Abstract:
The present invention relates generally to a novel album for containing photos, scrapbooking materials, memorabilia, handwriting and the like. More particularly, the present invention provides unique foldable structures to create a plurality of surfaces upon which to attach desired items. The foldable structures can also be used as printed invitations, announcements and the like. The foldable structures can employ, if desired, outer covers that have been created with desired decorative attributes. The foldable structures are capable of folding into a collapsed, compact position or being expanded to permit display of the contents contained on the plurality of surfaces. In any of the embodiments described herein, book can be displayed in a dosed fashion, or, owing to the unique fold lines, can be opened into various configurations to make display of the contents fan, interesting and varied.

Description:
[0001]     This application clams the benefit of the filing date of copending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/733,712 filed Nov. 3, 2005, Confirmation No. 4503. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
       [0002]     Not Applicable.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     The present invention relates to albums for containing photos, scrapbooking materials, memorabilia, handwriting and the like. More specifically, the present invention also relates to albums with foldable internal pages. The album can also be used as an invitation or a scrapbook. Scrapbooking is the fastest growing craft industry in the United States. Put simply, it is the practice of combining photographs, memorabilia, and written narratives, poetry, quotations, stories, or other textual content into a scrapbook style album. A few scrapbooks are mass produced, but most are unique, singular publications. They can contain an accumulation of all sorts of objects such as newspaper clippings, magazine articles, play bills, ticket stubs, pressed flowers, and locks of hair. Scrapbooks are often embellished with ribbons or other pieces of fabric, colorful graphics, and other artwork. These artifacts of history are attached to the album pages. Many different types of scrapbooks have been made including family histories, personal journals and memories, and historical records of organizations, military units, and other groups. New scrapbooking techniques, ideas, and products are in great demand.  
         [0004]     Like scrapbooks, custom albums for special occasions such as new babies, weddings, and precious childhood memories are also becoming more popular. Often, these take the form of small photo albums, called “brag books,” featuring wire bindings or book-style stitched spines and easy-load photo pockets to hold twenty to forty 4 inch by 6 inch photographs. While not as large as traditional scrapbook style albums, they do allow the owner to carry several photographs in one convenient small booklet, albeit a booklet that features traditional boring photo pockets.  
         [0005]     At the same time, there is more emphasis on creative display ideas such as tunnel books, popup books, accordion books, collages, and even photographs or writings being glued to large, simple origami structures. This last technique, origami, involves the Japanese art of paper folding to form models of almost all physical objects including animals, people, faces, plants, vehicles, and buildings. Not surprisingly, Japanese origami paper folding techniques are finding their way into American scrapbooking.  
         [0006]     Accordingly, there is a need for a new album that incorporates some of these creative display ideas, principally the brag book and paper folding techniques.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     The present invention provides a novel album for containing photos, scrapbooking materials, memorabilia, handwriting and the like. More particularly, the present invention provides unique foldable structures to create a plurality of surfaces upon which to attach desired items. The foldable structures can employ, if desired, outer covers that have been created with desired decorative attributes. The foldable structures are capable of folding into a collapsed, compact position or being expanded to permit display of the contents contained on the plurality of surfaces. The foldable structures can also be used as printed invitations, announcements and the like.  
         [0008]     In general, as noted, the present invention relates to an album with foldable internal pages. The outer covers of the album are comprised of chipboards, a card-board like material, which are covered, at least in part, with an outer decorative cover. As might be expected, the colors, designs, prints, artwork, texture, and thickness for the outer decorative covers are virtually unlimited. The decorative covers are partially wrapped around and glued to the chipboards with a craft-appropriate adhesive or glue. The album includes unique foldable internal pages to which photographs or other memorabilia may be attached for display. In the present invention, a “stair step” folded paper design and a “cross” folded paper design are described. These internal folded paper designs are glued to the chipboard/decorative album covers. An accent ribbon tie may be added if desired.  
         [0009]     The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention so that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter, which form the subject of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiments disclosed might be readily used as a basis for modifying or designing other albums for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth herein. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, illustrate the embodiments of the present invention, and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:  
         [0011]      FIG. 1  shows two chipboards;  
         [0012]      FIG. 2A  shows two chipboards with attached outer decorative covers according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0013]      FIG. 2B  shows a chipboard with attached outer decorative cover according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0014]      FIG. 3  shows how an outer decorative cover is folded at the four corners over a chipboard depicted in  FIG. 2A ;  
         [0015]      FIG. 4  is a close-up view taken from view  4  of  FIG. 3  of one corner of a decorative cover folded over a chipboard;  
         [0016]      FIG. 5A  shows how an outer decorative cover is folded along the edges over a chipboard depicted in  FIGS. 2A and 3 ;  
         [0017]      FIG. 5B  shows how an outer decorative cover is folded along the edges over a chipboard depicted in  FIG. 2B ;  
         [0018]      FIG. 6A  is a close-up view taken from view  6 A of  FIG. 5A  of one corner and two edges of a decorative cover folded over a chipboard;  
         [0019]      FIG. 6B  is a close-up view taken from view  6 B of  FIG. 5B  of one corner and two edges of a decorative cover folded over a chipboard  
         [0020]      FIG. 7A  is an embodiment of an internal folded paper design (the “stair step” design);  
         [0021]      FIG. 7B  is another embodiment of an internal folded paper design (the “stair step” design);  
         [0022]      FIG. 8  is an embodiment of an internal folded paper design (the “cross” design);  
         [0023]      FIG. 9A  shows how the “stair step” folded paper design is attached to the outer album covers;  
         [0024]      FIG. 9B  shows the attached outer covers of an embodiment according to the present invention;  
         [0025]      FIG. 10  shows how the “cross” folded paper design is attached to the outer album covers;  
         [0026]      FIG. 10A  shows an enlarged view of surface  801  taken from view  10 A of  FIG. 10 .  
         [0027]      FIG. 11  shows a closed album with an accent ribbon tie;  
         [0028]      FIG. 12A  shows a top view another preferred embodiment of the present invention having a plurality of display faces created by the folds in the paper design (“the single unit squash design”), and having (optional) decorative covers attached;  
         [0029]      FIG. 12B  shows a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 12A  depicting one way in which this embodiment can be folded;  
         [0030]      FIG. 13A  shows a top view another preferred embodiment of the present invention having a plurality of display faces created by the folds in the paper design (“the double unit squash design”), and having (optional) decorative covers attached;  
         [0031]      FIG. 13B  shows a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 13A  depicting one way in which this embodiment can be folded;  
         [0032]      FIG. 13C  shows a top view another preferred embodiment of the present invention having a plurality of display faces created by the folds in the paper design, and having (optional) decorative covers attached;  
         [0033]      FIG. 14A  shows a top view another preferred embodiment of the present invention having a plurality of display faces created by the folds in the paper design (“the triple unit squash design”), and having (optional) decorative covers attached  
         [0034]      FIG. 14B  shows a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 14A  depicting one way in which this embodiment can be folded;  
         [0035]      FIG. 14C  shows a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 14A  depicting another way in which this embodiment can be folded; and  
         [0036]      FIG. 15  illustrates the use of a cutting template (shown here in the shape of a triangle, but any shape can be used) which can be used to cut photos or other materials to a desired size and shape, such as a size and shape corresponding to the size and shape of one or more of the plurality of display faces. 
     
    
       [0037]     It is to be noted that the drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention will admit to other equally effective embodiments.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0038]     Turning now to  FIG. 1 , the outer cover of the album is comprised of chipboard  100  having an underside  102  and a topside  104 . Chipboard is a cardboard-like material often used for the outer cover of books. More specifically, chipboard is a thin, hard-surfaced, grayish board, normally produced from paper stock, including waste papers. It has a relatively low density, and is available in thicknesses of 0.006 inch and up. Chipboards are easy to work with, widely available, and serve as an easy surface to which materials or fabrics may be attached. As is known in the art, all-purpose chipboard is often used for mounting, backing, book making, and constructing. It often has a smooth, uncoated surface on both sides. The color varies based on what recycled paper is available from the manufacturer. While any thickness of chipboard may be used in the present invention, such as 2-ply, 4-ply, 6-ply, 8-ply (or even thinner or thicker plys), the preferred chipboard is 4-ply chipboard. Instead of chipboard, the manufacturer could use melamine faced boards, polyester resin faced boards, MDF, thin particle boards, or similar materials.  
         [0039]     In the present invention, a square-shaped chipboard  100  measuring about 4½ inches by 4½ inches is used. This size is convenient for holding photographs measuring  4  inches by 4 inches. This size and shape has an added convenience in that it looks good, fits in a person&#39;s hand or purse, is easy to carry, is lightweight and strong, and stands up while in the opened position. As is known in the art, other geometric shapes such as triangles, rectangles, circles, ovals, parallelograms, and the like may be used. Similarly, other sizes such as 8 inch by 8 inch squares, 4 inch by 6 inch rectangles, 8 inch diameter circles, or any other smaller or larger sizes can be used to hold photographs of any imaginable size or shape.  
         [0040]     As is described in more detail below, the chipboard is covered, at least in part, with an outer decorative cover. When using the preferred 4½ inches by 4½ inches chipboard, the decorative cover measures about 6 inches by 6 inches square. Of course, other sizes and geometric shapes of the outer decorative cover may be used depending upon the thickness, size, and geometric shape of the chipboard, and depending upon the area of the chipboard which the manufacturer wishes to cover with the decoration.  
         [0041]     Any mechanical, chemical, or other means known in the art may be used to attach the cover to the chipboard. More preferably, any commercially available adhesive or glue (such as animal glue) may be used to attach or apply the outer decorative cover to the chipboard. In one preferred embodiment, the manufacturer applies a 3M SCOTCH®-brand adhesive transfer tape to one side of the chipboard (here, underside  102 ) and then centers the chipboard  100 , both vertically and horizontally, over and onto the cover  106 , pushing down on the chipboard so that good adhesive contact is made with the cover.  FIG. 2A  shows two chipboards  100  with attached outer decorative covers  106  (having an underside  106   a  and a topside  106   b ). In this particular square embodiment, the cover  106  is also a square shape of a larger size than chipboard  100  so that there is a width of overhang  108  that is preferably equal in dimension around the perimeter of the chipboard  100 , but variations in width can be used as well, and will also vary depending on the shape of the chipboard  100 . In the alternative preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 2B , when the chipboard  100  is of a square shape the cover  206  is preferably cut so that each corner  210  (shown in ghost) is removed. In the square embodiment of  FIG. 2A , the corners  210  of the cover  206  are preferably cut so that the resultant angles  212   a ,  212   b  of the cover  206  relative to the outer edges of the chipboard  100  total 90 degrees, each preferably being 45 degrees. With a suitable applicator, 3M SCOTCH®-brand adhesive transfer tape may be quickly and easily applied as a neat, precise strip of clean, dry adhesive to the surface of the chipboard. It is commonly found in ⅛ inch, ¼ inch, ⅜ inch, ½ inch, ⅝ inch, ¾ inch, ⅞ inch, and 1 inch width sizes.  
         [0042]     As seen in  FIG. 3 , after the chipboard  100  is “centered” and glued to the cover  106 , the four corners  107  of the cover are then folded over the chipboard at approximately 90 degree angles, and held in place using a spot of ELMER&#39;S®-brand craft glue or other suitable adhesive at the four corners of the chipboard.  FIG. 4  is a close-up view taken from view  4  of  FIG. 3  of one corner of a decorative cover folded over a chipboard. After the glue is allowed to dry, a “folding” bone is used to form a crease along the four sides (or edges) of the chipboard  100 . More specifically, a 6 inch or 8 inch folding bone (not shown) can be swept along the length of the outer decorative cover for proper creasing and folding. The 3M SCOTCH®-brand adhesive transfer tape (or similar or other adhesive) can be used again on and along the four sides of the outer decorative cover  106 , so that when the sides of the cover are folded along the formed creases, sufficient adhesive is available to attach the cover to the chipboard.  FIGS. 5 and 6  show how an outer decorative cover is folded along the edges over a chipboard according to the embodiments described in  FIGS. 2A and 2B . Specifically,  FIG. 5A  illustrates a covered chipboard  110  of the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2A , and  FIG. 6A  shows a close-up view (taken along view  6 A of  FIG. 5A ) showing how the corner is covered. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6A  it is apparent that the material for the cover  106  will be thicker in the immediate region of the corner  107  owing to the fact that some of the cover material is folded back on top of itself.  FIG. 5B  illustrates a covered chipboard  111  of the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2B , and  FIG. 6B  shows a close-up view (taken along view  6 B of  FIG. 5B ) showing how the corner  207  is covered. Unlike in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6A , the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6B  has flat corners  207  owing to the fact that removal of corner material  210  creates a smooth seam in the region of corner  207 .  
         [0043]     As might be expected for an outer decorative cover, the colors, designs, prints, artwork, texture, thickness, and so on for the material of construction or look of construction are virtually unlimited. For example, the cover can be made of hand-made paper, dyed paper, vinyl material, fabric, book cloth, suede, leather, scrap book paper, cotton paper, and the like with solid colors, shades, plaids, poke-a-dots, checkerboards, stripes, swirls, and color blends with contemporary, traditional, classical, or nouveau artwork and designs. The covers can be decorated with any possible style of decoration, such as, gemstones, precious stones, jewelry, beads, monograms, tassels, artwork, flowers, crystals, pins, lace, figurines, knick knacks, embellishments, etc., to name just a few. For the foldable album, two outer covers are to be constructed, which would typically be fashioned with coordinating materials, colors, and designs. Of course, there is no requirement that both covers be the same decoratively.  
         [0044]     As is known in the art, there are other methods and techniques of applying the outer decorative cover to the chipboard including the use of spray adhesives, and other methods and techniques of folding and attaching the cover to the chipboard, all of which are encompassed by the present patent application.  
         [0045]     The foldable album includes a unique internal folded paper design to which the subject photographs are attached for display. To begin, the paper may be of any finish, brightness, color, and weight. For example, the paper may be white, off-white, brown, black, grey, yellow, lime, green, pink, red, purple, blue, maroon, and the like, which would typically be fashioned with coordinating materials, colors, and designs as the two outer decorative covers. Most preferably, the internal folded paper is from about 60 to about 120 pound cover paper, most preferably 80 pound cover paper. Cover paper is a printing term used to describe a heavy, stiff paper such as card stock. If desired, acid-free card stock may be used. Paper which has had the acid removed from the pulp so that it has a neutral 7.0 pH is known as acid free paper. Acid free paper is commonly used for fine art prints and limited edition printing, as well as permanent records where contact with paper acidity could harm the documents or photographs.  
         [0046]      FIGS. 7 and 8  show two designs that can be internally folded to fit within the perimeter of the outer covers described above when closed. The “stair step” design  700 A,  700 B, of  FIGS. 7A and 7B  provides  4  square “surfaces” on each side (for a total of 8 surfaces)( 701   a ,  701   b ,  702   a ,  702   b ,  703   a ,  703   b ,  704   a  and  704   b ) to which one or more photographs, scrapbook materials, notes, handwritings and the like may be attached. Here, each surface is about 4 inches by 4 inches in size, or slightly larger than 4 inches by 4 inches in size, to hold a 4 inch by 4 inch photograph, journal entry, scrapbook material or the like. Referring to  FIGS. 7A and 7B  the stair step design  700 A,  700 B has a topside “a” and an underside “b”, more specifically, the stair step design, when shown in a flat, unfolded position, takes the shape of four squares joined together as follows: square  701  (having topside  701   a  and underside  701   b ) is joined along its bottom edge to the top edge of square  702  (having topside  702   a  and underside  702   b ), the joinder of square  701  and  702  being represented by fold or score line  750 ; the right edge of square  702  is joined to the left edge of square  703  (having topside  703   a  and underside  703   b ), the joinder of square  702  and  703  being represented by fold or score line  751 ; square  703  is joined along its bottom edge to the top edge of square  704  (having topside  704   a  and underside  704   b ), the joinder of square  703  and  704  being represented by fold or score line  752 . As constructed, square  701  can be folded along fold line  750  in the direction of arrow  1  so that surface  701   a  comes in contact with surface  702   a . Square  704  can then be folded along fold line  752  in the direction of arrow  2  so that surface  704   a  comes in contact with surface  703   a . Square  702  can then be folded along fold line  751  in the direction of arrow  4  so that surface  701   b  comes in contact with surface  704   b  to “close” the book. In this embodiment, surface  702   b  could serve as the front cover and surface  703   b  could serve as the back cover. Alternatively, as described later, surface  702   b  could be affixed to a decorative covering which can serve as the front cover and surface  703   b  could be affixed to a decorative covering which can serve as the back cover.  
         [0047]     The “cross” design  800  of  FIG. 8  provides 5 square “surfaces” on each side (for a total of 10 surfaces) to which one or more photographs, journal entries, scrapbook materials and the like may be attached. Referring to  FIG. 8 , the “cross” design  800  has a topside “a” and an underside “b”, more specifically, the cross design, when shown in a flat, unfolded position, takes the shape of five squares joined together as follows: square  801  (having topside  801   a  and underside  801   b ) is joined along its bottom edge to the top edge of square  805  (having topside  805   a  and underside  805   b ), the joinder of square  801  and  805  being represented by fold or score line  850 ; square  802  (having topside  802   a  and underside  802   b ) is joined along its top edge to the bottom edge of square  805 , the joinder of square  802  and  805  being represented by fold or score line  851 ; square  803  (having topside  803   a  and underside  803   b ) is joined along its left edge to the right edge of square  805 , the joinder of square  803  and  805  being represented by fold or score line  852 ; square  804  (having topside  804   a  and underside  804   b ) is joined along its right edge to the left edge of square  805 , the joinder of square  804  and  805  being represented by fold or score line  853 . As constructed, square  801  can be folded along fold line  850  in the direction of arrow  1  so that surface  801   a  comes in contact with surface  805   a . Square  802  can then be folded along fold line  851  in the direction of arrow  2  so that surface  802   a  comes in contact with surface  801   b . Square  803  can then be folded along fold line  852  in the direction of arrow  3  so that surface  803   a  comes in contact with surface  802   b . Square  804  can then be folded along fold line  853  in the direction of arrow  4  so that surface  804   a  comes in contact with surface  803   b  to “close” the book. In this embodiment, surface  804   b  could serve as the front cover and surface  805   b  could serve as the back cover. Alternatively, as described later, surface  804   b  could be affixed to a decorative covering which can serve as the front cover and surface  805   b  could be affixed to a decorative covering which can serve as the back cover.  
         [0048]     As described in more detail below, in one preferred embodiment, when constructed, one or more of these surfaces are not available for holding a photographs, etc. because one or more of the surfaces are used to glue, adhere, or otherwise connect to the outer decorative covers. However, in other preferred embodiments, the folded designs can be used without outer decorative covers.  
         [0049]     These internal folded paper designs may be formed using a cutting template found at a commercial printing shop. These templates have metal scores and metal cutters for mass-producing the paper shapes desired. Of course, the overall shape of the folded paper designs, the location of the paper scores, and the size and shape of the surfaces to which photographs, etc. may be attached, would be dictated by the geometric shape and size of the chipboard and outer decorative covers. As is known in the art, scoring is essentially the embossing of a narrow ridge into the paper. It is done both to reduce or eliminate cracking and to determine a fold&#39;s location. There are several ways to score, but all methods are based on the same concept--the paper fibers are weakened by an indentation (hinge) in the paper. This produces a precise fold line (register) that reduces stress to the paper and permits a crisp fold.  
         [0050]     In the embodiments of  FIGS. 7A and 8 , the dimensions of each square are approximately the same. The order in which the square “surfaces” are folded along the score lines are indicated by the numbered squares and arrow directions in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . When so folded, the front side and back side of several of the surfaces are both available for holding photographs or other desired content. As is known in the art, certain folds may require an allowance for short panels in order to enable the folded panels to nest properly. While helpful to the present discussion, the order of folding is not important if the album closes properly. For example, referring to  FIG. 7B , the right edge of square  701  and the left edge of square  704  could be trimmed slightly so as not to bunch together along fold line  751 . Likewise, in  FIG. 8 , the right and left edges of squares  801  and  802  could be slightly closer together than the right and left edges of squares  803  and  804 .  
         [0051]      FIGS. 9A and 10  show how the “stair step” folded paper design and “cross” folded paper design are attached to the outer album covers, respectively to create finished products  900  and  1000 . For example, decorative cover  911  could be glued or otherwise attached to surface  702   b ; decorative cover  912  could be glued or otherwise affixed to surface  703   b . Similarly, decorative cover  1011  could be glued or otherwise attached to surface  804   b ; decorative cover  1012  could be glued or otherwise affixed to surface  805   b . As before, the square surfaces are held to the outer covers using 3M SCOTCH®-brand adhesive transfer tape or similar adhesive.  
         [0052]     Referring now to  FIGS. 12A, 12B .  13 A.  13 B,  13 C,  14 A,  14 B and  14 C, there are depicted a series of albums  1200 ,  1300 , and  1400  shown with their respective sets of decorative covers ( 1290 ,  1292 ), ( 1390 ,  1392 ), and ( 1490 ,  1492 ) attached to their respective internal foldable structures  1299 A,  1299 B,  1399 A,  1399 B,  1399 C,  1499 A,  1499 B and  1499 C. These internal foldable structure embodiments could also exist without the use of their respective covers ( 1290 ,  1292 ), ( 1390 ,  1392 ), and ( 1490 ,  1492 ). The exemplary internal foldable structures provide a plurality of surfaces upon which one can attach photos, journal entries, scrapbook materials and the like.  
         [0053]     Referring to  FIG. 12A , there is shown a preferred embodiment referred to as the “single unit squash design” utilizing a double-sided square-shaped paper having a topside (a) and an underside (b). This shape is divided into a plurality of separate top/underside surfaces ( 1201   a ,  1201   b ), ( 1202   a ,  1202   b ), ( 1205   a ,  1205   b ), ( 1206   a ,  1206   b ), ( 1207   a ,  1207   b ), ( 1208   a ,  1208   b ) by the use of fold or score lines  1253 ,  1252 ,  1254 ,  1255 ,  1251 , and  1256 . As will be appreciated,  FIG. 12A  depicts the internal foldable structure  1299 A in a substantially unfolded (expanded) position,  FIG. 12B  depicts the internal foldable structure  1299 A in a partially unfolded position, and  FIG. 11  depicts the internal foldable structure  1299 A (not shown) in a substantially folded position (e.g., collapsed position). When folded, the faces of undersides  1207   b  and  1208   b  will touch each other, as will the faces of undersides  1205   b  and  1206   b . Top side sections  1205   a  and  1207   a  will touch top face section  1201   a . Top face sections  1206   a  and  1208   a  will touch top face  1202   a . When completely folded, the folded structure will be the size of section  1201   a . The underside surface  1201   b  and the underside surface  1202   b  will now be the outside “covers”, much like the front and back covers of a book. In an alternative embodiment, the underside  1201   b  and the underside  1202   b  can be attached (glued) to separate structures  1290 ,  1292  that serve as covers.  
         [0054]     Referring to  FIG. 13A , there is a similar embodiment to that depicted in  FIG. 12A  except that an additional “square” of internal folded structure has been added in an overlapping fashion. In  FIG. 13A , there is shown a preferred embodiment referred to here as the “double unit squash design” utilizing a double-sided square-shaped paper having a topside (a) and an underside (b). This shape is divided into a plurality of separate top/underside surfaces ( 1301   a ,  1301   b ), ( 1302   a ,  1302   b ), ( 1305   a ,  1305   b ), ( 1306   a ,  1306   b ), ( 1307   a ,  1307   b ), ( 1308   a ,  1308   b ), ( 1309   a ,  1309   b ), ( 1310   a ,  1310   b ), ( 1303   a ,  1303   b ), ( 1311   a ,  1311   b ), ( 1312   a ,  1312   b ) by the use of fold or score lines  1353 ,  1352 ,  1354 ,  1355 ,  1351 ,  1356 ,  1361 ,  1358 ,  1359 ,  1370 ,  1357 . As will be appreciated,  FIG. 13A  depicts the internal foldable structure  1399 A in a substantially unfolded (expanded) position,  FIG. 13B  depicts the internal foldable structure  1399 B in a partially unfolded position, and  FIG. 11  depicts the internal foldable structure  1399 A (not shown) in a substantially folded position (e.g., collapsed position). Folding about the score lines permits the internal foldable structure  1399 A,  1399 B to collapse into a nested square the approximate size of surface  1302   a . Additionally, interesting formations can be attained depending on the direction each fold is made resulting, alternatively, in a folded structure, while perhaps partially nested, that does not result in a nested square shape the size of surface  1302   a.    
         [0055]      FIG. 13C  is a slight variation of  FIG. 13A  in that it contains one additional fold or score line  1366 . The top left half of this now-divided quadrant  1302   a  is called  1302   a L, the lower right half is called  1302   a R (with the respective undersides called  1302   b L and  1302   b R). In this embodiment, this additional score line permits symmetrical folding about score line  1366 . As such, if covers are employed, cover  1390  would be attached to top surface  1301   a.    
         [0056]     Referring now to  FIG. 14A , there is a similar embodiment to that depicted in  FIG. 13A  except that an additional “square” of internal folded structure has been added in an overlapping fashion. In  FIG. 14A , there is shown a preferred embodiment referred to as the “triple unit squash design” utilizing a double-sided square-shaped paper having a topside (a) and an underside (b). This shape is divided into a plurality of separate top/underside surfaces ( 1401   a ,  1401   b ), ( 1402   a ,  1402   b ), ( 1405   a ,  1405   b ), ( 1406   a ,  1406   b ), ( 1407   a ,  1407   b ), ( 1408   a ,  1408   b ), ( 1409   a ,  1409   b ), ( 1410   a ,  1410   b ), ( 1403   a ,  1403   b ), ( 1411   a ,  1411   b ), ( 1412   a ,  1412   b ), ( 1413   a ,  1413   b ), ( 1414   a ,  1414   b ), ( 1404   a ,  1404   b ), ( 1416   a ,  1416   b ), ( 1415   a ,  1415   b ) by the use of fold or score lines  1453 ,  1452 ,  1454 ,  1455 ,  1451 ,  1456 ,  1461 ,  1458 ,  1459 ,  1470 ,  1457 ,  1463 ,  1464 ,  1465 ,  1466 ,  1467 ,  1468 . As will be appreciated,  FIG. 14A  depicts the internal foldable structure  1499 A in a substantially unfolded (expanded) position,  FIG. 14B  depicts the internal foldable structure  1499 A in a partially unfolded position, and  FIG. 11  depicts the internal foldable structure  1499 A (not shown) in a substantially folded position (e.g., collapsed position). Folding about the score lines permits the internal foldable structure  1499 A,  1499 B to collapse into a nested square the approximate size of surface  1402   a . Additionally, interesting formations can be attained, such as depicted in  FIG. 14C  depending on the direction each fold is made resulting, alternatively, in a folded structure, while perhaps partially nested, does not result in a nested square shape the size of surface  1302   a.    
         [0057]     As will be appreciated, the placement of score lines can be adjusted to achieve a desired folding shape or pattern, whether symmetrical, asymmetrical or otherwise.  
         [0058]     After the album is completed, the user can add one or more photographs (or other memorabilia) to the various square or other shaped “surfaces” available on the internal folded paper. Referring to  FIG. 15 , a very thin clear (or near clear) plastic template  1500  of desired shape may be provided with the album to help the user trim the photographs (with razorblade, knife, decorative-edged scissors and the like) to fit the square (or other shaped) surfaces. The photographs can be added using photo corners or sticker mounts. Photo corners offer a quick, easy, and cheap way to display valuable photos without damaging or altering them in the process. More specifically, acid-free archival-quality mounting corners are available in clear and a variety of colors and sizes for the user&#39;s specific needs. Alternatively, the photographs can be glued to the surfaces using a suitable acid-free glue stick or similar adhesive. And, instead of photographs, items such as movie tickets, memorabilia, or journal notes found in scrapbook-style albums may be added to the present album. Additionally, referring to  FIG. 10A , there is depicted a square-shaped foldable surface  801  containing slits ( 890   a ,  890   b ,  890   c ,  890   d ) that have been cut proximate the corners of the surface  801 . A user could place all four corners of a photo or other desired memorabilia into the corners to secure the photo to one side (e.g.,  801   a ) of the surface  801 . However, if the user places a first photo only into diagonally opposed corners  890   c  and  890   b  on side  801   a , then a second photo or other material could be secured on the reverse side  801   b  by using the other two available corner slits  890   d  and  890   a.    
         [0059]     If desired, prior to attaching the internal folded paper to the outer decorative cover, an accent ribbon tie or sash  150  may be added. The sash  150  can be made of various materials, colors, textures, and designs, typically complementary to the internal folded paper and outer decorative covers. For example, the sash may be made of fabric, silk, satin, suede, printed polyester, or various cloths of any conceivable color or design with varying widths such as from about ⅜ inch to about ⅞ inch. To add the ribbon, 3M SCOTCH®-brand adhesive transfer tape or similar adhesive may be applied near the middle of, and across the length of, the outer decorative cover. Before it dries, the ribbon or sash is then placed along the adhesive and pushed down so that good adhesive contact is made with the cover. The length of the sash would typically be longer than the combined outer length of the two outer decorative covers. For example, when the covers are placed on a 4½ inches by 4½ inches chipboard, the sash is from 10 inches to 12 inches in length, such that a ribbon tie or “shoe laces” bow can be formed to close and secure the two outer decorative covers. After the sash is glued in place (when desired), the folded internal paper is then glued onto the outer decorative cover using SCOTCH®-brand transfer tape or similar adhesive. The sash or ribbon could also be added in other ways known to those of skill in the art.  
         [0060]     Referring now to  FIG. 9B , there is depicted an album cover  900 B shown in a partially open fashion (the internal folding pages are not shown). In this embodiment, a decorative spine material  720  (see also  FIG. 7A ) can be attached between each of the decorative covers, e.g.,  911 ,  912 . In another preferred embodiment, a sash  730  can be attached to the spine material  720  as well.  FIG. 11  shows a closed album, such as that depicted in  FIG. 9A , with an accent ribbon tie  150 . In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the internal folded paper designs described herein can be used without any outer covers.  
         [0061]     Based on the teachings herein, novel albums, scrapbooking, photo album or notepad/journal and invitation designs can be created. Furthermore, as an additional preferred embodiment to the present invention, there is described a kit for making these books. The kit can contain any combination of the following: I. premade albums/journals/books according to the present invention or II. Materials for making these books (glue, chipboard, assorted fabrics, assorted foldable structures, etc.; in combination with (a) Decorative-edged scissors, razor knife, cutting templates; (b) glue; (c) photo mounts, (d) scrapbook supplies. In any of the embodiments described herein, book can be displayed in a closed fashion, or, owing to the unique fold lines, can be opened into various configurations to make display of the contents fun, interesting and varied.  
         [0062]     Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations could be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein. While the apparatus of this invention have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the embodiments described herein without departing from the concept and scope of the invention. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the scope and concept of the invention.