Abstract:
A packaging for presenting a greeting card and a gift includes a card having a front panel extending from a first end of the card to a first fold, a base extending from the first fold to a second fold, and a back panel extending from a second fold to a second end of the card. The card has a first surface with a message and a second surface with a wrapping paper design. The card has a first configuration in which the card at least partially covers a gift at least partially held on the base, with the first surface facing inward and the second surface facing outward, and a second configuration in which the first surface faces outward and the second surface faces inward.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates to an all in one greeting card, wrapper, and gift holder. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    European Patent EP0220827 to Chandler discloses a substantially rectangular container for a T-shirt or other gift and, folding onto the front face of the container, a cover flap which forms, with the face, a greetings card having “Happy Birthday” or other appropriate greetings. U.S. Patent Publication 2006/0185201 to Fachon, III et at contains a similar disclosure. U.S. Pat. No. 5,133,496 to Davidson is likewise similar, the container forming a pouch. 
         [0003]    In U.S. Pat. No. 8,104,670 to Mitchell, a gift container portion has a plurality of panels, in which at least one panel forms an oblique surface with respect to the remainder of the panels. The gift container preferably includes an integral device for securing a greeting card positioned on a first panel of the gift container. 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,209,892 to Nielsen discloses a greeting card which includes a top horizontal panel and two vertical panels. The top horizontal panel is adhered to the vertical panels by means of adhesive tapes to form a receptacle for inserting over a gift. The vertical panels are designed in T-shirt shape including front and back surface for inputting personalized messages over it for imparting a personal touch while presenting the gift to a recipient. The greeting card is inserted over the neck of a wine or other spirit bottle, or gifts with similar neck configurations through a cutout orifice formed at the center of the top horizontal panel in the unfolded position. 
         [0005]    U.S. Patent Publication 2010/0307933 to Nicholas discloses a compartment containing a gift, such as chocolates, jelly beans or any other type of gift. The invention has extension flaps which seal the inner compartment in order to hold the gift inside, and at the same time, make the package ready for posting. When received the removable or tear-off segments so the outer packaging can be removed, leaving a greetings card that can be stood up as a regular greeting card. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    A more complete understanding of the present disclosure, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
           [0007]      FIG. 1  shows a gift box or container containing a gift of a rose, and a card, together forming a package in accordance with the disclosure. As set forth in more detail below, the present invention contemplates use with other styles or types of gift, either with or without a gift container. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  shows the gift container placed on a base of a card prior to folding of the front and back panels. 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  shows the package embodiment of  FIG. 2  with the front and back panels folded and a tied ribbon holding the front and back panels in contact. This is referred to as the first configuration in the claims. 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  shows an alternative package embodiment of the disclosure, in which the folding panels form a containing border to secure the gift, the gift including its own box, the folding panels opened. 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  shows the boxed gift of the embodiment of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  shows the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , the folding panels folded upwards, and mutually secured with a ribbon. 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  shows a sleeve or flange of the disclosure, which may be folded along transverse lines located as indicated by arrows, to form a bounding and containing border disposed about an interior or exterior of the folding panels, to contain a gift. 
           [0014]      FIG. 8  shows a panel having two displayable sides, which may be folded to form inner or outer sides of a package of the disclosure. 
           [0015]      FIG. 9  shows the reverse side of the card of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 10  shows a card of the disclosure, including an integral sleeve or flange which may be folded together with panels having two displayable sides, to form a bounding and containing border. 
           [0017]      FIG. 11  shows the reverse side of the card of  FIG. 10 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 12  shows a card which may be folded to form a rectangular container of the disclosure, positionable within a bounding or containing border of the package, thereby forming a supporting container for a gif. 
           [0019]      FIG. 13  shows the rectangular container of  FIG. 12 , positioned within a containing border of a package of the disclosure, and containing a gift inserted through an opening of the rectangular container formed by slits. 
           [0020]      FIG. 14  shows an alternative form of closure for folding panels of the disclosure, and a removable information tag. 
           [0021]      FIG. 15  shows a method of forming a package of the disclosure, the package selected from a plurality of possible package components. 
       
    
    
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0022]    In an embodiment of the disclosure, a combined greeting card and gift holder comprises a card including a base configured and dimensioned to receive the gift holder, a front panel extending from one end of the base; and a back panel extending from an end of the base opposite that of the front panel, wherein the card has a first surface with a message and a second surface with a wrapping paper design; and wherein the card has a first configuration in which the card at least partially covers a gift at least partially held in the gift holder with the first surface facing inward and the second surface facing outward; and a second configuration in which the first surface faces outward and the second surface faces inward. 
         [0023]    In various embodiments thereof, the combined greeting card and gift holder has an end portion of the front panel and an end portion of the back panel, which are in contact in both the first and second configurations. 
         [0024]    In further embodiments thereof, a fastener is provided for maintaining the end portions of the front and back panels in contact; the fastener is a ribbon; each of the end portions of the front and back panels is provided with a hole for receiving the fastener; the card is a single piece of plastic, cardboard, or paper material with a first fold to define the base and front panel and a second fold to define the base and back panel; and, the base includes a flange, the flange configured and dimensioned to hold the gift holder. In another embodiment of the disclosure, a packaging for presenting a greeting card and a gift includes a front panel extending from a first end of the card to a first fold; a base extending from the first fold to a second fold; and a back panel extending from a second fold to a second end of the card, wherein the card has a first surface with a message and a second surface with a wrapping paper design; and wherein the card has a first configuration in which the card at least partially covers a gift at least partially held on the base with the first surface facing inward and the second surface facing outward; and a second configuration in which the first surface faces outward and the second surface faces inward. 
         [0025]    In various embodiments thereof, the packaging has an end portion of the front panel and an end portion of the back panel in contact in both the first and second configurations; a fastener is provided for maintaining the end portions of the front and back panels in contact; the fastener is a ribbon; each of the end portions of the front and back panels is provide with a hole for receiving the fastener; and the base includes a flange, the flange configured and dimensioned to hold the gift on the base. 
         [0026]    In accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure, a gift display comprises an elongate card defining left and right ends, and top and bottom surfaces, and having a first fold defining a front panel extending between the first fold and the left card end; a second fold defining a back panel extending between the second fold and the right card end; a base defined between the first and second folds; the left and right ends mutually connectable when the front and back panels are folded along the first and second folds in a first direction to define a first interior open space defined by the card top surface, the first interior open space viewable from outside of the first interior open space; the left and right ends mutually connectable when the front and back panels are folded along the first and second folds in a second direction to define an alternate second interior open space defined by the card bottom surface, the second interior open space viewable from outside of the second interior open space; side portions positionable proximate the base, when the first interior space is defined, to retain a gift within the first interior space. 
         [0027]    In various embodiments thereof, a fastener is provided connectable to the left and right ends to maintain the card folded in the first or second direction, to releaseably retain the left and right ends in mutual contact; the fastener is selected from the group consisting of elongate tie, snap fastener; each of the end portions of the front and back panels is provided with a hole for receiving the fastener; the card is a single piece of plastic, cardboard, or paper material; the gift display further includes a container for a gift, and wherein the base is sized to correspond to an outer dimension of the gift container; and the container contains at least one aperture for viewing the gift. 
         [0028]    In yet further embodiments thereof, at least one of the top and bottom surfaces includes a blank area in which a personal message can be written; at least one of the top and bottom surfaces includes a preprinted message corresponding to an event selected from the group consisting of: holiday, personal event, and business event; the gift is a natural rose in a box; the gift is an electronic device. 
         [0029]    In other embodiments thereof, the side portions are formed integrally from material of the card, and in one embodiment, the side portions are formed integrally from material of the card, a side portion extending from top and bottom ends of the card adjacent to the left and right ends of the card, the side portions including foldable portions. 
         [0030]    In variations thereof, the side portions mutually engageable to form a containing perimeter; the side portions are foldable when the second interior space is defined, to form a platform below the base for supporting the gift holder. 
         [0031]    In another embodiment, the side portions are formed from an elongate strip of material forming a perimeter, connectable to the card when the first or second interior space is defined; the gift display further includes a box formed by a flat panel cut to form foldable side portions and a gift insertion aperture, the aperture defined by slits which form panels foldable to support the gift in a predetermined orientation; and the fastener includes a first portion including a snap fastener portion having with an extension, and a second portion including a snap fastener portion having a receiver, the extension passable through apertures formed in the front and back panels. 
         [0032]    In another embodiment of the disclosure, a gift display and gift is formed from a kit, the kit comprising a plurality of elongate cards defining left and right ends, and top and bottom surfaces, each card having a first fold defining a front panel extending between the first fold and the left card end; a second fold defining a back panel extending between the second fold and the right card end; a base defined between the first and second folds; the left and right ends mutually connectable when the front and back panels are folded along the first and second folds in a first direction to define a first interior open space defined by the card top surface, the first interior open space viewable from outside of the first interior open space; the left and right ends mutually connectable when the front and back panels are folded along the first and second folds in a second direction to define an alternate second interior open space defined by the card bottom surface, the second interior open space viewable from outside of the second interior open space; and side portions positionable proximate the base, when the first interior space is defined, to retain a gift within the first interior space; the top and bottom surfaces of the plurality of cards bearing one of a plurality of varying printed designs; and a plurality of gifts; a package formable from a selected card and a selected gift. 
         [0033]    In a yet further embodiment of the disclosure, a gift display, comprises an elongate card defining left and right ends, and top and bottom surfaces, and having a first fold defining a front panel extending between the first fold and the left card end; a second fold defining a back panel extending between the second fold and the right card end; a base defined between the first and second folds; the left and right ends mutually connectable when the front and back panels are folded along the first and second folds in a first direction to define a first interior open space defined by the card top surface, the first interior open space viewable from outside of the first interior open space; the left and right ends mutually connectable when the front and back panels are folded along the first and second folds in a second direction to define an alternate second interior open space defined by the card bottom surface, the second interior open space viewable from outside of the second interior open space; side portions positionable proximate the base, formed integrally from material of the card, a side portion extending from top and bottom ends of the card adjacent to the left and right ends of the card, the side portions including foldable portions mutually connectable to form a perimeter to contain a gift. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0034]    As required, embodiments are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples and that the systems and methods described below can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present subject matter in virtually any appropriately detailed structure and function. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather, to provide an understandable description of the concepts. 
         [0035]    The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as “connected,” although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. 
         [0036]    With reference to the Figures, and in accordance with the disclosure, the invention relates, in one embodiment, to form a package  10  by positioning a gift  200  onto a base  110  that is then surrounded by a reversible card  100 , which has a base  114  from which extends two elongate sides  106 ,  108 , each of which has two surfaces which can form a wrapper surface  102  which includes a decorative or wrapping paper design, and a greeting card surface  104  containing a message, disposed on the inside when the card  100  is folded to contain a gift. 
         [0037]    On wrapper surface  102 , the design can be printed, laminated, embossed, stamped, embellished, or otherwise provided with any known or hereinafter conceived decorative designs. A plurality of cards  100  can be provided at a point of sale, the cards  100  bearing any of a variety of such decorative designs. A package purchaser can select a desired card for forming a package, as described herein, the available designs further advantageously reflecting any of a wide variety of predictable occasions. 
         [0038]      FIGS. 10-11  illustrate greeting card surface  102  and wrapper surface  104  of a card  100 , respectively. Card  100  has integral folding flanges  110  that hold gift  200 , which may be within a box or container  220 , in place when package  10  is formed and ready for delivery or use. Flanges  110  is composed of left and right flaps  110 A,  110 B, each flap  110 A having two or more slits  112 A which are engageable with corresponding slits  112 B formed in flap  110 B. When slits  112 A and  112 B are engaged, flange  110  forms four sides of an upwardly opened box or perimeter extending from base  114  of card  100 . To form the perimeter, flanges  110  are folded along lines  118 A and  118 B, the folded segments joining to form two completed opposing sides of the perimeter. The portions of flaps  110 A and  110 B containing slits  112 A,  112 B thus extend in a direction towards ends  116  of card  100 , and are folded back and inwards towards base  114  to connect slits  112 A and  112 B. 
         [0039]    In another embodiment, card  100  does not have integral folding flange  110 , but a separate perimeter sleeve  120  is provided, as may be seen in  FIG. 7 . Sleeve  120  can be sized to hide all or a portion of the gift  200 , and if desired, can be provided in a color scheme or design that matches or otherwise coordinates with wrapper or greeting card surface  102 ,  104 . Sleeve ends  122 ,  124  can be mutually attached by glue, staple, rivet, interlocking slits, or any other known or hereinafter developed method of attachment. Sleeve  120  can be sized to surround folded card  100  sides  106 ,  108 , and may be provided with an adhesive, for example with a removable liner, for adhering sleeve  120  to an exterior surface of card surfaces  102 . Alternatively, Sleeve  120  can be sized to fit within an interior of folded card  100  sides  106 ,  108 , and may likewise be provided with an adhesive, for example with a removable liner, for adhering sleeve  120  to an interior surface of card surfaces  104 . Other means of attaching sleeve  120  to card  100  may be provided, including for example pins, staples, snaps, or friction. 
         [0040]    In the foregoing embodiment including a separate sleeve  120 , card  100  does not include integral folding flange  110 , as may be seen in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . In this embodiment of card  100 , as in other embodiments of card  100  described herein, card  100  is folded along transverse lines indicated by arrows in  FIGS. 8-9 . These fold lines define opposing ends of base  114 . 
         [0041]    While a greeting surface  104  and a wrapper surface  102  of card  100  are described, it should be understood that designs or indicia appearing upon surface  102 ,  104  may be the same or different, both surfaces  102 ,  104  may contain greeting the same or different greeting indicia, both surfaces  102 ,  104  may contain the same or different decoration. In an embodiment forming a greeting card, a typical configuration is to place a personalized greeting, for example a handwritten note and signature, on an interior portion. Accordingly, greeting surface  104  can be provided with a white or light colored region upon which such note may be placed. Further, wrapper surface  102  can contain a message which continues upon greeting surface  102 . One example is a joke, humorous, or inspirational expression, revealed in stages as card  100  is folded open. 
         [0042]    In an embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 4-6 , gift  200  includes an inner gift container  220 , and an outer gift container  220 A. As may be seen in  FIG. 6 , the assembled gift  200  is retained within package  10  by perimeter sleeve  120 , although the assembled gift of  FIG. 5  can be contained in any manner described herein. 
         [0043]    As can be seen in  FIGS. 3 ,  6 ,  13 , and  15 , card  100  sides  106 ,  108  are folded upward with respect to a surface upon which package  10  may be placed, and mutual contact along respective upper edges  116 , forming an “A” shaped structure. In this manner, card sides  106 ,  108  form front and back surfaces of package  10 , and are open along adjacent sides, so that portions of greeting surfaces  104  may be seen, and whereby container  220 , containing gift  226  may be seen. In an embodiment, container  220  includes a window or opening  224 , so that the contained gift object  226  may also be seen. Accordingly, both container  220  and at least a portion of gift  226  can be seen through the “A” shaped opening formed by sides  106 ,  108 . Once used, card  100  and other components of package  10  can be folded back into a flat state from the deployed or “A” frame configuration, for storage as a memento. 
         [0044]    In an embodiment, sides  106 ,  108  may be folded backwards, so that greeting surfaces  104  are disposed upon an exterior surface of package  10  where the note and other contents may be viewed, and wrapper surface  102  is disposed upon an interior of package  10 . In this manner, card  100  may turned over, and base  114  positioned upon a surface. In one embodiment, folding flange  110  or separate perimeter sleeve  120  are positioned between sides  106 ,  108  and a supporting surface, whereby card  100  is elevated from the supporting surface. In an embodiment thereof, gift  200  may be disposed between the supporting surface and folding flange  110  or sleeve  120 . In this manner, gift  200  supports flange  110  or sleeve  120 , base  114  is supported above flange  110  or sleeve  120 , and card surfaces  106 ,  108  extend upwardly from base  114 . 
         [0045]    Card  100  can be punched through sides  106 ,  108  at upper edges  116  to form overlapping holes  128 , whereby sides  106 ,  108  can be secured together by an elongate tie, for example a ribbon  130 , or any other suitable fastener. As one of ordinary skill will appreciate, there are other means for securing the two sides that do not utilize a punched hole through the sides, including for example tape, hook and loop fastener, or adhesive. In an embodiment of the disclosure, visible in  FIGS. 13-15 , a closure  140  includes first and second opposing fastener portions  142 ,  144 , each bearing a mating portion of a snap connector  150 . Snap connector  150  includes an extension portion  152  of sufficient length to pass through sides  106 ,  108 , to engage a snap receiver portion  154 . In the embodiment shown, portions  142 ,  144  are bows, however other objects may be used, including toys, cartoon figures, or any other object or representation. Further, only one of fastener portion  142 ,  144  may have an object or representation, and the other only a snap  150  portion  152  or  154 . A removable price or information tag  160  can be interposed between snap portions  152 ,  154 , thereby being easily removed before presentation of the gift. 
         [0046]    The gift holder or container  220  can be configured and dimensioned to support a variety of products such as candles, perfumes, jewelry, wine, toys, and any other object that is sized and dimensioned to be supported by card  100 . Objects may be larger than a space between card  100 , and may have portions which extend to the side and above card  100 . Gift container  220  can have a wide variety of configurations, each optimized to support and display a gift of particular dimensions. An example is found in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 12-13 , in which a display support  240  is formed as a flat sheet that forms two pairs of opposing sides  242 ,  244 . Flaps  246  are formed in sides  244 , and are bendable to form a closed perimeter, together with bent opposing sides  242 ,  244 . A support aperture  250  is defined from slits formed through support  240 , the slits in this example cut to form four v-shaped portions  252 , each of which may bend inwardly with respect to an interior of the closed perimeter formed by sides  242 ,  244 . A gift  200 , for example within a separate gift container  220 A, may be inserted into aperture  250 , to be thereby held in a display orientation, as depicted in  FIG. 13 . 
         [0047]    With reference to  FIG. 15 , in an embodiment, holes  128  can be used to hang the card on a display unit  270  in a card section  272 , for example in a flattened state for efficient display. Fasteners  130 ,  140  can be provided in a fastener section  274  of the display, and gifts in a gift section  276 . Each section  272 ,  274 ,  276  can be further subdivided with respect to subtypes (e.g. flowers, toys, or electronics, such as a charger, phone, or digital player) displayed within. In this regard, an exemplary display unit can include three separate sections. One or more additional sections can be provided for alternative display elements, for example display support  240  and the like. In this manner, a customer can create a customized package  10  at a retail site hosting display  270 , or an order fulfillment department can compose packages  10  pursuant to customer orders, for example website orders, by combining selected cards  100 , gifts  200 , and fasteners  130 ,  140 , from among a variety of each. The resultant kit can be purchased and brought home for assembly, or may be assembled in the store. Similarly, a flattened kit can be shipped pursuant to a web order, to reduce shipping costs, or the kit may be preassembled to form package  10 . 
         [0048]    In one embodiment, cards  100  are packed single and folded flat with flange  110  folded inwards (if provided with a flange), or side  106  folded back against side  108 , with a portion of surface  102  and a portion of surface  104  visible. In an exemplary embodiment, about ½ to about ¾ of surface  102  is visible, and some or all of side  104  can be made visible. In this manner, a customer can see at least a portion of surfaces  102 ,  104 , while preserving space in display  270 . 
         [0049]    Card  100 , perimeter sleeve  120 , and display support  240 , can be fabricated from a wide variety of materials, or composite materials, including paper, cardboard, polymeric material, metal, wood, synthetic material, woven material, or any other material which is foldable in accordance with the disclosure herein. The foregoing elements may be stamped, molded, cut, extruded, or otherwise formed and shaped as described herein in any known manner. Gifts  200  and gift container  220  can be formed of any material from which gifts are made, in any manner known or hereinafter developed. 
         [0050]    It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. 
         [0051]    All references cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. There are many different features to the present disclosure and it is contemplated that these features may be used together or separately. Thus, the disclosure should not be limited to any particular combination of features or to a particular application of the disclosure. Further, it should be understood that variations and modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure might occur to those skilled in the art to which the disclosure pertains. Accordingly, all expedient modifications readily attainable by one versed in the art from the disclosure set forth herein that are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure are to be included as further embodiments of the present disclosure.