The present disclosure relates generally to an article, e.g., a greeting card, a holiday card, a poster, or the like, that includes a removable three-dimensional object, as well as methods of using and manufacturing the same.

Articles including expandable portions that "pop" to display three-dimensional objects are well known. The three-dimensional objects, however, are typically fixed to the article in permanent fashion.

By contrast, the present disclosure describes an article including one or more three-dimensional objects that are removably (detachably) secured thereto, e.g., to permit display of the object.

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a greeting card is disclosed that includes a plurality of panels connected such that the greeting card is reconfigurable between a closed configuration and an open configuration, at least one object that is positioned between the plurality of panels, and an attachment member that connects the at least one object to the plurality of panels such that the at least one object can be detached from the plurality of panels.

The at least one object is reconfigurable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, and is detachably connected to the plurality of panels such that movement of the greeting card from the closed configuration to the open configuration transitions the at least one object from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration, and movement of the greeting card from the open configuration to the closed configuration transitions the at least one object from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration.

In certain embodiments, the at least one object may include a plurality of individual members in mechanical cooperation so as to define a predetermined shape when the at least one object is in the expanded configuration.

In certain embodiments, the at least one object may include a display member to facilitate display of the at least one object following detachment from the plurality of panels.

In certain embodiments, the attachment member, the plurality of panels, and the at least one object may be formed as separate, discrete structures.

In certain embodiments, the plurality of panels may include a first outer panel, a second outer panel connected to the first outer panel, a first inner panel connected to an inner surface of the first outer panel, and a second inner panel connected to an inner surface of the second outer panel. In such embodiments, a portion of the attachment member may pass between the first outer panel and the first inner panel, and a portion of the attachment member may pass between the second outer panel and the second inner panel.

In certain embodiments, the attachment member may include a tether that extends between the at least one object and the plurality of panels.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a greeting card is disclosed that includes a plurality of panels, at least one object positioned between the plurality of panels that is reconfigurable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, and a locking member that is configured and dimensioned to maintain the expanded configuration of the at least one object.

In certain embodiments, the at least one object may include a plurality of individual members in mechanical cooperation so as to define a predetermined shape when the at least one object is in the expanded configuration.

In certain embodiments, the locking member may be defined by a portion of the at least one object.

In certain embodiments, the locking member may be integrally formed with one of the plurality of individual members of the at least one object.

In certain embodiments, the locking member may include a deflectable tab that is movable between a first position, wherein the tab permits collapse of the at least one object, and a second position, wherein the tab inhibits collapse of the at least one object.

In certain embodiments, the deflectable tab may be defined by a weakened portion of the individual member with which the locking member is formed, e.g., one or more perforations.

In certain embodiments, the locking member may be configured and dimensioned in correspondence with the at least one object in the expanded configuration such that the locking member is engageable with the plurality of individual members of the at least one object to lock the at least one object in the expanded configuration.

In certain embodiments, the locking member and the at least one object may be formed as separate, discrete structures.

In certain embodiments, the greeting card may further include an attachment member connecting the at least one object to the plurality of panels such that the at least one object can be detached from the plurality of panels.

In certain embodiments, the attachment member, the plurality of panels, and the at least one object may be formed as separate, discrete structures.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a greeting card is disclosed that includes a plurality of panels, and at least one object positioned between the plurality of panels that is reconfigurable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration.

The least one object includes a plurality of individual members in mechanical cooperation so as to define a predetermined shape when the at least one object is in the expanded configuration, as well as a locking member that is configured and dimensioned to maintain the expanded configuration of the at least one object.

In certain embodiments, the locking member may be integrally formed with one of the plurality of individual members of the at least one object.

In certain embodiments, the locking member may include a deflectable tab that is movable between a first position, wherein the tab permits collapse of the at least one object, and a second position, wherein the tab inhibits collapse of the at least one object.

Various embodiments of the presently disclosed card are described herein with reference to the figures, wherein:

• FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an article including a removable (detachable) three-dimensional object according to the present disclosure with the article shown in a closed configuration and the object shown in a collapsed configuration;
• FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the article seen in FIG. 1 with the article shown in an open configuration and the objected shown in a expanded configuration;
• FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of the three-dimensional object;
• FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the article with the object removed (detached) therefrom;
• FIG. 5 illustrates a method for manufacturing the presently disclosed article and object;
• FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the presently disclosed object including a locking member shown in a first (unlocked) configuration;
• FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment of the object seen in FIG. 6 showing the locking member in a second (locked) configuration;
• FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the presently disclosed object and locking member;
• FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the presently disclosed object and locking member;
• FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of an alternate embodiment of the presently disclosed locking member;
• FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the locking member of FIG. 10 shown in connection with an embodiment of the presently disclosed object;
• FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the presently disclosed locking member;
• FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the locking member of FIG. 12;
• FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the locking member of FIG. 12;
• FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the presently disclosed locking member;
• FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the locking member of FIG. 15;
• FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the locking member of FIG. 15;
• FIG. 18 is a top perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the presently disclosed locking member;
• FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of the locking member of FIG. 18; and
• FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the locking member of FIG. 18.

Various embodiments of the presently disclosed article, and methods of using and manufacturing the same, will now be described in detail with reference to the figures, wherein like references numerals identify similar or identical elements. In the figures, and in the following description, the term "article" should be understood to encompass any card, e.g., greeting card, invitation, etc., book, poster, or the like that includes a three-dimensional object.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, an article, identified generally by the reference character 100, is shown. While the article 100 is shown in FIG. 1 as a greeting card, in alternate aspects of the present disclosure, the article 100 may assume other forms, such as, for example, a book or a poster, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The article 100 may be formed from any suitable material including, for example, paper, cardboard, oak tag, plastics, polymers, one or more textiles, one or more light-weight metals or woods, or combinations thereof, and includes a plurality of panels 10, as well as an object 12 that is removably secured to the panels 10. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the article 100 includes a first (top) panel 10_A, a second (bottom) panel 10_B connected to the first (top) panel 10_A, a third panel 10_C connected to an inner surface 14 of the first (top) panel 10_A, and a fourth panel 10_D connected to an inner surface 16 of the second (bottom) panel 10_B. The panels 10 may be connected to one another either fixedly, or in a manner permitting separation of the panels 10. For example, the first (top) panel 10_A may be connected to the second (bottom) panel 10_B by a perforated hinge, and the third and fourth panels 10_C, 10_D may be respectively connected to the inner surfaces 12, 14 of the first (top) panel 10_A and the second (bottom) panel 10_B via a releasable adhesive.

The panels 10_A, 10_B and the panels 10_C, 10_D may be either unitarily formed, or may be formed as separate, discrete structures. For example, in one embodiment, shown in FIG. 2, the panels 10_A, 10_B may be unitarily formed, e.g., connected by a first living hinge, whereas the panels 10_C, 10_D may be formed as separate, discrete structures. In alternate embodiments, however, the panels 10_C, 10_D may be unitarily formed, e.g., connected by a second living hinge, or each of the panels 10_A-10_D may be formed as a separate, discrete structure.

With reference now to FIGS. 1-4, the object 12 will be discussed. Although the object 12 is illustrated generally as a bouquet of flowers (FIG. 2), the object 12 may assume a variety of alternate configurations, and may include varying coloration, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the object 12 may be configured as a Christmas tree, a bouquet of roses (either with or without a vase), a bouquet of lilies (either with or without a vase), a vase, a Ferris wheel, a hanging clothes line, a church, a church together with a horse and carriage, a horse with a center heart, Cupid with a tree of hearts, one or more presents (either with or without bows), a ship (either with or without a sail), the Church of Notre Dame, a bird house (either with or without flowers), the Eiffel Tower, the Arch de Triumph, London Bridge, Big Ben, a pagoda, a baby (either with or without a stroller), and various items associated with a baby shower.

The object 12 may include a display member 18 (FIG. 2), such as a hook, loop of string, adhesive, or the like, such that the object 12 can be displayed following separation from the article 100. For example, the object 12 may be separated from the article 100 and displayed in a window, on a refrigerator, hung on a wall, or placed on a mantle or shelf. The display member 18 may be positioned in any suitable location(s) to facilitate display in the manner described, e.g., adjacent an upper portion of the object 12, on a front surface of the object 12, and/or on a rear surface of the object 12.

Additionally, or alternatively, the object 12 may incorporate a perfume or other such odoriferous substance such that the object 12 may act as an air freshener.

To facilitate removal of the object 12 from the article 100, the article 100 may further include one or more attachment members 20 (FIGS. 3, 4) that can be cut, severed, etc. to permit separation of the object 12 from the article 100. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the object 12 may be removably connected to the article 100 by a tether 22 that extends between the object 12 and one or more of the panels 10. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the tether 22 may extend between the first (top) panel 10_A and the third panel 10_C, and/or between the second (bottom) panel 10_B and the fourth panel 10_D. Alternatively, the tether 22 may be connected to one or more exposed surfaces of the panels 10, e.g., the third panel 10_C and/or the fourth panel 10_D.

In alternate embodiments of the present disclosure, the attachment member(s) 20 may be configured as one or more magnets, an adhesive, one or more perforations, or any other structure suitable for the intended purpose of permitting removal of the object 12 from the article 100 without causing unintended physical alteration of the collateral portions of the article 100, e.g., ripping, tearing, or other such damage to the panels 10. For example, the object 12 may be removably connected to the article 100 by one or more portions, e.g., integral flaps, that can be inserted into and removed from corresponding apertures, openings, or pockets formed in the article 100.

The article 100 is repositionable between a first (closed) configuration (FIG. 1), in which the object 12 is collapsed within the article 100, and a second (open) configuration (FIG. 2), in which the three-dimensional object 12 is expanded. The attachment member(s) 20 may connect the object 12 to the article 100 such that the object 12 expands as the article 100 is repositioned from the first (closed) configuration into the second (open) configuration. To facilitate repositioning of the article 100 between the first (closed) configuration (FIG. 1) and the second (open) configuration (FIG. 2), the object 12 may be formed from, or include, a plurality of individual members 24 that are arranged in a woven, interleaved, or other such suitable pattern permitting expansion and collapse of the object 12.

Rather than a single object 12, as seen in FIG. 2, for example, the article 100 may include a plurality of objects 12 that may be connected to, or associated with, one another. For example, the article 100 may include a primary object, e.g., in the form of a Christmas tree or a vase, as well as one or more secondary objects, e.g., in the form of Christmas tree ornaments or individual flowers. In such embodiments, following separation of the primary and secondary objects from the article 100, the secondary objects may be used to adorn the primary object.

It is also envisioned that several articles 10 may be designed as a series according to a particular theme, and that the object 12 from one article 100 in the series may be connected to, or associated with, the object 12 from another article in the series.

In another embodiment of the disclosure, it is contemplated that the object 12 may be fixedly connected to the article 100. For example, the object 12 may be integrally formed with one or more of the panels 10, e.g., the third panel 10_C and/or the fourth panel 10_D, which may be removably connected to the respective first and second panels 10_A, 10_B by the attachment member(s) 20.

In another embodiment of the disclosure, it is contemplated that the article 100 may be devoid of the aforedescribed third and fourth panels 10_C, 10_D (FIG. 2), respectively, thus including only the first (top) panel 10_A and the second (bottom) panel 10_B. In this embodiment, it is envisioned that the object 12 may be directly connected to the first (top) panel 10_A and/or the second (bottom) panel 10_B.

Various methods of manufacture may be used in construction of the article 100. For example, one or more portions of the article 100, e.g., the object 12, may be formed by hand, as by cutting. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more portions of the article 100, e.g., the object 12, may be formed using more mechanized methods, such as, for example, laser machining. With reference to FIG. 5, for example, in one method of manufacture, following the conceptualization of a design, the design is formalized using suitable computer software, and a prototype is created to test feasibility and operability of the design. The design is then uploaded into laser cutting software used in connection with a laser machining device, and the laser machining device is utilized to machine the material from which the article 100 will be formed. The various components of the article 100 are then assembled.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, use of the article 100 will be discussed. Initially, the article 100 is removed from any protective wrapping (not shown), e.g., an envelope, sleeve, or the like, and is repositioned from the first (closed) configuration (FIG. 1) to the second (open) configuration (FIG. 2) to expand the three-dimensional object 12. Thereafter, the object 12 is separated from the article 100, e.g., by cutting the attachment members 20 (FIG. 3, 4).

Following separation of the object 12 from the article 100, the display member 18 (FIG. 2) may be connected to the object 12 to facilitate display of the object 12. Alternatively, it is envisioned that the article 100 may be provided with the display member 18 pre-connected to the object 12.

With reference now to FIGS. 6-9, various alternate embodiments of the presently disclosed object will be described. Each embodiment of the object described in connection with FIGS. 6-9 below is identical to the object 12 discussed above in connection with FIGS. 1-4, but for any distinctions that are specifically noted. Accordingly, a discussion of certain features common to the object 12 and the various embodiments discussed below may be omitted in the interest of brevity.

With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 in particular, an object 112 is disclosed that includes a plurality of individual members 124, and a locking member 114 that is configured and dimensioned to maintain the expanded configuration of the object 112. In the specific embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the locking member 114 includes a deflectable tab 116 connected to one of the individual members 124 comprising the object 112. The tab 116 is movable between a first (unlocked) position (FIG. 6), wherein the tab 116 permits relative movement between the individual members 124, and thus, collapse of the object 112, and a second (locked) position (FIG. 7), wherein the tab 116 inhibits relative movement between the individual members 124, and thus, collapse of the object 112. More specifically, in the first (unlocked) position, the tab 116 and the corresponding member 124 are oriented in parallel relation, as seen in FIG. 6, whereby the tab 116 is oriented so as not to interfere with expansion and/or collapse of the object 112, whereas in the second (locked) position, the tab 116 is oriented in transverse, e.g., orthogonal, relation to the corresponding member 124, as seen in FIG. 7. In this orientation, abutment of the tab 116 with another member 124 comprising the object 112 inhibits collapse of the object 112.

In various alternate embodiments of the object 112, it is envisioned that the locking member 114 may be configured and dimensioned so as to permit controlled collapse of the object 112 prior to locking. For example, the locking member 114 may be configured and dimensioned to permit the object 112 to collapse to a predetermined extent short of complete collapse to achieve a particular aesthetic of the object 112 to be maintained upon locking. Additionally, or alternatively, the locking member 114 may be configured and dimensioned to permit collapse of the object 112 according to a predetermined progression, whereby the locking member 114 may be used to lock the object 112 at various points in time during collapse.

In the embodiment of the object 112 illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the locking member 114 is integrally formed with the object 112. Specifically, the tab 116 is defined by a weakened portion 118, e.g., one or more perforations 120, formed in one of the individual members 124 of the object 112. In such embodiments, following expansion of the object 112, the locking member 114 is engaged via the application of a force, e.g., by the user, which causes the locking member 114 to separate from the individual member 124 along the weakened portion 118 to permit deflection of the tab 116, and movement into the second (locked) position (FIG. 7).

In an alternate embodiment, however, illustrated in FIG. 8, an object 212 is disclosed including a locking member 214 that is configured as a separate, discrete structure. In this embodiment, the locking member 214 is connected to one of the individual members 224 comprising the object 212 by a living hinge 216 to permit movement between the aforedescribed first (unlocked) and second (locked) positions.

In the embodiment of the object 112 illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the locking member 114 is configured and dimensioned for manual actuation, i.e., movement between the first (locked) position and the second (unlocked) position, by the user. Alternatively, with reference to FIG. 9, an object 314 is disclosed including a locking member 314 that is biased towards the second (locked) position by a biasing member 318, e.g., a spring, rubber band, or the like. The biasing member 318 facilitates repositioning of the locking member 314 between the first (unlocked) position and the second (locked) position such that, upon expansion of the object 12 to a predetermined extent, the locking member 314 is automatically actuated, thereby obviating any need for manual manipulation of the locking member 314 by the user.

With reference again to FIGS. 6 and 7, the object 112 may further include a retention structure 122 that is engageable with the locking member 114 to secure the locking member 114 in the second (locked) position. For example, the object 112 may include a protrusion 124, e.g., a rib, detent, shoulder, or the like, beneath which the locking member 114 may be passed during movement from the first (unlocked) position (FIG. 6) to the second (locked) position (FIG. 7). After movement into the second (locked) position, engagement of the locking member 114 with the retention structure 122 acts to resist unintended return of the locking member 114 to the first position, and thus, unintended collapse of the object 112.

With continued reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, use of the article 112 will be discussed in connection with the article 100 (FIGS. 1, 2). Following expansion of the object 112, and separation of the object 112 from the article 100, e.g., by cutting the attachment members 20 (FIGS. 3, 4), the locking member 114 is actuated to assist in maintaining the expanded configuration of article 112 by moving the locking member 114 from the first (unlocked) position (FIG. 6) to the second (locked) position (FIG. 7). Specifically, the tab 116 is deflected, e.g., by causing separation along the perforation(s) 120. If necessary, or desirable, the locking member 114 may be engaged with the retention structure 122 to assist in maintaining the second (locked) position of the locking member 114, and thus, expansion of the object 112.

Following separation of the object 112 from the article 100, and actuation of the locking member 114, the object 112 may be displayed.

With reference now to FIGS. 10 and 11, an alternate embodiment of the locking member, which is identified generally by the reference character 414, will be discussed in connection with the object 12 (FIGS. 2-4). The locking member 414 includes a brace 416 having a configuration and dimensions that correspond to the configuration and dimensions defined by the object 12 in the expanded configuration. Specifically, the brace 416 is configured and dimensioned for engagement with the individual members 24 of the object 12, and includes locking portions 418 that are positionable within the space defined between the individual members 24 upon engagement of the locking member 414 with the object 12 to inhibit relative movement between the individual members 24, and thus, collapse of the object 12.

In the specific embodiment of the locking member 414 illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the brace 416 is linear in configuration, and includes several cutouts 420 that define the locking portions 418, and receive the individual members 24 of the object 12. In alternative embodiments, however, the locking member 414 may assume alternate configurations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, several examples of which are described below.

With continued reference now to FIGS. 10 and 11, use of the locking member 414 will be discussed in connection with the article 100 (FIGS. 1-4) and the object 12. Following expansion of the object 12, and separation of the object 12 from the article 100, e.g., by cutting the attachment members 20 (FIG. 3, 4), the object 12 is inverted, and the locking member 414 is engaged with the object 12. Specifically, the locking member 414 is oriented such that the cutouts 420 receive the individual members 24 of the object 12, and the locking portions 418 are positioned within the space defined between the corresponding individual members 24, thereby inhibiting relative movement between the individual members 24, and thus, collapse of the object 12.

Following engagement of the locking member 414 and the object 12, the object 12 may be displayed.

FIGS. 12-14 illustrate another embodiment of the locking member, identified by the reference character 414_A, that includes a brace 416_A (FIG. 2) having a configuration and dimensions that correspond to the configuration and dimensions defined by the object 12 (FIGS. 2-4) in the expanded configuration. Specifically, the brace 416_A is polygonal in configuration, and includes a quadrilateral body 422_A (FIG. 12) with a planar top surface 424_A that includes a plurality of cutouts 420_A defining locking portions 418_A. Upon engagement of the locking member 414_A and the object 12, the cutouts 420_A receive the individual members 24 (FIG. 3) of the object 12, and the locking portions 418_A are positioned within the space defined between the individual members 24, thereby inhibiting relative movement between the individual members 24, and thus, collapse of the object 12.

FIGS. 15-17 illustrate another embodiment of the locking member, identified by the reference character 414_B, that includes a brace 416_B (FIG. 15) having a configuration and dimensions that correspond to the configuration and dimensions defined by the object 12 (FIGS. 2-4) in the expanded configuration. Specifically, the brace 416_B includes a quadrilateral body 422_B defined by an outer wall 426_B. The outer wall 426_B defines a hollow interior space 428_B, and includes a plurality of cutouts 420_B defining locking portions 418_B. Upon engagement of the locking member 414_B and the object 12, the cutouts 420_B receive the individual members 24 (FIG. 3) of the object 12, and the locking portions 418_B are positioned within the space defined between the individual members 24, thereby inhibiting relative movement between the individual members 24, and thus, collapse of the object 12.

FIGS. 18-20 illustrate another embodiment of the locking member, identified by the reference character 414_C, having a configuration and dimensions that correspond to the configuration and dimensions defined by the object 12 (FIGS. 2-4) in the expanded configuration. The locking member 414_C includes a brace 416_C having a planar base portion 430_C, and a locking portion 418_C (FIG. 18) that includes a plurality of upstanding, V-shaped struts 432_C defining a channel 434_C therebetween. Upon assembly with the object 12, the struts 432_C fit within the space defined between the individual members 24 (FIG. 3) of the object 12, one of which is received by the channel 434_C, thereby inhibiting relative movement between the individual members 24, and thus, collapse of the object 12.

Persons skilled in the art will understand that the various exemplary aspects of the present disclosure described herein, and shown in the accompanying figures, constitute nonlimiting examples of the present disclosure, and that additional components and features may be added to any of the embodiments discussed herein above without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, although generally described as a component of the article 100 throughout the present disclosure, it is envisioned that the various embodiments of the object described herein may be provided independently of the article 100 as a stand alone item.

Additionally, persons skilled in the art will understand that the elements and features shown or described in connection with one example of the present disclosure may be combined with those of another without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, and will appreciate further features and advantages of the presently disclosed subject matter based on the description provided.