Convertible gift bag to gift box

Abstract

A gift bag that is convertible to a gift box comprises a decorative bag that is foldable flat and openable to a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and an insert for the bag that also folds flat but opens to a generally open-ended box inserted into to the bag to reinforce and stiffen the bag. The bag has an integral top flap that opens to cooperate with the insert to form a closed box, and has carry handles connected to the interior of the bag that are either removable or can be located within the bag when it is converted into a box.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 61 / 525,994, filed Aug. 22, 2011.BACKGROUND[0002]This invention relates generally to gift packaging, and more particularly to a decorative gift bag that is convertible to a gift box.[0003]Gift wrapping has long been a tradition in presenting gifts to others, and many retailers, particularly larger department stores, offer customers boxes with their purchases which may be used to gift wrap items. Purchases are usually given to customers by the retailers in shopping bags along with separate boxes folded flat. The boxes may be subsequently unfolded to contain the purchases and then gift wrapped. The shopping bags are usually discarded, contributing to wasted material. Retailers incur added expenses in providing both boxes and shopping bags.[0004]For many, the extra effort in gift wrapping is burdensome, time-consuming and inconvenient, which has led to the proliferation of decorative...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]The invention affords a convertible bag, such as a decorative gift bag, that quickly and easily converts into a gift box and offers a time-saving and convenient alternative to conventional methods of wrapping gifts. It avoids the necessity of purchasing a separate gift box, wrapping paper, tape, ribbon, etc., and allows busy on-the-go people to quickly pick up a gift and wrap it on the way to an occasion. The convertible bag may be made in a variety of different sizes, shapes, configurations, and from a variety of different materials that can accommodate different uses.

Problems solved by technology

The shopping bags are usually discarded, contributing to wasted material.

Retailers incur added expenses in providing both boxes and shopping bags.

For many, the extra effort in gift wrapping is burdensome, time-consuming and inconvenient, which has led to the proliferation of decorative gift bags.

While the gift bags may have handles which can be tied together, it is difficult to completely secure the bag to prevent the items from falling out.

Additionally, for some heavier or bulkier items, gift bags may not be suitable.

However, known gift bags that are convertible to boxes have not been entirely satisfactory.

Gift bags typically have carrying straps or handles connected to the bag that are difficult to accommodate when attempting to convert the bags to boxes using inserts or covers.

Removing the handles frequently defaces the bag or leaves holes in the bag which are undesirable.

Images