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: Interactive greeting card and gift card holders with a hinged mechanism which provide fun user interaction and triggers audio playback. Each greeting card and gift card holder includes portion thereof which hinges or pivots about an axis. When the greeting card or gift card holder is hinged, or pivoted about the hinge, one or more special effects are triggered. Special effects may include audio, emergence or ejection of a gift card holder (w/gift card) or gift card, the appearance of a thought or word bubble, or any other special effect.

Abstract: A locking mechanism is provided for a pop-up greeting card. The card includes first and second generally planar panels which are connected to each other at a fold line. A plurality of pop-up elements extend from the inner surface of the first panel to the inner surface of the second panel. The card includes a locking mechanism having a pivoting tab which can engage a stop member, maintaining the card in an open position. Selecting the appropriate length of the tab determines the angle that the card can be opened. The stop mechanism can be located on either the first or second panels or on one of the panels and a pop-up element.

Abstract: The invention relates to shrink packaging (1) for packing a series of containers (2), said packaging comprising a first zone (3) and, in this zone, at least one incision line including a series of perforations forming at least one partially detachable section (4) arranged to allow the extraction of at least one container (2) in a direction extending substantially from the lower part of the container (2) to the upper part thereof, said partially detachable packaging section (4) being larger than the cross-section of the at least one container (2) to be extracted. Moreover, the partially detachable section (4) is located on the periphery of the first zone (3).

Abstract: An animal feeder for use in dispensing a feeding solution to hummingbirds or other animals. This may be accomplished by providing an animal feeder having a reservoir containing a feeding solution. The reservoir is connected to a dispenser that dispenses the feeding solution through an opening. The reservoir rotates in response to changes in the weight distribution of the feeder relative to the pivot as the reservoir is emptied of the feeding solution. The rotation of the reservoir maintains the opening in the dispensing member above the level of the feed solution in the reservoir. The reservoir has venting holes to maintain equalize pressure within the reservoir with the outside environment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to various embodiments of a greeting card having at least one motor attached to a mechanism which causes movement to a mobile object and one or more attachments suspended from the mobile object. The mobile object may be a circular disc, a string or a swing structure. Each mobile object contains one or more attachments either attached directly thereto or suspended therefrom via a string or line. The motor may effect various movements in the mobile object such as circular motion, back-and-forth motion or bouncing or vibrating motion.

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 sliceform element coupled to said sheet, wherein the sliceform includes a first plurality of sliceform elements perpendicular to a second plurality of sliceform elements when in the open position, wherein the sliceform element comprises a first and last sliceform element each with a distal tab, and wherein in the open position the pop-up sliceform element is displayed as a three-dimensional configuration, and in the closed position said pop-up sliceform element folds together into a flat configuration.

Abstract: A three dimensional stand alone pop up assembly and method for making the same, the assembly comprising outer structural wall panels connected with an internal support structure having a spreader, center support element and base components. The assembly moves between a first position, whereby the support structure is folded within the wall panels of the outer structure, and a second position whereby outer structural panels are unfolded into a three-dimensional stand-alone pop-up structure supported in the open position by the internal support structure. The assembly utilizes an internal support structure which folds internally and alleviates the need for an extended base or protruding member. The assembly accommodates a variety of lighting and sound features and can be configured in a variety of three dimensional stand alone pop up designs.

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 sliceform element coupled to said sheet, wherein the sliceform includes a first plurality of sliceform elements perpendicular to a second plurality of sliceform elements when in the open position, wherein the sliceform element comprises a first and last sliceform element each with a distal tab, and wherein in the open position the pop-up sliceform element is displayed as a three-dimensional configuration, and in the closed position said pop-up sliceform element folds together into a flat configuration.

Abstract: A cremation container convertible into a birdhouse includes an inner chamber for at least temporarily storing cremation ashes therein, an end face having a first opening in communication with the inner chamber, a peripheral side surface extending from the end face and having a second opening in communication with the inner chamber and a plug fitted in the second opening, which is removable upon conversion of the cremation container into a birdhouse. The first opening is sized for insertion and removal of the cremation ashes in the inner chamber and the second opening is sized to permit entry of a bird into the inner chamber. The container further includes mounting structure for mounting a birdhouse roof to the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving a plant and providing a habitat for a living creature is comprised of a housing having an interior defined by a bottom portion and a surrounding sidewall that extends upwardly from the bottom portion. A divider disposed in the housing interior divides the interior into a first region and a second region. The first region communicates with the exterior environment via an aperture that is sized and adapted to permit entry of a living creature. The second region communicates with the exterior environment by an opening in the housing configured to permit a plant to be visibly disposed therein. The housing can include an access door in the bottom that enables cleaning of the first region. Where used as a birdhouse, a perch and a gable can be employed at the aperture. The perch can operate as a latch for the bottom door.

Abstract: A bird house or feeder assembly, used to construct a bird house or feeder from a container such as, but not limited to, a plastic milk jug or two liter soda bottle. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a roof structure, a perch and entrance ring assembly, and a bracket assembly. The roof structure is made up of a skirt piece and a crown piece which attach to the container when constructing either a bird house or feeder, by placing the skirt piece around the container spout, screwing the container cap onto the spout to clamp the skirt piece in place, and then attaching the crown piece to the top of the skirt piece. The perch and entrance ring are then attached to the container to make a bird house. In a second embodiment, the assembly includes a roof structure, a feeder pan, and two bracket assemblies. The roof structure is attached to the container in the same fashion as the first embodiment, but then the feeder pan is attached to the container to make a bird feeder.

Abstract: A convertible bird box as illustrated has upper and lower entrance openings located in a pivoting front wall panel to create an upper roosting perch and a lower nesting location. A closure having a single opening rotates between the upper and lower entrance openings to selectively create a nesting box and a roosting box. The invention further describes a method for selectively forming a winter roosting box and a spring nesting box.