Bag card and closure device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a card which may be mounted to a bag. The card includes a foldable panel and an aperture therein. The foldable panel may be folded one or more times to create a twin-panel card configuration. A bag may include one or more handles which can be inserted through the aperture. In this manner, the card may be mounted to the bag to form an integral package assembly. The card may contain indicia to make the bag occasion specific or provide a desired adornment. The card may further include a personalized sentiment which the bag temporarily conceals from the package recipient. Optionally, the card receives a pair of handles and restricts their lateral motion and further acts as a closure device for the bag. In additional embodiments, the card is a tri-panel card and includes an interior panel.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/647,823, filed Jan. 31, 2005, and entitled “BAG CARD AND CLOSURE”, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of the Invention

Exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to the field of gift presentation. More particularly, the invention relates to apparatus and assemblies for presenting gifts in an integrated packaging.

2. The Relevant Technology

The giving of gifts and greeting cards is a common practice and, accordingly, is well established in commerce. In that regard, the greeting card industry has boomed in recent decades. Greeting cards are now found in grocery stores, convenience stores, specialty card stores, gift shops, and in numerous other areas of commerce. Of course, the style, shape and sentiment of greeting cards vary. Some cards are specific to a particular occasion or event, while others are for general use. In addition, some cards are humorous while others convey sympathy or love. Many commercial establishments even categorize greeting cards to allow consumers to easily locate and purchase an appropriate card.

Generally, a greeting card is presented to express a personal sentiment or occasion specific message. Often, the greeting card accompanies a gift which may be packaged or presented any of a variety of well known manners. For instance, a gift is often concealed from the receiver in a box or other sealed container. To further conceal the gift, the gift or container may also be wrapped in a paper or fabric material.

Frequently, the gift giver also desires to adorn the gift package in a manner that makes it attractive for presentation. Accordingly, the box or container may have a design or other ornamentation thereon. In other cases, the wrapping paper or fabric is mounted on the box or container and provides an attractive ornamentation. Additionally, or in the alternative, additional items such as ribbon, glitter, and other materials are used to dress up the package. Often, the ornamentation may be chosen based on the occurrence or pending occurrence of a specific occasion such as a birthday, holiday, wedding, graduation, baby, and the like.

Increasingly, gift bags are being used by gift givers as an alternative to the traditional box or wrapping paper. A common type of gift bag includes five foldable panels and an opening in the top, into which the gift can be inserted. A pair of opposing loop handles is also commonly attached to the bag so as to allow a user to easily and conveniently carry the bag containing the gift.

Unlike a box or container, however, gift givers and consumers often have more limited options with handled bags. A consumer may use a bag with a decorative or other ornamental print, but choices are limited and may not meet the subjective preferences of the consumer. Alternatively, plain bags are often used while tissue paper, ribbons, or similar items are purchased separately and used for additional embellishment.

Particularly with plain gift bags or other generic print bags (e.g., stripes, flowers), the gift giver must add still other embellishments or ornamentation to make the gift occasion specific. For example, a specialized greeting card and accompanying envelope may be presented to the receiver of the gift in acknowledgement of the particular occasion for which the gift is presented. Occasionally, the envelope containing the greeting card may be inserted into the gift bag.

Optionally, a gift giver may desire to express a personalize sentiment to accompany the gift. Accordingly, the giver may inscribe the sentiment into a greeting card either in addition to or apart from any occasion specific message or ornamentation.

One reason why gift bags have increased in popularity is the convenience they provide. For example, a gift giver may simply select a bag and insert the gift, and thus save much of the time that would otherwise be spent wrapping the gift in paper and providing other ornamental touches. In addition, handles on the bag provide the giver with an easy method of transporting even awkward or bulky packages.

Despite these benefits, gift bags often do not fully conceal the gift from the receiver. A receiver may glance into the bag through the opening and view its contents. Sometimes, the consumer may attempt to conceal the gift by using other, separately purchased items. For instance, the gift giver may insert tissue paper into the gift bag, or may tie the handles together with a ribbon, string, or other similar item.

What is desired, therefore, is a gift package or assembly which can provide an attractive presentation for a gift that conceals the contents of the gift, while also allowing a personalized, written message to be provided in a single, integrated package.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to apparatus and assemblies for presenting a gift. More particularly, the invention relates to presenting a gift which in an integrated package with personal sentiment and/or occasion specific ornamentation.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a greeting card is provided for adorning a gift bag, and includes a foldable panel and an elongate slot formed in the panel. The panel includes both an exterior and an interior side, and is configured to be folded along at least a first fold. The slot is formed in the panel and is configured to receive at least one handle of a bag. Additionally, the foldable panel may be configured to be folded along a second fold. In some embodiments, the second fold is parallel or substantially parallel to the first fold. Optionally, the slot is positioned between the first fold and the second fold. In some additional embodiments, the greeting card includes an additional panel secured to the first, foldable panel. For instance, the second panel may be secured to the interior of the first panel. In addition, occasion specific indicia may be provided on at least a portion of the exterior of the foldable panel.

In another embodiment, the invention relates to a hanging greeting card which is attachable to a bag, and which includes a first panel configured to receive a sentiment to a receiver of a gift, and means for securing the first panel to a bag containing the gift. The panel may also have an interior and exterior side. Further, in some embodiments, the means for securing the first panel to a bag can include means for closing the bag. The means for closing the bag may include, for example, one or more apertures formed in the panel and one or more folds in the panel. Optionally, the means for securing the panel to the bag includes an elongate slot in the panel and one or more folds proximate the elongate slot.

The elongate slot may be substantially centered along a length of the panel. In some embodiments, two folds are proximate to the elongate slot and the slot is positioned between the folds. Further, the panel and greeting card can be integrated with the bag. In addition, a second panel may be attached to the first panel, including on an interior side of the first panel.

In yet another embodiment, the invention relates to a package assembly which includes a bag and a card mounted to the bag. The bag may include, for example, an opening therein which receives one or more items, and can include one or more handles near the opening. The card may include, for example, a panel with a slot formed therein, and the at least one handle can be inserted into and through the slot.

In some embodiments, the card further includes one or more folds near the slot such that when the card is folded along the one or more folds, the card has an interior surface and an exterior surface. Optionally, a sentiment is pre-printed or handwritten on the interior surface of the panel and is concealed by the bag. Further, a second panel may be connected to the interior surface of the bag. In addition, in some embodiments, the panel includes a frontal portion and a back portion, with the slot substantially separating the frontal portion from the back portion. Further, the frontal portion can be mounted on a first outer side of the bag. The back portion can be mounted on a second portion of the bag. The second portion may include, for example, an interior of the bag or a second outer side of the bag. Optionally, the bag may include two handles, each of which may be received by, and extend through, the slot.

These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, nor are the drawings necessarily drawn to scale. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a plan view of one embodiment of an unassembled twin-panel card which may be mounted on a bag, according to the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of an assembled twin-panel bag card, the assembly being along a single fold;

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of an assembled twin-panel bag card, the assembly being along two folds;

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of a package assembly including a bag having opposing loop handles, and a bag card attached to the bag around a frontal loop handle;

FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view of a package assembly including a bag having opposing loop handles, and a bag card attached to the bag around a pair of loop handles;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention having a tri-panel configuration;

FIGS. 4A-5B illustrate various additional embodiments of a twin-panel card which may be mounted on a bag, and which includes indicia thereon; and

FIGS. 6A-7B illustrate various additional embodiments of a tri-panel card which may be mounted on a bag, and which includes indicia thereon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to packaging gifts and other items. More particularly, the invention relates to apparatus and assemblies for presenting a package that conveys a message to the receiver of the package.

Through the practice of the invention, a consumer is presented with a wide variety of options for dressing and presenting a gift or other package. A card may be provided, for example, which is configured to be quickly and easily attached or otherwise mounted to a bag (e.g., gift bag, shopping bag, etc.). When the card is mounted to the bag, it forms an integrated package assembly. In this manner, the assembly may be used to convey an occasion specific or ornamental appearance.

Further, the card may be configured to close the bag, thereby concealing the contents of the bag. For example, the card may be inserted over handles of a bag, thereby restraining the handles and restricting the bag opening. Further still, the card can include a personalized sentiment. Such a sentiment may be concealed without an envelope containing the card.

Reference will now be made to the drawings to describe various aspects of exemplary embodiments of the invention. It is understood that the drawings are diagrammatic and schematic representations of such exemplary embodiments, and are not limiting of the present invention, nor are they necessarily drawn to scale. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be obvious, however, to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known aspects of gift presentation and packaging have not been described in particular detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention.

FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate exemplary embodiments of a card 102 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, card 102 includes a main panel 104 which has a slot 106 formed therein. The combination of main panel 104 with slot 106 is desirable for numerous reasons. For example, and as discussed in more detail with respect to FIGS. 2A and 2B, slot 106 allows main panel 104 and card 102 to be easily and securely mounted to a gift or other bag, so as to provide decorative embellishment, to act as a closure device, to conceal personal sentiments, and/or to conceal the contents within a bag.

In the illustrated embodiments, main panel 104 includes an exterior surface 108, an opposing interior surface 110, and one or more folds 112, 114. Exterior surface 108 is configured to be on the outer portion of card 102, such that when main panel 104 is folded along first fold 112 and/or along an optional second fold 114, any indicia 116 (e.g., markings, text, designs, or other effects or content) on exterior surface 108 may be visibly displayed and perceived.

Folds 112 and 114 are configured to allow main panel 104 to be folded therealong, thereby allowing main panel 104 to be doubled-over to define frontal sub-panel 118 and back sub-panel 120. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, first fold 112 and optional second fold 114 are parallel or substantially parallel, and are positioned about half-way along the length of main panel 104. In this manner, folds 112 and 114 are substantially centered within main panel 104, although this feature is not necessary, and folds 112 and 114 may be offset from the center of main panel 104.

As illustrated, card 102 may be provided in either a manufactured or assembled configuration (FIGS. 1B and 1C), or an unassembled configuration (FIG. 1A). In the illustrated embodiments, main panel 104 is illustrated as a rectangle, such that when folded at folds 112 and 114, sub-panels 118 and 120 are nearly symmetric and substantially square or rectangular in shape. It will be appreciated, however, that such a configuration is representative only, and merely illustrative of one of the many available shapes and configurations that main panel 104 and sub-panels 118 and 120 can take. For instance, in some embodiments, the card and main panel may be configured such that the sub-panels have a triangular, diamond-shaped, or circular appearance. In other embodiments, sub-panels may be heart shaped, or sub-panels may not be symmetric. For instance, the front sub-panel may include a dimensional portion which, when the card is folded, extends outward from the card, beyond a fold. The dimensional portion may be integrally formed in the main panel. To create such a portion, an aperture corresponding to the shape of the dimensional portion may be formed on the back sub-panel and, in some cases, may be connected to and form a part of the slot.

In an unassembled configuration such as that illustrated in FIG. 1A, main panel 104 may be provided to a consumer in a substantially flat configuration, such that main panel 104 is not folded along either or both of folds 112 or 114. Thereafter, when the consumer uses card 102, the consumer can fold main panel 104 along one or both of folds 112 and 114, thereby creating a twin-panel configuration defined by frontal sub-panel 118 and back sub-panel 120 (see FIGS. 1B and 1C).

First fold 112 and/or second fold 114 may be set in predetermined locations, or may be defined by the consumer. For instance, in the illustrated embodiment, folds 112 and 114 are positioned adjacent and on opposing sides of slot 106. However, it will be appreciated that the illustrated embodiment is exemplary only, and that folds 112 and 114 and slot 106 may be positioned in other locations and configurations. For instance folds 112 and 114 may be offset from slot 106, or may not be positioned on opposing sides of slot 106. Further slot 106 may be positioned only partially between folds 112 and 114. In still other embodiments, such as that illustrated in FIG. 1B, only a single fold 112 is provided.

Where card 102 is unassembled (e.g., FIG. 1A), and first fold 112 and/or second fold 114 are set to predetermined locations, such locations may be marked or identified so as to allow a consumer to easily identify the location of the fold. For instance, in some embodiments, a line may be drawn, printed, scored, or otherwise indicated on main panel 104, thereby allowing a consumer to quickly and easily identify the location of fold 112 and/or fold 114. In some additional embodiments, folds 112 and 114 are configured so as to identify the location of folds 112 and 114, and to further facilitate folding of main panel 104 thereon. For instance, main panel 104 may be perforated or scored along first fold 112 and/or second fold 114.

As previously noted, card 102 may also be provided to, or purchased by, a consumer in an assembled or manufactured configuration. For instance, before card 102 is provided to a consumer, card 102 may be folded along first fold 112. In such event, card 102 has a twin-panel configuration as illustrated in FIG. 1B, where fold 112 separates frontal sub-panel 118 from back sub-panel 120, and slot 106 is positioned within back sub-panel 120. It should be appreciated, however, that slot 106 could equally be positioned in frontal sub-panel 118 or, in the alternative, may be located in both front sub-panel 118 and back sub-panel 120 (see FIG. 2A).

Alternatively, before card 102 is provided to a consumer, card 102 may be folded along both first fold 112 and second fold 114. In such event, card 102 may have the twin-panel configuration illustrated in FIG. 1C. In this embodiment, card 102 includes frontal sub-panel 118 and back sub-panel 120, which are separated by both of folds 112 and 114, and a capacity portion 122 located between folds 112 and 114. As illustrated, slot 106 may be located within capacity portion 122, although this feature is not necessary, and in other embodiments, slot 106 is wholly or partially within frontal sub-panel 118 and back sub-panel 120, or any combination of frontal sub-panel 118, back sub-panel 120, and capacity portion 122.

As may be appreciated in light of the teachings herein, card 102 may also be provided to a user in a semi-manufactured configuration. For instance, in one embodiment, card 102 is provided to, or purchased by, a consumer in a twin-panel configuration wherein main panel 104 is folded along only single fold 112 (e.g., FIG. 1B). Thereafter, the consumer may, if desired, fold main panel 104 along second fold 114 (e.g., FIG. 1C).

As may also be appreciated in light of the teachings herein, main panel 104 may be formed from a single sheet of material, or may be made up of any number of connected pieces. For instance, main panel 104 may include separate pieces of material for any or all of sub-panel 118, back sub-panel 120, and/or capacity portion 122. When such separate portions are used and connected to form main panel 104, sub-panel 118, back sub-panel 120, and/or capacity portion 122 can be connected along first fold 112 or second fold 114, such that the connection between multiple pieces is properly considered a fold.

Main panel 104 is properly constructed of any of a variety of materials. For instance, in some embodiments, main panel 104 is formed of any suitable material well known in the greeting card industry for the construction of cards. Representative materials suitable for main panel 104 include, for example, paper, card stock, and cardboard. Other suitable materials are, however, expressly contemplated. For instance, main panel 104 may also be made of plastics or other polymers, a malleable metal (e.g., brass), or a composite material.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1A-1C, a slot 106 may further be formed in main panel 104, and is representative of any number of apertures which may be formed in main panel 104. Slot 106 can be formed in main panel 104 in any variety manners. For instance, slot 106 may be die cut into main panel 104, or may formed through a molding or casting process, or may be drilled, milled or punched therein.

Further, slot 106 may be formed so as to be of any of a variety of shapes and sizes. In the illustrated embodiment, slot 106 is elongated, and extends substantially the width of main panel 104. It will be appreciated, however, that slot 106 may be replaced by a larger or smaller slot, a non-elongate slot, or any other shape aperture such that the length and/or width of all or only a portion of slot 106 may be varied. Further, slot 106 may be replaced by multiple slots or apertures. For instance, opposing apertures may be provided on opposing edges of main panel 104, or may extend vertically along the length of back sub-panel 120 (e.g., perpendicular to fold 112 and/or fold 114). Accordingly, as used herein, the term “slot” properly includes apertures of any shape or size.

A card 102 which includes slot 106 can be used for a variety of beneficial advantages. For instance, FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate an exemplary package assembly 200 in which a card 202 includes a slot 206, facilitating mounting of card 202 to a bag 250. Thus, slot 206 can also be of any size or shape which facilitates mounting of card 202 to bag 250.

Bag 250 may be any type of bag well known in the art which is usable for receiving and holding items such as gifts, groceries or other purchases, or any other item. In this illustrative embodiment, for example, bag 250 may be a five-panel, collapsible bag. In particular, bag 250 includes panels 254a-e. Panels 254a and 254b are the opposing front and back panels, respectively, of bag 250. Similarly, panels 254c and 254d are opposing side panels. Side panels 254c-d can be folded inward, thereby allowing bag 250 to be collapsible. Bag 250 further includes bottom panel 254e, which opposes an opening 256 positioned in the top of bag 250. Opening 256 is configured for receiving items to be placed and contained within bag 250.

Panels 254a-e of bag 250 may be made of any material and in any method well known in the art. For instance, bag 250 may be a paper product, or may be made of natural or synthetic fabric, or of plastic or some other polymer. In some embodiments, bag 250 may be a composite of any combination of paper, fabric and plastic products.

Also illustrated in this exemplary embodiment, bag 250 includes a pair of handles 252, with one handle being secured to each of front panel 254a and back panel 254b. Handles may be loop handles such that handle 252 includes opposing ends, each of which are securely affixed to, or integrally formed with, panels 254a-e. Accordingly, handles 252 may be made of the same material as panels 254a-e. Alternatively, handles 252 may be made of a different material. For instance, handles 252 may be made of a different plastic, fabric or paper product than panels 254a-e.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2A, a package assembly 200 is illustrated in which card 202 has a single fold 212 and is mounted to bag 250. As illustrated, card 202 includes slot 206 which is configured to receive at least one of handles 252. In particular, the illustrated embodiment illustrates an elongate slot 206 which is at least as long as handles 252 are wide. In this manner, one of handles 252 can be inserted into slot 206 of card 202. Thereafter, as the inserted handle 252 is extended through slot 206, the interior of fold 212 can contact and rest upon a top edge of panel 254a, such that a frontal sub-panel 218 of card 202 is positioned outside bag 250 and adjacent the exterior of front panel 254a, while an opposing back sub-panel is inserted into opening 256 of bag 250, and adjacent the interior surface of front panel 254a. In this manner, card 202 is selectively and temporarily attached to bag 250. Accordingly, slot 206 and fold 212 are properly considered means for securing main panel 204 and card 202 to bag 250.

Mounting card 202 to bag 250 in this manner is desirable for a variety of reasons. For instance, card 202 may be mounted to, and removed from, bag 250 with little effort. In addition, bag 250 can be selectively decorated or adorned to meet any purpose subjectively chosen by the person preparing package assembly 200, while bag 250 can thereafter be reused to for any other purpose or occasion by alternatively using a card having different indicia, artwork, or messages.

For instance, bag 250 may be monochromatic or may have a generic print, such that the ornamental appearance of bag 250 may be minimal, or may not conform to a specific occasion for which package assembly 200 is being prepared. In some embodiments, to provide additional ornamentation and create an attractive package assembly 200, card 202 is specifically chosen based on decorative or occasion specific indicia 216 printed on exterior surface 208 of card 202. For instance, the gift giver may desire to create original artwork to adorn package assembly 200. The giver may create such artwork as all or part of indicia 216, thereby allowing the giver to adorn package assembly 200. Moreover, such adornment is provided on a removable card 202 such that should the receiver desire to re-use bag 250, the original artwork does not permanently affect the appearance of bag 250. Further, because card 202 rests upon an edge of panel 254a, it is integrated with, and mounted to, bag 250 without the need for an adhesive (e.g., tape, paste, etc.) that could otherwise permanently affect the appearance of bag 250.

In addition, as card 202 is mounted to bag 250, it is integrated therewith and can provide occasion specific adornment or messages. For instance, a gift may be placed within bag 250 for delivery on account of a specific occasion such as a birthday, holiday, illness, monumental event (e.g., wedding, graduation, baby, etc.), to convey a message (e.g., to express thanks or appreciation), or for any variety of other occasions. The exterior of frontal sub-panel 218 may be related to that occasion by, for example, including indicia 216 which provides graphical and/or textual acknowledgement of the specific occasion. Optionally, indicia 216 is created by the consumer, or may be pre-printed by a manufacturer or vendor on all or a portion of frontal sub-panel 218. Thus, by attaching an occasion specific card 202, a generic or monochromatic bag 250 can be transformed into occasion specific package assembly 200.

As is well known in the art, a greeting card may commonly used to express a sentiment intended for the receiver of the card, or may identify the giver of a gift. Accordingly, card 202 may also be a greeting or gift card, and may therefore convey a sentiment which is either personally expressed or pre-printed, and/or which identifies the person giving the gift.

For instance, a consumer may write a personalized message on the interior surface of main panel 204, or a pre-printed message may be placed thereon. Alternatively, such a message may be written or printed on the exterior surface of the back sub-panel. In this manner, card 202 is configured to conceal the personal sentiment and/or identity of the gift giver from the intended recipient. In particular, upon mounting card 202 to bag 250 in the manner described above, the interior surface of frontal sub-panel 218 abuts the exterior surface of frontal panel 254a of bag 250, such that a message written on the interior surface of frontal sub-panel 218 is concealed from view until such time as a receiver opens package assembly 200, the message is hidden.

Similarly, a message conveyed on the interior or exterior surface of the back sub-panel can also be concealed from view. In particular, the back-sub panel is inserted into opening 256 of bag 250, and is thus hidden from the receiver of package assembly 200. Accordingly, unlike a traditional greeting card, in which an envelope is traditionally used to temporarily conceal a personalized sentiment or the identity of a gift giver, no envelope is necessary with one embodiment of the present invention. Instead, as card 202 is mounted to bag 250, bag 250 conceals the personal message and/or gift giver's identity indicated card 202.

In FIG. 2B, an alternative embodiment of a package assembly 201 is illustrated in which a card 203 having a first fold 212 and a second fold 214 is mounted to a bag 250. As illustrated, card 203 includes slot 206 which is configured to receive at least one of handles 252. In particular, the illustrated embodiment depicts a slot 206 which is sufficiently long to receive each of handles 252. In this manner, the pair of handles 252 can be inserted into slot 206 of card 203. Thereafter, as handles 252 are extended through slot 206, the interior of capacity portion 222 of card 202 rests upon the top edges of both front panel 254a and back panel 254b of bag 250. Accordingly, frontal sub-panel 218 is positioned outside bag 250 and adjacent the exterior of front panel 254a, while the back sub-panel is also outside bag 250, and the interior surface 210 of the back sub-panel abuts the exterior of back panel 254b of bag 250. In this manner, card 203 is selectively and temporarily attached to bag 250. Accordingly, slot 206 and folds 212 and 214 are properly considered means for securing main panel 204 to bag 250.

As will be appreciated in light of the teachings herein, card 203 can be configured similar to the card 202 illustrated in FIG. 2A. For instance, card 203 may similarly include indicia 216 or other markings, artwork, or designs used to adorn integrated package assembly 200. In addition, indicia 216 may be occasion specific. Further, a personalized or some other sentiment, or an occasion specific message, may be expressed on an interior surface of either frontal sub-panel 218 or an opposing back sub-panel and be concealed from the intended recipient of package assembly 200 by panels 254a and 254b of bag 250.

In addition, card 203 may further act as a closure device in one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 2B, for example, card 203 is configured to receive and restrain both of handles 252 of bag 250 within slot 206, such that the lateral movement of handles 252 is limited by slot 206. In this manner, handles 252 are drawn together such that opposing sides of bag 250 are also drawn together and the size of opening 256 is reduced, such that the width of opening 256, when bag 250 is closed, is approximately the width of slot 256 and/or the width of slot 206. In this manner, bag 250 is held in a closed position.

The closed position is desirous for a variety of reasons. For instance, when a gift or other item is placed within bag 250, the contents may be discoverable with a casual glance when the bag is open. However, by using card 202 to reduce the size of opening 256 in bag 250, and thus acting as a closure device, the contents of bag 250 are concealed from view until the intended recipient is to open package assembly 201.

It should be appreciated in light of the disclosure herein that both handles 252 of bag 250 may be inserted into a slot within a card whether the card has only first fold 212 or both first fold 202 and second fold 214. Where two folds are provided, however, first fold 212 and second fold 214 act to define a capacity portion 222, and second fold 214 is thus also properly considered a capacity fold. For some packages, the contents placed within bag 250 may be large such that it is difficult to fully close opening 256. Accordingly, capacity portion 222, while still acting as a closure device, is configured to provide additional freedom and capacity for bag opening 256. In particular, opening 256 may have a gap between front panel 254a and back panel 254b which accommodates larger contents, while also allowing card 202 to hang and be mounted on bag 250 in an organized and orderly fashion. Thus, slot 206 in connection with one or both of first fold 212 and second fold 214, and optionally in connection with capacity portion 222, are means for closing bag 250.

While slot 206 and one or both of folds 212 and 214 can act as one means for closing bag 250, it will be appreciated that the illustrated shapes of slot 206 and cards 202 and 203 are not limiting of the present invention. In particular, cards 202 and 203 can be any size, shape, or configuration. Further, any aperture or combination of apertures suitable to allow handles 252 to be slid through card 202 or 203 is contemplated and within the scope of the present invention, regardless of shape, size, position, configuration, or even symmetry.

As discussed herein, bag 250 may be purchased or obtained separately from card 203, such that assembly 201 can be completed by a consumer. However, card 203 may also be sold together with bag 250 either in a completed assembly 201, or as a kit. In particular, card 203 may be included in a kit with a matching monochromatic or generic bag 250. Further, the kit may include other components such as, for example, tissue paper.

Now referring to FIG. 3, still other exemplary embodiments of the present invention are illustrated, in which a card 302 has a tri-panel configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, card 302 includes a main panel 304 folded along both first fold 312 and second fold 314, and includes an interior panel 314. In particular, the illustrated embodiment depicts a frontal sub-panel 318 and back sub-panel 320 on opposing sides of interior panel 324. Interior panel 324 may be formed in any of a variety of manners. For instance, interior panel 324 may be single panel approximately the same size as frontal sub-panel 318 and/or back sub-panel 320. In such a case, an edge of interior panel 324 may be secured to the internal surface of fold 312 or 314 with an adhesive or by some other securement means, such that interior panel 324 hangs from fold 312 and creates a tri-panel configuration.

Alternatively, a larger interior panel 324 may be used. For example, interior panel 324 may, in some embodiments, be about the same size as main panel 304. Interior panel 324 can, therefore, be folded along one or more folds approximately in the middle of interior panel 324, which generally correspond to one or more of folds 312 and 314 of card 302. For instance, in one embodiment, interior panel 324 has a single fold, thereby creating a frontal liner 326 and an interior liner 328, as is illustrated in FIG. 3.

Frontal liner 326 is, in some embodiments, secured to the interior surface of frontal sub-panel 318, while interior liner 328 hangs from first fold 312, thereby creating a tri-panel configuration with frontal sub-panel 318 and back sub-panel 320. In other embodiments, interior panel 324 may include a slot corresponding to slot 306, may be secured to back sub-panel 320, and/or may be secured to the interior surface of capacity portion 322.

In light of these teachings, it should be appreciated that the tri-panel configuration of card 302, as illustrated in FIG. 3, is exemplary only and not limiting of the present invention. For example, for clarity, only a single interior panel 324 is illustrated, although card 302 may include more than one interior panel. Further, it is not necessary that interior panel 324 be used only where card 302 includes both first fold 312 and second fold 314, and the use of interior panel 324 is equally applicable and usable with a card having only a single fold (e.g., only first fold 312). Thus, a card according to the present invention may be in a twin-panel configuration with a single fold, a twin-panel configuration with a dual fold, a tri-panel configuration with a single fold, or a tri-panel configuration with a dual fold.

Card 302 having interior panel 324 may be used in much the same way as other cards described and taught herein. For example, a personalized or pre-printed message or sentiment may be included on either main panel 304 or interior panel 324. Accordingly, when card 302 is mounted to a bag, any message on interior panel 324 may be concealed from the intended recipient as it may be positioned within the bag, or may be outside the bag (e.g., abutting a frontal or back panel of the bag). In addition, card 302 may be used as a closure device, wherein frontal sub-panel 318 and rear sub-panel 320 are positioned on exterior to the bag, and wherein interior liner 328 is optionally interior to the bag, or exterior thereto.

Illustrated in FIGS. 4A-7B are various exemplary embodiments of a card mountable to a bag having dimensional indicia thereon. In FIGS. 4A and 4B, for example, an exemplary twin-panel card 402 is illustrated which has a single fold 412, and indicia 416 on frontal panel 418 of card 402. In this embodiment, indicia 416 includes a printed portion 415 and a dimensional portion 417.

In one embodiment, printed portion 415 includes design and textual elements printed, written, or inscribed directly onto the exterior of frontal panel 418. Dimensional portion 417 is, in this embodiment, a circular or substantially circular element which may be printed on or otherwise connected to frontal panel 418, although the shape of dimensional portion 417 may be varied. In light of the teachings herein, it will be appreciated that dimensional portion 417 may be separately formed. In one such embodiment, for example, dimensional portion 417 is a die cut, molded, or cast material which is attached to frontal panel 418 with an adhesive (e.g., tape, glue, etc.), a mechanical fastener (e.g., rivet, eyelet, etc), or by some other suitable securement means. In other embodiments, either or both of printed portion 415 and dimensional portion 417 may be separately formed and thereafter attached to frontal panel 418. In still other embodiments, dimensional portion 417 may be integrally formed in frontal panel 418 and, accordingly, slot 406 may include an aperture corresponding to the shape of integrally formed dimensional portion 417. Printed portion 415 and/or dimensional portion 417 may also be ribbon, vellum, beads, wire, plastics, stamps, photographs, and the like, thereby allowing a design and/or sentiment to be expressed.

In one aspect, indicia 416 provides an ornamental appearance to card 402. Accordingly, and as discussed herein, when card 402 is mounted on a bag, card 402 and the associated bag are transformed into an integral package assembly with a customized and selected ornamental appearance which may be selected to satisfy a consumer's subjective purposes or tailored to a specific occasion. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, card 402 having indicia 416 thereon may convey a message to a recipient of the card, whether or not card 402 is mounted on a bag.

In some embodiments, dimensional portion 417 extends outward from one or more edges of frontal panel 418. For instance, in the illustrated embodiments, dimensional portion 417 extends outward from a top edge of frontal panel 418, as defined by fold 412. This provides yet another ornamental aspect to card 402 for customization by the consumer.

In another aspect, dimensional portion 417 may further be used to camouflage or otherwise conceal slot 406 in card 402, and/or the handles of an attached bag. In particular, where dimensional portion 417 extends upward, beyond a top edge of frontal panel 418, the view of all or a portion of slot 406, as well as at least a portion of the handles inserted into slot 406, can be at least partially hidden from view.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate an alternative embodiment of a twin-panel card 502 which has first and second folds 512 and 514, and indicia 516 on frontal panel 518. Similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, indicia 516 can, in some embodiments, include both a printed portion 515 and a dimensional portion 517. Further, printed portion 515 and dimensional portion 517 are, in some embodiments, separately formed while, in other embodiments, they may be printed as a single, integral portion, or may be an integral dimensional portion.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrated yet another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a card 602 is has a tri-panel configuration and a single fold 612, and includes a frontal panel 618, a back panel 620, and an interior panel 624. Further, indicia 616 are printed and/or secured to at least an exterior surface of frontal panel 618, although it will be appreciated that other indicia, designs, ornamentations, messages, and other such elements may also be incorporated on an interior surface of frontal panel 618, or on any surface of interior panel 624 or back panel 620. Such indicia may include, for example, a printed portion 615 and/or a dimensional portion 617 which may be attached to card 602.

In yet another configuration, FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrated a tri-panel card 702 having first and second folds 712 and 714 adjacent to, and on opposing sides of, a slot 706. In the illustrated embodiment, the tri-panel configuration includes an interior panel 724 with a frontal panel 718 and back panel 720 on opposing sides of interior panel 724. Further, an indicia 716 may be provided on an outer portion of frontal panel 718 which includes a printed portion 715 and/or a dimensional portion 717.

In light of the teachings herein, it should be appreciated that a card and assembly according to the present invention may be used for any of a variety of purposes. Specifically, it should be appreciated that a card according to the present invention can be used with a variety of sizes and styles of bags, such that no particular size or shape of the card is required. Moreover, while the present invention may be used with the presentation of gifts, such that the disclosed card may act as a greeting or gift card, the invention is not so limited. For example, a card according to the present invention may contain indicia or sentiment thereon which includes or is intended as advertising, promotional or other marketing material. Such a card may, accordingly, be attached to a typical shopping bag by a retail location. For instance, a card of the present invention may include retail location specific advertising or product or store coupons thereon.

The present invention may thus be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A greeting card for adorning a gift bag, comprising:

a foldable panel having an exterior side and an interior side, wherein said foldable panel is configured to be folded along a first fold; and

a slot formed in said panel, said slot being configured to receive at least one handle of a bag.

2. A greeting card as recited in claim 1, wherein said foldable panel is configured to be folded along a second fold.

3. A greeting card as recited in claim 2, wherein said second fold is substantially parallel to said first fold.

4. A greeting card as recited in claim 2, wherein said slot is positioned between said first fold and said second fold.

5. A greeting card as recited in claim 1, wherein said foldable panel includes an indication of the location of at least said first fold.

6. A greeting card as recited in claim 5, wherein said marking is a perforation or score.

7. A greeting card as recited in claim 1, wherein said foldable panel is a first panel, the greeting card further comprising:

a second panel attached to said first foldable panel.

8. A greeting card as recited in claim 7, wherein said second panel is attached to said interior side of said first panel.

9. A greeting card as recited in claim 1, further comprising occasion specific indicia on at least a portion of said exterior side of said foldable panel.

10. A hanging greeting card for attachment to a bag, comprising:

a panel having an interior side and an exterior side, said panel being configured to convey a sentiment to a receiver of a gift; and

means for securing said panel to a bag containing said gift.

11. A greeting card as recited in claim 10, wherein said means for securing said panel to a bag containing said gift comprises means for closing said bag.

12. A greeting card as recited in claim 11, wherein said means for closing said bag comprises:

one or more apertures formed in said panel; and

at least two folds in said panel.

13. A greeting card as recited in claim 10, wherein said panel is integrated with said bag.

14. A greeting card as recited in claim 10, wherein said means for securing comprises:

an elongate slot in said panel; and

one or more folds proximate said elongate slot.

15. A greeting card as recited in claim 14, wherein said elongate slot is substantially centered along a length of said panel.

16. A greeting card as recited in claim 14, wherein said one or more folds is two folds, and wherein said elongate slot is positioned between said two folds.

17. A greeting card as recited in claim 10, wherein said panel is a first panel and wherein said greeting card further comprises a second panel attached to said first panel.

18. A greeting card as recited in claim 17, wherein said first panel is folded, and wherein said second panel is attached to said interior side of said first panel.

19. A package assembly comprising:

a bag having an opening therein for receiving one or more items, said bag comprising at least one handle proximate said opening; and

a card mounted to said bag, wherein said card comprises a panel with a slot formed therein, and wherein said at least one handle is received within said slot.

20. A package assembly as recited in claim 19, wherein said card further comprises one or more folds proximate said slot, and wherein when said card is folded along said one or more folds, said card comprising an interior portion and an exterior portion.

21. A package assembly as recited in claim 20, wherein a sentiment conveyed on said interior portion is concealed by said bag.

22. A package assembly as recited in claim 20, wherein said card further comprises a second panel connected to said interior portion.

23. A package assembly as recited in claim 19, wherein said panel comprises a frontal portion and a back portion, wherein said slot substantially separates said frontal portion from said back portion, and wherein said frontal portion is mounted on a first, outer side of said bag, and wherein said back portion is mounted on a second portion of said bag.

24. A package assembly as recited in claim 23, wherein said second portion of said bag is an interior of said bag.

25. A package assembly as recited in claim 23, wherein said second portion of said bag is a second, outer side of said bag.

26. A package assembly as recited in 25, wherein said at least one handle is two handles, each of which are received by, and extended through, said slot.