Packaging boxes for products

Abstract

Invention details;

Description

product packaging box

[0001] The present invention relates to a product packaging box including a lower box body and an upper box body that is connected to the lower box body by a hinge so as to be able to open and close freely and that contains products when placed over the lower box body.

[0002] In close relationships, men often give jewelry to women as gifts. When a man visits a jewelry shop with his wife to purchase jewelry, the jewelry shop packs the jewelry in a specially prepared packaging box before handing it over, as shown in Patent Document 1, for example.

[0003] JP 2019-195405 A Utility Model Registration No. 3050705

[0004] Photographs can record the moment. People can look at a photograph and recall that moment. If the moment of purchasing jewelry is captured in a photograph, the woman can vividly recall the joy of that moment every time she looks at the photo. However, in today's age where photos can be taken easily with smartphones, the image of the photo is buried under a lot of image data. Therefore, the opportunity to recall the joy of receiving the gift is lost.

[0005] To provide a product packaging box that can create an opportunity to recall the joy felt when receiving a gift.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a product packaging box comprising: a lower box body; an upper box body connected to the lower box body by a hinge so as to be freely opened and closed and defining a recess on its upper surface; a transparent plate material that fits the outline of the recess and is fixed within the recess, covering an instant film placed within the recess; and an enclosure having a wall surface that rises from a horizontal plane including the surface of the plate material and fits the outline of the recess, surrounding a space above the surface of the plate material.

[0007] The instant film can be developed on the spot to capture the scene of the purchase. A transparent plate is placed over the instant film in the recess. The plate is fixed in the recess and serves to hold the instant film in the recess. In this way, the photograph can be easily attached to the product packaging box. The viewer can enjoy the image on the instant film by looking through the transparent plate. In this way, the product packaging box can create an opportunity to recall the emotions felt at the time of purchase. For example, the product packaging box can remind the viewer of the joy felt when receiving a gift.

[0008] Here, the space on the surface of the plate is surrounded by a border that matches the contours of the recess. The border functions to form a tray on the top surface of the upper box. Small items such as jewelry can be placed on the plate. The border functions to hold the small items on the plate. Since such a tray is used daily, the owner of the product can frequently see the images on the instant film. The emotions felt at the time of purchase can be strongly imprinted in the owner's memory. The product's impression can be firmly planted in the observer of the product packaging box.

[0009] The product packaging box may further include an auxiliary plate that is placed on the lower surface of the plate from below and coupled to the plate, holding the instant film between the plate and the auxiliary plate. The plate and auxiliary plate can be removed as a unit from the upper box body. The plate and auxiliary plate can function as a photo frame for the instant film. The product owner can separate the instant film from the product packaging box and display it anywhere they like. In this way, the owner can enjoy the images on the instant film wherever they like.

[0010] Furthermore, the product packaging box may further include a magnetic body fixed to the upper box body and disposed below the auxiliary plate, and a magnet fixed to the auxiliary plate and secured to the magnetic body by magnetic force, thereby fixing the instant film in the recess. The auxiliary plate can be fixed in the recess by the action of magnetic force. The photo frame formed by the auxiliary plate and the plate material can be securely held in the recess regardless of whether the upper box body is open or closed. Because the magnet is attached to the auxiliary plate, the photo frame can be easily attached to the surface of a refrigerator, etc.

[0011] Alternatively, the product packaging box may include a magnet fixed to the plate, a first magnetic body fixed to the auxiliary plate and attached to the magnet by the magnetic force of the magnet, thereby securing the auxiliary plate to the plate, and a second magnetic body fixed to the upper box body and disposed below the first magnetic body. The auxiliary plate is secured to the underside of the plate by magnetic force. Instant film is sandwiched between the plate and the auxiliary plate placed on top of it. The magnetic force of the magnet acts on the second magnetic body via the first magnetic body. In this way, the plate and auxiliary plate can be secured in the recess by magnetic force. The auxiliary plate and the photo frame formed from the plate can be securely held in the recess regardless of whether the upper box body is open or closed. Because the first magnetic body exerts magnetic force, the photo frame can be easily attached to the surface of a refrigerator, etc. The magnet and the first magnetic body may be interchangeable between the plate and the auxiliary plate.

[0012] The recess may define a space adjacent to the outer periphery of the plate and open inside the enclosure. The space adjacent to the outer periphery of the plate inside the enclosure is open. Access to the outer periphery of the plate can be permitted from this space. The plate can be easily pulled out of the recess by applying an external force to the outer periphery of the plate. The plate can be easily removed from the upper box. Instant film can be easily replaced or removed.

[0013] As described above, according to the present invention, a product packaging box can be provided that can create an opportunity to recall the joy felt when receiving a gift.

[0014] 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of a product packaging unit according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing an inner box housed in a lower outer box; FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an inner box according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a plan view of the inner box; FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of the inner box when the upper box body is opened; FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a hinge; FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 3; FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 5; FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a plate and an auxiliary plate corresponding to the cross-section taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 3; FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram of a light irradiation circuit according to a first specific example; FIG. 11 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an audio playback unit; FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the relationship between a recording switch and a protective body corresponding to FIG. 8; FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a plate and an auxiliary plate according to another specific example corresponding to FIG. 14; FIG. 14 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of a plate according to another specific example corresponding to FIG. 15;

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a product packaging unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. The product packaging unit 101 includes an outer box 102. The outer box 102 is formed from a lower outer box 103 and an upper outer box 104 that fits over the lower outer box 103. As shown in FIG. 2, the lower outer box 103 is composed of a rectangular bottom panel 103a and four side panels 103b that extend perpendicularly from the four sides of the bottom panel 103a. A rectangular storage space is defined inside the lower outer box 103. An inner box (product packaging box) 11 is housed in this storage space. The bottom panel 103a and the side panels 103b are individually formed from flat paperboard. The bottom panel 103a and the side panels 103b are interconnected by ridges, and the side panels 103b themselves are connected by ridges. The lower outer box 103 has a seamless, continuous appearance.

[0017] The upper outer box 104 is composed of a rectangular top panel 104a and four side panels 104b that descend vertically from the four sides of the top panel 104a. The top panel 104a is supported by the upper ends of the side panels 103b of the lower outer box 103, closing the opening 105 of the lower outer box 103 that is surrounded by the side panels 103b. The side panels 104b of the upper outer box 104 surround the side panels 103b of the lower outer box 103. The top panel 104a and the side panels 104b are individually formed from flat paperboard. The top panel 104a and the side panels 104b, as well as the side panels 104b themselves, are connected to each other by ridges. For example, a logo of the seller or manufacturer can be printed on the top surface of the upper outer box 104. The ridges give the upper outer box 104 a seamless, continuous appearance. The upper outer box 104 is entirely opaque. Alternatively, the top plate 104a may be made of a transparent resin material.

[0018] As shown in Figure 3, the inner box 11 includes a lower box body 12 and an upper box body 13 that overlaps the lower box body 12 to form a rectangular parallelepiped together with the lower box body 12. The lower box body 12 includes a hard resin molded body having a rectangular bottom plate 14a and four side walls 14b that rise vertically from the four sides of the bottom plate 14a, and a sticker 15 that is attached to the outer surface of the resin molded body to decorate the resin molded body. The upper box body 13 includes a hard resin molded body having a rectangular recess 61 for receiving a plate material 62 and side walls 16b that descend from the four sides of the top plate 16a and whose lower ends meet the upper ends of the side walls 14b of the lower box body 12 to form the side walls of the inner box 11, and a sticker 17 that is attached to the outer surface of the resin molded body to decorate the resin molded body. For example, a suede-like or cloth-patterned resin sheet may be used for the stickers 15 and 17. The sticker 17 covers the inner surface of the recess 61. The sticker 17 neatly arranges the inner surface of the recess 61.

[0019] The plate 62 is fitted to the contour of the recess 61 and fixed within the recess 61. The plate 62 is fitted into the recess 61. When fitted, the upper and lower edges of the plate 62 contact the inner wall surface of the recess 61, for example, in a plan view. The upper and / or lower edges in a plan view position the plate 62 in the up-down direction in a plan view. The plate 62 can be made of, for example, a transparent, hard acrylic plate. The surface of the plate 62 defines a flat surface 63. The space above the flat surface 63 is surrounded by an enclosure 64. The enclosure 64 has wall surfaces 64a that rise from a horizontal plane including the flat surface 63, matching the contour of the recess 61. The wall surfaces 64a are continuous with the inner wall surface of the recess 61 along each edge of the contour within a vertical plane. The wall surfaces 64a can guide the plate 62 downward in the vertical direction. Thus, the plate material 62 and the enclosure 64 cooperate to form a tray on the top surface of the upper box body 13. The plate material 62 constitutes the entire bottom plate of the tray. Here, the recess 61 defines a space 65 that is adjacent to the outer periphery of the plate material 62 and is open inside the enclosure 64. The space 65 is located outside the left and right edges in a plan view. The space 65 may be located on either the left or right edge. The space 65 has an opening sized to prevent small items from falling out when used as a tray.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 4 , the plate 62 covers the instant film 66 placed in the recess 61. The lower surface of the plate 62 overlaps the upper surface of the instant film 66. In a plan view, the entire instant film 66 is placed below the plate 62. A first decorative body 67a is fixed to the plate 62 at a position above the instant film 66 in a plan view. The first decorative body 67a is printed on the flat surface 63, for example, in a strip shape parallel to the upper edge in a plan view. Opaque ink is used for the first decorative body 67a. Similarly, a second decorative body 67b is fixed to the plate 62 at a position below the instant film 66 in a plan view. The second decorative body 67b is printed on the flat surface 63, for example, in a strip shape parallel to the lower edge in a plan view. Opaque ink is used for the second decorative body 67b, for example.

[0021] As shown in Figure 5, a cushioning material 18 is fitted into the rectangular parallelepiped space surrounded by the side wall 14b of the lower box body 12. The cushioning material 18 is formed, for example, from a sponge and a cloth material 18a that encases the sponge. A slit 19 is formed in the cushioning material 18. For example, a ring (jewelry) 21 is inserted into the slit 19. The ring 21 is held in the slit 19 by the elastic force of the cushioning material 18.

[0022] The ring 21 includes a platinum ring member 22 having a diameter corresponding to the thickness of the finger, for example, and diamond grains 23 fixed to the base of the ring member 22. The diamond grains 23 may be one or more. The diamond grains 23 have a blue fluorescence of strong or higher (strong blue or very strong blue). The diamond grains 23 emit a transparent glow under visible light (e.g., natural light or electric light) while glowing blue under ultraviolet light. The diamond grains 23 are supported by the lower box body 12 in this manner. When multiple diamond grains 23 are arranged, it is preferable that the blue fluorescence of all of the diamond grains 23 (or a group of diamond grains that are cohesive in terms of design) be unified to a strong blue or very strong blue.

[0023] A lining material 24 is fitted into the rectangular parallelepiped space surrounded by the side walls 16b of the upper box body 13. The lining material 24 comprises a decorative top panel 24a with a rectangular outline that forms the ceiling surface of the inner box 11, and four lining plates 24b that are continuous with each of the four sides of the decorative top panel 24a and are overlapped from the inside onto the four side walls 16b. Here, the four lining plates 24b are not adhered to the inner surfaces of the side walls 16b, and the lining material 24 is housed in the upper box body 13 in a detachable manner.

[0024] As shown in Figure 6, the upper box body 13 is connected to the lower box body 12 by a hinge 26 so as to be able to open and close freely. The hinge 26 includes a first blade 27 having a plurality of tubes 27a and secured to one side wall 16b of the upper box body 13 from the inside, a second blade 28 having a plurality of tubes 28a arranged in series and staggered with respect to the tubes 27a of the first blade 27 and a single hinge pin 29 inserted commonly into the tubes 27a of the first blade 27 and the tubes 28a of the second blade 28. The first blade 27 and the second blade 28 rotate relatively around the hinge pin 29. The central axis of the hinge pin 29 corresponds to the axis of rotation of the upper box body 13 when opened or closed.

[0025] A leaf spring 31 is connected to the hinge 26. As shown in FIG. 7 , the leaf spring 31 is formed as a curved body that maintains a generatrix parallel to the axis of the hinge pin 29. Both ends of the leaf spring 31 are respectively coupled to the first and second blades 27 and 28 at positions away from the hinge pin 29. In the closed position where the lower end of the upper case body 13 is aligned with the upper end of the lower case body 12, the first and second blades 27 and 28 are arranged side by side along one plane, and the middle region of the leaf spring 31 is furthest inward from the hinge pin 29. As the upper case body 13 moves around the hinge pin 29 from the closed position to the open position, the outer angle between the first and second blades 27 and 28 narrows, and the middle region of the leaf spring 31 approaches the hinge pin 29. As shown in Figure 8, when the intermediate region of the leaf spring 31 contacts the hinge pin 29, displacement of the upper box body 13 around the hinge pin 29 relative to the lower box body 12 is restricted, and the open position of the upper box body 13 is determined. When the opening angle around the hinge pin 29 is smaller than the predetermined intermediate opening angle, the leaf spring 31 applies a driving force to the upper box body 13 toward the closed position. When the opening angle is greater than the predetermined intermediate opening angle, the leaf spring 31 applies a driving force to the upper box body 13 toward the open position. The hinge 26 and leaf spring 31 are covered with a hinge cover 32. The hinge cover 32 is formed, for example, from a material similar to the fabric material 18a of the cushioning material 18.

[0026] An LED lamp (light source) 33 that emits ultraviolet light in accordance with a predetermined directivity Dv is embedded in the decorative top panel 24a of the upper box 13. The LED lamp 33 emits, for example, long-wavelength UV-A light (optimally, a wavelength of 395 nm to 405 nm). Preferably, the LED lamp 33 emits only light other than visible light. Preferably, the LED lamp 33 has a narrow directivity Dv. The LED lamp 33 has a directivity Dv that is blocked by the lower box 12 over the entire irradiation area.

[0027] A battery 35 is connected to the LED lamp 33. The battery 35 is housed in a battery chamber 34 defined between the resin-molded top panel 16a and the decorative top panel 24a. The battery 35 may be, for example, a thin button battery. Here, for example, a plurality of button batteries are connected in series. Current is supplied to the LED lamp 33 from the battery 35.

[0028] A switch 36 that controls the supply and cut-off of current to the LED lamp 33 is incorporated into the hinge 26 and the leaf spring 31. A first contact 37 is fixedly attached to the middle region of the leaf spring 31 while being electrically insulated from the leaf spring 31. The hinge 26 functions as a second contact that cooperates with the first contact 37 to form the switch 36. Therefore, the hinge 26 is made of a conductive material. The first contact 37 is made of a conductive material such as copper. For example, an insulator is sandwiched between the first contact 37 and the leaf spring 31. The first contact 37 is arranged on the surface of the leaf spring 31 that faces the hinge pin 29. The first contact 37 comes into contact with the hinge 26 when the upper box body 13 is in the open position and is spaced apart from the hinge 26 when the upper box body 13 is not in the open position.

[0029] As shown in Figure 7, an auxiliary plate 68 is placed on the underside of the plate 62 from below. The auxiliary plate 68 is joined to the plate 62 and holds the instant film 66 between it and the plate 62. The instant film 66 is sandwiched between the plate 62 and the auxiliary plate 68. The auxiliary plate 68 may be made of a transparent material like the plate 62, or may be made of an opaque material. The auxiliary plate 68 has an outline that overlaps the outline of the plate 62.

[0030] A first aromatic substance 69a is sandwiched between the plate 62 and the auxiliary plate 68 at a position above the instant film 66 in plan view. The first aromatic substance 69a extends, for example, in a strip-like shape parallel to the upper edge in plan view. The first aromatic substance 69a can be composed, for example, of a strip-shaped piece of paper and perfume permeating the piece of paper. The first decorative body 67a covers the first aromatic substance 69a in plan view. The first aromatic substance 69a is hidden by the first decorative body 67a. Similarly, a second aromatic substance 69b is sandwiched between the plate 62 and the auxiliary plate 68 at a position below the instant film 66 in plan view. The second aromatic substance 69b extends, for example, in a strip-like shape parallel to the lower edge in plan view. The second aromatic substance 69b can be composed, for example, of a strip-shaped piece of paper and perfume permeating the piece of paper. In a plan view, the second decorative body 67b covers the second aromatic substance 69b, and the second aromatic substance 69b is hidden by the second decorative body 67b.

[0031] Openings 72 are formed in the auxiliary plate 68 at positions corresponding to the first and second aromatic substances 69a and 69b, respectively. The openings 72 penetrate the auxiliary plate 68 vertically. The first and second aromatic substances 69a and 69b are exposed to the corresponding openings 72. Each opening 72 is connected to the space within the recess 61 that contacts the underside of the auxiliary plate 68. The fragrant components of the first and second aromatic substances 69a and 69b can leak out from the openings 72 into the space within the recess 61.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 9 , magnets 73 are fixed to the plate 62. The magnets 73 are embedded, for example, in the underside of the plate 62. In a plan view, the first decorative body 67a and the second decorative body 67b are covered by their respective magnets 73. Each magnet 73 is hidden by the first decorative body 67a or the second decorative body 67b. None of the magnets 73 are visually recognizable from the flat surface 63. Here, for example, if the magnets 73 are made of a transparent material, the first decorative body 67a and the second decorative body 67b can be omitted. Alternatively, the underside of the plate 62 may be provided with an opaque decoration, leaving a transparent window. Printing or vapor deposition can be used to apply the decoration. The window can, for example, resemble the outline of an image on an instant film 66. The image can be observed through the window. Transmission is blocked around the window. The magnets 73 can be hidden.

[0033] A first magnetic body 74 is fixed to the auxiliary plate 68, and is secured to the magnet 73 by the magnetic force of the magnet 73. The first magnetic body 74 is embedded in the upper surface of the auxiliary plate 68, for example. The first magnetic body 74 may have an outline that overlaps with the magnet 73 when the plate member 62 is placed on the auxiliary plate 68. The auxiliary plate 68 is secured to the lower surface of the plate member 62 by the action of magnetic force. The instant film 66 is sandwiched between the plate member 62 and the auxiliary plate 68 placed on the plate member 62. A magnet may be used instead of the first magnetic body 74. In this case, the magnet of the auxiliary plate 68 may have the opposite magnetic polarity to the magnet 73 of the plate member 62 and be facing the magnet 73. The magnet 73 and first magnetic body 74 may be swapped between the plate member 62 and the auxiliary plate 68.

[0034] Second magnetic bodies 75 are fixed to the upper box body 13. The second magnetic bodies 75 are disposed below the individual first magnetic bodies 74. The magnetic force of the magnets 73 acts on the second magnetic bodies 75 via the first magnetic bodies 74. In this way, the plate member 62 and the auxiliary plate 68 can be fixed in the recess 61 by the action of the magnetic force. The second magnetic bodies 75 protrude from the horizontal surface 76. The second magnetic bodies 75 support the auxiliary plate 68 at a position vertically spaced from the horizontal surface 76. In this way, a space connected to the opening 72 is defined between the horizontal surface 76 and the auxiliary plate 68. The opening 72 can be connected to the space 65. Here, a magnet may be used instead of the second magnetic bodies 75. In this case, the magnet of the upper box body 13 only needs to be oriented with its magnetic pole opposite to that of the magnet of the auxiliary plate 68.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 10 , a light irradiation circuit 38 according to a first example is constructed in the inner box 11, and includes an LED lamp 33, a battery 35, and a switch 36. In the light irradiation circuit 38, the LED element of the LED lamp 33 is connected in series to the battery 35. A timer-delayed normally open contact (hereinafter referred to as the "timer contact") 39 is connected in series to the LED lamp 33. A switch 36 and a timer 41 are connected in parallel to the LED lamp 33 and the timer contact 39. When the switch 36 is conductive, the timer 41 operates, and the timer contact 39 closes after a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as the "first time") has elapsed. As a result, the LED lamp 33 is energized. When the switch 36 is opened, the timer 41 is reset and the timer contact 39 is opened. As a result, the LED lamp 33 is turned off.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 11, an audio playback unit 45 that plays back recorded audio is incorporated into the inner box 11. The audio playback unit 45 includes an audio circuit 48 that receives an audio signal from a microphone 46 and supplies the audio signal to a speaker 47. The battery 35 is connected to the audio circuit 48. The audio circuit 48 operates by receiving voltage from the battery 35.

[0037] The microphone 46 detects air vibrations caused by sound and converts them into an audio signal (electrical signal). The generated audio signal is recorded in, for example, a memory 49. The memory 49 can be, for example, an EEPROM. The memory 49 is preferably a memory that allows an audio signal to be written only once. The microphone 46 is supported by the upper case 13 or the lower case 12. Here, the microphone 46 is housed in a space partitioned between the tabletop 16a and the decorative tabletop 24a, for example. The tabletop 16a or the decorative tabletop 24a may have a through hole formed therein, positioned corresponding to the position of the microphone 46, for connecting outside air to the microphone 46.

[0038] The speaker 47 generates vibrations in the air based on an audio signal and reproduces the corresponding sound. The reproduced sound stimulates the auditory sense of the observer, allowing the observer to hear the sound. The speaker 47 is supported by the upper box body 13 or the lower box body 12. In this example, the speaker 47 is housed in a space partitioned between the tabletop 16a and the decorative tabletop 24a, for example. The tabletop 16a or the decorative tabletop 24a may have a through hole formed therein, positioned corresponding to the position of the speaker 47, for connecting the speaker 47 to outside air.

[0039] A hold circuit 51 is connected to the audio playback unit 45, which holds audio playback until a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as the "second time") has elapsed since the start of ultraviolet irradiation. The hold circuit 51 connects the switch 36 to the audio circuit 48. The battery 35 and switch 36 are common to the audio circuit 48 and the light irradiation circuit 38. The hold circuit 51 measures (first time + second time) from the time the switch 36 becomes conductive. Here, when the predetermined second time has elapsed since the start of ultraviolet irradiation, the audio circuit 48 retrieves an audio signal from the memory 49 and supplies it to the speaker 47.

[0040] A recording switch 52 is connected to the audio circuit 48. When the recording switch 52 is turned on, the audio circuit 48 acquires an audio signal from the microphone 46 and stores the audio signal in the memory 49. As shown in FIG. 12 , the button for the recording switch 52 can be installed on the inner wall of the upper case 13. In this case, the recording switch 52 remains on as long as the button is pressed. When the button is released, the recording switch 52 is turned off. By placing the button inside the upper case 13, the recording switch 52 can be protected from accidental operation simply by the upper case 13 being in the closed position. The upper case 13 functions as a shield that protects the recording switch 52 from objects other than the components of the inner case 11. In this way, unintentional audio recording (audio erasure due to overwriting) can be prevented. Alternatively, the recording switch 52 may be linked to the conduction of the switch 36. As a result, when the recording switch 52 is operated with the upper case 13 in the open position, audio can be recorded in the memory 49.

[0041] The LED lamp 33, timer contact 39, timer 41, audio circuit 48, memory 49, and hold circuit 51 may be mounted on a common printed circuit board, for example. The first contact 37 of switch 36, the first blade 27 or second blade 28 of hinge 26, battery 35, microphone 46, speaker 47, etc. may be electrically connected to a wiring pattern on the printed circuit board by electrical wires such as vinyl-coated wires. The printed circuit board may be housed in the battery chamber 34, for example.

[0042] Next, the operation of the inner box 11 will be described. As shown in Figure 3, when the upper box body 13 is in the closed position, the lower edge of the upper box body 13 is aligned with the upper edge of the lower box body 12. The upper box body 13 covers the ring 21, hiding the diamond grains 23. An observer of the inner box 11 can see the appearance of the closed inner box 11. The diamond grains 23 are hidden from the observer's field of vision.

[0043] At this time, as shown in Figure 7, the intermediate region of the leaf spring 31 is farthest from the hinge pin 29. Therefore, the first contact 37 of the switch 36 is separated from the hinge 26, i.e., the second contact. The switch 36 is turned off. The LED lamp 33 is maintained in an unlit state. The operation of the audio circuit 48 is maintained in a stopped state.

[0044] When the observer moves the upper box body 13 around the hinge pin 29 toward the open position against the elastic force of the leaf spring 31, the lower end of the upper box body 13 moves away from the upper end of the lower box body 12. Visible light shines through the gap between the upper box body 13 and the lower box body 12 toward the diamond grains 23. The diamond grains 23 are gradually exposed. The diamond grains 23 are exposed to the visible light. Therefore, the diamond grains 23 emit a transparent glow.

[0045] When the opening angle of the upper box body 13 increases beyond the specified intermediate opening angle, the leaf spring 31 drives the upper box body 13 toward the open position. As a result, the upper box body 13 reaches the maximum opening position. The upper box body 13 is maintained in the maximum opening position according to the elastic force of the leaf spring 31. The flat surface 63 of the upper box body 13 is positioned higher the farther it is from the rotation axis. As shown in FIG. 5 , the diamond grains 23 can be seen by an observer without being obstructed by the upper box body 13. The diamond grains 23 emit a transparent glow under visible light (natural light or electric light).

[0046] When the upper box body 13 reaches the open position, as shown in Figure 8, the elastic force of the leaf spring 31 presses the middle region of the leaf spring 31 against the hinge pin 29. In this way, the first contact 37 comes into contact with the hinge 26, i.e., the second contact. The switch 36 becomes conductive. When a first time has elapsed since the switch 36 became conductive (ON operation), the LED lamp 33 lights up. The LED lamp 33 begins irradiating the diamond grains 23 with ultraviolet light. The diamond grains 23 glow blue.

[0047] After the upper box body 13 is opened, the diamond grains 23 are observed to shine transparently for a while, and then the diamond grains 23 change color from transparent to blue. In this way, a light effect is created in response to the opening action of the upper box body 13. The leaf spring 31 exerts a driving force to position the upper box body 13 in the open position, so that the diamond grains 23 are prevented from starting to change color at a position intermediate between the closed position and the open position, and the observer can reliably witness the color change of the diamond grains 23.

[0048] After a second time has elapsed since the start of UV irradiation, the audio circuit 48 plays the recorded audio. For example, if it is a gift, the viewer can hear the giver's voice (e.g., "Will you marry me?" or "Let's be together from now on"). Because the audio playback is delayed from the visual effect of the diamond particles 23, the visual effect of the diamond particles 23 and the audio effect act on the viewer sequentially. The viewer can become aware of the visual effect of the diamond particles 23 before becoming aware of the auditory effect of the audio (including language processing). The audio effect is superimposed on the visual effect. The inventors have realized that, since humans cannot simultaneously perceive multiple senses, delaying the audio playback from the visual effect can enhance the synergistic effect of the visual and audio effects compared to when the audio effect is simultaneously progressing with the visual effect. This effect allows the viewer of the inner box 11 to experience a unique emotional experience.

[0049] When the switch 36 is turned off, the LED lamp 33 goes out, the audio circuit 48 stops supplying the audio signal, and the audio playback ends.

[0050] Prior to giving the gift, the giver's voice is pre-recorded on the inner box 11. To record, the upper box 13 is positioned in the open position. The giver presses the recording switch 52 and speaks into the microphone 46 (for example, "Will you marry me?" or "Let's be together from now on"). The audio circuit 48 operates in response to the conduction of the recording switch 52. The voice is converted into an audio signal by the microphone 46. The audio signal is stored in the memory 49. When the giver's finger is released from the recording switch 52 button, the voice recording ends.

[0051] In this case, the fabric material 18a of the cushioning material 18 is preferably colored black or dark blue. With such coloring, even if the light from the LED lamp 33 slightly contains visible light adjacent to the ultraviolet range, the visible light shining on the fabric material 18a will not be noticeable. The light from the LED lamp 33 can be excluded from the viewer's vision.

[0052] For example, at a jewelry shop, a purchase scene can be captured with an instant camera. The purchase scene can be developed on the instant film 66. A transparent plate 62 covers the instant film 66 in the recess 61. The plate 62 is fixed in the recess 61 and serves to hold the instant film 66 within the recess 61. In this way, the photograph can be easily attached to the inner box 11. An observer can enjoy the image on the instant film 66 by looking through the transparent plate 62. The owner of the ring 21 can see the image on the instant film 66 every time they take out the inner box 11. In this way, the product packaging unit 101 can create an opportunity to recall the emotions felt at the time of purchase. The product packaging unit 101 can be used to recall, for example, the joy of receiving a gift. Here, the instant film 66 can be stored in a dark place in the opaque upper outer box 104. Since exposure to sunlight is avoided, deterioration of the instant film 66 (images) can be suppressed.

[0053] The space on the surface of the plate 62 is surrounded by a border 64 that conforms to the contours of the recess 61. The border 64 allows a tray to be formed on the top surface of the upper box body 13. Small items such as the ring 21 and key chains can be placed on the plate 62. The border 64 allows the small items to be held on the plate 62. Because such a tray is used daily, the owner of the ring 21 can frequently see the images on the instant film 66. The emotions felt at the time of purchase can be strongly imprinted in the owner's memory. The impression of the ring 21, the brand, and the jewelry store where the ring was purchased can be strongly imprinted on observers of the inner box 11. In particular, if the tray is shared by a man and a woman (a married couple), the images on the instant film 66 can evoke the emotions felt when the ring was given as a gift. The images on the instant film 66 can contribute to maintaining a close relationship.

[0054] The auxiliary plate 68 is fixed to the underside of the plate 62 by the magnetic force of the magnet 73. The instant film 66 is sandwiched between the plate 62 and the auxiliary plate 68 placed on top of the plate 62. Because the plate 62 and the auxiliary plate 68 can be separated against the magnetic force, the instant film 66 can be easily replaced in the photo frame formed by the plate 62 and the auxiliary plate 68. The magnetic force of the magnet 73 acts on the second magnetic material 75 via the first magnetic material 74. In this way, the plate 62 and the auxiliary plate 68 can be fixed in the recess 61 by the magnetic force. The photo frame formed by the auxiliary plate 68 and the plate 62 can be securely held in the recess 61 regardless of whether the upper box 13 is open or closed. Because the first magnetic material 74 exerts a magnetic force due to the influence of the magnet 73, the photo frame can be easily attached to the surface of a refrigerator, etc. When the auxiliary plate 68 is fixed, a recess for receiving the instant film 66 may be formed in the plate 62. The auxiliary plate 68 can be fitted into the recess in the plate 62. In this way, the instant film 66 can be sandwiched between the plate 62 and the auxiliary plate 68. Alternatively, the magnet 73 and the first magnetic body 74 in the plate 62 and the auxiliary plate 68 may be interchanged.

[0055] In this embodiment, the recess 61 defines a space 65 adjacent to the outer periphery of the plate 62 and open inside the enclosure 64. The space 65 is open inside the enclosure 64 and adjacent to the outer periphery of the plate 62. This space 65 allows access to the outer periphery of the plate 62. The plate 62 can be easily pulled out of the recess 61 by applying an external force to the outer periphery of the plate 62. The plate 62 can be easily removed from the upper box body 13. The instant film 66 can be easily replaced or removed. The space 65 can be narrow and extend along the left or right edge of the plate 62, and can be formed to be large enough to accommodate, for example, a ring 21. In this case, a hard tool can be inserted into the space 65 to remove the plate 62 and the auxiliary plate 68. The space 65 may also be formed to be large enough to allow a fingertip to reach the auxiliary plate 68.

[0056] In this embodiment, the first and second aromatics 69a and 69b are sandwiched between the plate member 62 and the auxiliary plate 68. The aromatic components of the first and second aromatics 69a and 69b leak into the space within the recess 61 through the opening 72 in the auxiliary plate 68. The aromatic components pass below the auxiliary plate 68 and are diffused from the space 65 toward the top of the upper box body 13. In this way, the scent can be released around the inner box 11. If a scent specific to the brand of the ring 21 or a scent specific to the jewelry shop is used, a strong impression of the ring 21, the brand, and the jewelry shop at the time of purchase can be left in the mind of an observer of the inner box 11.

[0057] The inner box 11 according to this embodiment causes the diamond grains 23 to change color from transparent to fluorescent blue. The owner of the ring 21 uses the inner box 11 to enjoy the color change of the diamond grains 23. In this way, the inner box 11 continues to be owned together with the ring 21. The number of opportunities for the inner box 11 to be taken out increases. The number of opportunities for the image on the instant film 66 to be seen increases. With ordinary products, the packaging box is often discarded once the product begins to be used.

[0058] Similarly, the inner box 11 according to this embodiment plays back recorded audio. Because the audio effect is realized in this way, the owner of the ring 21 keeps the inner box 11 instead of throwing it away, and enjoys the audio effect. In this way, the inner box 11 continues to be owned together with the ring 21. The chances of the inner box 11 being taken out further increase. The chances of seeing the images on the instant film 66 further increase.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 13 , instead of the second magnetic body 75, a magnetic body 78 disposed below the auxiliary plate 68 may be fixed to the upper box 13. The magnetic body 78 contacts the inner wall surface of the recess 61, for example, at its upper and lower edges in a plan view. The magnetic body 78 may be formed, for example, from a stainless steel plate that extends to the contours of the recess 61. In this case, the auxiliary plate 68 is molded from an opaque material. The auxiliary plate 68 covers the entire horizontal surface 76 defined by the magnetic body 78. A magnet 79 is fixed to the auxiliary plate 68 by magnetic force. The magnet 79 secures the instant film 66 in the recess 61. The magnet 79 supports the auxiliary plate 68 at a position vertically spaced from the horizontal surface 76. A space connected to the opening 72 is thus defined between the horizontal surface 76 and the auxiliary plate 68. The opening 72 can be connected to the space 65. The auxiliary plate 68 can be fixed in the recess 61 by magnetic force. The photo frame formed by the auxiliary plate 68 and the plate material 62 can be securely held in the recess 61 regardless of whether the upper box body 13 is open or closed. Since the magnet 79 is attached to the auxiliary plate 68, the photo frame can be easily attached to the surface of a refrigerator, etc. The magnetic material 78 may completely cover the bottom of the recess 61. In this case, the magnetic material 78 may be covered with a sticker 17 that extends seamlessly to the outline of the recess 61 and into the space 65. The bottom of the space 65 can be visually aligned with the sticker 17.

[0060] FIG. 14 schematically illustrates the structure of the upper box 13 according to a second example. The plate 62 is fixed within the recess 61, conforming to its contour. The upper and lower edges of the plate 62 contact the inner wall of the recess 61 in plan view, for example. The plate 62 can be made of, for example, a transparent, hard acrylic plate. The surface of the plate 62 defines a flat surface 63. The space above the flat surface 63 is surrounded by an enclosure 64. The enclosure 64 has walls 64a that rise from a horizontal plane including the flat surface 63, conforming to the contour of the recess 61. The walls 64a are continuous with the inner wall of the recess 61 along each edge of the contour within a vertical plane. The walls 64a can guide the plate 62 downward in the vertical direction. In this way, the plate 62 and the enclosure 64 cooperate to form a tray on the top surface of the upper box 13. As described above, the recess 61 defines a space 65 adjacent to the outer periphery of the plate member 62 and open inside the enclosure 64. The space 65 is located outside the left and right edges in a plan view.

[0061] The instant film 66 is placed on the bottom of the recess 61. The bottom of the recess 61 forms a horizontal plane 76 defined by the contour of the recess 61. The plate 62 covers the instant film 66. At this time, magnets 73 are fixed to the plate 62. The magnets 73 are embedded, for example, in the underside of the plate 62. In a plan view, the first decorative body 67a and the second decorative body 67b cover their corresponding magnets 73. Each magnet 73 is hidden by the first decorative body 67a or the second decorative body 67b. None of the magnets 73 are visually discernible from the flat surface 63. Here, for example, if the magnets 73 are made of a transparent material, the first decorative body 67a and the second decorative body 67b can be omitted. Meanwhile, a magnetic body 81 is fixed to the upper box body 13. The magnetic body 81 is disposed below each magnet 73. The magnetic force of the magnet 73 acts on the magnetic body 81. In this way, the plate 62 can be fixed in the recess 61 by the action of magnetic force. In this case, the auxiliary plate 68, the first fragrance 69a, and the second fragrance 69b can be omitted. A magnet may be used instead of the magnetic substance 81. In this case, the magnet of the upper box body 13 should be oriented with the opposite magnetic pole to the magnet 73 of the plate 62 so as to face the magnet 73.

[0062] FIG. 15 shows a schematic diagram of a light irradiation circuit according to a second example. The light irradiation circuit 43 includes an NPN transistor TR1 connected to a battery 35. The LED element of the LED lamp 33 is connected between the positive terminal of the battery 35 and the collector C of the NPN transistor TR1. A switch 36 and a first resistor R1 are connected in series between the positive terminal of the battery 35 and the base B of the NPN transistor TR1. A capacitor C1 is connected between the base B of the NPN transistor TR1 and the negative terminal of the battery 35. A second resistor R2 is connected in parallel with the first resistor R1 and the capacitor C1. The emitter E of the NPN transistor TR1 is connected to the negative terminal of the battery 35. In this light irradiation circuit 43, when the switch 36 is conductive, the voltage applied to the base B of the NPN transistor TR1 gradually increases due to the action of the time constant circuits R1 and C1. When the voltage at the base B of the NPN transistor TR1 reaches a predetermined value during the voltage rise, current flows into the collector C. After a predetermined time has passed, the voltage applied to the base B of the NPN transistor TR1 remains constant. When the switch 36 is turned off, the charge in the capacitor C1 is discharged through the second resistor R2.

[0063] The hold circuit 51 of the audio playback unit 45 holds audio playback until a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as the "third time") has elapsed after the ultraviolet light reaches its maximum intensity. The audio circuit 48 and the light irradiation circuit 43 share the same battery 35 and switch 36. The hold circuit 51 measures the time from when the switch 36 turns on until the ultraviolet light reaches its maximum intensity (hereinafter referred to as the "increase time") and the third time. The increase time can be determined by the voltage characteristics of the light irradiation circuit 43. The increase time corresponds to the time from when the switch 36 turns on until the voltage applied to the base B of the NPN transistor TR1 begins to be maintained at its maximum value. In this example, when the predetermined third time has elapsed since the ultraviolet light reached its maximum intensity, the audio circuit 48 retrieves an audio signal from the memory 49 and supplies it to the speaker 47.

[0064] The LED lamp 33, NPN transistor TR1, capacitor C1, first and second resistors R1 and R2, audio circuit 48, memory 49, and hold circuit 51 may be mounted on a common printed circuit board, for example. The first contact 37 of switch 36, the first blade 27 or second blade 28 of hinge 26, battery 35, microphone 46, speaker 47, etc. may be electrically connected to a wiring pattern on the printed circuit board by electrical wires such as vinyl-coated wires. The printed circuit board may be housed in the battery compartment 34, for example.

[0065] In the light irradiation circuit 43 according to the second example, after the upper box 13 reaches the open position and the switch 36 is turned on, a predetermined voltage is applied from the battery 35 to the base B of the NPN transistor TR1 after a first time has elapsed since the switch 36 was turned on. Current flows into the collector C of the NPN transistor TR1, and the LED lamp 33 begins to light up. Therefore, a viewer of the inner box 11 can observe the diamond grains 23 shining transparently for a while after the upper box 13 is opened.

[0066] The voltage applied to the base B of the NPN transistor TR1 gradually increases due to the action of the time constant circuits R1 and C1. The amount of current flowing through the LED lamp 33 gradually increases. The amount of ultraviolet light irradiated from the LED lamp 33 onto the diamond grains 23 increases. The diamond grains 23 gradually change color from transparent to blue. In this way, a light dramatic effect is created in response to the opening operation of the upper box body 13. The leaf spring 31 exerts a driving force to position the upper box body 13 in the open position, preventing the diamond grains 23 from beginning to change color at a position intermediate between the closed and open positions, allowing the observer to reliably witness the color change of the diamond grains 23.

[0067] After a second time has elapsed since the start of UV irradiation, i.e., a third time has elapsed since the diamond grains 23 began to glow blue at their maximum brightness, the audio circuit 48 plays back the recorded audio. For example, if it were a gift, the viewer could hear the giver's voice (e.g., "Will you marry me?" or "Let's be together from now on"). Because the audio playback is delayed from the visual effect of the diamond grains 23, the visual effect of the diamond grains 23 and the audio effect act sequentially on the viewer. The viewer can become aware of the visual effect of the diamond grains 23 before becoming aware of the auditory effect of the audio (including language processing). The audio effect is superimposed on the visual effect. The inventors have realized that, since humans cannot simultaneously perceive multiple senses, delaying the audio playback from the visual effect enhances the synergistic effect of the visual and audio effects compared to when the audio effect progresses simultaneously with the visual effect. This effect allows the viewer of the inner box 11 to experience a unique emotional experience.

[0068] When the switch 36 is turned off, the LED lamp 33 goes out, the audio circuit 48 stops supplying the audio signal, audio playback ends, and the charge on the capacitor C1 is discharged through the second resistor R2.

[0069] The LED lamp 33 may be supported by the lower case 12 instead of the upper case 13. Alternatively, the diamond grains 23 may be mounted on a plurality of bases forming a necklace chain. The bases are formed from a metal material such as platinum or gold. One diamond grain 23 may be fixed to each base, or a plurality of diamond grains 23 may be fixed to each base. Alternatively, the diamond grains 23 may be arranged on a pendant, bracelet, earrings, ring, or anklet. The diamond grains may be of a uniform size, or large and small diamond grains may be mixed.

[0070] In the inner box 11 described above, the switch 36 may be a tactile switch having a plunger that is pressed down by the upper box 13 when the upper box 13 reaches the open position. The light irradiation circuit 38 according to the first specific example and the light irradiation circuit 43 according to the second specific example may be replaced with electronic circuits of other configurations as long as they achieve the same functions as those described above. Furthermore, the operation of the switch 36 may not only be linked to the upper box 13 being in the open position as described above, but may also be linked to the upper box 13 being in the closed position. Additionally, the functions of the light irradiation circuits 38 and 43, the audio circuit 48, and the hold circuit 51 may be realized by software executed by a microprocessor (MPU).

[0071] 11...product packaging box (inner box), 12...lower box body, 13...upper box body, 26...hinge, 61...recess, 62...plate material, 63...horizontal surface (flat surface), 64...enclosure, 64a...wall surface, 65...space (adjacent to the outer periphery of the plate material), 66...instant film, 68...auxiliary plate, 73...magnet, 74...first magnetic material, 75...second magnetic material, 81...magnetic material.

Claims

DEPCT6919 / 12 / 25681. Packaging box for the product, which consists of a bottom box component, an upper box component welded to the bottom box component via hinges for oscillating movement between the open and closed positions, and has a recessed area on the top surface; a transparent sheet piece fitted into the outline of the recessed area and secured within the recessed area and configured to immediately enclose the instant film placed within the recessed area; and a covering with a face wall that rises from the horizontal plane, including the front surface of the sheet piece, along the outline of the recessed area and surrounding the space above the front surface of the sheet piece.

2. Packaging box for the product according to claim 1, which is further incorporated with a reinforcing plate that is overlaid on the bottom surface of the sheet piece from below and welded to the sheet piece and configured to hold the instant film between the reinforcing plate and the sheet piece.3.Packaging box for the product under claim 1, where the recess defines the boundary of the gap adjacent to the outer perimeter of the sheet part and is opened on the inside of the enclosure;

Images