GB2106034A

GB2106034A - Greetings plaque

Info

Publication number: GB2106034A
Application number: GB08128859A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Roy Goodwin
Original assignee: LONGMEAD CERAMICS Ltd
Current assignee: LONGMEAD CERAMICS Ltd
Priority date: 1981-09-24
Filing date: 1981-09-24
Publication date: 1983-04-07

Abstract

A plaque (10) has a a decoration on the front face (11) and a greeting on the rear face (12) whereby the plaque serves both to comprise a gift and convey a greeting. The decoration may comprise a picture, motif, message or other adornment and the greeting may convey birthday, Christmas, New Year good wishes, congratulations, a poetic or romantic message or any other greeting. A package for the plaque (10) can be folded in different ways, eg to enable the plaque to be enveloped for posting, or display the front and/or rear face of the plaque (10). <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Greetings plaque This invention relates to a plaque, a package for the plaque, and a combination of a plaque and a package.

More particularly, the invention relates to a plaque which comprises a gift such as an ornament, wall plaque or drinks coaster, and conveys a greeting.

Previously, greetings have been conveyed by means of a greetings card, which after the event commemorated by the greeting has passed, has been discarded or destroyed because the card serves no other purpose.

According to one aspect of the invention we provide a plaque having a front face and a rear face, the front face having a decoration, as herein defined, and the rear face having a greeting thereon whereby the plaque serves both to comprise a gift and convey a greeting.

By "decoration" we mean any picture, motif, message, inscription or other adornment, as desired.

The greeting may convey Birthday, Christmas, or New Year good wishes, congratulations for a particular event such as a wedding, a poetic or romantic message or any other greeting.

Thus a plaque in accordance with the invention may be sent as a gift and convey a greeting and further, when the event commemorated by the greeting has past, instead of discarding the plaque in the same way as a greetings card, the plaque may be kept and used as an ornament, wall plaque, drinks coaster or table mat or the like.

Therefore the plaque may have a hook or socket or other mounting means on the rear face for enabling the plaque to be hung on a wall, or alternatively, the plaque may be provided with feet to enable it to be stood on the edge thereat as an ornament, in either case so that the decoration on the front face is displayed.

The plaque may be conveniently made of ceramic material, glazed on both the front and rear faces, but preferably the plaque is only glazed on the front face so that an inscription, such as the name of the person to whom the greeting is to be sent and/or the name of the person sending the greeting, can be easily made on the rear face of the plaque with a felt tip pen or other writing instrument.

The plaque may be, for example circular, heart shaped, square or oval or any other desired shape.

According to a second aspect of the invention, we provide a package for a plaque according to the first aspect of the invention, the package comprising first and second panels which each have an aperture therein, the first panel, in use, lying adjacent the front face of the plaque so that at least part of the decoration can be seen through the aperture, and the second panel in use, lying adjacent the rearface of the plaque so that at least part of the greeting can be seen through the aperture, the plaque being retained between the panels, the package having further panels adapted to be folded relative to the first and second panels, either to cover the first and second apertures so that the plaque is enveloped or to provide a display stand so that the plaque may be orientated with said face generally upright and at least part of the front face of the plaque displayed through the aperture in the first panel.

Preferably, when the further panels are folded to provide a display stand, it is also possible to view the greeting on the rear face through the aperture in the second panel.

When the further panels are folded to envelope the apertures, the plaque and package may be posted or used for storing the plaque.

Preferably, the further panels may also be folded to enable the plaque and package to be stored, for example in a retailers pack wherein decoration on the front face is visible but the greeting on the rear face not seen.

The panels of the package may conveniently be made of plain cardboard, corrugated cardboard or any other desired material, and the package may itself be decorated if required.

According to a third aspect of the invention, we provide a combination of a plaque according to the first aspect of the invention and a package according to the second aspect of the invention.

The pack may be discarded when the event commemorated by the greeting has past, and the plaque subsequently used as an ornament, wall plaque or drinks coaster or the like.

The invention will now be described with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows the front face of a plaque according to the invention; Figure 2 shows the rear face of a plaque according to the invention; Figure 3 shows a package for the plaque of Figures 1 and2; Figure 4shows the plaque of Figure 3 folded to display the front face of the plaque in an upright condition; Figure 5 shows the plaque of Figure 3 folded to enable the package and plaque to be stored in a retail rack; JFigure 6shows the plaque of Figure 3 in the process of being folded to provide an envelope for posting.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, there is shown a plaque 10 made of ceramic material, having a front face 11 and a rear face 12. The front face 11 has a decoration comprising a picturesque scene printed thereon and is glazed. The rear face 12 has a basic greeting embossed thereon which reads: "To: Happy Birthday From and is not glazed so that the name of the person to whom the greeting is being sent and name of the sender can be inscribed with, for example a felt tip pen or other writing instrument on the plaque. If desired, the basic greeting can be printed instead of being embossed.

As can be seen, the plaque 10 is circular, although any other configuration of plaque, for example heart shaped, square or oval, or any other shape could alternatively be used as desired.

Further, any other type of greeting could be provided on the rear face, for example Christmas or New Year, Good Wishes, Congratulations for a particular event such as a wedding or even a poetic or romantic message.

Referring now to Figure 3 there is shown a package in an unfolded condition which it is intended to envelope and protect or display the ceramic plaque 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2.

The package comprises first and second panels 15 and 16 each of which have an aperture 17 and 18 respectively therein and are joined by a thin strip 20 which is slightly wider than the thickness of the plaque 10.

The first panel 15, has attached to the three free peripheral edges thereof flaps 21, 22 and 23, the free edges of the flaps being cut away so that their shape corresponds to the shape of the plaque 10, i.e. in the present case circular. The second panel 16 also has two such flaps 24 and 25 provided for the same purpose.

Thus the plaque 10 may be placed in the package as shown in chain dotted lines, the edges of the apertures 17, 18 serving to retain the edge of the plaque 10 and the flaps 21 to 25 spacing the panels 15 and 16 and protecting the edges of the plaque 10.

Three further panels 26, 27 and 28 are provided for the purpose hereinafter described, each of the panels 26,28 being connected along their edges to panel 27 by further thin strips 20a, again each of slightly greater thickness than the plaque, the panel 27 being connected to panel 16 by a still further similar strip 20b.

The package is made of a corrugated cardboard material and each of the fold lines indicated in dotted lines, are scored to facilitate folding.

Referring now to Figure 4, there is shown a package of Figure 3 folded to enable the front face 11 (decoration not shown) ofthe plaque 10to be displayed through aperture 18 in panel 16, and the panel 15 being folded back so that it lies adjacent the rear face 12 ofthe plaque 10.

Flap 22 is designed so as to tuck under flaps 24 and 25 thereby locking panels 15 and 16 together, and thus locking the plaque in position.

The other panels 26,27 and 28 are folded so that the package provides a stand to display the front face 11 of the plaque 10. To read the greeting on the rear face 12 through aperture 17 it is necessary for the panels 15 and 16 to be folded outwardly relative to the panel 27.

It can be seen that the panels 26, 27 and 28 provide a triangular stand T.

Referring now to Figure 5, there is shown the package of Figure 3 but instead of the flaps 26 to 28 providing a triangular stand, the angels 26, 27 and 28 are folded flat with the panel 26 tucked between panels 27 and 28, and panels 15 and 16 are folded flat relative to panel 27. Thus the package provides a flat pack which can be placed in a retailers rack along with other packs, for display. It can be seen that the front face 11 of the plaque 10 is still visible through aperture 18, but it is not possible to seethe greeting on the rear face 12 of the plaque without entirely removing the package from the retailers rack and unfolding panels 15 and 16 relative to panel 27 as hereinbefore described.

Referring now to Figure 6, there is shown the pack of Figure 3 in the process of being folded to provide an envelope for postage.

The panels 26 and 28 have been folded forwardly over the panel 16, the smaller flap 26 being folded inside the larger flap 28 which can be secured by glue, sellotape, or any other means to the flap 26 so that the package provides an envelope which envelopes and protects the plaque 10.

Thus a person may send the package and ceramic plaque through the post, the panels 26 and 28 protecting that part of the front face 11 of the plaque 10 exposed through aperture 18, and the panel 27 protecting that part of the rear face 12 of the plaque 10, which is exposed through apertures 17.

Thus a retailer may display the plaque and package in a rack in a shop when folded as shown in Figure 5, and the purchaser may, if required, send the plaque and package through the post. A person receiving the package may then unfold and refold it to display the front face 11 of the plaque through aperture 18 as shown in Figure 4, and read the greeting on the rear face 12, without removing the plaque from the package.

When the event commemorated by the greeting has past, the package may be discarded and the plaque used as an ornament, wall plaque or drinks coaster or the like.

Where the plaque is to be used as a wall plaque, it may be provided with a socket formation on the rear face 12 thereof, as shown in dotted lines at 30 in Figure 2, or with feet 31 as also shown in dotted lines in Figure 2.

Thus the invention provides a novel and economical gift whilst also conveying a greeting.

Of course any desired decoration may be provided on the front face, and it is envisaged that a series of plaques with different decorations may be provided which would appeal to collectors.

The package may be provided with printing to facilitate postal transmission, for example, lines indicating the area for affixing a postage stamp and an area for applying an address. It may also be printed with associated or subsidiary words of greeting on its inner faces.

CLAIMS (filed 21.9.82) 1. A plaque has a front face and a rear face, the front face having a decoration, as herein defined, and the rear face having a greeting thereon whereby the plaque serves both to comprise a gift and convey a greeting.

2. A plaque according to Claim 1 wherein the plaque has a mounting means on the rear face for enabling the plaque to be hung on a wall, so that the decoration on the front face is displayed.

3. A plaque according to Claim 2 wherein said mounting means comprises a hook or socket.

4. A plaque according to Claim 1 wherein the plaque is provided with feet to enable it to be stood on the edge thereat as an ornament so that the decoration on the front face is displayed.

5. A plaque according to any one of the preced

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. provided on the rear face, for example Christmas or New Year, Good Wishes, Congratulations for a particular event such as a wedding or even a poetic or romantic message. Referring now to Figure 3 there is shown a package in an unfolded condition which it is intended to envelope and protect or display the ceramic plaque 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2. The package comprises first and second panels 15 and 16 each of which have an aperture 17 and 18 respectively therein and are joined by a thin strip 20 which is slightly wider than the thickness of the plaque 10. The first panel 15, has attached to the three free peripheral edges thereof flaps 21, 22 and 23, the free edges of the flaps being cut away so that their shape corresponds to the shape of the plaque 10, i.e. in the present case circular. The second panel 16 also has two such flaps 24 and 25 provided for the same purpose. Thus the plaque 10 may be placed in the package as shown in chain dotted lines, the edges of the apertures 17, 18 serving to retain the edge of the plaque 10 and the flaps 21 to 25 spacing the panels 15 and 16 and protecting the edges of the plaque 10. Three further panels 26, 27 and 28 are provided for the purpose hereinafter described, each of the panels 26,28 being connected along their edges to panel 27 by further thin strips 20a, again each of slightly greater thickness than the plaque, the panel 27 being connected to panel 16 by a still further similar strip 20b. The package is made of a corrugated cardboard material and each of the fold lines indicated in dotted lines, are scored to facilitate folding. Referring now to Figure 4, there is shown a package of Figure 3 folded to enable the front face 11 (decoration not shown) ofthe plaque 10to be displayed through aperture 18 in panel 16, and the panel 15 being folded back so that it lies adjacent the rear face 12 ofthe plaque 10. Flap 22 is designed so as to tuck under flaps 24 and 25 thereby locking panels 15 and 16 together, and thus locking the plaque in position. The other panels 26,27 and 28 are folded so that the package provides a stand to display the front face 11 of the plaque 10. To read the greeting on the rear face 12 through aperture 17 it is necessary for the panels 15 and 16 to be folded outwardly relative to the panel 27. It can be seen that the panels 26, 27 and 28 provide a triangular stand T. Referring now to Figure 5, there is shown the package of Figure 3 but instead of the flaps 26 to 28 providing a triangular stand, the angels 26, 27 and 28 are folded flat with the panel 26 tucked between panels 27 and 28, and panels 15 and 16 are folded flat relative to panel 27. Thus the package provides a flat pack which can be placed in a retailers rack along with other packs, for display. It can be seen that the front face 11 of the plaque 10 is still visible through aperture 18, but it is not possible to seethe greeting on the rear face 12 of the plaque without entirely removing the package from the retailers rack and unfolding panels 15 and 16 relative to panel 27 as hereinbefore described. Referring now to Figure 6, there is shown the pack of Figure 3 in the process of being folded to provide an envelope for postage. The panels 26 and 28 have been folded forwardly over the panel 16, the smaller flap 26 being folded inside the larger flap 28 which can be secured by glue, sellotape, or any other means to the flap 26 so that the package provides an envelope which envelopes and protects the plaque 10. Thus a person may send the package and ceramic plaque through the post, the panels 26 and 28 protecting that part of the front face 11 of the plaque 10 exposed through aperture 18, and the panel 27 protecting that part of the rear face 12 of the plaque 10, which is exposed through apertures 17. Thus a retailer may display the plaque and package in a rack in a shop when folded as shown in Figure 5, and the purchaser may, if required, send the plaque and package through the post. A person receiving the package may then unfold and refold it to display the front face 11 of the plaque through aperture 18 as shown in Figure 4, and read the greeting on the rear face 12, without removing the plaque from the package. When the event commemorated by the greeting has past, the package may be discarded and the plaque used as an ornament, wall plaque or drinks coaster or the like. Where the plaque is to be used as a wall plaque, it may be provided with a socket formation on the rear face 12 thereof, as shown in dotted lines at 30 in Figure 2, or with feet 31 as also shown in dotted lines in Figure 2. Thus the invention provides a novel and economical gift whilst also conveying a greeting. Of course any desired decoration may be provided on the front face, and it is envisaged that a series of plaques with different decorations may be provided which would appeal to collectors. The package may be provided with printing to facilitate postal transmission, for example, lines indicating the area for affixing a postage stamp and an area for applying an address. It may also be printed with associated or subsidiary words of greeting on its inner faces. CLAIMS (filed 21.9.82)

1. A plaque has a front face and a rear face, the front face having a decoration, as herein defined, and the rear face having a greeting thereon whereby the plaque serves both to comprise a gift and convey a greeting.

5. A plaque according to any one of the preced

ing claims wherein the plaque is made of ceramic material, glazed on both the front and rear faces.

6. A plaque according to any one of Claims 1 to 4 wherein the plaque is glazed on the front face only so that an inscription can be made on the rear face of the plaque with a writing instrument.

7. A plaque according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the plaque is of circular or heart shaped or square or oval.

8. A plaque substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

9. A package for a plaque according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, the package comprising first and second panels which each have an aperture therein, the first panel, in use, lying adjacent the front face of the plaque so that at least part of the decoration can be seen through the aperture, and the second panel in use, lying adjacent the rear face of the plaque so that at least part of the greeting can be seen through the aperture, the plaque being retained between the panels, the package having further panels adapted to be folded relative to the first and second panels, either to cover the first and second apertures so that the plaque is enveloped orto provide a display stand so that the plaque may be orientated with said plaque generally upright and at least part of the front face of the plaque displayed through the aperture in the first panel.

10. A package according to Claim 9 wherein when the further panels are folded to provide a display stand, it is also possible to view the greeting on the rear face through the aperture in the second panel.

11. A package according to Claim 9 or Claim 10 wherein when the further panels are folded to envelope the plaque, the plaque and package may be posted or the package used for storing the plaque.

12. A package according to Claim 9 wherein the further panels are foldable to enable the plaque and package to be stored, so that at least part of the decoration on the front face is visible but the greeting on the rear face not seen.

13. A package according to any one of Claims 9 to 12 wherein the panels of the package are made of plain cardboard, or corrugated cardboard.

14. A package according to any one of Claims 9 to 13 wherein the package is decorated.

15. A package substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

16. A combination of a plaque according to to any one of Claims 1 to 8 and a package according to any one of Claims 9 to 15.

17. A combination of a plaque and a package substantially as herein before described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

18. Any novel feature or novel combination of features disclosed herein and/or shown in the accompanying drawings.