Abstract: A desktop calendar that has first and second rigid panels with top portions that are connected to each other, a plurality of pages each has a top portion with apertures that are rotatably connected to the top portions of the rigid panels by rings or a spool. The calendar also includes a graphic panel that can be at a flat state or an open state, and that includes a front and back panels that are connected to each other along a folded line. A front bottom edge of the front panel is foldabley connected to a front side of a first page, and a back bottom edge of the back panel is foldabley connected to a back side of a second page that is adjacent to the first page.

Abstract: A foldable article having a sliceform removably secured to one or more panels of the foldable article. A tab having a retaining portion may extend from at least one of the one or more panels of the foldable article. The tab may pass through an opening in the sliceform and the retaining portion may be wider than the width of the opening. The retaining member may be manipulated to pass through the opening to removably secure the sliceform to, and/or detach the sliceform from, the foldable article.

Abstract: A pop-up structure with a lock mechanism that functions to retain the pop-up structure in an unfolded or fully erect configuration. The lock mechanism contains a base panel, main panel, locking tab and one or more stopper mechanisms. The lock mechanism interacts with the pop-up structure and is mainly contained within a cavity of the pop-up structure. The lock mechanism can be accessed through an opening in a base. Users may move a lock tab clockwise to retain the pop-up structure in an open position and then move the lock tab counterclockwise to close the pop-up structure.

Abstract: A foldable article having a sliceform removably secured to one or more panels of the foldable article. A tab having a retaining portion may extend from at least one of the one or more panels of the foldable article. The tab may pass through an opening in the sliceform and the retaining portion may be wider than the width of the opening. The retaining member may be manipulated to pass through the opening to removably secure the sliceform to, and/or detach the sliceform from, the foldable article.

Abstract: An article comprising a pop-up card is provided. The article comprises a single sheet of paper including a single crease and separating the sheet of paper into a left panel and a right panel, wherein the sheet is in a closed position when folded along the crease, and wherein the sheet is in the open position when not folded along the crease, a pop-up slice-form element coupled to said sheet, wherein the slice-form includes a first plurality of slice-form elements perpendicular to a second plurality of slice-form elements when in the open position, wherein the slice-form element comprises a first and last slice-form element each with a distal tab, and wherein in the open position the pop-up slice-form element is displayed as a three-dimensional configuration, and in the closed position said pop-up slice-form element folds together into a flat configuration.

Abstract: A foldable article having a sliceform removably secured to one or more panels of the foldable article. A tab having a retaining portion may extend from at least one of the one or more panels of the foldable article. The tab may pass through an opening in the sliceform and the retaining portion may be wider than the width of the opening. The retaining member may be manipulated to pass through the opening to removably secure the sliceform to, and/or detach the sliceform from, the foldable article.

Abstract: Embodiments related to a touch fastener and its methods of manufacture and use are disclosed. In one embodiment, the touch fastener may include a substrate with a first portion and a second portion displaceable relative to the first portion. A first fastening element may be formed in the first portion. When the first portion is displaced relative to the second portion, a force and/or moment generated by the displacement may cause the first fastening element to be deployed.

Abstract: Embodiments related to a touch fastener and its methods of manufacture and use are disclosed. In one embodiment, the touch fastener may include a substrate with a first portion and a second portion displaceable relative to the first portion. A first fastening element may be formed in the first portion. When the first portion is displaced relative to the second portion, a force and/or moment generated by the displacement may cause the first fastening element to be deployed.

Abstract: An interactive greeting card having a multi-panel greeting card body, a sound module and a molded track contained between two or more panels of the multi-panel greeting card body, and a moveable object which is attached to the molded track through an opening in one or more of the greeting card panels. The moveable object is operative to move from one end of the molded track to the opposite end of the molded track whereby playback of a pre-recorded digital audio file is initiated. The interactive greeting card may additionally contain a small motor which causes movement of a second moveable object and an object launcher which is operative to launch an object along the track and into the air. Other special effects may be included such as lights, additional sounds or movement, or any other special effects which can be incorporated into a greeting card.

Abstract: A collapsible toy kitchen apparatus and method, an embodiment including a back support including a backsplash, a kitchen counter including a countertop and a range and being pivotably connected to the back support, a base pivotably connected to the back support, and two side walls that are each foldable. The pivotable connections and foldable side walls allow the toy kitchen to collapse, such as for storage.

Abstract: A card holder including a pop-up element for holding and presenting a card when the card holder is opened.

Abstract: A showcasing system. The system includes a display board and a silhouetted 3D aesthetic component. The 3D aesthetic component includes (i) an unitary blank movable into a silhouetted 3D aesthetic surface, the 3D aesthetic component being attached to the display board and (ii) a plurality of die cutouts spaced along the longitudinal axis of the blank.

Abstract: A reversibly bound book is provided. A first cover strip is wrapped around the first edge of a first cover board, passes over the first side of the first cover board and along the first side of the second cover board. One end of a second cover strip is wrapped around the second edge of the second cover board, strip passes along the second side of the second cover board and over the second side of the first cover board. The cover boards are only attached to each other via the cover strips and can be rotated and turned inside-out. One book can have two different appearances simply by rotating the cover boards with respect to each other. At least one floating spine is bound to one cover board, serving as a spine in one configuration and a closure in the other.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a pop-up article from one or more continuous webs of material using an inline printing press. The article comprises a curved or generally semi-cylindrical pop-up device enclosed within a base piece, such that when the base piece is in a closed position, the pop-up device lies flat therein, but when the base piece is moved to an open position, the pop-up device is forced outwardly from the base piece to form a curved or generally semi-cylindrical shape. The method comprises processing a first web or ribbon to define a base piece having a front and back cover, processing a second web or ribbon to define a pop-up device, separating the pop-up device from the second web or ribbon, adhering a tab of the pop-up device to the front cover, adhering a front flap of the pop-up device to the rear cover, and separating the article from the first web or ribbon.

Abstract: A multi-page printed medium features an advertising insert and includes a first printed page and a second printed page, and an insert located between the first and second pages. The insert includes a sheet having a fold separating a first panel and a second panel with a bending memory along the fold. A portion of a first adhesive is applied between the first panel and the first page and a second portion of adhesive is applied between the second panel and the second page. The second portion of adhesive has lesser adhesion than the first portion of adhesive such that when the second printed page is moved away from the first printed page the second page separates from the second panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pop-up book for playing that allows various types of three-dimensional play, such as orally narrated fairy tales and dramas, by providing a three-dimensional stage standing and fixed when the pop-up book for juvenile play is opened, and can be easily kept by minimizing the thickness when it is closed. Accordingly, the pop-up book for playing of the invention, which has a front cover and a back cover pivoting around a pivot edge, and is closed in a plane when the front cover and the back cover are folded and provides a three-dimensional shape protruding in a space between the front cover and back cover when the front cover and the back cover are unfolded, includes a first stage that is unfolded to protrude from the back cover and a fixing means that fixes the first stage, the front cover, and the back cover to the unfolded positions.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a pop-up article from one or more continuous webs of material using an inline printing press. The article comprises a curved or generally semi-cylindrical pop-up device enclosed within a base piece, such that when the base piece is in a closed position, the pop-up device lies flat therein, but when the base piece is moved to an open position, the pop-up device is forced outwardly from the base piece to form a curved or generally semi-cylindrical shape. The method comprises processing a first web or ribbon to define a base piece having a front and back cover, processing a second web or ribbon to define a pop-up device, separating the pop-up device from the second web or ribbon, adhering a tab of the pop-up device to the front cover, adhering a front flap of the pop-up device to the rear cover, and separating the article from the first web or ribbon.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a pocketed business communication construction, such as a presentation folder, that includes at least one independently, automatically erectable piece for displaying promotion of marketing, advertising or contact information. The assembly is used to contain complimentary and related printed pieces which are held by one or more sleeves or pockets integrally connected to a variably imaged substrate. One or more passive retaining means are provided integrally with at least one of the pocketed configurations to removably hold a biased attention direction piece. The piece is printed with matching and/or complimentary information to that contained by the pocketed communication.

Abstract: A financial transaction card including an account identifier, a cover, and a pop-up member. The account identifier links the financial transaction card to at least one of a financial account or a financial record. The cover is configured to fold about a fold line between an open and a closed position. The pop-up member is coupled with the cover on both sides of the fold line and is configured to transition between a relatively flat position when the cover is in the closed position and an extended position when cover is in the open position. The pop-up member is stored between at least two portions of the cover when the cover is in the closed position. Methods of assembling a financial transaction card, methods of encouraging purchase and facilitating use of a stored-value card, and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: An article including a book, a closeable housing and an object in a compressed state in the housing is disclosed. The object is compressed foam that expands into a figure when the housing is opened. The book has one or more characters and the figure is representative of one of the one or more characters. The housing is preferably in a back cover of the book. The compressible toy is made from a compressible and expandable foam.

Abstract: A foldable consumer product, such as book or card, has a plurality of pages and a detachable toy, mask or other interactive amusement device attached to at least one of the pages. The detachable device is configured to pop-up or open upon exposing at least one of the pages, and may be thematically related to the subject matter of the book or card.

Abstract: The envelope with interior decorative elements is an envelope for receiving a greeting card, which may be further opened to display additional, decorative elements mounted within an interior thereof. The envelope includes first and second outer panels, each outer panel having an interior surface and an exterior surface. An inner panel is further provided so that, when the envelope is in a closed configuration, the inner panel is sandwiched between the first and second outer panels. An exterior surface of the inner panel is positioned adjacent an interior surface of the second outer panel so that a pocket is defined therebetween. The pocket is adapted for receiving the greeting card. The first and second outer panels may be separated so that, when folded apart, a pop-up decorative element is displayed, the decorative element being mounted on the interior surfaces of the inner panel and the first outer panel.

Abstract: A toy apparatus is provided including a playbase movable between a first closed position and a second open position. The playbase includes one or more members and these members are provided in a substantially flattened condition when the playbase is in a first closed position, and movable with the playbase to a partial or substantially erect condition when the playbase is in a second open position. At least one of the members is provided in at least one recess in the playbase in the first closed condition.

Abstract: A financial transaction card includes an account identifier, a panel, and a plurality of pop-up members. The account identifier links the financial transaction card to at least one of a financial account or a financial record and is readily readable by a point-of-sale terminal. The plurality of pop-up members are each coupled with one of the panel and another one of the plurality of pop-up members. Each of the plurality of pop-up members is configured to transition between a collapsed position and an extended position. The financial transaction card is substantially flat when the plurality of pop-up members are each in the collapsed position, and the plurality of pop-up members each extend outwardly from the panel in the extended position. Stored-value cards, methods of encouraging purchase and facilitating use of a financial transaction card, and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: By providing a unique, preprinted housing member which automatically expands from a flat, generally two-dimensional configuration into a three-dimensional promotional display, and is securely maintained in the three-dimensional configuration for any desired time duration, a unique, hands-on, printed, long-lasting visually exciting and interest-generating advertising/promotional product is obtained. In the present invention, the self-erecting, promotional display member incorporates small magnetic members mounted to internal panels, struts or support walls of the display member, with the magnetic members being positions for being automatically activated simultaneously with the movement of the display member from its two-dimensional configuration into its three-dimensional configuration. Once activated, the magnetic members are brought into locked engagement with each other, securely holding the display member in its fully erect, three-dimensional display configuration.

Abstract: A promotional piece with a pop-up feature is provided to effectively capture the attention of consumers. The promotional piece with a pop-up feature is movable from a closed to an open position and includes a backing substrate and a presentation substrate. The presentation substrate is selectively joined to the backing substrate by any suitable means. When the promotional piece with a pop-up feature is moved from the closed to the open position, at least a portion of the presentation substrate is caused to project away from the underlying portion of the presentation substrate. A high speed in-line manufacturing method for producing a plurality of promotional pieces with a pop-up feature is also provided. The promotional piece with a pop-up feature may be used in various applications, such as product packaging, promotional or advertising mailers, greeting cards, announcement cards, and other like applications.

Abstract: A rotary pop-up envelope is disclosed. The device comprises an envelope that holds a pullout tab that is pivotably connected to a pop-up sheet member. The envelope includes a slotted panel with a slot through which the pop-up sheet member is inserted. The envelope further includes a middle panel and a cover panel that, when folded together, enclose the slotted panel, the pop-up sheet member, and the pullout tab. The envelope is open at one end and partially open at a top edge such that when the pullout tab is pulled away from the envelope, the pop-up sheet member engages an apex of the slot in the slotted panel that forces the pop-up sheet member to rotate up through the open portion at the top side of the envelope.

Abstract: A particulate matter propulsion apparatus (10) for propelling confetti (94) or similar from a greeting card (12). The propulsion device includes a particulate matter receptacle (14) attached to a supporting means (16), the supporting means (16) being store energy such that when the card (12) is opened the particulate matter (94) is propelled from the card (12).

Abstract: A pop-up display for mounting in a scrapbook or binder has folded tabs that are adhesively fastened to scrapbook or binder leaves is formed from a plastic sheet folded and bonded on two sides to form a pocket for an item such as a photograph, the tabs being aligned at an angle so that the display folds flat when the scrapbook or binder is closed and pops-up when opened.

Abstract: A puppet system consisting of a puppet, or other first body, able to fit within an opening or hole in an second object. The first object has straps that are attached on both ends to the first object. At least one end of the strap is reversibly attachable. The strap is able to fit in second openings in the second object and then re-attach to the first object securing the first object to the second object in a loose but secure manner. A preferred embodiment is use of a puppet as the first object and a book cover as the second object so that an operator can use one hand to both support the book cover and operate the puppet.

Abstract: To provide pop-up items a plurality of individual sheet material structures are die-cut in composite sheet material consisting of a front sheet and a rear liner sheet of release-coated material joined together by having a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pattern between the rear surface of the front sheet and the front surface of the rear liner sheet so that, upon separating the sheets, PSA releases from the release-coated rear sheet and adheres to the front sheet in at least desired regions. A folded structure results from the interconnection between panels of the structure constituting a pop-up element in which two individual flag panels are joined together, as by being affixed to each other by PSA. When the pop-up element is placed between a pair of facing panels of a folded basepiece, a PSA-carrying subpanel becomes affixed to facing surfaces of the panels, and upon pivoting of the sheets or panels to the open position, the pop-up element assumes an attention-attracting, 3-dimensional configuration.

Abstract: A book and pages having a mechanical means for causing a figure associated with the theme of the book to pop-up upon opening the front cover, last page or other page of the book.

Abstract: A child's 3D amusement book is created by forming at least two holes through the book and threading a string therethrough, or otherwise offixing a cord to opposing pages of a book or card. Parallel string segments are coordinated with drawings on the inner pages to create 3D and/or moving images.

Abstract: A decorative pop-up sticker is formed of a decorative design element bendable along an intermediate line to form design sections at least one of which has adhesive on its back side, whereby to enable securing said design sections to a surface with the bent design section extending outwardly of said surface in a pop-up, three dimensional configuration.

Abstract: To provide pop-up items a plurality of individual sheet material structures are die-cut in composite sheet material consisting of a front sheet and a rear liner sheet of release-coated material joined together by having a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pattern between the rear surface of the front sheet and the front surface of the rear liner sheet so that, upon separating the sheets, PSA releases from the release-coated rear sheet and adheres to the front sheet in at least desired regions. Some pop-up structures are formed with small panels carrying PSA hinged about fold lines which panels are rotated 180° to provide forward-facing subpanels having exposed PSA regions in the pop-up element.

Abstract: In order to create interest in advertising pieces in a consumer, a pop-up advertising piece includes a booklet-shaped advertiser movable from a closed position to an open position. An anchoring strip is in vertical confronting relation to a normally inwardly facing surface of one of the cover portions and has top and bottom edges secured to the normally inwardly facing surface in general proximity to top and bottom edges thereof. An internal substrate has one vertical edge secured to the one of the cover portions opposite the anchoring strip and the other vertical edge is secured to the anchoring strip. A first fold line is provided on the internal substrate in spaced relation to a generally vertical fold line of the booklet-shaped advertiser when it is in the closed position. The internal substrate also has a second fold line on the side of the anchoring strip opposite the first fold line.

Abstract: To provide pop-up items a plurality of individual sheet material structures are die-cut in composite sheet material consisting of a front sheet and a rear liner sheet of release-coated material joined together by having a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pattern between the rear surface of the front sheet and the front surface of the rear liner sheet so that, upon separating the sheets, PSA releases from the release-coated rear sheet and adheres to the front sheet in at least desired regions. Some pop-up structures are formed with two generally symmetrical halves arranged about a fold-line. A folded structure results from the superimposition of one-half of the structure onto the other constituting a pop-up element in which two individual flag panels are joined together, as by being affixed to each other by PSA and in which there are at least two subpanels having exposed PSA-covered surfaces.

Abstract: A pop-up display comprises a generally box like hollow member having an open end at the top thereof and a pivotal flap or flaps for opening and closing the open end thereof. A spring biased pop-up display includes a first coil spring which is disposed on a first axis and held in a compressed position by at least one of the flaps when the flap or flaps are in a closed position. A strap or thread is stretched across the flaps to hold the flaps in a closed position. The spring biased pop-up display includes a pleated paper banner having opposite ends with a second coil spring disposed between the opposite ends and with its axis essentially perpendicular to the axis of the first spring. A candle or sparkler engages the flap or thread and upon ignition burns through the strap or thread. When the strap or thread is broken the first spring pushes the display upwardly to thereby allow the second spring to expand the pleated paper banner outwardly beyond the confines of the hollow chamber.

Abstract: The covers and flaps of the cover construction of the book and toy assembly are opened and laid flat. Pop-up and fixed structures on the opened cover construction form a village, and a path or track passes through and by the village. The path passes over the front and rear covers, the spine therebetween, and the front and rear flaps folded out from the respective covers. A toy train stored in a storage compartment mounted on the front cover can be removed therefrom by the user, wound up, placed on the track and allowed to run around the track, and thereby through the village. Pressing a button on the inside of the book spine causes a noise making device to emit a train whistle noise to add realism and enjoyment to the train playing experience. Indicia and pictures on the flaps and readable with the covers open and the flaps closed tell a story about the train traveling through the village.

Abstract: A pop-up structure or sticker for use with two hinged panels, includes a display area, and is provided with transparent supporting legs or other structure, secured to both of the two hinged panels so that the pop-up structure or sticker folds flat when the panels are closed and pops up and appears to "float" over the hinged panels when they are opened.

Abstract: A pop-up item which includes at least one cover panel that obscures a flattened assembly of intermediate sheet material pieces which upon opening of the cover form a three-dimensional configuration. The construction of the intermediate structure is such that there is relative movement between the tongue panel and at least one display panel which gives the impression that a projection formed in said tongue panel is emerging from behind and protruding outward beyond the free edge of the display panel. In one embodiment, spaced-apart regions of two display panels are adhesively interconnected to form a flange region at the free end thereof so as to create a passageway therebetween in which the projecting leading edge of the tongue panel resides. In another embodiment, flat free edges of facade subpanel portions of two display panels slide along opposite surfaces of a central tongue panel, the free edge of which can be formed to present coupons to a recipient.

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, of 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 blanks in sheet form are particularly adapted to be conveyed through laser printers, copy machines and other suitable imprinting equipment in order to inexpensively personalize such blanks, which can be used to create a variety of different 3-dimensional items, including novelty sunvisors.

Abstract: A decorative article for displaying themes that may be used in decorating, educating, or advertising. The decorative article comprises a base, one or more frontal portions, and one or more flexible branch elements connecting each of the frontal portions to the base. The branch elements suspend the frontal elements in front of the base. Air current or other motion attributed to external forces can induce the frontal elements into a random bouncing motion on the branch elements. The base and the frontal portions have predetermined shapes and are imprinted with predetermined graphical designs. The base, frontal portions and branch elements are created from thin, flexible and preferably transparent plastic material which make the graphical designs viewable from multiple directions.

Abstract: An interactive book having at least one page which has a track formed on the page wherein the page is further provided with a pop-up bridge having a track thereon, the pop up bridge being formed from a sheet attached to the page and adapted to fold substantially two-dimensionally when the book is in a closed position and to extend three-dimensionally when the book is in an open position, wherein the tack on the bridge cooperates with the track formed on the page such that a toy figure may be continuously moved from the track on page to the track on the pop up bridge and back to the page.

Abstract: A sheet has a number of slots laterally defining elements with fold lines extending between said slots. One end of the sheet is attached to the bottom surface of a box and the other end is attached to the inner surface of a lid hinged to the box. The elements can be spatially unfolded, forming at least one plane parallel to one of the said surfaces when it is substantially perpendicular to the other surface, and so that the scenery construction is folded on itself when the lid is swung down on the box.

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.

Abstract: Sheet material items are fabricated which have an intermediate structure in the form of one or more sheets sandwiched between front and rear covers. One such intermediate panel functions as a facade panel behind which a display panel is located. When the covers are opened, the facade panel forms the front of a box-like structure while the display panel emerges into an attention-attracting orientation from an at least a partially hidden position behind the facade panel. Actuation is achieved through a subpanel that is hinged to the display panel along an angularly oriented line of weakness, causing the display panel to move into its exposed position by sliding along an edge or interior surface of one of the major walls of the box-like structure.

Abstract: A book particularly suitable and attractive to young children. Relatively stiff front and rear covers open and shut along a side spine to expose and cover a plurality of pages in a typical book fashion. The rear cover is formed of two cardboard or other relatively stiff layers or sheets. A plush toy configured to resemble an upper portion of a figure has a thin base sandwiched between the cardboard layers and adhered therein. Thereby the toy extends above the top edge of the rear cover. On the back of the rear cover is a design aligned and continuous with the toy and depicting a lower portion of the figure. The story written on the pages is about the figure and the figure is preferably illustrated on the front cover. For example, the figure can be a bear, the story can be "Goldilocks and the Three Bears," the figure upper portion can include the bear's head, chest and outstretched front legs (arms), and the rear cover design can be the bottom half of the bear.

Abstract: Pop-up items are provided in the form of a plurality of individual sheet material structures die-cut in composite sheet material consisting of a front sheet having an overall pressure-sensitive adhesive pattern on the rear surface thereof which causes it to be joined to a rear liner sheet of release-coated material. Each pop-up structure is formed with two generally symmetrical halves arranged about a fold-line, and the folded structure resulting from the superimposition of one-half of the structure onto the other constitutes a pop-up element in which two individual flag panels are joined together, as by being affixed to each other by the pressure-sensitive adhesive and in which there are at least two subpanels having exposed pressure-sensitive adhesive-covered surfaces.

Abstract: In order to create interest in advertising pieces in a consumer, a pop-up advertising piece includes a booklet-shaped advertiser movable from a closed position to an open position. An anchoring strip is in vertical confronting relation to a normally inwardly facing surface of one of the cover portions and has top and bottom edges secured to the normally inwardly facing surface in general proximity to top and bottom edges thereof. An internal substrate has one vertical edge secured to the one of the cover portions opposite the anchoring strip and the other vertical edge is secured to the anchoring strip. A first fold line is provided on the internal substrate in spaced relation to a generally vertical fold line of the booklet-shaped advertiser when it is in the closed position. The internal substrate also has a second fold line on the side of the anchoring strip opposite the first fold line.