CONTAINER INCLUDING AN INTERACTIVE GAME BOARD AND BLANK FOR MAKING THE SAME

Abstract

A container constructed from a blank of foldable sheet material is provided. The container includes an interactive board game. The container further includes a top wall and an opposing bottom wall, a back wall and an opposing front wall, and a pair of opposing side walls. A game board is included on at least one of the walls, and at least one game piece is removably defined within one of the walls. The game piece is removable from the wall and is movable on the game board. The container further includes a game event indicator included on one of the walls. The game event indicator indicates an event occurring within the board game.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a container that includes an interactive game formed from a sheet of material, and more particularly to a container that includes an interactive game that is played by using the container and methods of constructing the container from a blank.

It is well known in the food industry, including the pizza industry, to provide a food product to a consumer that is packaged in film, foil, paperwrap, a box, or a container. Such containers provide a convenient package to carry the food product from the producer of the food product to a table or other location for consumption by the consumer of the food product. It is also convenient to place multiple containers in a bag, such as an insulated bag, so a customer and/or delivery person is able to carry those containers from the restaurant for consumption elsewhere. At least some of these containers include text and/or graphics printed thereon. More specifically, the text and/or graphics may provide information about the food product, the food product provider and/or may include marketing for the product and/or product provider.

In at least some cases, when the food products are consumed, they are consumed directly from the container. As such, the container may be near customers while the customers are consuming the food product. In at least some of these cases, the customers have time to perceive text and graphics printed on the container. Accordingly, a container that increases the marketability of the product therein and/or the product provider while not substantially increasing the cost of the container is desirous. Further, a container used to hold a food product that also allows consumers to play an interactive game can interact with while the food product is being consumed is also desirous.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, a container constructed from a blank of foldable sheet material is provided. The container includes an interactive board game. The container further includes a top wall and an opposing bottom wall, a back wall and an opposing front wall, and a pair of opposing side walls. A game board is included on at least one of the walls, and at least one game piece is removably defined within one of the walls. The game piece is removable from the wall and is movable on the game board. The container further includes a game event indicator included on one of the walls. The game event indicator indicates an event occurring within the board game.

In another aspect, a method of constructing a container from a blank of foldable sheet material, wherein the container includes an interactive board game is provided. The method including providing a blank including a plurality of panels connected along a plurality of fold lines, and providing a game board included on at least one of the panels. The method further includes providing at least one game piece removably defined within one of the panel, and providing a game event indicator included on at least one of the panels. The container is formed by folding the blank along a plurality of fold lines, the container having a top wall and an opposing bottom wall, a back wall and an opposing front wall, and a pair of opposing side walls.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a blank of sheet material for constructing a container, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a container formed from the blank shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of an outer surface of a blank of sheet material for constructing a container according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a container formed from the blank shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an outer surface of a blank of sheet material for constructing a container according to a first alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a container formed from the blank shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of an outer surface of a blank of sheet material for constructing a container according to a second alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a container formed from the blank shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a container formed from a blank of sheet material according to a third alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a container formed from a blank of sheet material according to a fourth alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a container formed from a blank of sheet material according to a fifth alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a container formed from a blank of sheet material according to a sixth alternative embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description illustrates the disclosure by way of example and not by way of limitation. The description clearly enables one skilled in the art to make and use the disclosure, describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternative, and use of the disclosure, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the disclosure.

The present invention provides a stackable, collapsible container that includes an interactive game, and a method for constructing the container. The container is constructed from a blank of sheet material using a machine. In one embodiment, the container is fabricated from a paperboard material. The container, however, may be fabricated using any suitable material, and therefore is not limited to a specific type of material. In alternative embodiments, the container is fabricated using cardboard, plastic, fiberboard, paperboard, foamboard, corrugated paper, and/or any suitable material known to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided.

In the example embodiment, the container includes an interactive game. The game can relate to the product housed within the container or can be completely unrelated to the product housed in the container. The interactive game is intended to be played by persons that purchased the product that is housed within the container. The game may include a game board printed on at least one panel of the container, game pieces that may be removed from the container using pre-cut, perforated lines, and other printing, devices, or pieces that are part of the container. This enables a player of the interactive game to play the game using nothing more than the container.

In an example embodiment, the container includes at least one marking thereon including, without limitation, indicia that communicates the product, a manufacturer of the product and/or a seller of the product. For example, the marking may include printed text that indicates a product's name and briefly describes the product, logos and/or trademarks that indicate a manufacturer and/or seller of the product, and/or designs and/or ornamentation that attract attention. In another embodiment, the container is void of markings, such as, without limitation, indicia that communicates the product, a manufacturer of the product and/or a seller of the product. Furthermore, the container may have any suitable size, shape and/or configuration, i.e., any suitable number of sides having any suitable size, shape and/or configuration as described and/or illustrated herein. In one embodiment, the container includes a shape that provides functionality, such as a shape that facilitates packaging a food item, a shape that facilitates transporting the container, and/or a shape that facilitates stacking and/or arrangement of a plurality of containers.

Referring now to the drawings, and more specifically to FIGS. 1 and 2, although as described above a container may have any suitable size, shape and/or configuration, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the construction or formation of one embodiment of a container. Specifically, FIG. 1 is a top plan view of one embodiment of a blank 10 of sheet material. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a container 200 formed from blank 10 shown in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 1, blank 10 has a first or interior surface 12 and an opposing second or exterior surface 14. Further, blank 10 defines a leading edge 16 and an opposing trailing edge 18. In one embodiment, blank 10 includes, from leading edge 16 to trailing edge 18, a tuck flap 20, a top panel 22, a back panel 24, a bottom panel 26, a outer front panel 28, and a inner front panel 30 coupled together along preformed, generally parallel, fold lines 32, 34, 36, and 38, and hinge line 40, respectively. More specifically, tuck flap 20 extends from top panel 22 along fold line 32, back panel 24 extends from top panel 22 along fold line 34, bottom panel 26 extends from back panel 24 along fold line 36, outer front panel 28 extends from bottom panel 26 along fold line 38, and front inner panel 30 extends from outer front panel 28 along hinge line 40. Fold lines 32, 34, 36, and 38, and hinge line 40, as well as other fold lines and/or hinge lines described herein, may include any suitable line of weakening and/or line of separation known to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided.

In the exemplary embodiment, fold line 34 and 38 include cut lines 42 and 44, and 46 and 48, respectively. More specifically cut lines 42, 44, 46, and 48 define tab portions 50. When blank 10 is assembled to construct container 200 (shown in FIG. 2), tab portions 50 extend from each of top panel 22 and bottom panel 26 and define openings 202 (shown in FIG. 2) extending through container 200. Although cut lines 42 and 44 and tabs 50 are shown and described as extending from fold line 34 and/or top panel 22, fold line 34 and/or top panel 22 is not required to include cut lines 42 and 44 and tabs 50. Trailing edge 18 also includes defined tab portions 50 extending therefrom. In the exemplary embodiment, fold line 32 includes a cut line 52 that defines a semi-circular tab 54. Although tab 54 is shown and described as being semi-circular, tab 54 may be any other suitable shape that enables blank 10 and/or container 200 to function as described herein, or blank 10 may include fold line 32 having no cut line 52 and/or tab 54. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, hinge line 40 includes a cut-out portion 56 defined by a cut line 58. Although cut-out portion 56 is shown as substantially circular, cut-out portion 56 may be any shape, such as but not limited to being, square, rectangular, oblong, irregular, and/or any other shape that enables blank 10 and/or container 200 to function as described herein. In one embodiment, hinge line 40 is substantially continuous and does not include cut-out portion 56 and/or cut line 58.

Top panel 22 includes a first top side panel 60 and a second top side panel 62 extending therefrom along respective fold lines 64 and 66. More specifically, first top side panel 60 extends from top panel 22 along fold line 64, and second top side panel 62 extends from top panel 22 along fold line 66. In the exemplary embodiment, first top side panel 60, second top side panel 62, and tuck flap 20 include respective angled edges 68, 70, 72, and 74. Although each side panel 60 and 62, and tuck flap 20 include respective angled edges 68, 70, 72, and 74, some or none of side panels 60 and 62 and tuck flap 20 may include angled edges 68, 70, 72, and 74.

Bottom panel 26 includes a first bottom side panel 76 and a second bottom side panel 78 extending therefrom along respective fold lines 80 and 82. More specifically, first bottom side panel 76 extends from bottom panel 26 along fold line 80, and second bottom side panel 78 extends from bottom panel 26 along fold line 82. Furthermore, each bottom side panel 76 and 78 includes a front tab 84 and a back tab 86 extending from respective fold lines 88, 90, 92, and 94. More specifically, one front tab 84 extends from first bottom side panel 76 along fold line 88, one back tab 86 extends from first bottom side panel 76 along fold line 90, one front tab 84 extends from second bottom side panel 78 along fold line 92, and one back tab 86 extends from second bottom side panel 78 along fold line 94. Each front tab 84 is separated from outer front panel 28 and inner front panel 30 by a cut line 96. Each back tab 86 is separated from back panel 24 by a cut line 98, and further separated from respective top side panels 60 and 62 by a cut line 100. Although, in the exemplary embodiment, cut lines 100 define an extension portion 102, cut lines 100 may be any suitable shape, size, and/or configuration that enables blank 10 and/or container 200 to function as described herein.

In the exemplary embodiment, first top side panel 60 includes a plurality of removable portions 104. In another embodiment, removable portions are defined through a portion of blank 10 other than top side panel 60. Furthermore, although four removable portions 104 are shown in the exemplary embodiment, more or less than four removable portions 104 may be included in blank 10. In the exemplary embodiment, removable portions 104 are substantially circular, but may be any other suitable shape, such as, but not limited to, rectangular, square, irregular, oblong, triangular, and/or any other shape that enables blank 10 and/or container 200 to function as described herein. Furthermore, removable portions 104 may each include, but are in no way limited to including, text, graphics, and/or blank space. Removable portions 104 are each defined by a continuous perforated line 106 such that removable portions 104 may be separated from blank 10. It will understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that perforated line 106 may be other than defined by perforation, and may instead be defined by, for example, a cut line, a score line, and/or any other line of weakening that enables portions 104 to be separated from blank 10.

To construct container 200 shown in FIG. 2 from blank 10 shown in FIG. 1, bottom side panels 76 and 78 are rotated about respective fold lines 80 and 82 toward interior surface 12 to form a generally right angle with bottom panel 26. Each bottom side panel 76 and 78 forms a respective bottom side wall 204 and 206. Front tabs 84 are each rotated about respective fold lines 88 and 92 toward an interior surface of each bottom side panel 76 and 78 to form a generally right angle with each bottom side panel 76 and 78. Outer front panel 28 is rotated about fold line 38 toward interior surface 12 to form a generally right angle with bottom panel 26. An exterior surface 108 of each front tab 84 is adjacent to an interior surface of outer front panel 28. Inner front panel 30 is rotated about hinge line 40 such that an interior surface of each front tab 84 is adjacent to an interior surface of inner front panel 30. As such, when inner front panel 30 is rotated about hinge line 40, front tabs 84 extend between inner front panel 30 and outer front panel 28. In the exemplary embodiment, tabs 50 extending from inner front panel 30 interconnect with openings 202 formed by tabs 50 extending from outer front panel 28 to facilitate securing inner front panel 30 against front tabs 84 and outer front panel 28. Outer front panel 28, inner front panel 30, and front tabs 84 define a bottom front wall 208. When front wall 208 is assembled, cut-out portion 56 defines an indentation 210 within a top edge 212 of front wall 208.

Each back tab 86 is rotated about respective fold lines 90 and 94 toward interior surface 12 to form a generally right angle with each respective bottom side panel 76 and 78. Back panel 24 is rotated about fold line 36 toward interior surface 12 to form a generally right angle with bottom panel 26. In the exemplary embodiment, an exterior surface 110 of each back tab 86 is adjacent to an interior surface of back panel 24. Back panel 24 and back tabs 86 define a back wall 214. Each top side panel 60 and 62 is rotated about respective fold lines 64 and 66 toward interior surface 12 to form generally right angles with top panel 22. Each top side panel 60 and 62 define a top side wall (not shown). Tuck flap 20 is rotated about fold line 32 toward interior surface 12 to form a generally right angle with top panel 22. When tuck flap 20 is folded about fold line 32, tab 54 extends from top panel 22. To close container 200, top panel 22 is rotated about fold line 34 toward interior surface 12 to be aligned substantially parallel to bottom panel 26. When top panel 22 is rotated into place, an exterior surface 112 of each top side panel 60 and 62 is adjacent to an interior surface (not shown) of respective bottom side panels 76 and 78. Further, when top panel 22 is rotated into place, an exterior surface 114 of tuck flap 20 is adjacent to an exterior surface 116 of inner front panel 30. Once container 200 is constructed, container 200 may hold any suitable item or items, for example, but not limited to, a food item, such as, a pizza.

In at least some of the embodiments, removable portions 104 may be used as game pieces, as described in more detail herein. In the exemplary embodiment, blank 10 and/or container 200 includes a game board 120 thereon. Game board 120 provides an interactive game for a user to play. In the exemplary embodiment, game board 120 is printed on an external surface 122 of top panel 22. “Printing,” “printed,” and/or any other form of “print” as used herein may include, but is not limited to including, ink jet printing, laser printing, screen printing, giclee, pen and ink, painting, offset lithography, flexography, relief print, rotogravure, dye transfer, and/or any suitable printing technique known to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided. Alternatively, game board 120 may be other than printed on blank 10, for example, but not limited to, game board 120 may be glued, tacked, taped, stapled, and/or otherwise affixed to blank 10. At least a portion of game board 120 may also be separable from blank 10 using, for example, a perforated line surrounding game board 120 and/or by using any other suitable detachment technique, such as, but not limited to, cutting, scoring, and/or tearing.

Game board 120 includes a game event indicator area 124. Game event indicator area 124 indicates an event occurring with the board game. Game event indicator area 124 includes indicia indicating information about game progression, such as, but not limited to, points scored, player instructions, player turn status, and/or out of play areas. The player instructions may include, for example, how to use game board 120, how to move removable portion 104 with respect to game board 120, and/or when to take a turn at play.

Game event indicator 124 may include indicia indicating a movement occurring within the game or may include indicia of at least one move indicator area 126. Move indicator area 126 may indicate information relating to moving removable portion 104 with respect to game board 120. Although only game event indicator and move indicators areas 124 and 126 are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, game board 120 may include other indicators and/or indicia, such as, but not limited to, scoreboards, rules, graphics, trivia, and/or any other suitable indicator that enables blank 10 and/or container 200 to function as described herein.

For a user to interact with container 200, either formed or unformed, removable portions 104 are removed from blank 10 and positioned to contact game board 120. Removable portion 104 may be slid across game board 120 such that removable portion 104 is positioned within game event indicator area 124. More specifically, removable portion 104 may be slid across game board 120 by pushing and releasing removable portion 104, by holding and moving removable portion 104 within game board 120, and/or by any other suitable method that enables blank 10 and/or container 200 to function as described herein. In one embodiment, one removable portion 104 is pushed and released along move indicator area 126, and another removable portion 104 is held and slid within game event indicator area 124. In another embodiment, one removable portion 104 is pushed and released to slide to indicia within game event indicator area 124.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a first example embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a blank 300 of sheet material for constructing a container 400 according to the first example embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of container 400 formed from blank 300 shown in FIG. 3. Blank 300 and container 400 are essentially similar to blank 10 shown in FIG. 1 and container 200 shown in FIG. 2, and, as such, similar components are labeled with similar references.

In the first example embodiment, blank 300 includes markings 302, source indicia 304, a game board 306, and piece graphics 308 printed on exterior surface 14. Although blank 300 includes markings 302 and source indicia 304, alternative embodiments of blank 300 may be void of markings 302 and/or source indicia 304. Furthermore, both markings 302 and source indicia 304 may be printed on any suitable location on blank 300 that enables blank 300 and/or container 400 to function as described herein.

In the first example embodiment, piece graphics 308 are printed on each of removable portions 104 to form game pieces 310 when at least one removable portion 104 is removed from blank 300. Alternatively, each game piece 310 is void of graphics 308. Each piece graphic 308 is different from other piece graphics 308 to distinguish game pieces 310 from each other. Alternatively, a plurality of piece graphics 308 are similar to each other. Once game piece 310 has been formed by removing removable portion 104 from blank 300 and/or container 400, game piece 310 may be slid along exterior surface 14, and, more specifically, across game board 306. Game piece 310 may be slid across game board 306 by pushing and releasing game piece 310, by holding and moving game piece 310, and/or by any other suitable method that enables blank 300 and/or container 400 to function as described herein. Furthermore, although in the first example embodiment game pieces 310 are substantially circular, game pieces 310 may each have any other suitable shape known to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided.

In the first example embodiment, game board 306 is printed on top panel exterior surface 122, but may be printed in any suitable location on blank 300. Game board 306 includes a game event indicator area 312 and a move indicator area 314 within game event indicator area 312. Although, game event indicator area 312 and/or move indicator area 314 may include indicia indicating game progression information and/or movement indicating information, in the first example embodiment, game event indicator area 312 includes indicia that provides game progression information and move indicator area 314 includes indicia that provides information relating to movement of game piece 310 with respect to game board 306. Game event indicator area 312 includes a plurality of blank spaces 316, a plurality of instruction spaces 318, and a plurality of transverse spaces 320. Each space 316, 318, and 320 defines where to locate a game piece 310, as described herein. More specifically, each blank space 316 defines a location for game piece 310 and each instruction space 318 additionally provides information to a user (not shown). In the first example embodiment, blank spaces 316 and instruction spaces 318 align consecutively to form a main movement path 322 that extends between a start space 324 and a finish space 326. Each transverse space 320 enables movement of game piece 310 other than consecutively along path 322. For example, but in no way limiting, transverse space 320 enables game piece 310 to advance and/or retreat to another space 316 and/or 318 without movement along path 322.

Move indicator area 314, in the first example embodiment, is rectangular-shaped and includes a text space 328, a slide space 330, and a plurality of numbered spaces 332 extending consecutively across move indicator area 314 from a first end 336 to a second end 338 of move indicator area 314. Text space 328 includes user information and numbered spaces 332 each include a number 334 printed therein. More specifically, each numbered space 332 is numbered consecutively and each number 334 printed within each numbered space 332 indicates how many spaces 316, 318, and/or 320 to move game piece 310 across game board 306 for each turn taken by a user. Alternatively, each numbered space 332 may be numbered other than consecutively. Furthermore, although four numbered spaces 332 are included in move indicator area 314, more or less than four numbered spaces 332 may be included in move indicator area 314 and/or on game board 306. Similarly, although one slide space 330 and one text space 328 are included in move indicator area 314, more or less than one slide space 330 and/or one text space 328 may be included in move indicator area 314 and/or on game board 306.

For a user to interact with blank 300 and/or container 400, user separates removable portions 104 from blank 300 and/or container 400 to form game pieces 310. At least one game piece 310 is placed within game event indicator area 312, and at least one game piece 310 is placed within move indicator area 314. Game event indicator game piece 310 is initially located within start space 324, and move indicator game piece 310 is initially located within text space 328. Move indicator game piece 310 is pushed and released such that game piece 310 slides through move indicator area 314 along slide space 330 and/or numbered spaces 332. When move indicator game piece 310 is located within numbered space 332, the number 334 printed within space 332 indicates how many spaces 316, 318, and/or 320 to advance game event indicator game piece 310 along path 322. Accordingly, game event indicator game piece 310 is slid along path 322 across a number of spaces 316, 318, and/or 320 that corresponds to the number 334 printed within numbered space 332. The above method may be repeated such that game event indicator game piece 310 is advanced to finish space 326 along path 322 and/or transverse space 320. The above method may also be used by each user in alternate turns.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a first alternative embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a blank 500 of sheet material for constructing a container 600 according to the first alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of container 600 formed from blank 500 shown in FIG. 5. Blank 500 and container 600 are essentially similar to blank 10 shown in FIG. 1 and container 200 shown in FIG. 2, and, as such, similar components are labeled with similar references.

In the first alternative embodiment, blank 500 includes markings 502, source indicia 504, a game board 506, and piece graphics 508 printed on exterior surface 14. Although blank 500 includes markings 502 and source indicia 504, alternative embodiments of blank 500 may be void of markings 502 and/or source indicia 504. Furthermore, both markings 502 and source indicia 504 may be printed on any suitable location on blank 500 that enables blank 500 and/or container 600 to function as described herein.

In the first alternative embodiment, piece graphics 508 are printed on each of removable portions 104 to form game pieces 510 when at least one removable portion 104 is removed from blank 500. Alternatively, one or more game pieces 510 is void of graphics 508. Each piece graphic 508 is different from other piece graphics 508 to distinguish game pieces 510 from each other. Alternatively, a plurality of piece graphics 508 are similar to each other. Once game piece 510 has been formed by removing removable portion 104 from blank 500 and/or container 600, game piece 510 may be slid along exterior surface 14, and, more specifically, across game board 506. Game piece 510 may be slid across game board 506 by pushing and releasing game piece 510, by holding and moving game piece 510, and/or by any other suitable method that enables blank 500 and/or container 600 to function as described herein. Furthermore, although in the first alternative embodiment game pieces 510 are substantially circular, game pieces 510 may each have any other suitable shape known to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided.

In the first alternative embodiment, game board 506 is printed on top panel exterior surface 122, but may be printed in any suitable location on blank 500. Game board 506 includes a game event indicator area 512 and a move indicator area 514 within game event indicator area 512. Although, game event indicator area 512 and/or move indicator area 514 may include indicia indicating game progression information and/or movement indicating information, in the first alternative embodiment, game event indicator area 512 includes indicia that provides game progression information and move indicator area 514 includes indicia that provides information relating to movement of game piece 510 with respect to game board 506. Game event indicator area 512 includes a plurality of blank spaces 516 and a plurality of instruction spaces 518. Each space 516 and 518 defines where to locate a game piece 510, as described herein. More specifically, each blank space 516 defines a location for game piece 510 and each instruction space 518 additionally provides information to a user (not shown). In the first alternative embodiment, blank spaces 516 and instruction spaces 518 align to form a main movement path 520 that extends between a start space 522 and a finish space 524.

Move indicator area 514, in the first alternative embodiment, is rectangular-shaped and include a text space 526, a slide space 528, and a plurality of numbered spaces 530 extending consecutively across move indicator area 514 from a first end 534 to a second end 536 of move indicator area 514. Text space 526 includes user information and numbered spaces 530 each include a number 532 printed therein. More specifically, each numbered space 530 is numbered consecutively and each number 532 printed within each numbered space 530 indicates how many spaces 516 and/or 518 to move game piece 510 across game board 506 for each turn taken by a user. Alternatively, each numbered space 530 may be numbered other than consecutively. Furthermore, although four numbered spaces 530 are included in move indicator area 514, more or less than four numbered spaces 530 may be included in move indicator area 514 and/or on game board 506. Similarly, although one slide space 528 and one text space 526 are included in move indicator area 514, more or less than one slide space 528 and/or one text space 526 may be included in move indicator area 514 and/or on game board 506.

For a user to interact with blank 500 and/or container 600, user separates removable portions 104 from blank 500 and/or container 600 to form game pieces 510. At least one game piece 510 is placed within game event indicator area 512, and at least one game piece 510 is placed within move indicator area 514. Game event indicator game piece 510 is initially located within start space 522, and move indicator game piece 510 is initially located within text space 526. Move indicator game piece 510 is pushed and released such that game piece 510 slides through move indicator area 514 along slide space 528 and/or numbered spaces 530. When move indicator game piece 510 is located within numbered space 530, the number 532 printed within space 530 indicates how many spaces 516 and/or 518 to advance game event indicator game piece 510 along path 520. Accordingly, game event indicator game piece 510 is slid along path 520 across a number of spaces 516 and/or 518 that corresponds to the number 532 printed within numbered space 530. The above method may be repeated such that game event indicator game piece 510 is advanced to finish space 524 along path 520. The above method may also be used by each user in alternate turns.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a second alternative embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a blank 700 of sheet material for constructing a container 800 according to the second alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of container 800 formed from blank 700 shown in FIG. 7. Blank 700 and container 800 are essentially similar to blank 10 shown in FIG. 1 and container 200 shown in FIG. 2, and, as such, similar components are labeled with similar references.

In the second alternative embodiment, blank 700 includes markings 702, source indicia 704, a game board 706, and piece graphics 708 printed on exterior surface 14. Although blank 700 includes markings 702 and source indicia 704, alternative embodiments of blank 700 may be void of markings 702 and/or source indicia 704. Both markings 702 and source indicia 704 may be printed on any suitable location on blank 700 that enables blank 700 and/or container 800 to function as described herein.

In the second alternative embodiment, piece graphics 708 are printed on each of removable portions 104 to form game pieces 710 when at least one removable portion 104 is removed from blank 700. Alternatively, one or more game pieces 710 is void of graphics 708. Each piece graphic 708 is similar to each other graphic 708. Alternatively, each piece graphic 708 is different from other piece graphics 708 to distinguish game pieces 710 from each other. Once game piece 710 has been formed by removing removable portion 104 from blank 700 and/or container 800, game piece 710 may be slid along exterior surface 14, and, more specifically, across game board 706. Game piece 710 may be slid across game board 706 by pushing and releasing game piece 710, by holding and moving game piece 710, and/or by any other suitable method that enables blank 700 and/or container 800 to function as described herein. Furthermore, although in the second alternative embodiment game pieces 710 are substantially football-shaped, game pieces 710 may each have any other suitable shape known to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided.

In the second alternative embodiment, game board 706 is printed on top panel exterior surface 122, but may be printed in any suitable location on blank 700. Game board 706 includes markings that simulate, for example, but is in no way limited to simulating, a football field. More specifically, in the second alternative embodiment, game board 706 includes a game event indicator area 712 and a scoreboard 716. Although, game event indicator area 712 may include indicia indicating game progression information and/or movement indicating information, in the second alternative embodiment, game event indicator area 712 includes indicia that provide game progression information and indicia that provide information relating to movement of game piece 710 with respect to game board 706. Further, in the second alternative embodiment, scoreboards 716 are each located within game event indicator area 712. Alternatively, scoreboards 716 may be located on container 800 other than on game board 706. Game event indicator area 712 includes indicia indicating a plurality of score indicating zones 718 and a plurality of start zones 720. Each score indicating zone 718 indicates how many points a user receives. More specifically, scores are received based on the scoring of a sport, such as, but not limited to, football. Score indicating zones 718 each include text 722 relating to points received, for example, but in no way limiting, a touchdown, a two-point conversion, and/or an extra point. Each start zone 720 includes text 724, such as, for example, “kick-off,” that indicates a starting location for a game piece 710 as described herein.

Game event indicator area 712 further includes, in the second alternative embodiment, indicia indicating distance lines 726. More specifically, distance lines 726 are substantially equidistantly spaced from each other. Distance lines 726 may indicate not only distance of a movement of game piece 710, but may also contribute to determining points received. For example, distance lines 726 include a distance number 728 that may, for example determine the status of a user's turn and/or indicate a score received by a user. Although five distance lines 726 are included in game event indicator area 712, more or less than five distance lines 726 may be included in game event indicator area 712 and/or on game board 706. Game event indicator area 712 may also include field boundary lines (not shown). Furthermore, in the second alternative embodiment, scoreboard 716 may be used to record a user's score, turn status, and/or any other information. Information may be entered on scoreboard 716 by, for example, but not limited to, a user printing information within scoreboard 716.

For a user to interact with blank 700 and/or container 800, user separates removable portions 104 from blank 700 and/or container 800 to form game pieces 710. At least one game piece 710 is placed within game event indicator area 712. Game piece 710 is initially located within start zone 720, and game piece 710 is pushed and released such that piece 710 slides through game event indicator area 712. When game piece 710 is located within score indicating zone 718, text 722 printed within zone 718 indicates how many points a user receives. When game piece 710 is located generally at distance line 726, corresponding distance number 728 indicates at least one of the status of the user's turn and how many points the user receives. The above method may be repeated until a user's turn has finished. The above method may also be used by each user in alternate turns.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a container 900 according to a third alternative embodiment of the present invention. Container 900 is essentially similar to container 800, except that container 900 includes a target structure 902. Target structure 902 may, for example, but is not limited to, represent a football goalpost. Target structure 902 is defined within a blank (not shown) that is essentially similar to blank 700. More specifically, target structure 902 is defined within a top wall 904 of container 900 using, for example, but not limited to using, perforated lines, score lines, cut lines, and/or any other suitable technique that enables target structure 902 to be separated from the blank and/or container 900.

In the third alternative embodiment, target structure 902 includes a plurality of boundary portions 906, a shaft portion 908, and a base portion 910. When target structure 902 is separated from the blank and/or container 900, base portion 910 is configured to enable target structure 902 to be free-standing with boundary portions 906 aligned substantially perpendicular to top wall 904. In the third alternative embodiment, target structure 902 is at least partially inserted into an opening 912 formed in top wall 904 by the removal of target structure 902 from container 900. Furthermore, in the third alternative embodiment, target structure 902 is oriented with respect to container 900 such that a front surface 914 of target structure 902 is substantially parallel to a front wall 916 and is at substantially a right angle to top wall 904.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a container 1000 according to a fourth alternative embodiment of the present invention. Container 1000 is essentially similar to container 900, except that container 1000 includes a bottom wall (not shown), a top wall 1002, a first side wall 1004, and a second side wall (not shown) that are approximately twice as long as top wall 904, a bottom wall (not shown), and respective side walls of container 900. A front wall 1006 and a back wall (not shown) of container 1000 are approximately the same length as a front wall 916 and a back wall (not shown) of container 900. In the fourth alternative embodiment, container 1000 includes two spaced-apart target structures (not shown) that are each essentially similar to target structure 902. More specifically, a first target structure (not shown) is located at a container first end 1008 and oriented substantially parallel to front wall 1006 and/or the back wall, and a second target structure (not shown) is located at a container second end 1010 that is opposite first end 1008 and is oriented substantially parallel to front wall 1006 and/or the back wall. Alternatively, container 1000 includes more or less than two target structures. Further, the target structures may be located other than at first end 1008 and/or second end 1010, for example, but not limited to, at least one target structure may be located at substantially the center of container 1000, oriented substantially perpendicular to and/or at an angle to front wall 1006 and/or the back wall, and/or located and/or oriented with respect to container 1000 to enable container 1000 to function as described herein.

An alternate embodiment of this invention is a container (not shown) that is essentially similar to blank 700 and/or container 800 or container 1000, except that a game board (not shown) on the container includes markings that simulate, for example, a soccer field. At least one game piece is slid across a game event indicator area (not shown) within the game board towards at least one goal (not shown) defined at at least one end (not shown) of the container. The goal may be an opening (not shown) defined through a container top wall (not shown), a printed design that simulates a goal, a target structure that is similar to target structure 902, but is configured to represent, for example, a soccer goal, and/or any other suitable representation of a goal that enables the container to function as described herein. Distance lines (not shown) which are essentially similar to distance lines 726 are included on the game board. The game board may also include field boundary lines (not shown). The container may include at least one target structure (not shown) that is similar to target structure 902 except that the target structure simulates a soccer goal as opposed to a football goalpost.

FIG. 11 illustrates a fifth alternative embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a container 1100 according to the fifth alternative embodiment of the present invention. Container 1100 and a blank (not shown) from which container 1100 is formed are essentially similar to blank 10 shown in FIG. 1 and container 200 shown in FIG. 2, and, as such, similar components are labeled with similar references.

In the fifth alternative embodiment, container 1100 includes markings 1102, source indicia 1104, a game board 1106, and piece graphics (not shown) printed on exterior surface 14. Although container 1100 includes markings 1102 and source indicia 1104, alternative embodiments of container 1100 may be void of markings 1102 and/or source indicia 1104. Both markings 1102 and source indicia 1104 may be printed on any suitable location on container 1100 that enables container 1100 to function as described herein.

In the fifth alternative embodiment, the piece graphics are printed on each of removable portions 104 to form game pieces (not shown) when at least one removable portion 104 is removed from container 1100. Alternatively, one or more game pieces is void of graphics. A plurality of piece graphics are substantially similar to each other and may represent, for example, but not limited to representing, a golf ball, a billiards ball, and/or any other representation that enables container 1100 to function as described herein. Alternatively, a piece graphic may be different from at least one other piece graphic to distinguish the game pieces from each other. Once the game piece has been formed by removing removable portion 104 from container 1100, the game piece may be slid along exterior surface 14, and, more specifically, across game board 1106. The game piece may be slid across game board 1106 by pushing and releasing the game piece, by holding and moving the game piece, and/or by any other suitable method that enables container 1100 to function as described herein. Furthermore, the game pieces may each have any other suitable shape known to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided.

In the fifth alternative embodiment, game board 1106 is printed on top panel exterior surface 122, but may be printed in any suitable location on container 1100. Game board 1106 includes markings that simulate, for example, but is in no way limited to, a portion of a golf course. Game board 1106 includes a game event indicator area 1108 and a plurality of holes 1110 defined therethrough and/or thereon. Game event indicator area 1108 includes indicia indicating game progression information and/or movement indicating information. In the fifth alternative embodiment, holes 1110 are formed by removing cut-out portions (not shown) from top panel 22. The cut-out portions may be defined by, for example, but not limited to, perforated lines, score lines, cut lines, and/or any other suitable line. Alternatively, holes 1110 are printed designs that simulate holes. In the fifth alternative embodiment, each hole 1110 includes a label 1112 that provides information relating to respective hole 1110. For example, in the fifth alternative embodiment, labels 1112 provide information about hole sequence, as described in more detail herein.

Game event indicator area 1108 includes a plurality of safe spaces 1114, a plurality of penalty spaces 1116, and at least one start space 1118. Each space 1114, 1116, and/or 1118 contacts at least one other space 1114, 1116, and/or 1118. In the fifth alternative embodiment, each safe space 1114 contacts and/or is adjacent to at least one other safe space 1114. Alternatively, at least one space 1114, 1116, and/or 1118 is separated from another space 1114, 1116, and/or 1118 by, for example, an open space and/or a space other than space 1114, 1116, or 1118. In the fifth alternative embodiment, at least one penalty space 1116 is defined within at least one safe space 1114, and at least one start space 1118 is defined within at least one safe space 1114. Furthermore, at least one hole 1110 is located within at least one safe space 1114. More specifically, in the fifth alternative embodiment, plurality of holes 1110 is located within one safe space 1114. In the fifth alternative embodiment, safe spaces 1114 and/or penalty spaces 1116 may represent, for example, but is in no way limited to representing, areas on a golf course, such as, a tee box, a fairway, a green, a water hazard, a sand trap, a rough area, and/or any other suitable representation that enables container 1100 is function as described herein.

For a user to interact with container 1100, user separates removable portions 104 from container 1100 to form the game pieces. At least one game piece is placed within game event indicator area 1108. The game piece is initially located within start space 1118. The game piece is pushed and released such that the game piece slides across game event indicator area 1108 along safe spaces 1114 and/or penalty spaces 1116. When the game piece is located within safe space 1114, a point, or a stroke, is added to the user's score. When the game piece is located within penalty space 1116, more than one point, or stroke, is added to the user's score. The game piece is slid across game board 1106 until the game piece falls through hole 1110 and into an interior space (not shown) of container 1100. As such, an area of the game piece may be smaller than an area of at least one hole 1110. The user may continue interacting with container 1100 by sliding the game piece into each hole 1110 sequentially according to labels 1112 by repeating the above method for each hole 1110. The above method may also be used by each user in alternate turns.

FIG. 12 illustrates a sixth alternative embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a container 1200 formed from a blank (not shown) according to the sixth alternative embodiment of the present invention. In the sixth alternative embodiment, container 1200 includes two substantially planar side walls 1202 and 1204, and two substantially arcuate side walls 1206 and 1208. More specifically, arcuate side walls 1206 and 1208 are connected such that a continuous curve is formed along arcuate side walls 1206 and 1208. One planar side wall 1202 connects to the other planar side wall 1204 at substantially a right angle. Alternatively, side wall 1202 connects to side wall 1204 at other than a right angle. In the exemplary embodiment, container 1200 is shaped substantially as a quarter of a circle that has a radius R that is substantially equal to a length L of a planar side wall 1202 and/or 1204. Alternatively, radius R is other than equal to length L, and/or radius R may vary such that a portion of container 1200 is other than circular. In an alternate embodiment, container 1200 may be essentially similar to container 200, shown in FIG. 2, and formed from a blank (not shown) that is essentially similar to blank 10 shown in FIG. 1.

In the sixth alternative embodiment, container 1200 includes markings (not shown), source indicia 1210, a game board 1212, at least one scoreboard 1214, and piece graphics (not shown) printed on an exterior surface 1216. Although container 1200 includes markings and source indicia 1210, alternative embodiments of container 1200 may be void of markings, source indicia 1210, and/or scoreboard 1214. Markings, source indicia 1210, and/or scoreboard 1214 may be printed on any suitable location on container 1200 that enables container 1200 to function as described herein.

In the sixth alternative embodiment, the piece graphics are printed on at least one removable portion (not shown) of container 1200 to form game pieces (not shown) when at least one removable portion is removed from container 1200. Alternatively, one or more game pieces is void of graphics. The removable portion may be essentially similar to removable portion 104, shown in FIG. 1. A plurality of piece graphics are substantially similar to each other and may represent, for example, but not limited to representing, a base ball, a cricket ball, a golf ball, a puck, and/or any other representation that enables container 1200 to function as described herein. Alternatively, a piece graphic may be different from at least one other piece graphic to distinguish the game pieces from each other. Once the game piece has been formed by removing the removable portion from container 1200, the game piece may be slid along an exterior surface 1216, and, more specifically, across game board 1212. The game piece may be slid across game board 1212 by pushing and releasing the game piece, by holding and moving the game piece, and/or by any other suitable method that enables container 1200 to function as described herein. Furthermore, the game pieces may each have any other suitable shape known to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided.

In the sixth alternative embodiment, game board 1212 is printed on a top panel exterior surface 1218, but may be printed in any suitable location on container 1200. Game board 1212 includes markings that simulate, for example, but not limited to, a baseball field. More specifically, in the sixth alternative embodiment, game board 1212 includes a game event indicator area 1220 having a plurality of score indicating spaces 1222, a plurality of location spaces 1224, and at least one start space 1226. Game event indicator area 1220 includes indicia indicating at least game progression information and/or movement indicating information. Each score indicating space 1222 indicates how many points a user receives and/or the status of a user's turn. More specifically, scores are received based on the scoring of a sport, such as, but not limited to, baseball. Score indicating spaces 1222 each include indicia 1228 relating to points received and/or the user's turn status, such as, but not limited to, a pop fly out, a ground out, an out, a double play, a single, a double, a triple, and/or a home run.

For a user to interact with container 1200, user separates at least one removable portion from container 1200 to form a game piece. At least one game piece is placed within game event indicator area 1220. In the sixth alternative embodiment, one game piece is initially located within start space 1226, and one game piece is pushed and released such that the game piece slides through game event indicator area 1220 across game board 1212. When the sliding game piece comes to rest within score indicating space 1222, indicia 1228 printed within space 1222 indicates how many points a user receives and/or the status of the user's turn. The game piece within start space 1226 is moved to location space 1224 that corresponds to information within score indicating space 1222. The above method may be repeated until a user's turn has finished. The above method may also be used by each user in alternate turns.

The above-described container and methods of constructing the container provide a container that includes an interactive game and is easily constructed from a flexible unitary blank of paperboard. Furthermore, a game board on the container facilitates increasing the marketability of the item contained therein and/or the marketability of the product provider. Moreover, since markings and source indicia are usually printed on such containers, the additional printing of the game board does not substantially increase cost of the container.

Exemplary embodiments of a container that includes an interactive game have been described above in detail. The container is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of the container and/or steps of the method may be utilized independently and separately from other components and/or steps described herein. Further, the described components and/or method steps can also be defined in, or used in combination with, other apparatus and/or methods, and are not limited to practice with only the apparatus and method as described herein.

While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A container constructed from a blank of foldable sheet material, said container including an interactive board game, said container comprising:

a top wall and an opposing bottom wall, a back wall and an opposing front wall, and a pair of opposing side walls;

a game board included on at least one of said walls;

at least one game piece removably defined within one of said walls, wherein said at least one game piece is removable from said wall and is movable on said game board; and

a game event indicator included on one of said walls, said game event indicator indicating an event occurring within the board game.

2. A container in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a scoreboard printed on at least one of said walls.

3. A container in accordance with claim 1 wherein said game event indicator further comprises indicia printed on said game board for indicating an occurrence within the board game.

4. A container in accordance with claim 3 wherein said indicia further indicates at least one of a score, a number of points, a movement, and a sequence of game play within the board game.

5. A container in accordance with claim 1 wherein said game event indicator further comprises a move indicator, wherein said move indicator includes a rectangular-shaped move area comprising a length, a width, and a plurality of segments extending consecutively from a first end of said move area to a second end of said move area, wherein at least two of the segments include a number printed therein corresponding to a number of spaces a player is to move on said game board.

6. A container in accordance with claim 5 wherein a first game piece is slid by a player from the first end of said move area toward the second end of said move area, the number included on the segment where said game piece stops is the number of spaces the corresponding player moves on said game board.

7. A container in accordance with claim 5 wherein said game board further comprises indicia printed on said game board indicating at least one event occurring within the board game, said indicia comprising a plurality of spaces including a start space, a finish space, and at least one space extending between said start space and said finish space, wherein at least one of said move indicator and said indicia printed on said board game prompt a player to move a game piece.

8. A container in accordance with claim 1 wherein said game board further comprises first indicia representing a football field, and wherein said game event indicator further comprises second indicia printed on said game board representing at least one event occurring within a football game.

9. A container in accordance with claim 8 wherein said second indicia including at least one of a touchdown, a kick-off, a two-point conversion zone, and an extra point, wherein said game event indicator further comprises a football game piece for sliding along the football field such that a location where said football game piece stops on the football field and said second indicia corresponding to the location indicate an event occurring within the football game.

10. A container in accordance with claim 1 wherein said game board further comprises a golf game representative of a portion of a golf course, and wherein said game event indicator further comprises indicia printed on said game board for indicating an event occurring within the golf game.

11. A container in accordance with claim 10 wherein said game event indicator further comprises indicia printed on said game board for indicating at least one of a safe area and a penalty area, wherein a game piece representative of a golf ball is slid by a player to one of said areas.

12. A container in accordance with claim 10 wherein said container further comprises at least one opening representative of a golf hole defined through said game board, wherein said game piece representative of a golf ball is slid along said game board toward said at least one opening for awarding a player a score.

13. A container in accordance with claim 1 wherein said game board further comprises a soccer game, and wherein said game event indicator further comprises indicia printed on said game board for indicating an event occurring within the soccer game.

14. A container in accordance with claim 13 wherein said container further comprises at least one opening representative of a soccer goal defined through said game board, wherein a soccer ball game piece is slid toward said at least one opening for awarding a goal to a player.

15. A container in accordance with claim 1 wherein said game board further comprises first indicia representing a baseball field, and wherein said game event indicator further comprises second indicia printed on said game board representing at least one event occurring within a baseball game.

16. A container in accordance with claim 15 wherein said second indicia including at least one of a single, a double, a triple, a home run, an out, a double play, a ground out, and a pop fly out, wherein said game event indicator further comprises a baseball game piece for sliding along the baseball field such that a location where said baseball game piece stops on the baseball field and said second indicia corresponding to the location indicate an event occurring within the baseball game.

17. A container in accordance with claim 15 wherein two of said walls are arcuate walls such that said arcuate walls define a curved wall.

18. A method of constructing a container from a blank of foldable sheet material, wherein the container includes an interactive board game, said method comprising:

providing a blank including a plurality of panels connected along a plurality of fold lines;

providing a game board included on at least one of the panels;

providing at least one game piece removably defined within one of the panels;

providing a game event indicator included on at least one of the panels; and

forming the container by folding the blank along the plurality of fold lines, the container having a top wall and an opposing bottom wall, a back wall and an opposing front wall, and a pair of opposing side walls.

19. A method in accordance with claim 18 wherein providing a game board included on at least one of the panels further providing a game board by at least one of printing, stapling, and adhering the game board to the at least one panel.

20. A method in accordance with claim 18 wherein providing a game board included on at least one of the panels further providing a game board including indicia representing at least one of a plurality of consecutive spaces, a football field, a golf course, a soccer field, and a baseball field.

21. A method in accordance with claim 18 wherein providing a game event indicator included on at least one of the panels further comprises providing a game event indicator including indicia indicating at least one of a score, a number of points, a movement, and a sequence of game play within the board game.

22. A method in accordance with claim 18 wherein providing a game event indicator included on at least one of the panels further comprises providing a game event indicator including a move indicator including a rectangular-shaped move area including a length, a width, and a plurality of segments extending consecutively from a first end of said move area to a second end of said move area, wherein at least two of the segments include a number printed therein corresponding to a number of spaces a player is to move on the game board.