GB2444575A

GB2444575A - Greetings card arrangement

Info

Publication number: GB2444575A
Application number: GB0712678A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stephen Hague
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-12-05
Filing date: 2007-06-27
Publication date: 2008-06-11
Also published as: GB0624243D0; GB0712678D0

Abstract

The greeting card arrangement includes a single sheet of translucent material (e.g. plastic or acetate) divided into three sections comprising: a display section 5 having a transparent display window portion 2; a die-cut section 4 mounted on the display section; and a greeting section 6. The die-cut section comprises an aperture 1 surrounded by securing flaps 3 which can hold a plurality of flat items (e.g. photographs) in place to be displayed through the display window 2. In use the die-cut section is folded so that its inner face meets in contact and is in alignment with the inner faces of the display window section and both faces are fixed together by glue to allow for flat items to be inserted inside the securing flaps and face outwards through the display window. The arrangement may be used a car tax disc holder, a lightweight photo frame which can be fixed to a computer monitor, or as a label holder.

Description

DISPLAY ARRANGEMENT

This invention relates to display arrangements. Embodiments of the invention relate to a method of enabling the personalisation of greeting cards and alike.

Due to the very personal nature of greeting cards, there is great demand for cards which can be quickly and easily customised by the sender, to make their greeting more personal, while at the same time ensunng a professional quality finish.

According to one aspect of this invention, there is provided a display arrangement comprising a first part having a display portion to display an article, and a second part mounted on the first part, the second part comprising an attachment mechanism to attach the article to the display arrangement so that the article is displayed through the display portion.

The first part may be generally planar. The first part may comprise a mounting portion to which the second part may be mounted.

The display portion may comprise a light transmissive material, and may comprise a translucent or transparent material, such as a plastics or acetate material.

In one embodiment, the display portion may be attached to the mounting portion. In this embodiment, the mounting portion may comprise a border which may extend around the display portion. In this embodiment, the mounting portion may be formed of an opaque material, such as a card or plastics material.

In another embodiment, the display portion and the mounting portion may be integral with each other, and may be formed of the same material.

The second part may be generally planar. The second part may be attached to the first part. Conveniently, the second part is attached to the first part at a fold line.

The second part may define an aperture for receiving the article. In one embodiment, the article may be passed through the aperture to be displayed through the display portion.

The second part may comprise a holding means to hold the article against the display portion. The second part may comprise an edge region defining the aperture. The holding means may be provided on the edge region. The holding means may extend from the edge region into the aperture. The holding means may be resiliently attached to the edge region.

The holding means may be movable between a holding position in which the holding means holds the article on the display portion, and an access position to allow the article to be disposed on the display portion.

The holding means may comprise at least one flap. In one embodiment, the holding means may comprise a plurality of flaps, such as four flaps. The flaps may be arranged one after the other around the edge of the aperture.

The, or each, flap may be provided on the edge region, and may extend from the edge region into the aperture. The flaps are conveniently resiliently attached to the edge region.

The flaps and the edge region may be formed of a single piece of material, and may be formed by die cutting. The aperture in the second part may also be formed by die cutting.

In one embodiment, the holding means holds the article against the display portion.

Where the flaps are resiliently attached to the edge region of the second part, the flaps may be opened to insert the article to be displayed and then allowed to close against the article to secure the article to the display arrangement.

The second part may be mounted over the first part and may be secured thereto. The second part may be secured to the first part by an adhesive, or by a thermal fusion process or other suitable process.

The border portion of the first part may correspond in size and shape to the edge region of the second part. Thus, the second part may be folded over the first part such that the border portion of the first part is aligned with the edge region of the second part. The border portion of the first part may be attached to the edge region of the second part.

In one embodiment, the display portion of the first part corresponds in size and shape to the aperture defined by the second part. In one embodiment, the holding means extend from the edge region across the display portion.

The display arrangement may comprise a third part, which may be attached to the first part. In one embodiment, third part is attached to the first part opposite to the second part.

The third part may be attached to the second part at a further fold line. The third part may be generally planar, and may be formed of a suitable card or plastics material, such as an acetate material. The fold lines may be parallel to each other.

The display arrangement may be formed by folding the second part over the first part and fixing the second part to the first part. The third part may be folded over the second part.

In one embodiment, the first, second and third parts may be in the form of a one piece unit.

The third part may have an inner face upon which a suitable pattern or greeting may be applied. Alternatively, or in addition, a covering member may be provided between the third and second parts to cover the second part. The covenng member may be attached between the third and first parts, for example by an adhesive, or other suitable attaching methods. The covering member may be provided with a pattern or a pre-printed message.

Embodiments of the invention are suitable for use with generally planar articles, such as photographs or the like. In the embodiments described herein, such articles can be secured to the display arrangement by the attachment mechanism.

To enable quick and easy personalisation with a professional quality finish, one embodiment of the present invention proposes a greeting card (and alike) with an attachment mechanism which is constructed from a single sheet of die-cut translucent plastic or acetate material (or card or similar), configured in such a way as to create an aperture into which a plurality of flat objects (preferably photographs) can be inserted and displayed through a transparent protective window.

The sender is able to personalise this embodiment of the greeting card (or similar) in literally seconds, by simply inserting a photograph (or alike) into the attachment mechanism, which is designed in such a way as to hold inserted items rigidly in place and flat against the transparent window, without any need for sticking or fixing with glue, staples, clips, or similar. The personalisation process is very quick, simple and convenient, and the finished effect will be attractive and professional looking.

The 4(ai*arent window wilt may be made from material which will protect any item displayed lhrough it against the harmful effects of water spillage, moisture, abrasive treatment and exposure to direct sunlight, and with its printed border it will give the greeting card a professional quality finish.

This embodiment of the greeting card (with its attachment mechanism) can be most cost-effectively produced from a single sheet of plastic or acetate (or similar) material, which is die-cut, creased and glued (or other) to create the attachment mechanism with its aperture and surrounding securing flaps.

If made from plastic or a similar material this embodiment of the greeting card will be more resilient against creasing, abrasion, staining and water damage, and these hard-wearing qualities, together with its personalisation, will give the card a secondary keepsake value.

Magnets, adhesive strips/pads and other fixing methods can be used in conjunction with this assembly to accommodate a plurality of different display applications and environments.

For example one embodiment of this invention could be used in conjunction with magnets to mount a plurality of items including calendars, notepads, photographs, signs and alike, onto a fndge and other magnetic surfaces, or with adhesive strips/pads to mount lightweight display signs (and alike) onto doors, walls and other flat surfaces, thus saving the need to laminate such items to make them more hardweanng. More will be said later about using the attachment mechanism in this manner.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Drawing 1 Illustrates the inner face of the single sheet of die-cut translucent material before it has been folded and fixed using glue (or a thermal fusion process or other) to create the attachment mechanism.

Drawing 2 Illustrates the inner face of the finished assembly after the die-cut section (4) has been folded and fixed to the display window section (5).

Drawing 3 Illustrates the printed front face of the finished assembly showing the translucent display window (2) with surrounding printed border (7).

Drawing 4 illustrates an attachment mechanism that is constructed to be used without it being incorporated into a greeting card.

For the purpose of illustrating an example of the present invention in the form of a greeting card, made from a single sheet of translucent plastic or acetate material, please refer to the following three accompanying drawings 1, 2 and 3.

A single sheet of translucent plastic or acetate material is divided into 3 sections (as depicted by substantially parallel broken vertical fold lines in drawing 1): the die-cut section (4); the display window section (5) and the greeting section (6). The left-hand section of the sheet of translucent material as viewed from its inner face (4), is machine die-cut to produce an aperture (1) surrounded by four securing flaps (3), which will hold a plurality of flat items (preferably photographs) in place to be displayed through the translucent protective window (2).

In drawing I the die-cut section (4) is folded so that its inner face meets in contact and perfect alignment With the Inner face of the display window section (5) and both faces are fixed together with glue (or a thermal process or other), to create the attachment mechanism into which flat items are inserted to be displayed through the transparent window (2). For this purpose both aperture and display window must be perfectly aligned with each other and the aperture (1) will always be smaller in size in relation to the display window (2) normally by the width of the securing flaps. Thus, in this example of the present invention, the attachment mechanism comprises of the rectangular aperture (1), 4 securing flaps (3) and the transparent display window (2).

Fixing of the die-cut section (4) to the display window section (5) preferably occurs around the entire area bordering the attachment mechanism up to the base of each securing flap (3), allowing each of the flaps to be pealed back when inserting photographs and alike. When released, the securing flaps will snap back into position under elastic tension to hold any inserted items rigidly in place. The unfixed area (where photographs are inserted) which is bounded by the base of the 4 securing flaps (3), has similar size dimensions to the transparent display window (2) and is in perfect alignment with it.

In drawing 2 the greeting section (6) of the folded and glued assembly is printed with a greeting message and will provide the facility for the sender to write a personal greeting message (or other). Preferably a second sheet (preferably made of opaque writing paper or card) would be Inserted and fixed (using glue, staples or other) into the inner crease of the finished outer plastic sheet assembly, to display a pre-pnnted greeting message. This alternative arrangement is preferred as the inner sheet insert will conceal the attachment mechanism from view when the finished greeting card assembly is opened, and will also allow the sender to write a personal greeting message.

In drawing 3 the finished greeting card assembly is printed (7) on its outer front (and rear) face with a plurality of designs to cater for any specified greeting occasions (or other).

The finished assembly may also incorporate an inner folded page of paper glued into the inner crease of the outer card construction. This inner page would normally feature a pre-pnnted greeting message and will help to conceal the attachment mechanism.

The finished assembly will allow flat items to be inserted inside the securing flaps (3) surrounding the aperture (1), to face outwards through the transparent display window (2), where they can be viewed through the outer printed front face (7) of the greeting card. The greeting card can be made to any size dimensions and its attachment mechanism made to accommodate any size and shape of insejted. items.

The aperture (1) and surrounding securing flaps (3) may be created using a variety of production methods induding (but not limited to) die-cutting, cutting and stamping, either by machine or manually by hand. In the drawings this attachment mechanism is configured with a rectangular shaped aperture (1) with 4 securing flaps (3), but it could also be configured in the form of a square, circle, triangle (or any other shape) with any number of securing flaps surrounding the aperture. This also applies to the shape of the transparent display window (2). In our example above, the attachment mechanism is made from a plastic or acetate material, but it could be made from any material so long as there is sufficient elastic tension in the securing flaps (3) to hold any inserted objects firmly in place and flat against the display window (2).

The assembly would preferably be made from a single sheet of translucent material such as acetate, plastic or similar. However, other materials may be used including opaque materials such as paper, card (or similar), which would be die-cut, creased, and configured in exactly the same way as previously described, preferably with the window (2) covered by a translucent material through which to display inserted items as viewed from the outer printed front face (7). In this case the translucent window cover could be fixed to either the inner or the outer face of the display window section (5).

Furthermore, the die-cut section (4) can be produced separately to the rest of the assembly and fixed to the inner face of the display window section (5) using glue or a thermal fusion process (or other fixing method) as previously described. Alternatively the attachment mechanism (comprising of the aperture (1), display window (2) and securing flaps (3)) can be produced as a separate entity using smaller dimensions than those of the assembled greeting card. This more compact version of attachment mechanism would then be fixed to the inner face of the display window section (5) as previously described, ensuring perfect alignment with the display window (2).

It was previously outlined above, how the present invention can be used to display items inserted into the attachment mechanism on magnetic surfaces (using magnets) and on flat surfaces (using adhesive strips/pads and alike). Drawing 4 illustrates how the attachment mechanism is constructed to be used in this way, without it being incorporated into a greeting card. As can be seen from the drawing there is no longer any need for a greeting section (6) and in this form the attachment mechnism can be fixed to any flat surface (using a plurality of fixing methods) with either of its sides making contact with the mounting surface.

When the side incorporating the securing flaps (3) is fixed to a mountog surface. any items inserted will be displayed through the transparent window (2)..AJsed in this wax the attachment mechanism will offer protection to any items insert$ into it, and mar.

be more suited to use outside or in harder wearing environments. WJen the opposite side incorporating the display window (2) is fixed to a mounting surfacethis will make it quick and easy to remove and replace any inserted items without haviag to detach or replenish the attachment mechanism. Used in this way, with the display window (2) side fixed to a mounting surface, the attachment mechanism does not have to be made out of a translucent material, but may be made Instead from any suitable opaque material in any colour. Moreover, used in this way the attachment mechanism could be used, for example, as a tax disc holder for fixing to a car windscreen, a lightweight photo frame which can be fixed to a computer monitor, label holders for a plurality of filing purposes and window displays for advertisements and alike. In either case, when used in this way the attachment mechanism allows inserted items to be quickly and easily changed as often as required.

As with the personalised greeting card example of the present invention (described above), the attachment mechanism when used in either of the above two ways, can be made to any size and to accommodate any size and shape of items inserted.

Claims

1. A display arrangement comprising a first part (5) having a display portion to display an article, and a second part (4) mounted on the first part, the second part comprising an attachment mechanism to attach the article to the display arrangement so that the article is displayed through the display portion.

2. A display arrangement according to Claim 1, wherein the first part is generally planar.

3. A display arrangement according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the first part comprises a mounting portion to which the second part is mounted.

4. A display arrangement according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the second part is mounted on the first part in face to face contact with the first part.

5. A display arrangement according to any preceding Claim, wherein the display portion comprises a light transmissive material.

6. A display arrangement according to any preceding Claim, wherein the display portion is attached to the mounting portion.

7. A display arrangement according to Claim 6, wherein the mounting portion comprises a border which extending around the display portion.

8. A display arrangement according to any of Claims I to 5, wherein the display portion and the mounting portion are integral with each other, and are formed of the same material.

9. A display arrangement according to any preceding Claim, wherein the second part is generally planar, and is attached to the first part at a fold line.

10. A display arrangement according to any preceding Claim, whern the second part defines an aperture for receiving the article, and the article can be pissed through the aperture to be displayed through the display portion.

11. A display arrangement according to Claim 10, wherein the second part comprises a holding means to hold the article against the display portion.

12. A display arrangement according to Claim Ii, wherein the secpart comprises an edge region defining the aperture, and the holding means is provfd!d on the edge region.

13. A display arrangement according to Claim 12, wherein the holding means is resiliently attached to the edge region, and extends from the edge region into the aperture.

14. A display arrangement according to Claim 11, 12 or 13. wherein the holding means is movable between a holding position in which the holding means holds the article on the display portion, and an access position to allow the article to be disposed on the display portion.

15. A display arrangement according to any of Claims 11 to 14, wherein, the holding means comprises at least one flap.

16. A display arrangement according to Claim 15, wherein the holding means comprises a plurality of flaps, the flaps being arranged one after the other around the edge of the aperture.

17. A display arrangement according to Claim 15 or 16, wherein the, or each, flap is provided on the edge region, and extends from the edge region into the aperture.

18. A display arrangement according to Claim 17, wherein the flaps are resiliently attached to the edge region.

19. A display arrangement according to any of Claims 11 to 18, wherein the holding means holds the article against the display portion. Where the flaps are resiliently attached to the edge region of the second part, the flaps may be opened to insert the article to be displayed and then allowed to close against the article to secure the article to the display arrangement.

20. A display arrangement according to any of Claims 16 to 19, wherein the flaps aria the edge region are formed by die cutting.

21. A display arrangement according to any of Claims 10 to 20, wherein the aperture in the second part is formed by die cutting.

22. A display arrangement according to any of Claims 10 to 21, wherein the display portion of the first part corresponds in size and shape to the aperture defined by the second part. In one embodiment, the holding means extend from the edge region across the display portion.

23. A display arrangement according to any preceding Claim, wherein the second part is mounted over the first part in face to face contact therewith, and is secured thereto.

24. A display arrangement according to any preceding Claim, wherein the first part comprises a border portion, the second part comprises an edge region, and the border portion of the first part corresponds in size and shape to the edge region of the second part.

25. A display arrangement according to any preceding Claim, comprising a third part (6), attached to the first part opposite to the second part.

26. A display arrangement according to Claim 25, wherein the third part is generally planar, and is attached to the second part at a fold line.

27. A display arrangement according to Claim 25 or 26, wherein the display arrangement is formed by folding the second part over the first part and fixing the second part to the first part, and folding the third part over the first part.

28. A display arrangement according to Claim 25, 26 or 27, wherein the first, second and third parts are in the form of a one piece unit.

29. A display arrangement according to any of Claims 25 to 28, wherein the third part has an inner face upon which a suitable pattern or greeting may be applied.

30. A display arrangement according to any of Claims 25 to 29, wherein a covering member is provided between the third and second parts to cover the second part (4), the covering member being attached at the fold line between the third (6) and first parts.

31. A display arrangement substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings, enabling items to be mounted and held in position using the elastic tension or built-in memory of moveable securing flaps.

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31. A display arrangement substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Ammendments to claims have been filed as follows.

1. A display arrangement comprising a first part (151 in Drawing 1) having a display portion to display an article, and a second part ([4J in Drawing 1) mounted on the first part, the second part comprising an attachment mechanism to attach the article to the display arrangement so that the article is displayed through the display portion.

3. A display arrangement according to Claim I or 2, wherein the first part comprises a mounting portion to which the second part is mounted.

7. A display arrangement according to Claim 6, wherein the mounting portion comprises a border which extends around the display portion.

10. A display arrangement according to any preceding Claim, wherein the second part defines an aperture for receiving the article, and the article can be passed through the aperture to be displayed through the display portion.

II. A display arrangement according to Claim 10, wherein the second part comprises a holding means to hold the article against the display portion.

12. A display arrangement according to Claim 11, wherein the second part comprises an edge region defining the aperture, and the holding means is provided on the edge region.

*.: 13. A display arrangement according to Claim 12, wherein the holding means is resiliently attached to the edge region, and extends from the edge region into the aperture.

14. A display arrangement according to Claim 11, 12 or 13, wherein the holding means is movable between a holding position in which the holding means holds the article on the display portion, and an access position to allow the article to be disposed on the display portion.

19. A display arrangement according to any of Claims 1110 18, wherein the holding means holds the article against the display portion. Where the flaps are resiliently attached to the edge region of the second part, the flaps may be opened to Insert the article to be displayed and then allowed to close against the article to secure the article to the display arrangement.

20. A display arrangement according to any of Claims 16 to 19, wherein the flaps and the edge region are formed by die cutting.

23. A display arrangement according to any preceding Claim, wherein the second part s is mounted over the first part In face to face contact therewith, and Is secured thereto.

24. A display arrangement according to any preceding Claim, wherein the first part comprises a border portion, the second part comprises an edge region, and the border portion of the first part corresponds In size and shape to the edge region of the second * : part. *5s**

* 25. A display arrangement according to any preceding Claim, comprising a third part ([6) in Drawing 1), attached to the first part opposite to the second part.

29. A display arrangement according to any of Claims 25 to 28, wherein the third part has an inner face upon which a suitable pattern or greeting may be apphed.