US3559321A - Animation device - Google Patents

Abstract

AN ANIMATION DEVICE, PARTICULARLY USEFUL AS AN ADVERTISINS SPECIALTY, AND FORMED FROM A NUMBER OF LAMINATE OF PAPERBOARD OR THE LIKE, AT LEAST ONE OF SUCH LAMINAE HAVING A PORTION WHICH IS MOVABLE IN THE PLANE THEREOF. THE MOVABLE LAMINA MAY BE PROVIDED WITH INTELLIGENCE, AND IN SOME CASES MAY COOPERATE WITH A WINDOW FOR OBSERVING THE DISPLACEMENT OF SUCH INTELLIGENCE PORTION.

Description

yANIMATION DEVICE.

Filed March- 28, 1969 's sheets-sheet 1 Feb. 2, '1971 Filed March 28, 1969 c. R.y HELMs ANIMATION DEVICE 3 SheetsfSheet 2 Feb.2,1971 'R.'HELMS v3,559,321

ANIMATION DEVICE Filed lll-arch 28,',1969 l I' 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 United States Patent Office 3,559,321 Patented Feb. 2 1971 3,559,321 ANIMATION DEVICE Charles Robert Helms, Barto, Pa., assignor to Container Corporation of America, Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Delaware Filed Mar. 28, 1969, Ser. No. 811,465 Int. Cl. G09f 1 9/ 02 U.S. Cl. 40-106.41 f 9 Claims ABSTRACT F THE DISCLOSURE An animation device, particularly useful as an advertising specialty, and formed from a number of laminae of paperboard or the like, at least one of such laminae having a portion which is movable in the plane thereof. The movable lamina may be provided with intelligence, and in some cases may cooperate With a window for observing the displacement of such intelligence portion.

The present invention relates to an animation device particularly adapted for use as an advertising specialty, and which may be formed from paperboard, and more particularly to such items as direct mailing cards and novelties constructed of assembled or laminated paperboard panels in which one or more sections or parts thereof may be moved by a second movable section or part which is readily accessible for actuation by the user.

A principal object of the invention is to provide an improved and economical form of animation device consisting of a plurality of interrelated sections or portions at least one of which is integrally hinged to a fixed or secured portion in such a manner that the confined and movable portion is well adapted for repeated actuation.

Another object is to provide a device of the type above referred to which can be initially prepared with wellknown printing, creasing and cutting equipment and assembled on high-speed folding and gluing machines.

DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a plan view of an animation device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a paperboard blank from which the animation device shown in FIG. 1 may be constructed;

FIG. 3 is a View similar to FIG. l, but to an enlarged scale, certain parts being broken away to show the relationship of fixed, swingable and slidable portions of the inner panel or lamina of the assembly;

FIG. 4 shows three fragmentary views, on a still further enlarged scale, of deformations taken by hinge portions of the device seen in FIGS. 1 to 3 inclusive;

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a cut and scored paperboard blank for constructing the animation device seen in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 5, but on an enlarged scale, certain parts being broken away;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7, showing a closure panel thereof moved to open position;

FIG. 9 is a plan View of still another embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary plan view of the structure seen in FIG. 9; and y FIG. l1 is a plan view of a still further embodiment.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 to 4 of the drawings there is shown a first embodiment of an animation device according to the present invention. It is referred to by the reference numeral 15 and is formed from a cut and scored blank 15A which may be made from paperboard or the like. The blank consists of an inner lamina 16 joined by a score line 17 to an outer lamina 18. A second outer lamina 19 is connected by a score line 21 to the first outer lamina 18. The inner lamina 16 is adapted to be folded about the score line 17 into position against the first outer lamina 1.8, and the second outer lamina 19 is then folded about the score line 21 against the inner lamina 16.

The inner lamina 16 consists of a fixed or stationary portion 22 and has an opening 23 therein, and a movable portion 24 formed from lamina 16 is adapted to move within the opening or area 23 within the plane thereof and between the two outer laminae 19 and 18. It may be noted that the movable portion 24 is formed integrally with the fixed portion 22 for a purpose as will appear.

The inner lamina 16 is glued to the first outer lamina 18 by means of glue patches 27 which lie between the fixed portion 22 of the lamina 16 and the first outer lamina 18. In similar fashion the inner lamina 16 is glued to the second outer lamina 19 by means of glue patches 26.

The movable portion 24 includes an operator 28 movable within a slot 31 in the inner lamina 16, slot 31 being defined also by slots of smaller width 29 in the outer laminae 18 and 19.

The inner lamina 16 has a diagonally extending slot 32 therein forming a part of the area 23. Slot 32 is defined by parallel cut lines 33 and 34, the latter being coextensive with an arc 36 extending toward slot 31. A pointer element 37 is a part of movable portion 24 and extends in the slot 32. The end of pointer 37 appears in a Window 38 formed in the second outer lamina 19. The pointer element 37 extends from an essentially triangular shaped hingeable element 39 forming part of movable portion 24, and is connected by a hinge 41 to the fixed portion 22. Hinge element 41 is defined by a hook cut 40 coextensive with a slot 40A between the triangular shaped hingeable element 39 and the fixed portion 22, hinge 41 being also defined by a curved line 40B connecting the parallel cut line 33 with the side of the triangular shaped member 39, as seen more clearly in FIG. 3.

Movable pointer element 37 is also hingedly connected by means of a hinge 42 to a segment 43 defined by an arc 44 and a cut line 45. The segment 43 is further connected by a hinge 46 to the operator 28. Movement of the operator 28 to the right as seen in FIG. 3 causes the segment 43 to rock with respect to the operator 28 in a counter-clockwise direction. This operation of the hinge 46 causes the hinge 42 between the segment 43 and the pointer element 237 to rock in a clockwise direction causing the pointer element 37 and the triangular shaped hingeable member 39 to rock about their hinge 41. At such time movement of the pointer element is apparent in the window 38.

Movement of the operator 28 to the left as seen in FIG. 3 causes the elements to take an opposite movement from that just described causing the pointer element 37 to move in a clockwise direction and to the right in the window 38 seen in FIG. 3.

The flexing movement of the hinges described is best i1- lustrated with reference to FIG. 4 which shows at A the non-flexed position of hinge 46. When the operator 28 is moved to the right as seen in FIG. 3, the arcuate member 3 43 moves in a counter-clockwise direction with respect to operator 28 causing the hinge 46 to iiex in the manner shown. In the same respect the movement of the operator 28 to the left as seen in FIG. 3 causes the segment 43 to be moved in a clockwise direction with respect to the operator 28 causing the hinge 46 to flex in the manner shown.

Since the hinge 46 and the segment 43 are constrained between the inner and outer laminae 118 and 19, the movement of the hinge is achieved by a slight delamination of the stock of hinges 46 and others like the same.

Referring now to FIGS. to 8, there is shown another embodiment of the invention referred to generally by the reference numeral '55 and formed from a cut and scored blank 55A which also may be made of paperboard. The latter consists of an inner lamina 56 connected by a cut and nicked like 57 to an outer lamina S9. A score line 61 connects outer lamina S9 to a second outer lamina 62 which is provided with a glue flap 63 foldable with respect to lamina 62 along a score line 64. Lamina `S6 is held between the two outer laminae 59 and 62, which are glued together in a manner as will be described to hold inner lamina 56 in place, and to enable it to be rotated to give an animation effect as will be described.

Inner lamina 56 is circular in form and consists of a circular rim 66 defined by an outer cut line 66A and an inner cut line 66B.

The two outer laminae S9 and 62 are each provided with diametrically opposed rectangular cut outs 67 which are in register when the two laminae 59 and 62 are folded with respect to each other along the score line 61. The diameter of the inner lamina 56 is such that the circular rim 66 thereof is exposed in the cut outs 67 as seen more particularly in FIGS. 7 and 8.

The circular rim 66 has equiangularly spaced spokes 69 extending inwardly therefrom, each of such spokes being defined by cut lines 71 and 72 spaced from each other, and a cut line 73 extending substantially perpendicularly to the cut line 72 in a direction toward the cut line 7\1, so that the two lines 71 and 73 meet at a vertex 7-4 which is common with a center C of circular rim 66 when the parts are in the position seen in FIGS. 5 and 7.

Outer lamina 62 has a central opening 76 therein through which the inner ends of the spokes appear irrespective of whether they are in the position seen in FIG. 8 or in the position seen in FIG. 7. Spokes 69 can be considered somewhat analogous to the iris of a camera shutter and have movement towards and away from the common center, taking position as seen in FIG. 7 and as seen in FIG. 8.

The movement of the spokes 69 is achieved by providing the inner lamina 66 with a plurality of stationary annular segments 77 defined by a chordal line 78 and a pair of radial cut lines 79 and 80 and the curved line 66B marking the inner edge of the rim 66. The stationary annular segment 77 is joined to the outer laminae 59 and 62 by means of glue patches GP seen also in FIG. 6.

Structure is provided for enabling the spokes 69 to have the movement previously referred to upon movement of the rim 66 in circular directions as will be described. To this end each of the spokes 69 is connected to rim 66 by a triangular shaped movable connector element 82 defined by cut lines 83 and 84 and a cut line 86, there being a hinge 87 between the cut lines 83 and 84. The hinge 87 is defined also by a hook cut 87C continuous with the cut line 83 and extending into the rim 66.

The triangular shaped movable connector element 82 is connected to the spokes 69 by means of a hinge 88, there being a hook cut 88C in the line 86.

An animation effect is accomplished by moving the rim 66 in a counter-clockwise direction causing the spoke elements y69 to have a counter-clockwise movement with respect to the common center C. The counter-clockwise movement of the rim 66 causes the triangular shaped connector element 82 to move in a clockwise direction CFI as shown by the arrows in FIGS. 7 and 8. This movement of the rim 66 causes the spoke elements 69 to have a clockwise movement relative to the triangular shaped connector element 8-2 but at the same time to have an absolute counter-clockwise movement as seen in FIG. 8. The movement of rim 66 in the counter-clockwise direction causes an animation effect similar to the opening of the iris of the shutter of a camera. Contrariwise, when the rim 66 is moved in a clockwise direction the spokes 69 close about the center C to adopt a position as seen in FIG. 5.

As with the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 such movement is achieved by the delamination of the hinge elements. These are constrained between the inner and outer laminae and the movement of the hinge elements causes the stock thereof to delaminate slightly so that there is no movement essentially out of the plane defined between the inner and outer laminae 59 and 61.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10 there is shown a further embodiment of the invention which finds application for the storing of coins, for example, and for indicating the amount of such coins as may be stored. This embodiment of the invention is referred to by the reference numeral and consists of an inner lamina 96 anked by outer laminae 97 and 99, these latter being connected along a score line 98. A score line 101 connects outer lamina 97 to outer lamina 99, and a score line 98 connects outer lamina 97 to the inner lamina 96.

As with the previous embodiments, the inner lamina 96 has an opening 102 therein defined by a radially extending cut line 103 coextensive with a circular arc 104 of larger diameter having a center C2. A circular arc 106 of smaller diameter defines with arc '104 an annular slot 107, and opening 102 together with the annular slot 1107 defines a generally wedge shaped sector. The area t102 is also defined by a small diameter circular arc 109 spaced from a smaller diameter circular arc 111 to define an annular slot 113 having the same center C2 as the annular slot 107 previously described.

A movable portion l114 is adapted to have swinging movement within the plane of the opening -102 and the movable portion 114 is defined by the generally wedge shaped portion 115 having an annular arm 117 extending therefrom, the latter being movable within the slot 107 previously described, and a second annular arm 118 movable within slot 113 defined by the two arcs 109 and 111.

A slot 119 in the outer lamina 99 is coextensive with the annular slot i107, and is of a Width sufficient to receive a small coin such as a quarter Q seen in FIG. 9, the latter being adapted to fit within a recess 121 in the end of the annular arm 117. As seen in FIG. 9, a pair of such coins are shown in position, and structure is provided to give an indication of the total value of coins of the same kind stored Within the animation device 95. Accordingly, the outer lamina 99 has a window 122 therein lying over the second annular arm 118, and the latter may be provided with the indicia seen in FIG. 9 corresponding to the total number of coins being stored within the device 95.

Structure is provided for providing for the movement of the movable portion 114, and the latter is connected by a hinge 123 spaced a small distance from the center C2 and connected to a lfixed or stationary portion 125 of lamina 96. Hinge 123 is similar to those previously described, and the same is constrained by the two outer laminae so that movement of the portion |114 takes place with concomitant delamination of the hinge 123 which enables such movement to be accomplished Without any distortion of the hinge element out of the plane of the movable portion 114.

Referring now to FIG. 1l there is shown a still further embodiment referred to by the reference numeral 135. It may lbe formed from paperboard or the like, and is shown in the form of a toy pistol adapted to propel a rubber band RB stretched thereover and to be triggered so as to propel the same.

The structure according to this embodiment of the invention includes a pair of similar outer laminae 13-6 and 137 connected to each other along a fold line 138. Each of the lamina 136 or 137 consists of a simulated barrel portion 139 and a simulated hand-grip portion 141 and a trigger guard 142. The latter has an opening 143 therein into which the linger of the user may extend.

A center lamina 140 is connected to one of the lamina '.136 or 137 along a score line 146. The center lamina 140 when folded about the score line into position between the outer laminae 136 and 137 has a cut edge thereof in position just -beneath the score line 138 joining the two outer laminae 136 and 137.

The two outer laminae 136 and i137 are joined by means of glue patches GP, there being an -unglued portion 145 therebetwen.

The center lamina 140 includes a movable portion 148 adapted to move with respect to a fixed portion 144 by means of a hinge -149 defined by a hooked cut line 151 and an arcuate notch 150 in the cut edge 147 of the movable portion 144. The hook cut 151 is coterminous with a cut line 152 which closes about itself to dene a iinger opening 158 lying between the fixed portion 144 and the movable portion 148. Movable portion 148 has a trigger '154 defined by a cut line 156 separating the same from an extension 157 from the fixed portion 144. The shape of the extension 157 conforms to the periphery of the trigger guard |142.

When the center lamina 140 is folded between the two outer laminae 136 and 137 a hammer extension 159 of the movable portion 148 extends in the manner shown in FIG. 11 to simulate the movement of a hammer and a trigger. Hammer 159 is formed with a release surface I161, and actuation of the trigger 154 causes the surface 161 to rock in the manner shown to lift the rubber band RB which is constrained between a V-groove 162 at the front end of the two outer laminae 136 and 137 and a rear abutment 163 formed thereon. Upon release of rubber band the same is propelled in a manner known.

As with the previous embodiments described, the hinge 149 is operable in such a fashion that the actuation of the trigger 154 causes the hinge 149 to be delaminated,

it being constrained between the two outer laminae 136 and 137.

lI claim:

1. An animation device constructed from paperboard or the like comprising:

(a) a pair of outer laminae;

(b) an inner lamina interposed between the outer laminae and having a stationary portion secured thereto;

(i) said stationary portion of the inner lamina having an opening therein;

(ii) the inner lamina also having a movable portion movable in the plane of said opening and defined by cut lines spaced from the sides of said opening;

(iii) integral hinge means connecting the movable portion with said stationary portion of said inner lamina;

(iv) one of the outer laminae being formed with a viewing aperture adjacent the movable portion spaced at a distance from said hinge means, for providing viewing of the movement of the movable portion;

(v) said outer laminae affording access to said movable portion for accommodating movement thereof.

2. The invention as `defined in claim -1 wherein the integral hinge means comprises an integral narrow neck portion extending from the movable portion to said stationary portion.

3. The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein the inner lamina is formed of a laminated paperboard whereby the neck portion is free to delaminate and spread slightly as the movable element moves in said cutaway portion.

4. The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein said movable portion has an arm extending therefrom in the plane thereof, said arm extending arcuately with respect to the axis of the said integral hinge, whereby said arm may be moved in an arcuate path in the plane of the cutaway portion to propel the movable element in its plane about said integral hinge.

5. The invention as defined in claim 4 wherein one of said outer laminae is formed with a receiving opening substantially aligned with the free end of said arm, through which opening a propelling means may be inserted to engage the free end of said arm and move the same.

6. The invention as defined in claim 5 wherein said movable element is provided with an extension movable in an arcuate path, said extension having indicia thereon and extending concentrically with said first named arm, and wherein one of the outer laminae is formed with a window opening of restricted size through which spaced indicia applied along said extension may be seen.

7. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said inner lamina is in the shape of a circle having a rim with movable and stationary elements extending therefrom, the movable elements thereof extending radially and meeting at a center common to said circle, the rotation of said center lamina causing said movable elements to move away from said center.

8. The invention as defined in claim 7 wherein one of said laminae has an opening therein for viewing the movement of said radial elements.

9. A device for imparting mechanical motion comprising:

(a) connected front and rear laminae panels,

(i) the front panel having a central opening formed therein;

(b) an intermediate panel having slits and cuts therein to provide:

(i) a plurality of angularly spaced securing portions a'dapted to be secured flatwise to at least one of the Said front and rear panels;

(ii) a ring-like member surrounding the securing portions and separated therefrom by arcuate cuts so that the ringlike member is free to move rotatably about the edges of the securing portions to a limited extent in either arcuate direction;

(iii) cut away areas in said intermediate lamina flanking the respective securing portions, each of said areas being defined in part by an essentially radial leg extending from said ring-like member toward the center thereof;

(iv) each of said radially extending legs terminating in sides including an angle, said sides having a vertex common to the vertexes of the other of said radially extending legs to dene when juxtaposed a closure centrally to obscure viewing of the intermediate panel past the central opening in the front panel;

(v) one side of each of said radially extending legs being joined by a narrow neck section to its securing portion;

(vi) such neck section serving as a hinge and being located adjacent that portion of the radially extending leg continuous to said securing portion;

(vii) the connection of each of said radially extending leg to said ring-like member being characterized by a cut from that side of the radially extending leg remote from said narrow neck section, said radially extending legs in the front panel;

(viii) whereby upon arcuate movement of said 850,150 4/1907 Glazier 46-36 ring-like member with respect to its center the 862,671 8/ 1907 Smith 46-37X inner ends of said radially extending legs will 2,895,244 7/ 1959 Youngren 46-36X be moved away from said center to create a 3,318,040 5/ 1967 Kinberg 46-37 vaarrrilcieln register wlth the openlng 1n sald front 5 JEROME SCHNALL Primary Examiner References Cited R. CARTER, Assistant Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS U.s. C1. X.R. 778,307 12/1904 Coulraus 46-36X 46T

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