Patent Publication Number: US-2013240387-A1

Title: Presentation Box for Chocolates or other Consumables

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 61/750,664 filed Jan. 9, 2013 and 61/611,315 filed Mar. 15, 2012, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This disclosure is related to the field of boxes, and particularly to boxes with interactive elements which activate when they are opened. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     The human consumption of chocolate can be traced back thousands of years. However, “chocolates” as most people think of them are a far more modern invention. Eating solid chocolate (as opposed to drinking it as a beverage) only came about in the late 1600&#39;s as part of cakes and cookies and the modern solid chocolate bar only came about in the early 1800&#39;s. With the creation of solid chocolate consumables, the modern “chocolates” such as bonbons, truffles, creams, bars, and chocolate coated nuts also came about. 
     Generally, John Cadbury is credited with invention of many of the “fancy chocolates” (bonbons, creams, etc.) which today have often become more associated with their manner of being sold and presented than their actual composition. Most people don&#39;t necessarily think of “fancy chocolates” based upon what is in them (whether it be an almond, a raspberry crème, or a caramel) or even if they include chocolate (many white chocolates, caramels, and even hard candies are often considered “fancy chocolates” even though they often contain no cocoa at all). Instead, these types of chocolates are often associated with their manner of presentation. Specifically, these types of chocolates are commonly sold in an assortment which is provided in a decorated box. The most famous decorated box is unquestionably the Valentine&#39;s Day heart-shaped box which Cadbury is also credited with inventing. 
     The key to all such chocolate boxes is that it doesn&#39;t matter what types of chocolates are included, the box is part of the presentation and can range from a general cardboard construction to ornate boxes with velvet trim and decorations. However, these boxes generally do share a couple of common qualities. In one, the box is designed to express a particular intent. With the Valentine&#39;s Day heart box this is generally love or affection, but the boxes are commonly used to show appreciation, best wishes, or simply that the giver was thinking of the receiver. 
     Secondly, while there are a huge variety of boxes, most boxes for chocolates generally follow a very traditional design. The boxes are generally of hard cardboard and are designed in two sections which lift apart. The chocolates are arranged internal to the box, often positioned in a liner with separate compartments for each piece of chocolate or separated by individual wrappers or papers which partially encapsulate them to keep each piece of chocolate from sticking to each other. Often there is a piece of paper or other filler which serves to cushion the slightly irregularly sized chocolates from having their tops come in contact with the cover of the box. 
     Another type of box which is commonly seen is the musical jewelry box, or more simply the music box. These devices traditionally have produced music from a rotating pin cylinder which plucks the teeth of a tuned steel comb. These boxes, which are of far more complex design, more expensive, and much heavier than a traditional chocolate box, are usually constructed from wood or other rugged material and often include moving figurines or other elements. 
     SUMMARY 
     Because of these and other problems in the art, described herein, among other things, is a presentation box for the presentation and temporary storage of one or more consumables to a receiver. The container comprises a base portion, and the base portion comprises a base, a plurality of side walls and an internal chamber into which the one or more consumables are placed. The container also has a lid, and the lid comprises a hinge and a top, and a sound mechanism. The lid is connected to a portion of the plurality of sidewalls by the hinge and the sound mechanism is activated by a triggering event. 
     In one contemplated embodiment of the presentation box, the hinge comprises a flexible fold point in the plurality of side walls. 
     In another contemplated embodiment of the presentation box, the sound mechanism is located within the plurality of sidewalls. 
     In still another contemplated embodiment of the presentation box, the presentation box further comprises an insert, the insert being placed into the internal chamber for the storage of the one or more consumables. 
     In another embodiment of the presentation box, the one or more consumables are comprised of prepackaged solid chocolate bars. 
     In yet another embodiment of the presentation box, the triggering event is chosen from the group consisting of: opening of the lid of the box; turning a mechanical switch on/off; and removing a consumable from the presentation box. 
     In still another embodiment of the presentation box, a trigger switch is utilized as a prerequisite for the triggering event to activate the sound mechanism. 
     In still another embodiment of the presentation box, the sound mechanism is comprised of: a power source; at least one speaker; onboard memory; and a switch. In one embodiment, it is contemplated that in the presentation box the sound mechanism further comprises a microphone for the recording of songs. In still another embodiment of the presentation box, it is contemplated that the sound mechanism includes a video device, the video device having a display embedded in the lid. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a top perspective view of a presentation box for chocolates including an embodiment of a sound mechanism. 
         FIGS. 2A and 2B  provide side views of the multiple articulating hinge of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 2A  shows the box with the lid down, while  FIG. 2B  shows the box with the lid up. 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  provide perspective views of the top and inside wall of the back sidewall of the presentation box of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 3A  shows the box with the lid partially opened and the interior wall mostly vertical,  FIG. 3B  shows the box with the lid more fully opened and the interior wall rotated back. 
         FIG. 4  provides an embodiment of a sound mechanism which may be placed in the back sidewall of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of a presentation box for chocolates including an embodiment of a video system and display. 
         FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a mechanical trigger switch for a presentation box for chocolates. 
         FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of an embodiment with a mechanical pull tab trigger switch in place preventing the box from activating. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     This disclosure is intended to teach by way of example and not by way of limitation. 
     While each of the known boxes of the prior art have their place, provided herein is a new kind of box which serves to bridge the gap between a traditional chocolate box and a music box. For purposes of this disclosure, this is referred to as a “presentation box.” A presentation box will generally be designed so as to be relatively inexpensive to produce and can be used to present a gift, specifically chocolates or other consumables, to a receiver. The presentation box will include elements of a music box, such as, but not limited to, sound and video. This will generally be provided with the opening of the lid. However, a presentation box generally is designed for temporary as opposed to permanent storage of consummates. In particular, the objects which are presented therein will generally be consumables in the form of food objects such as chocolates, cookies, or candies. 
     For the purposes of this disclosure, it is important to recognize that a “presentation box,” as that term is used herein, is used to describe a box into which consumables, or other objects, are to be placed and presented. This is distinct from a wrapper or carton which is used for functional reasons solely to protect the consumable from the elements. For example, wrappers will often be used internal to a presentation box to enhance appearance. A presentation box may also be designed to present the consumable in a fashion not possible by the consumable alone. For example, a presentation box can allow for a multitude of consumables to be simultaneously displayed or it can allow for a single consumable to be presented in “excess” packaging to improve its presentation. 
     Furthermore, a presentation box is generally considered a storage container while the consumables are consumed, but will usually be discarded after all the contents have been eaten. It also may not be used to further store the consumables after the box is opened. In the instances where it may be kept for sentimental reasons, the presentation box will generally be stored empty and not used as a permanent storage container. To put this another way, the consumables are generally intended to be left in the presentation box until all of the contents have been eaten, which can occur over a period of time (days or weeks) [and the product presented in a presentation box is often intended for consumption over time]. [Once the consumable has been consumed, the box is generally stored empty or is discarded.] Thus, a presentation box is not just used when the consumable is presented (as a wrapper would be used) and is not used for long term storage (as a music box would be used), it is intended to be used throughout the consumption of the consumable, and then not used as a storage device. 
     While the term “presentation box” is generally used herein to refer to boxes for “fancy chocolates,” it should be recognized that other consumables can be included in the box such as small chocolate bars, chocolate coated nuts, candies that do not include chocolates (e.g. hard candies), cookies, and other “sweets,” multiples of which can be included in a single presentation. Further, alternative consumables also can be provided which are not “sweets” and may comprise everything from medications to beverages. Thus, one feature of a presentation box is that there generally are a multitude of objects therein. However, in an alternative embodiment, the presentation box may be used with a single consumable (e.g., a bottle of wine or a hard chocolate bar) which is provided in the presentation box to provide a method of presentation of the enclosed object to an end recipient (e.g., in the manner of a gift box). 
       FIGS. 1-3  provide views of an embodiment of a presentation box ( 100 ) in use with a plurality of consumables ( 407 ) which, in this embodiment, are prepackaged (foil wrapped) solid chocolate bars. The box ( 100 ) comprises a base portion ( 103 ) which includes a base ( 301 ), sidewalls ( 303 ), and an internal chamber ( 305 ) into which the consumables ( 407 ) are placed. While the embodiment of box ( 100 ) of  FIG. 1  has a square cross-section, it should be recognized that the box ( 100 ) may have any cross-sectional shape and quadrilaterals, heart shapes, and circles would be common. 
     The presentation box ( 100 ) is generally constructed from cardboard, cardstock, heavy paper or similar materials which are sufficiently rugged to protect the contents during transportation, but which are not intended for long term use. The materials generally will also be relatively inexpensive so as to not add significant cost relative to the consumables therein. The sidewalls ( 303 A), ( 303 B), ( 303 C), and ( 303 D) (jointly referred to as ( 303 )) of the depicted embodiment are relatively thick and extend a rather significant distance (H) onto the surface of the base ( 301 ) providing for flat upper surfaces ( 304 A), ( 304 B), ( 304 C) and ( 304 D) (jointly referred to as ( 304 )). While this relatively wide extension (H) can be desired to provide for protection of the consumables ( 407 ) therein and smoother lid ( 105 ) connection, it is by no means required and the sidewalls ( 303 ) may be relatively thin in alternative embodiments. 
     The box ( 100 ) also includes a lid ( 105 ). The lid ( 105 ) is generally of hinged construction and therefore includes a hinge ( 503 ) and a top ( 501 ) where the top ( 501 ) is connected to a portion of the sidewalls ( 303 ) along one or more generally linear connections to provide for the hinging action. In the depicted embodiment, the top ( 501 ) is flat and does not include a lip, tab, or other fastener for connecting other edges to the sidewalls ( 303 ), but such a mechanism may be included in an alternative embodiment. In the depicted embodiment, the hinge ( 503 ) simply comprises a flexible fold point in the paperboard material from which the box ( 100 ) is constructed. This will generally be a preferred hinge ( 503 ) as it is inexpensive and simple to construct. However, fancier or heavier boxes ( 100 ) may include separate or more complex hinge mechanisms. 
     The hinge ( 503 ) in the depicted embodiment, as more clearly seen in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , is slightly more complicated than a traditional bent cardboard hinge as the hinge ( 503 ) is designed to provide for two points of articulation. Specifically, the hinge ( 503 A) connects the top ( 501 ) to the top of the back sidewall ( 303 A) but a second hinge ( 503 B) allows the outer section ( 308 ) of the back sidewall ( 303 A) to also hinge relative to the base ( 301 ). Thus, this outer section ( 308 ) can also hinge away from the body of the box ( 100 ) when the top ( 501 ) is opened. In order to inhibit access to the sound mechanism ( 200 ) which is generally internal to the back sidewall ( 303 A) and lid ( 105 ), there are interlocking tabs ( 309 ) arranged internal to the structure of the back sidewall ( 303 A) so that access between the outer section ( 308 ) and the internal volume ( 306 ) of the back sidewall ( 303 A) is generally inhibited when the outer section ( 308 ) is hinged out as shown in  FIG. 2B . 
     In the depicted embodiment, as is best shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the top section ( 304 A) of the back sidewall ( 303 A) is slideably attached to top sections ( 304 B) and ( 304 C) of the adjacent sidewalls ( 303 B) and ( 303 C). This arrangement effectively results in the back sidewall ( 303 A) tilting away from the internal chamber ( 305 ) when the lid ( 105 ) is opened. The back sidewall ( 303 A) on its interior surface ( 313 A) includes holes ( 315 ). These are generally to allow for sounds from the speaker ( 203 ), which is positioned internal to the structure of the back sidewall ( 303 A) in this embodiment, to be better heard. The slideable connection also serves to move these holes ( 315 ) away from the insert ( 701 ) holding the consumables ( 407 ) when the lid ( 105 ) is opened to further improve clarity and volume of the sound production. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 1 , there is included within the internal chamber ( 305 ) an insert ( 701 ). This may be used to hold the consumables ( 407 ) in a presentation fashion, may be eliminated if unnecessary, or may be replaced with other components (such as, but not limited to, individual paper cups) in alternative embodiments. In the insert ( 701 ) are the consumables ( 407 ) which, in this embodiment, comprise six individually foil-wrapped and decorated chocolate bars. 
     An embodiment of the sound mechanism ( 200 ) is shown in  FIG. 4 . In this embodiment, the mechanism is generally hidden in internal structure ( 306 ). However it should be noted that it is contemplated that the sound mechanism may be placed anywhere within the presentation box ( 100 ) that allows for it to play music upon the occurrence of a triggering event. Contemplated triggering events for certain embodiments of the sound mechanism include, but are not limited to, opening the lid ( 105 ) of the box ( 100 ), turning a mechanical switch on/off, removing a consumable from the box ( 100 ) or other triggering event for a sound mechanism known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In certain embodiments, as depicted in  FIG. 4 , the trigger switch ( 207 ) extends into the lid ( 105 ) to detect the lid ( 105 ) opening. 
     Generally, any trigger switch ( 207 ) known to those of ordinary skill in the art such as, but not limited to mechanical, electrical and magnetic mechanisms are contemplated as a possible trigger switch ( 207 ) for the playing of music. Basically any trigger switch ( 207 ) which can detect the opening of the lid ( 105 ) and play stored music in response to this event is contemplated in this application. In certain embodiments, such as the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 4 , the trigger switch ( 207 ) will be “tripped” or activated when the lid ( 105 ) of the presentation box is opened. In other embodiments, the mechanism ( 200 ) will have to be placed in the “activated” mode (for example through a mechanical switch or pull tab) for the trigger switch ( 207 ) to turn the music on and off when the lid is raised and lowered. This particular embodiment is useful because it allows for the battery of the mechanism to be preserved and saved during time periods when it is undesirable for the music to play (e.g., during shipping and storage of the container ( 100 )). 
     In general, the mechanism ( 200 ) which regulates the sound or music of the presentation box is generally quite simple. As depicted in  FIG. 4 , in one embodiment, the mechanism ( 200 ) contains a power source such as one battery ( 201 ). It should be understood that the mechanism can contain one or more batteries or other power sources depending on the embodiment. Furthermore, any known power source—including finite and rechargeable power sources—known to those of ordinary skill in the art are contemplated as a possible “battery” for the mechanism ( 200 ). In certain embodiments, it is contemplated that the battery ( 201 ) generally can be relatively low voltage and does not generally need to include a very long charge as the mechanism ( 200 ) will generally be intended to have a relatively short useful life. The battery ( 201 ) also may not be intended for removal and replacement or may be disposable depending on embodiment. 
     In certain embodiments of the mechanism, such as the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 4 , there is also included at least one speaker ( 203 ) (or similar sound projecting device known to those of ordinary skill in the art) and onboard memory ( 205 ) such as, but not limited to, at least one digital memory chip (or similar memory mechanism known to those of ordinary skill in the art), in which the sound to be presented is stored as a digital file which can be retrieved by an onboard electronic microprocessor ( 209 ) (or similarly operating mechanism known to those of ordinary skill in the art) which serves to operate the mechanism ( 200 ). In certain embodiments, triggering of the sound will generally be accomplished by a simple contact or pull switch ( 207 ) which is arranged to switch (activating the sound) when the lid ( 105 ) is opened and return (disabling sound production) when the lid ( 105 ) is closed. In other embodiments, it is contemplated that the triggering of the sound will be accomplished by electrical or magnetic means in lieu of mechanical means. 
     As would be understood by one of ordinary skill, the sound mechanism ( 200 ) can also include a microphone (not shown) to allow for sounds to be recorded as opposed to being simply stored on memory ( 205 ) prior to purchase. This would allow a user to record a personalized message for the presentation box ( 100 ) instead of or in addition to having a prepared sound stored on memory ( 205 ). For example, if the box ( 100 ) is being given in recognition of an event, the user could record sounds into the memory ( 205 ) which indicates the significance of the event. 
     As should be understood by one of ordinary skill, the memory ( 205 ) can have stored thereon any sounds that the presenter wants to have in connection with the box ( 100 ). For example, in the depicted embodiment, the consumables ( 407 ) are depicted in an American patriotic wrapping and therefore the memory ( 205 ) may include one or more patriotic sounds such as the American National Anthem, “America the Beautiful,” or spoken phrases from well-known American documents (such as reciting the text of the Declaration of Independence). However, the memory ( 205 ) can include thereon any sounds played in any combination regardless of their connection, or lack thereof, to the consumables ( 407 ) or event. 
     In an embodiment, the memory ( 205 ) is designed to only hold a single sound (although it may have more memory than needed and could potentially include additional sounds or data). In an alternative embodiment, the memory ( 205 ) may include a plurality of different sounds that may be recorded and/or played in a pattern, by random selection, or by another methodology as known to one of ordinary skill. 
     In a still further embodiment, the sound mechanism ( 200 ) could be capable of recording and generating multi-track sound. Specifically, a user&#39;s sound into a microphone could be combined with a background track (such as music or sound effects) which sounds, when presented, do not comprise separate sounds, but instead comprise a singular sound with multiple overlapping tracks. Alternatively, the sounds could all be selected from multiple microphone tracks or from multiple provided recordings. In a still further embodiment, sounds can be both combined and provided separately or could be mixed to provide for a much longer “sample mash-up” type track. 
     In yet another embodiment, a custom sound track can be generated each time the box ( 100 ) is opened. This sound could be generated instantaneously (e.g. by digitizing notes based on a user input), or could be a random sampling of a variety of sounds which are combined. In this way, the sound file could be unique each time the box ( 100 ) is opened, while still utilizing a relatively small number of preset components stored on memory ( 205 ). 
     Custom sounds can also be generated by a “fill-in-the-blanks” or “mad-lib” type process. In this embodiment, a user would be asked to fill in certain blanks by speaking into the microphone, with these short recordings becoming a part of a larger sound. This can be used to provide an individual with a more eloquent speech than they may otherwise be able to develop on their own, can allow them to alter song lyrics for their own effect, or could allow them to even develop their own sound effect track, among other things. 
       FIG. 5  provides for an alternative embodiment of the presentation box ( 100 ) of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . In this figure, the sound device ( 200 ) also includes a video device ( 400 ) which works therewith. The video device ( 400 ) generally is connected to the sound device ( 200 ) via wiring internal to the lid ( 105 ) and video information will generally also be stored in memory ( 205 ). There is also provided a display ( 401 ) which may be a screen of any type known to those of ordinary skill which, in the depicted embodiment, is embedded in the top ( 501 ) of the box ( 100 ). 
     In the same way that the sound device ( 200 ) can produce sound through the speaker ( 203 ), the video device ( 400 ) can display a visual image (whether still or video) on the display ( 401 ) when the box ( 100 ) is opened. This can act to further personalize the presentation box ( 100 ). This presentation may be synchronized with the sound produced, may be independently connected, or the sound and video may be provided without connection between them. 
     It should be recognized that the presentation boxes ( 100 ) provided herein are merely exemplary of the types of presentation boxes ( 100 ) into which sound and/or video may be incorporated. Components (such as display ( 401 )) can also be placed in different locations in different embodiments and mechanism other than those shown in  FIG. 4  may be used in alternative embodiments to provide the electronics. 
     While the inventions have been disclosed in connection with certain preferred embodiments, this should not be taken as a limitation to all of the provided details of any invention. Modifications and variations of the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of any invention herein disclosed, and other embodiments should be understood to be encompassed in the present disclosure as would be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.