Patent Publication Number: US-2009235428-A1

Title: Item Wrapping Assistance Device

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     This invention relates generally a device, such as a wearable device like a glove, and more specifically to a device having integrated components suitable for assisting a user in wrapping packages or items. 
     2. Background Art 
     For people other than the truly skilled, wrapping packages can be a difficult and time-consuming task. When one sets out to wrap a present for example, paper, tape, ribbon, cards, and so forth must all be gathered together. With these implements in place, the wrapping task remains daunting for many. First, paper must be properly measured, cut, and folded. While holding these folds in place, tape must be dispensed from a roll and applied in select locations. Minor errors in folding or taping can result in a gift having a less than stellar appearance. 
     Even if the user is able to get the paper properly around the gift, the task of creating a proper ribbon can be even more challenging. Knots must be tied while fingers hold the ribbon in place. Curls can be applied, but if not uniform can detract from the overall presentation. Often, people wrapping presents simply feel that they “do not have enough hands” to adequately complete the task. 
     Similar problems arise when wrapping packages for shipment through the mails. Paper must be cut and carefully applied. It must then be held in place with one hand, while dispensing and applying tape with the other hand. Where the person wrapping the package is not exceptionally talented at performing complex motor skills with both hands independently, the wrapping process can be compromised. Substandard wrapping can lead to bubbles and gaps in the wrapping that can snag and tear during shipment, thereby leaving the wrapped items vulnerable to potential damage. 
     There is thus a need for a device that assists a user in the complex procedure of wrapping items, including packages and presents. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of a device for assisting a user in wrapping packages in accordance with the invention. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates one embodiment of a device for assisting a user in wrapping packages in accordance with the invention. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates one embodiment of a ribbon-curling device in accordance with the invention. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates one embodiment of a cutting tool in accordance with the invention. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates one embodiment of a carrier configured to receive and dispense adhesive tape in accordance with the invention. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an alternate embodiment of a device for assisting a user in wrapping packages in accordance with the invention. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates another alternate embodiment of a device for assisting a user in wrapping packages in accordance with the invention. 
     
    
    
     Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the invention are now described in detail. Referring to the drawings, like numbers indicate like parts throughout the views. As used in the description herein and throughout the claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise: the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.” Relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. Also, reference designators shown herein in parenthesis indicate components shown in a figure other than the one in discussion. For example, talking about a device ( 10 ) while discussing figure A would refer to an element,  10 , shown in figure other than figure A. 
     Embodiments of the present invention include a device, such as a glove, for assisting a user in wrapping items, presents, or packages. In one embodiment, the device comprises a stretchable glove, with full or partial fingers, having several package wrapping tools incorporated therein. A cutting tool can be coupled to an edge palm section, a finger section, or other sections. A ribbon-curling device, which may consist of a blunt edge or edged member and receiver, can be coupled to a finger section, palm section or other section. A carrier, for receiving and dispensing adhesive tape, can be coupled to a rear palm section or other section. Other optional components, including a ribbon dispenser or carrier, or a measuring tool, can also be coupled to the device. In one embodiment, each of these tools is configured so as to be detachable for independent use, service, or replacement. 
     Embodiments of the present invention provide a convenient and streamlined device to assist a user with the wrapping process. Rather than having to spread out numerous implements across a table when wrapping a package, users of embodiments of the present invention have each of the necessary tools attached to a comfortable glove that fits easily over the user&#39;s hand. Embodiments of the present invention permit the user to hold materials such as wrapping paper with their fingers while having quick and easy access to cutting tools, adhesive tools, and ribbon-curling tools. 
     In one embodiment, the glove is manufactured with a polypropylene-ceramic material, which may have a therapeutic effect upon a wearer. As such, users of the present invention who have difficulty wrapping packages due to arthritic or other conditions will find the package wrapping process a more achievable task. 
     In some embodiments, the layer of material defining the glove can include patterns, logos, monograms, or other indicia. As such, embodiments of the present invention can be customized and tailored to specific brands or people. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 1 , illustrated therein is one embodiment of a device  100  for assisting a user in wrapping packages in accordance with the invention. The device  100  of  FIG. 1  includes a layer of material  101  defining a glove. The glove includes a palm portion  102  and a plurality of finger portions  103 . The layer of material  101 , in one embodiment, is a stretch-type material such as elasticized cotton, elasticized nylon, elasticized polyester, or blends of commonly used, elasticized textile materials. Additionally, the layer of material  101  can be constructed from other materials such as neoprene, spandex, or Lycra. 
     In one embodiment, the layer of material  101  is a polypropylene-ceramic material, such as the nanotechnology textile materials manufactured by Prolotex™. According to the manufacturer, these polypropylene-ceramic fabrics provide pain-relieving, therapeutic effects to the wearer. 
     While a glove is one configuration for the layer of material  101 , embodiments of the present invention are not so limited. It will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that the layer of material  101  can be made in other configurations as well, both wearable and non-wearable. For example, the layer of material  101  can be configured as a wristband. Alternatively, the layer of material  101  can be configured as a sleeve. In another embodiment, the layer of material can be configured as a lapel attachment that hangs from a user&#39;s chest and is readily accessible to the user&#39;s hands. Other configurations will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     Coupled to the layer of material  101  are one or more tools useful in the wrapping process. Each of these tools can be placed in a variety of locations along the glove, as will be described herein with reference to the various drawings. Further, each of these tools can either be fixedly coupled to the glove or detachable. 
     Where the tools are fixedly coupled to the glove, the tools can be attached in one of a variety of ways. First, they can be sewn in to pockets that are incorporated into the layer of material  101 . Second, they may be mechanically coupled to the layer of material  101  by way of latches or leaf springs that are inserted into slits in the layer of material. Other means of coupling may also be employed, including snaps, rivets, grommets, or other fastening means. Where the tools are detachable, they may be coupled to the layer of material  101  by way of hook and loop or other detachable fastening mechanisms. Other suitable coupling mechanisms will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , in one embodiment, a cutting tool  104  is coupled to the glove. The cutting tool  104  can be used for cutting wrapping paper, ribbon, and other sliceable media. While the cutting tool  104  can be placed in a variety of locations, in the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1  the cutting tool  104  is coupled to an edge palm section  105 . In this configuration, the user simply rotates the palm such that it is generally orthogonal with a sliceable medium, such as wrapping or packing paper. The user then cuts the sliceable medium by moving either the hand across the sliceable medium or the sliceable medium across a blade disposed within the cutting tool  104 . 
     Turning briefly to  FIG. 4 , illustrated therein is one embodiment of a cutting tool  104  suitable for use with embodiments of the present invention. As will be described with other embodiments, such as that shown in  FIG. 6 , conventional cutting devices such as scissors can be used in some embodiments. Where the cutting tool  104  is disposed along the edge palm section ( 105 ), however, it can be advantageous to use cutting tools having safety mechanisms configured to prevent accidental cuts. While the cutting tool of  FIG. 4  includes safety mechanisms, other configurations may also be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     The cutting tool  104  of  FIG. 4  includes both a blade  401  and a guide member  402 . The guide member  402 , which in one embodiment is a leaf spring, has the blade  401  coupled thereto, such that the blade  401  projects distally from the guide member  402 . Other configurations could also be used, including one where the guide member  402  is disposed and configured so as to oppose at least a portion of the blade  401 . 
     In one embodiment, the guide member  402  is one component of a housing  403  encompassing the blade  401 , and is manufactured from a plastic by way of an injection molding process. Alternatively, an insert molding process can be used to couple the blade  401  to the guide member  402  within the housing. The guide member  402  can also be manufactured from a springy metal. 
     In one embodiment, the blade  401  may intersect the guide member  402  such that the blade  401  projects downwardly into the housing from the guide member  402 . Alternatively, the blade may sit in the housing  403  beneath the guide member such that the blade  401  slopes away from the guide member  402 . Sliceable media  407  and other materials passed along the bottom of the guide member  402  intersect the blade  401  and can be cut. 
     The illustrative cutting tool  104  of  FIG. 4  also includes guide rails  404 , 405 . The guide rails  404 , 405 , which are disposed substantially parallel with the blade  401  and opposite the guide member  402 , work to prevent the blade  401  from accidentally contacting materials which the user does not intend to cut. For instance, in on embodiment, the blade  401  is disposed between the guide rails  404 , 405  so as to prevent objects from inadvertently contacting the blade  401  from a lateral angle. Further, the guide member  402  and guide rails  404 , 405  can be configured such that only objects having a thickness that is less than a predetermined threshold are able to pass between the guide member  402  and the guide rails  404 , 405 . By way of example, the space  406  between the guide member  402  and the guide rails  404 , 405  can be configured such that only paper and other similar objects are able to pass therethrough. When a sliceable medium  407  is passed between the guide rails  404 , 405  and the guide member  402  so as to be drawn across the blade  401 , the cutting tool  104  is configured to make a precise and effortless cutting action. 
     Turning now back to  FIG. 1 , in addition to the cutting tool  104 , the device  100  also includes a carrier  106  configured to receive adhesive tape. As rolls of adhesive tape can be bulky, in one embodiment, the carrier  106  is configured to receive an accordion-type, W-stacked pad of superimposed adhesive tape strips. For ease of access, in one embodiment the carrier  106  is disposed along a rear palm section of the glove. 
     Turning now briefly to  FIG. 5 , illustrated therein is one embodiment of a carrier  106  in accordance with the invention. In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 5 , the carrier  106  has a housing  501  that is manufactured from a plastic or similar material by way of an injection molding process. The housing  501  includes an internal retention chamber  502  that is configured to receive adhesive tape or adhesive tape packs. 
     To access the internal retention chamber  502 , such that adhesive tape or adhesive tape packs can be inserted into the housing  501 , in one embodiment the housing  501  includes a slidable member  503  disposed along a top portion  504  of the housing  501 . The slidable member  503  is configured such that it can be opened by sliding the slidable member  503  laterally across the top portion  504  of the housing  501 . When the slidable member  503  is opened, access is provided to the internal retention chamber  502  for replacement of adhesive tape or adhesive tape packs. 
     When the slidable member  503  is moved to a closed position, a longitudinally centralized opening  505  remains. Strips of adhesive tape  506  then protrude through the longitudinally centralized opening  505  for easy access to a user. 
     While the carrier  106  of  FIG. 5  is designed primarily for W-stacked pads of superimposed adhesive tape strips, it will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that the invention is not so limited. Other types of carriers may also be used. For instance, rather than accommodating W-stacked pads of superimposed adhesive tape strips, the carrier  106  can also be configured to accommodate a horizontally mounted roll of conventional tape, as will be described in the embodiment of  FIG. 7 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 2 , illustrated therein is an alternate embodiment of a device  200  for assisting a user in wrapping packages in accordance with the invention. While the device  200  of  FIG. 2  differs in some respects from the device ( 100 ) of  FIG. 1 , note that the features of each are not mutually exclusive. Features from the device ( 200 ) of  FIG. 2  can be substituted or added to those of  FIG. 1 , and vice versa. 
     The device  200  of  FIG. 2 , as with the device ( 100 ) of  FIG. 1 , is configured as a glove. However, in  FIG. 2 , the plurality of finger portions  203  each comprise partial finger portions. Some users may prefer the tactile feedback received by exposed fingers when wrapping packages. Additionally, some users may find it easier to make particular folds with bare fingers than with covered fingers. Where such desires exist, partial finger portions can be employed. 
     The device  200  of  FIG. 2  includes some of the same components as the device ( 100 ) of  FIG. 1 . In particular, the device  200  includes both a carrier  206  and cutting tool  204 . The carrier  206  and cutting tool  204  are disposed along the glove at locations similar to those shown in  FIG. 1 , although they could have been disposed in other areas. 
     The device  200  includes additional components as well. Specifically, in one embodiment, a ribbon-curling device  207  is coupled to the glove. In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the ribbon-curling device  207  is coupled between a thumb finger portion  208  and either the palm portion  201  or the forefinger portion  209 . The ribbon-curling device  207  is configured, in one embodiment, to provide curl-inducing shearing forces on a length of ribbon (not shown) when the length of ribbon is clamed in the ribbon-curling device and drawn therethrough. 
     As many users who wrap gifts enjoy making their own ribbons, the ribbon-curling device  207  permits users to apply curls of varying degree to ribbon. Turning now to  FIG. 3 , illustrated therein is one embodiment of a ribbon-curling device  207  suitable for use with embodiments of the invention. 
     In its simplest form, the ribbon-curling device  207  consists of an edged member  301  suitable for applying the curl-inducing shearing forces to a piece of ribbon. The edged member  301  can be coupled to one of the finger portions of the glove or to the palm portion of the glove. As was shown in  FIG. 2 , the edged member  301  can be coupled to the thumb finger portion ( 208 ). In such a configuration, a section of ribbon can be clammed between the edged member  301  and the palm of the user&#39;s hand, and then the ribbon can be drawn across the edged member. 
     In another embodiment, the ribbon-curling device  207  comprises the edged member  301  and a corresponding receiver  302 . The receiver  302  can be a flat, rigid plate, such as a plastic or metal plate. Additionally, the receiver may have a groove into which the edged member  301  sits when the edged member  301  and receiver  302  are clammed together. 
     When the edged member  301  is coupled to one of the finger portions of the glove, and the receiver  302  is coupled to an adjacent finger member or the palm portion of the glove, the user can clam the ribbon-curling components together across a piece of ribbon by pressing the finger portion having the edged member  301  coupled thereto against the finger portion or palm portion having the receiver  302  coupled thereto. The ribbon can then be drawn across the edged member  301  to produce a curl. 
     The components can be arranged in opposite fashion as well, of course, with the receiver  302  being coupled to the thumb finger portion and the edged member  301  begin coupled to another finger portion or the palm portion. Similarly, the ribbon-curling device  207  can be disposed between finger portions other than the thumb finger portion. 
     The use of a receiver  302  offers another advantage. Where only the edged member  301  is used, it can be beneficial to configure the edged member  301  with a blunt edge to prevent any possible user aggravation associated with a sharp edge. However, when a receiver  302  is used in conjunction with the edged member  301 , the edged member  301  can be honed more sharply. Some users may prefer a sharper ribbon-curling edge when imparting curls in ribbon, and therefore may prefer devices having both the edged member and the receiver  302 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 6 , illustrated therein is another embodiment of a device  600  for assisting a user in wrapping a package or present in accordance with the invention. The device  600  of  FIG. 6  illustrates some of the flexibility of design offered by the various embodiments. 
     As with  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the device  600  is configured as a glove. The device includes a cutting tool  604 , a ribbon-curling device  207 , and a carrier  206  for holding and dispensing adhesive tape. One difference between the device of  FIG. 6  and the devices ( 100 , 200 ) of  FIGS. 1 and 2  is in the cutting tool  604 . While the cutting tool ( 204 ) in  FIGS. 1 and 2  was disposed along a palm edge portion ( 205 ) of the glove, the cutting tool  604  of  FIG. 6  is disposed between two of the finger portions  603  of the glove. 
     Another difference is in the design of the cutting tool  604 . While the cutting tool ( 204 ) of  FIGS. 1 and 2  included a guide member ( 402 ) and guide rails ( 404 , 405 ), the cutting tool  604  of  FIG. 6  is that of a more conventional scissor type. Placing the cutting tool  604  between adjacent finger portions lends itself to scissor type cutting. However, cutting tools such as that shown in  FIG. 4  may also be coupled to finger portions. 
     The device  600  of  FIG. 6  also includes a ribbon-dispensing device  610  coupled to the glove. In the embodiment of  FIG. 6 , the ribbon-dispensing device  610  includes a spool of ribbon that wraps around the palm portion  602  of the glove. A user may access ribbon by simply pulling the ribbon through an opening in the ribbon-dispensing device  610 , thereby causing the ribbon to spool about the palm portion  602  and extend from the glove. 
     The device  600  also includes a visible pattern  611  disposed thereon. The visible pattern  611 , which may be printed on the glove, woven into the layer of fabric, dyed into the glove, or otherwise incorporated into the layer of fabric, allows manufacturers to customize the device  600  in accordance with their trademarks or other logos. Similarly, groups or clubs could personalize the device  600  for use within their organizations or as give-away items. Further, individuals could obtain the device  600  in a particular color or with a particular pattern so as to match clothing that they typically wear. Additionally, monograms or other graphical indicia may be incorporated into the device  600  via the visible pattern  611 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 7 , illustrated therein is yet another embodiment of a device  700  for assisting a user in wrapping packages or gifts in accordance with the invention. As with previous embodiments, the device  700  of  FIG. 7  includes a cutting tool  704 , a ribbon-curling device  707 , a carrier  706  for accommodating and dispensing adhesive tape, and a ribbon-dispensing device  710 . Each of these components is configured slightly differently, however, again illustrating the flexibility of the device. 
     In  FIG. 7 , the cutting tool  704  is coupled to the device  700  between the thumb finger portion  709  and the palm portion  702 . Additionally, the cutting tool  704  is configured as a traditional scissor tool, as the user may easily move the thumb finger portion  709  against the palm portion  702 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 7 , the ribbon-curling device  707  is coupled to one of the finger portions  703 . In particular, both the edged member  301  and the receiver  302  are coupled to the same finger portion. As such, the user may clam the edged member  301  and the receiver  302  about a piece of ribbon by pinching with the index finger. 
     The carrier  706 , rather than being configured for a W-stacked pad of superimposed adhesive tape strips, has been configured for a conventional spool of tape  714 . Similarly, the ribbon-dispensing device  710  has been configured for a spool of ribbon  713 . Both the spool of tape  714  and the spool of ribbon  713  are disposed horizontally across the rear palm portion of the glove. 
     The flexibility of the layer of material  701  can also be seen in  FIG. 7 . As noted above, in one embodiment the layer of material  701  is a stretchable material configured to provide a contour fit about a user&#39;s hand. The flexing  712  of the flexible material can be seen in  FIG. 7 . 
     A measuring device  715  can also be coupled to the glove. The measuring device  715  of  FIG. 7  is coupled to one of the finger portions  703 . The measuring device  715  can be used to measure both the size of packages and the amount of paper that should be left about the package so as to satisfactorily wrap the edges and ends. In one embodiment, the measuring device  715  can be printed along one of the finger portions  703 . In another embodiment, the measuring device  715  can be a rigid or semi-rigid ruler that extends either from the palm portion  702  or one of the finger portions  703 . 
     In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. Thus, while preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is clear that the invention is not so limited. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present invention. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims.