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