FRAME FOR PHOTOGRAPHS, VISUAL DISPLAYS, AND THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECTS

Abstract: An improved frame (1) for photographs, visual displays with a third dimension of depth, and three-dimensional images. The frame (1) is mailable, reduces mailing weight, and eliminates costs of unnecessary duplication in material and manufacturing. The invention protects, frames, crops, and stores its mailable display. Preferred minimum thickness for stiffening is 0.152 mm. (0.006 inches) in 21.59 cm x 27.9 cm. (8 1/2 inch x 11 inch) paper size. The multiple use frame (1) includes instant cropping and positioning of display, stiffening means, frame upright support, cropping guides in any contour, frame decorations, integral transparent film, and protectors for removing defacing, ink-like marks by a carrier.

Description: FRAME FOR PHOTOGRAPHS, VISUAL DISPLAYS, AND THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECTS This is a continuation-in-part of application Serial No. ' 06/331,965 filed by the applicant on December 18, 1981. Original application December 18. 1981 The original application disclosed an improved frame for photo¬ graphs which is mailable, reduces mailing weight, and eliminates costs o£ unnecessary duplication in material and manufacturing. The invention protects, frames, crops, and ' stores a photograph, visual display, and three-dimensional objects. The multiple use wrapper includes instant cropping and positioning, stiffening means, frame support, cropping guides in any contour, decorations, and protectors for removing defacing, ink-like marks by a carrier. This continuation-in-part In new sheets 2 and 3 of the drawings, this continuation-in-part improves the original application by disclosing: self-adhesive positioners; integral, transparent film cropping; laminated panel with a photograph printed on the rear panel; three-dimensional displays including an object, a support block, and 3-D images; and an expandable frame; all for the purposes set forth in said original application.' Those improvements are set forth herein at page 1, 14-22; 4:2-27; 7:1 to 8:23; claims 15 thru 33; drawings, sheets 2,3. BACKGROUND OF THIS INVENTION This invention is directed to the importance of protecting and displaying beautiful photographs, visual displays, and three- dimensional objects. If the cost of protection, framing, and dis¬ play increases to many times the cost of the beautiful photograph, the object is not protected or displayed." In the absence of protection and display, the beautiful photo¬ graph becomes buried in a pile of ordinary paper. It soon becomes torn, dirty, and lost. The beauty is gone. Prior art Throw-aways First class mail and bulk mailing costs by weight skyrocket from throw-away envelopes in the prior art." The cost is even higher for foreign delivery with high postal rates. The usual covering envelope is a throw-awa —an economic waste. For symmetrical framing, the only way to have a photograph and frame with the same outside dimensions is by low-volume, high-cost, custom-made production quantities, or by excessive, inactive inven¬ tories for each incremental change in length and width. Otherwise the photograph is not firmly positioned or symmetrically framed. Therefore any visual material floats loosely in the envelope, which is not a frame. It is known in the prior art to mail flat, printed materials with a loose fit in an envelope with a transparent window, or with a cut-out to reveal a portion of the contents which the sender desires to be viewed upon delivery. ' ' Such an envelope is a protec¬ tive wrapper or a bag, saves duplicate typing, gets attention if the letter is unopened, and is not a frame for display. Similarly, a picture frame with a rear support must be mailed in a throw-away wrapper, or frame and support get torn. Furthermore, the mailer inherently is unable to anticipate what display is desired by the recipient. '' The recipient has no simple way to center the material, to crop the envelope wrapper symmetri¬ cally, or to select a desired portion for display. Ink Defacements of Mailing Envelopes—Throw-aways. Pre-cancelled stamps usually are not available to the individual user. Even if the time-costly effort is made to obtain such stamps, the envelope wrapper usually is disfigured by random, uncontrollable ink markings by the carrier or postal service. If defaced, the envelope wrapper must be used in its defaced condition, or thrown away. Stiffeners Non-integral stiffening means are time-intensive to procure and fit. SUMMARY . OF THE INVENTION in this invention the wasted cost of throw-away protective material is eliminated, and also the user saves the high postage cost for transportation of its unnecessary weight.' In This Invention Cropping A flat frame for display flexibly fits photographs of many dimensions. Result: efficient high-volume production, low unit costs, and low inventory costs. Integral cropping guides for a user enable him to select his exact dimensions desired for the display. The visible portion of the display is cropped easily and symmetrically. Symmetrical Centering Integral positioning guides enable easy, symmetrical positioning of the photograph in the frame, to select the general visual area for display. Delivery Unfolded An integral, decorative frame travels by mail to arrive in the same flat condition as any large envelope marked "Please do not fold". Inexpensive Supporting Device A low-cost, integral supporting device is grooved and perforated by machines for products similar to snap-out forms, at automated speeds. Ink Marking Removable A self-adhering, blank, protective label is positioned and designated to receive ink-like markings by the pos office, to pro¬ tect the decorative frame beneath.' The protective label can also record the addresses of sender and addressee. Stiffenβr A stiffener, if needed to reinforce a vertical display, is integral for easy manufacture and mailing. Three-dimensional Object For three-dimensional, artistic objects a mailing enclosure with a third dimension of depth displays the enclosed object, with each of the foregoing advantages. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. la is a vertical view of protective device including framing for a photograph or the like, with integral cropping, protecting j positioning and decorating means. Fig. lb shows a similar enclosure with a six-point star for cropping. Fig. lc is a side view of a device for visual display with a third dimension of depth, for displaying a three-dimensional object. Fig. 2a is a rear view of the framing device of Fig. la, with integral means for positioning the corners of a photo, with a vertical support for a picture frame, and with integral, self-adhering, removable protective materials. Fig. 2b shows the side view of a rear assembly for support. " Fig..2c is a reduced view of the self-adhering, protective material. Figs. 3a and 3b show uncropped and cropped frame 1, respectively. Figs. 4a and 4b show front and rear views, respectively, of self- adhering positioners 6h and 6i, and 6g. Fig. 5 shows integral, transparent film 13 in cropped area 2a. Fig. 6a shows cropped area 2a protected by transparent film cover 14. Figs. 6b and 6c show front and side views of frame decoration 10, respectively. Figs. 7a and 7b show front and side views of uncropped, laminated frame 1. Figs. 8a and 8b show front and side views, respectively, of an object with a third dimension of depth. Figs. 9a and 9b show rear and side views, respectively, of a support block for a display with a third dimension of depth. Figs. 10a and 10b show front and side views, respectively, of a Xograph display with three-dimensional images. Fig. 11 shows a front view of uncropped guide 7b with a removal finger hole 12. Fig. 12a shows a rear view of expandable frame 17 with uncropped guide 7b. Fig. 12b shows a top view of expandable, frame 17 in a partially closed (unexpanded) mode. Figs. 12c and 12d, respectively, show rear and side views of expandable frame 17 in its open, expanded mode. Fig. 12e shows a front view of the front and rear panels of expandable frame 17 in a parallel relationship. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Symmetrical Centering Fig. la shows the front panel of protective frame 1. Photograph 2 is instantly centered symmetrically by inserting two or more corners of the photograph in the respective slits of columns 6a thru 6f in Fig. 2a. The slits are partially punched in the manufac¬ ture of protective freme 1 by machines automatically performaing operations similar to the manufacture of snap-out forms. Front and rear portions or panels of frame 1 have been processed by those automatic machines which manufacture frame 1 complete from rolls of paper preferably 0.152 mm. (0.006 inch) minimum thickness. Operations automatically performed include the following, not necessarily in this order. The rectangular guidemarks shown in lines of dashes in rectangles 7a, 7b and 7c of Fig. 21 are printed as cropping guides. In an alternative embodiment, the rectangles 5 could be perforated in the front side of frame 1 in Fig. la, to enable the user to snap out the selected cropping guide 2a. The supports 8b and 8a in Fig. 2a are partially punched out, as shown by dotted lines in the central area of Fig. 2a. The self-adhesive protective label 9 is cut and affixed as 10 shown in dotted lines in the upper right hand corner of Fig. 2a. The front and rear portions of frame 1 are cut to size after all preliminary operations are completed, and assembled as a frame shown in Figs, la and 2b, including an envelope-type flap 11 shown by dotted lines at the left end of Fig. 2a. Flap 11 has self- τ_5 adhesive for reuse. In Fig. 1, tree 3 1 contrasts the prior art with this invention in tree 3 which is symmetrically positioned as aforesaid. Cropping The user in positioning photograph 2 has selected the portion 20 of the visual material from which to select the display in frame 1. The user then selects the desired cropping guide among guides 7a, 7b, and 7c in Fig. 2a, showing the rear of frame 1. The user has many choices including the following as methods to crop the picture. 25 1. The user can cut cropping frame 2a in Fig. la by using a sharp tool to cut cropping edges 2a along the exact guide of one of rectangles 7a thru 7c. 2. The user can select any line intermediate between guides 7a thru 7c, being guided by the rectangles 7. 30 3. In Fig. 1-b, cropping in the shape of a six-pointed star 4 is shown. Any other design or aesthetic form may be used for decorations 10 and cropping guide 2a in Fig. la. In an alternative embodiment, similar control of positioning and cropping can be achieved by three-dimensional character 5 in 35 Fig. lc. Supporting Stand The assembly of a supporting stand at the rear of protecting frame 1 is shown in Fig. 2b. Vertical support 8a is snapped out of the rear side of frame 1 along the dotted lines in the central portion of Fig. 2a. First, horizontal support 8b is snapped out of the rear side of 5 frame 1 along its dotted lines in the central part of Fig. 2a. Then slot 8d is opened. Then vertical support 8a similarly is snapped out. After assembly, supporting strip 8b is approximately horizontal, pivoting on its direct connection to upright support 8a by its bend in the 10 material at 8c comprising a hinge. The free end of strip 8b then is inserted into slit 8d in frame 1. The friction of embossed protrusions 8f upon slot 8d is adjusted until frame 1 in Fig. 2b is in its desired upright orientation. Ink Markings Removed 15 Self-adhering mailing protector 9 is shown by dotted lines in the upper right hand corner of the rear side of frame 1 in Fig. 2a, and shown in reduced size with a postage stamp affixed, in Fig. 2c. The purpose of protector 9 is to receive all ink-like markings made by the postoffice or carrier. Then the markings can be removed 20 from frame 1 by removing self-adhesive protector 9. A similar protector can be provided for any portion of the frame if marks are frequently made there by the U.S. Postal Department. In an alternative embodiment, said protector can be imprinted with the legend: "Please limit pos.markings, stamp cancellations, 25 and other postal markings in ink to this area". Decorating Area on frame 1 for decoration of its front side is shown in frame decoration 10 in Fig. la. The decorations can be in color, and include any designs or embellishments, including any contour or 3 shape modifying the cropping line 2a in Fig. la. For example, the decorations can protrude into the visual area of photograph 2, in an artistic manner, such as the contour of leaves. Stiffener If integral stiffeners are needed to keep frame 2 upright, an -*-*- * integral stiffener can be provided during manufacture by hinging an additional, second rear portion of frame 1 at the lower edge of the first panel in Fig. 2a. Continuation-in-part In Fig. 3a, the cropping dimensions of uncropped guide 7b are scored or grooved to leave a smooth exterior surface of the frame for mailing; or perforated slightly if the resulting frame is 2 mailable. In Fig. 4a, self-adhering positioners 6h and 6i are on the rear side of the front panel of frame 1. In Fig. 4b, self-adhering positioner 6g is on the front side of the rear panel of frame 1. The positioners therefore are invisible to an observer. IP In Fig. 5, area 2a is cropped in manufacture, and replaced with integral, transparent film 13 as a stiffener. In Fig. 6a, transparent film cover 14 is 22.86 mm. x 30.48 mm. (9 inches by 12 inches), in the thickness of 0.052 cm. (0.002 inches) and reclosable. Its mailing weight is 9.88 grams (0.329 15 ounces). In Figs. 6b and 6c, frame decoration 10 includes transparent film cover 14, with a snug fit for the length and width of frame 1. Said decoration includes decorative printing on said cover 14. Figs. 7a and 7b include an uncropped front panel, and a rear 20 panel, of frame 1. Photograph 2 is printed on the front of the rear panel. Said front and rear panels are aligned and laminated into a single panel, for example by an adhesive. The upright supports and cropping guide for frame 1 are protected from any adhesive. On the front of the laminated panel, a self-adhesive, 25 removal pull 7h is a tag attached to a thread thru uncropped guide 7b, for easy removal of the cropped area. On the rear of the laminated panel, upright support 8a and horizontal support 8b are adjusted in relation to slit 8d, to provide an upright support for frame 1. 30 in Figs. 8a and 8b, object 5 1 has a third dimension of depth, for example a dried flower, in frame 1. In Figs. 9a and 9b, self-adhesive support block 15 with a third dimension of depth, supports photograph 2 in frame 1. In Figs. 10a and 10b, cropped frame 1 displays a Xograph 16, 35 including left- and right-hand images displayed thru a vertical grid to create three-dimensional images for an observer. Xographs are manufactured by Cowles Communications, 488 Madison Avenue, New York New York, and are cited in applicant's patent #4,123,152 issued October 31, 1978, at 33:64-66. In Fig. 11, finger removal hole 12 removes uncropped guide 7b separating its cropped area from frame 1, by hand. Fig. 12 shows an expandable frame 17. Fig. 12a shows a rear view of front panel 17a, in its closed, flat mode, and with uncropped guide 7b. The frame has four folding sides, with right and left sides 17c and 17d dentified. Right- and left-hand folding braces 17e and 17f are shown by lines of dashes. Fig. 12b shows a top view of said front panel 17a, in a partially closed (unexpanded) mode, including the right- and left- hand folding sides 17c and 17d. Fig. 12c shows a rear view of front panel 17a with uncropped guide 7b. Right- and left-hand braces 17e and 17f hold expandable frame 17open, in its expanded mode. Fig. 12d shows a side view of expandable frame 17 in its expanded mode, with a third dimension of depth, and including front and rear panels 17a and 17b, respectively, with uncropped guide 7b. Fig. 12e shows a front view of expandable frame.17, with front panel 17a including uncropped guide 7b. Rear panel 17b is hinged at the right, vertical edge of front panel 17a, with rear panel 17b open and extended on the right side of front panel 17a. Therefore, in Figs. 1 thru 12, great flexibility is provided to create a practical, beautiful, and aesthetic frame and display. While there have been shown and described only several embodiments of the invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that numerous changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. An improved envelope, said improvement selectively a pro¬ tecting means for a photograph and similar visual displays, and a display of said photograph in said envelope used as a frame, and comprising: said envelope with a front panel and a rear panel; a cropping guide for cropping said display thru a cropped area in said front panel; said cropped area when uncropped protecting said envelope from tearing or damage during any mailing, protecting, and storage of said photograph, and framing said photograph; and said front panel and said rear panel; or said front panel, said rear panel, and a separate sheet with said cropping guide; cooperating to provide a stiffness suitable for rigidity in said frame for said display; for constructing said frame from said envelope without addi¬ tional cost for manufacture and for weight in mailing said frame; for cropping said envelope in relation to said photograph f°r u se as said frame; for display to an observer of said photograph in said frame; and for selectively mailing, displaying, protecting, and storing said photograph in said envelope. 2. ' The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said rear and front panels each has a preferred minimum thickness of 0,152 mm. (.006 inch). 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said cropping guide is located on said rear or front panel and is slightly visible by a transmitted light thru said front panel; for cropping said front panel of said envelope for use as said frame, and with said cropping guide substantially unnoticable by a reflected light to said observer of said display; said cropping guide including a plurality of dots, lines, marks, or pinholes on said rear panel, or on a rear, interior side of said front panel; or including embossed depressions on a front, exterior side of said front panel; said cropping guide to guide the removal of said cropped area of said front panel for use as said frame for said photograph; for providing a substantially smooth, unbroken exterior of said envelope for said mailing; for providing said display of a selected portion of said 5 photograph thru said cropped area, said photograph completely covering any cropping guide directly therebehind; and for covering, by the thickness of said front panel, any portion of said cropping guide behind and extending beyond - j _0 said photograph, from said observer of said display. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said cropping guide includes: grooves partially punched, impressed or cut to a selected depth in a rear, interior side of said front panel; τ_5 for providing a substantially smooth, exterior surface of 'said envelope to prevent tearing during mailing; and for snapping-out said cropped area for use of said envelope as said " frame for said photograph. 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: • 20 said cropping guide is recorded on a sheet separate from said rear and said front panel, with said sheet inserted into said envelope with said cropping guide slightly visible thru said front panel; said cropping guide including a plurality of lines, dots, marks, or pinholes, on a selected side of said separate sheet; 25 said front and rear panels of said envelope, combined with said separate sheet, preferably having a combined minimum thickness of 0.304 mm. (0.012 inch); for cropping said envelope in relation to said cropping guide for use as said frame; and 30 for providing said stiffness suitable for said rigidity in said frame. 6. The apparatus of claim 1, including integral supporting means, for supporting said frame in a selected orientation, said orientation including an upright position for said display on a 35 vertical surface, for viewing by an observer. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, including an integral self- adhering means: said self-adhering means receiving ink-like markings by a postoffice, carrier, and the like; said markings including cancellation of postage, postmarks, and the like, when said ' envelope is in transit; and wherein further said self-adher¬ ing material with said markings is removed upon receipt by a user; for enabling said user to remove defacing marks caused by uncontrollable events such as said stamp cancellations by automatic mail sorters; and for displaying said photograph in said frame without said defacing marks and the like. 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said cropping guide is substantially unnoticable by an observer of said display, and slightly visible to a user. 9. The apparatus of claim 1, including said photograph imprinted in a selected orientation on the front side of said rear panel. 10. The apparatus of claim 1 further including integral positioning means for positioning the photograph in a selected orientation in relation to said frame. 11. The■apparatus of claim 1 further comprising integral decorating means, for artistically framing the photograph. 12. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising integral stiffening means, for increasing the erect stability of the photograph in the frame. 13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said photograph and similar visual display includes a three-dimensional object, and said protecting means includes a dimension of depth sufficient to enclose said three-dimensional object. 14. An improved protecting means for a photograph and similar visual displays, wherein said improvement comprises a protecting means which frames said display, for selectively mailing, display¬ ing, protecting and storing said photograph, and for displaying said photograph in a clean frame or with undefaced decoration and the like, and comprising: integral, self-adhering means: for receiving defacing marks by a carrier and the like, including cancellation of postage, postmarks, and the like when said enclosing means is in transit * , and wherein further said adhesive material with said markings is removed upon receipt by a user; for enabling said user to remove defacing marks caused by uncontrollable events such as stamp cancellations, post- marks, automatic mail sorters, and the like; and for displaying said photograph in said clean frame, or in said frame with undefaced decorations. 15o An improved protecting means for a photograph and similar visual displays, wherein said improvement comprises a protecting means which frames said display, for selectively mailing, display¬ ing, protecting and storing said photograph; and including: a front panel with a cropping guide or a cropped area, and a rear panel; for constructing from said protecting means said frame for said display of said photograph, without cost for additional material or manufacture thereof, and without additional weight and postage therefor; for cropping said photograph with any contoured shape; and for display to an observer of said photograph in said frame. 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said cropping guide includes an uncropped area to protect said photograph from tearing or damage during mailing, storage, and protection. 17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said protecting means includes a plurality of said cropping guides. 18, The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said protecting means includes integral supporting means, for orienting said frame on a horizontal or vertical surface. 19. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said protecting means includes self-adhering means, for removal of defacing marks thereon, such as a postmark. 20. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said front and rear panels; or said front and rear panels, and .a separate sheet with a cropping guide; cooperate to provide a stiffening means, 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein said stiffening means includes said front and rear panels, each 21.59 cm. x 27.91 cm. ' S _ inches x 11 inches) with a preferred minimum thickness of 0.152 mm. (0.006 inches); or each 10.79 cm. x 13.95 cm. (4-1/4 inches x ~ inches) with a preferred minimum thickness of 0,101 mm. (0.004 inches). 22. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said protecting means includes an instant positioning means for said photograph in said 5 display. 23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein said positioning means includes self-adhering means or the like on the rear or front panel, for positioning said photograph in said display. 10 24. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said cropped area includes integral, transparent film for protecting said frame and any photograph, and for a stiffening means in said frame. 25. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said protecting means is enclosed in a transparent film cover selectively including _5 postage on its exterior surface. 26. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the front panel of said frame includes the front panel of a transparent film cover, selectively with a decorative frame printed on said cover. 27. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said front and rear 0 panels of said frame are joined in an aligned orientation in a single panel, for example laminated by an adhesive. 28. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said cropping guide is removable by separating means such as a thread extended thru said cropping guide, and around its periphery, with a tag at the end of 5 the thread for pulling by a hand, to remove a cropped area within said periphery. 29. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said visual display includes a three-dimensional object with a dimension of depth. 30. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said positioning means 0 includes a support block, with a thickness which provides a three- dimensional relationship between said photograph and the respective panel of said frame. 31. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein-said visual display includes a photograph or Xograph which includes left- and right-hand 5 images for the respective eye of an observer, which is viewed by said observer as a three-dimensional display. 32. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said cropping guide includes at least one finger hole, for removing a cropped area with a finger. 33. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said frame includes means for expansion and contraction in a dimension of depth, for protect¬ ing a three-dimensional object with a dimension of depth.

Inventors: FARNUM HENRY MERRITT, FARNUM, HENRY, MERRITT
Applicants: FARNUM HENRY MERRITT, FARNUM, HENRY, MERRITT
Application year: 1985
Main classification: G09F1
IPC codes: A47G1, G09F1