Abstract:
The present invention provides a gift bag formed with a functional ribbon or drawstring member attached adjacent to the open mouth, with the functional ribbon or drawstring member circumscribing the perimeter of the mouth opening and extending through a channel formed at the opening of the gift bag. When the drawstring member is pulled taut, the gift bag is sealed and the enclosed gift concealed. The gift bag can be purchased in a folded or rolled state in a variety of solid colors, patterns to suit any occasion or holiday, and in a variety of sizes. In addition, the gift bag contains a transparent or clear pocket attached to the exterior surface. The remaining open side of the pocket allows for the insertion of a greeting card or other means of identifying the person to receive the gift.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/319,593, filed Mar. 31, 2010, entitled “Gift Wrap Bag,” the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to a gift bag; and in particular to a decorative gift bag which has a drawstring for easy closure and a clear pocket for insertion of a greeting card. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Gift wrapping can be difficult when the gift is large or odd shaped. It can also prove to be difficult to get a gift wrapped in a short length of time. Gift wrapping paper is traditionally acquired in two forms: rolled around a tube approximately 3 feet in width, or folded up into a square or rectangle and enclosed in a sealed bag or protective covering. Using a roll of gift wrapping paper typically requires a large, flat area in which to unroll the appropriate amount of wrapping paper to wrap the intended gift. Wrapping a gift with wrapping paper is difficult enough when the gift is small and square or rectangle in shape, as the paper often shifts during the process, affecting the aesthetics of the wrapped package. In addition, the paper is thin and fragile and sometimes tears, requiring replacement; and the folding on the ends can present problems as the wrapper tries to fold the excess wrapping paper neatly into an aesthetically pleasing flap to tape down. Gift wrapping is further complicated when the gift is very large or odd shaped. Often times the wrapper is required to find or even purchase a box or container to put the gift into before it can be wrapped, resulting in additional expense and time spent wrapping. Sometimes the gift is purchased at the last minute and needs to be wrapped or concealed “on the fly” or in a location that does not allow for the spreading out and manipulation of awkward wrapping paper. Additionally, gift wrapping paper is usually torn and disposed of after use, which is wasteful and not cost effective. 
         [0004]    Therefore, what is needed in the art is a gift wrap bag. The gift wrap bag should be available in various sizes which can be easily filled and closed with a ribbon or drawstring. In addition, the gift bag should contain a transparent or clear pocket located on the exterior surface to allow for the insertion of a greeting card or other means of identifying the person to receive the gift. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention provides a gift wrap bag formed with a functional ribbon or drawstring member attached adjacent or in close proximity to the open mouth, with the functional ribbon or drawstring member circumscribing at least the majority of the perimeter of the mouth opening. The bag is constructed from an opaque polymeric material which may include printed designs or the like on its&#39; outer surface. The drawstring member is attached to the bag by stitching or threading through a channel formed at the opening of the gift bag where the top edge is folded over and stitched or sealed around the perimeter of the mouth opening. Alternatively, the channel could be formed a distance from the top edge by placing a second piece of material around the perimeter or folding the top edge over and sewing or sealing two parallel seams circumscribing the bag and approximately 1 inch apart. The drawstring member can then be threaded through the channel to provide a means of closure to the gift bag. In another alternative embodiment, the drawstring member could be threaded through loops sewn or heat sealed onto the exterior surface of the bag. When the drawstring member is pulled taut, the gift bag is closed and the enclosed gift concealed. The gift bag can be purchased in a folded or rolled state in a variety of solid colors, patterns to suit any occasion or holiday, and in a variety of sizes. In addition, the gift bag preferably contains a transparent or clear pocket attached to the exterior surface. The pocket includes a panel attached on 3 sides to the exterior surface of the bag with the remaining side of the pocket open, allowing for the insertion of a greeting card or other means of identifying the person to receive the gift. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, it is an objective of the instant invention to provide a decorative gift bag which can be easily filled and closed. 
         [0007]    It is a further objective of the instant invention to provide a decorative gift bag in various sizes, colors and patterns that can be easily filled and closed. 
         [0008]    It is yet another objective of the instant invention to provide a decorative gift bag that has a transparent or clear pocket in which to place a greeting card or means of identifying the person or persons to receive the gift. 
         [0009]    It is a still further objective of the invention to provide a gift bag that can be opened without destruction of the bag to allow for bag reuse. 
         [0010]    Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a gift bag with three closed sides and an open mouth having a drawstring member incorporated into and circumscribing at least the majority of the perimeter of the mouth opening via a channel formed below the top edge of the gift bag, and a clear or transparent pocket attached to the exterior surface of the gift bag; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the gift bag wherein the drawstring member is in a relaxed or open condition and the drawstring member is threaded through a channel formed at the top edge of the gift bag, and a clear or transparent pocket attached to the exterior surface of the gift bag; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the gift bag wherein the drawstring member is in a gathered or closed condition and the drawstring member is threaded through loops sewn or heat sealed onto the exterior surface of the gift bag; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the gift bag wherein the transparent pocket attached to the exterior surface of the bag extends across the entire side surface; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5A  is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the instant invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5B  is a front view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5A ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5C  is a front view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5A . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0018]    While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. 
         [0019]    All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. 
         [0020]    It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein. 
         [0021]    One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims. 
         [0022]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , the decorative gift bag  10  of the present invention is illustrated. The gift bag is formed from at least one and preferably two panels  16  and an attached functional ribbon or drawstring member  14  to form a flexible enclosure  12  having an open mouth  18 , a pocket  40  and a free edge  20 . The gift bag may be formed from a single sheet having a folded edge  22  which forms the bottom edge  24  of the enclosure and two side edges  26  that are seamed and positioned on opposite sides of the enclosure. The side and bottom edges  24 ,  26  may be attached together by heat sealing, stitches, RF welding, high frequency welding, laser sealing, solvent sealing, friction sealing, hot gas sealing or the like which is well known in the art of making polymeric bags. Alternatively, the enclosure  12  may be formed from a tube of flexible material and sealed along the bottom edge  24 . The enclosure  12  is preferably made of a single layer of thin and flexible polymeric material such as plastic, biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate, e.g. Mylar, or other suitable material known in the art, but could also be made of multi-layered polymeric material in any suitable thickness, size or color and may include combinations of material without departing from the scope of the invention. The drawstring member  14  is attached to the enclosure  12  adjacent the open mouth  18  and circumscribes at least the majority of the length of the fully extended perimeter  32  of the open mouth  18 . The drawstring member  14  may be made of plastic, ribbon, rope, string, or any other suitable material. The drawstring is preferably continuous, i.e. one piece and is attached to the bag in a manner to permit closure of the gift bag. In a preferred embodiment, the free edge is folded over and sewn or sealed to form a channel  28  around the perimeter of the open mouth into which the drawstring can be threaded. The drawstring of the preferred embodiment has a length exceeding the perimeter of the open mouth so that the ends  36  of the drawstring extend from the channel through at least one aperture  38  sufficiently to be grasped, pulled and tied into a knot, bow, or otherwise closed condition. In an alternative embodiment, the channel is formed onto the enclosure by stitching or sewing as at  34 . A plain straight stitch would be suitable. Stitch length is preferably on the order of 1/16 of an inch to 3/16 of an inch and preferably about ⅛ inches long. The stitching attachment can be via a thread which can be plastic or cloth. It is preferred that the drawstring be attached to the enclosure adjacent the free edge and preferably within about 1 inch or less of the free edge of the open mouth. The pocket  40  is preferably made from a transparent or clear material attached to the exterior surface of the enclosure  12 . The pocket  40  generally includes a pocket panel  42  attached on 3 sides  44 , 46 , 48  to the exterior surface of the enclosure with the remaining side  50  of the pocket open, allowing for the insertion of a greeting card  52  or other means of identifying the person to receive the gift. The edges of the pocket panel  44 ,  46 ,  48  may be attached to the outer surface of the enclosure by adhesive, heat sealing, stitches, RF welding, high frequency welding, laser sealing, solvent sealing, friction sealing, hot gas welding, speed tip welding, contact welding, hot plate welding, ultrasonic welding, friction welding, laser welding or the like. 
         [0023]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , an alternative embodiment of the decorative gift bag  10  is illustrated. The gift bag is formed from at least one and preferably two panels  16  and an attached functional ribbon or drawstring member  14  to form a flexible enclosure  12  having an open mouth  18 , a pocket  40  and a free edge  20 . The gift bag may be formed from a single sheet having a folded edge  22  which forms the bottom edge  24  of the enclosure and two side edges  26  that are seamed and positioned on opposite sides of the enclosure. The side and bottom edges  26 ,  24  may be attached together by heat sealing, stitches, RF welding, high frequency welding, laser sealing, solvent sealing, friction sealing, hot gas sealing or the like which is well known in the art of making polymeric bags. Alternatively, the enclosure  12  may be formed from a tube of flexible material and sealed along the bottom edge  24 . The enclosure  12  is preferably made of a single layer of thin and flexible polymeric material such as plastic, biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate e.g. Mylar, or other suitable material known in the art, but could also be made of multi-layered polymeric material in any suitable thickness, size or color and may include combinations of material without departing from the scope of the invention. The drawstring member  14  is attached to the enclosure  12  adjacent the open mouth  18  and circumscribes at least the majority of the length of the fully extended perimeter  32  of the open mouth  18 . The drawstring member  14  may be made of plastic, ribbon, rope, string, or any other suitable material. The drawstring is preferably continuous, i.e. one piece, and is attached to the bag in a manner to permit closure of the gift bag. In a preferred embodiment, the free edge is folded over and sewn or sealed to form a channel  28  around the perimeter of the open mouth into which the drawstring can be threaded. The drawstring of the preferred embodiment has a length exceeding the perimeter of the open mouth so that the ends  36  of the drawstring extend from the channel through at least one aperture  38  sufficiently to be grasped, pulled and tied into a knot, bow, or otherwise closed condition. In an alternative embodiment, the channel is formed onto the enclosure by stitching or sewing as at  34 . A plain straight stitch would be suitable. Stitch length is preferably on the order of 1/16 of an inch to 3/16 of an inch and preferably about ⅛ inches long. The stitching attachment can be via a thread which can be plastic or cloth. It is preferred that the drawstring be attached to the enclosure adjacent the free edge and preferably within about 1 inch or less of the free edge of the open mouth. The pocket  40  is preferably made from a transparent or clear material attached to the exterior surface of the enclosure  12 . The pocket panel  42  is constructed and arranged to extend completely across at least one panel  16  and is generally attached on 3 sides  44 ,  46 ,  48  to the exterior surface of the enclosure with the remaining side  50  of the pocket open, allowing for the insertion of a greeting card  52  or other means of identifying the person to receive the gift. The edges of the pocket panel  44 ,  46 ,  48  may be attached to the outer surface of the enclosure by adhesive, heat sealing, stitches, RF welding, high frequency welding, laser sealing, solvent sealing, friction sealing, hot gas welding, speed tip welding, contact welding, hot plate welding, ultrasonic welding, friction welding, laser welding or the like. 
         [0024]    Referring to  FIGS. 5A-C , an alternative embodiment of the decorative gift bag  10  is illustrated. The gift bag is formed from at least one and preferably two opaque panels  16 , a transparent pocket  40  and a free edge  20  forming an enclosure  12 . The gift bag  10  may be formed from a single sheet having a folded edge  22  which forms the bottom edge  24  of the enclosure and two side edges  26  that are seamed and positioned on opposite sides of the enclosure. The side and bottom edges  26 ,  24  may be attached together by heat sealing, stitches, RF welding, high frequency welding, laser sealing, solvent sealing, friction sealing, hot gas sealing or the like which is well known in the art of making polymeric bags. Alternatively, the enclosure  12  may be formed from a tube of flexible material and sealed along the bottom edge  24 . The enclosure  12  is preferably made of a single layer of thin and flexible polymeric material such as plastic, biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate e.g. Mylar, or other suitable material known in the art, but could also be made of multi-layered polymeric material in any suitable thickness, size or color and may include combinations of material without departing from the scope of the invention. In a most preferred embodiment, the biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate includes a surface decoration suitable for a special occasion such as a birthday, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the enclosure includes a sufficient length to accept a gift or gift box in addition to enough length to allow the bag to be folded into a decorative present. Particularly, a top corner  60  of the free edge is folded over at about a 45 degree angle, and thereafter the opposite corner  62  is folded in a similar manner to form a pointed or truncated top portion as illustrated in  FIG. 5B . The pointed or truncated portion can thereafter be folded over to the front side of the enclosure to be secured in place with a sticker  64  or the like. The pocket  40  is preferably made from a substantially transparent or clear material attached to the exterior surface of the enclosure  12 . The pocket panel  42  is constructed and arranged to extend completely across at least one panel  16  and is generally attached on 3 sides  44 ,  46 ,  48  to the exterior surface of the enclosure with the remaining open side  50  of the pocket open, allowing for the insertion of a greeting card  52  or other means of identifying the person to receive the gift. The open side of the pocket  50  may be closed after insertion of the greeting card with a sticker  64  or the like. The stickers may be supplied on a sheet  66  with the gift bag  10  in the form of a kit, and the stickers may include various occasions and holidays that further adorn the gift bag. The stickers each include an adhesive side and a non-adhesive side, whereby the adhesive side may be utilized to secure the pocket or the opening of the bag. The edges of the pocket panel  44 ,  46 ,  48  may be attached to the outer surface of the enclosure by adhesive, heat sealing, stitches, RF welding, high frequency welding, laser sealing, solvent sealing, friction sealing, hot gas welding, speed tip welding, contact welding, hot plate welding, ultrasonic welding, friction welding, laser welding or the like. 
         [0025]    Thus, there has been shown and described a most preferred embodiment of a decorative gift bag with a drawstring for easy closure and a clear pocket for insertion of a greeting card. As is evident from the foregoing description, certain aspects of the present invention are not limited by the particular details of the examples illustrated herein, and it is therefore contemplated that other modifications and applications, or equivalents thereof, will occur to those skilled in the art. Many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the present construction will, however, become more apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and the accompanying drawings. All such changes, modification, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered the invention.