Patent Publication Number: US-2009235564-A1

Title: Greeting card holder with display support member

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     This invention relates to an improved device for holding and displaying a single greeting card or the like. In particular, the current invention provides a mailable card holder suitable for displaying cards folded either vertically or horizontally. 
     Greeting cards are exchanged year round but are especially popular at Christmas. Recipients often display the cards by stacking them in a tray or bowl, by attaching them to a wall using ribbons, tacks, tape or glue, or by standing them upright on a flat surface such as a table top or mantel. 
     Each of these display methods suffer from shortcomings. The stacking approach requires handling of the cards to view them. Attaching the cards to a wall leaves marks on the wall and precludes close examination of the cards. Finally, cards standing upright on a surface are easily knocked over. 
     Therefore, a need exists for a small, economical, and disposable device for displaying greeting cards which overcomes the problems described above. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention provides a method and device for holding and displaying a card such as a greeting card. The card holder can be mailed in a flat configuration with a greeting card in a greeting card envelope. The size and weight of the card holder is preferably equal to or less than the greeting card. The holder may be configured to display a card having a horizontal fold in an upright tent position. Additionally, the holder may be configured to display a card having a vertical fold in an upright book position. Finally, if the card is not folded, then the holder may be configured to display the card in an upright position. 
     In one embodiment, the card holder of the present invention comprises a panel, preferably a single piece of paperboard stock or bendable light plastic. The panel preferably comprises a plurality of opposing tabs which may be bent outwardly from the panel. The tabs are aligned such that when the panel is lying on a horizontal surface, the outwardly extending tabs securely retain one or more bottom edges of the greeting card. When the tabs are oriented in a V pattern, the card holder can secure a card in a book orientation. When the tabs are oriented in two or more parallel lines, the card holder can secure a card in a tent configuration. Preferably, the card holder can accommodate a card in either a tent or book position. 
     In another embodiment, the current invention provides a greeting card holder comprising a panel which carries a card supporter having at least two sidewalls defining a V. The V is suitable for receiving the folded edge of a greeting card thereby providing support for the greeting card. Additionally, the card supporter may be folded to a substantially flat position. 
     The present invention also provides a method for displaying greeting cards, picture/photo cards, photographs, and other long or short card-like devices comprising the following steps. According to the method of the current invention, a flat panel prepared from a suitable paper stock or plastic is cut to a desired configuration suitable for supporting the card to be displayed. Subsequently, tabs are severably scored into the panel. Optionally, the portion of the tab securing the tab to the panel may be lightly scored to aid in flexing of the tab. Thereafter, the desired tabs are pushed outwardly from the panel. The tabs are bent along the intact edge retaining the tab to the panel in a manner suitable for engaging a card. Following positioning of the desired tabs, a greeting card is positioned on the card holder for display. 
     The foregoing and other advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the current invention. 
         FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of a card displayed in a tent configuration on the device depicted in  FIG. 1A . 
       FIG. A is a perspective view of a panel scored for pairs of tabs. 
         FIG. 2B  depicts a pair of tabs wherein a single scoring forms adjacent side edges of each tab. 
         FIG. 2C  depicts a pair of tabs wherein a single scoring forms the top edges of each tab in the pair of tabs. 
         FIG. 2D  depicts a pair of tabs with a card edge positioned between the tabs of the embodiment of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of a panel scored for a plurality of opposing tabs. 
         FIG. 3B  depicts an enlarged view of a tab cluster. 
         FIG. 3C  depicts an alternative embodiment of the tab cluster. 
         FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the current invention. 
         FIG. 4B  is a perspective view of a card displayed in a book configuration on the device of this invention. 
         FIG. 4C  is a perspective view of a card holder capable of displaying a card in more than one configuration. 
         FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the current invention. 
         FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of a postcard displayed on the embodiment of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 5C  is a perspective view of a display support member embodiment. 
         FIG. 5D  is a perspective view of a photo card displayed by the embodiment of  FIG. 5C . 
         FIG. 5E  is a perspective view of an alternative display support member embodiment prior to configuring for supporting a photo card. 
         FIG. 5F  is a perspective view of a photo card displayed by the embodiment of  FIG. 5E . 
         FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the current invention. 
         FIG. 6B  is a perspective view of a card displayed on the embodiment of  FIG. 6A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1A through 4C  depict preferred embodiments of the current invention. In the embodiment of  FIG. 1A , a card holder  10  comprises a panel  20  having at least two parallel severably scored tabs  22 . Tabs  22  are severably scored on three edges  24   a ,  24   b ,  24   c . Tab  22  is optionally lightly scored on edge  24   d  to aid in flexing of tab  22  to an outward position as depicted in  FIG. 1B . 
     As used herein, the term “severably scored” includes perforations, cuts or other similar localized breakaway mechanisms completely or substantially through panel  20 , which permit separation of edges  24   a ,  24   b ,  24   c  from panel  20  by application of force. Preferably, one would be able to move severably scored tab  22  by slight application of pressure with a finger. Edge  24   d  can be made totally by movement of tab  22  or this portion of tab  22  can be lightly scored to assist in the bending or folding of tab  22 . Light scoring is especially useful when tab  22  is elongated as in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . 
       FIG. 1B  depicts card holder  10  displaying a greeting card  12  in a tent position. Greeting card  12  has a horizontal fold  14  and first and second edges  16  and  18 . In this embodiment, tab  22  restricts movement of card  12  precluding card  12  from collapsing under its own weight. Thus, card holder  10  provides the ability to display card  12  in a tent configuration without the use of separate retaining devices. 
     In a preferred embodiment, card holder  10  is configured from a panel  20 . Panel  20  can be constructed of any lightweight material capable of being scored and bent or folded. Preferably, panel  20  is constructed of paperboard stock or plastic. Non-limiting examples of suitable paperboard stock include tag board, letter paper stock, card stock, card board, kraft paper and the like. In general, the material used to construct card holder  10  should be a single sheet which retains a desired configuration following bending. Thus, following bending, tabs  22  will remain extended from panel  20 . 
     Panel  20  can be manufactured and/or sold with greeting card  12 . Panel  20  is flat and lightweight and therefore easily mailed with card  12  in the card envelope (not shown). Panel  20  can optionally be decorated to match or complement card  12  such that the overall appearance of displayed card  12  and card holder  10  is pleasing to a viewer. Panel  20  is also quickly and easily converted to card holder  10  by pushing tabs  22  outward from panel surface  26  and folding or bending the unsevered edge  24   d  such that tab  22  maintains its extended position. Preferably, card holder  10  has a size less than or equal to card  12  to be displayed. Further, card holder  10  preferably has a weight equal to or less than the weight of card  12 . 
     It is sometimes desirable to more securely retain card edges  16 ,  18 . With reference to  FIG. 2A , one embodiment of the current invention provides a panel  20  having pairs of opposing tabs  22 . As shown in  FIG. 2B , tab pairs  28  comprise tabs  22  partially extend from surface  24  of panel  20  at acute angles by raising edges  24   a ,  24   b ,  24   c  and bending at edge  24   d . Tab pairs  28  are aligned in parallel lines or rows in a manner suitable for securing card edges  16  and  18  when greeting card  12  is displayed in a tent position, as in  FIG. 1A . As depicted in  FIG. 2B , edge  24   d  of one tab  22  does not contact the corresponding edge  24   d  of the other tab  22  in tab pair  28 . In the embodiment depicted, edges  24   c  of each tab  22  are prepared by a single scoring of panel  20 . However, the current invention also contemplates an arrangement of tab pairs  28  wherein edges  24   b  of each tab  22  are prepared by a single scoring of panel  20 . This embodiment is depicted in  FIG. 2C . 
     In either format, tabs  22  are bent outward from panel  20  at an angle appropriate to engage greeting card  12  positioned on card holder  10 . Preferably, opposing top tab edges  24   b  engage each side of card edges  16 ,  18  as depicted in  FIG. 2D . By positioning tabs  22  on each side of card edge  16  or  18 , this embodiment provides additional stability to greeting card  12 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , tabs  22  can be arranged in pairs  28  or in clusters  30  of three or more.  FIG. 3A  shows a panel  20  with parallel lines of tab clusters  30  wherein each tab cluster  30  comprises three tabs  22 . However, cluster  30  may comprise any number of tabs  22 . Tab clusters  30  are particularly useful for displaying unfolded cards  12  such as business cards (not shown). 
       FIG. 3C  schematically shows a variation wherein the middle tab  22   a  of three-tab cluster  30  is folded or kinked in accordion fashion. It is believed that providing one or more accordion folded tabs  22   a  to tab cluster  30  improves the gripping action of tab clusters  30 . Tabs  22   a  to be folded in accordion fashion are preferably longer than tabs  22 . Preferably, accordion fold lines  32  are marked or lightly scored onto tabs  22   a.    
       FIG. 4A  depicts another embodiment of the current invention. This embodiment comprises panel  20  with a series of tabs  22  arranged in a V-shaped configuration. As noted above, tabs  22  are severably scored into panel  20 . When extended from panel  20 , tabs  22  engage card  12  placed on card holder  10 . In a preferred embodiment, at least one tab  22  is positioned on each side of card edges  16  and  18 . More preferably, as shown in  FIG. 4B , at least two tabs  22  are positioned on either side of card edges  16  and  18 . Optionally, a stabilizing tab  34  is carried by panel  20  in the gap formed by the V-shaped arrangement of tabs  22 . Stabilizing tab  34  preferably has a length equal to at least half of the height of card  12  when displayed in a book position. Stabilizing tab  34  is severably scored in the manner of tabs  22 . Although not depicted in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , stabilizing tab  34  may be incorporated into the embodiment depicted therein. As depicted in  FIG. 4B , stabilizing tab  34  provides additional support to card  12 . 
       FIG. 4B  depicts card holder  10  displaying greeting card  12  in a book position. Greeting card  12  has a vertical fold  14  and first and second edges  16  and  18 . Cards  12  placed in this position without a holder usually fall over when touched, brushed against, or subjected to even slight air movement. This embodiment of card holder  10  improves the stability of card  12  when displayed in a book position. In this embodiment, card holder  10  provides a wide, secure base for card  12 . Tab pairs  28  or clusters  30  secure edges  16  and  18  of card  12 , thus maintaining an upright position and effectively integrating card holder  10  with card  12 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4C , another preferred embodiment comprises card holder panel  20  having parallel elongated tabs  22 , tab pairs  28  or tab clusters  30  (tab clusters  30  not shown in  FIG. 4C ) capable of displaying and providing support to card  12  in a tent position, as well as tab pairs  28  or clusters  30  arranged in a V pattern capable of displaying and providing support to card  12  in a book position. 
       FIG. 5A  depicts another preferred embodiment of the current invention. Card holder  10  depicted in  FIG. 5A  is suitable for displaying greeting cards in the tent position and for displaying postcards  13  or other cards which do not incorporate a fold in their design. As depicted in  FIG. 5A , panel  20 , used to form this embodiment of card holder  10 , preferably has two pre-folded or lightly scored lines  51  and  53 . A base tab  55  is severably scored into panel  20  in a manner similar to tabs  22  described above. Base tab  55  carries at least one severably scored tab  22 . At least one additional severably scored tab  22  is positioned adjacent to the secured edge  55   d  of base tab  55 . 
     When positioned as depicted in  FIG. 5B , card holder  10  provides a support for displaying postcard  13 . As depicted, panel  20  is bent along pre-folded lines  51  and  53 . Base tab  55  is separated from panel  20  and lies adjacent to the surface (not shown) supporting panel  20 . Tab  22  carried by base tab  55  is bent upwards in manner sufficient to engage and retain edge  57  of panel  20 . Following engagement of edge  57  with tab  22  carried by base tab  55 , card holder  10  is ready to display a post card  13  or other similar card lacking a fold. When displaying a postcard  13 , tab  22  adjacent to edge  55   d  retains lower edge  13   a  of postcard  13  while card holder  10  presents postcard  13  at an angle suitable for viewing. 
     A preferred embodiment with a display support member is depicted in  FIGS. 5C and 5D . Card holder  10  depicted in  FIGS. 5C and 5D  is capable of displaying greeting cards, picture/photo cards, photographs, and other long or short card-like devices. The displaying may be in the vertical or horizontal orientation of the item being displayed. In  FIG. 5D , card  70  is shown displayed on card holder  10 . 
       FIG. 5C  depicts panel  20  in a flat state. As shown, panel  20  has one completely pre-folded or lightly scored seam  51 , and two lightly scored seams  53   a  and  53   b . Seams  53   a  and  53   b  are separated by an unscored and unaltered segment  59  of panel surface  26  and display support member  72 . Combined, seams  53   a ,  53   b  and segment  59  substantially cross between edges  78   a  and  78   b  of panel  20 . Seam  51  forms a movable or flexible joint in panel  20 . Seams  53   a  and  53   b  form a second and third movable or flexible joint near the middle of panel  20 . 
     Base tab  55 , severably scored tabs  23   a  and  23   b , and display support member  72  are carried by panel  20 . A first severably scored tab  23   a  is carried on base tab  55 . A second severably scored tab  23   b  is carried by panel  20  and is positioned between secured edge  55   d  of base tab  55  and panel edge  56 . Display support member  72  has severably scored edges  72   a ,  72   b , and  72   c . Segment  59  is the portion of display member  72  that coincides with panel  20  at seams  53   a  and  53   b , and is not meant to be bent, moved or removed. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5C and 5D , to assemble holder  20 , base tab  55  is separated from panel  20  and positioned adjacent to and substantially parallel to a surface (not shown). As depicted, panel  20  is bent along seams  51 ,  53   a  and  53   b . Tab  23   a  carried by base tab  55  is bent upwardly from base tab  55 . Final assembly places end  58  in engagement with tab  23   a  carried by base tab  55 . Tab  23   b , not carried by base tab  55 , is bent upwardly from panel  20  to support card  70  at its lower edge  74  at an angle suitable for viewing. Preferably, tabs  23   a  and  23   b  are parallel to each other. In this configuration, card holder  10  is ready to display card  70 . Thus, when configured to support card  70 , display member  72  is not bent. Rather, display member  72  merely externally projects outwardly and separate from panel  20 . 
       FIG. 5D  depicts card holder  10  assembled to display card  70 . As assembled, panel surface  26  of card holder  10  forms card holder front  76  upon which card  70  rests when displayed while edge  74  of card  70  is retained by tab  23   b . In the display position depicted in  FIG. 5D , display member  72  extends in an upward direction along a similar plane as card holder front  76 . 
     An alternative preferred embodiment is depicted in  FIGS. 5E and 5F  with a display support member. Card holder  10  depicted in  FIGS. 5E and 5F  is capable of displaying greeting cards, picture/photo cards, photographs, and other long or short card-like devices. The displaying may be in the vertical or horizontal orientation of the item being displayed. In  FIG. 5F , photo card  70  is shown displayed on card holder  10 . 
       FIG. 5E  depicts panel  20  in a flat state. Panel  20  has one completely pre-folded or lightly scored seam  51 , and two lightly scored seams  53   a  and  53   b . Seams  53   a  and  53   b  form a seam separated by severably scored line  53   c  that is positioned between panel surface  26  and display support member  82 . Combined, seams  53   a ,  53   b  and  53   c  substantially cross between edges  88   a  and  88   b  of panel  20 . Base tab  55 , severably scored tabs  23   a  and  23   b , and display support member  82  are carried by panel  20 . A first severably scored tab  23   a  is carried on base tab  55 . A second severably scored tab  23   b  is carried by panel  20  and is positioned between secured edge  55   d  of base tab  55  and panel edge  56 . Seam  51  forms a movable or flexible joint in panel  20 . Seams  53   a  and  53   b  form a second and third movable or flexible joint near the middle of panel  20 . 
     Display support member  82  has severably scored edges  82   a ,  82   b , and  82   c . Edge  82   d  is the point of display member  82  that coincides with panel surface  26  at seam  53   c . Edge  82   d  and  53   c  are coincidental with each other. Edge  82   d  may be perforated or have some other means to assist a user in detaching it. For example, if advertising or coupons are optionally printed upon display member  82 , then the user would be able to detach display member  82  for later use. The point of detachment is edge  82   d . In one embodiment, display member  82  may also be a detachable business card. It is believed the detaching of display support member  82  will occur after the user is through with displaying card  70 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5E and 5F , to assemble holder  20 , base tab  55  is separated from panel  20  and positioned adjacent to and substantially parallel to a surface (not shown). As depicted, panel  20  is bent along seams  51 ,  53   a  and  53   b . Tab  23   a  carried by base tab  55  is bent outwardly from base tab  55 . Final assembly places end  58  in engagement with tab  23   a  carried by base tab  55 . Tab  23   b , not carried by base tab  55 , is bent upwardly from panel  20  to support card  70  at its lower edge  74  at an angle suitable for viewing. Preferably, tabs  23   a  and  23   b  are parallel to each other. In this configuration, card holder  10  is ready to display card  70 . Thus, when configured to support card  70 , display member  82  is not bent. Rather, display member  82  merely externally projects outwardly and separate from panel  20 . 
       FIG. 5F  depicts card holder  10  assembled to display card  70  As assembled, panel surface  26  of card holder  10  forms card holder front  86  upon which card  70  rests when displayed while edge  74  of card  70  is retained by tab  23   b . In the display position depicted in  FIG. 5F , display member  82  extends in an upward direction along a similar plane as card holder front  86 . As assembled, display member  82  is depicted with edge  82   d  ready for detaching it. 
     As used herein, the term “severably scored” includes perforations, cuts or other similar localized breakaway mechanisms. Severably scored lines or seams may pass completely or substantially through panel  20  thereby permitting ready separation of the tab edges. Thus, with regard to  FIGS. 5C-5F , severably scored edges  72   a ,  72   b ,  72   c ,  82   a ,  82   b , and  82   c  are all separable from panel  20  by application of a sufficient force such that it does not induce tearing or localized material failure of the surrounding material. The aforementioned edges are similar to edges  24   a - c  discussed above and function identically thereto. As used herein, the term “lightly scored” means a scratch or partial cut that does not completely penetrate through the material while facilitating movement or flexing of the panel or tab about a point without the intent of breaking or detaching it from panel  20 . 
     In yet another embodiment, the current invention depicted in  FIG. 6A  and  FIG. 6B , provides a card holder  60  which does not require scoring of panel  20 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6A , a card supporter  62  is secured to surface  26  of panel  20 . Card support  62  is preferably sufficiently flexible to permit folding to a substantially flat position as shown in  FIG. 6A  thereby permitting mailing of card holder  60  in a conventional envelope. When moved to an upright position as depicted in  FIG. 6B , card supporter  62  has a generally V-shaped configuration defined by sidewalls  64  and  66 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6B , greeting card  12  is displayed in book configuration with fold  14  inserted into the V defined by sidewalls  64  and  66 . Thus, card supporter  62  provides sufficient stability to enable display of card  12 . Card support  62  may be utilized alone or in combination with the embodiments of the current invention depicted in  FIGS. 4A ,  4 B and  4 C. 
     The current invention further provides a method for configuring a greeting card holder  10  from a flat panel  20  of paperboard, plastic or other similar material. According to the method of the current invention, a panel  20  of desired material is cut to a size suitable for displaying the desired greeting card  12 . The dimensional size will depend in part on the configuration of card  12 . As will be apparent from an examination of  FIGS. 1B and 4B , the width and length of card holder  10  will be determined by the dimensions of card  12  and the location/configuration of fold  14 . 
     Following sizing of card holder  10 , tabs  22  are severably scored into panel  20 . The methods for scoring tabs  22  in paperboard and plastic are well known to those skilled in the art. Although tabs  22  are portrayed in the FIGS. as square or rectangular in shape, it is understood that any shape will work. Preferably, the scoring permits extension of tabs  22  from panel  20  by slight pressure applied with a finger or pencil eraser. Tabs  22  are subsequently positioned in a manner to engage card  12  placed on card holder  10 . 
     As noted above, a stabilizing tab  34  may also be scored into panel  20 . If stabilizing tab  34  is provided, it is also extended and positioned to provide further support to card  12 . 
     Once necessary tabs  22  are positioned outwardly from panel  20 , greeting card  12  is positioned on card holder  10 . Tabs  22  provide sufficient friction to stabilize card  12  reducing the likelihood of card  12  collapsing or falling over. 
     The above description refers frequently to greeting cards; however, it is understood that card holder  10  of the current invention can be used advantageously to display business cards, card-size advertising plaques, informational signs in stores, unframed decorative cards and so on. The card holder of this invention also offers a unique marketing tool in that it is an inexpensive, disposable, functional and decorative tool for displaying a card and can be sold and/or mailed with the card marketed. The United States Postal Service has defined what the acceptable weight of a first class envelope will cost without purchasing additional postage. Typically, a first class card may be mailed with a single first class stamp if the weight is 1 ounce or less. Although the cards described herein can weigh more than 1 ounce, in most embodiments the combination of card holder  10  should not cause the weight of the combined mailing to exceed a single first class postage stamp. It is understood that it may be preferred to have an embodiment using a material that will exceed the weight of a single first class stamp. 
     While certain preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described for purposes of the present disclosure, numerous changes in the arrangement and construction of parts and steps may be made by those skilled in the art, which changes are encompassed within the scope and spirit of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.