Collapsible paper gift basket

Abstract

A paper gift basket comprised of a box-like paperboard tray which collapses into a small, flat package. It includes a perforated, cut-out in front panel of basket which can be easily removed and used as a gift card. The paper basket allows for the use of a cellophane bag, a bow and related gift items to be used with basket. All which can fold and become a part of the final basket packaged for retail.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This invention claims reference to provisional application No. 61/589,359 filed Jan. 22, 2012.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention is a paper gift basket intended to be used as a consumer gift product. It's main function and use is unique in that it is made of paperboard and its exact portability, collapsibility and customization currently do not exist. The unique aspects are that this invention includes a gift card built into the structure of the basket and that it folds or collapses and can be opened fully to use. It solves the problem of a gift basket that is light in weight (made of paper board); uses little space (folds), is easy to use and transport, and can be customized by a consumer (built-in note card).

Traditionally, gift baskets are comprised of various retail items placed inside a straw basket or plastic container which, in turn, is placed inside a clear plastic bag or wrap. These baskets are heavy and cumbersome and can be difficult to carry and transport. They are not customizable and, since a retailer pre-selects the items used in the baskets, the consumer has no control or decision in how these baskets look or what they consists of. In addition, items such as a gift card and bow typically need to be purchased separately.

Reference: Patent Number: US0D0649477.

It is not able to collapse and is not customizable. Note card is separate and not contained within structure of basket.

Reference: Patent Number: US007360665.

Does not collapse and is not customizable. Note card is separate and not contained within structure of basket.

Reference: Patent Number: US0D0413441.

Not collapsible and not customizable. Note card does not exist.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A collapsible paper basket embodied as a paperboard tray with built-in gift card.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a collapsible paper basket showing the front of invention view thereof;

FIG. 2 is a side view thereof;

FIG. 3 is a perforated gift card view thereof;

FIG. 4 is a standard auto-lock box bottom view thereof;

FIG. 5 is a custom modification of auto-lock box bottom view thereof;

FIG. 6 is a bottom panel of basket that would be unseen when collapsed view thereof;

FIG. 7 is a depiction of bottom of basket as it is tucked inside when collapsed view thereof;

FIG. 8 is a cross-section of the interior view thereof;

FIG. 9 is a magnified cut-out of gift card view thereof;

FIG. 10 is an example of final use and function of invention view thereof;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention provides for a collapsible, paper basket intended for use as a gift basket. This invention is comprised of a single, box-like paper tray that is unique in that, unlike typical baskets made of straw or material unable to bend or fold, this basket is made of sturdy paperboard which folds compactly and collapses into a single unit which can be opened fully when desired. In addition, there is a single perforated, cut-out in the center of the paper basket's front wall. This cut-out is specially designed and is created by a custom cut during manufacture. The perforation, allows for easy removal of the cut-out from the paper basket's front wall. Once removed, this cut-out serves as a gift card which can be written on and used with basket. This paper basket embodies a single self contained unit with the addition of a built-in gift card.

The paperboard tray (FIG. 1) forms the foundation and base of the invention. It is unique in its operation in that it can collapse and be quickly brought back to a useable state by slightly pulling the sides of the tray; prompting the tray to pop back into shape. The front wall of the basket contains a built-in gift card (FIG. 3) which will be expanded on further in this description.

As the name implies, the tray is made of paper; namely chipboard. A type of cardboard which is more refined and better suited to commercial use than the standard poster or cardboard. The paperboard tray consists of four side walls (FIG. 2) and a single bottom panel (FIG. 4). The bottom panel employs a custom made auto-lock closure (FIG. 5) designed specifically to aide in the closure of this particular invention. A typical auto-lock closure employs a bottom made of four intersecting panels (FIG. 4). These panels are uniformed in length and allow a box to bend. This invention's bottom panel also includes four intersecting panels but with a single bottom panel being extended, longer (FIG. 5). This extended bottom panel (FIG. 6) allows the paper basket to fold and collapse more easily, to do so multiple times, and to be stronger when invention is fully expanded and in use. When collapsed, this bottom panel is tucked inside basket and remains unseen (FIG. 7).

There is a single perforated, cut-out (FIG. 3) located in the center of the tray's front wall. This cut-out is specifically designed to sit in the center of the tray and is created using a custom Die cut during manufacture. By using a perforation method (A series of tiny holes punched through the tray) the cut-out remains partially attached to the tray's front wall but, when desired, can be snapped out (FIG. 9) or pulled away from the paperboard tray. By doing this, the cut-out can be utilized as a decorative gift card which can be used with the invention.

The interior walls of this invention (FIG. 8) are designed to support the placement of adhesive strips by being non-printed and smooth. The adhesive would hold in place a cellophane bag that is typically placed by a consumer after purchase of this paper basket and expanding it. The placement of the bag will realize the typical use and function of this invention by a consumer (FIG. 10).

All the elements described explain the uniqueness, purpose, use and function of my invention.

Claims

1. A decorative paper gift basket comprised of a single, box-like paper tray made of commercial grade paperboard with a perforated, built-in gift card allowing for adherence of a cellophane bag to interior; while folding compactly and collapsing into a single unit which can be opened fully when desired.

2. The basket being made of paperboard, which folds, collapses, creating an item that is light weight, takes little space, can be packaged to be sold as a small, flat, self-contained retail product.

3. Wherein the built-in gift card is a custom cut during manufacture, is built-into the front panel of basket, with perforated edges providing for easy removal from basket.