Package for the sale of image-quality printing paper and display of images printed on the paper

Abstract

A package for the sale of image-quality printing paper facilitates digital image printing by providing blank sheets of image-quality printing paper pre-cut to accommodate image printing sizes for personal use. A rigid container is constructed and arranged to provide convenient protection, storage, display, and transportation of the blank sheets and the images subsequently printed thereon. The container may be provided with a multifunctional stand therein. Alternatively, or in addition, the container may be provided with a frame for surrounding, displaying, and holding the container.

We claim:  
     
         1 . An apparatus for the point of purchase packaging of printing paper, and the display of images printed on the paper, comprising: 
 a) a rigid container having a first section and a second section, 
 the first section having a major surface and at least one side wall perpendicular to the first section major surface,  
 the second section having a major surface and at least one side wall perpendicular to the second section major surface,  
 the first and second sections being hingedly connected and releasably engageable to form an enclosure in an engaged position of the first and second sections,  
 one of the first and second sections having means for releasably supporting a plurality of paper sheets; and  
   b) a plurality of blank sheets of paper contained within the container, the sheets sized to fit within one of the first and second sections, 
 at least one surface of each sheet being constructed and arranged for accepting and retaining image printing compounds.  
   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising: the paper constructed and arranged to maintain high-resolution images thereon.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising: the paper constructed and arranged to have a weight greater than 20 pounds and a brightness rating greater than or equal to 92.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the means for releasably supporting a plurality of paper sheets is a single shelf with a retaining surface parallel to one of the major surfaces.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising: 
 a stand capable of supporting the container, the stand being substantially flat in a first position and sized to fit within the container when the first and second sections are engaged, and foldable to a second position whereby the stand will support the container.  
 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5  wherein the stand is made from a resilient material.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 5  wherein the stand has first and second halves connected by a living hinge, the stand being usable as a biasing means within the container for urging a piece of the paper against one of the major surfaces.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising: the hinge allowing a rotation of the first section greater than 270 degrees from an engaged position with the second section, whereby the second section acts as a base for support of the first section in an upright display position.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising: the container being of a standard commercial compact disc case size.  
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein the dimensions of the container are 4.92 inches by 5.65 inches by 0.41 inches.  
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising: at least one of the major surfaces being translucent.  
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11  wherein the translucent surface further comprises a UV light inhibitor.  
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising: all surfaces of the container being translucent.  
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising: means for attachment of the container to a separate surface nonintegral with said container surfaces.  
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 13  wherein the means for attachment of the container to a separate surface nonintegral with said container surfaces comprises a magnet.  
     
     
         16 . A method of packaging point of purchase printing paper, and the display of images printed on the paper, comprising: 
 a) providing a rigid container having a first section and a second section, 
 the first section having a major surface and at least one side wall perpendicular to the first section major surface,  
 the second section having a major surface and at least one side wall perpendicular to the second section major surface,  
 hingedly connecting the first and second sections so as to be releasably engageable to form an enclosure in an engaged position of the first and second sections; and  
   b) placing a plurality of blank sheets of paper within the container, the sheets sized to fit within one of the first and second sections, 
 at least one surface of each of the sheets being constructed and arranged for accepting and retaining image printing compounds, and  
 placing the first and second sections in the engaged position.  
   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16  further comprising: providing paper constructed and arranged to maintain high-resolution images thereon.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16  further comprising: providing one the first and second sections with means for releasably supporting a plurality of paper sheets within the container.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16  further comprising: 
 providing within the container a stand capable of supporting the container, the stand being substantially flat in a first position and sized to fit within the container when the first and second sections are engaged and foldable to a second position whereby the stand will support the container.  
 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 16  further comprising: allowing a rotation of the first section greater than 270 degrees from the engaged position with the second section, whereby the second section acts as a base for support of the first section in an upright display position.  
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 16  further comprising: providing at least one translucent major surface.