Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is a continuation application of, and claims the benefit of priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/632,833 filed Oct. 1, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to gift card packaging and, in particular, to a gift card box including inserts for fixing a gift card. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Gift cards are commonly sold by retailers as a means for providing a gift of a predetermined monetary value to others without selecting a particular item. For example, gift cards may be provided by specific stores, credit card companies, and/or the like. Retailers generally provide gift cards as an unpackaged and individually presented item, packaged in a gift card box and/or envelope, and/or the like. 
     Gift card packaging can generally be provided in different forms and may include means for supporting the gift card. In addition, gift card packaging generally fully houses the gift card such that the gift card needs to be removed from the packaging for provisioning and/or activation. 
     Thus, a need exists for gift card packaging which provides support to maintain a desired orientation of a gift card during transport and/or manipulation and gift card packaging which allows a gift card to be provisioned and/or activated without having to remove the gift card from the packaging. These and other needs are addressed by the gift card packaging and associated methods of the present disclosure. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary gift card box is provided, generally including a base section including a first insert configured and dimensioned to receive a gift card. The exemplary gift card generally includes a lid section including a second insert configured and dimensioned to cooperatively mate with the first insert. The first insert and the second insert substantially fix the gift card inside the gift card box when cooperatively mated. 
     The first insert and the second insert can be fabricated from, for example, a foam material, a flexible material, and/or the like. The base section can include a window configured and dimensioned to permit visualization of indicia, such as a bar code, a price indicator, instructions, graphics, logos, and/or the like, on the gift card. The lid section and the base section can be configured and dimensioned to cooperatively mate. Cooperatively mating the lid section and the base section generally cooperatively mates the first insert and the second insert. 
     The exemplary gift card box generally includes complementary alignment features defined by the first insert and the second insert for aligning the first insert relative to the second insert. The complementary alignment features generally align the lid section relative to the base section. The exemplary gift card box generally includes at least one decoration, such as a bow and/or the like, including an inner passage configured and dimensioned to slidably receive a cooperatively mated lid section and base section. 
     In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary method of assembling a gift card box is provided, generally including providing a base section including a first insert configured and dimensioned to receive a gift card. The exemplary method generally includes providing a lid section including a second insert configured and dimensioned to cooperatively mate with the first insert. In general, the exemplary method further includes substantially fixing the gift card inside the gift card box within the first insert of the base section. 
     The exemplary method generally includes inserting the gift card within the first insert of the base section. The exemplary method generally includes cooperatively mating the lid section and the base section to cooperatively mate the first insert and the second insert. In general, the exemplary method includes aligning complementary alignment features defined by the first insert and the second insert. The exemplary method generally includes slidably receiving a cooperatively mated lid section and base section within an inner passage of at least one decoration. 
     Other objects and features will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       To assist those of skill in the art in making and using the disclosed gift card packaging and associated methods, reference is made to the accompanying figures, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  shows a top perspective, unassembled view of an exemplary gift card box assembly; 
         FIG. 2  shows a bottom perspective, unassembled view of an exemplary gift card box assembly; 
         FIG. 3  shows a top view of an inside surface of an exemplary lid; 
         FIG. 4  shows a top view of an outside surface of an exemplary lid; 
         FIG. 5  shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary lid along a vertical section line; 
         FIG. 6  shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary lid along a horizontal section line; 
         FIG. 7  shows a top view of an inside surface of an exemplary base; 
         FIG. 8  shows a top view of an outside surface of an exemplary base; 
         FIG. 9  shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary base along a vertical section line; 
         FIG. 10  shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary base along a horizontal section line; 
         FIG. 11  shows a perspective view of an exemplary base with an exemplary gift card; 
         FIG. 12  shows a perspective view of an exemplary lid; 
         FIG. 13  shows a perspective view of an exemplary decoration; 
         FIG. 14  shows a top perspective, assembled view of an exemplary gift card box assembly; and 
         FIG. 15  shows a bottom perspective, assembled view of an exemplary gift card box assembly. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     It should be understood that the relative terminology used herein, such as “front”, “rear”, “left”, “top”, “bottom”, “vertical”, and “horizontal” is solely for the purposes of clarity and designation and is not intended to limit the invention to embodiments having a particular position and/or orientation. Accordingly, such relative terminology should not be construed to limit the scope of the present invention. In addition, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to embodiments having specific dimensions. Thus, any dimensions provided herein are merely for an exemplary purpose and are not intended to limit the invention to embodiments having particular dimensions. 
     Turning to  FIG. 1 , a top perspective, unassembled view of an exemplary gift card packaging (e.g., a gift card box) assembly  100  (hereinafter “assembly  100 ”) is provided. In particular, the exemplary assembly  100  generally includes a base  102  and a lid  104  configured and dimensioned to house a gift card  106 . As will be discussed in greater detail below, the base  102  and the lid  104  generally include inserts, e.g., foam inserts, configured and dimensioned to cooperatively mate relative to each other. The inserts can be fabricated from, for example, a die cut EVA foam card, and/or the like. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 1 , base  102  generally defines a bottom wall  112 , a front wall  114 , a rear wall  116 , a right wall  118  and a left wall  120 . The front wall  114  and the rear wall  116  can be substantially parallel. Similarly, the right wall  118  and the left wall  120  can be substantially parallel. The base  102  further defines an inside surface  122  and an outside surface  124 . In some exemplary embodiments, the outer periphery of the base  102  can be configured as, for example, substantially rectangular, square, circular, oval, and/or the like. 
     Base  102  generally includes a base insert  108 , such as a first insert, configured and dimensioned to fit within the inner periphery of the base  102 . The base insert  108  generally defines a female alignment member  126  for forming an interference fit. A lid insert  130 , such as a second insert, can generally be located within an inner periphery of the lid  104  and defines a complementary male alignment member  132  for forming an interference fit. In some exemplary embodiments, inserts of the base  102  and the lid  104  may be fabricated without male and/or female alignment members. Although illustrated as a half circle alignment member for forming an interference fit, in some exemplary embodiments, the alignment member can be configured as, for example a square, a rectangle, an oval, a triangle, and/or the like. In some exemplary embodiments, the base insert  108  can be secured to the base  102  by, for example, a friction fit, an adhesive, and/or the like. The base insert  108  can be configured and dimensioned to receive a gift card  106  within an inner periphery  110  of the base insert  108 . As would be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the inner periphery  110  can be dimensioned such that the gift card  106  is prevented from translation along a horizontal plane. In addition, the inner periphery  110  generally defines a ledge for maintaining the gift card  106  within the base  102 . 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the gift card  106  can include, for example, an open loop card, card packaging, indicia  146 , and/or the like, such as a bar code that can be scanned at a point of sale. The base  102  generally includes a window  128 , such as an aperture, configured and dimensioned to permit visualization of indicia  146  on the gift card  106 . In particular, the configuration of the gift card  106  as it is positioned in the inner periphery  110  of the base insert  108  can be such that the desired indicia  146  of the gift card  106  is located over the window  128 . Thus, when viewing the base  102  from the outside surface  124 , the indicia  146  of the gift card  106  can generally be visualized through the window  128  and is positioned for scanning (and gift card  106  provisioning and/or activation) at a point of sale without having to open the assembly  100 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 2 , a bottom perspective, unassembled view of the exemplary assembly  100  is provided. The exemplary assembly  100  generally includes a base  104 , a lid  102  and a gift card  106 . As discussed above, the gift card  106  generally includes indicia  146 , such as instructions, a scannable bar code, a price, information, and/or the like, provided thereon. As can be seen in  FIG. 2 , the indicia  146  on the gift card  106  can be oriented such that it is visible through the window  128  of the base  102 . Thus, for example, a user can scan the bar code on the gift card  106  through the window  128  without having to open the assembly  100 . 
     The lid  104  generally includes a bottom wall  134 , a front wall  136 , a rear wall  138 , a right wall  140  and a left wall  142 . The front wall  136  and the rear wall  138  can be substantially parallel relative to each other. Similarly, the right wall  140  and the left wall  142  can be substantially parallel relative to each other. The lid  104  generally includes an inside surface  144  and an outside surface  148 . In some exemplary embodiments, the lid  104  can include, for example, cutouts  150 , tabs, surface features, and/or the like, to aid the user in grasping and/or removing the lid  104  for opening and/or closing the assembly  100 . 
     As discussed above, the lid  104  generally includes a lid insert  130 , such as a second insert, which defines a male alignment member  132  for forming an interference fit. In some exemplary embodiments, the lid insert  130  can be fixed to the lid  104  with, for example, adhesives, and/or the like. The lid insert  130  defines an outer periphery  152  which can be configured and dimensioned to cooperatively mate with the inner periphery  110  of the base insert  108 . The lid insert  130  and the base insert  108  can be fabricated from a single piece of material, such as foam, and/or the like. In particular, the lid insert  130  can be cut from the single piece of material such that the remaining material defines the base insert  108 . In some exemplary embodiments, the lid insert  130  and the base insert  108  can be fabricated from different pieces of material. 
     As would be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, once a gift card  106  has been inserted into the inner periphery  110  of the base insert  108 , the lid  104  may be placed and/or pressed onto the base  102  such that the base insert  108  and the lid insert  130  cooperatively mate. In particular, the lid insert  130  generally prevents the gift card  106  from lifting away from the bottom wall  112  of the base  102 . The male and female alignment members  132  and  126  can aid in maintaining the desired orientation of the lid  104  relative to the base  102  and form an interference fit. Thus, if the male and female alignment members  132  and  126  have not been properly aligned relative to each other, the male alignment member  132  can generally prevent the lid  104  from closing and/or lowering onto the base  102 . Once the lid  104  has been removed from the base  102 , the user may implement the female alignment member  126  as an opening/unobstructed area for gripping and/or removing the gift card  106  from the base  102 . 
       FIG. 3  shows a top view of the inside surface  144  of an exemplary lid  104 , including the lid insert  130 . The lid  104  and the lid insert  130  can be substantially symmetrical about a vertical axis A V . The lid  104  is also provided with a horizontal section line L H1 , which will be discussed with respect to  FIG. 6 . An exemplary width W L  of the lid  104  can be approximately 114 mm and an exemplary length L L  of the lid  104  can be approximately 151.5 mm.  FIG. 4  shows a top view of an outside surface  148  of an exemplary lid  104 . The outside surface  148  of the lid  104  can include, for example, graphics, logos, information, and/or the like, provided thereon. 
     With reference to  FIG. 5 , a cross-sectional view of an exemplary lid  104  along the vertical axis A V  is provided. As described above, the lid insert  130  can be secured to the bottom wall  134  of the lid  104  with, for example, adhesives, and/or the like. An exemplary height H L  of the lid  104  can be approximately 15 mm.  FIG. 6  shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary lid  104  along a horizontal section line L H1 . As can be seen from  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the space between the outer periphery  152  of the lid insert  130  and the inner periphery of the lid  104  can generally be configured and dimensioned to receive the base insert  108  such that the lid insert  130  and the base insert  108  cooperatively mate relative to each other with, for example, a friction fit, and/or the like. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 7 , a top view of an inside surface  122  of an exemplary base  102  is provided, including a base insert  108 . The base  102  and the base insert  108  can be substantially symmetrical along the vertical axis A V . As described above, the base insert  108  can be secured to the bottom wall  112  and/or the inner periphery of the side walls of the base  102  with, for example, a friction fit, adhesives, and/or the like. The exemplary base  102  generally defines a width W B  and a length L B . As would be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the width W B  and length L B  of the base  102  can generally be slightly smaller than the width W L  and length L L  of the lid  104 . For example, the width W B  of the base  102  can be approximately 112 mm and the length L B  of the base  102  can be approximately 149.5 mm. The slightly greater dimensions of the lid  104  generally allow a user to place the lid  104  over the base  102  to close the assembly  100 . In some exemplary embodiments, the difference in dimensions can further create a friction fit between the inner surfaces of the lid  104  and the outer surfaces of the base  102  to maintain the assembly  100  in a closed configuration. 
       FIG. 8  shows a top view of an outside surface  124  of an exemplary base  102 . The outside surface  124  of the base  102  can include, for example, graphics, logos, information, and/or the like, provided thereon. As discussed above, when a gift card  106  is positioned inside the base  102 , the indicia  146  on the gift card  106  can generally be visualized through the window  128 . Thus, a user can, for example, scan a bar code on the gift card  106 , provision the gift card, activate the gift card, and/or the like, at a point of sale without having to open the assembly  100 . 
       FIGS. 9 and 10  show cross-sectional views of an exemplary base  102  along the vertical axis A V  and along a horizontal section line L H2  aligned with the horizontal section line L H1 , respectively. As can be seen from  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the inner periphery  110  of the base insert  108  can generally be configured and dimensioned to receive a gift card  106  and/or a lid insert  130  such that the lid insert  130  and the base insert  108  cooperatively mate relative to each other with, for example, a friction fit, and/or the like. An exemplary height H B  of the base  102  can be substantially similar to the height H L  of the lid  104 . In some exemplary embodiments, the height H B  of the base  102  can be slightly smaller or greater than the height H L  of the lid  104 , for example, approximately 14 mm, 16 mm, and/or the like. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 11 , an exemplary base  102  with an exemplary gift card  106  is provided. In particular,  FIG. 11  shows a gift card  106  which has been inserted into the inner periphery  110  of the base insert  108 . The inner periphery  110  of the base insert  108  can be configured and dimensioned slightly greater than the gift card  106 . Thus, the base insert  108  can receive the gift card  106  within the inner periphery  110  and the gift card  106  can be inserted and/or pushed to substantially mate against the bottom wall  112  of the base  102 . 
       FIG. 12  shows an exemplary lid  104 , including a lid insert  130 . In some exemplary embodiments, the lid  104  can include a hang tab  154  for hanging the assembly  100  on a display peg (not shown). The hang tab  154  generally includes a hole  156  for hanging the assembly  100  on the display peg. Thus, the exemplary assembly  100  can be, for example, placed on a shelf, hung from a display peg, and/or the like. The hang tab  154  can be fabricated from, for example, plastic, cardboard, a durable material, and/or the like. In some exemplary embodiments, the hang tab  154  can be fabricated from a single piece of material and can be further folded to cooperatively mate against the inner portion of the front wall  136  and/or the bottom wall  134  of the lid  104 . The hang tab  154  can further be secured to the lid  104  with, for example, adhesives, and/or the like. 
     With reference to  FIG. 13 , an exemplary decoration  160  is illustrated. The decoration  160  can be, for example, a bow, and/or the like, and generally includes a strip  162  and a bow  164 . The strip  162  generally forms an inner passage  166  configured and dimensioned to slidably receive an assembled assembly  100 . In some exemplary embodiments, the decoration  160  can be implemented to maintain the assembly  100  in an assembled manner such that the decoration  160  can prevent the opening of the lid  104  relative to the base  102 . The decoration  160  can be fabricated from, for example, cardboard, fabric, and/or the like. 
       FIG. 14  shows a top perspective, assembled view of an exemplary assembly  100  for a gift card  106 . In assembled form, as described above, the lid  104  and the base  102  have been cooperatively mated. In particular, the gift card  106  has been placed inside the base  102 , the lid  104  has been placed over the base  102 , the male and female alignment members  132  and  126  have been aligned, and the lid insert  130  and the base insert  108  have been cooperatively mated. In some exemplary embodiments, the assembly  100  may include a hang tag  154  which protrudes from within the lid  104  at the front wall  136  for hanging the assembly  100  on a display peg. A decoration  160  may be placed around the lid  104  and the base  102  to maintain the lid  104  and the base  102  in assembled form. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, a second decoration  170 , for example, a bow, and/or the like, can be placed around the assembly  100 . The second decoration  170  can be fabricated from, for example, cardboard, fabric, and/or the like. The second decoration  170  generally includes a strip  172  and a bow  174 . When tied around and/or positioned over the assembly  100 , the decoration  170  generally forms an inner passage configured and dimensioned to receive the assembled assembly  100 . Although illustrated with both decorations  160  and  170 , in some exemplary embodiments, the assembly  100  can include, for example, no decorations, one decoration, two decorations, and/or the like. 
       FIG. 15  shows a bottom perspective, assembled view of an exemplary assembly  100  for a gift card  106 . In assembled form, the lid insert  130  generally provides pressure against the gift card  106  located in the base  102  such that the gift card  106  is pressed against the bottom wall  112  of the base  102 . In general, the lid insert  130  and/or the base insert  108  further maintain the gift card  106  in a substantially static and/or fixed position such that the gift card  106  is generally inhibited from movement within the assembled lid  104  and base  102 . As described above, with the gift card  106  pressed against the bottom wall  112  of the base  102 , the window  128  of the base  102  permits visualization of indicia  146  located on the gift card  106 . A user can therefore visualize and implement, for example, scan, input, and/or the like, the information provided by the indicia  146  without removing the gift card  106  from the assembly  100 . For example, a bar code on the gift card  106  can be scanned at a point of sale without having to open the assembly  100 . In addition, the user can implement the indicia  146  on the gift card  106  for provisioning and/or activating the gift card  106  without having to open the assembly  100 . 
     While exemplary embodiments have been described herein, it is expressly noted that these embodiments should not be construed as limiting, but rather that additions and modifications to what is expressly described herein also are included within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it is to be understood that the features of the various embodiments described herein are not mutually exclusive and can exist in various combinations and permutations, even if such combinations or permutations are not made express herein, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Technology Category: 7