Abstract:
A gift packaging system is described that has a box that accommodates a gift; an opening located at one end of the box for receiving the gift, a greeting that is imprinted on the outer surface of the box, and a wrapper for covering the box. Also described is a kit having component parts capable of being assembled, to create a box to receive a gift and a greeting imprinted on the box. Also described is a method for making a gift packaging system that involves steps for selecting a box with dimensions to accommodate a gift; then selecting a piece of wrapping paper to overlay an outer surface of the box, then imprinting an outer surface within the wrapping paper with a greeting.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This patent application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/861,132 filed on Nov. 27, 2006 by Tracey Barnes Priestley entitled “Gift Wrapping System and Methods of Use” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in its entirety for all purposes. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The packaging of gifts for presentation to friends, business associates, and loved ones serves not only as a way to protect the object inside the package, create a sense of mystique about the gift that is given, but also serve as a touchstone for further interactions between the gift giver and the recipient. There is a variation in cultural attitudes towards packaging with some cultures, particularly the Japanese, placing more emphasis on the package than the gift inside (see http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-12152251.html). 
         [0003]    There are many ways that a gift can be presented from the giver to the recipient. A popular configuration for giving gifts is a sturdy package to shield the contents of the gift (the “box”), a decorative or fanciful cover (the “wrapping paper”), and a place to communicate a message (the “greeting card”). Other ornamental features may include a fanciful ribbon wrapped around the box (the “bow”). The bow may also serve a functional purpose of holding the wrapping paper to the box or provide an attachment point for the card. Additional ornamental features may include plastic flowers, small replicas of babies, in the instance where the gift is for a baby shower, or other indicia of the event being celebrated. Collectively these features are the “gift ensemble”. 
         [0004]    To create the gift ensemble the giver first must determine the size of the box in relation to the gift, then select a wrapping paper, and then find a greeting card. The wrapping, box, and greeting card must then be manually assembled. The gift giver must find wrapping paper, acquire scissors to cut the paper, find tape to affix and adhere the wrapping paper around the box, and then use tape or a bow to affix the greeting card to the gift. In some places this can require a trip to three or more different stores where each of the items are located, followed by time taken to assemble the gift ensemble. 
         [0005]    What is true in United States, as in other modern societies, is that people demand convenience. They do not have time to visit three or more stores to create a gift ensemble. Therefore there is a need so that a person can purchase a pre-assembled gift ensemble to reduce the time to create their own gift ensemble. 
         [0006]    The prior art describes a plethora of ways to assemble gift ensembles. Notably, the prior art describes systems that use flexible coverings, voids for holding objects, containers that have collapsible walls, integrated postal cards, and mechanisms for detaching internal objects. None of these gift ensembles describe an integrated system whereby the gift ensemble has a box for holding the gift, a message printed on a portion of the box, and wrapping paper to facilitate the insertion of gifts. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    The inventive subject matter disclosed herein overcomes aforementioned problems in the prior art by providing a gift ensemble or a gift packaging system that has a box, a wrapper, and a protective sleeve. 
         [0008]    In one possible embodiment the inventive subject matter is directed towards a gift packaging system that has a box with an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface defining an internal void for accommodating a gift, an opening located at one end of the box for receiving the gift into the void; a greeting that is imprinted on the outer surface of the box; and a pre-shaped wrapper having a complementary fit for enclosing at least three sides of the box. In this and other embodiments the gift packaging system includes an inner surface and an outer surface; and also has an embellishment, the embellishment affixed to the outer surface of the wrapper. In this and other embodiments, the gift packaging system has a protective sleeve that surrounds the wrapper. In this and other embodiments the gift packaging system has the box which further comprises a flap that is dimensioned approximately to the length and width of the box, and where one edge of the flap is affixed to one edge of the box. In this and other embodiments the gift packaging system has a flap with an upper area imprinted with a greeting. In this and other embodiments the gift packaging system has a flap has a lower area imprinted with a greeting. In this and other embodiments the gift packaging system has a greeting that is imprinted on the inner surface of the wrapper. In this and other embodiments the gift packaging system has an embellishment that may be a bow, a ribbon, an ornamental flower petal, an ornamental plant leaf, an replica toy heart, an ornamental cross, an ornamental star, an ornamental pentagon, a ornamental plant, and an ornamental animal. In this and other embodiments, the gift packaging system of claim  1  has a greeting that is an electronic system for generating an audio message. In this and other embodiments, the gift packaging system is dimensioned to accommodate a compact disc or digital video disc. 
         [0009]    In another possible embodiment, the inventive subject matter is directed towards a kit having component parts capable of being assembled, the components in the kit being a box with an internal void capable of receiving a gift, and the box having a flap wherein the flap is folded over the top of the box, and a wrapper dimensioned to surround the box, and a greeting imprinted on the box. In this and other embodiments, the kit has component parts with a protective sleeve that is capable of overlaying the wrapping. In this and other embodiments the kit has component parts with an embellishment that is affixed on the wrapping. In this and other embodiments the kit has component parts with a tag that is affixed to the wrapping. In this and other embodiments, the kit of component parts has a gift protection material. 
         [0010]    In another possible embodiment the inventive subject matter is directed towards a method for making a gift packaging system with the steps of selecting a box with dimensions to accommodate a gift, selecting a piece of wrapping paper to overlay an outer surface of the box, imprinting an outer surface within the wrapping paper with a greeting, leaving an opening in one end of the box to receive the gift; and allowing one end of the wrapping paper near the opening to accommodate the gift. In this and other embodiments the method also has the step of wrapping the box with a protective sleeve. 
         [0011]    In this and other embodiments the method also has the step of selecting a box to accommodate a gift, the method including selecting a piece of material dimensioned approximately 14″-16″ in height, 5″-6″ in width, and with a pair of tabs projecting from the piece of material with dimensions of ¾″ to 1¼″ in width and 4″ ½″ to 5½″ in length, so that the tabs are attached towards the base of the material, and dividing the piece of material into approximately three equal sections, with base section having the tabs, and folding the tabs inwards towards the base section, and folding the base section upwards towards the middle section such that the pair of tabs connect overlay on the middle section, and affixing the pair of tabs to the middle section to form a box like structure, so that a industry standard CD or DVD package can be accommodated. In this and other embodiments the method also has the steps of selecting an embellishment for mounting on the wrapping paper, and then mounting the embellishment on the wrapping paper. In this and other embodiments the method has the steps of selecting a gift protection material, and surrounding the gift with the gift protection material, and inserting the gift protection material into the box. 
         [0012]    The foregoing is not intended to be an exhaustive list of embodiments and features of the present inventive subject matter. Persons skilled in the art are capable of appreciating other embodiments and features from the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    The following figures show embodiments according to the inventive subject matter, unless noted as showing prior art. 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view from above of the gift packaging system showing the wrapper, the tag, and the bow. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view from above showing the gift packaging system partially open and exposing the greeting card. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view from above showing the gift packaging system fully open and exposing the greeting card. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view from one side, showing the box, the greeting card, and the tissue and the bubble-wrap in the interior of the box. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  illustrates a three-quarters perspective view showing the greeting card and the box. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  illustrates a plan view of the inner surface of the wrapper. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  illustrates a plan view of the greeting card. 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  illustrates an assembly of a typical gift into the greeting card and partially surrounded by the wrapper. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    Representative embodiments according to the inventive subject matter are shown in  FIGS. 1-8  wherein the same or similar features share common reference numerals. For clarity each reference number may refer to an item generally and abstractly, as well as instances of the item in the context of one or more embodiments. 
         [0023]    The unopened greeting gift ensemble or gift package system is shown from above in  FIG. 1 . The wrapper  1  is fully closed. A tag  2  and a bow  3  are affixed to flap  21 . Flap  21  overlays flap  22  and flap  24  which then overlap flap  23 . The name of the recipient can be, for example, hand-written, printed, or typed upon the tag  2 . 
         [0024]    Now referring to  FIG. 2  where the tag  2  and bow  3  are fully opened by lifting flaps  21 ,  22 ,  23 , and  24  of the wrapper  1 , thereby exposing the greeting card  5 . The greeting card  5  is integrated on box  8 . The greeting card  5  has an upper area and a lower area. In one embodiment, the greeting card has a greeting imprinted upon its upper area  5 A as viewed from above. In another alternative, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the first greeting is imprinted upon its lower area  5 B as viewed from above. In another embodiment, the first greeting is hand-written. In a still further alternative embodiment, the greeting card  5  surface is blank. 
         [0025]    One flap of the gift-wrap can further comprise an adhesive means.  FIG. 2  illustrates such an adhesive means, a tape  11  having a protective covering  12 . The adhesive means provides, for example, security between flap  21  and flap  22  when the gift-wrap is closed. 
         [0026]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , by lifting the card flap  9  on the greeting card  5 , both the inner surface  6  as viewed from above of the box  8  and the opening of the box  7  is revealed. The inner surface  6  of the box  8  has greeting  6 A imprinted upon an area. In a further alternative embodiment, the inner surface and fourth greeting  6 A is blank. In another alternative, the upper surface of the box  8  can comprise an area upon which an individual may write, print, and/or draw. In one configuration, the individual may sign their name on the upper surface of the box  8 . 
         [0027]      FIG. 4  shows a top view of the box  8 , the greeting card  9 , and a void  15  within the box. The void  15  can enclose tissue  9  and/or bubble wrap  10 . A gift  16 , for example, is wrapped in the tissue  9  and/or bubble-wrap  10  and inserted into the opening of the box  8  and positioned inside the box  8 . The greeting card  9  is folded back down onto the inner surface  6  of the box. Tissue  9  and bubble-wrap  10  are simply two examples of gift protection materials that may be used and as such, other materials may be used. In other configurations, the use of tissue  9  and bubble-wrap  10  is optional for a gift that does not require physical protection. 
         [0028]    As shown on  FIG. 4 , flaps  23 ,  22 , and  24 , for example, are folded up and over the box  8  and held in place. The protective covering  12  of the tape  11  located on the flap  21  is removed from the tape. Flap  21  is pulled down and affixed to the adjacent flaps.  FIG. 5  shows a side view of the box  8 , the greeting card  5  and the inner surface  6 . 
         [0029]    Now referring to  FIG. 6  which shows a plan view of the inner surface  110  of the wrapper  1 . In one configuration, the wrapper  1  is configured with four flaps  21 ,  22 ,  23 ,  24  shaped as petals. The flaps are creased at fold points  121 A,  121 B,  122 A,  122 B,  123 A,  123 B, and  124 A,  124 B to cover the box  8  (not shown). To wrap the box  8 , the wrapper is creased and the box is placed inside the crease points. Flaps  22 ,  24  are folded inward and flap  23  is folded upwards. These flaps are secured leaving flap  21  to receive the gift. 
         [0030]    The flaps  21 ,  22 ,  23 ,  24  are not limited to a petal configuration, but, may also be configured as squares, triangles, irregular shapes, and other geometric shapes the cover the box. In certain configurations, less than four flaps are required. 
         [0031]      FIG. 7  which depicts a plan diagram of the box  8 . The box  8  is formed from a single sheet of material. Areas are defined as the greeting card  5 , the inner surface  6  and the back  250 . To assemble the box  8 , tabs  260 A,  260 B are folded inwards along creases  220 A,  230 A to form rectangular tabs. These tabs are further folded along creases  220 B,  230 B to form a defined area. Inner surface  6  is then folded upwards along creases  210 B,  210 A such that tabs  260 A,  260 B mate with areas  270 A,  270 B forming a rectangular structure with a bottom  210 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 8  details an assembly diagram  300  of the preferred configuration of the inventive subject matter with a typical gift  320 . A typical gift  320  is inserted into the box  8 . The greeting card  5  is folded over and inserted under flaps  22 ,  23 , and  24 . Optionally, a protective sleeve  310  encircles the wrapper  1 . 
         [0033]    In one configuration, the gift wrap system is designed to accommodate a standard industry packaging for a compact disk (“CD”) or digital video disk (“DVD”). This packaging is approximately 5½″ in width, by 5″ in length, by ½″ in depth. The dimensions of the preferred configuration would be approximately 13″-14″ from the tip of flap  21  to the tip of flap  23 , approximately 10″-12″ from the tip of flap  22  to the tip of flap  24  on the wrapper  1 . the fold areas  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  240  on the box  8  would be approximately ⅜″ to ¾″. The protective sleeve  310  would be slightly larger than the wrapper  1  to allow for ease of insertion and removal. 
         [0034]    Many variations in the gift packaging system exist and can be determined by those skilled in the arts. 
         [0035]    The term greeting includes, but is not limited to, written text on the locations for the card, but, may also include ornamentation, an audio message conveyed by electronics embedded within the card, images displayed on the card, and scents that intend to convey a certain impression to the recipient of the card. 
         [0036]    The term box includes, but is not limited to, a six sided rectangular structure that is well known in the arts. Other box like structures may have tapered edges that join at a point, or have rounded edges. 
         [0037]    Different materials can be used for all parts of the gift packaging system, including additional embellishments. The size of the box  8  and ancillary components can be produced in various shapes and sizes suitable to accommodate a gift having any size. The wrapper can be designed and shaped and cut in any way to accommodate a box  8  of any shape and size. The box  8  can be shaped and adapted to open and be opened in different planes and different directions. The wrapper may also be pre-shaped to fit over the box. 
         [0038]    The greeting card can be shaped and cut so that it can open or be opened in different ways. 
         [0039]    The box can further include a pull means that enable an individual to remove the contents of the box with ease. 
         [0040]    The gift packaging system can be used by a business for promotions, including, but not limited to, wherein custom wrappers are designed and the greeting card imprinted with a business message or the like. 
         [0041]    The gift packaging system can be used by a consumer for special events, such as, but not limited to, wedding invitations or party favors. The gift packaging system can be used for wrapping a gift, an item of goods, an item of clothing, a toy, a financial instrument, a voucher, or an edible item. 
         [0042]    The gift packaging system can be custom made. The design of the gift packaging system can include themes, such as forest or woodland themes, countryside themes, urban themes, animal themes, or romantic themes. Also, the colors of the gift packaging system can be matching, clash, or both. 
         [0043]    The gift packaging system provides a simple and inexpensive solution the need of the individual choosing a box, gift-wrap, and greeting card form what is otherwise, at present, a vast selection of choices. 
         [0044]    The flap covering the box may also have translucent materials so that the message can be seen through the flap. 
         [0045]    The gift packaging system may include box or wrapping materials such as, but not limited to, paper, card, cardboard, cellulose, textile, such as cotton, flax, linen, nylon or plastic materials, such as polyethylene, polyethylene tetraphalate (PET), high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or polystyrene (PS). 
         [0046]    The adhesive means may be selected from the group consisting of adhesive tape, an adhesive compound, an adhesive capsule, a magnet, and the like. The adhesive means can also comprise a plurality of hook and/or eye structures. 
         [0047]    An embellishment may be any decorative feature such as a bow, a ribbon, an ornamental flower petal, an ornamental plant leaf, an ornamental heart, an ornamental cross, an ornamental star, an ornamental pentagon, an ornamental plant, or an ornamental animal. 
         [0048]    The greeting card system can also be provided as a pre-assembled kit. As a pre assembled kit, each of the individual components are provided separately and assembled to form the gift system. 
         [0049]    Persons skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications and variations are possible in the details, materials, and arrangements of the parts and actions which have been described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of this inventive concept and that such modifications and variations do not depart from the spirit and scope of the teachings and claims contained therein.