Abstract:
A display device, comprising a clear-front envelope formed by foldable blank including at least one backing flap folded around a viewing window and leaving an opening for receiving the planar displayed item, such as a photo; postcard; etc. The opening is at least partially closed when a sealing flap integrally formed with said foldable blank is secured to the backing flap. A support flap integral with the sealing flap, the support flap configured to fold at fold line adjacent to the backing flap and having an end for resting on a horizontal surface to support the clear-front envelope at a viewing angle to the horizontal surface. Optional hanging flaps and a hidden magnet may be used to hang or otherwise mount the display device.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     This application is a CIP Patent Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/315,227 filed Dec. 23, 2005 and is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
       [0002]     The invention relates in general to display devices and more specifically to an apparatus and method for displaying a picture or postcard or other aesthetic article.  
         [0003]     Picture display devices such as picture frames allow the presentation of a photograph or other planar item for easy viewing. Many picture frames can be placed on a flat surface such as table or desk such that the displayed item is positioned at a pleasing viewing angle. Conventional display devices, however, have several limitations. For example, many conventional designs partially obscure the displayed item with a frame or clip. Further, many conventional display devices are heavy, bulky, and relatively expensive. Many picture frames in include a glass panel to protect the displayed device and, therefore, may pose a danger if dropped or otherwise broken.  
         [0004]     Postcards provide a mechanism for mailing a message along with a selected picture. Although the selected image may be attractive, humorous, or otherwise entertaining, available images are limited and are not personalized. Often the sending party would prefer to send a personal photograph rather than a generic postcard. Conventional techniques for mailing personal photographs include using an envelope, using a framed postcard device, and applying a sticker to the back of the photograph. Conventional mailing techniques, however, are limited in several ways. For example, some conventional techniques are limited in that the photograph is partially or completely obscured by the article used to mail the photograph. When a photograph is mailed in an envelope, the entire image is covered until the recipient opens the package. Other devices include a frame that covers a portion of the custom photograph or picture. In addition, conventional mailing products are limited in that the photograph or other displayed item can not be easily positioned for display. Mailed photographs must often be displayed by securing the photograph to vertical surface using tacks or magnets or by placing the photograph in a picture frame.  
         [0005]     Accordingly, there is need for an apparatus and method for efficiently displaying a displaying a planer display item.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     A display device, comprising a clear-front envelope formed by foldable blank including at least one backing flap folded around a transparent sheet leaving an opening for receiving the planar displayed item, such as a photo; postcard; etc. The opening is at least partially closed when a sealing flap integrally formed with said foldable blank is secured to the backing flap. A support flap is integral with the sealing flap, the support flap being configured to fold at fold line adjacent to the backing flap and having an end for resting on a horizontal surface to support the clear-front envelope at a viewing angle to the horizontal surface. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0007]      FIG. 1  is an illustration of an exploded perspective view of an unsealed display device in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the invention.  
         [0008]      FIG. 2  is an illustration of a perspective view of the display device of  FIG. 1  shown in a sealed state.  
         [0009]      FIG. 3  is an illustration of a perspective view of the display device in use in a landscape orientation in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the invention.  
         [0010]      FIG. 4  is a diagram of a side view of the display device in use in a landscape orientation in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the invention.  
         [0011]      FIG. 5  is an illustration of a perspective view of the display device in use in a portrait orientation in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the invention.  
         [0012]      FIG. 6  is a diagram of side view of the display device in use in a portrait orientation in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the invention.  
         [0013]      FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective bottom view of an unsealed display device in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the invention.  
         [0014]      FIG. 8  is a perspective bottom view of a partially sealed display device in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the invention.  
         [0015]      FIG. 9  is an additional perspective bottom view of a partially sealed display device in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the invention.  
         [0016]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a sealed display device in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the invention.  
         [0017]      FIG. 11  is an illustration of a alternate embodiment of the present invention including a pop-up feature.  
         [0018]      FIG. 12  shows the die-cut perforations in the connection portion.  
         [0019]      FIG. 13  is an illustration of a further modified embodiment of the present invention including an optional magnet for attaching the frame to a suitable metallic surface.  
         [0020]      FIG. 14  shows a thin planar magnet mounted for use on an assembled display device. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0021]     According to this invention, a foldable support flap is affixed to a backing flap of an envelope having a main window portion to form a photograph display device. A user encloses a photograph, postcard or other thin, planar item to be displayed into a pocket formed between the main window portion and the foldable paper backing by folding side flaps and sealing flap relative to the main window portion. A transparent sheet may be disposed at the main window portion. Any combination of indicia such as advertisements, decorative marking, and instructions may be included on either side of the transparent front sheet, the main window portion, the foldable paper backing, and/or the support flap. In the exemplary embodiment, the display device includes postcard indicia such a stamp placement square and address lines allowing the display device to be used as a personalized postcard for mailing photographs or other display items. The foldable blank is typically partially sealed to create the pocket or envelope for receiving a photograph or postcard. As such, a user can easily insert a photograph, seal the display device and mail the display device. In addition to minimizing production costs, an efficient, integrated construction provides a durable display device that requires minimal manipulation and assembly by the user. Although the device may be used for mailing display items, the display device may be used solely as a safe, lightweight, and inexpensive picture frame that allows full view of the display item.  
         [0022]      FIG. 1  is an illustration of a perspective view of an unsealed and unfolded display device  100  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The display device  100  includes at least one support flap  104  and at least one foldable backing flap  106  connected to a main window portion  108 . Further, a pair of side flaps  107 ,  109  may be disposed along opposite edges of the main window portion  108 . Disposed adjacent the main window portion  108  is a protective transparent plastic sheet  112 . The foldable backing flap  106  and the support flap  104  are formed from paper stock and connected to the main window portion  108  through respective living hinges  106   a ,  122   a.  Likewise, side flaps  107 ,  109  are connected to the main window portion  108  via living hinges  107   a,    109   a.    
         [0023]      FIG. 2  shows the display device of  FIG. 1  in the folded in sealed state. Although in the exemplary embodiment the display device  100  has a rectangular shape, the display device  100  may be square, triangular, oval, circular or any other suitable, preferably planar, shape.  
         [0024]      FIG. 3  is an illustration of a perspective view and  FIG. 4  is an illustration of a side view of the display device  100  in use in a landscape orientation in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the invention. Where the display device  100  is designed to display rectangular display items, the display device  100  displays the display item in a landscape orientation by placing a long side  202  of the display device parallel to a horizontal flat surface  300  such as a desk or table. Neither of the short sides  204 , therefore, rests on the horizontal surface  300  when the display device  100  is in the landscape orientation. The support flap  104  is folded back to the appropriate distance from the paper backing by the user to set the desired viewing angle, α,  302  of the display item. As the support angle, β,  304  is increased, the viewing angle, α,  302  also increases allowing the display item to be more easily viewed form higher elevation above the horizontal surface  300 .  
         [0025]      FIG. 5  is an illustration of a perspective view and  FIG. 6  is a side view of the display device  100  in use in a portrait orientation in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the invention. Where the display device  100  is designed to display rectangular display items, the display device can be used to display the display item in a portrait orientation by placing either of the short sides of the display device parallel to the horizontal flat surface. Neither of the long sides, therefore, rests on the flat surface when the display device is in the portrait orientation. The support flap  124  has a shape that allows the display device  100  to present the displayed item at an esthetically pleasing viewing angle, θ,  504  where the viewing angle, θ,  504  is the angle formed between the front face of the display item  100  and the horizontal surface  300 . Although any viewing angle between 180 degrees and 90 degrees can be used, an example of a suitable viewing angle is 100 degrees. The viewing angle, θ,  504  is determined by the support flap cut angle, φ  502 . In the exemplary embodiment, the support flap  124  is symmetrically cut at each edge to form support flap cut angle, φ,  502  of approximately 11 degrees relative to the short side of the display device  100 .  
         [0026]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the display device  100  in the unfolded condition. As discussed above, the display device  100  may have any one of several shapes. In the exemplary embodiment the display device has a shape configured to display a standard size photograph such as for example, 3 inch by 5 inch, 4 inch by 6 inch, 5 inch by 7 inch, and 8 inch by 10 inch photographs. Accordingly, a display device may be manufactured for each of the standard photograph sizes. The dimensions of the paper backing are slightly larger that the dimensions of the intended display item. The main window portion  108  should be sized to allow the display item to be easily inserted or otherwise disposed adjacent the transparent plastic sheet  112  while having dimensions small enough to minimize any movement of the display item after it is sealed. Also, the dimensions should be chosen such that amount of paper backing bordering the display item is minimized. An example of suitable dimensions is having a length and width that is approximately one millimeter larger than the intended display item. In some circumstances the dimensions may be selected to cause the front clear panel to bow slightly outward.  
         [0027]     As discussed above, the support flap  124  is cut and angle, (P, that allows the display device  100  to have an appropriate viewing angle when positioned in the portrait display position. In the exemplary embodiment, the angles on the both sides of the support flap  124  are the same. In some circumstances, however, the angles may be different allowing the display device to have different viewing angles depending on which short side  204  is placed on the horizontal display surface.  
         [0028]     As will be described below with reference to  FIGS. 7-10 , the folding and sealing method employed by this invention will now be described. Starting with the flat panel or blank  100  shown in  FIG. 7 , the transparent plastic sheet  112  is first disposed adjacent the main window portion  108  of flat foldable panel  100  and secured in place by adhesive or other suitable fastening means known to those of skill in the art. Next, the side panels  107 ,  109  are folded along fold lines (living hinges)  107   a,    109   a  to the positions shown by arrows A, B in  FIG. 8 . Then, the foldable backing flap  106  is folded to secure the side flaps  107 ,  109  in place as shown by arrow C in  FIG. 8 ; the backing flap  106  is preferably secured by adhesive of other suitable retention system to retain the display device  100  in the shape shown in  FIG. 9 .  
         [0029]     By following this methodology, a clear front envelope assembly shown in  FIG. 9  is formed by folding the plurality of foldable flaps  106 ,  107  and  109  relative to the main window portion  108  and around the transparent plastic sheet  112 . Suitable adhesive or any other fastening mechanism adheres the transparent sheet  112  and the foldable flaps  106 ,  107  and  109  relative to the main window portion  108 .  
         [0030]     With the configuration of  FIG. 9 , a photograph, postcard or other aesthetic display item may be inserted into the envelope arrangement shown in  FIG. 9 .  
         [0031]     As will be apparent to those of skill in the art, the sealing flap  118  is not adhered to the paper backing  116  until after a photograph or other display item is inserted into the clear front envelope or pocket defined by the foldable flaps  106 - 109 .  
         [0032]     At least one sealing strip  120  may be disposed on the connection portion  122  of the support flap  104  and/or backing flap  106  to allow the user to peal off a protective tape, fold the support flap  104  and adhere the connection portion  124  of the support flap  104  to the backing flap  106  to seal the display item (e.g., photo, postcard or other item) inside the clear front envelope or pocket  133  of the display device  100 . Once the support flap  104  is adhered to the backing flap  106 , the display item is retained in the display device  100  and the article assumes the configuration shown in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0033]     The transparent sheet  112  may be adhered to the flaps  106 ,  107 ,  109  with adhesive that is applied at least along the perimeter of the main window portion  108  and/or the transparent sheet  112 . It is also contemplated by this invention that the transparent sheet is retained within the envelope or pocket without the use of adhesive.  
         [0034]     In use, the connection portion  122  meets the stand portion  124  at a fold line  126 . The stand portion  124  is folded away from the backing flap  106  when the display device  110  is used to display the display item on a horizontal surface (not shown). The display device  100  may be used to display the display item in a portrait or in a landscape position.  
         [0035]     As described above, a plurality of edges  106 ,  110  of the transparent sheet  112  is adhered to the back  114  of the backing flap to form a clear front envelope  102 . An adhesive, such as a spray adhesive, is applied the back of the main window portion  108  and edges of the transparent sheet  112  are attached by the adhesive. A pocket  133  is formed between the front of the backing flap  106  and the transparent sheet  112 . A display item such a photograph is inserted into the pocket  133 .  
         [0036]     In the exemplary embodiment, a section or peal of adhesive tape forms the adhesive strip  120  on one or both of the connecting portion  122  or backing flap  106 . Accordingly, the user removes a protective strip from the adhesive strip and presses the connecting portion  122  of the support flap  104  to the paper backing. User instructions in the form of printed indicia are included on the display device to assist the user in properly using the display device  100  as a display device and a personalized postcard mailer. The instructions may include directions on applying the sealing flap to the backing flap  106  and not to the support flap  104 .  
         [0037]      FIG. 10  shows one example of the display item in the final sealed state with a display article mounted in the pocket  133  at the window frame defined by the window portion  108 .  
         [0038]      FIG. 2  is an illustration of a perspective view of a sealed display device  100  with indicia indicating the appropriate location for postage  1102  is printed on the connection portion  122  of the support flap  104 . In some situations, the postage may be provided on the display device  100 . In addition to postcard indicia, the display device includes other indicia on one or more components of the display device  100  in the exemplary embodiment. For example, indicia such as advertising indicia, decorative indicia, logos, letters, numbers, symbols, or other types of printed or etched items may be included on the transparent sheet  112 , the paper backing  116 , the sealing flap  118 , or the support flap  104 . When included on the back side of the display device  100 , the indicia may be printed on the connection portion  122  of the support flap  104 , on the stand portion  124  of the support flap, or on the paper backing  114  as well as on any portion of the sealing flap  18  or the transparent sheet edges  106 ,  108 ,  110 . In some circumstances, the indicia may be included on the transparent sheet  112  such that it can be viewed when the display item is sealed with the clear front envelope  102 . Etching techniques may be used to form a logo, lettering or other design on the front face of the clear front envelope to allow the display item to be viewed with minimal interference. In some circumstances, the indicia may be included on the front of the paper backing  116  such that it can be viewed through the clear front envelope before a display item is inserted. For informational or decorative purposes, the display item  100  may include other features by using particular materials such as colored paper stock or colored transparent sheets  112 .  
         [0039]     The indicia may be a generic decorative designs or images such as representations, for example, of historical or natural landmarks, seasonal or holiday depictions, or religious symbols. The representations may include any level of complexity and color and may be full color photos such as traditional photos found on postcard or may be single color sketch. For example, the back of the display device  100  may include a full color photograph of a beach or may simply include a single color image of a palm tree to express a vacation theme. Examples of holiday and seasonal indicia include depictions of Christmas trees, Santa Claus, hearts, clovers, snowmen, flags, winter scenes, flowers, witches, pumpkins, turkeys, colored leaves, as well as text. In some situations the indicia may express an invitation to an event such as a party or wedding and may include customized information. For example, the indicia may include date, time, location and other event specific information.  
         [0040]     The display device may be used as a promotional mechanism or for advertising. For example, company logos, names, slogans, trademarks and other company identifiable symbols may be etched or printed in the clear envelope or on the back of the display device  100 . The promotional aspects of the exemplary display device  100  may be particularly useful at theme parks where symbols or marks may indicate the source of the picture. For example, an image of famous whale may be included on the display device to indicate that a photograph contained in the display device was taken at an aquatic adventure park. Further, famous cartoon characters may enhance the attractiveness of the display device when sold or otherwise provided at a well known theme park associated with those characters.  
         [0041]     Additionally, the display device  100  may include a die-cut flap that serves as a pop-up feature to enhance the appearance and promotional aspects of the invention. With reference to  FIG. 11 , the display device  100  may include the optional pop-up flap  140  die cut into the connection portion  122  between the sealing/adhesive strips  120 .  FIG. 12  shows the die-cut perforations in the connection portion  122 . The user may optionally pivot the flap.  140  to be visible from the front side above the main window portion  108  to enhance the visual or promotional aspects of the invention. As will be understood by those of skill in the art, the pop-up flap  140  may be designed to promote a particular event or simply enhance the item being displayed in the viewing window. Further, a flat planar magnet may be disposed behind the pop-up flap  140  for mounting the display device on a metal surface such as a refrigerator.  
         [0042]     In some circumstances, a thin planer magnet is attached to the display device  100  to allow the display device to be mounted on a metal surface such as a refrigerator. A suitable technique for attaching a magnet includes sealing a strip of thin, planar magnetic material between the paper backing and the connection portion of the support flap  104 .  
         [0043]     To this end, the present invention further provides a modified design where a thin, planar magnetic  150  may be disposed on the backing flap  106  with a die-cut window  155  provided on the connection portion  122 . With reference to  FIG. 13 , the magnet  150  is disposed to be selectively exposed by the user via the optional die-cut window  155 , which the user can tear off to expose the magnet  150 .  FIG. 14  shows the magnet  150  mounted for use on an assembled display device  100  behind the die-cut window  155 . Also, optional hanging flaps  157 ,  158  are provided for hanging the display device  100  in one of a portrait or landscape orientation.  
         [0044]     The display device  100 , therefore, allows a display item such a photograph to be displayed in either a landscape or portrait orientation. The clear front envelope formed by the paper backing and the transparent sheet secures the display item without obscuring the image with a frame. The display device  100  is easy to use as an inexpensive, safe picture frame and also as a convenient envelope for forming a personalized postcard.  
         [0045]     Clearly, other embodiments and modifications of this invention will occur readily to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of these teachings. The above description is illustrative and not restrictive. This invention is to be limited only by the following claims, which include all such embodiments and modifications when viewed in conjunction with the above specification and accompanying drawings. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but instead should be determined with reference to the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.