Abstract:
A picture display system that is comprised of picture modules and display sleeves. The picture modules are comprised of individual pictures which are secured to a mounting panel using mounting clips or alternately individual pictures are placed in a mounting picture carrier and then the mounting picture carrier is secured to the mounting panel using mounting clips. The assembled picture modules are placed in display sleeves which hold a plurality of picture modules. The system makes it quick and easy to rearrange the order of pictures and replace pictures. There are a number of base and auxiliary elements that can be easily interchanged in a diversity of combinations and permutations to devise an assortment of goods that have a similar appearance but that also have distinct differences and unique features.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     Not Applicable  
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
       [0002]     Not Applicable  
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX  
       [0003]     Not Applicable  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0004]     This invention relates to a picture display system that can hold a plurality of pictures in a variety of different configurations.  
         [0005]     Conventional picture frames are used to display and protect a variety of objects including photographs, pictures, drawings, diplomas, signs and a variety of other objects. In the description herein, the term picture is intended to generically cover all of these objects.  
         [0006]     The average family possesses many pictures that have been accumulated over years. Some of these pictures find their way into albums and some are placed in frames, but the vast majority of them are stored unorganized in envelopes and shoeboxes where they are rarely seen. Even pictures that are stored in albums are rarely seen even though they are more organized than those stored in envelopes and shoeboxes.  
         [0007]     Given the growing popularity of digital photography, individuals are generating even more pictures than ever before. As a result there is a growing need for alternative ways to display pictures irrespective of how they&#39;ve been created.  
         [0008]     The reasons the majority of pictures are never displayed are many, but some of them are related to the alternatives available in the marketplace.  
         [0009]     Firstly there&#39;s the barrier of cost. Even though there are low cost individual frames, the cost of framing a collection of photographs quickly escalates. Also, the use of individual frames very quickly results in clutter.  
         [0010]     Secondly there&#39;s the barrier of inconvenience. Many frames are not user friendly and require a great amount of patience to properly position a picture in them.  
         [0011]     There are a variety of frames that display multiple pictures and are well known to the art. By way of example, in wall mounted frames, there are frames which can be classified as a collage frames. Another example well known to the art, are individual frames which are joined together using hinges. This type of frame can be used as the freestanding frame or mounted on to a wall.  
         [0012]     Although there are currently a variety of frames that display multiple pictures available on the market, there is an ongoing need for simpler and more cost-effective solutions that provide consumers the opportunity to display pictures they possess. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide improved picture display alternatives.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0013]     According to the invention, there is provided a display sleeve to hold a plurality of picture modules. Pictures are placed in the picture modules and then the picture modules in turn slide into a display sleeve. The system makes it quick and easy to rearrange the order of pictures and replace pictures. There are a number of base and auxiliary elements that can be easily interchanged in a diversity of combinations and permutations to devise an assortment of goods that have a similar appearance but that also have distinct differences and unique features.  
         [0014]     The display sleeve has different shapes depending on the particular application. Furthermore, display sleeves can be used in both singular and plural modes. For example, in one embodiment, a display sleeve can function alone as a free standing entity. In another embodiment a plurality of display sleeves are supported on a special purpose stand. And in yet another embodiment a plurality of display sleeves can be physically linked together using accessory elements to create a wall collage effect.  
         [0015]     The display sleeves can also serve as a subcomponent to create a larger assemblage on a separate substrate. For example two individual three picture sleeves can be permanently fastened to a backer board to create a picture plaque. The backer board can be simply finished or have thematic graphics printed on the front. Examples of themes for the graphics applied to the backer board are team sports, growing up and special occasions.  
         [0016]     The invention does not reside solely in any of the individual base or auxiliary components alone but also with how they function together as herein disclosed and claimed.  
         [0017]     For a better understanding of the invention, reference should be made to the accompanying drawing and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0018]     The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the of the picture module;  
         [0020]      FIG. 2  shows the profile of a preferred embodiment of the mounting clip;  
         [0021]      FIG. 3  shows the profile of a second preferred embodiment of the mounting clip;  
         [0022]      FIG. 4  is an exploded view of a second preferred embodiment of the of the picture module;  
         [0023]      FIG. 5  is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the mounting picture carrier;  
         [0024]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the mounting picture carrier shown in  FIG. 5  with the picture placed in it;  
         [0025]      FIG. 7  shows the profile of a preferred embodiment of the display sleeve;  
         [0026]      FIG. 8  is a perspective exploded view of the display sleeve shown in  FIG. 7  with the picture modules placed in it to form a display module;  
         [0027]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the display module shown in  FIG. 8  is used in combination with a display stand;  
         [0028]      FIG. 10  is an exploded view of the display module shown in  FIG. 8  is used in combination with a display stand;  
         [0029]      FIG. 11  is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the display stand shown in  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10 ;  
         [0030]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the display stand shown in  FIG. 11  folded into a structural three dimensional form;  
         [0031]      FIG. 13  shows the profile of a second preferred embodiment of the display sleeve;  
         [0032]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the display sleeve shown in  FIG. 13  with the picture modules placed in it to form a display module;  
         [0033]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an assemblage of wall mounted display sleeves;  
         [0034]      FIG. 16  is a side view of the assemblage of wall mounted display sleeves shown in  FIG. 15 ;  
         [0035]      FIG. 17  is a detail view showing a preferred method of support at the top of the assemblage of wall mounted display sleeves shown in  FIG. 16 ;  
         [0036]      FIG. 18  is a detail view showing a preferred method of interconnection between display sleeves in the assemblage of wall mounted display sleeves shown in  FIG. 16 ;  
         [0037]      FIG. 19  shows the profile of a preferred embodiment of the wall support;  
         [0038]      FIG. 20  shows the profile of a preferred embodiment of the partition panel support;  
         [0039]      FIG. 21  shows the profile of a third preferred embodiment of the display sleeve;  
         [0040]      FIG. 22  shows the profile of a preferred embodiment of the display sleeve connector;  
         [0041]      FIG. 23  shows the profile of a fourth preferred embodiment of the display sleeve;  
         [0042]      FIG. 24  is a perspective exploded view of the display sleeve shown in  FIG. 23  with the picture modules placed in it to form a display module and shown wall mounted;  
         [0043]      FIG. 25  shows the profile of a fifth preferred embodiment of the display sleeve;  
         [0044]      FIG. 26  is a perspective exploded view of the display sleeve shown in  FIG. 25  with the picture modules placed in it to form a display module and shown wall mounted;  
         [0045]      FIG. 27  is a perspective view of a sixth preferred display sleeve with the picture modules placed in it to form a display module;  
         [0046]      FIG. 28  is a front view of a preferred assemblage of display sleeves pre-mounted on a graphic panel; 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0047]     Referring to the drawings where like numerals have been used to describe like parts and in particular to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a preferred embodiment of the picture module  31 A that is comprised of a mounting panel  35  and two mounting clips  33  which secure a picture  37  to the mounting panel.  
         [0048]     The mounting panel  35  serves two purposes; it supports and protects the picture. The dimensions of the mounting panels can be of any size as required by the pictures to be displayed. It has been found that materials such as glass or plastics such as acrylic or copolyester are ideal materials to use for making the mounting panels.  
         [0049]     The mounting clips  33  serve to conveniently secure the picture flat against the mounting panel in the correct alignment and in a manner that doesn&#39;t damage the picture in any way and that can be easily reversed to allow easy changing of the picture. It also functions to conceal the edges of the mounting panel and picture that are not otherwise concealed. As a result the mounting panel can be slightly larger than the picture which is attached to it. This allows the system to handle pictures that vary in size without having to modify the pictures.  
         [0050]     The mounting clip is intended to be reusable and therefore must be made out of a material that can be used to create a spring like clamping force without breaking. Extruded rigid PVC has been found to possess the required properties. The mounting clip can also be injection moulded from a plastic such as ABS. Properly treated aluminum extrusions and roll formed steel can also be used to achieve the required properties.  
         [0051]     Referring next to  FIG. 2 , there is shown the profile of one preferred embodiment of the mounting clip  33 A with equal legs. The profile of the mounting clip is generally of an elongated U-shape with the two legs angled towards one another. The two legs are slightly angled away from each other at their unattached ends to form guide lips  39 . The guide lips serve to prevent tearing of the picture. At their closest point, the distance between the two legs is slightly less than the thickness of the mounting panel. The base of the retainer clip may strain relieve grooves  41  that are thinner than the nominal thickness of the profile to reduce the strain and chance of material failure at these points. The length of the mounting clip generally matches the length of the vertical side of the mounting panel.  
         [0052]     Referring next to  FIG. 3 , there is shown the profile of second preferred embodiment of the mounting clip  33 B with unequal legs. It is similar to the first preferred embodiment of the mounting clip except that only one side  39  is angled away while the opposing side  43  is shorter and not angled at its end. This embodiment of the mounting clip is useful for situations where a flush appearance is desired although it is not as user friendly.  
         [0053]     Referring next to  FIG. 4 , there is shown a second preferred embodiment of the picture module  31 B. It is identical to the first preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  as described above, but with the addition of a picture carrier the  45 . The picture carrier  45  makes it possible to use pictures with different orientations adjacent to one another in the system. The picture carrier also provides a means to provide an alternative appearance for the system.  
         [0054]     Referring next to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , there is shown the picture carrier  45 . Heavyweight colored paper stock is an ideal material to use for the picture carrier. A score  49  is located at the midpoint and perpendicular to its longest side. To one side of the score are slots  47  through the thickness of the material and angled at 45 degrees to the perimeter edges are spaced the proper distance to receive a predetermined picture size such as  4  inches by  6  inches. To the other side of the score is an opening  51 . The slots  45  and opening  51  are positioned such that when the picture carrier is folded along the score  49  a picture  37  that is retained by the slots is centered and visible through the opening  51 . The opening  51  can be any configuration required, for example it could be an oval shape instead of a rectangle. Adhesive systems such as double side tape can be easily used instead of the angled slots to hold a picture in the picture carrier.  
         [0055]     Referring next to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , there is shown one preferred embodiment of the display sleeve  53 A. The display sleeve has two opposing channels  55  that are connected to one another by a web  59  that are separated from one another the proper distance to receive a picture module  31 A. The display sleeve may also have interference ribs  57  which act to restrict the movement of the picture modules in the display sleeve.  FIG. 8  shows the display module  61 A which is comprised of a display sleeve  53 A and three picture modules  31 A. The arrow  60  indicates how picture modules  31 A slide into the display sleeve  53 A. The dimensions of the display sleeve vary depending on the number and size of the picture modules to be placed inside it. Generally its length is a multiple of the length picture modules it is intended to hold.  FIG. 8  shows a specific picture module being used with a display sleeve  53 A; however it should be noted, that generally, all embodiments of the picture module can be freely interchanged with all embodiments of the display sleeve. Furthermore, other embodiments of the display sleeve which are disclosed below are derivatives of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 .  
         [0056]     Referring next to FIGS.  9  to  12 , there is shown a plurality of display modules  61 A used in combination with a display stand  63 . Referring in particular to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , there is shown the preferred embodiment of a fold up display stand  63 . The display stand has scores  65  and tabs  79  which allows the stand to be made from a sheet material and then be folded and locked into a three dimensional form. Copolyester plastic 0.06 in. thick die cut using steel rule dies has been found to work suitably. The tabs  79  are formed internally by cutting through the material to create the required shape  73 . At the time of assembly the locking part of the tabs  69  are held in place by snapping them through the holes  67 . Ledges  71  provide a means to support display modules with the ideal spacing and orientation. The display stand can have any number of ledges. The exact configuration and dimensions can be readily be determined by someone skilled in the art.  
         [0057]     It should be appreciated that the display stand can also be made in alternative materials and configurations. For example suitable stands can be made from thermoformed sheet plastic, fabricated sheet metal, injection molded plastic or bent wire to name a few.  
         [0058]     Referring next to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , there is shown a second preferred embodiment of the display sleeve  53 B. This embodiment of the display sleeve is exactly the same as the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 7  and disclosed above except for the addition of a front leg  78  and a rear leg  80  which provide a self-supporting base. The legs are sized and located in such a manner so as to tilt the display sleeve and thereby placing its centre of gravity at a point approximately midway between the points of contact between the legs and the horizontal surface the display sleeve is resting on to ensure stability.  FIG. 14  shows the display module  61 B which is comprised of a display sleeve  53 B and three picture modules  31 B. It will be appreciated that there are many equally functional configurations for a self-supporting base and these configurations are claimed herein.  
         [0059]     Referring next to FIGS.  15  to  22 , there is shown a third preferred embodiment of the display sleeve the  53 C. This embodiment of the display sleeve provides the ability to physically link or connect display sleeves one to another so a plurality of display sleeves can be easily attached to a supporting surface such as a wall  81 . This embodiment of the display sleeve is exactly the same as the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 7  and disclosed above except for the addition of 2 additional narrow channels  91  and a standoff rib  87 . These are best viewed by referring to  FIG. 21 . Individual display sleeves are joined together using the connector  85 . During assembly the display sleeves are first butted together and then the connector is slid over them. Referring now to  FIGS. 21 and 22  in particular, the leg  109  of the connector fits into to the channel  91  of the display sleeve and similarly leg  89  of the display sleeve fits into to the channel  111  of the connector. The gap  113  between the 2 channels of the connector is equal to double the wall thickness of the display sleeve at the bottom of the channel  91 . A web  107  separates the two channels  111  of connector the required distance. The length of the connector will vary depending on the length of the display sleeves to be connected. The connecter can be made from a variety of materials including rigid PVC plastic or thin gauge steel which has been treated to have spring-like qualities.  
         [0060]     Referring in particular to  FIG. 19 , there is shown one preferred embodiment of the wall support  83 A that is used to connect an assemblage of display modules  61 C to a supporting surface  81 . The leg  97  of the wall support fits into the channel  91  of the display sleeve  53 C. The leg  97  is offset from the rear surface  100  of the wall support to provide clearance for the connector  85 . The standoff rib  87  located at the midpoint on the rear surface of the web  59  of the display sleeve  53 C functions to maintain an assemblage of display modules  61 C the proper distance from a vertical surface  81 . The wall support can be secured to a vertical surface using mechanical fasteners or adhesives. A V-shaped groove  95  is located opposite the rear surface  100  to provide a convenient means for centering a twist drill bit when drilling holes through the profile when mechanical fasteners are used to attach it to a supporting surface. Small reinforcement ribs  93  located on either side of the V-groove provide additional strength in the area under the heads of mechanical fasteners. The length of the wall support is slightly less than the length of the top most display module in a assemblage.  
         [0061]     Referring in particular to  FIG. 20 , there is shown a second preferred embodiment of the wall support  83 B. This preferred embodiment is used to attach an assemblage of display modules to a typical office partition/wall system. The channel shape formed by the base  101  and legs  103  and  105  is sized to hook on to the standard panel of the partition/wall system. The leg  97  of the wall support fits into the channel  91  of the display sleeve  53 C in a manner similar to wall support  83 A disclosed above.  
         [0062]     Referring next to FIGS.  23  to  24 , there is shown a fourth preferred embodiment of the display sleeve  53 D. This embodiment of the display sleeve provides for direct attachment to a supporting surface such as a wall  81 . It is exactly the same as the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 7  and disclosed above except for the addition of 2 additional ribs  117  and 2 sets of centering grooves  95  and reinforcement ribs  93 . The purpose and configuration of the centering grooves  95  and reinforcement ribs  93  is exactly the same as disclosed above for the wall support  83 A. The addition of ribs  117  provides clearance  115  for the heads of mechanical fasteners  119  used for attaching the display sleeve  53 D to a supporting surface. This allows the picture modules to move unobstructed while concealing the mechanical fasteners. It should be appreciated that a plurality of this preferred embodiment of the display sleeve can be attached to a supporting surface such as a wall  81 .  
         [0063]     Referring next to FIGS.  25  to  26 , there is shown a fifth preferred embodiment of the display sleeve  53 E. This embodiment of the display sleeve provides an adaptable display sleeve for direct attachment to a supporting surface such as a wall  81 . It is essentially the receiving channel portion of display sleeve  53 D disclosed above. Two equal lengths of display sleeve  53 E are attached to a supporting surface  81  separated a distance appropriate for the picture modules to be displayed. The advantage of this embodiment of the display sleeve is the ability to accommodate any size picture module without the need to manufacture specific size profiles. The disadvantage is that more skill is required by the end user.  
         [0064]     Referring next to  FIG. 27 , there is shown a sixth preferred embodiment of the display sleeve  53 F. This embodiment of the display sleeve is produced from a monolithic material such as wood and can have a channel  55  machined directly into it.  
         [0065]     Referring next to  FIG. 28 , there is shown a picture plaque. The backer board  123  can be of any shape and size. It can be made using any suitable material; ⅜ inch MDF board is one example. Display modules  61 D are mounted on to the backer board using any convenient method such as mechanical fasteners or adhesives. It should be appreciated that other embodiments of the display module such as  61 A or  61 E can also be used. The graphics can be directly applied to the backer board using a method such as silk screen printing or alternatively the graphics can be printed on a separate material like plastic film and then applied to the backer board. There are many existing means for hanging plaques that are well known to the art. As the picture plaque is intended to be displayed on a wall, one or more of these means can be easily incorporated into the rear surface of the picture plaque.  
         [0066]     From the foregoing, it is apparent that the basic elements are simple in construction, yet provide the basis for a diverse picture display system, lending itself to economic mass production techniques. The specification and drawings are merely illustrative of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention to the disclosed embodiments. Reasonable variations and changes are possible within the scope and nature of the invention which is defined in the appended claims