IP Library Granted Patent US 12,626,615
Granted Patent B2
US 12,626,615 · App. 18/678,618 · Granted May 12, 2026

Pop-up scene with integrated lock

Inventor: Charles Robert Kelly (Amherst, OH)
Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
G09F1/06A63H33/16A63H33/42
View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,626,615
App. No.
18/678,618
Granted
May 12, 2026
Kind
B2
Abstract

A foldable paper décor item that includes a pop-up with integrated lock structure. The item can be folded flat for mailing or storage and then unfolded to place on display. The pop-up contains an integrated lock structure that is also part of the scenic display. The foldable paper display item can be reused many times over.

Claims (24)

1 . A foldable paper décor item with integrated lock comprising:

a base panel;

a pop-up structure attached to the base panel; and

a miniature pop-up structure attached to the base panel; and

wherein moving the foldable paper décor item from a closed position to an open position causes the pop-up structure and miniature pop-up structure to rise out of the plane of the base and assume a three-dimensional configuration, with the miniature pop-up structure becoming a decorative element of the pop-up structure and retaining the entire foldable paper décor item in the open position.

2 . The foldable paper décor item of claim 1 wherein a second pop-up structure is attached to the base.

3 . The foldable paper décor item of claim 2 , wherein the two pop-up structures and miniature pop-up structure create a scenic display.

4 . The foldable paper décor item of claim 1 wherein one or more decorative paper items are attached to the base.

5 . The foldable paper décor item of claim 2 , wherein the base panel, the first and second pop-up structures, and the miniature pop-up structure are made of a recyclable material.

6 . A foldable paper décor item comprising:

a base panel;

a first pop-up structure attached directly to the base panel;

a second pop-up structure attached directly to the base panel and to the first pop-up structure;

a third pop-up structure attached directly to the base panel;

wherein the first, second, and third pop-up structures comprise a plurality of

panels and are moveable between a first, substantially flat position and a second, upright position; and

wherein the third pop-up structure is also a lock mechanism that engages with the first pop-up structure to retain the foldable paper décor item in the second position.

7 . The foldable paper décor item of claim 6 , wherein the first, second, and third pop-up structures create a scene.

8 . A foldable paper décor item comprising:

a singular, planar base panel;

a pop-up structure and a miniature pop-up structure, which are each attached to the base panel and which are each comprised of a plurality of panels;

wherein opening the foldable paper décor item causes the pop-up structure and miniature pop-up structure to rise out of the plane of the base panel and assume a three-dimensional configuration; and

wherein when the foldable paper décor item is in the open position, the miniature pop-up structure interlocks with the pop-up structure to maintain the entire foldable paper décor item in the open position.

9 . The foldable paper décor item of claim 8 , wherein base panel, pop-up structure and miniature pop-up structure are made of a recyclable material.

Assignments (3)
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Jul 9, 2026
From: AMERICAN GREETINGS CORPORATION
To: WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS AGENT
Reel/Frame 075943/0642 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Jul 8, 2026
From: AMERICAN GREETINGS CORPORATION
To: BARCLAYS BANK PLC, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 075986/0442 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded May 30, 2024
From: KELLY, CHARLES ROBERT
To: AMERICAN GREETINGS CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 067568/0903 →
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20250372003A1 · Dec 4, 2025
References Cited (12)
US 2125424A · Cloud · 1938 [cited by examiner]
US 2408272A · Roach · 1946 [cited by examiner]
US 7395622B2 · Malkovas · 2008 [cited by applicant]
US 9836997B1 · Brandrup · 2017 [cited by examiner]
US 10500887B1 · Kelly · 2019 [cited by examiner]
US 12293678B2 · Kelly · 2025 [cited by applicant]
US 20190091595A1 · Pridonoff · 2019 [cited by examiner]
US 20190329145A1 · Simmons · 2019 [cited by examiner]
US 20220122487A1 · Bucco · 2022 [cited by examiner]
US 20230035001A1 · Kelly · 2023 [cited by examiner]
US 20240071258A1 · Kelly · 2024 [cited by examiner]
JP 2013114255 · 2013 [cited by applicant]