Patent Publication Number: US-9898938-B1

Title: Trifold letter card display

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     There are many instances in which individuals wish to display letter cards on a flat surface. However, conventional letter cards are of a single card construction having a front side and a rear side. It is difficult for the cards to be conveniently sat on a flat surface. Therefore, a need exists in the art for a letter card that can be easily set up for display on a flat surface, while at the same time being portable like conventional cards if needed. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     Various embodiments provide a trifold letter card comprising (A) a base portion; (B) a first riser portion; (C) a second riser portion; (D) an engaging portion; and (E) an enclosure portion. According to various embodiments: (1) the base portion comprises a first side edge, a second side edge, a third side edge, a fourth side edge, a first surface, and a second surface, wherein the first side edge and the third side edge of the base portion are opposite side edges of the base portion and are substantially parallel to one another, and the second side edge and the fourth side edge of the base portion are opposite side edges of the base portion; (2) the first riser portion comprises a first side edge, a second side edge, a third side edge, a fourth side edge, a first surface, and a second surface, wherein the first side edge and the third side edge of the first riser portion are opposite side edges of the first riser portion and are substantially parallel to one another, and the second side edge and the fourth side edge of the first riser portion are opposite side edges of the first riser portion; (3) the second riser portion comprises a first side edge, a second side edge, a third side edge, a fourth side edge, a first surface, and a second surface, wherein: (a) the first side edge and the third side edge of the second riser portion are opposite side edges of the second riser portion and are substantially parallel to one another, the second side edge and the fourth side edge of the second riser portion are opposite side edges of the second riser portion; (b) the third side edge of the first riser portion and the first side edge of the second riser portion collectively define a first crease line; and (c) the third side edge of the second riser portion and the first side edge of the base portion collectively define a second crease line; (4) the engaging portion comprises a first side edge, a second side edge, a third side edge, a fourth side edge, a first surface, a second surface, at least three segments, and at least two slits, wherein: (a) the first side edge and the third side edge of the engaging portion are opposite side edges of the engaging portion, and the second side edge and the fourth side edge of the engaging portion are opposite side edges of the engaging portion; (b) the third side edge of the base portion and the first side edge of the engaging portion collectively define a third crease line; (c) each of the at least three segments comprising a first side edge, a second side edge, a third side edge, a fourth side edge, a first surface, a second surface, wherein the first side edge and the third side edge of each of the at least three segments are opposite side edges of the corresponding segment, and the second side edge and the fourth side edge of each of the at least three segments are opposite side edges of the corresponding segment; (d) the first side edge of a first segment of the at least three segments defines the fourth side edge of the engaging portion, the fourth side edge of a third segment of the at least three segments defines the second side edge of the engaging portion, the fourth side edges of the at least three segments in the engaging portion collectively define the first side edge of the engaging portion, the second side edges of the at least three segments in the engaging portion collectively define the fourth side edge of the engaging portion, the first surfaces of the at least three segments collectively define the first surface of the engaging portion, and the second surfaces of the at least three segments collectively define the second surface of the engaging portion; (e) the third side edge of a first segment of the at least three segments and the first side edge of a second segment of the at least three segments collectively define a first slit of the engaging portion, wherein the first segment is adjacent to the second segment, and the first slit starts from a point on the third side edge of the engaging portion and ends before reaching the first side edge of the engaging portion; (f) the third side edge of the second segment of the at least three segments and the first side edge of a third segment of the at least three segments collectively define a second slit of the engaging portion, wherein the second segment is adjacent to the third segment, and the second slit starts from another point on the third side edge of the engaging portion and ends before reaching the first side edge of the engaging portion; and (g) the at least two slits of the engaging portion receive and engage the first riser portion from an end at the first side edge of the first riser portion, and secure the first riser portion to the engaging portion. Still further, the enclosure portion comprises three side walls and two opposing ends, wherein: (a) a first side wall is the base portion, a second side wall is the second riser portion, and a third side wall is formed by the first riser portion engaged with the engaging portion; and (b) the two opposing ends are open, wherein a first end of the two opposing ends is formed by the fourth side edges of the base portion, the second riser portion, the first riser portion and the engaging portion, wherein the first riser portion is secured to the engaging portion, a second end of the two opposing ends is formed by the second side edges of the base portion, the second riser portion, the first riser portion and the engaging portion, wherein the first riser portion is secured to the engaging portion. 
     Various embodiments further provide a method for making a trifold letter card, wherein the trifold letter card comprises: a first riser portion with a first side edge and a third side edge in parallel, a second riser portion with a first side edge and a third side edge in parallel, a base portion with a first side edge and a third side edge in parallel, and an engaging portion with a first side edge and a third side edge opposing to the first side edge, wherein the third side edge of the first riser portion and the first side edge of the second riser portion collectively define a first crease line, the first side edge of the base portion and the third side edge of the second riser portion collectively define a second crease line, the first side edge of the engaging portion and the third side edge of the base portion collectively define a third crease line, the engaging portion has at least two slits and at least three segments, wherein each of the two slits is formed by two side edges of two adjacent segments, and starts from a point along the third side edge of the engaging portion and ends before reaching the first side edge of the engaging portion. In these embodiments, the method comprises the steps of: (1) folding the engaging portion at an acute angle, an approximate right angle, or an obtuse angle relative to the base portion; (2) folding the first riser portion at an acute angle, an approximate right angle, or an obtuse angle relative to the second riser portion; (3) folding the second riser portion at an acute angle relative to the base portion; (4) adjusting the angles formed by the second riser portion and the base portion, by the engaging portion and the base portion, and by the first riser portion and the second riser portion so that the first side edge of the first riser portion is substantially aligned with the fourth side edge of the engaging portion; and (5) inserting the first riser portion into the at least two slits of the engaging portion so as to secure the first riser portion relative to the engaging portion. 
     Various embodiments likewise provide a blank configured to be used to form a trifold letter card, the blank comprising (A) a base portion; (B) a first riser portion; (C) a second riser portion; and (D) an engaging portion. According to various embodiments: (1) the base portion comprises a first side edge, a second side edge, a third side edge, a fourth side edge, a first surface, and a second surface, wherein the first side edge and the third side edge of the base portion are opposite side edges of the base portion and are substantially parallel to one another, and the second side edge and the fourth side edge of the base portion are opposite side edges of the base portion; (2) the first riser portion comprises a first side edge, a second side edge, a third side edge, a fourth side edge, a first surface, and a second surface, wherein the first side edge and the third side edge of the first riser portion are opposite side edges of the first riser portion and are substantially parallel to one another, and the second side edge and the fourth side edge of the first riser portion are opposite side edges of the first riser portion; (3) the second riser portion comprises a first side edge, a second side edge, a third side edge, a fourth side edge, a first surface, and a second surface, wherein: (a) the first side edge and the third side edge of the second riser portion are opposite side edges of the second riser portion and are substantially parallel to one another, the second side edge and the fourth side edge of the second riser portion are opposite side edges of the second riser portion; (b) the third side edge of the first riser portion and the first side edge of the second riser portion collectively define a first crease line; and (c) the third side edge of the second riser portion and the first side edge of the base portion collectively define a second crease line; (4) the engaging portion comprises a first side edge, a second side edge, a third side edge, a fourth side edge, a first surface, a second surface, at least three segments, and at least two slits, wherein: (a) the first side edge and the third side edge of the engaging portion are opposite side edges of the engaging portion, and the second side edge and the fourth side edge of the engaging portion are opposite side edges of the engaging portion; (b) the third side edge of the base portion and the first side edge of the engaging portion collectively define a third crease line; (c) each of the at least three segments comprising a first side edge, a second side edge, a third side edge, a fourth side edge, a first surface, a second surface, wherein the first side edge and the third side edge of each of the at least three segments are opposite side edges of the corresponding segment, and the second side edge and the fourth side edge of each of the at least three segments are opposite side edges of the corresponding segment; (d) the first side edge of a first segment of the at least three segments defines the fourth side edge of the engaging portion, the fourth side edge of a third segment of the at least three segments defines the second side edge of the engaging portion, the fourth side edges of the at least three segments in the engaging portion collectively define the first side edge of the engaging portion, the second side edges of the at least three segments in the engaging portion collectively define the fourth side edge of the engaging portion, the first surfaces of the at least three segments collectively define the first surface of the engaging portion, and the second surfaces of the at least three segments collectively define the second surface of the engaging portion; (e) the third side edge of a first segment of the at least three segments and the first side edge of a second segment of the at least three segments collectively define a first slit of the engaging portion, wherein the first segment is adjacent to the second segment, and the first slit starts from a point on the third side edge of the engaging portion and ends before reaching the first side edge of the engaging portion; and (f) the third side edge of the second segment of the at least three segments and the first side edge of a third segment of the at least three segments collectively define a second slit of the engaging portion, wherein the second segment is adjacent to the third segment, and the second slit starts from another point on the third side edge of the engaging portion and ends before reaching the first side edge of the engaging portion. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
       Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
         FIG. 1A  is a top view of an embodiment of a blank  101  used to make a trifold letter card in a first configuration atop a supporting surface  150 , with a first surface facing up, according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 1B  is a top view of an embodiment of the blank  101  in a first configuration atop a supporting surface  150 , with a second surface facing up, according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 2A  is a pictorial view of an embodiment of a trifold letter card  201  in a first upright configuration atop a supporting surface  250  according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 2B  is another pictorial view of an embodiment of the trifold letter card  201  in a first upright configuration according to the present invention, viewed from another perspective; 
         FIG. 3A  is a top view of an embodiment of the blank  101  in a second configuration with an engaging portion  140  folded according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 3B  is a partial view of  FIG. 3A , focusing on the structure of an engaging portion  140 ; 
         FIG. 3C  is a partial pictorial view of an embodiment of the blank  101  partially assembled into the trifold letter card, focusing on the engagement of a riser portion  110  and the engaging portion  140 , according to the present invention; 
         FIGS. 4A-4C  show a top view of a first portion  110 , a second portion  120 , and a third portion  130  of an embodiment of the blank  101 , respectively, with a first surface facing up, according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 5A  shows a top view of a fourth portion  140  of an embodiment of the blank  101 , with a second surface facing up, according to the present invention; 
         FIGS. 5B-5D  show a top view of two short segments  141  and  142  and a long segment  142  of the portion  140  in  FIG. 5A , respectively; 
         FIG. 6  shows a side view of an embodiment of the trifold letter card  201 , focusing on three angular portions of the trifold letter card  201 , according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 7A  is a pictorial view of an embodiment of the trifold letter card  201  in a second upright configuration atop a supporting surface according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 7B  is another pictorial view of an embodiment of the trifold letter card  201  in the second upright configuration according to the present invention, viewed from another perspective; 
         FIG. 8A  shows a pictorial view of the blank  101  in a first to-be-closed configuration according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 8B  shows a pictorial view of the blank  101  in a first closed configuration according to the present invention. 
         FIGS. 9A-D  show four pictorial views of an embodiment of the blank  101  in a process of being assembled into the trifold letter card according to the present invention; 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the inventions are shown. Indeed, these inventions may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The terminology used in the description is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting to embodiments of the present invention. As used in the description, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “or” is used herein in both the alternative and conjunctive sense, unless otherwise indicated. The terms “illustrative” and “exemplary” are used to be examples with no indication of quality level. 
     Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of dimensions such as length, width, height, and so forth as used in the description are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical properties set forth in the description are approximations that may vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained in embodiments of the present invention. Notwithstanding that the approximate numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of embodiments of the present invention, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical values, however, inherently contain certain errors necessarily resulting from error found in their respective measurements. 
     Still further, while numbers expressing quantities of dimensions such as length, width, height, and sort forth are incorporated throughout the description, such as to be understood as exemplary in nature, versus limiting. In other words, certain embodiments may have dimensions substantially greater than the exemplary numbers expressed herein, while other embodiments may have dimensions substantially less than the same, as may be desirable for particular applications. It should be understood that such variations in dimensions are contemplated and considered within the scope of various embodiments, provided the dimensional aspects of the blank  101  used to make the trifold letter card as a whole provide the previously described benefits of being easily set up for display on a flat surface, while at the same time being portable like conventional cards if needed. Accordingly, for purposes of brevity of disclosure, such variations may be assumed with regard to any remaining described dimensions herein, even where not explicitly described with regard to particular segments or elements. 
     Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. 
     I. Structure of Exemplary Trifold Letter Card Blank 
       FIG. 1  provides an illustration of a trifold letter card blank  101  that may be used to make a trifold letter card  201  displayed atop a flat supporting surface  250  (see also  FIGS. 2, 7 and 8 ) according to various embodiments. In certain embodiments, the trifold letter card  201  is formed by carrying out a sequence of folding steps upon the blank  101 . In particular embodiments, the blank  101  is folded along appropriate crease lines  115 ,  125  and  135  and respective portions are thereby brought by the folding operation into proximity or juxtaposition to other portions, or made to abut or to interlock with other portions of the blank  101 , as described in further detail below. 
     In various embodiments, the crease lines are configured to encourage bending at the crease lines. For instance, in various embodiments, the crease lines may be formed by folding adjacent portions in the blank  101  and pressing folded adjacent portions against each other, by placing indentations in the blank  101 , by partial cuts through the body of the blank  101 , by placing serrated indentations in the body of the blank  100  that include alternating sections of cuts through the body of the blank  101  and sections without cuts, and/or combinations thereof. 
     For convenience, the blank  101  is shown in  FIG. 1  as a single flat item that may be manufactured as a single piece. However, it should be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of this disclosure that the blank  101  may be manufactured in multiple pieces that may be adhered to one another through such mechanisms as tape, glue, staples, etc., and/or a combination thereof. In addition, according to various embodiments, the blank  101  may be constructed of any suitable material such as the non-limiting examples of card stocks, waxed paper, thermoplastic polymers, polystyrene, or polyvinyl chloride. In certain embodiments, the suitable material may be formed at least partially or even wholly from recyclable, reground, and/or biodegradable material, as may be desirable in particular applications. 
     It may be seen from  FIG. 1  that various embodiments of the blank  101  include a first riser portion  110 , a second riser portion  120 , a base portion  130 , and an engaging portion  140 . Each of the respective portions has a first surface ( 110   a ,  120   a ,  130   a ,  140   a ), an opposing second surface ( 110   b ,  120   b ,  130   b ,  140   b ). The color of the first surface and the second surface may be same, or different. Each of the riser portions and base portion has four side edges ( 110   c - f ,  120   c - f ,  130   c - f ) (see also  FIG. 4 ), and the engaging portion  140  has three side edges ( 140   c - e ) and a fourth side edge defined collectively by a side edge of each segment of the engaging portion (see also  FIG. 5 ), as will be described in detail below. The side edge  110   f  of the first riser portion  110  and the side edge  120   c  of the second riser portion  120  collectively define a first crease line  115 ; the side edge  120   f  of the second riser portion  120  and the side edge  130   c  of the base portion  130  collectively define a second crease line  125 ; and the side edge  130   f  of the base portion  130  and the side edge  140   c  of the engaging portion  140  collectively define a third crease line  135 . Each of the respective portions may be substantially rectangular in shape, and dimensions for each may vary among embodiments. For instance, in certain embodiments, the first riser portion  110  may measure approximately 4 11/16 inches (side edges  110   c ,  110   f ) by 4⅜ inches (side edges  110   d ,  110   e ) (i.e., approximately 119 millimeters by 111 millimeters), the second riser portion  120  may measure approximately 4 11/16 inches (side edges  120   c ,  120   f ) by 4 7/16 inches (side edges  120   d ,  120   e ) (i.e., approximately 119 millimeters by 113 millimeters), the base portion  130  may measure approximately 4 11/16 inches (side edges  130   c ,  130   f ) by 4⅜ inches (side edges  130   d ,  130   e ) (i.e., approximately 119 millimeters by 111 millimeters), and the engaging portion  140  may measure approximately 4 11/16 inches (side edge  140   c ) by ⅞ inches (side edges  140   d ,  140   e ) (i.e., approximately 119 millimeters by 22 millimeters). As mentioned previously, it should be understood that in other embodiments, these and still other dimensions of the blank  101  may be substantially greater than or substantially less than those recited above, as may be desirable for displaying messages. For purposes of brevity, such variations may be assumed with regarding to any remaining described dimensions. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the first and second riser portions  110  and  120 , and the base portion are approximately same. In alternative embodiments, the dimensions of the first and second riser portions  110  and  120  may be approximately same, and the length of the two edge sides  130   d  and  130   e  of the base portion  130  may be smaller or larger than the length of the two edge sides  110   d  and  110   e  of the riser portion  110  while the length of the two edge sides  130   c  and  130   f  may be approximately same as the length of the two edge sides  110   c  and  110   f  of the riser portion  110 . In other alternative embodiments, the lengths of the two edge sides  110   d  and  110   e  of the first riser portion  110 , the two edge sides  120   d  and  120   e  of the second riser portion, and the two edge sides  130   d  and  130   e  of the base portion  130  may all be different while the lengths of the remaining edge sides of the two riser portions and the base portion are approximately same. 
     In some embodiments, after the blank  101  is assembled into the trifold letter card  201 , an enclosure is formed with two opposing open ends, which have substantially same triangular shapes (see also  FIGS. 2 and 6 ). One of the open ends is illustrated in  FIG. 6 , wherein each of two angles  261  and  265  in the trifold letter card  201  may be acute angle, and an angle  267  may be acute angle, right angle, or obtuse angle. The angle  261  is formed by the side edge  130   e  of the base portion  130  and a side edge collectively defined by the side edge  110   e  of the first riser portion  110  and the side edge  140   e  of the engaging portion  140  after the first riser portion  110  and the engaging portion  140  is interlocked; the angle  265  is formed by the side edge  130   e  of the base portion  130  and the side edge  120   e  of the second riser portion  120  in the trifold letter card  201 ; and the angel  267  is formed by the side edges  110   e  and  120   e  of the two riser portions  110  and  120 . Of course, in still other embodiments, one or more side edges of the riser portions  110  and  120 , the base portion  130 , and the engaging portion  140  may not be straight lines, and may take same or different other shapes, such as curved shapes, decorated V-shapes, and/or other decorated shapes, as may be desirable for particular customers. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 3A-C , the engaging portion  140  of the blank  101  may be configured according to various embodiments to receive the first riser portion  110 . In at least one embodiment, the engaging portion  140  is formed by at least three segments  141 ,  142  and  143  (see also  FIGS. 5A-D ). Each segment of the engaging portion  140  has a second surface ( 141   b ,  142   b ,  143   b ) and an opposing first surface ( 141   a ,  142   a ,  143   b ) that are not shown in  FIGS. 5A-D . Each segment of the segments  141 ,  142  and  143  has four side edges ( 141   c - f ,  142   c - f ,  143   c - f ). The side edge  141   c  of the segment  141  and the side edge  140   e  of the engaging portion  140  are the same side edge, and the side edge  143   f  of the segment  143  and the side edge  140   d  of the engaging portion  140  are the same side edge. The side edges  141   d ,  142   d  and  143   d  of the segments  141 ,  142  and  143  collectively define the fourth edge of the engaging portion  140 . The side edge  141   f  of the segment  141  and the side edge  142   c  of the segment  142  collectively define a first slit  320 , and the side edge  142   f  of the segment  142  and the side edge  143   c  of the segment  143  collectively define a second slit  325 . In certain embodiments, the engaging portion  140  may be configured to receive and engage the first riser portion  110 , as described in further detail below. In certain embodiments, the first riser portion  110  may be inserted into the two slits of the engaging portion  140  so that the first riser portion  110  and the engaging portion  140  are interlocked (see  FIGS. 3C and 2B ). In certain embodiments, the engaging portion  140  may include a long segment  142  and two short segments  141  and  143 . After the engagement, the riser portion  110  and the engaging portion  140  may be positioned so that the first surface  110   a  of the first riser portion  110  is against the second surfaces  141   b  and  143   b  of the two short segments  141  and  143  of the engaging portion  140 , and the second surface  110   b  of the first riser portion  110  is against the first surface  142   a  of the long segment  142  of the engaging portion  140 . The second surface  142   b  of the long segment  142  may be used to display certain messages, as will be described in further detail below. In alternative embodiments, the engaging portion  140  may include a short segment  142  and two long segments  141  and  143 . After the engagement, the riser portion  110  and the engaging portion  140  may be positioned so that the first surface  110   a  of the first riser portion  110  is against the second surface  142   b  of the short segment  142  of the engaging portion  140 , and the second surface  110   b  of the first riser portion  110  is against the first surfaces  141   a  and  143   a  of the two long segments  141  and  143  of the engaging portion  140 . The second surfaces  141   b  and  143   b  of the long segments  141  and  143  may be used to display certain messages, as will be described in further detail below. With reference again to  FIG. 3 , the length of each of the two slits  320  and  325  may be between ⅕ and ⅘ of the length of the side edge  140   e  of the engaging portion  140 . In at least one such embodiment, the length of each of the two slits  320  and  325  is approximately ⅔ of the length of the side edge  140   e  of the engaging portion  140 . In some embodiments, the lengths of the two slits  320  and  325  may be approximately same. 
     Returning now with more particular emphasis upon  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the first and second surfaces of all portions of the blank  101  may be configured to contain message. As will be recognized, the message may take many forms. For instance, the message may be in the form of a text, a graphics, a hologram, and/or the like. The messages on the same surface side of the two riser portions  110  and  120 , and the engaging portion  140  may be oriented in a way such that the messages can be easily read after being assembled into the trifold letter card  201  and being displayed in the desired upright configuration. For example, the text messages on the second surface  110   b  of the first riser portion  110  and on the second surface  120   b  of the second riser portion  120  may be oriented oppositely in the blank  101  ( FIG. 1B ), and positioned in a way so that both text messages are displayed properly in the trifold letter card  201  while in a first upright configuration (see  FIGS. 2A-B ). The text messages on the second surface  140   b  of the engaging portion  140  and the second surface  110   b  of the first riser portion  110  should be oriented in the same direction in the blank  101  while in an unfolded configuration ( FIG. 1B ), and positioned in a way so that both text messages are displayed properly in the folded trifold letter card  201  while in a first upright configuration (see  FIG. 2B ). Of course, in still other embodiments, if a second upright configuration of the trifold letter card  201  is desired (see  FIGS. 7A-B ), the messages on the same side of the two riser portions  110  and  120 , the engaging portion  140 , and the base portion  130  may be oriented in a way such that the messages can be easily read in the folded configuration while being displayed in the second upright configuration. For example, the messages on the same surface side of the two riser portions  110  and  120 , the base portion  130 , and the engaging portion  140  may be oriented in the same direction, either all facing the side edges  110   d ,  120   d ,  130   d ,  140   d , respectively, or all facing the side edges  110   e ,  120   e ,  130   e ,  140   e , respectively. Of course, in still other embodiments, the blank  101  may be folded in a way so that the first surfaces  110   a ,  120   a ,  130   a  and  140   a  are facing outside and the messages contained in the first surfaces are displayed in the trifold letter card  201 . Accordingly, the orientation of the messages on the first surfaces may be oriented in a way so that they are displayed properly in various folded configurations similar to the corresponding folded configurations described above with the second surfaces facing outside. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 8A-B , the blank  101  may be configured according to various embodiments to be positioned in a closed configuration. In at least one embodiment, to place the blank  101  in a first closed configuration, the first surface  110   a  of the first riser portion  110  is positioned against the first surface  120   a  of the second riser portion  120 , and the first surface  140   a  of the engaging portion  140  is positioned against the first surface  130   a  of the base portion  130  ( FIG. 8A ). Then, the second surface  110   b  of the first riser portion  110  is positioned against the second surface  140   b  of the engaging portion  140  and part of the first surface  130   a  of the base portion  130  ( FIG. 8B ). In an alternative embodiment, the blank  101  may be positioned in a second closed configuration, wherein the first surface  110   a  of the first riser portion  110  is positioned against the first surface  120   a  of the second riser portion  120 , the second surface  110   b  of the first riser portion  110  is positioned against the first surface  130   a  of the base portion  130 , and the first surface  140   a  of the engaging portion  140  is positioned against the second surface  120   b  of the second riser portion  120 . In another alternative embodiment, the blank  101  may be positioned in another closed configuration, wherein the second surface  110   b  of the first riser portion  110  is positioned against the second surface  120   b  of the second riser portion  120 , the first surface  140   a  of the engaging portion  140  is positioned against the first surface  130   a  of the base portion  130 , and the first surface  120   a  of the second riser portion  120  is positioned against the second surface  140   b  of the engaging portion  140  and part of the first surface  130   a  of the base portion  130 . 
     It should be further understood that although the blank  101  has been described as displaying messages contained in the first and second surfaces of the first and second riser portions  110  and  120 , the base portion  130 , and/or the engaging portion, the blank  101  may also be able to receive and engage other objects for display other messages, as may be desired by particular customers. For instance, at least one of the first riser portion  110 , the second riser portion  120 , or the base portion  130  may contain at least two slits positioned in a way so that each portion may receive a picture, a photo, and/or the like provided by the customer for display. Alternatively, at least one of the surfaces of the first riser portion  110 , the second riser portion  120 , or the base portion  130  may have at least two tabs attached to the surface and positioned in a way to receive a picture, a photo, and/or the like provided by the customer for display. 
     II. Method of Assembly of Trifold Letter Card 
       FIGS. 9A-D  provide an illustration of an assembly of the trifold letter card  201  from the blank  101 . Looking at  FIG. 9A , the blank  101  displayed in this figure is substantially the same blank  101  previously described with reference to  FIGS. 1A-B . That being said, the assembly of the blank for forming the trifold letter card is performed by carrying out a sequence of folding steps upon the blank  101 . The sequence of folding steps is explained as set forth below according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. However, it should be noted that additional folding steps may be performed in certain embodiments, while in other embodiments the sequence of folding steps need not necessarily be performed in the order provided in the explanation given below. For instance, one may perform the folding steps for the first riser portion  110  prior to performing the folding steps for the second riser portion  120 , or vice versa. Similarly, one may perform the folding steps for the first riser portion  110  prior to performing the folding steps for the engaging portion  140 , or vice versa. Thus, it should be understood that the particular sequence of folding steps provided below are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed to limit the scope of the claimed invention. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 9B-D , an individual performing the sequence of folding steps on the blank  101  may begin by folding the engaging portion  140  along the third crease line  135  at a first angle, which is an approximately right angle, an acute angle, or an obtuse angle. The individual may continue by folding the first riser portion  110  along the first crease line  115  between the first riser portion  110  and the second riser portion  120  at a second angle, which may be an acute angle, a right angle, or an obtuse angle. The individual may then fold the second riser portion  120  along the second crease line  125  at a third angle, which is an acute angle. At the same time, the individual may adjust the first, second and third angles so that the side edge  110   c  of the first riser portion  110  is substantially aligned with the fourth side edge of the engaging portion  140  collectively defined by the side edges  141   d ,  142   d  and  143   d  ( FIG. 9C ). Once so aligned, the individual may then insert the first riser portion  110  into the first slit  320  and then into the second slit  325  of the engaging portion  140 , so as to secure the first riser portion  110  relative to the engaging portion  140  ( FIG. 9D ). 
     It should be understood, of course, that the order of folding the first riser portion  110 , the second riser portion  120  and the engaging portion  140  may be changed, or even performed substantially simultaneously, as may be desirable by particular consumers. Still further, it should be understood that the order of inserting the first riser portion  110  into the first slit  320  and the second slit  325  may be reversed, or even performed substantially simultaneously. 
     Alternatively, the individual may assemble the blank  101  from a closed configuration, such as from the first closed configuration displayed in  FIG. 8B . The individual may begin by unfolding the second riser portion  120  along the second crease line  125  to form a fourth angle between the second riser portion  120  and the base portion  130 . The individual may continue by unfolding the engaging portion  140  along the third crease line  135  to form a fifth angle between the engaging portion  140  and the base portion  130 . The individual may then unfold the first riser portion  110  along the first crease line to form a sixth angle between the first riser portion  110  and the second riser portion  120 , and, at the same, the individual may adjust the fourth, fifth and sixth angles so that the side edge  110   c  of the first riser portion  110  is substantially aligned with the fourth side edge of the engaging portion  140  collectively defined by the side edges  141   d ,  142   d  and  143   d  ( FIG. 9C ). Once so aligned, the individual may then insert the first riser portion  110  into the first slit  320  and then into the second slit  325  of the engaging portion  140 , so as to secure the first riser portion  110  relative to the engaging portion  140  ( FIG. 9D ). 
     It should be understood, of course, that the order of unfolding the first riser portion  110  and the engaging portion  140  may be reversed, or even performed substantially simultaneously, as may be desirable by particular consumers. Still further, it should be understood that the order of inserting the first riser portion  110  into the first slit  320  and the second slit  325  may be reversed, or even performed substantially simultaneously. 
     IV. Conclusion 
     Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the embodiment described herein may be modified to accept placement of a gift within the cavity formed by the erected trifold configuration of  FIG. 9D . As another example, the embodiment described herein or other embodiments may be modified to accept placement of a gift card or the like on at least one of the planar surface portions of the trifold configuration, as commonly known and understood in the art. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.