MULTI-MEDIA STORAGE AND BUSINESS CARD BLANK
There is provided in a first embodiment a holder for a printed card and multi-media device. The holder includes a card panel removably connected to a first panel. A second panel is connected to the first panel by a first side panel, such that the when folded the first, second and side panel form a space to accommodate the multi-media device. A second side panel is provided opposite the first side panel and may be folded connected to the first panel such that the holder can be maintained in a closed configuration.
The present invention is a continuation in part application of 13/225,041 filed Sep. 2, 2011, which is a continuation in part application of 13/089,796 filed Apr. 19, 2011, all of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference.
FIELD OF INVENTIONThe present invention relates to a blank for forming a care to hold a multi-media storage device, such as a USB flash drive, and for providing a detachable business card.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe ability to effectively market a business or an individual has seen a variety of types of marketing media throughout the years. Still commonly used today are business cards combined with printed brochures. Since these are easy to hand out and distribute, especially at trade shows, at the businesses on-site, and easy to carry and transport. One of many associated problems with this combined marketing strategy is the mere fact that marketing brochures can be cumbersome or more importantly antiquity in the material contained therein. As businesses develop and grow the information about the business changes, sometimes daily. Each change may or should require a change in the marketing or brochure information. Similarly, with on-line marketing capabilities, a printed brochure is extremely static, and the business losses the opportunity sometimes to creatively provide information. It is often more effective to provide the marketing material electronically. While others have attempted to combine electronic media with business cards, these have fallen short in their effectiveness. There is thus a need to provide for an easier way to manufacture and supply a marketing tool that combines aids in combining a business card or informational card with a multi-media device in a single easy package. The multi-media device could have the electronic media preloaded, such that the end-user simply has to plug or load the multi-media device into a computer. This combined marketing material is extremely small and light weight, such that the end user is not faced with having to carry around bulky brochure. Similarly, the end user does not have the problem of misplacing the business card.
Due to the problems and issues addressed herein, there is a great need to improve upon them.
SUMMARY OF INVENTIONThis invention is a novel and innovative method of creating a holder for a card and a multi-media device. The card can be a business card or other index type card having printed material. The multi-media device can be any type of portable device such as but not limited to a USB flash drive, mini-disk, memory card, SD Card, Compact Flash, Smart Media Card, Memory Stick, SIM card, Mini SD Card, and the like. In addition, the size of the holder can be further changed to accommodate other multi-media devices such as smart phone, PDA, tablets, and the like. The holder is preferably manufactured from a single unitary blank material, such as cardboard or other similar material or design. The card is attached to the holder by a living perforated hinge that permits the card to be removable at any time. The multi-media device is also removable and secured to the holder by any well know means.
The holder in one embodiment includes first and second panels with first and second side panels. The first panel connects to the card panel by the detachable living hinge, while the second panel connects to the first panel by the first side panel. The second panel also has the means for securing a multi-media device thereto. The second side panel connects to the second panel and the second side panel is positioned at an end diametrically opposed to the first side panel. The card panel, first panel, second panel, first side panel, and the second side panel all share a pair of opposed parallel edges that are at right angles to the connections between each other.
In another embodiment, the holder includes first and second side panels and a first panel. The first and second side panels are separately secured to the card panel about one of the card panel edges. Each side panel is secured to the card panel by a detachable living hinge such that the card panel is removable from the side panels and such that the first and second side panels can be folded at an angle from the card panel. The first panel connects to the first side panel by a first living hinge such that the first panel can be folded from the first side panel and positioned over the card panel to create a interior region therebetween. The first panel further includes a slot adjacent a free edge defined opposite the first living hinge and the first panel further includes a means for securing a multi-media device thereto. An end flap is also provided and has. The end flap connects to the second side panel by a second living hinge such that the end flap can be folded from the second side panel and positioned against the first panel wherein the tab is aligned to insert into the slot. Thus when the first and second panels are folded into a position such that the tab is aligned and inserted into the slot the holder is configured into a closed configuration.
The holder in another embodiment includes a card panel, an exterior bottom panel, first and second exterior side panels, a inner side panel, a pair of top panels, a pair of opposing interior side panels, and an interior bottom panel. The first and second exterior side panels are separately secured along first side panel edges to the exterior bottom panel. The first exterior side panel abuts the inner side panel and the inner side panel and the second exterior side panel can be secured along a second side panel edge to one of the pair of top panels, such that the pair of top panels are spaced away from the exterior bottom panel by the inner side panel and the second exterior side panel. Each of the pair of top panels are secured along a top panel edge to one of the pair of opposing interior side panels, wherein the pair of opposing interior side panels extend towards the exterior bottom panel and further secure along interior side panel edges to the interior bottom panel This permits the overlapping interior bottom panel to overlap the exterior bottom panel, thereby forming a channel defined by the pair of opposing interior side panels and the overlapping interior bottom panel. The channel is formed to receive a multi-media device. The card panel is removably attached to the second side panel edge defined on the first exterior side panel, and the card panel further includes a tab removable secured to an edge opposing the second side panel edge. A slit formed along the second side panel edge of the second exterior side panel, is sized to receive the tab when the card panel is positioned over to cover the channel.
In addition, it is possible that the card panel, the exterior bottom panel, the first and second exterior side panels, the inner side panel, the pair of top panels, the pair of opposing interior side panels, and the interior bottom panel all share a pair of opposed parallel outer edges that are at right angles to the first and second side panel edges, the top panel edge, and the interior side panel edges.
In yet another embodiment the holder can be created as a two-piece housing defining an internal storage device holder for holding a multi-media device and an outer index card holder configured to wrap around an exterior portion of the internal storage device holder. When assembled the two-piece housing will define at least two pairs of opposite sides, referred to as first and second exterior side panels and first and second exterior end panels. The internal storage device holder may include an internal storage bottom panel having opposing bottom side edges and being connected along one of the opposing side bottom edges to the first exterior side panel and connected along the other opposing side bottom edges to the second exterior side panel. The first exterior side panel may be adjacent to a first top panel and the second exterior side panel may be adjacent to a second top panel. Both the first and second top panels are preferably positioned inwardly towards each other and separately connecting at top panel side edges to internally face opposing side panels. Each internally facing opposing side panels further connect along opposing side edges to an overlapping bottom panel. The internal storage device holder is configured to be formed by folding the first and second exterior side panels to a substantially upright position, folding the first and second top panels towards each other, and folding the opposing side panels downwardly from the first and second top panels such that the overlapping bottom panel rests above the internal storage bottom panel to create a channel between the opposing side panels and the overlapping bottom panel. The channel being sized to receive the multi-media device.
The outer index card holder may be configured from a single unitary blank material having a card panel, an exterior base panel connected to the card panel by the first exterior end panel. The second exterior end panel connects to the exterior base panel and is diametrically opposed to the first exterior end panel. The second exterior end panel further connects to a top overlapping panel, and a tab extending from the card panel is configured to be received into a slot formed into the top overlapping panel. The card panel is further removably attached to the first exterior end panel and removably attached to the tab. The outer index card holder is configured to be formed by folding the first and second exterior end panels to a substantially upright configuration and folding the top overlapping panel over a portion of the first and second top panels and the card panel towards the overlapping panel to cover the channel, such that the tab is inserted to the slot to provide a closed configuration.
In one or more embodiments the holder may further include a pair of braces separately positioned along ends of the channel, the braces formed from portions of the interior bottom panel and alternate portions of the opposing interior side panels.
A fuller understanding of the foregoing may be had by reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
While the invention is susceptible to embodiments in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will be described herein, in detail, the preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood, however, that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the spirit or scope of the invention and/or the embodiments illustrated.
Referring now to
The card panel 105 is preferable detachable from the first panel 110 by a perforated edge 165, however, other means of separation may be employed. The multi-media storage device 170 is easily removably attached to the second panel. This can be accomplished by using a means for attaching 175, such as, hook and loop systems, Velcro, adhesives, glues, epoxy, etc.
The combined holder is manufactured from a single blank, such as a cardboard or similar paper bound material. The multi-media storage device 170 can be a mini disk or USB flash drive device or similar.
The combined holder 100 when assembled can be handed out to individuals and will provide a business or index card with printed matter that can be easily removed from the combined holder 100. When opened, the combined holder 100 will also provide a easily removably multi-media device 170 then can have pre-loaded material thereon.
Referring now to
Connected to the first side panel 310 is a second panel 320 which accommodates the multi-media storage device 370. The multi-media storage device 370 is removably attached to the second panel, by a means for attaching 375, such as, hook and loop systems, Velcro, adhesives, glues, epoxy, etc. The second panel 320 further includes a slot 325 positioned adjacent its free edge 330.
Connected to the second side panel 315 is an end flap 335 that includes a tab 340 grooved from a center region of the end flap 335. The tab 340 inserts into the slot 325 to keep the combined holder 300 in a closed configuration 400. In its closed configuration 400, the end flap 335 is folded be lie against an inside surface of the second panel 320.
The combined holder 300 is manufactured from a single blank, such as a cardboard or similar paper bound material.
Referring now to
As shown, more clearly in
Continuing to refer to
Ends 480 of the channel 472 that are opposite the fourth and third side panels 470 and 450, are each provided with a brace 182/184 cut from the bottom overlap panel and alternate from fourth and third side panel. For example, a first brace 482 is cut from the bottom overlap panel and the third side panel 450 and pulled away from the bottom overlap panel such that a portion 467 of the fifth living hinge 465 is defined within the first brace 482 and aids in keeping the first brace 482 away from the bottom overlap panel 460. The second brace 484 is cut from the bottom overlap panel 460 and the fourth side panel 470 and also pulled away from the bottom overlap panel such that a portion 477 of the sixth living hinge 475 is defined within the second brace 484 and aids in keeping the second brace 484 away from the bottom overlap panel 460. With the pair of braces positioned at the ends of the channel and the two side facing panels (third and fourth side panels) the holder 400 is capable of holding and securing a removable multi-media storage device 404. While not necessarily used, the multi-media storage device 404 may further be secured in position by additional means such as hook and loop systems, Velcro, adhesives, glues, epoxy, etc.
Connected to the third side panel 470 by a seventh living hinge 485 is a second upper panel 480. Lastly, the second upper panel 480 is secured by an eighth living hinge 495 to an interior panel 490 that is secured to an inside edge of the first side panel 410. The interior panel 490 may be glued 497 to the first side panel to ensure the holder 400 maintains its shape.
The combined holder is manufactured from a single blank, such as a cardboard or similar paper bound material. The multi-media storage device 470 can be a mini disk or USB flash drive device or similar. The holder 400 is cut along its outer edge and cut to form the two braces and slit. The holder 400 is then folded, typically by a machine, along the eight defined living hinges and along the two perforated edges. An adhesives can be applied to the last or interior panel 490 which is then pressed into the inside edge of the first side panel 410. If needed the exterior side of the bottom overlap panel 460 can have adhesive and also pressed into the bottom panel 420. The card panel 405 can include any information needed, such as business card information, advertisement or marketing information or information regarding the content on the multi-media storage device.
Referring now to
The internal storage device holder 520 has similar properties as described above, in that it includes a channel 522 formed by facing side panels 524/526 and braces 528/529 at the ends 530 of the channel. The internal storage device holder 520 is formed by having a first outer panel 531 attached by a first hinge 532 to a bottom panel 533, which is attached at a second hinge 534 to a second outer panel 536. The second outer panel 536 is attached at a third hinge 538 to a first top panel 540, which is attached at a fourth hinge 542 to the first side panel 524. The first side panel 524 is attached to an upper bottom panel 544 at a fifth hinge 546. The second side panel 526 is attached to the upper bottom panel 544 at a sixth hinge 548, which as described above allows the first and second side panels 524/526 to face each other and define a channel between the two side panels and the upper bottom panel 544. The two braces 528 and 529 are formed as described above and would thus include portions of the fifth hinge and sixth hinge, portion of the fifth hinge defined as 550 and portion of the sixth hinge defined as 552. Secured to the second side panel 526 by a seventh hinge 554 is a second top panel 556, which is further attached by an eighth hinge 558 to side internal panel 560. The side internal panel 560 may include adhesive to secure to an interior region of the first outer panel 531. Alternatively, if the first side panel 531 was not provided, an additional internal panel may be provided at the end of the side internal panel 560 which would be secured by an adhesive to a portion of the bottom panel 533.
The outer index card holder 580 that wraps around the internal storage device holder 520 is defined by having a card panel 582 that is attached on a first edge 584 to a first end panel 586, which is further secured to a bottom exterior panel 588. The bottom exterior panel 588 is secured to a second end panel 589 which is attached to an upper overlap panel 590. Living hinges are provided by having a first index hinge 592 is positioned between the card panel 582 and the first end panel, a second index hinge 594 between the first end panel and the bottom exterior panel 588, a third index hinge 596 between the bottom exterior panel 588 and the second end panel 588, and a fourth index hinge 598 between the second end panel and the upper overlap panel 590. A slit 599 is positioned about the fourth index hinge 598 to accommodate a flange 581 secured to the card panel 582. Both the flange 581 and the bottom exterior panel 588 have perforated connections 583 to the card panel 582, such that the card panel 582 may be removed as needed.
When assembled the upper overlap panel 590 overlaps and may be affixed by adhesive over a portion of the first and second top panels 540/556 which still permits the remove of the multi-media device 507. The bottom exterior panel 588 will lay against the bottom panel 533 and may also be affixed thereto by adhesive. The flange 581 is sized to be positioned through the slit 599 to secure the two-piece holder 500 in a closed position.
Referring now to
The single blank 650 is defined as having a bottom panel 652 with at least four edges that serve for four living hinged edges (a first hinged edge 654; a second hinged edge 656; a third hinged edge 658; and a fourth hinged edge 660). Preferably, the four edges can be defined as two pairs of parallel edges (the first and third hinged edges being parallel and the second and fourth hinged edges being parallel), with one pair 654/658 being at a perpendicular angle to the other pair 656/660.
One pair of hinged edges 654/658 defines the outer portion of the holder by having a pair of outer end panels 662/664 secured separately to the hinged edges. One of the outer end panels 662 includes panel tips 666 extending from diametrical sides 668 of the end panel 662 (discussed further below) and includes an overlapping top panel 670 secured along a first living hinge 672 that is opposed to the third hinged edge 658. The aforementioned slit 620 is defined in the first living hinge 672. From the other outer end panel 664, the index card 616 is removable secured along a perforated edge 674. The index card 616 further includes a tab 676 extending along a second perforated edge 678 that is diametrically opposed to the other perforated edge 674. The tab 676 is sized to be received into the slit 620 when assembled and in the holder is in a closed position.
The other pair of hinged edges 656/660 define the internal structure of the holder and when assembled will resemble the internal storage device holder 520. This is accomplished by having secured along the hinged edge 660 a first side panel 682. Attached to the first side panel 682 by a first living hinge 684 is a first top panel 686. The first top panel 686 has a second living hinge 688 attaching the first top panel 686 to one of the opposing side panels 608. The opposing side panel 608 includes a third living hinge 690 that attaches to the overlapping bottom member 610. The other side panel 606 is attached by a fourth living hinge 692 to the other side of the overlapping bottom member 610. Cut from the overlapping bottom member and the two opposing side panels are the end braces 612/614. The side panel 606 further connects by a fifth living hinge 694 to a second top panel 696, which connects to an end side panel 698 by a sixth living hinge 697. The other hinged edge 656 connects to an end side panel 699 which adheres to the end side panel 698 when assembled. When assembled, the internal storage device holder creates a pair of leg channels 700/702 on either side of the channel 704. The leg channels are important in this embodiment as they are used to tuck and hold the panel tips 766.
Referring now to
Referring now to
In other aspects the tab 845 can be secured to the first panel 805 by a perforated edge and moreover, the first panel 805 may be a removable index or business card panel. Easy removal of the first panel 805 may be accomplished by having the first hinge 812 include a perforated edge allowing the first panel 805 to be removable from the first side panel 807.
Referring now to
The holder 900 is then folded along the fourth hinge 918 such that the third panel 916 is positioned over the second panel 908. The flaps 928 are positioned to rest on the second panel 908 and may include glue or tape to keep the flaps in place. The edge panels 920 and 922 thus act as legs between the third panel 916 and the second panel 908. To close the holder 900 the first panel 902 can be folded over the third panel 916 with a tab 940 being inserted into a slot 942. The slot 942 may be positioned along the third hinge 918, while the tab 940 is positionable along a free edge 944 of the first panel 902. In addition, the tab 940 and the first panel 902 may be removable such that the first panel 902 can also be a business or index card.
As illustrated, the first, second, third and fourth hinges 906, 910, 912, and 918 are parallel to the edge hinge 926 that is diametrically opposed to the fourth hinge 918; while the other edge hinges 926 are parallel with free edges defined in the flaps 928 and diametrically opposed to each other.
Referring now to
Referring now to
In an alternative embodiment, illustrated in
It should be further stated the specific information shown in the drawings but not specifically mentioned above may be ascertained and read into the specification by virtue of a simple study of the drawings. Moreover, the invention is also not necessarily limited by the drawings or the specification as structural and functional equivalents may be contemplated and incorporated into the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concept of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific methods and apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. It is, of course, intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A holder for a card and multi-media device, the holder comprising:
- a first panel;
- a first side panel connecting to the first panel by a first living hinge;
- a second panel connecting to the first side panel by a second living hinge positioned at an edge opposite to the first living hinge;
- a second side panel connecting to the second panel by a third living hinge;
- a third side panel connecting to the third side panel by a fourth living hinge, and wherein the first and second panels have a width greater then the first, second, and third side panels;
- a tab extending from an edge defined on the first panel, the edge being diametrically opposed from the first living hinge;
- a slot positioned about the fourth living hinge and sized to receive the tab; and
- a media holding member having an elongated pocket to receive a multi-media storage device, and
- wherein when the first panel and the first, second, and third side panels are folded about the first, second, third, and fourth living hinges a pocket is formed between the first panel and the second panel, the pocket being sized to receive the media holding member.
2. The holder of claim 1, wherein the first living hinge has a perforated edge such that the first panel is removable therefrom.
3. The holder of claim 2, wherein the tab is removable from the first panel.
4. The holder of claim 1, wherein the holder is manufactured from a single unitary blank material.
5. The holder of claim 1, wherein the first, second and third side panels include parallel edges.
6. The holder of claim 1, wherein the media holding member is made from a biodegradable material.
7. A holder for a card and multi-media device, the holder comprising:
- a first panel, a second panel and a third panel;
- a first side panel secured between the first panel and the second panel by first and second hinges respectively, wherein the first and second hinges are diametrically opposed to each other;
- a second side panel secured between the second panel and the third panel by third and fourth hinges respectively, wherein the third and fourth hinges are diametrically opposed to each other, and wherein the second and third hinges are also diametrically opposed to each other;
- three edge panels extending for edges of the third panel, wherein two of the three edge panels are diametrically opposed to each other and include flaps extending therefrom, the third edge panel being diametrically opposed to the second side panel; and
- a media holder positioned in the third panel capable of holding a multi-media device, and wherein the holder is capable of folding along the fourth hinge such the third panel is positioned over the second panel with the flaps and the two diametrically opposed edge panels being positioned to rest on the second panel, and wherein the first panel is capable of folding over the third panel such that the first panel acts to close over the media holder.
8. The holder of claim 7 further comprising a tab attached to a free edge of the first panel and a slot positioned along the third hinge, the slot sized to receive the tab when the first panel is folded over the third panel.
9. The holder of claim 8, wherein the tab is attached by a perforated edge.
10. The holder of claim 7, wherein the flaps may be secured to the second panel by an adhesive.
11. The holder of claim 7, wherein the media holder is defined by having four internally directed flanges bending downwardly from media edges positioned in the third panel, the four internally directed flanges when positioned downwardly create a slot for receiving a multi-media device.
12. The holder of claim 7 further comprising a card panel secured along a panel hinge to an edge of the first panel.
13. The holder of claim 12, wherein the panel hinge is a perforated edge such that the card panel is removable.
14. The holder of claim 7 further comprising a first side panel secured along a panel hinge to an edge of the first panel and a second side panel secured along a panel hinge
15. The holder of claim 14 further comprising a tab attached to a free edge of the first panel and a slot positioned along the third hinge, the slot sized to receive the tab when the first panel is folded over the third panel.
16. The holder of claim 15 further comprising a top panel secured to the free edge of the first panel, the top panel having an opening to accommodate the tab.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 12, 2012
Publication Date: Oct 25, 2012
Inventors: Richard Hunter (Chicago, IL), George Gilmartin (Plainfield, IL)
Application Number: 13/445,397
International Classification: B65D 85/00 (20060101);