Apparatus for the display of a multiplicity of objects or pictures

A display apparatus having a grid structure comprised of slats with a uniform thickness and at least one frame to display a framed object. The frame selectively attaches to the grid structure in a manner that provides the appearance that the frame is part of the grid structure, thereby providing an ordered and aesthetically pleasing display.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates to an apparatus for displaying a plurality of 
pictures or other planar objects in an aesthetically pleasing manner on a 
common support. More particularly, the present invention relates to a 
large grid structure used in conjunction with mounting elements to retain 
different sized pictures on the grid structure and provide an ordered and 
aesthetically pleasing display. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
Photographs are commonly framed and displayed by individuals for their 
sentimental and/or aesthetic value. Many individuals have several 
different photographs, of various sizes, they would like to display. 
However, prior art display devices often limit the number of photographs 
that can be displayed in an aesthetically pleasing manner. For example, 
photographs are often placed in free standing frames that are then mounted 
on a wall or placed on a desk or another piece of furniture. However, when 
several photographs are displayed, the individual frames become 
cumbersome. Similarly, if hung on a wall, multiple frames are difficult to 
align so that the frames are all straight and equidistant from one 
another. Furthermore, it is difficult to display a plurality of different 
sized frames in a space efficient and aesthetically pleasing manner. 
In the prior art there are large single frame structures that are designed 
to hold and display a plurality of photographs in a predetermined mosaic. 
The problem with mosaic type displays is that it is very difficult to 
change or replace individual photographs that are being displayed. 
Furthermore, photographs and other pictures come in a wide variety of 
sizes. Many prior art frame structures designed to hold a plurality of 
photographs require that they be a particular shape or size in order to 
fit properly within the mosaic. Another disadvantage of such prior art 
display structures is that the photographs to be displayed must be placed 
in a predetermined ornamental arrangement, thereby limiting the ability of 
a person to creatively display the photographs. 
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a display 
assembly that allows a plurality of photographs of different sizes to be 
displayed in a space efficient and aesthetically pleasing manner. 
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a display 
assembly whereby a plurality of photographs can be displayed in any 
desired ornamental arrangement. 
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a display 
assembly where any number of generally planar objects such as photographs, 
diplomas, plaques and the like can be displayed in any combination on a 
common surface in an ordered and aesthetically pleasing manner. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention is a display apparatus for displaying a plurality of 
planar objects, such as photographs or the like, in an ordered and 
aesthetically pleasing manner. In a first preferred embodiment, the 
present invention display apparatus includes a grid structure comprised of 
a plurality of vertical slats that intersect a plurality of horizontal 
slats in a common plane. Both the vertical slats and the horizontal slats 
have a uniform thickness. As such, the intersection of the vertical slats 
and the horizontal slats creates a uniform grid. 
Frames are provided into which flat objects, such as photographs, diplomas, 
drawings or the like can be inserted. Each frame is comprised of framing 
elements that define the periphery of the frame. Preferably, each of the 
framing elements on a frame are formed to have the same thickness and 
appearance as the slats comprising the grid structure. Furthermore, an 
attachment means is joined to each frame that is used to attach the frame 
to the grid structure. The frame is sized, and the attachment means are 
positioned, so that as the frame is attached to the grid structure each of 
the framing elements on the frame aligns directly against a horizontal and 
vertical slat or may lie parallel to these slats on the grid structure. 
Since the flaming elements have the same thickness and appearance as the 
slats in the grid structure, the framing elements appear to be a 
unistructural part of the overall grid structure. As a result, the 
alignment of the flames on the grid structure creates an ordered, 
aesthetically pleasing display regardless of how many individual frames 
are actually placed on the grid structure. 
In a slightly different embodiment of the present invention, the frames may 
be sized so that the flaming elements do not align directly along the 
horizontal and vertical slats of the grid structure. Rather, the flaming 
elements of each frame may be disposed between the slats as the frames are 
mounted on the grid support. The framing elements lay parallel to the 
slats, thereby providing an ordered and aesthetically pleasing display. 
In another alternate embodiment of the present invention, the flames used 
to retain the flat object to be displayed does not have framing elements 
defining a peripheral border. Rather, in this embodiment the flat objects 
to be displayed are attached to a planar support. The planar support is 
sized so that when it is attached to the grid support, the edges of each 
planar support align with the vertical and horizontal slats of the grid 
support, thereby creating an appearance that the slats on the grid are the 
flaming elements for the picture being displayed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
Although the present invention can be used in many different applications 
where a planar object such as a diploma, poster, painting, or the like is 
to be displayed, the present invention is especially suitable for use in 
displaying photographs. Accordingly, the present invention will be 
described in connection with the display of photographs of various sizes. 
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, one preferred embodiment of the present 
invention display apparatus 10 is shown. In this embodiment, various 
photographs 12, 14, 16 are being displayed. The present invention display 
apparatus 10 is comprised of a support grid 20 and various frames 21, 22, 
23 that retain the photographs 12, 14, 16 and join the same to the support 
grid 20. The support grid 20 is comprised of a plurality of parallel 
vertical slats 24 and parallel horizontal slats 26. The vertical slats 24 
and the horizontal slats 26 are disposed in a common plane. As such, the 
intersection of the vertical slats 24 with the horizontal slats 26 creates 
a plurality of open compartments 30 within the support grid 20. Although 
the support grid 20 is described as having vertical and horizontal slats 
24, 26, the vertical slats 24 and the horizontal slats 26 need not be 
separate elements. Rather, the support grid 20 may be molded of plastic, 
cast in metal or cut from a solid material. As a result, the vertical 
slats 24 and horizontal slats 26 may be unistructurally formed. 
Both the vertical slats 24 and the horizontal slats 26 have the same 
thickness T1. Additionally, the depicted distance D1 (FIG. 2) between 
adjacent vertical slats 24 and adjacent horizontal slats 26 is also the 
same. In a preferred embodiment, the number of vertical slats 24 per unit 
distance is equivalent to the number of horizontal slats 26 in the same 
unit of distance. As a result, each of the open compartments 30 is square 
and is defined on the top and bottom by horizontal slats and both sides by 
the vertical slats. For a purpose which will be later explained, the 
distance D1 between any two parallel slats, plus the thickness T1 of any 
one slat should equal approximately one inch (2.54 cm.) or a multiple 
thereof. 
The photographs 12, 14, 16 are inserted and held within the frames 21, 22, 
23. Each of the frames 21, 22, 23 is comprised of two vertical framing 
elements 32 and two horizontal framing elements 34 that define a 
rectangular or square framed region. The vertical framing elements 32 and 
the horizontal framing elements 34 have a thickness T2 that is generally 
equivalent to the thickness T1 of the vertical and horizontal slats 24, 26 
on the support grid 20. Furthermore, the vertical framing elements 32 and 
the horizontal flaming elements 34 are preferably formed from the same 
type of material as the support grid 20 or formed from a material that 
appears to be the same material as the support grid 20. 
The frames 21, 22, 23 defined a framed area having a length L and a width W 
that are multiples of one inch (2.54 cm). In a preferred embodiment, the 
frames 21, 22, 23 are shaped to accomodate the dimensions of standard 
photographs, i.e. 31/2.times.5 in, 4 in.times.6 in, 5 in.times.7 in and 8 
in.times.10 in. The frames 21, 22, 23 retain the photographs 12, 14, 16 by 
any known prior art method for holding pictures within a frame. Attachment 
elements 36 extend from the back surface of each frame 21, 22, 23. The 
attachment elements 36 engage the support grid 20 and interconnect the 
support grid 20 to the frames 21, 22, 23. As each of the frames 21, 22, 23 
attach to the support grid 20, the vertical framing elements 34 of each 
frame align directly above two of the vertical slats 24 on the support 
grid 20. Similarly, the horizontal framing elements 32 of each frame align 
directly above two of the horizontal slats 26 on the support grid 20. 
Since the vertical framing elements 34 and the horizontal framing elements 
32 have the same appearance as the slats 24, 26 on the support grid 20 and 
have the same thickness T1 as the slats 24, 26, the frames 21, 22, 23 
appear to be part of the support grid 20. The frames 21, 22, 23 appearing 
to be an integral part of the support grid 20 adds continuity and 
aesthetics value to the display. As a result, any plurality of flamed 
items can be displayed in any position on the support grid 20 thereby 
providing an ordered and aesthetically pleasing display. Since the frames 
21, 22, 23 can be made in any desired size, multiple items of different 
sizes such as photographs, diplomas, postcards and the like, can be 
displayed without disrupting the ordered aesthetic value of the overall 
display. 
In the preferred embodiment, the support grid 20 is sized so that the 
distance D1 between parallel adjacent slats plus the thickness T1 of any 
one slat is equal to one inch. These dimensions ensure that as a frame 21, 
22, 23 is mounted to the support grid 20, the vertical and horizontal 
framing elements 34, 32 of the frames 21, 22, 23 align with the vertical 
and horizontal slats 24, 26 on the support grid 20. 
Referring to FIG. 3, it can be seen that the frames can be attached to the 
support grid 20 by any number of mounting devices. In a first exemplary 
embodiment a frame 39 is shown having rigid extensions 40 extending from 
the back surface of the frame 39. The rigid extensions 40 pass into the 
open compartments 30 on the support grid 20, wherein the rigid extensions 
40 are retained in the open compartments by friction. As a result, to 
change the position of the frame 39 on the support grid 20, the frame 39 
need only be pulled away from the support grid 20 and repositioned 
elsewhere on the support grid 20 as desired. 
In a second exemplary embodiment, a frame 43 is attached to the support 
grid 20 by the use of flexible pawls 44 that extend from the back surface 
of the frame 43. The flexible pawls 44 nominally do not fit within the 
open compartments 30 on the support grid 20. However, the flexible pawls 
44 can be elastically deformed to a more narrow shape that does fit within 
the open compartments 30. The resulting interference fit retains the frame 
43 in a desired position on the support grid 20. The flexible pawls 44 may 
also include locking tabs 48 proximate their distal ends. The locking tabs 
48 may engage the back surface 41 of the support grid 20 thereby providing 
a snap-fit that retains the frame 43 in place. 
In a third exemplary embodiment, a frame 45 has a spring clamp 47 extending 
from its back surface. The spring clamp 47 can engage any horizontal slat 
26 on the support grid 20. Similarly, if turned, the clamp 47 may engage 
one of the vertical slats on the support grid. It will be understood that 
the shown embodiments are merely exemplary and any known mechanism capable 
of joining a frame to the support grid may be used in conjunction with the 
present invention. 
Despite the mechanism that is used to join the various frames to the 
support grid 20, the frames engage the support grid 20 so that the 
vertical and horizontal framing elements of each frame exactly align with 
the vertical and horizontal slats that comprise the support grid 20. As a 
result, no matter how many frames are hung on the support grid 20, the 
vertical and horizontal framing elements of each frame are all parallel 
and are aligned with the slats of the support grid 20, thereby appearing 
to be part of the support grid 20. Since each of the frames can be 
positioned at any point on the support grid 20, one is not restricted in 
arranging the frames as desired. Despite any arrangement, all the frames 
are aligned, ordered and maintain an aesthetic appeal. 
Since the present invention display apparatus allows individual frames to 
be attached to the support grid 20, any one frame could be removed, and 
the photograph within the frame changed, without disturbing the remainder 
of the displayed frames. Similarly, as more photographs are obtained, 
additional frames can be added to the support grid 20 without disrupting 
the frames previously positioned on the support grid 20. 
In FIG. 3, the present invention display apparatus 10 is shown in 
conjunction with an optional base stand 50 and hanging hook 52. The 
hanging hook 52 can be used to suspend the display apparatus 10 from a 
wall or another vertical surface. Similarly, wires, brackets or any other 
known mounting device could be used in place of the hanging hook 52. The 
base stand 50 can be used in conjunction with the display apparatus 10 to 
make the display apparatus 10 free standing on a horizontal surface 53. 
Furthermore, if the display apparatus 10 is made on a large enough scale, 
the display apparatus may be constructed as a dividing wall or a covering 
that covers the entire surface area of a wall. 
Referring to FIG. 4, an alternate embodiment of the present invention 
display apparatus 60 is shown. As with previous embodiments, the display 
apparatus 60 is comprised of vertical slats 62 and horizontal slats 64 
that form a support grid 66. Both the vertical slats 62 and the horizontal 
slats 64 have a common slat thickness T3. In the shown embodiment, the 
number of vertical slats 62 per unit length is greater than the number of 
horizontal slats 64 per unit length. As a result, the intersection of the 
vertical slats 62 and the horizontal slats 64 creates a plurality of 
identical rectangular-shaped open compartments 68 across the support grid 
66. The distance D2 between vertical slats 62 and the distance D3 between 
horizontal slats 64, when added to the thickness T3 of any one slat, are 
both multiples of one inch, with the distance D3 between horizontal slats 
64 being larger than the distance D2 between vertical slats 62. By making 
the number of vertical slats 62 and horizontal slats 64 disproportionate, 
less materials can be used in creating the support grid 66 while still 
providing the needed grid dimensions to accommodate a large number of 
different sized frames. It will, however, be understood that the choice of 
having more vertical slats than horizontal slats is merely demonstrative 
and the grid structure 66 can be formed by having more horizontal slats 
than vertical. 
In FIG. 4, four separate picture support structures 70, 71, 72, 74 are 
shown in conjunction with the support grid 66. The first support structure 
70 is a frame having two vertical framing members 75, 76 and two 
horizontal framing members 77, 78 that align directly above the vertical 
and horizontal slats 62, 64 respectively where the vertical framing 
members 75, 76 and horizontal framing members 77, 78 are narrower than the 
vertical and horizontal slots 62, 64 respectively. The second support 
structure 71 is also a frame having horizontal framing elements 69 and 
vertical framing elements 68. In this embodiment, the horizontal and 
vertical framing elements 69, 68 do not align directly above the 
horizontal and vertical slats 64, 62 on the support grid 66. Rather, the 
horizontal and vertical framing elements 69, 68 lay parallel to the slats, 
a predetermined distance from the slats, providing an ordered and 
aesthetically pleasing display. 
The third support structure 72, shown in FIG. 4, does not include framing 
members. Rather, the third support structure 72 is comprised of a planar 
support 80 onto which a photograph 79 or other planar object is adhesively 
adhered. In the shown embodiment, the planar support 80 has a length L2 
and a width W2 that is dimensioned so that the vertical edges 81 of the 
planar support 80 align with the edges of two vertical slats 62 and the 
horizontal edges 82 of the planar support 80 align with the edges of two 
horizontal slats 64. As a result, when viewed from the front, the vertical 
slats 62 and the horizontal slats 64 appear to frame the planar support 80 
and the photograph 79 it supports. The planar support 80 attaches to the 
support grid 66 in the same manner as the frames previously described. As 
such, when applied to the support grid 66 the second support structure 72 
creates an ordered and aesthetically appealing display. 
The fourth support structure 74, shown in FIG. 4, is also comprised of a 
planar support 84 onto which a photograph 85 or other object is adhesively 
applied. In the shown embodiment, the planar support 84 has a length L3 
and width W3 that is dimensioned so that the vertical edges 87 of the 
planar support 84 terminate in the center of two vertical slats 62 and the 
horizontal edges 88 of the planar support 84 terminate in the center of 
two horizontal slats 64. As a result, when viewed from the front, the 
fourth support structure 74 seems to be framed by half the width of two 
vertical slats 62 and half the width of two horizontal slats 64. 
Therefore, as the fourth support structure 74 is applied to the support 
grid 66, an ordered and aesthetically pleasing display is created. 
Although FIG. 4 shows the edges of planar supports terminating at the 
center and at the inner edges of the slats, the edges of the planar 
supports can terminate at a any point along the thickness of the slats 
including the edge of the slat that is farthest away from the photograph 
being displayed. 
In FIG. 4, the description of photographs being attached to the third and 
fourth support structures 72, 74 by adhesive is merely exemplary and a 
photograph or any other planar object may be held in place by any other 
known method. For instance, the support structures 72, 74 may have a 
transparent cover under which the photograph can be placed. The use of 
adhesive is described because it represents the most cost efficient method 
of retaining the photographs in place. 
It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely 
exemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make many variations 
and modifications to the described embodiment utilizing functionally 
equivalent components to those described. More specifically, it should be 
understood that the slats comprising the support grid need not be vertical 
and horizontal, but rather may be inclined at any given angle. All such 
equivalent components, variations and modifications are intended claims to 
be included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the 
appended claims.