US20240206579A1

US20240206579A1 - Three-dimensional display

Info

Publication number: US20240206579A1
Application number: US18/391,817
Authority: US
Inventors: Peter Hewitt
Original assignee: Freshcut Paper LLC
Current assignee: Freshcut Paper LLC
Priority date: 2022-12-22
Filing date: 2023-12-21
Publication date: 2024-06-27

Abstract

Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to three-dimensional displays, such as floral bouquets, that are arranged to be popped open. The three-dimensional display may include an outer layer and one or more biasing members arranged to bias the display into an open position and/or maintain the display in an open position by attaching the one or more biasing members to tabs of the outer layer. The three-dimensional display may also include one or more inner layers which are insertable into the outer layer of the display. The one or more inner layers may be arranged to form an X-shape when attached to one another. In some embodiments, the inner and outer layers may include printed images of flowers, stems, and leaves. The tabs of the outer layer and the one or more inner layers may also be adhesively secured.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Application Ser. No. 63/434,701, filed Dec. 22, 2022, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD

Disclosed embodiments are directed to three-dimensional displays and more particularly displays that can be popped open and/or popped up, such as a pop-open flower bouquet.

BACKGROUND

Three-dimensional displays have been employed to provide realistic and sustainable alternatives to traditional modes of commemoration and celebration, such as flower bouquets. Specifically, three-dimensional displays that can be popped open have been employed to provide efficient transport of the displays while also permitting a realistic display appearance.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the invention, a 3D display that is arranged to be popped open may include an outer layer which may be folded inwards at certain sections along the circumference of the outer layer to form a plurality of tabs. In such embodiments, the tabs may receive one or more elastomeric or biasing members, with such members arranged to pop open and/or maintain the 3D display in an open position. In some embodiments, the 3D display may also include one or more inner layers configured to be inserted into the outer layer to create a more fulsome display e.g., to provide added definition to the display.
According to another aspect of the invention, a 3D display arranged to be popped open may include at least one section of an outer layer and/or one or more inner layers that can be adhesively secured. In some embodiments, at least one section of the outer layer may be folded inwards to form a plurality of tabs. In such embodiments, the tabs may be adhesively secured to one another. In some embodiments, the one or more inner layers may be adhesively secured to the outer layer of the display.
It should be appreciated that the foregoing concepts, and the additional concepts discussed below, may be arranged in any suitable combination, as the present disclosure is not limited in this regard.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Non-limiting embodiments that incorporate one or more aspects of the invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every figure, nor is every component of each embodiment of the invention shown where illustration is not necessary to allow those of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention. In the figures:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a three-dimensional display according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an outer layer of a three-dimensional display according to some embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of inner layers of a three-dimensional display according to some embodiments;

FIGS. 4A-F are plan views showing components of a disassembled three-dimensional display according to some embodiments;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a three-dimensional display according to some embodiments;

FIG. 5B is a cross-section view taken along line 5B-5B of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a bottom view of an assembled three-dimensional display according to some embodiments;

FIG. 7 shows a collapsed three-dimensional display according to some embodiments; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 5A further comprising accessories.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be appreciated that aspects of the invention disclosed herein are not limited in application to the details of the construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Further, the concepts disclosed herein may be arranged in any suitable combination, as the present disclosure is not limited in this respect. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
Flower bouquets are commonly sent to individuals for celebrations and to commemorate special events. However, flower bouquets are known to have several disadvantages including that flowers only can last a select amount of time before degrading and that certain individuals may be allergic to flowers. Additionally, commercial flower agriculture and shipping can lead to excessive water and chemical use, and the generation of greenhouse gases. As an alternative to real flower bouquets, other arrangements have been introduced including pop-up displays with flowers. The inventors have recognized that pop-up displays provide certain benefits over traditional flower bouquets including less environmental impact, efficient transportation, and a longer-lasting product. However, the inventors have also recognized that prior pop-up display arrangements may not provide sufficiently realistic features and may have issues with maintaining a desired appearance following shipping and consumer use. The inventors have therefore optimized their pop-up displays to address a need for more sustainable flower bouquet alternatives and to improve upon features of prior pop-up display arrangements.
Some aspects of the invention disclosed herein relate to a three-dimensional (3D) pop-up display that is arranged to pop-open through the use of one or more biasing members that bias the display into the open position and/or maintain the display in an open position. Aspects of the invention disclosed herein also relate to the use of adhesives to secure an outer layer and/or one or more inner layers of the 3D display, resulting in a more realistic display appearance and assisting in biasing and maintaining the display in an open position.
The inventors have appreciated that in some embodiments, the 3D display may take the appearance of a floral bouquet 100, as shown in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1 . In this illustrative embodiment, the bouquet includes an outer layer 110 and one or more inner layers 120. The one or more inner layers may be inserted into the outer layer to provide a realistic 3D floral bouquet. As such, the outer layer and/or one or more inner layers of the bouquet may include printed images of flowers, stems, leaves, or other elements and may be arranged such that these elements of the bouquet have a realistic appearance. For example, the floral bouquet may include flowers that are similar in size to real flowers, and the flowers may take the form of a variety of flower types (e.g. tulips, lilies, etc). In some embodiments, the printed images of flowers may contain flowers that are larger, equal in size, or smaller than real flowers. The printed images of flowers may also include a single type of flower (e.g. tulips, lilies, etc), or may include a variety of flower types within a single display. As will be appreciated, the flowers provided in an embodiment of the 3D display may include flowers oriented in different directions and may also include flowers with different appearances, despite the flowers being of the same type in some embodiments. While the inventors have acknowledged that there is a substantial need for 3D displays with flowers, the embodiments disclosed herein may also include depictions of balloons or any other suitable arrangements as the disclosure is not limited in this regard.
According to one aspect of the invention, a 3D display that is arranged to be popped open may include an outer layer which may be folded inwards at certain sections along the circumference of the outer layer to form a plurality of tabs. In such embodiments, the tabs may receive one or more biasing members, with such members arranged to pop open and/or maintain the 3D display in an open position. In some embodiments, the 3D display may also include one or more inner layers configured to be inserted into the outer layer to create a more fulsome display e.g., to provide added definition to the display.
In some embodiments, the outer layer of the display may be formed from one or more substantially flat sheets of paper, cardstock, or any other suitable material. The outer layer may additionally be of any suitable size, shape, or other characteristic as the disclosure is not limited in this regard. The sheets may be arranged to form the outer layer such that the outer layer may be substantially curved when the display is in the open position and may include an interior volume when in the popped open configuration. For example, the formed outer layer may be of a substantially circular shape when the display is in an open position. In some embodiments, when the display is in the open position, the sheets forming the outer layer may include sections that fold inwards towards the center of the display at specified intervals along the circumference of the outer layer. For example, if two sheets of material are used in forming the outer layer with each having a substantially semi-circle shape, the opposing edges of each sheet of material may be folded inwards. These folded portions of the two sheets may then be mated with respect to one another, thereby forming one or more tabs within the interior volume of the outer layer. The inventors have also found that in some embodiments, there may be benefits to adhesively securing the formed tabs, as is discussed further below.
In some embodiments, the tabs may extend inwards towards the center of the display. The tabs may be of any suitable size, shape, or other characteristic as the disclosure is not limited in this regard. For example, the tabs may extend 0.5 inches, 1 inch, 1.5 inches, 2 inches, 2.5 inches or any other suitable length towards the center of the 3D display. In some embodiments, the tabs formed from the folded portions of the outer layer may be of an equal height to the remainder of the outer layer. In other embodiments, however, the tabs may be of a different height than the remainder of the outer layer.
In some embodiments, the display may be configured such that there are tabs provided on opposing sides of the outer layer. In such embodiments, one or more biasing members may be secured to the opposing tabs to bias the display into an open position and/or to maintain the display in an open position. The inventors have recognized that such a configuration may be beneficial since the use of one or more biasing members secured to the tabs formed by the outer layer have been found to provide a more circular and realistic display appearance when the display is popped open.
In some embodiments, the tabs may also include one or more features configured to receive the one or more biasing members. In some embodiments, the features may take the form of recesses provided in the tabs. The recesses may be formed in the tabs at an angle with respect to a horizontal reference plane. For example, the recesses may be formed at an angle of 15 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, 75 degrees, or any other suitable angle as the disclosure is not limited in this regard. The angle and sizing of the recesses may be selectively chosen to retain the one or more biasing members in the tabs, where the recesses thereby serve to anchor the biasing members as the display is biased into an open position and/or the display is maintained in an open position.
In some embodiments, the tabs may include a plurality of recesses. For example, the tabs formed by the outer layer may include recesses provided at both the upper and lower portions of the inner tabs. As such, in embodiments where opposing tabs are provided in the outer layer, the opposing tabs may each include one or more recesses provided in the upper and lower portions of the tabs.
While recesses are disclosed in some embodiments, one of skill in the art would appreciate that other suitable methods or arrangements may be used to anchor the one or more biasing members to the tabs. For example, a slit may be used in place of or in addition to the recess.
In some embodiments, the outer layer may include one or more printed images as disclosed above. The images may include depictions of flowers, stems, leaves, or any suitable combination thereof. In some embodiments, the outer layer may include one or more printed images of a vase or other decorative container. These printed images may be of any suitable size, shape or other characteristic as the disclosure is not limited in this regard.
In some embodiments, the outer layer of the display may include one or more projections that extend from the outer layer. For example, in embodiments where the display is a floral bouquet, the outer layer may have one or more flowers extending from the base of the outer layer to provide a more realistic appearance to the display.
The illustrative embodiment of FIG. 2 shows an outer layer of a 3D display in the form of a floral bouquet 100, where the outer layer is formed by two outer layer sheets 110 a and 110 b. As similarly described in an example above, the two outer layer sheets 110 a and 110 b are each of a substantially semi-circle shape when in the popped-open configuration. In this respect, each outer layer is substantially flat when in the collapsed configuration. In this embodiment, sections of the opposing ends of each outer layer sheet are folded inwards towards the center of the 3D display, thereby forming tabs 111 a and 111 b. The tabs 111 a and 111 b of each sheet are respectively mated to one another. In this illustrative embodiment, the tabs are provided on opposing sides of the outer layer of the display. The tabs include recesses 112 a and 112 b disposed in the tabs 111 a and 111 b, respectively, which are configured to receive one or more biasing members 130. The biasing members 130 may include elastomeric members (e.g. rubber bands). Other suitable biasing members may also be used, such as springs, as the disclosure is not limited in this regard. In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 2 , two elastomeric members are received by each recess disposed on the tabs 111 a and 111 b such that opposing tabs of the outer layer receive opposing ends of the elastomeric members. The elastomeric members are arranged to help pop open the display and/or to maintain the display in an open position. The outer layer may additionally include projections 113 that may take the form of flowers or other elements to provide a more realistic appearance to the 3D display. While the present illustrative embodiment has shown a specified number of outer layer sheets, tabs, recesses, and elastomeric members, the present embodiment is not intended to be limiting. As such, in some embodiments, there may be more or less outer layer sheets, tabs, recesses, and elastomeric members incorporated into the display and such elements may be arranged in any suitable configuration.
In some embodiments, one or more inner layers may be included in the display. The inventors have recognized that by including one or more inner layers within the display, that the display may have a more realistic appearance. In some embodiments, the display may include 1, 2, 3, 4, or more inner layers.
In some embodiments, the one or more inner layers may be inserted into the outer layer (e.g., when the outer layer is in the popped-open configuration). The inventors have recognized that a combination of the outer layer and one or more inner layers may provide a more realistic display appearance. For example, the display may take the form of a floral bouquet, and the outer layer may take the appearance of a vase while the one or more inner layers may take the form of flowers. While this example is disclosed, the outer layer and inner layers may be arranged in any suitable configuration.
In some embodiments, the one or more inner layers may be arranged to form an X-shape when inserted in the outer layer and when in an open position. In some embodiments, the X-shape of the inner layers may assist in maintaining the outer layer of the display in the open position. The formed X-shape of inner layers may also assist with popping open the display into an open position.
The illustrative embodiment of FIG. 3 shows inner layers 120 a and 120 b of a 3D display in the form of a floral bouquet 100. As is shown in FIG. 3 , the inner layers include a plurality of printed images of flowers, stems, leaves, etc. The inner layers 120 a and 120 b are also arranged such that the layers form an X-shape when attached to one another. The inner layers of the present embodiment are fastened to one another using staples, but the inner layers may be fastened to one another to form the X-shape using any suitable fastener, including but not limited to adhesives and/or tape. In some embodiments, the inner layers may also have slits configured to receive corresponding inner layers to form the X-shape. The formed X-shape of inner layers disclosed in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 3 may be inserted into an outer layer to provide a more realistic display appearance and to assist in biasing the outer layer into an open position and/or to maintain the outer layer in the open position, as is disclosed herein.
While some embodiments disclosed herein show the inner layers as being formed into an X-shape, the inner layers may be arranged in other configurations and then inserted into the outer layer. Such alternate configurations of formed shapes of inner layers may provide different 3D display appearances. For example, in some embodiments, only one inner layer may be included in the display. In other embodiments, however, 3 or more layers may be included in the display and may be attached to one another to provide a more realistic display appearance.
In some embodiments, additional inner layers may be included to supplement the formed X-shape of inner layers to provide a more realistic display appearance. The additional inner layers may be included and secured to the formed X-shape of inner layers using a suitable fastener such as staples, adhesive, or tape. In other embodiments, the additional inner layers may be directly secured to the outer layers. These layers may also be of a different size, shape, or other characteristic from the inner layers used in forming the X-shape. For example, the additional inner layers may be smaller than the inner layers used in forming the X-shape, as shown by layers 121 a and 121 b in FIG. 4 .
FIGS. 4A-4F show a disassembled version of a present embodiment of a 3D display in the form of a floral bouquet 100. The disassembled bouquet includes two outer layer sheets (110 a and 110 b), two primary inner layers (120 a and 120 b) which may be attached to form an X-shape, and two supplementary inner layers (121 a and 121 b) which may be attached to the primary inner layers to provide added definition to the bouquet. While this specified number of outer and inner layers are disclosed in the present embodiment, the display may include more or less layers as needed to provide a realistic display appearance.
In some embodiments, the inner layers may be formed from one or more substantially flat sheets of paper, cardstock, or any other suitable material. Additionally, in some embodiments, the inner layer may include one or more printed images, as disclosed above. The inner layers may include depictions of flowers, steams, leaves, or any suitable combination thereof. The inner layers and/or printed images may be of any suitable size, shape or other characteristic as the disclosure is not limited in this regard.
The disassembled 3D display as shown in FIGS. 4A-4F may be assembled in any suitable manner. In one embodiment, the assembly is as follows. Opposing ends of the outer layer sheets 110 a and 110 b are folded inwards, thereby forming tabs 111 a and 111 b for each of the outer layer sheets (see FIG. 2 ). The tabs 111 a and 111 b of each outer layer sheet 110 a and 110 b are then be mated and secured to one another through use of adhesive or other suitable means of attachment. In this configuration, the tabs may include recesses which receive biasing members to bias the formed outer layer into a substantially circular shape. The primary inner layers 120 a and 120 b are each folded into a substantially V-shape by folding along midlines 124 a and 124 b, respectively. In this configuration, the primary inner layers 120 a and 120 b may then be secured to one another along the folded midlines using staples or other suitable fasteners, thereby forming an X-shape of inner layers. Foldable segments 125 a of inner layer 120 a and foldable segments 125 b of inner layer 120 b are each folded in preparation of being inserted into the outer layer. Foldable ends 126 a and 126 b of supplementary inner layers 121 a and 121 b, respectively, are folded and adhesively or otherwise secured to the formed X-shape of inner layers (see FIG. 6 ). The configuration of inner layers disclosed in previous steps is then inserted into the formed outer layer, where the foldable segments 125 a and 125 b are adhesively or otherwise secured to the interior of the outer layer (see FIG. 6 ).
As disclosed above, the display may also include one or more biasing members. The one or more biasing members may be arranged such that the display is biased into an open position and/or maintained in an open position.
In some embodiments, the one or more biasing members may include one or more elastomeric members (e.g. rubber bands), as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the one or more elastomeric members may be attached to the outer layer of the bouquet. In such embodiments, the one or more elastomeric members may bias the opposing sides of the outer layer towards one another to maintain the display in an open, popped up position. For example, the elastomeric members may be attached to the tabs of the outer layer as disclosed above. The inventors have found that there may be benefits to placing the one or more elastomeric members in such a configuration since the outer layer of the bouquet may form a more circular shape when biased into the open position, and thereby result in a more realistic display appearance.
In some embodiments, one or more biasing members may be disposed between the inner layers. For example, in an embodiment comprising a first and second inner layer forming an X-shape, the one or more biasing members may be disposed between the first and second inner layers (see FIG. 6 ). In such a configuration, the biasing members may be engageable to at least the outer layer of the display.
The illustrative embodiment of FIG. 5A shows an embodiment of a 3D display in the form of a floral bouquet 100 having an outer layer 110 and an inner layer 120. The illustrative embodiment of FIG. 5B shows a cross-section view of the embodiment of FIG. 5A having one inner layer 120 a, one outer layer 110 a, and two tabs 111 a and 111 b formed by the outer layer. Within each of the tabs 111 a and 111 b there are two recesses provided to receive elastomeric members 130. The elastomeric members of this illustrative embodiment are tensioned as they are received by the recesses of the opposing tabs 111 a and 111 b, which thereby biases the outer layer of the bouquet into an open position. The inner layer 120 a includes a cutout 122 configured to receive the elastomeric member 130. The cutout 122 may serve to restrict movement of inner layer as it is inserted into the outer layer, thereby maintaining a desired position of the inner layer.
The inner layer 120 a additionally includes a foldable component 123 which can be selectively opened by folding the component outwards or closed by folding the component inwards to conform to the remainder of the inner layer. The foldable component 123 of the inner layer 120 a may abut the corresponding inner layer 120 b (not pictured) of the formed-X shape of inner layers. In some embodiments, the inner layer 120 b may also include a foldable component configured to abut the inner layer 120 a of the formed X-shape of inner layers. While the cutout and foldable component are shown in this illustrative embodiment, in other 3D display embodiments disclosed herein the cutout and foldable component may not be included.
In some embodiments, the inner layer may extend the entire height of the outer layer when inserted into the outer layer. In other embodiments, however, the inner layer may not extend the entire height of the outer layer, as is shown in FIG. 5B. The decreased height of the inner layer may serve to ensure that the inner layer is retained in a desired position relative to the outer layer of the display. Specifically, in FIG. 5B, the lower elastomeric member and the upper elastomeric member received by the cutout may serve to prevent removal of the inner layer relative from the outer layer, thereby ensuring a consistent display appearance.
While there is only one elastomeric member received by each recess of the opposing tabs in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 5B, there may be any number of elastomeric members included in the 3D display. For example, the recesses of the tabs may each receive 2 elastomeric members (as described above in FIG. 2 ), or 3, 4, 5, or more elastomeric members. The size, elasticity, and number of elastomeric members may be selectively chosen to provide a greater or lesser biasing force when attached to the outer layer, which may serve to provide a more circular shape of the display and in turn a more realistic display appearance.
In some embodiments where there are more than one recess disposed on each tab formed by the outer layer, there may be an unequal number of elastomeric members or other type of biasing members received by each recess within a tab. For example, some recesses may receive two elastomeric members while other recesses may receive 3 elastomeric members. The number of elastomeric members included in the display may be of any suitable number as the disclosure is not limited in this regard.
In some embodiments, the one or more biasing members may extend substantially parallel to one another. For example, in embodiments where elastomeric members are received by one or more recesses provided by the tabs of the outer layer, the elastomeric members may extend in a substantially horizontal manner to the corresponding recesses provided on the opposing tabs, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5B. In other embodiments, however, the one or more biasing members may span from recesses at an angle to corresponding recesses located at different heights of the opposing tabs. For example, in an embodiment including two elastomeric members and two recesses that are disposed in each of two opposing tabs, the elastomeric members may be arranged such that the each of the two elastomeric members are received by a recess in an X-shape formation.
According to another aspect of the invention, a 3D display arranged to be popped open may include at least one section of an outer layer and/or one or more inner layers that can be adhesively secured. In some embodiments, at least one section of the outer layer may be folded inwards to form a plurality of tabs. In such embodiments, the tabs may be adhesively secured to one another. In some embodiments, the one or more inner layers may be adhesively secured to the outer layer of the display. The inventors have found that the use of adhesive to secure one or more of the outer and/or inner layers may be beneficial to provide a more realistic display appearance and to assist in biasing open the display and maintaining the display in an open position, as is further described below.
FIG. 6 is a bottom schematic representation of a 3D display according to some embodiments, shown in the popped-open configuration. This illustrative embodiment shows two outer layer sheets 110 a and 110 b formed in a substantially semi-circle shape. The ends of the outer layer sheets 110 a and 110 b are folded inwards to form tabs 111 a and 111 b, with the tabs 111 a thereafter being attached to each other and the tabs 111 b thereafter being attached to each other. The inventors have found benefit to adhesively securing these tabs such that each of tabs 111 a are adhesively secured to one another while each of tabs 111 b are adhesively secured to one another, as shown in FIG. 6 . The tabs being adhesively secured to one another assists the outer layer in maintaining a substantially circular shape when in the open position.
Continuing with reference to FIG. 6 , one or more elastomeric members 130 are attached to opposing ends of the tabs to assist in biasing the outer layer of the display into the open position.
This illustrative embodiment also shows a plurality of inner layers inserted into the outer layer. The inner layers include two primary inner layers 120 a and 120 b used in forming an X-shape within the display. In such a configuration, the elastomeric members 130 may be disposed between the formed X-shape of inner layers. The primary inner layers 120 a and 120 b include foldable segments 125 a and 125 b, respectively. The inventors have found benefit to adhesively securing these foldable segments to the interior of the outer layer sheets 110 a and 110 b, as shown in FIG. 6 . The inventors have recognized that such a configuration may assist in biasing the display into an open position and allow for the X-shape of the inner layers to be maintained when the display is in an open position.
FIG. 6 also shows two supplementary inner layers 121 a and 121 b which include foldable edges 126 a and 126 b. The inventors have also recognized benefit in adhesively securing the supplementary inner layers 121 a and 121 b to the to the inner layers 120 a and 120 b, respectively, as shown in this illustrative embodiment. The supplementary inner layers may provide added definition to the bouquet and thereby a more realistic display appearance.
In some embodiments, the adhesive can be of any suitable type including, but not limited to epoxy, cyanoacrylate, polyvinyl acetate, polyurethane, and craft glue adhesives. The adhesives may also take the form of tapes, pastes, liquids, and films, or any other suitable form as the disclosure is not limited in this regard.
In some embodiments as disclosed above, the biasing members may include elastomeric members which may bias the outer layer of the 3D display into an open position. In such embodiments, the elastomeric members may be stretched when the outer layer is in a collapsed or closed position. In the closed position, the display may substantially collapse along one or more circumferential edges formed by tabs of the outer layer. In some embodiments, the 3D display may also be retained within a receptacle to maintain the bouquet in the closed position, such as during delivery (e.g. mailing). In such a configuration, the elastomeric members may be of a sufficient biasing force such that when the collapsed 3D display is removed from the receptacle, that the 3D display is biased into the open position and/or maintained in the open position.
The illustrative embodiment of FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a 3D display in a collapsed or closed position. The 3D display in this embodiment is in the form of a floral bouquet 100 and includes an outer layer 110 and one or more inner layers 120. The outer layer in this embodiment is formed of two outer layer sheets, as described above for the embodiment of FIG. 6 . These outer layer sheets are arranged such that the edges of the sheets are folded inwards and mated to form tabs as described above. When transitioning the display from the open to the closed position, the display is collapsed with a biasing force that may be supplied by the user. In such a case, the display is collapsed along the edges formed by the folded in portions of the outer layer sheet to form a substantially flat display as shown in FIG. 7 . When the display is in the closed position, the display may be inserted into a receptacle (e.g. an envelope) for efficient transportation as disclosed above. Upon the removal of the biasing force applied by the user or other source to collapse the display, the elastomeric members included in the display may cause the display to be biased once again into an open position.
In some embodiments, the display may additionally include a variety of accessories that may be attachable to one or more of the inner or outer layers of the display to provide alternative display appearances. These accessories may include, but are not limited to depictions of additional flowers, insects (e.g. butterflies), or any other suitable accessories that can be attached to the display. The accessories may be attachable to the display using any suitable method or fasteners such as pins, staples, rivets, adhesives, tapes, slits formed in the accessories, or any other suitable means.
The illustrative embodiment of FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of a 3D display in the form of a floral bouquet 100 having an outer layer 110, a plurality of inner layers 120, and a plurality of accessories 140 in the form of depictions of butterflies. These accessories 140 may be constructed of paper, cardstock, or any other suitable material and may contain printed images of butterflies as shown in FIG. 8 . The accessories 140 in this embodiment are attachable to the plurality of inner layers 120 by folding the accessory down a center line, which exposes a slit formed in the accessory that may than be engaged with the inner layers. While the accessories are disclosed as being attachable to the inner layers in this embodiment, the accessories may also be attachable to the outer layer of the display as the disclosure is not limited in this regard.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for creating a 3D display is provided. In some embodiments, the method may include forming the outer and inner layers of the display by die cutting the layers to a desired shape and size. In some embodiments, the inner and outer layers may be formed of a paper or plastic material of various weights. The material may also be formed of a material with characteristics such as the material being flexible, translucent, and/or transparent. As will be appreciated, the outer and inner layers of the display may be die cut from a piece of cardstock with printed images constructed and arranged to depict flowers, stems, leaves, and other components of a flower bouquet as disclosed herein.
The method may include forming an outer layer from sheets of material with foldable edges. The edges of the sheets may be folded inwards towards the center of the display to form tabs which are then secured to one another through use of adhesive or other means such that the outer layer of the display has a substantially circular appearance when in the open position. Recesses may also be added into the formed tabs which are engageable with one or biasing members. The biasing members may then be engaged with the one or more recesses provided in the opposing tabs of the outer layer to bias the outer layer of the display into the open position.
The method may also include forming the inner layers into a desired shape, such as an X-shape as disclosed herein. The X-shape may be formed from two inner layers which are folded into individual V-shapes, which are then attached to one another and fastened with staples or other suitable fastening means to form the X-shape. Supplementary inner layers may also be provided which may then be adhesively or otherwise secured to the formed X-shape of inner layers. The plurality of inner layers may then be inserted into the outer layer of the display and adhesively secured to the interior of the outer layer of the display, as shown in FIG. 6 .
In some embodiments, the method may further include collapsing the display and inserting the display into a receptacle. The receptacle may additionally be constructed and arranged to retain the display in a closed position for transportation.
Although embodiments disclosed herein are shown for use in pop open floral bouquets, it will be appreciated that the display may include other suitable configurations such as balloons, cakes, or any other suitable pop open decorations as the disclosure is not limited in this regard.
While the present teachings have been described in conjunction with various embodiments and examples, it is not intended that the present teachings be limited to such embodiments or examples. On the contrary, the present teachings encompass various alternatives, modifications, or equivalents, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art. Accordingly, the foregoing description is by way of example only.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A three-dimensional display arranged to be popped open, the three-dimensional display comprising:

an outer layer comprising one or more sheets having printed images, wherein the one or more sheets includes a first sheet and a second sheet each having a first edge and a second edge, and wherein at least one of the first edge and the second edge of each of the first sheet and the second sheet are arranged to fold inwards towards the center of the three-dimensional display to form a first tab and a second tab within an interior volume of the outer layer;

one or more inner layers having printed images; and

one or more biasing members attachable to at least the outer layer, the one or more biasing members arranged to pop open and/or hold the three-dimensional display in an open position, wherein the one or more biasing members are arranged to be received by each of the first tab and the second tab within the interior volume of the outer layer.

2. The three-dimensional display of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second tabs include at least one recess configured to receive the one or more biasing members.

3. The three-dimensional display of claim 2, wherein the at least one recess includes a first recess and a second recess, and wherein the first recess is provided in an upper portion of each of the first and second tabs and the second recess is provided in a lower portion of each of the first and second tabs.

4. The three-dimensional display of claim 1, wherein the one or more inner layers include a first inner layer and a second inner layer that are attachable to one another.

5. The three-dimensional display of claim 4, further comprising one or more supplementary inner layers, wherein the one or more supplementary inner layers are attachable to at least one of the first inner layer and the second inner layer.

6. The three-dimensional display of claim 4, wherein the first inner layer and the second inner layer form an X-shape when attached to one another and when the three-dimensional display is in an open position.

7. The three-dimensional display of claim 1, wherein the one or more inner layers includes one or more cutouts configured to accommodate the one or more biasing members.

8. A three-dimensional display arranged to be popped open, the three-dimensional display comprising:

an outer layer comprising one or more sheets having printed images, wherein the one or more sheets includes a first sheet and a second sheet each having a first edge and a second edge, and wherein at least one of the first edge and the second edge of each of the first sheet and the second sheet are arranged to fold inwards towards the center of the three-dimensional display and are adhesively secured to one another so as to form a first tab and a second tab within an interior volume of the outer layer;

one or more inner layers having printed images, wherein the one or more inner layers includes a first inner layer and a second inner layer that are attached to one another and the first inner layer and the second inner layer form an X-shape when attached to one another and when the three-dimensional display is in an open position, and wherein at least one of the first and second inner layers are adhesively secured to the outer layer; and

one or more biasing members attachable to at least the outer layer, the one or more biasing members arranged to pop open and/or hold the three-dimensional display in an open position.

9. The three-dimensional display of claim 8, wherein the one or more biasing members are arranged to be received by each of the first tab and the second tab within the interior volume of the outer layer.

10. The three-dimensional display of claim 8, wherein each of the first and second tabs include at least one recess configured to receive the one or more biasing members.

11. The three-dimensional display of claim 10, wherein the at least one recess includes a first recess and a second recess, and wherein the first recess is provided in an upper portion of each of the first and second tabs and the second recess is provided in a lower portion of each of the first and second tabs.

12. The three-dimensional display of claim 8, further comprising one or more supplementary inner layers, wherein the one or more supplementary inner layers are attachable to at least one of the first inner layer and the second inner layer.

13. The three-dimensional display of claim 8, wherein the one or more inner layers includes one or more cutouts configured to accommodate the one or more biasing members.

14. A three-dimensional display arranged to be popped open, the three-dimensional display comprising:

an outer layer having printed images;

one or more inner layers having printed images, wherein the one or more inner layers includes a first inner layer and a second inner layer that are attached to one another and the first inner layer and the second inner layer form an X-shape when attached to one another and when the three-dimensional display is in an open position; and

one or more biasing members attachable to at least the outer layer, the one or more biasing members arranged to pop open and/or hold the three-dimensional display in an open position, wherein the one or more biasing members are at least partially disposed between the first inner layer and the second inner layer of the formed X-shape when attached to the outer layer of the display.

15. The three-dimensional display of claim 14, wherein the outer layer includes a first sheet and a second sheet each having a first edge and a second edge, and wherein at least one of the first edge and the second edge of each of the first sheet and the second sheet are arranged to fold inwards towards the center of the three-dimensional display to form a first tab and a second tab within an interior volume of the outer layer.

16. The three-dimensional display of claim 15, wherein the one or more biasing members are arranged to be received by each of the first tab and the second tab within the interior volume of the outer layer.

17. The three-dimensional display of claim 15, wherein each of the first and second tabs include at least one recess configured to receive the one or more biasing members.

18. The three-dimensional display of claim 17, wherein the at least one recess includes a first recess and a second recess, and wherein the first recess is provided in an upper portion of each of the first and second tabs and the second recess is provided in a lower portion of each of the first and second tabs.

19. The three-dimensional display of claim 14, further comprising one or more supplementary inner layers, wherein the one or more supplementary inner layers are attachable to at least one of the first inner layer and the second inner layer.

20. The three-dimensional display of claim 14, wherein the one or more inner layers includes one or more cutouts configured to accommodate the one or more biasing members.