Image display apparatus

An image display apparatus (10) for displaying one or more images (20) such as photographs. The image (20) is mounted on a raised portion (14) around which is arranged a further raised portion (16) as a mounting panel (8). The portions are separated to provide a gap (30) there between which gives the illusion that the image and the mounting panel (18) are floating. This effect accentuates the image which is additionally enhanced by the choice of color of the mounting panel (18). The portions are located on a backing panel which extends beyond the perimeter of the mounting panel to provide an additional framing feature. The backing panel (12) and mounting panel (18) are made of durably rigid materials such as Perspex® or aluminum so that the apparatus can be mounted without a frame.

The present invention relates to image display apparatus and more specifically to improved apparatus for mounting an image for display purposes and also for preventing the copying of a displayed image.

It is commonplace to mark important events in the lives of friends and relatives by having a professional photographer record these events on film or digitally. This film is subsequently developed in a laboratory, or by the photographer, and appropriate prints are chosen for mounting in a framing arrangement in order that they may be put on display. Such a framing arrangement can be seen inFIGS. 1(a) and (b) where the constituent parts of the framing arrangement are shown. Such framing arrangements have become the standard method of securing a photograph for displaying.

Traditionally, there are two methods of framing images. Firstly, a frame goes over the outer edge of the image and the image is framed by the inner edge of the frame. Secondly, the frame is provided with additional elements such as a mounting sheet and glass.

FIGS. 1(a) and1(b) show an example of a prior art image framing arrangement A.FIG. 1(a) is a cross sectional side view of the arrangement and shows a frame B with a flange C. An image D and mounting sheet E are held between a glass piece F and backing panel G, the backing G being held in place with clips H at the bottom and by the flange C of the frame B at the top; in addition, all items except the image abut against the side of the frame B below and perpendicular to the flange C. The image is secured to the mounting sheet E with adhesive and the inner perimeter of the mounting sheet E defines an image area I where the image is viewable. Frames of this type require the image to be rear mounted which involves much skill in properly aligning the image and ensuring that the final product is dust free. Additionally, they can be easily disassembled and the image may be removed and illegally copied.

UK Patent GB 2424832B describes an image display apparatus which includes a frame and a support member having a raised portion upon which an image, such as a photograph, can be mounted. Securing means are provided for securing the frame to the support member such that the frame surrounds the raised portion. The area of the raised portion may be smaller than the inner area of the frame to provide a gap between the frame and the raised portion, to give the impression of the image floating in the frame. The image may be secured to the raised portion by an adhesive layer to prevent removal for copying. A method for front mounting an image in a frame is also disclosed.

This prior art image display apparatus had advantages over the traditional frame ofFIG. 1by providing a front loading picture frame in which it was easier to centre the image; created a shadow gap between the frame and image to make the image appear to be floating, and aided in preventing copying as the image was secured in the frame.

However, the image display apparatus has a major disadvantage. As shown inFIG. 1, traditional framing includes a mounting sheet which overlies the edges of the picture being framed to provide a decorative edging within the framing apparatus. This mounting sheet is typically card of a single colour, with the colour being selected to accentuate a colour within the image itself. Such an enhancement to the image is not available in the prior art apparatus of GB 2424832B.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an image display apparatus which provides the benefits of the image display apparatus of GB 2424832B with the image enhancement of a traditional mounting sheet.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an image display apparatus, the apparatus comprising a backing panel; one or more first raised portions located upon the panel, each first raised portion having an upper surface upon which is secured an image for display, the image extending to at least an edge of the first raised portion; one or more second raised portions located upon the panel, each second raised portion having an upper surface upon which is secured a mounting panel, each mounting panel having at least one inner edge arranged to surround a perimeter of each first raised portion such that each image is located within and spaced apart from a mounting panel to create a channel therebetween; and the backing panel extends beyond an outer edge of the mounting panel.

In this way, the mounting panel will accentuate the image, while the image and the mounting panel both appear to be floating as a result of the shadow gap created by the channel between them and the apparent depth created between the outer edge of the mounting panel and the backing panel. The image display apparatus also has the advantages of being front loaded, without glass, so that the image(s) and mounting panel(s) can be positioned easily and, as the images are secured to the raised portions, aids in preventing illegal copying. Yet further, the channel removes the requirement for the inner edge of the mounting panel to be cut to a close tolerance to meet the outer edge of the image, which is generally highly impractical to achieve.

Preferably, each mounting panel is formed of a rigid durable material. In this way, the apparatus is robust. If traditional card were used, this would degrade quickly as there is no glass cover present to provide protection.

Preferably, each mounting panel is formed from a sheet of plastic such as Perspex®. Plastics and solid resins are easy to cut and handle while being rigid. Their edges can also be polished to provide an aesthetic, clean appearance.

Optionally, each mounting panel may be formed from a sheet of metal such as aluminium. Sheet metal is easy to cut and handle while being rigid. Their edges can also be polished to provide an aesthetic, clean appearance.

Advantageously, each mounting panel is formed of at least a partially reflective material. The present applicants have discovered that a reflective surface further enhances the image without the distracting effect of the prior art in having reflective glass over the image.

Preferably each image is arranged to overhang the edge of the first raised portion. This increases the apparent floating effect. Preferably each mounting panel is arranged to overhang the second raised portion. This further increases the apparent floating effect.

Preferably, the backing panel is formed of a rigid durable material. In this way, the apparatus is robust and can be used without a frame. A purchaser can choose to mount the apparatus in a frame of their choosing. Optionally, the apparatus includes a frame, the frame being secured to the backing panel and sized to provide a channel between the outer edge of the mounting panel and an inner edge of the frame. The channel provides a shadow gap to maintain the floating effect. Yet further, the channel removes the exacting and in common practice, highly impractical requirement, for the inner edge of the mounting panel to be cut to a close level of tolerance to meet the outer edge of the frame. Thus reducing costs and simplifying assembly.

Preferably, the backing panel is formed from a sheet of plastic such as Perspex®. Plastics and solid resins are easy to cut and handle while being rigid. Their edges can also be polished to provide an aesthetic, clean appearance.

Optionally, the backing panel may be formed from a sheet of metal such as aluminium. Sheet metal is easy to cut and handle while being rigid. Their edges can also be polished to provide an aesthetic, clean appearance.

Advantageously, the backing panel is formed of at least a partially reflective material. The present applicants have discovered that a reflective backing panel further accentuates the floating effect of the image and mounting panel by increasing the apparent depth of the channel.

Preferably, the apparatus includes one or more light emitting devices located within the channel. The devices may be light bulbs, fluorescent bands or LEDs. In this way, a background light is created in the channel which highlights the shadow gap.

Reference is initially made toFIGS. 2(a) and (b) of the drawings which illustrates an image display apparatus, generally indicated by reference numeral10, having a backing panel12, a first raised portion14, a second raised portion16, a mounting panel18and an image20for display, according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Image20is a photograph or other work of art which requires to be displayed. The image20is located upon a platform14. In this embodiment the platform14has a length and breadth which matches that of the image20. It is then simple to locate the image20upon the upper surface24of the platform14. Typically there will be an adhesive layer on the surface24which is exposed before the image20is affixed thereon. Once affixed the image20cannot be removed for copying purposes.

Beneficially the image20is effectively ‘front loaded’ as the apparatus10faces the user to mount the image20.

The platform14is a raised section, in this embodiment it is substantially square, but it may be of any two dimensional shape, such as rectangular, circular or oval. The platform14is affixed to a backing substrate22which is a large flat panel, typically of similar shape to the platform14. The platform14is a box affixed to the substrate22, or may be integral with the substrate22, to provide an upper surface44which sit's proud and away from the surface23of the substrate22.

The substrate22is made of a rigid durable material. This is distinct from the card and cardboard traditionally used, as these materials would degrade quickly as they are exposed in use and do not have the traditionally glass cover to protect them. The substrate22is cut from a sheet of Perspex®. Perspex® is a rigid plastics material which in 2-3 mm thicknesses provides a substantial ruggedness while still being able to be cut using simple cutting tools such as saws. Once cut the Perspex® edges can be smoothed and polished. Alternatively the substrate22may be formed from a metal sheet, such as aluminium. This also provides a highly rugged and durable backing to support the other components of the apparatus10. The use of Perspex® allows the surface23of the substrate22to have a colour selected by the user. The surface23may also be polished to provide a partially reflective surface23. Use of a polished metal gives a mirrored surface23which is highly reflective.

Located around the first platform14, is a second platform16. Platform16is substantially ring-shaped or annular to surround the first platform14. It has an inner edge24and an outer edge25. The second platform16is also of a box like construction to provide an upper surface27raised above the upper surface23of the substrate22. The second platform16is affixed to the substrate22or may be made integral with the substrate22. A mounting panel18is located upon the upper surface27of the second platform16. The mounting panel18is preferably cut to match the surface27.

The mounting panel18is made of a rigid durable material. This is distinct from the paper and card traditionally used, as these materials would degrade quickly as they are exposed in use and do not have the traditionally glass cover to protect them. The mounting panel16is cut from a sheet of Perspex®. Perspex® is a rigid plastics material which in 2-3 mm thicknesses provides a substantial ruggedness while still being able to be cut using simple cutting tools such as saws. Once cut the Perspex® edges can be smoothed and polished. Alternatively the mounting panel18may be formed from a metal sheet, such as aluminium. This also provides a highly rugged and durable surface29. The use of Perspex® allows the surface29of the mounting panel18to have a colour selected by the user. The surface29may also be polished to provide a partially reflective surface29. Use of a polished metal gives a mirrored surface29which is highly reflective.

The inner edge24of the mounting panel18and the platform16follows the perimeter of the image20and the first platform14to entirely enclose the first platform14. The shape of the inner edge24substantially matches the shape of an outer edge26of the image20and the first platform14. However the edges24,26do not meet and a space or gap30is left there between. Ideally the gap30is of uniform width. A base31of the gap30exposes the surface23of the substrate22.

In a preferred embodiment the upper surface of the image20and the surface29of the mounting panel18are arranged to project from the surface23of the substrate22by the same distance. This provides a uniform projected surface to the apparatus10. The gap30gives the effect that the image20is floating. Additionally the mounting panel18will appear to float but also appear distinct from the image20so as to aesthetically enhance and frame the image20. By choosing a colour for the panel18based on the colours in the image20, the image20is further enhanced in the same fashion as would be provided by a mounting panel in a traditional picture frame.

The floating appearance of the panel18is further enhanced by the spacing between the outer edge25of the panel18and the outer edge31of the substrate22. By exposing a perimeter of the substrate surface23around the panel18, this acts to frame the panel18and due to the difference in heights, as the panel rests on the platform16, the depth creates an impression that the panel18is floating. The floating effect can be enhanced if the substrate surface23is reflective or mirrored.

The substrate22acts as a backing panel to support the component parts of the apparatus10. As the substrate22is rigid and durable, the apparatus10can be directly mounted on a wall.

Reference is now made toFIGS. 3(a) and3(b) of the drawings which illustrate an image display apparatus, generally indicated by reference numeral110, having a backing panel112, a first raised portion114, a second raised portion116, a mounting panel118and an image120for display, according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Like parts to those of the apparatus10inFIG. 2have been given the same reference numeral with the addition of 100 to aid clarity.

Apparatus110closely resembles apparatus10except in that the raised portions or platforms114,116do not extend to meet the edges of the image120and the mounting panel118respectively. Thus the outer edge124of the image120now overhangs the surface144of the platform114. Similarly both the inner edge126and the outer edge125of the panel118overhang the upper surface127of the second platform116. This arrangement increases the width of the gap130and provides an increased sense that the image120and the mounting panel118are floating. By making the panel118of a rigid durable material the overhanging portions are less likely to be damaged. To provide a similar rigidity to the image120, a supporting panel40can be located between the image120and the platform114, the panel40being sized to match the area of the image120so that it is fully supported across its surface. The panel40preferably has a thickness not greater than the mounting panel18, so as not to spoil the floating effect. As an example, the mounting panel18may have a thickness of 1 to 3 mm and the platforms114,116may have a thickness of 10 to 15 mm.

Apparatus110also includes lights48. Lights48are provided as a row of LEDs, located in the raised portion114and directed into the gap130. These enhance the effect of the image120and mounting panel118floating by increasing the apparent distance between the image120and the backing panel122. While the lights48are shown as LEDs, they may be any light emitting devices. Additionally, while the lights48are shown located on the side panel of the raised portion114, they could be mounted on the opposite side panel of the raised platform116, mounted on or in the substrate122or even mounted under the overhang of the image120or mounting panel118. Similarly lights may be located on the opposite side of the raised portion116, to enhance the floating effect at the perimeter125of the mounting panel118.

Reference is now made toFIGS. 4(a) and4(b) of the drawings which illustrate the image display apparatus110ofFIGS. 3(a) and (b) with the inclusion of a frame50. Like parts to those of the apparatus110inFIG. 3have been given the same reference numeral to aid clarity. Frame50is as known in the art and as substantially illustrated inFIG. 1. In cross-section, the top bottom and sides of the frame50are provided by a moulding having a substantially rectangular form. In the embodiment described, the height of the moulding decreases from the outer edge of the moulding to the inner edge although this may be altered to alter the appearance of the frame50.

The frame50is sized and arranged such that the upper surface123of the backing substrate122abuts a lower surface52of the frame50. Additionally, an outer edge131of the substrate122also reaches an inner edge154of the frame50. These edges need not match exactly as a clip56is attached, in a known manner, at intervals around the frame50to hold the substrate122to the frame50.

In selecting the frame50, the perimeter described by an innermost edge58is selected to be greater than a perimeter of the outer edge125of the mounting panel118. This difference creates a gap60between the mounting panel118and the frame50which exposes the surface123of the substrate122. Gaps130,60may be referred to as a double shadow gap, which together help accentuate the apparent floating nature of the mounting panel118and the image120. The presence of the gap60also allows for variable sizes of frame50to be used as a tight tolerance is not required between the frame50and the mounting panel118. In an embodiment the heights of the panel118and the image120match the ‘sight edge’62of the frame. This arrangement110, provides a framed image in which the image and mounting panel give the illusion of floating within the frame.

As there is no glass in the apparatus110, the substrate122can be fixed in the frame50before the image120and/or mounting panel118are located by front loading the frame50. Alternatively the apparatus110can be entirely assembled and then the frame50is dropped over the substrate122and affixed in place. This ability to ‘front load’ the frame50assists in positioning the mounting panel118equidistantly from the edge58of the frame50on the respective sides.

Various numbers of images20,120and mounting panels18,118can be used upon a backing panel22,122. Illustrations of example embodiments are shown inFIGS. 5(a)-(c). Like parts to those ofFIG. 2have been given the same reference numeral with the addition of 200, to aid clarity.

In each embodiment,210a,b,ceach image220is enclosed by a mounting panel218to provide a gap230there between. In this way, all the images220have the illusion of floating. Additionally, each mounting panel218, is surrounded by an exposed section of the substrate222, to provide depth around the panels218and also give the appearance that the panels218are floating also.

InFIG. 5(a) three images220a-care displayed in a linear arrangement with a common mounting panel218. InFIG. 5(b) two images220a,bare displayed, each having a mounting panel218a,barranged to frame and accentuate each image. In this arrangement a larger portion of the surface of the back panel222is viewed. InFIG. 5(c) four images220a-dare displayed. In this arrangement, two of the images220a,bhave their own mounting panels218a,bwhile the two other images220c,dshare a mounting panel218c. The Figures illustrate that there may be a smaller number of mounting panels218than images220, as each panel can have a number of apertures located therein for the positioning of the first platform214and the image220.

Contemporary portrait photography places the subjects(s) on a white background. If these images are mounted on the apparatus of the present invention, they can be enhanced by choosing a white or black Perspex® mounting panel with a contrasting surface to the backing substrate. A polished metal surface to the backing panel works exceptionally well at providing a shadow gap between the images and the panel.

The principal advantages of the present invention are that it provides an image display apparatus which can be front loaded, prevents the image being removed and copied, and provides the illusion of the image appearing to float while being enhanced by a coloured mounting panel, which itself appears to float.

A further advantage of at least one embodiment of the present invention is that it provides an image display apparatus which does not require a frame for presentation, but a frame may be used if so desired.

A yet further advantage of the present invention is that it provides an image display apparatus which uses new materials in the form of plastics and metals which provide a rugged apparatus that does not require a glass cover to protect the contents.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made to the invention herein described without departing from the scope thereof. For example, while it is assumed that the mounting panel is of a uniform colour, the panel may be of a selection of colours and/or have a surface which is textured.

Additionally, while the image is shown as a photograph or drawing, any 2-D or 3D image could be used with the apparatus, particularly as a glass cover is not required. Also, the shapes of the edges of the image(s) and the mounting panel(s) need not be square, rectangular, oval or circular, but may equally be of a free form as long as a shadow gap is left between the image and the mounting panel, and an exposed area of the surface of the substrate is left around the mounting panel.