Folding Display Patents (Class 40/539)
  • Patent number: 5817378
    Abstract: A three-dimensional, cut-and-folded paper or paper sheet article is described. The article comprises a sheet of paper or paperlike sheet folded along a transverse line in two halves which are perpendicular to each other, and a series of cutout parts projecting one from another and erected on one half at intervals, with the cutout parts being parallel to each other and to the other half. The series of projected parts have shapes varying continuously, and such developing shapes can be of any desired form, such as human or animal shapes. Three-dimensional, cut-and-folded paper articles each having a series of shapes varying but continuing in context can be applied to picture books, greeting cards and the like, providing attractive goods in the market.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Sho-Ei Pack Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiteru Otani
  • Patent number: 5758438
    Abstract: By providing a three-dimensional, pop-up or mechanical image forming member in planar form removably mounted to a carrier, and constructed for being easily removed therefrom and assembled or mounted with a card or display member, a completely integrated three-dimensional, pop-up or mechanical image generating system is attained enabling individuals, and small businesses to produce pop-up, three-dimensional, or mechanically-activated displays, bags, characters, greeting cards, stationery, advertising literature, and the like, that is equivalent in quality and visual presentation to commercially produced material. Preferably, a plurality of different three-dimensional, pop-up, and/or mechanical image forming members are provided with each incorporating a message receiving zone in which any desired message can be printed by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventor: Christopher S. Crowell
  • Patent number: 5743035
    Abstract: A machine producible three dimensional greeting card formed from card stock automatically printed, die cut, gate folded and adhered to mechanically produce a card in a folded configuration which can be unfolded by an end user into three dimensions. In a preferred embodiment, the three dimensional greeting card includes four fold lines and five panels, with end panels adhered together, whereby the panels of the card in an unfolded configuration occupy four different planes. Areas of panels may be die cut to extend beyond fold lines into adjacent panels. Print images upon both sides of the panels may correspond to die cut patterns or profiles of peripheral and/or internal cuts. Corresponding front and back images may be printed on opposite sides of the card. The card is folded so that opposite end panels overlap and are adhered back to front whereby the card can be unfolded into a three dimensional configuration by the end user and stood upon edges of the panels for display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Sterling E. Lani Bradley, Jayne M. Gause, Andrew Onachilla
  • Patent number: 5738221
    Abstract: A compact disc holder package is provided containing a three-dimensional pop-up display. The package includes a tray for retaining a compact disc and a pop-up display structure overlaying the tray. The display structure contains first and second panels that are hingedly connected to each other such that they are movable between a folded generally flat configuration and an opened configuration in which they are generally perpendicular. Vertical and horizontal pop-up elements are disposed between the panels and are hingedly connected to the panels and to each other such that when the panels are in the folded configuration, the pop-up elements are collapsed and generally flat and when the panels are moved to the opened configuration, the pop-up elements form a self-erected three-dimensional display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Popshots intellectual Property, LLC
    Inventors: Peter Van Witt, Paul Zalon, David Burton
  • Patent number: 5732491
    Abstract: A display device for planar elements such as diskettes, credit cards and the like comprises a support portion and an integral display portion constructed in such a manner that the portions are relatively movable, through a periscoping action of the display portion, between a planar configuration of the device wherein the display portion and thus the planar element is substantially covered by the support portion, and an erected configuration of the device wherein the display portion extends upwardly from a support formed by the support portion so as to display the planar element. In one embodiment, the element is supported by a retainer band while in another a pocket is formed between a display panel and an end panel of the display portion. In another embodiment, an end panel comprises a pair of folded over panels, one of which includes a notch in an edge adjacent to the fold line so that the end panels form a recessed pocket for, e.g., a credit card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Ronald P. Burtch & Associates Limited
    Inventor: Ronald P. Burtch
  • Patent number: 5728478
    Abstract: Display beds for use in bedroom furniture displays are constructed of a series of paperboard units which are combined to form single, full, queen or king size mattresses and boxsprings. The units are lightweight and compact and are internally reinforced to enhance crush resistance. The units are preferably constructed from corrugated cardboard blanks which are folded into a box-like shape and combined to form a given size bed. The cardboard blanks and methods of constructing the display beds are disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventors: Kevin W. Wilson, Julie M. Robino
  • Patent number: 5706597
    Abstract: A point of purchase display that has a horizontal base formed of thermoplastic material and an upright riser can be stored and shipped in a compact state and set up without the use of tools at the location where the display is used. The riser is formed from a flat sheet of cardboard with score lines for folding. The score lines can permit the riser to be attached to the base and folded under the base for storage and shipping and then allow the riser to be pivoted to an upright position where the riser is held in place. Various embodiments of the three-dimensional display are described and illustrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Inventor: Edward Brandstetter
  • Patent number: 5682999
    Abstract: A novelty box having a hinged lid and containing a foldable article secured to the interior of the box and the lid so that as the lid is opened the foldable article is unfolded by the opening action of the lid to display the foldable article in an unfolded configuration. Graphics and/or messages on the exterior of the box may correspond to graphics and/or messages on the foldable article and/or the shape of the foldable article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventor: Seth L. Larson
  • Patent number: 5658620
    Abstract: Decorative pop-up figures are removably attached to a place mat for persons to entertain them and to provide amusement. The place mat comprises two horizontal sheets which form a horizontal base for the place mat. There is a slot or multiplicity of slots in the top sheet. The pop-up figures have horizontal members which in turn fit into the slot openings and can be attached in place such that when the place mat is folded, the pop-up figures are concealed and stored within the place mat. Then when the place mat is ready for use, the place mat is unfolded such that the pop-up figures erect relative to the horizontal base to provide the decorative artwork design characters for display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Trust One N. Joseph and Jeanette Ross
    Inventor: Norman C. Ross
  • Patent number: 5657562
    Abstract: The card is preferably made of cardboard and has two precut elements. The first one has an elongated rectangular base from which projects a representation of a known personage, preferably a showbusiness or sports star, which is printed on one or both sides of the card. The base has two opposite ends in which transverse slots are precut. The second element precut in the card is in the shape of an elongated rectangular band foldable at mid-length, which has two opposite ends in which slots are also precut. The slots of the base and the band are positioned so that, when the first and second elements have been cut and the band has been folded at mid-length, the slots of the band are engageable into the slots of the base of the first element to fix the band to the base and thus forms a triangular support from which the representation of the known personage extends perpendicularly. Positioning of this support on a horizontal surface gives a standing full length portrait of the personage on this horizontal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Studio 2+2 Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Desormeaux
  • Patent number: 5621992
    Abstract: A self standing floor sign (10) comprising two end panels (12 and 14), and two side panels (16), the two side panels (16) pivotably secured between the end panels (12 and 14), and the side panels (16) having a hinge oriented within an approximate center of the side panels (16) to allow the side panels (16) to collapse in a generally inwardly direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Commercial Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan N. Mandell, Glenn E. Tomblin
  • Patent number: 5613311
    Abstract: A display device is provided which comprises a support portion and an integral display portion constructed in such a manner that the portions are relatively movable, through a periscoping action of the display portion, between a planar configuration of the device wherein the display portion is substantially covered by the support portion, and an erected configuration of the device wherein the display portion extends upwardly from a support formed by the support portion. The display portion comprises a first end panel including a tongue which, in the erected configuration, extends through a central slot in the display portion and a base including shoulders disposed on opposite sides of the tongue. The support portion includes two pairs of serially arranged panels which, in the planar configuration, lie flat and overlie respective faces of the first end panel and which, in said erected configuration, form the support for the first end panel. An opposite end panel is secured to the first end panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: Ronald P. Burtch
  • Patent number: 5613612
    Abstract: A combination pre-recorded disc holder and display in which the display is removably held in the disc holder. The display incorporates three-dimensional elements held between a pair of panels that are opened and closed upon opening and closing the cover of the holder. In the open position, with the display held in the cover, a pre-recorded disc held in the holder may be removed and reinserted without interference from the display. The display may be easily removed from the holder for use elsewhere, and returned to the holder for storage or further use therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: Elaine J. Davault
  • Patent number: 5613312
    Abstract: An exciting, visually distinctive display and article holding system is provided by incorporating one or more extendable portions, flaps or members on the surfaces of a bag or box structure with both the bag or box and the extendable portions, flaps, or members incorporating unique, cooperating visually exciting indicia thereon. Preferably, the display and article holding system is foldable for easy storage or, if desired, formed from heavy or thick material to enable the article holding system to form a display. In one embodiment, the display and article holding system is constructed in a multi-dimensioned size and shape consistent with an animal, character, or object being represented thereby, with the surfaces thereof incorporating indicia depicting the desired character, animal or object. In alternate embodiments, movable panels, flap members, or card-holding members are employed to provide a unique, visually exciting article holding system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: Christopher S. Crowell
  • Patent number: 5608977
    Abstract: A display device is provided which comprises a support portion and an integral display portion constructed in such a manner that the portions are relatively movable, through a periscoping action of the display portion, between a planar configuration of the device wherein the display portion is substantially covered by the support portion, and an erected configuration of the device wherein the display portion extends upwardly from a support formed by the support portion. The display portion comprises a display panel including a tongue which, in the erected configuration, extends through a central slot in the display portion and a base including shoulders disposed on opposite sides of the tongue. The support portion includes two pairs of serially arranged panels which, in the planar configuration, lie flat and overlie respective faces of the display panel and which, in said erected configuration, form the support for the display panel. An end panel is secured to the display panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Inventors: Ronald P. Burtch, Irving M. Koltz
  • Patent number: 5592768
    Abstract: A photograph is held between two panels of a multi-panel display device and viewed through a die cut in an outer panel. The device is formed in such a way that when one or two flaps of one layer are folded toward the other layers, the two sets of layers assume opposite curvatures to provide support for the device. The flaps can be automatically pulled into position by a biasing apparatus. The outer panel can have graphics printed around the die cut in such a way as to give the appearance of interaction between the subject of the photograph and the scene depicted in the graphics. The die cut can be shaped and situated such that the face of a subject of the photograph appears in place of the face of a character depicted in the graphics. The die cut can also follow the outline of a character depicted in the graphics to preserve the integrity of the image while allowing display of the photograph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventor: Richard J. Testa
  • Patent number: 5588233
    Abstract: Sheet material pieces comprising a plurality of panels that are connected together in hinged relationship are fabricated so that a stand-out structure die-cut into one of the panels assumes an attention-attracting, 3-dimensional orientation upon the opening of the hinged panels as a result of interconnection of portions of the stand-out structure with the facing panel surface. Because one panel can be imperforate, if desired, particular advantages are obtained in mass production and other machine-assembly methods as a result of such a configuration. A variety of methods are shown for efficiently producing such pieces via mass-production, including items having multiple stand-out structures. Flat individual sheets are particularly adapted to be conveyed through laser printers, copy machines and other suitable imprinting equipment in order to inexpensively personalize such finished items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Volkert, Inc.
    Inventors: Carolyn K. Volkert, Andrew M. Volkert
  • Patent number: 5585160
    Abstract: A fluorescent foil is formed from a translucent/transparent foil material having admixed therewith coloring matter and fluorescent matter. A translucent layer substantially impermeable to ultraviolet rays is provided on one side of the foil material. A translucent adhesive layer is also applied to the fluorescent foil, preferably to the translucent ultraviolet barrier layer. A sign board is formed on translucent/transparent substrate by attaching fluorescent foils so formed to opposite sides of the substrate. The translucent foils have different colors and are cut to the form of letters, figures, logograms, emblems, etc. in a complementary manner. The sign board may be illuminated by ultraviolet light from either or both sides to provide an attention getting, multi-color display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: NeoSign AS
    Inventor: Henry G. .O slashed.sthassel
  • Patent number: 5584134
    Abstract: A point of sale advertising display is assembled from a flat shipping state to a three dimensional assembly. The display assembly folds together from a flat state to a three dimensional state, and utilizes the surfaces of the substrates so formed to portray advertising messages. The advertising messages are related to the actual shape of the object being advertised, such as a beverage bottle, and creates an illusion of three dimensional depth, by portraying the erect object within a hollow pedestal structure, wherein the recess between the peripheral edge of the structure and the erect object creates a visual effect of depth. The space enables a shadow to exist within the space of the pedestal structure and to portray an enhanced three dimensional effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventor: Rob Chaput
  • Patent number: 5582888
    Abstract: Pop-up items are provided which can either be mounted in three-dimensional form on a suitable supporting surface by means of pressure-sensitive adhesive carried by the item or can be affixed to facing panels of a letter or pages of a book. Some preferred items include a pop-up element in the form of one or two panels carrying strategically located pressure-sensitive adhesive which permits instant mounting, e.g. between facing panels so that, upon opening, the pop-up element assumes a three-dimensional configuration as a result of the pressure-sensitive adhesive bonding to the surfaces of facing panels or pages. The 3-dimensional pop-up can also be mounted to a suitable supporting surface. A variety of methods for the mass production of such pop-up elements from a continuous web, e.g., a printed and die-cut web from a web press, facilitate their inexpensive fabrication. These pop-up elements are preferably marketed or distributed in groups, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Papermasters, Inc.
    Inventor: John K. Volkert
  • Patent number: 5564208
    Abstract: Disclosed is a play card 10 which has a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration displaying a raised, or pop-up, figure on a base for the card. The play card 10 comprises a generally rectangular, single, unitary sheet material 12 with a plurality of score lines 22, 24, 14, 34, 15, 60 that are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis x of the sheet material and are each respectively positioned inward from the leading and trailing edges of the sheet material at precise locations. The sheet material 12 is folded inward along certain score lines to provide a base section 16, a central section 18, a back section 20, including a front panel 26, a connector panel 30, and a top panel 28 having a portion of the figure die-cut in outline form into the top panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Inventor: Stephen Bergman
  • Patent number: 5561928
    Abstract: A display greeting card device includes a pair of superimposed flexible elongate rectangular strips mutually rigidly stapled at one end and joined at their opposite ends by a separable hinge member defining pressure sensitive tape. By separating one leaf of the hinge member tape from the respective end of the hinge tape and inverting the strips and rejoining the free ends of the strips with the hinge member tape, the strips assume the shape of a heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventor: Avedis Baghsarian
  • Patent number: 5562520
    Abstract: A collapsible structure which is quickly and easily collapsed to a multi-ply planar structure, then quickly and easily erectable to a self supporting three-dimensional erect structure. The structure, when erected, has a plurality of levels and enclosed areas to provide play and amusement for a child or for other suitable use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Marathon Partners
    Inventors: Charles L. Pridonoff, John Stregan
  • Patent number: 5479732
    Abstract: A display device is provided which comprises a support portion and an integral display portion constructed in such a manner that the portions are relatively movable, through a periscoping action of the display portion, between a planar configuration of the device wherein the display portion is substantially covered by the support portion so as to form a card-like construction, and a erected configuration of the device wherein the display portion extends upwardly from a support formed by the support portion. The display portion comprises a display panel including a tongue which in the erected configuration extends through a central slot in the display portion and a base including shoulders disposed on opposite sides of the tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Ronald P. Burtch & Associates Limited
    Inventors: Ronald P. Burtch, Irving M. Koltz
  • Patent number: 5470301
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a high quality life size poster of an action figure including the steps of forming a life size multi color pre-print on a web like sheet and forming a corrugated substrate including the web like sheet and having a longitudinal axis and first and second surfaces. The web like sheet is laminated or glued to a crimped portion of the substrate. A laminated figure is then die cut or otherwise formed into the silhouette of a human action figure, dinosaur or other animate or inanimate object. A plurality of fold lines transverse of the longitudinal axis are formed in the corrugated substrate which includes the web like material so that the laminated figure can be folded along the fold lines to form a compact bundle for shipping and storage and unfolded for display in its extended format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Inventor: William F. Brunt, II
  • Patent number: 5467547
    Abstract: A collapsible, self-erecting display stand has a back panel, a front display panel, a side support panel, and a biasing member. From its collapsed configuration, the biasing member urges the back panel and side support panel to a position supporting a free-standing display stand and, simultaneously, the front display panel is projected outwardly to achieve a three-dimensional effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Graphic Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry L. Fortner
  • Patent number: 5454180
    Abstract: A pre-assembled self-erecting display of corrugated paper or the like includes a rear display panel, a front display panel and an easel member which is fastened in part to the back side of the rear display panel. Resilient members such as rubber bands are connected across a vertical fold of the easel member. This causes a wing panel of the easel member to fold rearward for support means and an edge of the rear display panel to fold forward to create a concave configuration. Hinged panels folding out of the easel member urge an inner portion of the rear display panel away from the easel member, thus causing the rear display panel to obtain a convex configuration. The other edge of the rear display panel is attached to a part of a second wing panel of the easel member, inversely causing it to unfold rearward, also for support means. A part of the easel member passes through a slot in the rear display panel and is fastened to the back side of the front display panel, thus causing a multiple level configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Inventor: James R. Volpe
  • Patent number: 5446936
    Abstract: A cross-support member extends between the opposed side panels of an inverted U-shaped boot insert to prevent the side panels from collapsing toward one another. The cross-support member may be a separate structural element which is associated with the inverted U-shaped boot insert, or may be formed as an integral part of the inverted U-shaped boot insert (e.g., by partially cutting out the cross-support member from at least one of the side panels and/or by affixing the cross-support member to an interior surface of at least one of the side panels). The cross-support member may itself include lateral stiffening panels of desired geometry (e.g., triangular, rectangular, etc.) which are preferably formed as an integral part of the cross-support member by folding a lateral section of the cross-support member angularly out of the cross-support member's plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Inventor: Mark A. Barger
  • Patent number: 5386656
    Abstract: Disclosed is a play card 10 which has a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration displaying a raised, or pop-up, figure on a base for the card. The play card 10 comprises a generally rectangular, single, unitary sheet material 12 with a plurality of score lines 22, 24, 14, 34, 15, 60 that are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis x of the sheet material and are each respectively positioned inward from the leading and trailing edges of the sheet material at precise locations. The sheet material 12 is folded inward along certain score lines to provide a base section 16, a central section 18, a back section 20, including a front panel 26, a connector panel 30, and a top panel 28 having a portion of the figure die-cut in outline form into the top panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Inventor: Stephen Bergman
  • Patent number: 5317823
    Abstract: A three-dimensional pop-up display which may be made from a single generally rectangular piece of cardboard or the like and a method for forming the same are disclosed. The display includes three portions and an internal hinged support member for maintaining the display in an open position. The display may also include a pocket formed as a part of the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Inventor: William F. Brunt, II
  • Patent number: 5303668
    Abstract: A self-stable, light weight, foldable and easily assembled road signaling device for disabled vehicle warning or the temporary channeling of traffic, comprising of a flexible warning panel and base. The polygonal panel and complimentary base are formed from the cut lines on an unitary flat sheet body. When the warning panel is folded upright, the base is formed from the remaining unit. Alternatively, the signaling device comprises of a flexible panel affixed to a flat light weight base. The panel is coated with fluorescent or reflective material. Shaped to reduce air drag and constructed of flexible material, in wind or turbulence, the whole warning panel will sway about the stationary base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Inventor: Andrew B. Huang
  • Patent number: 5293705
    Abstract: A portable display device for displaying educational material or student's work comprising a plurality of panels, each panel separated from the next adjacent panel by a score line to permit relative movement between adjacent panels, each panel comprising a base portion including a first and second corrugated substantially rigid section separated by a substantially rigid member and a writing surface adhered to the outer surface of the first corrugated substantially rigid section, the score line formed between adjacent panels extending entirely through the second corrugated substantially rigid section and a portion of the first corrugated substantially rigid section such that adjacent panels may be folded relative to each other for storage and transport or extended relative to each other for display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Assignee: Showboard, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald L. Wood
  • Patent number: 5249771
    Abstract: A suspended sign hanger die cut from a blank with appropriate creased lines to be folded into a device having walls of narrow width and a pair of spaced pegs projecting outwardly of each wall onto which are mounted poster type signs extending beyond the length of each side of said device with a mutual yielding of their interengaging extended portions to respectively define substantially concave outward surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Inventor: Stuart C. W. Wear
  • Patent number: 5174609
    Abstract: A coupon document enables a user to reveal one of two coupons in a manner which causes the other coupon to be destroyed. The document comprises first and second panels held together along their outer peripheral edges by releasable glue. Each panel has a hidden inner side on which coupon indicia is imprinted. Each panel includes a pull strip which, when pulled off, destroys the coupon indicia on the respective panel while enabling the coupon indicia on the other panel to be revealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignee: Larry Tucker, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry H. Tucker
  • Patent number: 5154392
    Abstract: Promotional card with easel and standard-holder on reverse. The display unit can be used as a header assembly with a standard (or pre-scored piece of corrugated material) or as a counter-card by folding out the easel wings and locking them into place with the included lock, or as a frame-card in a frame-card holder. The pre-scored piece of corrugated material serves as a standard, but can be folded lengthwise to reduce its length for convenient mailing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Assignee: Ashland Oil, Inc.
    Inventor: John K. Voight
  • Patent number: 5151078
    Abstract: A method for folding paper into letters of the alphabet. The method has defining a rectangular piece of paper with an X-axis paralel to a width thereof and a Y-axis parallel to a length thereof, folding the piece of paper into the shape of an alphabetic letter at lines parallel to the X-axis, thereby dividing the piece of paper into a plurality of segments, in segments to be formed into curves, defining a plurality of alternative lines X' and X" parallel to the X-axis so that a sub-segment of paper between every two sequential lines X' and X" is longer than a sub-segment of paper between every two sequential lines X" and X', corrugating the piece of paper at the alternative lines X' and X", corrugating the piece of paper at lines parallel to the Y-axis, and bending the folded and corrugated piece of paper into an alphabetic shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Inventor: Yi-Teh Lin
  • Patent number: 5116648
    Abstract: What is disclosed is a Christmas tree ornament in the form of a folder of heavy paper, cardboard, or other sheet material, provided with slots adapted for receiving a photograph, a window opposite the location of the photograph, a locking tab and corresponding slot for locking the folder in its closed configuration, and a pair of openings aligned when the folder is in its closed configuration which are located for receiving one end of a conventional Christmas tree ornament hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Inventors: Mark M. Martin, M. Frances Upp
  • Patent number: 5096073
    Abstract: A display tube having a hollow elongated upright main body portion with a plurality of spaced slots for receiving display hooks therein. A plurality of hinged foldable flaps are provided at the top and bottom of the main body portion. Each flap has a first portion that folds about a second portion, the second portion then folding again into the interior of the main body portion. These flaps portions have cut out sections so that, when the flaps are so folded, a plurality of spaced cutout areas are provided about the inner periphery of the main body portion. An insert or panel can be inserted into the interior of the main body portion after folding the flaps. A hole in the insert can receive a pole of a rotatable stand therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Assignee: O.B.I., Inc.
    Inventor: Paul. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 5083389
    Abstract: A three-dimensional display device having a generally hemispherical configuration with a displayed image or reflecting surface on either or both of its inner concave surface and its outer convex surface. The device includes at least three portions which are curved and angled to create the hemispherical shape and approximate the horizontal and vertical span of human peripheral vision without significant distortion. The device may be constructed as a rigid device or as a pop-up device movable between a flat folded position and an expanded hemispherical position. The pop-up may be constructed as a stand-alone device or is insertable between the pages of a magazine, greeting card, or like device. A method is provided for taking a series of photographs to be joined along shared match lines to create a composite panoramic display on the hemispherical display surface. A camera fixture is provided for taking a series of pictures according to the method of the invention.This is continuation-in-part of Ser. No.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Inventor: Arthur Alperin
  • Patent number: 5056250
    Abstract: A self-standing placard adapted to bear a message on its front side. The placard comprises a curvable member fastened at one end to the back side of the placard at an acute angle, and a stiff, spacing member connected with reinforcement to the other end of the curvable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Inventors: Richard P. Weissleder, Lawrence I. Chipkin, Frank A. Lamendola
  • Patent number: 5055084
    Abstract: A spring box is an assembly of a box body and a spring, the box body being formed of a single piece of foldable material such as card stock. The box body bears a message on a message panel. When the box body is closed the message is covered by a cover panel. The box body includes a tab that releasably holds the box body closed with the cover panel overlapping the message panel with the spring biasing the message panel against the cover panel. When the tab is released, the spring suddenly opens the box body, thus to push the message panel upward. The upward movement of the message panel causes the cover panel suddenly to move away from the message panel, thus to expose the message to view. During the sudden opening of the box body, the message panel and the cover panel pivotally move in opposite arcuate directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Inventor: Zoran Jokic
  • Patent number: 5035072
    Abstract: The present invention provides a collapsible riding companion as a criminal deterrent. In one embodied form, the riding companion includes a simulated human head and torso which sits against a seatback. The simulated head and torso is maintained upright against the seatback by draping a connected piece of fabric, which has a series of horizontal metal bar weights sewn into it, over the seatback. The torso may then be covered with a t-shirt or a zippered, collared shirt. In another embodied form, the simulated human head is retracted into the torso section and the fabric with the horizontal metal bars is removed from the seatback to cover the top of the torso. In this form, the riding companion becomes a lightweight, easy-to-carry rectangular case for travelling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Inventor: Rayma E. Rich
  • Patent number: 5031347
    Abstract: A sheet of polyethylene stock material is die cut to form an elongated display board with mounting tabs at opposite ends thereof. A central hinge is heat scored on the display board to form a transverse midline, and outlying hinges are heat scored between the opposing ends of the display board and adjoining mounting tabs. A reflective background is applied to reversible surfaces of the display board, and separate messages are silk screened on each surface. One message includes a triangular "hazard" symbol on each side of the central hinge. The other message includes the word "HELP" on each side of the central hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Inventor: Douglas C. Berg
  • Patent number: 5024012
    Abstract: An expandable balloon wrapped media display system including: a transparent balloon; an accordion pleated paper-like sheet having formed thereon a message, picture, graphic display, graphic design, or combination thereof; a first attachment member fixedly secured to a first edge of the sheet; the sheet being folded up on itself at its midpoint so as to present the left and right halves of a second edge thereof in generally face-to-face relation; a second attachment member having a tubular portion and an axially extending flange fixedly secured to a second edge of the sheet; the folded accordion pleated sheet being inserted into a balloon with the first attachment member engaging the polar extremity of the balloon most remote from the balloon's inflation aperture and the second attachment member having its tubular portion disposed within the constricted neck portion of the balloon; first attachment means securing the first polar extremity of the balloon to the first attachment member; and, second attachment me
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Inventor: Craig J. Lovik
  • Patent number: 5014455
    Abstract: A three-dimensional book or display of three-sided pyramidal configuration including an inner pyramidal support member with its defining sides or panels being joined at their respective edges and outer overlying sides or panels hinged at the joined edges of the inner support member. The hinges comprise a flexible sheet extending laterally in opposed directions from the hinge axis to be secured to at least a portion of the inner surface of the outer panel and a portion of the outer surface of the inner panel. The invention further contemplates the provision of graphic representation on an inwardly facing surface of the panels defining the inner support member to present a kaleidoscopic representation along with another inwardly facing reflective surface of an adjoining panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Inventor: The Poet Desaderata
  • Patent number: 5010669
    Abstract: A mailing card is formed of card stock conforming to the dimensional and weight requirements applicable to postal service post cards. A figure is printed on the face of the card stock and a perforated outline on the card stock circumscribes a portion of the figure. An indicia of placement of a postage stamp appears on the opposite surface of the card stock. Preferably, at least one discontinuous straight line of weakness is defined in the card stock. The line of weakness intersects the perforated outline. A gap is defined within the discontinuous line of thickness within the figure. The card stock is foldable along the line of weakness such that the portion of the figure within the perforated outline does not fold, and the remaining portion of the card does fold back to form a stand for supporting the figure in an upright disposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Inventor: George Moran
  • Patent number: 5000717
    Abstract: Component is made from a rectangular sheet of stiffly flexible material and is divided by scoring into a central panel and three end panels on each side, all the panels in a row. The end panels are folded into tubular triangular shapes which overlie the central panel and the vertices of the triangles remote from the central panel are drawn together and held in drawn-together shape by elongate plastic fasteners of U-shape cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Inventor: Werner B. Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 4995182
    Abstract: A sign holder is disclosed for use in attaching label cards or other signs in prominent positions projecting from a front edge of supermarket and like product display shelves. The sign holder has a box-shaped body portion made of a plastic sheet with a slit therein for receiving a label or other card. A mounting panel extends from the box-shaped body portion for attachment to an upper surface of a shelf with the body portion projecting from the front of the shelf. The mounting panel may have a depressable head formation for insertion in a perforation of a perforated shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Inventor: Jacob Fast
  • Patent number: 4991335
    Abstract: A triangular mobile has a pair of substantially identical non-creased walls connected with each other and a creased wall connected along fold-lines to the non-creased walls. A triangular plug is pivotally attached to one of the non-creased walls to be pivoted into engagement with a foldable stop carried by the other of the non-creased walls and the creased wall to support the triangular mobile in an open display position. The triangular plug includes a hanger for suspending the triangular mobile from an overhead support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Assignee: Comark Merchandising, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard G. Krautsack
  • Patent number: 4977697
    Abstract: A traffic barrier composed of a unitary panel having a plurality of folds for permitting it to be folded into an A-frame composed of two message panels connected at an apex, the A-frame having a base. The folds in the unitary panel include: a center fold, which forms the apex of the A-frame two bottom folds each spaced a first predetermined distance from the center fold, which define a bottom panel adjacent each message panel, and two flange folds spaced a second predetermined distance from the center fold, which define a flange adjacent the end of each bottom panel. The base is established either by an interlocking tab and slot system located adjacent the flanges or by an adhesive interconnecting the two flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Inventor: Raymond M. Genick