Self-locking gift boxes with decorative closure

Abstract

A self-locking gift box is disclosed, which includes a decorative element incorporated in the box closure. The unique box closure is adaptable to numerous shapes and sizes of gift boxes having a rectangular opening. The closure incorporates a pair of slotted and opposed, interlocking closure flaps, each of which has a decorative end portion. For one embodiment of the invention, the end portions are shaped so that, together, they form a generally circular bow-like pattern. The end portions may be printed with the image of a bow to enhance the effect. Additionally, the end portions can be die cut to provide multiple tabs, each of which can be bent upwardly to enhance the three-dimensional effect. For another embodiment, the end portions are shaped so that each includes one or more hearts. Other comparable patterns and designs are also contemplated. For still another embodiment of the invention, the end portions of the closure flaps may comprise multiple paperboard layers, at least one of which is die cut to provide bend-up patterns, designs or scenes.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A gift box comprising: 
 a rectangular opening;    a pair of slotted, interlockable flaps, each flap bendably attached to opposite sides of said opening at a fold line, each flap having a closure portion and a decorative end portion, such that when the flaps are interlocked, a closure is formed over said opening, as is a decorative pattern which overlies said closure portions.    
     
     
         2 . The gift box of  claim 1 , wherein said decorative end portion includes die-cut sub-portions, which may be bent upwardly or downwardly to provide an enhanced three-dimensional effect.  
     
     
         3 . The gift box of  claim 1 , wherein each decorative end portion has, from a top planar perspective, the shape of a bow.  
     
     
         4 . The gift box of  claim 1 , wherein each decorative end portion includes, from a top planar perspective, at least one heart-shaped element.  
     
     
         5 . The gift box of  claim 1 , wherein at least one end portion comprises multiple paperboard layers, at least one of which is die cut to provide bend-up patterns, designs or scenes.  
     
     
         6 . The gift box of  claim 1 , wherein each decorative end portion includes a printed design.  
     
     
         7 . The gift box of  claim 1 , wherein each closure portion is dimensioned to be somewhat wider than one half the distance across said rectangular opening, taken in a direction perpendicular to the fold lines of the interlocking flaps.  
     
     
         8 . The gift box of  claim 7 , wherein said closure portions assume a gabled configuration, and said decorative end portions are upwardly angled when said flaps are interlocked to close the box.  
     
     
         9 . The box of  claim 7 , wherein said wider dimensioning ensures adequate play when the interlocking flaps are mated together during assembly so that the slots in the flaps do not tear.  
     
     
         10 . A flat-foldable, ready-to-assemble paperboard gift box comprising: 
 a container portion having a rectangular opening;    a pair of slotted, interlockable flaps, each flap bendably attached to opposite sides of said opening at a fold line, each flap having a closure portion and a decorative end portion, such that when said flaps are interlocked, both a closure over said opening, and a decorative pattern overlying said closure portions which constitute the closure, are formed.    
     
     
         11 . The gift box of  claim 10 , wherein said decorative end portion includes die-cut sub-portions, which may be bent upwardly or downwardly to provide an enhanced three-dimensional effect  
     
     
         12 . The gift box of  claim 10 , wherein each decorative end portion has, from a top planar perspective, the shape and color printed form of a bow.  
     
     
         13 . The gift box of  claim 10 , wherein each decorative end portion includes, from a top planar perspective, the shape and color-printed form of at least one heart-shaped element.  
     
     
         14 . The gift box of  claim 10 , wherein at least one end portion comprises multiple paperboard layers, at least one of which is color printed and die cut to provide bend-up patterns, designs or scenes.  
     
     
         15 . The gift box of  claim 10 , wherein each closure portion is dimensioned to be somewhat wider than one half the distance across said rectangular opening, taken in a direction perpendicular to the fold lines of the interlocking flaps.  
     
     
         16 . The gift box of  claim 15 , wherein said closure portions assume a gabled configuration, and said decorative end portions are upwardly angled when said flaps are interlocked to close the box.  
     
     
         17 . The box of  claim 15 , wherein said wider dimensioning ensures adequate play when the interlocking flaps are mated together during assembly so that the slots in the flaps do not tear.  
     
     
         18 . The box of  claim 10 , which further includes an auto-bottom feature.  
     
     
         19 . The box of  claim 10 , which is partially assembled, yet flat foldable for shipment and display.  
     
     
         20 . A flat-foldable, ready-to-assemble paperboard gift box comprising: 
 a container portion having an opening having at least two parallel opposed sides;    a pair of slotted, interlockable flaps, each flap bendably attached to a pair of parallel opposed sides of said opening at a fold line, each flap having a closure portion and a decorative end portion, such that when said flaps are interlocked, both a closure over said opening, and a decorative pattern overlying said closure portions which constitute the closure, are formed.