Abstract:
The present invention provides a new and useful interactive gift-giving, packaging, and keepsake storage system, method and kit that can include an assortment of gifts and a gift container, and carrying case. The gift packaging system can be pre-packaged together in a collapsed configuration that can be assembled into a constructed configuration. A gift container is provided of generally rigid material that can be collapsible and constructible. When erected, the gift container forms a suitable gift-giving or packaging system generally in the form of a wardrobe, closet or armoire. The gift container can further comprise an accessory box, a multi-accessory gift box, a shelf, a rod and brackets, and an anchor panel. The system can include a case for substantially enclosing the gift container to assist in the transport or concealment of the gift case. The carrying case, accessory box, and multi-accessory gift box can be comprised of generally rigid material that can collapsible and constructible.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the priority of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/865,588 filed on Nov. 13, 2007, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by this reference, for all purposes. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention generally pertains to gift-giving, packing, and keepsake storage systems and more particularly to luxury gift-giving, packaging, and keepsake storage systems having the shape of furniture for holding or storing small-scale clothing and related small-scale accessory items or a closet. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Packaging and presentation is an integral component of the gift-giving experience. In many instances, the purchaser or giver of a well thought-out or expensive gift desires a means of providing the gift to the recipient that is representative of the items contained therein. The packaging of a gift may also be a reflection of the gift-giver and the importance of the recipient to the giver, which may not be conveyed by the use of conventional boxes, wrapping paper and gift bags. 
         [0004]    Furthermore, luxury packaging may be used by retailers to enhance the buying experience for their customers, but the cost of such packaging may be prohibitive unless the customers are purchasing multiple or more expensive items. Retailers also are conscious of the need to minimize storage space of packaging materials and buyers want packaging and gift-giving systems that are easily transportable. 
         [0005]    Additionally, small-scale clothes, such as those for babies, dolls, and pets are popular gift items for parents-to-be, children, and pet owners. Clothes items are typically accompanied by related small scale accessories such as, shoes, socks, booties, plush toys, bibs, bottles, for example. These accessory items coupled with the clothes items enhance the value of the gift as well as the purchasing and receiving experiences. 
         [0006]    However, these small-scale gift items typically present a unique packaging, wrapping, and presentation challenge to the gift giver. Current packaging and wrapping methods such as gift wraps, boxes, and bags require the items to be enclosed or encased in the packaging or wrapping in order to preserve the surprise until opened by the gift recipient. 
         [0007]    An inherent value of these gift items is their small scale replication of the style and fashion of larger scale adult items except that they are designed for small scale wearers such as babies, dolls, and pets and their presentment in the same manner as that exemplified in a retail setting. These small scale clothes items are best presented and displayed on hangers and by arranging them in a closet or armoire setting to reinforce the visual correlation to larger scale clothes. 
         [0008]    This is often exemplified in retail settings that sell these items to consumers. It detracts from the gift purchasing, opening, and viewing experiences to have to root around on a table, in a bin, box, or bag to retrieve these items. 
         [0009]    Thus in order to preserve the inherent value of these items it is desired for any gift packaging to mimic their small-scale and allow for presentment in a hanging position and/or see through gift packaging while still allowing for concealment until opened by the gift recipient. 
         [0010]    Another inherent value in these gifts is the manner of presentment. Presentment includes the packaging or container and the manner in which the items are arranged in the container, accessed to the container, and removed from the container. The packaging and contents for these gifts are chosen to invoke an immediate emotional response by the viewer/recipient upon initial inspection of the packaging and continues through retrieving the contents. Small scale clothes and related accessories have a toy-like quality reminiscent of the childhood playtime experiences. 
         [0011]    Therefore, what is needed is a gift-giving, packaging, and keepsake storage systems that overcomes many of the challenges found in the art, some of which are described above. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0012]    The present invention provides a new and useful interactive gift-giving, packing, and keepsake storage system method and kit that can include an assortment of gifts and a gift container, carrying case, and packing materials in which to present the gifts. 
         [0013]    The gift packaging system can be pre-packaged together in a collapsed configuration that can be assembled into a constructed configuration. A gift container is provided of generally rigid material that can be collapsible and constructible. When in the collapsed position, the gift container forms a generally rectangular, planar configuration. When erected, the gift container forms a suitable interactive gift-giving, packaging, keepsake storage system generally in the form of a wardrobe, closet or armoire. The system can include a case for substantially enclosing the gift container to assist in the transport or concealment of the gift case. The carrying case is comprised of generally rigid material that can be collapsible and constructible. 
         [0014]    Aspects according to the present invention provide an interactive gift-giving packaging, and keepsake storage system. The interactive nature of the system allows a purchaser or user (i.e., customer) to participate in the gift packaging process by filling a shaped gift container (i.e., closet) with clothes and accessories thereby creating the experience of purchasing an entire wardrobe to gift rather than individual items. 
         [0015]    Additionally, the interactive gift-giving, packaging, and keepsake storage system enhances and captures the playtime experience by allowing the gift giver and the recipient to experience the positive emotions associated by childhood playtime by interacting with the system when purchasing the small-scale items for the system, adding a variety of items to the various components, retrieving the items from the system, and storing items in the system. 
         [0016]    In one aspect, a new and useful interactive gift-giving, packaging, and keepsake storage system, method and kit is provided that includes an assortment of gifts and a decorative container and packing materials in which to present the gifts. 
         [0017]    According to one general aspect of the present invention, the gift packaging system is pre-packaged in a collapsed configuration and then can later be constructed into a constructed configuration. 
         [0018]    More specifically, a gift container is provided of generally rigid material that is collapsible and constructible. When in the collapsed position, the container forms a generally rectangular, planar configuration. Packing material is provided in a partially overlying position with respect to the container. Gifts can also be provided in a partially overlying position with respect to the container and the packing material. 
         [0019]    In another aspect, retailers can use the system as a tool to encourage customers to purchase more clothing and accessory items than the customer ordinarily would. The system can increase the customer&#39;s motivation to purchase enough items to “fill the closet” thereby allowing the customer to gift an entire wardrobe rather than just a few items. Text can be added to any of the system components to either enhance a retailer&#39;s brand or personalize the system for a customer 
         [0020]    In one aspect, the gift container is substantially enclosed in a carrying case. The shape (e.g., closet form) of the gift container and its contents are not readily apparent upon initial examination of either the carrying case or the gift container. The system&#39;s “Trojan horse effect” can enhance the gifting experience for both the gift giver and recipient by increasing the sense of anticipation, surprise, and emotional enjoyment upon initial interaction with the gifting system. The closet form provides a context for viewing the gifts in the more aesthetically pleasing retail manner. The accessory box components allow the recipient to unveil the gift one step at a time thereby increasing the recipient&#39;s appreciation for the gift and giver. 
         [0021]    In one aspect, the system can be reused by the first gift recipient as a keepsake box for storing designated items for later viewing and interaction. 
         [0022]    In another aspect, the system can be reused by the recipient to gift to a second recipient. 
         [0023]    In one aspect, the system embodies rigid material that can be die-cut to form a carrying case, gift container (closet box), an accessory box, a multi-accessory gift box, shelf, rod, and rod brackets. One or more of these components can be collapsible and constructible. 
         [0024]    Additional advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention. 
     
    
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0025]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate certain aspects of the instant invention and together with the description, serve to explain, without limitation, the principles of the invention and like reference characters used therein indicate like parts throughout the several drawings: 
           [0026]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an exemplary carrying case in the closed position according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 1   a  is a front perspective view of an exemplary handle of the carrying case of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the exemplary carrying case of  FIG. 1  in the open position according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 2   a  is a front perspective view of an exemplary hinged carrying case top in the opened position according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the exterior of an exemplary gift container (i.e., closet box) in the closed position according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 3   a  is a front perspective view of an exemplary exterior bow that can be affixed to the gift container or the carrying case according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of the interior of the closet box with an exemplary accessory box (shown in  FIG. 8  in the open position) according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 4   a  is a front perspective view of the front doors of the gift container according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 4   b  is a front perspective view of the fixed shelf of the front doors of the gift container according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 4   c  is a front perspective view of the stuffed animal or toy anchoring panel of the gift container according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0036]      FIG. 4   d  is a front perspective view of the accessory box of the gift container according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0037]      FIG. 4   e  is a front perspective view of the clothes rod of the gift container according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 4   f  is a front perspective view of the rod brackets of the gift container according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0039]      FIG. 4   g  is a front perspective view of the accessory peg or hook of the front doors of the gift container according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0040]      FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of a garment bag of an interactive gift-giving, packaging, and keepsake storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0041]      FIG. 6  is a front perspective view of a shoulder cover of an interactive gift-giving, packaging, and keepsake storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0042]      FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of a multi-accessory gift box and lid of an interactive gift-giving, packaging, and keepsake storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0043]      FIG. 7   a  is a front perspective view of four compartments of an exemplary multi-accessory gift box of an interactive gift-giving, packaging, and keepsake storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0044]      FIG. 8  is a front perspective view of an exemplary large accessory box of an interactive gift-giving, packaging, and keepsake storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0045]      FIG. 9  is a front perspective view of exemplary clothes hangers of an interactive gift-giving, packaging, and keepsake storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0046]      FIG. 10  is a front perspective view of an exemplary stuffed animal or toy doll of an interactive gift-giving, packaging, and keepsake storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0047]      FIG. 11  is a front perspective view of the interior of the closet box showing the accessory box (shown in  FIG. 8 ) in the open position, a stuffed animal (shown in  FIG. 11   a ), and clothes hangers (shown in  FIG. 9 ), positioned inside of a interactive gift-giving, packaging, and keepsake storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0048]      FIG. 12  is a flat view of a die-cut template for the closet box of an interactive gift-giving, packaging, and keepsake storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0049]      FIG. 13  is a front view of a carrying case in closed position with a closet box concealed inside of a interactive gift-giving, packaging, and keepsake storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0050]      FIG. 14  is a corner view of a carrying case in open position with closet box visible of a interactive gift-giving, packaging, and keepsake storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0051]      FIG. 15  is a front view of a closet box of a interactive gift-giving, packaging, and keepsake storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0052]      FIG. 16  is a corner view of a closet box showing system components (excluding carrying case) and examples of related gift accessories of a interactive gift-giving, packaging, and keepsake storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0053]      FIG. 17  is a front view of a closet box showing a close-up of a sampling of related gift accessories of a interactive gift-giving, packaging, and keepsake storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0054]      FIG. 18  is an elevated front view of a closet box with a large accessory box opened and a multi-accessory gift box and lid shifted forward of a interactive gift-giving, packaging, and keepsake storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0055]      FIG. 19  is a front view of a multi-accessory gift box and lid, showing an example of related accessories such as shoes, socks, and booties of a interactive gift-giving, packaging, and keepsake storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0056]      FIG. 20  is a front view of an accessory box showing an example of related accessories such as bib, rattles, and toys of a interactive gift-giving, packaging, and keepsake storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0057]      FIG. 21  is a front view of a shoulder cover covering a small garment of a interactive gift-giving, packaging, and keepsake storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0058]      FIG. 22  is a front view of a clothes hanger showing customized text of a interactive gift-giving, packaging, and keepsake storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0059]    The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention and the examples included therein and to the figures and their previous and following description. 
         [0060]    Before the present systems, articles, devices, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to specific systems, specific devices, or to particular methodology, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. 
         [0061]    The following description of the invention is provided as an enabling teaching of the invention in its best, currently known embodiment. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects of the invention described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present invention. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present invention can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the present invention without utilizing other features. Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present invention are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present invention. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present invention and not in limitation thereof. 
         [0062]    As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a reflector” includes two or more such reflectors, and the like. 
         [0063]    Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. It is also understood that there are a number of values disclosed herein, and that each value is also herein disclosed as “about” that particular value in addition to the value itself. For example, if the value “10” is disclosed, then “about 10” is also disclosed. It is also understood that when a value is disclosed that “less than or equal to” the value, “greater than or equal to the value” and possible ranges between values are also disclosed, as appropriately understood by the skilled artisan. For example, if the value “10” is disclosed the “less than or equal to 10” as well as “greater than or equal to 10” is also disclosed. It is also understood that throughout the application, data is provided in a number of different formats and that this data represents endpoints and starting points, and ranges for any combination of the data points. For example, if a particular data point “ 10 ” and a particular data point  15  are disclosed, it is understood that greater than, greater than or equal to, less than, less than or equal to, and equal to 10 and 15 are considered disclosed as well as between 10 and 15. It is also understood that each unit between two particular units are also disclosed. For example, if  10  and  15  are disclosed, then  11 ,  12 ,  13 , and  14  are also disclosed. 
         [0064]    “Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not. 
         [0065]    A interactive gift-giving, packaging, and keepsake storage system is described herein in several embodiments that is an interactive system for the sales, purchase, gifting, and storage of small-scale baby, doll, and pet clothes and related accessories. As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  3 , and  5 - 9 , the system can comprised of various components which can include one or more of a carrying case (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ), a small-scale clothes closet box (also referred to herein as a “gift container”—see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ), an accessory box (see  FIGS. 4   a  and  8 ), small-scale garment bags (see  FIG. 5 ), small-scale shoulder covers (see  FIG. 6 ), a multi-accessory gift box (see  FIG. 7 ), hangers (see  FIG. 9 ), and a stuffed animal or other toy (see  FIG. 10 ). 
         [0066]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the carrying case can include a handle ( FIG. 1   a ), and a latching mechanism ( FIG. 1   b ), which substantially encloses the closet box and can be used to transport, conceal, and aesthetically present the closet box. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the carrying case can also be comprised of a hinged top (see  FIG. 2   a ). Embodiment of the carrying case can also include textured or decorative wraps such as, for example, faux leather, suede, and crocodile on the exterior and interior surfaces, among other materials that have tactile and/or aesthetic appeal. 
         [0067]    As shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , an embodiment of the interactive gift-giving, packaging, and keepsake storage system according to the present invention includes a closet box configured to be placed inside of the carrying case. The carrying case is configured such that it can be used to facilitate the transport of the closet box and other system components. 
         [0068]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the closet box can include an exterior bow (see  FIG. 3   a ) or other decorative element on the closet box front. The bow can be personalized by adding text. In one embodiment, the bow can be left un-tied until the closet box is removed from the carrying case. In another embodiment, the bow can be affixed to the carrying case. 
         [0069]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the closet box can be comprised of hinged front doors (see  FIG. 4   a ), a fixed shelf ( FIG. 4   b ), an anchoring panel ( FIG. 4   c ) to secure stuffed animals or other toy dolls to the closet box, a large accessory box ( FIG. 4   d ), a clothes rod ( FIG. 4   e ), rod brackets ( FIG. 4   f ), and one or more accessory pegs or hooks ( FIG. 4   g ). The doors can be closed to conceal the shelf, anchoring panel, large accessory box, clothes rod and brackets, and the multi-accessory box. The large accessory box can be used as a drawer in the closet box in one embodiment of the invention. 
         [0070]    As shown in  FIG. 15 , an embodiment of the interior fixed closet box components can include, for example, a fixed shelf ( FIG. 4   b ), an anchoring panel ( FIG. 4   c ), and a clothes rod ( FIG. 4   e ) having two rod brackets ( FIG. 4   f ). As shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , an embodiment of the interior closet box components can include fixed and removable system components and related accessories to complete the “wardrobe” or closet look. For example, an embodiment of the interior closet box includes the accessory box as shown in the open position simulating the drawer like functionality ( FIG. 18 ). 
         [0071]      FIG. 12  embodies a die-cut template that, when folded, forms the closet box from materials such as, for example, corrugated paper. Additional embodiments of the closet box and fixed shelf can include textured wraps on the exterior and interior surfaces. The textured wrap selections can include, for example, faux leather, suede, and crocodile among other tactile and aesthetically-appealing materials or designs. 
         [0072]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , the interactive gift-giving, packaging, and keepsake storage system may further comprise a garment bag in one embodiment. The garment bag is comprised of fabric or other suitable material appropriately shaped and sized to produce a cover that can be slipped over clothing items hung on hangers. The garment bag can be used to protect the clothes from dust and debris. The garment bag can be personalized by adding text ( FIG. 5   a ). 
         [0073]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , the interactive gift-giving, packaging, and keepsake storage system may further comprise a shoulder cover in one embodiment. The shoulder cover is comprised of fabric or other suitable material appropriately shaped and sized to produce a cover that can be slipped over the shoulders of clothing items hung on hangers. The shoulder cover can be used to protect clothes from dust and debris ( FIG. 21 ). Further, the shoulder cover can be personalized by adding text ( FIG. 6   a ). 
         [0074]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , the interactive gift-giving, packaging, and keepsake storage system may further comprise a multi-accessory gift box in one embodiment. The multi-accessory gift box is comprised in one embodiment of four compartments and a lid (as shown in  FIG. 7   a ), though other configurations are contemplated within the scope of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 19 , an embodiment of the multi-accessory gift box includes packaging of such smaller accessories such as shoes, socks, and booties. Additional embodiments of the multi-accessory gift box can include, for example, textured faux leather, suede, and crocodile wraps on the exterior and interior surfaces among other tactile and aesthetically-appealing materials or designs. 
         [0075]    As shown in  FIG. 8 , the interactive gift-giving, packaging, and keepsake storage system may further comprise a large accessory box in one embodiment. The large accessory box can be used to hold larger accessories such as, for example, bottles, rattles, and toys. As shown in  FIG. 20 , an embodiment of the accessory box includes packaging of such larger accessories such as bibs, bottles, toys, and diapers. Additional embodiments of the accessory box can include, for example, faux leather, suede, and crocodile textured wraps on the exterior and interior surfaces among other tactile and aesthetically-appealing materials or designs. 
         [0076]    As shown in  FIG. 9 , the interactive gift-giving, packaging, and keepsake storage system may further comprise one or more clothes hangers in one embodiment. The clothes hangers can be used to hang clothes on the clothes rod ( FIG. 4   e ) inside the closet box ( FIG. 4 ). As shown in  FIG. 22 , an embodiment of the clothes hangers can include text to customize the item. 
         [0077]    As shown in  FIG. 10 , the interactive gift-giving, packaging, and keepsake storage system may further comprise a stuffed animal or toy doll in one embodiment. The stuffed animal or toy doll can be added as an additional system component and can be affixed or secured inside the closet box with the anchoring panel ( FIG. 4   c ). The stuffed animal or toy can be affixed to the Anchoring Panel ( FIG. 4   c ) to secure it in place, on top of the shelf ( FIG. 4   b ). 
         [0078]    It is to be appreciated that the interactive nature of the interactive gift-giving, packaging, and keepsake storage system according to embodiments of the present invention allows customers to participate in the gift packaging process by filling the closet box with clothes and accessories thereby creating the experience of purchasing a wardrobe to gift rather than individual items. 
         [0079]    Additionally, retailers can use embodiments of the system as a tool to encourage customers to purchase more clothing and accessory items than the customer ordinarily. The system can increase the customer&#39;s motivation to purchase enough items to “fill the closet” thereby allowing the customer to gift an entire wardrobe rather than just a few items. Text can be added to any of the system components to either enhance a retailer&#39;s brand or personalize the system for a customer. 
         [0080]    In one embodiment, the closet box may be substantially enclosed in a carrying case. The closet form and contents are not readily apparent upon initial examination neither of either the carrying case or the closet box. The system&#39;s “Trojan horse effect” can enhance the gifting experience for both the gift giver and recipient by increasing the sense of anticipation, surprise, and emotional enjoyment upon initial interaction with the gifting system. The closet form can provide a context for viewing the gifts in the more aesthetically pleasing retail manner. The accessory box components can allow a recipient to unveil the gift one step at a time thereby increasing the recipient&#39;s appreciation for the gift and giver. 
         [0081]    The system embodies rigid material that can be die-cut to form components of the system including the carrying case, closet box, accessory box, multi-accessory gift box, shelf, rod, and rod brackets. Generally, these materials are of a limited permanence nature such as, for example, corrugated paper or paper products, foam board, chip board, etc., and are configured such that one or more of the components according to the present invention may be stored in a collapsed configuration and constructed as needed. 
         [0082]    It is also to be appreciated that one or more components of the present invention may be decorated, personalized or aesthetically enhanced by a buyer and may comprise a craft project. 
         [0083]    Although several aspects of the present invention have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications and other aspects of the invention will come to mind to which the invention pertains, having the benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. It is thus understood that the invention is not limited to the specific aspects disclosed hereinabove, and that many modifications and other aspects are intended to be included within the scope of the appended inventive concepts. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the inventive concepts which follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the described invention.