GB2327139A - Tubular artefact - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to the manufacture of artefacts which are cylindrical, frusto-conical or tubular in shape, from a piece of flexible material, by bringing together and attaching two opposite sides. The artefact may be folded into a smaller size to facilitate packaging and distribution and in this instance the material is provided with a cut-out portion in the form of tongue 19, the base of the tongue lying across the line of a fold, the tongue acting as a bracing element so that the residual effect of the fold is reduced or modified following assembly of the artefact (Figure 1.5.6). The artefact may comprise a single layer of material, the means of attachment or the two opposite sides being such as to allow a variation in the diameter of the artefact. (Figure 3.1.1, not shown). The artefact may be folded flat and provided with means to restore it to its hollow shape (Figure 4.1.4, not shown). A further portion or portions may be provided which are capable of rotary or linear movement with respect to the artefact proper (Figures 5.1.3 and 6.1.4, not shown). The artefacts may be used as toys, models, figurines, hat stands, point of sale displays or wrappers for other goods.

Description

ARTEFACT This invention relates to substantially cylindrical or conical or tubular artefacts which are formed with a hollow section by bringing together and attaching the opposite sides of a piece of flexible material. Such artefacts, when made from a material such as paper or paper-board, are able to combine the advantages of rigidity afforded by a cylindrical or conical or tubular construction with the plastic, elastic and frictional properties inherent in such material.

In this application the expressions "cylinder" and "cylindrical" and "cone" and "conical" are used to indicate the general appearance or configuration of an artefact either in the course of or following assembly and not to its precise geometrical shape. The expressions referred to shall therefor also be taken to embrace frusto-conical shaped artefacts and pyramidal and frusto-pyramidal shaped artefacts and square, elliptic, polygonal and irregularly sectioned tubular shaped artefacts, the common element being the presence of a hollow section. The expression "hollow section'1 as used in this application is itself subject to different shades of meaning in that an artefact is considered to have a hollow section even though an element of the material of which the artefact is comprised penetrates or subdivides the interior space.

Artefacts provided in accordance with the invention will often be made from paper or paper-board with a weight ranging from 150 gsm to 400 gsm (grammes per square metre). In preferred embodiments a unitary form of construction, in which assembly can be carried out without the use of glue, staples or any other extraneous agency, will be adopted. One or more additional layers of material lying behind the outermost layer may be provided without departing from the principle of unitary construction. In many embodiments the material comprising the artefact will be shaped, cut, folded and manipulated in such a way that what would otherwise be a smooth unbroken outer surface of a regularly shaped cylinder or frustocone or polygonal sectioned tube is broken up or relieved or becomes a mounting for elements which either project from t'ne outer layer, the outer layer acting as a matrix, or in some other way do not follow the general contours of the surface.

Elements contributing to the design may be threaded from within the hollow part of the artefact through splits in the surface. The same, or other elements may be extended outwardly from the paper and lower edges of the hollow part of the artefact. The surface of a cylinder or frusto-cone may be subjected to cuts in such a way that, when the material is bent into a hollow shape, portions of the surface stand away from the surrounding areas. Modified and relieved in these various ways, and eith appropriate application of line, colour and shading, a cylinder or frustcccone or other hollow shape can be made to provide a realistic and/or artistic interpretation of a human or animal figure or an inanimate object. Wholly abstract designs are also possible.

An underlying cylindrical or frusto-conical configuration will be found in many embodiments to be more suitable than others on account of the facility with which such embodiments are able to effect a change in diameter while maintaining a circular outline in the plan view. It is also the case that the cylindrical and frusto-conical shapes more dosely correspond to the shape of drinks cans and bottles, the enclosure of which may be a major application of the invention in its various aspects.

The dimensions of artefacts in accordance with the invention which are made from paper or paper-board (the expression "paper-board" being in common usage in the paper industry for paper with a weight in excess of approximately 220 gsm) will generally range from a height of between 150 mm and 225 mm and a diameter (in the case of a conically shaped artefact, measured at the widest point) of between 70 mm and 200 mm. The smaller the size of the artefact, the lighter the weight of material will be found to be suitable for its construction. Such items may be laid out on a sheet of SRA 2 (450 mm by 640 mm) material.

Artefacts in accordance with the invention are useful for a variety of decorative, promotional and novelty purposes. In particular, they may serve as stands for, or may be capable of being adorned by headwear or miniaturised headssear of the kind described in G & A-2178299. Artefacts to which this invention relates can also be used for point of sale display or as toys or components of games or greetings cards. Such artefacts may be configured in such a way that they are able to wrap round or otherwise enclose a separately provided container, for example a standard drinks can with a diameter of 65 mm.

Artefacts in accordance with the invention may consist of two or more cylindrical or frustcWconical objects which are not integral with each other, the objects generally corresponding with each other in shape but respectively sized so that one such object may be placed over the other. In this way a cylindrical or frusto-conical artefact conforming to a basic design can be optionally adorned by the consumer in an alternative way or a plurality of different ways so as to vary its appearance.

Artefacts in accordance with the invention can be supplied in the flat piece for the customer to cut out and assemble, or die cut but still in the flat piece for the customer to punch out and assembly, or stripped out from the flat piece ready for the customer to assemble, or in a fully assembled state. It is also possible for artefacts to be supplied assembled and folded, post assembly, into a smaller size, or flattened, for packaging purposes. A device can be incorporated into an artefact which has been reduced to a flat state enables it either to spring "open" into its assembled state upon removal from the confines of an envelope or a box. Alternatively an artefact can be either manually "opened-up" by means of a simple mechanical device or otherwise restored to a hollow state by the insertion of another object.

When supplied in the flat pre-assembly state without benefit of folding the dimensions of an artefact in accordance with the invention may be inconveniently large from the point of view of distribution, display at point of sale, carriage home by the customer and transmission through the post. It is therefor often desirable or, as a practical matter, necessary to fold the piece of flexible material from which the cylinder or cone is formed into a smaller size.

Where the material is paper or paper-board such folds (which in this application are generally referred to as "packaging" folds) may present a problem on assembly of the cylinder or frusto-cone because it is difficult to remove the effect of a fold line once incorporated into such material.

Assembling the cylinder or frusto-cone by reversing the curvature of the piece in an opposite sense to the direction of the fold, even where such an arrangement is possible, mitigates but does not reduce to a satisfactory extent the effect of the fold. Where, as may often be the case with embodiments of the invention, assembly of the cylinder or cone involves the piece curving in the same sense as the fold, the continuing effect of the fold may distorts the shape of the object to an unacceptable extent. The present invention is directed in part to providing a solution to this problem.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an artefact which is substantially cylindrical or frusto-conical or tubular in shape and formed with a hollow section from a piece of flexible material by bringing together and attaching two opposite sides, the material being folded into a smaller size and subsequently unfolded about at least one line of fold prior to assembly as a cylinder or frusto-cone or other shape, the material being provided with an endosed partially cut-out portion comprising a tongue, the base of the tongue lying across the line of fold, the tongue adapted to act as a bracing element so that the residual effect of the fold is reduced or modified following assembly of the artefact and in use.

As noted above, expressions such as "cylindrical" and "frusto-conical" and "tubular" as used in this application should be taken to refer to the general shape of the artefact and not to a precise indication of its geometry. The piece of material from which the artefact is formed may be the subject of extensive manipulation so as to modify its appearance even before the opposite sides are brought together. Although, where the artefact is cylindrical, the material from which it is formed may be generally rectangular so as to provide the hollow portion with upper and lower edges which are substantially straight, even this characteristic may become largely obscured by be projections beyond that portion of the material corresponding to a rectangle. A similar situation obtains where the artefact is frusto-conical in shape, which expression as applied to embodiments of the present invention, will also apply, for example, to an embodiment which is conical in shape in the sense of tapering to a vertex and to an embodiment which is frusto-conical in shape but in which the axis of symmetry is not perpendicular to the base, the base being an ellipse. Pyramidal and frusto-pyramidal shaped artefacts, which are also within the scope of the present invention are, in effect, conical constructions made pyramidal by folding. In the same way, square-sectioned tubular artefacts in accordance with the invention may be produced from portions of material of the same shape as those used to form cylindrical artefacts.

A bracing element in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention may take one of several forms. An enclosed partial cut-out may be provided across the fold line allowing the portion within the periphery of the area of the partially cut-out to be folded outwardly of the adjoining areas of the surface so that its plane projects at an angle to the curved surface of the cylindrical or conical object In a most preferred embodiments a bracing element of this kind is utilised to counter packaging folds in an artefact formed from a single layer of material.

In its second form the bracing element consists of a tongue of material which is provided in association with a split, the split lying across and at a right angle to the line of the fold and the tongue passing through the split so that its plane projects outwardly and at an angle to the curved surface of the cylindrical or frusto-conical object. In preferred a embodiment comprising two layers of material the tongue forms part of the inner layer and is inserted through the split in the outer layer so as to project beyond the surface.

The effect of activating a bracing element of either kind is to flatten the curved surface of the immediately surrounding area rather than to fully restore its curvature. By providing a plurality of bracing elements of a suitable size and arranged at suitable intervals along the line of the fold the curvature of the surface of the artefact overall is largely restored, however, and any negative curvature or other distortion imparted by the packaging fold largely eliminated.

Where the bracing element consists of a tongue of material the tongue will usually consist of a flap of the material partially cut-out from an inner layer but this need not necessarily be the case. In whichever way provided, the tongue is made to project outwardly from the surface of the artefact in such a manner its plane is at least initially approximately perpendicular to the surface of the artefact. In a preferred embodiment the plane of the tongue is fixed by it being passed through a split in the material from which the artefact is formed. In the case where the tongue is formed from a partial cutout in the inner layer the split will be in the outer layer While the tongue may simply be folded outwardly from an inner layer through an adjacent split in the outer layer a greater bracing effect can be achieved by folding the tongue more than once.

In a preferred embodiment the tongue is folded twice. In the first instance the tongue is folded in such a manner as to project outwardly from the outer layer. The tongue is then folded a second time so as to double back on itself and return through both the same split in the outer layer and through the tongue-shaped cut-out in the inner layer left behind after the first fold. The advantage of such a construction is that the tongue is effectively of double thickness immediately in front of the split and as it passes through the split. In another preferred embodiment the tongue returns whence it came through a second split in the outer layer parallel to the first split, a square section or a triangular section having been achieved by the portion lying outwardly of the outer layer and between the two splits.

While the basic construction remains the same, a number of variations in the configuration of bracing elements incorporated into artefacts in accordance with the present invention are possible. Bracing elements in the form of tongue-shaped cut-outs can be used to counter folds in single layer embodiments and such elements can incorporated two folds as already described in relation to double layer embodiments. If desired, a greater number of folds than two can be incorporated into a tongue. The endosed cut-out (and, therefore, tongue) can be provided in an outer layer and inserted through a corresponding split in the inner layer. The base of the tongue in relation to the endosed partial cut-out by which it is formed can be at the top of the cut-out portion or at the bottom and where two or more tongues are provided, as is generally the case, both types of arrangement may be employed so that the tongues in their pre-assembled state project in opposite directions.

Whatever configuration is employed, it is important that the split should be correctly aligned with the tongue and that the tongue should be fitted tightly into its final position It may fit reasonably tightly within the split by virtue solely of the thickness of the material from which it is formed. The split will, for maximum effect, simply be a parting in the material into which it is incorporated and not have any portion of the material cut away. It has been found however, that insertion of the tongue is facilitated by an enlargement along a small section of the split and this does not materially lessen the effectiveness of the device. For added fastness the length of the split may be the same as, or slightly less than, the corresponding dimension of the tongue at the point at which it protrudes through it; that is to say the portion may be a push fit or force fit within the split. In a most preferred embodiment the shape of a tongue is tapered and notches are provided on either side of the fold along the base so that it clicks into its final position within the split.

Tongues and splits may be made into decorative features, either to disguise their presence or to draw attention to them. They may also double as functional features of the design; as arms or legs or display plaques, for example.

The necessity to incorporate devices of the kind to which this aspect of the present invention refers generally arises in the case of artefacts at the larger end of the range of sizes described above, and in particular those intended to perform the function of a hat stand. It will usually be desired to fold the piece of material of which such an artefact is comprised at the pre-assembly stage into a more manageable size by means of one or more packaging folds. A cylinder capable of accepting an adult sized item of headwear will, for example, have an assembled diameter of the order of 190 mm, that is to say equivalent to a head size of 71/2 in the imperial system of measurement. At least one dimension of the cylinder in the flat pre-assembled state must therefor be of the order of 600 mm, this being the length of the circumference, to which must be added approximately 20 mm minimum overlap at the point of attachment. By the inclusion of a pair of equally spaced packaging folds the pre-assembly size of the item can be reduced to 200 mm by whatever the height is. In a preferred embodiment the height of a cylindrical artefact intended to act as a hat stand is of the order of 225 mm.

Such a hat stand, constructed with two layers of material, comfortably fits into the SRA 2 format.

In another preferred embodiment packaging folds are provided which operate the same sense of the curvature of the cylinder so as to present, in the packaged state, that part of the obverse side of the material on which the central (which are likely to be the principal) elements comprising the design are displayed. The option of allowing the effect of a packaging fold to be countered by folding the material in the opposite sense to the direction of the fold in the course of assembling the material into a cylinder is, accordingly, not available. The incorporation of bracing elements in accordance with the first aspect, which elements can if desired be designed in such a way as to provide an attractive feature in their own right, has been found to provide a satisfactory solution.

It should be born in mind that there is no absolute necessity for every fold that is present in the material comprising an artefact before assembly to be provided with a bracing element. Folds, which may be packaging folds, which are approximately parallel to the upper and lower edges of an assembled cylindrical or frustoconical artefact will largely disappear in the course of assembly. It is possible, too, for folds incorporated for packaging purposes into an assembled artefact to be corrected in use by a device in accordance with the fourth aspect of the present invention, later described.

The same or other folds may perform a functional or decorative purpose.

Cylindrical and conical shaped artefacts within the scope of the invention may, accordingly, retain one or more unbraced fold lines which also constitute packaging folds.

Artefacts which incorporate folds extending from the upper edge to the lower edge in their final assembled state, for example frusto-pyramidal and other polygonal sectioned tubular artefacts, are likely to have no need of special packaging folds since the construction itself provides the means for folding the artefact into a small size pre-assembly.

In its second aspect the invention provides, inter alia, a method whereby a cylindrical or frusto-conical or other tubular artefact may be constructed with an outer surface which is three dimensional and an inner surface which is relatively smooth According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an artefact which is substantially cylindrical or frusto-conical or tubular in shape and formed with a hollow section from a piece of flexible material by bringing together and attaching two opposite sides, the artefact comprising two or more layers of material curved or bent in a similar manner which layers may or may not be integral with each other, a portion or portions of the material forming part of or integral with the inner layer being either: passed through a split in the outer layer, and/or extended beyond the periphery of the outer layer, and/or exposed to view following assembly and in use by a cut-out or enclosed partial cut-out portion in the outer layer, and/or in combination with the outer layer or another layer functioning as a close fitting socket adapted to secure firmly another portion of material which may be extended from and integral with either the outer layer or an inner layer or entirely separate therefrom.

An additional layer or layers of material in accordance with this aspect of the invention will take on the surface contours of the outer layer. In the case of a cylindrical or frusto-conical embodiment the curvature of an inner layer will the same as that of the outer layer, albeit to a slightly smaller radius, the reduction in the radius corresponding to the thickness of the material. In the case of a square-sectioned or other shaped tubular construction, the conformation of an inner layer may be flat and angled as it follows the like contours of the outer layer.

In embodiments of the invention in which the principle of unitary construction is observed any additional layer or layers must necessarily be integral with the outer layer. The material forming the respective layers will be laid out in the flat sheet so as to be adjacent and contiguous with a line of fold along a common boundary. One layer will be brought into alignment with another by folding it along the fold line through 180 degrees. Taking the outer layer, which in the majority of embodiments will be longer and wider than any other layer, as a reference point, the common boundary with another layer may lie along either an upper or a lower edge or along a side edge. The upper and lower edges are those edges which, in the assembled artefact, may be said to lie in or about a plane which lies at a right angle, either to the axis of symmetry where the artefact is a cylinder or a frustocone, or to the perpendicular where the artefact is some other hollow shape.

The side edges are brought together and attached when the material is formed into a hollow sectioned artefact but this, of itself, does not preclude them from being a point of attachment for an additional layer of material.

In many embodiments of the invention at least one additional layer of material is similar in shape and size to the outer layer but this is by no means always the case. The outer layer may be rectangular and a second layer, comprising an inner layer, may consist of an elongate irregularly shaped extension depending from its lower edge and folded through 180 degrees so as to become in part superimposed, following assembly, with the outer layer from which its is extended. What distinguishes an additional layer of material from a mere extension from an existing layer is, firstly, that its surface is contiguous with another layer (which will often, but not always, be the outer layer) and, secondly, that it is curved or bent in a similar manner to the relevant part of the outer layer so as to take on its surface contours.

Embodiments are possible in which an inner layer is so shaped as to project beyond the periphery of the outer layer and, being folded through 180 degrees, returns to a point within the periphery of the outer layer. The effect of such a construction is that the extension will maintain the surface contours of the outer layer at the point where it projects from the periphery of the outer layer. Such an extension, its inner surfaces being contiguous with each other, will form a double layered addition to the artefact in its own right, the outer surface of the extension comprising the outer layer of the artefact to the extent that it projects beyond the periphery of the existing outer layer.

Embodiments of this aspect of the invention are possible in which a multilayered hollow sectioned artefact is formed in which the portions of material comprising the individual layers are not integral with each other. The different layers may be mechanically secured to each other in the course of assembly (by a portion from an inner layer passing through a split in an outer layer, for example) or they may maintain their respective positions either by the pressure exerted by the elasticity of the material comprising the inner layer or layers or by friction between the adjacent surfaces.

In embodiments in which the principle of unitary construction is observed, and the layers are integral with each other and brought into alignment by 180 degree folds along the common boundary between two layers which common boundary lies along their upper and lower edges, regard must be had to the distortion which will be caused by the difference in the dimensions of the cross-sections of the assembled artefact (radii in the case of cylindrical and frusto-conical artefacts). Such distortion is not entirely avoidable but can be reduced to manageable proportions by limiting the extent of the line of fold, maintaining the shape of individual layers by lines of cut in substitution therefor.

In embodiments in which the individual layers are joined together by a form of double hinge, in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the horizontal line of fold which superimposes one layer upon another is likely to be no greater than the vertical line of fold which restores the obverse surface to view, and the extent of this latter is constrained by the fact that the longer it is the more the mechanism will intrude into the portion of material in which it is situated. In a preferred embodiments the mechanism is placed in a portion of material comprising an inner layer so as to be out of sight following assembly and care is take to ensure that the construction of the artefact overall is such as to stabilise the inner layer within the outer layer.

The connection of two relatively large portions of material by a small portion of material lying in the angle of two lines of folds at right angles to each other leads to inherent instability since the two portions are able to articulate with respect to each other. Such a construction does, however, possess certain advantages over one in which the two layers are formed from wholly separate pieces of material. The correct alignment of the two layers is assured and in the assembled state unwanted sideways and up-and-down movement between them is prevented. It is also the case that the principal function of embodiments of the invention is to inform and amuse and the discipline imposed by unitary construction on designers and consumers (who will generally be responsible for assembly) alike, are likely to enhance the regard in which the genre is held.

Where a double hinge device is presents there may be a requirement for means of attachment to be incorporated for the purpose of fixing the position of the two layers relative to each other, in addition to what is afforded by the tenuous connection through the double hinge. It has been found the inclusion of bracing tongues, albeit to serve another purpose altogether, performs this function admirably. It should be born in mind that the less extensive the common boundary between the portions comprising inner and outer layers the easier it may be to carry out those stages in the assembly of the artefact which require portions from one layer to be inserted through splits in another layer in general.

The effects of distortion as a result of the different diameters of individual layers of material can be avoided altogether, and the principle of unitary construction maintained, by joining the pieces of material comprising the layers together along a common boundary comprised of their side edges.

The disadvantage of such a construction is that it requires a sheet of material which is long and thin relative to that required for an artefact of similar shape and size in which the same number of layers are present but in which the common boundary is along an upper or lower edge. A sheet of material of such shape will require pre-press and printing machinery to a larger format and bring about difficulties in presentation and packaging. It is also the case that many preferred embodiments of the invention in which two or more layers of material are present are designed so that the means of attachment lie at the back of the artefact in use, and are incorporated into the outer layer, and the integral inner layer lies to the front of the figure and does not underlie the means of attachment. Such a configuration is not easily achieved if the point of connection between two layers is at the side.

In a preferred embodiment the upper edge of an outer or inner layer is used to advantage to provide the artefact with design features which extend its assembled dimensions. The portion of material comprising the outer layer is extended beyond the general line of the upper edge into that part of the material which would otherwise form part of the inner layer, lines of fold being provided on either side of the projecting portion. When the 180 degree folds are executed the projecting portion remains in situ.

An artefact in accordance with present invention may consist of two or more layers of material which are integral with each other and one or more additional layers which are not integral with the integral layers and (where there are two or more such additional layers) which may or may not be integral with each other.

The provision of one or more additional layers of material, whether integral with the remainder of the material comprising the artefact or otherwise, can be used by designers to great advantage. Where an additional layer is an inner layer the continuity of the outer surface of the artefact can be largely maintained while portions from the inner layer are threaded through it to take up a position outwardly of the surface of the outer layer and prominently in view. The dimensions and shape of such an inner layer are not only not restricted to those of the outer layer, it is not necessary for it to be provided in itself with the structural integrity which is required for a viable artefact to be formed. An inner layer can consist of a group of disparate portions of material which are integral with the outer layer but are unconnected to each other but which nevertheless form an inner layer by virtue of contiguity of surface with the outer layer and conforming to its surface contours. Many preferred embodiments may be initially provided with an inner layer which is possessed of good structural properties in its own right but which becomes subdivided in the course of assembly into a number of individual elements which become largely detached from the remainder of the material of which the layer is comprised. Such elements may or may not continue to contribute to the structural viability of the inner layer. What often happens is that they are threaded through a complementary split in the outer layer thereby adding to the structural viability of the artefact as a whole.

In a preferred embodiment an element forming part of an inner layer of material which is to be threaded through an outer layer is first rotated through 180 degrees for the purpose of presenting its obverse side to view following assembly and in use. In the same or other preferred embodiments the continuity of the surface of an inner layer of material is maintained so as to provide a smooth and unbroken surface (formed by the outer surface of the inner layer) as a back-up for a portion of an outer layer of the artefact which has been cut-out and removed or partially cut-out and either folded outwardiy or allowed to stand out from the surface of the outer layer when the artefact is bent round in the course of assembly and in use.

In the same or other preferred embodiments of the present invention in which an artefact is comprised of two layers of material, a portion comprising an inner layer of material which is integral with the outer layer is provided with a double hinge at the point of connection of the kind already described.

Such a double hinge has the effect of twice rotating the inner layer of material through 18Q degrees before it is placed in a position of alignment with the outer layer. As a consequence of the rotation the obverse side of the inner layer is uppermost and it is this side which is presented to view where, for example, there are cut-outs in the outer layer. Rotation of the inner layer in this manner may permit the use of a substrate which is coated only on one side and may entirely eliminate the necessity to print on both sides of the material. At the very least there may be a reduction in the amount of printing required. It may be possible, for example, to do away with the requirement to print any colour other than black on the reverse side.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention comprising artefacts configured to resemble human figures in caricature, constructions in accordance with this aspect may be used to provide projecting eyes, eyelashes, noses, teeth, much in the style of Cubist painters but nevertheless providing an essentially novel medium for portraiture. In such embodiments arms and legs may also be provided which are elongate and capable of being folded and/or manipulated by the consumer in accordance with the consumer's preferences.

In the same and other preferred embodiments cylindrical or frusto-conical artefacts may be provided with partially cut-out portions in the outer surface which are able to enhance the applied design and to attract attention by standing out from the adjoining areas. In so doing such partial cut-outs take advantage of the inherent rigidity of the flexible material as it is bent round to form a cylinder or frusto-cone as the case may be. Other portions may be configured in such a way as to form a part of the curved surface of the artefact until deliberately folded outwardly by the consumer, somewhat in the manner of an advent calendar, so as to reveal a message applied to the surface of the inner layer. The edges of such portions, which may be termed flaps, may be partially cut and partially perforated to combine the facility of being folded outwardly with ability to remain in situ with the same contours as the surrounding surface until required. Advent calendars in the known art, it will be noted, lacking the facility for glueless construction and the other advantages afforded by the present invention, are provided in the form of two pieces of flat material which are kept together by means of adhesive.

In a preferred embodiment a partially endosed cut-out portion is prodded in an inner layer and threaded through a split in an outer layer. Such a portion may be shaped as flap or may be elongate or other shaped. Once through the split in the outer layer it may take up the same contours as the outer layer or be allowed to project outwardly of the surface. Means of attachment may be incorporated into such a projecting portion pinning it back to the outer layer while at the same time allowing it to assume a flat rather than a curved plane in a tangential manner.

Preferred embodiments of the present aspect are able to put to good use the juxtaposition of one layer of the material with another by allowing their adjacent surfaces to function as a close fitting socket. Into the socket so formed is inserted a further portion of material which may be likened to and in this application is termed a tab. (The word "tab" has been preferred in this application to "plug' on account of the three dimensional connotations of the latter expression.) Once inserted, the tab is firmly held between the two surfaces by friction, there being no requirement for the application of any other joining means such as glue. Given that the surfaces operating as a socket may extend over a much greater area than the tab some kind of positioning mechanism, a split in the outer layer for example, may be required. Such a mechanism will, however, be much less complex than would be the case if the friction imparted by insertion of the tab between the layers was not present.

Such a "tab and socket" construction possesses a further important advantage in that it preserves the largely smooth inner surface of the innermost layer thereby facilitating the insertion into hollow artefact of an object such as a drinks can or bottle. The motivation for such an action may stem either from the desire of manufacturers of beverages and other products sold in cans and bottles to promote their products in a novel manner, or from the consumer wanting to invest an artefact in accordance with the invention with more substance than that afforded by the flexible material from which it is made, or both In embodiments providing representations in miniature of well known personalities, soldiers, animated robots and the like, accessory items suitable for attachment to the artefact proper by means of a tab inserted between two layers indude posters, placards, weapons and tools and attributes of various kinds. These accessory items may be further maintained in position, and a greater semblance of reality added to the design, by elongate elements extended from one or other of the layers and integral therewith which resemble arms with hands on the ends, the portions representing hands being provided with complementary means of attachment to the accessory item at a different point to that where the tab adapted to be inserted between the layers is placed.

In a number of particularly preferred embodiments of the invention legs constructed in a tripod arrangement are provided. Such a construction is more convenient than one with four legs on account of its ability to accommodate minor inaccuracies imparted to the plane of the base of the artefact in the course of assembly, which may be inevitable given the material employed and the circumstances in which assembly is carried Out A tripod configuration is also able to cope with a surface which is not itself in a flat plane, a table cloth perhaps, and may be thought to be possessed of more interesting design potential.

A "tab and socket" device in accordance with the present aspect may be usefully incorporated into the tripod configuration since it permits the formation of the legs upon which the artefact will stand from a double layer of material the obverse surfaces of the respective layers being outermost following assembly and in use. In a most preferred embodiment the legs depend from the bottom edge of the outer layer and are folded through 180 degrees and returned upwardly so as to be secured between the outer layer and an inner layer. Such a construction is stronger than that afforded by legs formed from only a single layer of material. Nevertheless, in such a preferred embodiment a rigidising tongue similar to those provided in accordance with the first aspect of the invention may be incorporated along the shank of the leg to prevent any tendency to buckle.

The friction applied by the inner surfaces of the layers can also be used in connection with a sliding flap construction. In embodiments of this kind an aperture, which may be circular or rectangular or some other shape, may be incorporated into an outer layer so as to bring into view a part of the surface of an inner layer. The addition of a sliding flap, which is inserted between the two layers but may be manipulated through the aperture in the outer layer by means of a tab pressed out of its surface, allows the portion of the inner layer lying beyond the aperture to be revealed and concealed by the consumer according to choice. In a cylindE;al or frusto-conical embodiment such a sliding flap must conform to the cinature of the two layers. Where the flexible material is paper-board the imparting of such curvature prior to assembly is not difficult to accomplish. inch a flap will be provided as a separate item, not integral with the remainder of the artefact, and its dimensions will be greater than those of te aperture. It may however lack positional stability within the layers. A sliding flap of the kind described may move from side to side or upwards and downwards. In the latter case the flap may, for the purpose of manipulation be provided with an elongate extension the end of which projects beyond the upper edge of the assembled artefact.

A somewhat differently configured flap may be provided in which either a portion of the outer layer, or a portion of an inner layer visible through an aperture in the outer layer, is revealed and concealed. In a preferred embodiment the flap slides from its dosed position to its open position through a split in the outer layer. In the dosed position the split provides lateral stability to one end of the flap, the other end being secured to the outer surface by means of a tab and slot mechanism. In the open position the flap is held firmly between the two layers acting as a socket. Lugs may be provided at the ends of the flap to prevent it from being inadvertently drawn through the split in either direction. The limitation of such a construction is that there are no intermediate positions for the flap, it must be either open or dosed.

In another preferred embodiment comprising a sliding flap of the kind described in the two preceding paragraphs positional stability of the flap in the course of its travel is improved by the provision of guides on either side of the flap and possibly at its further end. Such guides may be formed by small tabs incorporated into the inner layer. The guide tabs are pressed outwardly and may be fixed in an upright position by being passed through appropriately placed splits in the outer portion. An alternative method of providing a sliding flap with directional stability is available in the form of oppositely directed tabs slidably engaging with elongate splits in accordance with the sixth aspect of this invention.

In a preferred embodiment employing a "tab and socket" form of attachment making use of the friction imparted by the inner surfaces of two layers of material for the optional addition of representations of posters and similar objects, a fold is provided across the base of the element performing the function of a tab so that the inserted portion can be bent round to conform zith the curvature of the two layers of material. A notch at one end of the base of the tab, adapted to engage with the material at the end of the slot in the outer layer through which the tab is inserted, may also be provided. Such a notch gives the consumer the satisfaction of feeling the accessory clicking into place and both restricts and defines the amount of penetration between the layers which is needed to hold the tab securely in place. The notch does not, however, prevent removal of the accessory items if desired.

A convenient slot for the insertion of such an accessory item may already be present in the artefact if representations of arms are incorporated into the design. Accessory items provided with two tabs, for attachment to two similarly configured artefacts in accordance with the invention, are also possible. A "tab and socket" attachment device may also be used for the attachment of two such artefacts together by, for example, a representation of a form of umbilical cord.

A construction in accordance with the present aspect comprising two layers of material, the respective surfaces of which are not only contiguous but pressed firmly together as result of the general configuration of the assembled artefact, may be provided with a hinged flap. The flap is formed by an enclosed partial cut-out in the outer layer. The hinge mechanism consists of a disjoined fold interrupted by one or more stubby tabs. In a preferred embodiments there are two such tabs. The tabs lie on the other side of the fold to the flap portion and rotate with the flap when it is opened, pushing against the adjacent surface of the inner layer as they do so. The inner layer gives way under the pressure but springs back once the tabs have passed. When the flap is half open the tabs are pressed against the inner surface and the flap can be maintained in that position. When the flap is fully open the tabs are flat against the surface of the inner layer and can not return without pressure on the flap. The flap is thus locked in the open position.

When the flap is returned to the closed position there is a tendency for it to remain slightly ajar. This can generally be dealt with be pressing the flap beyond the edges of the cut-out. Alternatively a tab adapted to maintain the flap in a dosed position can be incorporated into the inner layer.

Flaps of the kind described in the preceding paragraph can be incorporated into a cylindrical of frusto-conical artefact with either a vertical or a horizontal hinge. In the latter case the surface of the flap will be flat and not curved in conformation with the contours of the remainder of the surface of the artefact. As with other flap-type constructions, perforated sections may be incorporated into the cut-out which require to be torn open by the consumer if the flap is to be brought into use.

Preferred embodiments of this aspect of the invention take full advantage of the scope which is present for the adornment of the outer surface of the artefact by projections and devices of one kind or another. Additional layers provide additional material for "dressing-up" the outer surface of the artefact, allowing the outer surface, per se, to project its generic form. Care must be taken, however, to ensure that the inner surface (in a multi-layer artefact the inner surface of the inner or innermost layer) remains sufficiently unobstructed to permit the easy insertion of another object. As already said, typically this other object will be a drinks can or bottle.

One of the means employed to produce projecting elements without losing a smooth inner surface is to fold dependent or upward extensions through 180 degrees so that they lie flat against the inner surfaces as they return inside the hollow part of the artefact. The extended portions are folded a second time, through 90 degrees, and passed through a split so as to project from the outer surface. In a preferred embodiment a single dependent or upward extension is subdivided into two parts within the artefact so as to provide two projecting portions from the surface instead of one. The configuration adopted may be T-shaped, with the cross-member of the "T" providing the projections. In such embodiments shoulders may be incorporated into the cross-member immediately inward of the splits in the surface of the artefact.

The purpose of these shoulders is to ensure that the cross-member curves round the inner surface and stays in close contact with it instead of following a straight line between the splits and creating an obstruction within the hollow part of the artefact as a result.

In preferred embodiments of this aspect of the invention care is taken to ensure that no reverse surfaces are visible in a normal view of the artefact.

The application of construction techniques of the kind described in connection with the first aspect may assist in this regard. Where two or more layers are present it may also be possible, without impairing its function, to shape the inner layer so that its edges do not extend quite as far as the edges of the outer layer. It is generally not enough to provide an inner layer of precisely the same shape and dimensions as the outer layer because inaccuracies of folding may arise in the course of assembly and even a small strip of white material will be ve y apparent when it seen in company with a coloured surface.

Another device which is employed in preferred embodiments is the incorporation of extra layers of material into the lower part of the assembled artefact for no other purpose than to lower its centre of gravity. Where the artefact is constructed from paper-board there is a tendency for it to topple over, and this tendency may be aggravated by the addition of accessory items. The frusto-conical embodiments illustrated in the application, moreover, are arranged with the base of the cone (that is to say, the widest portion) lowermost Although not extensively illustrated, embodiments are possible, and for certain applications may be particularly preferred, in which the base of the cone of a frusto-conical (or conical) or the base of a frustopyramidal (or pyramidal) artefact is uppermost in use. In such cases the lowering of the centre of gravity will take on a greater importance. In preferred embodiments other devices, such as a widening of the "wheel base" or the introduction of a tilting mechanism (incorporating a rotary attachment device in accordance with the fifth aspect of the invention) may also be adopted for the purpose of inaeasing the stability of the artefact.

Extra layers added for the purpose of lowering the centre of gravity will not be visible and the shape of the material will depend in part on what is available on the sheet of substrate from which the artefact is provided after the other requirements of the construction have been met. The extra layers will generally retain their position within the hollow part of the artefact without any special fixing. Where the construction is of a unitary nature the extra layers will be positioned by one or more 180 degree folds. The unyielding nature of several layers of material may be mitigated by the incorporation of one or more vertical splits.

Reference has been made to the advantages which may be derived from providing an artefact with tripod-type legs. These advantages can be reenforced by providing one of the legs (the so-called "rear wheel" assembly in certain preferred embodiments of the invention) with a semi-sprung construction allowing the "wheel" to be bent inwardly and outwardly of the base of the artefact to reflect changes in centre of gravity according to what accessories are present.

Artefacts in accordance with the invention which are intended for use as a stand for human headwear are able to perform their function more effectively if they are provided with means for varying their diameter following assembly so as to correspond to the head size of the headwear. The facility to vary the diameter of the artefact is also of value with a smaller sized dual purpose artefact which is designed to display miniature versions of headwear. Such an artefact may be configured so that the headwear can be either directly mounted upon it or upon another object, typically a drinks can.

The drinks can may be concurrently inserted into the artefact or may be standing on its own. In such miniature configurations the size of the headwear will often be fixed to that which is appropriate to it being placed directly upon the drinks can (or some other object) and it is therefor necessary for the diameter of the artefact to be capable of accommodating the drinks can or other object or being reduced in size so as to accommodate only the headwear, the consumer to have a choice in the matter.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided an artefact which is substantially cylindrical or frusto-conical or tubular in shape and formed with a hollow section from a piece of flexible material by bringing together and attaching two opposite sides, the means of attachment being such as to allow a variation in the diameter or diameters of the artefact at the point or points of attachment, the means of attachment comprising one or other of the following arrangements: (1) an arrangement in which either an elongate split (or a pair of parallel elongate splits) is incorporated into a first portion of the material (the "female" portion) which split or splits do not extend to any edge of the material, and in which a pair of oppositely directed tabs is incorporated into a second portion of the material (the "male" portion), the tabs adapted to be inserted through the split (or each tab through a respective one of the pair of splits) so as to slidably engage with the material adjoining the split or splits and join the respective female and male portions together, the arrangement being such that a force must be applied to enable the tabs to overcome frictional resistance from the material adjoining the split or splits; or (2) an arrangement in which at least one elongate tab is incorporated into a first portion of the material (the "male" portion) which tab is provided with a plurality of notches along an edge, the tab adapted to be inserted into a split incorporated into a second portion of the material (the female' portion) and to slidably engage with the material adjoining the split, the tab taking up and being maintained in a position corresponding to whichever one of the notches engages with the end of the split It may here be noted that the word "split" is preferred in this application to the word "slot". In most, if not all, usages the two words bear the same meaning.

It has been found that, in the absence of a second tab, a mechanism based upon a tab sliding along an elongate split has relatively little to offer as an attachment mechanism due to the limited frictional force which is present.

Single tabs are also likely to fall out of an elongate split and are apt freely to pivot about a single point of contact which point of contact will generally be one end of the base of the tab.

A tab comprising one of a pair may also be able to pivot about a point of contact but is less likely accidentally to fall out of an elongate split; and the frictional resistance to it sliding along the split is greater. Where the tabs are oppositely directed and diametrically opposed to each other and provided with the same vertical axis, and are accurately configured with respect to a split or splits in the female portion of the material, the sides of which split or splits are contiguous, contact is made at both ends of each of the two bases. In such a construction there is no possibility of a tab pivoting about a point of contact without distorting the split. Provided that the portions of material in which the attachment device is provided has reasonable properties of rigidity, such as those possessed by paper even as light as copying paper (i.e.

approximately 80 gsm), the frictional resistance which is present is substantial and at least sufficient for artefacts intended for normal use. Preferred embodiments of the present invention accordingly incorporate at least two tabs which are oppositely directed with respect to each other. Within these parameters a number of different configurations of tabs and elongate splits are nevertheless possible.

Attachment devices comprising oppositely directed tabs adapted to slidably engage with the edges of an elongate slit are employed in two known stationary products which are the subject of UK-A-9404124.1 (Corbishley) and US-91/02739 (Crisanti). The subject matter of the two documents is respectively a file wallet and a band formed into a continuous loop for the purpose of securing documents. In the case of the file wallet the attachment device provides means whereby two flaps are able to slide against each other.

In such an application frictional resistance is avoided. In the case of the band formed into a loop the arrangement is such that the girth has to be predetermined and, in the absence of frictional resistance, is then fixed by means of a locking tab. In these respects as well as others, neither document discloses the benefits which flow from the present invention.

The frictional force upon which embodiments of the present aspect incorporating tabs slidably engaging with material adjoining an elongate split or splits depend is provided both by the points of contact between the bases of the tabs (of which, in preferred embodiments, there are upwards of four in number) and the material adjacent to the split or splits and the contact between the surfaces of the respective portions. The closer and more extensive the area of contact the greater the frictional resistance to be overcome before the tabs inadvertently slide along the split or splits. The frictional force increases with the number of tabs and splits employed and can be enhanced or supplemented by the incorporation of notches or a ratchet along the line of a split. The insertion of a tab between two layers of material, as may occur in an embodiment in accordance with the second aspect, the slot being provided in oniy one layer, also increases the frictional force to be overcome before the tab inadvertently slides along the elongate split. In certain embodiments steps may be taken to avoid any increase in frictional force beyond what is required by the construction in question. Such steps may take the form of ensuring that the portions of material incorporating the attachment mechanism are not overlaid by any other portion. Engagement of the tabs within the elongate split or splits may also be thereby facilitated.

In a preferred embodiment a pair of oppositely directed tabs is provided in the male portion of material and a single elongate split is provided in the female portion. The tabs operate along the same vertical axis and comprise one large tab and one small tab, the base of the small tab being inside the base of the large tab. The engagement of the respective bases of the tabs, which are largely co-linear, with the sides of the elongate split along a section of its length prevents any significant rotation of the two portions of material in relation to each other. The frictional resistance which is present is such as to inhibit the tendency of the tabs to slide along the elongate split once manual adjustment has taken place.

In another preferred embodiment a pair of oppositely directed tabs operating along the same vertical axis is provided in the male portion and a pair of parallel elongate splits is provided in the female portion, the tabs being adapted to engage with the material adjoining the splits. The tabs are of equal size and arranged so that their bases are parallel but not co-linear, being separated by approximate with the material adjoining the splits provided in another layer. In other preferred embodiments the arrangement is one in which both tabs and splits are provided in the outermost layer, the design being such that the inner layer does not underlie the outer layer at that point Conical and frusto-conical artefacts in accordance with the invention designed to accommodate headwear may be less in need of an adjustable attachment device in accordance with the present aspect than are cylindrical artefacts since the headwear can in some instances be allowed to slip down the sides of the artefact until it reaches the point where the diameter of the artefact is sufficient to prevent further descent. In the case of the smaller dual purpose embodiments to which reference has been made similar considerations apply.

Elongate split attachment devices nevertheless serve a useful purpose in that it is easier to insert a tab into an overlong split than one possessed of a length which is almost identical to the width of the tab across its base. This point has particular relevance to smaller artefacts where manipulation of the inevitably correspondingly small attachment mechanism is apt to require manual dexterity of a fairly high order and there is a danger of a tab being inadvertently torn if it is mishandled.

Tabs and elongate splits throughout the range of embodiments of the present aspect can often be made more "user friendly" by the inclusion of a widened section somewhat in the manner of a key-hole along a part of the length of the split. Where the embodiment comprises a cylinder intended to act as a hat stand for human size headwear and it is necessary to avoid an unacceptable reduction in the effect of friction care has to be taken to confine the widened section to a part of the split beyond the point at which the tabs are likely to come to rest. Another useful device which may be incorporated into embodiments of the larger sort takes the form of the incorporation of suitably located finger-sized apertures or endosed partial cut-outs adapted to perform the function of thumb tabs which assist in the drawing of the attached portions together or apart Objects made from paper and paper-board which are assembled, folded flat and provided with the means of assuming a three dimensional form when removed from an envelope or box are to be found in the prior art although none posses the advantages of constructions in accordance with the present invention. The constructions now disclosed may rely upon an elastic band to provide the necessary motive power. Other constructions may make use of a tab which is pulled with one hand while the other hand grips the object. A further device whereby an artefact which has been assembled and folded flat can be restored to a hollow section comprises the insertion of another object with similar surface contours but smaller in diameter.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an artefact which is substantially cylindrical or frusto-conical or tubular in shape and formed with a hollow section from a piece of flexible material by bringing together and attaching two opposite sides, the artefact being wholly or partially assembled and then folded flat by means of at least two folds extending from the upper edge to the lower edge of the artefact, the side edges of the artefact in its flattened state following the line of at least two folds, means being provided to restore the artefact to its hollow sectioned cylindrical or frusto-conical or tubular shape either by drawing the sides of the artefact at the point of the fold lines towards each other, or pushing them apart, or by inserting another object with surface contours corresponding to those of the assembled artefact but of smaller diameter.

In a preferred embodiment of the present aspect the folds required to flatten the artefact are arranged as a pair and placed at the sides of the artefact in its assembled state. The folds extend from the upper edge of the artefact to the lower edge. In such an artefact the elements contributing to the design are likely to be entirely or mainly positioned upon that part of the surface lying between the folds. Although a cylindrical or frusto-conical artefact may become somewhat elliptic in section as a result of the inclusion of the folds this may not materially detract from the appearance of the artefact, and may even usefully enhance it.

The means for drawing the sides of the artefact together may consist of a rubber band of a suitable size and thickness. If the force exerted by the rubber band is too great a cylindrical artefact will take on a section shaped somewhat as a figure of eight. The rubber band may be held in position by enclosed partial cut-outs comprising hook-shaped tabs which are located in a symmetrical manner on either side of the artefact and along the line of the folds.

In another preferred embodiment a manually operated device is employed.

The device comprises an elongate member which is mainly located within the artefact in its flattened state, the member being attached to the inner surface of the artefact at or adjacent to a point along the line of one of the folds and passing across to the opposite side and through a split at the corresponding point along or adjacent to the other line of fold. The further end of the elongate member thus projects outwardly from the rest of the artefact in its flattened state. The end of the elongate member is fashioned in such a way that it can be readily gripped between finger and thumb while the remainder of the artefact is held by the other hand and in this manner the opposite sides of the flattened artefact are drawn together. The elongate member may incorporate a ratchet and/or other form of locking mechanism which can be engaged and disengaged at will. The nature of the device is such that, when the artefact is re-formed, a greater proportion of the elongate member comes into view. The elongate member can continue to project outwardly of the outer surface of the artefact or may, if preferred, be wrapped round the back of the artefact and secured in position largely out of sight.

It is possible for an elongate member provided in accordance with the present aspect to be non-contiguous with the remainder of the material of which the artefact is comprised and to be designed in such a way that either or both ends protrude from the outer surface of the artefact, both in its flattened state and in its re-formed state, in use.

The acceptability of embodiments of the kind described above is in part due to the absence until now of any similar medium for the representation of animate and inanimate objects. As a result, artefacts in accordance with the present invention form a genre of visual representation which is distinguishable from any that has gone before and which may be expected to establish new design conventions. Reference has been made to artefacts configured to resemble robotic creatures. It requires only a reasonable capacity for suspension of disbelief to suppose that such creatures might well be equipped with visible means for changing to and from cylindrical or conical form to one of (almost) single dimensional flatness, according to the requirements of the imaginary situation in which they find themselves. In the known art a class of toy robots known as "transformers" are adept at assuming a non-robotic shape. These toy robots are made from rigid materials and the means by which such transformations are achieved differ from the constructions now disclosed.

Flattened artefacts of the kind which form the subject of this application may also be restored to a hollow section by the insertion of an object such as a drinks can or bottle. A substantially smooth inner surface of the kind which is present in many preferred embodiments of the invention is required for such means to be successful. In preferred embodiments cylindrical and frustoconical artefacts are flattened and restored to shape, care being take to ensure that extensions and projecting items do not lie across the lines of fold whereby the artefact is reduced to a flattened state.

The present invention affords a further means of presenting the consumer with a range of configurations from which the a choice may be made in the form of a rotary device.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided an artefact which is substantially cylindrical or frusto-conical or tubular in shape and formed with a hollow section from a piece of flexible material by bringing together and attaching two opposite sides, the artefact incorporating two portions of material one adapted to be fixed in position relative to the remainder of the artefact the other or others adapted to be capable of rotation with respect to the fixed portion by virtue of one portion defining a male element and another or other portions defining a female element.

The portion defining the male element may be in the form of a hub and/or interlock with the portion defining the female element. The portion defining the male element and/or the portion defining the female element may be provided with a respective annular collar, which may have a plurality of (for example four or more) cuts extending radially outwardly to its outside edge.

The innermost and outermost ends of the cuts, if provided in the portion defining the male element, may be of a lesser and greater diameter, respectively, than the female element; alternatively, the innermost and outermost ends of the cuts, if provided in portion defining the female element may be of a greater and lesser diameter, respectively, than the diameter of the male element. Material on each portion between the cuts can act as tabs, capable of being positioned on either side of the other portion so as to act as an interlocking mechanism. The rotatable element may be provided with one or more radial, or substantially radial, arms.

It is possible for a single male element to act as a hub and interlock with a plurality of female elements and in certain embodiments the insertion of washers of a slightly larger external diameter than the annular collars of the female elements can be employed with advantage for the purpose of reducing the risk of the radial arms catching on other portions of the mechanism.

It is possible for a display area to be provided in the form of a circular-shaped portion at the centre of which either the male or the female element is located. In such a construction the circular-shaped portion takes the place of the radial arms. The circular-shaped portion may be captured, typically at its circumference, by another portion of the artefact in a way which permits the rotation required to bring the appropriate areas of the circular-shaped portion into view. A window can be provided in the other portion for the purpose of revealing and excluding matter as required.

One or more further arms can be attached to the radial arms, utilising similar male and female elements to those previously described at the point of attachment for the purpose of facilitating the manipulation of the radial arms.

Pendular elements can be made to depend from the arms which elements can be adapted to respond to rotation of the arms.

Male and female elements of the kind provided in accordance with the present aspect can be used as an attachment mechanism. Such elements can, for example, be use to join together the opposite sides of the material from which the artefact is formed. The elements can be use either for that purpose only or optionally in combination with one or more rotational elements.

Items provided in accordance with this aspect offer consumers the opportunity of varying the alignment of elongate components, for example arms, legs and necks, incorporated into a design. In preferred embodiments providing a representation of a human or robotic figure, the fixed portion of the rotational device is located within a cylinder or cone. One or more rotatable elements may be provided, the rotatable elements comprising one or more radial or substantially radial arms - "arm" being used here to denote an elongate element which may or may not be intended to represent a human or other animal or robotic arm. The ends of the radial arms may be enlarged so as the resemble hands, feet and a head or heads or other shapes.

Following assembly and in use the arm or arms may be projected outwardly of the surface of the cylinder or frusto-cone or other tubular shape, either by being constructed so as to extend above or below an upper or lower edge or being threaded through a split provided in the surface.

In preferred embodiments comprising multi-layered artefacts of the kind described above in relation to the second aspect of the invention the fixed portion of the rotatable device forms part of an inner layer, either remaining within hollow part of the artefact or projecting outwardly of the outer surface through a split in the manner of a flap Whether or not hands and feet are provided on the ends of rotatable portions the rotatable portions themselves can act as a fixed element to an additional rotatable element, the first mentioned rotatable portions being configured so as to define either a male element or female element. In preferred embodiments such a device is employed to permit the consumer to make a choice from a range of accessory items and/or to attach them to the remainder of the artefact in such a way that their position relative thereto can be varied Where a fixed or a rotatable portion is configured so as to resemble a hand or a foot and comprises the male element the necessary cuts can be incorporated in such a way as to be unobtrusive and to not materially intrude upon the design when no accessory item is attached.

It is also possible for a male element of a rotational device to be provided with radial cuts which are totally endosed within the portion of material in which the device is incorporated. Such an arrangement may absorb a greater area of material but presents a neater appearance.

A further advantage of this aspect of the invention is that a plurality of rotatable portions can be provided which can be attached to a fixed portion at a single point and which are capable, if desired, of being rotated with reference to the remainder of the artefact and/or each other. In preferred embodiments, such separately rotatable portions comprise similar or identical female elements provided with annular collars free of radial cuts. In such embodiments artefacts resembling robotic and other creatures of fantasy may be provided with several heads and/or limbs and/or other appendages.

Embodiments are possible in which the fixed element and/or the rotatable element or elements are formed into a curved or otherwise bent plane in use Such a configuration will be found in a case where the fixed portion is incorporated into and forms part of an inner or outer surface of a cylindrical or frusto-conical artefact or is connected to the artefact in such a way as to take on some of the curvature present in the remainder of the material.

Whether or not the fixed portion of the device is the male element or the female element a limited degree of curvature or bending may be accommodated without difficulty, the tabs and/or annular collars flexing according to the contours of the adjoining surface or surfaces. Many preferred embodiments made from a material such as paper-board take advantage of this characteristic which is found in constructions in accordance with the present aspect Preferred embodiments which are multi-layered may also take advantage of the fact that positioning tabs forming part of a male element in such a way that they rotate between two close fitting surfaces of material assists in the accommodation of curvature or other forms of bending in the material.

In certain preferred embodiments a single portion of material comprising a fixed portion is provided with a plurality of rotary attachment devices. Such an arrangement permits a choice of positions for a portion of material incorporating a single rotatable element, or permits the attachment of a number of portions each incorporating a rotatable element in different positions or a single portion incorporating two or more rotatable elements at two or more points on the fixed portion.

Complex embodiments are possible in which a series of elements incorporating rotary attachment devices at either end are connected together so as to form a rod and pinion type of mechanism. In such an embodiment the arrangement of the various elements may be such as to allow one element to be moved upwardly and downwardly relative to the fixed portion by the operation of lever which is not directly connected to it. The mechanism may be configured in such away the extent of the up and down movement is greater than the movement of the lever. In a preferred embodiment the moving parts of such a device are arranged in approximately the same plane.

Another relatively sophisticated and most preferred embodiment takes the form of the inclusion of an independently rotating bearing comprising the male element of an attachment device within a fixed or rotatable element.

The device permits a freely and manually rotatable axle or shaft to be incorporated into an artefact passing from side to side through the hollow centre. The axle or shaft is held in position by rotating bearings on either side of artefact which bearings are in turn positioned in circular apertures incorporated into the opposite sides of the assembled artefact. The advantages of a freely rotating bearing over a mere aperture are many fold.

Firstly, an axle or shaft with a flat or triangular or box shaped section may be positioned between the bearings and held in position by them. Secondly enlarged portions which are integral with the axle or shaft can more readily be inserted through the sides of the artefact in which the female elements are placed. Such a procedure will be unavoidable if two or more enlargements are present which are to be located on either side of the fixed portion incorporating the female elements. The presence of separately provided bearings allows insertion to take place through an aperture prior to it being closed-up by the positioning of a bearing.

A third advantage possessed by independently rotating bearings is that they can be configured so as to be three dimensional rather than two dimensional.

The various configurations may be such as to accommodate a variety of axles and shafts Axles and shafts may be formed from two or more coterminous or partially coterminous portions of material or from a single portion of material. The material may be folded one or more times about the long axis so as to form a V-shaped or box section for greater rigidity and to counter torque when a portion attached to the axle or shaft is turned. A portion functioning as an axle or shaft may, and generally will be keyed into at least one of the bearings to prevent relative rotation. The axle or shaft may be shaped at one or both ends so as to provide a rotating feature or features. In many preferred embodiments rotating features are provided which are nonintegral with the axle or shaft and attached to it in a fixed manner in the course of assembly either by such means as a tab and slot type of device or by portions acting as stub axles or shafts which overlie the main axle or shaft at its ends. Such rotating features may be positioned in such a way as to be within the hollow section of the artefact and presenting alternative images as the axle or shaft is turned.

An axle or shaft in accordance with this aspect may be used as a mounting for legs upon which the artefact is supported, the mechanism allowing the artefact to be tilted forwards and backwards so as to vary the centre of gravity and attitude. In preferred embodiments such a mechanism may incorporate portions of material able to flex in a manner which accommodates a certain amount of unevenness in the underlying surface. It may here be noted that a tilting mechanism will require the presence of a greater amount of friction between the male and female elements of the rotary attachment mechanism than might be appropriate in other situations.

A principal advantage of constructions in accordance with the present aspect lies in the facility with which the frictional force can be varied by either lengthening or shortening the radial cuts comprising the tabs or increasing or reducing the diameter of the other element or the aperture provided therein as the case may be..

In preferred embodiments of the invention the male element of a rotary device may be sub-divided into two separate portions which are held together by being slidably engaged with the female element. Such constructions are possible whether or not the tabs are located in the male element or the female element and whether or not the element is required to flex as it rotates so as to stay in contact with the adjoining surface or surfaces.

In such preferred embodiments each one of the sub-divided portions together comprising a male element may incorporate a 90 degree fold the effect of which is both to prevent the individual sub-divided portions from inadvertently sliding over each other and to provide an integrally connected portion in a plane which is perpendicular to the plane of rotation. To such an integrally connected portion other components may be attached, or it may be used as handle for manually rotating the remainder of the mechanism, or both.

Preferred embodiments may also take a form in which the male element of rotary device is sub-divided only as regards the portions which slideable engage with the female element, that is to say either the array of tabs or the circular portion adapted to slidably engage therewith. In these embodiments a portion of material may be folded through 180 degrees, and each distal end again through 90 degrees, so as to provide the male element In preferred embodiments axles or shafts are provided which incorporate a crank action so that further components coupled thereto can be made to move either in a rotary or reciprocal manner. Such a device,-unlike those consisting of rods and pinions previously described, will be multi-planar. The crank action may be confined to the handle whereby the axle or shaft is turned or may be incorporated into the axle or shaft itself. The further components may be adapted to slide about the surface of the artefact or to move in relation to the remainder of the artefact in some other manner and may be spring loaded by a device made from the same material if required. It is possible for practical wheels to be provided at either side of an artefact and for a aank to be incorporated into the axle.

In preferred embodiments axles or shafts, whether straight or cranked, may be made from material folded into a box section, the four sides being secured by tabs and splits. In many embodiments maintenance of the box section may be further assisted by the addition of flanges or plates or carns provided with square apertures and adapted to slide along the axle or shaft until the desired position is reached.

The ends of a box-sectioned axle or shaft may be keyed into a bearing so as to prevent independent rotation In a preferred embodiment this is achieved by the incorporation of a pair of splits adapted to accommodate the perpendicular portion of a sub-divided male element, the said element incorporating a box-shaped cut-out adapted to permit insertion of the end of the axle or shaft. In this embodiment the splits may be of such length as to extend the end of the axle or shaft well beyond the bearing and, therefor, the outer surface of that part of the artefact in which the bearing is placed. The greater the length of the splits and resulting extension, the less likely it is that the ends of the axle or shaft will inadvertently "pop" out of the bearing due to accidentally distortion of the cylindrical or other shape of the artefact generally. The role of the bracing tongues as regards maintenance of the shape takes on further significance when the artefact incorporates an axle or shaft which is held in position by rotating bearings at a constant distance from each other.

A box-sectioned axle or shaft may be provided with non-integral flanges which are fixed in position by being slid along and then rotated about the axle or shaft. Such a flange is provided with a square aperture, the dimensions of which may be barely greater than those of the axle or shaft When the flange is rotated the sides of the square aperture engage with the corners of the axle or shaft. In a preferred embodiment small nicks are provided along the folded edges of the axle or shaft into which the flange dicks when the desired amount of rotation is reached. The engagement of the sides of the aperture of the flange with the nicks inhibits unwanted lateral movement of the flange along the axle or shaft. Washers, incorporating circular apertures allowing free rotation about the axle or shaft, may also be provided. The purpose of such washers may be to prevent protruding portions of, for example, a crank made from three box-sectioned shafts secured together by flanges from fouling the associated rotating or reciprocating portion.

In a number of preferred embodiments of the present aspect axles or shafts are used as a mounting for eccentric cams which operate so as to provided reciprocal movement in a following portion. Such a portion may be made to appear or disappear from view, or to alternate in view with another similarly activated portion, or to move in some other manner, when the axle or shaft is turned. The motive force may be a hand crank or wheels at the ends of an axle or take some other form.

Cylindrical and other shaped artefacts provided with two or more layers of material in accordance with the second aspect of the present invention provide a particularly suitable mounting for rotary devices in accordance with the present aspect The presence of additional close fitting layers of material at the point where the element comprising the fixed portion of a rotary device is located allows the concealment of the tabs behind the outer surface, an overlying aperture being provided in the outer surface the diameter of which is restricted to whatever is required by the other features of the construction, the crosssection of the axle or the size of enlargements to be threaded through the aperture, for example. Constructions are also possible in which tabs incorporated into a male element are placed between the two layers of the artefact, the inner layer providing a sleeve which prevents the tabs inadvertently flexing and being drawn through the aperture in the outer portion.

Embodiments of the present aspect are possible in which provision is made for the insertion of a crankshaft or a camshaft, apertures being provided in the surface of the artefact at the appropriate points, but the rotating mechanisms are separately provided. The consumer may be given the choice of several mechanisms, or alternative positions for a mechanism, or of not incorporating any mechanism at all. The apertures are generally not obtrusive and it is possible for the dle-cutting forme to be made in such a way that the material within the aperture is left in situ until deliberately removed by consumer. This achieved by placing small nicks in the cutting knife of the forme. It is also possible for unused elements of rotary attachment devices to do duty as attachment points for non-rotating portions.

Embodiments of the present aspect are possible in which the consumer is provided with a kit of standard parts such as the basic hollow-sectioned artefact, a variety of bearings, axles, shafts, cranks, cams, flanges and washers, and a range of attachments which can be made to move individually, or in combination with other attachments, in relation to the artefact when the axle or shaft is turned. Items in accordance with the invention may comprise simple forms of automata which can be assembled without the use of scissors or glue and, as such, will represent a useful introduction into the basic principles of mechanical engineering.

Consumer choice may be further enhanced by the incorporation of a device whereby non-integral items may be attached to the artefact by means of a sliding mechanism similar to that employed for the purpose of varying the diameter of the assembled artefact in accordance with the third aspect of the invention already described.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided an artefact which is substantially cylindrical or frusto-conical or tubular in shape and formed with a hollow section from a piece of flexible material by bringing together and attaching two opposite sides, the artefact incorporating two portions of material by virtue of means of attachment comprising a split (or a pair of parallel splits) incorporated into a first portion of the material (the "female" portion) which split or splits do not extend to any edge of the material and a pair of oppositely directed tabs incorporated into a second portion of the material (the "male" portion), the tabs adapted to be inserted through the split (or each tab through a respective one of the pair of splits) so as to slidably engage with the material adjoining the split or splits and join the respective female and male portions together, either a female portion or a male portion being fixed in position relative to the remainder of the artefact.

In preferred embodiments of the present aspect the fixed portion of the aspect is the portion of material formed into a cylinder or frusto-cone or other tubular shape. In the great majority of such embodiments the split or splits are elongate. The portion incorporating the split or splits is referred to as the female portion, which portion may be either the fixed portion or the portion to be attached to the fixed portion. Conversely, the portion incorporating one or more pairs oppositely projecting tabs is denominated the male portion. Once again this portion may be either the fixed portion or the portion to be attached to the fixed portion Embodiments are possible in which the fixed portion and the portion to be attached each incorporate both tabs and splits.

In certain embodiments the fixed portion may be an arm or other element extended from the portion of material formed into a cylinder or frusto-cone or attached to it in some way.

Constructions in accordance with the present aspect can be incorporated into artefacts comprising two or more layers of material in accordance with the second aspect of the invention. Where only a single elongate split is to be provided it is preferable for two layers of material to be present, the oppositely directed tabs to be inserted between them. In an embodiment constructed from paper-board it is found that a configuration in which a single split is placed in a single layer of material tends not to provide a satisfactory amount of stability to a sliding portion.

Constructions in accordance with the present aspect may be used to reveal and conceal, according to choice, elements of the design. Elongate portions such as representations of arms and legs and necks may be optionally lengthened or shortened. Representatics of flags may be raised and lowered. In a preferred embodiment either the tabs or the split or splits is incorporated into an inner layer of the artefact so that the sliding mechanism is concealed from view. Such a device is particularly suitable for artefacts designed to resemble robots or animated figures where one or more head and neck configurations are available for display, those not required being retracted out of sight within the cylinder or frusto-cone or other tubular shape as the case may be.

In certain embodiments of the present aspect the sliding portion may be comprised of a single layer of material. In others the material may be folded so as to add strength, or to present the obverse side of the material to view, or to facilitate the desired tab configuration. Embodiments are possible in which a sliding portion of tubular shape is provided. Such a portion may be either square, triangular or round in sections Such an embodiment can act as a pencil holder or perform a similar function with regard to some other object or group of objects.

Directional mobility of accessory items and other appendages may be further enhanced in preferred embodiments by the combination of a sliding device in accordance with the present aspect with a rotary device in accordance with the fifth aspect of the invention. In the same or other preferred embodiments two sliding portion may be combined together, the first sliding portion acting as a fixed portion to the second sliding portion Embodiments of the present aspect are possible in which two separate attachment devices are incorporated into the fixed portion, which devices may be either male and female or both male or both female, and arranged about a common axis of symmetry. Two separately provided sliding portions with the complementary elements to those present in the fixed portion, may be attached to the fixed portion individually or at the same time. In the latter case one of the separately provided portions overlays the other.

In certain preferred embodiments the sliding portion forms a flap which moves across the surface of the artefact, either upwards and downwards or from side-to-side. In the case of cylindrical and frusto-conical artefacts the surface of the flap is curved in the same way as the outer surface of the artefact. Manipulation of the flap may be facilitated by the incorporation of a small aperture into which the end of a finger may be inserted, or a raised thumb-tab.

The provision of a sliding portion at the back of a cylindrical or frusto-conical artefact is complicated by the fact that in the majority of embodiments the attachment of the opposite sides of the material of which the artefact is comprised does not allow of a smooth surface at that point. The two dimension nature of accessory items makes it desirable for them to be placed at the back rather than at the sides of the artefact so that they are viewed face-on and not sideways-on. In a preferred embodiment a sliding portion is placed as nearly as possible to the centre of the back of the artefact by utilising one of the edges of the attached sides in place of one of a pair of splits. The sliding portion is provided with a pair of oppositely directed tabs one of which engages with the material adjoining a vertical split parallel to the edge, the other tab engaging with the material along the edge.

A preferred embodiment incorporating an attachment device in which a sliding portion is placed slightly to one side when viewed from the front is able to make use of an arrangement in which the accessory item is partially rotated about its vertical axis so as to present its uppermost feature in a forward-facing plane.

Another group of preferred embodiments take the form of an element which is able to project above or below the upper or lower edges of an artefact and is placed exactly at the centre of the back portion. The device employed, unlike that which is the subject of the preceding paragraph, is not necessarily configured in such a way that it slides up and down. It is able, however, to slide from side to side and thereby avoids the problem that a portion attached to one of the opposite sides and not the other will not be placed centrally and its position when viewed from the front will alter if the diameter of the artefact is varied by means of an attachment device in accordance with the third aspect of the invention. In a preferred embodiment the attached sliding portion is T-shaped, the 'T' being inverted to provide a projection above the upper edge. The cross-member of the "T" is formed by a pair of oppositely directed elongate tabs which are inserted into two vertical splits, one on each side of the meeting point between the opposite sides. The vertical component of the 'T" can be moved from side to side, the elongate tabs sliding in the splits, according to requirements. In another preferred embodiment the attached sliding portion acts as a fixed portion to a further sliding portion so that a feature which moves up and down can be placed at the centre of the back of the artefact. In another preferred embodiment the attached sliding portion is provided with a rotary attachment device in place of or in addition to a second sliding portion Embodiments in accordance with the present invention generally may be provided in such a way that a single piece of flexible material is employed and all the parts comprising the artefact are physically attached to each other and remain so during assembly and in use. The advantage of such a unitary form of construction are that components of the artefact can not get lost or overlooked in the course of assembly. Greater ingenuity may be required to design an artefact to fulfil a particular role in such a way that it also conforms to the principle of unitary construction. Where the solution to the problems which are posed are particularly felicitous the aesthetic merits of the construction in the eye of the consumer may be correspondingly enhanced.

The advantages to be gained from the employment of a unitary construction may not be materially lessened by the provision of separate non-integral accessory items which can be seen to be such and not merely a contrivance adopted for the convenience of assembly of the artefact proper.

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show how it may be put into effect, a number of preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings. The drawings are grouped to show features of the aspects in the same order as that followed above. In the majority of cases the drawings show either plan or perspective views of pieces of flexible material before and after assembly into an artefact in accordance with the invention In certain instances only a detail of the item is shown. Where a portion of material is concealed from view its position may be indicated by a broken outline. The reverse side of the piece of material of which the container is comprised is indicated by hatching. The sense of a fold may be shown, solid dots indicating a fold whereby the material on either side of the fold is folded away from the folder (a "mountain" fold) and open centred dots indicating a fold in which the material is folded towards the folder (a "valley" fold). The material from which the artefacts illustrated are made is generally paper-board of approximately 300 gsm weight. The artefacts illustrated are generally shown in perspective views with the attachment mechanism which joins the opposite sides of the artefact together at the back of the artefact, although embodiments are also possible in which the mechanism is placed at the front of the artefact or to one side of the artefact in use. The artefacts illustrated are in most cases capable of being produced from a stock piece of such material of SRA 2 (450 mm by 640 mm) size. The artefacts illustrated can, however, be produced from other grades of paper-board and from other flexible materials and in other sizes. The artefacts illustrated do not require the use of glue or any other extraneous fixing agency for their assembly.

The numbering scheme which has been adopted assigns to each figure three numbers. The first number relates to the aspect of the invention to which the figure is directed. The second number denominates the individual construction and the third number individual drawings in relation to the construction. A reference to a construction by its second number includes any individual drawings relating to the construction, if more than one.

FIGURE 1.2 shows an elongate piece of flexible material as in Figure 1.1 but with fold lines for size reduction (the direction of folding being indicated by solid dots (signifying a "mountain" fold), the second drawing showing the item in its folded configuration and the third and fourth drawings showing the item assembled as nearly as possible into a cylinder; FIGURE 1.3 show how an elongate piece of flexible material which has been folded may be assembled into a cylinder using folds of the opposite sense; FIGURE 1.4 shows how an elongate piece of flexible material which has been folded may be assembled into an artefact which, but for the residual effect of the folds, would be shaped as a frusto-cone; FIGURES 1.5 to 1.12 show constructions in accordance with the first aspect of the invention in which bracing tongues are utilised to counter the effect of fold lines; FIGURES 2.1 to 2.63 show constructions in accordance with, inter alia, the second aspect of the invention in which the cylindrical or frustoconical or tubular shaped artefact is comprised of two or more layers of material; FIGURE 2.1 shows a cylindrical artefact comprising two layers of material, a portion of material forming part of the inner layer being exposed to view following assembly by means of an endosed partial cut-out portion in the outer layer, the means of attachment of the opposite sides of the portions comprising each layer also securing the respective portions to each other; FIGURE 2.2 shows a similarly constructed artefact which is frustoconical in shape; FIGURE 2.3 shows a cylindrical artefact constructed from a single piece of flexible material folded into two layers of material, a portion of material forming part of the reverse surface of the portion comprising the inner layer being exposed to view following assembly by means of an enclosed partial cut-out portion in the outer layer, means of attachment of the opposite sides being provided only in the outer layer; FIGURE 2.4 shows a similarly constructed artefact which is frustoconical in shape; FIGURE 2.5 shows an artefact similar in shape to that depicted in Figure 2.3 in which, however, the fold line between the two layers is along the axis of folding whereby the cylindrical shape is formed; FIGURE 2.6 shows a similarly constructed artefact which is frustoconical in shape; FIGURE 2.7 shows a cylindrical artefact constructed from a single piece of flexible material folded into two layers of material, a combination of two folds reversing the surface of one of the layers relative to the other, a portion of material forming part of the obverse surface of the portion comprising the inner layer being exposed to view following assembly by means of an endosed partial cut-out portion in the outer layer; FIGURE 2.8 shows a similarly constructed artefact in which the two folds whereby the surface of one layer is reversed are placed within the portion of material forming the outermost layer following assembly into a cylinder; FIGURE 2.9 shows an artefact constructed in a similar manner to that depicted in Figure 2.7 which is frusto-conical in shape.

FIGURE 2.10 shows a similarly shaped artefact in which, however, the two folds take effect along the axis of folding whereby the frustoconical shape is formed; FIGURE 2.11 shows a similarly constructed artefact to that depicted in Figure 2.8 in which, however, a pair of packaging folds are present, the effect of the packaging folds being countered by bracing tongues in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; FIGURES 2.12 and 2.13 illustrate the manner in which a cylinder shaped artefact may be constructed from a single piece of flexible material folded into two layers, the line of fold between the portions comprising the respective layers not extending along the entire common boundary separating the two portions in the flat preassembly state; FIGURES 2.14 and 2.15 illustrate the manner in which a cylinder shaped artefact may be constructed with three layers of material; FIGURES 2.16 to 2.18 illustrate the manner in which a cylinder shaped artefact may be constructed with two or more layers of material, a portion comprising one layer being substantially different in shape and size to a portion comprising another layer; FIGURE 2.19 shows a cylinder shaped artefact comprising two layers of material, the line of fold between the portions comprising the respective layers being interrupted by a protuberance from one layer into the general area occupied by the other, the protuberance providing a projecting feature along the edge of the portion following assembly; FIGURE 2.20 shows a similar cylinder shaped artefact in which, however, the protuberance is placed so as to expose to view a portion of the inner layer following assembly and in use; FIGURE 2.21 illustrates the manner in which a portion of material forming part of the outer layer is extended beyond the periphery of the portion forming the inner layer following assembly and folded through 180 degrees and if required secured in position between the adjacent surfaces of the two layers; FIGURE 2.22 shows a similar construction in which the extended portion is provided with a bracing tongue; FIGURES 2.23 and 2.24 show cylinder shaped artefacts comprising two layers of material in which two partially cut-out portions of the material comprising the outer layer expose portions of the inner layer to view following assembly and in use; FIGURES 2.25 to 228 show cylinder shaped artefacts comprising two layers of material in which partially cut-out portions of material forming part of the inner layer are passed through a split in the outer layer and exposed to view; FIGURES 2.29 to 2.32 show cylinder shaped artefacts comprising two layers of material in which a portion of material forming part of the outer layer is extended beyond the periphery of the portion forming the inner layer following assembly and folded through 180 degrees so as to pass between the adjacent surfaces of the outer and inner layers and through a split or splits in the cater layer; FIGURE 2.33 shows a cylinder sha?ed artefact comprising two layers of material in which a partially cit-out portion in the outer layer is hinged along the line of an interru?ted fold so as to produce portions of material which slidably engage with the material comprising the surface of the inner portion; FIGURE 2.34 shows a cylinder sha?ed artefact comprising two layers of material similar to that depicted in Figure 2.25, to which a separately item is attached by means of a tab inserted through a split in the outer surface the principal function of the split being to allow a partially cutout portion of material fonning part of the inner layer to pass so as to expose it to view; FIGURE 2.35 shows a cylinder shared artefact similar to that depicted in Figure 2.21 in which, however. additional layers of material are introduced so as to lower the centre of gravity of the cylinder when it is assembled and placed on end in use; FIGURE 2.36 shows a similar construction in which splits are inserted into the additional layers to facilitate their folding in the course of assembly into a cylinder; FIGURE 2.37 shows a cylinder shaped artefact similar to that depicted in Figure 221 in which, however, the dimensions of portions of material comprising inner layers are reduced so as to preclude them from being visible behind the outer layer following assembly and in use; FIGURE 2.38 shows a cylindrical artefact, in plan view before assembly, and in perspective view or schematic detail in the course of and following assembly; FIGURES 2.39 shows a frusto-conical artefact, in plan view before assembly, and in perspective view or schematic detail in the course of and following assembly; FIGURE 2.40 shows a frusto-conical artefact similar to that depicted in Figure 2.39 in which, however, detailed changes in the design have been made.

FIGURE 2.41 shows a cylindrical artefact in plan view and schematic detail following assembly in which a variety of constructions in accordance with the second aspect of the invention are present; FIGURES 2.42 to 2.44 show constructions which provide a cylindrical artefact with a smooth inner surface whereby a second cylindrical artefact not in accordance with the invention, namely an ordinary drinks bottle, can be more readily accommodated within the cylinder.

FIGURES 2.45 to 2.51 show mantles which can be used separately or in association with other embodiments of the invention; FIGURES 2.52 to 2.55 illustrate a range of separately provided accessory items corresponding to the item shown in Figure 2.38 and their use in association with cylindrical artefacts of the kind depicted in Figure 2.38; FIGURE 2.57 shows a re-configured rear wheel assembly of the kind seen in Figure 2.38 in which the reverse side of wheel can not be seen; FIGURES 2.58 and 2.59 show square sectioned and "V" sectioned tubular artefacts; FIGURES 2.60 to 2.62 show cylindrical artefacts provided with sliding flaps; FIGURE 2.63 shows a cylindrical artefact in which the means of attachment of the opposite sides of the artefact are incorporated into a portion which in part forms an inner layer of the artefact.

FIGURES 3.1 to 3.18 show construc:ions in accordance with, inter alia, the third aspect of the invention ir. ss hich the means of attachment of opposite ends of the material from which a cylindrical or frusto-conical shaped embodiment is formed are such as to allow a variation in diameter following assembly; FIGURE 3.1 shows a cylindrical artefact provided with a single layer of material, the means of attachment of the opposite ends comprising a single split and a pair of oppositely directed tabs, the bases of the tabs being approximately co-linear, the tabs adapted to slidably engage with the material adjoining the split so as allow a variation in the diameter of the cylinder; FIGURE 3.2 shows a similar item to that depicted in the preceding figure in which two pairs of oppositely directed tabs respectively engaging with two splits are provided; FIGURE 3.3 shows a similar item in which the bases of the oppositely directed tabs are not co-linear but parallel, each pair of tabs being adapted to slidably engage with the material adjoining a pair of splits, the tabs being totally endosed by the surrounding material; FIGURE 3.4 shows a similar item in which two pairs of oppositely directed tabs, the bases of which are not co-linear, the tabs forming projections along an edge; FIGURE 3.5 shows an embodiment in which three pair of oppositely directed tabs with parallel bases present, the tabs being adapted to slidably engage with the material adjoining three pairs of splits; FIGURE 3.6 shows a cylindrical artefact constructed from a single piece of flexible material folded into two layers, packaging folds countered by bracing tongues in accordance zith the first aspect of the invention being present, oppositely directed tabs being provided in the outer layer (following assembly) adapted to engage with the material adjoining the splits in the inner layer, cut-outs being provided to facilitate engagement; FIGURE 3.7 shows a cylindrical artefact constructed from a single piece of flexible material folded into two layers of material, oppositely directed tabs adapted to engage with the material adjoining the splits being provided in the outer layer, the inner layer being restricted in size so as to leave only a single layer of material at the points of engagement; FIGURE 3.8 shows a similarly configured cylindrical artefact provided with a disjointed line of fold along the common boundary between the two layers of material and in which the tabs project from an attached opposite edge instead of being surrounded by material; FIGURE 3.9 shows a frusto-conical artefact in which the oppositely directed tabs provide a projecting feature along an edge of the outer layer and the inner layer is formed by two separately folded portions; FIGURE 3.10 shows a cylindrical artefact in which the outer layer is provided with two pairs of oppositely directed tabs and two splits at either end; FIGURE 3.11 shows a cylindrical artefact comprising a single layer of material in which a variation in diameter following assembly is allowed, the means of attachment comprising a single elongate tab incorporating a plurality of notches adapted to engage with the material adjoining a split; FIGURE 3.12 shows an embodiment along similar lines to that depicted in the preceding figure in which two elongate tabs are incorporated, the embodiment providing a representation of an animal of the bovine species and configured as a hat stand; FIGURE 3.13 shows another hat stand embodiment provided with four elongate tabs; FIGURE 3.14 illustrates the manner in which an attachment device in accordance with the third aspect of the invention allows an artefact of the kind illustrated in Figure 2.38 to vary in diameter so as to accommodate either a hat or a drinks can the internal diameter of the hat corresponding to the external diameter of the can; FIGURE 3.15 shows a cylindrical embodiment of the kind depicted in Figure 3.10 in which additional tab-like elements are provided to facilitate a change in the diameter of the cylinder; FIGURE 3.16 shows a cylindrical artefact in which oppositely directed tabs are adapted to engage with the material adjoining splits which are perforated along a part of their length; FIGURE 3.17 shows a cylindrical artefact in which the sides of the splits are not contiguous; FIGURE 318 shows a detail of an attachment device in which the splits are provided with apertures along a part of their length to facilitate insertion of the tabs; FIGURES 4.1 to 4.9 illustrate embodiments of the fourth aspect of the invention in which cylindrical and frusto-conical and other tubular shaped artefact are, in effect, flattened in the course of or following assembly but provided with mechanical or other means for resuming and maintaining their hollow shape; FIGURE 4.1 shows a cylindrical shaped embodiment in which the mechanical tie-bar type device is non-integral with the cylindrical portion; FIGURE 4.2 shows a cylindrical shaped embodiment in which the mechanical tie-bar type device is integral with the remainder of the material and provided with a ratchet mechanism allowing three positions thereby affording variations in section of the assembled cylinder; FIGURE 4.3 shows a cylindrical shaped embodiment in which the mechanical device is non-integral with the remainder of the material but incorporates a two position ratchet, the nature of the device being such that the assembled artefact is symmetrical; FIGURE 4.4 shows a cylindrical shaped embodiment in which the mechanical device comprises a rubber band; FIGURE 4.5 shows a cylindrical shaped embodiment in which the hollow section is restored by the insertion of another object of slightly smaller diameter; FIGURE 4.6 shows a similar arrangement in a frusto-conical artefact; FIGURE 4.7 shows a square shaped hollow sectioned artefact which is flattened by folding opposite sides inwardly in the manner of gussets and restored to shape by the insertion of a mechanical ratchet device; FIGURE 4.8 shows a similarly shaped artefact which is restored to shape by insertion of another object; FIGURE 4.9 shows an artefact similarly configured to those depicted in the two preceding figures in which, however, a second layer of material is present; FIGURES 5.1 to 5.25 show constructions in accordance with, inter alia, the fifth aspect of the invention in which a cylindrical or frusto-conical shaped artefact is provided with a rotatable portion; FIGURE 5.1 shows an embodiment in which a pair of rotatable portions are attached to the artefact by engagement with respective female elements let into its surface and folded outwardly thereof; FIGURE 5.2 shows a double layer embodiment in accordance with the second aspect in which a pair of female elements are let into the inner layer and folded outwardly thereof and passed through a split in the outer layer; FIGURE 5.3 shows an embodiment in which the female component of a rotary device forms a projecting feature along the upper edge of a frusto-conical shaped artefact, the component being folded downwardly and inwardly and passed through splits in the material from which the artefact is formed; FIGURE 5.4 shows a similar embodiment in which, however, the arrangement is such as to leave the interior of the artefact relatively dear of obstruction; FIGURE 5.5 shows a frusto-conical shaped embodiment in which the female component of a rotary device is incorporated into the material from which the artefact is formed; FIGURE 5.6 shows a similarly shaped embodiment in which two male components providing a choice of positions for a rotatable portion incorporating a female component are incorporated into the material from which the frusto-conical artefact is formed; FIGURE 5.7 shows an arrangement in which certain of the tabs comprising a male component of a rotary device are elongate; FIGURES 5.8 and 5.9 show embodiments in which two rotatable portions each provided with a female component are attached to a common male component, in the first instance so as to be outermost of the surface of a frusto-conical shaped artefact, in the second instance to be innermost of the surface of the artefact; FIGURE 5.10 shows an e from which the artefact is formed which allow the extremities of the rotatable portions to project from the surface; FIGURE 5.12 shows a frusto-conical embodiment similar to that depicted in Figure 5.6 in which, however, the attached portions comprise a rod and pinion mechanism whereby movement of a lever raises and lowers one of the portions; FIGURE 5.13 shows a detail of a frusto-conical embodiment similar to that depicted in Figure 2.39 in which, however, a separately provided portion is attachable to an arm-like portions by means of a rotary device, or to two arm-like portions by means of two rotary devices; FIGURE 5.14 shows a similar embodiment in which the separately provided portion is provided with an attachment mechanism comprising two female components so as to be attachable to two separate arm-like portions of the frusto-conical artefact at the same time; FIGURE 5.15 shows a frusto-conical embodiment incorporating a pair of rotary bearings in which the tabs are incorporated in to the male elements; FIGURE 5.16 shows a frusto-conical embodiment incorporating a rotary bearing in which the tabs are incorporated into the female element; FIGURE 5.17 shows a frusto-conical embodiment incorporating a pair of rotary bearings in which the male elements are made up of two portions which are either non-integral or folded together; FIGURE 5.18 shows a cylindrical embodiment incorporating an axle combined with a male rotary element which is made up of two separate portions; FIGURE 5.19 shows a double-layered cylindrical embodiment incorporating a pair of rotary bearings and a folded axle to which are connected legs; FIGURE 5.20 shows a double-layered cylindrical embodiment incorporating a pair of rotary bearings which are used to provide a hand-cranking device; FIGURES 6.1 to 6.35 show constructions in accordance with, inter alia, the sixth aspect of the invention in which a cylindrical or frusto-conical or other tubular shaped artefact is provided with a sliding portion; FIGURES 6.1 to 6.6 show embodiments of single and double layered artefacts in which a single elongate split is provided in the material forming a cylinder, one or more pairs of oppositely directed tabs being provided in a sliding portion; FIGURES 6.7 to 6.9 show embodiments in which a pair of parallel elongate splits is provided in the material fonning a cylinder, one or more pairs of oppositely directed tabs being provided in a sliding portion; FIGURE 6.10 shows an embodiment in which a pair of oppositely directed tabs is provided in the material forming a cylinder, a pair of parallel elongate splits being provided in a sliding portion; FIGURE 6.11 shows an embodiment in which the material forming a cylinder and the sliding portion incorporate both tabs and splits; FIGURE 6.12 shows an embodiment in which the sliding portion is formed into a tube; FIGURE 6.13 shows an embodiment in which the sides of the parallel elongate splits are not contiguous; FIGURE 6.14 shows an embodiment in which the parallel elongate splits are provided with apertures at one end to facilitate insertion of tabs; FIGURE 6.15 shows embodiments in which the sliding portion incorporates a rotary device or acts as a fixed portion to a further sliding portion; FIGURE 6.16 shows an embodiment in which a pair of parallel elongate splits is incorporated into an inner layer of the material; FIGURE 6.17 shows an embodiment in which a pair of oppositely directed tabs is incorporated into an inner layer of the material allowing the attachment of two sliding portions simultaneously; FIGURE 6.18 shows an embodiment in which both a pair of splits and a pair of tabs is incorporated into an inner layer of material allowing the attachment of two sliding portions simultaneously; FIGURES 6.19 to 6.21 show embodiments in which the sliding portion comprises a flap; FIGURE 6.22 shows an embodiment in which a pair of oppositely directed tabs in the sliding portion engage with the material adjoining an elongate split and an edge of the material forming the artefact, respectively; FIGURES 623 to 6.26 show an embodiment in which a sliding portion straddles the attached opposite sides lying at the back of the artefact; and FIGURES 6.27 to 6.35 show a number of possible fixed portion configurations other than a cylinder.

The drawings will now be described in greater detail, FIGURE 1.1 shows a conventional elongate piece of flexible material 1 which can be bent to form a cylinder. The numerals 2 and 3 identify the opposite sides of the material which are attached together when the cylinder is assembled as shown in the second drawing of the figure. The piece 1 is provided with conventional tab 4 and split 5 being the arrangements which cooperate to hold the opposite sides 2 and 3 of the cylinder in place, as shown in second drawing. The position of the engaged tab within the split is sustained by the elasticity of the flexible material which imparts a spring-like character to the material forming the cylinder. The upper edge and lower edges of the cylinder are identified by the numerals 7 and 8. The lower edge 8 also represents the base of the cylinder. The cross-hatched portion 9 represents an image which may be desired to occupy a position of prominence in the assembled product. In the second drawing the interior of the cylinder 10 is shown hatched indicating that the reverse side of the material from which the cylinder is formed is in view at that point. The line marked A - A represents a line which is perpendicular to the base of the cylinder and that marked B - B indicates the axis of symmetry of the cylinder.

Such a relatively simple cylinder may be useful for a number of promotional, educational and leisure activities but, in its unassembled state, occupies a relatively large area.

FIGURE 1.2 shows how, in principle, the problem of reducing the size of the area can be solved. In the embodiment illustrated, an elongate piece of flexible material 11, which generally corresponds to the piece 1 shown in Figure 1.1, is provided with fold lines 12. As shown in the second drawing when the piece 11 is folded along the fold lines 12 it occupies a smaller area, which may be convenient for packaging and sale. When, however, the piece 11 is assembled into a cylinder, as shown in the third and fourth drawings of the figure, the fold lines 12 or at least the residue of them, are retained in the assembled product. It will be seen that the fold lines 12 in the first drawing of the figure are shown by solid black dots indicating "mountain" folds , which is to say folds where the material is folded away from the folder. In the perspective view shown in the last drawing the interior of the assembled cylinder is illustrated and the reverse side of one of the fold lines 12 can be seen. This fold is shown by open centred dots indicating a "valley" fold, which is to say a fold where the material is folded towards the folder.

FIGURE 1.3 shows that the problem cannot be solved by simply reversing, on assembly, the sense of the folds 12 since folding the piece in the opposite sense leaves residual creases which still distort the plan shape. Although the distortion is to a lesser extent than can be seen in Figure 1.2, the reduction in distortion is at the expense of losing the view of the image represented by the cross-hatched portion 13 in the unassembled package state.

*FIGURE 1.4 shows the frusto-conical equivalent of the cylindrical artefact depicted in Figure 1.2.

FIGURE 1.5 shows an unfolded unassembled elongate piece of flexible material 15 in accordance with the first aspect of the invention. The piece 15 can be folded for packaging and sale along the fold lines 17, as shown in the second drawing of the figure. Across each fold line 17 lie two bracing tongues 19. The piece 15 is also provided with a tab 21 and split 23 arrangement for securing the piece as a cylinder when assembled. The bracing tongues 19 each comprise a tongue which can be folded across the respective fold line 17. Even though the tongue itself may be folded in the packaged state as shown in the second drawing, this folding does not unduly prejudice the bracing properties of the tongue when the piece is unfolded and the tongue assumes a plane at an angle of 90 degrees to that of the adjoining surface of the piece 15. The fourth drawing shows in schematic form a crosssection of the material along the line A - A prior to it being bent into a cylindrical shape. The fifth drawing shows the same cross-section after bending and demonstrates the fact that the bracing tongues do not allow an evenly curved surface.

FIGURE 1.6 shows the frusto-conical equivalent of the cylindrical artefact depicted in Figure 1.5, the bracing tongues being denominated by the numeral 25.

FIGURE 1.7 shows a cylindrical artefact comprising a single piece of material folded into two layers 31 and 33 along a line of fold 35. Following assembly the layer 33 will be outermost so as to provide a view of the cross-hatched image 37. A pair of packaging folds 39 extending across both layers 31 and 33 are provided which have the effect of reducing the pre-assembly dimensions of the item. Across these folds are placed four bracing tongues 41, the tongues being located in the innermost layer 31 of the assembled artefact and adapted to engage with the material adjoining a corresponding number of complementary splits 43 placed across the packaging fold lines 39 as they pass through the outer layer 33 of the assembled artefact. The second and third drawings of the figure illustrate the two different ways in which the artefact might be folded for packaging purposes. The second method of folding may be preferred on account of the smaller dimensions but it is unhelpful that the sense of the inner layer folds is reversed from "mountain" (as viewed in the drawing 1.7.1) to "valley". In the fourth drawing the tongues 41 are shown after they have been passed through the splits 43. In the fifth drawing a crosssection along the line A - A is shown, the tongues having been folded through an angle of 90 degrees. While this drawing is schematic and the gap 45 between the surfaces of the inner and outer layers 31 and 33 is exaggerated for the purpose of clarity, a small gap may be present at the point of engagement of the bracing tongues with the bracing splits and this gap may be sufficient to inhibit the tongues from falling out of their 90 degree folds and thereby losing their bracing effect.

FIGURE 1.8 shows a more sophisticated embodiment of a bracing tongue.

The first drawing of the figure shows a portion of an outer layer of material 51 and the second drawing shows a portion of an inner layer of material 53 of a cylinder formed from inner and outer layers. The layer may be formed from the same piece of flexible material which is folded for the purpose. In the outer layer 51 a split 55 is provided across a packaging fold line 57. In the inner layer 53 is provided a tongue 59, across a packaging fold line 61. As is shown in perspective in the third drawing, and in section in the fifth drawing, the tongue 59 may be bent through 90 degrees through the split 55 in the adjacent outer layer 51. For even greater rigidity, as is shown in perspective in fourth drawing and in section in the sixth drawing, the tongue 59 can be folded twice: first by 90 degrees along fold line 63 and secondly, doubling back on itself by being folded by 180 degrees along fold line 65. Such a doubly folded tongue 59 fits snugly in the split 55, as can clearly be seen.

Even though the tongue 59 has itself been folded, in the packaged unassembled stage of the piece, about fold line 61, it can still impart the necessary rigidising characteristics and largely eliminate the consequences of the original fold. Again, a small gap 67 between the surfaces of the two layers at the point of engagement will inhibit the tongues from flattening against the surrounding surface of the cylinder.

FIGURE 1.9 illustrates the effect on the surface of incorporating double folded bracing tongues of the kind illustrated in the preceding figure in a cylindrical artefact otherwise similar to that depicted in Figure 1.7. The first drawing of the figure is a view of the embodiment after the inner layer has been folded out of sight behind the outer layer. The residual distortion in the assembled state is largely confined to a flattening of the shaded area 73 around the bracing tongues 75.

FIGURE 1.10 illustrates an embodiment in which an outer layer 76 is provided with two parallel spits 77 and 78. The inner layer 79 is provided with a bracing tongue 80 which tongue is provided with three 90 degree folds 81. The effect of these folds is to pass the tongue through the first split 77, return it through the split 78, a square section being established outwardly of the outer layer.

FIGURE 1.11 shows a similar construction in which, however, there are only two folds 82 and 83, the first fold being through an angle less than 90 degrees, the second fold being through an angle greater than 90 degrees. The effect of these two folds is to create a triangular shaped section outwardly of the outer layer. In both this embodiment and that illustrated in the preceding figure the tongue is tapered and provided with notches at the point of engagement with the second split.

FIGURE 1.12 shows the manner in which an enlarged section 84 can be incorporated into a split so as to facilitate the insertion of a bracing tongue.

Provided that the enlarged section extends only along a small part of the length of the split the effectiveness of the device is not materially lessened.

FIGURE 2.1 shows in plan and perspective view an embodiment in which a cylinder is formed from two pieces 85 and 86 of material, the pieces respectively providing an inner layer and an outer layer when superimposed and bent as one into a cylinder bv bringing the opposite sides together and attaching them, again as one, by inserting both tabs 87 and 88 through both splits 89 and 91. An enclosed partial cut-out portion 93 is provided in the portion forming the front layer of the cylinder. Following assembly this portion can be folded outwardly as a flap along the line of fold 95 so as to bring into view a portion 97 of the outermost surface of the inner layer 85.

The reverse side 99 of that part of the outer layer 86 comprising the flap is also brought into view and is shown hatched. In the perspective drawing the reverse sides 101 and 103 of the two layers 85 and 86 comprising the cylinder are visible and are shown hatched. It will be noted that the circumference of the inner layer is marginally greater than that of the outer layer. The sides of the splits 89 and 91 being not contiguous, there is sufficient play for the tabs 87 and 88 to pass through both splits without the inner layer 85 buckling.

FIGURE 2.2 shows an identical item to that depicted in Figure 2.1 excepting that the assembled artefact is frusto-conical in shape.

FIGURE 23 shows a cylindrical artefact comprising an inner layer 109 and an outer layer 111 made from a single piece of material by folding it along a line 113 and attaching the opposite sides of the outer layer 111 together by means of a tab 115 and a split 117. Attachment of the opposite sides of the outer layer provides containment for the inner layer, the position of which in relation to the outer layer is further stabilised by its physical connection to the outer layer along the line of the fold 113. A flap 119 is present which when opened reveals a portion of the reverse surfaces 121 and 123 of both the inner layer and the outer layer.

FIGURE 2.4 shows a frusto-conical version of the embodiment depicted in the preceding figure. The line of fold 133 between the inner layer 131 to the outer layer 129 is necessarily restricted in length and the extent of the physical connection reduced on that account. The assembled artefact is not, however, less stable than the cylindrical artefact because the conic construction inhibits movement of one layer in relation to the other. A flap 135 may be opened to reveal a portion of the reverse surface of the inner layer.

FIGURE 2.5 shows a cylindrical embodiment comprised of a single piece of material folded into an inner layer 141 and an outer layer 143 along a line of fold 145, the line of fold becoming one of the ends brought together and attached when the material is bent into a cylinder. A tab and split mechanism 147 is provided to facilitate the operation of which two cut-outs 149 are provided in the inner layer at the points overlaid by the tab and split. A flap, 151 may be opened to reveal a portion of the reverse surface of the inner layer.

FIGURE 2.6 shows a frustoconical version of the embodiment depicted in the preceding figure.

FIGURE 2.7 shows a cylindrical embodiment formed from a single piece of material comprising an inner layer 157 and an outer layer 159, the two layers being substantially separated by cuts 161 and 163. Between the cuts 161 and 163 cuts lies a portion incorporating a double hinge consisting of a vertical fold 165 and a horizontal fold 167, the cuts forming two of the three sides of a segmental shaped portion 168. Activation of the first fold 165 through 180 degrees turns the inner layer round so that the reverse side faces uppermost.

Activation of the second fold 167 backwardly through 180 degrees superimposes the outer layer 159 over the inner layer 157. The material is bent into a cylinder by bringing the opposite sides 169 and 171 of the inner and outer layers together and attaching them by means of a tab and slot mechanism 173 incorporated into the outer layer. The arrangement is such that the segmental shaped portion 168 and the cut-out are concealed from view behind the outer portion 159 when the cylinder is assembled. A flap 175 is incorporated into the outer layer which when opened reveals a portion 177 of the obverse surface of the inner layer. In the absence of the double hinge the portion of the surface of the inner layer brought to view would have been part of the reverse surface.

FIGURE 2.8 shows a similar embodiment to that depicted in the preceding figure excepting that activation of the double hinge leaves the cut-out left by the segmental shaped portion 181 in view along the upper edge of the front portion of the cylinder. The cut-out portion is bounded by the vertical fold line 183 and the curved cut 185. In the ordinary course of events the arrangement shown in Figure 2.7 may be preferred on account of being less obtrusive.

FIGURE 2.9 shows a frusto-conical version of the embodiment depicted in Figure 2.7. The segmental shaped portion 187 and the associated cut-out 189 are both concealed from view in the assembled artefact.

FIGURE 2.10 shows a somewhat differently configured frusto-conical artefact in which a double hinge is placed along a portion which represents one of the ends to be brought together when the material is bent into a frusto-cone. The double hinge comprises two fold lines 193 and 195 set at a right angle to each other. When activated the front portion 197 is superimposed over the back portion 199. Again the segmental shaped portion 196 and the associated cutout 198 are both concealed from view in the assembled artefact.

FIGURE 2.11 shows a cylindrical artefact configured in a manner similar to that depicted in Figure 1.7, supra. In this embodiment, however, a double hinge, comprising fold lines 205 and 206 (which folds, together with a curved cut, provide a segmental shaped portion 207) is present and the bracing tongues perform the dual function of mitigating the residual effect of the packaging creases 209 and 211 and adding stability to the assembled artefact replacing what is lost by the limited extent of the physical connection between the inner portion 213 and the outer portion 215.

FIGURES 2.12 and 2.13 show alternative ways in which a cylindrical artefact comprised of a single piece of material folded into an inner layer and an outer layer can be physically connected to each other. In the first figure the line of fold 221 is placed at or about the centremost point of the common boundary lying between the inner portion 223 and the outer portion 225. On either side of the line of folds the boundary is represented by open ended lines of cut 227 and 229. In the second figure two lines of fold 231 and 233 are placed at either end of the common boundary, an endosed line of cut 235 separating inner portion 237 and the outer portion 239. Both these constructions relieve to a material extent the tendency of the inner layer to buckle rather than follow the curvature of the outer portion when the material is bent into a cylinder.

FIGURES 2.14 and 2.15 show alternative ways in which a cylindrical artefact can be formed from a single piece of material folded into three layers. In the first figure an inner layer 245, and middle layer 247 and an outer layer 249 are positioned by means of folds 251 and 253 arranged in opposite senses in a concertina fashion. In the second figure the inner layer 259 and the middle layer 261 are brought into position inwardly of the outermost layer 263 by folds 265 and 267 operating in the same sense.

FIGURES 2.16 to 2.22 illustrate in a schematic manner the point that cylindrical artefacts (and frusto-conical artefacts, likewise) can be constructed from two or more layers of material with the dimensions and shape of one or more layers being considerably less than and different from those of the layer with the largest area. The layer of material which is largest in size will often, but not always, be the outer layer following assembly of the artefact.

Regardless of their relative dimensions the smaller layers will take on the cylindrical or conical curvature of the outer surface of the artefact overall.

FIGURE 2.16 shows a cylindrical embodiment formed from a single piece of material comprising an inner layer 273 and an outer layer 275. Between the fold lines 2i7 and 279 is a totally endosed cut-out 281, the effect of which is to provide a castellated outline to a section of the upper edge of the cylinder.

The inner layer 273 is shaped in such a way as to provide a surface behind the flap 283 but not to interfere with the operation of the tab and split attachment mechanism 285.

FIGURE 2.17 shows a cylindrical embodiment formed from a single piece of material comprising a T-shaped in inner layer 289 and an outer layer 291. The connection between the two layers incorporates a double hinge 293 the effect of which is to present obverse surfaces of portions of the inner layer to view, namely the distal ends 295 of the cross-member of the 'T", which are passed through the splits 297 in the front portion, and (when the flap 299 is open) the portion backing-up the flap. The front portion is provided with two projections 301 which provide a feature along the upper edge of the cylinder.

These projections, and the remainder of the inner layer do not interfere with the operation of the attachment device 303. The passing of the end portions 295 through the splits 297 provides stability to the inner layer 289 which would be otherwise lacking.

FIGURE 2.18 shows a cylindrical embodiment formed from a single piece of material comprising an inner layer 305, a middle layer 307 and an outer layer 309. The middle layer 307 provides backing for the flap 311 and is largely held in position by the inner layer 305. Neither middle nor inner layer interfere with the operation of the attachment device 313.

FIGURE 2.19 shows a cylindrical embodiment formed from a single piece of material comprising an inner layer 319 and an outer layer 321, the inner layer providing a backing for the flap 323. The outer layer 321 incorporates a projection 325 which provides a feature along the upper edge of the cylinder.

The inner layer is of sufficient length for a portion to appear below the lower edge of the outer portion 321. This exposed portion is curved in a similar manner to the outer portion and may be considered as providing a contributing element of the outer portion. It may be noted that leg-like projections 327 are provided at either end of the outer portion 321 which balance the depending inner portion and allow the cylinder to stand upright on an even surface.

FIGURE 220 shows a somewhat similarly configured cylindrical embodiment in which the inner layer 333 is provided with a projection 335 which provides a feature along the upper edge of the cylinder, the reverse surface being in view. In this example the outer portion is provided with three legs 339 which reflect the curvature of the remainder of the outer portion and act as a tripod and allow the cylinder to stand upright on a moderately uneven surface.

FIGURE 2.21 shows a cylindrical embodiment formed from a single piece of material comprising an inner layer 347 and an outer layer 349. A pair of dependent extensions 351 to the outer layer are not considered to form an additional layer in their own right in the case where they are folded outwardly along the fold lines 353, as in the perspective view shown in drawing 3.21.2, since the curvature imparted by being an integral part of the outer layer 349 is lost by a fold which is not 180 degrees. In the perspective drawing 3.21.3 the extensions are folded in the opposite sense to that indicated in the first drawing (that is to say inwardly) but again lose the curvature imparted by the cylindrical configuration as a result of a less than 180 degree fold. In the perspective drawing 3.21.4, however, the extensions 351 are folded inwardly through 180 degrees and are secured in the folded position by pressure exerted by the inner layer 347 and the outer layer 349 between which layers the extensions 351 are, so to speak, sandwiched. In the result, that part of the extensions lying beyond the fold lines 353 may be said to form a middle layer to the cylinder, the inner and outer layers functioning as a socket. The two folded extensions 351 together with a third dependent extension 335 from the outer layer 349 form a tripod stole base to the artefact.

FIGURE 2.22 shows a similar embodiment in which braces 361 are incorporated into each one of a pair of extensions 363 depending from an outer layer 365 for the purpose of reinforcing the rigidity provided by the curvature imparted to the extensions by the cylindrical construction FIGURES 2.23 to 3.28 show cylindrical embodiments formed from a single piece of material comprising an inner layer and an outer layer, the configuration being such as to provide portions of material extending outwardly of the outer, obverse, surface of the outer layer. Frusto-conical and other shaped embodiments of a similar type are not illustrated but are also possible.

FIGURE 2 23 comprises an inner layer 371 and an outer layer 373. The latter layer incorporates a pair of partially cut-out portions fonning flaps 375 and 377. Following assembly the left-hand flap 375 is opened outwardly along a fold line 379 along its left-hand edge and the right-hand flap 377 is opened outwardly along a fold line 381 along its right-hand edge. When fully opened the reverse side of the flaps 375 and 377 is exposed to view and the reverse surface of the inner portion 371 is exposed to view through apertures 383 and 385 in the outer layer 373.

FIGURE 124 shows a pair of flaps 391 and 393 opening outwardly along fold lines 395 and 397 on the opposite side of the flaps to those depicted in the preceding figure. Again, when the flaps are fully open, their reverse sides will be exposed to view as will also be that part of the reverse side of the inner layer 399 which lies behind apertures left by the flaps in the outer layer 401.

FIGURE 225 shows how advantage may be taken of the presence of a second inner layer to minimise disturbance to the outer surface of a cylindrical artefact and to largely conceal reverse surfaces from view. In the embodiment illustrated a pair of flaps 403 and 405 provided with fold lines 407 and 409 are located within an inner layer 411. The flaps are passed through appropriately placed splits 413 and 415 in the outer layer 417. When the flaps are fully open the obverse side of the inner layer is shown and no apertures (other than the splits 413 and 415) interrupt the surface of the outer layer 417.

FIGURE 2.26 shows a similar construction in which flaps 423 and 425 are provided in an inner layer 427 and upon assembly are passed through splits 429 and 431 in an outer layer 433. When the flaps are projecting outwardly in a manner similar in appearance to the flaps in the preceding figure the reverse side of the material from which they are formed is in view. Such a construction may, therefor, be less to be preferred than that shown in the preceding figure.

FIGURE 2.27 shows a pair of flaps 439 and 441 provided with fold lines 443 and 445 in an inner layer 447. When the inner layer is folded into position behind the outer layer 449 the flaps are passed through splits 451 and 4D3 and folded upwardly so that the obverse surface of the material from which they are formed comes into view.

FIGURE 2.28 illustrates a device whereby the tendency of flaps of the kind shown in the preceding figure to stand away from the surface of the assembled cylinder can be modified by the provision of tabs 459 and 461.

These tabs engage with the material adjoining splits 463 and 465 in the outer layer and ensure that the flaps lie close to the surface of the outer layer than would otherwise be the case. Such an embodiment is of particular value in connection with rotary devices provided in accordance with the fifth aspect of the invention, as are embodiments involving flaps of the kind illustrated in the preceding five figures generally.

FIGURE 229 shows a cylindrical embodiment formed from a single piece of material comprising an inner layer 471 and an outer layer 473. A dependent extension 475 from the outer layer in the shape of an inverted "T' is folded upwardly an inwardly between the inner layer and the outer layer prior to passing through a split 477 in the outer layer. The length of the split is such as to allow the extension to pass through at its widest point without folding. The configuration of the extension is such that it barely reflects the curvature of the surface of the cylinder, the cross-member of the "T" standing away from the surface of the outer layer 473 at its extremities.

FIGURE 2.30 shows a similar cylindrical embodiment in which the T-shaped dependent extension 485 is subjected to two folds 487 and 489 (of 180 degrees and 90 degrees respectively) across the long axis of the "vertical" element of the T. The combined effect of these folds is to project the 'T" shaped extension outwardly through the split 491 in the outer layer 493 in a horizontal plane.

FIGURE 2.31 shows a cylindrical embodiment formed from a single piece of material 501. A T-shaped dependent extension 503 is folded upwardly and inwardly through 180 degrees so as to take up a position within the cylinder.

The cross-member of the T 507 is brought into alignment with two splits 509 and 511 in the outer portion and the extremities of the cross-member 513 and 515 are passed through the splits so as to become exposed to view outwardly of the surface of the outer layer 501. The distance between the two splits 509 and 511 exceeds the width of the "vertical" element of the "T" to a sufficient extent to allow the cross-member to deform and become approximately flat and not follow the curvature of the inner surface of the cylinder. The extension 503 can not, therefor, be considered as constituting an inner layer of the artefact.

FIGURE 2.32 shows a somewhat similar construction in which a cylindrical embodiment is formed from a single piece of material comprising an inner layer 517 and an outer layer 519. A T-shaped extension 521 depends from the outer layer 519. The extension is provided with a cross-member 523 and four shoulders 525 are incorporated in the angles formed by the cross-member and the "vertical" element of the 'T'. The extension is folded inwardly through 180 degrees along the line of fold 527 and the cross-member is thereby brought into alignment with the splits 529 and 531 in the outer layer 519. The extremities of the cross-member 533 and 535 are passed through the splits so as to be exposed to view outwardly of the outer layer. Within the cylinder, the effect of the shoulders 525 engaging with the material adjoining the ends of the splits 529 and 531 is to compel the cross-member 523 to follow the curvature of the inner surface of the cylinder between the splits 529 and 531.

It is possible, therefor, for the cylinder to be assembled with the extension lying between the innermost layer 517 and the outer layer 519 and comprising a layer in its own right to the extent that it is within the cylinder.

FIGURE 2.33 shows a cylindrical embodiment formed from a single piece of material comprising an inner layer 541 and an outer layer 543. A hinged flap 545 is provided in the outer layer the nature of the hinge being such that the flap, once fully opened, remains fully open until closed. The fold line is disjointed, there being two co-linear sections, 547 and 549, between which lies a tab-like extension to the flap 551. Further similar tab-like extensions 553 and 555 are provided on the further sides of the folds 547 and 549. Once the material is assembled into a cylinder a certain amount of pressure is required to open the flap since the three tab-like extensions are required to rotate about an axis which is co-linear with that of the fold line. To complete this rotation the tab-like extensions must push against the adjacent surface of the inner layer 541 which, being flexible and physically attached to the remainder of the material along only one edge, that comprised by the fold line 557, is able to give to a sufficient extent to allow the tab-like extensions to pass. Once the tab-like extensions have passed the inner layer springs back into a condition of dose contact with the outer layer 543. The process of opening is assisted by the shortness of the tab-like elements, which may be described as stubby in comparison with the width of the remainder of the flap lying on the opposite side of the fold line. Gripped between finger and thumb the flap exerts leverage on the tab-like elements as it is rotated. The process of dosing the flap is effected in a similar manner. Variations are possible in which there is only one fold with a tab-like extension on either side, or more than two sections of fold with more than three tab-like extensions. It is possible for the length of the tab-like extensions to be reduced or increased and for their width and the width of the folds to be reduced or increased, such reductions and increases being made either individually or to all the tab-like elements and/or all the folds. The precise configuration adopted will depend in part on the nature of the material, and in particular its elasticity, and in part on other factors such as the size of the flap and the amount of purchase afforded by the juxtaposition of the outer layer with the inner layer in the embodiment in question The principle, however, remains the same. The two last drawings of the figure show a mechanism for securing the flap 545 in a closed position. A tab 559 is provided in the inner layer 541 which can be flipped over the distal edge of the flap so as to lock it into a closed position. The tab can be easily disengaged when required.

FIGURE 2.34 illustrates the manner in which splits provided in an outer layer of a multi-layered cylindrical artefact can be utilised for securing to the artefact one or more separately provided accessories. The figure takes as an example an embodiment similar to that shown in Figure 2.25. In the present embodiment a pair of flaps 563 and 565 provided with fold lines 567 and 569 are located within an inner layer 571. The flaps are passed through appropriately placed splits 573 and D75 in the outer layer 577. A separately provided portion 579 incorporates a hook shaped tab 581 the tab being capable of being folded forwardly or backwardly in relation to the separately provided portion along a line of fold 583. The arrangement permits the separately provided portion to be attached to the cylindrical artefact by insertion of the tab 581 in either one of the splits 573 and 575. Once inserted the tab is firmly gripped between the two layers which press upon it from either side. Since the main purpose of the split is to allow a flap 565 forming part of the inner layer 571 to pass through the outer layer 577 the presence of the flap within the split must be accommodated. Such an accommodation is achieved by the incorporation into the separately provided portion 579 of the fold line 583 which allows the tab to be folded in whatever way necessary at the point of insertion into the split. In the example illustrated the tab is folded backwardly but in other configurations and other embodiments it may be more appropriate for such a tab to be folded forwardly. This would certainly be the case when the tab 581 is inserted into the split in front of the flap 579.

FIGURES 2.35 and 236 illustrate the manner in which a cylindrical artefact can be provided with layers of material in addition to those layers necessitated by the basic design for the purpose of lowering its centre of gravity. The additional layers of material may make use of material available on the piece of stock from which the artefact is provided which is surplus to the design requirements. Figure 2.35 shows a cylindrical embodiment formed from a single piece of material comprising an inner layer 589 and an outer layer 591.

The embodiment incorporates tripod style legs 593, 595 and 597, the legs 593 and 597 being formed by dependent extensions from the outer portion 591 which are adapted to be folded upwardly and inwardly along fold lines 599 and 601 so as to be secured between the inner and outer layers following assembly. A further dependent extension 603 is provided from the material lying between the legs 593 and 595. This further extension is provided with fold lines 605, 607 and 609. The operation of the fold lines reduces the plan dimensions of the dependent extension 603 and relocates it, in the form of three additional layers, between the inner and outer layers 589 and 591.

FIGURE 2.36 shows a similar embodiment to that depicted in which elongate splits 610 are incorporated into the dependent extension for the purpose of facilitating its bending into the shape of the remainder of the cylinder.

FIGURE 2.37 illustrates in schematic form the manner in which an inner layer can be configured in such a way as to lie behind an outer layer without any part being exposed to view but without its function being prejudiced. The figure shows a cylindrical embodiment similar to that depicted in Figure 2.21.

The item is formed from a single piece of material comprising an inner layer 611 and an outer layer 612. Tripod style legs 613, 614 and 615 are provided, the former two comprising dependent extensions from the outer layer 612 which are folded upwardly and inwardly along fold lines 616 and 617 so as to be secured between the inner and outer layers following assembly. A flap 619 is provided in the outer layer 612. The cross-hatched areas show the manner in which the inner layer 611 and those portions of the dependent extensions 613 and 614 forming further inner layers can be reduced without impairing their function. The inner layer 611 will continue to provide a sufficient amount of pressure against the dependent extensions to secure them in position and to act as a backing for the flap 619. When the artefact is assembled into a cylinder the overlying portions of the outer layer will be extended beyond the periphery of the inner layer, as reduced by the crosshatched portions, to a sufficient extent to prevent it from coming into view, inadvertently or otherwise. This may be a significant advantage where the reverse side of the material is not coated, or left un-printed, or not printed in full colour.

FIGURES 2.38 to 2.54 show fully or partially worked-up substantially cylindrical or frusto-conical artefacts embodying various constructions in accordance with the second aspect of the invention of the kind already described.

FIGURE 2.38 shows, in plan view, a relatively complex embodiment of a substantially cylindrical artefact formed from a single piece of material. The artefact 641 comprises an inner layer 643, which can be folded about disjointed fold line 645 to lie adjacent to an outer layer 647. Representation of arms 649, largely but not completely cut out rrom the inner layer 643 can be folded along fold lines 651 and 653 and irL;erted through splits 655 in the outer layer. The arms 649 fit tightly within the splits 655 so that friction helps to hold the inner and outer layers closely together at those points. At the end of the arms an enlarged portion 650 incorporating a notch 705 is provided, the notch facilitating attachment of non-intepal portions induding, if desired, similarly configured artefacts. A "leg" assembly 657 (not forming part of the tripod style arrangement on which the artefact stands) can be folded through 180 degrees along broken fold line 659 so that, on assembly, the legs generally depend from what becomes the lower most "' shaped cut-out 661.

Each leg can be folded first outwardly along fold line 663 then downwardly and in the opposite sense along fold line Cv. At the end of each leg is a representation of a foot 667, which can be foided first backwardly about fold line 669 and then forwardly about fold line 671: the front portion of the foot then passes through slit 673.

The artefact 641 is provided with two "side wheel" assemblies 675. Each side wheel assembly 675 comprises a limb 677, which can be folded about an interrupted fold line 679 to leave exposed a "wheel rim" 681. The element 677, once folded away leaving the wheel rim 681 exposed, can be maintained in position in use by being placed between the inner and outer layers 641 and 643, the two layers combining to act as a socket. The curvature imparted to the element 677 by that of the layers affords some degree of rigidity which is further enhanced by the provision of a bracing tongue 683.

A "rear wheel" assembly 685 forms part of the inner layer 643. When the inner layer is folded about the interrupted fold line 645 to lie adjacent the outer layer 647, the rear wheel assembly 685 can be folded about fold line 682 to extend downwardly from the artefact. To lock it in position, a rear wheel locking tab 687 forming part of the outer layer 641 can be folded about its fold line 689 to expose for use a split 691. A wheel" element 693 of the rear wheel assembly 685 can then be folded about fold line 695 and locked in position in the split 691. The two side wheel assemblies 675 and the rear wheel assembly 685 form a tripod style stand which accommodate any inaccuracy in assembly and/or an uneven surrace.

On assembly, the opposite sides 696 of the outer layer 647 are brought together to form the cylindrical shape. The left hand edge (as depicted in the first drawing of the figure) of the outer layer 647 is provided with two pairs of oppositely directed tabs 697, each of which is adapted to engage with the material adjoining a respective one of two pairs of parallel splits 699 provided slightly in-board of the right hand edge 698 of the outer layer 641. The length of each split 699 is longer than the corresponding dimension of each tab 697, to preside an adjustable quality to the fit and to allow the tabs slidably to engage with the material adjoining the splits in accordance with the third aspect of the invention. Each split 699 is widened slightly at its central portion to facilitate insertion of the tab.

The second, third and fourth drawings of Figure 238 show how the tail wheel assembly 687 may be used to adjust the positional attitude of the artefact 641 by extending or retracting the configuration of the rear wheel assembly 687; the artefact pivots about the wheel rims 681. The degree of extension of the tail wheel assembly 687 may also be adjusted when the artefact 641 is to carry a placard 701, a supporting element 703 for which can be attached to the artefact by means of a tab 706 (represented in the drawing by a broken line) passing through the split 655 in the outer layer 641 through which the arm 649 passes, the supporting element being secured in position following assembly and in use between the inner and outer layers 641 and 643 of the cylinder, the layers combining to form a socket. Assembled versions of the artefact with placards and similarly mounted accessory items are illustrated in Figures 2.53 to 2.55, infra.

FIGURE 2.39 shows a substantially frusto-conical artefact 711 formed from a single piece of material having an outer layer 713. Opposite sides of the layer 713 are joined together by pairs of oppositely directed tabs 715 slidably engaging with respective splits 717 arranged in parallel pairs. This attachment mechanism is similar to that depicted in Figure 2.38. It allows a variation in the dimensions in cross-section of the artefact and is in accordance with the third aspect of the invention.

The artefact 711 is provided with two representations of legs 719, each of which, as is shown in the second and third drawings of the figure, is adapted to be folded backwardly about a first fold line 721 and then about a second fold line 723: each leg is then inserted from the back of the layer 713 through a respective split 725 to dangle or project from the layer 713.

A "head and neck" assembly 727 operates in much the same way, as can be seen from the fourth and fifth drawings of the figure. A neck 729 is folded about a fold line 731, backwardly and downwardly, so that a distil head element 733 can then be inserted through a slit 735.

The artefact 711 also incorporates "arms' 737 which can be folded backwardly about a fold line 739 and then sideways about a further fold line 741 before being inserted, from back to front, through a slit 743 formed in the outer layer 713. Each arm 737 is provided with a hand-like enlargement 745 at the distil end, which in turn is provided with slits 747 for placard carrying and like purposes.

The artefact 711 also incorporates legs representational of side wheel assemblies 749 configured in much the same way as the wheel assembly 675 of the cylindrical artefact 641 shown in Figure 2.38 except that further rigidity is afforded to the construction by providing an element 769 which is partially bounded by a line of fold 771 and by cuts 773 and 775 which is adapted to be passed through the aperture 777 formed by the bracing tongue 779. The artefact 111 also comprises a "tail wheel" assembly 751, which is a more sophisticated version of the tail wheel assembly 685 previously described in relation to the cylindrical artefact 641 of Figure 2.38. The tail wheel assembly 751, shown in its assembled state in the final two drawings, comprises a tail wheel strut 753 which is folded first upwardly and backwardly about fold line 755 and then downwardly and backwardly about fold line 757. A tab 759 can then be inserted into a slit 761 provided in the outer layer 713 to lock the tail wheel assembly 751 in position. The tab 759 is provided, mid-way along its length, with a lateral fold line so that the tab can be push fitted into the slit 761. A "wheel" 763, provided at the distil end of the strut 753 can be folded about a fold line 765 and locked into position in split 767. The side wheel assemblies 749 and tail wheel assembly 751 together comprise a tripod style stand.

A T-shaped member 781 is provided above the upper edge of the artefact which member, in association with the portion 783 providing a feature along the upper edge of the opposite side of the artefact (following assembly) allows a headwear type item of adornment incorporating a headband to be mounted upon the artefact, if desired. Such an item is illustrated below at Figure 3.14. A fold line 784 allows the member to folded out of sight if desired.

The outer layer 713 of the artefact 111 comprises the greater part of the material from which the artefact is formed. The inner layer consists of those portions of the extensions from the outer layer comprising legs 731, arms 737 and wheel assemblies 749 and 751, which are folded inwardly through 180 degrees and take on the curvature of the outer layer.

FIGURE 2.40 shows a substantially frusto-conical artefact 771 similar to, but of what may be thought to be of a more refined design than that depicted in the preceding figure. The three principal points of difference are the "head and neck" 773, "arms and hands" 775 and "tail wheel" 779. The artefact 771 is made from a single piece of material and comprises an outer layer 781 and inner layers in the form of inwardly folded extensions from the outer layer to the extent to which such extensions reflect the curvature of the outer layer.

The extension 773 comprising a head and neck is now not folded at all but allowed to depend outwardly of the outer layer following assembly. The extensions forming the arms 775 are each provided with a tab-like projection 783 adjacent to the point of extension from the outer layer 781 to prevent them from inadvertently slipping through the split 785 in the outer layer in consequence, possibly, of careless assembly. The hands 787 are provided with a different device for the attachment of separately provided accessory portions. The splits 789 comprise the male component of a rotary attachment device in accordance with the fifth aspect of the invention The extension forming the tail wheel assembly 779 has been re-configured to avoid a view of the reverse side of the material as a result of the "wheel" portion being formed by a single layer of materiaL In this embodiment a dependent extension from the outer layer 781 is folded through approximately 90 degrees about a line 791 and a second time through approximately 180 degrees about a line 793. The two oppositely directed portions 795 and 797 are folded through 90 degrees about fold lines 799 and 801 and secured together so as to form the opposite sides of a single "wheel" by being passed through the split 803. As a consequence of the two folds 791 and 793 the cross member 805 is positioned inwardly of the outer layer 781. It is secured in position within the assembled frusto-conical portion by being inserted between the outer layer 781 and portions 807 and 809 forming part of "side wheel" assemblies 811 and 813, the portions 807 and 809 being part of dependent extension 815 and 817 from the outer layer 781 which have been folded through 180 degrees about lines 819 and 821. The portions 807 and 809 are curved and form an inner layer of the assembled frusto-conical artefact.

The cross-member 805 is likewise curved and forms a further inner layer. It is able to slide upwardly and downwardly in its secured position thereby facilitating adjustment of the tail wheel assembly (which forms part of a tripod leg system) to change the centre of gravity of the assembled artefact as may be required. The portions 823 and 825 oppositely extended from the tail wheel assembly proper and folded about lines 827 and 829 are purely decorative and perform no functional purpose.

FIGURE 2.41 shows a substantially cylindrical artefact 841 of unitary construction provided with the two layers of material comprising an inner layer 843 and an outer layer 845 of similar shape and size, The layers have a common boundary partially represented by cut lines 847 and 849. Between these cut lines is a fold line 851 which fold line is interrupted by cut lines 853 and 855. The cylinder is assembled by folding the inner and outer layers together and attaching the opposite sides of the outer layer together by insertion of the tabs 859 into the splits 861. The artefact is configured so as to provide practical examples of a number of constructions in accordance with the second aspect the invention many of which are of a kind already individually illustrated.

Following assembly into a cylinder and in use, the smooth and generally rectangular outer surface of the artefact is broken up by a number of partially cut-out portions. It will be noted that, in the absence of a double hinge device of, for example, the kind shown in Figure 2.7, the effect of activating the partial cut-out portions in the outer layer generally brings the reverse surface of the inner layer to view.

Drawings 2.41.3 and 2.41.4 show the feature which are produced along the upper edge of the assemble artefact by the cut lines 853 and 855.

Drawings 2.41.5 and 21.41.6 show a segmental configured cut-out 857 which, when the segments are activated by being c-awn out, produces an explosion type display similar to the graphic device favoured by advertisers of goods at bargain prices.

Drawing 2.41.7 shows a simple flap device H4.

Drawing 2.41.8 shows a more sophisticated flap device in which the greater part of the flap can, by the operation of two parallel folds, be tucked out of sight between the inner layer 843 and the outer layer 845, a ledge-like portion being produced.

Drawing 2.41.9 shows a cut-out profile 863 which pops out when the curvature is applied so as to produce an image in relief.

Drawings 2.41.10 to 2.41.12 show a flap device 865 constructed along the same lines as the device. illustrated in Figure 2.33. The device makes use of the juxtaposition of the two layers of the cviinder to maintain the flap in an open position when required. Portions of the flap project from either side of a disjointed fold, those on one side of the fold being of such a length to be able to depress the inner layer as the flap is opened. Once the flap is fully open the inner layer springs back and prevents the portions from returning until manual pressure is applied.

Drawing 2.41.13 shows an explosion type display device 866 in which partially cut-out elements 867 and 869 are folded outwardly of the inner layer 843 wherein they are provided along fold lines 871 and 873. In the course of assembly the elements are passed through splits 875 and 877 in the outer layer. The display matter in this construction is printed on the obverse side of the outer layer 845, it may be noted, whereas it would be printed on the reverse surface of the material comprising the inner layer in the case of the construction illustrated in Drawings 21.41.5 and 21.41.6.

Drawing 2.41.14 shows a detachable coupon type construction 878, a rectangular shape being partially bounded by tearable perforations 879 and partially defined by a cut 881 shaped so as to provide a tab 883 and returns on either side. When the cylinder is folded into shape the cut portion will project outwardly from the surface in the same way as the cut-out profile illustrated in Drawing 2.41.9. The user is, so to speak, invited to tear out the coupon thereby revealing further display material on the inner layer 843. The coupon, once detached, may be retained for exchange against goods or services.

Drawings 2.41.15 and 2.41.16 show a flap-like portion 884 provided with two parallel folds 887 and a third fold 889 at the point of attachment to the outer layer 845. The construction works on the same principle as a key door chain with the enlarged portion being drawn backwardly and being retained at its edges between the surfaces of the outer layer 845 and the inner layer 843, the remainder being bent outwardly so as to project above the surface of the outer layer. Display matter on the inner layer 843 is revealed in the process.

Drawing 2.41.17 shows a device 890 which allows an element to assume a position outwardly and in an approximately parallel plane to the outer surface of the outer layer of the cylinder. The construction provides an element 893 which is folded out of the surrounding material 891 along a fold line 895 so as to take up a position in which it outstands from the remainder of the artefact in a manner reminiscent of the religious figures found on the walls of Italian towns.

Drawing 2.41.18 shows a device 896 similar in certain respects to those illustrated in Drawings 2.41.5 and 2.41.6 and Drawing 2.41.13. In this construction the projecting elements 897 and 899 are arranged in two parallel lines and not as segments of a circl layer 845 and the inner layer 843, the remainder being bent outwardly so as to project above the surface of the outer layer.

Drawing 2.41.20 shows a device 904 in which an enlarged portion comprising a flap 905 is provided with a tab 907 which allows it to be to be maintained in an open position when the tab is inserted along the edge created by the operation of the fold 909.

Drawing 2.41.21 shows a flap 911 which is provided with a tab 913. The flap is opened by activation of a fold 915 and a split 917 is thereby revealed in the corresponding portion of the inner layer R3. Engagement of the tab 913 with the split 917 secures the flap in the open position and exposes to view display matter provided on the inner layer 943.

FIGURES 2.42 to 2.44 illustrate the manner in which an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention can be configured in such a way as to have a generally smooth inner surface. The smoother the inner surface of the innermost layer the easier it is to place the artefact in its fully assembled state over another generally cylindrical or frustoconical artefact of slightly smaller diameter while retaining its appearance and physical characteristics. The embodiment depicted is based upon that illustrated in Figure 2.38 and the numbers denominating features of that construction have been adopted for the present figure.

FIGURE 2.42, in its first drawing, shows an interior view of a Figure 238 type artefact after the inner layer has been folded into a position of alignment with the outer layer but before the opposite sides of the outer layer have been brought together and attached so as to form a cylinder. The second drawing shows a similar artefact with the addition of an additional portion 923 forming an adjunct to the inner layer 643. A disjointed line of fold 925 is provided at the point where the additional portion joins the inner layer 643.

Upon assembly the inner layer 643 becomes a middle layer and the additional portion 923 becomes the inner layer. The surface of the additional portion 923 being unbroken, it provides a smooth inner surface in place of that previously obtaining. The third drawing of the figure shows the artefact in position around a drinks bottle. It should be noted that the inner surface of the artefact shown in Figure 2.38 is sufficiently smooth to allow it to be placed over another artefact such a drinks bottle without undue difficulty. The addition of an smooth innermost layer is, accordingly, a refinement.

FIGURE 2.43 shows a similar construction in which the additional portion 927 lies to the left (as drawn) of the former inner layer. Activation of the line of fold 929 places the additional portion in the appropriate position FIGURE 2.44 shows an alternative configuration in which an additional portion 931 is placed between what might be termed the active layers 643 and 647. Activation of the fold lines 933 and 935 makes the former inner layer 643 a middle layer and establishes the additional portion 931, with its unbroken surface, as the inner layer. One, possibly very useful, result of this construction is that the obverse and not the reverse surface of the former inner layer 643 is outermost in the assembled artefact. The addition of an extra layer has the disadvantage of requiring a greater area of material against which must be weighed not only the smoother inner surface but the greater weight and strength imparted to the artefact which mar allow a lighter weight of material to be employed.

FIGURES 2.45 to 2.50 show cylindrical and frusto-conical constructions which are intended to provide a covering for an artefact in accordance with the invention in its various aspects. The constructions illustrated are, in effect, additional layers made from separate pieces of material which can be optionally applied and which can, accordingly, be conveniently termed mantles.

FIGURES 2.45 and 2.46 show different forms of a mantle designed to wrap around and largely conceal the surface of the frusto-conical artefact 711 illustrated in Figure 2.39. When in place these mantles may be considered to form part of the artefact. In Figure 2.45 the mantle 969 includes slits 971 to allow the passage of the arms 737. A cut-away 973 is also provided to allow for the projection of the legs 719. The effect is to produce an unbroken surface across the front centre of the artefact, the front centre being the opposite side of the assembled artefact to the attached sides which may be considered to be, and in use generally are, at the back. In Figure 2.46, however, the mantle 979 is configured in such a way as to produce an unbroken surface across the back of the artefact. For convenience of assembly and disassembly the mantles are provided with separate means of attachment for their opposite sides which do not interfere with those employed to secure the opposite sides of the inner layers of the artefact.

FIGURES 2.47 and 2.48 show mantles 985 and 987 the design of which is such that at least a part of their respective upper edges is likely to project above the upper edge of the frusto-conical artefact which they are intended to complement This may make it difficult to position on the top of the artefact certain headwear type adornments incorporating a headband, either because the headband has too small a diameter (possibly because it is primarily intended for positioning on an artefact without a mantle) or because the mantle only projects above a section of the upper edge of the artefact.

FIGURE 2.49, taking the mantle depicted in Figure 2.47 as an example, shows how a mantle 993 can be provided with a T-shaped member 995 which is able to provide an additional fixing for a headband or be folded away out of sight as required. This construction is similar to and performs the same function as the T-shaped member 781 which forms part of the artefact illustrated in Figure 2.39.

FIGURES 2.50 AND 2.51 show mantles 1001 and 1003 comprising two layers and incorporating double hinge devices of the kind depicted in Figures 2.7 to 2.11.

A point of difference between the embodiments shown in figures 2.47 to 2.51 and those depicted in the two preceding figures is that their dimensions are further increased so as to largely conceal the lower part of the artefact around the so called "wheel" assemblies. Provision is made, however, for these assemblies and the legs to project outwardly through the mantle.

FIGURES 2.52 to 2.56 show accessory devices which make use of the frictional force present between the two layers of a cylindrical or frusto-conical artefact constructed with two or more layers in accordance with the second aspect of the invention. The embodiments illustrated take the form of banners and placards but a wide range of devices provided with similar means of attachment are possible. In Figure 2.52 a placard 1009 mounted upon a single pole 1011 is represented. A tab 1013 extends from the one side of the pole, a fold 1015 being provided along the line of its base. At one end of the fold line a notch 1017 is present. The tab is adapted to be inserted into the arm split 655 of the artefact 641 illustrated in Figure 2.38. Once it is in position the tab 1013 is gripped between the two layers of the artefact at that point, the two layers functioning as a socket. The tab is prevented from unwanted lateral movement by the engagement of the notch 1017 with the upper end of the split 655. A further notch 1019 is provided at the bottom of the pole which further notch is adapted to engage with the material adjoining the Co- operating notch 705 placed within the hand-like enlargement 650 at the end of the arm 649 of the artefact. Engagement of the notch 1019 at the end of the pole with the notch 705 in the hand 650 allows the placard to assume an erect position above the top of the cylindrical artefact and at the same time to appear to be grasped by the hand. A fold 1021 is provided in the pole portion 1011 to give it a degree of rigidity while preserving the pole-like proportions.

The plane of the placard portion may be adjusted by folding the tab 1013 along the line of fold 1015. The tab may also require to be folded to accommodate the passage of the arm 649 through the split.

FIGURE 2.53 shows a banner 1027 adapted to be supported by two artefacts of the kind depicted in Figure 2.38 side by side, the artefacts being respectively positioned outermost of the poles.

FIGURE 2 254 shows a banner 1033 similarly adapted to be supported by two artefacts of the Figure 2.38 type. In this case, however, the artefacts will both be within the poles. It will be noted that the notches 705 in the hands 650 are used to provide a representation of the artefacts walking (or rolling along) hand in hand.

FIGURE 2.55 shows a group of Figure 2.38 type artefacts supposedly processing. The two in the foreground are carrying, respectively, a sandwich board and a placard. In the latter case use is made of the hand notches in the manner already described.

FIGURE 256 shows a cylindrical artefact 1039 which is in certain respects similar to that illustrated in Figure 2.38. The artefact is provided with an inner layer 1042 and an outer layer 1043. The outer layer incorporates a single split 1041. A separately provided accessory comprising an elongate element 1044 incorporates a tab 1045 similar, for example, to that forming part of the banner depicted in Figure 2.52 and a shoulder 1046 (in lieu of the pole of the banner in Figure 2.52) and is attached to the artefact 1039 by insertion of the tab 1045 into the split 1041. The tab lies between the inner layer 1042 and the outer layer 1043 and is largely secured in position by the effect of friction, the two layers functioning as a socket. The elongate element 1044 is provided at its opposite end with a tab 1047 and a shoulder 1048 enabling it to be attached to a second cylindrical artefact 1049. This second artefact, in the example illustrated, itself comprises an item in accordance with the invention and is in fact a scaled down version of the artefact 1C39. The means of attachment of the elongate element 1044 to the artefact 1049 is by means of a slot 1050, the two layers forming a socket. The elongate element 1044 may be thought to bear some resemblance to an umbilical cord.

FIGURE 2.57 shows a detail from a cylindrical artefact of the kind illustrated in Figure 2.38 in which the rear wheel assembly (685 in Figure 2.38) has been re-configured so that the reverse side of the wheel shaped portion 693 is no longer in view. The portion 693 is the only substantial portion of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2.38 of M which the reverse side is visible.

Concealment of the reverse side is effected by providing a rear wheel assembly 1051 in which the wheel shaped portion 1055 is backed-up by a similar shaped portion 1053 and a stub-like extension 1057 which corresponds to the lower part of the supporting element 1061. The respective portions are brought into alignment by a 180 degree fold along fold line 1059. The third drawing of the figure shows a view from behind the assembly, the wheel shaped portions 1053 and 1055 being locked together back-to back by the split 1065 in the folded end 1067 of the rear wheel locking tab 1069 (687 in Figure 2.38).

FIGURE 2.58 shows a tubular artefact 1075 provided with an inner layer 1077 and an outer layer 1079 which are able to be assembled into a tubular artefact with a square section by means of folds through 90 degrees along fold lines 1081 across the inner layer and 1083 and 1085 across the outer layer. The fold lines 1081 are slightly close together than are fold lines 1083 to allow for the different dimensions of the respective layers in the assembled artefact. A flap 1087 foldable outwardly is provided in the outer layer 1079 so as to reveal a portion of the inner layer 1075.

Figure 2.59 shows a similar configured embodiment of tubular artefact 1089 incorporating an inner layer 1091 and an outer layer 1093 in which, however, the section incorporates opposed "V"s on opposite sides, the effect being produced by additional folds 1095 in the outer layer which act as gussets.

FIGURE 2.60 shows a cylindrical embodiment incorporating an inner layer 1096 and an outer layer 1097 in which a non-integral flap 1098 (shown in a perspective view with curvature applied) is adapted to slide between the two layers as it is opened and doses. The flap is inserted between the layers via a vertical split in the outer layer 1099. When the flap is in its open position it is largely out of sight between the two layers and securely maintained in position by friction. A tab 1100 is incorporated into the flap close to its right hand edge which is adapted to engage with the material adjoining the split 1101 in the outer layer when the flap is in a closed position. This attachment mechanism ensures that when the flap is closed its curvature continues to correspond to that of the outer layer. In the sixth and seventh drawings of the figure the flap is shown in a perspective view equipped with four lugs 1102 arranged in pairs at either end which prevent the ends inadvertently passing through the split as the flap is opened and closed. In the latter drawing an aperture 1103 has been incorporated into the outer layer providing a view of the reverse surface of the inner layer. In its fully dosed position the flap provides a cover for the aperture.

FIGURE 2.61 shows a differently configured sliding flap device. In this embodiment an aperture 1104 is provided in an outer layer of a double layered cylindrical artefact. A non-integral flap 1105 bearing a triangular shaped image (shown cross-hatched) is provided with a raised thumb tab 1106. The flap is inserted between and conforms to the curvature of the inner and outer layers of the assembled artefact so as to lie behind the aperture 1104 in the outer layer. By means of the thumb tab the flap can be slid upwards and downwards so as the conceal and reveal the triangular image.

In the final drawing of the figure the flap is shown rotated through 90 degrees so that the operation of the thumb tab 1106 slides it from side to side.

FIGURE 2.62 shows a similar embodiment to that depicted in the preceding figure in which a flap (bearing a diamond shaped image shown cross hatched) is provided with guides and is manipulated by means of an extended portion. The guides are comprised of three tabs 1107 incorporated into the inner layer which are locked into an upright position by being folded and inserted into complementary splits 1108 placed within the outer layer.

The extended portion 1109 is configured so as to project just above the upper edge of the assembled artefact when the flap is in its lowest position. The flap slides upwards as the enlarged portion is raised.

FIGURE 2.63 illustrates the point that an artefact in accordance with the second aspect of the invention can be provided with means of attachment of the opposite sides which are incorporated into a portion which, in part, forms the inner layer of the artefact. In this embodiment the portion 1110 forms an inner layer following assembly in so far as it is covered by the second portion 1111, which portion can be categorised as an outer layer even though its reverse surface is in view. The respective ends and upper edge of the portion 1110 and the area of that portion revealed by the circular, diamond shaped and triangular cut-outs in the portion 1111 may all be categorised as outer layers. The two portions are curved in a similar manner, the opposite sides of the portion 1111 being secured to the portion 1110 by means of a pair of tabs 1112 inserted into a pair of slots 1113.

FIGURE 3.1 shows a piece of flexible material 1114 adapted to be formed into a cylinder, the cylinder comprising a single layer of material of generally rectangular shape. The means of attachment of the opposite ends of the material is such as to allow a variation in the diameter of the cylinder following assembly. In the embodiment illustrated the portion lying at one end of the piece comprises a female portion and is provided with an elongate split 1115. The portion lying at the other end of the piece comprises a male portion and is provided with a pair of oppositely directed tabs 1116. The tabs consist of a large tab 1117 and a small tab 1118, the base 1119 of the small tab being inside and largely co-linear with the base 1120 of the large tab. The tabs are adapted to be inserted into the split so that the portions at either end of the piece of material become slidably engaged with each other and are thereby joined together in a slideable manner. In the third and fourth drawings of the figure the assembled cylinder 1121 is shown with its diameter at its minimum and maximum dimensions respectively.

FIGURE 3.2 shows a similar embodiment to that depicted in the preceding figure in which, however, two pairs of tabs 1123 and 1125 are adapted to slidably engage with the material adjoining a pair of elongate splits 1127 and 1129 arranged in a parallel manner. Such a configuration provides greater stability to the assembled cylinder without affecting the extent to which the diameter may be varied.

FIGURE 3.3 shows a similar embodiment in which the bases 1139 of the oppositely directed tabs 1135 are not largely co-linear but instead are parallel to each other. The tabs are identically configured and operate along the same vertical axis. The tabs slidably engage with the material adjoining the two pairs of elongate splits 1137.

FIGURE 3.4 shows a similar embodiment to that depicted in the preceding figure in which two pairs of oppositely directed tabs 1145 adapted to slidably engage with the material adjoining the two pairs of elongate splits 1147 are provided. In this embodiment, however, the tab arrays are not totally enclosed by the surrounding material but form projections along the edge 1149. Such tabs may be easier to insert into the respective splits than tabs totally surrounded by the material in the manner shown in the preceding three figures. Such a configuration also permits an increase in the maximum diameter of a cylinder assembled from a piece of material of given dimensions.

FIGURE 3.5 shows a single layer embodiments in which three pairs of oppositely directed tabs 1155 are provided, the tabs adapted to engage with the material adjoining three pairs of parallel splits 1157. The frictional force required to be overcome to adjust the diameter of such a cylinder is higher than that for a cylinder provided with one or two pairs of oppositely directed tabs engaging with elongate splits. In this embodiment the tabs are configured so that the tab portions lie between the bases so as to resemble an p'.

FIGURE 3.6 shows a double layer cylindrical embodiment in which a piece of material 1161 is provided with two pairs of packaging folds 1163 and 1164 and a plurality of bracing tongues 1165 in accordance with the first aspect of the invention. In this embodiment the oppositely directed tabs 1167 are incorporated into the material comprising an outer layer 1169 and the corresponding pairs of elongate splits 1171 are incorporated into the material comprising an inner layer 1173. In each layer cut-out portions 1174 are provided which are adapted to overlie or underlie the respective tabs or splits in the other layer when the two layers 1169 and 1173 are folded together and their surfaces come into contact The item illustrated is adapted to act as a hat stand, pointers 1175 being incorporated into the tabs 1167 to show the position of slideable engagement with the material adjoining the respective splits. It may be noted that in this embodiment the line of fold 1177 along the common boundary between the material comprising the outer layer 1169 and the inner layer 1173, (which line of fold lies along the upper edge of the assembled artefact) is disjointed. Also present along the common boundary are an endosed split 1179 and a pair of open ended splits 1180, the three splits and the disjointed line of fold being co-linear.

FIGURE 3.7 shows a double layer cylindrical embodiment in which two pairs of oppositely directed tabs 1181 and two pairs of elongate splits 1183 are incorporated into portions lying at the opposite ends of the same layer which is the outer layer 1185. In this embodiment the inner layer 1187 is shorter in length than the outer layer and does not underlie the tabs and splits after being folded into place, thus obviating any need for cut-outs to facilitate engagement of the tabs with the respective splits. The tabs are, however, totally surrounded, that is to say shrouded, by the surrounding material.

FIGURE 3.8 shows a similarly shaped double layer embodiment in which, however, the tabs 1191 are not shrouded but instead project along the outer edge 1193 comprising one of the opposite sides of the portion to be attached thereby further facilitating engagement with the corresponding splits 1194.

This figure provides, in effect, a schematic representation of the means of attachment incorporated into the cylindrical artefact illustrated in Figure 2.38, supra. The extent of the possible variation in diameter is greater, however, than that obtaining in the earlier figure.

FIGURE 3.9 shows a multi-layer embodiment comprising a frusto-conical artefact the opposite sides 1199 of the outer layer 1199 of which are provided with similar means of attachment to those shown in the preceding figure. The inner layer of the embodiment illustrated comprises a plurality of separately foldable portions 1201 and 1203 along the respective upper and lower edges.

These foldable portions are held in position by being passed through respective splits 1202 and 1204 in the outer layer. The folds in every case being through 180 degrees the foldable portions take on the curvature of the outer layer. The means of attachment of the opposite sides of the outer layer 1199 consist of two pairs of oppositely directed tabs 1205 and two pairs of splits 1207 and are, in effect, a schematic representation of those incorporated into the frusto-conical artefact illustrated in Figure 2.39, supra. Again, the extent of the possible variation in diameter is greater than that obtaining in the earlier figure.

FIGURE 3.10 shows an embodiment comprising a cylindrical artefact constructed with an inner layer 1213 and an outer layer 1215. The outer layer is provided with two pairs of oppositely directed tabs 1217 and two pairs of parallel elongate splits 1219 at one end and two pairs of oppositely directed tabs 1221 and two pairs of parallel elongate splits 1223 at the other end. The frictional force required to be overcome when the diameter is varied is greater than that required for an embodiment provided with two pairs of tabs and one end and two pairs of splits at the other such as that illustrated in Figure 3.4. The danger of inadvertent slippage is, however, lessened. It will be noted that, again, the inner layer does not underlie the outer layer in such a way as to hinder the attachment of the opposite sides of the outer layer.

FIGURES 3.11 to 3.13 show cylindrical artefacts with variable diameters in which the means of attachment of the opposite sides of the material comprising the cylinders consist of an arrangement in which one or more elongate tabs are provided, each tab engaging with a single split. In Figure 3.11 a single layer 1229 of material is provided with an elongate tab 1231 in the portion of material comprising the side 1233. A co-operating split 1235 is provided in the portion of material comprising the opposite side 1237. A plurality of notches 1239 along one edge of the elongate tab 1231 fix the position of the tab within the split 1235 when the opposite sides 1233 and 1237 are brought together and attached. A hook shaped enlargement 1241, the width of which is greater than the split 1235 is provided at the distal end of the elongate tab 1231 so as to prevent accidental disengagement. The enlargement being hook shaped, and the elongate tab possessing a degree of flexibility, there is no difficulty in inserting the enlarged end of the elongate tab into the split. Following assembly the portion comprising the side 1233 of the material is overlapped by the portion comprising the opposite side 1237.

FIGURE 3.12 shows a cylindrical embodiment comprising a hat stand configured so as to provide a caricature of a bull. In this embodiment a single layer of material 1247 incorporates an attachment mechanism consisting of two elongate tabs 1249 and 1251 adjacent to the edge 1252. The tabs respectively slidably engage with the material adjoining the splits 1255 and 1257 adjacent to the edge 1259. Each of the tabs is provided with eight notches 1261 along its lower edge and an enlargement 1263 at its distal end.

Enclosed partial cut-outs representing horns and ears 1265 and a tongue 1267 provided in the surface of the material project outwardly when it is bent into a cylinder. The notches 1261 along the edge of the elongate tab 1249 are graduated so as to indicate the diameter in inches of the cylinder corresponding to the position of the tab 1249 within the split 1255, this being the manner of indicating head sizes under the imperial system of measurement. The notches 1261 along the edge of the second elongate tab 1251 are graduated to show the circumference of the cylinder corresponding to the position of the tab 1251 within the split 1257, this being the manner of indicating head sizes under the metric system of measurement. The final drawing of the figure shows the cylinder acting as a hat stand with an item of headwear 1269 in position, the headband resting upon the projecting hornshaped portions 1265.

FIGURE 3.13 shows a similarly configured cylindrical hat stand embodiment in which, however, four elongate tabs 1275 engaging with four splits 1279 are present. The material incorporates endosed partial cut-outs 1281 representing the ears and a cut-out 1283 representing the facial profile of a male person.

The ears 1281 are able to provide support for the headband of a hat if necessary but in the final drawing of the figure a hat 1285 is shown secured in position by friction from the surface of the cylinder alone.

FIGURE 3.14 illustrates the advantage of a variable diameter as applied to a cylindrical artefact of the kind depicted in Figure 2.38. In the first drawing of the figure an item of miniature headwear 1289 depicting, in a somewhat surreal manner, a policeman's helmet is shown The item is provided with a headband of fixed diameter. In the second drawing the item of miniature headwear 1289 is shown on a cylindrical artefact 1291 the outside diameter of the artefact being reduced to the lowest point of its range which, in the example illustrated, is 650 mm. In the third drawing the item of miniature headwear 1289 is shown on a drinks can 1293 with a diameter of 650 mm. If desired the diameter of the cylindrical artefact can increased to the greatest point of its range so that it is able to enclose the drinks can, the headwear remaining in place on the drinks can - given, as in the present example, that the drinks can is of sufficient height. As already noted, the inner surface of a cylindrical artefact such as that comprising the present embodiment is sufficiently smooth (even with out the addition of a sleeve of the kind illustrated in Figures 2.42 to 2.44, supra) as to allow the drinks can to be inserted without difficulty.

FIGURES 3.15 and 3.16 show embodiments in which tab-like elements capable of being gripped between finger and thumb are provided for the purpose of facilitating a variation in the diameter of an artefact following assembly and in use.

FIGURE 3.15 shows a piece of material able to be formed into a cylindrical artefact comprising a single layer 1301. Tab-like elements 1303 and 1305 are set into the surface of at either end and are provided with fold lines 1307 and 1309 so that the elements can be pressed out and made to project outwardly from the adjoining material. The elements are designed to be simultaneously gripped between the finger and thumb of both hands so that an even tractive force can be applied from either end. The diameter of the cylinder, which in the second drawing of the figure has been set at the smallest point of its range, is thereupon increased.

FIGURE 3.16 shows an embodiment comprising a cylindrical artefact formed from a single layer of material 1323 in which two pairs of elongate splits 1325 and 1327 are partially cut and partially perforate. If the perforat

FIGURE 3.17 shows an embodiment comprising a cylindrical artefact formed from a single layer of material 1337 in which the sides of the elongate splits 1339 and 1341 are not contiguous. The oppositely directed tabs 1343 and 1345 are, however, to the same dimensions as those shown in preceding figures.

The effect of the open splits is to facilitate engagement and operation of the tabs in less flexible and/or thicker materials.

FIGURE 3.19 shows a detail of an attachment device in which a pair of parallel elongate splits 1347 and 1349 are provided with apertures 1351 and 1353. The apertures are configured so that the edges furthest from the line of the split are in the shape of a minor arc of a circle. The length of the apertures is slightly less than the width of the tabs 1355 and 1357. The presence of the apertures facilitates the insertion of the tabs within the splits.

FIGURE 4.1 shows an embodiment comprising a cylindrical artefact formed from a single layer of material 1401 which is assembled into a cylinder in a manner similar to that applied to previously illustrated embodiments by engagement of two pairs of oppositely directed tabs 1403 into two pairs of splits 1405. Following assembly the artefact is reduced to a flat piece of material by folding along the lines 1407. Each of the fold lines is interrupted by a split 1409 and 1411. Through each of the splits a separately provided element 1413 is passed prior to reduction of the artefact into a flattened piece of material. The element is provided with a cross-member 1415 at one end so as to make it T-shaped. The cross-member being of greater length than either of the splits it is able to act as a stop. A lug 1417 is provided part way along the length of the element 1413, the distance A - A between the respective inner edges of the lug and the cross-member corresponding to the desired outside diameter of the artefact. The width of the split 1411 is at least equal to the combined width of the element 1413 and lug at the point B - B. The element 1413 is therefor able to be threaded through the first split 1411 without difficulty, the cross-member 1415 acting as a stop. The element 1413 is then passed through the second split 1409 so that the extremity 1421 projects outwardly of the flattened artefact at that point. The artefact is restored to a hollow section by pulling the lug 1417 through the split 1409.

Once it has passed through the split the lug can be dropped down so as to engage with the material beyond the end of the split so as to lock the artefact into a cylindrical shape when the edges formed by the fold lines 1407 are manually pressed towards each other. In this way the artefact is restored to a generally cylindrical shape. In the example illustrated a further split 1419 is provided for the purpose of tidying away the portion lying between the lug 1417 and the end of the element 1421, the remainder of the element apart from the cross-member 1415, being concealed by the hollow part of the artefact.

FIGURE 4.2 shows an embodiment comprising a cylindrical artefact formed from a single layer of material 1427 provided with lines of fold 1429 and splits 1431 and 1433. Following assembly in the same way as described in relation to the embodiment depicted in the preceding figure the artefact is reduced to a flat piece of material by folding along the lines 1429. A contiguous element 1435 formed by a projection along the edge 1437 is folded through 180 degrees along fold line 1439 and passed through splits 1431 and 1433 while the cylinder is partially flattened. The cylinder is again fully flattened and at this stage the three ratchet shaped teeth 1441 lie within the cylinder and out of view, the distal end 1443 projecting outwardly from the split 1433. The cylindrical shape of the cylinder is restored by drawing the distal end 1443 of the element 1435 through the split 1433 while holding and pressing the remainder of the material with the other hand and allowing one of the three ratchet teeth to lock the cylinder into a desired hollow cross-section in plan.

This cross-section may be substantially circular or elliptic according to which one of the three teeth 1441 is engaged. Engagement of the innermost or outermost tooth results in an elliptical cross section the respective major axes of symmetry being at right angles according to which of the teeth is engaged.

Engagement of the middle tooth results in a circular cross-section. The combined width of the element 1435 and any one of the teeth 1441 relative to that of the two splits 1431 and 1433 is such as to allow the element to be threaded through them without difficulty. When the desired section of the assembled artefact is achieved the element can be dropped down in the manner indicated in the third drawing so that the relative tooth engages with the material beyond the end of the split and maintains the cross-section of the artefact in the desired shape. An additional split 1445 is provided for the purpose of tidying away the distal end of the element 1443 together with any non-operational teeth lying between the distal end 1443 and the engaged one of the teeth 1441. The final drawing of the figure shows a plan view of the artefact showing the different drcular and elliptic cross-sections which can be achieved according to which one of the teeth 1441 is engaged with the material adjoining the split 1431.

FIGURE 4.3 shows an embodiment comprising a cylindrical artefact formed from a single layer of material 1447 provided with lines of fold 1449 and splits 1451 and 1453. Following assembly in the same way as that described in relation to the embodiments depicted in the preceding figures the artefact is reduced to a flat piece of material by folding along the fold lines 1449. A separately provided element 1455 incorporating two pairs of oppositely operating ratchet teeth 1457 and 1459 is passed through splits 1451 and 1453 while the element is partially flattened. The cylinder is again fully flattened and at this stage the two pairs of ratchet teeth 1457 and 1459 lie within the cylinder and out of view, the ends 1461 and 1463 of the element 1455 projecting outwardly from the splits 1451 and 1453. The cylindrical shape of the cylinder is restored by pressing the edges formed by the fold lines 1449 together and allowing a ratchet tooth from each of the pairs 1457 and 1459 to lock it into a desired hollow cross-section which may be substantially circular or elliptic according to which of the teeth are engaged. The combined width of the element 1455 and any one of the teeth 1457 and 1459 relative to the length of the two splits 1451 and 1453 is such as to allow the element to be threaded through them without difficulty. When the desired cross-section in plan of the assembled artefact is achieved the element can be dropped down in the manner indicated in the second drawing so that the relative teeth engage with the material beyond the end of the respective splits and maintain the artefact in the desired shape.

FIGURE 4.4 shows an embodiment comprising a cylindrical artefact formed from a single layer of material 1469 provided with lines of fold 1471 and curved splits 1473 and circular apertures 1475. Following assembly in the same way as that described in relation to the embodiments depicted in the preceding figures a rubber band 1479 capable of expanding or contracting in an elastic manner is introduced into the artefact. The ends of the rubber band 1479 are secured to the walls of the artefact at the point of the fold lines 1471 by being doubled up and passed outwardly through a circular aperture 1475 and then secured to a curved split 1473 which, when the cylinder is in a partially flattened state, has a hook-shaped profile. The cylinder is then flattened and maintained in a flattened state, the extended condition of the rubber band 1479 notwithstanding by being placed in an envelope or similarly shaped container (not illustrated). On removal of the flattened cylinder from the container the rubber band contracts and the open shape of the cylinder is restored. It is important that the length of the rubber band in its contracted state is not greatly less than the desired diameter of the cylinder since the exertion of too much tractive force by the rubber band will draw the cylinder through a circular cross-section into an elliptic cross-section. A suitable spring may be substituted for a rubber band.

FIGURE 4.5 shows an embodiment in which a single layered cylindrical artefact 1480 is assembled and then reduced to a flat state with a pair of parallel fold lines forming the two side edges 1481 of the artefact in its flattened state. The hollow section is restored by the insertion into the artefact of a separately provided similarly cylindrical sectioned object 1482, the diameter of the object 1482 being slightly smaller than that of the artefact 1480.

FIGURE 4.6 shows a similar embodiment to that depicted in the preceding figure in which a frusto-conical artefact 1483 is reduced to a flat state by means of fold lines 1484. The hollow section is restored by a cylindrical object 1485.

FIGURE 4.7 shows an artefact 1486 provided four parallel folds 1487 extending from the upper edge to the lower edge. These folds form a square shaped hollow section when the artefact is in its assembled state. The artefact is flattened by means of two additional folds 1488 which are parallel to and operate in the opposite sense to the four folds 1487. The operation of the additional folds brings together the opposite sides of the artefact so as to form an opposed 'S" as it is flattened. In effect the additional folds form gussets. The hollow section is restored and maintained by means of a nonintegral element 1489. This element is threaded through a pair of splits 1490 placed along the line of the folds 1488. The element is provided with a toothlike extension 1490 at either end so that it is able to operate as a ratchet. Each of the teeth engages with a respective one of the inner surfaces at the point of the fold lines 1488 holding the opposite sides of the artefact apart.

FIGURE 4.8 shows a similar configured artefact 1491 in which the opposite sides are held apart and the hollow section restored by insertion of a separately provided object 1492.

FIGURE 4.9 shows a hollow-sectioned artefact provided with an outer layer 1495 and an inner layer 1497, which mas be collapsed and restored to shape by means similar to those employed in the embodiments shown in the preceding figures. Such means may comprise the insertion of a suitable or object or the incorporation of a rubber band or a ratchet device.

FIGURE 5.1 shows an embodiment comprising a cylindrical artefact formed from a single layer of material 1501 which is assembled in a manner similar to that applied to previously illustrated embodiments by engagement of two pairs of oppositely directed tabs 1503 into two pairs of splits 1505.

Incorporated into the single layer of material are two endosed partially cutround elements 1507 which may be folded outwardly along fold lines 1509 so as to project radially from the outer surface of the assembled frusto-cone.

The elements 1507 are each provided with a circular aperture 1511. The single layer of material 1501 together with the elements 1507 together comprise a fixed portion 1512 of the artefact. A further portion 1513 is separately provided which further portion is attachable to the fixed portion 1512 by means of an array 1515 of four radial tabs, the array of tabs comprising a male element adapted to slidably engage with the material adjoining one of the circular cut-outs 1511 comprising a female element so as to be capable of rotation with respect thereto. The further portion 1513 is provided with a radial arm 1517. The fourth drawing of the figure shows an alternative configuration for the array of tabs in which the three tabs 1519 do not extend to any edge of the material but are totally enclosed by the surrounding material.

The fifth, sixth and seventh drawings of Figure 5.1 provide a schematic representation (drawn to a larger scale than the other drawings of the figure) of an attachment mechanism configured in the manner depicted in the first three drawings. In Drawing 5.1.5 the female element of the device is shown cross-hatched for the purpose of identification. In Drawing 5.1.6 the male element 1520 incorporates a plurality or radial cuts 1521. The innermost ends of these cuts have a diameter (delineated by the dotted line 1523) which is less than the inner edge 1525 of the circular aperture 1517 in the female element 1507. The outermost ends of the cuts 1521 have a diameter (delineated by the dotted line 1527 which is greater than the diameter of the circular aperture 1517. Each pair of outermost ends of the radial cuts 1521 are joined by a further cut 1529 so as to provide tabs within a totally enclosed portion.

FIGURE 5.2 shows an embodiment comprising a frusto-conical artefact similar to that depicted in the preceding figure in which, however, the male and female components comprising the attachment mechanism are transposed. The artefact is formed from a single layer of material 1535 Incorporated into the single layer of material are two enclosed partially cutround elements 1539 which may be folded outwardly along fold lines 1541 so as to project radially from the outer surface of the assembled cylinder. The elements 1539 are each provided with an array 1543 of four radial tabs, the array of tabs comprising a male element. The single layer of material 1501 together with the elements 1539 together comprise the fixed portion 1544 of the artefact. A further portion 1545 is separately provided which further portion is attachable to the fixed portion by means of circular aperture 1547 in the further portion, the circular aperture comprising a female element its inner edge adapted to slidably engage with one of the tab arrays 1543 so as to be capable of rotation with respect thereto. The further portion 1545 is provided with a radial arm 1549. The third drawing of the figure shows an embodiment in which two rotatable portions 1545 are attached to a single tab array 1543 comprising one of the two partially cut-round male elements 1539.

FIGURE 5.3 shows an embodiment comprising a cylindrical artefact similar to that depicted in the preceding figure in which, however, an inner layer 1555 and an outer layer 1557 of material are present. The female components of the attachment mechanism 1559 comprise partially cut-round portions which are folded about fold lines 1561 so as to be capable of being passed through splits 1563 in the outer layer 1557 at the same time as the inner layer 1555 and outer layer 1557 are being folded together along fold lines 1565 in the course of assembly. Following assembly the female components 1559 project outardly of the outer surface of the outer layer 1557 to comprise a fixed portion 1566 of the material, their obverse side being present to view when viewed from the front. The front side is the opposite side to the coupled-up tab 1565 and split 1567 attachment mechanism whereby the cylindrical shape is formed.

FIGURE 5.4 shows a single layer frustosonical artefact in which a T-shaped element 1573 is extended from the single layer 1575, the "vertical" component of the "T" being twice folded through 90 degrees along fold lines 1577 and 1579 so that following assembly the opposite ends 1581 of the cross-member of the 'T' are aligned with and able to be passed through corresponding splits 1583 in the outer layer 1575 of the material comprising the artefact. The Tshaped element 1573 comprises the fixed portion of the artefact. Circular apertures 1585 set into the opposite ends of the cross-member of the r provide female elements for the attachment of portions capable of rotation of the kind shown in drawings 5.1.2 and 5.1.4 forming part of Figure 5.1. The reverse side of the portion 1581 incorporating the female elements is in view when the artefact is viewed from the front.

FIGURE 5.5 shows a similarly configured artefact in which, however, the T- shaped extension 1591 is constructed so as to lie next to and in contact with the inner surface of the portion of material 1593 so that portion becomes an outer layer of a multi-layer embodiment. The "vertical" component of the Tshaped extension 1591 is folded twice through 180 degrees along folds 1594 and the cross-member is forced into a curved plane by the incorporation of folds 1595 and cross-struts 1597 at the points where the female elements 1599 pass through the splits 1601. The cross-struts 1597 are positioned inwardly of the layer incorporating the splits thereby preventing the inner portion of the cross-member from feeding through the splits and maintaining a flat plane.

In this manner the substantially smooth inner surface of the artefact is maintained and the insertion of another cylindrical or appropriately shaped object facilitated. The effect of the two 180 degree folds 1594 and 1605 is to maintain the obverse surface of the extension 1591 uppermost so that the obverse surface of the portions incorporating the female elements 1599 are in view when the artefact is viewed from the front.

FIGURE 5.6 shows a frusto-conical artefact in which a single layer of material 1607 is provided with a circular aperture 1609 representing the female element of a rotary device and providing the fixed portion 1608. In the second drawing of the figure a rotating element 1611 incorporating the male component of the attachment device and equipped with two radial arms 1613 is shown. In this embodiment the plane of the female element is curved while that of the rotatable portion defining a male element remains flat. The device nevertheless functions adequately, the tabs being able to deform according to the contours of the inner surface as they change position in the course of rotation FIGURE 5.7 shows a similar embodiment in which the portion of material 1619 comprising the artefact incorporates a pair of tab arrays 1621 each of which is able to form the male component of a rotary attachment device. The rotating element 1623 incorporates the female component 1625 of the attachment device.

FIGURE 5.8 shows a similar embodiment to that depicted in Figure 5.6 in which, however, the rotating portion 1631 is provided with radial tabs 1633 which are extended in length beyond what is needed to fulfil their attachment function. In the result they become a prominent rotating feature of the embodiment.

FIGURE 5.9 illustrates the manner in which two rotating portions 1639 each of which incorporates a female component 1641 of the attachment mechanism can be secured to a single male component 1643 incorporated into a frusto-conical fixed portion 1645. In the second drawing of the figure the two rotating portions 1639 are shown attached to the outer surface of the artefact 1645 and in the third drawing they are shown attached to the inner surface.

FIGURE 5.10 shows a similar embodiment in which a rotating element 1651 of the kind shown in Figure 5.6 is provided with a male component 1653 of a rotary attachment mechanism and a rotating element 1655 of the kind shown in the preceding figure is provided with a female component 1657 of an attachment mechanism. The two rotary components are attached to the fixed portion 1657 on either side of the portion of material incorporating a circular aperture 1659 comprising the female component, the tabs incorporated into the element 1651 passing through the circular aperture 1659 and slideable engaging with the sides of the circular aperture 1657 incorporated into the element 1655. The two elements 1651 and 1655 are able to rotate independently of each other, the extent of the rotation of the inwardly positioned element being restricted, however, by the curved inner surface of the artefact as well as the circumference of the upper edge.

FIGURE 5.11 shows a frusto-conical embodiment in which a portion of material 1666 incorporates an array of four tabs 1667 comprising the male component of a rotary attachment device. A pair of splits 1669 is arranged on either side of the tab array. A pair of rotatable elements 1671, each incorporating a circular aperture 1673 and comprising a female component, may be secured to the underside of the portion of material 1666, which forms a fixed portion, and passed through the respective one of the splits 1669. In this position the elements are able to rotate through an angle approaching 90 degrees. Following assembly of the portion 1666 into a frusto-cone the elements 1671 project outwardly from its outer surface.

FIGURE 5.12 shows a frusto-conical embodiment incorporating a rod and pinion device. In this embodiment a portion of material 1679 comprising a fixed portion incorporates two arrays 1681 and 1683 of four tabs, each array comprising the male elements of a rotary attachment device. A separately provided first rotatable portion 1685 incorporates a female element 1689 and a male element 1699 together with a radial arm 1703. The first rotatable portion 1685 is attached to the fixed portion 1679, the female element 1689 engaging with the male element 1681. A second rotatable portion 1693 incorporates two female elements 1695 and 1697, the female element 1695 engaging with the male element 1699 in the first rotatable portion 1685. A third rotatable portion 1687 incorporates a female element 1691 and a male element 1701. The male element 1701 attaches the third rotatable portion 1687 to the second rotatable portion 1693 by engaging with the female element 1697. The female element 1691 attaches the third rotatable portion 1687 to the fixed portion 1679 by engaging with the male element 1683. The arm 1703 forming part of the first rotatable portion 1685 provides a manually operable lever, the raising and lowering of which raises and lowers the second rotatable portion 1693 in relation to the fixed portion 1679.

FIGURE 5.13 shows a section of a frusto-conical embodiment of the kind depicted at Figure 2.39 in which embodiment arms 737 are provided e-ith hand-like enlargements 745 at their distal ends, slits 747 being provided in the enlargements for placard carrying and like purposes. In the present embodiment arms denominated by the numeral 1703 are provided with hand-like enlargements 1705 each of which incorporates two pairs of tabs 1707 formed by splits extending inwardly from the outer edge of the material. Either one of the hand-like enlargement is able to act as a fixed portion to a rotatable portion 1709 incorporating a circular aperture 1711. In the second and third drawings the rotatable portion 1709 is shown in alternative erect and dependant positions, illustrating the versatility afforded by such means of attachment - provided always that the fit between the tabs and the aperture is reasonably tight.

FIGURE 5.14 shows a similar embodiment in which a portion 1713 incorporating two circular apertures 1715 is able to be attached to both handlike enlargements 1705 at the ends of the arm-like extremities 1703 depicted in the preceding figure at the same time.

In the descriptions which follow, the expressions "axle" and "shaft" may be considered to be interchangeable FIGURE 5.15 shows a frusto-conical embodiment incorporating a pair of rotating bearings. The expression "rotating bearing" is used to denote a construction in which an axle or a shaft is connected to the fixed portion of the artefact via a third component which rotates either independently or in a fixed manner vis vis the axle or shaft. In this embodiment a portion of material 1721 comprising a fixed portion incorporates two circular apertures 1723 and 1725 which apertures form the female components of a rotary attachment device. Separately provided elements 1727 and 1729 shaped as circular disks are each provided with four tabs 1731 which tabs are able to slideable engage with the edges of the circular apertures 1723 and 1725. Each of the elements 1727 and 1729 is provided with a rectangular or other shaped aperture 1733 at its centre through which apertures can be inserted a separately provided elongate portion 1735 forming an axle. The elements 1727 and 1729 act as rotating bearings so that the axle portion 1735 can be freely and manually rotated from one side of the artefact. The further end of the axle may be shaped to provide a rotating feature 1737. Alternatively an axle 1739 may be attached to a further separately provided portion 1741 which further portion provides a rotating feature. Where the axle is made from the same flexible material as the remainder of the artefact it may lack rigidity unless provided in the form shown in drawings 5.15.7 and 5.15.8 which illustrate an axle formed from an elongate portion of material 1743 which has been folded along its long axis 1745. A box-sectioned axle is also possible and would be even more rigid than the axle illustrated.

The ninth and tenth drawings of Figure 15.15 show a development of the construction in which an axle 1746 is provided with an enlargement 1747 at its centre point. The axle is placed within the hollow part of a frusto-conical artefact 1749 in which is provided a keyhole shaped aperture 1751. As the axle is rotated the obverse and reverse surfaces of the enlargement are alternatively presented to view through the keyhole.

An alternative configuration for an attachment device incorporating rotating bearings is shown in drawings 5.15.11 and 5.15.12. In the arrangement illustrated the circular aperture 1753 provided in the portion of material 1755 comprising a frusto-cone incorporates four tabs 1757 around its edges. These tabs slidably engage with a circular disc 1759, the edges of which are smooth.

The disc is provided with an aperture 1761 at its centre which aperture performs the same function as the apertures 1733 in drawing 5.15.2.

FIGURE 15.17 illustrates the means whereby the male element of a rotary attachment device comprising a rotating bearing can be sub-divided into two non-integral components 1763 and 1765. Each component is folded through 90 degrees along a line of fold 1769. Upon assembly the portions incorporating the tabs 1767 are placed in the same plane, which is to say the plane of rotation, and the folded portions 1771 are placed back to back in a plane which is perpendicular to the plane of rotation In this manner there is provided a male element which is held together by slideable engagement of its tabs with the edges of the aperture (indicated by the broken line 1772 in the third drawing of the figure). The double layered (perpendicular) portion can act as a handle capable of being gripped by finger and thumb so as to rotate the male element and/or as a sleeve for an axle 1773 which axle is able to provide a mounting for enlargements 1775 and 1777. At least one of these enlargement must be passed through one of the apertures in the frustoconical artefact 1779 and among the advantages of the split construction of the male component is that the aperture comprising the female element is larger than any that can be provided within a related non-sub-divided male component. The penultimate drawing 5.17.7 of the figure shows a male element of a rotary attachment device which is sub-divided into two portions which portions, unlike those illustrated in the preceding drawings, are integral with each other. The components are provided at either end of a single portion of material and are brought together by activation of the fold line 1780 placed at the centre point of the single portion through 180 degrees.

The final drawing 5.17.8 of the figure shows a similar method of construction applied to a male element of the kind illustrated in Figure 5.16.

Figure 5.18 shows similar split device to that depicted in the preceding figure in which, however, the male elements comprise semi-circular shaped portions which are brought together to provide a circular component adapted to slidably engage with the tabs around the periphery of the female element.

*The embodiment consists of a <RTI ID=100. which project outwardly of the assembled cylinder and are able to rotate with respect thereto. The components 1794 folded so that the distal ends of the cross-member of the 'T depend below the bottom edge of the cylinder, the distal ends acting as legs and being prevented from spreading outwardly under the weight of the cylinder when in contact with the underlying surface by means of bracing struts 1795. These legs are able to support the cylinder at the same time as permitting it to be manually tilted about the long axis of the axle, the useful effect of which tilting may be to vary the centre of gravity of the cylindrical portion. Sufficient friction must be present between elements of the attachment device to prevent the tilting from going further than desired. The arrangement of folds in the T-shaped components allows them to flex and thereby to accommodate to a certain extent any unevenness in the underlying surface.

FIGURE 5.20 illustrates the manner in which sub-divided rotating bearing can be configured in such a u way as to accommodate a box-sectioned axle or shaft.

Drawings 5.20.1 and 5.20.2 show the two components which together comprise a male element of a rotary attachment devices. Each component is provided with a rectangular cut-out. Drawing 5.20.3 shows a portion of material incorporating four parallel lines of fold which permit it to assume a hollow box section with one of the outer portions overlapping the other outer portion. Once folded the box-section is maintained by the insertion of tabs into slots. At one end of the portion a pair of slots are provided. Drawing 5.20.4 shows the folded portion with the slots on opposite sides of the "box" configuration. Drawing 5.20.5 shows the aperture formed by bringing the components illustrated in the first and second drawings together and drawing 5.20.6 shows how the box-section is able to be inserted into this aperture so that the portions on either side of the splits come to rest on either side of the perpendicular portion FIGURE 5.21 shows a device for securing a flange in a fixed position on a boxsectioned shaft. The first drawing shows the portion comprising the flange in which is provided a rectangular aperture the dimensions of which are slightly greater than those of the box-sectioned shaft depicted in the second drawing.

The flange is slipped over the shaft and when it reaches the desired position is rotated until the centre points of the sides of the rectangle engage with notches along the folded edges of the shaft. A tight push-fit results, movement of the flange along the shaft being prevented by the material lying within the notches. Where the material is of such a weight as not to be particularly robust additional strength may be afforded to the construction by doubling-up the flanges, laying identically shaped portions of material back-to-back.

FIGURE 5.22 shows an application of the fifth aspect of the invention in which three box-sectioned shafts are joined together to form a single crankshaft.

The crankshaft is formed by plates each incorporating two rectangular apertures, of the kind shown in drawing 5.22.1. The plates are arranged in two pairs. Two further plates of the kind shown in drawing 5.22.2 are positioned within the cranked portion of the shaft, their purpose being to prevent the tongue shown in drawing 5.22.3 from fowling against the protruding ends of the box-sectioned shafts outermost of the cranked portion. The fourth drawing of the figure shows the construction in a schematic form, the tongue projecting outwardly through a split in the surface of a cylinder (only the split being shown). When the shaft is turned the tongue moves backwards and forwards within the split. The edges of the split are not contiguous so as to facilitate free movement of the tongue.

FIGURE 523 shows an application of the fifth aspect of the invention in which a box-section shaft acts as a crankshaft. Drawings 5.23.1 and 5.23.2 show two eccentric cams which are placed at the centre of the shaft in the manner shown in drawing 5.23.3. When the shaft is turned the portions shown crosshatched and stippled in drawing 5.23.4 rise and fall according to the position of the cams. The means of securing the portions to the remainder of the artefact are not shown but are such as to ensure that the portions spring back into their lowermost position as the cam moves from an engaged to a disengaged position.

FIGURE 5.24 shows a male portion of a rotary attachment device configured in the same manner as that illustrated in Figure 5.20 to which portion an arm with an aperture has been added. The aperture represents the female element of a further rotary attachment device which may be similar to those illustrated in Figure 5.17. In this way a hand crank is formed which may be coupled-up to a box-sectioned shaft of the kind employed in the preceding figure.

FIGURE 5.25 shows a cylindrical embodiment formed from two layers of material in which the female elements of the rotary devices are provided in the outer layer. The tabs of the male elements (comprising rotating bearings) are positioned been the two layers, which being close fitting ensure that they do not inadvertently leave their approximately flat plane and dicengage from the sides of the respective apertures. The third drawing of the figure shows an interior view of the cylinder, as it might appear prior to completion of assembly, the obverse surface of the inner layer shown cross-hatched for the purpose of iden'rification In the descriptions of drawings relating to the sixth aspect of the invention which follow, a portion incorporating a split or splits is categorised as a female portion and a portion incorporating one or more pairs of oppositely directed tabs adapted to slidably engage with the portion in which the splits are provided is categorised as a male portion The portion to be assembled into a cylindrical or other hollow sectioned shape is to be regarded as a fixed portion of the artefact and the attached portion is described as a sliding portion. The embodiments shown are of a generally of a cylindrical tpe and generally comprise a single layer of material. Most of the constructions illustrated are, however, applicable to frusto-conical and other shapes of artefact in accordance with the invention and to artefacts formed from more than one layer of material.

FIGURE 6.1 shows an embodiment comprising a cylindrical artefact formed from a single layer of material 1801 incorporating a single vertical split 1803 so as to comprise a female and fixed portion. The second drawing of the figure shows a male portion 1805 incorporating a tab arrangement 1807 comprising a pair of oppositely directed tabs adapted to slidably engage with the material adjoining the split. The tabs comprise a larger tab 1809 and a smaller tab 1811 and operate along the same vertical axis (marked A - A in the second drawing). The base of the smaller tab 1811 is inside and substantially co-linear (along the line marked B - B) with the base of the large tab 1809. Following engagement of the tabs with the material on either side of the split the plane of the male portion assumes a tangential position with respect to the surface of the cylinder and is capable of linear movement in the manner illustrated in the fourth and fifth drawings of the figure. The final drawing shows a perspective view illustrating the manner of engagement of the tabs with the material on either side of the split, that part of the tabs 1809 and 1811 lying below the surface of the material incorporating the split 1803 being shown by a broken line.

FIGURE 6.2 shows an embodiment comprising a cylindrical artefact formed from a single layer of material 1817 incorporating a single vertical split 1819 so as to comprise a female and fixed portion. The second drawing of the figure shows a second portion 1821 incorporating a pair of oppositely directed tabs 1823 adapted to slidably engage with the material on either side of the split. The male portion is folded through 90 degrees about a line of fold 1825 so that following assembly its plane is horizontal to the axis of symmetry of the cylinder while projecting radially from its surface. The third and fourth drawings of the figure show respectively a perspective view and a plan view of the assembled artefact FIGURE 6.3 shows a similar embodiment comprising a cylindrical artefact formed from a single layer of material 1831 incorporating a single vertical split 1833 so as to comprise a female and fixed portion. In this embodiment, however, the split is at an angle to the horizontal in relation to the axis of symmetry of the cylinder. The direction of linear movement of the male portion 1835 incorporating oppositely directed tabs 1837 is likewise at an angle to the horizontal.

FIGURE 6.4 shows a similar embodiment in which the single split 1841 incorporated into the fixed portion 1843 follows the line of a curve (in preassembly plan view) around the surface of the cylinder. The direction of linear movement of the male sliding portion 1845 is, accordingly, similarly curved.

FIGURE 6.5 shows an embodiment comprising a cylindrical artefact formed from an inner layer of material 1851 and an outer layer 1853, the outer layer incorporating a single vertical split 1855 so as to comprise a female and fixed portion. The second drawing of the figure shows a male sliding portion 1857 incorporating an arrangement of tabs 1859 not being a pair and not operating about the same vertical axis. The tabs are folded through 90 degrees, two tabs 1861 and 1863 in one direction, the third tab 1865 in the opposite direction along a fold line 1867, the tabs thereby becoming oppositely directed tabs adapted to slidably engage with the material on either side of the split 1855.

Following engagement of the tabs the male portion 1857 projects radially from the surface of the cylinder in a vertical plane. The three tabs, it will be noted are secured in position be the friction exerted by the two layers comprising the cylinder.

FIGURE 6.6 shows an embodiment comprising a similarly configured double layered female and fixed portion comprising an outer layer of material 1873 and an inner layer 1874 in which, however, the male sliding portion 1875 is provided with oppositely directed tabs 1877 and 1879 projecting from opposite sides. The tabs are brought into a position in which they able to engage with the material on either side of the split 1881 by folding the male portion through 180 degrees along the fold line 1883 and folding each of the tabs 1877 and 1879 through 90 degrees along fold lines 1885 and 1887. Again it should be noted that the tabs are secured in position be the friction exerted by the two layers comprising the cylinder.

FIGURE 6.7 shows an embodiment comprising a cylindrical artefact formed from single layer of material 1893 incorporating a pair of parallel elongate splits 1895 so as to comprise a female and fixed portion. The second drawing of the figure shows a male sliding portion 1897 provided with a pair of oppositely directed tabs 1899, the tabs adapted to slidably engage with the material at the sides of the splits.

FIGURE 6.8 shows an alternative form of male sliding portion 1905 in which two pairs of oppositely directed tabs 1907 and 1909, one pair at either end of the portion, are provided.

FIGURE 6.9 shows a similarly configured male sliding portion 1913 in which, however, the two pairs of oppositely directed tabs 1915 and 1917 are folded through 180 degrees along fold lines 1919 and 1921 so as to lie undermost of the male portion as shown in the third drawing of the figure which is a perspective view of the reverse side of the male portion. The tabs 1915 and 1917 will be concealed from view when the male portion 1913 is slidably engaged with the female (fixed) portion 1919.

FIGURE 6.10 shows an embodiment comprising a cylindrical artefact formed from single layer of material 1927 incorporating a pair of oppositely directed tabs 1929 so as to comprise a fixed portion which functions not as a female portion but as a male portion as defined above. A female sliding portion 1931 incorporates a pair of parallel elongate splits 1933, the material adjoining the splits adapted to slidably engage with tabs 1929 in the fixed portion 1927.

Drawing 6.4.10 and the remaining drawings of the figure demonstrated the greater versatility afforded by two pairs of opposed tabs arranged in a circular configuration of the kind generally found in embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention. The female sliding portion 1931 can be attached so as to move vertically or horizontally. The same male element can be used to attach a rotating element 1933 either instead of or in addition to the sliding portion 1931.

FIGURE 6.11 shows an embodiment comprising a cylindrical artefact formed from single layer of material 1939 incorporating both a pair of parallel elongate splits 1941 and a pair of oppositely directed tabs 1943. This portion is a fixed portion which, incorporating tabs as well as splits, performs the functions of both female and male portions. The second drawing of the figure shows a sliding portion 1945 similarly provided with both a pair of oppositely directed tabs 1947 and a pair of parallel elongate splits 1949 and therefor likewise able to perform the functions of both a female and male portion.

Such a configuration provides a particularly secure form of slideable attachment.

FIGURE 6.12 shows an embodiment comprising a cylindrical artefact formed from single layer of material 1955 incorporating a pair of parallel elongate splits 1957 arranged circumferentially. This portion comprises a female and fixed portions A male sliding portion 1959 is provided with two pairs of oppositely directed tabs 1961. The male portion is able to take on a tubular shape when the tabs are folded along the fold lines 1963, and brought together in the manner illustrated in the third drawing of the figure. This configuration may be maintained by the frictional effect which comes about when the tabs are inserted into the splits 1957 as shown in the fourth drawing. The frictional effect is greater when a second layer is present.

FIGURE 6.13 shows an embodiment similar to that depicted in Figure 6.8 excepting that the sides of the elongate splits are not contiguous. In this example a cylindrical artefact functioning as a female and fixed portion is formed from a single layer of material 1969 and provided with a pair of elongate splits 1971 which are not mere splits in the material. Such an arrangement facilitates insertion of the tabs forming part of the male sliding portion 1973 into the splits but a reduction in the frictional effect may occur. It may be found particularly useful where a second layer of material is present.

FIGURE 6.14 shows an alternative device for fadlitating the insertion of tabs into splits. In this example a cylindrical artefact 1977 is provided with a pair of elongate splits 1979 at one end of which apertures 1981 are provided. The shape of these apertures corresponds to the shape of the tabs 1983 and 1985 in the male sliding portion 1987. In the third drawing of the figure the act of manual insertion of the first pair of tabs 1985 into the apertures 1981 is shown These tabs, once inserted, are slipped down the splits and the second pair of tabs 1983 is then fed in through the apertures in the same way. Such a device may, again, be particularly useful in the case where a second layer of the material is present or where the substrate employed is relatively thick and/or inflexible. It will be noted that the embodiment illustrated employees a male sliding portion 1987 in which the tabs 1983 and 1985 fold underneath the flap along fold lines 1989. In the result only the image bearing surface is presented to view.

FIGURE 6.15 shows an embodiment comprising a cylindrical artefact formed from a single layer of material 1993 incorporating a pair of parallel elongate splits 1995 so as to comprise a female and fixed portion. The second drawing of the figure shows a male sliding portion 1997 incorporating two pairs of oppositely directed tabs 1999 adapted to slidably engage with the material on either side of the splits 1995. The male portion also incorporates a four tab array 2001 typical of the male component of a rotary attachment device found in embodiments of the fifth aspect of the invention. The third drawing of the figure shows a rotatable element 2003 adapted to be attached to the male portion by means of a circular aperture 2005 the sides of which are adapted to slidablv engage with the tabs 2001. Following assembly, the element 2003 is able to slide up and down the surface of the cylinder 1993 and rotate at the same time. Figure 6.15.5 shows a similarly configured embodiment in which the sliding portion 2006 acts as a fixed portion not to a rotary attachment device but to a further sliding portion 2007. The rotary attachment device could, it may be noted, have been employed for the same purposes but the means of attachment s ould have been less neat.

FIGURE 6.16 shows an embodiment comprising a cylindrical artefact formed from an inner layer of material 2009 and an outer layer 2011, the inner layer incorporating a pair of parallel elongate splits 2013 so as to comprise a female and fixed portion. The second drawing of the figure shows a male sliding portion 2015 incorporating a pair of oppositely directed tabs 2017 adapted to slidably engage with the material on either side of the splits 2013. The third, fourth and fifth drawings show rear perspective views of the cylinder respectively before the male portion has been fitted and with the male portion in its lowered and fully raised positions. The sixth drawing shows a front perspective view with the male portion fully raised. The configuration adopted is such that there is no evidence of either the male portion or the mechanism whereby it is brought into view when the male portion is in its lowest position, the splits 2013 being provided in the inner and not the outer layer.

FIGURE 6.17 shows a similar embodiment to that depicted in the preceding figure in which, however, the tabs 2023 are incorporated into the fixed portion which portion is, accordingly designated the male portion, and comprises the inner layer 2025 of the artefact. When the inner layer is folded behind the outer layer 2027 in the course of assembly the tabs are concealed from view. Two separate sliding portions 2029 and 2031 of similar shape and size are provided. These portions may be categorised as female portions since they each incorporate a pair of parallel elongate splits the material adjoining the splits adapted to slidably engage with the tabs. Both sliding portions 2029 and 2031 may be attached to the tabs 2023 in the fixed portion simultaneously. The user than has the choice of which of the two sliding portions 2029 and 2031 should be raised and brought into view, the other portion remaining out of sight When such an effect is required it is important that the fixed portion should incorporate the tabs and not the split or splits because the opposite configuration does not permit the separate portions to slide freely in relation to each other.

FIGURE 6.18 shows an embodiment comprising a cylindrical artefact formed from an inner layer of material 2037 and an outer layer 2039, the inner layer incorporating two separate attachment devices, namely a pair of parallel elongate splits 2045 and a pair of oppositely directed tabs 2047. The inner layer accordingly comprises a fixed portion which able to act as a female or male portion, or both at the same time. The second drawing of the figure shows a separately provided female sliding portion 2049 incorporating a pair of parallel elongate splits 2051 and the third drawing shows a separately provided male sliding portion 2053 incorporating a pair of oppositely directed tabs 2055. The male sliding portion 2053 is shown cross-hatched to facilitate identification The portions of material adjoining the respective pairs of splits and the tabs are adapted to slidably engage with their opposite numbers incorporated into the inner layer 2037. The configuration is such that the separately provided sliding portions 2049 and 2053 can both be attached to the inner layer at the same time and moved independently of each other.

Although the attachment devices incorporated into the inner layer 2037 are symmetrical they can be employed in an asymmetric manner if preferred.

Drawing 6.18.4 shows a further separately provided sliding portion 2057 incorporating a pair of oppositely directed tabs 2059 adapted to engage with the material adjoining a single split such as either one of the pair of splits 2045. The final drawing of the figure shows the sliding portion 2057 attached to the right-hand of the two splits in the assembled artefact. If desired a similarly configured separate sliding portion could at the same time be attached to the left-hand split.

FIGURE 6.19 shows an embodiment comprising a cylindrical artefact formed from an inner layer of material 2065 and an outer layer 2067, the outer layer incorporating a pair of parallel elongate splits 2069 and an aperture 2071. The outer layer comprises a fixed portion which is also a female portion. The second drawing of the figure shows a separately provided male sliding portion 2073 incorporating a pair of oppositely directed tabs 2075. The third drawing shows the same separately provided portion curved so as to correspond to the curvature of the outer layer 2067. When the tabs 2075 are engaged with the splits 2069 the separately provided portion becomes a sliding flap which reveals or conceals as required the aperture 2071 through which can be seen the reverse surface of the inner layer 2065. The difference in the degree of curvature between the surface of the cylinder generally and the flap helps to maintain the tabs 2075 (and therefor the flap) in a reasonably stable lateral position between the two splits 2069. When the two thumb tabs 2079 are incorporated into the flap the action of sliding it open and closed is greatly facilitated. A view through the aperture 2071 of the obverse side of the inner layer 2065 can be obtained by incorporation of a double hinge device in accordance with the second aspect of the invention.

FIGURE 6.20 shows an alternative form of sliding flap 2083 in which two pairs of oppositely directed tabs 2085 and 2087 are provided. These tabs are separated by a third pair of oppositely directed tabs 2089. When the outermost tabs are inserted through the splits 2091 in the fixed portion 2093 while the centre pair of tabs remains on the surface a higher degree of lateral stability is imparted to the sliding flap than is provided by the construction depicted in the preceding figure.

FIGURE 6.21 shows a sliding flap embodiment in which the sliding flap 2099 is provided with a pair of parallel elongate splits 2101 which are folded out of view by means of fold lines 2103. The assembled cylinder 2105, comprising the fixed portion, is provided with a pair of oppositely directed tabs 2107 which engage with the material adjoining the splits 2101 in their folded position underlying the flap 2099 generally.

FIGURE 6.22 shows a cylindrical artefact provided with a single layer of material 2113 and a single elongate split 2115 which split lies close to and parallel with an edge 2117 which is one of the two opposite sides of the material which are attached together when the cylinder is assembled. A separately provided sliding portion 2119 is provided with a pair of oppositely directed tabs 2121, the tabs being in an 'H" configuration, one of which tabs is adapted to slidably engage with the material adjoining the split 2115, the other with the edge 2117. The fourth and fifth drawings of the figure shows a variation of the separately provided sliding portion 2119 in which two cutouts are incorporated into the elongate member lying between the attachment mechanism and the uppermost surface representing a flag. The cut-outs extend inwardly from the respective outer edges of the elongate member and in each case half-way across its width. A line of fold is provided between the two cut-outs which lies along the long axis of the elongate member. Activation of the fold permits the plane of the uppermost surface to be rotated to whatever extent may be necessary to ensure that it is precisely forward facing when viewed from the front of the artefact, the position of the attachment mechanism notwithstanding.

FIGURE 6.23 shows a single layered cylindrical artefact 2118 provided with means of attachment of the opposite sides consisting of two pairs of oppositely directed tabs 2119 adapted to slidably engage with two pairs of parallel elongate slots 2121. Such a means of attachment allows the diameter of the cylinder to vary to a certain extent. A pair of vertical splits 2123 and 2125 are placed in-board of the components of the attachment mechanism so that when the cylinder is assembled the splits will be separated by and parallel to the edges of material comprising the attached opposite sides. The cylinder represent a fixed female portion of the attachment device for a separately provided T-shaped sliding male portion 2127, the cross-member of which comprises a pair of oppositely directed elongate tabs 2129 and 2131.

The tabs slidably engage with the material adjoining the respective splits 2123 and 2125 so that the cross-member straddles the attached opposite sides of the cylinder. The arm 2133, representing the vertical component of the r, is presented to view above the upper edge of the assembled cylinder. The tabs 2129 and 2131 are sufficiently elongate and the splits 2123 and 2125 sufficiently distant from each other in the assembled artefact to allow side-to side movement of the arm 2133. The extent of side-to-side movement available is such as to allow the ann to take up a central position at the back of the artefact in relation to the front of the artefact irrespective of any variations in its diameter following assembly and overlapping of the attached opposite sides.

FIGURE 6.24 shows a more versatile version of the embodiment shown in the preceding figure in which the laterally sliding portion becomes the fixed portion for a second sliding portion In this way the portion presented to view above the upper edge of the assembled artefact can move upwards and downwards as well as from side to side. In the embodiment illustrated the sliding portion 2139 incorporates oppositely directed tabs 2141 and 2143 which tabs are adapted to slidably engage with the splits 2123 and 2125 in the cylindrical artefact 2118 depicted in the preceding figure. The laterally sliding portion 2139 is further provided with two pairs of oppositely directed tabs 2145 and 2147. The sliding portion 2139 is thus able to act as a fixed portion to a further portion 2149 which portion is provided with a pair of parallel elongate splits 2151. When the pairs of tabs 2145 and 2147 are slideable engaged with the material in which the pair of splits 2151 is provided up and down movement as well as movement from side-to-side is possible.

FIGURE 6.25 indicates the manner in which a rotary attachment device can replace the second sliding portion. In the embodiment illustrated the sliding portion 2157 incorporates the male component of a rotary attachment device 2159, the configuration being one of four endosed tabs.

FIGURE 6.26 indicates the manner in which a rotary attachment device can be added to a second sliding portion such as the portion 2149 in Figure 6.24. In the embodiment illustrated the sliding portion 2165 incorporates a pair of parallel elongate splits 2167 and the male component of a rotary attachment device 2169, the configuration again being one of four endosed tabs.

FIGURES 6.27 to 6.35 show a number of other possible fixed portion configurations in addition to those already illustrated. These configurations may be respectively categorised as being frusto-conical, frusto-pyramidal, square sectioned, regular or irregular octagonal sectioned, opposed "V" sectioned, oblong sectioned, inverted frustoconical and inv

Claims (1)

1. An artefact which is substantially cylindrical or frusto-conical or tubular in shape and formed with a hollow section from a piece of flexible material by bringing together and attaching two opposite sides, the material being folded into a smaller size and subsequently unfolded about at least one line of fold prior to assembly as a cylinder or frusto-cone or other shape, the material being pros ided with an enclosed partially cut-out portion comprising a tongue, the base of the tongue lying across the line of fold, the tongue adapted to act as a bracing element so that the residual effect of the fold is reduced or modified following assembly of the artefact and in use.

2. An artefact as daimed in claim 1, wherein the material from which the artefact is formed comprises two or more layers, both of which layers are folded and subsequently unfolded.

3. An artefact as claimed in daim 1, wherein the piece of material is folded and unfolded about at least one vertical line which, in case of a cylindrical or frusto-conical artefact is substantially parallel with the axis of symmetry, or which is substantially perpendicular to the base to the assembled artefact.

4. An artefact as daimed in daim 1, wherein the sense of a fold or some or all of the folds, prior to being unfolded, is inward of the contours of the surface of the assembled artefact 5. An artefact as daimed in claim 1, wherein the artefact is folded into three parts prior to being unfolded.

6. An artefact as daimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of tongues is provided, the bases of at least two tongues lying across a single line of fold.

7. An artefact as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more tongues are provided, the base of a tongue lying across a line of a fold which is unfolded in the course of assembly and in use, a tongue being adapted to be folded through 90 degrees about the line its base so that its plane assumes a position at approximately a right angle to the curved surface of the artefact, the tongue thereby bracing the artefact against the residual effect of the fold after it is unfolded.

8. An artefact as claimed in claim 7, wherein a tongue is provided with a further fold of 180 degrees parallel to the first fold, the effect of the further fold being to return that part of the tongue lying beyond the further fold back through the aperture formed by the partial cut-out and left by the tongue.

9. An artefact as claimed in claim 1, wherein in addition to a tongue the artefact is provided with one or more splits adapted to accept the tongue.

10. An artefact as claimed in claim 9, wherein the material from which the artefact is formed comprises two or more layers, a tongue being provided in an inner layer and one or more splits being provided in an outer layer.

11. An artefact as daimed in claim 10, wherein a tongue is provided in an inner layer and folded through 90 degrees and passed through a split in the outer layer.

12. An artefact as claimed in claim 11, wherein a tongue is further folded through 180 degrees and returned through the same split in the outer layer.

13. An artefact as claimed in daim 11, wherein a tongue is further folded twice through 90 degrees so as to assume a square section prior to returning through a second split in the outer layer.

14. An artefact as claimed in claim 11, wherein a tongue is further folded twice so as to assume a triangular section prior to returning through a second split in the outer layer.

15. An artefact as claimed in claim 9, wherein the tongue is tapered the effect of the tapering being to assist the insertion of a tongue into a split and to secure the tongue more tightly within the split.

16. An artefact as claimed in claim 9, wherein a section of a split incorporates aperture, the edge of the aperture furthest from the line of the split in the shape of a minor arc of a circle, the length of the aperture corresponding to the distal end of the tapered tongue, the aperture facilitating the insertion of the tongue within the split.

17. An artefact as claimed in claim 9 or 15, wherein the tongue is provided with notches adapted to engage with the material at the respective ends of a split the effect of the notches being (together with tapering, if present) to secure the tongue more tightly within the split.

18. An artefact as claimed in claim 1, wherein the material from which the artefact is formed is transparent.

19. An artefact as claimed in claim 1, wherein the material from which the artefact is formed is not greater than 450 mm by 640 mm.

20. An artefact as claimed in claim 1, wherein the material from which the artefact is formed is of metal composition.

21. An artefact which is substantially cylindrical or frusto-conical or tubular in shape and formed with a hollow section from a piece of flexible material by bringing together and attaching two opposite sides, the artefact comprising two or more layers of material curved or bent in a similar manner which layers may or may not be integral with each other, a portion or portions of the material forming part of or integral with the inner layer being either: passed through a split in the outer layer, and/or extended beyond the periphery of the outer layer, and7or exposed to view following assembly and in use by a cut-out or enclosed partial cut-out portion in the outer layer, and/or in combination with the outer layer or another layer functioning as a close fitting socket adapted to secure firmly another portion of material which may be extended from and integral with either the outer layer or an inner layer or entirely separate therefrom.

22. An artefact as claimed in claim 21, wherein the hollow section is polygonal, elliptic or irregular in shape.

23. An artefact as claimed in claim 21, wherein the artefact is formed by the attachment of the opposite sides of a portion of material comprising all or part of an outer layer.

24. An artefact as daimed in claim 21, wherein material extended from one layer is folded through 180 degrees so as to provide a further layer, the two layers remaining integrally connected to each other, both layers being curved or bent so as to take on the same contours as the material comprising the outer layer.

25. An artefact as claimed in daim 21, wherein are provided at least three layers of material, a portion or portions of the material forming part of the innermost layer being passed through a split in another inner layer and/or through a split in the outer layer.

26. An artefact as claimed in claim 21, wherein is provided a portion comprising an enclosed partial cut-out which portion stands away from the surface of the artefact when the surrounding material is curved or bent in the course of assembly and in use.

27. An artefact as claimed in claim 21, wherein is provided a portion comprising an enclosed partial cut-out which portion is adapted to be folded outwardly from the surface of the artefact in the course of assembly and/or infuse.

28. An artefact as daimed in claim 21, wherein is provided a portion comprising an endosed cut-out or partial cut-out which cut-out is formed in whole or in part by perforations, the perforations adapted to be torn open by a consumer so as that the portion can be either folded outwardly from the surface of the artefact or removed from the artefact altogether.

29. An artefact as claimed in claim 28, wherein the portion comprising a cut-out incorporating perforations is provided with an aperture or tab along or adjacent to an edge or distal edge as tie case may be, if an aperture capable of being engaged with a finger, if a tab capable of being gripped between finger and thumb, so as to fai:iitate the tearing open of the perforations.

30. An artefact as claimed in claim 21, wherein a portion comprising an enclosed partial cut-out forms part of an inner layer of material which is passed through a split or aperture in the outer portion or portions so as to project outwardly of the surface of the assembled artefact.

31. An artefact as daimed in claim 21, wherein a portion comprising an enclosed partial cut-out forms part of an outer layer of material, the portion being provided with a line of fold (which may be disjointed) enabling it to act as a flap and to project outwardly of the surface of the artefact in use or to be opened and closed as required, elements forming part of the partially cut-out portion lying on either side of the line of fold, an element or elements to one side of the line of fold being tab-like and sufficiently small relative to the elasticity of the material comprising the artefact to be able to rotate about the line of fold with the remainder of the portion, the tab like element or elements pressing against and pushing in wardly the surface of the inner portion or portions as it does so, the rotation completed the inner portion or portions returning to the state prior to rotation commencing and thereby locking the flap into the open position 32. An artefact as claimed in claim 21, wherein is provided a portion comprising an enclosed partial cut-out which portion incorporates a further enclosed partial cut-out or cut-out.

33. An artefact as claimed in claim 21, wherein is provided a portion comprising an enclosed partial cut-out, which portion adjoins an enclosed cutout.

34. An artefact as claimed in claim 21, wherein is provided a portion comprising an enclosed cut-out, the configuration of the cut-out being such that adjoining portions perform some of the functions of enclosed partial cutouts.

35. An artefact as claimed in claim 21, wherein is provided a portion comprising an enclosed partial cut-out, the portion being incorporated into an outer layer and incorporating one or more folds so that it may be opened and dosed as a flap or its surface may be otherwise placed in relief in relation to the surrounding surface.

36. An artefact as claimed in claim 35, wherein the enclosed partial cut-out portion comprises a flap which is adapted to take up a position between the outer layer and an inner layer and to slide from a first position in which it largely covers the surface of the inner layer to a second position in which its surface is bent outwardly so as to project above the surface of the outer layer and the surface of the inner layer is visible through the aperture, the distal end of the flap configured so that portions on either side remain between the two layers as it slides from the first to the second position, friction from the two layers maintaining the flap in a closed or open state.

37. An artefact as claimed in claim 21, wherein is provided a portion incorporating an enclosed cut-out, the portion forming part of an outer layer, a separately provided portion comprising a flap which is not integral with the remainder ofthe artefact being placed between the portion forming an outer layer and a portion forming an inner layer, the flap adapted to slide from a first position in which it underlies the aperture formed by the cut-out to a second position in which it is largely concealed between the two portions and the surface of the inner portion is visible through the aperture.

38. An artefact as claimed in claim 21, wherein is provided a portion comprising an enclosed cut-out, the portion forming part of an outer layer, a separately provided portion comprising a flap which is not integral with the remainder of the artefact being placed outwardly of the portion incorporating the cut-out, the flap adapted to slide from a first position in which it overlays the aperture formed by the cut-out to a second position in which it is largely concealed between the portion incorporating the cut-out and a portion forming an inner layer, the surface of the inner portion being visible through the aperture, the flap passing through a split in the outer portion adjacent to the cut-out, the split being at a right angle to the direction of sliding.

39. An artefact as claimed in claim 3s, wherein the flap is provided with projections at either end to prevent the ends passing through the split.

40. An artefact as claimed in claim o7 or 38, wherein the flap is provided with an aperture capable of being engaged by a finger or a tab-like element or an elongate extension capable of being gripped between finger and thumb to facilitate manipulation of the flap.

41. An artefact as claimed in claim 37 or 38, wherein the flap is provided with guides, the guides formed by tab-like projections from the inner layer and placed at the sides of flap and/or at the end.

42. An artefact as claimed in claim 41, wherein the guides project through complementary splits in the outer layer.

43. An artefact as claimed in claim 21, wherein an inner layer is comprised of a portion of material which is integral with the outer layer, the said portion being folded through 180 degrees so as to take up a position in which it wholly or partially underlies the outer layer following assembly and in use.

44. An artefact as claimed in claim 24 or 43, wherein a portion of material comprising an inner layer is further rotated through 180 degrees so as to present the obverse side to view following assembly and in use.

45. An artefact as claimed in claim 44, wherein the second 180 degree line of fold is not visible in a level view of the assembled artefact, either from the front and sides, or from all sides.

46. An artefact as claimed in claim 24, wherein the portions comprising an inner and an outer layer are separated along a common boundary by a line of fold, which line of fold lies along the upper edge of the assembled artefact, the line of fold being either continuous or disjointed.

47. An artefact as claimed in claim 24, wherein portions of material forming an inner layer, or a plurality of inner layers, and an outer layer are present, the boundary between a portion comprising one inner layer and another, or an inner layer and an outer layer, consisting of a line or linear lines of fold which line or lines of fold may rye generally co-linear with one or more splits which split or splits may be enclosed or openended.

48. An artefact as claimed in claim 47, wherein an enclosed partial cut-out or an enclosed cut-out is present along side or on each side of a line of fold or between two lines of fold, the partial cut-out or cut-out being contiguous with or lying across an imaginary line linear with the line or lines of fold, the effect being to leave a portion of material comprising one layer projecting outwardly of the material comprising another layer following assembly of the artefact.

49. An artefact as claimed in claim 23, wherein the dimensions of any portion comprising an inner layer are less tian those comprising the outer layer so that no part of an inner layer underiies any part of the outer layer in which the means of attachment for joining its opposite sides together are situated.

50. An artefact as claimed in claim 24, wherein a portion extended from and integral with one layer of material is folded through 180 degrees and returned in such a way that it lies between h o layers of material performing the function of a socket, the folded portion providing a third layer, the friction exerted by the surfaces of inner and outer layers maintaining the third layer in its folded position.

51. An artefact as claimed in claim 50, wherein is provided a plurality of elongate extensions depending from the lower edge of the material comprising the assembled artefact so as to form legs upon which it can stand.

52. An artefact as claimed in claim 51, wherein the elongate extensions are three in number so as to form legs in the manner of a tripod.

53. An artefact as claimed in claim 52, wherein one of the three elongate extensions is adapted to be bent outwardly or inwardly so as to vary the centre of gravity of the artefact 54. An artefact as claimed in claim 51, wherein one or more elongate extensions is provided with an enclosed partial cut-out adapted to be folded outwardly along a fold line co-linear with or parallel to the long axis of the extension so as to act as a brace.

55. An artefact as claimed in claim 21, wherein a separately provided portion not being integral with the artefact is adapted to be secured to the artefact by means of a part of the portion comprising a tab, the tab being adapted to be placed between two layers of the material comprising the artefact, the layers of material functioning as a socket.

56. An artefact as claimed in claim 55, wherein the tab is inserted between the two layers of material via a split in the outer layer.

57. An artefact as claimed in claim 56, wherein the separately provided portion shares the split in the outer layer of material with an element integral with and extended from an inner or outer layer and/or another separately provided portion 58. An artefact as claimed in claim 56, wherein the tab is provided with a notch or notches adapted to engage with the material adjoining an end or ends of the split, and/or is provided with a fold line corresponding with the line of the split following insertion, the effect of folding being to modify the plane of that part of the separately provided portion projecting from the surface of the artefact and not acting as a tab and not lying between the layers.

59. An artefact as claimed in any one of claims 55 to 58, wherein the separately provided portion at its distal end is provided with means of attachment either to a further separately provided portion or to another part of the artefact.

60. An artefact as claimed in claim 59, wherein the separately provided portion is provided with two tabs adapted to be inserted between the two layers of material at two separate points.

61. An artefact as claimed in claim 55, wherein the separately provided portion is adapted to be attached to two separate artefacts each in accordance with the invention, each artefact incorporating at least two layers of material, the portion being provided with two separate tabs adapted to be inserted between the two layers of material incorpo-ated into each artefact.

62. An artefact as claimed in claim 55. wherein the separately provided portion itself comprises an artefact in accordance with the invention.

63. An artefact as claimed in claim 21. wherein the inner surface of the artefact is substantially smooth so as to be capable of accepting and/or being slipped over and/or acting as a wrapper or covering or mantle for another artefact whether in accordance with the present invention or otherwise.

64. An artefact as claimed in claim 63, wherein the dimensions and configuration of the artefact are such that it is able to accept and/or be slipped over and/or act as a wrapper for a drinks can or a drinks bottle with a diameter of the order of 65 mm or a glass jar or similar domestic artefact.

65. An artefact as daimed in claim 63, wherein a portion lying within the hollow part of the artefact, parts of which portion are adapted to be passed outwardly through splits in the material comprising the artefact, is configured so that part of the portion lying within the artefact conforms to the surface contours of the material comprising the artefact, the portion being provided with shoulder type elements which engage with the inner surface of the material adjoining the splits so as to prevent the portion lying within the hollow part of the artefact from assuming a plane other than one which conforms to the said surface contours.

66. An artefact as claimed in claim 21, S wherein a greater number of layers of material are present in the lower part of the assembled artefact than in the upper part, the effect being to lower the centre of gravity of the artefact.

67. An artefact as claimed in claim 21, wherein the configuration is such that substantially only the obverse side of the material from which the artefact is formed is visible when the artefact is assembled and is seen in a level view, either from the front and sides, or from all sides.

68. An artefact as claimed in claim 67, wherein the dimensions of material comprising an outer layer are equal to or greater than those of the corresponding portions of material comprising an inner layer or layers so as to conceal the inner layer or layers from view when the artefact is assembled.

69. An artefact as claimed in claim 21, wherein is provided at least two layers of material which are wholly or partially coterminous in the assembled state and which are maintained in a close fitting relationship by means of a tab or tabs provided in one layer of material engaging with the material adjoining a split or splits in the other layer of material.

70. An artefact as claimed in claim 21, wherein the material from which the artefact is formed is not greater than 450 mm by 640 mm.

71. An artefact as claimed in claim 21, wherein the material from which the artefact is formed is transparent or of metal composition.

72. An artefact which is substantially cylindrical or frusto-conical or tubular in shape and formed with a hollow section from a piece of flexible material by bringing together and attaching two opposite sides, the means of attachment being such as to allow a variation in the diameter or diameters of the artefact at the point or points of attachment, the means of attachment comprising one or other of the following arrangements: (1) an arrangement in which either an elongate split (or a pair of parallel elongate splits) is incorporated into a first portion of the material (the "female" portion) which split or splits do not extend to any edge of the material, and in which a pair of oppositely directed tabs is incorporated into a second portion of the material (the "male" portion), the tabs adapted to be inserted through the split (or each tab through a respective one of the pair of splits) so as to slidably engage with the material adjoining the split or splits and join the respective female and male portions together, the arrangement being such that a force must be applied to enable the tabs to overcome frictional resistance from the material adjoining the split or splits; or (2) an arrangement in which at least one elongate tab is incorporated into a first portion of the material (the "male" portion) which tab is provided with a plurality of notches along an edge, the tab adapted to be inserted into a split incorporated into a second portion of the material (the "female' portion) and to slidably engage with the material adjoining the split, the tab taking up and being maintained in a position corresponding to whichever one of the notches engages with the end of the split 73. An artefact as claimed in claim 72, wherein the artefact is comprised of a single layer of material, the female and male portions being opposite sides thereof.

74. An artefact as claimed in claim 72, wherein the artefact is comprised of more than one layer of material, the female and male portions being the opposite sides of the outer layer 75. An artefact as claimed in claim 74, wherein the inner layer does not underlie the outer layer at the point or points where the means of attachment are situated.

76. An artefact as claimed in claim 72, wherein the artefact is comprised of more than one layer of material, the female and male portions being either the opposite sides of the same layer or the opposite sides of different layers.

77. An artefact as claimed in claim 72, wherein the means of attachment comprise an arrangement in which oppositely directed tabs engage with the material adjoining one or more elongate splits and the artefact is comprised of more than one layer of material, the means of attachment being incorporated wholly or partly into an inner layer, cut-outs being incorporated into the outer and/or inner layer so as to permit engagement of the tabs with the material adjoining the split or splits.

78. An artefact as claimed in claim 72, wherein the means of attachment comprise an arrangement in which oppositely directed tabs engage with the material adjoining a single elongate split, the male portion being provided with a pair of opposiky directed tabs, the tabs adapted to engage with the material joining the split and to slide along it to the extent required to adjust the diameter of the artefact.

79. An artefact as claimed in claim 72, wherein the means of attachment comprise an arrangement in which oppositely directed tabs engage with the material adjoining one or more elongate splits the tabs being maintained in position in use either by notches cut into the sides of the split at intervals or ratchet-upe serration's, the notches or serration's adapted to engage with the material adjoining the base of a tab and/or the effect of friction.

80. An artefact as claimed in claim 72, wherein the means of attachment comprise an arrangement in which oppositely directed tabs engage with the material adjoining one or more elongate splits, the tabs comprising a pair operating along the same vertical axis.

81. An artefact as claimed in claim 80, wherein the tabs comprising a pair are identically configured.

82. An artefact as claimed in claim 80, wherein the tabs comprising a pair consist of a large tab and a small tab, the base of the small tab being inside and largely co-linear with the base of the large tab.

83. An artefact as claimed in claim 80, wherein in use one of the tabs is folded about the line of its base so as become an oppositely directed tab.

84. An artefact as claimed in claim 83, wherein an additional elongate split is provided in the female portion to capture the folded tab and secure it in position 85. An artefact as claimed in claim 80, wherein the tabs comprising a pair operate along the same vertical axis, their respective bases not being colinear, 86. An artefact as claimed in claim 85, wherein the means of attachment comprise an arrangement in which oppositely directed tabs engage with the material adjoining elongate splits, the female portion being provided with a pair of parallel elongate splits, the material adjoining the elongate splits engaging with a pair of oppositely directed tabs in the male portion.

87. An artefact as claimed in claim 72, wherein the means of attachment comprise an arrangement in which oppositely directed tabs engage with the material adjoining one or more elongate splits, each of the portions being provided with either a single elongate split or a pair of parallel elongate splits so that each portion has the characteristics of a female portion, the material adjoining the single elongate split or pair of elongate splits engaging with pairs of oppositely directed tabs in the respective other portion so that each of the other portions also has the characteristics of a male portions 88 An artefact as claimed in claim 87, wherein the pairs of tabs are positioned at or adjacent to the edge of a portion, the respective elongate split or splits being enclosed by the material from which the portion is formed and sufficiently distant from the tabs as to obviate or reduce the possibility of their ends being unintentionally torn up to the tabs in use.

89. An artefact as claimed in claim 87 or 88, wherein the arrangement of a tab or tabs and an elongate split or splits within a first portion is symmetrical to the arrangement within the second portion each portion having the characteristics of both female and male portions.

90. An artefact as claimed in any one of claims 85 to 89, wherein a pair of tabs is positioned so as to form a projection along the outer edge of a portion and not to be enclosed by material of which the portion is comprised.

91. An artefact as claimed in claim 72, wherein the means of attachment comprise an arrangement in which oppositely directed tabs engage with the material adjoining one or more elongate splits and either or both portions are provided with an aperture capable of being engaged by a finger or a tab-like element capable of being gripped between finger and thumb to facilitate positioning or adjustment of the tab or tabs within the split or splits.

DBP

93. An artefact as claimed in claim 72, wherein the means of attachment comprise an arrangement in which oppositely directed tabs engage with the material adjoining one or more elongate sp~ts, the artefact adapted to act as a stand for headwear, a scale calibrated according to head sizes being provided alongside an elongate split or between a pair of elongate splits, a suitable pointer and/or marking and/or window being provided in or on the other of portion.

94. An artefact as claimed in daim 72, wherein the means of attachment comprise an arrangement in which oppositely directed tabs engage with the material adjoining one or more elongate ?lits, a split being provided in a form in which it is perforated along all or part of its length, the perforations being tom open so as to allow a tab to slide along the split or to position a tab as required.

95. An artefact as claimed in claim 72, wherein the means of attachment comprise an arrangement in which oppositely directed tabs engage with the material adjoining one or more elongate splits, the sides of a split not being contiguous along all or part of its length.

96. An artefact as claimed in claim 95, wherein a section of a split incorporates an aperture, the edge of the aperture furthest from the line of the split being in the shape of a minor arc of a circle, the length of the aperture corresponding to or being less than the width of a tab, the aperture facilitating the insertion of the tab within the split.

97. An artefact as claimed in daim 72, wherein the means of attachment comprise an arrangement in which an elongate tab is inserted into a split, the tab being provided with a hook-shaped enlargement at its distal end, the enlargement adapted to be capable of insertion into the split and once inserted to remain therein until removed.

98. An artefact as claimed in claim 72, wherein the means of attachment comprise an arrangement in which two or more elongate tabs are provided in a male portion, a corresponding number of splits being provided in a female portion, the tabs being inserted in the respective splits.

99. An artefact as claimed in claim 72, wherein the means of attachment comprise an arrangement in which an elongate tab is inserted into a split, the artefact adapted to act as a stand for headwear, a scale calibrated according to head sizes being provided along the length of the tab, the points of reference being the notches along its edge.

100. An artefact as claimed in claim 72, wherein the material from which the artefact is formed is transparent.

101. An artefact as claimed in claim 72, wherein the material from which the artefact is formed is not greater than 450 mm by 640 mm.

102. An artefact as claimed in claim 72, wherein the material from which the artefact is formed is of metal composition.

103. An artefact which is substantially cylindrical or frusto-conical or tubular in shape and formed with a hollow section from a piece of flexible material by bringing together and attaching two opposite sides, the artefact being wholly or partially assembled and then folded flat by means of at least two folds extending from the upper edge to the lower edge of the artefact, the side edges of the artefact in its flattened state following the line of at least two folds, means being provided to restore the artefact to its hollow sectioned cylindrical or frusto-conical or tubular shape either by drawing the sides of the artefact at the point of the fold lines towards each other, or pushing them apart, or by inserting another object with surface contours corresponding to those of the assembled artefact but of smaller diameter.

104. An artefact as claimed in claim 103, wherein the artefact is folded flat by means of two fold lines on or adjacent to opposite sides of the assembled artefact, the fold lines moving outwardly when the artefact is reduced to a flat state.

105. An artefact as claimed in claim 104, wherein means of drawing the sides towards each other are provided, the means consisting of an elastic band placed within the hollow part of the assembled artefact, the band being secured to the material of which the artefact is comprised at points along or close to the fold lines at or about their midway point.

106. An artefact as claimed in claim 105, wherein the means of securing the elastic band consist of endosed partial cut-outs shaped as tabs or hooks incorporated into the material of which the artefact is comprised along or adjacent to the fold lines.

107. An artefact as claimed in claim 104, wherein the means of drawing the sides towards each other consist of an elongate element placed partly within that part of the artefact which is the hollow part when it is assembled and partly projecting from the sides of the artefact at points along or adjacent to the fold lines at or about their midway point, the elongate element being provided with means for locking the sides of the artefact into a desired position after they have been drawn towards each other.

108. An artefact as claimed in claim 107, wherein the means for locking the sides of the artefact into position are comprised of a ratchet device incorporated into the elongate element.

109. An artefact as claimed in claim 107 or 108, wherein means are provided for bending round and securing one or both ends of the elongate element, after the sides of the artefact have been drawn towards each other, to the outer surface of the artefact by means of a tab and slot or similar mechanism.

110. An artefact as claimed in claim 103, wherein the artefact is folded flat by means of two fold lines on or adjacent to opposite sides of the assembled artefact, the fold lines moving inwardly when the artefact is reduced to a flat state.

111. An artefact as claimed in claim 110, wherein the means of drawing the sides outwardly of each other consist of an elongate element inserted through a pair of parallel splits in the sides of the artefact at points along or close to the fold lines, the elongate element being provided with means to lock the sides of the artefact into an open position after they have been pushed outwardly of each other.

112. An artefact as claimed in claim 110, wherein the means for locking the sides into an open position are comprised of a ratchet device incorporated into the elongate element.

113. An artefact as claimed in claims 104 and 110, wherein the means of restoring the assembled artefact to its hollow shape consist of the insertion of an object with surface contours corresponding to those of the assembled artefact but of smaller diameter, the effect of the insertion being to separate and push apart the opposed flattened sides.

114. An artefact as claimed in claims 104 and 110, wherein the restoring the assembled artefact to its hollow shaped consist of the insertion of an object of smaller diameter, the surface contours of the object being such that the effect of the insertion is to separate and push apart the opposed flattened sides.

115. An artefact as claimed in claims 113 and 114, wherein the object inserted is a drinks can or bottle with a circular shaped section and a diameter of approximately 65 mm.

116. An artefact as claimed in claim 103, wherein the material from which the artefact is formed is transparent.

117. An artefact as claimed in claim 103, wherein the material from which the artefact is formed is not greater than 450 mm by 640 mm.

118. An artefact as claimed in claim 103, wherein the material from which the artefact is formed is of metal composition.

119. An artefact which is substantially cylindrical or frusto-conical or tubular in shape and formed with a hollow section from a piece of flexible material by bringing together and attaching two opposite sides, the artefact incorporating two portions of material one adapted to be fixed in position relative to the remainder of the artefact the other or others adapted to be capable of rotation with respect to the fixed portion by virtue of one portion defining a male element and another or other portions defining a female element.

120. An artefact as claimed in claim 119, wherein a plurality of radial cuts are provided in either one of the male or the female elements, the innermost and outermost ends of the cuts if provided in the male element, being respectively of a lesser and greater diameter than the innermost (relative to the centre) edge of the circular aperture in the female element the innermost and outermost ends of the cuts if provided in the female element being respectively of a greater and lesser diameter than the circumference of the male element, the portions of material between the cuts acting as tabs capable of being positioned on either side of the other element so as to act as an interlocking mechanism.

121. An artefact as claimed in claim 120, wherein the innermost and outermost ends of the radial cuts do not extend to any edge of the material.

122. An artefact as claimed in claim 120, wherein the rotatable element is provided with one or more radial arms.

123. An artefact as claimed in claim 122, wherein an enlargement in the form of a plaque or other shape is provided at the end of the arm or arms furthest from the centre of rotation.

124. An artefact as claimed in claim 119 or 120, wherein a male element is equipped with a circular aperture so as to act as a female element to an additional male element, which additional male element may be optionally equipped with a circular aperture thereby to form a female element for a further male element.

125. An artefact as claimed in claim 120, wherein a circular aperture is concentric with the array of radial tabs comprising a male element and the device has rotational symmetry.

126. An artefact as claimed in claim 120, wherein one or more additional female elements are inserted between the fixed element and a rotatable element or between two rotatable elements, the additional element or elements not being provided with an arm or arms but adapted to act as a washer.

127. An artefact as claimed in claim 120, wherein a plurality of female elements are interlocked with a single male element.

128. An artefact as claimed in claim 119, wherein a fixed portion is provided with two or more rotary attachment devices thereby allowing either a choice of positions for a single rotatable element or permitting the attachment of a plurality of rotatable elements in different positions, the rotatable elements being provided in the same or separate portions of material.

129. An artefact as daimed in claim 119, wherein a fixed portion defining either a male element or a female element is provided in the form of a flap which projects outwardly or is foldable outwardly from the surrounding surface of the artefact.

130. An artefact as claimed in claim 119, wherein a fixed portion defining either a male element or a female element is provided in the form of an extension from an edge of the artefact which is folded so as to pass within the hollow part of the artefact and project outwardly through a split or aperture in its surface.

131. An artefact as claimed in claim 119, wherein a fixed portion defining either a male element or a female element forms part of a curved surface of the artefact so that the plane of the said fixed portion is itself curved.

132. An artefact as claimed in claim 120, wherein a fixed portion defining a male element is configured so that a portion acting as a tab is extended outwardly to provide a feature in its own right.

133. An artefact as claimed in claim 119, wherein a fixed portion defining either a male element or a female element forms part of the inner surface of the hollow part of the artefact and a rotatable portion projects outwardly therefrom either from an upper or lower edge or through a split in the outer surface of the artefact.

134. An artefact as claimed in claim 119, wherein a fixed portion defining either a male element or a female element is connected to a first rotatable portion which rotatable portion is connected in turn to a further rotatable portion or portions so as to provide a rod and pinion type mechanism, movement of the first rotatable portion resulting in a corresponding movement in the further rotatable portion or portions.

135. An artefact as claimed in claim 134, wherein the fixed portion defining either a male element or a female element is connected to a first rotatable portion which rotatable portion is provided with a radial arm acting as a manually operated lever, the first rotatable portion being connected in turn to a second rotatable portion by means of a rotary device, the second rotatable portion being connected by means of a further rotary device to a third rotatable portion, the third rotatable portion being connected by means of a further rotary device to the fixed portion, movement of the lever bringing about a movement in the second rotatable portion in relation to the fixed portion.

136. An artefact as claimed in claim 120, wherein a portion defining a male element acts as a rotating bearing for an axle or shaft.

137. An artefact as claimed in claim 120, wherein the artefact comprising two or more layers of material, a portion acting as a rotating bearing incorporating tabs, the tabs being placed between two layers of material comprising the fixed portion of the artefact so that any tendency of the tabs to leave an approximately flat plane and disengage from the fixed portion are thereby mitigated.

138. An artefact as claimed in claim 120, wherein the artefact comprising two or more layers of material, a portion acting as a rotating bearing is interlocked with an inner layer so as to be largely concealed from view behind the outer layer.

139. An artefact as claimed in claim 120, wherein the portion acting as a rotating bearing is attached to the axle or shaft in such a way as to prevent independent rotation 140. An artefact as claimed in claim 120, wherein the portion acting as a rotating bearing is sub-divided into two parts which parts are held together by their being interlocked with the female element.

141. An artefact as claimed in claim 140, wherein the two parts are either entirely separate or comprise opposite ends of a single portion of material which is folded at its centre point through 180 degrees, in either case folds of 90 degrees being provided so that a portion of the assembled bearing is perpendicular to the plane of the rotation, the said perpendicular portion comprising two layers of material and rotating about its axis with the remainder of the bearing.

142. An artefact as claimed in claim 141, wherein the perpendicular portion lies outwardly of the outer surface of the assembled artefact.

143. An artefact as claimed in claim 140, wherein the axle or shaft is flat or substantially flat and is held in position by insertion between the two layers comprising the perpendicular portion of a rotating bearing.

144. An artefact as claimed in claim 136 or 141, wherein the axle or shaft is boxsectioned or otherwise tubular-sectioned and is held in position by insertion into a socket comprised of a complementary cut-out or cut-outs in the portion lying within the plane of rotation of the rotating bearing and in the perpendicular portion, if present 145. An artefact as claimed in claim 144, wherein independent rotation between the axle or shaft and the rotating bearing is prevented by a pair of diametrically opposed splits placed at the ends of the axle or shaft and lying along its long axis, the edges of the splits adapted to engage with the perpendicular portion.

146. An artefact as claimed in claim 141, wherein the perpendicular portion is placed outwardly of the outer surface of the artefact.

147. An artefact as claimed in claim 141, wherein the perpendicular portion provides means of manually turning the axle or shaft.

148. An artefact as claimed in claim 141, wherein the perpendicular portion is provided with an arm at the distal end of which is placed a further rotary attachment device so as to provide a crank handle.

149. An artefact as claimed in claim 136, wherein the axle or shaft is provided with a cranked section or cams whereby other connected or following portions rotate or move in a reciprocal manner in relation to the remainder of the artefact.

150. An artefact as claimed in claim 149, wherein the following portions are configured so as to spring back towards the shaft when the tip of the cam is disengaged.

151. An artefact as claimed in claim 136, wherein the axle or shaft provides a mounting for legs or a base upon which the artefact may stand, the construction being such as to permit the artefact to tilt forwardly and backwardly.

152. An artefact as claimed in claim 136, wherein the axle or shaft provides a mounting for wheels.

153. An artefact as claimed in claim 151 or 152, wherein the mounting is configured so as to allow a degree of flexion between the legs, base or wheels as the case may be and the remainder of the artefact.

154. An artefact as claimed in claim 136, wherein the axle or shaft provides a mounting for a portion within the hollow section of the artefact which portion presents alternative surfaces to view through an aperture in the side of the artefact when the axle or shaft is rotated.

155. An artefact as claimed in claim 119, wherein the material from which the artefact is formed is transparent.

156. An artefact as claimed in claim 119, wherein the material from which the artefact is formed is not greater than 450 mm by 640 mm.

157. An artefact as claimed in claim 119, wherein the material from which the artefact is formed is of metal composition.

158. An artefact which is substantially cylindrical or frusto-conical or tubular in shape and formed with a hollow section from a piece of flexible material by bringing together and attaching two opposite sides, the artefact incorporating two portions of material capable of linear movement with respect to each other by virtue of means of attachment comprising a split (or a pair of parallel splits) incorporated into a first portion of the material (the "female" portion) which split or splits do not extend to any edge of the material and a pair of oppositely directed tabs incorporated into a second portion of the material (the male" portion), the tabs adapted to be inserted through the split (or each tab through a respective one of the pair of splits) so as to slidably engage with the material adjoining the split or splits and join the respective female and male portions together, either a female portion or a male portion being fixed in position relative to the remainder of the artefact.

159. An artefact as daimed in claim 158, wherein the means of attachment incorporates one or more pairs of oppositely directed tabs, the tabs comprising a pair operating along the same vertical axis.

160. An artefact as claimed in claim 158, wherein the tabs comprising a pair are identically configured.

161. An artefact as claimed in claim 158, wherein the female portion is provided with a single elongate split, the male portion being provided with a pair of oppositely directed tabs, the tabs adapted to engage with the material adjoining the split and to slide along it.

162. An artefact as claimed in claim 161, wherein the tabs comprising a pair consist of a large tab and a small tab, the base of the small tab being inside and substantially co-linear with the base of the large tab.

163. An artefact as claimed in claim 158, wherein the tabs comprising a pair operate along the same vertical axis, their respective bases not being co- linear, 164. An artefact as claimed in claim 163, wherein the female portion is provided with a pair of parallel elongate splits, the splits engaging with one or more pairs of oppositely directed tabs in the male portion.

165. An artefact as claimed in claim 158, wherein both the fixed portion and the sliding portion have the characteristics of both a female and a male portion, each portion being provided with either a single elongate split or a pair of parallel elongate splits and a pair of oppositely directed tabs, the material adjoining the split or splits in each portion engaging with the oppositely directed tabs in the respective other portion.

166. An artefact as claimed in claim 158, wherein the fixed portion comprises the material formed into a cylindrical or frusto-conical or tubular shape and the sliding portion is configured and attached in such a way so as to project substantially radially from the outer surface of the fixed portion either in a vertical or a horizontal plane or in a plane which lies at an angle to the horizontal.

167. An artefact as claimed in claim 158, wherein the fixed portion comprises the material formed into a cylindrical or frusto-conical or tubular shape and the sliding portion is configured and attached in such a way so as to lie against the outer surface of the fixed portion in a tangential manner.

168. An artefact as claimed in claim 158, wherein the fixed portion comprises the material formed into a cylindrical or frusto-conical shape or tubular shape and the sliding portion incorporates a tubular or square or triangular or other shaped section or is folded in such away as to comprise two layers of material in relation to at least a part of its surface.

169. An artefact as claimed in claim 158, wherein the fixed portion comprises the material formed into a cylindrical or frusto-conical or tubular shape and the direction of linear movement of the sliding portion in relation to the surface of the fixed portion is vertical or horizontal or at an angle to the horizontal or along the line of a curve in relation to the horizontal.

170. An artefact as claimed in claim 158, wherein the fixed portion comprises the material formed into a cylindrical or frusto-conical or tubular shape and incorporates an elongate split or pair of parallel elongate splits and comprises the female portion, one or more pairs of oppositely directed tabs being incorporated into the sliding portion, the sliding portion comprising the male portion, the material immediately adjacent to the tabs being folded through 180 degrees so that the tabs lie undermost of the remainder of the male portion and are concealed from view following attachment of the two portions.

171. An artefact as claimed in claim 158, wherein the fixed portion comprises two or more layers of material formed into a cylindrical or frustoconical or tubular shape, the elongate split or parallel elongate splits or tabs providing the means of attachment to the sliding portion being confined to either the inner layer or the outer layer of the fixed portion.

172. An artefact as claimed in claim 171, wherein the elongate split or parallel elongate splits or opposite directed tabs are confined to the inner layer, the inner layer comprising the fixed portion, the sliding portion being of such shape and size as to be able to be optionally totally or substantially concealed from view within the hollow part of the artefact.

173. An artefact as claimed in claim 158, wherein the fixed portion comprises either an extension to the material formed into a cylindrical or frusto-conical or tubular shape or a non-integral attached portion.

174. An artefact as claimed in claim 158, wherein the fixed portion comprises the material formed into a cylindrical or frusto-conical or tubular shape and incorporates one or more pairs of oppositely directed tabs, the sliding portion being provided with an elongate split or pair of parallel elongate splits.

175. An artefact as claimed in claim 174, wherein a plurality of sliding portions each provided with an elongate split or a pair of parallel elongate splits and possessing the characteristics of female portions can be engaged with a single pair of oppositely directed tabs in the fixed portion, which portion comprises a male portion 176. An artefact as claimed in daim 158, wherein a fixed portion comprises the material formed into a cylindrical or frusto-conical or tubular shape and is provided with two separate attachment devices, the devices comprising either male or female portions, the arrangement being symmetrical about a common axis and such that a plurality of sliding portions, being female portions or male portions as the case may be, can be individually attached or simultaneously attached so that one sliding portion overlays the other sliding portion each portion being capable of independent movement.

17. An artefact as claimed in claim 158, wherein the fixed portion comprises two or more layers of material formed into a cylindrical or frustoconical or tubular shape, the outer layer being provided with either a pair of parallel elongate splits or a pair of oppositely directed tabs, the sliding portion comprising a non-integral flap which slidably engages with, and outwardly of the surface of the outer layer so as to move between a first position and a second position, either concealing or revealing an area of the surface of the outer layer, or concealing or revealing an area of the surface of the inner layer visible through an aperture in the outer layer, as it does so.

178. An artefact as claimed in claim 158, wherein the flap is provided with an aperture capable of engaging with a finger or a raised tab capable of being gripped between finger and thumb to facilitate movement from one position to the other.

179. An artefact as claimed in claim 158, wherein the fixed portion comprises the material formed into a cylindrical or frusto-conical or tubular shape and incorporates an elongate split which is parallel to an edge comprising one of the attached opposite sides, the edge performing the function of a second split, the material adjoining the respective split and edge engaging with a pair of oppositely directed tabs incorporated into a sliding portion comprising the male portion.

180. An artefact as claimed in claim 158, wherein the means of attachment incorporates at least one elongate split provided in a form in which the sides of the split are not contiguous along all or part of its length.

181. An artefact as claimed in claim 180, wherein a section of a split incorporates an aperture, the edge of the aperture furthest from the line of the split being in the shape of a minor arc of a circle, the length of the aperture corresponding to or being less than the width of a tab, the aperture facilitating the insertion of the tab within the split.

182. An artefact as claimed in claim 158, wherein the fixed portion comprises the material formed into a cylindrical or frusto-conical or tubular shape and the sliding portion incorporates a rotary attachment device which allows a portion attached to the sliding portion to both to move in a linear manner and at the same time to rotate in relation to the fixed portion.

183. An artefact as claimed in claim 158, wherein the fixed portion comprises the material formed into a cylindrical or frusto-conical or tubular shape and the sliding portion acts as a fixed portion to a second sliding portion, the second sliding portion sliding in the same or in a different direction to the first sliding portion.

184. An artefact as claimed in claim 158, wherein the fixed portion comprises the material formed into a cylindrical or frusto-conical or tubular shape and incorporates a pair of splits, the splits being separated by and parallel to the edges of material comprising the attached opposite sides, a pair of oppositely directed tabs being incorporated into a sliding portion comprising the male portion, the tabs being elongate and inserted into the respective splits and slidably engaging with the material in which the splits are provided, the sliding portion straddling the attached opposite sides of the fixed portion, the tabs being sufficiently elongate to allow the sliding portion to take up a central position in relation to the remainder of the artefact irrespective of any variations in its diameter following assembly and overlapping of the attached opposite sides.

185. An artefact as claimed in claim 184, wherein the sliding portion is Tshaped, the elongate tabs

187. An artefact as claimed in claim 158, wherein the sliding portion comprises or incorporates an elongate member, the elongate member being provided with a pair of opposed cuts or cut-outs placed inwardly of its outer edges and extending half-way across its width, the innerrnost ends of the cuts or cut-outs being connected by a line of fold, the line of fold lying along the long axis of the elongate member, activation of the fold permitting the portions lying beyond the cuts or cut-outs and comprising the respective ends of the sliding portion to assume different planes.

188. An artefact as claimed in claim 158, wherein means of attachment is such that a force must be applied to enable the tabs to overcome frictional resistance from the material adjoining the split or splits.

189. An artefact as claimed in claim 158, wherein means of the material from which the artefact is formed is transparent.

190. An artefact as claimed in claim 158, wherein the material from which the artefact is formed is not greater than 450 mm by 640 mm.

191. An artefact as claimed in claim 158, wherein the material from which the artefact is formed is of metal composition.

192. An artefact as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 191, wherein that part of the artefact which comprises a portion of material which is substantially cylindrical or frusto-conical or tubular in shape and possessed of a hollow section is of unitary construction notwithstanding that further non-integral portions may be separately provided and comprise part of the assembled artefact in use..

193. An artefact as claimed in any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the artefact is assembled without the use of glue or any other extraneous agency.

194. An artefact as claimed in any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the piece of flexible material is paper or paper-board or a semi-rigid plastic. 195. An artefact substantially as herein described with reference to any of the accompanying drawings stated to be in accordance with the present invention 196. An artefact as claimed in more than one of the foregoing claims.