Abstract:
A deployable, customizable vase-like container for presenting a cookie arrangement of one or more cookies each on a support stick includes a platform having one or more anchors and planar material foldable to form a contiguous wall surrounding the anchor(s). The contiguous wall includes one or more connectors for holding the contiguous wall adjacent the platform, and a rear display panel is included having a lower portion nesting inside the contiguous wall. The platform may include a pedestal extending below the contiguous wall and a slot for engaging the contiguous wall. The planar material may corrugated cardboard, including a foldable, planar die-cut cardboard material. The contiguous wall may include a decorative scalloped top edge, while the rear display panel may have decorative printing on at least one side.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims the benefit of the priority filing date of provisional application No. 61/717,293, filed on Oct. 23, 2012 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Designer cookies are popular as novelty gifts for various occasions, including birthdays, anniversaries and holidays, among others. They are frequently packaged in a variety of fanciful ways to increase their appeal. One popular style of presentation is a grouping of cookies on stick-like members to mimic the appearance of a flower arrangement. One preferred embodiment of the cookie-supporting members is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/565,729 filed Aug. 2, 2012, entitled “Stick Cookie Packaging System.” 
         [0003]    Cookie arrangements appear best when assembled in a structure mimicking a vase. A variety of vase styles and shapes, in various materials (i.e., wood, plastic, etc.) have been developed. Cookie arrangement vases currently available are typically manufactured as a single unit, with walls and a base fitted with anchors for stick-like cookie support members. See  FIG. 25  which shows a conventional cookie arrangement vase formed from a single piece of plastic. Other prior art is similarly configured, e.g., Willhite, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,755,325 and 6,561,363, disclosing display assemblies for edible and non-edible objects. 
         [0004]    These prior art vases present two principal drawbacks. First, because they consist of a single large piece of wood or plastic, they are expensive to manufacture and bulky to transport. Second, they cannot be easily customized for different occasions because manufacturing is cost prohibitive. Therefore cookie bouquet vases known in the art tend to be plain in appearance. For these reasons, there is a need for an inexpensive cookie arrangement vase that is simple to manufacture, and which can be easily and inexpensively customized for a variety of occasions. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    A deployable, customizable vase-like container is disclosed for presenting a cookie arrangement of one or more cookies each on a support stick. The vase-like container includes a platform having one or more anchors and a planar material which is foldable to form a contiguous wall surrounding the anchor(s). The contiguous wall preferably has one or more connectors for holding the contiguous wall adjacent the platform, and a rear display panel is provided to present a decorative appearance. The rear display panel includes a lower portion nesting inside the contiguous wall. 
         [0006]    The platform is ideally shaped to provide an attractive appearance to the vase-like container in addition to supporting the contiguous wall. In one embodiment it may have a pedestal extending below the contiguous wall. To hold the wall in place, and disguise the bottom edge of the wall, the platform has a slot for engaging the contiguous wall. To support cookie support stick, each anchor on the platform has a raised member with a through bore adapted to receive the cookie support stick. To hold the contiguous wall and platform together, the contiguous wall includes connectors. These connectors may be tabs which fit into corresponding slots in the platform. 
         [0007]    In order to inexpensively produce multiple vase-like containers, which may be shipped in a disassembled state, the planar material that forms the contiguous all may be corrugated cardboard, including a foldable, planar die-cut cardboard material. In this manner, the planar material may be die-cut to a preferred size, and may be die-cut to a predetermined decorative shape, such as having four sides. In one embodiment, a scalloped top edge to the contiguous wall is contemplated. Also, to compliment the decorative aspects of the contiguous wall, the rear display panel may have decorative printing on at least one side. 
         [0008]    In another embodiment, the rear panel may be incorporated into the contiguous wall. Like the first embodiment, the platform has anchors for holding cookie supporting members and cookies, and an insert connected to the platform which surrounds the cookie supporting members. In this embodiment, the rear display panel extends above the insert and a message may be printed on it. In this embodiment however, the rear display panel is removable from the insert. Either prior to, or after assembly, the rear display panel and insert are separable from each other using a perforation or similar structure. 
         [0009]    In order to create the vase-like container for presenting a cookie arrangement, a user forms a platform having an anchor. A foldable insert may then be prepared from a planar sheet and folded to form a wall. Once the wall is folded into its predetermined position, it may be connected to the platform, including using a connecting mechanism such as attachment tabs. Finally, a rear display panel is inserted inside the wall. 
         [0010]    In addition to these basic assembly steps, a user may also connect a cookie support member to the anchor. Also a decorative message may be printed on the planar sheet before affixing a cookie to the cookie support member. Additional steps for the alternative embodiment may include preparing the foldable insert and rear display panel from the planar sheet, and folding the rear display panel prior to inserting the rear-display panel inside the wall for increased stability. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment cookie arrangement vase having a rear display panel and scalloped top edges. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of a first embodiment cookie arrangement vase. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a platform for a first embodiment cookie arrangement vase. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is bottom perspective view of a first embodiment cookie arrangement. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of a first embodiment cookie arrangement vase. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a left side perspective view of a first embodiment cookie arrangement vase. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a right side view of a first embodiment cookie arrangement vase. 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a rear view of a first embodiment cookie arrangement vase. 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a flat pattern view of an insert and rear display panel for a first embodiment cookie arrangement vase. 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a cutaway view of an adhesive-bearing insert being inserted into a platform. 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is a cutaway view of an insert inserted into a platform bearing an adhesive. 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a second embodiment cookie arrangement vase having an attached rear display panel and fiat top edges. 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a third embodiment cookie arrangement vase having a detachable rear display panel and scalloped top edges. 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a fourth alternative embodiment cookie arrangement vase having a detachable rear display panel and flat top edges. 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a fifth alternative embodiment cookie arrangement vase having no rear display panel and scalloped top edges. 
           [0026]      FIG. 16  is a top perspective view of the fifth alternative embodiment cookie arrangement vase having no rear display panel and scalloped top edges. 
           [0027]      FIG. 17  is a bottom perspective view of a fifth alternative embodiment cookie arrangement vase having alternative anchoring tabs. 
           [0028]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a sixth alternative embodiment cookie arrangement vase having no rear display panel and flat top edges. 
           [0029]      FIG. 19  is a top perspective view of the sixth alternative embodiment cookie arrangement vase having no rear display panel and flat top edges. 
           [0030]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a seventh alternative embodiment, including a foldable rear display panel inserted into a cookie arrangement vase. 
           [0031]      FIG. 21  is a plan view of the components of the seventh alternative embodiment, including a foldable rear display panel which may be inserted into a cookie arrangement vase. 
           [0032]      FIG. 22  is a perspective view of an eighth alternative embodiment, including a foldable rear display panel inserted into a cookie arrangement vase. 
           [0033]      FIG. 23  is a plan view of the components of the eighth alternative embodiment, including a foldable rear panel which may be inserted into a cookie arrangement vase. 
           [0034]      FIG. 24  is a front view of a cookie arrangement in a decorative vase. 
           [0035]      FIG. 25  is a perspective view of a prior art cookie arrangement vase. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0036]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a customizable cookie arrangement  10  of modular construction is disclosed. The vase  10  comprises a platform  12  and an insert  14 , which are separable. The insert  14  comprises a flat, die-cut plan-shape, designed for folding, or rolling into to side walls  16 , which may be affixed to, or inserted into the platform  12  of the vase  10 . A rear panel  18  may be included as a part of or separate from, the insert  14  (depending on the desired embodiment), such that when the insert  14  is folded to create the side walls  16  and affixed to the platform  12 , the rear display panel  18  provides a complimentary background for an arrangement of cookies (not shown). Additionally, the rear display panel  18  protects the cookie arrangement vase  10  during delivery or shipping when cookies are present, and the assembled cookie-bearing vase is enclosed in plastic wrap (see  FIG. 18 ) 
         [0037]    Preferably, the insert  14  can be printed and personalized for various holidays or special occasions, or simply to match the theme of a cookie arrangement. For example a pirate-themed arrangement may have an insert die-cut to mimic pirate ship sails. For a DISNEY™ arrangement, the insert  14  might comprise mouse ears, and for a baby shower arrangement, the insert  14  might be die-cut to resemble a baby carriage, etc. Customizing the die-cut insert  14  is also useful for creating private label brands for large warehouse store brands. 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , the insert  14  includes a means for locking the side walls  16  and rear display panel  18  in position. In the illustrated embodiment, the insert  14  includes an interlocking slot  20  and tab  22 , although other means for locking the side walls  16  are contemplated, including complimentary slots at distal ends of the insert, the use of an adhesive, etc. Locking the sidewalls  16  in place helps to preserve the structural integrity of an assembled vase  10 . Preferably, the insert  14  comprises a material such as corrugated cardboard or a similar material with sufficient rigidity to support the contents of the vase  10  and which is suitable for printing. 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , the platform  12  comprises anchors  24  for holding cookie-supporting members  46  (shown in  FIGS. 22-23 ). The anchors  24  are preferably adapted to hold the cookie-supporting members in a “tanned out” manner, i.e., in a manner mimicking a flower display. The platform  12  also comprises a side wall slot  26  for holding the assembled insert  14 . The platform  12  may also include a pedestal  28  or similar base design to add stability and to complement the look of the vase  10 . 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , a bottom view of the vase  10  shows the underside of the platform  12 . In this view the channels  30  of the platform  12  and the anchoring tabs  32  of the insert  14  are shown. The anchoring tabs  32  connect together to ensure that the side walls  16  do not move relative to the platform  12  once the vase  10  is constructed. 
         [0041]      FIGS. 5-8  show front, left, right and rear views, respectively, of the ornamental appearance of the assembled vase  10 . As shown in  FIGS. 6-7 , the rear display panel  18  may be angled, slightly relative to the side walls  16  to provide more room for an arrangement of cookies and associated decorations extending out of the vase  10 . 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , the insert  14  may be constructed from a flat sheet of material, die-cut into a predetermined shape for folding, or rolling to become the side walls  16  of the vase  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, the insert  14  is cut with scalloped edges  34  to add a decorative appearance to the top of the side walls  16 . Also shown in this view are the slot  20  and tab  22  for holding together the assembled the side walls  16 , and the anchoring tabs  32  which connect on the underside of the platform  12  to hold the vase  10  together. In one embodiment the anchoring tabs  32  may be 0.75 inches long and inserted in 25 mm channels  30 . 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIGS. 10-11 , anchoring tabs  32  may be omitted from the insert  14  in lieu of an adhesive, such as glue, double-sided tape, or any other similar attachment means, including a hook and latch fastener.  FIG. 10  shows the insert bearing double sided tape  48  being lowered onto the platform.  FIG. 11  shows the insert  14  affixed to the platform using glue  50  or a similar adhesive. 
         [0044]    Referring to  FIGS. 12-19 , the flat, die-cut nature of the insert  14  allows a variety of vase  10  designs to be made easily and inexpensively.  FIG. 12  shows a second embodiment of the vase  210  having an attached rear display panel  218 , and side walls  216  with flat top edges  234 . Aside from the flat top edges  234 , the second embodiment appears substantially as it appears in  FIGS. 1-8 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 13  shows a third embodiment of the vase  310 , wherein the rear display panel  318  is attached to the side walls  316  having scalloped edges  334  separated by a perforated area  336 , allowing the rear display panel  318  to be removed after assembly, by an end user, or whenever desired. Apart from the perforated area  336 , the third embodiment appears identical to the first embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-8 , before the rear display panel is removed. 
         [0046]      FIG. 14  shows a fourth embodiment of the case  410  having a detachable rear display panel  418  and side walls  416  with flat top edges  434  separated by perforated area  436 , allowing the rear display panel  418  to be removed after assembly, by an end user, or whenever desired. Apart from perforated area  436 , the fourth embodiment appears identical to the second embodiment before the rear display panel  418  is removed. 
         [0047]    In some cases, when preferred, the rear display panel  18  may be omitted entirely.  FIG. 15  shows a front perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the vase  510  bearing an insert  514  having only side walls  516  with scalloped edges  534 . In rear perspective view, the fifth embodiment is identical in appearance to the front perspective view.  FIG. 16  shows a top perspective view of the fifth embodiment.  FIG. 17  shows a bottom perspective view of the fifth embodiment, showing an alternative anchoring tab  532  structure, wherein the anchoring tabs  532  overlap with adhesive or a similar material. 
         [0048]      FIG. 18  shows a front perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the vase  610  hearing an insert  614  having only side walls  616  with flat top edges  634 . In rear perspective view, the sixth embodiment is identical in appearance to the front perspective view.  FIG. 10  shows a top perspective view of the sixth embodiment. 
         [0049]    The flat, die-cut nature of the insert  14  and modular nature of the vase  10  allows a variety of designs to be made easily and inexpensively. Referring to  FIG. 20 , a seventh embodiment is shown having a separate rear display panel  718  in a vase with scalloped edges  534 .  FIG. 21  shows the separate components of the seventh embodiments, including an insert  514  with scalloped edges  534  (as shown in  FIGS. 15-16  when assembled), and separately constructed foldable rear display panel  718 . The separately constructed foldable rear display panel  718  includes folding side tabs  738 . The side tabs  738  of the separately constructed foldable rear display panel  718  are folded to fit within the side walls  516 . In this embodiment, a notch  740  is shown to provide room for overlap where the side walls  516  overlap due to the slot  520  and tab  522 . 
         [0050]    Referring to  FIG. 22 , an eighth embodiment is shown having a separate rear display panel  818  in a vase with flat edges  634 .  FIG. 23  shows the separate components of the eighth embodiment, including an insert  614  with flat edges  634  (as shown in  FIGS. 18-19  when assembled), and separately constructed foldable rear display panel  818 . The separately constructed foldable rear display panel  818  includes folding side tabs  838 . The side tabs  838  of the separately constructed foldable rear display panel  818  are folded to fit within the side walls  616 . In this embodiment, a notch  840  is shown to provide room for overlap where the side walls  616  overlap due to the slot  620  and  622 . 
         [0051]    Still referring to  FIGS. 20-23  the benefit of a separately constructed foldable rear display panel  718 / 818  is that it may be pre-printed and incorporated into a finished arrangement and then removed after the arrangement is delivered, or omitted entirely. This is particularly useful when components are to be shipped prior to assembly. Since the components in their unassembled form are flat, they may be packed unassembled, stacked in bulk, and shipped in quantity inexpensively. 
         [0052]      FIG. 24  shows an assembled vase  10 , including cookies  42  and decorative filler paper  44 . The platform  12  and insert  14  are connected together and secured in place. Thereafter, cookie supports  46  and decorative filler paper  44  may be inserted into the vase  10 , and cookies  42  affixed to the cookie supports  46 , which are shown in more detail in  FIG. 25 . All components for a vase  10  and arrangement may be supplied on their own and assembled at a final destination. 
         [0053]    In the various embodiments, finished arrangements may be shrink wrapped, with a backer in place to protect the cookies. In this method, the backer protects the arrangement from damage. An alternative method of packaging is to ship the individual parts. 
         [0054]    The foregoing description is sufficient in detail to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention. It is understood, however, that the detail of the preferred embodiments presented is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, inasmuch as equivalents thereof and other modification which come within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this specification.