U.S. patent application number 12/622663 was filed with the patent office on 2010-03-18 for gift wrapping envelope.
Invention is credited to John McCormick.
Application Number | 20100065617 12/622663 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37803305 |
Filed Date | 2010-03-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100065617 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McCormick; John |
March 18, 2010 |
GIFT WRAPPING ENVELOPE
Abstract
A gift-wrapping envelope including: a face panel; a back panel
integrally coupled with the face panel; an expandable side panel
coupled to both the face and back panels; an enclosure panel
integrally coupled to the face, back, or side panels and releasably
couplable to one of the panels to which it is not integrally
coupled; a nametag area; and a releasably couplable accessory area.
The gift-wrapping envelope may include an audio label. The nametag
panel may be erasably writable. The releasably couplable accessory
area may include a release liner and/or a no-rip material. The
expandable side panel may include accordion-type folds.
Inventors: |
McCormick; John; (Appleton,
WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ADVANTIA LAW GROUP
9035 SOUTH 1300 EAST, SUITE 200
SANDY
UT
84094
US
|
Family ID: |
37803305 |
Appl. No.: |
12/622663 |
Filed: |
November 20, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11213539 |
Aug 25, 2005 |
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12622663 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
229/71 ;
229/77 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 27/06 20130101;
B65D 27/16 20130101; B65D 2203/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
229/71 ;
229/77 |
International
Class: |
B65D 27/04 20060101
B65D027/04; B65D 27/12 20060101 B65D027/12 |
Claims
1. A gift-wrapping envelope, comprising: an envelope which
includes: a void; and an expandable section; an enclosure section
releasably couplable upon closure; a releasably couplable area
releasably couplable to the enclosure section; an accessory
releasably couplable area releasably couplable to an accessory; and
a nametag area.
2. The gift-wrapping envelope of claim 1, further comprising an
audio label.
3. The gift-wrapping envelope of claim 1, wherein the nametag area
comprises an erasably writable surface.
4. The gift-wrapping envelope of claim 1, wherein the nametag area
comprises a pocket and window.
5. The gift-wrapping envelope of claim 1, wherein the releasably
couplable area releasably couplable to the enclosure section
comprises hood-and-loop fastener.
6. The gift-wrapping envelope of claim 1, wherein the accessory
releasably couplable area comprises a non-rip material.
7. The gift-wrapping envelope of claim 1, wherein the expandable
section includes a fold extending substantially parallel to an edge
of the gift-wrapping envelope.
8. A gift-wrapping envelope, comprising: a face panel; a back panel
integrally coupled with the face panel; an expandable side panel
coupled to both the face the back panels; an enclosure panel having
an integral coupling to one of the panels consisting of: the face,
the back, and the side panels; and a releasable coupling to one of
the panels not integrally coupled to the enclosure panel; a
releasably couplable area, releasably couplable to the enclosure
panel; a nametag area; and a releasably couplable accessory area,
releasably couplable to an accessory.
9. The gift-wrapping envelope of claim 8, wherein the nametag area
includes an erasably writable surface.
10. The gift-wrapping envelope of claim 8, wherein the nametag area
comprises a pocket and window.
11. The gift-wrapping envelope of claim 10, wherein the pocket and
window comprises: a light penetrable area of the face panel; and a
nametag panel coupled to a side of the face panel that faces the
back panel, wherein: the coupling includes overlapping the nametag
panel and the light penetrable section; a detached area between the
light penetrable section and the nametag panel; and at least one
edge of the nametag panel detached from the face panel.
12. The gift-wrapping envelope of claim 8, wherein the enclosure
panel includes coupling to the back panel.
13. The gift-wrapping envelope of claim 8, wherein the enclosure
panel comprises releasably couplable to the front panel.
14. The gift-wrapping envelope of claim 8, wherein the enclosure
panel releasable coupling comprises a hook-and-loop fastener.
15. The gift-wrapping envelope of claim 8, wherein the releasably
couplable accessory area comprises a release liner.
16. The gift-wrapping envelope of claim 8, wherein the releasably
couplable accessory area comprises a non-rip material.
17. The gift-wrapping envelope of claim 8, further comprising an
audio label including a sound reproduction unit, wherein, upon
activation, the sound reproduction unit converts stored signals to
audible sounds.
18. The gift-wrapping envelope of claim 17, wherein the activation
comprises an act of opening the envelope.
19. The gift-wrapping envelope of claim 17, wherein the activation
comprises an act of de-coupling the enclosure panel from a
releasably couplable area.
20. The gift-wrapping envelope of claim 8, wherein the expandable
sides comprise a fold extending substantially parallel to an edge
of the face panel to which the side panel integrally couples.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation Application of, under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.121, and claims priority to, under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.121, U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 11/213,539,
entitled Gift Wrapping Envelope, by John McCormick, filed on Aug.
25, 2005; which is incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to gift-wrapping envelopes,
specifically gift-wrapping envelopes with expandable side panels, a
nametag area, a releasably couplable accessory area, and/or an
audio label.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,894,986 to Lederman, et al. discloses an
inexpensive mailing envelope with a window opening to which a
decorative image-bearing sheet member is attached. The
image-bearing sheet member may be transparent or semi-opaque,
partially revealing the contents of the said envelope. The
inclusion of a decorative image visible from the outside of the
envelope induces mailing recipients to open the envelope and
examine the contents inserted therein. The window opening may be
placed on the rear panel of the envelope, opposite the panel
displaying address information. The image-bearing sheet material
may be detachable and may be promoted as a gift.
[0006] A gift-wrapping envelope for packaging an information media
disk holder that is formed of a decorative substrate is disclosed
in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0201313. The
envelope is formed to be flat without overlapping corner folds that
are typically found in a wrapped package when the package is empty.
The gift-wrap envelope may also be used as a mailer.
[0007] Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 6,070,719 to Pollock discloses a
greeting card and gift box combination made from a single sheet of
cardboard-like box stock having a gift box member with a window for
viewing a gift mounted therein, a greeting message on the gift box
member above the window, a greeting card front flap hingedly
attached to a side of the gift box member, an envelope cover
integrated into the front flap to selectively hide a greeting or
message viewable through a frame or window in the outside panel of
the front flap, and a gift mount system for mounting a gift within
the gift box member.
[0008] Several envelopes of the prior art are constructed such that
they are easily moveable though the mail system. Such construction
often results in envelopes that must be destroyed to open. Often
envelopes must be written upon to, for example, indicate the
intended recipient. Thus, re-use of the envelopes may be
restricted. Gift boxes, bags, envelopes and the like may have
accessories, such as bows, placed upon them. Upon removal of the
accessory, the gift box, bag, envelope or the like may rip or be
defaced.
[0009] What is needed is a gift-wrapping envelope that solves one
or more of the problems described herein and/or one or more
problems that may come to the attention of one skilled in the art
upon becoming familiar with this specification.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention has been developed in response to the
present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the
problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved
by currently available gift-wrapping envelopes. In one embodiment,
the gift-wrapping envelope includes and envelope with a void, an
enclosure section releasably couplable upon closure, a releasably
couplable area releasably couplable to the enclosure section, an
expandable section, an accessory releasably couplable area
releasably couplable to an accessory, and/or a nametag area. The
envelope may also include an audio label.
[0011] The nametag area may include an erasably writable surface or
a pocket and a window.
[0012] The releasably couplable area releasably couplable to the
enclosure section may include a hood-and-loop fastener.
[0013] The expandable section may include a fold extending
substantially parallel to an edge of the gift-wrapping
envelope.
[0014] The accessory releasably couplable area may include a
non-rip material
[0015] In another embodiment, the gift-wrapping envelope includes a
face panel, a back panel integrally coupled with the face panel, an
expandable side panel coupled to both the face the back panels, an
enclosure panel having an integral coupling to one of the panels
consisting of: the face, the back, and the side panels, and/or a
releasable coupling to one of the panels not integrally coupled to
the enclosure panel, a releasably couplable area, releasably
couplable to the enclosure panel, a nametag area; and/or a
releasably couplable accessory area, releasably couplable to an
accessory.
[0016] The nametag area may include an erasably writable surface or
a pocket and window. The pocket and window may include a light
penetrable area of the face panel and a nametag panel coupled to a
side of the face panel that faces the back panel, wherein the
coupling includes overlapping the nametag panel and the light
penetrable section, an area between the light penetrable section
and the nametag panel is detached, and at least one edge of the
nametag panel is detached from the face panel.
[0017] The enclosure panel may be coupled to the back panel. The
enclosure panel may be releasably couplable to the front panel. The
enclosure panel releasable coupling may include a hook-and-loop
fastener.
[0018] The releasably couplable accessory area may include a
release liner. The releasably couplable accessory area may include
a non-rip material.
[0019] The gift-wrapping envelope may include an audio label with a
sound reproduction unit, wherein, upon activation, the sound
reproduction unit converts stored signals to audible sounds. The
activation may be by opening the envelope. The activation may be by
decoupling of the enclosure panel from a releasably couplable
area.
[0020] The expandable sides may include a fold extending
substantially parallel to an edge of the face panel to which the
side panel integrally couples.
[0021] Reference throughout this specification to features,
advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the
features and advantages that may be realized with the present
invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the
invention. Rather, language referring to the features and
advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature,
advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an
embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present
invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and
similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not
necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.
[0022] Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and
characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable
manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art
will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or
more of the specific features or advantages of a particular
embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages
may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in
all embodiments of the invention.
[0023] These features and advantages of the present invention will
become more fully apparent from the following description and
appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention
as set forth hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] In order for the advantages of the invention to be readily
understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly
described above will be rendered by reference to specific
embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings.
Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments
of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be
limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and
explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of
the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates an front elevation view of the
gift-wrapping envelope according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates a back elevation view of the
gift-wrapping envelope according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates a front plan view of the gift-wrapping
envelope according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of a nametag area
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0029] FIG. 5 illustrates a front elevation view of the
gift-wrapping envelope according to one embodiment of the
invention; and
[0030] FIG. 6 illustrates a front plan view of the gift-wrapping
envelope according to one embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the
principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the
exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific
language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be
understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is
thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the
inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional
applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated
herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and
having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within
the scope of the invention.
[0032] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment,
"an embodiment," or similar language means that a particular
feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with
the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the
present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "one
embodiment," "an embodiment," and similar language throughout this
specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same
embodiment, different embodiments, or component parts of the same
or different illustrated invention. Additionally, reference to the
wording "an embodiment," or the like, for two or more features,
elements, etc. does not mean that the features are related,
dissimilar, the same, etc. The use of the term "an embodiment," or
similar wording, is merely a convenient phrase to indicate optional
features, which may or may not be part of the invention as
claimed.
[0033] Each statement of an embodiment is to be considered
independent of any other statement of an embodiment despite any use
of similar or identical language characterizing each embodiment.
Therefore, where one embodiment is identified as "another
embodiment," the identified embodiment is independent of any other
embodiments characterized by the language "another embodiment." The
independent embodiments are considered to be able to be combined in
whole or in part one with another as the claims and/or art may
direct, either directly or indirectly, implicitly or
explicitly.
[0034] Finally, the fact that the wording "an embodiment," or the
like, does not appear at the beginning of every sentence in the
specification, such as is the practice of some practitioners, is
merely a convenience for the reader's clarity. However, it is the
intention of this application to incorporate by reference the
phrasing "an embodiment," and the like, at the beginning of every
sentence herein where logically possible and appropriate.
The Envelope
[0035] The envelope of the present invention includes a face panel,
a back panel, an expandable side panel, an enclosure panel, a
nametag area, and a releasably couplable accessory area. The
enclosure panel may be an enclosure section of one of the other
panels. The expandable side panel may be a section of one of the
other panels. The envelope may include an audio label. The face
panel and the back panel may be integrally coupled at least one
point. The expandable side panel includes at least two portions. A
first portion is integrally coupled to the face panel, and the
second portion is integrally coupled to the back panel. The
enclosure panel is integrally coupled to the face panel, back
panel, or expandable side panel. The enclosure panel is releasably
couplable to one of the panels to which it is not integrally
coupled.
[0036] The panel to which the enclosure panel is releasably
couplable may include an area to which the enclosure panel is
releasably couplable. The releasable coupling may include any means
for releasable coupling known in the art. Some non-limiting
examples of releasable coupling includes hook-and-loop fasteners,
snap fasteners, button fasteners, magnets, buckles, ties,
hook-and-eye fasteners, releasable adhesives, adhesive releasable
liners, slots, and so forth. The enclosure panel may include an
area that corresponds with the releasable coupling area on the
panel to which the enclosure panel is not integrally coupled.
[0037] For example, if the enclosure panel is integrally coupled to
the back panel, and the face panel has an adhesive releasable
liner, the enclosure panel may have an adhesive. The adhesive of
the enclosure panel may coordinate with the release liner of the
face panel such that the area of the enclosure panel with adhesive
releasably couples with the release liner. If it is desired to open
the envelope, the releasable coupling between the enclosure panel
and the face panel is facilitated by the adhesive releasable liner
on the face panel. In another example, the face panel may include
an area with the loop portion of a hook-and-loop fastener, and the
enclosure panel may include the hook portion of a hook-and-loop
fastener. As above, the hook portion and the loop portion of the
hook-and-loop fasteners releasably couple such that the envelope
may be opened and closed as desired.
[0038] In one embodiment, the enclosure panel is integrally coupled
to the face panel or the back panel in a manner such that when it
is releasably coupled to the panel to which it is not integrally
coupled, it substantially restricts contents of the gift-wrapping
envelope from exiting the gift-wrapping envelope. In one embodiment
the face and back panels are in substantially rectangular shape. An
edge of the face panel is integrally coupled to a corresponding
edge of the back panel. A first side panel is integrally coupled to
corresponding edges of face and back panels that are proximate to
the integrally coupled edges of the face and back panel. A second
side panel is integrally coupled to the face and back panels at
corresponding edges that are opposite those of the first side
panel. The remaining edges of the face and back panel remain
uncoupled to each other. As a result, there is an aperture through
which articles may be placed inside of the envelope. The enclosure
panel is configured to substantially restrict the articles from
exiting through the aperture of the envelope.
[0039] One particular advantage to the releasably couplable
enclosure panel is that it allows the envelope to be re-used. In
typical prior art envelopes, an enclosure panel is adhered to the
face panel such that opening of the envelope requires destruction
of the envelope. Accordingly, typical prior art envelopes cannot
effectively be re-used after they have been opened. However, the
releasably couplable enclosure panel allows for the opening of the
envelope without destruction of the envelope. The envelope may then
be re-used.
[0040] As one example of one embodiment of the gift-wrapping
envelope 100, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate front and back elevation
views, respectively, of the envelope. In this embodiment, the
gift-wrapping envelope 100 includes a face panel 102, a back panel
104, two side panels 106, and an enclosure panel 108. There is a
coupling 112 between the face panel 102 and the back panel 104. The
face panel 102 includes a releasably couplable area 118 to couple
with the enclosure panel 108. The side panels 106 are coupled to
the face panel 102 and the back panel 104. In this embodiment, the
face panel 102 and the back panel 104 are in a generally
rectangular shape. The side panels 106 have separate portions that
are each integrally coupled to the face panel 102 and back panel
104. The side panels 106 are coupled to edges of the face panel and
back panel that are not part of the coupling 112 between the face
panel 102 or the back panel 104. The side panels 106 are coupled to
opposite edges of the face and back panels.
[0041] The gift-wrapping envelope 100 of this embodiment also
includes an enclosure panel 108 that is coupled to the back panel
104. The enclosure panel 108 includes a releasably couplable area
120 configured to couple to the releasably couplable area 118 on
the face panel 102 that is designed to couple with the enclosure
panel 108. The enclosure panel 108 is integrally coupled 202 to the
back panel 104.
[0042] In operation of this embodiment, items may be placed into
the envelope through the edges of the face panel 102 and the back
panel 104 that are not coupled to each other or to the side panels
106. The enclosure panel 108 may then be releasably coupled with
the face panel to inhibit the items placed in the envelope from
exiting the envelope until the enclosure panel 108 is uncoupled
from the face panel 102.
[0043] The enclosure panel may be of any shape and size and
material known in the art that facilitates substantial closure of
an open edge of the gift-wrapping envelope. For example, the
enclosure panel 108 in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, does not span an entire
edge of the face panel 102 or the back panel. In another example,
FIGS. 5 and 6 are front and back elevation views of the
gift-wrapping envelope according to two embodiments of the
invention with enclosure panels 508 that span substantially an
entire edge of the face panel 102 or the back panel 104,
respectively.
[0044] Turning now to another embodiment of the envelope, FIG. 5
illustrates an elevation view of a gift-wrapping envelope 100. In
this embodiment, the enclosure panel 508 is integrally coupled to
the back panel 104 of the gift-wrapping envelope 100. In this
embodiment, the face panel 102 includes a releasably couplable area
118 designed to couple with the enclosure panel 508. The enclosure
panel 508 includes a corresponding releasably couplable area 120.
The face panel 102 and the back panel 104 are integrally coupled
along at least one edge 112. The gift-wrapping envelope 100 also
includes two side panels 106. The side panels 106 have separate
portions that are individually and integrally coupled to the face
panel 102 and back panel 104. The side panels are coupled to edges
of the face panel and back panel that are not part of the coupling
112 between the face panel 102 or the back panel 104.
[0045] Turning now to yet another embodiment, FIG. 6 illustrates an
elevation view of the gift-wrapping envelope 100. In another
embodiment, the enclosure panel 508 is integrally coupled to the
face panel 102 of the gift-wrapping envelope 100. In this
embodiment, the back panel 104 includes a releasably couplable area
designed to couple with the enclosure panel 508. The enclosure
panel 508 includes a corresponding releasably couplable area. The
face panel 102 and the back panel 104 are integrally coupled along
at least one edge 112. The gift-wrapping envelope 100 also includes
two side panels 106. The side panels 106 have separate portions
that are each integrally coupled to the face panel 102 and back
panel 104. The side panels 106 are coupled to edges of the face
panel and back panel that are not part of the coupling 112 between
the face panel 102 or the back panel 104.
[0046] The face panel, back panel, side panel, and enclosure panels
of any embodiment may be formed of any material known in the art.
Suitable materials for these panels may include, for example, woven
materials, non-woven materials, papers, polymers, plastics metals,
metal foils, composite materials, and so forth. The material may be
coated with, for example, a protective and/or colored coating. The
material may be printed with visual and/or textural designs.
[0047] In one embodiment, the side panel or side panels are
expandable. Expandability of the side panel my increase the
selection of contents for the gift-wrapping envelope. Gift-wrapping
envelopes may be used to enclose a card, letter, gift, or other
article. At times, the intended contents of a gift-wrapping
envelope may be larger than the vacant volume between the face and
back panels. This problem may be solved using expandable sides. Any
means known in the art for making the sides expandable may be used
in this invention. In one embodiment, the sides are expandable by
means of accordion folds. The accordion folds may run parallel to
the edges of the face and back panels to which the side panels are
integrally coupled. The accordion folds may include one or more
folds. The accordion folds may be configured to expand when the
face panel and back panel are pulled apart from each other,
resulting in an increase of the volume defined by the face panel,
back panel, and side panel. In another embodiment, the side panels
may be formed from an expandable or extendable material. In another
embodiment, the side panels may be formed from two or more pieces
that may be slideable within each other, as in an extendable
antenna.
[0048] The face panel and the back panel are integrally coupled on
at least one edge. This integral coupling may be any known in the
art such that the coupling substantially restricts the contents of
the envelope from coming out of the envelope. This integral
coupling may be any known in the art. In one embodiment, the face
panel and the back panel are formed from a single piece of
material, wherein the integral coupling between the face panel and
the back panel comprises at least one fold. In another embodiment,
the integral coupling may include the use of an adhesive,
mechanical fastener such as staples, brads, folding, and so forth,
lamination, and so forth. The integral coupling may include the use
of at least one more panel integrally attached to the edges of the
face panel and the back panel.
Nametag Area
[0049] The gift-wrapping envelope of this invention includes a
nametag area. The nametag area may be configured to selectively
display writings or other indicia. As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 5,
and 6, in several embodiments the nametag area may be placed on the
face panel 102. In one embodiment, the nametag area 114 includes an
erasably writable surface. The erasably writable surface includes
an area that when written upon, the writing is erasable. One
particular advantage to a nametag area that is erasably writable is
that the envelope may be re-used even though markings have been
previously made in the nametag area. Typically, special markings
indicating, for example, the intended recipient of the envelope are
made on an envelope. However, re-use of prior art envelope may be
inhibited because of the markings to the envelope. The present
embodiment of this invention is therefore beneficial in that the
nametag area may be marked and erased when it is desirable to
re-use the envelope.
[0050] The nametag area may be only selectively erasable. In one
embodiment, the nametag area is erasably writeable only if written
upon with a certain type of medium. One example of such erasably
writable surface includes a dry erasable material. Dry erasable
material is any material that may be erasably marked using a
dry-erase marker. In another example, the erasably writable nametag
is formed from material that is erasably writable to crayon. Any
material known to be writable and erasable to a crayon may be used
in this example. In another example, nametag area is erasably
writable using a wet-erase medium. A wet-erase medium is any that
when the medium is marked by the proper marking device, it may only
be erasable upon wetting by a proper wetting substance. In one
example, the nametag area is formed from a wet-erasable medium and
marked with a water-soluble marker that is wet-erasable with water.
The markings made on the nametag area in this example are erasable
upon application of water to the markings. In yet another example,
the nametag area is erasable upon rubbing with, for example, a
cloth, paper towel, or other wet or dry textile.
[0051] The nametag area may be formed by integrally coupling a
substrate onto a panel. The substrate may include any known in the
art that allows for erasable writing. Some non-limiting examples of
such substrates may include polymer, metal, glass, lacquer, and so
forth. The substrate may be integrally coupled to the panel using
any technique known in the art. Some examples of integrally
coupling the nametag area to the panel may include adhesion,
lamination, coating, taping, and so forth.
[0052] In an alternative embodiment the nametag area includes a
slot and a light penetrable area. The light penetrable area is an
area allowing lest a substantial amount of light to pass such that
writings may be viewed through the light penetrable area. In this
embodiment, an article bearing a writing may be placed into the
nametag area by insertion through the slot. The writings may then
show through the window. FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the
nametag area 114 according to one embodiment of this invention. In
this embodiment, the face panel 100 includes a light-penetrable
area 402. A nametag panel 404 that is larger in dimension than the
light-penetrable area 402 is integrally coupled to the back face of
the face panel 406. The back face of the face panel 406 is the face
that faces the inside of the gift-wrapping envelope.
[0053] The nametag panel 404 is integrally coupled to the back face
of the face panel 406 such that an area between the nametag panel
404 and the light penetrable area 402 remains uncoupled. This area
is uncoupled such that, for example, an article bearing writing may
be inserted between the light penetrable portion 402 and the
nametag panel 404. Further, in this embodiment, at least one edge
of the nametag panel 404 remains uncoupled to the back face of the
face panel 406 such that an article bearing a writing may be
selectively inserted or removed from the uncoupled area between the
light penetrable area 402 and the nametag panel 404.
[0054] In another embodiment, the nametag area includes a pocket
with a light penetrable area integrally coupled to the face panel.
The pocket may be configured to allow an article to be selectively
inserted and removed from the pocket. The article may bear writings
such as the name of the intended recipient of the gift. The light
penetrable area may be configured to allow an article to be viewed
through the light penetrable area. The pocket may include a flap to
resist the unwanted removal of the article.
[0055] In these embodiments, the light penetrable area may include
any light-penetrable material known in the art. In one embodiment,
the light penetrable area is devoid of any material, thus making a
window. In another embodiment, the light penetrable area may
selectively allow writings to be viewed only if the article bearing
writings is in contact with the light penetrable area. Some
examples of light-penetrable material include polymer, paper,
glass, and so forth.
Releasably Couplable Accessory Area
[0056] The gift-wrapping envelope includes a releasably couplable
accessory area. In one embodiment, the releasably couplable
accessory area is designed to prevent ripping of the envelope upon
the removal of an accessory. One particular advantage to a
gift-wrapping envelope with a releasably couplable accessory area
that resists ripping of the envelope upon de-coupling of the
accessory is that the envelope may be re-used. For example, if an
accessory, such as a bow with an adhesive, is applied to a typical
gift-wrapping envelope, removal of the accessory may cause the
envelope to rip. Often, a user may wish to re-use, re-gift, or keep
a gift-wrapping envelope, and does not or cannot do so if it is
ripped or torn. For this invention, an area is releasably couplable
if it allows for the release of a coupled element without tearing,
destroying, or otherwise defacing the panel to which the element is
releasably coupled.
[0057] The releasably couplable accessory area may be located on
any panel of the gift-wrapping envelope. As illustrated in FIGS. 1,
2, 3, 5, and 6, the releasably couplable accessory area 116 may be
located on the face panel 102. FIG. 3 illustrates a front plan view
of the gift-wrapping envelope 100 according to one embodiment of
the invention that includes a releasably couplable accessory area
116. This embodiment shows an accessory 302 releasably coupled to
the releasably couplable accessory area 116.
[0058] In one embodiment, the releasably couplable accessory area
includes a release liner. The release liner may be configured to
allow for the release of an adhesive from the release liner. The
release liner may be any known in the art. The liner should also be
capable of being placed in intimate contact with an adhesive and
the adhesive subsequently removed. In one embodiment, the removal
will not damaging the adhesive layer or the panel to which the
release liner is coupled. The adhesive may be any adhesive known,
such as a pressure-sensitive adhesive, a temperature-sensitive
adhesive, a curable adhesive, and so forth. Non-limiting examples
of liners include 3M.TM. Flouropolymer Release from Minnesota
Mining & Manufacturing Company (3M) of St. Paul, Minn.
[0059] In another embodiment, the release liner includes a
mechanically releasable liner. Any mechanically releasable liner
known in the art may be used. For example, the liner may be the
hook portion of a hook-and-loop fastener, and the accessory may
include the loop portion of a hook-and-loop fastener. In another
example, the liner may include the loop portion of a hook-and-loop
fastener, and the accessory may include the hook-portion of a
hook-and-loop fastener. In another example, the mechanically
releasable liner may include a snap, button, magnet, buckle, tie,
hook-and-eye, releasable adhesive, slot, and so forth.
[0060] In another embodiment, the releasably couplable accessory
area comprises a material configured to resist destruction of the
panel to which the releasably couplable accessory area is coupled
upon removal of the accessory. The releasably couplable accessory
area of this embodiment may reinforce the panel to which it is
applied. In one embodiment, the releasably couplable accessory area
includes a woven material resistant to tearing. In another
embodiment, the releasably couplable accessory area includes a
non-woven material resistant to tearing. In another embodiment, the
releasably couplable accessory area includes a polymer resistant to
tearing. One non-limiting example of a material resistant to
destruction upon the removal of an accessory is Nylon Ripstop,
available from Outdoor Wilderness Fabrics, Inc., of Caldwell,
Id.
[0061] The releasably couplable accessory area of any of the
embodiments may be integrally coupled to the gift-wrapping envelope
in any manner known in the art. For example, the releasably
couplable accessory area may be adhered to the gift-wrapping
envelope. The adhesion may be by any means known in the art. For
example, the adhesion may be by a pressure-sensitive adhesive, a
temperature-sensitive adhesive, a curable adhesive, and so forth.
The releasably couplable accessory area may be integrally coupled
to the gift-wrapping envelope using mechanical fasteners such as
staples, brads, and so forth. The releasably couplable accessory
area may include a coating on the gift-wrapping envelope.
Audio Label
[0062] The gift-wrapping envelope of the current invention may
include an audio label. The audio label may be any that is known in
the art. In one embodiment, the audio label may include an audio
device powered by a photovoltaic cell as described in U.S. Pat. No.
5,905,429, incorporated herein by reference. The audio label of
this embodiment includes a circuit board substrate, an adhesive
layer attached to the substrate and a photovoltaic cell attached to
the substrate. The audio label also includes a sound-storing,
sound-retrieving microchip attached to said circuit board substrate
and connected to said photovoltaic cell so that said photovoltaic
cell provides power to said microchip, said microchip being adapted
to have audible sounds pre-recorded thereon in the form of signals
which said microchip, upon activation, can communicate to replay
said audible sounds. Further, the audio label of the present
embodiment includes a sound reproduction unit attached to said
circuit board substrate and connected to said microchip so that
when said microchip communicates signals to said sound reproduction
unit, said signals are converted into audible sounds.
[0063] The sound reproduction unit may include any that is known in
the art. In one embodiment, the sound reproduction unit is small
enough to fit on the face of the envelope. For example, the sound
reproduction unit may be an electromagnetic microspeaker. In
another example, the sound reproduction unit may be a piezoelectric
speaker. In either of the above examples, the sound reproduction
unit may attach to and use a component of the gift-wrapping
envelope as a diaphragm of the sound reproduction unit.
[0064] In another embodiment, the audio label includes a battery or
other energy source. The battery or other energy source may be used
to power the electrical components of the audio label. Any battery
or energy source known in the art may be used.
[0065] The audio label may be integrally coupled with any panel of
the gift-wrapping envelope. FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of
the gift-wrapping envelope 100 wherein the audio label 204 is
integrally coupled with the back panel 104 of the gift-wrapping
envelope 100. The audio label 204 may be placed at any location on
the back panel 104. The placement of the audio label 204 may depend
on what kind of activation is necessary to activate the audio label
204. For example, if the audio label is activated by the expanding
of the side panels 106, then placement proximate to a side panel
106, as illustrated in FIG. 3 may be desired.
[0066] In one embodiment, the audio label is integrally coupled
with the envelope. The coupling may be by any means known in the
art. For example, the coupling may be by adhesive, tape,
lamination, heat bonding, staples, brads, inserting into slots or
folds in the envelope, and so forth.
Alternative Embodiments
[0067] It is understood that the above-described preferred
embodiments are only illustrative of the application of the
principles of the present invention. The present invention may be
embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit
or essential characteristics. The described embodiment is to be
considered in all respects only as illustrative and not
restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by
the appended claim 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.
[0068] For example, although several panels are described in the
above description, it is within the scope of this invention that
all of the panels may be formed from one continuous piece of
material. As described above, the face panel and the back panel may
be formed from a single piece of material, with a fold between the
two forming the integral coupling of the face and back panels.
Likewise, the side panel or panels may be formed from the same
piece of material as the face and/or back panels. For example, a
face panel may be formed with "wings" on a side not integrally
coupled to the back panel. When folded and attached to the back
panel, the wings then become the side panels. The "wings" may be
folded with at least one fold running parallel to the edge of the
face panel from which the "wings" extend thus creating
accordion-type folds. These accordion-type folds allow for the side
panels to be expandable.
[0069] Further, the enclosure panel may be formed from the same
piece of material as the face and/or back and/or side panels. In
one example, the back panel includes the enclosure panel as an
extra flap, folded from an edge of the back panel to which neither
the face panel nor the side panel will be integrally coupled. This
folded enclosure panel releasably couples with the face panel to
function as the enclosure panel.
[0070] In one other example, the face, back, side, and enclosure
panels are all formed from the same piece of material. The panels
may be differentiated by folds between the panels as described
above. Further integral coupling of the panels may take place as
described above. For example, for the "wings" as above to become
side panels, the edge of the "wing" that is not separated from the
back panel with a fold must be integrally coupled to the face
panel. This integral coupling may be by any means known in the art.
Such means may include, for example, use of an adhesive,
lamination, heat bonding, staples, folds, brads, and so forth.
[0071] Additionally, although the figures illustrate that the face
panel and the back panel integrally couple directly together, any
integral coupling between the face panel and the back panel is
envisioned. For example, the face panel may integrally couple to an
extension panel, which integrally couples to the back panel. In
another example, where the face panel and the back panel are formed
from a single piece of material, there could be two substantially
parallel folds running parallel to the coupled edges of the face
and back panels. The two folds would then create an extension panel
between the face panel and the back panel.
[0072] Though the description includes a nametag area that may be
an erasably writable surface or a window and pocket, other
embodiments are envisioned. For example, the nametag area may
include merely a window. If the nametag area were merely a window,
at least a part of the contents of the gift-wrapping envelope may
be visible through the window. The nametag area may include
combinations of the described features. For example, the window may
be erasably writable. In another example, an erasably writable
surface may be visible through a window. In this last example, the
window may serve to protect the erasably writable surface from
accidental erasure.
[0073] In at least one embodiment, the contents of the envelope may
be visible through the nametag window. The contents may bear a
message to the intended recipient. The contents may bear writings
to entice the intended recipient to open the envelope. The envelope
may be of dimensions such that it is capable of enclosing a
greeting card, full-size sheets of paper, a gift, or so forth. This
invention is not meant to be limited by the contents or intended
contents of the envelope.
[0074] It is expected that there could be numerous variations of
the design of this invention. Although the figures and some
embodiments describe a rectangular-shaped gift-wrapping envelope,
it is within the scope of this invention that any shape capable of
enveloping a contained article may be used. For example, if a
triangle-shaped envelope is desired, the face and back panels may
be in the shape of a triangle. One edge of the face panel may be
integrally coupled with one corresponding edge of the back panel.
One other edge of the face panel may be integrally coupled with a
side panel that is in turn integrally coupled with a corresponding
edge of the back panel. One edge of the face panel may remain
uncoupled from the back panel. The enclosure panel may be coupled
to the face or back panel and releasably couplable to the front
panel. The general shape of the envelope may include, for example,
rectangular, triangular, circular, pentagonal hexagonal,
heptagonal, octagonal, nonagonal, decagonal, and so forth. In one
embodiment, no matter the shape, only one edge of the face panel
integrally couples to one edge of the back panel. Other sides that
are to be coupled are coupled by expandable side panels.
[0075] For example, if the face panel and the back panel are in
generally a hexagonal shape, corresponding edges of the face and
back panel are integrally coupled. The edge of the face panel
opposite of the integrally coupled edge remains uncoupled to the
corresponding edge of the back panel. The other four edges of the
face panel are integrally coupled to side panels, which are
integrally coupled to corresponding edges of the back panel.
[0076] The releasably couplable accessory area may be configured to
accept and release any accessory known in the art, so long as the
area retards the ripping, destruction, or other defacing of the
envelope upon removal of the accessory. Though the above
description illustrates that the accessory may be a bow, the
accessory may include any accessory known in the art. For example,
the accessory may include ribbons, adhesive stickers, emblems,
badges, address labels, miniature characters, tissues, tags,
wraphia, ornaments, and so forth.
[0077] Thus, while the present invention has been fully described
above with particularity and detail in connection with what is
presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment
of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in
the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to,
variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of
operation, assembly and use may be made, without departing from the
principles and concepts of the invention as set forth in the
claims.
* * * * *