Flat folding projection device

A kit for creating a flat folding projection device is provided and includes a lens and a sheet defining at least a first, second, third and fourth panels, each panel separated from the other panels by at least one fold. A hole is positioned in the first panel, the hole defining an edge. A cut is positioned in the first panel adjacent to the hole such that the first panel on either side of the cut can be separated to create a space configured to receive and hold the lens therein. Further includes is one of: a light source, a translucent sheet or a light source and a translucent sheet. An envelope contains the foregoing such that a thickness of the envelope is less than ½ inches.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The following relates to a folding projection device and kit therefore. More specifically, the following relates to a folding projection device that can fit into a US First Class mail envelope when folded.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various projection devices are known in the art such as pin hole cameras and the camera obscura as originally conceived by Leonardo da Vinci. These devices allow for object images to be projected in a variety of ways, depending on the orientation of the projector. However, these devices are often bulky and unwieldy such that a significant size package is required to ship them. In addition to being bulky, the materials used to make these projectors are often relatively expensive and not suitable for mass mailings or for inexpensive arts and crafts projects.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, the present invention solves these disadvantages by supplying a folding projection device made from inexpensive materials such as paperboard and the like. The paperboard provides for a printable substrate that can be either machine printed or can be drawn on by users. Furthermore, a light source and a lens is supplied to further enhance the capabilities of the projector.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a projector that can be assembled from a flat sheet and folded flat.

It is another object of the present invention to supply a projector that when folded will fit in a US First Class Mail envelope and meet bulk mailing requirements.

It is another object of the present invention to enable the projector to be printed or drawn on for use as a crafts project or as a greeting or invitation card.

These and other objects are achieved by providing a flat folding projection device having a sheet defining a plurality of panels including first, second, third and fourth panels, each panel separated from the other panels by at least one fold. A hole is positioned in the first panel, the hole defining an edge. A cut is positioned in the first panel adjacent to the hole such that the first panel on either side of the cut can be separated to create a space configured to receive and hold a lens therein. An adhesive configured to join the first, second, third and fourth panels in a continuous loop such that when joined, the first and third panels are adjacent to the second and fourth panels. A plurality of flaps extending from the first, second, third and fourth panels, each of the plurality of flaps separated from its respective panels by at least one fold, the flaps configured to fold relative to their respective panels to create a bottom and a top to define a closed space between the bottom, top and the plurality of panels. The plurality of flaps and plurality of panels configured fold between flat and unfolded positions such that in the unfolded position, the first and third panels are opposite and facing one another and in the flat position, one of the at least one fold that separates two of the plurality of panels is at approximately a 180 degree fold such that two of the plurality of panels adjacent to each other are facing each other. The third panel positioned opposite the first panel in the unfolded position and the third panel having a cutout configured to receive a translucent element such that an object image exterior to said closed space is projected on the translucent element.

In other aspects a flat folding projection device is provided with sheet defining a plurality of panels including first, second, third and fourth panels. Each panel separated from the other panels by at least one fold. A hole is positioned in a first panel, the hole defining an edge. A cut is positioned in the first panel adjacent to the hole such that the first panel on either side of the cut can be separated to create a space configured to receive and hold a lens therein. An adhesive is configured to join the first, second, third and fourth panels in a continuous loop such that when joined, the first and third panels are adjacent to the second and fourth panels. A plurality of flaps extend from the first, second, third and fourth panels, each of the plurality of flaps separated from its respective panels by at least one fold the flaps configured to fold relative to their respective panels to create a bottom and a top to define a closed space between the bottom, top and the plurality of panels. The flaps and panels configured fold between flat and unfolded positions such that in the unfolded position, the first and third panels are opposite and facing one another and in the flat position, one of the at least one fold that separates two of the plurality of panels is at approximately a 180 degree fold such that two of the plurality of panels adjacent to each other are facing each other. An opening in the first panel configured to receive a light source there through such that an image in the closed space is projected to a surface outside the closed space.

In certain aspects, the third panel is positioned opposite the first panel in the unfolded position and the third panel has a cutout. One of the plurality of flaps is connected to the third panel and configured to fold into the closed space to cover the cutout. In other aspects, the image is positioned on the third panel. In other aspects, the light source is a computing device with a display positioned in the closed space and said image is displayed on said display.

In other aspects a kit for creating a flat folding projection device is provided. The kit includes a lens and a sheet defining at least a first, second, third and fourth panel, each panel separated from the other panels by at least one fold. A hole is positioned in the first panel, the hole defining an edge. A cut is positioned in the first panel adjacent to the hole such that the first panel on either side of the cut can be separated to create a space configured to receive and hold the lens therein. Further provided is one of: a light source, a translucent sheet or a light source and a translucent sheet. An envelope contains the foregoing such that a thickness of said envelope is less than ½ inches.

In certain embodiments the thickness is ¼ inches or less. In other aspects, the kit includes the translucent sheet and further includes a cutout in the third panel such that the translucent sheet is configured to cover the cutout. In other aspects, the first and fourth panels are connected together such that said first, second, third and fourth panels form a closed loop and the first and third panels and the second and fourth panels are parallel. In other aspects, flaps are connected to the sheet, the flaps are configured to fold to create a closed box shape defining an interior closed space. In other aspects a flap on the third panel includes two sections, a first section configured to cover a cutout of the third panel and the second section configured to fit into a cut in the third panel to hold said first section in a position that covers the cutout. In other aspects the cut in the first panel includes a section positioned at a distance from a center of the hole in the first panel, the distance at least as large as a radius of the lens. In other aspects, the cut is curved and includes two ends and a middle section which curves inwardly towards a center of the hole. In other aspects, the cut includes two cuts separated radially about the hole.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding structure throughout the views. The following examples are presented to further illustrate and explain the present invention and should not be taken as limiting in any regard.

The projector2is supplied with a lens4and light source6. The light source fits into opening8which is defined by two flaps9which are cut around three sides to allow for the light source6to be inserted into the opening8but for the opening to be closed when the light source is not being used in a particular projection mode described herein.

The lens4fits into cut flap10where a cut is made in face18such that the lens can be fit into the cut to secure the lens to the face18. Behind the lens4is a hole24, which in the embodiment shown in round. On the opposite face, hole44is provided and is square to allow for a particular projection mode further shown and described herein.

The projector is made of a thin and generally flexible material. Commonly, this would be a paper based material such as paperboard, but it is contemplated that other materials can be used provided that they can fold flat.

Referring toFIGS. 3 and 4, the envelope200which contains the projector2is shown. As can be seen, the projector2folds flat to fit in the envelope and this envelope can be mailed inexpensively using first class bulk mailing. Particularly, the envelope dimensions are within the following ranges: Length 5 inches to 11.5 inches; Height 3.5 inches to 6.125 inches; Thickness 0.007 inches to 0.25 inches. Particularly important is that the envelope when containing the projector and its parts is less than ½ inch and more importantly less than ¼ inch thick. In certain embodiments, the adhesive on panel38is already adhered to section39as provided in the envelope, in others, the user applies the adhesive and/or sticks panel38to section39.

FIG. 5shows the projector in a flat state. The projector is made of a paperboard sheet that is die cut and scored to provide for easy folding and assembly. Main panels18,22,20and12are supplied to make up the front18, sides22/12and rear20of the projector. Two of the panels18and20are provided with holes and a solid panel22is provided between two of the panels with holes therein. Hole24receives the lens4which is retained by the cut flaps10which are provided adjacent to the hole24. The cut flaps are curved and extend between two points101and102which are coincident with a perimeter103of the lens4when installed. The cut flaps may extend beyond the two points101/102in certain embodiments, but do extend at least to and between the two points101/102. As previously described opening8is also supplied in face18to allow for light source6to be introduced.

Top flaps34and36are supplied to close the interior cavity of the projector when assembled. Between face18and22is a score line180that allows for easy folding in the correct location. It is understood that the lines shown between the various faces and flaps shown and described are similar score lines that enable this folding. Flaps28and36are cut so as to taper away from faces18and20respectively such that when face18and22and22and20are positioned at 90 degrees to each other for assembly, additional space is provided for ease of assembly and flat folding.

Notches300and320are supplied on flaps30and32respectively to interlock together in the assembled state. Closure flap16is supplied on face12and fits into cut40on the top flap14to securely close the projector when assembled. Also supplied with the kit is a translucent screen48and a manual46with instructions for assembling the projector.

To assemble the projector, face38is supplied with an adhesive or an adhesive is applied thereto. Face38is then adhered to the back of face18at space39to provide for a partially closed box. Bottom flaps30,32,36and28are then folded together in an interlocking manner such that flap36is between flap32and30and flap28is between flap32and30. Sections30′ and32′ of the flaps30and32are provided to interlock between flaps28and30and flaps36and32respectively.FIG. 7shows the projector sides and bottom assembled and a top view of the assembled bottom is shown inFIG. 8. Once the face38is adhered to the back of face18, the projector can still fold flat and fit in the envelope3as shown. In this case, the bottom flaps30,32,36and28are folded inwardly and the top flap may be folded outwardly such that the outer faces of flaps14and22face each other and the inner faces of flaps36,30,28,32face respective faces18,22,20and12.

In addition, panel32′ and30′ may be adhered to panels28and36respectively. In this case, the panels32′ and30′ are folded completely—i.e. at 180 degrees and stuck to a rear face of panel28/36, the “rear” face of panels28/36being the face opposite that shown inFIG. 5. In such an embodiment, the sheet when assembled can continue to fold flat such that in the flat configuration, panel30′ and30are generally flat and aligned whereas when folded, panel30′ and30are folded with respect to each other.

As seen inFIG. 9, tab52of flap26can fit into cut50to close off hole44in certain embodiments. Furthermore, flap26can be used for drawing (or printing) of an image thereon on what would be the exterior face of flap26when folded at 90 degrees, but when folded in as shown inFIG. 9, flap26would face the hole24to provide for projection of the image drawn thereon.

The projection of the image on flap26is shown inFIG. 10. The light source is fit into opening8and activated. The lens then projects the image and as can be seen, the image is displayed upside down. It is also contemplated that the image on the flap26could be drawn right side up when put on the flap26in the orientation ofFIG. 5. Then, when the flap26is folded over, the image would be upside down in the interior space of the projector but then would be right side up when projected.

FIG. 11shows an embodiment where a smart phone is placed inside the projector space. Since the smart phone already has a lighted screen, the light source may not be necessary and the opening8would be closed.

FIG. 12shows another configuration where the translucent screen48is used for projection of an object1200. In the shown configuration, flap26would not be folded down as shown inFIG. 9but would rather be generally parallel with top flap14.

The various panels and flaps described herein can also be printed with decorative or informational matter. For example.