packaging that allows
the item contained therein to be presented as a gift. In a
preferred embodiment, the packaging includes a tray for carrying
the product, and a card for covering and containing the tray. The
tray preferably comprises a sturdy, crushproof surface for
supporting the product that can be easily accommodated within an
inner compartment of the card. The inner compartment of the card
may advantageously include a cut-out portion or window, that allows
the product to be placed in the tray, within the inner compartment
of the card, yet remain visible to allow the recipient of the card
to immediately view the gift once the package has been opened. A
plastic window may be placed over the cut-out portion to allow the
product to be showcased within the card. The plastic window may be
a clear cover placed over the tray, or portion of the tray, or an
inset glued to the inside of the inner compartment. Preferably, the
tray includes a raised portion surrounding the product over which
the clear lid may be positioned and secured in place. Regardless of
its construction, the plastic window, or clear cover, allows the
product to be viewed, but protects the product by preventing it
from falling out of the tray, or protecting the product from being
removed from the card if the card is on display.
[0007] The card may further include a panel that is folded over the
inner compartment and the product carried within the tray. Thus,
the packaging may operate in a fashion similar to that of a
greeting card. Either the inside or outside surface of the folded
panel (or both) may include a message, such as inspirational
message, advertising, a word of thanks, a holiday greeting, or any
other message suitable for including on the card. Further, the card
may be provided with a cut-out portion to accommodate a photo or a
business card.
[0008] Thus, the embodiments of the present invention allow one to
present a gift in its primary protective packaging, in a manner
that allows the package to be opened like a greeting card and
contain a variety of messages. The packaging protects the product
during shipment, and also serves as a convenient and presentable
format to present a gift. In particular, the crushproof tray
positioned within an inner compartment of the card, allows the
package to be easily transported through the mail, like a greeting
card, while protecting the product and maintaining the integrity of
the card. In addition, the present invention may eliminate the need
to send a separate card along with the gift, because the packaging
not only may serve as the protective packaging for the product, but
as a card as well. Thus, the packaging is a usable package that may
serve as both product protector and greeting card, and may
eliminate the need to wrap a separate package including the product
and message. Moreover, the packaging is easily prepared for sending
through the mail and may be sent as easily as an oversized
envelope. Furthermore, the card may be made using a unitary piece
of cardboard, or other suitable stock, and the tray may be made of
thermoformed plastic. Thus, the packaging of the present invention
can be produced by automated machinery, allowing the card to be
made inexpensively in comparison with separate boxing. This
packaging brings about a simplification in manufacturing and
therefore a substantial saving in manufacturing costs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of packaging made in accordance
with the principles of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the packaging of FIG. 1
shown in its open position.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
the present invention shown in its open position.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a back view of the packaging of the present
invention.
[0013] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the packaging of the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of
FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of
FIG. 2.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a top view of an unassembled card of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] Packaging made in accordance with the principles of the
present invention is depicted in FIGS. 1-8. The packaging 10
generally comprises a card 12 for containing a product 14 and a
tray 16 for carrying the product 14.
[0018] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the card 12 includes a cover
19 with an outside surface 22 and an inside surface 24, an inner
product compartment 26 for containing the product 14, and a bottom
surface 29. In the closed position of FIG. 1, the cover 19 lays
over the inner compartment 26, thereby protecting the product 14
contained therein. The cover 19 can be flipped to an open position,
shown in FIG. 2, to expose the inside surface 24 and the product
compartment 26. The product compartment 26 may further include a
window 31 for viewing the product 14 and a layer of protective
material 33 positioned between the window 31 and the product 14.
The layer of protective material may comprise clear plastic,
cellophane, or other translucent material. In one embodiment, an
adhesive may be used to affix the clear protective material to an
inner surface of compartment 26. Most preferably, however, in
reference to FIG. 5, the protective material layer 33 takes the
form of a clear plastic lid that is placed over a raised portion 50
of the tray. The clear plastic lid encloses the raised portion and
is thereby secured in place. The clear plastic lid serves as a
protective window that ensures that the product 14 is maintained in
cavity 53 during both shipment and display. Further, the clear
plastic lid, preferably a thermoformed plastic, provides a glossy
appearance to the product 14 within the compartment, thereby
enhancing the presentation of the product and showcasing the
product as a gift. Thus, the clear plastic lid serves to protect
the product during shipment and display, maintains the product in
place, and provides an improved presentation, similar to showcasing
a product under glass.
[0019] The cover 19 of the present invention has several functions.
In its closed position, as shown in FIG. 1, the cover 19 helps to
hold the product 14 contained in the product compartment 26 in
place. The cover 19 also protects the product 14 from damage during
shipping or while on display.
[0020] Different embodiments of the cover 19 are contemplated.
Referring to FIG. 2, the inside surface 24 may include a graphic 34
from any number of categories, including business, motivation,
holidays, travel destinations or important locations. Alternately,
as shown in FIG. 3, the inside surface 24 may be provided with a
cut-out portion 36, through which a photo 38 can be placed and
viewed. Of course, the outside surface 22 instead may be provided
with a cut-out portion (not shown) for a photo. Further, any
surface of the card 12 may include a cut-out portion in which a
business card or photograph may be inset.
[0021] The cover 19 may be provided with advertising related to the
product 14 contained therein. For example, if the advertising is
associated with a particular business, the product 14 could be
personalized to thank a customer for his continued support.
Alternately, the cover 19 can include a holiday greeting or an
inspirational message. Similarly, the inside surface 24 may also be
provided with advertising, greetings, or messages. The bottom
surface 29, as can be seen in FIG. 4, may include advertising or
other information 39 regarding the product 14.
[0022] The card 12 is preferably constructed of a single piece of
heavy-duty paperboard or a specialized paper such as leather grain,
metallic finish, linen textures, wood grain, or simulated stone. In
a preferred embodiment, the card is made of Solid Bleached Sulfide
("SBS") paperboard. The card 12 in its unassembled state is shown
in FIG. 8. To form the product compartment 26, a first panel 44 is
folded over a second panel 46 while leaving sufficient distance to
accommodate the tray 16 therebetween. Then a flap 48, which is
integral with the free, unfolded end of the first panel 44, is
folded under and attached to the second panel 46, as shown in FIG.
5. The product compartment 26 can be collapsed by moving the first
panel 44 towards the second panel 46. Since the product compartment
26 can be collapsed, the card 12 can take a flat profile, thereby
allowing it to be easily customized by foil stamping or on a letter
press. Further, the flat profile of the card 12 facilitates its
storage and stacking. The card may be constructed in known fashion
using automated gluing or taping machines.
[0023] To form the cover 19, a fourth panel 40 is folded over onto
a third panel 42 and affixed thereto. Alternately, the third panel
42 could alone serve as the cover. The tray 16 preferably comprises
a flocked styrene surface 51 with a cavity 53 shaped to accommodate
a specific product. The flocked surface 51 provides a tight fit
between the product 14 and the cavity 53, and secures the product
14 therein. The advantage that results from the presence of a
flocked surface is that the fibers of the flocking are "crushed"
when the product 14 is inserted and as a result hold the product 14
in place in the cavity 53. This allows the cards to be mailed
without the product being dislodged. In contrast, if the cavity 53
were made of a smooth plastic material, it would not hold the
product 14 in place during shipment. Also, other materials suitable
to hold the product in place, such as die cut foam, could be used
in place of the flocked styrene.
[0024] The tray 16 preferably extends the entire length of the
product compartment 26 to prevent the card 12 from collapsing. The
tray 16 is preferably made by a thermoforming process, includes
raised ribs, and thus is crushproof. As can be seen in FIG. 5, the
tray 16 is reinforced with ribs 55 to support the card 12 and
further prevent it from collapsing during transport.
[0025] To assemble the packaging 10, the card is assembled as
described above. The product 14 is then placed within the cavity 53
of the tray 16. The tray 16, in turn, is slid into the product
compartment 26 so that the product 14 can be seen through the
window 31. Once the cover 19 is flipped closed to cover the product
compartment 26, the packaging 10 is then ready to be displayed or
shipped.
[0026] The card 12 of the present invention provides a safe
shipping package for products that is not expensive to manufacture.
In fact, the use of the collapsible product compartment 26 in
combination with the flocked tray 16 makes the card 12 reasonable
to produce from a cost standpoint. The construction of both the
card 12 and the tray 16 allows the packaging 10 to be manufactured
entirely by automated machinery, thereby bringing about a
substantial saving in manufacturing costs.
[0027] The figures depict the product 14 contained in the card 12
as a SAPPHIRE flashlight, available from Armament Systems and
Procedures, Inc., Appleton, Wis. Alternately, the product 14
carried by the tray 16 could be a medallion, such as the die struck
medallion available from Armament Systems and Procedures. Thus, the
shape of the cavity 47 of the tray 16 varies, depending upon the
product 14 to be carried.
[0028] While the invention has been described in connection with
certain embodiments, it should be understood that it is not
intended to limit the invention to these particular embodiments. To
the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives,
modifications and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope
of the invention.
* * * * *