WO2005041152A1

WO2005041152A1 - Self standing folded promotional displays

Info

Publication number: WO2005041152A1
Application number: PCT/AU2004/001478
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kurt Daniel James Harrison
Original assignee: Kurt Daniel James Harrison
Priority date: 2003-10-27
Filing date: 2004-10-27
Publication date: 2005-05-06

Abstract

A promotional display apparatus (24) including a first panel (12) and a second panel (14) and a tab panel (16). The first panel (12) is folded about a first fold line (18) so that the display surface (26) is presented externally. The panel (16) is folded about a second fold line (20) so that the tab panel (16) projects over a peripheriral portion (28) of an internal surface (30) of the second panel (14), and thereby between the peripheral portion (28) and the tab panel (16) a retaining fold (32). The first panel (12) has an edge portion (34) located opposite the first fold line (18) which is inserted within the retaining fold (32) by folding and bending the first panel (12). When so inserted, the display surface (26) of the first panel (12) is convexly curved.

Description

PROMOTIONAL DISPLAYS FIELD OF INVENTION This invention relates to promotional displays, such as greeting cards, postcards, gift cards, photograph frames and stands, business cards, advertising signage, and like promotional materials or cards. BACKGROUND ART Display cards, such as business cards, postcards and greeting cards, are generally planar and devoid of any eye-catching, three dimensional, visual appeal. However, some attempts have been made to produce dioramic or multipanel display cards. U.S. Patent No. 5,822,896 discloses a dioramic greeting card constructed of three panels or segments. One panel has a viewing window, a second panel has a written message imprinted thereon, and a third panel includes a picture or photo display. The panels are foldably connected to each other along common fold lines. The card also includes a tab and slit arrangement for connecting the panels together to form the dioramic effect. The card's construction is made from a cardboard blank which is appropriately folded and manipulated in order to assemble the greeting card. Specifically, the dioramic greeting card, when assembled and disposed in an upright position, presents its display behind the viewing window so that a viewer observes the display through the window on a concavely curved, interior surface of the third panel. Also, the tab and slit require specialised die cutting of the blank, whereby additional tooling and handling is involved in the manufacturing process. Furthermore, the dioramic greeting card requires two hands to fold and align the three panels, bend the two rear panels, and then engage the tab of the front panel into the slit of the rear panels, before the card can support itself in an upright position. U.S. Patent No. 6,449,891 discloses a presentation apparatus for artwork comprising a one-piece, die cut, folder construction with one or more side panels which fold over a back section that contains an image. The one or more side panels include die cut window elements covered with acetate sheets for viewing the artwork on the back section, and thereby create image screens when folded against the back section. Specifically, there is a first side panel having a slot at one end, a second side panel, and a back section having a slot at one end. The first and second side panels are folded over the back section, the first side panel engaging the slot in the back section, and the second side panel engaging the slot in the first side panel. Both side panels have a transparent window element for viewing the back section when the first and second side panels are folded over the back section. Other even more complex dioramic or multipanel display cards are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,173,515 and U.S. Patent No. 5,592,768. The present inventor has identified a need for a promotional display apparatus which embodies an external display surface that is convexly curved or has a depth of visual field, and is simple to manufacture and assemble in an upright position. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a promotional display apparatus comprising:- a first panel and a second panel foldably interconnected along a first fold line, the first panel having a length dimension larger than that of the second panel, the second panel foldably connected to a tab panel along a second fold line located opposite the first fold line, so that the second panel is between the first panel and the tab panel, a first side of the first panel providing a display surface, the first panel being folded about the first fold line so that the display surface is presented externally in a folded assembly, the tab panel being folded about the second fold line so that the tab panel projects over a portion of an internal surface of the second panel, thereby defining therebetween a retaining fold, the first panel having an edge portion located opposite the first fold line which is insertable within the retaining fold, whereby, when so inserted, the display surface of the first panel is convexly curved. It is preferred that the display surface of the first panel contains printed material. The first panel includes slits for receiving a photograph or other card-like display over at least a portion of the first side of the first panel. Preferably, a height dimension of the first panel is larger than that of the second panel. A portion of the first panel that is above the height of the second panel may be foldably connected to a remaining portion of the first panel along a third fold line. In a preferred form of the invention, the above described promotional display apparatus further includes a flap panel foldably connected to the edge portion of the first panel along a fourth fold line located opposite the first fold line, the flap panel being folded about the fourth fold line so that the flap panel projects over at least a portion of an internal surface of the first panel and so that an edge portion defined by overlapping parts of the first panel and flap panel alongside the fourth fold line is insertable within the retaining fold. Preferably, the flap panel includes an adhesive means for temporarily affixing the flap panel to the second panel. The adhesive means enables the panels to be folded and held together in a planar manner so that the apparatus may be used as a postcard. In a further preferred form, the flap panel has a length dimension smaller than that of the first panel and larger than that of the second panel so that, when the edge portion is inserted within the retaining fold, a free edge of the flap panel located opposite the fourth fold line is pressed against the first fold line, whereby a first side of the flap panel behind the first panel is convexly curved, the convex curvature of the first panel having a smaller radius than that of the convex curvature of the flap panel. Preferably, a height dimension of the flap panel is larger than that of the first panel. It is also preferred that the first side of the flap panel provides a second display surface spaced behind the first display surface so that the first and second display surfaces provide a depth of visual field. It is also preferred that a height dimension of the second panel is larger than that of the flap panel and provides a third display surface spaced behind the second display surface. In a still further preferred form, the first panel includes a display shape defined by a partial die cut through the first panel, whereby, when the edge portion of the first panel is inserted within the retaining fold, the display shape projects away from a remaining portion of the first panel. Preferably, the display shape projects upwardly from the second panel which is laid flat upon a supporting surface. In yet another preferred form, the first panel includes a backing flap defined by a partial die cut through the first panel and a fifth fold line which foldably connects a backing flap to a remaining portion of the first panel, whereby, when the edge portion of the first panel is inserted within the retaining fold, the backing flap is folded about the fifth fold line so that the backing flap projects downwardly to the second panel which is laid flat upon a supporting surface, the backing flap extending from the fifth fold line by a length sufficient to allow an edge of the backing flap opposite the fifth fold line to press against the second panel and thereby serve as a backing for supporting brochures or the like thereagainst. Alternatively, the backing flap is folded about the fifth fold line so that the backing flap projects upwardly from the second panel which is laid flat upon a supporting surface. In still another preferred form, the first panel includes a slit which is sized to slidably receive therein a photograph or other card-like display, whereby, when the edge portion of the first panel is inserted within the retaining fold, the photograph or other card-like display is slidably received in the slit so as to project downwardly to the second panel which is laid flat upon a supporting surface. Preferably, the slit in the first panel extends in a direction that follows the convex curvature of the first panel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a front elevational view of a blank for forming a promotional display apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention, Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a promotional display apparatus which is self supported in an upright position, and formed by folding and bending the blank of Fig. 1 , Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a promotional display apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention, and serving as a photograph frame, Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a promotional display apparatus according to a third embodiment of the invention, Fig. 5 is a front elevational view of the promotional display apparatus of Fig. 4 when folded to occupy minimum space for storage, packing or handling, Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a promotional display apparatus_^ according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a promotional display apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the invention, Fig. 8 is a front elevational view of a blank for forming a promotional display apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the invention, Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a first promotional display apparatus formed by folding and bending the blank of Fig. 8, Fig. 10 is a front elevational view of a second promotional display apparatus, formed by folding the blank of Fig. 8, and serving as a postcard, Fig. 11 is a front elevational view of a blank for forming a promotional display apparatus according to a seventh embodiment of the invention, Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a promotional display apparatus formed by folding and bending the blank of Fig. 11 , Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a promotional display apparatus according to an eighth embodiment of the invention, Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a promotional display apparatus according to a ninth embodiment of the invention, and serving as a product display, Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a promotional display apparatus according to a tenth embodiment of the invention, and serving as a brochure holder, Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a promotional display apparatus according to an eleventh embodiment of the invention, and serving as a photo stand. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The blank 10 shown if Fig. 1 is of rectangular configuration and has a first panel 12, a second panel 14, and a tab panel 16. A first fold line 18 foldably interconnects the first panel 12 and second panel 14, with the first panel 12 having a length dimension X larger than the length dimension Y of the second panel 14. A second fold line 20 foldably interconnects the second panel 14 and tab panel 16. The second fold line 20 is located opposite the first fold line 18 such that the second panel 14 is between the first panel 12 and the tab panel 16. A first side 22 of the first panel 12 provides a display surface 26 and, in the assembled and upright promotional display apparatus 24 shown in Fig. 2, the first panel 12 is folded about the first fold line 18 so that the display surface 26 is presented externally. The tab panel 16 is folded about the second fold line 20 so that the tab panel 16 projects over a peripheral portion 28 of an internal surface 30 of the second panel 14, and thereby defines between the peripheral portion 28 and the tab panel 16 a retaining fold 32. The first panel 12 has an edge portion 34 located opposite the first fold line 18 which is inserted within the retaining fold 32 by folding and bending the first panel 12. When so inserted, the display surface 26 of the first panel 12 is convexly curved. In the embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2, the blank 10 is made of a cardboard, but may alternatively be made of a transparent or opaque plastic sheet having cardboard-like stiffness or flexibility, or of a magnetic material. Printed material may be presented on the display surface 26, so as to provide business details if the apparatus is to be used as a business card, product details if the apparatus is to be used as advertising signage, or a photographic image or drawing if the apparatus is to be used as a postcard, greeting card or gift card. A magnetic strip may be adhered to the external surface of the second panel 14 for attachment to, say, a refrigerator. Where the apparatus is to be used as a photograph frame, as shown in Fig. 3, the first panel 12 includes four suitably located and sized slits 36 which receive respective corner portions 38 of a rectangular photograph 40 so that the back of the photograph 40 lies over most of the first side 22 of the first panel 12. It will be readily appreciated that the apparatus may be adapted for use to support a restaurant menu or the like. Where the blank is made of a transparent plastic, the assembled apparatus may be used to support a photograph behind the convexly curved first panel 12. In the embodiment of Fig. 4, the first panel 12 has a specially die cut shape portion 41 that extends at the top of the first panel 12 to a larger height than that of the second panel 14 to provide greater visual appeal. The portion 41 of the first panel 12 that comprises the specially die cut shape, being above the height of the second panel 14, may, as shown in Fig. 5, be foldably connected to a remaining main portion 42 of the first panel 12 along a third fold line 44. The shape portion 41 is thus able to be folded between the first and second panels 12, 14 to minimize the space occupied by the apparatus for storing, packing or handling. When the apparatus is assembled, the shape portion 41 is prevented from naturally folding down across the third fold line 44 by the curvature of the first panel 12. In the embodiment of Fig. 6, a similar shape portion 46 extends at the top of the planar second panel 14. Fig. 7 shows an embodiment in which a specially die cut shape of a star 48 is present as a decorative window through the first panel 12. The blank 50 shown in Fig. 8 is similar to that shown in Fig. 1 except that it further includes a flap panel 52 foldably connected to the edge portion 34 of the first panel 12 along a fourth fold line 54 located opposite the first fold line 18. In the assembled and upright promotional display apparatus 58 shown in Fig. 9, the flap panel 52 is folded about the fourth fold line 54 so that the flap panel 52 projects over at least a portion of an internal surface 60 of the first panel 12 and so that an edge portion 62 defined by overlapping portions of the first panel 12 and flap panel 52 alongside the fourth fold line 54 is inserted within the retaining fold 32. The flap panel 52 includes an adhesive means, such as a glue strip 64, that allows the flap panel 52 to be temporarily affixed to the second panel 14 when the panels of the blank 50 have been folded and held flat on top of each other for use as a postcard 66, as shown in Fig. 10, or prior to inserting the edge portion 62 within the retaining fold 32. The blank 70 shown in Fig. 11 is similar to that shown in Fig. 8 except that the flap panel 72 has a length dimension smaller than that of the first panel 12 and larger than that of the second panel 14. As shown in Fig. 12, when the edge portion 62 is inserted within the retaining fold 32, a free edge 74 of the flap panel 72 located opposite the fourth fold line 54 is caused to press against the first fold line 18, whereby a first side 76 of the flap panel 72 behind the first panel 12 is convexly curved. The convex curvature of the first panel 12 has a smaller radius than that of the convex curvature of the flap panel 72. In the embodiment of Fig. 13, the height dimension of the second panel 80, which depicts a city skyline display thereon, is larger than that of the flap panel 82, which depicts a specially die cut Opera House display thereon, and the height dimension of the flap panel 82 is larger than that of the first panel 84, which depicts a specially die cut parkland display thereon. The effect of these promotional displays depicted on the respective display surfaces of the spaced apart panels 80, 82, 84, coupled with their height differences and the radius of curvature differences of panels 82 and 84, provides a depth of visual field or multilayer perspective effect that is visually appealing, and may have many other uses, such as for multilayer, three dimensional books. Fig. 14 shows an embodiment in which a specially die cut shape of a wine bottle 88_; defined by a partial die cut through the first panel 12, projects upwardly from a remaining portion 89 of the first panel 12 when the edge portion 34 is inserted within the retaining fold 32 and when the second panel 14 is laid flat upon a supporting surface. Fig. 15 shows an embodiment in which the first panel 12 includes a backing flap 90 defined by a partial die cut through the first panel 12 and a fifth fold line 92 which foldably connects the backing flap 90 to a remaining portion 94 of the first panel 12. When the edge portion 34 is inserted within the retaining fold 32, the backing flap 90 is folded about the fifth fold line 92 so as to project downwardly to the second panel 14 which is laid flat upon a supporting surface. The backing flap 90 extends from the fifth fold line 92 by a length sufficient to allow an edge 96 thereof opposite the fifth fold line 92 to press against the second panel 14. The backing flap 90 may thus serve as a backing for supporting brochures or the like located at least partly within the opening 98 formed thereby. Although not shown, the backing flap 90 may be folded about the fifth fold line 92 so that it projects upwardly from the remaining portion of the first panel, to thereby also serve as a backing for supporting brochures or the like. Fig. 16 shows an embodiment that serves as a support stand, in which the first panel 12 includes a slit 100 which is sized to slidably receive therein a photograph 102 or other card-like display. When the edge portion 34 of the first panel 12 is inserted within the retaining fold 32, the photograph 102 is so inserted into the slit 100 that it projects downwardly to contact the second panel 14 which is laid flat on a supporting surface. The slit 100 extends in a direction that follows the convex curvature of the first panel 12, and so the photograph 102 is held stably in an upright position. Various modifications may be made in details of design and construction of the apparatus without departing from the scope and ambit of the invention. For instance, the apparatus may be used to house a light fitting for illuminating the display surface, as a part of a wall calendar, as a gift card-like enclosure for locating a gift therein, as a detachable label for a wine bottle, as a shelf wobbler, or to enclose a fold out leaflet.

Claims

1. A promotional display apparatus comprising:- a first panel and a second panel foldably interconnected along a first fold line, the first panel having a length dimension larger than that of the second panel, the second panel foldably connected to a tab panel along a second fold line located opposite the first fold line, so that the second panel is between the first panel and the tab panel, a first side of the first panel providing a display surface, the first panel being folded about the first fold line so that the display surface is presented externally in a folded assembly, the tab panel being folded about the second fold line so that the tab panel projects over a portion of an internal surface of the second panel, thereby defining therebetween a retaining fold, the first panel having an edge portion located opposite the first fold line which is insertable within the retaining fold, whereby, when so inserted, the display surface of the first panel is convexly curved.

2. The promotional display apparatus of claim 1 wherein the display surface of the first panel contains printed material.

3. The promotional display apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first panel includes slits for receiving a photograph or other card-like display over at least a portion of the first side of the first panel.

4. The promotional display apparatus of claim 1 , further including a flap panel foldably connected to the edge portion of the first panel along a fourth fold line located opposite the first fold line, the flap panel being folded about the fourth fold line so that the flap panel projects over at least a portion of an internal surface of the first panel and so that an edge portion defined by overlapping parts of the first panel and flap panel alongside the fourth fold line is insertable within the retaining fold.

5. The promotional display apparatus of claim 4 wherein the flap panel has a length dimension smaller than that of the first panel and larger than that of the second panel so that, when the edge portion is inserted within the retaining fold, a free edge of the flap panel located opposite the fourth fold line is pressed against the first fold line, whereby a first side of the flap panel behind the first panel is convexly curved, the convex curvature of the first panel having a smaller radius than that of the convex curvature of the flap panel.

6. The promotional display apparatus of claim 5 wherein a height dimension of the flap panel is larger that that of the first panel and the flap panel provides a second display surface spaced behind the first display surface.

7. The promotional display apparatus of claim 6 wherein a height dimension of the second panel is larger than that of the flap panel and the second panel provides a third display surface spaced behind the second display surface.