Reversible container

Abstract

The present invention relates to packaging formed of a single sheet of material and incorporating reversible panels, alternatively displaying a first surface (which could display address and postage markings to facilitate shipping), and after conversion, a second surface (which could display decorative markings for holiday or special occasion gift giving). Conversion from the first manifestation to the second is accomplished through manipulation of the reversible panels, allowing conversion without exposing the contents of the package. Construction may be of standard shipping materials such as corrugated cardboard, but due to the additional thickness and stability offered by the design, non-corrugated cardboard or fiberboard are expressly contemplated, as are synthetic sheet material and plastics where the packaging is to be reused.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] Not Applicable. STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not Applicable. REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX [0003] Not Applicable. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0004] The present invention relates generally to packaging and storage containers, and more specifically to packaging having a first surface containing shipping, mailing, content or other indicia, said packaging possessing additional exterior panels which are reversible for conversion into packaging displaying a second surface containing gift wrapping, decorative markings, advertising, and / or other indicia, said conversion possible without revealing the contents of the package. [0005] The internet, though e-mail, voice over internet protocol, and transmission of visual images, has diminished the perception of geographical distances, allowing for the formation and maintenance of relationships o...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved container capable of conversion from a container having a first surface to a container having a second surface, which conversion is possible while preserving the contents from inspection by the recipient until a time of the recipient's own choosing.

[0019] Still another of the objects of the present invention is to provide an improved container which includes reversible sealing means, which sealing means may be separated to open the outer container without disturbing the contents of the inner container, and which sealing means may then be reversed to close the everted container to present a decoratively wrapped gift to the recipient.

[0027] Creasing is used along fold score lines so that the panels can be easily folded along the crease lines, and in either direction where reversible lines are contemplated, with ease. Decorative markings are printed only on one side, as are the shipping markings, allowing the packaging to be assembled with either set of markings visible from the exterior.

Problems solved by technology

The internet, though e-mail, voice over internet protocol, and transmission of visual images, has diminished the perception of geographical distances, allowing for the formation and maintenance of relationships over great distances in a way that was not possible or economical previously.

Because gifts are transported to recipients across distances, and because mail services and couriers require that shipped packages display only functional markings so as not to obscure recipient and postage information, gifts are not easily sent in decorative wrapping as is the custom for holidays, birthdays and other special occasions.

There are methods for the recipient to receive a decoratively wrapped gift purchased over the internet, but none are easy or economical.

One option is for the gift to be wrapped prior to insertion into a second delivery box, but many merchants do not offer this service.

If they do, it often involves extra resources, materials and expense.

This results in several burdensome demands on the gift-giver, who must (i) wrap the gift itself; (ii) find or purchase a box large enough to accommodate the gift; and (iii) pay any additional costs for shipment resulting from the increased mass of the packaging, and / or the increased dimensions of the outer box.

Despite these additional efforts, a gift sent in such duplicative packaging may still be subjected to increased risk of damage in transport as a result of any mismatch between the gift packaging and the shipping packaging.

Where the size discrepancy is large, the inner box is permitted rattle in transit, potentially causing damage to the shipped good.

Where the size discrepancy is very small, the outer box may rupture in transit, again causing damage to the shipped good.

Neither of these patents contemplates shipping, and neither allows for the contents of the packaging to be concealed for gift-giving purposes.

Furthermore, neither is capable of manufacture from a single sheet of material, making these designs uneconomical.

For gift-giving purposes, this is an undesirable requirement.

The prior art fails to disclose a reversible foldable container which can be converted from a package displaying a first surface to a package displaying a second surface, without revealing the contents of the packaging to the recipient.

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