Patent Publication Number: US-2015083642-A1

Title: Container with an exterior reversible strip and method for making the same

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a non-provisional application of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/881,285, filed on Sep. 23, 2013, entitled, “Container with Reversible Exterior Strip.” 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     (1) Field of Invention 
     The present invention relates to a container and, more particularly, to a product container having at least one exterior reversible strip. 
     (2) Description of Related Art 
     Containers have long been known in the art and are often used to display a variety of objects. While operable for displaying the contents therein, typical display containers or display boxes have fixed external artwork or copy. Such fixed external artwork or copy allows the retailer, manufacturer, etc., to convey a single message or design. Should the manufacturer, etc., decide to alter or otherwise change the exterior packaging message or design, the manufacturer must typically incur the cost of redesigning and replacing the packaging to alter its exterior appearance. As can be appreciated, such a process can be costly and cumbersome. 
     Thus, a continuing need exists for a display container that allows a user to easily alter or reverse the artwork or copy on the exterior of the container. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A display container with one or more reversible exterior strips is described. In one aspect, the container includes a first part and a second part, each of the first part and second part having an interior and an exterior. Also included is a first reversible strip, the first reversible strip having a first side and a second side and being attached with the first part and second part such that the first part and second part can be rotated with respect to one another into a first closed position to display the first side of the first reversible strip and then rotated into a second closed position which reverses the first reversible strip and displays the second side of the first reversible strip. 
     In another aspect, a second reversible strip and third reversible strip are included. The first, second, and third reversible strips each include at least two wings. Additionally, the first and second reversible strips are positioned around the exterior of the first part, with the wings of the first and second reversible strips being attached with the interiors of both the first and second parts, and the third reversible strip is positioned around the exterior of the second part, with the wings of the third reversible strip being attached with the interiors of both the first and second parts. 
     In another aspect and as can be appreciated by one in the art, the present invention also comprises a method for forming and using the invention described herein. 
     For example, the method for forming a container with exterior reversible strips, comprising acts of positioning a first reversible strip around an exterior of a first part such that wings of the first reversible strip extend beyond edges of the first part; positioning a second reversible strip around an exterior of the first part such that wings of the second reversible strip extend beyond edges of the first part; positioning a third reversible strip such that a wing of the third reversible strip lays under an edge of the first part; positioning a second part adjacent the first part, with the third reversible strip being positioned around an exterior of the second part; affixing the wings of the first reversible strip to an interior of the first part and an interior of the second part, affixing the wings of the second reversible strip to the interior of the first part and the interior of the second part; and affixing the wings of the third reversible strip to the interior of the first part and the interior of the second part. 
     Finally, another aspect includes a method for using the container. The method comprising acts of rotating the two parts around with respect to one another to alter the surface of the reversible strips that is displayed externally. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed descriptions of the preferred aspect of the invention in conjunction with reference to the following drawings, where: 
         FIG. 1  is an illustration depicting a container having first and second parts and reversible strips according to the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an illustration depicting a first reversible strip being laid over the first part according to the principles of the present invention, showing wings extending beyond edges of the first part; 
         FIG. 3  is an illustration depicting a second reversible strip being laid over the first part according to the principles of the present invention, showing wings extending beyond edges of the first part; 
       FIG,  4  is an illustration depicting a third reversible strip being positioned such that a wing of the third reversible strip lays under an edge of the first part; 
         FIG. 5  is an illustration depicting a second part being positioned next to the first part, with the third reversible strip being laid over the second part; 
         FIG. 6  is an illustration depicting an interior view of the first and second parts, showing the wings of the reversible strips extending beyond the edges of the first and second parts; 
         FIG. 7  is an illustration depicting an interior view of the first and second parts, showing the wings of the reversible strips being affixed inside of the first and second parts; 
         FIG. 8  is an illustration depicting an exterior of the first and second parts, showing a first side of the reversible strips; 
         FIG. 9  is an illustration depicting the first and second parts in a closed position and showing the first side of the reversible strips; 
         FIG. 10  is an illustration depicting a process of reversing the reversible strips, showing the first and second parts being opened; 
         FIG. 10  is an illustration depicting a process of reversing the reversible strips, showing the first and second parts being rotated with respect to one another to expose a second side of the reversible strips; 
         FIG. 11  is an illustration depicting a process of reversing the reversible strips, showing the first and second parts being rotated with respect to one another; 
         FIG. 12  is an illustration depicting a process of reversing the reversible strips, showing the first and second parts being rotated with respect to one another; 
         FIG. 13  is an illustration depicting a process of reversing the reversible strips, showing the first and second parts being rotated with respect to one another to expose the second side of the reversible strips; 
         FIG. 14  is an illustration depicting a process of reversing the reversible strips, showing the first and second parts being rotated with respect to one another to expose the second side of the reversible strips; and 
         FIG. 15  is an illustration depicting the first and second parts in a closed position and showing the second side of the reversible strips. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
     The present invention relates to a display box and, more particularly, to a display container having at least one exterior reversible strip. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and to incorporate it in the context of particular applications. Various modifications, as well as a variety of uses in different applications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to a wide range of embodiments. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments presented, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. 
     In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without necessarily being limited to these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in order to avoid obscuring the present invention. 
     The reader&#39;s attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with this specification and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference. All the features disclosed in this specification, (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is only one example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. 
     Furthermore, any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Section 112, Paragraph 6. In particular, the use of “step of” or “act of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6. 
     Please note, if used, the labels left, right, front, back, top, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise and counter clockwise have been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to imply any particular fixed direction. Instead, they are used to reflect relative locations and/or directions between various portions of an object. 
     (1) Description 
     Described is a display container that allows a user to easily alter or reverse the artwork, copy, or design as displayed on the exterior of the container while containing a product or item therein. Specifically, the container includes one or more reversible strips positioned around the exterior of the container. The strips include copy, design, artwork, or any other message or design that is desirably conveyed to a consumer or user. In operation, a user can easily manipulate the container which, through said manipulation, causes the reversible strips to be effectively turned around and change the side of the strip that faces externally. By selectively altering the side of the strip that is externally positioned, a user can selectively alter the copy, design, artwork, etc. that is conveyed on the particular container. For further, understanding,  FIGS. 1 through 15  illustrate a process of forming and manipulating the container according to the principles of the present. It should be noted that the term “reversible strip” is used for convenience purposes only and that it is not necessarily a strip (although it can be in one aspect) and can be any elongated component that provides the features as described below. It should also be noted that although the invention is described and illustrated as having three elongated reversible strips (e.g., paper, plastic, foil, etc.), the invention is not intended to be limited thereto as any suitable number can be included. Thus, the number of reversible strips can be increased or decreased as desired, and can be altered (increased, decreased, shaped differently, etc.) to change the length or dimension on the container. Additionally, the container shape can be changed as desired. Further, although the term “paper” may be used, the invention is not intended to be limited to paper and can be formed using plastic, metal, or any other suitable material. 
     For further understanding and as shown in  FIG. 1 , the container includes a first part  100  and a second part  102  (or any suitable number of parts). The first part  100  and second parts  102 , when attached with one another, collectively form the container. It should be understood that the first and second parts  100  and  102  can be formed in any suitable shape such that they can be attached with one another to collectively form the container, a non-limiting example of which includes being a square or rectangular box (i.e., the container shape) that is divided diagonally into two equal triangular box parts (i.e., the first part  100  and second part  102 ) as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     Also shown are a plurality of reversible ships  104  (e.g., reversible strips). Notably, each reversible strip has a first side  106  and a second side (not shown). Each of the first side  106  and second sides can be provided with the same or different copy, artwork, or design as desired. In one aspect, the reversible strips  104  can be separately formed or, in another aspect, can be cut from a single sheet (as shown in  FIG. 1 ). 
       FIG. 2  illustrates the process of forming the container. As shown, the first part  100  is laid on its face and a first reversible strip  200  is laid over the first part  100  such that the first side  106  is shown. The first reversible strip  200  is sufficiently long such that it includes wings  202  that extend beyond edges  204  of the first part  100 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a second reversible strip  300  being laid over the first part  100 . Again, the second reversible strip  300  is sufficiently long such that it includes wings  302  that extend beyond edges  204  of the first part  100 . 
     Next and as shown in  FIG. 4 , a third reversible strip  400  is attached with the first part  100  such that a wing (shown as element  402  in  FIG. 6 ) lays under the edge  204  of the first part  100 . It should be noted that any suitable number of reversible strips can be employed according to the principles of the present invention; however, desirably, at least three reversible strips are employed as shown. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the second part  102  is introduced such that it is positioned next to the first part  100 . Importantly, the second part  102  sits on top of the first reversible strip  200  and second reversible strip  300 , with the third reversible strip  400  being laid over the second part  102 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the first and second parts  100  and  102  are flipped to their side to reveal the interior  601  of the first and second parts  100  and  102 . Notably, when flipped on their side or otherwise turned over, the wings  202 ,  302  and  402  of the reversible strips  200 ,  300 , and  400  extend beyond the edges of the first and second parts  100  and  102 . It should be noted that, in one aspect, the term wings  202 ,  302 , and  402  is used to describe that the reversible strips  200 ,  300 , and  400  are sufficiently long such that they extend beyond the exterior of the relevant first and second parts  100  and  102 , with the portion of the reversible strips  200 ,  300 , and  400  that are long enough to be wrapped into the interior  601  and adhered therein being referred to and illustrated as the wings  202 ,  302 , and  402 . 
     It should also be noted that while  FIG. 5  illustrates a first side  106  of the strips  200 ,  300 , and  400 ,  FIG. 6  illustrates the second side  600  of the strips  200 ,  300 , and  400 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the reversible strips  200 ,  300 , and  400  are secured to the first and second parts  100  and  102  by pulling the wings  202 ,  302 , and  402  tight and folding the wings  202 ,  302 , and  402  around to the inside of the first and second parts  100  and  102  (where the wings  202 ,  302 , and  402  are affixed). The wings  202 ,  302 , and  402  are affixed to the inside of the first and second parts  100  and  102  using any suitable mechanism, technique, or device for attaching two components with one another, a non-limiting example of which includes using a glue or other adhesive. After the wings  202 ,  302 , and  402  are affixed to the inside of the first and second parts  100  and  102 , the container and strips are now secured and ready for use. 
     For example and as shown in  FIG. 8 , the container is illustrated with the first and second parts  100  and  102  in an open position. As shown, the first side  106  of the reversible strips  200 ,  300 , and  400  is displayed to a user or consumer. For further understanding,  FIG. 9  illustrates the container with the first and second parts  100  and  102  in a closed position, depicting the exterior  901  of the first and second parts  100  and  102  and showing the first side  106  of the reversible strips  200 ,  300 , and  400 . 
     As noted above, the container provides the user the ability to selectively reverse the reversible strips  200 ,  300 , and  400  and, in doing so, change the design, artwork, copy, etc., that is displayed to a user. In order to reverse the strips  200 ,  300 , and  400 , the user begins by rotating  900  one edge of the first and second parts  100  and  102  away from each other and around a first axis  902 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , the user can continue to rotate  900  the first and second parts  100  and  102  about the first axis  902 . As shown, the axis  900  of rotation is formed because the first part  100  is connected with the second part  102  by virtue of the reversible strips  200 ,  300 , and  400  that are laid over one of the first and second parts  100  and  102  with wings  202 ,  302 , and  402  that extend across and are affixed with the opposite of the first and second parts  100  and  102 . For example, the first reversible strip  200  rests against the outside of the first part  100 . The wing  202  of the first part passes into inside of the second part  102 , where it is affixed with the second part  102 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates continued rotation of the first and second parts  100  and  102  about the first axis  902  of rotation until the first and second parts  100  and  102  come to rest against one another (i.e., folds back onto itself as shown in  FIG. 11 ). At that point, the first and second parts  100  and  102  can than continue to be rotated  1100  about a second axis  1102  of rotation. 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , when the first and second parts  100  and  102  continue to rotate  1100  about the second axis  1102  of rotation, the second side  600  of the strips  200 ,  300 , and  400  is exposed. 
     Further,  FIG. 13  illustrates continued rotation of the first and second parts  100  and  102  about the second axis  1102  of rotation until the first and second parts  100  and  102  come to rest against one another again (as shown in  FIG. 13 ). At that point, the first and second parts  100  and  102  can then continue to be rotated  1300  about a third axis  1302  of rotation. 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , the first and second parts  100  and  102  can continue to be rotated  1300  about the third axis  1302  of rotation until they come to rest against one another as shown in  FIG. 15 . Notably,  FIG. 15  shows the container with the first and second parts  100  and  102  in a closed position and fully reversed (as compared to that as shown in  FIG. 9 ). In other words, the reversible strips  200 ,  300 , and  400  are now fully reversed such that the second side  600  of each strip is fully exposed and displayed to a user or consumer. Thu, as can be appreciated, a user can rotating the first and second parts  100  and  102  with respect to one another which allows the user to selectively display the first side  106  or second side  600  of the reversible strips  200 ,  300 , and  400 . 
     In another aspect, any suitable connector device can be included to assist the first and second parts  100  and  102  in maintaining the closed position. A non-limiting example of such a connector device includes polarity keyed magnets that are attached with the first and second parts  100  and  102  such that first part  100  is magnetically attached with the second part  102  when in the closed position. Such magnets can be glued or otherwise affixed at any suitable location within each of the parts  100  and  102 . 
     Further, it should be understood that the method described above is but one example of a technique for forming the container according to the principles of the present invention and, as such, is not intended to be limited thereto as the container can be formed using a variety of techniques or processes and arrive at the container described herein. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments presented, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.