Abstract:
The present invention relates to a flexible and reusable wrapping product and system for promoting the same and creating a kit at a point of purchase for enwrapping a consumer item. In one embodiment, a series of at least for elastic panels are interconnected forming a bounded region with a concealable or concealed opening depending upon manufacturer option. During use, the present invention allows ready insertion of a product-to-be-wrapped into an interior of the system with the flexible material adapting to non-uniform or non-standard product dimensions and concealing the product from an unexpected review.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/702,868, filed Jul. 27, 2005, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIGURE DESIGNATED FOR PUBLICATION  
       [0002]    
       FIG. 1A 
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0004]     The present invention relates to an elastic wrapping product and system for operating the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to a number of reusable gift wrapping products uniquely adaptable to diverse consumer needs and adaptive to decorative wrapping needs.  
         [0005]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0006]     The related art involves a number of related flexible or other types of gift wrapping products.  
         [0007]     See for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,674 to Bowman which provides a gift wrapping system for readily wrapping a box with a measured, pre-scored indication bearing wrapping product. As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, Bowman fails to appreciate the need for flexible wrapping product.  
         [0008]     See also for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,548 to Kenyon which provides a reusable gift wrap that provides an expandable sleeve longer than the length of a box. As will be appreciated upon review however, Kenyon fails to provide a neat outward appearance as additional loose flaps and Velcro® regions on the wrap product require multiple folds and overlaps in an attempt to provide a tightly wrapped box suitable for gifting. Thus, while Kenyon provides an adaptive sleeve it fails to respond to needs of the consuming public for a neatly wrapped reusable kit system.  
         [0009]     See for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,720,051 to Weder which provides a cloth-like decorative sleeve that may be rolled about floral groupings. In use, Welder is preferably adapted for wrapping flowers and flower-containers, and generally includes an attachment mechanism along one side of an open flexible sheet of cloth like material.  
         [0010]     See also for example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,276,671 to Fleitman which provides a paper based wrapping product having a flexible gusset or insert allowing two opposed paper halves to be adjustably positioned. As will be appreciated again, the Fleitman reference fails to provide a physically flexible wrapping system that is adaptive to promotional and gifting needs of the common consumer.  
         [0011]     In view of the above, what is not appreciated by the prior art includes the need to provide a flexible wrapping product with a system that is commonly and readily adapted to a number of diverse consumer product wrapping needs and differently shaped consumer products. What is also not appreciated by the prior art is the need to provide a flexible wrapping product and system that may be readily adapted to a number of theme settings, for example, sports, dancing, holidays, etc. by mere interchanging of common components or the combination of common components with a special accessory in a kit form. Additionally, what is also not realized by the related art is the need for a commercial promotional system along the commercial sale of a low number of wrapping elements in conjunction with a large number of adaptive decorative devices to personalize a wrapped item in a kit form.  
         [0012]     Accordingly, there is a need for an improved system for a flexible and reusable wrapping product as well as the need for an adaptive commercial or promotional gift sales system allowing point of purchase selection by the consuming public to customize a gift wrapping kit.  
       OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0013]     An object of the present invention is to provide an elastic and reusable flexible packaging product, kit, and system that responds to at least one of the needs noted above.  
         [0014]     Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a flexible wrapping product that is readily adapted to a wide number of decorating needs.  
         [0015]     Another aspect of the present invention is a point of purchase capable kit containing multiple basic flexible coverings selectable for pairing with one or more ornamental belt or securing products.  
         [0016]     Another aspect of the present invention is a flexible covering device adapted for covering a consumer item and providing an additional retaining and displaying pouch for decorative promotion.  
         [0017]     Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a flexible covering device adapted for covering a consumer item including an additional pouch member for containing an additional consumer item on an outer surface thereof.  
         [0018]     The present invention relates to a flexible and reusable wrapping product and kit for the same. In one embodiment, a series of elastic panels are interconnected forming a bounded region with a concealed opening. During use, the present invention allows ready insertion of a product-to-be-wrapped into an interior of the system with the flexible material adapting to non-uniform or non-standard product dimensions and concealing the product from an unexpected review. In another alternative embodiment, the present system is employed to wrap/cover a conventionally shaped product while simultaneously providing a mechanism for readily accepting seasonal or other accessories. In another alternative embodiment, a series of three elastic panels are interconnected forming a bounded region for enclosing a product-to-be-wrapped having minimal thickness. During use, the panels elastically cover a product in a concealed manner. During an alternative use, one or more panels may be manipulated to overlay a portion of a product, preventing any slack covering material and securing the product there within.  
         [0019]     In another alternative aspect, the present system is employed to wrap/cover a conventionally shaped product while simultaneously providing a mechanism for readily accepting seasonal, promotional, or other accessories in the generation of an entire kit assembly. In another alternative aspect, a series of three elastic panels are interconnected forming a bounded region for enclosing a product-to-be-wrapped having minimal thickness. During use, the panels elastically cover a product in a concealed manner. During an alternative use, one or more panels of either single or multiple panel designs may be manipulated to overlay a portion of a product, preventing any slack covering material and securing the product there within without visibility from an external review.  
         [0020]     The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in conduction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate the same elements.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING  
       [0021]      FIG. 1  is an exploded view of a first multi-panel embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0022]      FIG. 1A  is a partially exploded assembly view of the embodiment in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0023]      Fig. 1B  is a partial view of a belt in combination with a decorative item as seen in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0024]      FIG. 1C  is a partial view of a first and a second belt in combination with a joining member similar to that in  Fig. 1B , but allowing first and second belts to positionably rotate and reposition relative to one another to provide a “+” or other decoration to a consumer item.  
         [0025]      Fig. 1D  is a partial exploded view of another aspect of the embodiment in  FIG. 1  shown with a fixing means joining a decorative item to a belt as a secondary fixing means.  
         [0026]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of another aspect of the present invention wherein a consumer product is positioned for entry into the flexible wrapping product.  
         [0027]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective of the invention as shown in  FIG. 2  during an assembly stage.  
         [0028]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a multiple product single product flexible wrapping product shown with respective consumer products.  
         [0029]      FIG. 3A  is an alternative view of the flexible wrapping product in  FIG. 3  assembled with a decorative retaining belt and an ornamental buckle member.  
         [0030]      FIG. 4  is an exploded view of an alternative aspect of the present invention wherein a consumer product is employed as a decorative item external to the retained consumer product package and optionally a back-up product.  
         [0031]      FIG. 5  is partially exploded view of an alternative aspect of the present invention for containing a book.  
         [0032]      FIG. 5A  is a rear view of  FIG. 5  after assembly with the book noting an external pocket for displaying a card or other consumer item.  FIG. 5B  is an assembly view of the embodiment in  FIG. 5A  with the inclusion of a belt member for engaging an ornamental device.  
         [0033]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an alternative aspect of the present invention noting the combination of a wrapped consumer item allowing the use of an external consumer item as a display or ornamental feature of the wrapping product.  
         [0034]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an alternative aspect of the present invention wherein a contained display region is included on a display face of the flexible wrapping material.  
         [0035]      FIG. 8  is an alternative perspective view of the present invention, wherein an external flexible pocket similar to  FIG. 5A  is employed in conjunction with a consumer product.  
         [0036]      FIG. 9  is an alternative perspective view similar to  FIG. 8  wherein the flexible wrapping medium includes decorative external designs and includes the additional assembly with a small gift and display flags.  FIG. 10  is an alternative face view of the present invention noting a combination of package, belt member, clasp member and supportive gift bag.  
         [0037]      FIG. 11  is an alternative face view of the present invention wherein a clip member joins a belt member for securing an additional gift member.  
         [0038]      FIG. 12  is an alternative face view of the present invention, wherein an ornamental belt gift is retainable on a consumer-visible face of the gift.  
         [0039]      FIG. 13  is a perspective assembled view of a flexible wrap about a rectilinear consumer product and an add on decorative feature (an action figure) mounted on a physical stud member. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0040]     Reference will now be made in detail to several aspects of the present invention that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps. The drawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale or shape. For purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional terms, such as top, bottom, up, down, over, above, and below may be used with respect to the drawings. These and similar directional terms should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. Furthermore, the words “connect,” “couple,” and similar terms with their inflectional morphemes do not necessarily denote direct and immediate connections, but also include connections through mediate elements or devices.  
         [0041]     Referring now to  FIGS. 1, 1A ,  1 B,  1 C, and  1 D, a first multi-panel embodiment of the present wrapping apparatus  1  is provided with minor variants shown as apparatus  1 ′ in  Fig. 1D  without a handle member. As shown, wrapping apparatus  1 ,  1 ′ include includes a containing box-shaped member  4  having a preferably continuous edge panel  6  joining a front panel  7  with two overlapping back panels  8 ,  9  as shown on back side  10 . A flexible strap  104  is provided for ready carrying in an alternative aspect of the present invention.  
         [0042]     While the present preferred embodiment envisions enwrapping flexibly a rectilinear (6-sided) consumer product, those of skill in the art will understand that the present invention may be adapted using differing sized panels to fit any common consumer product size, and even variable shapes such as a cylindraceous container.  
         [0043]     During construction each font and rear panel  8 ,  9 , and  10  is constructed from a preferably flexible material such as elastic fabric, elastomeric fabric weaves, and other rayon, nylons, spandex® and other natural and artificial materials known to those of skill in the art to be effective to achieve the goals noted herein. The flexible material, as shown in the accompanying illustrated views, may be patterned, colored, or printed in any commercially acceptable form to please a customer (see for example  FIGS. 4, 12 , and  13 ).  
         [0044]     Stitching formed from flexible thread, or any other form of joining means such as flexible adhesive, flexibly joins each panel such that each panel may shift slightly relative to the other along edge panel  6  and adapt the entire apparatus  1 ,  1 ′ to the variable shapes of a product, box, or other item-to-be-wrapped. Thus, the present product easily accepts boxes of slightly thicker, longer, or wider dimensions than the panels themselves by roughly up to 30% before a new size apparatus  1 ,  1 ′ is required.  
         [0045]     Back panels  8 ,  9  are sewn to provide an overlap opening portion  11 , allowing the ready insertion of an item  100  for wrapping by simply separating back panels  8 ,  9 . Since the overlap is of a preferably substantial amount, the present invention enables ready adaptation to a wide range of products without opening overlap opening portion  11  and exposing item  100  to a gift-receiver&#39;s view. This is in contrast to an adaptive (and more economical) embodiment of the present invention  101  shown at  FIG. 5  with an open back wherein back panels  8 ,  9  are positioned without an overlapping opening portion and allow the exposure of a product  102 .  
         [0046]     Shown particularly in  FIG. 1B  is a decorative wrap enclosing system  5 , similarly formed from a flexible material portion  2  looped with a semi-rigid or rigid loop  3  forming a belt-type product. During use, device  5  may be placed around apparatus  1  as added decoration, or as a containment aid to help secure consumer product  100  within flexible package  4 , and may be sold as a kit in combination with apparatus  1 ,  1 ′ or sold separately allowing a customer to select an occasion-appropriate loop member  3  with material portion  2  to better promote a gift. It will be understood, that material portion  2  may be alternatively styled as an inelastic belt or strap ( FIG. 3A ) belt without departing from the scope of the present invention. Similarly, it will be recognized that a commercial establishment may display at a point of purchase numerous flexible coverings  2 , and covering members  4  or  25  ( FIG. 2 ), or other decorative and gift members without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention.  
         [0047]     As shown best in  FIGS. 1A-1C , device  5  is integrate-able via loop or hoop  3  with a range of decorative items  12  adapted to fit within an opening and resist unintended removal. As an alternative aspect of the present invention, those skilled in the art should recognize that decorative item  12  may be for example magnetic and magnetically attach to member  3  without requiring a hoop and snap features. Decorative item  12 , as shown is a backing for a flower  13 . Thus, the present invention envisions being sold in two or more main embodiments, the first as a kit where a customer may select a basic box member  4 , from a wide selection and thereafter selects a suitable wrap  5  with various decorative items  12 ,  13 , and the second as a prepackaged assembly prepared for a particular celebration. For example in  FIG. 1D , one gift-package embodiment  1 ′ replicates flower  13  with a decorative child&#39;s tutu or dress part  37  and adds a lace section  38  and therefore may be used to wrap a gift to a small girl.  
         [0048]     While the present embodiment may be suitably formed from four inter-sewn elastic panels, other forms and shapes may be suitable for particular consumer products and may be incorporated herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.  
         [0049]     As specifically noted in  FIGS. 1B and 1C , attachment member  3  is formed as a slightly elastic hoop to snap-engage a perimeter groove  103  on member  12 . In  FIG. 1C , member  12  includes two perimeter grooves  103  thereby allowing strap members  2  to be pivotally positioned in an “+” pattern on wrapper  4  to imitate a crossed decorative ribbon. As employed n  FIG. 1D , member  12  is used to press a portion of decorative skirt portion  37  into an inner part of attachment member  3 . This fixing means augments the use of strap member  2  to elastically retain a portion of the skirt  37  on wrapping portion  4 .  
         [0050]     Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 2 A an alternative single or alternatively dual ( FIG. 3 ) or tipple panel embodiment is disclosed at apparatus  20 ,  20 ′.  
         [0051]     In  FIGS. 2 and 2 A, apparatus  20 , as illustrated, is shown as a single panel  25  folded to define three regions A, B, and C (See  FIG. 2A ). After folding, seams  24  on top and bottom are stitched leaving opening  21 . An overlap portion is shown at dashed line  23  that is based on the length of panels A and C relative to panel B. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present embodiment may be adapted to form a Compact Disc  111  cover as shown in  FIG. 2  which is relatively thin, but may also very thin. In another alternative embodiment, and in practice this alternative flexible design may receive an item via opening  21 , placed within the pocket provided by fold C, and then have fold A wrapped about the entire item by flexible stretching. Thus, a single shape for apparatus  20  may be readily adapted to multiple sides and shapes, for example a book cover or record cover, or even a circular cover for a compact disk itself. Those of skill in the art will also recognize that the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2 and 2 A may be decorated in a similar manner to the embodiment noted above. Where the embodiment employed is a circular one, obviously panels A, B, and C will be formed in a circular or semi-circular manner respectively.  
         [0052]     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , an alternative aspect of the flexible wrapping device  20  in  FIG. 2  is shown as a dual sleeve device  20 ′ formed to receive two compact disk members. In this aspect of the present invention, device  20 ′ is formed as a long flexible panel member  115 , including four main panel portions X 1 , X 2 , X 3 , and X 4  acting as folded flaps stitched together along a seam line  116  formed on a top and bottom edge.  
         [0053]     As shown panel portions X 1  and X 2  are smaller or narrower than panels X 3  and X 4  allowing the creation of a hinge region X 5  allowing pockets  120 ,  121  to flexibly receive compact disk members  111 ,  111 . After a user inserts compact disks  111 ,  111 , a user folds hinge region X 5  and places panels X 1  and X 2  in contact allowing an outer face of panels X 3  and X 4  to serve as the outer surface of a flexible gift wrap.  
         [0054]     As noted particularly in  FIG. 3A , flexible wrapping sleeve device  20 ′ is encircled with a belt or loop member  125  having a closing link portion  126  including a magnetic portion  127  for magnetically joining to a metallic ornamental member  128  shaped as a guitar.  
         [0055]     An alternative aspect of flexible wrapping system  20 ′, includes a digital print on an outer surface of the flexible fabric, and the inclusion of a separate fixing means  130 , shown here as a Velro® button attached with adhesive with a peal-back cover  131 . Additionally joining member  132  includes an outer perimeter portion  133 , and a projecting inner stub member (not shown) engaging the inner hole in compact disk  134  and including a reverse Velcro® button for engaging fixing means  130  to form an ornamental assembly releasably joined to flexible wrapping assembly  20 ′. While not shown, badge member  132  and disk  134  may be attached to item  130  in any convenient manner, such as a physical pin, a adhesive, with an elastic band as in the first embodiment, with Velcro, or with a magnet, etc. without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.  
         [0056]     As a consequence of the alternative aspects noted above, those of skill in the art will recognize that the principals of the present flexible wrapping device kit system are adaptive to a number of consumer product items and may be readily displayed and sold on a display rack at a point of purchase adjacent gift or toy items.  
         [0057]     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , an illustrative example of an alternative aspect of the present invention provides at  101  a flexible wrapping system including four (4) panel construction positioned around a book  102 . In a manner similar to that of aspect  1  shown best in  FIG. 1A , side panels  140  joint rear panels  8 ,  9 , and a front panel  7  (not shown). In this aspect of the invention it will be appreciated that the design is particularly suited to aid book sales via sale location via a book-store check out counter where customers may be enticed by a combined offer.  
         [0058]     Additionally referring to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , flexible wrapping system  101  includes on a front panel  7  a pocket member  150  for retaining a gift card member  151 . Yet further ornamentation may be provided by the use of a strap member  2  with fixing means  3  and the inclusion of an ornamental snap in member  13 ′.  
         [0059]     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , an alternative aspect of the invention shown in  FIG. 1  with flexible wrapping system  1  may adaptively be provided with a theme construction (here with a Christmas design) and added on decorative means  155 . As shown, an external consumer item is additionally attached to front panel  7  as a kit, here shown as earplugs  40 . with a head band member  41  attached by stitching or lacing (both not shown). As a consequence, the aspect of the present invention shown in  FIG. 6  is particularly suitable for sales of music. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present overlapping design provides a ready elastic pocket to hold not only the wrapped product (a compact disk), but a “teaser product” such as the ear plugs  41  to entice customers an allow users to customize gift wrappings for special occasions.  
         [0060]     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , another illustrative example of the first multi-panel construction is provided at  45 . Here, as in panel construction  4 , flexible side strop  6  joins front panel  7  and back panels  8 ,  9  allowing a consumer product to be readily retained. In this embodiment, additional decorative features are provided as a window panel at  46  for holding a photo or drawing  47  tightly against a surface of the contained consumer product (not shown). As shown, this is another example of how adaptive the present invention is to a variety of decoration and promotional materials without departing from the panel designs discussed above. Thus, it is expected that the present invention is adaptive to wide types of commercially successful environments. In practical purpose for example, construction  45  may hold, for example, a shoe box containing boating shoes and drawing or photo  47  may show a boating image to improve gift enjoyment. What should also be understood by the present aspect, is that window panel  46  may be preferably an additional panel stitched to front panel  7  at seam line  160  allowing open edges of opening  46  to roll back under the tension of the elastic material forming front panel  7 .  
         [0061]     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , an alternative aspect of the present invention provides a flexible panel constructive member  4  bound with flexible wrap member  2 , and an ornamental item  13 ′ (see Fig. SB) fixed thereto with the addition of an external gift pouch  161  for containing an external “teaser gift” (not shown) as a complete kit assembly. In this aspect of the present invention, both decorative bow  13 ′ as shown and gift pouch  161  containing a small visual gift serve to entice the user to enjoy the wrapping product and may be sold as a kit or as individual units at a point of purchase in a display assembly.  
         [0062]     Similar to  FIG. 10 , referring now to  FIG. 11 , an alternative flexible gift wrapping kit is shown with panel element  4  , in combination with a belt or strap member  2 , joined by a holder means  3  (not shown), wherein holder ring  3  is concealed by a metallic “U” shaped clip member  170  that encircles an edge  171  of pack  4  and conceals holder means  3  while simultaneously trapping a holding tag  172  of clear gift box holder  173  containing a gift  174 . The alternative assembly of the kit shown in  FIG. 11  discloses an assembly of parts as a cohesive ornamental and functional whole wherein each element may be sold at a point of purchase for a to-be-wrapped consumer item, allowing a user to select desired elements depending upon the theme of the gift.  
         [0063]     Similar to the earlier two aspects, as shown in  FIG. 12 , panel wrap  4  surrounds a consumer item and an enwrapping belt or strap member  2  is positioned about a periphery of the assembly. Front panel  7  is shown with design characters and a visible gift member  175  is concealably joined to a retaining means  3  joining ends of strap member  3  on a reverse side of gift member  175 . As earlier discussed, this alternative assembly may employ a physical snap fit ( FIG. 1B ), a Velcro attachment ( FIG. 4 ), a magnetic fixture means ( FIG. 3A ) or any other type of fixing mechanism known in the joining arts.  
         [0064]     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , in a manner similar to the disclosure in  FIG. 5A , an alternative aspect of flexible panel construction  4 , includes a pocket member  150 ′ as well as a concealed (shown by dashed line) moister containing mesh bag  180  for securely retaining and preserving a gift flower  181 .  
         [0065]     In yet another aspect of the present invention,  FIG. 9  discloses a kit assembly including a flexible panel wrapping member  4 ″ having decorative designs on an exterior surface of a front panel  7 ″. In this aspect of the present invention, a fixing means (not shown) similar to those discussed such as a stud or Velcro is physically joined to panel  7 ″ without a strap or belt member below ornamental flower  13 ′. Additional celebratory tags  190 ,  190  and a personal gift and pouch  189  are fixed to fixing means (not shown).  
         [0066]     Referring now to  FIGS. 13 and 13 A, an alternative construction of the present invention provides a four panel wrap member  4 , sporting a sports motif printed on a front panel  7  and having carrying strap  104  as shown. The aspect of the present design provides a gift member  200  or  200 ′ joined to panel  7  by a fixing means  201 , shown as a stud press-fit to panel  7  with a projecting male member  202  insertable into a back receiving opening  203  (not shown) at the back of the gift member.  
         [0067]     As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, the aspects of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 13 and 13 A. further augment the above discussion that the instant inventive kit may be readily adapted to the diverse illustrative designs and are thereby suitable for mass marketing and easy commercialization or display at a point of purchase. Thus, for example during a check-out process for a gift purchaser they may select a pre-assembled multi-panel unit  4  constructed from flexible textile materials, a means for fixing an ornamental product to the panel, and an ornamental product itself. Thus, those of skill in the art will recognize that the above-discussed means for fixing an ornamental item to a flexible panel include the use of a wrap or strap  2  with a fixing ring  3  wherein a ring plug  12  may include grooves  103  for engaging ring  3 . Alternative aspects include the addition of a flexible pocket on an outer panel.  
         [0068]     In the claims, means- or step-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described or suggested herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Thus, for example, although a nail, a screw, and a bolt may not be structural equivalents in that a nail relies on friction between a wooden part and a cylindrical surface, a screw&#39;s helical surface positively engages the wooden part, and a bolt&#39;s head and nut compress opposite sides of a wooden part, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail, a screw, and a bolt may be readily understood by those skilled in the art as equivalent structures.  
         [0069]     Having described at least one of the preferred embodiments of each panel construction of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various changes, modifications, and adaptations may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.