Patent Publication Number: US-4836437-A

Title: Toy packaging

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention is directed to a method of packaging toy products. In particular, the invention teaches a method of packaging multiple toys in a paper wrapping that allows the outer appearance to form a predetermined shape. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     A traditional method of wrapping small toys for children is to wind strips of paper about a center core. The toys are placed at various levels during the winding process. As the child reverses the winding process it receives the toy gifts at each of the levels. The receipt of the toys coupled with the unwinding of the paper roll has proven to delight children. 
     A common feature of these paper balls is that they are based on wrapping around a circular center core. The core is usually formed by wadding tissue paper. These paper balls in the end assure a circular shape. 
     The present invention is advantageous since it provides a means of forming wrapped toy packages in various shapes. The invention is also advantageous since it is economical and aesthetically pleasing. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A method of packaging toys which comprises winding strips of material and toys around a shaped object. The winding is continued until a predetermined shape is formed. At least two such shapes may be combined to form a final shape. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 illustrates a set of toys which can be utilized in the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 illustrates the wrapping of the toys of FIG. 1. 
     FIG. 3 illustrates the combining of the wrapped toys of FIG. 2 to form a train shape. 
     FIG. 4 illustrates a heart shaped container containing a toy. 
     FIG. 5 illustrates a partially wrapped heart shape. 
     FIG. 6 illustrates a completely decorated heart shape of the invention. 
     FIG. 7 illustrates a set of toys which can be utilized in the present invention. 
     FIG. 8 illustrates the wrapping of the toys of FIG. 7. 
     FIG. 9 illustrates the forming of a snowman from the shapes of FIG. 8. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     As shown in FIGS. 2, 5 and 8, the packages are formed by winding material strips around an object. The initial object can be either a toy or a plastic or cardboard shape. The shapes match the final shape of the package. 
     The material strips can be a single continuous strip or a number of different strips. Different colored strips can be used to form the various levels of the package. The strips are preferably paper, however, cloth, foil etc. can be used as the winding material. 
     The positioning of the toys in the package can be determinative of the package&#39;s ultimate shape. In most cases it is preferable to incorporate the smallest and especially the thinnest toy into the package last. 
     More than one package can be affixed together to form a shape. Usually, several shapes are connected to form such objects as a caterpillar, train or a snowman. Adhesives, pins, staples, wires, shrink wrap or other fasteners can be used to affix the packages. 
     Decorative designs can be bonded to the packages or, if shrink wrap is used outside, to the shrink wrap if so desired. Examples of such decorative applications include paper, cloths, fabrics, plastics, hats, hair-like substances, buttons, sequences, labels, etc. 
     FIGS. 1-3 illustrate the forming of a train. Individual toys are wrapped separately to form the train components. 
     FIGS. 4-6 illustrate the forming of a decorative heart. The toys are first placed in a cardboard shape. The cardboard shape is that of the final product. 
     FIGS. 7-9 illustrate the forming of a snowman. The snowman makes use of conventional round shapes to form a unique decorative product.