POP-UP PICTURE CARD

Abstract: A picture display card (2) which may be rectangular, circular or any shape, comprising an interior sliding member (16), which is attached to the end of a display panel (24), at an extension (26), which when pulled at tab (19) from the opposite end of the device (2) raises the said panel (24) from the top-surface (23) into a vertical position, by levering the said panel (24) about a fulcrum on two projecting arms (28), cut from the top surface (23). A projecting spur (27) extending from the base of the display panel (24) engages with a slit (20), cut into the base (18), going through an aperture (17) on the sliding member (16), locking the said panel (24) into the vertical position.

Description: POP-UP PICTURE CARD The present invention relates to apparatus for displaying a picture or graphic image. Companies are constantly seeking to produce interesting ways of presenting pictures and graphics, relating either to their products, or to promotional activities in which they are involved. Furthermore, companies are constantly looking for new ways to promote these products, and therefore there is a constant demand for inexpensive 'novelty' items which companies can give away as promotional gifts, either with or without their products. According to the present invention, there is provided apparatus for displaying pictures or graphics, which may be on any of the surfaces of the apparatus. There may, for example, be an image on the front surface, which is visible before deployment, and there may also be additional images within the body of the apparatus, which will only become visible when the apparatus is deployed. In the examples provided, there are TWO versions, each constructed differently, but which deploy in very similar ways. Although the examples provided here are rectangular, they may be made in almost any shape or size. In the FIRST version, an envelope with an aperture cut into the front surface, and extending partially around the base, contains a rigid and fixed member within it. Attached to the top of this member, is another member, which is folded downwards, behind the aperture, and is made slightly smaller than the aperture. This is the member which carries the image or graphic, and before it reaches the base of the envelope, it folds backwards on itself, and returns to a point on the fixed interior member, which is slightly further up than the point at which it began it's downward direction. From there, it joins another member at a fold, and returns beneath the fixed interior member, emerging through the point in the aperture cut into the front of the envelope, where that aperture extends round towards the back of the envelope. At this point the small member which extends from that point in the aperture, is folded upwards, towards the front of the envelope and forms a 'lip' which comes down, and extends slightly, over the bottom fold of the 'image' member: when this small 'extension- tab' is pulled therefore, as the user would to deploy the apparatus, the member which carries the image begins to rise, but is initially inhibited by means of the 'lip' which extends slightly over it's front end. If the user continues to pull on this extension however, the 'lip' will pull away from the bottom end of the image-bearing member, which will rise suddenly from the point at which it joins the rigid interior member, at the top-front of the envelope, being 'levered' upwards by means of being pulled at the point where it extends slightly over the rigid interior member. If the pulling motion is continued, the image- bearing member will continue its upward movement, until it is almost flat against the front of the envelope: however, there may be incorporated within that fold at which the image member joins the downward-sliding member, a small projection, extending along the same plane as the picture member. As the image-bearing member is raised, this small projection may engage with any aperture or cut within the back of the envelope, and below the sliding member, to stop and secure it in a position, either perpendicular to the front of the envelope, or indeed, at any angle. A feature of this particular mechanism, is the sudden rise of the member which carries the image, which deploys immediately with a sharp, 'snap'. The apparatus may be laid flat when the picture is deployed into a position perpendicular to the plane of the envelope, to display the image or graphic to best advantage. In order to return the apparatus to the flat or un-deployed position, the user simply pushes the member which is used to deploy the apparatus, in a reverse motion, back inside the envelope. The image member will descend, and to lock it back beneath the 'lip' on the extension member, the user will simply slip it back beneath the 'lip' with finger and thumb. Additionally, another method of raising the image member, is by applying pressure from the top of the envelope; instead of the sliding member descending first, downwards, behind the interior fixed member, it first rises to the top of the inside of the envelope, where it is accessed by means of an aperture indented into the side of the envelope. It then folds backwards, before descending downwards to it's terminus in the extension-tab and 'lip' at the base. If pressure is applied with a finger to the new extension, through the top aperture, the lip at the base will retract, and the image member will rise into position in the same way. In the SECOND version, the envelope itself incorporates on it's top surface, a panel cut out of that surface. Although, like the first version, it can be made in almost any shape, the present version is rectangular. The rectangular panel which is cut from the top surface, is attached on the one remaining side, by means of two 'arms' running within the width of the surface from which they continue outwards from the central, or 'image panel', towards the edge of the envelope; at the point where these two arms attach to the panel, they are hinged, enabling the panel, which may carry an image or graphic on one or both sides, to rise on those hinges. The 'arms' stop short of the edge of the top surface. Between the two 'arms' is another panel which takes up the entire space between the two arms. This panel is also hinged, but at a point slightly further out from the hinges on the outer 'arms'. This central panel is separated from the top surface by means of it's being cut across before it reaches the edge of that top surface. It is glued to the surface below, a panel which slides between the two surfaces of the envelope, parallel with the two 'arms', the other end of which protrudes from the opposite side of the envelope, which is open, to the hinges, and which can be grasped at that end through recesses cut into both surfaces of the envelope for that purpose, at that point. This 'sliding' panel, ends in an extension which folds upwards and back onto the top surface of the envelope, providing an extension-tab and 'lip' which acts as a retaining member holding the image panel flat against the envelope prior to deployment by the user. As in the first version, the unit is deployed by the user pulling outwards on the folded extension-tab at the end of the sliding member, which is attached to the central panel between the two 'arms'. As the panel between the two 'arms' is pulled, by this action, towards the centre of the top surface, it tends to raise the image panel upwards about the outer hinges. As pulling continues, the lip releases the far edge of the image panel, and as in the case of the first version, this panel 'snaps' upwards; again, the panel will continue to 'rotate' about the fulcrum of the hinges for almost 180 degrees, until it is almost flat against the surface of the envelope, unless it is stopped in some way. This may be achieved by means of an aperture or cut in the bottom surface of the envelope. At the centre, therefore, of the folding hinges on the panel between the two 'arms', a projection is cut, continuing outwards from, and on the same plane as the image panel: it is, however, unable to reach any impediment on the base, because the sliding member is between it and the base. Therefore, immediately below this, on the sliding member, is an aperture, through which this projection or 'spur' can move freely as the image panel is raised upwards. On the bottom surface, then, is cut a slit, with which the 'spur' engages, through the aperture on the sliding member, when the panel reaches the perpendicular, or desired angle. As in the case of the first version, the mechanism may also be operated by pressure from the other side of the envelope, by extending the sliding member, and making it accessible through an indented aperture on the opposite edge. An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example with re erence to the accompanying drawings, in which: (FIRST version) Fig 1 is a rear, or 'internal' view of the apparatus prior to assembly; Fig 2 is a front view of the apparatus prior to assembly; Fig 3 is a view of the first stage of assembly, showing the two parts of the image panel being folded together; Fig 4 shows the same from the other side; Fig 5 shows the image panel being folded in position against the interior fixed member; Fig 6 shows the other side, with the sliding member folded against the other side of the interior ixed member; Fig 7 is a rear view, showing the interior mechanism folded and glued into position within the envelope; Fig 8 is the front view of the same; Fig 9 is again a rear view of the interior with the side-flaps/guides folded inwards prior to sealing, with extension-tab projecting downwards; Fig 10 is a front view of the same, showing the aperture with image panel in situ; Fig 11 is a rear view of the apparatus with the extension or 'pull' tab still unfolded; Fig 12 is a front view of the same; Fig 13 is a rear view of the fully assembled apparatus; Fig 14 is a front view of the same; Figs 15 - 25 are three-dimensional drawings showing various stages in the assembly process, in almost similar stages; Figs 26 - 28 are schematic drawings showing how the user deploys the apparatus, and how it might look in a deployed position; Figs 29 - 31 show how the user would return the apparatus to it's flat or un-deployed position; Figs 32 and 33 show a variant of the apparatus where the release and deploying mechanism are applied by a 'push' at the other end of the apparatus, instead of the 'pull' from the extension-tab. According to Figs 1 and 2 the apparatus 1 consists of a single sheet of paper, card, plastic or some other suitable material. The apparatus 1 is in this case, rectangular with an aperture 9 cut into the front 8 and extending lengthways from near one end of the front surface 8 centrally, and continuing until it meets the other edge at fold line B-B. At that point, it meets the interior member 10 , and continues into that member 10 for a short distance. This fixed interior member 10, is joined at it's other end, at fold E-E to the narrower, image-bearing panel 11, which prior to assembly is in two parts, which meet at fold F-F, and are glued together to make a single member 11, and shown in Figs 3 and 4, with an extension, which is achieved by having the section 11 between fold lines F-F and G-G slightly longer than the section 11 which is between fold lines E-E and F-F. The fold line G-G therefore extends slightly further beyond fold line E-E when the two sections of the image member 11 are joined to make one member 11. On the fold line G-G at the end of the image member 11, is incorporated a small projection or 'spur' 14 which interrupts the fold G-G and continues outwards for a very short distance on the same plane as the image member 11. At the fold line G-G, the image member 11 meets another panel 12 slightly wider than the itself 11, which is a sliding panel 12, ending at fold line H-H in a small narrower extension tab 13. Fig 5 shows how the image member 11 is folded flat against the fixed interior member 10, at fold E-E, while the sliding panel 12 is folded around the other side of the same member 10. Figs 7 and 8 show the next stage in the assembly with the fixed interior member 10 being folded upwards along fold line B-B, placing the image member 11 directly behind the aperture 9 cut into the top surface 8. The fixed member 10 is glued directly to the interior surface 8 on either side of the aperture 9. Fig 8 shows how the image panel 11, slightly smaller than the aperture 9 is framed by the aperture 9. Behind the fixed member 10 is the sliding member 12 attached to the extended end of the image panel 11 at fold G-G. Fig 9 shows the way in which side flaps 6, 7 are swung inwards over the interior surface 8 and overlapping the fixed member 10, and glued in situ. Fig 10 shows the front view of this. The inside edges of those flaps 6, 7, which stop short of the edge of the sliding member 12, will act as 'rails' guiding the sliding member 12 during deployment of the apparatus 1. Fig 11 shows how the rear panel 3, which joins the front surface 8 at fold line A- A is folded down to cover the interior containing elements 10, 11, 12 and 14, in position, and glued at the edges to side flaps 6 and 7 to form an envelope, 3, 8, open at one end along fold line B-B, with the extension tab 13 protruding at fold line H-H. Fig 12 shows the front surface 8 of this stage. Fig 13 shows the rear view of the fully assembled apparatus 1, and Fig 14 shows the extension tab 13 folded upwards into the front surface 8 of the envelope, and retaining the tip of the image member 11. It is also worth mentioning here, that the aperture 9 may incorporate a cover-member, which may be perforated, and removed by the user on receipt of the apparatus 1. Figs 15 through to 25 show the assembly process in three dimensions. Figs 26 - 28 show how the apparatus 1 is deployed by the user; the envelope is held across the width by the finger and thumb of one hand, while the extension tab 13 is pulled outwards with the other, causing the image member 11 to rise suddenly into position, which will be perpendicular to the top surface 8 of the envelope 8, 3 as the spur 14 on the fold line G-G engages with the slit 4 cut into the base panel 3. In this position, the apparatus 1 may be laid flat on it's base 3, displaying the image on either side of it's raised surface 11 to full advantage. Additional graphics, images or information may also be presented on the surface of the fixed member 10, exposed when the apparatus 1 is deployed. Figs 29 - 31 show how the apparatus 1 is returned to it's flat or un-deployed position. The user simply pushes the extension tab 13 back into the body of the apparatus 1, which brings the image member 11 back down, horizontal to the surface 8, 10 of the apparatus. In order to lock the image member 11, back in it's original position, the user depresses the outside edge of the extension tab 13, raising the 'lip' at it's inside edge, and with finger and thumb, pushes the tip of the image member 11 back beneath it, and releases the extension tab 13, which will retain the image member 11 flush with the surface 8 against the surface of the fixed member 10, and within the recessed aperture 9 of the apparatus 1. Figs 32 and 33 show an alternative way of releasing the image member 11. The sliding member 12, is simply extended, creating an additional folded member 15, beyond fold line G-G , into the outside edge at fold line A-A where rear surface 3 meets front surface 8, before returning and re-connecting with the image member 11 at G-G. At the centre of the edge along fold line A-A, is an aperture cut into both surfaces 3, 8 corresponding to each other, through which the new member 15 is accessible. Inward pressure, with a finger on this member 15, will push the base of the image member 11 beneath the fixed member 10, raising the image member 11 in the same way as before. Since the new member 15 is an extension of the sliding member 12, pushing on that member 15 will also cause the extension tab 13 to retract outwards, releasing the image member 11 in the same way. (SECOND version) Fig 34 is a front, or 'external' view of the apparatus prior to assembly; Fig 35 is a rear or 'internal* view of the same; Fig 36 is a front view showing the interior 'sliding' card folded down against the inside of the base panel; Fig 37 shows the internal view of the same; Fig 38 shows the rear of the assembled apparatus with the extension tab still unfolded; Fig 39 shows the front of the same stage; Fig 40 shows the fully assembled apparatus, but with the base-strip still attached. Fig 41 shows the front of the same; Fig 42 shows the fully assembled apparatus from the back; Fig 43 shows the front view of the fully assembled apparatus; Figs 44-50 show the assembly procedure in three dimensions; Figs 51-53 show how the apparatus is deployed (same way as FIRST version: see schematic drawings in Figs 26 - 31). According to Figs 34 and 35 the apparatus 2 consists of a single sheet of paper, card, plastic or some other suitable material. The apparatus 2 is in this case, rectangular, with a panel 24, which may carry an image or graphic on either of it's surfaces, cut out from the top surface 23, on three sides but joined on one edge by two 'arms' 28 which continue outwards from the panel 24, from fold lines P-P and R-R, stopping short of fold line L-L. Between the two arms 28, is a panel 26, wider than either of the two arms 28. This panel is also attached to the image panel 24, at a fold line O-O. This fold line O-O, however, although parallel with the other two fold lines P-P and R-R, is set a short distance further out towards the edge, fold line L-L, and is interrupted by a small projection or 'spur' 27, on the same plane as the image panel 24, extending into the centre panel 26. This centre panel 26 does not reach the edge of the top surface 23, but is stopped short by being cut across between the internal boundaries of the attaching arms 28. At the opposite edge of the front surface 2, a recess 25 which extends from the end of the panel 24, (the opposite end from the arms 28 and panel 26) to the open, far edge of the envelope 18, 23. Fig 34 shows the rear or exterior view of the apparatus 2 prior to assembly, and Fig 35 shows the inside of the same. In Fig 36 the interior sliding card 16 is shown folded down along fold line J-J, into the back or base surface 18 of the apparatus 2, creating an aperture 29 at one end of the base surface 18, as the extension tab 19 rotates outwards along fold line J-J. Fig 37 shows the aperture 17 in position against the base or back panel 18, where it co-incides with the slit or aperture 20. Fig 36 also shows the side flaps 21, 22 folded inwards across surface 23 and Fig 37 shows the obverse with the flaps 21, 22 glued in situ inside the front panel 23. Figs 38 and 39 show the back or base surface 18 of the now completed envelope 23, 18 with the extension tab 19 projecting outwards from interior sliding member 16, which is clearly visible through the recess 29 on the base surface 18, and the recess 25 on the top surface 23. The inside edges of the flaps 21, 22 will act as guide 'rails' for the sliding panel 16 as it moves within the envelope 18, 23. The panel 26 is glued to the sliding card 16 which lies directly beneath it. The spur 27 which projects outwards into panel 26 along the same plane as the image panel 24, is now aligned with the aperture 17 on the sliding panel 16, which in turn is aligned with the slit 20 on the base panel 18. Figs 40 and 41 show the complete apparatus 2, with the extension tab 19 folded upwards into the body of the apparatus 2 and glued down onto the surface of the sliding card 16, where it forms a lip at it's top edge which projects slightly over the front edge of the image panel 24, and acts as a retainer member. At this stage, the sliding panel 16 cannot move within the envelope 18, 23, as it is still fixed to the base surface 18 by means of the strip between fold lines I-I and K-K, folded along J-J. In Figs 42 and 43, therefore the completed apparatus 2 is shown minus that strip I-I to K-K, which is simply cut off by a trimming operation at that stage. The sliding card 16 is now free to move within the envelope 18, 23 backwards and forwards in one plane, ie, away from the panel 26 and towards the image panel 24. During deployment of the apparatus 2, when the extension tab 19 is pulled outwards from the body of the apparatus 2, it takes with it the panel 26, which has been glued to it. As the pressure of pulling builds, the image panel 24 rotates upwards about hinges P-P and R-R as the panel 26 moves forward on fold line O-O. At the same time, the spur 27 in the centre of fold line O-O dips downwards on the same plane as the image panel 24, which is rising at it's other end, being now released by the retaining lip at the leading edge of extension tab 19. As the spur 27 dips, it progresses through the aperture 17 on the sliding card 16, and encounters the slit 20 cut into the base 18, which impedes it's progress in a radius round the fulcrums on fold lines P-P and R-R, at the vertical to the plane of the apparatus 2, or at any angle set by the position of the impediment slit 20 on the base 18. Figs 44-50 show the assembly operation in three dimensions. Fig 51 shows the apparatus 2 as the user would receive it: Figs 52 and 53 show the apparatus 2 in the deployed position. The schematic drawings in Figs 26 - 31 showing how the apparatus 1 is deployed by the user, apply exactly to the deployment of apparatus 2. Furthermore, the variant described for application to apparatus 1, in Figs 32 and 33 is applicable to apparatus 2. The embodiments described here, are rectangular, but it will be appreciated that these can be made in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Claims: 8 CLAIMS Configuration I 1) A graphic display device consisting of a sliding member set within a base or support section, attached, below a fulcrum at the edge of another fixed interior member, to a panel which, prior to deployment, extends downwards and on the same plane as the base or support section, within an aperture or 'window', marginally larger than the display panel and in that position conceals the image or graphic on the hidden side of the member, and any image or graphic covered by the said member, on the interior fixed panel. 2) A graphic display device as claimed in claim 1, where said display panel is raised into the vertical position by a short pull on the tab located on the end of the interior sliding member, which levers the panel upright by rotating the said panel from the shorter end extending over the edge of another interior, fixed panel, which acts as the fulcrum which raises the longer, outside part of the panel into the upright position. 3) A graphic display device as claimed in claims 1 & 2, where the interior sliding member is substantially movable in two directions lengthways within the envelope or support section, by being confined on two sides by guides which be formed from inwardly folding extensions from the top or bottom outside panels, or from the interior fixed member acting as the fulcrum around which the said display panel is rotated, and levered upright. The edge-folds of the envelope may also act as the guides to the sliding panel. 4) A graphic display device as claimed in claims 1, 2 & 3 in which the display panel is movable to the perpendicular, or any other angle, against the base or support section, by one single movement, either by pulling the tab located on the interior sliding member from the bottom end, or by pushing the interior sliding member inwards through an indented access cut into the top of the base or support section. 5) A graphic display device as claimed in claims 1, 2, 3 & 4 where the display panel rises upwards to the vertical, or to any other angle, including being opened to the flat position by continuing the movement past the vertical position. 6) A graphic display device as claimed in claims 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 where the display panel is locked into the vertical position by means of a projecting spur extending from it's base, which engages with a slit cut into the base, or back panel of the support section. The position of this slit on the base determines the angle, either perpendicular to the base or any other angle, at which the display panel will finally be set. Configuration II 7) A graphic display device consisting of an interior sliding member, attached to a display panel, which may be of any shape, cut from the top surface of the device, by means of a flat extension extending from a fold on the base of the said display panel, which when pulled from a tab located on the opposite end of the sliding member, projecting from the envelope, pulls the display panel into the perpendicular, or any other angle to the support or base section, by means, when the said tab is pulled, of rotating the display panel about a fulcrum formed by fold lines along the two arms extending from either side of the display panel, and cut, like the said panel from the top surface. 8) A graphic display device as claimed in claim 7 which, prior to deployment, conceals the graphic or image to be displayed, on both one side of the display panel, and on the surface on the support section covered by the said display panel. 9) A graphic display device as claimed in claims 7 & 8 where the display panel is locked into the vertical position by means of a projecting spur extending from it's base, which engages with a slit cut into the base, or back panel of the support section. The position of this slit on the base determines the angle, either perpendicular to the base or any other angle, at which the display panel will finally be set. 10) A graphic display device as claimed in claims 7, 8 & 9 which raises a display panel to the perpendicular, or any other angle, to a support or base section, where the interior sliding member is substantially movable lengthways within the main envelope, being confined on either side by either, guides, which may be extensions from the top or bottom containing panels, folded inwards prior to gluing, or by the edge-folds on the envelope itself. 11) A graphic display device as claimed in claims 7, 8 & 9 which may be locked back to the flat position be means, either, of a flap formed by the extension of the pull-tab at the end of the sliding member, or by means of a curved slit cut into the sliding member itself, just below the top end of the display panel. 12) A graphic display device as claimed in claims 7, 8, & 9 which provides a single display panel of any shape, of which both surfaces may be utilised to display images or information.

Inventors: MACKENZIE NORMAN FRASER, MACKENZIE, NORMAN, FRASER
Applicants: MACKENZIE NORMAN FRASER, MACKENZIE, NORMAN, FRASER
Application year: 1999
Main classification: B42D15
IPC codes: B42D15, G09F1