RIBBON-STABILIZED GIFT BOX

Abstract

A container configured to secure a top section of the container to a bottom section of the container. The container includes a bottom section, including four side panels and a bottom panel, forming an internal cavity therein. The container also includes a top section that is sized in configured to be placed above the bottom section for enclosing the internal cavity of the bottom section. Small openings are included in two opposing side panels of the bottom section so that an elongate length of flexible material, such as a string or ribbon, may be laced through the holes of the opposing side panels and connected above the top section for securing the top section of the container to the bottom section.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/789,029, filed Apr. 4, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. The Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to methods and systems for securing a top section of a container to a bottom section of the container.

2. The Relevant Technology

The advent of gifts cards has altered the way in which many people give and receive gifts. While gift cards are convenient for both the purchaser of the gift card and recipient of the gift card, a problem encountered is the manner in which the gift card is presented to the recipient. Typically, gift cards are packaged by the provider in an envelope, and thus, are ultimately presented to the recipient by handing the recipient the envelope housing the gift card. Because the purchaser may spend a large amount of money on a gift card, the purchaser and/or the recipient of the gift card may feel that simply placing the gift card in an envelope cheapens the overall quality of the gift. Instead, the purchaser and/or recipient of the gift card would prefer to give or receive an item that has the appearance and feel of a traditional gift, that is, boxes, ribbons, and the like.

Furthermore, users of traditional boxes, whether used for gift boxes, packaging, or other uses, often find frustration when attempting to secure the lid of the box to the main body of the box. In many cases, the lid of the box is often inadvertently removed or opened, allowing the contents of the box to be exposed or removed. One common method used to secure the lid of the box to the main body of the box is to tape the lid of the box to the main body of the box. However, taping the lid of the box to the main body of the box can be unsightly when the tape is removed because the adhesive nature of tape often tears off the outer layer of the box upon removal. Therefore, in order to secure the lid of the box to the main body of the box, a string or rope is often tied around the entire body and lid of the box. This method often results in frustration when the string or rope is inadvertently removed from the box, thereby allowing the lid to be removed and exposing the contents of the box. This may be particularly true of gift boxes which have ribbons tied around them, since the ribbons often slide off one side of the gift box because the ribbon is not permanently attached to any part of the box.

The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one exemplary technology area where some embodiments described herein may be practiced.

BRIEF SUMMARY

One embodiment is directed to a container including a bottom section, a top section, and an elongate length of flexible material, such as a rope or ribbon. The bottom section includes four side panels and a bottom panel to form an internal cavity within the bottom section. The top section is sized and configured to enclose the internal cavity of the bottom section. A first side panel of the bottom section includes a first hole, and a second side panel opposite the first side panel includes a second hole. The elongate length of flexible material is laced through the first hole, through the internal cavity of the bottom section and through the second hole, and is configured to secure the top section to the bottom section. The elongate length of flexible material may include various materials, including a string, a ribbon, a chain, and the like.

Variations to the example container are also disclosed herein. For example, in one embodiment, a container includes a bottom section including a bottom panel and a surrounding sidewall forming an internal cavity. The surrounding sidewall includes a first hole and a second hole on opposing portions of the surrounding sidewall. The container also includes a top section sized and configured to enclose the internal cavity of the bottom section. Finally, an elongate length of flexible material is laced through the first hole, through the internal cavity of the bottom section and through the second hole such that at least a portion of the elongate length of flexible material is enclosed within the internal cavity. The elongate length of flexible material secures the top section to the bottom section when a first end of the elongate length of flexible material is attached to a second end of the elongate length of flexible material at a location above the top section. The shape of the container may include a square, a rectangle, an oval, a circle, and the like.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential characteristics of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Additional features will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the teachings herein. Features of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. 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 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. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one example of an open container in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1, wherein the top section of the illustrated container is secured to the bottom section with an elongate length of flexible material.

FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1, including one example of an insert for displaying an item to a user.

FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective view of the example container of FIG. 1, including a second embodiment of an insert for displaying an item to a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention

Embodiments of the present invention provide for a container that may be configured for the storage, display and/or presentation of various items. The container includes a bottom section, a top section, and an elongate length of flexible material. The bottom section includes four side panels and a bottom panel forming an internal cavity. Two opposing side panels include a hole such that the elongate length of flexible material may pass through the internal cavity of the bottom section of the container. The top section may be placed over the bottom section to enclose the internal cavity of the bottom section. The elongate length of flexible material may pass over the top section of the container for securing the top section to the bottom section.

In one embodiment, the container further includes a display panel that may be placed within the internal cavity of the bottom section of the container. The display panel may be configured for concealing the portion of the elongate length of flexible material that travels through the internal cavity of the bottom section, and for retaining an item to be displayed upon removing the top section of the container.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a more detailed example is illustrated using a diagrammed reference of a container 100. The container 100 includes a top section 102, a bottom section 104, and an elongate length of flexible material 120. The bottom section 104 includes four side panels 106, 108, 110 and 112, and a bottom panel 114, thus forming an internal cavity 115. A first side 108 of the bottom section 104 includes a first hole 116, and a second side 112 of the bottom section 104 that is opposite from the first side 108 includes a second hole 118. The elongate length of flexible material 120 may be laced through the first hole 116 and may continue through the internal cavity 115 of the bottom section 104, and exit the internal cavity from the second hole 118.

Referring now to FIG. 2, another depiction is provided of the container 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 1 illustrates that the top section 102 may be used as a lid for enclosing the internal cavity 115 of the bottom section 104. After placing the top section 102 over the bottom section 104 to enclose the internal cavity 115, the two ends 122 and 124 of the elongate length of flexible material 120 may be joined together to secure the top section 102 to the bottom section 104. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the two ends 122 and 124 of the elongate length of flexible material 120 may be tied to form a knot or bow 126 over the top section 102 in order to secure the top section 102 to the bottom section 104. Alternatively, the two ends 122 and 124 of the elongate length of flexible material 120 may be joined together by other types of fastening mechanisms, including a buckle configuration, a clip, a button, a snap, an adhesive, a latch, a hook and eye, a magnet, among other means that may be employed for joining the first end 122 to the second end 124 of the elongate length of flexible material 120. In another embodiment, the elongate length of flexible material 120 may include an elastic band which may be stretched over the top panel 103 of the top section 102 for securing the top section 102 to the bottom section 104.

The container 100 may also include a first grommet 117 and a second grommet 119 for reinforcing the first hole 116 and the second hole 118, respectively. The grommets 117 and 119 may be constructed from metal, plastic, or other heavy duty material.

A variety of types and configurations of containers 100 can be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example the container 100 may be constructed from a variety of materials, including, but not limited to, cardboard, plastic, wood, paper, foam, and the like. Furthermore, the elongate length of flexible material 120 may include a ribbon, a rope, a string, length of yarn, a chain, a shoelace, a length of twine, an elastic, a leather strap, a belt, a cord, and the like.

The container 100 may be configured in a variety of shapes and sizes. For example, the size of the container 100 may vary from a small box that may be held in the palm of a hand (e.g., 1″×1″×1″) to a large box employed for moving and storing large items. Also, the form factor of the container 100 may be in the shape of cube or a rectangle, as illustrated in the Figures herein. Alternatively, a cross section of the internal cavity 115 of the container 100 may be in the shape of a circle or oval, wherein holes are located on two opposing sides of the container 100 so that the elongate length of flexible material 120 may secure a circular or oval shaped top section 102 to a similarly shaped bottom section 104. The container 100 may take on other shapes and form factors having two holes on opposing sides and an elongate length of flexible material laced therethrough for securing a top section of the container to a bottom section.

The relationship between the top section 102 and the bottom section 104 may also include various configurations without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the top section 102 may be completely removable from the bottom section 104. Alternatively, the top section 102 may be hingedly attached to the bottom section 104. For example, the top section 102 and the bottom section 104 may be constructed from one contiguous piece of material, such as cardboard or plastic. The container may include a fold where the top section 102 meets the bottom section 104 to form a hinge so that the top section 102 may moved between an open and a closed position without completely detaching the top section 102 from the bottom section 104. Alternatively, the top section 102 may be separate from the bottom section 104, wherein the two sections are joined together with a separate hinge. When the top section 102 is hingedly attached to the bottom section 104, as described in the present embodiment, the elongate length of flexible material 120 may continue to serve its purpose of securing the top section 102 to the bottom section 104 by connecting the first and second ends 122 and 124 of the elongate length of flexible material 120 to retain the top section 102 is in a closed position.

FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of the container 100 in which an insert 128 is being used. The insert 128 may be placed within the internal cavity 115 of the bottom section 104. The insert 128 may enclose the portion of the elongate length of flexible material 120 that resides within the internal cavity 115 such that it is hidden from the view of a user. The top panel 134 of the insert 128 may be configured for displaying an item 140 to a user. For example, the top panel 134 may include a form factor 142 for securing a designated item 140 for the display of the item 140 a user. However, the insert 128 need not be used for the display of the designated item 140, and a user may instead place items directly in the internal cavity with the items arranged around the elongate length of flexible material 120.

The insert 128 may be constructed from any material that is capable of supporting and displaying a predetermined item 140. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3A, the insert 128 is constructed from a solid material, such as foam, wood, and the like. However, other materials may be employed, such as cardboard, felt board, plastic, metal, and the like. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, the insert 128 may be constructed from preformed cardboard, plastic, or the like, and may include a front panel 130 and a rear panel 132 for supporting the top panel 134. The material used to construct the insert 128 may depend on the quality, weight, and/or size of the item 140 being displayed, and the preference of the manufacturer. The example insert 128 forms an arch, such that the elongate length of flexible material 120 may travel thereunder, hidden from the view of a user. The top panel 134 of the insert 128 may be slightly angled to aid in the display of the item 140.

When used in combination with the insert 128, illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the features of the present invention allow the ribbon 120 to be hidden from the view of a user while retaining its ability to secure the top section 102 to the bottom section 104. Furthermore, when the insert 128 is employed for displaying an item 140 to a user, the portion of the internal cavity 115 underlying the insert 128 will typically be unused, and therefore will be unimpeded by the presence of the elongate length of flexible material 120.

The containers described herein advantageously allow a user to secure a top section 102 of a container to a bottom section 104 of the container by way of an elongate length of flexible material 120, such as a string, rope, and the like, while reducing the risk that the string or rope securing the top section to the bottom section will be inadvertently removed. As described previously, conventional boxes typically are secured by wrapping a string or rope around the entire container. When a string or rope is wrapped around the entire container a single time, the string or rope is often easily removed from the container by simply sliding the string or rope off of the end of the container. Conversely, the containers of the present invention allow the elongate length of flexible material 120 to be laced through the internal cavity 115 of the container 100, thereby integrating the elongate length of flexible material with the container. This integration of the elongate length of flexible material and the container prevents the elongate length of flexible material from being removed from the container by simply sliding the elongate length of flexible material off of one end of the container.

The containers of the present invention provide a variety of uses. As illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the containers described herein may be employed as a display box or a gift box for a variety of items. For example, and insert 128 may be specifically designed for the display of jewelry, gift cards, electronic devices, designer pens or pencils, watches, spectacles (i.e., prescription glasses or sunglasses), and the like. In particular, when used as a gift box for a gift card, the containers described herein provide the advantage of having the look and feel of a traditional gift or present, as opposed to merely presenting the gift card in an envelope. This feature provides the purchaser and recipient of the gift card with the feeling of receiving a gift of substantial value, instead of merely receiving a card.

Alternatively, the container 100 may be non-decorative in nature. For example, the container 100 may include a large box used to store or move large items or equipment, where it is desirable to secure the lid of the box (i.e., the top section 102) to the main body of the box (i.e., the bottom section 104).

The present invention may 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 container comprising:

a bottom section comprising four side panels and a bottom panel forming an internal cavity, wherein a first side panel includes a first hole and a second side panel opposite the first side panel includes a second hole;

a top section sized and configured to enclose the internal cavity of the bottom section; and

an elongate length of flexible material laced through the first hole, through the internal cavity of the bottom section and through the second hole such that at least a portion of the elongate length of flexible material is enclosed within the internal cavity, and configured to secure the top section to the bottom section when a first end of the elongate length of flexible material is attached to a second end of the elongate length of flexible material at a location above the top section.

2. The container as recited in claim 1, wherein the elongate length of flexible material is selected from a group consisting of a chain, a rope, a ribbon, a string, a length of yarn, a shoelace, a length of twine, a cord, a leather strap, a belt, and an elastic.

3. The container as recited in claim 1, further comprising an insert configured to be placed within the internal cavity of the bottom portion and further configured to secure and display an item when the top section is removed from the bottom section.

4. The container as recited in claim 3, wherein the insert is further configured to conceal the portion of the elongate length of flexible material enclosed within the internal cavity.

5. The container as recited in claim 4, wherein the insert is further sized and configured in the shape of the arch comprising two side panels and a top panel, the two side panels configured to support the top panel, and the top panel configured to conceal the portion of the elongate length of flexible material enclosed within the internal cavity and further configured to secure and display the item.

6. The container as recited in claim 3, wherein the insert is further configured to secure and display a credit-card-shaped item.

7. The container as recited in claim 1, wherein the first and second ends of the elongate length of flexible material are configured to be attached at a location above the top section by tying the first and second ends together.

8. The container as recited in claim 1, wherein the first and second ends of the elongate length of flexible material are configured to be attached at a location above the top section by joining a fastening mechanism attached at the first and second ends of the elongate length of flexible material.

9. The container as recited in claim 1, wherein the top section is hingedly coupled to one of the four side panels of the bottom section to allow the top section to be opened and closed.

10. The container as recited in claim 1, wherein the top section is completely removable from the bottom section.

11. The container as recited in claim 1, further comprising a first grommet coupled to the first hole for reinforcing the first hole and a second grommet coupled to the second hole for reinforcing the second hole.

12. A container comprising:

a bottom section including a bottom panel and a surrounding sidewall forming an internal cavity, wherein the surrounding sidewall includes a first hole and a second hole on opposing portions of the surrounding sidewall;

a top section sized and configured to enclose the internal cavity of the bottom section; and

an elongate length of flexible material laced through the first hole, through the internal cavity of the bottom section and through the second hole such that at least a portion of the elongate length of flexible material is enclosed within the internal cavity, and configured to secure the top section to the bottom section when a first end of the elongate length of flexible material is attached to a second end of the elongate length of flexible material at a location above the top section.

13. The container as recited in claim 12, wherein the bottom panel is configured in a circular or oval shape, and wherein the surrounding sidewall creates an internal cavity having a circular or oval shaped cross section, and wherein the top section is sized and configured to enclose the circular or oval shaped internal cavity.

14. The container as recited in claim 12, wherein the bottom panel is configured in square or rectangular shape, and wherein the surrounding sidewall further comprises four side panels creating an internal cavity having a square or rectangular shaped cross section, wherein a first side panel includes a first hole and a second side panel opposite the first side panel includes a second hole, and wherein the top section is sized and configured to enclose the square or rectangular shaped internal cavity.

15. The container as recited in claim 12, wherein the elongate length of flexible material is selected from a group consisting of a chain, a rope, a ribbon, a string, a cord, and an elastic.

16. The container as recited in claim 12, further comprising an insert configured to be placed within the internal cavity of the bottom portion and to secure and display an item when the top section is removed from the bottom section, and further configured to conceal the portion of the elongate length of flexible material enclosed within the internal cavity.

17. The container as recited in claim 16, wherein the insert is further configured to secure and display a credit-card-shaped item.

18. The container as recited in claim 12, wherein the first and second ends of the elongate length of flexible material are configured to be attached at a location above the top section by tying the first and second ends together.

19. The container as recited in claim 12, wherein the first and second ends of the elongate length of flexible material are configured to be attached at a location above the top section by joining a connecting mechanism attached at the first and second ends of the elongate length of flexible material.

20. The container as recited in claim 12, wherein the top section is hingedly coupled to one of the four side panels of the bottom section to allow the top section to be opened and closed.