Abstract:
An illumination device and shade for displaying a selected image in an illuminated display using fully assembled, partly assembled or ready to assemble components is provided for. The device allows for multiple mounting configurations and mounting options and provides for an easy to exchange image sheet.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/345,416 filed 6 Jan. 2012, which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. Ser. No. 12/802,486, filed 7 Jun. 2010, now abandoned, which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/653,126, filed 8 Dec. 2009 now U.S. Pat. No. 8,291,628 issued 23 Oct. 2012; each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
       [0002]    The present application also claims the benefit of priority to United Kingdom Application No. 1002334.9 filed 11 Feb. 2010, United Kingdom Application No. 1019865.3 filed 24 Nov. 2010, and European Application No. 10194003.6 filed on 7 Dec. 2010; each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The present invention relates to a method displaying a selected image in an illuminated display, using components sold fully assembled, partly assembled or ready to assemble in alternate configurations, all with easily exchangeable images. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    An example of the utilization of this invention is the museum shop market and this application will use production for this market as an example. It should be noted that the utilization of this invention is not intended to be limited to production for museum shops. It can be produced for a wide variety of institutions and businesses for many purposes using production methods, appropriate to those markets. 
         [0005]    Museum gift shops often have items for purchase related to their purpose. With the advent of wide format high resolution digital printers and the availability of images on digital media, low volume, high quality reproductions of images are feasible, custom produced for each museum shop to reflect the museum&#39;s unique collection. 
         [0006]    Visitors to museums are varied. Some arrive by car and would therefore be able to purchase a bulky item; place it in a car, and take it home. Others arrive by public transportation such as a subway or bus, and therefore their carrying capability is limited. Still others may visit a museum while on a distant trip; but they must return by air thereby limiting the bulk and fragility of their purchase at a museum shop. Purchasing compactly packaged components consisting of a customer selected electric/frame kit and a customer selected printed image sheet packaged separately but sold in combination with easy to follow instructions for home assembly requiring no tools or special skills solves this problem. For those who would balk at purchasing anything that would require even the minimum of assembly involvement, purchase of an assembled unit delivered at point of purchase or for shipment to their home, assembled and shipped by the museum, or by the company in accordance with a museum order, could also be accommodated by the museum shop. 
         [0007]    A second factor favoring a compactly packaged kit is the fact that storage space for inventory is at a premium at a typical museum shop. This is addressed by compactly packaged kits that can be flexibly combined to fulfill a customer order. 
         [0008]    A third factor favoring a frame kit is that same frame components can be assembled in alternate configurations depending on which model of the unit the customer prefers. In addition, the original configuration selection can easily be exchanged subsequently for another configuration at the option of the customer. 
         [0009]    The prior art reveals many types of illuminated display units. Some are for the display of two dimensional art reproductions. A sampling of such patents follows. For example, the lamp shade of Lewis, U.S. Pat. No. 2,660,317, has a fenestration on its surface and a recessed plate for accepting an art object in sheet form to be illuminated indirectly by reflected light from the lamp. Buzick&#39;s picture display panel for lamp shades (U.S. Pat. No. 2,177,204) is primarily for display of black and white pictures printed on translucent paper by transmitted light. Morgen&#39;s light box lampshade (U.S. Pat. No. 6,821,002) provided uniform illumination on its surface for viewing photographic slides placed on its surface. The U.S. patent of Swanson (U.S. Pat. No. 7,347,593) relates to a Giclee printed lamp shade that is capable of displaying a high resolution art reproduction made from a digital image file using a process for adhering an image printed on canvas to the surface of an existing lamp shade, where the printing in Swanson occurs before the canvas is adhesively secured to the base lamp shade. 
         [0010]    Many other patents in the prior art deal with the bulkiness of lampshades. They relate to knockdown, collapsible, or foldable lamp shades which can be shipped or stored compactly and then assembled and used on a lamp. Four such U.S. patents and one US patent application are identified here as a sampling of the field. They are U.S. Pat. No. 3,742,210 of Chapman, U.S. Pat. No. 3,787,676 of Korach, U.S. Pat. No. 4,075,684 of Witz, U.S. Pat. No. 4,354,222 of Gall, and U.S. patent application US 2006/0239012 of Bin. None of these relate directly to the display of images. 
         [0011]    Indeed, while the prior art teaches several approaches to the design of illuminated display units for displaying images or storing lampshade frames more compactly, none describe an efficient method to display a selected image in the home or elsewhere on an illuminated display unit that is comprised of compactly packaged interchangeable components. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    An example of this invention is to create an efficient business model that serves the needs of museum gift shops and their customers so that exhibits visitors have seen in the museum may be enjoyed in the home after being appreciated in the museum. Many other markets besides museum gift shops can be served. Along the way, a viable manufacturing business is also created. 
         [0013]    Another object is to provide illuminated image display units consisting of a set of interchangeable components capable of constructing illuminated image display units for a plurality of presentation modes, such as free standing, pedestal mounted, ceiling suspended and the like. 
         [0014]    Other objects which become apparent from the following description of the present invention. 
         [0015]    Museums and particularly museum gift shops have been identified as one potential market for the utilization of this invention and display by a purchaser in a home is anticipated throughout this narrative. But this should be interpreted only as an example and should not be regarded as limiting the scope of the usefulness of the invention. Many institutions and/or businesses could be a potential market and the display unit could be located anywhere for any purpose. 
         [0016]    The vehicle for the system and method is an illuminated display unit (IDU) for displaying two dimensional high quality reproductions of images. One aspect of the concept for the IDU of this invention that differs from that of an ordinary lamp and lampshade is that it facilitates the display of special images, which is an integral part of the lighting unit. In addition, low manufacturing cost, compact packaging in kit form, and ease of customer assembly without tools and without special skills are the hallmarks of the IDU. Although the manufactured frame parts are standardized in a range of circumferences to minimize cost, the technique for creating the image sheets, which are illuminated, permits a wide range of image heights to be accommodated by each standardized circumference frame. The IDU component parts can be assembled as a table-top, pedestal or suspended unit, or in other configurations to display images. The same frame elements can be used to illuminate and display a variety of image reproductions just by changing one image for another. Since the electrical parts are provided as a completely pre-wired electrical cord set and a unique slot is provided to insert the wire of the cord set into the frame, no electrical experience is required for customer assembly of the IDU. 
         [0017]    Basically, in the preferred embodiment, the lamp socket is a standard AC powered lamp socket, which is secured to the hub of the support frame part with a hand-tightened nut. The image sheet is first formed into a cylinder, then one end of the cylinder is inserted into a slot and secured in a support frame member. The other end is then inserted and secured in a slot in second plain frame member. The frame members then form the cylinder into a conforming closed shape. For example, for table-top use the support frame is at the bottom and the plain frame is at the top of the image sheet. For suspended use this is reversed. For table-top use with a pedestal, a tube and a second support frame to serve as a base (or alternately a modified base) is added. In an alternate embodiment, the light source may be a light emitting diode (LED) light source or other light source, such as a compact florescent light source, and may be powered by a DC power source, such as, for example, a battery. 
         [0018]    The production technique to be utilized for the museum shop market, of printing the image sheet by high resolution wide-format ink jet printers is well known, but while the material of the image sheet may be a flexible translucent sheet of various materials, such as styrene or laminated fabric, for example, in a preferred embodiment in this use the material of the image sheet is fine art grade paper, coated for optimal acceptance of inkjet printing, custom manufactured for the IDU application to insure heat resistance, archival type ink acceptance, a translucent appearance, and rigidity once formed into a closed shape which may be straight sided, such as a triangle, a continuous curve, such as a circle, or a combination of straight and curved sections, such as an expanded circle, such shape determined by the frame members to which it is secured at both ends. While any printer capable of printing a high quality image upon a flexible media may be used, a preferred embodiment for this market is a roll-fed wide format ink jet printer, such as printers made by companies as Epson, Canon, Hewlett Packard, Xerox and others which print on rolls having widths from 24 inches to 72 inches. For example, the 10-color 24 inch wide Epson 7900 is one such printer that can be used to print high quality image sheets yielding cylindrical shapes 23 11/16 inch in circumference, with 5/16 inch overlap. 
         [0019]    The IDU of this invention will be described as having an elliptical crossectional cylindrical shape as the display surface of the image sheet. For instance, a 24 inch wide image sheet formed into an ellipse by the appropriate size frames would have a major oval diameter of approximately 9.2 inches and a minor diameter of about 5.7 inches. Using this type of printing method the circumference of the IDU display is fixed by the width of the sheet being printed, but the height of the image sheet can be easily varied since this is determined by how the rolled sheet is programmed to be printed and cut apart after printing for use in the IDU. In this way, actual image sheet heights can practically be infinitely varied. 
         [0020]    The business model for this invention presupposes that a “company” is formed to produce image sheets and frame/electrical kits for IDU&#39;s that would interface with, for example, a variety of museum shops around the country or around the world. The company has a computer system which will communicate between the company and its customers. 
         [0021]    The computer system has data processing systems by which the company and respective gift shops communicate via internet or a browser controlling communications over a network via a server, including images plus text required, formatted for printing by the company and includes a database for storing images for printing image sheets when ordered. All communications can be handled via internet for receiving and processing orders. Products can be shipped by common carrier. For example, when a museum gift shop gears up for support of a special museum exhibit, images related to the exhibit can be produced. For the initial order for a new image the company must first create an Image Art Unit (IAU) file with the exact edited digital representation of the image and any text required to be printed on an image sheet, plus cutting instructions. This is what will drive the wide format printer. The formatting for the IAU using the source digital image file can either be done by the company (with instructions from the museum), or it can be performed by museum personnel using the company&#39;s website and editing software. The museum also provides text for a description of the image information about the museum and this is printed separately by the company and included with the packaged image that is a component of the IDU, as are instructions for customer assembly. 
         [0022]    The company uses pricing software which prices each image sheet corresponding to each desired IAU. Part of the pricing algorithm is based on the height and width of the particular resulting image sheet reflecting the actual substrate material and printing cost. Another pricing aspect may be the ink cost for a particular image sheet reflecting the actual digital color and color density information on each pixel of the image reproduction. Other aspects of pricing may include printer set-up charges and/or amortized formatting charges related to volume ordered. Once the pricing is set for the images, this is relayed to the museum gift shop. Based on demand estimates an initial order is placed by the museum for both the various image sheets as well as for IDU frame/electrical kits selected by the museum. The company will then schedule production and fulfill the initial order for image sheets and IDU frame/electric kits for the museum shop. Subsequent orders for IDU frame/electric kits, and/or image sheets will be fulfilled as required. 
         [0023]    At the museum gift shop, customer order fulfillment can be accomplished in a number of ways. Customers may purchase pre-packaged image sheets and IDU frame/electric component kits ready for assembly, pay for them and leave. Or a customer may request an assembled IDU. This can be handled by on-demand assembly at the museum shop or from stock pre-assembled by the museum, or the museums shop can assemble the unit and ship it to the address given by the customer. Assembly for stock can be performed at the museum shop during slack periods. In addition the museum can place an order with the company for a specific unit to be assembled by the company and shipped directly to the customer. 
         [0024]    In an alternate embodiment, a packaged unit could be partly assembled and include an assembled support frame with 3 or 4 or more legs, a lamp socket support hub and an electric cord set, a plain frame and an image sheet packaged ready to assemble as an illuminated display unit (IDU) of this invention. The packaging is less compact and less flexible than the previous kits embodiments but only the assembly of the image sheet to the frames by the customer is required. 
         [0025]    In another alternate embodiment, the unit could be packaged by the company fully assembled and supplied to the museum with no assembly required by the customer. 
         [0026]    When the IDU is sold as a component kit the support frame is assembled by inserting one end of each leg into a mating feature incorporated into one of the frame loops and the other end into a similar mating feature on a hub which serves as the lamp socket support disc in the center. The legs are “V-shaped”. The V-shaped legs may be symmetrical or, in a further embodiment may be asymmetrical. The “V” shape of the legs is preferably asymmetric to place the vertex closer to the outside of the frame rim than to the lamp support hub at the center, which provides more clearance from the surface of the light bulb and better stability for the support of the tabletop model. Marks are provided on the rims of the frames to correctly align the flexible image sheet with the frames. 
         [0027]    The configurations for the various IDU models are as follows: 
         [0028]    For the Tabletop Model— 
         [0029]    Bottom: Assembled support frame slot faces up, legs face down 
         [0030]    Top: Plain frame slot faces down 
         [0031]    For the Hanging Model— 
         [0032]    Bottom: Plain frame slot faces up 
         [0033]    Top: Assembled support frame slot faces down, legs face down 
         [0034]    For the Pedestal Model— 
         [0035]    Bottom: Assembled support frame slot faces up, legs face up 
         [0036]    Top: Plain frame slot faces down 
         [0037]    Base: Support frame slot faces down, legs face up 
         [0038]    Note that these alternate configurations from one kit are only possible if the support frame is not made in one piece but in separate pieces for customer assembly as described herein. 
         [0039]    Although the mating features are illustrated in one embodiment as a male and a female dovetail joint, other molded simple sliding and/or snap fit joining features, as are commonly known for joining pieces of an item can be used instead. 
         [0040]    In one design, the tapered dovetail slots on the legs have the open end in the same direction at the end of each leg. The matching tapered dovetail lugs on the support frame and lamp socket support hub face alternately in opposite directions around their circumferences. Assembly is achieved by sliding the leg slots onto the hub and frame lugs. The legs may be installed either way up (by turning the legs over and moving each leg around the circumference of the support frame to the next set of rim lugs), depending on which leg position, up or down, is required for the model being assembled. There may be two sets of lugs on the lamp socket support disc at two different radii and/or there may be projections incorporated into the rim to compensate for different radii, so that a range of support rims can be accommodated by the same leg length. 
         [0041]    In an alternate embodiment, the opposite distal ends of legs connecting the rim frame to the central lamp socket support hub have attachment extensions which mate with slots or holes associated with the support frame at one end and with the central lamp socket support hub at the other end. The extensions are inserted into and through slots or holes in the support frame and in the lamp socket support hub. As these extensions are pushed in toward the step region, molded cantilevered tongues are compressed until they again snap out locking extensions in the slots or holes. The cantilevered tip of each tongue is flexible, so that it compresses as the tongue is inserted into the leg attachment slot/hole and decompresses outward when through the slot/hole, thereby locking the legs in place in the respective slot/holes in the support frame at one end and in the lamp support hub at the other end. 
         [0042]    With either design the legs may be detached from the rim and hub and reassembled in a different configuration if a different model IDU is desired. 
         [0043]    In the preferred alternate embodiment, an illuminated display unit (i.e. IDU) is comprised of two component kits (1) a multi-part frame kit and electric cord set for assembly without the use of tools, and (2) an image sheet imprinted on fine art paper media such as the Toscana™ product provided by Hahnemuhle which is specially coated on one side for high quality inkjet printing. 
         [0044]    The image sheet is unrolled and formed into a cylindrical shape then captured in a conforming shape within a circumferentially extending slot in the top and bottom frame members and locked in place using multiple resilient clips (rim inserts) which impinge on the top and bottom edges of the image sheet. Depending on how the frame parts are assembled the IDU can be configured as a tabletop, pedestal or as a pendant model. The clips can easily be taken out to permit the image sheet to be removed and exchanged at will since the image sheet is not bonded permanently to the frame. Changing the IDU configuration from table top, pedestal, or pendant to another configuration is also made easy simply by removing the image sheet, re-configuring the frame by disassembling and reassembling the component parts, then re-inserting and re-securing the image sheet. 
         [0045]    The four steps that may be used to assemble either a tabletop or a pendant model of this preferred alternate embodiment are presented here as they also summarize the various parts of the IDU: 
         [0046]    Table Top Model 
         [0047]    Image Sheet Preparation— 
         [0048]    Remove the image sheet from box A. 
         [0049]    Let it unroll and it will form a cylindrical shape. Put it down on a table with the ends of the roll facing up. 
         [0050]    Remove the cover from the two sided adhesive tape that is located at one end of the image sheet. 
         [0051]    Position that end of the image sheet above the other end so the full length of its edge is aligned between the two lines printed on the other end. 
         [0052]    Press the two ends together and the image sheet is now formed into a continuous cylinder. Turn the cylinder over and place it horizontally on a table, then press down along the overlap to ensure a strong bond the full length of the overlap. 
         [0053]    Note: You may want to practice this before removing the cover from the tape. Try positioning the edge of the sheet between the lines, starting at one end. 
         [0054]    Frame Preparation— 
         [0055]    Remove the three legs, the triangular hub, and the two frames from 
         [0056]    box B. Leave the other items in the box. 
         [0057]    Place the hub (either side up) on a table and push the ends of the long arms of the three legs (marked O) into the slots in the hub (marked O). 
         [0058]    Place the frame with slots for the legs on a table with the side of the frame that does not have a perimeter slot facing up and push the short ends of the three legs (marked X) into the three slots in the frame (marked X). 
         [0059]    Note: If you want to disconnect a leg after it is installed just tilt it and it will come out of the slot. 
         [0060]    Install Electric Parts— 
         [0061]    Remove the electric assembly from box B. Only the frame inserts now remain in the box. 
         [0062]    Pull the nut along the electric cord a short distance away from the bulb socket. 
         [0063]    Slide the electric cord wire through the slot in the triangular hub so that the bulb socket is facing in the opposite direction to the legs. 
         [0064]    Push the threaded nipple on the bulb socket through the center hole in the hub. 
         [0065]    Slide the nut along the electrical cord up to the nipple on the bulb socket. Tighten the nut by hand until the bulb socket is secure in the hub. 
         [0066]    Final Assembly— 
         [0067]    Remove eight frame inserts from box B. There is an extra frame insert in the box in case one is mislaid. 
         [0068]    Position the image sheet cylinder vertically on a table so the picture faces up. 
         [0069]    Position the vertical mark on the outside face of the plain frame so it aligns with the overlapping vertical edge of the image sheet cylinder. 
         [0070]    Push the frame downward on to the image sheet cylinder so the cylinder engages the slot in the frame. Use the lugs on the inside of the frame to help guide the image sheet cylinder into position. The frame must be pushed all the way down so that the cylinder edge goes to the bottom of the slot all the way around. 
         [0071]    Reach inside the cylinder and push four of the frame inserts into the four horizontal slots in the frame until they are all the way in and grip the edge of the image sheet securely. You can do this most easily by first inserting one end, then use two thumbs to both compress the insert and push the other end into the slot. 
         [0072]    Turn the image sheet cylinder and rim upside down so the plain frame is now on the bottom. 
         [0073]    With the legs facing in an upward position the frame which has three legs attached above the image sheet cylinder so that the vertical mark on the outside face of the frame aligns with the overlapping vertical edge of the image sheet cylinder. 
         [0074]    Push the frame downward on to the image sheet cylinder and repeat the above installation steps for the cylinder. 
         [0075]    Turn the unit right side up, screw in a 75 watt incandescent bulb, plug in the electric cord and the MuseumLight™ is operational. 
         [0076]    Note: To release the MuseumLight™ image sheet cylinder from the frame, for instance to exchange one image sheet for another or to realign the existing image if necessary, just insert a screwdriver (or similar) in the space at either end of the insert between the insert and the rim and pry the insert out of the rim slot. When the insert are removed the image sheet cylinder will be released from the rim. 
         [0077]    Pendant Model 
         [0078]    Image Sheet Preparation— 
         [0079]    Remove the image sheet from box A. 
         [0080]    Let it unroll and it will form a cylindrical shape. Put it on a table with the ends of the roll facing up. 
         [0081]    Remove the cover from the two sided adhesive tape that is located at one end of the image sheet. 
         [0082]    Position that end of the image sheet above the other end so the full length of its edge is aligned between the two lines printed on the other end. 
         [0083]    Press the two ends together and the image sheet is now formed into a continuous cylinder. Turn the cylinder over and place it horizontally on a table, then press down along the overlap to ensure a strong bond the full length of the overlap. 
         [0084]    Note: You may want to practice this before removing the cover from the tape. Try positioning the edge of the sheet between the lines, starting at one end. 
         [0085]    Frame Preparation— 
         [0086]    Remove the three legs, the triangular hub, and the two frames from box B. Leave the other items in the box. 
         [0087]    Place the hub (either side up) on a table and push the ends of the long arms of the three legs (marked O) into the slots in the hub (marked O). 
         [0088]    Place the frame with slots for the legs on a table with the side of the frame that has a perimeter slot facing up and push the short ends of the three legs (marked X) into the three slots in the frame (marked X). 
         [0089]    Note: If you want to disconnect a leg after it is installed just tilt it and it will come out of the slot. 
         [0090]    Install Electric Parts— 
         [0091]    Remove the electric assembly from box B. Only the rim inserts and canopy kit now remain in the box. 
         [0092]    Pull the nut along the electric cord a short distance away from the bulb socket. 
         [0093]    Slide the electric cord wire through the slot in the triangular hub so that the bulb socket is facing in the same direction as the legs. 
         [0094]    Push the threaded nipple on the bulb socket through the center hole in the hub. 
         [0095]    Slide the nut alone the electrical cord up to the nipple on the bulb socket. Tighten the nut by hand until the bulb socket is secure in the hub. 
         [0096]    Final Assembly— 
         [0097]    Remove eight frame inserts from the frame and electric parts box B. There is an extra frame insert in the box in case one is mislaid. Only the canopy kit now remains in the box. 
         [0098]    Position the image sheet cylinder vertically on a table so the picture faces down. 
         [0099]    Position the vertical mark on the outside face of the plain frame so it aligns with the overlapping vertical edge of the image sheet cylinder. 
         [0100]    Push the frame downward on to the image sheet cylinder so the cylinder engages the slot in the frame. Use the lugs on the inside of the frame to help guide the media cylinder into position. The frame must be pushed all the way down so that the cylinder edge goes to the bottom of the slot all the way around. 
         [0101]    Reach inside the cylinder and push four of the frame inserts into the four horizontal slots in the frame until they are all the way in and grip the edge of the image sheet securely. You can do this most easily by first inserting one end, then use two thumbs to both compress the insert and push the other end into the slot. 
         [0102]    Turn the image sheet cylinder and rim upside down so the plain frame is now on the bottom. 
         [0103]    With the legs facing in a downward position the frame which has the legs attached above the image sheet cylinder so that the vertical mark on the outside face of the rim aligns with the overlapping vertical edge of the image sheet cylinder. 
         [0104]    Push the frame downward on to the image sheet cylinder and repeat the above installation steps for the cylinder. 
         [0105]    Connect to power supply in ceiling. Use the canopy parts that are in box B, if required. Note that this step must be done by a qualified electrician. 
         [0106]    Screw in a 75 watt incandescent bulb, and your MuseumLight™ is operational. 
         [0107]    Note: To release the MuseumLight™ image sheet cylinder from the frame, for instance to exchange one art media sheet for another or to realign the existing image if necessary, just insert a screwdriver (or similar) in the space at either end of the insert between the insert and the frame and pry the insert out of the frame slot. When the inserts are removed the image sheet cylinder will be released from the frame. 
         [0108]    Besides the differences in the IDU from the previous embodiments, some changes have been made to streamline a new IDU set-up. Instead of providing software to a museum for formatting a new IDU, the formatting software is now an integral part of the company website so that the museum can do this itself and review the result immediately. 
         [0109]    In general, the present invention is an illuminated display unit including: 
         [0110]    A support frame having at least one surface along the inside of the frame; 
         [0111]    An image sheet placed directly against at least one surface of the frame with an edge thereof abutting against at least one surface; and 
         [0112]    A fastener fastening the image sheet against at least one surface to retain the image sheet secure in the frame, whereby the image sheet is held securely for display without the use of adhesives or any attachment device potentially damaging the image sheet and 
         [0113]    Whereby the image sheet is releasable by releasing the fastener from the frame and allowing withdrawal of the fastener from the frame, thereby releasing the image sheet free of any damage. 
         [0114]    Optionally, the frame can have slots formed in the loop member which engage with the fastener, so that the image sheet is held flat directly against the at least one surface of the frame with an edge thereof abutting against at least one surface. The fastener within the slot pressing the image sheet against at least one surface to retain the image sheet securely in the frame without the use of adhesives or any attachment device damaging the image sheet. The image sheet is releasable by releasing the resilient fastener from the loop frame member and allowing withdrawal of the fastener from the slot, thereby releasing the image sheet free of any damage. 
         [0115]    In a preferred embodiment, the insert contained within the slot has a center leg pressing the image sheet against the surface to retain the image sheet secure in the frame. This preferred insert has separate resilient end legs on opposite sides of the center leg with a tooth on outer edges thereof to engage end edges of the slot, to retain the insert within the slot, with the center leg engaging with the image sheet, holding the image sheet in place on the support frame, so that the image sheet is held securely. The image sheet is releasable by pressing the end legs of the insert inwardly toward the center leg, to disengage the insert from the frame member and allow withdrawal of the insert from the slot, thereby releasing the image sheet free of any damage. 
         [0116]    Optionally, the support frame is an extended member which is provided with multiple, spaced leg members. 
         [0117]    Furthermore, the support frame includes a hub for supporting a lighting fixture. 
         [0118]    The support frame has an annular shape rim for securing an image sheet which extends from the support frame, with the lighting fixture located within said annular shaped image sheet so that the image is viewable from outside of the annular shaped image sheet. 
         [0119]    Before assuming its closed annular shape, the image sheet is a flat, flexible and transparent or translucent member with an image reproduced on a surface thereof. 
         [0120]    The support frame and the hub can have integrally formed separate spaced leg attachments, for attaching legs. 
         [0121]    These leg attachments may include slots in the hub along outer edges thereof and in the frame for releasable engaging the supporting legs from each attachment slot. 
         [0122]    The hub has a central opening for receiving a light socket fixture, and a slot extending out from the central opening to allow for the wire of an assembled cord set to be inserted into the hub. The lighting element of the lighting fixture is enclosed within the confines of the closed shape image sheet, whereby the image is viewed from outside of the display unit. 
         [0123]    In one embodiment the supporting legs are V-shaped and face downwardly to form a support for the display unit on a table top surface with the image sheet and lighting fixture extending upwardly. 
         [0124]    In an alternate embodiment, the supporting legs and hub form a support for the display unit suspended from a wall bracket or ceiling forming a pendant with the supporting legs, image sheet and lighting fixture extending downwardly, so that the supporting legs are not extending above the support frame. 
         [0125]    While it is theoretically possible to support and retain the image sheet with a single frame with fasteners, preferably the display unit has a second frame at the opposite end of the image sheet forming top and bottom frames holding the image sheet therebetween. 
         [0126]    The image sheet will then have an annular shape determined by the frames to which it is attached. 
         [0127]    The present invention also entails a method of assembling a transparent or translucent art sheet for display of an image formed on a surface thereof, including the steps of: 
         [0128]    Rolling a rectangular shaped image sheet into a cylindrical configuration, with end edges overlapping and secured with an adhesive strip or otherwise secured; 
         [0129]    Inserting an open end of the rolled image sheet into an annular supporting frame, with the supporting frame preferably having an L-shaped or U-shaped crossection with bottom and side adjacent surfaces along the inside of the L-shaped or U-shaped crossection of the frame and optionally having a slot formed in the rim member with the image sheet being held directly against the adjacent surface of the frame with an edge thereof abutting against the side adjacent surface; 
         [0130]    Inserting fasteners into the frame, such as a frame insert within a slot, each frame insert having a center leg pressing the image sheet against the frame surface, to retain the image sheet secure in the frame, with each respective frame insert having separate and resilient spaced end legs, on opposite sides of the center leg, with a tooth on outer edges thereof, to engage end edges of each respective slot to retain the insert within the slot, with the center leg engaging the image sheet holding said image sheet in place on the frame; 
         [0131]    Mounting a light source on the support frame and extending into a space formed within said image sheet for lighting the image sheet from within, for displaying the image on the image sheet; 
         [0132]    The image sheet being held securely for display without the use of any attachment device damaging the image sheet; and 
         [0133]    Releasing the image sheet, by releasing the fastener, such as by pressing the end legs of each respective fastener inwardly toward the center leg, to disengage the fastener from the frame member and allow withdrawal of the fastener from the slot thereby releasing the image sheet free of any damage. 
         [0134]    The method further includes providing the support frame with a central hub for mounting of said the electrical light source. 
         [0135]    Supporting legs are provided for connecting the hub to the support frame. The supporting legs are shaped to act as legs to support the IDU on a table top surface with the image sheet extending upwardly from said support frame and the hub and supporting legs inside the image sheet, with the light source extending above the hub within the image sheet. 
         [0136]    Alternatively, the supporting legs are provided for connecting the hub to the support frame with the supporting legs used to suspend the IDU as a pendant from a ceiling fixture or wall bracket, with the image sheet extending down from said support frame, and the hub and supporting legs inside the image sheet, with the light source extending down below the support frame within the image sheet. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0137]    The present invention can best be understood in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is noted that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments shown in drawings, in which: 
           [0138]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of an assembled IDU in use on a table top. 
           [0139]      FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of an assembled IDU with a pedestal using a second support frame at the base in use on a table top. 
           [0140]      FIG. 1C  is a perspective view of an assembled IDU with a base using a modified base in use on a table top. 
           [0141]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an assembled IDU suspended by a pulley cord. 
           [0142]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  are top plan views of the two part frame set showing the plain frame as well as the support frame if molded in one piece, incorporating, in this case, 4 legs. 
           [0143]      FIG. 4  is a crossection detail of the image sheet support surface of each frame member showing the edge of the image sheet abutting a layer of two sided attachment tape. 
           [0144]      FIG. 5A  is a plan view of the pre-wired electrical assembly that is part of the IDU kit. (In the case illustrated this is for a table top unit and incorporates a dimmer. Alternative electrical kits will be available, including an electric assembly with a pulley cord for pendant units.) 
           [0145]      FIG. 5B  is a plan view of an alternative electrical assembly for a table top unit with a pedestal that will use a second support frame as a base. 
           [0146]      FIG. 5C  is a plan view of an alternative electrical assembly for a table top unit with a pedestal using a modified base. 
           [0147]      FIG. 6A  is a side view crossection of an assembled table top IDU taken along the major diameter of an oval shape. 
           [0148]      FIG. 6B  is a side view crossection of an assembled table top IDU of an alternate embodiment using a frame with a slot to engage the image sheet edge. 
           [0149]      FIG. 6C  is a side crossection detail of a modified edge shown in  FIG. 6A . 
           [0150]      FIG. 6D  is a side view crossection of an assembled table top IDU with a pedestal using a second support frame member as a base. 
           [0151]      FIG. 6E  is a side view crossection of an assembled table top IDU with a pedestal using a modified base. 
           [0152]      FIG. 7  is a perspective schematic view showing a continuous portion of image sheet material merging from a printer with a variety of images printed on image sheet sections (prior to cutting apart for each IDU). 
           [0153]      FIG. 8  is a flow chart describing the assembly of an IDU formed with a one piece support frame and a plain frame. 
           [0154]      FIG. 9A  is a flow chart of the initial order set-up supporting a new museum exhibit. 
           [0155]      FIG. 9B  is a block diagram reflecting the hardware and network entities involved in implementing the flow chart of  FIG. 9A . 
           [0156]      FIG. 10  is a flow chart depicting the various customer fulfillment options at a museum gift shop. 
           [0157]      FIG. 11  is a schematic top view of four different designs of IDU shapes each in which will have the same circumference for use with the same width image sheet. 
           [0158]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the separate parts of a frame kit of one type of alternate embodiment, in this case with four legs and a hub with two sets of four attachment lugs to accommodate frames with two different radii, such as, for example, an ellipse as compared to a circular rim frame. In this case, either of the rim frames may be used for the support frame since both incorporate attachment lugs. 
           [0159]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an assembled support frame using parts from the frame kit of  FIG. 12 . 
           [0160]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a single leg from the frame kit using parts from the frame kit of  FIG. 12 . 
           [0161]      FIG. 15  is a top plan view of the socket support hub of this alternate embodiment, using parts from the frame kit of  FIG. 12 . 
           [0162]      FIG. 16  is a crossectional view of the support hub of  FIG. 15 , when viewed along crossectional line “ 16 - 16 ” of  FIG. 15  using parts from the frame kit of  FIG. 12 . 
           [0163]      FIG. 17  is a side view in partial crossectional showing the attachment of a leg with a frame on one end and the socket support hub at the opposite end using parts from the frame kit of  FIG. 12 . 
           [0164]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the parts of  FIG. 17  from another viewpoint using parts from the frame kit of  FIG. 12 . 
           [0165]      FIG. 19  is a perspective close-up detail view of a leg-end, showing the tapered dovetail attachment slot. 
           [0166]      FIG. 20  is a flow chart of the assembly of an illuminated display unit (IDU), including alternate embodiments with a multi-part support rim/frame with a plurality of attachable legs. 
           [0167]      FIG. 21  is a side elevation of a hanging illuminated display unit (IDU) with legs pointing down and positioned between support and plain frame. 
           [0168]      FIG. 22  is a side elevation of a pedestal supported illuminated display unit (IDU) with legs pointing upward and positioned between support and plain frame. 
           [0169]      FIG. 23A  is a perspective view of the separate parts of a further alternative frame kit with three legs. 
           [0170]      FIG. 23B  is a perspective view of the separate parts of another further alternative frame kit with an equivalent set of three legs with an alternate end coupling. 
           [0171]      FIG. 23C  is a perspective close-up detail view of the end coupling of one of the equivalent frame legs of  FIG. 23B , as viewed within dashed circle line “ 23 B” of  FIG. 23B . 
           [0172]      FIGS. 24A and 24B  are perspective views of an assembled support frame using parts from the frame kit of  FIG. 23A  or  23 B. 
           [0173]      FIG. 25A  depicts a leg using the system or attachment of  FIG. 23A  and configured in an asymmetrical V. 
           [0174]      FIG. 25B  depicts a leg using the alternate system of attachment of  FIG. 23B . 
           [0175]      FIG. 26  is a top plan view of a socket support hub of the embodiment in  FIG. 23A  or  23 B. 
           [0176]      FIG. 27  is a top plan view of the leg attachment slot on two alternative frame shapes for this embodiment. 
           [0177]      FIG. 28  is a perspective view of one of the support frame with projections with slots for the attachment of legs and triangular socket support hub of a further embodiment of an IDU of this invention. 
           [0178]      FIG. 29  is a perspective view of one of three identical legs of the further alternate embodiment. 
           [0179]      FIG. 30A  is a perspective view of the basic design of a frame insert of this embodiment. 
           [0180]      FIG. 30B  is a perspective view of an alternate design of a frame rim insert of this embodiment. 
           [0181]      FIG. 31  is a perspective view of the plain frame rim of this embodiment with slots for inserts but without projections for leg attachment. 
           [0182]      FIG. 32  is a perspective detail showing a frame insert  FIG. 30A  inserted into one of four horizontal slots in a frame member. 
           [0183]      FIGS. 33A-33G  show the steps of assembling an image sheet into a cylinder shape prior to attachment to a frame for either a table top or pendant IDU, wherein: 
           [0184]      FIG. 33A  is a perspective view of a box containing a rolled up image sheet. 
           [0185]      FIG. 33B  is a perspective view of an image sheet unrolled with the release strip being pulled off one side of the two-sided tape attached to the edge of the image sheet. 
           [0186]      FIG. 33C  is a perspective view of the step of attaching the free ends of the image sheet after removing the release strip. 
           [0187]      FIG. 33D  is a perspective enlarged detail of  FIG. 33C  to illustrate the accurate adhesion of the image sheet cylinder along the overlap. 
           [0188]      FIG. 33E  is a perspective view of an image sheet cylinder lying horizontally after assembly. 
           [0189]      FIG. 33F  is an edge elevation detail of the overlapped seam of  FIG. 33E  showing directions of pressure required to permanently adhere the seam. 
           [0190]      FIG. 33G  is a perspective view of a vertically oriented completed image sheet cylinder. 
           [0191]      FIGS. 34A-34F  illustrate the steps of assembling the support frame of a table top IDU, wherein: 
           [0192]      FIG. 34A  is a perspective view of a box containing the frame members of an IDU. 
           [0193]      FIG. 34B  is a perspective view illustrating the step of inserting the three legs into the triangular socket support hub. The legs marked O are inserted into the socket support hub slots marked O. 
           [0194]      FIG. 34C  is a perspective view showing the step of attaching legs and hub to the support frame. The leg ends marked X are inserted into the rim slots marked X. 
           [0195]      FIG. 34D  is a crossectional detail of the edge of the support frame showing the orientation of perimeter slot if assembled for the tabletop model IDU. 
           [0196]      FIG. 34E  is a perspective view of an assembled support frame. 
           [0197]      FIG. 34F  is a crossectional detail of the edge of the support frame showing the orientation of the perimeter slot if assembled for a pendant model IDU. 
           [0198]      FIG. 35A-35G  illustrate the steps of attaching the electrical components to the assembled support frame for a table top IDU and for a pendant IDU, wherein: 
           [0199]      FIG. 35A  is a side elevation of lamp socket with threaded nipple and a retaining nut on electrical wire. 
           [0200]      FIG. 35B  is a perspective detail showing insertion of electrical wire through a side slot into center hole of triangular socket support hub. 
           [0201]      FIG. 35C  is a perspective detail showing setting the nipple on the socket into hole in socket support hub. 
           [0202]      FIG. 35D  is a perspective detail showing nut dangling wire under socket support hub. 
           [0203]      FIG. 35E  is a side elevation detail showing nut engaging socket nipple to attach socket to socket support hub. 
           [0204]      FIG. 35F  is a side elevation in partial crossection showing support frame with socket attached and orientation of frame slot and socket for a tabletop IDU. 
           [0205]      FIG. 35G  shows side elevation details of socket and rim slot as used in a pendant IDU with orientation opposite to that of  FIG. 35F . 
           [0206]      FIGS. 36A-36K  illustrate the assembly steps to complete the assembly of a table top IDU by attaching the image sheet cylinder to the assembled frame members, wherein: 
           [0207]      FIG. 36A  is a perspective view of orientating the plain frame atop the image sheet cylinder. 
           [0208]      FIG. 36B  is a perspective view of the completion of action of  35 A. 
           [0209]      FIG. 36C  is a perspective view illustrating insertion of four frame inserts to retain the image sheet in the slot in the plain frame. 
           [0210]      FIG. 36D  is a perspective detail of a rim insert inserted in a horizontal frame slot. 
           [0211]      FIG. 36E  is a perspective view illustrating inverting an image sheet with the plain frame attached. 
           [0212]      FIG. 36F  is a perspective view showing support frame oriented atop open end of the formed image sheet. 
           [0213]      FIG. 36G  is a perspective view showing the completion of the action of  36 F. 
           [0214]      FIG. 36H  is a perspective view illustrating insertion of four frame inserts to retain the image sheet in the supporting frame. 
           [0215]      FIG. 36I  is a perspective detail of one rim insert inserted through one horizontal rim slot. 
           [0216]      FIG. 36J  is a perspective view illustrating inversion of assembled tabletop IDU so that legs can rest on a horizontal surface. 
           [0217]      FIG. 36K  is a perspective view showing addition of a lamp to the complete IDU. 
           [0218]      FIG. 37A-37J  illustrate the final assembly of a pendant IDU of this further alternate embodiment, wherein: 
           [0219]      FIG. 37A  is a perspective view of orienting the plain frame atop the image sheet cylinder. 
           [0220]      FIG. 37B  is a perspective view of the completion of action of  37 A. 
           [0221]      FIG. 37C  is a perspective view illustrating insertion of four frame inserts to retain the image sheet in the slot in the plain frame. 
           [0222]      FIG. 37D  is a perspective detail of a frame insert inserted through one horizontal frame slot. 
           [0223]      FIG. 37E  is a perspective view illustrating inversion of image sheet with plain frame attached. 
           [0224]      FIG. 37F  is a perspective view showing support frame oriented atop open end of the formed image sheet. 
           [0225]      FIG. 37G  is a perspective view showing the completion of the action of  37 E. 
           [0226]      FIG. 37H  is a perspective view illustrating insertion of four frame inserts to retain image sheet in the support frame. 
           [0227]      FIG. 37I  is a perspective detail of one frame insert inserted though one horizontal rim slot. 
           [0228]      FIG. 37J  is a perspective view illustrating adding a lamp to the complete pendant IDU. 
           [0229]      FIG. 38  is a flow chart of the order set-up for a new or previously ordered museum image for use with this further alternate embodiment. 
           [0230]      FIG. 39  is a block diagram reflecting the hardware and network entities in implementing the flow chart of  FIG. 38 . 
           [0231]      FIG. 40  is a flow chart depicting the customer fulfillment options at a museum gift shop for this further alternate embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0232]    The present invention has broad applications to many fields for a variety of IDU&#39;s. For illustrative purposes only, a preferred mode for carrying out the invention is described herein. 
         [0233]      FIG. 1A  shows a table top  9  on which illuminated display unit (IDU)  1  with image sheet  3  displaying image  2  rests. Image sheet  3  is contained and shaped between a support frame  4  at the bottom edge incorporating support legs facing down and a plain frame  5  at top edge. A small overlap  6  of the free ends is at the rear of the display unit. Electrical control (switch or switch/dimmer)  8  is shown on electrical line  7 . 
         [0234]      FIG. 1B  is a similar image of the same IDU  1  but with a pedestal tube and second support frame added at the base, wherein the support legs extend upward within the region surrounded by image sheet  3  of the illuminated display unit (IDU)  1 . 
         [0235]      FIG. 1C  is a similar image of the same IDU  1  but with a pedestal tube and with a modified base, also wherein the support legs extend upward within the region surrounded by image sheet  3  of the illuminated display unit (IDU)  1 . 
         [0236]      FIG. 2  is a similar image of the same IDU  1  configured for hanging from pulley cord  10  with support legs at the top. 
         [0237]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  show the two frame parts. In this illustration the plain frame  5  is an oval shape. The support frame  4  is also oval but incorporates four legs (drawn flat)  14  leading at the center to a hub, such as a lamp socket support hub  12  with a central hole for the socket nipple  17  and a side slot for electric wire insertion  18 . 
         [0238]    Each of the image sheet support edges of the frames in this illustration have a preferably L-shaped crossection (see  FIG. 4 ) which supports a top or bottom edge of image sheet  3 . These supports also have a layer of tape attached with a release liner  15 . The release liner can be removed prior to assembly to expose an adhesive layer for permanent attachment of the image sheet to the frame. This is optional for the table top unit where gravity holds the image sheet tot eh support frame  4  and to the plain frame  5 . For the hanging configuration where gravity tends to pull the three sections apart, the adhesive layer  15  must be exposed and used. 
         [0239]      FIG. 5A  shows a pre-wired electrical cord set for the table top model  20  consisting of lamp socket  21  with pre-attached short threaded nipple  22 , nut  23 , control  8 , extension cord  7 , and wall plug  25 . Line cord  7  fits through slot  18  on socket support hub  12  which then permits short threaded nipple  22  to fit through the center hole  17  for attachment of the lamp socket even though the entire electrical set is pre-wired. 
         [0240]      FIG. 5B  shows a pre-wired electrical set for the pedestal model  20  consisting of lamp socket  21  with pre-attached short threaded nipple  22 , tube with internal threads to fit nipples at both ends  21 , with pre-attached short threaded nipple at the end opposite the lamp socket  22 , nut  23 , control  1 , extension cord  7 , and wall plug  25 . Line cord  7  fits through slot  18  on socket support hub  12  which then permits short threaded nipple  22  to fit through the center hole  17  for attachment even though the entire electrical set is pre-wired. 
         [0241]      FIG. 5C  shows the same electrical set as  5 B but with a modified base unit  36  on line cord  7 . 
         [0242]      FIG. 6A  shows how the various parts fit together for the table top model; bulb  7  (or optional CFL) is not part of the electrical kit because of fragility concerns. Note that legs  14  on support frame  4  angle down to create integral legs. The preferred fabrication of both frame parts is injection molding using a glass filled polycarbonate resin. In this illustration the support frame  4  would be formed as a single piece. 
         [0243]      FIG. 6B  shows an alternate embodiment of an illuminated table top model display unit (IDU) using another design of a support edge with an outer support lip added on plain frame  35  and support frame  34 . The detail of  FIG. 6C  shows how such an edge engages art sheet  3  at top edge. Note that double-sided tape with release liner  36 A may be attached to art sheet  3  or to the frame edge is in either design. Frame edge material thickness T is nominally EDM 3/32″ with other dimensions relatively scaled. 
         [0244]      FIG. 6D  shows a pedestal model illuminated display unit (IDU) which provides a pedestal between the image display unit and table top. This shows how the pedestal tube internally threaded at both ends  24  screws on to the short threaded nipple  22  an the lamp socket  21  and at the other end on to a second short nipple  22  which is inserted into center hub  12  on a second support frame  34 , and held in place by nut  23 . Legs  14  are shown extending upward within the region surrounded by image sheet  3  and on the bottom frame which would be possible if also made, with the legs thus oriented or if the support frame parts are provided separately for customer assembly as described on a later page herein concerning  FIGS. 12-27 . 
         [0245]      FIG. 6E  shows the modified base  36  illustrated in  FIG. 1B , which assembles in same manner as the parts in  FIG. 6D  but must be provided pre-threaded on the electric wire as part of the electric kit because it does not have the unique slot provided for wire insertion that is on the support frame  34 . Legs  14  are shown optionally extending upward within the region surrounded by image sheet. Electric cord  7  preferably exits out through a hole in base  36 . 
         [0246]      FIG. 7  shows a printer, such as a wide format printer  30 , spewing out a long sheet of image sheet material which will be sliced at dashed lines  31  to form individual strips (all of the same circumference length as the width of the image sheet material but cut in various lengths “W”) which, will become image sheets  3  displaying images “AW” after cutting into separate units. Note the heights of the different image sheets (“W”) varies with the particular AW being printed since they are determined by the programmed instructions to the printer and are therefore infinitely variable. However, any printer capable of printing an image upon a flexible translucent or transparent such as a sheet of plastic, laminated textile or art paper may be used, wherein one or more images and lettering may be printed on the flexible sheet. 
         [0247]    The IDU assembly flow chart of  FIG. 8  is largely self-explanatory. Note that the orientation of the art to the support frame is different depending on whether a table top, pedestal or hanging version of IDU  1  is being assembled; this can be easily seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Although permanent or temporary assembly is an option for a table top unit, the hanging version must be bonded together with the tape around the edge of the frame sections. Temporary assembly of the table top unit permits using the same frame kit serially for a variety of art sheet displays. 
         [0248]    The process for the initial and subsequent order set-up with a museum gift shop was described in words in the summary section.  FIG. 9A  shows this process in flow chart form. This shows the optional methods of performing the formatting of the museum Image to create and Image Unit file of formatted digitized images that actually drives the printer to print out image sheets. The accurate pricing of each image sheet can only be performed after this step. 
         [0249]    The flow chart of  FIG. 9B  clearly illustrates the computer hardware and network entities involved in actually implementing the order process. The box labeled “Company” in  FIG. 9B  includes a computer system including a central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessor facilitating communications enabled by a server through the internet between the company and three different museum gift shops is shown. Museums A and B are involved in initial order set-up, but Museum A lets the company edit their exhibit image file while Museum B edits their own exhibit image file to an IAU file using software provided by the company. In both cases, IAU pricing is provided by the company. Museum C sends a drop shop order to the company for a customer named “Smith”. Both IDU kits as well as fully assembled IDU&#39;s with attached image sheets can be shipped out. The company keeps up with the museum interacting with its computer and microprocessor throughout the internet. Field representatives or company sales persons (as represented by “laptops” SP-A and SP-B) can also be used to send in orders resulting from museum gift shop visits or other communications.  FIG. 9B  also indicates how the company with its computer CPU or microprocessor creates the image sheets on printer  30  and produces kits from an internal production line (as shown). Electric/frame kits and image sheets, or fully assembled IDU&#39;s, are shipped by a common carrier to the museum shops or to specific “drop ship” museum customers. 
         [0250]    The different customer order fulfillment options discussed above in the summary are detailed in the flow chart of  FIG. 10 . 
         [0251]    Although the main objective of this invention is to create an efficient method of displaying images that may be purchased at a museum shop, many other uses for an IDU unrelated to museums art exist. One is a direct internet to customer marketing method whereby the images (which may, for instance, consist of family or travel snapshots) is provided by the customer for creating an image sheet. Another possibility is advertising use of IDU&#39;s such as displays promoting a certain brand of beer at a tavern. Another is images depicting local tourist attractions for sale in souvenir shops. The oval format described may not be optimal for all applications. It is possible to use the identical manufacturing steps to create IDU&#39;s of any annular crossection by using frames that have alternate peripheral shapes. 
         [0252]    While intended use is to illuminate the translucent image sheet, under ambient light the image sheet still displays the image thereon. 
         [0253]      FIG. 11  schematically shows four examples of alternative top outline views of an IDU. They are drawn at the same scale to show the relative feature size for a constant circumference. The circle and extended circle shapes would be easily produced, while the sharp corners of the square and hexagonal shapes would be somewhat rounded in practice to prevent creasing of the image sheet and is applicable to any shaped polygon, such as hexagonal or pentagonal, etc. 
         [0254]    The parts comprising a frame kit of an illuminated display unit (IDU) of an alternate embodiment are shown in  FIG. 12 . Two plain frames  104  with image sheet alignment marks on the outside  138 , and leg attachments lugs  137  in the inside, a plurality of legs, such as, for example, four legs  114 , with a coupling at each end, such as, for example, four legs  114 , with a coupling at each end, such as, for example, a tapered dovetail coupling slot feature  136  at each end, and a lamp socket support hub  112  are included. For this example cooperative couplings, such as, for example, protruding lugs  137 , are located on the inside of each plain frame  104  and on the outer surfaces of socket support hub  112 , and the lugs  137  fit into the couplings in this example tapered slots at the leg ends  136 . It is further noted that other configurations for the hub may be provided, so long as it is capable of holding the light source within the confines of the formed images sheet held in place by the support frame and the plain frame, wherein further the hub is connected to the support frame by a plurality of legs or spokes. 
         [0255]      FIG. 13  shows such an assembled support frame with the legs  114  down. Note that the inner lugs  137  on hub  112  are used; a different shape or circumferential size of frame may require the use of the outer lugs  137  on hub  112 . 
         [0256]      FIG. 14  provides a clear view of a single, preferably V-shaped leg  114  with preferably slotted leg ends  136 . In this case the V is asymmetrical. 
         [0257]      FIGS. 15 and 16  show details of lamp socket support hub  112  including lugs  137  and electrical wire access slot  140 . That is one of the parts illustrated in  FIG. 12 . 
         [0258]      FIGS. 17-19  show details of an attachment system for the parts illustrated in  FIG. 12  for the couplings associated with legs  114 . For example,  FIG. 17  is a side view showing the fit of couplings such as lugs  137  within cooperative couplings, such as tapered slots, in ends  136 .  FIG. 18  is a perspective view showing a similar attachment.  FIG. 19  shows an enlarged leg end  136 . The tapered dovetail slot (note width “w1” greater than width “w2”) is shown clearly. Tapered dovetail lugs  137  are sized so that they will engage the inner walls of the slot in  136  at the mid slot position to lock the two members together. 
         [0259]    The flow chart of IDU assembly of  FIG. 20  contrasts the assembly of the previous embodiment with the one-piece molded support frame shown in  FIGS. 1-11  with that of the unassembled frame kit of the alternate embodiment of  FIGS. 12-26 . The entire difference in procedure involves the removal of the kit parts from the box and the assembly of the support frame by connecting each leg to the rim of a plain frame and to the lamp socket support while being aware of the desired configuration. From there on, the procedure is substantially identical to that of the previous embodiment, including the production of  FIG. 7  as well as the assembly and organizational computerized flow charts of  FIGS. 9A ,  9 B and  10  and the schematic view of possible shapes shown in  FIG. 11 . 
         [0260]      FIGS. 21 and 22  illustrate illuminated display unit (IDU) configurations that are not possible with the original one-piece molded support frame. A tabletop configuration using the support frame kit of this embodiment would be configured as in the original embodiment (support frame faces up with legs down); in fact  FIG. 2  from the original embodiment is a good representation of it. 
         [0261]    In  FIG. 21 , hanging illuminated display unit (IDU)  140  is configured such that support frame  141  is, assembled with the support groove for image sheet  3  on member  104  facing down, as are legs  114 . Plain frame  141  is simply a member  104  with the groove for image sheet  3  facing upward. Note that legs  114  now reside between support frame  141  and plain frame  142 . This orientation is not possible with the original one-piece support frame which included the legs pointing in the opposite direction. Legs, socket support hub and lamp are shown in dashed lines as obscured by image sheet  3 . 
         [0262]      FIG. 22  illustrates a pedestal lamp  150  where support frame  151  is assembled from a member  104  facing upward and legs  114  also pointing upward. Plain frame  152  is a member  104  facing downward. Again here it can be observed that legs are positioned between plain and support frames (see dashed lines). Base  153  is assembled from a member  104  facing down and legs  114  facing up with a socket support hub in the center. Alternatively, a modified base  136  can be used (as shown in  FIG. 6E ). 
         [0263]    In yet, another embodiment shown in  FIGS. 23 and 27 , there are preferably three legs  1114  provided, and the attachment system of the legs  1114  to the hub  1104  and to the rim frame  1104  is changed to a tongue and slot system. 
         [0264]      FIG. 23A  shows the parts comprising of a frame kit of an illuminated display unit, (IDU) of this alternate embodiment. This embodiment includes one frame  1105  which does not have any provision for attachment of legs  1114  and another frame  1104  with such attachment provisions. The kit constitutes the two frames with sheet align marks on the outside  1138  and leg attachment slots  1139  on the inside, three legs  1114  with a coupling tongue at each end and a lamp socket support hub  1112  with slots for leg attachment of leg  1114 . 
         [0265]      FIG. 23B  shows the parts comprising of a frame kit of an illuminated display unit (IDU) of a further alternative embodiment with equivalent component coupling parts. This embodiment includes one frame  1105 ′ which does not have any provision for attachment of legs  1114 ′ and another frame  1104 ″ with such attachment provisions. The kit constitutes the two frames with sheet align marks on the outside  1138 ′ and leg attachments slots  1139 ′ on the inside three legs  1114 ′ with a coupling tongue at each end and a lamp socket support disc  1112 ′ with slots for leg attachment of leg  1114 ′. 
         [0266]      FIG. 23C  shows the end coupling of one of the equivalent frame legs  1114 ′ of  FIG. 23B , as viewed within dashed circle line “ 23 B” of  FIG. 23B . 
         [0267]      FIGS. 24A and 24B  show the assembled support frame  1104  with legs  1114  and lamp socket support hub  1112  attached. 
         [0268]      FIGS. 25A and 25B  shows one of the legs  1114  of  FIG. 23A  and  FIG. 23B  respectively. The leg is an asymmetrical “V-shape” to enable the support of the unit to be spread farther apart and the system for attachment for the leg  1114  to the lamp support hub  1112  and to the frame  1104 . The attachment details are shown clearly in this figure. Each leg  1114  has two attachment extensions  1140  at an angle to the angled leg portions  1142  and  1143  of each leg  1114 . Extensions  1140  are angled vertically for insertion into and through slots or holes, such as for example, rectangular holes/slots  1139  in support frame  1104  and lamp support hub  1112 . As the extensions  1140  are pushed in toward the step region, molded cantilevered tongues  1141  are compressed until they again snap out locking extensions in slots or holes, such as for example, rectangular slots/holes  1139 . The “V” shape of legs  1114  is preferably asymmetric to place the vertex closer to the rim (X1) than to the lamp support hub  1112  at the center (X2) affording better stability. Tongue  1140  has a cantilevered tip which is spring loaded, so that it compresses as tongue  1140  is inserted into leg attachment slot/hole  1139  and decompresses outward when through the slot/hole  1139 , thereby locking leg  1114  in place in respective slots/holes  1139  in frame  1104  at one end and in lamp support hub  1112  at the other end. 
         [0269]      FIG. 26  shows details of the lamp socket support hub  1112  including leg attachment slots/holes  1139  for legs of  FIG. 23A  or  FIG. 23B  and electrical wire access slot  1118 . 
         [0270]      FIG. 27  shows examples of the leg attachment slots  1139  configured for a circular rim frame  1104  and an elliptical rim frame  1104 . The slot on the circular rim frame  1104  is positioned a distance inside the rim frame  1104  to illustrate provisions to accommodate a leg of one size to fit frames with a different radial difference from the hub lamp support hub  1112  to the rim/frame  1104 . 
         [0271]    In a further alternate embodiment, the frame of the illuminate display unit (IDU is comprised of multiple component parts, and the image sheet may be printed on a coated art paper designed for inkjet printing. The image sheet is retained in a non-permanent method using frame inserts in the support and plain frame members. 
         [0272]      FIG. 28  shows an assembled support frame of this embodiment  2000  having integrally molded attachments  2001 ,  2002 , and  2003  with slots (marked X) at each respective slot attachment to accept one end (marked X) at one end of each respective leg member for insertion of three identical leg members  2010 . The distal end (marked O) of each of the legs is inserted into a rectangular slot (marked O) of each respective slot of the central hub  2020  in the triangular socket support hub  2020  which completes the assembly. Note that the three leg attachments ( 2001 ,  2002 , and  2003 ) are asymmetric but the locations of their attachment points around an oval rim  2000  conspire to place triangular hub  2020  in the center. Hub  2020  will accept attachment of a lamp socket with a threaded nipple at hole  2023  and permit entry of electrical cord through slot  2024 . Integral molded horizontal rim slots  2004  are used for the frame inserts retaining the image sheet. The rim slots  2004  are located within lugs projecting above the inner rim of the support frame  2000 , which, together with the lugs  2064 , also projecting above the inner rim of the support frame  2000  and located at both ends of the major axis of the frame  2000 , facilitate the insertion of the image sheet  2052  into the circumferential rim slots within support frame  2000  and plain frame  2040 . 
         [0273]      FIG. 29  shows one of three legs  2010  with frame engaging end  2011  (marked X) and hub engaging end  2012  (marked O). 
         [0274]      FIG. 30A  shows one of the frame inserts  2030  that are inserted through horizontal slots  2004  in both the support frame  2000  and the plain frame  2040  to retain the image sheet by impingement with central member end  2032 .  FIG. 31  shows an outer perspective view of the plain frame rim  2040  of this embodiment with slots  2004  for inserts  2030  but without projection attachments  2001 ,  2002 , and  2003  for leg attachment that are shown in  FIG. 28 . As shown in  FIG. 32 , wing members  2031  compress on insertion then snap back, thereby locking into slots  2004  to hold the insert in position pressing the image sheet  2052  against the outer rim slot surface of the outer circumferential rim slot  2063  of outer circumferential frame portion  2061  of frame  2000 . Inserts  2030  may be made of an elastomeric resin with high durometer. Materials such as polyurethane and silicone exhibit the desirable features discussed. Note the serrated end  2032  which enhances grip on the surface of image sheet  2052 . Perspective view detail  FIG. 32  also shows the resilient frame insert  2030  inserted in a horizontal slot  2004  edge of rim  2000 . A crossectional detail view of the outer circumferential frame portion  2061  with rim slot  2063  in a region away from a slot  2004  is shown at  FIGS. 34D and 34F . The image sheet  2052  edge is pressed between end  2032  of a resilient insert  2030  and the long outer wall of recess slot  2063  as shown in  FIGS. 32 ,  34 D and  34 F. The location of the region in which the image sheet  2052  is located in  FIGS. 30B and 32  is indicated by arrows identified as reference numeral  2052 ′, but because these views in  FIGS. 30B and 32  are not cross sections, the actual image sheet  2052  is not illustrated. 
         [0275]      FIG. 30B  shows an alternate design for the frame insert  2030  inserted into a horizontal frame slot  2004 . 
         [0276]    The assembly details for the image sheet for either a table top or a pendant type IDU, taking an image sheet  2052  from package box A  2050  through forming it into a cylinder for frame attachment using adhesive strip  2053  to attach the free edges, is shown is the sequence of drawings of  FIGS. 33A-33G . The comments in the brief descriptions of the drawings are sufficient to follow the steps. 
         [0277]    The assembly details of the support frame for a table top IDU from package box B  2060  through completion are shown in the steps of  FIGS. 34A-34E . Note that detail  34 D shows the crossection  2062  of rim  2000  with the rim slot  2063  facing down. The same assembly steps but with an inverted rim  2000  as shown in detail of  FIG. 34F  would be used for assembly of a support frame for a pendant IDU. 
         [0278]    The attachment of the bulb socket, which is part of the electrical subassembly, to the hub of the support frame for a table top IDU is illustrated in  FIG. 35A  (showing bulb socket  21 , with threaded nipple attached  22  and nut  23  threaded onto the electric cable) through the completed attachment of  FIG. 35F .  FIG. 35B  shows the slot in the hub which enables the electric cord, of a fully assembled cord set to be inserted in the hub  2020 . The details are explained in the brief description of this figure sequence. The detail of  FIG. 35G  shows the different orientation of the bulb socket  21  as well as the rim slot  2063  for the assembly sequence for a pendant IDU. 
         [0279]    The attachment of the image sheet to the frame for a table top IDU is detailed in the sequence of  FIGS. 36A-36K . In reviewing these figures, note that image sheet  2052  orientation as depicted by the human form.  FIGS. 36E and 36J  show the details for the next assembly sequence. Details of each illustration can be gleaned from the components in the brief descriptions of the drawings. This sequence ends in the completed table top IDU. 
         [0280]    A similar sequence of  FIGS. 37A-37J  details of the same parts assembled for a pendant IDU. 
         [0281]    In this further alternate embodiment, the order set-up flow chart of  FIG. 9A  for previous embodiments is modified at  FIG. 38  to reflect changes incorporating an enhanced company web site. One change is that the museum (or the institution or business or individual customer) can format their art directly on the company website as this now has the required software to make this possible. These changes streamline the communications and save time. 
         [0282]    While the block diagram of  FIG. 39  is similar to that of  FIG. 9B  of earlier embodiments,  FIG. 39A  shows the actual communicating pairs through the Internet for IAU pricing and image file setup. The customer fulfillment flow chart of  FIG. 10  for previous embodiment has been simplified at  FIG. 40  for this further alternate embodiment to eliminate the drop ship request option to the company. 
         [0283]    While the foregoing illustrations depict a light source including a lamp with an AC socket and electrical cord connected to an AC power source, it is known that other light sources could be utilized, such as light emitting diode lamps, or DC powered lamps with DC power sources, such as batteries or other low voltage power sources. 
         [0284]    In the foregoing description, certain terms and visual depictions are used to illustrate the preferred embodiment. However, no unnecessary limitations are to be construed by the terms used or illustrations depicted, beyond what is shown in the prior image, since the terms and illustrations are exemplary only a, and are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention. 
         [0285]    It is further known that other modifications may be made to the present invention, without departing the scope of the invention, as noted in the appended Claims.