Presentation apparatus for artwork

A presentation apparatus for artwork comprising a one-piece, die-cut folder construction of cardboard or other suitable material. The apparatus comprises a back section containing artwork and one or more side panels which suitable fold over the back section. The one or more side panels contain die-cut windows covered with acetate sheets or cels for viewing the artwork on the back section and may also contain artwork or images providing a three-dimensional effect for the images or artwork.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Artwork can be displayed in many different ways and many different styles. One type of known artwork display is for three-dimensional artwork. This type of artwork is typically presented by providing multiple layers of transparencies, each containing a distinct image. When the images are combined, they produce a multi-layered, three-dimensional display. However, three-dimensional artwork has the disadvantage of being expensive to present in that such artwork-typically requires a special frame that can be extremely time consuming to assemble due to intricate telescoping members, etc.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,367,801 issued to Ahn discloses a multi-layered, three-dimensional display comprising three image layers which are spaced apart inside a rigid frame construction.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,438,579 issued to Engel discloses a three-dimensional picture with interchangeable scenes comprising three overlapping and telescoping images which are frictionally held with a rigid frame. The frame is provided with a dust cover.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,787,992 issued to Leonhardt discloses a dimensional picture frame comprising a box-like frame structure telescopingly surrounding a picture-mounting means to produce a multi-dimensional picture having a depth dimension thereto.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,014,302 issued to Hughes discloses an abstract art device comprising a plurality of transparent members each containing an image and being nested in a frame having a stepped inner wall, each step receiving the subsequent transparent sheet.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,565,553 issued to Foley discloses a three-dimensional picture frame comprising a plurality of concave picture sheets displayed in a box-like housing, one behind another.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,314,180 issued to Porter discloses a three-dimensional picture assembly comprising a rigid frame in which a plurality of opaque sheets are sequentially arranged and having spacers therebetween. Each opaque sheet contains partial images which combine to form a three-dimensional image.

Such examples of prior art three-dimensional display apparatus have the disadvantage that they are not only costly due to rigid and intricate frames, but also time consuming to assemble due to various telescoping members and intricate designs.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,033,060 issued to Lawrence discloses a picture frame construction comprising a picture being sandwiched between a front frame and a back frame which includes elements for spacing the frame from a wall. A backing element is used in cooperation with the back frame. The picture frame construction, once assembled, can then be hung on a wall or inserted into a box-like housing structure. The Lawrence patent is time-consuming to assemble and only discloses use for a single picture image.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,991,578 issued to Messina discloses a combination collapsible box and display device. The display device comprises a compact, foldable box comprising two basic sections. The first section is the picture-holding and display area section and the second section is the support and locking section. The first section includes a picture-holding area wherein the picture's corners are inserted into cut-out tab sections and the top edge of the picture is inserted under a tab to hold the picture in place. The picture-holding section is then folded on top of a frame section to comprise the first section. The second section includes a plurality of panels which form a box-like structure having an inside slot and an outside cut-out tab. The first section includes a locking tab which can be folded around and inserted into the outside cut-out tab of the second section to secure the display device in a compact, box-like display device. The locking tab can also be inserted into the inside slot of the second section to form an easel-like display. The Messina product is time-consuming to assemble and position and further does not make arrangements to display a three-dimensional artwork.

Accordingly, there is a need for a relatively simple and low-cost, three-dimensional presentation apparatus. The present invention fulfills such a need.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a one-piece folder construction with one or more side panels which fold over a back section which may contain an image. The one or more side panels create image screens when folded against the back section and serve as the final image screen of the presentation apparatus. The one or more side panels include die-cut window elements to present images thereon and to allow viewing of the back section of the presentation apparatus.

In use, one or more side panels are folded over the back section. The side panel(s) and die-cut elements are folded away from and secured to the back section to form the presentation apparatus. In this manner, the apparatus can be quickly and easily assembled to produce a low-cost presentation apparatus which can be mass produced.

Accordingly, it is the principal object of the present invention to provide a presentation apparatus for artwork.

It is further an object of the invention to provide a method of forming a presentation apparatus for artwork.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a low-cost presentation apparatus for three-dimensional artwork.

It is an object of the invention to provide a low-cost, three-dimensional greeting card.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a presentation apparatus which can be relatively easily assembled and mass produced.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will be described herein in detail a preferred embodiment of the invention. It should be understood, however, that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the scope and spirit of the invention and/or claims of the embodiment illustrated.

Attention is directed toFIG. 1for an overview of one embodiment of this invention.FIG. 1illustrates a three-dimensional presentation apparatus10comprising a one-piece folder construction12comprising a back section14and a first side panel16. The apparatus may be made of cardboard or other suitable material. The back section and side panel are separated by fold line18. As can be seen, a die-cut window20is placed in the side panel for viewing the back section or image on the back section. The image may be artwork of any type, including lithography and lenticular images as shown inFIG. 3. Lenticular images provide thousands of small lenses which are joined by thousands of additional image frames using specific printing methods. The lenticular images come to life as three-dimensional, multi-action pieces. The lenticular lenses direct different images under individual cylindrical lens to the eye. In three-dimensional images, the left and right eyes see dissimilar viewpoints of the same object through a vertical parallel lens. When the lenticular image is in a horizontal position, the image is moved top to bottom so the eye perceives different images based on the angle of the lens through which the image is being viewed. The viewing angle changes as the image is moved from top to bottom, producing a multi-image, or animation, effect.

In addition, the window or cel20may be an image screen and contain artwork. Preferably, the window or cel20or image screen is made of clear acetate and has printed thereon colored litho, such as a four-color litho, to produce the image. However, it should be understood that any suitable clear material, preferably plastic or acetate, material be used for window or cel20or image screen and image as is known in the prior art.

Back section14has a rearward side14aand a forward side14b. The back section also contains top edge14c, bottom edge14d, and side edge14e. Images and artwork as described are preferably presented on forward side14bfor viewing. As an alternative embodiment, the artwork on the forward side14aof the back section may be painted by the purchaser of the presentation apparatus. The painting may be accomplished free-hand or by following numbers on a configuration provided on the back section, as shown inFIG. 2.

Side panel14has a slot22at one end for receiving the opposed end or side edge14eof back section14. Back section14may be flexible or rigid, allowing it to be folded into slot22. Likewise, side panel16may be flexible or rigid, allowing slot22to engage side edge14e. The flexing of back section14or side panel16, when folded, provides for a sufficient amount of spacing between the two to promote a three-dimensional effect. The curvilinear shape or design of the flexed, folded back section or side panel also promotes the three-dimensional effect of the presentation apparatus.

FIGS. 4 and 5show the flexible back section being folded at fold line18with side edge14einserted in slot22. The curvilinear fold of the back section allows for adequate spacing entrance of the three-dimensional effects of images (not shown) on the side panel and back section.

Illustrated inFIG. 6is a front folding embodiment of the folder construction12with first and second side panels.

Back section30has top and bottom edges30aandb, respectively. First and second side edges30canddmeet first and second side panels32aandbat fold lines34aandb. Slot36is located near first side edge32in back section30. Side panel32ahas top and bottom edges38aandband side edges38candd. Side edge38cmeets fold line34aat back section30. Opposite first side panel32ais second side panel32bwith top and bottom edges40aandband first and second side edges40candd. Second side edge40cjoins back section edge30dat fold line34b. Slot42is cut in second side panel32badjacent side edge40c. Artwork can be shown on back section30where it is disclosed for viewing through die-cut windows44aandbin first and second side panels32aandb. The windows may be clear acetate sheets and printed with four-color litho to produce an image.

Lenticular image46may also be present on the back section, as shown inFIG. 7.

To create a multi-layered, three-dimensional effect with the presentation apparatus, second side panel32bmay be folded at fold line34b. Second side edge40dengages slot36to create the first layer48for the image, as shown inFIG. 8. A second layer50is created by folding first side panel32aat fold line34a, as shown inFIG. 9. Side edge38dengages slot42to create a second layer of images folded over back section30. The images are not present in the drawings. The curvilinear fold of the first and second side panels creates spacing between each of the side panels and back section30, containing an image to create a three-dimensional effect, as shown inFIGS. 8 and 9.

Another embodiment of the presentation apparatus is shown inFIG. 10, wherein back section60has slots62aandbnear fold lines64aandb. Back section60has a front side60aand rear side60b, both of which provide space for artwork or images to render a three-dimensional effect. First and second side panels66aandbhave first and second edges66candd, respectively, as well as die-cut windows68aandbwith coverings of clear acetate sheeting upon which more than one image is placed. A clear acetate cel can be attached to a die-cut window.

The side panels can be folded at fold lines64aandb. First side panel66ais folded over the front side60aof back section60so that first edge66engages slot62b. This arrangement creates a three-dimensional arrangement on the front side60aof back section60. Further, second side panel66bcan be folded at fold line64bso that it covers rear side60bof back section60to allow second edge66dto engage slot62a, thereby rendering an image and three-dimensional representation on the rear side of back section60, as seen inFIGS. 11-13.

Another embodiment of the presentation apparatus is shown inFIGS. 14-17. The back section is located at one end of a three-piece folder construction presentation apparatus. The back section has means for easily adding and removing artwork, photographs or drawings. InFIG. 14, back section80is shown on the first end82of the presentation apparatus, which also contains a middle section84and second end or front cover86. Fold lines88aandbare present between the ends and back section. A die-cut window90covered with acetate sheets or cels is present in middle section84for viewing an image of artwork, photograph or lenticular image on back section80. A slot92is provided in middle section84for engaging edge94of middle section84. The folding of back section80by its insertion into slot92facilitates the spacing of back section80and middle section84to provide a three-dimensional effect. Second end or front cover86may be folded over middle section84to cover the images displayed therein.

FIG. 15shows a rear view of this embodiment of the presentation apparatus.FIGS. 16 and 17show the apparatus on display.

FIGS. 18-21show another embodiment of the present invention wherein side panel100is foldable from back section102with a clear plastic acetate sheet104placed therebetween. Top edge106has dotted perforations108for detaching top section110which holds the panel and back section together in a format for mailing. Insert112can be removed from dotted perforations113to disclose the clear plastic acetate sheet which may contain artwork114and the back section102. Bottom edge118has bottom section120with dotted perforations121for removing the bottom section120upon receipt of the mailer. Insert112may contain artwork, coupons, trading cards, etc., as well as the mailing address. Slot122in side panel100is available for receiving back section102as shown inFIG. 21showing a curvilinear design in back section102.

FIG. 22shows back panel130with first side panel132and second side panel133. The first side panel is folded to engage slot134of back panel130. The second side panel engages a slot not shown. Insert136of the first side panel has first section138and second section140for holding puzzle pieces138A and138B respectively. The pieces may be removed at perforations141to show the clear plastic acetate sheet142which may contain artwork as shown inFIGS. 21 and 23, which has only one side panel144, with puzzle pieces removed from one section.

FIG. 24is similar to the embodiments shown inFIGS. 22 and 23, in that it shows the back panel150with the first side panel152and second side panel153. The first side panel is folded to engage slot154of back panel150. The second side panel engages a slot not shown. Insert156, on the first side panel has first section158and second section160for holding material that may contain writing, advertisements, trading cards, coupons, etc., for use by a consumer. The pieces may be removed at perforations162to show clear plastic acetate sheet164, which may contain artwork as shown inFIGS. 21 and 25, which have only one side panel166with one piece removed from one section.

All the embodiments of the present invention are free-standing when the side panel(s) are engaged. The free-standing arrangement of the device facilitates display of the device on a surface. It may also be hung from a wall.

It will be evident that a number of variations can be made while remaining within the scope of the following claims.