Gift and greeting card combination

Abstract

A presentation device or greeting card combined with a particular selection of gift item is described in which a pre-selected gift item is frictionally held in a cutout in a thick, planar portion of the device.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of greeting card and gift combinations and to presentation methods and devices for cosmetics sales said sales of other items presented in greeting cards.

[0003] A number of different combination greeting card and gift containers have been described. Typically, these cards are designed to be sold as cards that can contain any small gift and thus are constructed in a manner such that the card is flat for initial shipment and display, and can be opened or unfolded in some manner to allow insertion of a small gift, resulting in an increased card thickness.

[0004] For example, Ivey, U.S. Pat. No. 4,765,466 describes a card with an expansible pocket.

[0005] Saye, U.S. Pat. No. 5,575,384 describes a combined greeting card and item carrier in which an item such as a commemorative item is held within a space created by folding panels.

[0006] Thornell, U.S. Pat. No. Des. 319,843 shows a combination greeting card and gift-holding container with panels creating a box-like structure.

[0007] Tufariello, U.S. Pat. No. Des. 305,728 shows a bag with a greeting on the inside of a top flap.

[0008] Seabrook, U.S. Pat. No. 5,954,369 describes a greeting card having a pocket for receiving a health testing kit.

[0009] Sabet, U.S. Pat. No. 5,407,076 describes a combination greeting card and product container, and a blank for forming the card/container. The container has front, rear, top, bottom, left, and right panels forming the respective faces.

[0010] Pollock, U.S. Pat. No. 6,070,719 describes a card and gift box combination formed from a cardboard blank, with a flap covering the box portion on which the greeting is imprinted.

[0011] Stone, U.S. Pat. No. 5,458,235 describes a card and candy box combination that has a see-through panel into the candy container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention concerns a presentation device or greeting card that is specifically designed and shaped to hold a pre-selected personal care article gift or other pre-selected gift item. By specifically adapting the device to hold and present a particular personal care or other gift item, the invention provides an advantageous method for presenting and marketing such items, as well as providing convenient gifts.

[0013] Thus, a first aspect provides a presentation device for a pre-selected gift item, e.g., a personal care article, that includes a foldable sheet providing an inner and an outer surface and at least one fold line; a thick, planar material that has a front and back surface and a cutout sized and shaped to provide a friction fit for a selected gift item. This material is attached to the inner surface and the back surface lies against the inner surface. The device usually also includes a pattern or image on the outer surface of the foldable sheet (typically on the portion that forms the front outer surface); in many embodiments a printed greeting on the inner surface visible when the sheet is open; and in many embodiments a closure device on the foldable sheet to hold the sheet in a folded, i.e., closed, position. Folding the sheet at the fold line(s) folds the sheet around the thick, planar material and conceals the inner surface of the sheet. Pre-selected gift items can include, for example, personal care article, a stationery article, a jewelry article, a watch, and a small electronic article.

[0014] The term “presentation device” refers to a device that is constructed in a manner allowing commercial display of an included gift item in place in the presentation device. Unless clearly indicated to the contrary, the terms “presentation device” and “card”, when used alone, are synonymous and both refer to a device or card without an inserted pre-selected article or gift item. This is contrasted with a combination card/gift item, which includes both the card and the gift item, or the clear specification that a pre-selected article or gift item is included with the presentation device or card.

[0015] The term “pre-selected” indicates that an item of a particular shape and size has been chosen for inclusion in a card device prior to construction of the complete device. That is, at least a portion of the card is specifically adapted to hold an item with the shape and size of the chosen item. This is contrasted with later selection of an item that will generally fit within a space or volume in a card. The term “gift item” means an article that is intended to be given to a person; in the present context, given in combination with a presentation device or card as described herein.

[0016] With respect to pre-selected articles or gifts, the term “personal care article” refers to an item or group of related items that are designed for use in connection with personal care, including, for example, cosmetics, fragrances, skin care, and tools and supplies for personal care uses such as application or removal of cosmetics. The term “stationery article” means an item useful for writing by hand, such as pens, pencils, writing paper, writing tablets, and the like. The term “small electronic article” and the like refer to electronic devices that of a size that will fit within a presentation device or card of the present invention, and thus, has a maximum length of 8 inches, width of 6 inches, and depth of 1.5 inches, preferably maximum dimensions respectively of 6 inches, 4 inches, and 1.0 inches. The term “jewelry article” refers to items intended to be worn as jewelry, such as rings, earrings, necklaces, and the like.

[0017] The term “foldable sheet” refers to a thin planar composition that can be bent or folded back on itself without breaking, preferably multiple times. The bending or folding may be a sharp fold at a narrow line, or may be a bend covering a greater width, e.g., over {fraction (1/4)} or 1 inch.

[0018] With respect to a foldable sheet, the terms “inner and an outer surface” mean the large area surfaces (as compared to the edges of the sheet). “Inner” and “outer” respectively refer to the surfaces with respect to a completed presentation device or greeting card/gift containing device, so that the outer surface is exposed when the device is closed in its usual position, and the inner surface is concealed (at least in part).

[0019] As used herein, the term “fold line” refers to a line or region of the foldable sheet at which the sheet can be folded back on itself (more than one fold line may be used to complete a 180 degree fold). The fold line may be a discrete line (e.g., as in conventional cards) or may be a reasonably narrow band across the sheet (e.g., forming a curve or multiple creases).

[0020] The term “thick, planar material” refers to a material that is generally flattened, so that both the length and width are much greater than the thickness, or depth, e.g., 5-20 times or even more. Typically as used in this invention the length and width will be approximately 8-15 times the thickness. Thus, the material is in the form of a thick sheet.

[0021] In connection with the thick, planar material, the terms “front surface” and “back surface” respectively refer to the large area surfaces of the planar material, with the front surface being the exposed surface in the opened device, and the back surface being against (and generally attached to) the foldable sheet.

[0022] In this invention, the term “cutout” means a formed void in a material, especially in the thick, planar material. The cutout may be formed in various ways, e.g., by die cutting or by molding. The void will often extend through the entire thickness of the thick, planar material, though that is not necessary.

[0023] The phrase “sized and shaped to provide a friction fit for a selected article” (e.g., personal care article) in connection with a cutout means that the cutout sufficiently follows the contour of at least a part of a particular article that the article will be retained in the cutout during normal handling of the device (not including intended removal of the article). Typically the depth of the cutout will be approximately the same as the depth of thickness of the article (e.g., within 20% or preferably 10% of the article thickness).

[0024] With respect to the thick planar material and the foldable sheet, the term “attached” means that the two materials are held in physical locations relative to each other, typically with the back surface of the planar material against the inner surface of the foldable sheet. The materials may be in direct contact, or may be indirect, e.g., separated by an adhesive layer.

[0025] As indicated in the above explanation of attached, the term “lies against” means in direct contact or in close proximity, e.g., separated by a thin layer of another material such as an adhesive layer.

[0026] The terms “pattern” and “image” refer to visible features that are regular and/or recognizable. The features may be colored and/or textured. Examples include but are not limited to realistic pictures, stylized pictures, drawings, painting reproductions, plaids, stripes, distributed shapes (e.g., camouflage pattern), and distributed stylized picture, as well as combinations of features.

[0027] The term “printed greeting” means a legible set of characters forming recognizable words that convey a meaning, typically a humorous or personal meaning. The characters may be block printing and/or script, and may be machine and/or hand formed.

[0028] The phrase, “visible when the sheet is open” indicates that the referenced visible feature cannot be seen when the card or presentation device is closed (i.e., the foldable sheet is folded to lay flat against the thick planar material), and can be seen when the sheet is opened, such as to 90 degrees or fully flat.

[0029] The term “closure device” refers to a portion or portions of a device that can hold the device in a closed position. Examples include hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro® fasteners, adhesive fasteners, snap fasteners, loop and button fasteners, hook latches, and tab and receptacle fasteners.

[0030] A related aspect (or embodiments of the above aspect) concerns a combination greeting card and gift or a presentation device that includes a device as described above with an article, e.g., personal care article, frictionally retained within the cutout.

[0031] By providing a presentation device as described above, in another related aspect, the invention provides a method for presenting a pre-selected article, e.g., personal care article, for sale. The method involves displaying the article in a presentation device as described above.

[0032] The phrase “presenting a personal care article for sale” means to provide a visible display in a commercial setting (i.e., in a setting in which promotion or execution of sales of the presented article (alone or in combination) is contemplated), in which the personal care article and/or an image or description of it is visible.

[0033] As used herein, the term “displaying” means a commercial display, but does not require that the display be for immediate retail sales. Rather, the display can be for seeking distributors, as well as for wholesale and/or retail sales.

[0034] In particular embodiments, the presentation device is displayed open, thereby revealing the selected article, e.g., personal care article, or is closed, and a picture of the article is attached to the exterior of the presentation device and is visible to a person viewing the displayed presentation device. To provide protection and/or to enhance the presentation, preferably the device is packaged within a protective, see-through container. Examples include boxes with see-through panels and transparent plastic wraps that may be clear or colored. Transparent plastic wraps can be applied in a number of different ways, e.g., applied around a closed device, such that the device remains essentially closed so long as the wrap is intact, or around an opened device such that the device can be opened and closed.

[0035] In connection with the present invention, the phrase “picture of the article” refers to a recognizable visual image of the article, highly preferably a color image reasonably matching at least an exemplary article.

[0036] Likewise, in another aspect, the invention provides a method for marketing a pre-selected article, e.g., a personal care article, by providing for sale a combination greeting card and gift article or presentation device with a personal care article that frictionally fits with the cutout, as described above. The combinations can be offered for sale at various commercial levels, e.g., wholesale sale, distributor sale, and/or retail sale, and via various channels, e.g., in-store, catalog, internet site, television, and direct marketing.

[0037] As used in connection with the present invention, the term “marketing” refers to promoting and conducting commercial sales. Similarly, the phrase “providing for sale” refers to making a device available for purchase in a commercial setting, that is, for wholesale or retail sales.

[0038] In aspects in which a pre-selected article, e.g., personal care article, is not specifically required, preferably there is such an article frictionally retained within the cutout.

[0039] In preferred embodiments, the personal care article can be or include a cosmetic article, a fragrance article, a body care article, or a combination of these.

[0040] In certain embodiments, the presentation device or greeting card is shaped and/or has a pattern and/or image to have the appearance of a bag or sack, e.g., shopping bags, or a handbag, and can have a carry strap attached, e.g., in the manner of a half-loop, handbag strap, or chain. Other illustrative embodiments include articles of clothing, such as hats, shoes, tee shirts, dresses, coats, and jeans; gift boxes, e.g., wrapped boxes with ribbons; hat boxes; comic book characters or covers; houses and other structures, e.g., skyscrapers and bridges; flowers; insects and other bugs, e.g., butterflies bees, spiders, ants, and the like; Christmas symbols and figures, e.g., Christmas trees, Christmas stockings, snow men, snowflakes, sleds, sleighs and the like; human figures; animal figures, e.g., pet animals such as cats and dogs, farm animals such as cows, chickens, pigs, goats, rabbits, donkeys, horses, and the like, wild animals such as lions, bears, elephants, eagles, storks, and the like, and prehistoric animals such as dinosaurs; teapots; transportation devices such as cars (including antique cars), trucks, airplanes, boats, ships (including sailing boats and ships), trains and train engines (including steam trains), and the like; food items such as cakes, fruit, and candies; furniture and appliances; electronic items such as telephones, computers, and music playing or recording equipment; plants, including flowers such as roses, orchids, and lilies, trees such as oak, pine, fir, and redwood; cosmetic items such as lipstick, compacts, eyeshadow case, nail polish bottle, and the like; children's toys such as bats, balls, dolls, toy trucks, action figures, cartoon figures such a Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Yogi Bear, Sponge Bob, and the like; sports equipment; religious symbols such as crosses, Jewish star (Star of David), Crescent, and Hanukah menorah; hearts; and stars. As also described herein, an image or pattern on a card can match the shape.

[0041] The thick, planar material can be selected from various materials. A preferred material is expanded vinyl acetate (EVA) foam plastic, but other examples of materials include other foam plastics, such as polyethylene foam plastic and polypropylene foam plastic; paper products, such as cardboard, and other materials and combinations of materials that are preferably at least slightly resilient. Preferably the material is from 0.21.0 inches, thick, more preferably 0.2-0.7 inches thick; or 0.2-0.5 inches, 0.2-0.4 inches, 0.3-0.6 inches, 0.3-0.5 inches, 0.4-0.7 inches, 0.4-0.6 inches, 0.5-1.0 inches, 0.5-0.8 inches, 0.5-0.7 inches thick. Preferably the depth of said cutout is within 0.1, 0.15, or 0.20 inches of the thickness of the personal care article that it is designed to contain or actually contains. Preferably the cutout is shaped to match the peripheral shape of the personal care article that it is designed to contain.

[0042] Preferably, the presentation device or combination greeting card/gift also preferably includes an envelope that can contain the presentation device or combination greeting card/gift. Preferably the envelope is constructed of card stock, and can, for example, be in the form of a sleeve envelope or a box envelope, and can have a pattern and/or image and/or text matching that on the card.

[0043] Additional aspects and embodiments will be apparent from the following Detailed Description and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary presentation device or greeting card in closed position.

[0045] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the exemplary presentation device or greeting card of FIG. 1, but in open position, showing a cutout in the resilient material for inserting a particular personal care item.

[0046] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the exemplary presentation device as shown in FIG. 2, but with a personal care item present in the cutout space.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0047] The present invention provides advantageous devices and methods for presenting and selling personal care articles by providing the personal care article in an attractive presentation device that also is a greeting card. The presentation device has a cutout in a sheet of resilient material, where the cutout is specifically shaped to match a particular personal care article and highly preferably to hold it by friction around the periphery of the article. The card typically includes patterns and/or images, and/or pre-printed text, but can also be blank or partially blank, allowing a person to personalize the card.

[0048] A combination greeting card/personal care article (or other selected gift item) thus provides highly advantageous methods for presenting and marketing such articles. In this context, the specific fitting of the cutout for a pre-selected article provides a clean, integrated design.

[0049] The selection of particular card shapes and patterns makes the design particularly suited for occasion gift use, for example, birthday, wedding anniversary, Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza, get well, new home, hew baby, congratulations, graduation, New Year's, Secretary's Day, engagement, and Valentine's Day, as well as a variety of other occasions. Thus, the combined greeting card/gift of the present invention provides a convenient and attractive gift, with design selections available to make the card/gift appropriate for essentially any occasion over a broad price range.

[0050] An exemplary card/gift combination or presentation device is shown in FIGS. 1-3. The identification and numbering of portions of the exemplary device is the same for each of the three figures. With reference to FIG. 1, a presentation device 10 is shown in closed form. The outer portion of the device includes a foldable sheet 14, with an outer portion 18 visible when the device is closed.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 2, the presentation device 10 includes a foldable sheet 14, having an inner surface 16 that is visible when the device is opened. The foldable sheet 14 has two fold lines 26 that allow the device to be closed. A thick, planar material 20 is attached to a portion of the inner surface 16, and has an upper surface 22 and a lower surface (not visible). The thick planar material has a cutout 26 that is shaped to provide a friction fit for a selected article, highly preferably a personal care article.

[0052] In FIG. 3, the presentation device 10 is shown with a personal care article in the form of a bottle 24 in position in the cutout 28.

[0053] While the figures illustrate one general configuration for a presentation device and pre-selected article, as indicated in the Summary above and the following Detailed Description, a large number of variations and selections are available and can be used. Indeed, device can be constructed having an almost infinite variety of shapes, sizes, patterns, images, text, and gift combinations.

[0054] Foldable Sheet

[0055] A variety of different materials can be used for the foldable sheet, including card stock, hand pressed paper, and sheet plastic. Most practically, the foldable sheet is made primarily of card stock that is preferably of a weight equal to or greater than that typically used for conventional greeting cards. Of course, the material should be of a type that will accept a bend or bends without breaking. However, the bends can be created in ways selected as suitable for particular materials. For example, paper products are typically creased along one or more lines, while many plastics can be shaped using moderate heat.

[0056] In addition, the foldable sheet may be formed from more than one component sheet, that may be of the same or different materials. For example, a sheet can be constructed by gluing together two half-sheets along a gluing tab, or a band of hinge material can be attached to each of two half-sheets. Likewise, a cover sheet having a pattern and/or image can be attached to the foldable sheet (generally the back surface of the cover sheet will be against a portion of the outer surface of the foldable sheet; i.e., the portion that is up when the foldable sheet is folded and the device is in normal position for opening). Multiple sheets will typically be of the same type of material, but may be of different materials. Other configurations can also be used.

[0057] While devices can be formed in which the device has a single flap (i.e., the device folds along one line or band), thus opening in a book-like fashion along one side, multiple flaps can also be used. For example, in a 2-flap arrangement, the foldable sheet can provide a flap on either side of a rectangular thick planar material, allowing a flap to be folded in from either side. Typically the two fold-over flaps with overlap each other at least in part. Likewise, in other examples of devices having a rectangular thick planar material, a device can have a foldable sheet with 3 or 4 flaps, folding in from 3 or 4 sides of the rectangle. Other configurations of flaps for the foldable sheet can be constructed for devices having non-rectangular shapes.

[0058] The foldable sheet can also have a cutout(s) that allows at least a portion of the inside of a closed device to be seen. For example, a cutout can expose text, pattern or image and/or enclosed personal care article (or other type article). A cutout can be empty or may be covered by a see-through sheet (e.g., a transparent plastic sheet) or by a moveable flap. Typically a cutout will be formed using die cutting, often at the same time the shape of the device is formed.

[0059] In addition, as indicated above, the foldable sheet can be shaped to provide an outline at least partially corresponding to and identifiable image or object. Numerous examples are listed in the Summary above. In many cases, the shape or partial shape will be matched with an image or images on the front and/or back of the card to create an image of an object the shape of that forms at least a part of the periphery of the card.

[0060] Thick Planar Material

[0061] The thick planar material can also be formed of various materials. It is preferable that the material is at least slightly resilient, as this allows an article to be inserted in a cutout in the material, and the resilient nature provides consistent frictional contact with the article. Such resilient materials also typically allow the planar material to be bent and return to it previous flat configuration. Usually the material will be a foam plastic, for example, expanded vinyl acetate (EVA), polyethylene (EPE), polypropylene (EPP), polyurethane (EPU), co-polymer foam plastics, and foam plastics made from mixtures of plastics. Other materials can also be used, for example, paper products, such as cardboard (e.g., corrugated cardboard), foam rubber, and other materials, and combinations of materials that are preferably at least slightly resilient.

[0062] The thickness is typically selected to approximately match the thickness of the article that will be placed in a cutout in the material. In many cases, the personal care article will be about 0.2 to 1.0 inches thick (relative to the orientation it will be placed in the presentation device or card), more often between 0.3 and 0.8 inches. Thus, in particular embodiments, the material is from 0.2-0.7 inches thick; 0.2-0.5 inches, 0.2-0.4 inches, 0.3-6 inches, 0.3-0.5 inches, 0.4-0.7 inches, 0.4-0.6 inches, 0.5-1.0 inches, 0.5-0.8 inches, 0.5-0.7 inches thick. For insertion of some articles, the thickness can be greater, e.g., up to 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, or 1.5 inches. Preferably the depth of said cutout is within 0.1, 0.15, or 0.20 inches of the thickness of the personal care article (or other article, that the device is designed to contain or actually contains.

[0063] In order to provide a friction fit for the article that is to be held in the cutout, the shape of the cutout is designed to provide a slip-fit for the article. In many cases, the inside periphery of the cutout is shaped to match the peripheral shape of the article, e.g., personal care article, that it is designed to contain. However, it is not necessary that the cutout follow the entire periphery of the article; it is sufficient if the cutout is designed to provide contact at only portions of the periphery of the article. For example, a cutout can be designed providing contact with a portion or portions of the periphery of an article, and also to provide a finger hole(s) to allow convenient removal and/or reinsertion of an article. The fit can also be adjusted to provide different levels of friction or holding power. Thus, for light objects, a light slip fit may be sufficient, while for heavy, or dense objects, it may be preferable to provide a tighter fits, thereby providing greater friction and greater holding power.

[0064] Cutouts can be formed in various ways that are conventional for forming resilient or semi-rigid materials. For example, the cutout can be formed by die cutting, laser cutting, shaping with a rotary cutter, molding, and other cutting or shaping techniques. In most cases, die cutting or the like will be utilized.

[0065] In addition to the friction between an inserted article and the inside of a cutout, other retention components can be used. For example, a strap or band over a portion of the inserted article can retain or assist in retaining an article in a cutout. Likewise, adhesive, e.g., releasable adhesive, can be used in the cutout, and can be combined with friction fit and/or retaining strap or band. A strap or band can be designed in many different ways and use a variety of different materials. For example, the strap can be made of the same material as the thick planar material or a different material, e.g., card stock or other paper product, ribbon, elastic, and adhesive coated tape among others. By suitable selection, the strap or band and can form a part of the aesthetic design of the card, e.g., by use of a ribbon in the form of a bow or other strap or band designed to look like or suggest a bow.

[0066] The thick planar material can be attached to the foldable sheet in any of a variety of ways. A number of such attachment methods are conventional and can be readily utilized. For example, the thick planar material can be attached to the foldable sheet using adhesive, either permanent of releasable, or using heat welding, clips, staples corner brackets, and the like. It is expected that in most cases permanent adhesive will be used.

[0067] In most embodiments in which text is present, the text will be placed on the foldable sheet and/or other sheet material included in the device. However, alternatively or in addition, text can be place on the thick planar material. The type of material forming the text and the method of applying the text can be readily selected depending on the type of thick planar material. Similarly, patterns and/or images can also be placed on the thick planar material.

[0068] Patterns, Images, and Text

[0069] An extremely large number of different patterns or images can be used on the presentation devices or greeting card/gift combinations. Examples of patterns include simple patterns such as plaids, camouflage patters, geometries, and patterns or distributions of simple shapes such as stars, hearts, stylized flowers, butterflies, faces, and other embodiments as described in the Summary above, as well as many other possibilities. The patterns or images can be simple or complex and/or detailed. Patterns and images can be used in any combination desired.

[0070] In addition to pigmented patterns and images, embossing can also be used, alone or in combination with other ways of creating patterns and images. For example, a flower or other image may be both embossed and pigmented. Likewise, printed text (pigmented and/or embossed) may be present on the outer and/or inner surface of a foldable sheet. In many cases, text on the outer surface of a sheet will be related to the occasion for which the card is intended, but may also include other text.

[0071] While the device will generally include a pattern or image, it will also generally (but not necessarily) include text, usually printed text. The text can be of any wording, but typically an occasion greeting will be placed on the device (or greeting card/gift combination). Most commonly, text will be placed on the inner surface of the foldable sheet, on the portion not having the thick planar material attached. However, text can also be place in other locations as desired, for example, on the outer surface of the foldable sheet, on the exposed surface of the thick planar material, and/or on an additional page(s) or sheet(s) that will be part of the device or card, e.g., inside the device or card when it is closed.

[0072] Patterns, images, and text can be applied or created by various techniques. A commonly used method is printing, using any of the various printing methods. In some cases it may be advantageous to hand color all or part of a pattern or image. In addition, embossing can also be performed by well-known methods, e.g., by pressing or stamping a sheet. The conditions for performing such embossing can readily be selected based on the type of embossing and the material to be embossed. Preferably, the embossing will withstand normal handling a minimum of 3 times without significant degradation, more preferably at least 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, or more times, where significant degradation is that which would make the card unsuitable for sale due to changes to the embossing (but excluding soiling).

[0073] While usually the presentation devices or card/gift combinations will have patterns or images on the outside and/or text on the inside (locations specified with respect to a closed card or device), embodiments can also be constructed that are configured differently. Thus, a card or device can have a pattern or image on the outside and/or inside, or no pattern or image on the outside and/or inside; and can have text or no text on the outside and/or inside. Of course, patterns and/or images need not be the same on the inside and outside of a card or device.

[0074] Shapes of Presentation Devices or Greeting Card/Gift Combinations

[0075] Many different shapes can be utilized for the present devices depending on the intended market and/or occasion. Shapes can include, for example, rectangles, triangles, butterflies, flowers, faces (e.g., in silhouette), stars, and hearts, as well as combinations of two or more of these shapes or combinations of one or more of these shapes with one or more additional shapes. Numerous additional embodiments are listed in the Summary above.

[0076] In addition, a selected shape or shapes can be integrated with an image or images. For example, for a device having a flower or partial flower outline can also have a matching flower image. Other shapes and images can be matched in the same way, including the shapes mentioned above. Thus, at least a partial shape corresponding to an image can form at least a portion of the periphery of a card.

[0077] The combination of shape, patterns, and images can be combined to create a device that has the appearance of another type of object. For example, a presentation device or combination greeting card/gift can be in the form of a handbag, small purse, or gift sack. For handbag or purse type devices, additional components can advantageously be utilized. For example, in many cases, a closure will be provided. Typically this will involve a tab and slot type closure, or a hook and loop type closure (with or without a tab. For use of a closure that includes a tab, the tab will generally wrap around the opening side of the device (opposite the hinge side). However, other closures (e.g., releasable adhesive) can also be utilized, either on the outside of the closed device, or inside the closed device. A number of other non-limiting embodiments are described in the Summary above and can be used in the present invention.

[0078] Embellishments

[0079] Additional enhancements or embellishments can also be incorporated in particular embodiments. For example, additional objects can be attached to the inside and/or outside of a device (specified with respect to a closed device). Examples of such objects include without limitation, notions such as rosettes, buttons, and zippers; ribbons; bows; marabou; lace; beading (e.g., pearl beading) and bead chains; metal chains; glitter; sequins; fabric trim; fabric such as felt, chiffon, organza, sisal, and the like; photographs, flowers (e.g., silk flowers and dried flowers); and faux jewels. Attachment of such objects can be used to enhance the appearance of the card and/or to form part of an image and/or pattern.

[0080] Such embellishments can be attached in a number of different ways, with the attachment method selected as appropriate for the type and size of object. Most often objects will be fastened using adhesives.

[0081] Envelopes

[0082] As indicated above, the presentation device or combination greeting card/gift can also includes an envelope that can contain the presentation device or combination greeting card/gift. Preferably the envelope is constructed of card stock, and can, for example, be in the form of a sleeve envelope or a box envelope. A sleeve type envelope generally has single crease or fold lines defining the periphery of the envelope, and usually has a flap that has only a hinge crease to close the envelope. In contrast, a box envelope has multiple crease, fold, and/or bend lines defining the periphery, i.e., has a form typical of a box, usually a rectangular box. The box envelope usually has a multiple crease flap (usually a hinge crease and an additional crease to create a flap portion for sealing or tucking into the box) that folds to close one end or side of the box. Envelopes can be constructed using conventional techniques, e.g., creasing and gluing. Also, box envelopes can be constructed so that the envelope is flat until it is desired to open the envelope. Opening the envelope thus creates an open volume, allowing insertion of the card.

[0083] For consistent and more appealing presentation, it is advantageous for the envelope to match the design of the card. Thus, the envelopes can also bear patterns and/or images and/or color that match those on the card. In this context, “match” means that there are common design elements that are sufficient that a reasonable seeing person will recognize that the patterns and/or images are representations of the same general design. In many cases, the envelope will bear only a portion of the pattern and/or image that is on the card. By matching the pattern and/or image, preferably the occasion for which the card is intended is apparent from the envelope.

[0084] In addition or as an alternative, the envelope can be constructed in the same shape as the card. In such designs, the envelope would typically be in the form of a top-opening box, that is, one of the larger surfaces would be an opening surface instead of one of the smaller surfaces, i.e., one of the edges.

[0085] Alternate Presentation Devices

[0086] In addition to the preferred presentation devices (and combination greeting cards and gifts) described above, certain other configurations can also provide useful presentation and marketing methods.

[0087] In one alternate a combination greeting card and gift article, the gift can be retained in a mesh bag or pocket that is attached to the inside of the card. The mesh is selected to be of a fiber size and mesh spacing such that an article placed in the bag or pocket is readily visible. For example, the fibers can be 0.05 mm to 1 mm in diameter, and the spacing can be 1 mm to 10 mm (or approximately 5 to 20 times the diameter of the fibers). The mesh can be formed in various ways, e.g., woven, welded, and molded. Preferably the mesh is an elastic mesh. The mesh bag or pocket may have an opening allowing articles to be placed inside, or may be closed, with the article held inside prior to closure or attachment to the card.

[0088] In other alternatives, a presentation device or combination greeting card and gift as described herein can be used to present or market other articles, preferably jewelry items. Such jewelry items can be held and presented in friction-fit cutouts as described above, especially for single piece items such as rings and certain earrings. Other jewelry items can also be fitted in such cutouts if at least a portion of the jewelry item is of sufficient size and rigidity to be held within such a cutout and to provide an attractive visible display. Necklaces can be held in this manner, particularly for necklaces that include a pendant portion sufficiently large to display, or that include at least one thickened portion that can be retained and displayed. Thinner portions, if any, can be tucked behind thicker portions and/or other pocket or chamber, or extended in a narrow channel. Inclusion or presentation of jewelry items is particularly appropriate for costume jewelry.

[0089] In still other alternatives, other ways of retaining a gift item, e.g., a jewelry item, can be used. Examples include use of a mesh bag or pocket as described above and retaining using pins, loops, and hooks that may be formed of various materials such as fiber (such as thread), monofilament line, plastic, or metal). Such other alternatives also provide useful presentation and marketing devices and methods.

[0090] One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The methods, variances, and compositions described herein as presently representative of preferred embodiments are exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope of the invention. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art, which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention, are defined by the scope of the claims.

[0091] It will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that varying substitutions and modifications may be made to the invention disclosed herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, presentation devices can be constructed in a large variety of shapes and can use any of a large number of resilient materials. Thus, such additional embodiments are within the scope of the present invention and the following claims.

[0092] The invention illustratively described herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element or elements, limitation or limitations which is not specifically disclosed herein. Thus, for example, in each instance herein any of the terms “comprising”, “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of” may be replaced with either of the other two terms. The terms and expressions which have been employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention that in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention claimed. Thus, it should be understood that although the present invention has been specifically disclosed by preferred embodiments and optional features, modification and variation of the concepts herein disclosed may be resorted to by those skilled in the art, and that such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0093] In addition, where features or aspects of the invention are described in terms of Markush groups or other grouping of alternatives, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group or other group.

[0094] Also, unless indicated to the contrary, where various numerical values are provided for embodiments, additional embodiments are described by taking any 2 different values as the endpoints of a range. Such ranges are also within the scope of the described invention.

[0095] Thus, additional embodiments are within the scope of the invention and within the following claims.

Claims

1. A presentation device for a pre-selected gift article, comprising

a foldable sheet comprising an inner and an outer surface and at least one fold line;

a thick, planar material comprising a front and back surface and a cutout sized and shaped to provide a friction fit for a pre-selected gift article, wherein said material is attached to said inner surface and said back surface lies against said inner surface;

wherein folding said sheet at said fold line folds said sheet around said thick, planar material and conceals said inner surface.

2. The presentation device of claim 1, further comprising a said pre-selected gift article frictionally retained within said cutout.

3. The presentation device of claim 1, further comprising a pattern or image on said outer surface of said foldable sheet.

4. The presentation device of claim 1, further comprising a printed greeting on said inner surface visible when said sheet is open.

5. The presentation device of claim 1, further comprising a closure device.

6. The presentation device of claim 2, wherein said pre-selected gift article comprises an article selected from the group consisting of a personal care article, a stationery article, a jewelry article, a watch, and a small electronic article.

7. The presentation device of claim 6, wherein said personal care article is selected from the group consisting of a cosmetic article, a fragrance article, and a body care article.

8. The presentation device of claim 6, wherein said stationery article is selected from the group consisting of a pen, a pencil, and a writing tablet.

9. The presentation device of claim 6, wherein said small electronic article is selected from the group consisting of a calculator, a personal digital assistant, and a telephone.

10. The presentation device of claim 1, wherein said device is shaped and patterned to have an appearance selected from the group consisting of a bag, an article of clothing, a gift box, a hat box, a comic book character or cover, a house or other structure, a flower, an insect or other bug, a Christmas symbol or figure, a human figure, an animal figure, a teapot, a transportation device, a food item, a furniture or appliance item, an electronic item, a plant, a cosmetic item, a children's toy, a cartoon figure, a sports equipment item, a religious symbol, a heart, and a star.

11. The presentation device of claim 10, wherein said bag is a shopping bag or a handbag.

12. The presentation device of claim 10, wherein said article of clothing is selected from the group consisting of hats, shoes, tee shirts, dresses, coats, and jeans.

13. The presentation device of claim 10, wherein said structure is a skyscraper or a bridge.

14. The presentation device of claim 10, wherein said insect or other bug is selected from the group consisting of butterflies, bees, spiders, and ants.

15. The presentation device of claim 10, wherein said Christmas symbol is selected from the group consisting of Christmas trees, Christmas stockings, snow men, snowflakes, sleds, sleighs, and angels.

16. The presentation device of claim 10, wherein said animal is selected from the group consisting of cats, dogs, cows, chickens, pigs, goats, rabbits, donkeys, horses, lions, bear, elephants, eagles, storks, and dinosaurs.

17. The presentation device of claim 10, wherein said transportation device is selected from the group consisting of cars, trucks, airplanes, boats, sailboats, sailing ships, motorized ships, trains, train locomotives, steam locomotives.

18. The presentation device of claim 10, wherein said food item is selected from the group consisting of cakes, fruit, and candies.

19. The presentation device of claim 10, wherein said electronic item is selected from the group consisting of telephones, computers, music playing equipment, and recording equipment.

20. The presentation device of claim 10, wherein said plant is selected from the group consisting of roses, orchids, lilies, oak, pine, fir, and redwood.

21. The presentation device of claim 10, wherein said cosmetic item is selected from the group consisting of lipstick, compacts, eyeshadow case, and nail polish bottles.

22. The presentation device of claim 10, wherein said children's toy is selected from the group consisting of bats, balls, dolls, toy trucks, and action figures.

23. The presentation device of claim 10, wherein said religious symbol is selected from the group consisting of crosses, Jewish stars, Crescents, and Hanukah menorahs.

24. The presentation device of claim 1, wherein said thick, planar material is die-cut foam plastic or corrugated cardboard.

25. The presentation device of claim 24, wherein said foam plastic is selected from the group consisting of expanded vinyl acetate, expanded polyethylene, expanded polypropylene, and expanded polyurethane.

26. The presentation device of claim 5, wherein said closure device comprises a device selected from the group consisting of a hook and loop fastener, adhesive fasteners, snap fasteners, loop and button fasteners, hook latches, and tab and receptacle fasteners.

27. The presentation device of claim 1, wherein said printed greeting is a holiday or personal occasion greeting.

28. The presentation device of claim 27, wherein said greeting is selected from the group consisting of a birthday greeting, a wedding anniversary greeting, an Easter greeting, a Mother's Day greeting, a Father's Day greeting, a Christmas greeting, a Hanukah greeting, a Kwanza greeting, a get well greeting, a new home greeting, a new baby greeting, a congratulations greeting, a graduation greeting, a New Year's greeting, a Secretary's Day greeting, an engagement greeting, and a Valentine's Day greeting.

29. The presentation device of claim 1, wherein said thick material is 0.2-1.0 inches thick.

30. The presentation device of claim 1, wherein the depth of said cutout is within 0.1 inches of the thickness of said pre-selected gift item.

31. The presentation device of claim 1, wherein the shape of said cutout matches the peripheral shape of said pre-selected gift article.

32. The presentation device of claim 1, wherein a cutout window is present in said foldable sheet that makes a pre-selected gift article or a printed greeting in said device visible when said device is closed.

33. A combination greeting card and gift, comprising

a foldable sheet comprising an inner and an outer surface and at least one fold line;

a thick, planar material comprising a front and back surface and a cutout sized and shaped to provide a friction fit for a selected personal care article, wherein said material is attached to said inner surface and said back surface lies against said inner surface;

a pattern or image on said outer surface of said foldable sheet;

a printed greeting on said inner surface visible when said sheet is open; and

a personal care article frictionally retained within said cutout,

wherein folding said sheet at said fold line folds said sheet around said thick, planar material and conceals said inner surface and said personal care article.

34. A method for presenting a pre-selected article for sale, comprising

displaying said pre-selected article in a presentation device comprising

a foldable sheet comprising an inner and an outer surface and at least one fold line;

a thick, planar material comprising a front and back surface and a cutout sized and shaped to provide a friction fit for a selected personal care article, wherein said material is attached to said inner surface and said back surface lies against said inner surface;

a pattern or image on said outer surface of said foldable sheet; and

a printed greeting on said inner surface visible when said sheet is open,

wherein folding said sheet at said fold line folds said sheet around said thick, planar material and conceals said inner surface.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein said pre-selected article comprises an article selected from the group consisting of personal care article, a stationery article, a jewelry article, a watch, and a small electronic article.

36. The method of claim 34, wherein said presentation device is displayed open, thereby revealing said pre-selected article.

37. The method of claim 34, wherein said presentation device is closed, and a picture of said pre-selected article is attached to the exterior of said presentation device and is visible to a person viewing said presentation device.

38. The method of claim 34, wherein said presentation device is packaged within a protective, see-through container.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein said protective container comprises a transparent plastic wrap.

40. The method of claim 34, further comprising a closure device on said foldable sheet.

41. The method of claim 34, wherein a cutout is present in said foldable sheet such that said pre-selected article is visible through said cutout when said presentation device is closed.

42. A method for marketing a pre-selected article, comprising providing for sale a combination greeting card and pre-selected gift article, wherein said combination greeting card and pre-selected gift article comprises

a foldable sheet comprising an inner and an outer surface and at least one fold line;

a thick, planar material comprising a front and back surface and a cutout sized and shaped to provide a friction fit for said pre-selected gift article, wherein said material is attached to said inner surface and said back surface lies against said inner surface;

a pattern or image on said outer surface of said foldable sheet; and

a printed greeting on said inner surface visible when said sheet is open,

wherein folding said sheet at said fold line folds said sheet around said thick, planar material and conceals said inner surface.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein said combination greeting card and pre-selected gift article is offered for wholesale sale.

44. The method of claim 42, wherein said combination greeting card and pre-selected gift article is offered for retail sale.

45. The method of claim 42, wherein said pre-selected gift article comprises an article selected from the group consisting of a personal care article, a stationery article, a jewelry article, a watch, and a small electronic article.

46. The method of claim 42, wherein said combination greeting card and pre-selected gift article comprises a closure device on said foldable sheet.

47. The method of claim 42, wherein a cutout window is present in said foldable sheet such that said pre-selected gift article is visible through said cutout window when said card is closed.

48. The method of claim 42, wherein said combination greeting card and pre-selected gift article is packaged within a protective, see-through container.

49. The method of claim 42, wherein said protective container comprises a transparent plastic wrap.