CA2920037A1 - Card - Google Patents
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- Publication number
- CA2920037A1 CA2920037A1 CA2920037A CA2920037A CA2920037A1 CA 2920037 A1 CA2920037 A1 CA 2920037A1 CA 2920037 A CA2920037 A CA 2920037A CA 2920037 A CA2920037 A CA 2920037A CA 2920037 A1 CA2920037 A1 CA 2920037A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- versatile
- dimensional form
- central portion
- article according
- edge
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
- B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
- B42D15/00—Printed matter of special format or style not otherwise provided for
- B42D15/02—Postcards; Greeting, menu, business or like cards; Letter cards or letter-sheets
- B42D15/04—Foldable or multi-part cards or sheets
- B42D15/042—Foldable cards or sheets
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F9/00—Games not otherwise provided for
- A63F9/06—Patience; Other games for self-amusement
- A63F9/12—Three-dimensional jig-saw puzzles
Landscapes
- Credit Cards Or The Like (AREA)
- Toys (AREA)
Abstract
An article such as a greeting card (10) comprising a sheet (11) defining at least one central portion( 16)and at least one versatile portion (18) connected together via at least one fold (20). The central portion (16) has two opposing edges (26, 28) adapted to be drawn together to create a three-dimensional form. The fold (20) is located at a junction of the central portion (16) and versatile portion (18). These portions (16, 18) are foldably connected together whereby the versatile portion (18) can be folded and adapted for location adjacent to or at an angle to the three-dimensional form, and may be secured at that location. The greeting card (10) may further comprise numerous engagement means (30, 32), apertures (38) and cords (39). The greeting card (10) can be delivered in a collapsed condition and can be readily assembled into a three-dimensional form revealing the ingenuity of the card.
Description
Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an article that can transform from a collapsed condition, whichis generally flat, into an erected conditi on that has a three-dimensional form, and can transform back to its collapsed condition The article maybe usedfor any appropriate purpose such as, for example, a greeting cardto convey a greeting message or other information; a decoration; a gift; a souvenir; an ornament a puzzle; entertainment; a table name card; an educational tool; a promotional tool or display device for advertising or conveying other information.
Background Art The discussion of the background art is included exclusively for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admissi on that any ofthe material referred to was common general knowledge i n the field relevantto the presenti nvention in Australiaor el se wherebeforethe priority date.
It is known that on special occasions or as a sign of affection, greeting cards may be given by one person known as the sender, to another personknownas the recipient.
Such greeting cards are normally manufactured in a booklet style suchthatthe frontcover incorporate s a design, message, photograph or a combination of these. The booklet style greeting card may be folded flat, placed in an envelope and sent by mail to the intended recipient;
generally, whe n rue eived, the recipi ent knows beforehand what isinside the envelope before opening it. There i s no anticipation, wonder, exc ite ment or surprise factor: agreetingcard is a greeting card. The booklet style greeting cards are normally displayed by the recipient for a short period of time.
In recenttimes attempts have been made to add excitement andlife to greeting cards bythe introduction of pop up cards and three dimensional greeting cards. The greeting card has virtually stagnated, being consistently similar and consistently familiar. It is what it is and has remained so for approximately 650 years.
The booklet style greeting card generally is often difficult to display and when the greeting card is displayed, only the front coverorthe inside cover orpage are displayed, and a slight breeze will topple them off the furniture.
There have been various proposals to enhance the sentiment or interest engendered by greeting cards through a provision enabling them to be assembled into a three-dimensional form for display.
Besides US patent no. 8,252,391, US patent application no. 13/597,190, PCT
application no. AU2008/000039, Australian Paten No. 2008207283, Mexican Patent No. 304499, Chinese Patent Application No. 200880008541.1, Brazilian Patent Application No.PI000806769-4, and I ndi anPate ntApplicati onNo.1536/MUMNP/2009), example sof suchproposal are disci ose d inUS Pate ntNos. 2,616,199, 2,696,690, 3,134,708, 3,571,958, 6,173,515, 7,596,896 B2, 7,490,425 B2, 7,409,787 B2, 7,316,085 B1, 5,933,989, 526,172;
US7,100,317 and Martha Stewart Living Magazine December 2000 Issue pg 90, "Paper Plate Angels", H. Hayes (US Patent No 2,205,262(al so Re. 22,109) and Sylvan (http:cmfts.kaboose.com/angel-and-singer-ornaments.htm http://vvww.kidsdomain.corn/cralt/cegif/ont/ang-hom.gif).
While some such proposals may be effective in creating intere st and allowing display in the three-dimensional form, theycan be rather complicated to erect and/ornotsufficiently stabl when inthe erected condition for di splay purposes. A greeting card should be ever evolv ing and always presenting new options for the sender and excitement to the recipient. The present invention provides for greater remembrance ofthe sender upon the greeting card being received, and long after other kind of greeting cards are stored or thrown away.
Businessesandcorporati ons can have their own individual style intheir communications and adverti sementsto thei r customers c ustomized in greeting cardofthe invention designe d to their specification and with the same aforementioned qualities.
The present invention seeks to overcome at leasti npartthe aforementioneddisadvantages or limitations ofthe prior artand provide innovative advancements and useful choice s to the prior art arrangements referred to above.
Background Art The discussion of the background art is included exclusively for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admissi on that any ofthe material referred to was common general knowledge i n the field relevantto the presenti nvention in Australiaor el se wherebeforethe priority date.
It is known that on special occasions or as a sign of affection, greeting cards may be given by one person known as the sender, to another personknownas the recipient.
Such greeting cards are normally manufactured in a booklet style suchthatthe frontcover incorporate s a design, message, photograph or a combination of these. The booklet style greeting card may be folded flat, placed in an envelope and sent by mail to the intended recipient;
generally, whe n rue eived, the recipi ent knows beforehand what isinside the envelope before opening it. There i s no anticipation, wonder, exc ite ment or surprise factor: agreetingcard is a greeting card. The booklet style greeting cards are normally displayed by the recipient for a short period of time.
In recenttimes attempts have been made to add excitement andlife to greeting cards bythe introduction of pop up cards and three dimensional greeting cards. The greeting card has virtually stagnated, being consistently similar and consistently familiar. It is what it is and has remained so for approximately 650 years.
The booklet style greeting card generally is often difficult to display and when the greeting card is displayed, only the front coverorthe inside cover orpage are displayed, and a slight breeze will topple them off the furniture.
There have been various proposals to enhance the sentiment or interest engendered by greeting cards through a provision enabling them to be assembled into a three-dimensional form for display.
Besides US patent no. 8,252,391, US patent application no. 13/597,190, PCT
application no. AU2008/000039, Australian Paten No. 2008207283, Mexican Patent No. 304499, Chinese Patent Application No. 200880008541.1, Brazilian Patent Application No.PI000806769-4, and I ndi anPate ntApplicati onNo.1536/MUMNP/2009), example sof suchproposal are disci ose d inUS Pate ntNos. 2,616,199, 2,696,690, 3,134,708, 3,571,958, 6,173,515, 7,596,896 B2, 7,490,425 B2, 7,409,787 B2, 7,316,085 B1, 5,933,989, 526,172;
US7,100,317 and Martha Stewart Living Magazine December 2000 Issue pg 90, "Paper Plate Angels", H. Hayes (US Patent No 2,205,262(al so Re. 22,109) and Sylvan (http:cmfts.kaboose.com/angel-and-singer-ornaments.htm http://vvww.kidsdomain.corn/cralt/cegif/ont/ang-hom.gif).
While some such proposals may be effective in creating intere st and allowing display in the three-dimensional form, theycan be rather complicated to erect and/ornotsufficiently stabl when inthe erected condition for di splay purposes. A greeting card should be ever evolv ing and always presenting new options for the sender and excitement to the recipient. The present invention provides for greater remembrance ofthe sender upon the greeting card being received, and long after other kind of greeting cards are stored or thrown away.
Businessesandcorporati ons can have their own individual style intheir communications and adverti sementsto thei r customers c ustomized in greeting cardofthe invention designe d to their specification and with the same aforementioned qualities.
The present invention seeks to overcome at leasti npartthe aforementioneddisadvantages or limitations ofthe prior artand provide innovative advancements and useful choice s to the prior art arrangements referred to above.
2 When the article is being purchased, the buyer may choose from a range of characters, scenes, sports, etc, and words in most languages. There are also variant degrees of simplicity, creativity, intrigue, interactivityandcomplexities to choose from.
These options are created by the different designs and art used, layo ut and numbe r ofthe portions, hinges, spaced engagements means, adhering means, apertures and cords. By mixing these co-ordinates and strategically adding and removing some, the arrangements are always different. As the coordinates are folded into place, the coordinated art work is then appreciated.
The article in its simplest form requires only a bend, a flip and a stick to realize its three dimensional form. It is simple, yet, intriguing. There is also anticipation, wonder, exciternent,creativityinteractivity, and it has a surprise factor. Prior to the complete erection of the article into the simple orthe more complex three dimensional form, it is not known what the article will look like, inducing the recipient to experiencamexpected emotions as mentioned above. The article in its more complex form offers varyinglegrees of challenge to skills, interactivity, ingenuity and mental fortitude to fathom and erect the numerous coordinates into the three dimensional form. The article can be hung, adhered to a support or sat upon a suitable surface. A weight maybe applied ontothe article sothat in its form of a greetingcard it can sit in any breezy condition in the home or office . A ribbon may be inserted into a push-out aperture in the article so that in its form ofa greeting c ard it can hang inside or outside automobiles or boats.
Disclosure of the Invention According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an article comprising a single flat sheetofmaterial defining at le ast two portions, a first portion and a se cond portion. The first portion defines a central portion and the second portion defines a versatile portion foldablyconnectedtogethervi a afold, the c entral po rti on be ing adaptedforerecti on into a three dimensional form and the versatile portion bei ng adapted for locati on adj acentto rat an angle to the said erected three-dimensional form. In an alternative arrangement, the article can comprise one or numerous central portions, one or numerous versatileportions and one or numerous folds.
These options are created by the different designs and art used, layo ut and numbe r ofthe portions, hinges, spaced engagements means, adhering means, apertures and cords. By mixing these co-ordinates and strategically adding and removing some, the arrangements are always different. As the coordinates are folded into place, the coordinated art work is then appreciated.
The article in its simplest form requires only a bend, a flip and a stick to realize its three dimensional form. It is simple, yet, intriguing. There is also anticipation, wonder, exciternent,creativityinteractivity, and it has a surprise factor. Prior to the complete erection of the article into the simple orthe more complex three dimensional form, it is not known what the article will look like, inducing the recipient to experiencamexpected emotions as mentioned above. The article in its more complex form offers varyinglegrees of challenge to skills, interactivity, ingenuity and mental fortitude to fathom and erect the numerous coordinates into the three dimensional form. The article can be hung, adhered to a support or sat upon a suitable surface. A weight maybe applied ontothe article sothat in its form of a greetingcard it can sit in any breezy condition in the home or office . A ribbon may be inserted into a push-out aperture in the article so that in its form ofa greeting c ard it can hang inside or outside automobiles or boats.
Disclosure of the Invention According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an article comprising a single flat sheetofmaterial defining at le ast two portions, a first portion and a se cond portion. The first portion defines a central portion and the second portion defines a versatile portion foldablyconnectedtogethervi a afold, the c entral po rti on be ing adaptedforerecti on into a three dimensional form and the versatile portion bei ng adapted for locati on adj acentto rat an angle to the said erected three-dimensional form. In an alternative arrangement, the article can comprise one or numerous central portions, one or numerous versatileportions and one or numerous folds.
3 Preferably, the central portion comprises opposed second and third edges adapted to be drawn togetherto create the three-dimensional form. The central portion furthercomprises a first edge defining a bottom end when the central portion is erected into the three-dimensional form, with the firstedge terminating at the second and third edges ofthe central portion. In this arrangement, the central portion can be turned upon itselfto bring the two opposed second and third edges together.
Preferably, the lower end of the erected three dimensional form has a curved periphery so that the central portion has a generally inverted cone shape. The curved periphery can consist of numerous straight lines.
Preferably, the first edge comprises a first edge portion and a second edge portion. The first edge portion is at one end of the first edge, and the second edge portion is at the extreme other end of the first edge. The first edge portion is located at the junction ofthe first edge and the third edge, and the second edge portion is located at the junction of the first edge and the second edge. The central portion is erected into the three-dimensional form when the first edge portion and the second edge portion are brought together. The first and second edge portions are a first distance apart when the central portion is flat, and are a second distance apart, shorter than the first distance, when the central portion is erected into the three-dimensional form.
Preferably, the central portion has a lower end and an upper end, wherein the upper end is provided with spaced first and second engagement means, such that upo n the central portion being drawn upon itself, the first and sec ond engagement means are inter-engagedto secure the central portion in the three-dimensional form.
The first engagement means can comprise a tab, and the second engagement means can comprise a slot configured to receive the tab. The tab can be notched so that upon engagemenlbetween the tab and the slot, a part of the tab is located behind the portion adjacenttheslot. The spaced first and second engagement means can al so c ompri se forms ofengagement means other than a tab and a slot. In alternative arrangements, engagement means can al so c ompri se other forms ofengagement means. In an alternative arrangement, spaced first engagement means can be on any portion and spaced second engagementmeans can be on any portion.
Preferably, the lower end of the erected three dimensional form has a curved periphery so that the central portion has a generally inverted cone shape. The curved periphery can consist of numerous straight lines.
Preferably, the first edge comprises a first edge portion and a second edge portion. The first edge portion is at one end of the first edge, and the second edge portion is at the extreme other end of the first edge. The first edge portion is located at the junction ofthe first edge and the third edge, and the second edge portion is located at the junction of the first edge and the second edge. The central portion is erected into the three-dimensional form when the first edge portion and the second edge portion are brought together. The first and second edge portions are a first distance apart when the central portion is flat, and are a second distance apart, shorter than the first distance, when the central portion is erected into the three-dimensional form.
Preferably, the central portion has a lower end and an upper end, wherein the upper end is provided with spaced first and second engagement means, such that upo n the central portion being drawn upon itself, the first and sec ond engagement means are inter-engagedto secure the central portion in the three-dimensional form.
The first engagement means can comprise a tab, and the second engagement means can comprise a slot configured to receive the tab. The tab can be notched so that upon engagemenlbetween the tab and the slot, a part of the tab is located behind the portion adjacenttheslot. The spaced first and second engagement means can al so c ompri se forms ofengagement means other than a tab and a slot. In alternative arrangements, engagement means can al so c ompri se other forms ofengagement means. In an alternative arrangement, spaced first engagement means can be on any portion and spaced second engagementmeans can be on any portion.
4 Preferably, the central porti on comprises atleasttwo sections, parts of the sections being integral lyconnected, withfurtherpartsofthe sectionsbeingdetached, wherebyoneofsuch sections projects from another of such sections when the central porti on i s erected into the three-dimensional form. In this arrangement, the central portion, when in the three-dimensional form, can portray a body having a torso and a head, with one section forming the head and upper part of the torso, and another section forming the lower part of the torso.
In an alternative arrangement sections of the body can extend widthwise to at least the width ofthe central portion whe n the central porti on i s in the two dimensional flat form and sextend to at least the height of the central portion when the central portion is in the two dimensional flat form. In an alternative arrangement as illustrated in FIG.
17, the central portion when in the three-dimensional form can portray lower floors of a building. In an alternative arrangement, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the central portion when in the three-dimensional form can portray an entire building.
Conveniently, the central portion i s cutto produce atle ast two se cti ons at the same time as the sheet stock is cut to produce the sheet of the required configuration.
Preferably,thecentral portion comprises the first edge and the slot, and therebetween is located a heel section. When the central portion and versatile portion are in the three dimensional form, and resting on a support surface, the heel section provides balance and stability for the three dimensional form. Dimensions ofthe heel section can be varied to suit balance and stability requirements of alternative arrangements, with the first edge conforming accordingly.
Preferably, the fold foldably connects the versatile portion to the central portion. In alternative arrangements, any central portion(s) can be connected to further central portion( s) vi a afol d; the any central portion( s) can be c onnectedto versatile portion(s)viaa fold; any versatile portion( s) can be connected to further versatile portion(s)via a fold. In an alternative arrangement each portion can consist of one or numerous folds.
Preferably, the versatile portion is foldablyconnectedto the central portionvi athe fold, and
In an alternative arrangement sections of the body can extend widthwise to at least the width ofthe central portion whe n the central porti on i s in the two dimensional flat form and sextend to at least the height of the central portion when the central portion is in the two dimensional flat form. In an alternative arrangement as illustrated in FIG.
17, the central portion when in the three-dimensional form can portray lower floors of a building. In an alternative arrangement, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the central portion when in the three-dimensional form can portray an entire building.
Conveniently, the central portion i s cutto produce atle ast two se cti ons at the same time as the sheet stock is cut to produce the sheet of the required configuration.
Preferably,thecentral portion comprises the first edge and the slot, and therebetween is located a heel section. When the central portion and versatile portion are in the three dimensional form, and resting on a support surface, the heel section provides balance and stability for the three dimensional form. Dimensions ofthe heel section can be varied to suit balance and stability requirements of alternative arrangements, with the first edge conforming accordingly.
Preferably, the fold foldably connects the versatile portion to the central portion. In alternative arrangements, any central portion(s) can be connected to further central portion( s) vi a afol d; the any central portion( s) can be c onnectedto versatile portion(s)viaa fold; any versatile portion( s) can be connected to further versatile portion(s)via a fold. In an alternative arrangement each portion can consist of one or numerous folds.
Preferably, the versatile portion is foldablyconnectedto the central portionvi athe fold, and
5 is adapted to be folded into a positi on adjacent to or at an angl e to the central porti on wnen in the erected three-dimensional form.
=
In alternative arrangements, the versatility of the versatile portion allows the versatile portion to adapt itself to various names and roles including, but not limited to, a background, a foreground, internal portion (74), a side, a top and a base (54) to define a particular application adopted by the versatile portion. Versatile portions, in their given adopted names, are adapted to be folded to a position adjacent to or at an angle to further versatile portion(s) and to further central portion(s).
A versatile portion, in the role of internal portion, as seen in FIG. 7(74), is adapted to be folded to a position adjacent to or at an angle to the rear side ofthe central porti on pri or to the central portion being erected into the three dimensional form.
In an alternative arrangement, the versatile portion can be at least the same size of the central portion.
Inalternativearrangementas illustrated in FIG. 16, versatile portion 18 in the role ofa base, and 18a in the role of internal portion, are adapted to be folded to a position adjacent to or at an angle to the bottom end and to the rear side of the central portion prior to the central portion being erected into the three dimensional form.
Preferably, the versatile portion is adapted to be secured to the three-dimensional form.
Adhering means, such as but not limited to, glue, double sided tape, can be provided for securing the versatile portion to the three-dimensional form:
In an alternative arrangement, adhering means can be provided for securing any portion to any portion. Adhering means can be provided for securing part of a portion to itself.
=
In an alternative arrangement, the article can comprise one or numerous central portions, versatileportions,folds,spaced firstengagementmeans, spaced second engagement means, aperture 38, cords, and adhering means.
=
In alternative arrangements, the versatility of the versatile portion allows the versatile portion to adapt itself to various names and roles including, but not limited to, a background, a foreground, internal portion (74), a side, a top and a base (54) to define a particular application adopted by the versatile portion. Versatile portions, in their given adopted names, are adapted to be folded to a position adjacent to or at an angle to further versatile portion(s) and to further central portion(s).
A versatile portion, in the role of internal portion, as seen in FIG. 7(74), is adapted to be folded to a position adjacent to or at an angle to the rear side ofthe central porti on pri or to the central portion being erected into the three dimensional form.
In an alternative arrangement, the versatile portion can be at least the same size of the central portion.
Inalternativearrangementas illustrated in FIG. 16, versatile portion 18 in the role ofa base, and 18a in the role of internal portion, are adapted to be folded to a position adjacent to or at an angle to the bottom end and to the rear side of the central portion prior to the central portion being erected into the three dimensional form.
Preferably, the versatile portion is adapted to be secured to the three-dimensional form.
Adhering means, such as but not limited to, glue, double sided tape, can be provided for securing the versatile portion to the three-dimensional form:
In an alternative arrangement, adhering means can be provided for securing any portion to any portion. Adhering means can be provided for securing part of a portion to itself.
=
In an alternative arrangement, the article can comprise one or numerous central portions, versatileportions,folds,spaced firstengagementmeans, spaced second engagement means, aperture 38, cords, and adhering means.
6 The central portionandtheversatile porti oneachcompri se a bordere dge The border edge of the central portion is defined as central border, and the border edge of the versatile portion is defined as versatile border.
The versatile border connects to one or numerous versatile border(s) via the fold. The versatileborderconnects to one or a numerous central border( s) via the fold.
The central border connects to one or numerous central border(s) via the fold. The central border - connects to one or numerous versatile border(s) via the fold.
The article according to the invention can be configured as a card (such as, for example, a greeting c ard) from a single flat sheet ofm ate rial . The sheet c ompri se s a single piece offlat material. The sheet can be made from sheet stock of any appropriate material and appropriatethicicness including, but not limited to, paper, cardboard, plastics, minerals, electronic 'and parchment paper. Typical I y, the sheet stock i s cut to produce the sheet of the required configuration. The sheet stock c an be cut by adie-cutti ng process. The sheet can comprise one or numerous folds.
The three-di mensional form can be provided with a base such that a cavity is defined within the three-dimensional form into which an object such as a gift can be inserted.
Preferably, the versatile portion can be adapted to receive attachment means to allow the assembled article to be attached to a support for display purposes.
I nan al te rnative arrangement, any porti on(s) can be adapted to receive attac hment mean s to allow the assembled article to be attached to a support for display purposes.
In al te mative arrangements, the attac hme nt me ans c an compri se attac hmentdevice (s)suc h as, but not limited to, at least one magnet for attac hing the article to metallic surfaces, such as refrigerator doors or parts of a motor vehicle. In alternative arrangements, the attachments meanscan compri se a suspensi on el ement, suchas, butnot limitedto, a cordby means of which the assembled article can be hung fordisplay. In an altemative arrangement there can be one or numerous threads that can be threaded through one or numerous apertures.
The versatile border connects to one or numerous versatile border(s) via the fold. The versatileborderconnects to one or a numerous central border( s) via the fold.
The central border connects to one or numerous central border(s) via the fold. The central border - connects to one or numerous versatile border(s) via the fold.
The article according to the invention can be configured as a card (such as, for example, a greeting c ard) from a single flat sheet ofm ate rial . The sheet c ompri se s a single piece offlat material. The sheet can be made from sheet stock of any appropriate material and appropriatethicicness including, but not limited to, paper, cardboard, plastics, minerals, electronic 'and parchment paper. Typical I y, the sheet stock i s cut to produce the sheet of the required configuration. The sheet stock c an be cut by adie-cutti ng process. The sheet can comprise one or numerous folds.
The three-di mensional form can be provided with a base such that a cavity is defined within the three-dimensional form into which an object such as a gift can be inserted.
Preferably, the versatile portion can be adapted to receive attachment means to allow the assembled article to be attached to a support for display purposes.
I nan al te rnative arrangement, any porti on(s) can be adapted to receive attac hment mean s to allow the assembled article to be attached to a support for display purposes.
In al te mative arrangements, the attac hme nt me ans c an compri se attac hmentdevice (s)suc h as, but not limited to, at least one magnet for attac hing the article to metallic surfaces, such as refrigerator doors or parts of a motor vehicle. In alternative arrangements, the attachments meanscan compri se a suspensi on el ement, suchas, butnot limitedto, a cordby means of which the assembled article can be hung fordisplay. In an altemative arrangement there can be one or numerous threads that can be threaded through one or numerous apertures.
7 According to a second aspect ofthe invention, as illustrated in FIG. 3, there is provided an article formed from a single flat sheet of material comprising a central portion arranged to be tmnsformedinto three-dimensional form. The central portion having a lower end and an upper end, wherein the upper end is provided with spaced first and second engagement means such that upon the central portion being turned around upon itself, the first and second engagement means are inter-engaged to transform the central portion into three-dimensional form.
According to a third aspect of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the central portion either prior to or when erected into the three-dimensional form, can be adapted to rec e ive a weight to enhance the stability of the three-dimensional form when resting on a support surface. The weight can be attached to the rear side ofthe front face ofthe central portion when flat, as or when the central portion is erected i n the three-dimensional form.
There can be numerous central portions, versatile portions, folds, first engagements, second engagements, cords, apertures and adhering means adapted to represent a variety of art in three dimensional forms.
Inanalternative arrangementtherecanbenumerous versatil e portions repre senting candles connected at the first edge of the central portion. The sender can remove the number of candles exceeding the required number for the birthday occasion by cutting same from the first edge at the fold without detracting from the card.
I n an alternative arrangement, a versatile portion in the role ofaforeground portion, such as in FIG. 17 (18a) can, but is not limited to, be of an upright, oblong shape for the sender ( wh o may be on v ac ati on), to paste their photograph onto ve rsatile portion 1 8a an d then c ut around their body outline. When this versatile portion (18a) is lifted into place, it reveals the sender standing in front of an iconic image or tourist attraction. Other means for the sender to have his/her/their photograph(s) in versatile portion (18a) includes, but is not 1 imitedto, acces s to uploadi ng photographs di rectonto the article ofthe greeting card ofthe invention via electronic means.
In alternative arrangement, an assortment of articles/cards can be arranged as a hanging
According to a third aspect of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the central portion either prior to or when erected into the three-dimensional form, can be adapted to rec e ive a weight to enhance the stability of the three-dimensional form when resting on a support surface. The weight can be attached to the rear side ofthe front face ofthe central portion when flat, as or when the central portion is erected i n the three-dimensional form.
There can be numerous central portions, versatile portions, folds, first engagements, second engagements, cords, apertures and adhering means adapted to represent a variety of art in three dimensional forms.
Inanalternative arrangementtherecanbenumerous versatil e portions repre senting candles connected at the first edge of the central portion. The sender can remove the number of candles exceeding the required number for the birthday occasion by cutting same from the first edge at the fold without detracting from the card.
I n an alternative arrangement, a versatile portion in the role ofaforeground portion, such as in FIG. 17 (18a) can, but is not limited to, be of an upright, oblong shape for the sender ( wh o may be on v ac ati on), to paste their photograph onto ve rsatile portion 1 8a an d then c ut around their body outline. When this versatile portion (18a) is lifted into place, it reveals the sender standing in front of an iconic image or tourist attraction. Other means for the sender to have his/her/their photograph(s) in versatile portion (18a) includes, but is not 1 imitedto, acces s to uploadi ng photographs di rectonto the article ofthe greeting card ofthe invention via electronic means.
In alternative arrangement, an assortment of articles/cards can be arranged as a hanging
8
9 mobile for a room decoration.
Brief Description of the Drawings The i nve nti on will be better understood by reference to the following de sc ri pti on as shown in the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a front side view of an article according to a first embodiment the article being configured as a greeting card and being shown in the two-dimensional flat form;
Figure 2 is a rear side viewofthe greeting card ofFigure 1 i n the two-dimensional flat fonn;
Figure 3 is a front perspective view of the greeting card of Figure 1 in the process of being assembled into three-dimensional form;
Figure 4 is a front perspective view ofthe greeting card of Figure 1 in the assembled three-dimensional form;
Figure 5 is a side elevation view of the greeting card as shown in Figure 4;
Figure 6 is a rear side view of the greeting card according to a second embodiment, illustrating a marked location for a weight positioning in the two-dimensional flat form;
Figure 7 is a front side view of an article according to a third embodiment, the article being configured as a greeting card consi sting ofacentral portion, nume rous versatile portions and numerous folds and being shown in the two-dimensional flat form;
Figure 8 is a front perspective view of the greeting card of Figure 7 in the assem bled dire e-dimensional form;
Figure 9 is a front side view of an article according to a fourth embodiment, configured as a greeting card consisting of a central portion, numerous versatile portions and numerous folds, and being shown in the two-dimensional flat form;
Figures 10, 11 and 12 are magnified front side views of alternative variations of the heel portion of the greeting card. See FIG 9 (72);
Figure 13 is aside elevation view of an article accordingto a fifth embodiment, configured as a greeting card in the three dimensional form displaying a versatile portion 18a, forming a base of the greeting card;
Figure 14 is a side elevationviewofanarticle accordingto a sixthembodiment, configured as a greeting card in the three dimensional form, di splayingthe versatility ofversatile portion 18;
Figure 15 is a side elevation view of an article according to a seventhembodiment, configured as a greeting card in the three dimensional form displaying two versatile portions c onnectedviatwo folds;
Figure 16 is a side elevation view of an article according to an eighth embodiment, configuredasagreetingcard, di splayingtwoversatile portions, bothportionsadaptedto be positioned prior to the erection central portion into the three dimensional form;
Figure 17 is a front perspective view of an article according to a ninth embodiment configured as a greeting card, di splaying the use ofnumerous versatile portions (18, 18a and 18b) in the assembled three dimensional form;
Figure 18 is a front perspective view of an article according to a tenthembodiment, configured as a greeting card, displaying an alternative arrangement for FIG.17;
Figure 19 is a front side view of an article according to an eleventh embodiment, the article being configured as a greeting card and being shown in a folded flat condition in the two-dimensional flat form;
Figure 20 i s aside ele vation vi e w of an article according to a twelfth embodiment, the article being confi gured as a greeting card di splaying a versatile portion 18 folded downwards from upper portion 22 and behind upper portion 22 to provide the background to the-era-fed"
three-dimensional form;
Figure 21 is a side elevation view of an article according to a thirteenth embodiment, the article being configured as a greeting card, displaying the versatile portion 18 extending upwards from upper portion 22, and a further versatile portion 18a to provide the background to the erected three-dimensional form;
Figure 22 i s a front side view o fan arti c le according to a fourteenth embodiment, the article being configured as a greeting card and being shown in the two-dimensional flat font*.
Best Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention Referring to the Figures 1 to 6 of the drawings, there is shown an article configured as a greeting card 10 according to the first embodiment. The greeting card 10 is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 in two-dimensional form, comprising a sheet 11 having a front side 12 and a rear side 14. The sheet 11 comprises a first portion defined as the central portion 16, a second portion defined as a versatile portion 18 and a fold line defined as fold 20. The versatile portion 18 is attached to the central portion 16 through the fold 20. The central portion 16 and the versatile portion 18 are connected via the fold 20. The central portion 16 and the versatile portion 18 are formed from a single piece ofmate ri al .
The greeting card
Brief Description of the Drawings The i nve nti on will be better understood by reference to the following de sc ri pti on as shown in the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a front side view of an article according to a first embodiment the article being configured as a greeting card and being shown in the two-dimensional flat form;
Figure 2 is a rear side viewofthe greeting card ofFigure 1 i n the two-dimensional flat fonn;
Figure 3 is a front perspective view of the greeting card of Figure 1 in the process of being assembled into three-dimensional form;
Figure 4 is a front perspective view ofthe greeting card of Figure 1 in the assembled three-dimensional form;
Figure 5 is a side elevation view of the greeting card as shown in Figure 4;
Figure 6 is a rear side view of the greeting card according to a second embodiment, illustrating a marked location for a weight positioning in the two-dimensional flat form;
Figure 7 is a front side view of an article according to a third embodiment, the article being configured as a greeting card consi sting ofacentral portion, nume rous versatile portions and numerous folds and being shown in the two-dimensional flat form;
Figure 8 is a front perspective view of the greeting card of Figure 7 in the assem bled dire e-dimensional form;
Figure 9 is a front side view of an article according to a fourth embodiment, configured as a greeting card consisting of a central portion, numerous versatile portions and numerous folds, and being shown in the two-dimensional flat form;
Figures 10, 11 and 12 are magnified front side views of alternative variations of the heel portion of the greeting card. See FIG 9 (72);
Figure 13 is aside elevation view of an article accordingto a fifth embodiment, configured as a greeting card in the three dimensional form displaying a versatile portion 18a, forming a base of the greeting card;
Figure 14 is a side elevationviewofanarticle accordingto a sixthembodiment, configured as a greeting card in the three dimensional form, di splayingthe versatility ofversatile portion 18;
Figure 15 is a side elevation view of an article according to a seventhembodiment, configured as a greeting card in the three dimensional form displaying two versatile portions c onnectedviatwo folds;
Figure 16 is a side elevation view of an article according to an eighth embodiment, configuredasagreetingcard, di splayingtwoversatile portions, bothportionsadaptedto be positioned prior to the erection central portion into the three dimensional form;
Figure 17 is a front perspective view of an article according to a ninth embodiment configured as a greeting card, di splaying the use ofnumerous versatile portions (18, 18a and 18b) in the assembled three dimensional form;
Figure 18 is a front perspective view of an article according to a tenthembodiment, configured as a greeting card, displaying an alternative arrangement for FIG.17;
Figure 19 is a front side view of an article according to an eleventh embodiment, the article being configured as a greeting card and being shown in a folded flat condition in the two-dimensional flat form;
Figure 20 i s aside ele vation vi e w of an article according to a twelfth embodiment, the article being confi gured as a greeting card di splaying a versatile portion 18 folded downwards from upper portion 22 and behind upper portion 22 to provide the background to the-era-fed"
three-dimensional form;
Figure 21 is a side elevation view of an article according to a thirteenth embodiment, the article being configured as a greeting card, displaying the versatile portion 18 extending upwards from upper portion 22, and a further versatile portion 18a to provide the background to the erected three-dimensional form;
Figure 22 i s a front side view o fan arti c le according to a fourteenth embodiment, the article being configured as a greeting card and being shown in the two-dimensional flat font*.
Best Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention Referring to the Figures 1 to 6 of the drawings, there is shown an article configured as a greeting card 10 according to the first embodiment. The greeting card 10 is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 in two-dimensional form, comprising a sheet 11 having a front side 12 and a rear side 14. The sheet 11 comprises a first portion defined as the central portion 16, a second portion defined as a versatile portion 18 and a fold line defined as fold 20. The versatile portion 18 is attached to the central portion 16 through the fold 20. The central portion 16 and the versatile portion 18 are connected via the fold 20. The central portion 16 and the versatile portion 18 are formed from a single piece ofmate ri al .
The greeting card
10 may be manufactured from a paper stock of suitable thickness. In an alternative embodiment the greeting card may be manufactured from a wide variety of materials, such as, but not limited to, paper, cardboard, plastics, minerals and parchment paper. Typically, the sheet stock is cut to produce the sheet 11 of the required configuration.
The sheet stock may be cut by a die-cutting process.
The central portion 16 c an be generally ofscmi-circular shape and comprise an upper section 22, (as seen in the drawings) and a main body section 24. The main body section 24 comprises a curved first edge 25, and a second edge 26 and a third edge 28 disposed on either side of the upper section 22. In order for the greeting card 10 to be erected into a three dimensional form with stable structure, as will be described, the first edge 25 is preferably of a greater length than either of the edges 26 and 28.
The sheet stock may be cut by a die-cutting process.
The central portion 16 c an be generally ofscmi-circular shape and comprise an upper section 22, (as seen in the drawings) and a main body section 24. The main body section 24 comprises a curved first edge 25, and a second edge 26 and a third edge 28 disposed on either side of the upper section 22. In order for the greeting card 10 to be erected into a three dimensional form with stable structure, as will be described, the first edge 25 is preferably of a greater length than either of the edges 26 and 28.
11 The upper section 22 and the main body section 24 are formed integrally, withpititiorthe"
two sections, 22 and24, being integrallyconnectedatj unction 21 there betwe en, and further parts ofthe two sections 22 and 24 being detached along character lines 36.
Thej unction 21 is centrally located. The lines of separation 23 arc defined by slits in the sheet 11.
Character line 36 is defined by a slit in the sheet 11. The lines of separation 23 can be part of or separate to the character line 36. The lines of separation 23 and the character line 36 are formed at the same time as the sheet stock i s cutto produce the sheet 11 ofthe required configuration.
With this arrangement, the upper section 22 and main body secti on 24 projects from the main body section 24 when the greeting card 10 is erected, as shown in Figures 3,4 and 5.
In the arrangement shown, the central portion 16, when in the three-dimensional form, portrays a body 27 having atorso 27a and a head 27b, with the upper section 22 forming the head and the main body section 24 forming the upper and lower part of the torso. In this embodiment, the body27 depicts a rabbit. In an alternative arrangement, the body 27 may depict a differing shape, such as, but not limited to, a steepled church or an aeroplane.
The upper section22 maybe substantially circular in shape. Alternatively, the upper section 22 may be of a differing shape, such as, but not limited to, a square, triangle or oval shape.
The upper section 22 may extend widthwise to at least the width of the central portion 16 when in the flat two dimensional form, and extend to at least the height of the central portion 16 when in the flat two dimensional form. The upper section 22 and 24 may include character line 36 in the material so that an appendage portion, such as, but not limited to, a rabbit tail or a basket of eggs may be incorporated.
Located adjacent to the second edge 26 is a tab 30. The tab 30 is formed with notches in the form of slits 32 and 32a in the material at the junction of the tab 30 and the second edge 26. A slot 34 is located adj acent to the third edge 28. The slot 34 is in the form of a slit in the material extending at a spacedlocation from the third edge 28. The slot 34 is smaller in length than the longest length of the tab 30. The length of the engagement means can be shortened, and lengthened according to the configuration of the card 10.
The central porti on 16 furthe r c ompri se s a he else ction 72 betwe e n the fi rst e dge 25 and the
two sections, 22 and24, being integrallyconnectedatj unction 21 there betwe en, and further parts ofthe two sections 22 and 24 being detached along character lines 36.
Thej unction 21 is centrally located. The lines of separation 23 arc defined by slits in the sheet 11.
Character line 36 is defined by a slit in the sheet 11. The lines of separation 23 can be part of or separate to the character line 36. The lines of separation 23 and the character line 36 are formed at the same time as the sheet stock i s cutto produce the sheet 11 ofthe required configuration.
With this arrangement, the upper section 22 and main body secti on 24 projects from the main body section 24 when the greeting card 10 is erected, as shown in Figures 3,4 and 5.
In the arrangement shown, the central portion 16, when in the three-dimensional form, portrays a body 27 having atorso 27a and a head 27b, with the upper section 22 forming the head and the main body section 24 forming the upper and lower part of the torso. In this embodiment, the body27 depicts a rabbit. In an alternative arrangement, the body 27 may depict a differing shape, such as, but not limited to, a steepled church or an aeroplane.
The upper section22 maybe substantially circular in shape. Alternatively, the upper section 22 may be of a differing shape, such as, but not limited to, a square, triangle or oval shape.
The upper section 22 may extend widthwise to at least the width of the central portion 16 when in the flat two dimensional form, and extend to at least the height of the central portion 16 when in the flat two dimensional form. The upper section 22 and 24 may include character line 36 in the material so that an appendage portion, such as, but not limited to, a rabbit tail or a basket of eggs may be incorporated.
Located adjacent to the second edge 26 is a tab 30. The tab 30 is formed with notches in the form of slits 32 and 32a in the material at the junction of the tab 30 and the second edge 26. A slot 34 is located adj acent to the third edge 28. The slot 34 is in the form of a slit in the material extending at a spacedlocation from the third edge 28. The slot 34 is smaller in length than the longest length of the tab 30. The length of the engagement means can be shortened, and lengthened according to the configuration of the card 10.
The central porti on 16 furthe r c ompri se s a he else ction 72 betwe e n the fi rst e dge 25 and the
12 slot 34. When the central portion 16, in the three dimensional form, is sitting onaiiitfike;
the heelse cti on72provi de s even di stri bution of wei ght to the first edge 25, and balance and stability for the three dimensional form.
The greeting card 10 contains the fol d 20 at the meeting of the two portions 16 and 18. At the meeting of these two portions 16 and 18 is the first edge 25. In an alternative embodiment of this invention, the versatile portion 18 may be of a differing shape, such as, but not limited to, a circle, square or triangle shape. The fold 20 can comprise part of an edge of the central portion 16 and part of an edge of a further central portion 16. The fold 20 can comprise part of an edge ofthe versatile portion 18 and part of an edge of a further versatile portion 18. At the meeting of any two portions is the fold.
The central portion 16 has an o ute r edge de fi ned as ce ntral border 71.
The versatile portion 18 has an outer edge defined as versatile border 73.
Located on the front side 12 ofthe versatile portion 18 is an adhering means 44, such as, but not limited to, double sided tape. In an alternative arrangement of this invention, the adhering means 44 may be loc ated on the rear sides and front sides of c e ntml portion 16 and versatile portion 18.
In an alternative arrangement of this invention, adhering means 44 may be used to adhere portion to portion. In an alternative arrangement of this invention, adhering means 44 may be used to adhere part of a portion to the same portion.
The greeting card 10 may al so contain attachment means to allow the assembledcard 10 to be attached to a support for di spl ay purpos e s Attaclun ent me an s can c ompri se attachment means such as, but not limited to, magnets for attaching the assembled card to metallic surfaces such as, but not limited to, doors of refrigerators or parts of motor vehicles.
The front side 12 and rear side 14 may contain a greeting or greetings co rre spo ndi ng to the intended sentiment of the greeting card 10. The greeting card 10 may be supplied with a selection of available messages typically, but not limited to, verse form. In an alternative embodiment of this invention, the greeting card 10 may contain means for the sender to
the heelse cti on72provi de s even di stri bution of wei ght to the first edge 25, and balance and stability for the three dimensional form.
The greeting card 10 contains the fol d 20 at the meeting of the two portions 16 and 18. At the meeting of these two portions 16 and 18 is the first edge 25. In an alternative embodiment of this invention, the versatile portion 18 may be of a differing shape, such as, but not limited to, a circle, square or triangle shape. The fold 20 can comprise part of an edge of the central portion 16 and part of an edge of a further central portion 16. The fold 20 can comprise part of an edge ofthe versatile portion 18 and part of an edge of a further versatile portion 18. At the meeting of any two portions is the fold.
The central portion 16 has an o ute r edge de fi ned as ce ntral border 71.
The versatile portion 18 has an outer edge defined as versatile border 73.
Located on the front side 12 ofthe versatile portion 18 is an adhering means 44, such as, but not limited to, double sided tape. In an alternative arrangement of this invention, the adhering means 44 may be loc ated on the rear sides and front sides of c e ntml portion 16 and versatile portion 18.
In an alternative arrangement of this invention, adhering means 44 may be used to adhere portion to portion. In an alternative arrangement of this invention, adhering means 44 may be used to adhere part of a portion to the same portion.
The greeting card 10 may al so contain attachment means to allow the assembledcard 10 to be attached to a support for di spl ay purpos e s Attaclun ent me an s can c ompri se attachment means such as, but not limited to, magnets for attaching the assembled card to metallic surfaces such as, but not limited to, doors of refrigerators or parts of motor vehicles.
The front side 12 and rear side 14 may contain a greeting or greetings co rre spo ndi ng to the intended sentiment of the greeting card 10. The greeting card 10 may be supplied with a selection of available messages typically, but not limited to, verse form. In an alternative embodiment of this invention, the greeting card 10 may contain means for the sender to
13 create messages such as, butnotlimitedto, electronic means wherebythe message content's uploadedorselected by the sender. The front side 12 and rear side 14 may al so contai nany number of designs, markings or slits.
In order to assemble the greeting card lOas ill ustrated in Figure 3, the central portion 16 is turned around on i tself s uc h that the linear edges 26 and 28 are brought towards each other in order to form an inverted conical shape with a bottom, the bottom of the conical shape being the first edge 25 and the top of the conical shape being the lines of separation 23 as shown in Figures 1,2, and 3.
The linear edges 26 and 28 are bought together and are orientated such that the tab 30 is over the linear edge 28 adjacent the slot 34. Such orientation allows insertion ofthe tab 30 into the slot 34 from the front side 14. The tab 30 is presented angularly to the slot 34 to allow the tab to enter the slot. After insertion, the tab 30 is internally located within the greeting card 10.
The front side 12 of versatile portion 18 can then be folded on fold 20 such that the front side 12 ofversati le portion 18 is oriented upright and adjacenttothe linear edges 26 and 28 of the central portion 16. The versatile portion 18 is then secured to the central portion 16 by adhering means 44.
Remote from the junction of the upper section 22 and main body section 24 is an aperture 38. In use, the aperture 38 may be utilized to hang the assembled card 10 for display purposes. The assembled card 10 may be hung directly on a fixture, such as, a peg or hook or, alternatively, the assembled card 10 may be suspended from a cord 39, such as, but not limited to, a ribbon or c ord threade d through aperture 38. I n an alternative embodiment, the cord 39 may be threaded through one or a plurality of aperture 38. This completes the assembly of the greeting card 10.
I n an alternative arrangement, prior to the central portion 16 being erected into the three dimensional form, a versatile portion 18a, in the shape ofa teddy bear, connected to the first edge 25 ofthe central portion 16, is folded down, backward and then upward to rest at an angle to the rear side of the central portion 16, whereby when the central portion 16 is
In order to assemble the greeting card lOas ill ustrated in Figure 3, the central portion 16 is turned around on i tself s uc h that the linear edges 26 and 28 are brought towards each other in order to form an inverted conical shape with a bottom, the bottom of the conical shape being the first edge 25 and the top of the conical shape being the lines of separation 23 as shown in Figures 1,2, and 3.
The linear edges 26 and 28 are bought together and are orientated such that the tab 30 is over the linear edge 28 adjacent the slot 34. Such orientation allows insertion ofthe tab 30 into the slot 34 from the front side 14. The tab 30 is presented angularly to the slot 34 to allow the tab to enter the slot. After insertion, the tab 30 is internally located within the greeting card 10.
The front side 12 of versatile portion 18 can then be folded on fold 20 such that the front side 12 ofversati le portion 18 is oriented upright and adjacenttothe linear edges 26 and 28 of the central portion 16. The versatile portion 18 is then secured to the central portion 16 by adhering means 44.
Remote from the junction of the upper section 22 and main body section 24 is an aperture 38. In use, the aperture 38 may be utilized to hang the assembled card 10 for display purposes. The assembled card 10 may be hung directly on a fixture, such as, a peg or hook or, alternatively, the assembled card 10 may be suspended from a cord 39, such as, but not limited to, a ribbon or c ord threade d through aperture 38. I n an alternative embodiment, the cord 39 may be threaded through one or a plurality of aperture 38. This completes the assembly of the greeting card 10.
I n an alternative arrangement, prior to the central portion 16 being erected into the three dimensional form, a versatile portion 18a, in the shape ofa teddy bear, connected to the first edge 25 ofthe central portion 16, is folded down, backward and then upward to rest at an angle to the rear side of the central portion 16, whereby when the central portion 16 is
14 erected into the three dimensional form portraying a basket of flowers, the teddYbearredi appears behind the flowers. A furthertwo versatile portions 18b & 18c, are connected at the first edge 25, one ofthese versatile portions 18b comprising a spaced first engagement means 30 is connected to the left side of the basket of flowers via the fol d 20, and the other versatile portionl8c compri singaspacedsecondengagementmeans 34 i sconnectedtothe right side of the basket of flowers via the fold 20. The unconnected ends of both these versatile portions 18b& 18c are then folded upwards, brought together over the top ofthe basketofflowers and engage dbythei rre spective spaced first and secondengagement means 30 & 34, to portray handles to the basket of flowers. Folding downward from the basket handle is a further versatile portion 18d being a heart shaped message area.
There is a further versatile portion 18e connecting to the uppermost flowers in the basket below the first and second engagement 30 & 34 of the handle. When folded outwards, versatile portion 18e reveals two little butterflies. Furthermore, the first edge 25 of the central portion 16 consists of othe r numerous versatile portions 18t 18g, 18h, 18i, 18j, 18k, 181, 18m and 18n)that when folded upward and adj acent to or at an angle to the central portion 16, represent various flowers and garden fairies. There is a further versatile portion 18o connected to the first edge 25 of the central portion16 which, whenfolded upward adjacent to the three dimensional form, represents a background 18 of the sun, blue sky and fluffy white clouds. There is afurtherversatile portionl8pconnectedtoversatile portion 18o and another versatile portion 18q connected to versatile portion 18p. Versatile portion 18p is smaller and slimmer than versatile portion 18q. When versatile portion 18p is folded forward, and larger versatile portion 18q is folded in front of andparallelto versatile portion 18o, a spray ofbutterfl ie s fill the sky further enhancing the three-dimensional effect. There is a further slim versatile portion 18r connected to the uppermost edge ofversatile portion 18o via two individual folds and a furtherversatileportionl8s, wi de rthanversati le portion 18o, connectedtoversatile portion 18r viatwo individual folds 20.
Whenversatileportion 1.8r is folde d backwards andve rsati le portion 18s is foldeddownwards to apositionadjacent the rear side 14 of versatile portion 18o with the area wider than versatile portion 18o, distant mountai n ranges provide a further bacicground 18s to the background 180. A further versatile portion 18t, in the role of a base, connected to the first edge 25, when folded downwardbackward and then secure d adj acentto the bottom e ndofthe central portion16 inthe three dimensional form, provides a base 18t to the three dimensional form. Thisbase forms a cavity 56 for placing, for example, lollies, teeth, money or an engagement ring.
The above alternative arrangement provides an intriguing option to a sender with appetite for creativity and novelty. The greeting card can be sent flat in an envelope likewise provoking intrigue, anticipation and surprise to the recipient with added interactivity and excitement In an alternative embodiment the rear side 14 of versatile portion 18 can then be folded on the fold 20 such that the rear side 14 of versatile portion 18 is oriented adj acent to or at an angle to the rear side 14 of the central portion 16 prior to the central portion 16 being erected into the three-dimensional form, as illustrated in FIG. 7 and 8 (18a) and 14 (18).
In an alte mative embodi ment as illustrated in FIG. 16(18 and 18a), the rear side ofversati le portion 18 may be folded on the fold 20 such that the rear side of versatile portion 18 is oriented adj acent to or at an angle to the bottom end, prior to the central portion 16 being erected into the three-dimensional form.
If so desired, the greeting card 10 may be further folded such that the conical shape of the central portion 16 is flattened, forming a shape such as, but not limitedto, a square, triangle oroval shape. Inthis way the greeting card 10 may be used for otherpurposes suchas, for example, as a bookmark.
Greeting card 10 presents both the sender and recipient with various grades of intrigue, simplicity, complexity, oreativity, interactivity and, simultaneously, is intrinsically alluring.
Alternatively, the assembled greeting card 10 can be simply placed overanobjectintended as a gift, with the object being accommodated within the confine s ofthe three-dimensional form.
Detailed description of the Drawings FIG. 1 is a front side view of an article according to a first embodiment, the article being configured as a greeting card and being shown in the two-dimensional flat form;
FIG. 2 is a rear side viewofthe greeting card of Figure 1 in the two-OimensionEa Mt-1MM
FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the greeting card ofFigure 1 in the process of being assembled into three-dimensional form;
FIG. 4 is a front perspective view ofthc greeting card of Figure 1 in the assembled three-dimensional form;
FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the greeting card as shown in Figure 4;
FIG. 6 Acco rdi ng to a sec ond embodime nt similar in many re spects to the greeting c ard of the first embodiment and so corresponding reference numerals are used to identify similar parts. In this second embodiment, the central portion 16 is adapted to receive a weight 50, to provide stability to the greeting card 10 when assembled in the three-dimensional form when resting on a support surface such as a shelf. The weight 50 can assist the assembled card to retain its stability when subject to events such as air movement and unintentional knocks. While the weight 50 may take any appropriate form, a coin has been found to be particularly convenient. lathe arrangement shown, the rear side 14 has a location marked adj acentthe first edge 25 remote from thelinear edge s 26 and28 atwhich the weight 50 can be attached;
FIG. 7 According to a third embodiment of the invention as illustrated in FIG.
7, there is an article comprising a sheet defining a central portion 16, and a versatile portion 18 and a further four versatile portions 18a, 18b, 18c and 18d, connected together. The central portion 16 be ingadaptedforerectioninto athre e-dimensional form, the versatile portion 18 being adapted to the role of a foreground to the central portion 16 in the three-dimensional form, a further versatile portion 18a being adapted to the role of an internal portion 74 to the central portion 16 in the three-dimensional form, a further versatile portion 18b being adapted to the role of a base to the central portion 16 in the three-dimensional form, and a further ve rsatile portion 18c being adaptcdto the role ofabackgroundtothe central portion 16 in the three-dimensional form, and a further versatile portion 18d being adapted to the role of a foreground to the versatile portion 18c in the role of a background to the central portion 16 in the three-dimensional form: The versatile portion 18a, inthe role of internal the central portion lb pn orto the central portion ib being erected into the three dimensional form;
FIG. 8 According to the thirdembodiment ofthe invention as illustrated i n FIG. 7, there is an article comprising a sheet defining a central portion 16, and a versatile portion 18 and a further four versatile portions 18a, 18b, 18c and 18d, connected together, FIG. 9 Ace ordi ng toa fourth embodiment ofthe invention as illustrated in FIG. 9, there i s an article comprising a sheet defining a central portion16, and a versatile portion 18 and a further versatile portion 18a connected together, the central portion 16 being adapted for erectionintoathree-dimensional form to provide a central portion, and the versatile portion 18 adapted to provide a base 54 to the central portion 16 and the further versatile portion 18a being adapted to provide a fore ground to the three-dimensional form. The heel section 72 is also clearly illustrated;
FIG. 10, 11 & 12 According to the fourth embodiment of the invention as illustrated in FIG. 9, the central portion 16 consists of a heel section 72. When the erected three dimensional form 16 is sitting on a surface, the heel se ction72 provides an evendistribution of wei ghtto the fi rst edge 25 ofthe central portion 16 and balance and stability for the three dimensional form 16. The dimensions of the heel 72 are adjusted according to the arrangement of the greeting card 10;
FIG. 13 According to a fifth embodiment ofthe invention, as ill ustrated i n FIG. 13, there is an article comprising a sheet defining a central portion 16 andtwo versatile portions 18 and 18a, wherein the fold 20 is atthe junction of the two portions 16 and 18. At the j unction of these two portions 16 and 18 there is the first edge 25. The first edge 25 comprises a versatile portion 18 that can be folded on fold 20 such that the versatile portion 18 is adapted to provide a bac kground portion to the central portion 16. The fi rst edg e 25 ofthe central portion 16 further compri se s a sec ond versatile portion 18a whe re inthe fold 20a is at the j unction of the two porti ons 16 and 18a . Versatile portion 18a is ori ented to provide a base 54 forthe i nte ri or 56 ofthe three-dimensional form created upon ere ction ofthe central portion 16. With this arrangement, the interior 56 can define a cavity for receiving and containing an obj ecteithe r i nse rte d through the opentop58orplaced nto the caVitY15trefid the cavity is defined. Inthis way, a small gift for presentation to the recipient ofthe card can be accommodated in the cavity. One application to which the card according to this embodiment is particularly suitable is for a child who has lost a tooth. The child can insert thelost tooth inthe cavity whereby it can be exohangedlaterfor a coin orother small gift by a "tooth fairy";
Fig 14 According to a sixth embodiment ofthe invention the re is an article comprising a sheet defining a central portion, and a versatile portion, and a further versatile portion conne cte d tog ether. The v e rsatile portion(18) as illustrate d inFIG. 14, being adapted to be folded to any position from an internal position adjacent to the rear side 14 of the central portion 16 prior to the erecti on.of the three-dimensional form, to a foreground position adjacent to the front side 12 ofthe first portion16 when the central portionis e re cte d i nthe three-dimensional form, whereby, the versatile portion 18 can be folded into a location adjacentto or at an angle to the central portion 16. The further versatile portion 18a being adapted to provide a base 54 to the three-dimensional form 16;
FIG. 15 According to a seventh embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 15, there is an article comprising a sheet defining a central portion 16, and a versatile portion 18, and a furtherversatile portionl8aconnectedtogether, the c entral portion16 bei ng adapted for erection into the three-dimensional form prior to the versatile portion 18 being adapted to provide a base 54 and the further versatile portion 18a being adapted to provide a background portion 18a to the three-dimensional form 16;
FIG. 16 Accordi ng to an eighth embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 16, there is an article comprising a sheet defi ni ng a central portion 16, aversatile portion 18 and afurtherversatileportion 18aconnected together, the versatile portion 18, being adaptedto provide a base 54 and the further versatile portion 18a being adapted to provide a background portion prior to the central portion 16 being erected into a three-dimensional form;
FIG. 17 According to a ninthembodimentofthe invention, as ill ustmted in FIG.
17, there is an article 10 comprising a central portion 16, and a versatile portion 18, and two further versatile portions 18a and 18b connected together via folds 20, 20a and 20b.
litteveltral portion 16 i s adapted forerecti on i nto athree-dimensional form, where the versatile portion 18 in the role of a background is adapted to be adjacent to or at an angle to the central portion 16 in the three dimensional form, and the two further versatile portions, 18a in the role of a foreground, and 18b in the role of a base, are also adapted to be adjacent to or at an angle to the central portion 16 in the three-dimensional form;
FIG. 18 Ac cording to atenth embodiment ofthe invention, asillustrate dinFl G.18, there is an article 10 comprising a central portion 16, and a versatile portion 18, and a further versatileportions 18a connected together via folds 20 and 20a. The central portion 16 is adaptedforerecti on into athree-dimensional form, where the versatile portion 18 in the role of a foreground is adapted to be adjacent to or at an angle to the central portion 16 in the three dimensional form, and the further versatile portions 18a in the role of a base, is also adapted to be adjacent to or at an angle to the central portion 16 in the three-dimensional form;
FIG. 19 According to an eleventh embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 19, there is an article 10 comprising a central portion 16 and a versatile portion 18 in the two dimensional flat form, and ready for inserting into a standard postal envelope for giving or posting. As de seri bed earlier in thi s application, sections ofbody 27 can exte nd widthvvi se to at least the width of the central portion 16 when the central portion 16 is in the two dimensional flat form and extend to at le ast the height of the central portion whe n the central portion 16 is in the two dimensional flat form. In this embodiment FIG. 19, character lines 36 are confi gured to re pre sent a dragon which, in the two dimensional flat form, the tail can extend to the width of the central portion 16, and inthe three dimensional form the tail projects away from the central portion 16, furtherdemonstrating the immense applications of the invention in enabling different uses of art for greeting cards;
FIG. 20 According to a twelfth embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 20, there is an article comprising a central portion 16 and a versatile portion 18 connected together, whe re bythe versati le portion 18 connects to the uppermost part of upper section 22 via fold 20. The versatile portion 18 in the role of a background is then adapted to be folded downwards and adjacent to or at an angle to the central portion 16 in the three dimensional form;
FIG. 21 According to athirteenth embodiment ofthe invention, as illustrated in FIG. 21, there is an article comprising a central portion 16 and two versatile portions 18 and 18a c onne cte d together via the folds 20 and 20a. Central portion 16 is adapted for erecti on into a three dimensional form. The versatile portion 18ai s adapted for erection adj ac ent to orat an angle to the three dimensional form. Versatile portion 18 connects to the uppermost part of upper secti on22 ofcentral portion 16. Versatile portion 18 is provided for use as a hanging device onto which features such as, but not limited to, information, pictures and calendars can be added to compliment the greeting card;
FIG. 22 Accordingto a fourteenth embodiment ofthe invention, as illustrate dinFl G.22, there is an article comprising a sheet defining two central portions 16 and nine versatile portions 18 connected together via ten folds, two first engagements, two second engagements andtwoaperture s. The workings of FIG. 22 are similar to that of FIG. 7 described earlier in this application with one variation being a fold connecting the two central portions. Other embodimentsto whi c h the inventioncan be aclaptedto includes, but is not limited to, Christmas decorations, puzzles, sales and promotional material and educational material which can involve additional, central portions and versatile portions interconnected in similar ways to the illustration in FIG. 22.
From the foregoing, it is evident that the various embodiments each provide a simple yet highly creative, versatile and novel greeting card, which can be delivered to an intended recipient in ways similar to conventional cards, but which can be readily assembled into a three-dimensional form to provoke interest, intrigue and to facilitate display.
It should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the scope of the various embodiments described.
Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.
Throughoutthe specification, unlessthe contextrequi resothe rwi se, the word"c ompri se" or variations such as "comprises" or "compri sing", will be understoodto i mply the inclusionof
There is a further versatile portion 18e connecting to the uppermost flowers in the basket below the first and second engagement 30 & 34 of the handle. When folded outwards, versatile portion 18e reveals two little butterflies. Furthermore, the first edge 25 of the central portion 16 consists of othe r numerous versatile portions 18t 18g, 18h, 18i, 18j, 18k, 181, 18m and 18n)that when folded upward and adj acent to or at an angle to the central portion 16, represent various flowers and garden fairies. There is a further versatile portion 18o connected to the first edge 25 of the central portion16 which, whenfolded upward adjacent to the three dimensional form, represents a background 18 of the sun, blue sky and fluffy white clouds. There is afurtherversatile portionl8pconnectedtoversatile portion 18o and another versatile portion 18q connected to versatile portion 18p. Versatile portion 18p is smaller and slimmer than versatile portion 18q. When versatile portion 18p is folded forward, and larger versatile portion 18q is folded in front of andparallelto versatile portion 18o, a spray ofbutterfl ie s fill the sky further enhancing the three-dimensional effect. There is a further slim versatile portion 18r connected to the uppermost edge ofversatile portion 18o via two individual folds and a furtherversatileportionl8s, wi de rthanversati le portion 18o, connectedtoversatile portion 18r viatwo individual folds 20.
Whenversatileportion 1.8r is folde d backwards andve rsati le portion 18s is foldeddownwards to apositionadjacent the rear side 14 of versatile portion 18o with the area wider than versatile portion 18o, distant mountai n ranges provide a further bacicground 18s to the background 180. A further versatile portion 18t, in the role of a base, connected to the first edge 25, when folded downwardbackward and then secure d adj acentto the bottom e ndofthe central portion16 inthe three dimensional form, provides a base 18t to the three dimensional form. Thisbase forms a cavity 56 for placing, for example, lollies, teeth, money or an engagement ring.
The above alternative arrangement provides an intriguing option to a sender with appetite for creativity and novelty. The greeting card can be sent flat in an envelope likewise provoking intrigue, anticipation and surprise to the recipient with added interactivity and excitement In an alternative embodiment the rear side 14 of versatile portion 18 can then be folded on the fold 20 such that the rear side 14 of versatile portion 18 is oriented adj acent to or at an angle to the rear side 14 of the central portion 16 prior to the central portion 16 being erected into the three-dimensional form, as illustrated in FIG. 7 and 8 (18a) and 14 (18).
In an alte mative embodi ment as illustrated in FIG. 16(18 and 18a), the rear side ofversati le portion 18 may be folded on the fold 20 such that the rear side of versatile portion 18 is oriented adj acent to or at an angle to the bottom end, prior to the central portion 16 being erected into the three-dimensional form.
If so desired, the greeting card 10 may be further folded such that the conical shape of the central portion 16 is flattened, forming a shape such as, but not limitedto, a square, triangle oroval shape. Inthis way the greeting card 10 may be used for otherpurposes suchas, for example, as a bookmark.
Greeting card 10 presents both the sender and recipient with various grades of intrigue, simplicity, complexity, oreativity, interactivity and, simultaneously, is intrinsically alluring.
Alternatively, the assembled greeting card 10 can be simply placed overanobjectintended as a gift, with the object being accommodated within the confine s ofthe three-dimensional form.
Detailed description of the Drawings FIG. 1 is a front side view of an article according to a first embodiment, the article being configured as a greeting card and being shown in the two-dimensional flat form;
FIG. 2 is a rear side viewofthe greeting card of Figure 1 in the two-OimensionEa Mt-1MM
FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the greeting card ofFigure 1 in the process of being assembled into three-dimensional form;
FIG. 4 is a front perspective view ofthc greeting card of Figure 1 in the assembled three-dimensional form;
FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the greeting card as shown in Figure 4;
FIG. 6 Acco rdi ng to a sec ond embodime nt similar in many re spects to the greeting c ard of the first embodiment and so corresponding reference numerals are used to identify similar parts. In this second embodiment, the central portion 16 is adapted to receive a weight 50, to provide stability to the greeting card 10 when assembled in the three-dimensional form when resting on a support surface such as a shelf. The weight 50 can assist the assembled card to retain its stability when subject to events such as air movement and unintentional knocks. While the weight 50 may take any appropriate form, a coin has been found to be particularly convenient. lathe arrangement shown, the rear side 14 has a location marked adj acentthe first edge 25 remote from thelinear edge s 26 and28 atwhich the weight 50 can be attached;
FIG. 7 According to a third embodiment of the invention as illustrated in FIG.
7, there is an article comprising a sheet defining a central portion 16, and a versatile portion 18 and a further four versatile portions 18a, 18b, 18c and 18d, connected together. The central portion 16 be ingadaptedforerectioninto athre e-dimensional form, the versatile portion 18 being adapted to the role of a foreground to the central portion 16 in the three-dimensional form, a further versatile portion 18a being adapted to the role of an internal portion 74 to the central portion 16 in the three-dimensional form, a further versatile portion 18b being adapted to the role of a base to the central portion 16 in the three-dimensional form, and a further ve rsatile portion 18c being adaptcdto the role ofabackgroundtothe central portion 16 in the three-dimensional form, and a further versatile portion 18d being adapted to the role of a foreground to the versatile portion 18c in the role of a background to the central portion 16 in the three-dimensional form: The versatile portion 18a, inthe role of internal the central portion lb pn orto the central portion ib being erected into the three dimensional form;
FIG. 8 According to the thirdembodiment ofthe invention as illustrated i n FIG. 7, there is an article comprising a sheet defining a central portion 16, and a versatile portion 18 and a further four versatile portions 18a, 18b, 18c and 18d, connected together, FIG. 9 Ace ordi ng toa fourth embodiment ofthe invention as illustrated in FIG. 9, there i s an article comprising a sheet defining a central portion16, and a versatile portion 18 and a further versatile portion 18a connected together, the central portion 16 being adapted for erectionintoathree-dimensional form to provide a central portion, and the versatile portion 18 adapted to provide a base 54 to the central portion 16 and the further versatile portion 18a being adapted to provide a fore ground to the three-dimensional form. The heel section 72 is also clearly illustrated;
FIG. 10, 11 & 12 According to the fourth embodiment of the invention as illustrated in FIG. 9, the central portion 16 consists of a heel section 72. When the erected three dimensional form 16 is sitting on a surface, the heel se ction72 provides an evendistribution of wei ghtto the fi rst edge 25 ofthe central portion 16 and balance and stability for the three dimensional form 16. The dimensions of the heel 72 are adjusted according to the arrangement of the greeting card 10;
FIG. 13 According to a fifth embodiment ofthe invention, as ill ustrated i n FIG. 13, there is an article comprising a sheet defining a central portion 16 andtwo versatile portions 18 and 18a, wherein the fold 20 is atthe junction of the two portions 16 and 18. At the j unction of these two portions 16 and 18 there is the first edge 25. The first edge 25 comprises a versatile portion 18 that can be folded on fold 20 such that the versatile portion 18 is adapted to provide a bac kground portion to the central portion 16. The fi rst edg e 25 ofthe central portion 16 further compri se s a sec ond versatile portion 18a whe re inthe fold 20a is at the j unction of the two porti ons 16 and 18a . Versatile portion 18a is ori ented to provide a base 54 forthe i nte ri or 56 ofthe three-dimensional form created upon ere ction ofthe central portion 16. With this arrangement, the interior 56 can define a cavity for receiving and containing an obj ecteithe r i nse rte d through the opentop58orplaced nto the caVitY15trefid the cavity is defined. Inthis way, a small gift for presentation to the recipient ofthe card can be accommodated in the cavity. One application to which the card according to this embodiment is particularly suitable is for a child who has lost a tooth. The child can insert thelost tooth inthe cavity whereby it can be exohangedlaterfor a coin orother small gift by a "tooth fairy";
Fig 14 According to a sixth embodiment ofthe invention the re is an article comprising a sheet defining a central portion, and a versatile portion, and a further versatile portion conne cte d tog ether. The v e rsatile portion(18) as illustrate d inFIG. 14, being adapted to be folded to any position from an internal position adjacent to the rear side 14 of the central portion 16 prior to the erecti on.of the three-dimensional form, to a foreground position adjacent to the front side 12 ofthe first portion16 when the central portionis e re cte d i nthe three-dimensional form, whereby, the versatile portion 18 can be folded into a location adjacentto or at an angle to the central portion 16. The further versatile portion 18a being adapted to provide a base 54 to the three-dimensional form 16;
FIG. 15 According to a seventh embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 15, there is an article comprising a sheet defining a central portion 16, and a versatile portion 18, and a furtherversatile portionl8aconnectedtogether, the c entral portion16 bei ng adapted for erection into the three-dimensional form prior to the versatile portion 18 being adapted to provide a base 54 and the further versatile portion 18a being adapted to provide a background portion 18a to the three-dimensional form 16;
FIG. 16 Accordi ng to an eighth embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 16, there is an article comprising a sheet defi ni ng a central portion 16, aversatile portion 18 and afurtherversatileportion 18aconnected together, the versatile portion 18, being adaptedto provide a base 54 and the further versatile portion 18a being adapted to provide a background portion prior to the central portion 16 being erected into a three-dimensional form;
FIG. 17 According to a ninthembodimentofthe invention, as ill ustmted in FIG.
17, there is an article 10 comprising a central portion 16, and a versatile portion 18, and two further versatile portions 18a and 18b connected together via folds 20, 20a and 20b.
litteveltral portion 16 i s adapted forerecti on i nto athree-dimensional form, where the versatile portion 18 in the role of a background is adapted to be adjacent to or at an angle to the central portion 16 in the three dimensional form, and the two further versatile portions, 18a in the role of a foreground, and 18b in the role of a base, are also adapted to be adjacent to or at an angle to the central portion 16 in the three-dimensional form;
FIG. 18 Ac cording to atenth embodiment ofthe invention, asillustrate dinFl G.18, there is an article 10 comprising a central portion 16, and a versatile portion 18, and a further versatileportions 18a connected together via folds 20 and 20a. The central portion 16 is adaptedforerecti on into athree-dimensional form, where the versatile portion 18 in the role of a foreground is adapted to be adjacent to or at an angle to the central portion 16 in the three dimensional form, and the further versatile portions 18a in the role of a base, is also adapted to be adjacent to or at an angle to the central portion 16 in the three-dimensional form;
FIG. 19 According to an eleventh embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 19, there is an article 10 comprising a central portion 16 and a versatile portion 18 in the two dimensional flat form, and ready for inserting into a standard postal envelope for giving or posting. As de seri bed earlier in thi s application, sections ofbody 27 can exte nd widthvvi se to at least the width of the central portion 16 when the central portion 16 is in the two dimensional flat form and extend to at le ast the height of the central portion whe n the central portion 16 is in the two dimensional flat form. In this embodiment FIG. 19, character lines 36 are confi gured to re pre sent a dragon which, in the two dimensional flat form, the tail can extend to the width of the central portion 16, and inthe three dimensional form the tail projects away from the central portion 16, furtherdemonstrating the immense applications of the invention in enabling different uses of art for greeting cards;
FIG. 20 According to a twelfth embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 20, there is an article comprising a central portion 16 and a versatile portion 18 connected together, whe re bythe versati le portion 18 connects to the uppermost part of upper section 22 via fold 20. The versatile portion 18 in the role of a background is then adapted to be folded downwards and adjacent to or at an angle to the central portion 16 in the three dimensional form;
FIG. 21 According to athirteenth embodiment ofthe invention, as illustrated in FIG. 21, there is an article comprising a central portion 16 and two versatile portions 18 and 18a c onne cte d together via the folds 20 and 20a. Central portion 16 is adapted for erecti on into a three dimensional form. The versatile portion 18ai s adapted for erection adj ac ent to orat an angle to the three dimensional form. Versatile portion 18 connects to the uppermost part of upper secti on22 ofcentral portion 16. Versatile portion 18 is provided for use as a hanging device onto which features such as, but not limited to, information, pictures and calendars can be added to compliment the greeting card;
FIG. 22 Accordingto a fourteenth embodiment ofthe invention, as illustrate dinFl G.22, there is an article comprising a sheet defining two central portions 16 and nine versatile portions 18 connected together via ten folds, two first engagements, two second engagements andtwoaperture s. The workings of FIG. 22 are similar to that of FIG. 7 described earlier in this application with one variation being a fold connecting the two central portions. Other embodimentsto whi c h the inventioncan be aclaptedto includes, but is not limited to, Christmas decorations, puzzles, sales and promotional material and educational material which can involve additional, central portions and versatile portions interconnected in similar ways to the illustration in FIG. 22.
From the foregoing, it is evident that the various embodiments each provide a simple yet highly creative, versatile and novel greeting card, which can be delivered to an intended recipient in ways similar to conventional cards, but which can be readily assembled into a three-dimensional form to provoke interest, intrigue and to facilitate display.
It should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the scope of the various embodiments described.
Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.
Throughoutthe specification, unlessthe contextrequi resothe rwi se, the word"c ompri se" or variations such as "comprises" or "compri sing", will be understoodto i mply the inclusionof
Claims (13)
The Claims Defining the Invention are as Follows:
1. An article comprising a single flat sheet of material defining at least two portions, a first portion and a second portion adapted to be foldably connected together via a fold, where by the central portion comprises a first edge and two opposed second and third edges, shorter than the first edge and the two opposed edges arc brought together to c re ate a three dimensional form before or after the versatile portion is folded to a position adjacent to or at an angle to the central portion.
2. An article according to claim 1 where in the three-dimensional form is provided with a base such that a cavity is defined within the three-dimensional form into which an object can be inserted.
3. An article according to claim 1 wherein the versatile portion can adapt itself to various names and roles including, but not limited to, a background, a foreground, internal portion, a side, a top and a base to define a particular application adopted by the versatile portion.
4. An article according to claim 1 wherein the first portion comprises at least two sections, parts of the sections being integrally connected and further parts of the sections being detached, where by one of such sections projects from another of such sections when the first portion is erected into the three-dimensional form.
5. An article according to claim 4 wherein the first portion when in the three-dimensional form portrays, a body having a torso and a head, with the upper section forming the head and upper part of the torso, and the main body section forming the lower part of the torso.
6. An article according to claim 5 wherein the first portion has an upper section and a main body section, and wherein the main body section is provided with spaced first and second engagement means such that upon the first portion being folded upon itself and the first and second engagement means are inter-engaged to transform the first portion into three-dimensional form.
7. An article according to claim 5 wherein sections of the main body section can extend widthwise and in height.
8. An article according to claim 1 where in the first engagement means comprises a tab and the second engagement means comprises a slot configured to receive the tab.
9. An article according to claim 8 wherein the first engagement means, the tab, can be on one portion and the second engagement means, the slot, can be on another portion whereby upon engagement of the tab and the slot, the portions are brought together.
10. An article according to claim 1 wherein a weight is attached to the particular face of the first portion which is innermost when the first portion is erected into the three-dimensional form.
11. An article according to claim 1 wherein the first edge comprises a first edge portion and a second edge portion, the first and second edge portions are at a first distance apart when the first portion is flat, and are a second distance apart, shorter than the first distance when the first portion is erected into the three dimensional form.
12. An article according to claim 1 wherein the first portion defines a central portion adapted for erection into a three dimensional form, and the second portion defines a versatile portion connected to the central portion via a fold.
13. An article according to claim 1 wherein the versatile portion is adapted to be folded to a position adjacent to or at an angle to the front side of the erected three dimensional form and further more the versatile portion is adapted to be folded to a position adjacent to or at an angle to the rearside of the central portion prior to the central portion being erected into the three dimensional form.
An article such as a greeting card (10) comprising a sheet (11) defining at least one central portion (16) and at least one versatile portion (18) connected together via at least one fold (20). The central portion (16) has two opposing edges (26, 28) adapted to be drawn together to create a three-dimensional form. The fold (20) is located at a junction of the central portion (16) and versatile portion (18). These portions (16, 18) are foldably connected together whereby the versatile portion (18) can be folded and adapted for location adjacent to or at an angle to the three-dimensional form, and may be secured at that location. The greeting card (10) may further comprise numerous engagement means (30, 32), apertures (38) and cords (39). The greeting card (10) can be delivered in a collapsed condition and can be readily assembled into a three-dimensional form revealing the ingenuity of the card.
An article such as a greeting card (10) comprising a sheet (11) defining at least one central portion (16) and at least one versatile portion (18) connected together via at least one fold (20). The central portion (16) has two opposing edges (26, 28) adapted to be drawn together to create a three-dimensional form. The fold (20) is located at a junction of the central portion (16) and versatile portion (18). These portions (16, 18) are foldably connected together whereby the versatile portion (18) can be folded and adapted for location adjacent to or at an angle to the three-dimensional form, and may be secured at that location. The greeting card (10) may further comprise numerous engagement means (30, 32), apertures (38) and cords (39). The greeting card (10) can be delivered in a collapsed condition and can be readily assembled into a three-dimensional form revealing the ingenuity of the card.
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| PCT/AU2013/000974 WO2014032109A1 (en) | 2012-08-28 | 2013-08-28 | Card |
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| CN2072017U (en) * | 1990-06-22 | 1991-02-27 | 任颖斌 | Multi-face cube new year card |
| US5259133A (en) * | 1992-04-07 | 1993-11-09 | Burtch Ronald P | Pop-up display device |
| AU659789B3 (en) * | 1994-06-29 | 1995-05-25 | Bob McAlister | A message bearing device |
| GB2298947B (en) * | 1994-10-31 | 1999-06-09 | Neville Anthony Wyli Samuelson | Artefact |
| US5586659A (en) * | 1995-06-05 | 1996-12-24 | Trumbo; Timothy F. | Combination gift box and greeting card |
| JPH09239160A (en) * | 1996-03-06 | 1997-09-16 | Toppan Printing Co Ltd | Brochure |
| JP2000238473A (en) * | 1999-02-24 | 2000-09-05 | Dainippon Printing Co Ltd | Set-up card |
| JP2002326478A (en) * | 2001-04-27 | 2002-11-12 | Toshitsugu Fukui | Card for mailing |
| JP2004050613A (en) * | 2002-07-19 | 2004-02-19 | Takejiro Kanzaki | Card and tubular object forming sheet member |
| WO2006002524A1 (en) * | 2004-07-01 | 2006-01-12 | 3Epack Inc. | A box, blank and assembly for forming a box, an adjustable panel and articles formed therefrom |
| JP3839458B1 (en) * | 2005-07-29 | 2006-11-01 | フェリック株式会社 | Self-supporting flat plate, display method and manufacturing method thereof |
| US8252391B2 (en) * | 2007-01-16 | 2012-08-28 | Barbara Jean Vinecombe | Card |
| CN201198236Y (en) * | 2008-01-09 | 2009-02-25 | 谷原科技有限公司 | One-piece type stereo card |
| US20090300952A1 (en) * | 2008-06-06 | 2009-12-10 | Hayes George K C | Freestanding display card |
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| WO2014032109A9 (en) | 2014-10-09 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request |
Effective date: 20180814 |
|
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20200831 |