Abstract:
Disclosed herein is a gift wrap ensemble that includes a first end cap and a second end cap. Each of the first and second end caps includes a base member and a plurality of depressions extending therefrom. A plurality of gift wrap rolls are provided that form a chamber therebetween and that receive the depressions. A decorative item, such as a ribbon, bow, tissue paper and/or a gift tag, is positioned within the chamber. Packaging such as shrink wrap, a container, etc. encloses the decorative item within the chamber, and the decorative item is visually-perceptible from outside the packaging.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/753,952 filed Dec. 23, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a gift wrap ensemble, and, more particularly, to a gift wrap ensemble having end caps for engaging a plurality of gift wrap rolls. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Gift wrap is typically packaged as a long continuous paper sheet rolled onto a cylindrical cardboard tube, and decorative items, such as bows, ribbons, etc., are typically packaged and purchased separately therefrom. However, separate packaging impacts manufacturing costs and may inhibit sales, particularly with respect to those consumers who would prefer to purchase a single package at a lower cost. Furthermore, some packaging of the prior art is problematic, because the edges of the rolled gift wrap are typically exposed at the ends thereof so that the ends are vulnerable to being damaged during storage, handling, and shipping. 
     It is known in the art to use protective holders as packaging for the ends of rolled gift wrap. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,441,127 to Manning (the “Manning &#39;127 Patent”) discloses a gift wrapping ensemble having a holder adapted for engaging two rolls of gift wrap. The holder includes a rectangular frame that has members depending therefrom for retaining the two rolls of gift wrap. Each of the depending members frictionally engages one of the rolls. Although the Manning &#39;127 Patent further provides that gift tags may be contained by the ensemble, the Manning &#39;127 Patent teaches that the holder has a compartment formed as a part thereof and that the tags are contained within the small space of the compartment. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention overcomes the disadvantages and shortcomings of the prior art discussed above by providing a multi-roll gift wrap ensemble that includes a plurality of gift wrap rolls and a plurality of end caps that form a friction fit with the gift wrap rolls so as to appropriately position them within packaging, such as shrink-wrap and/or a container that is typically formed from transparent plastic. In a multi-roll gift wrap ensemble constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the end caps and the gift wrap rolls define a chamber therebetween, and the multi-roll gift wrap ensemble includes decorative items (e.g., bows, ribbons, etc.) positioned within the chamber. When the container is made from a transparent material, the gift wrap rolls and/or the decorative items are visible by a consumer at the point of purchase. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description of several exemplary embodiments of the present invention considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded view of a multi-roll gift wrap ensemble constructed in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the multi-roll gift wrap ensemble being shown to include end caps, gift wrap rolls, a chamber formed therebetween, and a transparent container; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the multi-roll gift wrap ensemble of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of one of the end caps of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of the end cap of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a left side view of the end cap of  FIGS. 34  and a broken section of some of the gift wrap rolls shown along section line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a multi-roll gift wrap ensemble constructed in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the multi-roll gift wrap ensemble being shown to include end caps, gift wrap rolls, a chamber formed therebetween, a backing positioned in the chamber with decorative items, and a transparent container; 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded view of the multi-roll gift wrap ensemble of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a multi-roll gift wrap ensemble constructed in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the multi-roll gift wrap ensemble being shown to include end caps, gift wrap rolls, a chamber formed therebetween, a tray positioned in the chamber with decorative items, and a transparent container; 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded view of the multi-roll gift wrap ensemble of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a multi-roll gift wrap ensemble constructed in accordance with a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the multi-roll gift wrap ensemble being shown to include end caps, gift wrap rolls, a chamber formed therebetween, a tray positioned in the chamber with decorative items, and shrink-wrap; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a multi-roll gift wrap ensemble constructed in accordance with a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the multi-roll gift wrap ensemble being shown to include a plurality of end caps each having a rectangular cutout, gift wrap rolls, a chamber formed therebetween, a plurality of decorative items positioned in the chamber, and a transparent container; 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded view of the multi-roll gift wrap ensemble of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a top view of a three-roll end cap, each depression thereof being shown to include a cylindrical portion, a frustoconical portion extending therefrom, and a circular portion enclosing the frustoconical portion; 
         FIG. 14  is a front view of the three-roll end cap of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a top view of a four-roll end cap having two large depressions and two small depressions; 
         FIG. 16  is a front view of the four-roll end cap of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a bottom view of a five-roll end cap having a plurality of bosses formed therein; and 
         FIG. 18  is a front view of the five-roll end cap of  FIG. 17 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-2 , a multi-roll gift wrap ensemble  10  includes a pair of plastic end caps  12 ,  14 , a plurality of gift wrap rolls  16   a - f , and a container  18 . Each of the end caps  12 ,  14 , the gift wrap rolls  16   a - f , and the container  18  shall be discussed in further detail below. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3-4 , the end caps  12 ,  14  shall now be discussed with exemplary reference to the end cap  12 . It shall be clear to one skilled in the art that the below discussion of the end cap  12  is equally applicable to the end cap  14 . However, as shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , the end cap  14  is inverted with respect to the end cap  12 . 
     The end cap  12 , which is preferably formed from plastic (e.g., PVC, HIPS, etc.), includes a base member  20  and a plurality of cup-like depressions  22   a - f  extending from the base member  20 . The depressions  22   a - f  include cylindrical portions  24   a - f , a first plurality of frustoconical portions  26   a - f , a second plurality of frustoconical portions  28   a - f , and a plurality of circular portions  30   a - f . The depressions  22   a - f  shall be further discussed with exemplary reference to the depression  22   a , and it shall be clear to one skilled in the art that the discussion of the depression  22   a  is equally applicable to the depressions  22   b  - f  of the end cap  12  and the depressions (not designated) of the end cap  14 . 
     The depression  22   a  extends from the base member  20  and is formed monolithically therewith. The depression  22   a  includes the cylindrical portion  24   a , which extends from the base member  20 , and the first frustoconical portion  26   a , which extends from the cylindrical portion  24   a  and forms a ridge R 1  therewith. The depression  22   a  further includes the second frustoconical portion  28   a , which extends from the first frustoconical portion  26   a  and forms a ridge R 2  therewith, and the circular portion  30   a , which encloses the second frustoconical portion  28   a . The diameter of the depression  22   a  decreases from the cylindrical portion  24   a  to the circular portion  30   a , such that a diameter D R1  at the ridge R 1  is greater than a diameter D R2  at the ridge R 2 , which is greater than a diameter D B  at the circular portion  30   a . Features of the depression  22   a  may be characterized as being stepped, tiered, conical, and/or tapered. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-2  and  5 , the gift wrap rolls  16   a - f  of the multi-roll gift wrap ensemble  10  shall now be discussed with further detail. Each one of the gift wrap rolls  16   a - f  includes a corresponding one of a plurality of cardboard tube cores  32   a - f  and gift wrap sheets  34   a - f  rolled thereabout. Each one of the gift wrap sheets  34   a - f  has one of a plurality of decorative patterns disposed thereon (not shown). 
     The outer diameter of each one of the gift wrap rolls  16   a - f  is dependent upon the unrolled length and thickness of the corresponding one of the gift wrap sheets  34   a - f . Although the gift wrap rolls  16   a - f  are shown to have a consistent outer diameter, it is contemplated that each one of the gift wrap sheets can have an unrolled length and/or thickness different from each other one of the gift wrap sheets. In this regard, a manufacturer of the multi-roll gift wrap ensemble can mix and match gift wrap rolls of different outer diameters as desired, and each one of the depressions can be spaced from each other one of the depressions to accommodate same (e.g., by increasing the distance from the center of each depression to the center of each depression adjacent thereto to allow for thicker gift wrap rolls). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-2  and  5 , each one of the gift wrap rolls  16   a - f  extends between the end caps  12 ,  14 , such that a chamber  36  is formed between the gift wrap rolls  16   a - f  and the end caps  12 ,  14 . Each one of the cardboard tube cores  32   a - f  forms a friction fit with a corresponding one of the depressions  22   a - f  of the end cap  12  and another friction fit with a corresponding one of the depressions (not designated) of the end cap  14 . To facilitate formation of the friction fits, the inner diameter of each one of the cardboard tube cores  32   a - f  is just greater than the diameter at the corresponding one of the cylindrical portions  24   a - f  (e.g., the diameter D R1 ). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-2 , the packaging of the multi-roll gift wrap ensemble includes the container  18 , which is shown to be formed from a transparent plastic material and can be formed from opaque and/or translucent material(s). The container  18  has a plurality of walls  38   a - e  defining an interior space  40  within the container  18  and further includes a plurality of lid flaps  42   a - d . Each one of the lid flaps  42   a - d  is hingedly attached to one of the plurality of walls  38   a - d  corresponding thereto, and can fold so as to close the interior space  40 . Each one of the lid flaps  42   a - d  can be secured to each other one of the lid flaps  42   a - d  with cellophane tape, for example, to maintain a closed position. The gift wrap rolls  16   a - f  and the end caps  12 ,  14  are positioned within the interior space  40  of the container  18 . 
     Continuing with general reference to  FIGS. 1-5 , an exemplary method of assembling the multi-roll gift wrap ensemble  10  shall now be discussed with exemplary reference to the gift wrap roll  16   a  and the depression  22   a  of the end cap  12 . It shall be clear to one skilled in the art that the discussion is equally applicable to the gift wrap rolls  16   b - f , the depressions  22   b - f  of the end cap  12 , and the depressions (not designated) of the end cap  14 . 
     An assembler (e.g., a human operator and/or an automated machine system) inserts an end (not designated) of the gift wrap roll  16   a  into the depression  22   a . Because the diameter D B  at the circular portion  30   a  is less than the diameter D R1  at the cylindrical portion  24   a , the assembler can easily guide the depression  22   a  into the gift wrap roll  16   a . For example, in a method where the assembler targets the gift wrap roll  16   a  to be concentric with the depression  22   a  during insertion thereof, the assembler may vary from target at, for example, a distance equal to about ((D R1 -D B )/2) in either direction, such that insertion of the circular portion  30   a  into the gift wrap roll  16   a  is successful despite being off-target. By providing this toleration for variance, manufacturing efficiency may be increased. During insertion, the cardboard tube core  32   a  then comes into sliding contact with the second frustoconical portion  28   a  and/or the first frustoconical portion  26   a , which guide the cardboard tube core  32   a  to come into abutting contact with the base member  20  and/or to form a friction fit with the cylindrical portion  24   a . The depressions  22   b - f  of the end cap  12  and the depressions (not designated) of the end cap  14  attach to the gift wrap rolls  1   6   a - f  in a similar fashion. 
     The end caps  12 ,  14  and the gift wrap rolls  16   a - f , which are collectively referenced herein as an ensemble subassembly, are then packaged. For example, the assembler can insert the ensemble subassembly into the interior space  40  of the container  18 , fold the lid flaps  42   a - d  into a closed position, and fasten the lid flaps  42   a - d  in the closed position with tape. After packaging, the multi-roll gift wrap ensemble  10  may be displayed for sale. 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  show a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Elements illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7  which correspond substantially to the elements described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-5  have been designated by corresponding reference numerals increased by one hundred. In addition, elements illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7  which do not correspond to the elements described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-5  have been designated by odd numbered reference numerals starting with reference number  111 . The embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7  is constructed and used in manners consistent with the foregoing description of the multi-roll gift wrap ensemble  10  discussed in connection with  FIGS. 1-5 , unless it is stated otherwise. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , there is shown a multi-roll gift wrap ensemble  110  constructed in an identical manner to multi-roll gift wrap ensemble  10 , except that a display backing subassembly  111  has been positioned within the chamber  136 . The display backing subassembly  111  includes a cardboard backing  113  and a plurality of decorative items  115  (e.g., bows, ribbon, tissue paper, gift tags, etc.) fastened thereto. The cardboard backing  113  extends between the end caps  112 ,  114  to form a friction fit therewith. In an exemplary method of the present invention, the display backing subassembly  111  is positioned within the chamber  136  between the end caps  112 ,  114  prior to the end caps  112 ,  114 , the gift wrap rolls  116   a - f , and the display backing subassembly  111  being inserted into the interior space  140  of the container  118 . 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  show a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Elements illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9  which correspond substantially to the elements described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-5  have been designated by corresponding reference numerals increased by two hundred. In addition, elements illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9  which do not correspond to the elements described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-5  have been designated by odd numbered reference numerals starting with reference number  211 . The embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9  is constructed and used in manners consistent with the foregoing description of the multi-roll gift wrap ensemble  10  discussed in connection with  FIGS. 1-5 , unless it is stated otherwise. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , there is shown a multi-roll gift wrap ensemble  210  constructed in an identical manner to multi-roll gift wrap ensemble  10 , except that a display tray subassembly  211  is provided that includes a tray  213  and a plurality of decorative items  215  (e.g., bow, ribbon, gift tags). The tray  213  includes a plurality of compartments  217 , and each one of the decorative items  215  are positioned within one of the compartments  217 . The display tray subassembly  211  extends between the end caps  212 ,  214  such that the tray  213  forms a friction fit therewith. In an exemplary method of the present invention, the decorative items  215  are first positioned within the tray  213 , and the display tray subassembly  211  is then positioned within the chamber  236 . The display tray subassembly  211 , the end caps  212 ,  214 , and the gift wrap rolls  216   a - f  are then inserted into the interior space  240  of the container  218 , such that each one of the decorative items  215  is confined by the container  218  within one of the compartments  217  corresponding thereto. 
       FIG. 10  shows a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Elements illustrated in  FIG. 10  which correspond substantially to the elements described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-5  have been designated by corresponding reference numerals increased by three hundred. In addition, elements illustrated in  FIG. 10  which do not correspond to the elements described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-5  have been designated by odd numbered reference numerals starting with reference number  311 . The embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 10  is constructed and used in manners consistent with the foregoing description of the multi-roll gift wrap ensemble  10  discussed in connection with  FIGS. 1-5 , unless it is stated otherwise. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , there is shown a multi-roll gift wrap ensemble  310  constructed in an identical manner to multi-roll gift wrap ensemble  10 , except that a display tray subassembly  311  is provided that includes a tray and a plurality of decorative items (e.g., bow, ribbon, gift tags). Similar to the multi-roll gift wrap ensemble  210  of  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the tray of the display tray subassembly  311  includes a plurality of compartments, and the decorative items are positioned therein. It is also noted that the multi-roll gift wrap ensemble  310  is not shown to include the container  18  of the multi-roll gift wrap ensemble  10 , but that the display tray subassembly  311 , the end caps  312 ,  314 , and the gift wrap rolls  316   a - f  are packaged with a clear shrink-wrap  313 . 
       FIGS. 11 and 12  show a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Elements illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 12  which correspond substantially to the elements described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-5  have been designated by corresponding reference numerals increased by four hundred. In addition, elements illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 12  which do not correspond to the elements described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-5  have been designated by odd numbered reference numerals starting with reference number  411 . The embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12  is constructed and used in manners consistent with the foregoing description of the multi-roll gift wrap ensemble  10  discussed in connection with  FIGS. 1-5 , unless it is stated otherwise. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , there is shown a multi-roll gift wrap ensemble  410  constructed in an identical manner to multi-roll gift wrap ensemble  10 , except that the decorative items  411  are positioned loosely in the chamber  436 , and the end caps  412 ,  414  have rectangular cutouts  413  formed therethrough. In an exemplary method of the present invention, the gift wrap rolls  416   a - f  and the end caps  412 ,  414  are assembled with one another and inserted into the interior space  440  of the container  418 . The decorative items  411  are then passed through the rectangular cutout  413  of the end cap  412  for storage and display in the chamber  436 . The decorative items  411  are confined in the chamber  436  between the gift wrap rolls  416   a - f , the end caps  412 ,  414 , and the container  418 , such that the decorative items  411  are visible through the container  418 . Although there are many manufacturing and economic advantages for the end cap  412  and the end cap  414  to be substantially identical, it is not required for the ends cap  414 , for example, to have the rectangular cutout  413  formed therein. 
     It is noted that the present invention is susceptible to numerous modifications and variations. Embodiments of the present invention can include any number of varying gift wrap rolls that can be grouped together using one or more end caps. Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , for example, a three-roll end cap  512  is provided that is triangularly-shaped and has three depressions  522   a - c . As shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , it is not required for each one of the depressions  522   a - c  to have a plurality of frustoconical surfaces, but the depressions of the present invention can include, a single, continuous frustoconical surface (and/or single or multiple conical surfaces). Referring to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , a four-roll end cap  612  is shown having two depressions  622   a - b  and two depressions  622   c - d , wherein the diameter at the cylindrical portion (not designated) of each one of the depressions  622   a - b  is greater than the diameter at the cylindrical portion (not designated) of each one of the depressions  622   c - d . In this regard, it is illustrated that the end cap  612  is adapted for assembly with a plurality of gift wrap rolls having a first inner diameter and a plurality of gift wrap rolls having a second inner diameter less than the first inner diameter. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , a five-roll end cap  712  can be provided having a plurality of bosses  711   a - b  formed therein and five depressions  722   a - e . The bosses  711   a - b  are particularly useful, for example, in embodiments of the invention where a display tray subassembly is provided within the chamber of the multi-roll gift wrap ensemble. In this regard, one or more of the bosses  711   a - b  abuts the display tray subassembly to add stability thereto by inhibiting undesired motion within the container or other packaging. 
     It will be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make many variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such variations and modifications, including those discussed above, are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.