U.S. patent application number 14/032102 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-30 for gift portfolio, box, and wrapping apparatus and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is Michael S. Nebeker, Ashton J. Seliger, Barton J. Seliger, Myla B. Thorn. Invention is credited to Michael S. Nebeker, Ashton J. Seliger, Barton J. Seliger, Myla B. Thorn.
Application Number | 20140027500 14/032102 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49993898 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140027500 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Thorn; Myla B. ; et
al. |
January 30, 2014 |
GIFT PORTFOLIO, BOX, AND WRAPPING APPARATUS AND METHOD
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.
Inventors: |
Thorn; Myla B.; (Orem,
UT) ; Seliger; Ashton J.; (Orem, UT) ;
Nebeker; Michael S.; (Sandy, UT) ; Seliger; Barton
J.; (Orem, UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Thorn; Myla B.
Seliger; Ashton J.
Nebeker; Michael S.
Seliger; Barton J. |
Orem
Orem
Sandy
Orem |
UT
UT
UT
UT |
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49993898 |
Appl. No.: |
14/032102 |
Filed: |
September 19, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13369229 |
Feb 8, 2012 |
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14032102 |
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13334555 |
Dec 22, 2011 |
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13369229 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
229/116.5 ;
206/232; 206/459.5; 53/461 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/32 20130101; B65D
73/0078 20130101; B65D 5/36 20130101; B65D 5/425 20130101; B65D
33/06 20130101; B65B 11/004 20130101; B65D 33/14 20130101; B65D
31/10 20130101; B65D 5/4216 20130101; B65D 5/4233 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
229/116.5 ;
206/232; 206/459.5; 53/461 |
International
Class: |
B65D 5/42 20060101
B65D005/42; B65B 11/00 20060101 B65B011/00 |
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; 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.
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.
Description
RELATED CASES
[0001] 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
[0002] 1. The Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to gift wrapping and packaging and,
more particularly, to novel systems and methods for gift card
containers.
[0004] 2. The Background Art
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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.
[0008] 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?
[0009] 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
[0010] 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.
[0011] 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.
[0012] 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.
[0013] 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.
[0014] 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.
[0015] 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.
[0016] 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).
[0017] 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.
[0018] 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.
[0019] 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.
[0020] 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.
[0021] 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.
[0022] 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.
[0023] 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.
[0024] 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.
[0025] 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.
[0026] 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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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.
[0030] 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.
[0031] 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;
[0032] 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.
[0033] 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.
[0034] 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.
[0035] 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.
[0036] 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.
[0037] 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.
[0038] 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.
[0039] 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.
[0040] 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.
[0041] 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.
[0042] 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.
[0043] 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.
[0044] 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.
[0045] 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.
[0046] 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
[0047] 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:
[0048] 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;
[0049] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the box in FIG. 1 with the
lid in a closed position;
[0050] FIG. 3 is a top plan of the view of box of FIG. 1;
[0051] FIG. 4 is a bottom plan of the view of the box of FIG.
1;
[0052] FIG. 5 is a right side elevation view thereof;
[0053] FIG. 6 is a left side elevation view thereof;
[0054] FIG. 7 is a front elevation view thereof;
[0055] FIG. 8 is a rear elevation view thereof;
[0056] 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;
[0057] 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;
[0058] 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;
[0059] FIG. 12 is a further perspective view of an almost complete
conversion configuration thereof;
[0060] FIG. 13 is an almost completely converted or erected
configuration, with the lid still open and the front wall not
snugged into place;
[0061] 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;
[0062] 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
[0063] FIG. 16 is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of a
method of using the gift card boxes in accordance with the
invention;
[0064] 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;
[0065] 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;
[0066] 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;
[0067] 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;
[0068] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 20,
this time from the fully closed, configured, concealed
configuration;
[0069] FIG. 22 is a closed, front elevation view of an apparatus in
accordance with the invention, configured as a folio, in a closed
configuration;
[0070] FIG. 23a is an open, front elevation view of the system of
FIG. 22, in an open configuration, illustrating the interior
surfaces thereof;
[0071] FIG. 23b is an open front elevation view of the apparatus or
folio of FIGS. 22 and 23a, fully open and having the gift card
secured therein;
[0072] FIG. 24 is a frontal perspective view thereof, partially
open;
[0073] FIG. 25 is a rear perspective view thereof, partially
open;
[0074] 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;
[0075] FIG. 27a is a front elevation view thereof fully open and
absent a gift card in place;
[0076] FIG. 27b is a front elevation view of an alternative
embodiment thereof, an open configuration, with the gift card in
place;
[0077] FIG. 27c 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;
[0078] FIG. 28a is a front perspective view thereof in a partially
open configuration, as seen on a horizontal supporting surface;
[0079] FIG. 28b is a rear perspective view thereof;
[0080] FIG. 28c is a rear perspective view of the alternative
embodiment of FIG. 27c partially open;
[0081] FIG. 29 is an exploded view illustrating the construction of
the system 10, configured as a folio configuration;
[0082] FIG. 30 is a frontal perspective view of a system configured
as a bag structure, in a partially open, partially closed
configuration;
[0083] FIG. 31 is a frontal perspective view thereof in an open
configuration; and
[0084] 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
[0085] 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.
[0086] 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.
[0087] 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.
[0088] 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.
[0089] 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.
[0090] 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.
[0091] 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.
[0092] 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.
[0093] 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.
[0094] 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.
[0095] 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.
[0096] 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 24a, 24b, 24c, and 24d. Thus, in general, to speak of a wall
24 is to speak of any or all of the walls 24a-24d. 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.
[0097] 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.
[0098] 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 30a and a
back hinge 30b secure the walls 24a 24b respectively to the floor
26. Similarly, a hinge 30c or fold line 30c connects the lid 14 to
the back wall 24b of the base 12. Similarly, a hinge 30d or fold
line 30d 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.
[0099] 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 36a, while the tuck flap 34 is anchored to the panel 20 at a
fold line 36b.
[0100] 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.
[0101] 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 24a or the back wall 24b. The operation will be
significantly different.
[0102] In the illustrated embodiment, an anchor flap 32 or anchor
flap portion 32 of the panel 20 is secured to the back wall 24b 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 36a, the deck
40 is moved away from the lid 14 and toward the floor 26 of the
base 12.
[0103] Similarly, by folding the tuck flap 34 along the tuck fold
line 36b or the tuck hinge 36b, the tuck flap 34 may be folded to
be inserted parallel to the front wall 24a. In certain embodiments,
the tuck flap 34 may be folded at the tuck fold line 36b 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 36b, then it may be advisable to
provide some securement mechanism to hold the tuck flap 34 in
position against the front wall 24a in the converted
configuration.
[0104] If the tuck flap 34 is instead folded upward along the tuck
fold line 36b, 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 24b. 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.
[0105] 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.
[0106] 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 24a 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.
[0107] 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.
[0108] 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.
[0109] 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.
[0110] 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.
[0111] 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.
[0112] 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.
[0113] 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 24a may be folded out away from the floor 26 while the back
wall 24b is folded out from the floor 24. These components are
effectively where they need to be in order for the side walls 24c,
24d to be drawn apart. Meanwhile, the lid 14 has been opened along
its fold line 30c 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.
[0114] 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.
[0115] 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 24a. The
folding of the flap 16 over the front wall 24a provides securement
of the front wall 24a and back wall 24b 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.
[0116] 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.
[0117] 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.
[0118] 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.
[0119] 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.
[0120] 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.
[0121] 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.
[0122] 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.
[0123] 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.
[0124] 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.
[0125] 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.
[0126] 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.
[0127] 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.
[0128] 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.
[0129] 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.
[0130] 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.
[0131] 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.
[0132] 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.
[0133] 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 24a. In this configuration, the tuck flap 34 may be
sized to fit inside and effectively line the front wall 24a. The
presentation panel 40 may be pushed down at the front (near the
front wall 24a), letting the tuck flap 34 be folded upward away
from the floor 26 while the fold line 36b descends to the floor
24.
[0134] Referring to FIG. 17, right out of the retail packaging 52,
the components are where they need to be for the side walls 24c,
24d to be drawn apart. The lid 14 may be opened at its fold line
30c, exposing and positioning the deck 40 for conversion and
containment within the walls 24 surrounding it.
[0135] 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 24b, so it elevates away from the floor therewith. The deck 40
of the panel 20 folds along the hinge line 36a.
[0136] 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.
[0137] 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 36b. 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.
[0138] As the deck 40 descends, the tuck flap 34 follows the fold
line 36b to the floor 12. The free edge of the tuck flap 34 thus
extends upward adjacent the front wall 24a. The deck 40 extends
diagonally downward and forward from the fold line 36a adjacent the
lid 14 toward the fold line 36b at the floor 12.
[0139] 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 24a. 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.
[0140] 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
24a.
[0141] Referring to FIG. 19, a user may pinch together between a
thumb and forefinger the tuck panel 34 and the front wall 24a. The
tabs 28 provide some amount of clearance, but a comparatively
modest pressure will bring the tuck flap 34 and front wall 24a
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.
[0142] For example, the anchor flap 32 is very securely fastened to
the back wall 24b, thus drawing it forward to keep the rear portion
of the box squared up. Meanwhile, the firm securement of the front
wall 24a to the tuck flap 34 traps the tabs 28a therebetween,
squaring up the front of the box 10. The box is thus in a fully
converted configuration and easy to manipulate.
[0143] 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 24a, and wraps an adhesive-backed seal 104
around the corner fold line 30a
[0144] 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 24a and the bottom 12 at the fold line
30a. The seal 104 may be removable by the use of a comparatively
removable adhesive, for re-use of the box 10.
[0145] The folding of the flap 16 over the front wall 24a provides
securement of the front wall 24a and back wall 24b 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.
[0146] 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.
[0147] 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.
[0148] 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.
[0149] 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 1/4 to about 3/8 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.
[0150] 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.
[0151] 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.
[0152] 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.
[0153] 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.
[0154] 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.
[0155] 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.
[0156] As illustrated in FIGS. 26-28C, the folio 10, 110 may be
open, as illustrated in FIG. 27a 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.
[0157] Referring to FIGS. 27A-27C, the gift card 50 may be placed
on the adhesive 38, again oriented in the "horizontal"
configuration illustrated.
[0158] 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.
[0159] 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.
[0160] 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.
[0161] 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 113a,
113b. 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.
[0162] In the illustrated embodiment, the outer wrap 112 may be
characterized by several different portions. For example, the
folded portions 115a will be secured to the upper surface of the
boards 113. That is, the interior surface of the boards 113a, 113b
that will eventually be covered by the liner 114 will typically
receive the folded portions 115a. Preferably, the folded portions
115a 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 113a, 113b by designation.
[0163] A flat bonded portion 115b will be coextensive with the
outer surface of a board 113. Meanwhile, an edge clearance 115c
provides for the thickness 115f of a board 113 around which the
folded portion 115a must wrap in order to be secured to the inner
surface of the board 113.
[0164] Inner 115d and outer fold lines 115e will be coincident with
the edge corners of the boards 113. The folded over portion 115a is
wrapped around each respective board 113 at its appropriate edge.
Typically, the edge clearance 115c or edge clearance region 115c
will correspond to the thickness 115f of the boards 113.
[0165] A central clearance 115g is identified between fold lines
115h in center of the outer wrap 112. These fold lines 115h are
positioned to accommodate the thickness of both boards 113a, 113b,
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 115g will be sized to accommodate that "stack up"
of other components 115. Meanwhile, a central region 115j of the
liner 114 need only span the clearance distance between the two
boards 113a, 113b. Typically, the liner 114 in the central region
115j may simply span the spacing distance between the boards 113a,
113b, and need not be adhered by adhesive or the like to the
clearance region 115g of the outer wrap 112.
[0166] 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.
[0167] 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.
[0168] 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.
[0169] 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.
[0170] 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.
[0171] 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.
[0172] 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.
[0173] 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.
[0174] 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.
[0175] 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.
[0176] 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.
[0177] 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.
[0178] What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States
Letters Patent is:
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