Sheet assembly for three-dimensional informational card

Abstract

A three-dimensional informational or display card assembly manually moveable from a box-like configuration to a flat planar card configuration. The card assembly includes score lines for folding the card assembly. The ends of the card assembly are attached to each other by an adhesive or a mechanical means to form the box-like configuration. The sections of the card assembly are printable to receive printed indicia such that in the box-like configuration an onlooker can view the indicia both on the outside and on the inside of the card assembly. Also included is a sheet assembly that contains one or more of the card assemblies to allow a user to print indicia on the card assemblies and remove them from the sheet assembly for assembling into the final product. The card assembly may be dimensioned similar to a wallet-sized business card to provide a unique and interesting alternative to traditional business cards.

Claims

1. A method of producing and assembling a three dimensional informational card comprising: providing a sheet assembly into a printer whereby said sheet assembly includes one or more designated said informational card assemblies; printing on said informational card assemblies plurality of images, text, pictures, and combinations thereof; removing each card assembly from the sheet assembly by way of perforation pre-applied to said sheet assembly; bending or folding said card assembly along a plurality of score lines provided across said card assembly, said score lines each delimiting said card assembly into a plurality of card sections including a first end section and a second end section; attaching said first end section of said card assembly to said second end section of said card assembly to form said three dimensional informational card; and after said three dimensional informational card is formed, said three dimensional informational card is manually operated from a three-dimensional four-sided cubic configuration to a flat planar configuration and back again.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein each card assembly includes four equally spaced said score lines delimiting five contiguous card sections, wherein said first end at least partially overlaps and attaches to said second end.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein said first end and said second end are overlapped and joined together such that said informational card assembly has four sides wherein said overlapped first and second end sections together comprise one of said four sides.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein a width of said card assembly is 8 such that each of said sections is 1 wide.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein said sheet assembly in assembled form includes four outer surfaces and four inner surfaces, with at least one of said inner surfaces having printing thereon, such that when in said three-dimensional configuration said printing on said at least one inner surface is visible.

6. A method of producing and assembling a three dimensional informational card comprising: providing said informational card comprising a planar card body, at least three score lines disposed on said body, said score lines delimiting at least four contiguous card sections along said card assembly, said card sections including a first end section and a second end section; printing on said informational card a plurality of images, text, pictures, and combinations thereof; bending or folding each said card section along said score lines; attaching said first end section of said card assembly to said second end section of said card assembly to form said three dimensional informational card; and after said three dimensional informational card is formed, said three dimensional informational card is manually operated from a three-dimensional four-sided cubic configuration to a flat planar configuration and back again.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein said first end section and said second end section are overlapped and joined together such that said informational card assembly has four sides wherein said overlapped first and second end sections together comprise one of said four sides.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein each card assembly includes four equally spaced score lines delimiting five contiguous card sections, wherein said first end at least partially overlaps and attaches to said second end.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein a width of said card assembly is 8 such that each of said sections is 1 wide.

10. The method of claim 6, wherein said sheet assembly in assembled form includes four outer surfaces and four inner surfaces, with at least one of said inner surfaces having printing thereon, such that when in said three-dimensional configuration said printing on said at least one inner surface is visible.

11. A method of producing and assembling a three dimensional informational card by way of a computing device comprising: loading, on said computing device, a template corresponding to a sheet assembly with a plurality of images, text, pictures, and combinations thereof, said sheet assembly delimiting one or more informational card assemblies; providing said sheet assembly into a printer whereby said sheet assembly includes one or more designated said informational card assemblies corresponding to said template, printing on said informational card assemblies said plurality of images, text, pictures, and combinations thereof corresponding to the template; removing each card assembly from the sheet assembly by way of perforation pre-applied to said sheet assembly; bending or folding each section of the card assembly along a plurality of score lines provided across said card assembly; attaching a card section on a first end of said card assembly to a card section on a second end of said card assembly to form said three dimensional informational card; and after said three dimensional informational card is formed, said three dimensional informational card is manually operated from a three-dimensional four-sided cubic configuration to a flat planar configuration and back again.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein a width of said card assembly is 8 such that each of said sections is 1 wide.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein said sheet assembly in assembled form includes four outer surfaces and four inner surfaces, with at least one of said inner surfaces having printing thereon, such that when in said three-dimensional configuration said printing on said at least one inner surface is visible.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1A is a top elevation view of the outside of one embodiment of the card assembly of the present invention.

(2) FIG. 1B is a top elevation view of the inside of one embodiment of the card assembly of the present invention.

(3) FIG. 1C is a perspective view of one embodiment of the card assembly of the present invention configured as a foldable cube.

(4) FIG. 1D is a perspective view of one embodiment of the card assembly of the present invention configured as a substantially planar card.

(5) FIG. 2A is a top elevation view of the outside of another embodiment of the card assembly of the present invention.

(6) FIG. 2B is a top elevation view of the inside of another embodiment of the card assembly of the present invention.

(7) FIG. 2C is a side cross section view of an embodiment of the card assembly showing a retention feature.

(8) FIG. 2D is a top elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the card assembly of the present invention.

(9) FIG. 3A is a top elevation view of one embodiment of the printable sheet assembly of the present invention having a plurality of card assemblies delimited thereon.

(10) FIG. 3B is a top elevation view of one embodiment of the card assembly of the present invention as separated from the printable sheet assembly.

(11) FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of the printable sheet assembly of the present invention showing a plurality of perforated lines thereon.

(12) FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of a user manually manipulating one embodiment of the card assembly of the present invention from a first operable position to a second operable position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(13) The present invention provides a plurality of embodiments of a three-dimensional informational card, display, or sign assembly and a complementary printable sheet assembly and related methodology. FIG. 1A is a top elevation view of the outside of one embodiment of the informational card assembly 100 of the present invention. As shown, card assembly 100 generally comprises a rectangular planar body having a width 105 and a height 110. The card assembly 100 includes a plurality of score lines 101 disposed across the height of the card assembly 100 that delimit a plurality of contiguous card sections 111, 112, 113, 114, and 115. It is appreciated that, in some embodiments, four score lines 101 will delimit five contiguous card sections 111, 112, 113, 114, and 115. In other embodiments, such as FIG. 2D, three score lines are provided that delimit four card sections. In some embodiments, the score lines 101 are located at equidistant increments along the width 105 of the card assembly 100 such that each of the contiguous sections 111, 112, 113, 114, and 115 are substantially equal. In other embodiments, the score lines 101 may not be equidistant in order for certain of the card sections to be somewhat wider than others. Each card section may include a variety of written or printed indicia 102, 103, 104, and 106 which are intended to be exemplary rather than limiting. FIG. 1B is a top elevation view of the inside of one embodiment of the card assembly 100 of the present invention. Shown again are contiguous card sections 111, 112, 113, 114, and 115. Here, one or more of the card sections may include printed or written indicia 130 and 135.

(14) In some embodiments, the card assembly 100 of the present invention is configured to be formed into a four sided cube configuration as shown for example in FIG. 1C. In order to form the cube configuration, in some embodiments, the card assembly 100 is folded along each score line 101 in the same direction and two card sections, sections 111 and 115 at the respective ends of the card assembly 100 are overlapped and joined together, providing a four sided cubic or box-like card assembly 100. In some embodiments, the second end card section 115 is overlapped and joined to the first end card section 111 by way of glue, a peel-and-stick adhesive 117, or by a mechanical fastening means such as a latch, hook, or prong and slot as shown in FIG. 2D. As noted above, the card sections 111-115 need not all have the same width; rather, in some embodiments, the second end card section 115 may be narrower than the other sections as it can be used solely as a mounting tab when attaching section 115 to section 111. Other variations of the size and width of second end section 115 may be utilized provided the card assembly 100 can still be joined at the ends to form the box-like final product shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D.

(15) Thus, once the card assembly 100 is assembled by joining card section 115 and card section 111, the card assembly 100 can be manually manipulated between the box-like configuration shown in FIG. 1C and a flat, planar configuration shown in FIG. 1D. Accordingly, the card assembly 100 can function as an enhanced business or informational card providing a plurality of sections on which to place written or printed indicia such as text, pictures, images, shapes, and the like. FIG. 4 demonstrates a user manually pressing down on adjacent corners of the card assembly 100 to convert it from the box-like position to a flat planar card position.

(16) It is useful to provide some relative dimensions of the card assembly; however the following shall not be construed as limiting in any respect as the dimensions can vary to provide a final product of any size desired. In some embodiments, it is desired that the card assembly 100 be dimensioned so that in the flat planar configuration shown in FIG. 1D, the assembled card assembly 100 has the dimensions of a standard 32 business card. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the width 105 of the card assembly 100 is approximately 8 thereby providing five substantially equally sized contiguous sections 111, 112, 113, 114, and 115 having a width of approximately 1 each. The height 110 of the card assembly 100, in some embodiments, is 2. Accordingly, with the card assembly 100 assembly by joining and substantially completely overlapping sections 115 and 111, the nominal width 140 (FIG. 1D) is 3 and the nominal height 110 is 2, thereby having the dimensions of an industry standard business card when in the flat, planar position. As is appreciated, the three-dimensional card assembly 100 can contain all traditional information found in any standard business card and can be positioned in ways that when the card is flattened FIG. 1D, the length 140 and height 110 correspond exactly to a traditional business card size of 3 length 140, and 2 height 110. In this embodiment, indicia 102, 103, 104 and 106 will be displayed as front and back of the card assembly 100 in the planar position. In the box-like position shown in FIG. 1C, indicia 102, 103, 104, and 106 is visible on the outside and indicia 130 and 135 is visible on the inside. It is appreciated that the orientation of the sections of the assembled card assembly 100 can be varied by manually manipulating the card assembly 100 along the various fold lines as shown in FIG. 4. This allows the location and orientation printed indicia to be varied to allow for the card assembly 100 to be dynamic with respect to displaying the various indicia disposed thereon.

(17) FIG. 2A is a top elevation view of the outside of another embodiment of the informational card assembly 200 of the present invention, similar. As shown, card assembly 200 generally comprises a rectangular planar sheet having a width 205 and a height 210. The card assembly 200 includes a plurality of score lines 201 that delimit a plurality of contiguous card sections 211, 212, 213, 214, and 215. It is appreciated that, in some embodiments, four score lines 201 will delimit five contiguous card sections 211, 212, 213, 214, and 215. In some embodiments, the score lines 201 are located at equidistant increments along the width 205 of the card assembly 200 such that each of the contiguous sections 211, 212, 213, 214, and 215 are substantially equal. In other embodiments, the score lines 201 may not be equidistant in order for certain of the card sections to be somewhat wider than others. Each card section may include a variety of written or printed indicia 202, 203, 204, and 206 which are intended to be exemplary rather than limiting. FIG. 2B is a top elevation view of the inside of one embodiment of the card assembly 200 of the present invention. Shown again are contiguous card sections 211, 212, 213, 214, and 215. Here, one or more of the card sections may include printed or written indicia 230 and 235. As with the card assembly 100 shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, the card assembly 200 is also configured to be assembled into a four sided box-like configuration and operable between the box-like configuration and a flat, planar card configuration. Here, however, the means by which to attach card section 215 to card section 211 is mechanical rather than adhesive. In some embodiments, the card section 215 includes one or more straps 207 disposed lengthwise across the section 215 from top to bottom. The straps 207 can be disposed on either or both sides of the card section 215 allowing the card assembly to be folded in either direction and to be reversible. As shown in FIG. 2C, to assemble the card assembly 200, card section 211 at one end of the assembly 200 is inserted into the strap 207 such that the section 211 rests adjacent to and is retained by section 215. This forms a resilient but resealable closure means by which to assemble the card assembly 200, without the need for an adhesive or glue. It is appreciated that the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2C can have the same operable functionality and dimensions as described above with respect to card assembly 100.

(18) FIG. 2D depicts a top elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the card assembly 200 of the present invention with an alternative configuration and closure means. Here, card assembly 200 comprises three score lines 201 delimiting four contiguous card sections 211, 212, 213, and 214. Here, in some embodiments, the first end section 211 is attached to second end section 214 by way of a prong and slot system 216. In other embodiments, the first end section 211 can be joined to the second end card section 214 directly at the end seams, without overlapping the sections, to form the box-like final card assembly structure shown in FIG. 1C. Such a configuration may be accomplished by applying an adhesive or glue to outer edges of the first and second end sections 211 and 214, obviating the need for the additional fifth section 215 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B.

(19) It is appreciated that the informational card assembly 100 or 200 of the present invention is configured to receive printed indicia such as text, images, graphics and the like. In order to provide a simple and effective means of printing indicia on the assemblies 100 or 200, the present invention provides a printable sheet assembly 300 that comprises a plurality of card assemblies that are removable and releasable from the sheet assembly for later assembly and use. The printable sheet assembly 300 functions as a template to print, remove, and assemble a plurality of individual card assemblies 100 (or 200). Accordingly, with reference to FIG. 3A, shown is one side of the printable sheet assembly 300 having a plurality of horizontal perforated lines 305 and vertical perforated lines 320 that delimit four card assemblies 340, 345, 350, and 355. The perforated lines 305 and 320 allow for easy removal of each card assembly. In some embodiments, adjacent card assemblies are spaced apart by a gap 325, which gap 325 is delimited by adjacent vertical perforated lines 320. The width of gap 325 can vary as need be depending on the size of the sheet assembly 300 and the number of card assemblies delimited thereon. In other embodiments, the adjacent perforated lines 320 are shared between adjacent card assemblies and therefore there is no gap 325.

(20) An example of a card assembly 360 removed from sheet assembly 300 by way of perforated lines 305 and 320 is shown in FIG. 3B. Referring back to FIG. 3A, sheet assembly 300 will contain a certain number of card assemblies depending on the width W and height H of the sheet assembly 300. Each of the card assemblies 340, 345, 350, and 355 include a plurality of score lines 310 disposed across the card assemblies that function as folding lines to assemble the informational card assemblies as described above. Additionally, in some embodiments, the end section 330 may be pre-applied with an adhesive such as a glue or a peel-and-stick adhesive to allow the user to easily assemble the card assembly after printing and processing the sheet assembly 300. In other embodiments, the user provides their own adhesive or a discrete adhesive is pre-packaged with the sheet assemblies 300 for application by the user after printing.

(21) FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of sheet assembly 300 viewed from the end. Shown are the adjacent card assemblies 340, 345, 350, and 355 separated by gap 325. Gap 325 is disposed between adjacent vertical perforated lines 320. In the case where the gap 325 is eliminated, adjacent card assemblies will share a single vertical perforated line 320.

(22) In some embodiments, by way of example, assembly sheet 300 is configured as a standard printer-friendly 811 assembly that can accommodate up to four card assemblies to create four three-dimensional informational cards as the final product. The sheet assembly 300 is adapted to feed into a desktop printer and receive printed indicia according to, in some embodiments, a computerized digital template usable on a word processing, graphic design, publisher, or like similar software program. Additionally, a website may be provided to allow a user to customize the printable indicia on the card assemblies and print the assemblies themselves by way of sheet assembly 300 or place an order through a third-party vendor who carries out professional printing and assembly of the card assemblies. In the case of an 811 sheet assembly 300, in some embodiments, the sheet assembly 300 includes four card assemblies wherein the score lines 310 are spaced approximately 1 apart along each card assembly 340, 345, 350, 355. The width of each card assembly is, for example, 2 in order to result in a final assembly card assembly having standard business card dimensions of 32 when in the flat, planar position. It is appreciated that the paper size of sheet assembly 300 can be varied with respect to various standardized paper sizes such as legal sized (8.514), A4 sized, and the like whereby these various sizes provide additional printable space to accommodate more card assemblies. Additional custom sized sheet assemblies 300 could be provided based on the desired number of card assemblies per sheet and further based on the capabilities of a given printer.

(23) The present invention also contemplates various methods relating to the printing, assembly, and use of the card assembly of the present invention. In one embodiment, a method of producing and assembling a three dimensional informational card by way of a computing device (personal computer, laptop, mobile device, tablet computer, and the like) comprises loading, either locally on the computing device or remotely by way of a website interface, a template relating to the sheet assembly with a plurality of images, text, and pictures, providing a sheet assembly into a printer whereby the sheet assembly includes one or more designated card assemblies corresponding to the template, printing on the card assemblies the plurality of images, text, and pictures corresponding to the template, removing each card assembly from the sheet assembly, bending or folding each section of the card assembly in the same direction, and attaching a card section on a first end of the card assembly to a card section on a second end of the card assembly to form the three-dimensional informational card. The resultant informational card is then operable between a first three-dimensional box-like configuration and a flat, planar configuration by pressing along the corners of the card assembly as shown in FIG. 4.

(24) The present invention provides a unique and interesting alternative to traditional business cards and other types of displays and informational products. As noted above, a common business card contains text and perhaps a business logo on just one side of the card. The present invention, on the other hand provides at least four outer surfaces and four inner surfaces, delimited by the card sections, on which indicia such as graphics, text, pictures, and drawings can be provided. Thus, the present invention provides eight times the usable spaces as compared to a traditional business card. Moreover, the ability of the card assembly to be manipulated from a flat, planar position to a box-like position and back again provides an unlimited number of creative ways to utilize the invention. For example, a user can place general contact information on the outer sides of the card assembly so that when in the flat position the assembly appears as a standard business card. However, when opened up into the box-like position, a user can view interesting information, graphics, drawings, or pictures printed on the inside of the assembly. This allows a business-owner to provide additional information about his/her business not otherwise available on traditional business cards, ultimately helping to attract customers in a unique and interesting manner. Additionally, because of the box-like configuration, the card assembly can stand in an upright position on a flat surface therefore providing a unique and eye-catching way of displaying a variety of indicia including contact information, pictures, and the like. Thus, the present invention provides a substantial advantage over traditional business cards and other information-bearing devices known in the art.

(25) It is appreciated that the present invention contemplates a card assembly that results in a final product having dimensions similar to a typical business card known in the art. However, the present invention is not limited in any way to these dimensions as the size of the card assembly can be varied as desired without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the card assembly can be provided in a variety of shapes and sizes for use as business cards, informational cards, brochures, table top displays, hanging displays, convention displays. Further, the individual card sections can be rectangular or polygonal as desired, provided the functionality and operability of the invention is not affected. Additional shapes are completed provided the sections are continuous and additional features such as cut-outs, impressions, embossing, and stamping can be included in the card sections without affecting the final assembled product. Thus, the capabilities and possible uses for the overall design of the present invention are quite broad. Further still, the card assembly and related sheet assembly can comprise a variety of materials and combinations of materials such as paper, card stock, plastic, resin, wood, and combinations thereof provided such material is sufficient strong and durable yet pliable and resilient enough to allow for folding for assembly and manipulation between the at least two operable positions, box-like and flat, planar. Additionally, in some embodiments, the card assembly can include or be comprised at least in part of LCDs (liquid crystal display), LEDs (light emitting diode), LED displays, OLED (organic light emitting diode), EPD (electronic paper display), LCD display, flexible electronic displays, and other electronic display and lighting devices known in the art.

(26) The instant invention has been shown and described herein in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.