Abstract:
A reusable prefabricated package cover of unitary construction is formed from a web of two-way or four-way stretch machine-washable elastic fabric, and dimensioned and configured to receive one or more objects having a generally rectilinear configuration within a predetermined size range of height, width and thickness. The package cover is extensible for receiving one or more objects to be covered in close-fitting relation, the sleeve including a unitary flap portion overlapping a portion of an opposing wall, to thereby completely enclose and encase the object or objects placed inside the cover.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/343,159, filed Apr. 23, 2010, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to a reusable package cover that is useful as a gift wrapping article. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The present invention provides, as an article of manufacture, a reusable prefabricated package cover, or gift wrapping, dimensioned and configured to receive and cover one or more objects having a generally rectilinear configuration within a predetermined size range of height, width and thickness. The package cover is of unitary construction and is formed from a web of two-way or four-way stretch machine-washable elastic fabric. The fabric is cut to a predetermined pattern and is joined along edges to form seams defining an open pocket and covering sleeve of predetermined unexpanded dimensions. The package cover is extensible for receiving the one or more objects to be covered in close-fitting relation, the sleeve including a unitary flap portion overlapping a portion of an opposing wall, to thereby completely enclose and encase the one or more objects placed inside the cover and conceal the contents from view. 
         [0004]    The gift wrapping article of the invention is produced in various sizes to accommodate gifts and boxes in various size ranges. The configuration comprehends multiple sizes and a fewer or greater number of sizes can be provided, subject to the particular design, configuration, material(s) of construction and fasteners used. The express object of the invention is to provide one or more reusable package covers with sufficient elasticity to be able to wrap conventional gift box sizes. The material patterns are designed, cut and stitched in a plurality of predetermined sizes, creating a range to fit a substantial selection of box sizes. The finished package covers are preferably prepared in at least six (6) sizes to accommodate a larger number of boxes. 
         [0005]    As will be apparent from this description, specialized package covers can be constructed for products or product packages having other than the rectilinear shapes associated with conventional boxes. Examples would be mail order businesses that ship food items and the like in standardized large boxes and that wish to offer their customers the option of special gift wrapping in accordance with the invention. 
         [0006]    The gift wrapping article can be provided with fasteners, such as hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps and the like, which are positioned on the inside of the opposing surfaces under the flap and thereby concealed from view. Alternatively, decorative buttons, snaps, ribbons and other known fasteners can be attached to exposed exterior surfaces to enhance the ornate appearance of the gift wrapping article. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    The invention will be described in further detail below and with reference to the attached drawings in which: 
           [0008]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  are front and rear views of one embodiment of a package cover according to the present invention, which is shown in place on a rectilinear box or package; 
           [0009]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  are front and rear views of another embodiment of a package cover in which the flap portion is located adjacent a corner of the covered object; 
           [0010]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  are front and rear views of another embodiment of a package cover in which the flap is positioned in the center of the object or box; 
           [0011]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  are front and rear views of another embodiment of a package cover having a triangular flap closed with a pair of buttons and a string or elastic loop fastener; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4C  shows a pattern that is suitable for constructing a package cover of the type depicted in  FIGS. 4A and 4B  with a generally triangular flap portion for closing the opening; 
           [0013]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  are front and rear views of another embodiment of a package cover embodiment having a rounded or curvilinear closing flap that is held in position over the object inside by one or more concealed closures; and 
           [0014]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  are front and rear views of another embodiment of the package cover in which the side seams are sewn, and the opposing corners are not sewn, thereby providing a less tailored and more natural fit. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    Referring to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , front and rear views of an embodiment of a package cover  10  are shown in place on a rectilinear box or package. A rectangular flap portion  14  for closing the opening  16  in the finished sleeve  12  is an extension of the adjoining side panel. The rectangular flap portion  14  is stitched at the top and bottom edges so that the opening  16  is in effect an open slit. The rectangular flap portion  14  overlaps a portion  17  of the underlying panel  15  so that the package is not visible once it has been inserted into the package cover  10 . In this embodiment, snaps  19  are used for securing the flap portion  14  to the underlying panel  15 . For purposes of illustration, in  FIG. 1A , a portion of the flap  14  is shown partially opened and curled away from the underlying panel  15 , with a pair of the snaps  19  being disconnected. It will be seen that the sides seams  22  extend between opposing box corners  24  and  26 , which are stitched to form a configuration that will conform closely to the cover box. 
         [0016]    Referring to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , front and rear views of another embodiment of a package cover depict a construction in which the flap portion  14  is formed from the entire bottom panel of the package cover  10 , wherein an opening  16  is located adjacent a corner of the covered object. The flap portion  14  overlaps at least a portion of an underlying panel  17  of the package cover  10  for ensuring that the package which is placed inside the cover is not visible. 
         [0017]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  are front and rear views of another embodiment of a package cover in which the flap  14  is positioned such that the opening  16  is located near the center of the bottom panel of the package cover. When using the package cover of this embodiment to deliver a package to a recipient, it is preferred that the opening  16  be positioned towards the ground so as to be hidden from view to create a neat appearance. The flap portion  14  overlaps at least a portion of an underlying panel  17  of the package cover  10 . 
         [0018]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  are front and rear views of another embodiment of a package cover having a triangular flap  114  closed with a pair of buttons  118  and a string or elastic loop fastener  119 . Alternatively, a decorative ribbon (not shown) can be utilized for fastening the pair of buttons  118  together. The flap portion  114  overlaps at least a portion of an underlying panel  17  of the package cover  10 . 
         [0019]    Referring to  FIG. 4C , a pattern  100  is shown that is suitable for constructing a package cover of the type depicted in  FIGS. 4A and 4B  with a generally triangular flap portion  114  for closing the opening. Panel B is referred to as the back of the cover for convenience; panels A and C are positioned above B and joined by intermediate panels D, which define the thickness of the cover. A portion of panels A and C overlap after the package cover is constructed. The opposing edges of material are joined, as by stitching or heat bonding using an ultra-sonic seaming tool or hot platen. 
         [0020]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  are front and rear views of a package cover embodiment having a rounded or curvilinear closing flap  114  that is held in position over the object inside by one or more concealed closures  120 , which is illustrated as hook-and-loop fastener material. The concealed closure  120  can be selected from the group consisting of: snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners (Velcro®), hook and eye fasteners, one or more zippers, double string or double ribbons, or other string-like material that are tied together, button-like objects with strings, ribbons, or holes, or the like. The flap portion  114  overlaps at least a portion of an underlying panel  17  of the package cover  10 . 
         [0021]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  are front and rear views of another embodiment of the package cover in which the side seams  22  are sewn, and the opposing corners  24 ,  26  are not sewn, thereby providing a less tailored and more natural fit. This embodiment may be beneficial when the package cover is used to cover an object that is not rectilinear. The flap portion  114  overlaps at least a portion of an underlying panel  17  of the package cover  10 . 
         [0022]    Table 1 below provides a representative range of sizes suitable for a set of six (6) package covers, which are referred to as “Models A through F”, the dimensions being in inches: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Model 
                 Length 
                 Width 
                 Depth 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 A 
                 7 
                 5.5 
                 0.25 
               
               
                   
                 B 
                 11 
                 5.5 
                 1.5 
               
               
                   
                 C 
                 10.5 
                 8 
                 3 
               
               
                   
                 D 
                 15 
                 9 
                 2 
               
               
                   
                 E 
                 18 
                 11.5 
                 3 
               
               
                   
                 F 
                 21 
                 13 
                 3.5 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0023]    A preferred type of fabric is a four-way stretch material having high elasticity and durability and weighing about 230 grams per square yard. Suitable fabrics can also be of heavier or lighter weight. The fabric can also be a two-way stretch material. The preferred fabric is made with spandex fibers, which are also known as lycra or elastane. Spandex is a polyurethane-polyurea copolymer and is commercially available in various blends as a stretchable fabric. The fabric is preferably a blend of spandex and polyester, or a spandex, cotton and polyester blend. Other elasticized or stretch fabrics that can be used include those that are knit or woven from fibers formed of polyurethane and neoprene, alone or in combination with other fibers such as cotton and/or polyester. As will also be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, other fabrics and fabric blends that have similar characteristics or qualities can be used. 
         [0024]    Covers can be patterned and seamed to provide crisp and precisely shaped box corners. Alternatively, the cover can be constructed without crisp corners and assume a more fluid shape. The cover can be made with or without sewn edges or corners. Side seams, or criss-cross seams can be used, or omitted, as desired. 
         [0025]    The opening for insertion of one or more objects into the sleeve can be along an edge, back, side or end of the cover. There can be a smaller or larger overlap, without limitation, and the flap portion can be square, rounded, pointed, triangular or of any other which will cover the opening. 
         [0026]    The overlapping flap portion can be generally rectilinear in shape, and can be on the exterior or interior of the finished cover. Alternatively, the flap portion can be triangular, attached to, or integrally formed with the exterior of the sleeve, similar in configuration to a conventional mailing envelope. Fasteners can be attached to the flap portion that covers the opening to ensure that it remains closed during use. There may be a belly band used to cover the opening. The belly band can be attached to the package cover, or be freely removeable. 
         [0027]    The overlapping flap portion can include small strips of hook-and-loop fasteners (Velcro®) to maintain it in the closed position. Other methods of releasably securing the flap portion  14 ,  114  include a button that is decorative or fanciful, a button and ribbons, a button and one or more button holes, snaps, a hook-and-eye fastener, one or more zippers, double string or double ribbons, or other string-like material that are tied together, button-like objects with strings, ribbons, or holes. As will be understood, depending upon the type of extensible material and the dimensions of the object(s) placed inside, the sleeve may stay closed without any fastener. That is, the package cover will stay closed, biased by its own elastic nature, structure, configuration and dimensions. 
         [0028]    The package cover can be provided in various colors including solids and patterns. The fabric is selected to be washable and the colors should be colorfast. The colors or patterns are selected to include a maximum amount of opacity for the fabric selected. The purpose is to obscure what is contained inside the cover. The color, pattern and weight of the fabric are necessary parameters to provide the required amount of opacity when the fabric is stretched to the maximum intended dimensions. 
         [0029]    Additional embodiments and aspects of the package cover and gift wrapping of the invention include embellishments elasticized to stretch and fit completely around the objects when they are placed in the cover. Alternatively, non-elasticized embellishments can be fastened around the covered object(s) using a variety of methods, such as, but not limited to, tying, button &amp; strings, button and ribbons, button and buttonhole, snap, hook &amp; eye fasteners, zipper, double string or double ribbon, or other string-like material that is tied together, button-like objects with strings, ribbons, or holes. Together, the above are referred to as a band or as banding material. One or more bands can be used on the package and can be placed around the width and/or length of the covered object(s). The band is dimensioned and configured to permit it to be quickly and easily placed on, and removed from the package, which is due to the nature of the material(s) used to make the band. The band can be provided in various widths. The band can be decorative, as well as functional, e.g., various widths of stretchy lace can be used to feature a specialized season or event, such as a birthday, wedding, Valentines Day, a christening, or the like. 
         [0030]    Various other decorative embellishments can be attached directly to the band, such as centerpieces that can also include a variety of seasonal and event-related novelty items and designs. Small flowers, butterflies, bows, and various cute, flashy or sentimental elements can be provided to achieve the desired level of decorative appearance. These embellishments can be permanently attached as by adhesive, sewing, riveting, or removably attached with hook-and-loop fasteners (Velcro®), snaps, buttons or any other fastener, which will allow the use, removal and reuse, or replacement of one such embellishment with another. 
         [0031]    Bands and embellishments can be packaged separately for sale as accessories for use with the extensible package covers in gift shops, greeting card stores, department and novelty stores. A recipient of a gift for a special occasion, e.g., a birthday, can then wash the extensible packaging cover (if necessary) and purchase a new decorative band and/or embellishment of a specialized design for wrapping a gift for a different occasion, e.g., a wedding. 
         [0032]    In the preceding description, and for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details have been set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the current article and method of the invention. It will be understood by those skilled in the relevant arts, however, that the present article and method can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, known structures and devices are shown or discussed more generally in order to avoid obscuring the present article and method. In many cases, a description of the operation is sufficient to enable one to implement the various forms of the article and method. It should be noted that there are many different and alternative configurations, devices and technologies to which the disclosed device and method can be applied. The full scope of the device and method is not limited to the examples that are described below. 
         [0033]    The above disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not exhaustive. This description will suggest many modifications, variations, and alternatives may be made by ordinary skill in this art without departing from the scope of the device and method. Those familiar with the art may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiments described herein. Accordingly, the scope of the device and method described herein is not limited to the foregoing specification. 
         [0034]    As will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, the previous description, examples and data, along with the figures, are representative of the invention and that many other embodiments can be made so that the scope of protection of the invention is to be determined with reference to the claims that follow.