Abstract:
A screen border has a plurality of chambers that are arranged around the perimeter of the border. The chambers are adapted to receive appearance-changing objects, such as image-bearing strips or decorative, three-dimensional objects, therein. Appearance-changing objects may be easily inserted into and withdrawn from the interior of the chambers through access areas provided on the border. The border may be integrally formed into a housing, or it may be removably or permanently attached to an existing housing. A hinged connection may be incorporated into the construction of the border so that the border may be temporarily pivoted away from the screen to allow a user to gain access to controls or the like positioned behind the border.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of application No.: 09/833,534 filed Apr. 12, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,550,172 which claims the benefit of earlier filed provisional application No.: 60,198,021 filed on Apr. 18, 2000. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a border for a computer screen in general, and more particularly to a border having an appearance that is variable and customizable and capable of receiving personalized images inserted therein. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In a day where everything seems to be personalized and almost everyone owns a display monitor of some sort, it seems impossible to offer a display monitor that can suit the tastes of each individual. For instance, most monitors are provided in a single color, usually black, gray, white or some other neutral color. While such a color scheme may be compatible with most surroundings, it is boring to look at. Thus, considering that most people spend their work lives in front of a computer screen, there is a need for a computer screen that is attractive, interesting in appearance and appealing to behold. 
     The apparatus of the present invention addresses such need, and enables users to customize their display monitors to fit their personal tastes, decor, or just the way they feel. The present invention allows a person to change the look of their monitor as their tastes change, and consists of a series of display chambers disposed about the peripheral edge of the monitor that are adapted to receive customized display items. A countless variety of images or objects from various sources may be inserted into such chambers to achieve a desired look. Images may include everything from baby photos to vacation pictures, themes to fit certain occasions and holidays, or photos and logos of a favorite sports team. Everything from personal creations, magazine clippings, to images downloaded from the Internet may be displayed in such display chambers to enhance and customize the appearance of a monitor. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
     In the past, similar devices have been proposed to alter the appearance or offer a useful element to a display monitor. Such devices are usually fixed or otherwise secured to the display monitor in some fashion. Unlike the prior art, however, the screen border of the present invention, once secured to the monitor, may be temporarily displaced to provide the user with access to control buttons positioned on the front of the monitor housing. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the screen border of the invention is hingedly connected to the monitor, such that it may be pivoted from a position adjacent or against the monitor display screen to a position away from the monitor. Usually, the hinges are positioned on the top of the screen border and monitor, such that the border may be pivoted upwardly toward the user and away from the screen. Alternatively, the hinges may be positioned on the side of the screen border and monitor, such that the border may be pivoted to the side away from the screen. Thus, when it is desired to adjust the monitor settings or turn the power on or off, the border of the invention may be temporarily displaced without having to painstakingly remove the entire unit from the monitor housing. 
     The prior art is also limited to devices consisting of removable and interchangeable display components and does not offer the ability to insert and change images without the use of some means to attach or affix the images to the device. The computer screen border of the present invention provides a user with the ability to manipulate and interchange images and objects as many times as desired. 
     For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 4,869,565 discloses a display apparatus which is affixed to the sides and top of a computer monitor. Channel members are provided along the sides and top to hold large “L” shaped display members. Images are then attached to the display members, not inserted into the channels themselves. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,104,087 discloses a note/memo board designed to surround a computer display housing on only three sides. The board attaches to the display housing with the use of angle brackets backed with VELCRO® material with matching strips on the sides and top of the device . The note/memo board, however, mounts to the back of the computer screen, not on the actual face, which positions the screen beyond the user&#39;s field of focus. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,398,905 discloses a die-cut display board for a computer video monitor wherein a cardboard, plastic, or foam back is secured to the computer video monitor by means of double-stick tape or a VELCRO® material. The middle region, where the screen would appear, is scored such that the middle may be pushed apart creating tabs to be folded in towards the rear of the device to lie on the top and the sides of the monitor to form an opening to view the screen. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,549,267 discloses a frame assembly that adheres to the face of a computer monitor by means of a repositionable pressure sensitive adhesive. The front surface of the frame is adapted to have sheets of paper and other objects releasably adhered thereto. The frame assembly may also include different sized central cut outs to fit devices having different sized view able surfaces. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,209 discloses an apparatus for positioning around a screen comprising, a strap of a flexible material with a circumference that allows it to be positioned around the upper surface, lower surface and side surfaces of the screen that assumes a rectangular configuration when placed therearound. A decorative attachment, in the form of a doll, sports event scene, beach scene or the like, may than be supported by the strap. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,638,096 discloses a display frame specifically for computer monitors. The display frame is adhesively affixed to the front surface of a monitor. In order to change the decorative image of the frame, the user must replace the frame with a frame having a different image. The frame also does not allow easy access to control buttons that may exist on a monitor housing. Such frame may also consist of a plurality of slots in which the corners only of photographs are placed. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,678,792 discloses a display device and method of attaching objects such as pictures, notes and the like to appliances. Such device consists of a substantially flexible, lengthwise deformable band that is extended around the perimeter of an appliance. Objects are secured in. place by the deformable material creating frictionous contact with the appliance. U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,603 discloses a similar display device. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,197,213 discloses a decorative frame having a plurality of enclosure members for retaining appearance-altering material. The enclosure members are adhesively connected to each other and the frame backing, such that the appearance-altering material cannot be repeatedly changed at will. A main objective of the &#39;213 device is to permit the changing of a picture or mat which surrounds the picture without simultaneously affecting the appearance-altering material disposed within the enclosure members. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,465,514 discloses a readily variably decorative self-standing picture frame. This picture frame consists of recessed sides and end walls which are sufficient to receive a glass plate, a suitable illustration, and a protective backing layer having a pedestal to support the frame in an upward position. The &#39;514 frame also includes a number of stud members placed on the rear of the back layer for securing the frame to a back wall. Disposed in the recessed walls are transparent cylindrical tubes adapted to receive therein varied changeable decorative enclosures. The length of such cylindrical tubes extend into portions of corner recesses, which are adapted to receive and secure retainers. These retainers overlap the ends of the cylindrical tubes therefore holding the tubes securely in place. In order to change a decorative enclosure, such tubes must be removed entirely from the frame. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,593,195 discloses a backing board for picture frames having a plurality of metal strips adjustable thereacross. Each of the metal strips consist of prongs near the ends allowing a piercing engagement with the backing board, which allows pictures of different sizes to be secured in different positions against the backing board. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,672,105 discloses a monitor mask utilizing a plurality of pages which partially surround a computer screen. The pages are bound such that they may be individually moved. 
     OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention, therefore, to provide a bordering area for a screen that can be customized in appearance. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a screen border having chambers for the receipt and display of image-bearing material. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a bordering area that allows for quick and easy insertion and exchange of image-bearing material within such chambers. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a screen border that is hingedly attached to a screen, allowing the border to be pivoted away from the screen to gain access to control buttons or the like without necessitating the removal of the border from the screen to accomplish the same task. 
     Still other objects and advantages of the invention will become clear upon review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the appended drawings. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The computer screen border of the present invention comprises a plurality of chambers that are adapted to receive appearance-changing objects therein. Such objects may be image-bearing strips or decorative, three-dimensional objects. The chambers are positioned around the perimeter and are secured to the screen border, with the interior of such chambers being easily accessible such that the image-bearing strips or objects may be inserted into and removed therefrom without necessitating removal of the chambers or the border from the screen. The border of the invention may be integrally formed into a monitor housing, or it may be removably or permanently attached to an existing monitor housing. A hinged connection may be incorporated into the construction of the border so that the border may be temporarily pivoted away from the computer screen to allow a user to gain access to controls or the like positioned behind the border. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a screen border of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a side view of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the border of FIG. 1 showing the removal of the corners pieces of the border of the invention. 
     FIG. 4A illustrates the insertion of images into the receiving chambers of the present invention and FIG. 4B illustrates a border of the invention having images positioned within the receiving chambers. 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a screen border of the invention hingedly connected to a monitor. 
     FIG. 6 is a side view of the border of FIG. 5 showing the pivoting movement of the border with respect to the monitor. 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a border of the present invention, wherein a continuous screen border is hingedly connected to a base member that has been attached to or integrally formed into a monitor. 
     FIG. 8 is a side view of the border of FIG. 7 showing the pivoting movement of the continuous border with respect to the monitor. 
     FIG. 9 is a detailed perspective view showing the insertion of an image-bearing insert in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8. 
     FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a border of the present invention, wherein a continuous screen border is completely removable from the monitor and snap fit or otherwise engageable with the monitor. 
     FIG. 11 is a side view of the border of FIG. 10 showing the engagement of the continuous border with respect to the monitor. 
     FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a border of the present invention, wherein the receiving chambers are completely removable in order to gain access to and insert and/or image-bearing inserts. 
     FIG. 13 a detailed perspective view showing the insertion of an image-bearing insert in accordance with the embodiment of FIG.  12 . 
     FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a border of the present invention, wherein the receiving chambers are separately hingedly attached to the border. 
     FIG. 15 is a detailed perspective view showing the insertion of an image-bearing insert in accordance with the embodiment of FIG.  14 . 
     FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a border of the present invention utilizing slots along the base member and/or receiving chambers in order to gain access to insert and change image-bearing inserts. 
     FIG. 17 is a detailed perspective view showing the insertion of an image-bearing insert through a slot in accordance with the embodiment of FIG.  16 . 
     FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the border of the invention, wherein a the border is slidably attached to the monitor. 
     FIG. 19 is a side view of another embodiment of the border of the invention, wherein the border is mountable to a monitor as a separate unit by a hook-like clamp or bracket. 
     FIG. 20 illustrates the pivotal movement of the border of FIG. 19 about the top of the monitor, the border being mountable to a monitor by a clamp-like bracket. 
     FIG. 21 is a side view of another embodiment of the border of the invention, wherein the border is mountable to a full-sized monitor by a flat bracket. 
     FIG. 22 illustrates the pivotal movement of the border of FIG. 21 about the top of the monitor. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The following detailed description is of the best mode or modes of the invention presently contemplated. Such description is not intended to be understood in a limiting sense, but to be an example of the invention presented solely for illustration thereof, and by reference to which in connection with the following description and the accompanying drawings one skilled in the art may be advised of the advantages and construction of the invention. In the various views of the drawings, like reference characters designate like or similar parts. 
     FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional view and FIG. 2 is a side view of the screen border  5  of the present invention shown attached to a monitor  10  having a screen  11 . While a flat-panel monitor housing  10  is shown in the appended drawings, the border of the invention  5  will be usable with other monitor types as well (see, for example, FIGS.  21  and  22 ). The border  5  preferably comprises a plurality of cover members  20  positioned around the perimeter of a base member  12 , such members  20  being adapted to display image-bearing elements  16  as discussed below and defining a central opening in said base member  12  through which the monitor screen  11  is viewable. Outwardly projecting side walls  13  (see also FIGS. 9,  13 ,  15 , etc.) extending from the base member  12  and positioned along the longitudinal edges of the cover members  20  define a receiving chamber between the members  20  and the base member  12 , such receiving chamber being adapted to accommodate image-bearing elements therein as will be described below. Corner pieces  14  preferably having colored attachments  15  are disposed along the corners of the base member  12 , such that the corner pieces  14  in combination with the cover members  20  define a continuously-appearing border around said base member  12 . While such corner pieces  14  are described with attachments  15 , such attachments are not necessary for the operation of the border of the invention. The corner pieces  14  are removable from the border  5  (FIG. 3) and preferably reattachable thereto by a friction fit connection between the corner pieces  14  and either the base member  12  or the receiving chambers. However, other methods of connection between the corner pieces  14  and the border  5 , such as a tongue and groove, male/female, adhesive, Velcro® connection or the like, may be used. 
     The cover members  20  are preferably affixed to the base member  12  between the side walls  13 , such that the receiving chambers are dimensioned to receive and display image-bearing inserts  16  therein (FIGS.  4 A and  4 B). In this regard, cover members  20  are preferably formed from a hollow, transparent or translucent material so that the image-bearing inserts  16  are clearly viewable through said members  20  (FIG.  4 B). The inserts  16  preferably have the same longitudinal dimension (length) as the members  20 , and the corner pieces  14  preferably act as barriers, so that the inserts  16  are bounded by the cover members  20  and the corner pieces  14  when the corner pieces  14  are attached to the border  4 . Furthermore, there preferably exists a slight gap between the edges of the cover members  20 , the side walls  13  and the base member  12  for accommodating the image-bearing inserts (see, for example, FIGS.  15  and  17 ). However, such slight gap does not have to be present, and the receiving chambers can instead be defined between the cover members  20  and the base member  12 . 
     FIG. 4A illustrates a plurality of inserts  16   a - 16   d  (collectively defined by the reference number  16 ), a plurality of corner pieces  14   a - 14   d  (collectively defined by the reference number  14 ), a plurality of attachments  15   a - 15   d  (collectively defined by the reference number  15 ) and a plurality of cover members  20   a - 20   d  (collectively defined by the reference number  20 ). With the corner pieces  14  removed from the border  5 , the inserts  16  may be added to the receiving chambers as follows, it being understood that such process is only illustrative of one potential process for creating the border of the invention. First, corner piece  14   a  is attached to the border  5  so that insert  16   a  can be inserted into the receiving chamber defined by cover member  20   a  in the direction of the arrow as shown. Corner piece  14   a  acts as a stop, preventing the overinsertion of insert  16   a  through the receiving chamber. Once insert  16   a  has been fully inserted, corner piece  14   d  is attached to the border  5 , thereby completing the lower edge of the border  5 . With the corner pieces  14   a  and  14   d  in place, inserts  16   b  and  16   c  may be dropped into receiving chambers defined by cover members  20   b  and  20   d , such that corner pieces  14   a  and  14   d  act as stops preventing such inserts  16   b  and  16   c  from falling completely through such chambers. Once inserts  16   a - 1   6   c  are in place, corner piece  14   b  is attached to the border  5  and insert  16   d  is advanced through the receiving chamber defined by cover member  20   c  until it impacts corner piece  14   b . Finally, corner piece  14   c  is attached to complete the border  5  (FIG.  4 B). 
     All of the attachments  15   a - 15   d  provided on the corner pieces  14   a - 14   d  may be the same in appearance, or each may be different as the case may be, it being understood that the attachments  15  provide yet a further means for varying the overall appearance of the border  5 . Such attachments  15  may also be colored, solid, striped, have a design that matches the design of the inserts  16 , or the like. Also, each of the inserts  16   a - 16   d  may have a different design, image or the like, or all of the inserts  16  may have the same design, image, appearance or the like, depending on the desires of the user. Furthermore, the cover members  20 , while preferably transparent or translucent, may also be adorned with designs, embossings, engravings or the like (not specifically shown). Thus, the overall design of the border  5  of the invention provided by the combination of the corner pieces  15 , cover members  20  and inserts  16  may be varied and customized according to the desires of the user. 
     The general concept of the screen border  5  of the present invention has been described in connection with FIGS. 1-4B. However, there are a variety of ways such border  5  can be operated and applied to a computer screen  10  or the like. 
     In one embodiment as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the border  5  of the present invention can be integrally connected to the monitor by a hinge connection  17  or the like, which allows the border  5  to be pivoted away from the screen  11  to provide access to control buttons  27  or the like situated on the monitor housing. Such hinge connection  17  may be configured with a hold position to retain the border  5  in a pivoted position as shown in FIG. 6 without requiring that the user constantly support the border  5 . The border  5  may be pivoted outward only slightly, or to a position that is substantially perpendicular to said screen. Or, such hinge connection  17  may require that the user support the border  5  at all times during pivoting. In the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6, the border  5  will be in a rest position directly adjacent the computer monitor  10  (see FIG. 1 for example). 
     FIGS. 7-9 illustrate another embodiment of the border of the present invention, wherein the base member  12  is attached to the monitor  10 , and the cover members and corner pieces are connected to form a continuous member  19  that is hingedly attached to the base member  12 . As shown in FIG. 9, the combination of the side walls  13  and the base member  12  create a cavity along the base member  12  for receipt of the inserts  16 , which cavity is then enclosed by the continuous display member  19  when such member  19  is pivoted into a position adjacent the monitor  10 . 
     FIGS. 10-11 illustrate another embodiment of the border of the present invention, wherein the base member  12  is attached to the monitor  10 , and the cover members and corner pieces are connected to form a continuous member  19  that is snapped to or otherwise completely removable from, and engageable with, the base member  12 . Inserts  16  are added to the border of FIGS. 10-11 as illustrated in FIG.  9 . In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 7-11, decorative attachments  15  may be added to the continuous display member  19  as desired. 
     As noted above with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4B, it is preferred if the cover members  20  are secured or fixed to the base member  12 . However, such members  20  may be completely removable from the base member  12  as shown in FIGS. 12-13, or separately hingedly connected to the base member  12  as shown in FIGS. 14-15. In the embodiment of FIG. 12, for example, each of the members  20  are completely removable from the base member  12  by means of a snap fit engagement or the like. Thus, as shown in FIG. 13, an image-bearing insert  16  is inserted into the receiving chamber defined between the base member  12  and side walls  13  after the cover member  20  is disengaged from the base member  12 . In the embodiment of FIG. 14, for example, each of the receiving chamber sections, defined by a cover member  20 , base member section  12  and side wall sections  13 , is hingedly attached to the monitor  10  by means of a hinge  10 . Thus, as shown in FIG. 15, an image-bearing insert  16  is inserted into the receiving chamber defined between the cover member  20 , base member  12  and side walls  13 . Preferably, an image-bearing insert  16  is inserted into a slight opening or gap defined between the ends of the cover member  20 , the base member  12  and side walls  13  as discussed above and as shown (see also FIG.  17 ). 
     FIGS. 16-17 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the base member  12  comprises openings or slots  21  along the outer peripheral edges to accommodate the passage of image-bearing inserts  16  therethrough. The lowermost cover member  20  might also have a slot  21  along its upper peripheral surface as shown in FIG.  16 . Such inserts  16  should be dimensioned to extend partially outside said slots  21  when fully inserted within the receiving chambers so that said inserts  16  may be gripped and changed as desired. 
     FIG. 18 illustrates yet another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the continuous member  19  further comprises an extending lip  23  on both the top and bottom peripheral edges as shown, which lips  23  ride inside a longitudinal channel  22  formed in the upper and lower peripheral edges of the base member  12 . Thus, the continuous member  19  can move from side to side as shown without having to remove the entire member  19  to gain access to insert images  16 . 
     FIGS. 19-22 illustrate yet another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the border  5  is formed as a separate unit from the monitor  5  and is separately and preferably removably attachable thereto. In FIGS. 19 and 20, the border  5  is supported on the flat screen monitor  10  by a hook-like or clamp-like bracket  24  to which the border is pivotally connected by a hinge  17 . The bracket  24  may be temporarily adhesively attached to the monitor  10  or it may merely grip the monitor  10  as shown. In FIGS. 21 and 22, a flat bracket  25  is connected to the full-sized monitor  10  by a suitable attachment  25  and pivotally connected to the border  5  by a hinge  17 . The semi-permanent attachment means  25  may be some type of adhesive material, Velcro® strips or the like. Other attachment means, such as by a snap connection or the like, are also contemplated. 
     While the present invention has been described at some length and with some particularity with respect to the several described embodiments, it is not intended that it should be limited to any such particulars or embodiments or any particular embodiment, but it is to be construed with references to the appended claims so as to provide the broadest possible interpretation of such claims in view of the prior art and, therefore, to effectively encompass the intended scope of the invention.