Modified greetings cards

Abstract

A modified greetings card ( 10 ) is formed from a pair of first and second leaves ( 11, 12 ) divided by a hinge line ( 13 ). When the card ( 10 ) is closed, the first and second leaves ( 11, 12 ) are arranged so as to overlie one another by folding along the hinge line ( 13 ), whilst when the card ( 10 ) is open, the first and second leaves ( 11, 12 ) are arranged to lie alongside one another. The modified card ( 10 ) includes confetti ejection apparatus, in the form of a confetti chamber ( 14 ) mounted on an inner surface of the second leaf ( 12 ). A confetti ejection member ( 26 ) is mounted for movement within the chamber ( 14 ). Deployment of the ejection member ( 26 ) is prevented when the card ( 10 ) is closed, by means of a retainer ( 23 ) mounted on an inner surface of the first leaf ( 11 ). However, when the card ( 10 ) is opened, the retainer ( 23 ) is released, allowing deployment of the ejection member ( 26 ), and thus causing ejection of a measure of confetti ( 25 ) held within the chamber ( 14 ).

1 . A modified greetings card having first and second leaves divided by a hinge line, said leaves being arranged so as to overlie one another by folding along said hinge line when the card is closed, said modified card including confetti ejection apparatus comprising: 
 a tubular confetti chamber, provided on an inner surface of said second leaf, and adapted to contain a measure of confetti to be ejected, said chamber having a first open end for ejection of confetti therethrough and a second closed end;    a confetti ejection member associated with said second closed end and arranged for translational movement within said tubular chamber between a first undeployed position and a second deployed position, said confetti ejection member being further provided with a head portion having a shape complementary to that of the tubular confetti chamber; and    a retainer, adapted to communicate with an inner surface of said first leaf, and further adapted to retain said ejection member in its undeployed position when the greetings card is closed, but to release said ejection member into its deployed position when the card is opened.    
   
   
       2 . The modified greetings card as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the confetti ejection member is retained under a force selected from tension and compression when in its undeployed position, and reverts normally to its deployed position when said force is released.  
   
   
       3 . The modified greetings card as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the confetti ejection member comprises a spring.  
   
   
       4 . The modified greetings card as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the retainer comprises a tab, adapted to be received in a complementary aperture in the confetti chamber, said tab co-operating with the ejection member within the chamber, thereby to retain said ejection member in its undeployed position.  
   
   
       5 . The modified greetings card as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein the retainer further comprises means for attaching to an inner surface of said first leaf, such that upon opening of the card, the tab is withdrawn from the aperture, thus releasing the ejection member into its deployed position.  
   
   
       6 . The modified greetings card as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein said attachment means is adapted to be attached to said first leaf only once the card is ready for sending.  
   
   
       7 . The modified greetings card as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein said attachment means comprises a self-adhesive pad provided on the retainer, for adhering to said first leaf.  
   
   
       8 . The modified greetings card as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein said attachment means comprises a first hook and loop fastener element provided on the retainer, and a complementary second hook and loop fastener element provided on said first leaf.  
   
   
       9 . The modified greetings card as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a retaining pin, adapted to be received in a further complementary aperture in said confetti chamber, and extending through said second leaf from the outer surface thereof;    whereby in use, the sender attaches the retainer to the inner surface of the first leaf, closes the card such that said retainer engages with the undeployed ejection member, and then removes said retaining pin from its associated aperture in the outer surface of the second leaf.    
   
   
       10 . The modified greetings card as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the outer surface of said first leaf constitutes the front of the card.  
   
   
       11 . The modified greetings card as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the confetti chamber is provided closely adjacent said hinge line.  
   
   
       12 . The modified greetings card as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the confetti chamber is provided at said hinge line.  
   
   
       13 . The modified greetings card as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said confetti chamber is pre-loaded with a measure of confetti to be ejected.  
   
   
       14 . The modified greetings card as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising a pop-up element, mounted in the confetti chamber, and variable between a first folded condition when contained within the chamber, and an expanded condition when ejected therefrom.  
   
   
       15 . Confetti ejecting apparatus for incorporation into a conventional greetings card having first and second leaves divided by a hinge line, and arranged to overlie one another by folding along said hinge line when the card is closed, said confetti ejecting apparatus comprising: 
 a tubular confetti chamber, adapted to be mounted on an inner surface of a second leaf of a greetings card, and adapted to contain a measure of confetti to be ejected, said chamber having a first open end for ejection of confetti therethrough, and a second closed end;    a confetti ejection member associated with said second closed end and arranged for translational movement within said tubular chamber between a first undeployed position and a second deployed position, said confetti ejection member being further provided with a head portion having a shape complementary to that of the tubular confetti chamber; and    a retainer, adapted to communicate with an inner surface of a first leaf of a greetings card, and further adapted to retain said ejection member in its undeployed position when said greetings card is closed, but to release said ejection member into its deployed position when the card is opened.    
   
   
       16 . A kit for assembly into a modified greetings card including confetti ejecting apparatus, said kit of parts comprising: 
 a tubular confetti chamber, adapted to be mounted on an inner surface of a second leaf of a conventional greetings card having first and second leaves arranged substantially to overlie one another when the card is closed, and further adapted to contain a measure of confetti to be ejected, said chamber having a first open end for ejection of confetti therethrough, and a second closed end;    a confetti ejection member associated with said second closed end and arranged for translational movement within said tubular chamber between a first undeployed position and a second deployed position, said confetti. ejection member being further provided with a head portion having a shape complementary to that of the tubular confetti chamber; and    a retainer, adapted to communicate with an inner surface of a first leaf of a conventional greetings card having first and second leaves arranged substantially to overlie one another when the card is closed, and further adapted to retain said ejection member in its undeployed position when said greetings card is closed, but to release said ejection member into its deployed position when said card is opened.    
   
   
       17 . A kit as claimed in  claim 16 , further comprising at least one component selected from the following: 
 a conventional greetings card having first and second leaves arranged substantially to overlie one another when the card is closed;    at least one measure of confetti to be ejected; and    an envelope, for retaining the modified card in a closed condition until opened by the recipient.