Picture mounting apparatus, system and method

A picture mounting apparatus comprising: a frame member, the frame member comprising: a frame front surface; a frame rear surface located on a side opposite of the frame front surface; at least one connection area located on the frame member; a connector configured to removably attach to the at least one connection area, the connector comprising: a connector front surface; a connector rear surface on a side opposite of the connector front surface; a first tab located on the connector; a second tab located on the connector; a curved slit located between the first tab and the second tab; and where the connection area is configured to removably hold one corner of a photograph. A method of mounting a picture with a picture mounting apparatus comprising inserting a connector into a connection area of a frame member, fastening a second side of an adhesive to a mounting surface, and inserting a corner of a picture into the connection area of the frame member. A method of displaying a picture comprising attaching a picture mounting apparatus to a wall with an adhesive and inserting a picture into at least one connection areas of a frame member. A connector configured to selectively attach to at least one connection area comprising a connector front surface, a connector rear surface on a side opposite of the connector front surface, a first tab located on the connector, a curved slit located between the first tab and the second tab, and the connection area comprising and opening.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to mounting and displaying pictures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Displaying images is well known, diverse and ever changing. Throughout time carvings, charcoal, chalk, dyes, ink, oils, and colored tiles were used as implements for capturing and displaying images on mediums such as rocks, stone tablets, woods, hides, canvases, parchments, and papers. Imagery included renditions of historical events, rules, portraits, maps, astrological observations, and maps.

In the more modern era, the advent of cameras led to photographs as a common medium for capturing and displaying images. Generally, images are captured by a camera, developed on paper-based materials into photographs and mounted in frames for display. More recently, the arrival of digital technology introduced a new channel for displaying pictures on display devices such as electronic visual displays.

Regardless of the display method, pictures have established themselves as a common source of decoration and means of social communication. While the options for displaying pictures have continuously expanded over time the traditional practice of physically mounting pictures remains desirable. Recent trends include mounting and displaying many pictures together to create collages, storyboards, and collections. In homes people may place pictures in wood, metal, glass, plastic, composite or other custom ridged material frames designed to display a set number pictures for displaying on a surface or hanging on a wall.

Therefore, individuals who desire creating and displaying many pictures either individually or in collages are left with few options. Corkboards, ribbon boards, magnetic boards, wires with clothespins, and tape are a few of the alternative options available. However, each of these share in their own set of limitations including restrictions in size, location and long-term preservation of the picture. Pictures printed on paper-based materials are susceptible to degradation over time if they are not properly secured and mounted. Pictures may curl from end to end or at the corners, holes may be punctured in them when mounted on corkboards and tape may peel off the backing or ink surface of a picture when the location or orientation is adjusted. All of these are undesirable and aesthetically unpleasant results.

Thus, there is a need for a picture mounting apparatus, system, and method that overcomes these and other disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The disclosed invention relates to a picture mounting apparatus comprising: a frame member, the frame member comprising: a frame front surface; a frame rear surface located on a side opposite of the frame front surface; at least one connection area located on the frame member; a connector configured to removably attach to the at least one connection area, the connector comprising: a connector front surface; a connector rear surface on a side opposite of the connector front surface; a first tab located on the connector; a second tab located on the connector; a curved slit located between the first tab and the second tab; and where the connection area is configured to removably hold one corner of a photograph.

The disclosed invention also relates to a method of mounting a picture with a picture mounting apparatus comprising inserting a connector into a connection area of a frame member, fastening a second side of an adhesive to a mounting surface, and inserting a corner of a picture into the connection area of the frame member.

The disclosed invention further relates to a method of displaying a picture comprising attaching a picture mounting apparatus to a wall with an adhesive and inserting a picture into at least one connection areas of a frame member.

The disclosed invention additionally relates to a connector configured to selectively attach to at least one connection area comprising a connector front surface, a connector rear surface on a side opposite of the connector front surface, a first tab located on the connector, a curved slit located between the first tab and the second tab, and the connection area comprising an opening.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The following description of particular embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention, its application, or uses, which may, of course, vary. The invention is described with relation to the non-limiting definitions and terminology included herein. These definitions and terminology are not designed to function as a limitation on the scope or practice of the invention but are presented for illustrative and descriptive purposes only. While the processes or compositions are described as an order of individual steps or using specific materials, it is appreciated that steps or materials may be interchangeable such that the description of the invention may include multiple parts or steps arranged in many ways as is readily appreciated by one of skill in the art.

It will be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,” “third” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another element, component, region, layer, or section. Thus, a “first” element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a “second” (or other) element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings herein.

A picture mounting apparatus, method of making and use thereof are provided. However, other items may be mounted using the disclosed apparatus. Items such as concert tickets, movie tickets, post cards, or any other suitable item may be mounted using the disclosed apparatus.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1-12, a picture mounting apparatus10comprises a frame member100and connector components101,102,103, and104. In an embodiment, the frame member100comprises a front surface200, a rear surface201, and a connection area202. The connection area202may be a slot in some embodiments. The connector components101,102,103, and104comprise a first surface300, a second surface301, a first tab302, a second tab303, and a curved slit304. An embodiment comprises a frame member100connected through one of the connection areas202to at least one of the connector components101,102,103,104, a picture600attached to the frame member100through at least one of the connection areas202and adhesive400fastening the second surface301of one of the connector components101,102,103,104to a mounting surface500. The mounting surface500may be a wall, bulletin board, or any other suitable surface for placing a picture.

Referring now toFIG. 1, a top view of an exemplary assembly of a picture mounting apparatus10is depicted. In the shown embodiment, the picture mounting apparatus10comprises at least two frame members100. In other embodiments the picture mounting apparatus may comprise one or more frame members100and two or more connector components101,102,103,104attached to the frame member100. The frame member100comprise of a sheet of material with a front surface200and a rear surface201. The connector components101,102,103and104(shown inFIG. 3) comprise of a sheet of material with a first surface300and a second surface301. The surfaces200,201,300and301, are not limited to a flat or smooth surface. The surfaces200,201,300and301, may comprise a wavy pattern or textured surface. The frame member100and connector components101,102,103and104, as described below, may comprise a flexible material, optionally a cellulose based material. The frame member100and connectors101,102,103and104may optionally comprise a flexible plastic, acrylic or composite material. The frame member100and connector components101,102,103and104may comprise of different material or the same material.

The cellulose-based material may comprise a paper material, optionally card stock. The paper material may have a basis weight of about 50 lb. The basis weight is optionally between about 10 lbs. and about 105 lbs. The basis weight may optionally be about 16, 20, 24, 28, 40, 50, 60, 65, 70, 80, 90, 100, and 105 lbs. In one embodiment, the basis weight may range from about 24 lbs. to about 105 lbs. In other embodiments, the frame member100and connector components101,102,103and104may comprise of material with a thickness between about 0.0032 inches to about 0.0175 inches.

Referring now toFIG. 2, a top plane view of an exemplary frame member100is depicted. In an embodiment the frame member100comprises a rectangular shape with connection areas202offset from each corner and from the edges of the frame member100such that the plurality of connection areas202define a perimeter on the frame member100. In one embodiment, the frame member100is about 6 inches long and about 4 inches wide. Of course, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize this application will include frame members100of various dimensions. The connection areas202optionally comprise a slot.

In further embodiments, the connection areas may comprise a perforated open two-dimensional shape. The connection area, for example, may comprise a slit in the shape of a semi-circle. The connection area202may receive a male type connector portion309from a connector component101,102,103,104. The connection202area may also receive a corner of a picture, and hold the picture in place. The male type connector portion309may comprise any one or more tabs302,308, seeFIG. 3for example.

Referring now toFIG. 3, a top plan view of connector components101,102,103, and104and a frame member100components is depicted. The connector components101,102,103, and104and frame member100may be die cut. In particular, embodiments there may be at least four types of connector components101,102,103and104. Each of the connector components101,102,103and104comprise a first tab302, a second tab303, and a curved slit304. The combined shape of the first tab302, second tab303and curved slit304form a male type connector309. The male type connector309provides connection of the connector components101,102,103, and104with the connection area202of the frame member100.

In one embodiment the first tab302is inserted in the connection area202followed by inserting the second tab303where the curved slit304allows for compression of the space between the first tab302and second tab303. The compression of the curved slit304facilitates the insertion of the second tab303such that a tapered edge306of the second tab303passes through the connection area202. In a further embodiment, the second tab303may be inserted into the connection area202then the first tab302may be inserted. In yet another embodiment, the first tab302and the second tab303may be simultaneously inserted into the connection area202. Once the tapered edge306of the first tab302and the second tab303pass through the connection area202an undercut307allows the space defined by the curved slit304to expand establishing an overlapping interference fit. The overlapping interference fit fastens the male type connector309to the connection area202. The tapered edge306and undercut307are optionally formed such that the insertion force of the male type connector is less than the extraction force required to remove the male type connector309from the connection area202.

In an embodiment, the first tab302is optionally larger than the second tab303. In yet another embodiment the second tab303is optionally larger than the first tab302. Optionally, the first tab302and the second tab303are equal in size. The first tab302and second tab303each comprise a leading edge305, a tapered edge306, an undercut307, and a stop308. In one embodiment the leading edge305optionally has a length of about 0.19 inches, the taper306optionally has a length of about 0.21 inches. In an embodiment, the curved slit304is disposed between the first tab302and the second tab303. The stop308optionally has a length at least as long as the apex formed by the tapered edge306and the undercut307. The stop308forms an edge inward of the leading edge305and preferably parallel to the leading edge305. The stop308provides an edge preventing the male type connector309from passing through the connection area202. The edge formed by the stop308is a counter edge to that of the undercut thereby creating an interlocking connection between the male type connector309and connection area202.

Referring now toFIG. 4, a back view of an exemplary assembly of a picture mounting apparatus10is depicted. In an embodiment adhesive400may be applied to the connector components101,102,103, or104or frame member100. The adhesive400may optionally be applied generally in the area identified with an “X.” The adhesive400provides a mounting structure to the frame member100or connector components101,102,103, or104and a mounting surface500, such as a wall for example, as shown inFIG. 5. The adhesive may comprise two-sided tape such as Double-Sided Bonding Tape by3M that is removable or permanent or any other variety of mounting adhesive know to those skilled in the art. The adhesive may also be a glue.

Referring now toFIG. 6, an initial step of inserting a picture600into the frame member100is depicted. A typical picture600is in the shape of a rectangle and has four corners601,602,603, and604. It is conceivable that a picture may take on other shapes such as a square, a triangle, a circle or other two-dimensional closed geometric shape. In an embodiment where a picture600comprises four corners601,602,603, and604each of the four corners601,602,603, and604is inserted into the connection areas202. Optionally, only one of the four corners601,602,603, and604may be inserted into one of the connection areas202. Additionally, only two of the four corners601,602,603, and604may be inserted into the connection areas202. Furthermore, only three of the four corners601,602,603, and604may be inserted into the connection areas202.

In further embodiments, a frame member100may be adapted to connect a picture of non-rectangular shape but having at least an edge where a picture600may be attached to the frame member100. In similar embodiments, the connection areas202may comprise a slit. The slit type connection areas202may provide an additional functionality of mounting a picture without any corners such as a circle shape picture.

In some embodiments, a frame member100is mounted to a mounting surface500then a picture600is inserted. In other embodiments, a picture600may be inserted into a frame member100then mounted to a mounting surface500. In yet further embodiments at least one of the connector components101,102,103, and104is attached to a frame member and mounted to a mounting surface500. The insertion of the picture600may be completed at any time during assembly and or mounting of the picture mounting apparatus.

Referring toFIG. 7, an exemplary assembly of multiple picture mounting apparatuses is depicted. A variety of configurations of frame members100and connector components101,102,103, and104as shown by exemplary configurations701and702.

Referring toFIG. 8, an exemplary packaging assembly for a picture mounting kit is depicted. A picture mounting kit may include components hereinbefore described including at least a frame member100, and connector components101,102,103,104. The embodied packaging assembly is an example of a packaging structure that may be used to contain and/or display components of the picture mounting kit for sale in the market place. The packaging assembly may include an insert800and an outer structure801. The outer structure may compromise a variety of materials known in the art to contain products for sale. Some materials may include paper-based materials formed to a box-like shell capable of receiving an insert800. Additionally, other materials may include plastics. The outer structure801should at least be sufficient to encase the insert800.

Referring toFIG. 9, an exemplary insert for packaging a picture mounting kit is depicted. The insert800utilizes the unique connector309and connection areas202, previously disclosed, to form the structure of the insert800. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 9, the insert800includes a connection area202receiving a connector309at about the midpoint between a first edge802and a second edge803. Folding portions of the front surface804of the insert800adjacent to connection area202and connector309bring about the reception of the connector309into connection area202. Folding portions of the front surface804away from the front surface804thereby toward a back surface805of the insert800may also create a support structure between the front804and back805surface of the insert800.

Additionally, folding portions of the front surface804may create a first opening807and a second opening808enclosed between the front surface804and the back surface805. The first opening807and the second opening808may optionally be utilized to receive components of the picture mounting kit for packaging and/or storage. A flange806, formed by folding a portion of the back surface805that extends beyond the width of front surface804, as exemplified inFIG. 10, may enclose one end of the first opening807and second opening808. The first opening807and second opening808are further enclosed by a first surface809extending along the first edge802and a second surface810extending along the second edge803.

Referring toFIG. 10, an exemplary top plane view of a die cut board defining an insert for packaging a picture mounting kit is depicted. In this depiction, the solid lines define cuts and the dashed lines define fold locations. In this embodiment, the insert800may be formed from a single piece of material. Formation of the insert from a generally 2-dimensional die cut to a 3-dimensional structure is accomplished by folding the material and fastening at least two connectors309and connection areas202. In this embodiment, adhesive may optionally be used to fasten a first retainer811and second retainer812to a first set of folded standoffs813and a second set of folded standoffs814, respectively. The fastening of the first and second retainers811,812to the first and second set of folded standoffs813,814secure one or more frame members100to the insert800.

Referring toFIG. 11, a rear view of an exemplary insert is depicted. In the depicted embodiment, the back surface and the front surface join through the connection of a connector309and a connection area202. Additionally, one or more tabs815and corresponding slots816adjacent to the connector309and connection area202may insert into each other to provide more overlap between the front surface804and back surface805The tabs815and corresponding slots816may also operate as locating features to aid assembly of the insert800.

Referring toFIG. 12, an exemplary insert for packaging a picture mounting kit including a frame member is depicted. This embodiment is similar to the one depicted inFIG. 9, exceptFIG. 12includes a frame member100secured to the insert800. In such an embodiment, the insert800secures one or more frame members100to the insert800by locating the midsection of the frame member100within the first and second set of folded standoffs813,814and then fixing the first and second retainers811,812to the first and second set of folded standoffs813,814.