GB2395181A

GB2395181A - Wrapping material with extendable decorative elements

Info

Publication number: GB2395181A
Application number: GB0226553A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rufus Marsh
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-11-14
Filing date: 2002-11-14
Publication date: 2004-05-19
Anticipated expiration: 2022-11-14
Also published as: GB2395181B; GB0226553D0

Abstract

A sheet of wrapping material 30 comprises at least one layer 31, attached to which are elements 33 which may be extended away from said layer in use to form three-dimensional shapes for decorative effect. When not in use, the decorative elements remain substantially flat. In another embodiment, wrapping material (1) may be formed from a base layer (2), and extendable elements cut from a second layer (3) which is partially attached to the first (2), and extended by pivoting about folds (7) between the attached portions and the unattached portions (5). Alternatively wrapping material (20) may be formed from a base layer (21) to which is attached extendable elements (23), comprising pleated material (23) attached within a frame (24), to be extended though said frame. The extendable elements may be formed from members (43) disposed in the concave folds of concertinaed base material (41), to be extended when said base material is folded flat. The base material my consist of one layer (51) folded into multiple pleats in two perpendicular directions (52, 53). When wrapped around an article, portions of the layer (51) may then be pulled out to form decorative extensions.

Description

-1 Wrapping Paper This invention relates to wrapping paper, in particular,

but not exclusively decorative gift wrapping paper.

The wrapping of gifts is a common practice. Various types of wrapping material are known, including sheets of patterned or coloured paper. These sheets are often packaged flat, or in a roll for convenience.

The present invention is intended to provide an alternative approach, but which can still be packaged flat or in a roll for convenience.

According to the present invention wrapping material comprises one or more layers, and extension means, in which at least one layer is adapted to be wrapped around an item with which the material is to be used, and in which the extension means are adapted to be readily extendable away from the item in use.

Preferably the extension means can be disposed substantially flat or in a roll for transport and/or storage prior to use and can be extended once the material has been wrapped around the item with which it is used.

The extension means can be extendable elements attached to one or the outer of a number of layers, or the extension means can be extendable portions of one or the outer of a number of layers.

In one construction two wrapping material layers may be provided, the surfaces of which are attached together. The first layer can be adapted to wrap the item, and one or more portions of the second layer may be extendable in an outward direction from the first layer.

-2 lt will be appreciated that there are numerous ways that the portions of the second layer may be extendable. In a first construction the second layer is provided with a number of cuts which form extendable shapes, which can be unfurled from the wrapping material in use.

In an alternative construction only one wrapping material layer is provided, which is provided with extendable elements attached to its outer surface.

It will be appreciated that there are numerous constructions of extendable element, but preferred constructions will be described later with reference to the drawings. In a further alternative construction one, or the outer of a number of layers, is provided with extendable portions. (It will be appreciated that if only one layer is provided, enough portions of said layer must remain in contact with the wrapped item in order to adequately fasten the material to the item.) In a preferred embodiment according to this arrangement the layer can be folded in on itself to form pleats.

Once the layer has been wrapped around the item with which it is used, portions of the pleats may be extended in an outward direction.

In preferred embodiments the wrapping paper is intended to be decorative.

Those elements which can be extended can therefore be adapted to form a decoration, or a decorative effect. The layers, and the extensions may also be constructed from coloured and/or patterned material.

Preferably the layers of the wrapping material are constructed from paper or paper related products. It will be appreciated that a large number of paper related products exist, and include such materials as tissue paper, crepe paper, card board and decorated or coloured paper. It is anticipated that any type of paper related product may be used with the invention.

-3 The invention can be performed in various ways but five embodiments will now be described by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a top view of a section of wrapping paper according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a side view of the wrapping paper as shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a top view of the wrapping paper shown in Figure 1 in a second configuration; Figure 4 is a side view of the wrapping paper as shown in Figure 3; Figure 5 is a top view of a second section of wrapping paper according to the present invention; Figure 6 is a side view of the wrapping paper as shown in Figure 5; Figure 7 is a top view of the wrapping paper shown in Figure 5 in a second configuration; Figure 8 is a side view of the wrapping paper as shown in Figure 7; Figure 9 is a top view of a third section of wrapping paper according to the present invention; Figure 10 is a side view of the wrapping paper as shown in Figure 9; Figure 11 is a top view of the wrapping paper shown in Figure 9 in a second configuration;

-4 Figure 12 is a side view of the wrapping paper as shown in Figure 11; Figure 13 is a top view of a fourth section of wrapping paper according to the present invention; Figure 14 is a side view of the wrapping paper as shown in Figure 13; Figure 15 is a top view of the wrapping paper shown in Figure 13 in a second configuration; Figure 16 is a side view of the wrapping paper as shown in Figure 15; Figure 17 is a top view of a fifth section of wrapping paper according to the present invention; Figure 18 is a side view of the wrapping paper as shown in Figure 17; Figure 19 is a top view of the wrapping paper shown in Figure 17 in a second configuration; and, Figure 20 is a side view of the wrapping paper as shown in Figure 19.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2 a section of wrapping paper 1 comprises a first layer 2, and a second layer 3. The second layer 3 is bonded to the first layer 2 with glue 4. The second layer 3 is further provided with elongate extension elements 5, which are formed by cuts 6 (shown as solid lines), and folding sections 7 (shown as broken lines). The extension elements 5 are not bonded to the first layer 2.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first layer 2, the second layer 3 and the extension elements 5 can be configured into a substantially flat arrangement, which can be rolled up for storage and/or transportation. The wrapping paper 1 can be

-5 wrapped around an item with which it is to be used.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the wrapping paper 1 can be formed into a second configuration for use, either before or after it has been wrapped around an item. Tabs 8 are pulled, and the extendable elements 5 rise away from the first layer 2 due to the pivoting of the folding sections 7. (The first layer 2 is shown shaded in for clarity.) In an alternative construction (not shown) a tab bar is provided which is connected to each of the tabs 8, the operation of which pulls all the tabs 8 simultaneously. The cuts 6 and the folds 7 of the extendable elements 5 co-operate to form outwardly extending portions 9, and a laterally extended portion 10 which is substantially parallel to the layers 2 and 3. In alternative constructions (not shown), the extendable elements 5 are provided with only extending portions, or only a laterally extended portion. It will be appreciated that any shape of extension element can be used, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

It will be appreciated that if the wrapping paper 1 is wrapped around an object of an irregular shape, the operation of tabs 8 may not fully raise up the elements 5.

Therefore, the extendable elements 5 can be raised into the second configuration at any point along their length, and not only by the operation of tabs 8.

The first layer 2, the second layer 3 and the extendable elements 5 can be coloured or patterned to create a decorative effect.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6 a second section of wrapping paper 20 comprises a base layer 21 and extendable elements 22 attached thereon. The extendable elements 22 are formed from pleated tissue paper elements 23 and frame elements 24, which are provided with circular apertures 25. The outer rim of the tissue paper elements (not visible) is bonded to the base layer 21 by glue 26.

The frame elements 24, which extend beyond the outer rim of the tissue paper

-6 elements are bonded to said outer rims and to the base layer 21 by glue 26. (In Figure 5 two extendable elements 22a and 22b are visible. It will be appreciated that the wrapping paper 20 can be provided with any number of further portions.) As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the base layer 21 and the extendable elements can be configured into a substantially flat arrangement so they can be rolled up for storage and/or transportation. The wrapping paper 20 can be wrapped around an item with which it is to be used.

As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the wrapping paper 20 can be formed into a second configuration for use, either before or after it has been wrapped around an item. The tissue paper 23 is pulled from its position through the aperture 25, and formed into irregular extending shapes 27.

The base layer 21, the tissue paper 23 and the frames 24 can be coloured, or patterned to create a decorative effect. The dimension of the extending shapes 27 is limited by the shape and size of the aperture 25, and the size and shape of the pleats in the tissue paper 23. It will be appreciated that alternative frames with any shape of aperture, and alternative sizes of tissue paper can be provided without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in one alternative construction (not shown), the frames can be provided with an triangular, rectangular or elongate apertures.

As shown in Figures 9 and 10 a third section of wrapping paper 30 comprises a base layer 31 and a extendable elements 32. The extendable elements 32 are formed from a number of extension members 33 which are provided with extendable legs 34. The members 33 are bonded to the legs 34 by glue 35, and the legs are bonded to the base layer 31 by glue 35. The members 33 and the legs 34 are constructed from card. (In Figure 9 19 extendable elements 32 are provided, which are formed into an approximate diamond configuration. It will be appreciated that the wrapping paper 30 can be provided with any number of extendable elements 32,

-7 formed into any type of configuration.) As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the base layer 31 and the extendable elements 32 can be configured into a substantially flat arrangement so they can be rolled up for storage and/or transportation. The wrapping paper 30 can be wrapped around an item with which it is to be used.

As shown in Figures 11 and 12 the wrapping paper 30 can be formed into a second configuration for use, either before or after it has been wrapped around an item. The extension members 33 are pulled away from the base layer 31, until the legs 34 are unfolded beyond their elastic limit. This results in the legs 34 extending outwardly from the base layer 31, suspending the members 33 away from the base layer 31.

The base layer 31, the members 33 and the legs 34 can be coloured or patterned for decoration. In alternative constructions (not shown) differently shaped members can be provided, and they can be formed into any type of configuration.

Further, an another alternative construction (not shown) the members can be connected together, so that they can be extended in one movement.

As shown in Figures 13 and 14 a fourth section of wrapping paper 40 comprises a base layer 41 and a extendable elements 42. The extendable elements 42 are formed from members 43, which are provided with tab extensions 44 extending along their underside, which are bonded to the base layer 41 by glue 45.

As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the members 43 are formed from paper templates which have been shaped into three-dimensional pyramids by folding and bonding in a known manner. The members 43 comprise edges 46 formed by folds, which can pivot open and shut to erect and flatten said members.

-8 The tabs 44 are disposed either side of fold lines 47 provided in the base layer 41. When the base layer 41 is folded up along fold lines 47, the tabs are brought together, which pivots the edges 46, and flattens the members 43.

Therefore, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, the base layer 41 and the extendable elements 42 can be configured into a substantially flat arrangement for storage and/or transportation when the base layer 41 is folded up. (Figures 13 and 14 show the wrapping paper 40 with the folds opened to a small extent for clarity).

As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the wrapping paper 40 is automatically formed into a second configuration when it is unfolded for use. The unfolding of the fold lines 47, cases the tabs 44 to move apart, and erect the members 43.

The base layer 41 and the members 43 can be coloured or patterned for decoration. In alternative constructions (not shown) any type of pop-up" extension elements can be used, which extend outwardly when the paper is laid flat, and fold up when the paper itself is folded up.

As shown in Figures 17 and 18 a fifth section of wrapping paper 50 comprises a single layer 51, which is folded in on itself to form a first layer of pleats 52, and a second layer of pleats 53 substantially orthogonal to the first. As shown in Figures 17 and 18 the layer 51 can be configured into a substantially flat arrangement so it can be rolled up for storage and/or transportation. The wrapping paper 50 can be wrapped around an item with which it is to be used.

As shown in Figures 19 and 20 the wrapping paper 50 can be formed into a second configuration for use, either before or after it has been wrapped around an item. Portions 54 of the layer 51 are pulled from their pleated arrangement to form irregular extending shapes 55. It will be appreciated that enough surface area of layer 51 must remain in contact with the item it is wrapped around to adequately fasten the material 50 to the item.

-9- The layer 51 can be coloured or patterned for decoration. In alternative constructions (not shown) differently arranged pleats can be provided, or areas of pleating can be provided on a single layer.

Thus decorative wrapping material is provided with various extendable elements, which can be disposed substantially flat, or rolled up for storage and/or transportation, and which can provide a novel three dimensional decorative effect.

Claims

-10 Claims

1. Wrapping material comprising one or more layers, and extension means, in which at least one layer is adapted to be wrapped around an item with which the material is to be used, and in which the extension means are adapted to be readily extendable away from the item in use.

2. Wrapping material as Claimed in Claim 1 in which the extension means can be disposed substantially flat, and can be extended for use.

3. Wrapping material as Claimed in Claim 2 in which the extension means comprise extendable elements attached to one or the outer of a number of layers.

4. Wrapping material as Claimed in Claim 2 in which the extension means comprise extendable portions of one or the outer of a number of layers.

5. Wrapping material as Claimed in Claim 3 or 4 in which two wrapping material layers are provided, the surfaces of which are attached together, in which the first layer is adapted to by wrapped around the item, and in which the extension means are attached to, or are portions of, the second layer.

6. Wrapping material as Claimed in Claim 5 in which the extension means are extendable portions of the second layer, and in which the extendable portions are formed from cuts forming extendable shapes.

7. Wrapping material as Claimed in Claims 3 or 4 in which one layer of wrapping material is provided, in which the extension means are attached to, or are portions or, the layer.

-11

8. Wrapping material as Claimed in Claim 7 in which the extension means are extendable elements attached to the layer, and in which the extendable elements comprise folded elements which can be unfolded to form extending shapes in use.

9. Wrapping material as Claimed in Claim 8 in which the extendable elements are provided with extension members, which are suspended at the end of the extending shapes.

10. Wrapping material substantially as described herein, and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

10. Wrapping material as Claimed in Claim 7 in which the extendable elements are adapted to extend when the layer is disposed substantially flat, and to fold substantially flat when the layer is folded up.

11. Wrapping material as Claimed in Claim 7 in which the layer is.folded in on itself to form a number of pleats, and in which portions of the pleated material can be extended.

12. Wrapping material as Claimed in any of the preceding Claims in which the wrapping material is adapted to be decorative.

13. Wrapping material as Claimed in Claim 12 in which the components of the wrapping material are patterned and/or coloured.

14. Wrapping material as Claimed in any of the preceding Claims in which the components of the wrapping material are constructed from paper, or paper related materials. 15. Wrapping material substantially as described herein, and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

l Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. Wrapping material comprising a first layer for wrapping an item, in use, and a plurality of decoration means, in which the plurality of decoration means can be disposed substantially flat and can be extended to form three dimensional shapes, in use, and in which the decoration means are either integral to the first layer or permanently attached to the first layer during manufacture such that in use no step is required between wrapping an item and extending the decoration means to form three dimensional shapes.

2. Wrapping material as Claimed in Claim 1 in which a second layer is permanently attached to the first layer during manufacture, and the plurality of decoration means are an integral part of the second layer.

3. Wrapping material as Claimed in Claim 2 in which the plurality of decoration means comprise portions of the second layer defined by cuts and folds in the second layer, such that said portions can be erected by rotation about the folds.

4. Wrapping material as Claimed in Claim 1 in which the plurality of decoration means comprise spaced apart second layer elements permanently attached to the first layer during manufacture, and comprising folded material.

5. Wrapping material as Claimed in Claim 4 in which decoration members are provided at the outer ends of the second layer elements when said second layer elements are extended to form three dimensional shapes, in use.

( 6. Wrapping material as Claimed in Claim 4 in which the first layer is provided with a number of folds, and in which each second layer element is mounted over one of said folds, and in which said second layer elements are adapted to extend to form three dimensional shapes when the first layer is unfolded and disposed substantially flat, and to be disposed substantially flat when said first layer is folded up.

7. Wrapping material as Claimed in Claim 1 in which the first layer is folded in on itself to form a number of pleats during manufacture, and in which the plurality of decoration means comprise portions of the first layer which can be extended to form three dimensional shapes by being unfolded and pulled away from the first layer, in use.

8. Wrapping material as Claimed in any of the preceding claims in which the components of the wrapping material are patterned and/or coloured. 9. Wrapping material as Claimed in any of the preceding Claims in which the components of the wrapping material are constructed from paper, or paper related materials.