Pop-up items having pressure-sensitive adhesive

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. By operatively placing the pop-up element between a pair of facing panels of a folded basepiece, the adhesive-carrying subpanels become affixed to opposite, facing surfaces of the folded basepiece, and upon pivoting of the basepiece panels to the open position, the pop-up element assumes an attention-attracting, 3-dimensional configuration.

Description

This invention relates generally to novelty items made of paper or other sheet material having pressure-sensitive adhesive for affixing such item in operative position and more particularly to items of this type which can be fabricated without the use of sophisticated manufacturing equipment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pop-ups have fairly recently become frequently used in advertising and in other promotional endeavors and as novelty items to either attract attention or simply for purposes of decoration. Whereas many of these pop-up items were developed for use in mass direct-mail solicitations and the like, they have recently become of commercial interest in a form where strategically located areas of pressure-sensitive adhesive permit the simple placement of the pop-up by the recipient in an attention-attracting location. Examples of such pressure-sensitive adhesive-bearing pop-ups are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,078,670 issued Jan. 7, 1992, U.S. Pat. No. 5,181,901, issued Jan. 26, 1993, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,346,455 issued Sep. 13, 1994. A variation of such pop-up items is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,592,573, see FIGS. 6-17.

These patents variously show pop-up items which are fabricated by the application of adhesive, both pressure-sensitive adhesive and bonding or permanent adhesive, to selective locations on a web in order to facilitate the mass production of such pop-up items. Generally, the fabricating methods shown utilize the application of release coatings or release liner materials to selectively interface with and/or protect the pressure-sensitive adhesive regions in the fabricated product. Accordingly, many of these embodiments require relatively sophisticated fabrication equipment to permit their efficient manufacture. Accordingly, improved pop-up designs have continued to be sought to simplify such manufacture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Improved pop-up constructions are herein provided for the fabrication of pop-up elements having exterior surfaces which carry pressure-sensitive adhesive. It has been found that pop-up items can be designed so that production can be carried out by simply kiss-cutting composite sheet material which comprises a front sheet held by an overall pressure-sensitive adhesive pattern to a rear liner sheet, enabling them to be efficiently mass-produced at high speed. The overall pressure-sensitive adhesive pattern can completely cover the rear surface of the front sheet, as is commonly done in sheets of pressure-sensitive labels designed for use as a roll or as individual sheets for preparing address labels or the like using the electronic data processing (EDP); for example, 81/2.times.11 sheets of multiple rectangular labels that are provided for printing sheets of mailing address labels, using laser printers attached to computers, can be kiss-cut to create pop-up items.

More specifically, the composite sheet is die-cut by kiss-cutting to create a planar pop-up structure in the front sheet that is divided into two halves which are generally symmetrical about a central fold-line and which, upon folding, provide a flag unit and at least two interconnected subpanels which have pressure-sensitive adhesive on exposed surfaces thereof and which are strategically located so as to support the flag unit in its desired operative, attention-attracting, 3-dimensional orientation. Alternatively, such adhesive pattern need not be complete; instead it could be provided in any regular pattern such that, by registration of the location of the pop-up structure on the front sheet, the pressure-sensitive regions will be strategically located to provide the desired exposed pressure-sensitive regions at key locations, i.e. on supporting subpanels, and to also appropriately join certain flag sections to one another in the finished product to create the flag unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a composite sheet having a plurality of pop-up structures embodying various features of the invention die-cut in the front sheet thereof and having an overall pattern of pressure-sensitive adhesive completely covering the rear surface of the front sheet.

FIG. 1A is a fragmentary sectional view, enlarged in size, taken generally along lines 1A--1A of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing one of the pop-up structures from FIG. 1 being folded about a central fold-line.

FIG. 3 is a view, reduced in size, showing the pop-up element following folding where a pair of triangular subpanels can be seen which have pressure-sensitive adhesive on the exposed surfaces thereof.

FIG. 4 is a view of the pop-up element shown in FIG. 3 folded again in one-half about a central line so as to ready it for placement upon a basepiece or the like.

FIG. 5 is a view of the FIG. 4 pop-up element in place along the center fold-line and the upper edge of a two-panel basepiece that is then folded over to superimpose the two panels.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of FIG. 5 following subsequent unfolding of the basepiece wherein the pop-up element assumes an attention-attracting 3-dimensional orientation.

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 1 of a composite sheet in which there has been die-cut a plurality of pop-up structures of an alternative design which also embody various features of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing a pop-up structure from FIG. 7 after it has been removed from the rear liner sheet and as it is being folded upon itself about a central vertical fold-line.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the pop-up element of FIG. 8 after folding is completed.

FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 6 showing the pop-up element of FIG. 9 after it has been placed between a pair of folded basepieces, with the folded basepieces being opened so as to cause the pop-up element to assume its 3-dimensional configuration.

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 1 wherein a plurality of similar pop-up structures are constructed so that they are generally symmetrical about a horizontal fold-line, as opposed to a vertical fold-line.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of one of the pop-up structures from FIG. 11 shown as it is being folded to produce an operative pop-up element which functions exactly the same as that shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 7 showing an alternative construction of pop-up structures similar to those shown in FIG. 7 which are designed so as to be generally symmetrical about a horizontal fold-line as opposed to a vertical fold-line.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of one of the pop-up structures from FIG. 13 shown as it is being folded about the horizontal fold-line into its operative configuration which is substantially the same as that shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 7 showing a pop-up item which is die-cut to form a plurality of pop-up structures of yet another alternative construction embodying various features of the invention, which resemble the structures of FIG. 13 but which are designed to present a business card or the like in attention-attracting orientation.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing one of the pop-up structures of FIG. 15, removed from the rear liner sheet as it is being folded into its operative configuration.

FIG. 17 is a front view of the pop-up unit of FIG. 16 following the completion of folding.

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary view showing the pop-up unit of FIG. 17 with a business card attached thereto placed adjacent the fold-line on a basepiece having at least two panels.

FIG. 19 shows the basepiece, following initially folding about the pop-up unit and the business card of FIG. 18 to sandwich them therebetween, after it has thereafter been opened by the ultimate recipient.

FIG. 20 is a top perspective view of still another pop-up item of composite sheet material comprising a front sheet having pop-up structures die-cut therein, adhered to a rear liner sheet via an overall pressure-sensitive adhesive pattern.

FIG. 21 is a view of a pop-up structure of FIG. 20 removed from the liner sheet, shown as it is being folded about a first vertical fold-line.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing the once-folded pop-up structure of FIG. 21 as it is being folded a second time about a horizontal fold-line.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the pop-up element following the folding step of FIG. 22, exaggerated to show the relationship before the superimposed surfaces are finally pressed together.

FIG. 24 is a front view showing the folded pop-up element of FIG. 23 placed in operative position adjacent a fold-line on a basepiece having a pair of interconnected panels.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing the open panels of the basepiece of FIG. 24 after they were initially folded to sandwich the pop-up element therebetween, which illustrates how the pop-up element assumes an attractive 3-dimensional configuration as a result of the subsequent pivoting apart of the panels of the once-folded basepiece.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 20 showing an alternative embodiment of yet another pop-up item of composite sheet material generally similar to that shown in FIG. 20, which contains a plurality of pop-up structures.

FIG. 27 is a view of the pop-up structure of FIG. 26 removed from the liner sheet and shown as it is being folded about a first vertical fold line.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing the once-folded pop-up structure of FIG. 27 as it is being folded a second time about a horizontal fold-line.

FIG. 29 is a front view showing the folded pop-up element of FIG. 28 placed in operative position adjacent a fold-line on a basepiece having a pair of interconnected panels.

FIG 30 is a perspective view showing the open panels of the basepiece of FIG. 29 after they were initially folded to sandwich the pop-up element therebetween, which illustrates how the pop-up element assumes an attractive 3-dimensional configuration as a result of the subsequent pivoting apart of the panels of the once-folded basepiece.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 20 showing still another alternative embodiment of a pop-up item of composite sheet material which contains a plurality of pop-up structures.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a pop-up structure of FIG. 31 removed from the liner sheet and shown as it is being folded about a horizontal fold-line.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view showing the pop-up element, created by the folding step of FIG. 32, in operative position between a pair of folded basepieces that are being opened.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view showing still another alternative embodiment of a pop-up item made of composite sheet material bearing some similarity to that of FIG. 31 but made with two different types of adhesive, with a dry residue adhesive located in the region of the flag sections and with a pressure-sensitive adhesive located in the lower regions.

FIG. 35 is a perspective view, similar to FIG. 32, showing the pop-up structure of FIG. 34 with the lowest subpanel being folded rearward about a horizontal fold-line.

FIG. 36 is a fragmentary front view showing the pop-up element, formed in FIG. 35, located in place on a basepiece having a horizontal fold-line.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of FIG. 36 following subsequent folding of the basepiece and then unfolding so that the pop-up element assumes an attention-attracting 3-dimensional orientation.

FIG. 38 is a fragmentary perspective view generally similar to FIG. 35 showing a modification of the structure illustrated in FIG. 35.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Illustrated in FIG. 1 is a pop-up item 11 which has been fabricated to provide a plurality of planar pop-up structures 13. In this instance, for purposes of illustration, two pop-up structures 13 are shown; however, it should be understood that a dozen or more pop-up structures could be provided in a larger composite sheet. The pop-up item 11, as best seen in FIG. 1A, includes a front or top sheet 15 which is generally coextensive with a rear liner sheet 17. These 2 sheets are held together in face-to-face contact by a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive 19 that is applied to one of the sheets as an overall pattern. For purposes of simplicity, the overall pattern can be one of complete coverage of the rear surface of the sheet 15; however, as explained hereinafter, the pattern could be any substantially regular pattern covering predetermined regions of the sheet so that the outlines of the pop-up structures 13 can be appropriately registered with such a less than complete adhesive pattern to obtain the desired result.

The sheet material is preferably a suitable paper or paperboard material, glossy or matte finish as desired, but could alternatively be an appropriate, thin, flexible fabricated material, e.g. thermoplastic. A pressure-sensitive adhesive 19 is chosen that will retain a high tack so it can be affixed to either porous or nonporous surfaces and so that it will also adhere when folded upon itself. Such adhesives are readily available from adhesive formulators throughout the United States and are well known to those having ordinary skill in this art. Such adhesive materials can be applied using conventional coating material, either as a complete coverage pattern or as an overall pattern that is interrupted in a desired but regular manner which will then allow registration between the location of the pop-up structures in the first sheet and the adhesive pattern in order to have pressure-sensitive adhesive covering certain functional surfaces of the ultimate pop-up element.

The composite sheet is appropriately die-cut to create the plurality of pop-up structures 13 preferably using a kiss-cutting arrangement such as is well known in this art. More specifically, kiss-cutting effects a severing which extends completely through the front sheet or the web 15 but which does not extend into the rear sheet 17.

The rear sheet 17 can be any suitable sheet material having a release surface to which the pressure-sensitive adhesive does not strongly adhere so that it can be easily separated therefrom. It can be fibrous or paper material coated with a release coating, usually a silicone, or it can be a thin plastic material. Generally, any of the materials such as are well known from the pressure-sensitive label art can be employed.

Depicted in FIG. 1A is a kiss-cut slit 21 which extends completely through the top sheet 15 and forms a part of the outline of the pop-up structure 13. The kiss-cutting operation can also provide lines of weakness 23 in the front sheet at predetermined locations, and one such line of weakness 23a is shown in FIG. 1A.

The pop-up structure 13 is designed to create a pop-up element 25, as shown in FIG. 3, which consists of a flag unit 27 and a pair of interconnected supporting subpanels 29 which are of triangular shape. To create this desired ultimate structure, the pop-up structure 13 is designed with a pair of generally symmetrical halves that are interconnected with each other along a vertical fold-line 23b. Generally, each half of the pop-up structure has a flag section 27 of substantially the same size and shape, the lowermost edges of which form an angle of about 70.degree. to 120.degree.. Only the right-hand half of the pop-up structure includes the supporting subpanels 29 which are attached to the flag section via lines of weakness. Centrally located in each of the flag sections 27 are vertically extending lines of weakness 23a.

When the pop-up structure 13 is removed from the composite sheet and then folded rearwardly about the central vertical line of weakness 23b to bring the adhesive-covered rear surfaces of the flag sections 31 into juxtaposition with each other to create the flag unit 27, the alignment is such that all of the adhesive in this region is sandwiched between the two flag sections 31, leaving as the only pressure-sensitive adhesive 19 exposed that which covers the supporting subpanels 29, as best seen in FIG. 3, and thereby creating the pop-up unit 25. To ready the pop-up unit 25 for use, it is again folded in half about the now central fold-lines 23a to create the configuration shown in FIG. 4, which is ready to be applied to an appropriate location on the panel 33a of a two-panel basepiece having a central fold-line 35 (FIG. 5). When the opposite panel 33b of the basepiece is folded along the line of weakness 35 to sandwich the pop-up element 25 therebetween, an upper triangular region of the panel 33b becomes affixed via the pressure-sensitive adhesive to the upward-facing subpanel 29, thus securing the pop-up element 25 in its functional position sandwiched between the panels of the folded basepiece 33. When the panels 33a and 33b are opened as depicted in FIG. 6, the flag unit 27 assumes a 3-dimensional, attention-attracting orientation between the two subpanels where it will display a printed message that can be appropriately applied to the surface of the left-hand portion of the flag section 31 as arranged in FIG. 1. Illustrated in FIG. 7 is an alternative embodiment of a pop-up item 37 which is also formed from a composite sheet so as to have a pair of pop-up structures 39 die-cut in the upper or front surface thereof. Each pop-up structure 39 includes a pair of generally symmetrical halves arranged about a vertical line of weakness 41a. Each half includes a flag section 43a, 43b and a depending subpanel 45a, 45b. The subpanels 45a,b are defined at their upper edges by lines of weakness 4lb. The flag sections include vertical slits 47a,b which respectively divide the lower portion of each flag section into a pair of depending legs, one leg of each pair having a subpanel 45 at its lower end.

When the pop-up structure 39 is removed from the pop-up item 37, the pressure-sensitive adhesive adheres to its rear surface inasmuch as the underlying liner sheet is coated with a release coating or the like. The pop-up structure 39 is then folded, as illustrated in FIG. 8, about the central vertical line of weakness 41a so that the two halves are superimposed one atop the other with the flag sections 43a,b in alignment with each other and with the vertical slits 47a,b also being aligned. As a result, a pop-up unit 49 is formed, as depicted in FIG. 9, wherein the lower leg subpanels have pressure-sensitive adhesive 51 on oppositely facing exposed surfaces. Although it is preferable to completely coat the rear surface of the front sheet, alternative regular patterns of coating with pressure-sensitive adhesive can be employed. For example, spaced-apart horizontal bands of a width B can be provided either on the rear surface of the front sheet, or on the front surface of the liner sheet, as illustrated in FIG. 7, rather than coating the complete surface. The kiss-cutting to create the pop-up structures 39 is suitably registered with this pattern, which can be accomplished easily by suitably marking the edge of the roll or web of composite material so that the subpanels 45 will be located in regions of pressure-sensitive adhesive and so that there will also be some pressure-sensitive adhesive in the regions of the flag sections so as to effect the permanent joinder thereof.

The pop-up unit 49 shown in FIG. 9 is ready for insertion onto a panel of a 2-panel basepiece, for example one having panels 53a and 53b which are hinged together along a central fold-line 55. With respect to the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the pop-up unit is inserted so that it lies atop the panel 53a so that the pressure-sensitive adhesive on the exposed surface of the smaller subpanel 45a creates joinder thereto. Thereafter, folding of the basepiece panels so that the panels 53a and 53b sandwich the pop-up element 49 therebetween effects joinder of the subpanel 45b to the surface of the panel 53b via the pressure-sensitive adhesive 51. When the folded basepieces are then opened, the pop-up element 49 assumes an attention-attracting 3-dimensional shape as the two depending legs are pulled in opposite directions as a result of their respective attachments to the basepiece panels 53a, 53bvia the subpanels, causing the flag unit to rise up out of the plane of the basepieces and with the flag section 43a prominently displayed. One of the advantages of such construction is that both surfaces of such a flag unit can be printed or imaged in the laminated sheet form by imaging only one side of a sheet or web. Moreover, instead of locating both of the subpanels 45a, 45b attached to separate flag panels, both could alternatively be hinged to a single flag panel, in which case one subpanel would be folded to lie against the flag panel before installing. Depicted in FIG. 11 is an alternative embodiment of the pop-up item 11 illustrated in FIG. 1. A pop-up item 57 is shown wherein a pair of pop-up structures 59 have been die-cut wherein the generally symmetrical halves are arranged about a horizontal line of weakness 61. When one of the pop-up structures 59 is removed from the composite sheet and folded about the horizontal line of weakness 61 as depicted in FIG. 12, a pop-up element is obtained which is substantially the same as the pop-up element 25 illustrated in FIG. 3, and which functions in exactly the same way.

Illustrated in FIG. 13 is a pop-up item 63 having die-cut in the top or front sheet of the composite sheet a pair of pop-up structures 65 which are the equivalent of the pop-up structures 39 depicted in FIG. 7 but which are arranged so as to be generally symmetrical about a horizontal line of weakness 67. As shown in FIG. 14, when the left-hand pop-up structure 65 is removed from the pop-up item 63 and folded about the line of weakness 67, a pop-up element is obtained which is substantially the same as the pop-up element 49 illustrated in FIG. 9 and which functions in exactly the same manner.

Illustrated in FIG. 15 is a pop-up item 69 having die-cut (kiss-cut) therein a pair of pop-up structures 71 which are generally an alternative embodiment of the pop-up structures 65 depicted in FIGS. 13 and 14. Similar to the structure 65 shown in FIG. 13, the pop-up structures 71 have formed therein pairs of flag sections 75a, 75b arranged about a horizontal line of weakness 73; however, in this instance, it is interrupted centrally by a V-shaped die-cut 77 that creates a projection 79 that extends into the lower flag section 75b. Vertical slits 81 are provided in the portions of the flag sections 75 spaced from the line of weakness 73 to create pairs of legs, with alternate legs having subpanels 83 formed at the ends thereof.

When one of the pop-up structures 71 is removed from the composite sheet and folded, as shown in FIG. 16, about the line of weakness 73, the rear surfaces of the flag sections 75a, 75b become attached to each other, forming a pop-up element 85 in which the flag unit has an exposed diamond-shaped surface 87 which carries pressure-sensitive adhesive, best seen in FIG. 17. As in the pop-up elements formed from the pop-up items 37 and 63 illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 13, the subpanels 83 have oppositely facing surfaces which carry exposed pressure-sensitive adhesive 89. As mentioned hereinbefore, both subpanels 83 could be hinged to the same flag panel, if desired, with one being folded back to appropriately align the exposed pressure-sensitive adhesive surface prior to installation.

The exposed diamond-shaped adhesive surface 87 allows the quick and easy attachment of a business card 91 or the like to the upper regions of the flag unit as shown in FIG. 18, and if desired, the lower portion of the flag section 75b, including the right-hand leg as seen in FIG. 18, can be imprinted with a message while it is still in the form of the pop-up item 69. The pop-up element 85 with the business card 91 attached is placed onto a panel 93a of a two-panel basepiece at a location near what will become a fold-line 95, and the panels 93a and 93b are then folded to sandwich the assembly therebetween as described previously. Opening of the basepiece panels 93a and 93b causes the pop-up element 85 to assume its 3-dimensional, attention-attracting orientation, presenting the business card 91 prominently to the recipient, as shown in FIG. 19.

It should also be understood that if desired, rather than simply inserting the pop-up element between a pair of facing panels of a folded basepiece, with its lower edge adjacent the fold-line, the subpanels 83 could be folded first along the lines of weakness onto the adjacent legs of the flag sections with the adhesive covered surface of course facing outward. The pop-up element 85 is then similarly inserted between the facing panels but is located a distance from the fold-line 95 approximately equal to the height of the subpanels 83. When the folded basepiece is then opened, the pop-up element assumes substantially the same configuration; however, instead of being hidden, the surfaces of the subpanels 83 are displayed and could therefore contain additional printed material complementary with that carried by the leg portions of flag sections.

Illustrated in FIG. 20 is a pop-up item 99 in the form of an elongated strip having pop-up structures 101 formed in the front sheet of composite sheet material; however, it should be understood that this arrangement could be produced with multiple pop-up structures abreast in a single 81/2.times.11 sheet or in a continuous web of sheet material, as described hereinbefore, if desired. As with the previously described embodiments, the pop-up structure 101 is kiss-cut in the front sheet of the composite sheet material, and its design is such that there is general symmetry about a horizontal line of weakness 103; however, the structure is also divided into halves by a vertical line of weakness 105. Thus, the lines of weakness 103, 105 create two front quadrants 107a and 107b, and two rear quadrants 107c and 107d. In addition, lines of weakness 109a and 109b extend across the pop-up structure 101 parallel to horizontal line of weakness 103 and preferably spaced equally therefrom. As a result, these lines of weakness 109 divide the quadrants 107 into flag panels 111 and subpanels 113. In addition, a pair of rectangular apertures 115a and 115b are die-cut in the region of the subpanels of the front quadrants, extending from line of weakness 109a to line of weakness 109b, and a cutout 117 is provided along an edge of one rear flag panel, in a region spaced from the horizontal line of weakness 103.

Removal of the pop-up structure 101 from the rear sheet of the composite sheet material provides the single thickness sheet shown in FIG. 21 which is first folded in half along the vertical line of weakness 105. A pressure adhesive pattern covers the entire rear surface of the pop-up structure 101. When the folding is complete so that the rear surfaces of the 4 quadrants are in contact with one another, the adhesive affixes flag panel 111a to flag panel 111c and flag panel 111b to flag panel 111d, and at the same time, the subpanels 113a and 113b are respectively joined to subpanels 113c and 113d to create the once-folded structure depicted in FIG. 22 wherein pressure-sensitive adhesive 119 is exposed in the subpanel regions as a result of the presence of the rectangular apertures 115a,b. There is also a region of exposed pressure-sensitive adhesive on the rear surface of the lower edge of flag panel 111b, as seen in FIG. 22, because of the provision of the cutout 117.

Then folding about the horizontal axis 103, as depicted in FIG. 22, is carried out, and a pop-up element 121 is created which is ready for utilization. The upper edges of the twice-folded structure become joined together by the pressure-sensitive adhesive 119 which is exposed along the edge of the rear surface of flag panel 111b, thus joining the pair of composite flag panels along the free edge as seen in FIG. 23. The pop-up element 121 is then affixed to one panel 123a of a basepiece having a fold-line therein, and the facing panel 123b is superimposed on the panel 123a to sandwich the pop-up element therebetween, as illustrated in FIG. 24. Thereafter, when the basepiece panels 123a and 123b are opened, the pop-up element 121 assumes an attention-attracting 3-dimensional orientation because the exposed pressure-sensitive adhesive on the subpanels 113d and 113c, respectively, affix these subpanels to the basepiece panels 123a and 123b.

Illustrated in FIG. 26 is a pop-up item 129 in the form of an elongated strip similar to that shown in FIG. 20 having a plurality of pop-up structures 131 formed in the front sheet of composite sheet material. As indicated hereinbefore, the same arrangement could be produced with multiple pop-up structures abreast in a single 81/2.times.11 sheet or in a continuous web of material. As with the previously described embodiments, the pop-up structure 131 is kiss-cut in the front sheet of the composite sheet material. Its design is such that there is general symmetry about a horizontal line of weakness 133; however, the structure is also divided into two generally similar halves by a vertical line of weakness 135. The lines of weakness 133, 135 are perpendicular to each other and create 4 quadrants 137a,b,c and d. In addition, lines of weakness 139a and 139b extend across the first and second quadrants 137a, 137b parallel to the horizontal line of weakness 133 and preferably are spaced equally therefrom. These lines of weakness 139 divide the quadrants 137a and 137b into respective flag panels 141 and subpanels 143. The proportioning of the pop-up structure is such that the surface area of the quadrants 137c and 137d is less than that of the other two quadrants as a result of cutouts 147 being provided in what would otherwise be a generally rectangular outline of the structure, which cutouts are located in the regions that are generally aligned with the subpanels 143.

Removal of the pop-up structure 131 from the rear sheet of the composite sheet material provides the single thickness sheet shown in FIG. 27 which is first folded in half along the vertical line of weakness 135. A pattern of pressure-sensitive adhesive 149 may cover the entire rear surface of the pop-up structure 131 or a striated or other pattern may be provided which is aligned so that the undersurfaces of the subpanels 143 carry a significant amount of pressure-sensitive adhesive. When the folding is complete so that the rear surfaces of the 4 quadrants are in contact with one another, the pressure-sensitive adhesive affixes flag panel 141a to flag panel 141c and flag panel 141b to flag panel 141d. Because of the location of the cutouts 147, the undersurfaces of the subpanels 143 which carry the pressure-sensitive adhesive are exposed.

Folding about the horizontal axis 133, as depicted in FIG. 28, is then carried out which creates a pop-up element 151 which is ready for utilization. The pop-up element 151 is then appropriately affixed to one panel 153a of a basepiece having a fold-line therein, and the facing panel 153b is superimposed thereupon to sandwich the pop-up element therebetween as illustrated generally in FIG. 29. Thereafter, when the basepiece panels 153a and 153b are opened, the pop-up element 151 assumes an attention-attracting 3-dimensional orientation with the adhesive-bearing subpanels 143 affixed appropriately to the opposite basepiece panels 153a and 153b, as shown in FIG. 30.

Illustrated in FIG. 31 is a pop-up item in the form of an elongated strip having a plurality of pop-up structures 157 formed in the front sheet of composite sheet material; however, it should be understood that this arrangement could be produced with multiple pop-ups abreast in a single 81/2.times.11 sheet or in a continuous web of sheet material, as described hereinbefore. As explained with regard to the previously described embodiments, the pop-up structure 157 is kiss-cut in the front sheet of the composite material. Its design is such that there is general symmetry about a central horizontal line of weakness 159 from the standpoint that, disposed both above and below the line of weakness, there are flag panel sections 161a and b which are joined by lines of weakness 163a and 163b to subpanel sections which are in turn joined to each other along the central line of weakness 159. The lower half includes only a single subpanel 165 which extends laterally to a pair of slits 167, which are parallel and vertical and extend into both flag sections 161a and 16lb, crossing all three lines of weakness. The subpanel which is a part of the upper half is divided by the slits 167 into a central section 169 and a pair of sections 171a and b. The slits also create four legs 173a, b, c and d along the lateral edges of each flag section. Finally, a rectangle 175 is die-cut centrally from the central subpanel 169 to create an aperture in this location in the subpanel, through which pressure-sensitive adhesive from the undersurface of the subpanel 165 will ultimately be exposed.

Removal of the pop-up structure 157 from the rear sheet of the composite sheet material provides the single thickness sheet which is then folded about the horizontal line of weakness 159 as depicted in FIG. 32. Because a pressure-sensitive adhesive pattern covers the entire rear surface of the pop-up structure 157, when the folding is complete, the adhesive affixes the flag panels 161a and 161b to each other, with the legs 173a and c being joined and the legs 173b and d being joined, creating a pop-up element 176. In this folded condition, the pressure-sensitive adhesive on the undersurfaces of the flanking subpanels 171a and 171b is exposed, and the pressure-sensitive adhesive on the undersurface of the central subpanel 165 is exposed in the region of the die-cut rectangular aperture 175.

When the folded pop-up element 176 is then placed between a pair of basepiece panels 177a and 177b connected along a fold-line, and sandwiched therebetween, the subpanels 171a and 171b become secured to the interior surface of the basepiece panel 177a, and the central subpanel becomes secured to the basepiece panel 177b. When the basepieces are then opened, as depicted in FIG. 33, the pop-up element 176 assumes its 3-dimension attention-attracting configuration.

Illustrated in FIG. 34 is still another pop-up item 181 which is also in the form of an elongated strip having a plurality of pop-up structures 183 kiss-cut in the front sheet of the composite sheet material. As with before, the arrangement could be produced as a part of a web with multiple pop-up structures abreast or in a single 81/2.times.11 inch sheet containing an array of such pop-up structures. The pop-up item 181 is formed from composite sheet material which is different from those previously described because two bands of different adhesive are used. The composite material is formed using what is known as a dry-residue adhesive which covers the upper approximately 75% of the sheet, which band is marked with the letter "D" in FIG. 34. The lower approximately one-fourth of the sheet is provided with a pressure-sensitive adhesive pattern as has been discussed hereinbefore, which band is marked with the letter "T".

Kiss-cut in the upper dry-residue adhesive portion of the composite sheet material is a large front section, that includes a flag panel 185, and a much smaller back section located near the bottom. The flag panel has a horizontal line of weakness 187 formed therein, and a vertical slit 189 extends upward from the bottom of the pop-up structure 183 to the line of weakness 187, creating a pair of legs 191a and 191b in the lower portion of the flag panel. The lower portion of the composite sheet in the region "T", where the pressure-sensitive adhesive pattern is provided, is kiss-cut to provide a pair of subpanels. The upper subpanel includes panels 193a and 193b which are arranged on opposite sides of the vertical slit 189 and which are respectively connected to the legs 191a and 191b via a line of weakness 195. The back panel comprises a lower subpanel 197 that resides only on the left-hand side of the slit 189 and is attached via a line of weakness 199 to the subpanel 193a.

When the pop-up structure 183 is removed from the composite sheet material, as depicted in FIG. 35, because of the dry-residue adhesive, there is no tacky adhesive on the rear surface of the flag panel 185 or the legs 191, as there is upon the rear surfaces of the subpanels in the region "T". Folding of the back section, i.e. the lower subpanel 197 about the line of weakness 199 is then effected in order to produce the pop-up element 201 shown in FIG. 36. In this configuration, an adhesive region 203 is exposed facing forward in the region below the larger leg 191a.

The pop-up element 201 is then affixed in a desired location on a basepiece panel 205a adjacent a fold-line 207 as shown in FIG. 36, in which position the pressure-sensitive adhesive on the undersurface of subpanel 193b attaches to the interior surface of the basepiece panel 205a. Folding of the basepiece about the fold-line 207 to sandwich the pop-up element 201 therebetween completes the affixation as attachment occurs between the lower basepiece panel 205b and the rear surface of the subpanel 197 that was originally at the bottom of the structure via the exposed adhesive pattern 203. Opening of the two basepiece panels 205a and 205b causes the pop-up element 201 to assume its attention-attracting 3-dimensional configuration as shown in FIG. 37. As an alternative, the pop-up structure 183 could be enlarged and made generally symmetrical about the fold-line 199; in which case, a pressure-sensitive adhesive pattern would then be provided across the entire undersurface that would join two flag panels of the front and back sections to each other as in FIG. 32. Furthermore, if desired, various of these pop-up elements may be affixed directly upon a supporting surface instead of being inserted between a pair of hinged basepieces.

Illustrated in FIG. 38 is a modification of the pop-up structure 183 shown in FIGS. 34-37 wherein, instead of having a subpanel section 197 hinged to the bottom edge of the subpanel 193a, at least one hinged subsection is provided in side-by-side arrangement with the subpanel at the bottom end of the major leg. Illustrated is a pop-up structure 183' which would again be formed from a composite sheet wherein there would be dry-residue adhesive on the rear surface of the region wherein the flag panel 185 and the legs 191a and 191b would be die-cut. However, at the bottom of the wider or major leg 191a, a subpanel 207 is formed which has three subsections 207a, 207b and 207c, the rear surfaces of which are covered with a pressure-sensitive adhesive pattern, as is the rear surface of the subpanel 193b that is hinged to the bottom of the leg 191b. The central subpanel section 207b is hinged to the bottom of the major leg 191a, and the subsections 207a and 207c are connected only by vertical hinge lines to the central subpanel 207b. To prepare the pop-up structure for installation, one of the subpanel subsections, preferably the subsection 207a, is folded forward so as to be superimposed on the front surface of the subpanel 207b and present a forward-facing pressure-sensitive adhesive panel, and the other subsection 207c is folded 180.degree. rearward so as to cover the pressure-sensitive adhesive on the rear surface of the central subpanel 207b. The pop-up structure 183' can then be placed between the panels of a folding basepiece as in FIG. 36 and will, upon opening, assume the attention-attracting orientation as shown generally in FIG. 37. A further alternative modification employs only a single side-by-side subsection having a width, for example, twice that of the subpanel section 207b that is hinged to the bottom of the main leg. Then, as a result of the singular rearward folding of such a wider section, the pressure-sensitive adhesive on the rear surface of the subpanel 207b would be similarly obscured while the additional width would create an extension that would extend beyond the opposite vertical edge of the subpanel 207b and provide the desired forward-facing pressure-sensitive adhesive region.

Although the invention has been described with regard to certain preferred embodiments, it should be understood that various changes and modifications as would be obvious to one having the ordinary skill in this art may be made without departing from the scope of the invention which is set forth in the claims appended hereto. For example, although fabrication from single sheets is illustrated, it should be understood that these sheets can be of any desired size, and they may be sheets that are designed to facilitate personalized imprinting via EDP. Moreover, a continuous web or roll of composite sheet material can be employed, and one or more die-cut (kiss-cut) pop-up structures can be arranged across the width of such a continuous roll. Likewise, although actual lines of weakness are preferred for fold-lines so as to facilitate the folding and to also facilitate the sharp bending of the ultimate pop-up element in its final form, such lines can be omitted or simply printed upon the surfaces of the pop-up structure if desired, relying upon the inherent flexibility of the fibrous sheet material or the like to permit folding to occur where desired. Instead of using a complete pressure-sensitive adhesive pattern as is commonly employed in the label art today, suitable overall regular patterns, such as spaced-apart parallel strips of pressure-sensitive adhesive, can alternatively be employed so long as registration of the die-cutting is enabled in order to assure that the ultimately exposed surfaces of the subpanels will carry the desired pressure-sensitive adhesive.

Although the term "pop-up" element is used throughout to refer to the illustrated sheet material structures, it is intended to broadly encompass any flat sheet material structures that are easily displayable in 3-dimensional form as a result of the pressure-sensitive adhesive provided on the subpanel surfaces thereupon.

In addition to being able to efficiently provide a message or other image on opposite-facing panels of a flag unit, the invention facilitates providing personalization in both message and in placement of pop-up elements, as compared to other machine-made pop-ups which are generally fabricated on a mass-production basis where the message is imparted to the sheet material before the adhesive necessary to create the 3-dimensional pop-up is added. Thus, this versatility of the pop-up structures provided by the present invention can be of significant advantage in being able to target personalized markets or the like.

Particular features of the invention are emphasized in the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A pop-up item, which comprises

a front sheet having a front surface and a rear surface,

a rear sheet, and

pressure-sensitive adhesive attaching said front and rear sheets to each other,

said rear sheet having a front release surface so that said pressure-sensitive adhesive adheres to the rear surface of said front sheet when said front and rear sheets are separated from each other,

said front sheet having die-cut therein a pop-up structure that is generally divided into two halves interconnected along a fold-line, with said halves having different overall shapes but including at least two flag sections of generally similar size and shape and at least two hinged subpanels,

so that, following separation of said die-cut pop-up structure entirely from said rear sheet to expose all said pressure-sensitive adhesive upon its rear surface, said die-cut pop-up structure can be folded along said fold-line to superimpose one flag section atop the other to join both together and create a pop-up element of planar configuration in the form of said joined flag sections and said hinged subpanels which subpanels are unaligned as a result of said different overall shapes of said two halves, with each subpanel having an exposed surface which carries pressure-sensitive adhesive,

whereby said pop-up element can be affixed to a supporting surface or to a pair of hinged-together panels in a manner that said pop-up element assumes a three-dimensional configuration.

2. A pop-up item according to claim 1 wherein said pressure-sensitive adhesive, which attaches said front and rear sheets, covers substantially the entire rear surface of said front sheet.

3. A pop-up item according to claim 2 wherein at least one of said subpanels is hinged to each of said flag sections in said die-cut structure.

4. A pop-up item according to claim 3 wherein each said subpanel is hinged along a line of weakness to said respective flag section.

5. A pop-up item according to claim 4 wherein each said flag section includes slit means which creates a pair of leg sections therein, with one said subpanel being hinged along said line of weakness to one of said leg sections.

6. A pop-up item according to claim 5 wherein said slit means is oriented perpendicular to said fold-line.

7. A pop-up item according to claim 6 wherein said flag sections are hinged to each other along said fold-line.

8. A pop-up item according to claim 7 wherein said subpanels are located along a boundary of each of said pop-up element halves at locations spaced from said fold-line.

9. A pop-up item according to claim 8 wherein said fold-line is interrupted centrally thereof and said first flag section includes a projection in the region of said interruption which extends into said second flag section and in said folded configuration provides a region of exposed pressure-sensitive adhesive for attaching a business card or other object thereto.

10. A pop-up item according to claim 2 wherein both said subpanels are hinged to said first flag section.

11. A pop-up item according to claim 10 wherein both said flag panels contain second central fold-lines which become aligned following folding said pop-up element along said first fold-line, and wherein said subpanels are hinged to said first flag section along two separate lines which form an angle with each other of between about 120.degree. and about 70.degree..