Abstract:
A three-dimensional gift box decorative bow comprises first and second bow portions connected by an elongated band. At least one bow portion has a slit operable to engage the other bow portion and fasten the bow portions together around a gift box to create a three-dimensional decoration.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     This non-provisional patent applications claims the benefit of provisional patent application No. 60/593,047 entitled “Decorative and Functional Gift Box ‘BowBand’” filed on Dec. 2, 2004. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     To many people, gift giving is a pleasure. The process of considering the preferences and interests of the recipient to decide what is appropriate or desirable and the process of shopping for the item are all enjoyable and fun. However, some become stumped or pressed for time when it comes to the finishing touch—the gift wrapping. It is common knowledge that an artfully-presented or professionally-wrapped gift imparts a favorable first impression to the recipient that builds excitement on the overall experience. This explains why colorful and beautifully-designed gift bags have become so popular. The gift bag with billowing tissue papers enveloping the gift is easy to use and present a finished product that is pleasing to the eye. However, it is desirable to provide a sophisticated and easy-to-use alternative to the gift bag and traditional paper-wrapped boxes with bows and ribbons. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0003]     Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It is emphasized that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.  
         [0004]      FIG. 1  is a plan view of an embodiment of a three-dimensional gift box bow band;  
         [0005]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a three-dimensional gift box bow band shown fastened around a gift box; and  
         [0006]      FIGS. 3A-3E  are plan views of various embodiments of the three-dimensional gift box bow band. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0007]      FIG. 1  is a plan view of an embodiment of a three-dimensional gift box bow band  10 . Three-dimensional bow band  10  has three sections: first and second bow portions  12   a  and  12   b , and an elongated band portion  14  connecting the two bow portions  12   a  and  12   b . As shown in  FIG. 1 , bow band  10  is flat and may be constructed by die-cutting from a paperboard or heavy card stock material. Alternatively, bow band  10  may be constructed from other suitable materials such as a thin sheet of a metal including aluminum, copper, etc. The desired material is sturdy, preferably has some stiffness and rigidity, but is thin and can be scored and folded and/or bent on the score lines. Instead of score lines, pre-printed lines indicating the location of the folds may be incorporated. Each bow portion  12   a  and  12   b  may have a slit  16  to enable the bow portions to interlock and fasten around a gift box  18 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . Bow portions  12   a  and  12   b  are preferably enlarged ends of the band portion and incorporate a decorative design printed thereon. Bow portions  12   a  and  12   b  may have similar or different designs, shapes and/or colors to create different decorative three-dimensional effects.  
         [0008]     As shown in  FIG. 1 , bow portions  12   a  and  12   b  includes bow sections  26  defined by fold or score lines that create a three-dimensional decorative stiff bow when the user creates folds along those lines and fasten the bow portions together. Band portion  14  has a length that may be tailored for a gift box with particular dimensions. Bow band  10  may be packaged and sold together with a gift box  18  with compatible dimensions or separately for use with standard size boxes. Band portion  14  may be scored at predetermined locations to enable the user to easily fold the band around the different sides of the gift box. Bow band  10  may be used as the finishing touch on pastry boxes, hat boxes, books, or other items.  
         [0009]      FIGS. 3A-3E  are plan views of various embodiments  30 - 38  of the three-dimensional gift box bow band. Although embodiments  30 - 38  have pairs of bow portions that are identical in design and shape, bow portions  12   a  and  12   b  may incorporate different designs, shapes and/or colors to create the desired decorative effect. For example, bow portion  12   a  may have the design and shape of a rose and bow portion  12   b  may have the design and shape of a butterfly. When the two bow portions are fastened together, the effect may be that of a three-dimensional butterfly on a rose. Further in some embodiments, the bow portions may be constructed of a material different from that of the elongated band portion to create a special desired effect.  
         [0010]     The bow band described herein provides a polished way to decorate a gift box and to keep the lid closed on the gift box. The bow band is easy to use and may be designed and color-coordinated with any designs and colors that may be printed on the gift box. Unlike conventional bows, the bow band may be stored and sold in a flat packaging and then made three-dimensional when the user create folds on the pre-scored lines in the bow band. Similarly, the bow band may be stored and sold with a flat-packaged gift box. In an alternative embodiment, the bow band may be attached or fastened to the bottom half or the lid of the gift box at the appropriate location(s) so that the bow, when fastened, is centered over the lid of the gift box.  
         [0011]     Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art should understand that they may make various changes, substitutions and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, all such changes, substitutions and alterations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined in the following claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures.