PLUSH DELIVERY VEHICLE DEVICE AND KIT CONTAINING THE SAME

Abstract

The present invention relates to a plush delivery vehicle for securely retailing, transporting, and displaying a card-type electronic device as a gift, and a kit for containing the same. The plush delivery vehicle is operable as an additional gift or useful consumer item following transfer and removal of the electronic gift. The plush delivery vehicle may assume a different function for post-sale operation and use, for example as a decorative device, a frame display, and an entertainment device.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/778,803 filed on Mar. 3, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a plush delivery vehicle. More specifically, the present invention relates to a plush delivery vehicle for transmission of an electronic transfer device, and kit for containing the same with secondary use as a display item.

2. Description of the Related Art

The related art involves plush children's toys and dolls having a generally cushioning feel and greatly varied construction depending upon an ultimate use of the product.

In Chun, U.S. Pat. No. 6,446,361, a transformable slipper toy is constructed from plush material. Specifically, a slipper having a sole and a foot covering transform into a toy play character by coupling the sole to the foot covering. The toy character may tale the form of an animal, a human figure, or an imaginary, or abstract character, or other object. The transforming slipper toy may be made of plush material providing a pleasing feel. Conveniently, the sole is coupled to the foot covering using Velcro, buttons or snap fasteners, hooks, a zipper or other means. The sole may be constructed to have a type of pocket for receiving a heel portion of the sole whereby the sole and the foot covering are united. As shown, the foot covering carries a number of decorative appendages for simulating a toy character. The appendages will preferably be made of plush material so that the slipper will have a generally cuddly appearance

In Sheridan, U.S. Pat. No. 6,256,965, a plush toy bed apparatus is constructed by a method for reproducing a pre-selected subject matter such as a wild animal in a “material comfort object” incorporating a cavity that may be enhanced into an enclave by incorporating pre-selected portions of the subject matter such as a head or legs to add a surround to the cavity, giving preference to reproducing areas of the subject matter with plush material which resembles the color and texture of the subject matter while maintaining easy access to the cavity thereby presenting an exposed surface or comfort panel that is soft, warm and inviting to the user of the object. A child safe pocket may be formed in the object to hold custom designed device. Here there is no capacity to employ the device as a promotional system.

In Trageser, U.S. Pat. No. 6,176,759, for a push-pull toy having pivoting arms. A toy body is formed as a generally fanciful creature including a tail portion and a head portion. A storage vehicle suitable for receiving and retaining a plush toy figure is positioned as shown in the disclosure. A conventional sound circuit is supported within the interior of the head portion while a rotatable string reel is supported for actuating the sound circuit. A pocket within the body is provided for storing a toy lifesaver or other toy. The four supporting wheels of the push-pull toys body are supported upon respective axels in an offset or eccentric attachment. In addition, the front two wheel each include an offset cam and cam follower which cooperate and pivot an upwardly extending arm. The upwardly extending arm provides pivotal coupling to the forwardly extending arms and imparts pivotal motion thereto in a pleasing manner. Again here, there is no capacity to employ the device as a promotional system, nor the ready adaptability to alternative shapes.

What is not appreciated by the related art is the need for a plush delivery vehicle for a gift promotional situation, one that is readily adaptable to a variety of shapes and promotional situations.

What is also not appreciated by the related prior art is the need for an advertising assembly that securely holds a first gift and also serves a secondary role as an additional gift following removal of the first gift.

Accordingly, there is a need for a plush delivery vehicle that addresses the unmet needs in the related art.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A goal of the present invention is to provide a plush vehicle for securely retaining an electronic device that responds to at least one of the needs noted above.

Another goal of the present invention is to provide a delivery vehicle for an electronic delivery card device that enables a secondary use as a display and promotion device for promoting the sale of the electronic device.

Another goal of the present invention is to provide a delivery vehicle that enables additional use as an ornament, picture frame, decorative hanging, or other consumer device.

Another goal of the present invention is to provide a gift packaging kit, comprising: a flexible-textile plush exterior layer substantially bounding an inner volume containing a compressible medium and forming a three dimensional configuration; at least one external pocket means on an outer surface of said plush exterior layer for receivably storing a gift item; and said gift item being at least one of an electronic data storage medium (gift card) and an image display device (a photo).

The present invention relates to a plush delivery vehicle for securely retaining, transporting, and displaying a card-type electronic device as a gift, and a kit for containing the same. The plush delivery vehicle is operable as an additional gift or useful consumer item following transfer and removal of the electronic gift. The plush delivery vehicle may assume a different function for post-sale operation and use, for example as a decorative device, a frame display, and an entertainment device.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a plush delivery vehicle for securely retaining, transporting, and displaying a card-type electronic device as a gift, and kit for containing the same with secondary use of the plush delivery vehicle as an additional gift or other useful consumer item following transfer of the electronic gift. The plush delivery vehicle may assume a different function for after transmission operation as a decorative device, a service device, a display device, and an entertainment device.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is also provided, the use of a plush vehicle for receiving and securely retaining a card-type electronic memory device and use of the same in sales promotion. According to the present business model, a selected sales promoter (a consumer store) will absorb the cost of the plush package to promote gift-card sales which is normally considered to be profitable. The invention is some form of a gift-card vehicle having a preferably soft plush exterior defining and bounding an inner volume containing a compressible medium, wherein the vehicle may be constructed in a wide variety of shapes (animal, star, geometric object, plant shape, mask, etc.). The vehicle including a pocket for receiving an electronic data storage medium a/k/a gift-card and for protecting the same from electromagnetic degradation via separation from other electronic gift cards.

According to another embodiment of the present invention the plush vehicles may be alternative used as sales promotions or give-away items, wherein a web site or other address is printed on an exterior surface, and a pre-loaded gift card is included in a pocket for promotional spending on the advertised web site or local. In this manner, a business model may self-promote by either giving away the plush vehicles, or selling at a steep discount allowing the customer to employ the remaining electronic cash stored on the gift card on the promoted web site.

The above, and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in conduction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate the same elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 refers to a gift card plush folding book pillow ornament device for enclosing a gift card in an inner pocket.

FIG. 2 refers to a gift card plush gift box ornament-containing a packet member for receiving an electronic transmission device on an outer surface of the plush vehicle.

FIG. 3 contains a comprehensive disclosure for a gift card plush line directed to a heart-shaped ornament vehicle, and a secondary pocketbook apparatus incorporating the use of the heart-shaped ornament apparatus.

FIG. 4 refers to a gift card plush item shown as a plush gift box ornament according to one of the embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 refers to a gift box ornament embodiment as described in FIG. 4 containing an electronic transmission device within a pocket.

FIG. 6 refers to a gift card plush vehicle wherein a gift box ornament contains a looping device for suspending the same from a support feature.

FIG. 7 an embodiment is shown describing a plush card gift product shaped as a star ornament, wherein an additional hanging loop is described.

FIG. 8 refers now to variant plush vehicle design based on FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 refers to a measuring tape type ornament for a gift card plush line, wherein the assembly is shaped as a tape measurer additionally containing a gift-card receiving pocket for receipt and transmission of an electronic transfer device.

FIG. 10 discloses an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein a mobile/cell phone ornament having an additional cord loop and pocket for receiving an electronic transmission device are disclosed.

FIG. 11 is an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure and provides an ornament containing an additional hanging loop and a pocket for containing an electronic transmission device such as a gift card.

FIG. 12 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein an ornamental assembly contains an additional hanging cord loop, and an attached envelope for retaining an electronic transmission device in close proximity to the plush vehicle.

FIG. 13 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention, and additionally discloses a close-up view of a roundish ornament for review and disclosure thereto.

FIG. 14 wherein an alternative embodiment of the present invention provides a sneaker-type ornament device having a hanging loop proximate a distal end thereof and a removable foam rubber tread portion along with an electronic gift transfer medium.

FIG. 15 provides an alternative embodiment of the present invention as a snowflake pillow containing a suspension loop and a rear positioned pocket for receiving an electronic transmission device therein.

FIG. 16 provides an alternative embodiment of the present invention and notes a suit lapel type ornament as a plush vehicle delivery system containing an additional pocket for receiving an electronic transmission device.

FIG. 17 provides an alternative embodiment of the present invention as a tree-shaped ornament, containing an additional suspension loop

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments of the invention that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps. The drawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale. For purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional terms, such as top, bottom, up, down, over, above, and below may be used with respect to the drawings. These and similar directional terms should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. The words “connect,” “couple,” and similar terms with their inflectional morphemes do not necessarily denote direct and immediate connections, but also include connections through mediate elements or devices.

As used herein the phrase plush is intended to be broadly interpreted, and to those of skill in the art viewing the entire disclosure, will have a broad descriptive meaning incorporating a soft or squeezable capacity and not necessarily a soft-to-the-touch outer surface. Plush vehicles are commonly made of an exterior or outer boundary layer formed from a furry or compressible textile fabrics like terry cloth or velvet that are soft-to-the-touch and are easy to grab and pleasing to hold yet retain an outer shape reasonable well when filled with a compressible medium such as cushioning or stuffing.

However, as used herein a plush vehicle may also include an outer boundary layer of non-textile flexible materials such as vinyl film, Mylar, neoprene and neoprene like materials including elastomeric films, amorphous-strand thin-film products such as housing-wrap and mailing envelopes or combinations of any of the above.

Each type of plush construction may also include semi-rigid or rigid portions enabling the outer covering to assume various functions and shapes adapted to a customer advertising need; for example as a gift box, as a gift shoe or sneaker, a bar-code label box region, and as a gift tape measuring tool while retaining a squeezable capacity (deflection in response to force and return to near initial-net form or initial-net form). In each case a flexible outer layer bounds an inner compressible medium. The inner compressible medium may be air, foam, cloth, gel, neoprene, textile goods, and any other type of packing and stuffing material readily available to the consuming public. The pocket or region for retaining and securely retaining

On an exterior surface, the semi-rigid or rigid portions may be a belt loop snap of the type commonly found on tape-measurers, a hanging member, a pocket container ridge, a picture-frame member, an applied decoration, a brand-name marking or label member, zipper, a light emitting device such as an LED, an attachment point for an additional garment member, a picture-frame-stand member, or any other semi-rigid or rigid member useful to those of skill in the art attempting to carry out the goals discussed herein that may be stitched, applied, or fixed in position relative to the external layer of the plush vehicle. On interior regions the semi-rigid or rigid portions may be structurally supportive, or create a form that receives the inner compressible medium and is enwrapped by the outer boundary layer. Where alternative embodiments also include an RFID product identification tag, a vibration-generation unit for entertainment, a sound recording mechanism, or other advertising or marketing aids, these may be retained on the interior regions of the plush vehicle.

In brief summary, the concept is the use of a plush vehicle for receiving and securely retaining a card-type electronic memory or an electronic transmission device. The store will absorb the cost of the package to promote gift-card sales—typically a high profit margin business.

The invention is some form of a gift-card vehicle having a preferably plush exterior or outer boundary layer defining and bounding an inner volume containing a compressible medium, wherein the vehicle may be constructed in a wide variety of shapes (animal, star, geometric object, plant shape, mask, etc.). The vehicle including a pocket or other storage system or engagement function for receiving and securely storing an electronic data storage medium a/k/a gift-card. For example, a storage system may be a pocket, or series of rigid clips for compressing and securely retaining the gift-card, or a Velcro attachment point for bonding with a co-Velcro unit affixed to the gift-card.

As noted above, the preferably soft plush exterior being any common type of plush medium, from looped cotton terry to synthetic fur or vinyl film, along a definable plush fineness scale. The inner compressible medium having a certain average modulus of elasticity when contained (for example, air has a module of elasticity of approximately 1.0 when retained in a balloon). The pocket optionally includes a viewing window and a gift-card engagement function for securing the electronic recording medium (electronic gift card).

Optional details for the plush vehicle include: (1) a vibration feature, (2) a hanger device enabling secondary use as a decoration; (3) a “write-on area” for addressing to a gift recipient or to print or secure an item bar code—constructed from a smoother textile or smooth film material for accepting a printing medium or an add-on sticker for writing, (4) combination with an RFID tracking and quick-check-out device for theft prevention and to speed sales transfer, (5) an openable “inner pocket” for storing an additional or second gift, (6) the later use of the viewing window as a picture frame or the inclusion of specially designed exterior window regions allowing later use of the plush vehicle as a soft picture frame; and (7) an internal power source+sound recording and generation system to record a gift-message “Happy Birthday” perhaps upon removal of the gift card.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a plurality of views are provide and disclose a plush delivery vehicle or simply a plush vehicle 1 includes an outer boundary layer 2 (here a vinyl leather) enclosing an inner compressible medium (not shown). A loop 3 projects away from plush vehicle 1 to enable hanging plush vehicle 1 from an external support. A bounded pocket region 4 is shaped to receive and electronic transmission device 5, here shown as a representative electronic gift card for transferring store credit or a preserved cash value.

Here, a hinge region 6 enables opposing sides of plush vehicle 1 to fold relative to hinge region 6 and tie strings 7 allowing a user to secure both sides together for ready transport and a pleasing outer appearance. An external labeling or branding region 8 allows users to either write a message or provide a particular brand, as shown a brand is provided.

As can be noted from the side view, plush vehicle 1 is approximately ½″ deep in a central region and outer boundary layer 2 bounds inner compressible medium.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a variety of views are provided and disclose a plush delivery vehicle or a plush vehicle 1A including an outer boundary layer 2A (here a velour fabric) enclosing an inner compressible medium (not shown). A loop 3A within a ribbon member 6A projects away from plush vehicle 1A to aid in hanging plush vehicle 1A from an external support. A bounded pocket region 4A is shaped to receive and securely retain an electronic transmission device 5A, shown here as an electronic gift card.

Here a brand label region 8A is positioned on bounded pocket region 4A and allows a user to hand-write or label a particular brand with a sellers mark. Without departing from the scope of the present invention. Here plush vehicle 1A is shown as a plush gift-box to be appealing to consumers, but nothing herein shall require such a shape, and the present principal of invention is represented thoughout the disclosure as adaptable to a wide variety of promotional shapes, depending upon a user's demand.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a variety of views are provided and disclose a plush delivery vehicle 1B including an outer boundary layer 2B (ere a patterned or plain satin textile) enclosing a compressible medium (not shown). A loop 3B is provided near a top center of tie heart-shape device, and projects away from plush vehicle 1B to aid in displaying and supporting the device (prior to sale or during later use as an ornament). A bounded pocket region 4B is shaped to receive and securely retain an electronic transmission device 5B, shown here as an electronic gift card.

A brand label or message region 8B allows a user or initial manufactured to identify their brand or create a message to an intended gift recipient. Also shown here is an accessory bag 6B that may be created to match plush vehicle 1B.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a plush delivery vehicle 1C includes an outer boundary layer 2C (here a satin textile) encloses a compressible medium (not shown). A loop 3C associated with a ribbon 7C projects upwardly away from vehicle 1C to aid in later use—post purchase. A bounded pocket region 4C, here shown as a separable plastic sleeve is affixed to plush vehicle by a tie-member (not shown). Pocket region 4C is shaped to receive and securely retain an electronic transmission device 5C, shown again as an electric gift card.

In contrast to the above embodiments a branding or labeling region 8C is provided on ribbon 7C or on the electronic medium 5C itself.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a plush delivery vehicle 1D includes an outer boundary layer 2D (shown here as a velvet) encloses a compressible medium (not shown). A loop 3D, associated with ribbon 7D projects upwardly away from vehicle 1D to aid in later support and re-use post purchase.

A bounded pocket region 4D, here attached to an exterior of plush vehicle 1D, and is shaped to receive and securely retain an electronic transmission device 5D, noted as an electronic gift card.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a plush delivery vehicle 1E includes an outer boundary layer 2E (shown here as a velvet) encloses a compressible medium (not shown). A loop 3E, associated with ribbon 7E projects upwardly away from vehicle 1E to aid in later support and re-use post purchase.

A bounded pocket region 4E, here attached to an exterior of plush vehicle 1E, and is shaped to receive and securely retain an electronic transmission device 5E, noted as an electronic gift card. A brand or logo region 5E may be alternatively used as a writing surface and is smooth for easy resale.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a plush delivery vehicle 1F includes an outer boundary layer 2F (here red satin), and encloses a compressible medium (not shown). A loop 3F, associated with ribbon element 7F projects upwardly away from the from plush vehicle 1F for use as an aid in promoting purchase.

A bounded pocket region 4F, here attached via a string to ribbon element 7F, to securely receive and retain an electronic transmission device 5F, noted as an electronic gift card. A brand or logo region 8F may be alternatively used as a writing surface and is smooth for easy resale.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a plush delivery vehicle 1G includes an outer boundary layer 2G there red satin), and encloses a compressible medium (not shown). A loop 3G projects upwardly away from the from plush vehicle 1G for use as an aid in promoting purchase.

A bounded pocket region 4G, is shaped to securely receive and retain an electronic transmission device 5G, noted as an electronic gift card. A brand or logo region 8G may be alternatively used as a writing surface and is smooth for easy resale.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a plurality of views show an alternative variation of a plush delivery vehicle 1H includes an outer boundary layer 2H (here a shiny vinyl), and encloses a compressible medium (not shown). A loop 3H projects away from plush vehicle 1H for use as an aid in promoting purchase and hanging and displaying the product. Here, loop 3H mimics the measuring-tape pull-tab.

A bounded pocket region 4H, is shaped to securely receive and retain an electronic transmission device 5H, noted as an electronic gift card. A brand or logo region 5H may be alternatively used as a writing surface and is smooth for easy resale. A rigid button member 7H mimics the operation tab on a tape measurer and promotes a pleasing exterior.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a plurality of views show an alternative variation of a plush delivery vehicle 1I including an outer boundary layer 2I (here a shiny lame fabric), and encloses a compressible medium (not shown). A loop 3I projects away from plush vehicle 1I for use as an aid in promoting purchase and hanging and displaying the product. Here, loop 3I mimics the measuring-tape pull-tab.

A bounded pocket region 4H, is shaped to securely receive and retain an electronic transmission device 5I (not shown within pocket region 4H), noted as an electronic gift card. A brand or logo region 8I may be alternatively used as a writing surface and is smooth (in this embodiment) for easy resale. A plurality of rigid button members 9I mimic the buttons on a cellular phone, as does printing on outer boundary layer 2I.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a single view shows an alternative variation of a plush delivery vehicle 1J including an outer boundary layer 2J (here a red lame fabric with top cap being a silver lame), and encloses a compressible medium (not shown). A loop 3J projects away from plush vehicle 1J for use as an aid in promoting purchase and hanging and displaying the product. Here, loop 3J mimics the hanging loop on a holiday ornament.

A bounded pocket region 4J, is shaped to securely receive and retain an electronic transmission device 5J (not shown within pocket region 4H), noted as an electronic gift card. A brand or logo region 8J may be alternatively used as a writing surface and is smooth (in this embodiment) for easy reuse. Here, an additional cap member 9J is also formed of outer boundary layer material (here a silver or alternative color lame).

Referring now to FIG. 12, several views provide an alternative variation of a plush delivery vehicle 1K including an outer boundary layer 2K (here a colored and patterned textile or vinyl), and encloses a compressible medium (not shown). A loop 3K projects away from plush vehicle 1K for use as an aid in promoting purchase and hanging and displaying the product. As earlier, loop 3K mimics the hanging loop on a holiday ornament.

A separate bounded pocket region 4K, is shaped to securely receive and retain an electronic transmission device 5K, noted as an electronic gift card. A brand or logo region 8K may be alternatively used as a writing surface and is pre-printed (in this embodiment) for brand marking purposes. Here, an additional cap member 9K is also formed of outer boundary layer material and includes a ribbon member 7K.

Referring now to FIG. 13, several views of an alternative variation of a plush delivery vehicle 1L including an outer boundary layer 2L (here a colored and patterned lame or vinyl), and encloses a compressible medium (not shown). A loop 3L projects away from plush vehicle 1L for use as an aid in promoting purchase and hanging and displaying the product. As earlier, loop 3L mimics the hanging loop on a holiday ornament.

A separate bounded pocket region 4L, is shaped to securely receive and retain an electronic transmission device 5L, noted as an electronic gift card. A brand or logo region 8L may be alternatively used as a writing surface and is pre-printed (in this embodiment) for brand marking purposes. Here, an additional cap member 9L is also formed of outer boundary layer material.

Referring now to FIG. 14, a plurality of views of construction steps for an alternative variation of a plush delivery vehicle 1M including an outer boundary layer 2M (here a colored and patterned lame or vinyl), and encloses a compressible medium (not shown). A loop 3M projects away from plush vehicle 1M and mimics a sneaker pull-tab for use as an aid in promoting purchase and hanging and displaying the product on a point of purchase display rack similar to the related sneaker product.

A separate bounded pocket region 4M, is shaped to securely receive and retain an electronic transmission device 5M, noted as an electronic gift card. A brand or logo region 8M may be alternatively used as a writing surface and is pre-printed (in this embodiment) for brand marling purposes. Here, an additional foam rubber tread-mimic member 9M is also formed on outer boundary layer material to further the impression of the plush vehicle as related to the product promoted.

As should be additionally noted, loop 3M and other areas of plush vehicle 1M includes external webbing 7M, employed in a manner and affixed to outer boundary layer 2M to aid the mimic-quality of the plush vehicle as a sneaker.

Referring now to FIG. 15, a plurality of views for an alternative variation of a plush delivery vehicle 1N including an outer boundary layer 2N (here a colored silver glitter fabric), and encloses a compressible medium (not shown). A loop 3N projects away from plush vehicle 1N and mimics a hanging tab for a holiday ornament as an aid in promoting purchase and hanging and displaying the product on a point of purchase display rack similar to the related sneaker product.

A separate bounded pocket region 4N, is shaped to securely receive and retain an electronic transmission device 5N, noted as an electronic gift card. A brand or logo region 8N may be alternatively used as a writing surface and is left blank (in this embodiment) for purchaser entry of a gift recipient. Here, an additional ribbon 7N is provided proximate loop 3N to aid the impression of a glittery plush vehicle 1N.

Referring now to FIG. 16, a plurality of views for a plush delivery vehicle 1P including an outer boundary layer 2P (here a black satin material and a dark gray flannel material), and encloses a compressible medium (not shown). A loop 3P projects away from plush vehicle 1P and mimics a bow-tie portion for use as an aid in promoting purchase and hanging and displaying the product on a point of purchase display region.

A separate bounded pocket region 4P, is shaped to securely receive and retain an electronic transmission device 5P, noted as an electronic gift card. Here, an additional region of exterior layer 2P is shaped as a suit lapel to aid the impression of the product. Similarly a rigid or semi-rigid button member 7P is affixed to exterior or outer boundary layer 2P.

As should be additionally noted, loop 3P and other areas of plush vehicle 1P and outer boundary layer 2P may include ornamental stitching 8P or physical adornment without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 17, a plurality of views of construction steps for an alternative variation of a plush delivery vehicle 1Q including an outer boundary layer 2Q (here a colored and patterned lame or vinyl), and encloses a compressible medium (not shown). A top lop 3Q projects away from plush vehicle 1Q and mimics a holiday tree ornament as an aid in promoting purchase and hanging and displaying the product on a point of purchase display rack similar to the related product. Obviously, this also enables the product to assume a secondary role as an ornament post-purchase.

A separate bounded pocket region 4Q, is shaped to securely receive and retain an electronic transmission device 5Q, noted as an electronic gift card. A brand or logo region 8Q may be alternatively used as a writing surface and may be pre-printed for brand marling purposes. Here, an additional element, namely a plurality of rigid or semi-rigid plastic buttons 9Q are also formed on outer boundary layer material 2Q to further the impression of the plush vehicle as related to the product promoted.

As should be additionally noted, an external ribbon member 7Q may be used to enhance the overall product.

In the claims, means- or step-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described or suggested herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Thus, for example, although a nail, a screw, and a bolt may not be structural equivalents in that a nail relies on friction between a wooden part and a cylindrical surface, a screw's helical surface positively engages the wooden part, and a bolt's head and nut compress opposite sides of a wooden part, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail, a screw, and a bolt may be readily understood by those skilled in the art as equivalent structures.

Having described at least one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various changes, modifications, and adaptations may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A gift packaging kit, comprising:

a generally flexible plush having an outer surface bounding an inner volume containing at least in part a compressible medium and forming a three dimensional configuration;

at least one pocket on said outer surface of said flexible plush for receivably storing and securely retaining a gift item; and

said gift item being at least one of an electronic data storage medium and an image display device.

2. A gift packaging kit as recited in claim 1, wherein said pocket is permanently attached to said outer surface of said flexible plush.

3. A gift packaging kit as recited in claim 2, wherein said gift item comprises a card-type electronic data storage medium.

4. A gift packaging kit as recited in claim 3, wherein said card-type electronic data storage medium comprises a retail gift card.

5. A gift packaging kit as recited in claim 2, wherein said pocket displays said gift item.

6. A gift packaging kit as recited in claim 1, where said flexible plush exterior layer is part of a plush having a secondary use after said gift item is removed.

7. A gift packaging kit as recited in claim 6, wherein said plush is a decorative device.

8. A gift packaging kit as recited in claim 6, wherein said plush is a picture frame.

9. A gift packaging kit as recited in claim 6, wherein said plush is an entertainment device.

10. A gift packaging kit as recited in claim 6, wherein said plush is an ornament or decorative hanging.

11. A method for promoting the sale of and for securely storing an electronic gift item, comprising the steps of:

selecting a gift vehicle for containing said electronic gift item; said gift vehicle being a substantially flexible plush having an outer surface bounding an inner volume containing at least a partial compressible medium and forming a three-dimensional configuration; said gift vehicle containing at least one pocket on said outer surface thereof for securely and receivably storing said electronic gift item;

preparing said electronic gift item for post-purchase consumer use by storing an electronic record thereon;

assembling said electronic gift item having said electronic record stored thereon and said gift vehicle by inserting said electronic gift item in said pocket; and

utilizing said electronic gift item in said assembled electronic gift item to execute a consumer transaction.

12. A method as recited in claim 11, wherein said electronic gift item comprises a card-type electronic data storage medium.

13. A method as recited in claim 12, wherein said card-type electronic data storage medium comprises a retail gift storing a value applicable to said consumer transaction.

14. A method as recited in claim 13, wherein said consumer transaction is carried out on a web site.

15. A method as recited in claim 13, wherein a website or other address is printed on said outer surface of said plush.