Shadow box-like goods that allow for three-dimensional expression.

Abstract

In addition to allowing for multiple different three-dimensional representations, it requires no adhesives or spacers, and can be folded into a flat box shape, enabling the compact storage and display of numerous goods while saving space and costs during storage and transportation. [Solution] The device has a side section that can be opened and closed like an accordion, a back section, and an open front section. Multiple types of patterns can be placed between the valleys of the accordion section of the side section, allowing for a three-dimensional representation when viewed from the front section. When not in use, or during distribution or sale, the accordion section of the side section can be closed to maintain a flat plate shape as a whole.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a shadow box-like product capable of three-dimensional expression by overlapping a plurality of patterns.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, a so-called shadow box that enables three-dimensional expression by overlapping a plurality of colorful patterns has been manufactured and sold. In this shadow box, for example, one of a plurality of original paintings with the same content is left, and different predetermined parts of the other plurality of original paintings are respectively cut out, and these cut-out parts are sequentially overlapped according to a predetermined pasting order and pasted with an adhesive to create a three-dimensional pattern. Works produced as shadow boxes are not only enjoyed when decorated at home, but are also well-received as gifts for celebrations such as weddings, childbirths, and jubilees, and are also used for goods such as battledores and lucky charms using shadow boxes.

[0003] As a conventional example related to such a shadow box or a product capable of three-dimensional expression using a similar technique, for example, in Patent Document 1, in a set of cutting picture papers for creating a shadow box in which one of a plurality of original paintings with the same content is left, and different predetermined cut-out parts are indicated by lines on the other original paintings, and a guide paper with a symbol indicating the pasting order is attached to each cut-out part, the predetermined cut-out parts of each original painting with the guide paper fixed are cut out along the lines of the guide paper, and the original painting without the guide paper fixed is used as a mount, and these cut-out cut-out parts are sequentially overlapped and pasted at positions corresponding to each cut-out part on it according to the pasting order to form a three-dimensional picture. A method for creating a shadow box is disclosed. Furthermore, for example, Patent Document 2 discloses a three-dimensional collage in which, from among multiple original drawings displaying the same image, one original drawing is used as a base material, and predetermined parts of the other original drawings are cut out to create image cutouts, and these image cutouts are laminated on the base material at predetermined positions using adhesive. In this three-dimensional collage, a shape-retaining agent is applied to the image cutouts, and at least the image cutouts placed in the uppermost layer are bent to represent the three-dimensional shape of the object depicted in the image. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 4-266783 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-254899 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] However, the shadow boxes described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 require the sequential layering and pasting of cut-out sections onto a base in the correct order, which is a meticulous and precise process. Furthermore, since adhesive is used for pasting, it is impossible to replace the pasted cut-out sections with others, limiting each shadow box to only one type of three-dimensional representation. Additionally, to create a sense of depth and three-dimensionality, spacers such as silicone are inserted between the cut-out sections to secure them, meaning that once the shadow box is completed, it cannot be folded. Moreover, while a three-dimensional form is acceptable when displaying a single item as a product, during distribution, such as when storing or transporting multiple shadow boxes, each shadow box must maintain its three-dimensional (box) shape, making it bulky and impossible to stack flat. This necessitates larger storage and transportation space, resulting in higher costs.

[0006] The objective of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and provide a shadow box-shaped product that allows for multiple different three-dimensional expressions with a single shadow box-shaped product, does not require adhesives or spacers, allows for compact storage and display of numerous products by folding individual shadow box-shaped products into a flat shape, and reduces space and costs during storage and transportation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The inventors have diligently researched shadow box-like goods that allow for multiple different three-dimensional representations with a single shadow box-like item, eliminate the need for adhesives or spacers, allow for compact storage and display of numerous items by folding individual shadow box-like goods into a flat shape, and reduce space and costs during storage and transportation. As a result, they have discovered that the product has a structure that can be opened and closed like an accordion, allowing for three-dimensional representation by inserting at least multiple types of patterns between the valleys of the accordion, and that it can maintain a flat shape by closing the accordion when not in use or during distribution and sale.

[0008] In other words, to achieve the above objective, the shadow box-like goods of the present invention have a side section that can be opened and closed like an accordion, a back section, and an open front section, and multiple types of patterns can be sandwiched between the valleys of the accordion of the side section to enable a three-dimensional representation when viewed from the front section, and the accordion of the side section can be closed when not in use, or during distribution or sale to maintain a flat shape as a whole. Alternatively, the accordion of the side section may be configured to maintain an upright shape when opened. Furthermore, it is preferable to provide a regulating member approximately in the center of the side section, and the regulating member supports the central peak of the accordion from the side when the accordion is opened, thereby regulating and preventing the opened accordion from losing its shape. It is desirable that at least the side section be made of paper. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The shadow box-shaped goods of the present invention allow for multiple different three-dimensional representations with a single shadow box-shaped item, eliminate the need for adhesives and spacers, and enable the compact placement and display of numerous items by folding each shadow box-shaped item into a flat shape, while also reducing storage and transportation space and costs. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a plan view of a shadow box-shaped item according to the first embodiment of the present invention, showing the completed state with the bellows on its side fully opened and the first to sixth illustrations inserted into the grooves of the bellows. [Figure 2] This is a plan view of the bellows in a partially closed state, compared to the completed state shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a plan view showing the bellows in a completely closed state, compared to the completed state shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This is a front view of the first illustration used in a shadow box-like product according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is an illustration to be inserted into the folds of the bellows in the front row on the front side. [Figure 5] This is a front view of a second illustration used in a shadow box-shaped product according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is an illustration to be inserted into the grooves of the bellows in the second row on the front side. [Figure 6] This is a front view of a third illustration used in a shadow box-shaped product according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is an illustration to be inserted into the grooves of the bellows in the third row on the front side. [Figure 7] This is a front view of a fourth illustration used in a shadow box-shaped product according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is an illustration to be inserted into the groove of the bellows in the fourth row on the front side. [Figure 8] This is a front view of a fifth illustration used in a shadow box-shaped product according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is an illustration to be inserted into the groove of the bellows in the fifth column on the front side. [Figure 9] This is a front view of the sixth illustration used in a shadow box-shaped item according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is an illustration to be inserted into the groove of the bellows in the sixth column on the front side. [Figure 10] This is a completed diagram showing the first to sixth illustrations used in the shadow box-like goods according to the first embodiment of the present invention, inserted sequentially from the front row to the sixth row into the folds of the accordion. [Figure 11] This is a side view of a shadow box-shaped item according to a second embodiment of the present invention, showing the completed state with the bellows on the side fully opened and the first to third illustrations inserted into the grooves of the bellows. [Figure 12] Figure 11 illustrates how the bellows in the shadow box-like product shown are formed in a circular shape and then divided into two semi-circular sections. [Figure 13] This figure illustrates a modified example 1 of the shadow box-like product shown in Figure 11, in which a single semicircular bellows is formed on only one side. [Figure 14] This figure illustrates a modified example 2 of the shadow box-shaped item shown in Figure 11, in which two bellows are formed in an arc shape on both sides. [Figure 15] This figure illustrates a modified example 3 of the shadow box-like product shown in Figure 11, in which three arc-shaped bellows are formed at three locations on the circumference. [Figure 16] This figure illustrates a modified example 4 in which the shadow box-like item shown in Figure 11 is formed in an elliptical shape when viewed from above, and two bellows are formed in an arc shape on both sides of the major axis of the ellipse. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] A shadow box-shaped item according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIGS. 1 to 3 are plan views of the shadow box-shaped item according to this embodiment, showing a state in which the first to sixth illustrations are inserted into the valleys of the bellows on the side surface. FIG. 1 shows a state where the bellows are fully opened, FIG. 2 shows a state where the bellows are closed moderately, and FIG. 3 shows a state where the bellows are fully closed. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the shadow box-shaped item 100 of this embodiment is formed in a flat box shape with the bellows fully closed, and is a box-shaped item given as a gift, souvenir, etc. First, the main body 110 of the shadow box-shaped item 100 of this embodiment has a side surface portion 112 that can be opened and closed like a bellows, a back surface portion 114, and an opened front surface portion 116. Between the valleys 112a to 112f of the bellows 112A of the side surface portion 112 (the valleys viewed from the inside of the main body 110, the same applies hereinafter), a plurality of types of illustrations, etc. (the first to sixth illustrations in FIGS. 1 to 3) are sandwiched to enable a three-dimensional expression when viewed from the front surface portion 116. Also, when not in use, during distribution, or during sales, it is possible to close the bellows 112A of the side surface portion 112 and maintain a flat box shape as a whole. Note that in a state where the bellows are fully opened, the shadow box-shaped item 100 of this embodiment is configured to maintain a form that can be erected. Note that the back surface portion 114 may be configured to be attachable to an arbitrary object (such as a wall of a house) by, for example, double-sided tape or the like. Also, the main body 110 of the shadow box-shaped item 100 of this embodiment is entirely made of paper, but it may be made of other materials such as resin. However, at least the side surface portion 112 that can be opened and closed like a bellows is preferably made of thick paper for smooth bellows opening and closing and form retention.

[0012] Figures 4 to 9 are front views showing the first to sixth illustrations to be used in the shadow box-like goods shown in Figures 1 to 3. Figure 4 is the first illustration to be inserted into the bellows of the front row on the front side, Figure 5 is the second illustration to be inserted into the bellows of the second row on the front side, Figure 6 is the third illustration to be inserted into the bellows of the third row on the front side, Figure 7 is the fourth illustration to be inserted into the bellows of the fourth row on the front side, Figure 8 is the fifth illustration to be inserted into the bellows of the fifth row on the front side, and Figure 9 is the sixth illustration to be inserted into the bellows of the sixth row on the front side. As shown in Figures 4 to 9 in addition to Figures 1 to 3 mentioned above, the shadow box-shaped item 100 of this embodiment has a main body 110, a side portion 112 that can be opened and closed like an accordion, a back portion 114, and an open front portion 116, and the first illustration (front row) is placed between the valleys 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d, 112e, 112f of the accordion valleys 112A of the side portion 112 from the front side. By inserting and sandwiching the illustrations in the order of 120, the second illustration (second column) 130, the third illustration (third column) 140, the fourth illustration (fourth column) 150, the fifth illustration (fifth column) 160, and the sixth illustration (sixth column) 170, it is possible to create a three-dimensional representation with depth when viewed from the front, and when not in use, or during distribution or sale, the bellows of the side section 112 can be closed to maintain a flat shape as a whole. Alternatively, the bellows of the side section 112 may be configured to maintain an upright shape when opened. Furthermore, a restricting member 119 is provided approximately in the center of the side section 112, and when the bellows are opened, the restricting member 119 supports the central peak of the bellows from the side 112, thereby restricting and preventing deformation of the opened bellows. It is desirable that at least the side section 112 be made of paper. Although not shown in the illustrations, it is possible to replace the first illustration (front row) 120 to the sixth illustration (sixth column) 170 with illustrations that have completely different designs from those shown.

[0013] As described above, the shadow box-shaped goods 100 of the present embodiment are configured to insert and sandwich, in order from the front side, the first illustration (front row) 120, the second illustration (second row) 130, the third illustration (third row) 140, the fourth illustration (fourth row) 150, the fifth illustration (fifth row) 160, and the sixth illustration (sixth row) 170 between the valleys 112a of the bellows 112A on the side surface portion 112 of the main body 110.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 4, the first illustration (front row) 120 is composed of a rectangular frame 122 and can be inserted and sandwiched between the valleys 112a in the front row from the front side of the bellows 112A on the side surface portion 112 of the main body 110 of the shadow box-shaped goods. The frame 122 has the meaning of defining the maximum area within the visible range from the front side of the shadow box-shaped goods 100.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 5, the second illustration (second row) 130 is composed of a rectangular frame 132 that surrounds with the same width as the rectangular frame 122 shown in FIG. 4, flower patterns 134, 136 formed to protrude from the frame 132 at two upper and lower positions on the left side of the frame 132, and a flower pattern 138 formed to protrude from the frame 132 at one position slightly above the right side, and can be inserted and sandwiched between the valleys 112b in the second row from the front side of the bellows 112A on the side surface portion 112 of the main body 110 of the shadow box-shaped goods. Here, these flower patterns 134, 136, and 138 are formed to protrude from the frame 132. Even when the first illustration (front row) 120 and the second illustration (second row) 130 are inserted between the valleys 112a in the front row and the valleys 112b in the second row respectively as described above, the frame 122 and the frame 132 overlap, and the frame 132 is not visible from the front side, but the flower patterns 134, 136, and 138 are configured to be visible from the front side because they do not overlap with the frame 122.

[0016] The third illustration (third column) 140, as shown in Figure 6, is formed from a rectangular frame 142 that surrounds the frame with the same width as the rectangular frame 122 shown in Figure 4, and a cow design 144 formed in one place on the lower right half of the frame 142. It can be inserted and sandwiched between the valleys 112c of the second column from the front side of the bellows 112A on the side portion 112 of the main body 110 of the shadow box-like goods. Here, the cow design 144 is a cow Only the soles of both feet, the left ear tip, and the left horn tip are continuous with the frame 142, while the rest of the body is formed inward from the frame 142. Furthermore, as described above, even if a third illustration (third row) 140 is inserted between the valleys 112c of the second row in addition to the first illustration (front row) 120 and the second illustration (second row) 130, the frame 142 overlaps with the frame 122 (and also with the frame 132), and the frame 142 is not visible from the front. However, the cow design 144 does not overlap with the frame 122 (and also with the frame 132), nor does it overlap with the flower designs 134, 136, and 138 in the same places, so it is configured to be visible from the front.

[0017] As shown in Figure 7, the fourth illustration (fourth column) 150 is formed from a rectangular frame 152 that surrounds the area with the same width as the rectangular frame 122 shown in Figure 4, a ring 154 formed over the inner region of the frame 152, and a design of pine branches and leaves 156 and other leaf designs 158 that protrude from the frame 152 so as to overlap a part of the arc of the ring 154. It can be inserted and sandwiched between the valleys 112d of the fourth column from the front side of the bellows 112A on the side portion 112 of the main body 110 of the shadow box-like goods. Here, only a part of the upper and lower arcs of the ring 154 are continuous with the frame 152, while the rest is formed separated inward from the frame 152. The pine branch and leaf design 156 is continuous with the frame 152 only at its rightmost end, with the rest of the design formed inward from the frame 152, but its central part is formed to overlap with a part of the arc near the upper right of the ring 154 on the front side. The other leaf design 158 is continuous with the frame 152 only at its leftmost end, with the rest of the design formed inward from the frame 152, but its central part is formed to overlap with a part of the arc near the upper left of the ring 154 on the front side. As mentioned above, even if a fourth illustration (fourth column) 150 is inserted between the valleys 112d of the fourth column, in addition to the first illustration (front row) 120, the second illustration (second column) 130, and the third illustration (third column) 140, the frame 152 overlaps with the frame 122, etc., and the frame 152 is not visible from the front. However, the ring 154, the pine branch and leaf pattern 156, and the other leaf pattern 158 do not overlap with the patterns of the second illustration (second column) 130 and the third illustration (third column) 140 in the same places, so they are configured to be visible from the front as shown in Figure 7.

[0018] The fifth illustration (fifth column) 160, as shown in Figure 8, is formed from a rectangular frame 162 that surrounds the illustration with the same width as the rectangular frame 122 shown in Figure 4, and a design 163 resembling Mount Fuji that extends across the inner region of the frame 162. It can be inserted and sandwiched between the valleys 112e of the fifth column from the front side of the bellows 112A on the side portion 112 of the main body 110 of the shadow box-like goods. Here, the design 163 resembling Mount Fuji has a part 164 of the left mountain body and the approximate bottom 165 of the right mountain body that are continuous with the frame 162, while the rest of it is formed almost entirely separated inward from the frame 162. In addition, the design 164 resembling Mount Fuji has a notch 166 and a projection 167 formed on the base side of the mountain. As mentioned above, even if the fifth illustration (fifth column) 160 is inserted between the valleys 112e of the fifth column, in addition to the first illustration (front row) 120 to the fourth illustration (fourth column) 150, the frame 162 overlaps with the frame 122, etc., and the frame 162 is not visible from the front. However, the design 163, which is modeled after Mount Fuji, does not overlap with the designs of the second illustration (second column) 130 to the fourth illustration (fourth column) 150 in the same places, so it is configured to be visible from almost the front.

[0019] As shown in Figure 9, the sixth illustration (sixth column) 170 is formed from a rectangular frame 172 that surrounds the area with the same width as the rectangular frame 122 shown in Figure 4, a first upper and lower two-tiered protruding pattern 174 formed over the inner region of the frame 172, and a second upper and lower two-tiered protruding pattern 176. It can be inserted and sandwiched between the valleys 112f of the sixth column from the front side of the bellows 112A of the side portion 112 of the main body 110 of the shadow box-like goods. Here, only the left end of the first upper and lower two-tiered protruding pattern 174 is continuous with the frame 172, while the rest is formed inward from the frame 172, and only the right end of the second upper and lower two-tiered protruding pattern 176 is continuous with the frame 172, while the rest is formed inward from the frame 172. Furthermore, as described above, even if the sixth illustration (sixth column) 170 is inserted between the valleys 112f of the sixth column in addition to the first illustration (front row) 120 to the fifth illustration (fifth column) 160, the frame 172 overlaps with the frame 122, etc., and the frame 172 is not visible from the front. However, the first upper and lower two-tiered protruding pattern 174 and the second upper and lower two-tiered protruding pattern 176 do not overlap with the patterns of the second illustration (second column) 130 to the fifth illustration (fifth column) 160 in at least part of the same location, so that part of them is visible from the front.

[0020] Figure 10 is a completed view of the shadow box-shaped item 100 according to this embodiment, in which the first illustration (front row) 120 to the sixth illustration (sixth row) 170 described above are inserted sequentially from the front row to the sixth row into the valleys 112a to 112f of the bellows. As shown in Figure 1 above, when the first illustration (front row) 120 to the sixth illustration (sixth row) 170 described above are inserted sequentially from the front row into the valleys 112a to 112f of the bellows 112A on the side portion 112 of the main body 110 of the shadow box-shaped item 100 according to this embodiment, the shadow box-shaped item 100h according to this embodiment will look as shown in Figure 10 when viewed from the front. That is, as shown in Figure 1, the first illustration (front row) 120 to the sixth illustration (sixth row) 170 are arranged spaced apart from each other by intervals corresponding to the spacing between adjacent valleys in the bellows, so that the frame 122 of the first illustration 120 is in the front row, the flower patterns 134, 136 and 138 of the second illustration 130 are in the second row, and the cow pattern 144 of the third illustration 140 is in the third row. In the fourth column, the ring 154 of the fourth illustration 150, the pine branch and leaf pattern 156, and the other leaf pattern 158 are displayed, in the fifth column, the Mount Fuji-like pattern 163 of the fifth illustration 160 is displayed, and in the sixth column, the first upper and lower two-tiered protruding pattern 174 and the second upper and lower two-tiered protruding pattern 176 of the sixth illustration 170 are displayed three-dimensionally, each separated from the others by the aforementioned spacing, and appearing to have depth.

[0021] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, to fold the shadow box-shaped item 100 according to this embodiment, for example, in the state shown in Figure 10, place it on a table or the like with the back part 114 facing downwards, and then press the front part 116 to close the bellows 112A of the side part 112 of the main body 110, thereby transitioning to the state in Figure 2, and then to the state in Figure 3, making the entire thing thinner and more like a flat box.

[0022] Next, a shadow box-shaped item according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The shadow box-shaped item of this embodiment is characterized in that, in the hollow circular box-shaped body having a bottom surface, an open top surface, and a circumferential surface between the bottom surface and the top surface, an annular or arc-shaped bellows is formed along the inner surface of the circumferential surface, and multiple types of patterns can be inserted between the valleys of the bellows to enable a three-dimensional representation when viewed from the top surface, and the annular or arc-shaped bellows can be closed when not in use, or during distribution or sale to maintain a flat plate shape as a whole. Figure 11 is a transparent view of the circumferential surface of the shadow box-shaped item according to the second embodiment of the present invention, showing the completed state with the bellows formed along its inner surface opened and the first to third illustrations inserted into the valleys of the bellows. Figure 12 is a diagram for explaining that in the shadow box-shaped item shown in Figure 11, the bellows are formed in an annular (ring-shaped) manner along the inner surface of the circumferential surface of the box-shaped body, and the bellows are divided into two semicircular sections. In other words, the shadow box-shaped item 200 of this embodiment is formed into a thin, circular box shape when the bellows are completely closed, making it suitable for use as a coaster, for example, and of course, it is a box-shaped item that can be given as a gift or souvenir.

[0023] First, the box-shaped body 210 of the shadow box-shaped goods 200 of this embodiment is formed in a hollow circular box shape and has a bottom surface 212, an open top surface 214, and a circumferential surface 216 between the bottom surface 212 and the top surface 214. An annular bellows 250 is formed along the inner surface 216A of the circumferential surface 216, and a first illustration 260, a second illustration 270, and a third illustration 280, each consisting of multiple different designs, are sandwiched between the valleys 250a to 250c of the bellows 250, enabling a three-dimensional representation when viewed from the top surface 214. Here, the bellows 250 is formed in an annular (ring-shaped) manner along the inner surface 216A of the circumferential surface 216 of the box-shaped body 210, and as shown in Figure 12, the bellows 250 is divided into two semicircular parts 250A and 250B. Furthermore, the first illustration 260, the second illustration 270, and the third illustration 280, each consisting of multiple types of patterns, are sandwiched between the valleys (the valleys as seen from the inside of the main body 210, and so on) 250a to 250c of the two divided semicircular sections 250A and 250B of the bellows 250, allowing for a three-dimensional representation when viewed from the top surface 214. That is, for example, when used as a coaster, the first illustration 260, the second illustration 270, and the third illustration 280 can be represented three-dimensionally while being spaced apart in the height direction. Also, when not in use, or during distribution or sale, the bellows 250 of the circumferential surface 216 can be closed to maintain an overall circular, thin, flat, box-like shape. When the bellows 250 is completely closed, the shadow box-like goods 200 of this embodiment are configured to maintain a circular, thin, flat, box-like shape, making them suitable for use as coasters, for example. Furthermore, the bottom portion 212 may be configured to be attachable to any object (such as the wall of a house) using, for example, double-sided tape. In this case, it is a suitable form for use as a commemorative item to be given as a gift or souvenir and attached to the wall of a house. In addition, the hollow circular box-shaped body 210 of the shadow box-shaped goods 200 of this embodiment is made entirely of paper, but it may be made of other materials such as resin. However, at least the circumferential surface portion 216, which includes the bellows 250 that can be opened and closed like an accordion, is preferably made of thick paper for smooth bellows opening and closing and for maintaining its shape.On the other hand, to make it suitable for use as a coaster, for example, it is preferable to form the bottom surface 212 of the hollow circular box-shaped body 210 with a material that is less likely to slip when placed on a table or the like. Of course, to give it a more luxurious feel when used as a coaster, for example, it is also useful to make the open top surface 214 of the hollow circular box-shaped body 210 with a wood grain pattern.

[0024] While the detailed contents of the first illustration 260, second illustration 270, and third illustration 280 shown in Figure 11 are omitted, any image may be used, for example, a five-story pagoda for the first illustration (top row) 260, cherry blossoms for the second illustration (second row from the top) 270, and Mount Fuji for the third illustration (third row from the top) 280, as long as it provides a sense of three-dimensionality and enhances the overall appeal. Furthermore, Figure 11 shows the completed state of the shadow box-like item 200 of this embodiment with the bellows 250 of the circumferential surface 216 fully open and the first to third illustrations inserted between the valleys 250a to 250c of the bellows 250. However, it is also possible to partially close the bellows 250 from the completed state shown in Figure 11, and even to completely close the bellows 250. When the bellows 250 is used in this completely closed state, as described above, a thin, circular, flat shadow box-like item is created, which is suitable for use as a coaster, for example.

[0025] Figure 13 illustrates a modified example 1 of the shadow box-shaped item shown in Figure 11, in which a single semicircular bellows 250 is formed on only one side. In the embodiment shown in Figure 12, the bellows 250 is formed in an annular (ring-shaped) manner along the inner surface 216A of the circumferential surface portion 216 of the box-shaped body 210, and as shown in Figure 12, the bellows 250 is divided into two semicircular portions 250A and 250B. However, in this modified example 1, only one semicircular bellows 250 is formed on only one side of the inner surface 216A of the circumferential surface portion 216. The shadow box-shaped item of this modified example 1 is also formed in a thin, circular plate shape when viewed from above, similar to the shadow box-shaped item 200 shown in Figure 11, but its illustration is omitted. The shadow box-shaped item of this modified example 1 is also configured to maintain the aforementioned thin, flat, circular box shape, and is therefore suitable for use as a coaster, for example. In the shadow box-like item of this modified example 1, although not shown in the illustration, the first to third illustrations are placed between the three valleys of the semicircular bellows 250 of the circumferential surface 216, allowing for a three-dimensional representation when viewed from above. That is, for example, even when used as a coaster, the first to third illustrations can be represented three-dimensionally while being spaced apart in the height direction.

[0026] The following describes two more variations 2 and 3 of the shadow box-shaped item 200 of this embodiment. In these variations 2 and 3, the bellows 250 are formed in an arc shape as part of a circular arc along the inner circumferential surface 216A of the circumferential surface portion 216. On the other hand, variations 2 and 3 are also configured to maintain a thin, circular plate shape, similar to variation 1, and given this shape, they are suitable for use as coasters, for example, similar to variation 1 described above. Figure 14 shows variation 2 of the shadow box-shaped item shown in Figure 11, in which two bellows 250 are formed in an arc shape as part of a circular arc on both sides of the circumferential surface portion 216. Figure 15 shows variation 3 of the shadow box-shaped item shown in Figure 11, in which three bellows 250 are formed in an arc shape at three locations on the circumference of the circumferential surface portion 216. These shadow box-like goods of the modified versions 2 and 3, although not shown in the illustrations, also allow for a three-dimensional representation when viewed from above by inserting the first to third illustrations between the three valleys of the bellows 250. For example, when using the shadow box-like goods as coasters, the first to third illustrations can be represented three-dimensionally while being spaced apart in the height direction.

[0027] Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating a modified example 4 of the shadow box-like product shown in Figure 11, in which the product is formed in an elliptical shape when viewed from above, and two bellows 250 are formed in an arc shape on both sides of the major axis of the ellipse. In this modified example 4, the shadow box-like product is formed in an elliptical shape when viewed from above. That is, the box-shaped body of the shadow box-like product in this modified example 4 is formed in a hollow elliptical box shape, and has a bottom surface, an open top surface, and an elliptical circumferential surface between the bottom surface and the top surface, with two bellows 250 formed in an arc shape on both sides of the major axis of the elliptical circumferential surface. The two arc-shaped bellows 250s, for example, have three valleys between them, and by placing a first, second, and third illustration consisting of multiple different designs between them, a three-dimensional representation can be achieved when viewed from above. For example, when used as a coaster, the first to third illustrations can be represented three-dimensionally while being spaced apart in the height direction, similar to the circular shadow box-like goods 1 to 3 described above. It is also possible to partially close the bellows 250, and even to completely close the bellows 250. When the bellows 250 are used in this completely closed state, a thin, oval-shaped shadow box-like goods are created, which are suitable for use as, for example, an oval-shaped coaster.

[0028] The shadow box-shaped goods of the present invention allow for multiple different three-dimensional representations with a single shadow box-shaped item, eliminate the need for adhesives and spacers, and enable the compact placement and display of numerous items by folding each shadow box-shaped item into a flat shape, while also reducing storage and transportation space and costs. [Industrial applicability]

[0029] The present invention is applicable to other embodiments not described above, within the scope of the claims. For example, in the above embodiments, the body of the shadow box-like item is made of paper, but it may be made of other materials such as resin. Also, in the first embodiment, the number of bellows is 7 (6 valleys), and in the second embodiment, the number of bellows is 3, but it is of course not limited to these numbers. Furthermore, the shadow box-like item can be applied to a wide range of flat box-shaped items, such as amulet holders, Shinto altars, charms, and votive tablets. Also, for example, it is conceivable to install one or more shadow box-like items (rectangular box-shaped items) according to the first embodiment described above in a hotel lobby or the like. That is, multiple shadow box-like items depicting scenes of tourist attractions around the hotel in a three-dimensional color representation using multiple illustrations may be installed to enhance the sense of anticipation of hotel guests. In that case, for example, it would be effective to install lighting means (LED lights, etc.) inside the bellows to light up (illuminate) the (nighttime) scenes in the illustrations. Furthermore, providing lighting (such as LED lights) inside the bellows enhances the three-dimensional effect of the illustrations, and is therefore effective not only for use in hotel lobbies and the like, but also for all shapes of shadow box-like goods within the scope of the patent claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0030] 100 Shadow box-shaped item, 110 Main body, 112 Side section, 112A Bellows, 112a~112f Valley section (gap), 114 Back section, 116 Open front section, 119 Regulating member, 120 First illustration, 130 Second illustration, 140 Third illustration, 150 Fourth illustration, 160 Fifth illustration, 170 Sixth illustration,

Claims

1. A shadow box-like item characterized by having bellows-like opening and closing side sections, a back section, and an open front section, with multiple types of designs sandwiched between the valleys of the bellows on the side sections to enable a three-dimensional representation when viewed from the front section, and the ability to close the bellows on the side sections to maintain a flat overall shape when not in use, or during distribution or sale.

2. A shadow box-shaped item according to claim 1, characterized in that it maintains an upright form when the bellows on the side are opened.

3. A shadow box-shaped item according to claim 1 or 2, further characterized in that a regulating member is provided approximately in the center of the side portion, and the regulating member supports the central peak of the bellows from the side when the bellows are opened, thereby regulating and preventing the opened bellows from losing their shape.

4. A shadow box-like item according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least the side portion is made of paper.

5. A shadow box-like product characterized by having a hollow circular box-shaped body having a bottom surface, an open top surface, and a circumferential surface between the bottom surface and the top surface, with annular or arc-shaped bellows formed along the inner surface of the circumferential surface, allowing for a three-dimensional representation when viewed from the top surface by inserting multiple types of patterns between the valleys of the bellows, and being able to maintain a flat shape overall when not in use, or during distribution or sale by closing the annular or arc-shaped bellows.

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