WO2011028118A2

WO2011028118A2 - Greeting card, use of a greeting card, method for forming a greeting card

Info

Publication number: WO2011028118A2
Application number: PCT/NL2010/050559
Authority: WO
Inventors: Etienne Herman Walter Blondeel
Original assignee: Golden Nugget B.V.; Eureka Concepts International B.V.
Priority date: 2009-09-03
Filing date: 2010-09-03
Publication date: 2011-03-10
Also published as: WO2011028118A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a greeting card comprising a substrate formed by a sheet having a greeting message, said greeting card having a circumference, wherein the greeting card has a connector positioned close to the circumference.In an embodiment the connector comprises a section provided with a non-permanent adhesive.In another embodiment the connector is a male connector such as a hook. In another embodiment the connector is a female connector, such as a hole or three parallel cuts. By providing multiple connectors a chain of greeting cards can be formed or a puzzle of greeting cards forming a composed greeting message.

Description

Greeting card, use of a greeting card, method for forming a greeting card.

The invention relates to a greeting card comprising a substrate formed by a sheet. The greeting card has a greeting message and comprises a circumference. The invention also relates to a use of such a greeting card and a method for forming a greeting card.

It is known to use a greeting card for sending a message to a receiver by mail. The mail is delivered by the postman. A greeting card is formed from for example a paper sheet and is permanently imprinted with a message in the form of a text or image and can comprise a section for personalised message.

In an embodiment the greeting card is enclosed in an envelope, the envelope to be closed and provided with an address and a stamp for sending by mail. In another embodiment the greeting card itself comprises a section with lines for writing an address, and the greeting card itself is sent by mail if provided with a stamp. This greeting card is also a postcard.

In general in this application 'greeting card' will refer to both embodiments, while greeting postcard will specifically refer to the a greeting card having an address lines and a stamp section.

Different embodiments of greeting cards are known. A known problem with greeting cards relates to collecting the greeting card at the receiver's end and display thereof. A receiver can at certain (life changing) moments receive a number of greeting cards and would like to display these greeting cards to visiting friends. Different improvements and solutions are provided in this application for improving this issue.

According to a first aspect a greeting card is provided comprising a substrate in the form of a sheet having a circumference, wherein a connector is formed near said circumference.

According to the invention the connector is arranged to allow connecting the greeting card to an external object and/or to another connector of a further greeting card. This will allow display of the greeting card, as it will be possible to connect the greeting card to an external object or to another card.

In an embodiment the connector comprises a section provided with an adhesive. Preferably a non permanent adhesive is used. A non permanent adhesive allows reconnecting the adhesive section to a connecting surface. The connecting surface can be an external surface. Such a non permanent glue is arranged to provide sufficient fixing power to allow connection of said section to an external object, preferably by pressing with the hand of a user, and allows disconnecting thereof, simply by the user pulling the adhesive section (and the complete greeting card) from said external object.

In an embodiment the non permanent adhesive provides adhesion of 0,25-50 N, preferably 1-10 N. This allows sufficient strength for connecting multiple greeting cards in a chain to each other, each card weighing about 0,25 N.

In an embodiment the greeting card comprises a connecting section, mostly free of greeting message, allowing to connect an adhesive section of a different greeting card to that connecting section. This allows forming a chain of greeting cards.

In an embodiment the adhesive section is formed along a part of the circumference of the greeting card. This allows connecting the section to a surface, leaving most of the card free.

In an embodiment the greeting message and the section provided with non permanent adhesive are separated by a fold line, formed by embossing. This allows display of the greeting message, while the adhesive section is folded away, e.g. not visible for a bystander.

In an embodiment the greeting card is provided (in a store/for sale) in a first state wherein the greeting card has a fold line and the respective ends (distal from the fold line) of the greeting card separated by this folding line are connected to each other as one of these ends form the adhesive section.

In an embodiment the greeting card comprises multiple section provided with a non-permanent adhesive. This allows connection to an external object in different ways.

In an embodiment a cover strip covers the adhesive section and a user can remove the cover strip. The adhesive section is freed of its cover and can be used to be connected to a external surface.

In an embodiment the covering strip is an integral part of the sheet of the greeting card and said covering strip is connected to the sheet through an embossed line or tear line, the latter allowing the user to disconnect the cover strip from the greeting card by removing the cover strip.

According to an embodiment the connector comprises a male part, such as a hooked part. Preferably the male part/hooked part is provided close to the circumference. This will allow hanging the card to an external object, wherein the part provided with the connector is the top or above part of the card.

In an embodiment the hooked part is provided in the sheet of material. The hooked part can be formed in a single manufacturing step during forming of the circumference of the greeting card, e.g. by stamping from a substrate such as paper or carton.

In an embodiment the hooked part is provided internally from the circumference and in another embodiment externally. An external hooked part protrudes from a generally continuous line of the circumference.

In an embodiment an external hooked part can be provided by forming the hooked part internally from the circumference and folding the hooked part outwardly externally from the circumference by providing the hooked part on a stamped or pressed section formed in the greeting card.

In an embodiment the stamped section is connected to the greeting card by a embossed line. By stamping a partial cut out is realized, while the partial cut out is still connected to the greeting card via the embossed line, which allow folding thereof.

In an embodiment the connector is formed by a female part, such as hole. The hole is formed internally from the circumference.

In an embodiment multiple connectors, such as two or more connectors are provided. This allows multiple connections and allows forming a chain of greeting cards.

In an embodiment the first connector is a male part and the second connector is a female part. This allows a straightforward arrangement of the greeting cards.

In an embodiment the male and female parts are provided on opposite ends of or near the circumference of the greeting card, allowing a chain of elements. As e.g. a male part is always near a top end and a female part is always near the bottom end of the greeting card, top and bottom being defined by the orientation of the greeting message, a chain with oriented greeting messages will be obtained.

In an embodiment the greeting card and in particular the greeting postcard is provided by two connectors, a first connector allowing connection to a second connector of a different greeting card. This will allow forming a chain of greeting cards at the receiver's end. A first greeting card is connected with its first connector to the second connector of a second greeting card. Said second greeting card has another first connector allowing connection to a further second connector of a third greeting card.

In an embodiment the first and second connectors are arranged to allow generally perpendicular connection of the connectors. This will allow forming a chain of greeting cards wherein a first greeting card is rotated over generally 90° with respect to the first greeting card. Such a chained arrangement is highly decorative. Further such an arrangement allow when hanging free, rotation of the chain of greeting cards around its longitudinal axis.

In an embodiment the female connector is formed on a tongue protruding from the circumference. The tongue forms an integral part of the sheet in an embodiment.

In an embodiment the female connector comprises three generally parallel cuts, the cuts arranged to allow braiding with a male connector. Such female connector is durable and easy to manufacture in a single press operation.

In another embodiment the tongue is connected by a folding line to the greeting card and can be folded externally from the circumference of the greeting card.

In an embodiment the connector is formed by male part forming a tongue extending from the circumference of the greeting card. In an embodiment the tongue has a width that grows (widens) towards a distal end of the tongue. In an embodiment a further connector is formed by a female part forming a cavity in the circumference. The cavity is open and in fact the circumference is part of the cavity edge. In a preferred embodiment the cavity has a shape generally similar to the tongue and arranged to receive the tongue connector and wherein the circumference close the tongue and cavity are arranged to abut when the tongue is received in the cavity. This allows an abutting arrangement of the parts of the circumferences of adjacent cards, having the male and female connectors, similar to a puzzle.

In an embodiment the greeting card is generally rectangular and two adjacent edges of the circumference are provided with at least one tongues and wherein two other edges of the circumference are provided with at least one cavity. This allows a simple puzzle arrangement.

In an embodiment the greeting card comprises a tearing line between a base part having the greeting message and a removable part, the tearing line formed such that it comprises the connector formed by a tongue extending from the base part into the removable part, the tongue having a width that grows towards a distal end of the tongue. According to this embodiment the tongue, normally extending or protruding from the general outline of the greeting card is protected by a removable part, said removable part to be removed only after the user has decided that such protection is no longer needed, e.g. after use/sending, and/or when the user want to make the connection.

In an embodiment the greeting card comprises a further tearing line between the base part and a further removable part, the tearing line formed such that it comprises the connector formed by a cavity in the base part, the cavity having a shape generally similar to the tongue and arranged to receive the tongue connector and wherein the tearing lines close to the tongue and cavity are arranged to abut when the tongue is received in the cavity. In this embodiment the female connector is protected.

According to a further embodiment the greeting message is an assembled greeting message printed in part on multiple greeting cards, wherein the greeting message is composed as a puzzle by receiving the tongues in respective cavities. This allows collections of different greeting cards in order to form the greeting message. A composed message can be send. It is commercially attractive to stimulate buying the further pieces of the greeting message.

According to an aspect of the invention a assembly of greeting cards is provided, the greeting cards being provided with parts of a greeting message, wherein a connector from a first greeting card can be connected to the connector of a second greeting card, and wherein the connected greeting cards form the composed greeting message. Each of the greeting cards in the assembly can have one or more of the features disclosed in this application.

According to another aspect a greeting card is provided comprising a substrate formed by a sheet having a greeting message, said greeting card having a circumference, wherein the greeting card comprises at least two removable sections, each having an at least partly removable element, the removable sections forming a part of the greeting message. According to this aspect a variable greeting message is obtained for a greeting card, the greeting message to be assembled by the sender of the message, while forming a part of the greeting card.

In an embodiment the removable section forms a part of a digital greeting message. A digital greeting message is a message comprising (alpha)numerical digits for indicating a message.

It is advantageous to provide the removable sections that form a seven segment display or a clock. This allows representing a time/date as part of the greeting card message.

In an embodiment the removable section also comprises a background substrate visible when the removable element is removed. This allows different colouring of the message to be shown to the user.

In an advantageous embodiment the greeting card comprises a figure as the greeting message, the figure being separable from parts of the substrate forming the greeting card. This allows separating a message from the greeting card.

In an embodiment the greeting card comprises a three dimensional model as the greeting message, the three dimensional model being separable from parts of the substrate forming the greeting card. The three dimensional model can be a cube, a model of e.g. an airplane.

In an embodiment the greeting card comprises a generally helical model as the greeting message, the helical model being separable from parts of the substrate forming the greeting card, the helical model forming a streamer or festoon.

According to a further aspect a method for forming a greeting card is provided. The method includes forming the connector in a substrate to be used as sheet for the greeting message by stamping and cutting out the greeting card and connector in a single operation. In a further operation, prior or afterwards, the greeting message is provided.

In an embodiment the method comprises forming fold lines by embossing to obtain any of the advantageous embodiments described in the preceding sections.

In an embodiment a further step of the method includes applying an adhesive, in particular a non permanent adhesive to an adhesive section of the greeting card.

The invention will now be described referring to the drawing, showing several embodiments. Although the drawing shows preferred embodiments, it is not intended that the drawing is to limited the scope of protection to the embodiments shown. The application is directed at all embodiments comprising one or more of the features as described in this description or as shown in the figures, which features can be combined according to the man skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figures 1A through I F schematically show greeting cards according to embodiments of the invention.

Figure 2 schematically shows a group of connected greeting cards having connectors according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figures 3A through 3E schematically show further greeting cards having connectors according to embodiments of the invention.

Figures 4A and 4B schematically show further greeting cards having connectors according to embodiments of the invention.

Figures 5A and 5B schematically show greeting cards having an adhesive connector according to embodiments of the invention.

Figures 6A through 6D schematically show further greeting cards having adhesive connectors according to embodiments of the invention.

Figure 7 schematically shows a greeting card having adhesive connectors according to embodiments of the invention. Figures 8 A through 8C show greeting cards having tongue and cavity connectors according to embodiments of the invention.

Figures 9A and 9B show greeting cards having removable or separable segments according to embodiments of the invention.

Figures 10A and 10B show a greeting card and assembled model having a removable or separable model section according to embodiments of the invention.

Figures 1 1 A and 1 IB show a greeting card and streamer or festoon having a removable or separable helical model section according to embodiments of the invention.

Figures 12A and 12B show a greeting card and assembled model having removable or separable model sections according to embodiments of the invention.

Figures 13A-13B schematically show a postcard having a non-permanent adhesive connector according to the invention.

Figures 14A-14B schematically show a further postcard having a non-permanent adhesive connector according to the invention.

Figure 15 schematically shows a postcard having a non-permanent adhesive connector that substantially covers an entire side of the card.

Figures 16A-16C schematically show a postcard having a non-permanent adhesive connector that substantially covers an entire side of the card.

Figures 17A-17E schematically show a postcard having a non-permanent adhesive connector that partially covers a side of the card.

Figures 18 A-B schematically show a template for printing a postcard.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 A schematically shows a greeting card 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The greeting card has a first side 2 showing an image 60, and a second, reverse, side (not shown). The first side 2 can for example show an image 60. The image 60 may be oriented to be viewed in portrait position (as shown in figure 1 A) or in landscape position (the orientation of figure 1 A rotated 90 degrees clockwise). With image 60 is meant a photograph, drawing, sketch, printed or written text, any combination of the aforementioned elements, or any other visual representation. The term image in this document may also comprise other elements that are known to be shown on or attached to wishing greeting cards, such as objects with a distinct tactile texture, fold out elements, holographic images, etcetera. A skilled person will know what type of elements can be attached to wishing greeting cards.

The second side (not shown) can for example provide space to write a name and address, to place a postage stamp, and to write a text. The second side may have printed indications which space is meant for the address, the text, the stamp, etc. These printed indications may also indicate a preferred portrait or landscape orientation.

The greeting card has four edges, numbered starting from the top and going in the clockwise direction, 6,7, 8, and 9, together forming the circumference. In figure 1 A, the greeting card is mainly rectangular, with edges 6 and 8 shorter than edges 7 and 9.

The greeting card may comprise a substrate formed by a sheet such as paper. The greeting card 1 has a J shaped hole connector 3, which is located on greeting card edge 6. The J-shaped hole connector 3 forms a hooked projection 5. The terms "hooked projection" and "hooked part" are synonymous. The greeting card is provided with a hole connector 4 on the edge or circumference of the greeting card edge 8, on an opposite side from the J-shaped hole connector 3. Advantageously, the hole connector 4 is round, but it may also be in any other shape that can be connected to a male connection part.

A J-shaped or other shape hole connector may be provided directly by the greeting card manufacturer. Alternatively, the term "hole connector" or female connector in this document also may mean a prepared hole connector, for example by a weakening of the greeting card material so that the user of the greeting card may easily create the hole connector by pushing out a part of the greeting card.

If the greeting card 1 is meant to be viewed in portrait orientation, it is advantageous to have the image 60 of the first side 2 oriented in such a manner that the top of said image is near edge 6 which is connected to J-shaped hole connector 3, and the bottom of said image near edge 8. As will be discussed in more detail with reference to Figure 2, the J-shaped hole connector 3 may be used to hang the greeting card from, and it is advantageous to hang the greeting card in such a manner that the image on the first side is right side up. In the example of Figure 1A, where the exemplary image 60 is displayed right side up. Therefore, the J-shaped hole connector is advantageously placed near the top edge 6, and the hole connector 4 near opposite edge 8. If the greeting card were to have a landscape orientation, the J-shaped hole connector would be advantageously placed near a long edge 7 or 9. The greeting cards shown in figures 1 A through IF, with the exception of ID, all have portrait orientation.

The graphical designer of a greeting card may also design something that is not portrait or landscape, but something else, for example involving rotational symmetry. When applying the teachings of the current invention, it is advantageous to take a preferred orientation of the greeting card into account, but not required.

The connectors 3,4 are arranged to be connected to each other. The hooked projection 3 is shaped such that it will fit in hole connector 4. By fitting hooked projection 3 through hole connector 4 of another greeting card, two greeting cards can be connected. The connection is reversible, meaning the greeting cards can be disconnected without damaging either greeting card, yet the hooked projection - hole connector connection advantageously allows greeting cards to be connected to each other without them becoming easily disconnected, for example due to a gust of wind in the room where the greeting cards are. Advantageously, the J-shaped hole connector 3 is placed so that the center of J-curve 61 lies half-way along top edge 6, and the hole connector 4 is also placed half-way along the bottom edge 8, so that when the hooked projection 3 is fitted trough the hole connector 4 of another greeting card, the connection is along a line centered between and parallel to, the side edges 7 and 9.

Figures IB through IF schematically show further greeting cards. For brevity, not all remarks made with reference to Figure IB, for example concerning the image 60 or the orientation, are repeated for each further greeting card. However, the details described above may also be applied to the further greeting cards.

Figure IB schematically shows a greeting card 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The greeting card has a first side 11 and a second, reverse, side (not shown). The greeting card has a hole connector 13 near the top edge 15. Between the hole connector 13 and the top edge 15 runs an incision or tear line 12. The greeting card has a second hole connector 14 near the bottom edge 16. In an embodiment line 12 is a cut line. Line 12 is formed either by stamping/pressing the line completely or by partial stamping/pressing.

The greeting card 10 is made of a flexible material such as greeting cardboard, so that it is possible to slide a thin object, such as another greeting card 10, partly in the incision 12 . by reversibly bending the parts of the greeting card near the tear line 12. Advantageously, the diameter of the hole connector 14 is just a little longer than the length of the incision 12, so that a connection between two greeting cards 10 can be made by sliding the bottom edge 16 of the first greeting card into the incision 12 of the second greeting card until the part of the greeting card below the hole connector 14 in the first greeting card is fitted inside the hole connector 13 in the second greeting card. A suitable choice of greeting card material, such as greeting cardboard, will ensure that the connection between said first and second greeting cards 10 is more than strong enough to carry the weight of the lower greeting card 10. A suitable choice of greeting card material will also ensure that the connection is reversible, and can be unmade by bending the greeting card material of the second greeting card around the incision 12 to open the incision 12 so that the first greeting card can be removed from the hole connector 13. In an embodiment a further substrate can be used to strengthen e.g. a paper card. The further substrate can be a plastic, e.g. glued to the paper substrate near the connector.

Figure 1C schematically shows a greeting card 20 according to an embodiment of the invention. The greeting card 20 has a first side 21 and a second, reverse, side (not shown). The greeting card has a J-shaped incision 22 near the top edge 25. The J- shaped incision 22 defines a hooked projection 23. The greeting card has a hole connector 24 near the bottom edge 26.

The greeting card 20 is made of a flexible material such as greeting cardboard, so that it is possible to slide a thin object, such as another greeting card 20, partly in the incision 23. By reversibly bending the parts of the greeting card near the incision 12. Advantageously, the diameter of the hole connector 24 is large enough so that the hooked projection 23 of a first greeting card 20 can be inserted in the hole connector 24 of a second greeting card 20, thus connecting the first and second greeting cards. Advantageously, this connection is easy to make, and reversible. The connection is strong enough to carry the weight of the second greeting card.

For a greeting card having multiple connectors, such as connector 5 & 4, 13 & 14 and 22 & 24, these connectors are positioned on a line crossing the centre of gravity of the greeting card.

Figure ID schematically shows a greeting card 30 according to an embodiment of the invention. The greeting card 30 has a first side 31 and a second, reverse, side (not shown). The greeting card 30 has a first J-shaped hole connector 32, defining a hooked projection 33, near the top edge 36. The greeting card 30 has a second J-shaped hole connector 34, defining a hooked projection 35, near the bottom edge 38.

The hooked projection 35 of a first greeting card can be inserted into the J-shaped hole connector 32 of a second greeting card, forming a connection between the first and second greeting cards. Advantageously, the first J-shaped hole connector 32 and second J-shaped hole connector 34 are placed relative to each in such a manner that the centers of both J curves define a straight line that runs parallel to and centrally between the side edges 37 and 39, to enable the possibility of a balanced connection.

Figure IE schematically shows a connectable foldable greeting card 40 having a first side 41, a second, reverse, side (not shown) and a fold line 43. The fold line 43 divides the first side 41 in two halves. The greeting card can be folded closed along fold line 43, rendering the first side 41 invisible. The greeting card can be folded open to reveal the first side 41. In typical use, the second side, which is also divided in two halves by the fold line 43 forming the first or front page (not visible, put pointed at by arrow 48) and the fourth or back page (also not visible, but pointed at by arrow 49) of the foldable greeting card. The front page typically shows an image. The two halves of the first side 41 form the second page 42 and third page 47 of the foldable greeting card, which are typically for writing a message.

The half of the greeting card which has the third page 47, has a J-shaped hole connector 44 , forming a hooked proj ection 45 and a hole connector 46. Advantageously, the J-shaped hole connector 44 and hole connector 46 are placed on a line through a center of the third page 47. The hole connectors 44 and 46 can be used to connect greeting cards in a similar fashion as has been discussed in reference to figure 1A through ID. Due to the fact that only one half of the foldable greeting card (in this case the half which has pages three 47 and four 49) can be connected, means that the greeting card can still be opened when it is connected to other greeting cards. Advantageously, due to gravity the greeting card may hang open somewhat when it is connected to other greeting cards, making pages two 42 and three 47 at least partly visible without requiring physical interaction with the greeting card.

Figure IF schematically shows a connectable foldable greeting card 50, similar to the connectable foldable greeting card 40, having a first side 51, a third page 53, a J shaped hole connector 54, defining a hooked projection 55, and a hole connector 56. The key difference with foldable care 40 is that now the other half of the foldable greeting card (in this case the half which has pages one and two) has a J-shaped hole connector 57, defining a hooked projection 58, and a hole connector 59. Again, fordable greeting cards 50 can be connected by connecting the J-shaped hole connector 54 with the hole connector 56 as described in reference to the preceding figures. Now the user advantageously has the choice to connect the greeting cards while they are folded close, preventing for example gravity causing the foldable greeting card to open while in connected position. This can give a tide look to a sequence of connected greeting cards.

Figures 1A through IF show a number of variations of greeting cards. It is clear that any combination of the various shown and discussed elements is possible according to the invention. For example, hole connectors 4, 14, 24, 46, and 56 may have other shapes than the displayed round shapes, or may be J-shaped hole connectors. Hole connectors such as 4, 14, 24, 46 are also known as female connection parts. Hooked projections such as 5, 23, 33, 45, and 55 are also known as male connection parts. Hole connectors such as 4, 14, 24, 46, Hooked projections such as 5, 23, 33, 45, and 55, J-shaped hole connectors such as 3, 32, 34, 44, and 54, hole connectors 13 with incisions 12, and J-shaped incisions 22, are also generally known as connection parts. It is clear to a skilled person that there are more ways than using the exemplary connection parts shown in the figures 1A through I F to make two parts that are connectable. A connection can be made by connecting a female connection part with a male connection part. A connection can also be made by connecting two similar elements, such as two J-shaped hole connectors.

Instead of on the short edges 3,4,15,16,25,26,36,38 the connection parts may be placed on the long edges, such as 7,9, 31, 37. The connection parts may be placed both near the long and the short edges, totaling at least four connection parts per greeting card 1, 10, 20, 30, or at least six connection parts per foldable greeting card 40, 50. The connection parts are not necessarily placed in the middle of an edge. The connection parts in a foldable greeting card 40, 50 may be placed on or near the fold line 43, 53. More than one connection part may be provided along a single edge. Specifically, one connection part may be provided near the top edge, and two connection parts near the bottom edge, allowing greeting cards to be connected in a tree-like structure where two greeting cards are connected at the bottom edge, and one at the top edge.

Figure 2 schematically shows a group 100 of connected greeting cards according to an embodiment of the invention. The group 100 comprises a first greeting card 101, said greeting card having a first side 102, a J-shaped hole connector 103 defining a hooked projection 104 near the top edge of the greeting card, and a hole connector 105 near the bottom edge of the greeting card. The group 100 further comprises a second greeting card 106, said greeting card having a first side 107, a J-shaped hole connector 108 defining a hooked projection 109 near the top edge of the greeting card, and a hole connector 110 near the bottom edge of the greeting card. The group 100 further comprises a third greeting card 111, said greeting card having a first side 112, a J- shaped hole connector 113 defining a hooked projection 114 near the top edge of the greeting card, and a hole connector 115 near the bottom edge of the greeting card.

Figure 2 also shows a wire 120. The wire is attached (not shown) at both ends to a supporting point, for example a nail in a wall or ceiling, and spans the distance between those two supporting points.

The first greeting card 101 is connected to the wire 120, with the wire 120 running through the J-shaped hole connector 104, in such a manner that part of the hooked projection 104 is directly above and resting on the wire 120. In this manner, the first greeting card 101 hangs from the wire 120, in a stable manner such that, for example, a gust of wind in the room containing the wire and greeting card assembly does not immediately cause the greeting card to become disconnected from the wire.

The second greeting card 106 is connected to the first greeting card 101 , with hooked projection 109 of the second greeting card 106 inserted in the hole connector 105 of the first greeting card 101. The connection thus made between the first and the second greeting cards is also sufficiently stable that it can withstand for example a gust of wind. Advantageously, the connection between the first and second greeting cards 101 and 106 can be undone without damage to either greeting card.

When the connection parts are interconnected, the first side 102 of the first greeting card is at an angle alpha with the first side 107 of the second greeting card, where alpha may be larger than 10 degrees, larger than 40 degrees, or larger than 80 degrees.

In a similar fashion, the third greeting card 1 1 1 is connected to the second greeting card 106, the first side 107 of the second greeting card 106 forming an angle beta with the first side 112 of the third greeting card 111. Angles alpha and beta may be nearly identical, so that the first side 112 of the third greeting card 111 is largely similarly oriented as the first side 102 of the first greeting card 101. It is advantageous to attach the greeting cards in a manner where connected greeting cards are at an angle with respect to each other, since it may give a pleasing visual effect.

More greeting cards can be attached in a group, and advantageously the wire and greeting card material is chosen such that groups of greeting cards of at least three meters in height can be made without connection parts disconnecting due to the weight of the group. At least three meters is an advantageous height since this corresponds to a typical maximum room ceiling height.

When one wants to display a number of greeting cards, it is possible to attach them to a wall or put them on a table. However, attaching them to a wall is tedious work and depending on the attachment means may have a lasting effect on the wall, and putting them on a table may require a lot of space. Therefore, it is advantageous to be able to hang a group of greeting cards from a single point, such as a point on a wire, especially on occasions when one receives a large number of greeting cards in a relatively short time, for example for a birthday.

It will be clear that other connection elements can be used to create the connected group of greeting cards than the shown J-shaped hole connectors 103, 108, 1 13 and hole connectors 105, 110, 115 in figure 2.

Figures 3A through 3E schematically show further greeting cards according to embodiments of the invention.

Figure 3 A schematically shows a greeting card 130, having a spiral incision 131, defining a curved connection part 132, near the top edge, and a straight incision 133 near the bottom edge. Both incisions 132 and 133 are advantageously placed on a vertical axis of symmetry 134 of the greeting card. A first greeting card 130 can be connected to a second greeting card 130 by inserting the curved connection part 132 of the second greeting card through the straight incision 133 of the first greeting card.

Figure 3B schematically shows a greeting card 140, having near the top edge a horizontal incision 141 , a connected vertical incision 143 and a thereto connected horizontal incision 142. Incisions 141, 142, and 143 together form the shape of a letter H rotated 90 degrees. Left and right of incision 143 are greeting card flaps 144 and 145 respectively. The greeting card 140 also has a square hole connector 146 near the bottom edge. The H shape and the square hole connector 146 are advantageously placed on a vertical axis of symmetry of the greeting card. The height of the square hole connector 146 is approximately the same as the height of vertical incision 143, and the width of the square hole connector is substantially less than the width of horizontal incisions 141 and 142.

A first greeting card 140 can be connected to a second greeting card 140 by pushing the tips of the flaps 144 and 145 of the second greeting card 140 through the square hole connector 146 of the first greeting card, and subsequently folding back the tips of the flaps 144 and 145 of the second greeting card so that the vertical edges of the square hole connector of the first greeting card are inside the fold of the flaps.

Figure 3C schematically shows a greeting card 150, having near the top edge two vertical incisions 151 and 152, defining vertical tip 153, and near the bottom edge three horizontal incisions 154, 155, and 156, defining between them and the bottom edge three horizontal bands 157, 158, and 159. The vertical incisions 151 and 152 are placed near and on either side of a vertical symmetry axis of the greeting card, and the horizontal incisions 154, 155, 156 are placed with their center points on the vertical symmetry axis.

A first greeting card 150 can be connected to a second greeting card 150 by weaving the vertical tip 153 of the first greeting card between the bands 157, 158, and 159 of the second greeting card. For example, by inserting the tip 153 through incision 156 in a first direction, bending the tip 153 and inserting it a second, opposite, direction back through incision 155, then bending the tip 153 once again and inserting it in the first direction through incision 154. Figure 3C shows but one example of a weaving connection. Using less or more than 3 horizontal bands is possible, or more than 1 vertical strip. The horizontal bands may be placed near the top edge of the greeting card, and the vertical strips near the bottom edge.

Figure 3D schematically shows a greeting card 160, having near the top edge two angular incisions 161 and 162, together forming part of an outline of an arrow 163, and near the bottom edge a horizontal incision 164. The arrow 163 and horizontal incision 164 are advantageously placed on vertical symmetry axis of the greeting card 160. The horizontal incision has a length that is larger than the minimum distance between angular incisions 161 and 162, and smaller than or equal to the maximum distance between angular incisions 161 and 162.

A first greeting card 160 can be connected to a second greeting card 160 by inserting the arrow 163 of the second greeting card 160 through the horizontal incision 164.

Figure 3E schematically shows a greeting card 170, having near the top left corner J-shaped incision 171, defining hooked projection 173, near the top right corner J-shaped incision 172, defining hooked projection 174, near the bottom left corner curved incision 175 and near the bottom right corner curved incision 176.

A first greeting card 170 can be connected to a second greeting card 170 by hooking the top left J-shaped incision 171 of the second greeting card into the bottom left curved incision 175 of the first greeting card and hooking the top right J-shaped incision 172 of the second greeting card into the bottom right curved incision 176 of the first greeting card.

The greeting cards discussed in reference to Figures 3A through 3E all share the advantage that they can be connected to form groups as shown in figure 2, and that these connections can be made without requiring the user to supply and apply extra material such as for example an adhesive or a staple.

The shown orientations in figures 3A through 3F are exemplary. The described connections are also possible when the top and bottom connecting parts are interchanged. The connections can also be made in landscape mode by providing connecting parts on the long edges of the greeting card, or in arbitrary mode by providing connecting parts on all edges of the greeting card.

Figure 4A schematically shows a greeting card 180 with a fold-out hook 182. The fold-out hook is defined by an incision 182 and a fold line 183 near the top edge of the greeting card, which together encircle the fold-out hook 181. Advantageously, the greeting card 180 is provided with a hole connector 184 near the bottom edge of the greeting card, which is shaped such that the hook 181 will connectably fit through it. An incision in this document may also indicate a tearing line, which can be torn by the user manually to create an incision.

The receiver of the greeting card can press the hook 181 out of the plane formed by the greeting card surface, and fold out the hook 181 using the fold line 183. In folded out position, the hook 181 may be used to hang the greeting card from a fixture, such as a nail, pin, or wire, or for example another greeting card, such as through the hole connector 184 in another greeting card 180.

Figure 4B schematically shows the greeting card 180 with the fold-out hook 181 in folded out position. The hook 181 is hanging from a wire 185. The incision 182 and fold- line 183 now encircle a hole connector in the greeting card 180.

In an alternative (not shown) to the card represented by figures 4 A and 4B, the fold line 183 of the fold-out hook 181 coincides with the top edge of the greeting card 180, and the fold-out hook 181 is initially folded against the card. In this alternative version, the incision 182 is not present, instead the fold-out hook 181 comprises a hook shaped projection extending from, and attached to the top edge of, the main card rectangle. The hook-shaped projection can be folded against the card, or folded outward to be connected to an objects such as a wire. Advantageously, in this variant the folded-out hook 182 does not leave behind a hook-shaped hole in the card.

Figure 5 A schematically shows a greeting card 200 having a front side 201 displaying an image 207, a back side (not shown, pointed at by arrow 206), a fold line 205, and a non-permanent adhesive connection part 202 comprising a non-permanent adhesive connector 204 and adhesive connector cover 203. The fold line is located between the area covered by the adhesive connector cover and the rest of the greeting card. Advantageously, the fold line 205 is horizontal with respect to the preferred orientation of the greeting card. In figure 5A, the fold line 205 is parallel with the top edge of the greeting card.

The greeting card is sold with the adhesive connector cover 203 covering the adhesive connector 204, advantageously preventing the adhesive connector from attaching itself to other objects. When the user of the greeting card wants to connect the greeting card to something else, for example a table surface or another greeting card, he or she may peel off the adhesive connector cover 203 of the adhesive connection part 202, to reveal the non-permanent adhesive connector 204. In figure 5A, the adhesive connector cover 203 is displayed while partly peeled off. With the adhesive connector 204 revealed, the greeting card may be stuck to another object, such as a table surface or the back of another greeting card. Advantageously, the adhesive connector 204 comprises non-permanent adhesive, so that the greeting card can later be removed without damaging the surface or object to which it has been attached.

Figure 5B shows the greeting card 200 attached to a horizontal surface 206, for example the surface of a table. The adhesive connector cover 203 has been removed, and the adhesive connector 204 is stuck to and facing the horizontal surface 206. The greeting card has been folded along fold line 205, so that the part of the greeting card containing the image 207 is projection mainly upwards from the horizontal surface 206. Advantageously, the greeting card material and fold line are provided such that the greeting card will remain in this upward position, and not come to rest parallel to the horizontal surface. A skilled person can arrange this effect through a suitable choice of greeting card material and fold line creation.

Figure 6A shows a greeting card 220 having a back side 221 provided with a non- permanent adhesive connector 222. The adhesive connector 222 may initially be covered with a adhesive connector covering (not shown) which can be peeled off. On the front side (not shown), opposite backside 222, an image may be displayed.

When the non-permanent adhesive connector is uncovered, the greeting card 220 may be attached, in a non-permanent fashion, to another object, such as a wall, a window glass, mirror, etcetera, by bringing the adhesive connector into contact with the other object.

Figure 6B shows a greeting card 230 having a back side 231 provided with a first non-permanent adhesive connector 232 and a second non-permanent adhesive connector 233. Both adhesive connectors 232, 233 are placed near opposing edges of the greeting card, for example near the top edge and the bottom edge respectively. The adhesive-layers may initially be covered by a adhesive connector cover (not shown), advantageously preventing the greeting card from unintentionally sticking against objects. In certain logistic processes, such as automated mail sorting, this is especially advantageous.

When the non-permanent adhesive connector is uncovered, the greeting card 230 may be attached, in a non-permanent fashion, to another object, such as a wall, a window glass, mirror, etcetera, by bringing the adhesive connectors into contact with the other object. In particular, one of the adhesive connectors may be brought into contact with another greeting card, thus connecting the two greeting cards. For the purpose of creating a group of greeting cards in vertical direction, for example similar to the group shown in figure 2, it is advantageous to place the adhesive connectors 232, 233, near the top and bottom edge of the greeting card, where top and bottom is defined relative to the preferred orientation of an image on the front side of the greeting card. The greeting card in figure 6B would for example be a landscape oriented greeting card.

It will be clear that the adhesive connectors need not have rectangular shapes. Any shape is possible, and any number of adhesive connectors may be provided on a greeting card. It is also possible to create adhesive connectors on both sides of the greeting card, for example to increase the number of ways in which a greeting card may be connected to another object, in particular to another greeting card.

Figure 6C schematically shows a greeting card 240 having a back side 241 provided with five adhesive connectors 242, 243, 244, 245, and 246. Similar to the description in reference to figures 6 A and 6B, the greeting card 240 may be attached to another object, in particular another greeting card, by bringing one or more of the adhesive connectors 242, 243, 244, 245, 246 into contact with the object,

Figure 6D schematically shows a fold-open greeting card 250 having a first page (not shown, pointed at by arrow 252), a second page 253, a third page 254, and a fourth page (not shown). Pages one and four and pages two and three are separated by fold line 255. Page two 253 has a non-permanent adhesive connector 256. Page three 254 has a non-permanent adhesive connector 251. The connectors 251 and 256 are advantageously shaped in the form of a elongated vertical strip and placed near the card edge, so the connectors do not occupy much of the space intended for writing text.

When the greeting card 250 is folded closed, the adhesive connectors 251 and

256 advantageously stick pages two 253 and three 254 together, holding the card closed. When the card is open, the adhesive connectors 251 and/or 256 can be attached to an object, such as for example a wall or window pane, to display the front (pointed at by arrow 252) of the card.

The adhesive connectors may also be placed near the top and bottom edges of the card. They may have an other shape than the elongated strips shown in Figure 6D. There may be a different number of connectors.

In a variant, not shown, between adhesive connector 251 and fold line 255, close to connector 251 and running parallel to it, a second fold line may be added. Similarly, between adhesive connector 256 and fold line 255, close to connector 256 and running parallel to it, a third fold line may be added. By folding along these fold lines, in a direction opposite to the direction the main fold line 255 is to be folded, the connectors 251 and 256 may be connected to an object such as a wall, at a mutual distance which is smaller than the distance between the connectors following a line on the card surface. The effect is that the attached card will project form the object such as a wall, with the second page 253 and third page 254 at an angle that is substantially different from 180 degrees, for example close to 90 degrees.

Figure 7 schematically shows a fold-open greeting card 300, having a first page 301, a second page (not shown, pointed at by arrow 302), a third page 303 and a fourth page (not shown). Pages one and four and pages two and three are divided by a fold line 304. Attached to the top edge 307 is non-permanent adhesive tab connector 305, and attached to the bottom edge 309 is non-permanent adhesive tab connector 306. The card 300 also has right edge 308 and left edge 310. The adhesive tab connectors 305 and 306 are semicircles extending over the edges 307 and 309. The tab connectors 305 and 306 may be made by attaching circular stickers partly to the top and bottom edge of the fourth page. The part of the sticker attached to the card may be attached using permanent adhesive, while the semi-circle part of the sticker that is not attached to the card may comprise a layer of non-permanent adhesive.

By closing the card and then folding the top adhesive tab connector 305 over the top edge 307 of the card so that it sticks against the top of the first page, and folding the bottom adhesive tab connector 306 over the bottom edge 309 of the card so that it sticks against the bottom the first page, the card can be non-permanent ly closed.

Alternatively, a group of cards such as depicted in Figure 2 can be made by attaching the top edge or top tab connector of a second card to the bottom edge or bottom tab connector of a first card. Such a connection can be made with top tab against bottom edge, top edge against bottom tab, or top tab against bottom tab. A tab may also be attached to an object like a wire, for example by folding the tab connector over the wire and sticking the tab connector to itself.

Like with the hooked and hole connectors, any number of tabs can be placed on a card. The tabs may be placed along a long edge or a short edge. They may be placed in the middle of an edge or elsewhere.

Figure 8A schematically shows a greeting card 320 having a first tongue connector 321 extending from the circumference of the greeting card 320 near the top edge, a second tongue connector 322 extending from the circumference near the right edge, a first cavity connector 323 in the circumference near the bottom edge, and a second cavity connector 324 in the circumference near the left edge. The tongue connectors are also named male connectors or male parts, and the cavity connectors are also named female connectors or female parts.

The cavity connectors have a shape that is generally similar to the tongue connectors and are arranged to receive a tongue connector. The tongue connectors have a width that grows towards a distal end of the tongue connector. When a tongue of a first card is in a cavity of a second card, the circumferences of the first and the second card near tongue and cavity respectively will abut. Due to the width of the tongue connector which grows towards a distal end of the tongue, the tongue connector does not easily slide out of the cavity. Hence, advantageously, cards can be connected together by combining tongue and cavity connectors, or male and female parts, together. A card 320 may have any number of male and/or female parts, in total or per side. The parts can be all made uniform, i.e. every tongue connector is arranged to fit well into every cavity connector, making it possible to combine cards together by combining any tongue connector with any cavity connector. Alternatively, tongue and cavity connectors may have particular shapes, such that for example in a given set of cards only one cavity fits around any one tongue. In this way, the manufacturer of the cards can specify how the cards are to be connected together. Advantageously, the cards may have images on them depicting parts of a larger image, such that when the cards are connected in the right manner the larger image is reconstructed.

Figure 8B schematically shows a group 335 of greeting cards, comprising greeting cards 320, 325, and 330. Greeting card 320 has tongue connectors 321 and 322 and cavity connectors 323 and 324. The tongue connector 326 of greeting card 325 is connected to the cavity connector 323 of greeting cards 320, so that the greeting cards 320 and 325 are connected. Greeting card 325 further has tongue connector 334, and cavity connectors 328 and 329. Tongue connector 334 is connected to cavity connector 334 of greeting card 330, which further has tongue connectors 331 and 332 and cavity connector 333.

Tongue connectors 321, 322, 326, 327, 331, and 332 all may have essentially the same shape so that they fit into each cavity connector 323, 324, 328, 329, 333, or 334. They also may have differing shapes, for example with wider or smaller distal ends, so that each will fit into a specifically shaped cavity connector.

When the goals is to create a group of cards 335 for displaying the cards 320, 325, etcetera, it is advantageous to make all tongue connectors the same to ease connecting together the cards. When the goal is reconstruct a larger image by combining the images on the cards 320, 325, etcetera, it may be advantageous to make tongue connectors that specifically fit into a single other cavity.

Figure 8C schematically shows a greeting card 340 comprising an interior greeting card 320 with tongues and cavities, and removable parts 341 , 342, 343, and 344. The removable parts 341 may be attached using a tearing line 345. With tearing line is meant a line along the card along which the card can be manually torn apart, resulting in a tear that mainly follows the tearing line. Such a tearing line may for example be made by a partial incision of the card, or repeatedly folding the card along the tearing line. A skilled person will know many ways to create a tearing line in a card. Likewise, the parts of the circumferences of removable parts 341, 342, 343, and 344 that touch the interior card 320 may be formed as tearing lines. Advantageously, the greeting card can be produced as a generally rectangular greeting card 340, after which the user, or the manufacturer in the last step, can remove the removable parts 341, 342, 343 and 344 to make the tongue and cavity connectors on the interior greeting card 320 available. With the removable parts 341 , 342, 343 and 344 removed, the remainder of the greeting card 320 can be connected to other greeting cards as discussed in reference to figures 8 A and 8B. However, the invention is not limited to rectangular shaped cards. Any shape is possible, such as a circle, triangle, hexagon, etc.

Figure 9A schematically shows a greeting card 350 comprising a substrate formed by a sheet 351 having a message and a number of removable segments 352 - 365. The seven removable segments 352 - 358 are arranged in the form of a first seven- segment display for displaying a first numeral 0 - 9. The first seven-segment display comprises two vertical segments 357 and 356 on the left side, two vertical segments 353 and 354 on the right side, a top horizontal segment 352 above and between segments 357 and 353, a bottom horizontal segment 355 below and between segments 356 and 354, and a center horizontal segment 350 between segments 352 and 355. In a similar fashion, the seven removable elements 359 - 365 form a second seven-segment- display for displaying a second numeral 0 - 9.

Removable segments 352-365 may have a distinct color, for example black. Push through segments 352-365 are removable from the card, for example by pressing on the removable element. Removable segments can be made removable by the card manufacturer in a number of ways known to a skilled person. For example, there may be a partial incision in the card around the segment, so that the segment is connected to the rest of the card only via a few isolated " bridges" that are easily broken by hand. Alternatively, the removable segments may only be connected to the rest of the card via a number of narrow stick-like connections that are easily broken by hand.

A visual representation of a numeral may be created by selectively removing segments. For example, the first seven-segment display comprising segments 352 - 358 can be made to display the number two by removing segments 357 and 354.

Alternatively, it the numbers can be made by removing the segments that make up the number in the seven-segment displays. For example, if the segments 352-365 have a color and/or texture that is very similar to the color and/or texture of the rest of the front side of the card, the segments may not attract much attention. However, removing the segments may have a distinct visual effect, especially if behind the segment is a sheet or card page (in case of a fold-open card) with a different color and/or texture. In other words, numerals may also be created by making a negative of the numeral in the seven-segment display. For example, the negative of number 7 may be made by removing segments 352, 353, and 354.

The two seven-segment displays together may show any number in the range from 0 to 99, and are thus able to represent the age of the vast majority of the population. Advantageously, a birthday card that has two seven-segment displays comprising removable segments surrounded by a congratulations text can be customized by the user for a recipient of any age from 0 to 99.

The seven-segment displays comprising removable segments shown on greetings card 350 may also be used to create other numeric representations, such as dates (using for example the DD/MM/YY or MM/DD/YYYY formats, where each letter represents a seven-segment display) and times (in HH:MM) format. Times may be in military format, with hours HH in the range 00 to 24 or in AM/PM format, with hours in 0 to 12 range. In that case, a AM/PM postfix can be added, in the from of the letters AM where the letter A in AM may be turned into a P by removing a segment representing the right leg of the A in AM

The invention is not limited to numerals. It is also possible to represent alphabetic characters using fourteen-segment displays or sixteen-segment dislays. These displays, which are like seven-segment displays well known in the field of digital electronics, comprise an additional four diagonal segments in order to unambiguously represent letters like " R" which seven-segment displays cannot.

Figure 9B shows an analog clock 370 made with removable segments 371 - 394, arranged in twelve radial directions originating from the same center, and at equal angular intervals to represent the twelve hours of an analog clock. In each of the twelve radial directions, two segments are placed end-to-end. For example, segments 371 and 372 make up the radial segments for hour 1.

The long hand of the analog clock, indicating the minutes, is represented by two remaining segments in the corresponding radial direction. The short hand of the analog clock, indicating the hours, is represented by one remaining segment in the corresponding radial direction, wherin the segment that is closest to the center remains, and the one that is furthers from the center is removed. All other segments are removed.

For example, to indicate three o'clock, all segments are removed expect 393 and 394 (the long hand at 12) and segment 375 (the short hand at 3).

As mentioned before, a AM/PM element 408 comprising a removable segment 407 representing the right leg of the letter A in AM may be added.

With this analog clock comprising removable segments, a time, for example for the start of a party, may be indicated on a greeting card. Figure 10A schematically shows a greeting card 420 having a removable or separable model section 421. The removable model section may be connected with the remainder of the card 420 using tearing lines 422 which can be broken by hand to remove the model section 421.

After the removable model section 421 has been removed from the greeting card

420, the model section 421 can be folded to form a three-dimensional object, such as for example a cube.

Figure 10B shows a cube 423 formed by folding removable model section 421. The cube may be held in shape by using adhesive on selected edges of the removable model section 421. Alternatively, the removable model section may have other connectors, such as for example discussed in this document, such as for example adhesive strips, hooked connectors, incisions, etc that allow a permanent or non- permanent connection of parts of the removable model section 421 to itself.

The invention is not limited to cubes and cubic objects. Other objects may be made by folding a removable model section 421. The invention is also not limited to greeting cards 420 having a single removable model section 421. Multiple removable model sections may be provided on a greeting card 420, which form separate three- dimensional models 423 or are used together in a single model 423.

Figure 1 1A schematically shows a greeting card 430 having a removable or separable helical model section 432 formed by helical model tearing line 431. By tearing along tearing line 431, the removable helical model section 432 can be removed. At the distal ends of the helical model section hooked projections 433 and 434 are provided.

Figure 1 IB schematically shows the removed helical model section 432 mainly stretched out to form a streamer or festoon. The stretched out helical model section 432 has hooked projections 433 and 434 which can be attached for example wires 435 and 436 respectively. This may be done for example to hang the helical model in a room and obtain a pleasing visual effect as from a festoon or streamer.

The helical model section 432 may have a mainly smooth circumference, or a non-smooth circumference, such as a jagged circumference. The greeting card 430, in particular the removable helical model section 432, may show an image. The image may be drawn such that it is meant to be viewed when the helical model section 432 is removed and stretched out. A side of the card may be intended for writing a message. Printed matter on a side of the card may indicate where a user should write a message so that it will be clearly readable when the helical model section 432 is removed and stretched out. Figure 12A shows a greeting card 440 having removable or separable model sections 441 and 445, representing a first and a second side of a baby carriage, 442 and 443, representing first and second supports of a baby carriage, and 444, representing a baby under a blanket. The removable model sections 441 and 448 are provided with incision connectors 447 and 448 respectively. The removable model sections 442 and 449 also have incision connectors 449.

The circumference of the removable model sections 441 through 445 is a tearing line. To a skilled person, other solutions will be known to create removable model sections in a greeting card. The user can manually remove the removable model sections 441 - 445 from the greeting card 440. The card and in particular the removable model sections may be imprinted with an image. A side of the card may be intended for writing a message. Printed matter on a side of the card may indicate where a user should write a message so that it will be clearly readable when the removable model sections are assembled to form a three-dimensional model. For example, printed matter or any other indicator may show where a user may write a message so that it will show up readably on the side of the assembled baby carriage.

Figure 12B shows an assembled baby carriage model 446, comprising removed removable model sections 441 , 442, 443, 444, and 445. The supports 442 and 443 are both connected via incision connectors 449 to carriage sides 441 and 445. Removable model section 444 is placed between carriage sides 441 and 445, and connected to 441 and 445 using incision connectors 447 and 448 respectively.

Figure 13A and 13B schematically shows the reverse side of a postcard 500 according to an embodiment of the invention. Advantageously, the card has dimensions that conform to postal standards, for example postal standards for postcards. For example, the postcard may have a width of at least 5 inches, and at most 6 inches, and may have a height of at least 3 ½ inches and at most 4 ¼ inches. A card may be approximately 5 ½ inches in width by approximately 4 ¼ inches in height. Alternatively, the postcard may have a width of at least 14 centimeters, and at most 23.5 centimeters, and have a height of at least 9 centimeters, and at most 16.2 centimeters. A card may be approximately 15 centimeters in width by approximately 10 centimeters in height. A postcard according to this embodiment of the invention does not differ in size from 'normal' postcards.

Centrally on the reverse side of the postcard 500, oriented parallel to the short side edge 508, is an non-permanent adhesive connector 501 in the form of an adhesive strip, initially covered by a cover strip 502 (fully attached in figure 13 A, and partially peeled off in figure 13B). The user can remove the cover strip 502 to reveal the non- permanent adhesive connector 501. The adhesive can be a form of glue, intended for non-permanent binding of the adhesive to an object.

On the right hand side 505 of the non-permanent adhesive connector 501, is room for writing a name and address 504, possibly indicated with printed markings, and room for placing a postage stamp 503, also possibly indicated with printed markings such as for example a dotted rectangle or a sketch of a stamp. On the left hand side 506 of the non-permanent adhesive connector 501 is room for writing a personal message, for example a greeting message. On the left hand side 506 dotted lines or other printed matter may be provided to aid in writing on the card. Also, a preprinted message may be visible. According to the invention the connector 501 and cover strip 502 form a separation between the address lines 504 and personal message space 506.

The non-permanent adhesive connector can advantageously be used to connect the greeting card or postcard 500 to an object, for example a wall or window, or another card. The postcard can have more than one locations of adhesive connectors, for example as shown in figure 6B or 6C. However, it is advantageous, with a view towards connecting the card to an object so that the connectors must carry the weight of the card, to at least arrange the connectors in a symmetrical fashion, for example a single one in the middle, or two connectors at either side of the card, etc. Advantageously, a card is connected to an object, such as a wall, using a connector which is placed on the center of gravity of the card. Alternatively, multiple connectors are used which are distributed symmetrically around the center of gravity of the card, such that the card is balanced and the force of gravity is substantially uniformly distributed over the multiple connectors.

The cover strip on the non-permanent adhesive connector advantageously prevents unwanted sticking of the card to objects. In particular, this is advantageous when the card is being written on by the sender, and while the card is being processed by the postal services, for example by an automated mail sorting machine.

The front side of the postcard 500 may show an image. This image will be visible when then card is stuck to an object such as a wall

In a further embodiment according the invention, the front side of the postcard, for example displaying an image, has a non-permanent adhesive connector with a cover strip. When the postcard is attached to an object such as a wall using this connector, the front side is obscured, and the reverse side, for example showing a written message from the card sender, is visible. The card may also have at least one non-permanent adhesive connector on both the front side and the reverse side. Postcards having connectors on both sides can be used according to the user's preferences.

All non-permanent adhesive connectors may be covered by a cover strip. The non-permanent adhesive connectors may have any shape, such as for example a rectangular strip, a circle, a square, a triangle, etc.

The adhesive connector 501 may have a color, for example to distinguish the connector from the side of the card on which it is placed. This coloring is indicated with the shaded area 522 in figure 14A. The color may be applied by coloring the underlying card material, for example through printing, or by applying a colored adhesive or glue material, or in any other way available to a skilled person. This has the advantage that ,when an optional cover strip is removed, the place on the card where adhesive is applied is clearly visible, so unintentional sticking of the card is prevented.

The adhesive connector may show a text or image 523, as shown schematically in figure 14B. This text or image 523 may be printed on the card 500 underneath a transparent adhesive connector, or in another way made visible on or through the non- permanent adhesive connector. Advantageously, this text or image can contain for example indications for use, or a surprising message for the receiver of the card. This allows double use of the space available on the postcard.

The cover strip 502 of the non-permanent adhesive connector may show a text or image 521. This text or image may for example comprise a bar code. This has the advantage that the bar code, which is only useful in a retail context and not particularly esthetically pleasing, can be removed once the card is bought. It also has the advantage that no other part of the card surface needs to be devoted to displaying the bar code. The text or image 521 may also comprise text or picto grams with instructions for use.

In an embodiment the address bars 504 of the postcard are located on the cover strip. This allows removing the address, freeing the connector, e.g. after reaching the destination.

Figure 15 shows a further embodiment according to the invention. The reverse side of the card 530 comprises a cover strip 531 that substantially covers the entire reverse side of the card 530. The reverse side of the card 530 and/or the cover strip 531 may have markings to indicate space for writing a name and address 532, for placing a stamp 533, and a dividing line 534 in the center.

Underneath the cover strip 531 is a non-permanent adhesive connector (not shown). The user may remove the covers trip 531 to reveal an adhesive connector 535 and/or the card material. The adhesive connector 535 may comprise an adhesive layer that covers substantially the entire reverse side of the card 530. The adhesive connector may also comprise a number of smaller adhesive connectors, such as for example shown in figures 6 A - 6C.

Greeting card 530 may be a postcard, conforming to postal standards for postcards. It may also have a non-standard form. It may have a fold line, essentially making it a fold open greetings card such as shown in figure 6D. In a fold open greetings card, the cover strip 531 may extend on both sides of the fold line.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the adhesive connector functions as a sort of carbon paper in the sense that a message that is written on cover strip 531, i s also simultaneously written on the underlying card. This is not necessarily implemented using carbon paper technology. For example, the cover strip may be transparent, and a message may be only visible on the adhesive connector or the card material underneath the cover strip. In this case ,the message may be printed on the card material or adhesive connector through the force of pushing a pen or pencil point on the material. A skilled person will now materials than can be printed on in by exerting a force rather than by depositing a substance such as an ink. Advantageously, the message printed on the reverse side of the card 530 is then not lost when the cover strip 531 is removed, since an copy of the message is visible on the card underneath.

Figures 16A-16C illustrate a card 530 where the cover strip is fully attached (Fig. 16 A), partly removed (fig 16B) and almost fully removed (fig 16C). On the cover strip and/or on the card underneath the cover strip a message may be printed by the card manufacturer or by a user of the card. The message may be printed through the application of a printing substance such as an ink, or through an alternative technique ,such as applying pressure, as outlined before. The cover strip may be (partly) transparent or oblique. The card material may be covered substantially entirely by a non-permanent adhesive connector, or partly.

Figures 17A - 17E schematically show greeting cards 540 having a cover strip 541 that partially covers a side of the card. Parts 542 of the card are not covered by the cover strip 541. Underneath the cover strip is a non-permanent adhesive connector (not shown). The connector may comprise a single adhesive layer covering the card surface underneath the cover strip, or a number of smaller adhesive layers. On the parts 542 not covered by the cover strip may be markings543 indicating space for writing name and address, placing a stamp, writing a personal message, etc. The cover strip 541 may also have markings 544 indicating space for, for example, writing a name and address. Advantageously, these markings 544 may indicate space for text that will likely interest the receiver of the card only slightly, such as his or her own name and address. This unneeded, by the receiver of the card, information will then be removed when the receiver removes the cover strip 541.

The receiver or user of the card 540 may remove the cover strip 541 to reveal the non-permanent adhesive connector and then attach the card using the adhesive connector to an object such as a wall.

Advantageously, this partial covering of the card by the cover strip 541 can be chosen such that the non-permanent adhesive connector underneath the cover strip 541 is large enough for easy non-permanent attachment of the card to a wide variety of objects, while still leaving enough room for writing messages that are not to be removed when the cover strip 541 is removed.

The card may comprise more than one cover strip 541 and/or more than one uncovered area 542 (see for example figure 17B and 17D). As can be seen in figures 17A-17E, a cover strip 541 and a uncovered area 542 can have any shape. Both an uncovered area 542 as an cover strip 541 may be written on, with our without being provided with markings 543 respectively 544.

The cards 500, 520, 530, 540 have been shown with an non-permanent adhesive connector attached to the reverse or back side of the card, this being the side that is typically reserved for address information (in case of a post card) and/or a written message. In the case of a fold-open card, this side is typically reserved for a (optionally preprinted) written message. The front side o f the card typically shows an image and/or a preprinted text.

Figure 18A shows a front side of a photo print template 550, and figure 18B shows a reverse side of a photo print template 550 according to an embodiment of the invention. The template may have a standard printing format such as A4 or letter. The template 550 has tearing lines 551 which are in the form of a closed loop, for example a rectangle, and define a postcard area 552. The user may break the tearing lines 551 to remove the card material inside, having front side postcard area 552.

In another embodiment the template has the size of the postcard to be send.

The template allows a user to print a picture or message on the postcard. Suitable software loaded into a memory of a computer and executed by the processor can allow a user to print an image in the designated areas 552.

In an embodiment, the designated areas 552 comprise paper that is optimal for consumer photo printing, such as glossy or matte paper for inkjet printers. The designated areas 552 may have optimized coatings for photo printing, for example with an improved quick-drying property. In an embodiment, the designated areas comprise paper with a special effect, such as an imitation canvas texture. Using special paper and/or optimized coatings may advantageously improve the color appearance of the printed matter and/or the longevity.

In an embodiment the reverse side of the template 550 already comprises preprinted address lines 553, adjacent an adhesive connector covered by a tear-off cover strip 554.

In an embodiment a 'secret message 558' is covered by a cover strip 559. The cover strip is a tear off part and can be removed by a user. The cover strip 559 may be removed by a user to reveal a non-permanent adhesive connector (not shown), which the user may use to attach the card to an object such as a wall.

In an embodiment, the postcard area 552 in the template 550 may comprise any of the greeting cards or postcards described in reference to any of the figures 1 - 17E.

All cards having a non-permanent adhesive connector, for example as discussed in reference to figures 5 A - 7 and figures 13A - 18B may also have other connectors, such as for example the hook and hole connectors discussed in reference to figures 1 A - 4B and figures 8A - 8C.

The invention also provides a hole connector creation device, which can be used to create for example round holes 4, J-shaped holes 3, combined hole 13 and incision 12, J-shaped incision 22, or any of the incisions shown on greeting cards 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, and 180. The device may essentially function by pressing a correctly shaped piece of metal through a card that is inserted in a designated slot of the device. The device may be manually or electrically powered. The device may allow multiple type of holes to be made, for example using a rotatable wheel to which correctly shaped (J- shaped, round, etc) pieces of metal are attached, so that the user of the device may rotate the wheel to select the one piece of metal which is to be pressed through the greeting card in the designated slot. A person skilled in the art will know how to arrange such a hole connector creation device.

Claims

I . Greeting card comprising a substrate formed by a sheet having a greeting message, said greeting card having a circumference, wherein the greeting card has a connector positioned close to the circumference.

2. Greeting card according to claim 1 , the card having a width of at least 5 inches, and at most 6 inches, preferably approximately 5 ½ inches, and a height of at least 3 ½ inches and at most 4 ¼ inches, preferably approximately 4 ¼ inches.

3. Greeting card according claim 1 or 2, wherein the connector comprises a section provided with a non-permanent adhesive.

4. Greeting card according to claim 3, wherein the non permanent adhesive provides adhesion of 1-10 N.

5. Greeting card according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the non permanent adhesive is arranged to removably attach the card to a structure such as a wall or window of a building, or to another card.

6. Greeting card according to any of the previous claims 3-5, having a non permanent adhesive section on the front side of the card and/or on the back side of the card.

7. Greeting card according to any of the previous claims 3-6, the non permanent adhesive section having a rectangular shape.

8. Greeting card according to any of the previous claims 3-7, the non permanent adhesive section displaying a text or an image.

9. Greeting card according to any of the previous claims 3-8, wherein the adhesive section is formed along a part of the circumference of the greeting card.

10. Greeting card according to any of the claims 3-9, wherein the greeting message and the section provided with non permanent adhesive are separated by a fold line.

I I . Greeting card according to any of the claims 3-10, wherein a cover strip covers the non permanent adhesive section, said cover strip being removable.

12. Greeting card according to claim 11, wherein the cover strip has a text or an image, or a machine-readable bar code.

13. Greeting card according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the cover strip is provided with address bars intended for writing the address of the receiver of the card.

14. Greeting card according to any of the claims 11-13, wherein underneath the cover strip a message or text is hidden.

15. Greeting card according to any of the claims 3-14, wherein the greeting card has a first, closed state wherein the sheet is folded and the non-permanent adhesive section is connected to another section of the greeting card and an opened state, and wherein the greeting message is positioned on a side of the sheet opposite the side having the adhesive section.

16. Greeting card according to any of the claims 3-15, wherein the greeting card comprises multiple sections provided with a non-permanent adhesive.

17. Greeting card according to any of the previous claims, wherein the connector is positioned over a centre of gravity of the greeting card.

18. Greeting card according to any of the previous claims, wherein a plurality of connectors is symmetrically positioned around a centre of gravity of the greeting card.

19. Greeting card according to any of the previous claims, wherein the connector is positioned adjacent an area reserved for address information comprising at least two lines.

20. Greeting card according to claim 19, wherein the connector is positioned between said area reserved for address information and an area reserved for a personal message.

21. Greeting card according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the connector comprises a male part, preferably a hooked part.

22. Greeting card according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the greeting card comprises two connectors, preferably positioned on a line crossing a centre of gravity of the greeting card.

23. Greeting card according to claim 22, wherein the first connector is a male connector and the second connector is a female connector.

24. Greeting card according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the first connector is arranged to be connected to the second connector of a further greeting card and wherein the first and second connectors are positioned at generally opposite ends around the circumference of the greeting card.

25. Greeting card according to claim 24, wherein the first and second connector are arranged to allow forming of a chain of greeting cards, wherein the first and second connector are arranged to allow connecting of a first and second greeting card wherein the first and second greeting card are rotated over about 90° along a longitudinal axis of the formed chain.

26. Greeting card according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the connector is part of a tongue connected to the greeting card, preferably integrally formed in the sheet of the greeting card

27. Greeting card according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the connector is formed internally from the circumference of the greeting card on a section connected to the greeting card by a fold line, wherein said section can be folded out of the sheet of the greeting card.

28. Greeting card according to claim 27, wherein said section is foldable such that the connector is positioned externally from the circumference.

29. Greeting card according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the connector is formed by male part forming a tongue extending from the circumference of the greeting card, the tongue having a width that grows towards a distal end of the tongue and wherein a further connector is formed by a female part forming a cavity in the circumference, the cavity having a shape generally similar to the tongue and arranged to receive the tongue connector and wherein the circumference close the tongue and cavity are arranged to abut when the tongue is received in the cavity.

30. Greeting card according to claim 29, wherein the greeting card is generally rectangular and two adjacent edges of the circumference are provided with at least one tongues and wherein two other edges of the circumference are provided with at least one cavity.

31. Greeting card according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the greeting card comprises a tearing line between a base part having the greeting message and a removable part, the tearing line formed such that it comprises the connector formed by a tongue extending from the base part into the removable part, the tongue having a width that grows towards a distal end of the tongue.

32. Greeting card according to claim 31, wherein the greeting card comprises a further tearing line between the base part and a further removable part, the tearing line formed such that it comprises the connector formed by a cavity in the base part, the cavity having a shape generally similar to the tongue and arranged to receive the tongue connector and wherein the tearing lines close the tongue and cavity are arranged to abut when the tongue is received in the cavity.

33. Greeting card according to claim 29, 30 or 32, wherein the greeting message is an assembled greeting message printed in part on multiple greeting cards, wherein the greeting message is composed as a puzzle by receiving the tongues in respective cavities.

34. Greeting card according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the connector comprises three generally parallel cuts, the cuts arranged to allow braiding with a male connector.

35. Greeting card comprising a substrate formed by a sheet having a greeting message, said greeting card having a circumference, wherein the greeting card comprises at least two removable sections, each having an at least partly removable element, the removable sections forming a part of the greeting message.

36. Greeting card according to claim 35, wherein the removable section form a part of a digital greeting message.

37. Greeting card according to claim 35 or 36, wherein the removable sections form a seven segment display or a clock.

38. Greeting card according to any of the claims 35-37, wherein the removable section also comprises a background substrate visible when the removable element is removed.

39. Greeting card according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the greeting card comprises a figure as the greeting message, the figure being separable from parts of the substrate forming the greeting card.

40. Greeting card according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the greeting card comprises a three dimensional model as the greeting message, the three dimensional model being separable from parts of the substrate forming the greeting card.

41. Greeting card according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the greeting card comprises a generally helical model as the greeting message, the helical model being separable from parts of the substrate forming the greeting card, the helical model forming a streamer or festoon.

42. Assembly of greeting cards, the greeting card having a substrate formed by a sheet, the greeting cards being provided with parts of a greeting message, wherein a connector from a first greeting card can be connected to the connector of a second greeting card, and wherein the connected greeting cards form the composed greeting message.

43. Greeting card comprising a substrate formed by a sheet having a greeting message, said greeting card having a circumference, wherein the greeting card has an adhesive connector, extending adjacent an area reserved for address information, covered by a covering strip

44. Template for a greeting card to be used in combination with a printer for personal use, wherein the template comprises a substrate formed by a sheet having an area reserved for address information and having a surface to be printed on.