MERCHANDISE SHIPPING AND DISPLAY CONTAINER

Abstract

A shipping container having a housing for holding merchandise and having a top that may be opened to allow access to the inside of the housing. A topper contained within the housing is positioned within the housing to present a surface when the lid is opened. A device coupled to the topper is operable to lift the topper and reveal merchandise contained in the housing. The device operable to lift the topper may be a tab, notch or other mechanism coupled to the topper so as to allow the topper to be rotated, slid or lifted away to reveal the merchandise. The surface of the topper preferably has a receptacle for releasably holding information about the merchandise. The shipping container provides a pleasant and upscale experience to the buyer and may be used as a display container for the merchandise.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/201,492 filed Aug. 5, 2015, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

More and more customers are purchasing merchandise through online shopping and e-commerce. Merchandise purchased in such a way is generally shipped to the customer in a standard corrugate box or other container suitable for delivering the merchandise in safe and undamaged condition.

Traditional shipping containers include corrugated boxes with additional packing material or plastic shipping envelopes. This results in excessive packing material, such as tissue paper, foam peanuts, tissue, or bubble wrap, in order to achieve product stability, safety, and package integrity, requires extra operational/warehousing costs, and does not provide effective solutions for inclusion of marketing materials. Further, shipping containers, such as card board boxes, are typically designed to be functional and are not intended to provide the customer with an aesthetically pleasing, clean, or upscale purchasing experience or to be used as display cases.

Further disadvantages of traditional shipping boxes include the box not being reinforced, and as such, the exterior box is not always rigid and protective of the product inside. If a consumer uses a sharp object to open traditional shipping boxes or envelopes, or, if the box is dropped or impacts a sharp object in transit, the walls of the box can be compromised, possibly damaging the contents inside. Environmentally, packing materials, such as, foam inserts, peanuts, and shredded paper, are not as recyclable or easy to break down and throw away. As a result, the consumer experience is not very “clean” or environmentally responsible. These additional packing materials are wasteful and require more to produce and warehouse, causing among other issues, increased handling, both for the shipper and recipient, and operational expenses. Other modular solutions such as foam inserts are much more expensive and environmentally wasteful to manufacture.

Accordingly, there is a need for a shipping container that alleviates the need for excess packaging while solving packaging integrity, as well as being easy to assemble, environmentally responsible, operationally efficient, aesthetically pleasing, and modular.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawing figures, which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, illustrate the embodiments of the present invention, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of embodiments of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a three quarter view of a container system according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a three quarter view of a container system with a modular portion according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is an expanded cut-away view of a container system according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B is a three quarter view of a container system according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a three quarter view of a container system including a pull device according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5A is a detailed view of the topper and pull device according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5B is a partial cross-sectional view of a pull device according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a three quarter view of another embodiment of a pull device according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a three quarter view of a pull device and topper, as shown in FIG. 5, combined with an object according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a three quarter view of a container system according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9A is a three quarter view of a container system in which the topper may be lowered according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9B is a three quarter view of the container system depicted in FIG. 9A in which the topper has been lowered into a shipping or display position;

FIG. 10A is a cut-away showing merchandise inside the container system according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10B is a three quarter view of the container system first illustrated in FIG. 9A for securing merchandise inside the container system;

FIG. 11 is a three quarter view of a container system according to yet another embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate various aspects of the topper depicted in FIG. 11; and,

FIG. 13 is a partially assembled view of the container system of FIG. 11 with merchandise therein;

FIG. 14A-B is a three quarter view of a container system according to an additional embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “having,” or “comprising” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof, are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. It is also to be understood that “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. Further, it is to be understood that the use of absolute terms such as “must,” “will,” and the like, as well as specific quantities, plurals or singulars, are to be construed as being applicable to one or more of such embodiments, but not necessarily to all such embodiments. As such, embodiments of the invention may omit, or include a modification of, one or more features or functionalities described in the context of such absolute terms.

The description is presented to enable a person skilled in the art of make and use embodiments of the disclosed invention. Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and principles herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to limit the invention, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed. In addition, the headings in this application are for reference purposes only and shall not in any way affect the meaning or interpretation of the present invention.

In light of the above-discussed disadvantages and limitations of typical shipping and display containers, it is highly desirable to provide a container system that integrates a secure, and resilient box that protects merchandise in shipping with a high end display case, that provides the user with a more sophisticated and desirable experience upon opening the system, while also providing new marketing and placement opportunities for documents. It is also desirable that the container system remain as inexpensive as practical to manufacture and that it also be configurable so that it may be used for different products without the need to an entirely different line of container systems.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the disclosed container system eliminates the need for additional wasteful packing materials such as shipping peanuts, foam inserts, paper stuffing, and paper shredding making it more eco-friendly. When executed as one piece, the box construction does not utilize multiple pieces, thus cutting down on manufacturing time and labor. When executed as two pieces, the topper may be produced with multiple variations, such as, for example, different die-cut portions or perforations, to accommodate different size objects or to offer different features. This eliminates the need to purchase multiple exterior boxes. The top is preferably hinged or otherwise attached to the container, outer box, or housing to allow the top to be moved so as to open the container, box, or housing. The top may also be a separate component of the container so that it may be completely removed from the container or housing.

In addition to the top, a topper assembly provides an additional layer of protection to the materials inside the container system and the topper further serves as a platform for marketing materials such as, for example, a thank you card or receipt. In addition, the topper may be scored, creating an additional portion for adjusting the height, and die-cut so as to secure a product from movement and damage in transit. The topper is preferably attached to the outer box as one piece, but the outer box or housing and topper may be two separate pieces. The material, which may be card board, for example, can be folded over itself and die-cut to create a multiple layered platform for the branded materials to sit inside or to secure a pull device, which is discussed in more detail below. A pull device is used to assist in lifting the marketing material out of the die-cut receptacle area. The pull device may also be used to lift the topper to reveal the product inside. If a pull device is not used, a die-cut thumb notch may be used to allow the user to lift the topper using his/her finger.

The topper system preferably also reinforces the outer box. The outer box and topper combination protect the product housed inside by creating an additional layer of structural integrity to the exterior box while adding a protective surface above the merchandise to avoid damage to the item when opening with a sharp object such as a knife or letter opener. Additionally, the topper offers an excellent space to utilize for additional branding and marketing material such as pamphlets, thank you letters, receipts, and graphics.

In an additional embodiment of the present invention, the box topper is a system that is easy to assemble and preferably ships flat, reducing shipping and warehousing costs. As one piece, it does not require the need to purchase, manufacture, assemble, or add additional pieces or materials to achieve a secure and protective shipping experience. In addition, the topper system can be created with different die-cuts so that only one exterior box size needs to be purchased or manufactured to accommodate and secure multiple sizes of items. Die-cuts in the topper may be perforated allowing retailers to punch out whichever shape they want to utilize for the product being shipped.

Preferred and alternative embodiments of the present invention are discussed below and illustrated in the accompanying drawing figures. Turning to the drawing figures, identical numerals correspond to the same or similar features in each of the several embodiments. The drawings are not intended to indicate the scale or relative proportions of the elements shown therein. Unless otherwise noted, all parts are preferably fabricated from any suitable material, including for example, but in no way limited to: card board; corrugated card board; textile materials; natural materials; wood; metal; plastic or any other material or combination of materials capable of providing adequate stability, resilience and appearance.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a container system 100 is illustrated in FIGS. 1-8 and discussed below. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the container system 100 includes exterior and interior portions according to one possible embodiment. The container system 100 includes an outer box or housing 110. The outer box or housing 110 includes bottom 113, a number of sides 112, and a top 111. The collection of these parts 111-113 form the outer box 110 and may be made by folding a single piece of material, such as, for example, card board, plastic, metal, and the like, into the appropriate shape or by combining any number of individual parts. The outer box 110 may also include a hinge 114. The top 111 may also be, for example, separate from the sides 112, and bottom 113 allowing the top 111 to be optionally fully removed from the outer box 110. The top 111 may also include multiple hinged portions 114 so as to provide additional security or support by engaging additional sides 112 when to top is closed.

The container system 100 also includes a topper 120. The topper 120 may be attached as an extension of the outer box 110, or separated as an individual piece. The topper may include side pieces that when closed provide additional support to the outer box 110. The topper 120 may be customized to meet a number of needs, including, for example, where it includes a modular portion 121. The topper 120 may also take many different shapes depending on the needs of the user. For example, in some embodiments the topper may be narrower than the inside of the outer-box. The term topper 120 may be used when referring to the topper system that contains other individual or integrated pieces such as an additional layer or layers, die-cuts, or flaps and is not to be limiting.

As shown in FIG. 2, the modular portion 121 may have more than one position depending on the needs of the retailer. For example it may be positioned at either 121a or 121b or somewhere in between. Where the modular piece 121 is in position 121b the addition of the modular piece 121 forms a multi-layer topper 120 at least where the modular piece and the topper 120 overlap. Alternatively the modular portion 121 can provide support at the edge by contacting the sides 112 and the bottom 113, or further alternatively, it may not be included at all. The topper 120 may also be made of multiple layers when, for example, multiple layers of material are used in its construction. The topper 120 may also reinforce the outer box 110 and protect any products housed inside the outer box 110 by creating an additional layer of structural integrity while adding a protective surface above the merchandise. The topper 120 may also provide space for additional branding and marketing material such as pamphlets, thank you letters, receipts, graphics, etc. The topper 120 may also include a die-cut 150. As depicted, there may be more than one die-cut 150, for example where 150a represents a first die-cut in the first layer of the topper 120 and a second die-cut 150b represents a die-cut in an additional layer 121.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the container system 100 is constructed so that the topper 120 is movable to allow a user to expose the merchandise below. FIG. 3A, depicts the relationship between the additional layer 121 the surface 122 and the die-cut 150a and the resulting space 125. In this orientation, when the top 111 is opened, the user encounters the surface 122 of the topper 120 and may also encounter objects placed in the receptacle 125. As shown in FIG. 3B, the receptacle 125 is preferably suited to hold information related to the merchandise for presentation to the buyer and is formed by the die-cut 150a. Objects 140 that may be placed in the receptacle 125 include but are not limited to pamphlets, thank you letters, receipts, graphics or any other object desired by the user. The topper 120 may be removed completely, for example, in embodiments where it is a separate piece, or it may be pivoted hingedly or slid out of the way. The topper 120 is in a partially closed position having gone from the position defined by the segmented lines, to its depicted position by pivoting hingedly at an additional hinged portion. The topper 120 may be multi-layered, for example, by moving the modular portion 121 to position 121b. The topper may also optionally include a die-cut 150a in the surface 122. Die-cut 150b may also be included in the modular portion 121. There can be any number of die-cuts 150a-n and they make take many different shapes to accommodate different uses. For example, where the topper includes the additional layer 121 a die-cut 150a allows objects to be placed in the receptacle 125. For example, a card (not shown in FIG. 3B) may be placed in the receptacle 125 such that the corners of the card tuck into reliefs at the corners of the die-cut 150a between the surface 122 and the additional layer 121. In this manner the reliefs may be in the modular portion 121. The topper 120 may also provide additional reinforcement to the outer box 110. For example, when the top is closed a portion of the topper 120 may be adjacent to the sides 112, bottom 113, or top 114 in such a manner as to increase the number of layers of material between the environment and the interior. In a preferred embodiment, the topper 120 may include flaps perpendicular to the bottom 113 that engage the sides 112 when the topper 112 is in a closed position thereby creating more than one wall and reinforcing the outer box 110. Any number of reinforcement layers may be possible depending of the needs of the user. For example, where a multi-layer topper 120 is used, multiple reinforcement layers may exist to optionally provide increased structural integrity.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the container system 100 may include a pull device 135. The pull device 135 allows, for example, a user to easily transition the topper 120 from a closed to an open position or to optionally remove it completely, thereby accessing their merchandise. The pull device 135 may consist of but is not limited to, for example, die-cut thumb notches, tabs, handles, notches, straps, or any other means to aid in the removal or movement of the topper 120 to reveal the merchandise. In a preferred embodiment, the pull device 135 is composed of a loop strap or ribbon and barb. The loop and barb can be placed through a die-cut section 150 in the manner shown. Where the die-cut 150a in the surface 122 already exists, the additional die-cut section 150b may be cut in the modular additional layer 121. Where a different pull device 135 is used the die-cut section 150a-n may take any number of forms, or may not be necessary. For example, die-cut section 150a-n could be a thumb notch. In the depicted arrangement, for example, the pull device 135 may be installed and objects 140 placed in the receptacle 125 such that the pull device remains accessible. In addition, in this arrangement, the pull device 135 may avoid interfering with the top 111 such that the top 111 may close completely, further securing the merchandise beneath both the topper 120 and the top 111.

In accordance with one aspect of the container system 100, a topper 120, pull device 135, and their integration with other features, are illustrated in FIGS. 5A-8. Referring to FIG. 5A, which illustrates a pull device 135 where a ribbon and barb is used. In this embodiment, the pull device 135 is installed by positioning the strap or ribbon, and particularly the barb, through a die-cut section 150b, where the die-cut is preferably narrower than the barb. By moving the strap and barb in the manner depicted by the arrows, the barb passes through the topper 120 and when readjusted, makes contact with the underside of the topper 120 such that when a user pulls on the strap the force on the pull device 135 is transferred to the topper 120 raising the it to provide access to the merchandise underneath. As shown in FIG. 5B, the pull device may be installed with the barb below the topper. The barb may be coupled to the topper or simply help in place by upward force. The topper 120 can be one or more layers. Where more than one layer is used, the die-cut section 150b may pass through any additional layers, or where a separate die-cut 150 exists in the first layer, an additional die-cut section 150b may be necessary in any additional layers. The die-cut section 150 may be disposed in the surface 122, the modular additional layer 121, both, or in other orientations not depicted. Other variations of the pull device 135 may include die-cut thumb notches, tabs, handles, notches, or any other means to aid in the removal or movement of the topper 120 to reveal the merchandise.

As shown in FIGS. 6-7 the container system 100 may include, for example, where the pull device 135, when installed, is designed to lay flat. The surface 122 may be die-cut 150a in such a manner as to accommodate and allow the pull device 135 to pass beneath an object 140. The object may be placed in the receptacle 125 where it rests above the additional modular layer 121 and where the corners of the object, a letter for example, are slid into reliefs between the second layer 121 and the surface 122 providing security for the object 140. This orientation is depicted by the segmented lines, where the object 140 passes between the surface 122 and the modular additional layer 121 into one or more reliefs. The pull device 135 may extend through the additional layer 121 at die-cut 150b and anchor to the bottom side of an additional layer of the topper 120. The strap portion of the pull device, then, may extend under the object 140 such that it can be grasped by a user. The topper 120 may include additional die-cut areas or shapes to allow for the strap to lay flat and be grasped by a user.

As shown in FIG. 8, the individual components of the container system 100 embodiment depicted in FIG. 5-7, when assembled, may appear, for example, as a greeting card placed in the receptacle 125 while the pull device 135 remains accessible. The topper 120 provides increased protection and security for the goods, while also providing mounting locations for the pull device 135 and an object 140. When a user opens the top 111 they are met with, for example, the topper 120 where the surface 122 contains a die-cut 150a into which object 140 has been placed such that the user can easily access it. The object 140 may include, but is not limited to, marketing material, letters, receipts, offers, pamphlets, thank you letters, and graphics. Further, in this example, the pull device 135 may be placed in such a manner that it is easily accessible to the user, allowing them to remove the topper 120 and access the merchandise underneath without a need for disturbing the object 140. The pull device 135 may also, in some embodiments, allow for removal, or assist in the removal of the object 140.

FIGS. 9A-B and 10A-B illustrate an alternative embodiment of the present invention in the form of a container system 200. As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the topper 220 includes an additional portion 227 for adjusting height 228. By lengthening or shortening this additional part 227 the level of topper 220, and thus the surface 222, can be moved up and down inside the outer box 210. The distance moved down being depicted as 228 and may be accomplished, for example, by scoring and bending a portion of the topper 220. Moving the level of the topper 220 may provide an extra plane of security around the product, for example, by adjusting to fit around the desired security point. The topper 220 may also include a first die-cut portion 250a and one or more additional die-cut portions 250b-n. The die-cut portion can be of any shape. For example, the topper 220 can be created with different die-cuts 250a-n such that only one outer box 210 size needs to be purchased in order accommodate and secure items of different shapes and sizes. Further, die-cuts in the topper 220 may be perforated such that operators can select, for example, which shape to utilize per the product being shipped. By utilizing the adjustment portion 227 a user may selectively move at least a first die-cut 250a up or down such that the adjustable topper 220 provides an additional plane of protection to an object. The topper 220 can include die-cuts to fit around the base or mid-section of a product in order to secure it in transit. By managing both the shape of the die-cut and the height of the topper 220, the container system 200 can secure a wide variety of material.

Referring now to FIGS. 10A and 10B, the die-cut section 250a-n may take any form whether to accommodate a pull device 235 or an object 240a, and may be the only die-cut or one of many. Multiple objects 240a and 240b are depicted in die-cuts 250a and 250b. The topper 220 can also be raised or lowered 228 to provide an ideal level of protection during transit to any type of object 240a-n placed in the die-cut 250a-n. The topper 220 may also be lowered 228 to allow for different objects 140, of varying thickness, to sit on the surface 220.

FIG. 10A shows the topper 220 in a lower position to contact the object 240a near its middle. A die-cut 250 may allow the object 240a to pass through the topper 220 while optionally providing a tight fit. In additional embodiments the die-cut may allow the object 240a to hang from the topper 220 without making contact with the top 211 or bottom 213.

FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which container system 300 includes a removable and separate topper 320. The topper section 320 is separate from outer box 310 such that different toppers 320 may be inserted in a common size outer box 310. Consistent with other embodiments, the topper 320 may be customized to meet a number of needs, including, for example, to house marketing material, secure a product, provide an additional protective barrier to the product, and/or multiple die-cuts. The individual topper 320 may include multiple bend, creases, or pieces in order to take the shape desired by a user. The individual topper 320 may be the same general size as the outer-box 310 or it may be smaller in one or more dimensions. The topper 320 may also include a pull device 335 in order to allow a user to remove the topper 320. In single layer embodiments, the pull device 335 may be attached or coupled to the underside of the topper 320 by any means known in the art, including, but not limited to staples, rivets, glue or sonic welding. In multi-layer embodiments, the pull device 335 may be positioned between the layers. In additional embodiments the pull device may be located elsewhere, for example through a die-cut 350 or as a handle. The separate topper 320 may also include a first 350a and second 350b die-cut portions where one of the die-cuts may, for example, be used for the pull device 335.

As further illustrated in FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C, topper 320 is separate from the outer box 310. The separate topper 320 may include an additional layer 321 in a similar or identical fashion to the one piece topper 120, referenced above. Separate topper 320 may also include a pull device 335. The pull device may be located in between the topper 320 and the additional folded layer 321. In this manner, when the removable topper 320 is placed in the outer box 310, such that it sits over any merchandise, the user can remove the separate topper 320 by utilizing the pull device 335. As depicted by 350c and 350d, die-cuts may optionally be made in the additional layer 321 such that a die-cut may pass through one or more layers. In this arrangement, objects may, for example, pass through or rest on, additional layers.

FIG. 13 illustrates the container system 300 in which the two piece system with a removable topper 320 functions in much the same way as a single piece embodiment 100 or 200 described above and, further, may be combined with similar or identical features. The removable topper 320 can include any variation of die-cut 350a-n. For example, as shown, a first 350a and second 350b die-cut exist to accommodate a first 340a and second 340b object 340. A further advantage of the separate topper 320 is that it allows the seller to keep a number of different separate topper 320 pieces for a single size outer box 310, thereby reducing inventory and waste. The separate topper 320 may also include a pull device 335. The pull device 335 can include a ribbon or strap, as depicted, or, and not limited to, notches, handles, tabs, die-cut tabs, or any other means that allows the customer to easily open or remove the topper 320 revealing the merchandise below. The separate topper 320 may also be height adjustable and be lowered by an amount 328 by reducing the size of the side portions of topper 320.

FIGS. 14A-B illustrate a container system 400 in which a topper 420 may optionally include additional structure 427. The additional structure may be coupled to the topper 420 such that it is removed with the topper, or, in alternative embodiments, the additional structure may be separate from the topper 420. The additional structure 427 may also be formed to accommodate merchandise. For example, as seen in FIG. 4B, the additional structure can provide support to, for example, a clock, by including strategically positioned inset portions 460 at the additional structure portions 427 for contacting the edges of the merchandise, for example, a clock. Additional support may be provided to any merchandise disposed beneath the topper 420, by incorporating specific designs, of which 460 is one example, into the additional support 427, for example, but not limited to, die-cut portions, ledges, segmented portions and the like. In embodiments where the additional structure is coupled to the topper, the additional structure may be removed without disturbing the merchandise or, alternatively, may assist in removing the merchandise. The large arrow shows the topper 420 as one piece being inserted into the outer box 410. In separate embodiments, the topper 420 may be removed separate from the additional structure 427 and the additional structure portions 427 may be added or removed depending on the needs of the user. In some embodiments the additional structure portions may be manufactures flat and folded into their final shape. The additional structure may also be used where further reinforcement is necessary, where additional merchandise security is necessary, or both. For example, in at least one embodiment, additional structure at the corners may provide increased structural rigidity. The container system 400 may be combined with similar or identical features as described in embodiments 100, 200, or 300.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the container may be made of card board, plastic or other suitable material that offers structural integrity and adds to the overall upscale and pleasant buying experience. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the disclosure of the preferred embodiment. Instead, the invention should be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow.

In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. Various modifications and changes may be made, however, without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims. The specification and figures are illustrative, not restrictive, and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined by the claims and their legal equivalents rather than by merely the examples described.

For example, the steps recited in any method or process claims may be executed in any order and are not limited to the specific order presented in the claims. Additionally, the components and/or elements recited in any apparatus claims may be assembled or otherwise operationally configured in a variety of permutations and are accordingly not limited to the specific configuration recited in the claims.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to particular embodiments. Any benefit, advantage, solution to problem, or any element that may cause any particular benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or to become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or components of any or all the claims.

The terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprising”, “having”, “including”, “includes” or any variations of such terms, are intended to reference a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, composition or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements recited, but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, composition or apparatus. Other combinations and/or modifications of the above-described structures, arrangements, applications, proportions, elements, materials, or components used in the practice of the present invention, in addition to those not specifically recited, may be varied or otherwise particularly adapted to specific environments, manufacturing specifications, design parameters, or other operating requirements without departing from the general principles of the same.

Claims

1. A shipping container comprising:

a housing having a top that may be opened;

a topper contained within the housing and positioned within the housing to present a surface when the top is opened; and,

a device for moving the topper to reveal merchandise contained in the housing.

2. The shipping container of claim 1, wherein the surface of the topper further comprises a receptacle for presenting information.

3. The shipping container of claim 1, wherein the pull device for removing the topper is a strap coupled to the topper for gripping and removing the topper from the container.

4. The shipping container of claim 1, wherein the topper comprises more than one layer of material.

5. The shipping container of claim 1, wherein the top is hingedly coupled to the housing, and where the topper is hingedly coupled to a different portion of the housing, and where the topper comprises more than one layer, and where the surface of the topper comprises at least one receptacle for presenting merchandise, and where the pull device for removing the topper comprises a strap removably coupled to the topper for gripping and pivoting away the topper from the housing.

6. The shipping container of claim 1, wherein the topper comprises one or more die-cut portions.

7. The shipping container of claim 1, wherein the topper comprises an adjustment portion for lowering the topper surface relative to the housing.

8. The shipping container of claim 1, wherein the shipping container comprises a single sheet of specifically folded material.

9. A shipping container comprising:

a housing;

a top removably coupled to the housing; and,

a topper contained within the housing and positioned within the housing to present a surface when the top is opened.

10. The shipping container of claim 9, wherein a pull device is coupled to the topper.

11. The shipping container of claim 10, wherein the pull device comprises a strap removably coupled to the topper.

12. The shipping container of claim 9, wherein the topper further comprises an adjustment portion for raising or lowering the topper within the housing.

13. The shipping container of claim 9, wherein the top is hingedly coupled to the housing, and further where the topper is hingedly coupled to a different portion of the housing.

14. The shipping container of claim 13, wherein the surface of the topper further comprises at least one receptacle, and further where the receptacle comprises one or more reliefs at the edges of the receptacle.

15. The shipping container of claim 13, wherein the topper comprises more than one layer, and where the pull device comprises a strap coupled to at least one layer, and further where the pull device pivots the topper about a hinged portion.

16. The shipping container of claim 9, wherein the shipping container comprises a single sheet of specifically folded material.

17. A merchandise container suitable for displaying and shipping merchandise, while providing a pleasant and upscale experience to a buyer, comprising:

a housing having a top that may be opened, the top hingedly coupled to the housing;

a topper removably contained within the housing and hingedly coupled to the housing at a point opposite the point at which the lid is hingedly coupled to the housing, the topper further positioned within the housing where the topper present a surface when the top is opened, the surface comprising:

at least one die-cut portion through a first layer in the topper, the die-cut portion further comprising a receptacle; and,

a pull device for removing the topper, the device comprising a loop removably coupled at one end to the topper.

18. The shipping container of claim 17, wherein the surface further comprises a space for marketing material.

19. The shipping container of claim 17, wherein the shipping container comprises a single sheet of specifically folded material.

20. The shipping container of claim 19, wherein the specifically folded material comprises cardboard.