Abstract:
A decorating system for arranging a first display member in relation to at least a second display member. The display members are interconnected utilizing connecting elements and fasteners. The structure of the connecting members are such that the display members are maintained in a fixed position in relation to each other. The connecting elements comprise two connecting portions separated by either a spacing element or dimensional depth extender which provide for lateral and/or dimensional spacing between display members. The display members can be aligned symmetrically, asymmetrically, or a combination thereof utilizing the connecting elements.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to a decorating system which allows a plurality of display members, such as canvases, to be connected in any desired arrangement, preferably for a wall-hanging display, or a free-standing display. The decorating system comprises a plurality of display members and at least one connecting element for securing a first display member in a fixed position in relation to a second display member. Numerous different types of display members and connecting elements are disclosed.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     As long as paintings, pictures, or the like have been hung on walls or other surfaces, systems have been developed to orient the art work relative to each other. Often, it is desirable to combine a plurality of individual art works into a single display. It is also often desirable to utilize a plurality of frames or canvasses to form a single image.  
         [0003]     U.S. Pat. No. 3,505,751 discloses a device for holding a display unit, for example, a picture disposed between a base and a transparent cover plate, on a surface. The device includes a bar adapted to be secured to the surface and two holders adapted to be disposed on the bar and on each of the two opposing edges of the display unit. Each such holder has a first means for being carried by the bar and a second means for holding the display unit by clamping action. The second means is provided a flexible lock adapted to press the display unit against the back of the surface provided therefor.  
         [0004]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,706,397 discloses a picture frame cassette having a frame member with two crossing rectangular frames which surrounds a picture window. A back-plate is fitted at the rear of the frame member behind the picture window. The frame member and back-plate enclose a picture seating, the end regions of which are open at the rear for the fitting and engaging of photographs. The cassettes are secured together by tongues fitted in seatings in the back-plate and are engaged by projections with apertures in the seatings. Securing recesses and string are attached therein for hanging purposes.  
         [0005]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,827,639 discloses that photographs are inserted within separate mounting frames which are, in turn, secured by their edges in corresponding channel-shaped grooves formed in a support which permits the frames to be displayed in a standing position. The grooves are provided with rubber blocks for engaging edge portions of the frames to reportedly prevent their inadvertent removal from the grooves.  
         [0006]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,912,863 discloses a modular picture frame for use in an assemblage of such frames having slots which extend inwardly of a base of the frame, and into which an end of a connecting bar can be inserted and secured, the other end of the connecting bar then being insertable and securable within a similar slot of another modular picture frame.  
         [0007]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,761,839 discloses an advertising device or sign that has a plastic frame having a front that contains advertising. The advertisement is on a plastic laminate with holes around its periphery that engage pins on the back of the frame. The back further has receptacles that engage a holder that forms an optional pocket. The optional pocket contains items that can be handed out or mailed. The frames reportedly can be joined together to form a larger display than can be accommodated on a single frame.  
         [0008]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,054,968 discloses a modular graphics display assembly for supporting and displaying a plurality of art works. Preferably, the modular graphics display assembly includes a plurality of display bases for supporting a plurality of art works. An anchoring mechanism such as a flange having a plurality of apertures formed therethrough is coupled about a perimeter of each display base. A plurality of retention members such as fasteners having a number of posts extending therefrom are removably secured to selected anchoring mechanisms such that adjacent display bases are coupled together. Preferably, the anchoring mechanisms are uniformly arranged about the display bases such that the display bases may be arranged and rearranged into a variety of configurations.  
         [0009]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,338,215 discloses a 3-dimensional array of picture frames arranged in a plurality of parallel planes. The picture frames are interconnected by perpendicularly extending pegs frictionally received in blind bores in the front of the rearward frame and in the back of the forward frame. Replaceable decorative sleeves surround the pegs.  
         [0010]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,705,034 discloses a frame for a sheet of a display material such as a photograph which includes a backing support having a locating member to receive and locate the sheet of display material to be displayed, a transparent cover sheet for holding the display material in position while enabling the sheet to be visible and a holding member for holding the transparent cover sheet in position. The holding member is removable from the front to enable the transparent cover sheet to be removable for replacement of the sheet of display material from the front of the frame.  
         [0011]     U.S. Publication No. 2002/0059745 discloses a 3-dimensional array of picture frames arranged in a plurality of parallel planes. The picture frames are interconnected by perpendicularly extending pegs frictionally received in blind bores in the front of a rearward frame and in the back of a forward frame.  
         [0012]     U.S. Publication No. 2003/0056413 discloses a display system for displaying graphics. A display system may include a first frame configured to be coupled to the support surface, a first panel configured to be removably coupled to the first frame, and a first graphic component provided on the first panel. The display system may further include a second frame configured to be coupled to the support surface, a second panel configured to be removably coupled to the second frame, and a second graphic component provided on the second panel. The first graphic and the second graphic components are configured to provide a portion of the enlarged graphic.  
         [0013]     U.S. Publication No. 2004/0016164 discloses an interconnecting frame assembly including a picture frame body supported by a hanging rail. A protrusion on the frame body slideably engages a recessed area on the hanging rail so that the rail supports the frame body. Each frame body contains a male protrusion and a female recessed area to permit a second frame body to slideably engage the first picture frame body. This configuration reportedly allows multiple picture frame bodies to be attached together while being supported by the rail.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0014]     A decorating system is described that provides design possibilities only limited by one&#39;s imagination. The decorating system of the present invention allows a plurality of display members to be aligned symmetrically, or asymmetrically, or a combination thereof, at spaced intervals of various distances.  
         [0015]     Alignment of the display members is achieved utilizing a connecting element which can be connected to any location on a display member, and not limited to only a few specific locations, such as a center point of a frame as described in the prior art. The connecting elements in one embodiment provides for dimensional spacing, i.e. depth, between display members, as well as lateral or positional spacing.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]     The invention will be better understood and other features and advantages will become apparent by reading the detailed description of the invention, taken together with the drawings, wherein:  
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a plan view of one embodiment of the decorating system of the present invention.  
         [0018]      FIG. 2  is a plan view of a further embodiment of the decorating system of the present invention.  
         [0019]      FIGS. 3A-3G  are plan views of various embodiments of display members of the present invention.  
         [0020]      FIGS. 4A-4D  illustrate examples of various embodiments of connecting elements.  
         [0021]      FIG. 5  is an end view through one embodiment of the decorating system of the present invention showing two display members connected by a dimensional connecting element. A partial cross section of a display member is also shown.  
         [0022]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a connecting element of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0023]     This description of preferred embodiments is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are part of the entire written description of this invention. In the description, corresponding reference numbers are used throughout to identify the same or functionally similar elements. Relative terms such as “horizontal,” “vertical,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing figure under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and are not intended to require a particular orientation unless specifically stated as such. Terms including “inwardly” versus “outwardly,” “longitudinal” versus “lateral” and the like are to be interpreted relative to one another or relative to an axis of elongation, or an axis or center of rotation, as appropriate. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. The term “operatively connected” is such an attachment, coupling or connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue of that relationship.  
         [0024]     Referring now to the drawings,  FIGS. 1, 2  and  5  illustrate various embodiments of the decorating system of the present invention which provides a surface to display one or more visual images such as, but not limited to, paintings, text, graphic images, printing, or photographs. The decorating system can be connected to any of a number of surfaces such as walls, floors, ceilings, posts, beams, or the like, but preferably a wall. The application surface can be horizontal, vertical, or generally any other angle, as the decorating system of the invention is versatile.  
         [0025]     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 2  and  5 , decorating system  10  includes two or more display members  20  connected by one or more connecting elements  30 . The decorating system  10  is preferably connected to a wall or other surface using hanger  50  as known in the art, although other securing means as known in the art can be utilized, if desired or necessary due to surface configurations.  
         [0026]     Display member  20  is designed to have an image, graphic, object, or the like, applied thereto for display. In a preferred embodiment, display member  20  is a canvas, which can be painted or decorated in any manner by a consumer, artist, or the like. Accordingly, the display member  20  in one embodiment is a framed piece having a surface which is capable of accepting design media including, but not limited to, inks, paints, waxes, oils, plaster, fabric, yarn, thread, photographs, paper, textiles, aerosol paint, faux finishing, scrapbook type embellishments, or the like.  
         [0027]     In one embodiment as shown in at least  FIG. 5 , display member  20  includes a stretcher bar or frame  22  and a covering material  24  operatively connected thereto. The illustrated covering material  24  is a canvas for painting, which is connected to frame  22  by one or more fasteners, such as glue, nails, staples, or the like.  
         [0028]     The display member frame  22  can be constructed using materials including, but not limited to, wood, metal, polymers, either thermosetting or thermoplastic, or combinations thereof, with wood being preferred. Covering materials  24  can be the same as for frame  22  or also include, but are limited to, canvas, fabric, paper, woven or non-woven materials either natural or synthetic, glass, or combinations thereof.  
         [0029]     In order to create a desired visual impression, the display members  20  utilized in the decorating system  10  can vary in number and size, as illustrated in the non-limiting embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1, 2  and  5 . A display member  20  can be the same or different than a second, third, etc. display member  20  of a decorating system  10  and can be circular, oval, square, rectangular, triangular, diamond, hexagonal, octagonal, or any other geometric shape, or the like. The display members  20  can even have arbitrary shapes or designs, if desired. Regarding sizes, each display member  20  of one embodiment of the decorating system may be the same as another display member  20 , but one or more are preferably different. Combinations of shapes and sizes of display members  20  are preferably varied in order to create a distinct, original, or desired overall pattern or visual impression, in combination with the connecting element  30 . Examples of display member  20  sizes include, but are not limited to, a 5.5″×5.5″, a 6″×6″, or a 12″×12″, or 25″×25″squares; a 5.5″×12″ or 12″×25″ rectangles; 12″×12″ or 25″×25″octagons; and 12″×12″×12″ or 12″×12″×17″ triangles. Examples of various display member shapes and sizes are illustrated in  FIGS. 3A-3G  as  20   a  through  20   g.    
         [0030]     As described herein, the connecting elements  30  secure display members  20  in relation to each other. One or more connecting elements  30  are preferably used to operatively join, couple, interconnect, fix, or the like, two or more display members  20  as shown in  FIGS. 1, 2  and  5 . The structure of a specific connecting element  30  utilized dictates the relative positioning between adjacent display members  20 . In one embodiment, a connecting element  30 , as shown in  FIG. 4D , aligns adjacent display members  20  so they abut or touch along end portions thereof. In a preferred embodiment, adjacent display members  20  are fixedly spaced at predetermined increments by connecting element  30 , for example, at lateral distances, i.e. substantially in the same plane, of about 0.5, 1, 2, 3 or more inches, or increments therebetween, with 1 inch being preferred.  
         [0031]     One embodiment of a connecting element  30  is illustrated in  FIG. 4A . Connecting element  30  includes a base portion  31  which extends a predetermined length as desired in order to connect a display member  20  thereto at each connecting portion  32 . Connecting portion  32  preferably includes one or more apertures  36  which accept a fastener  40  such as a screw, nail, bolt, or the like, and permit the display members  20 , preferably a back portion thereof, to be connected to connecting element  30 . In one embodiment, the aperture is countersunk to accept the head of the fastener to facilitate substantially flush mounting of the decorating system to a surface. Each connecting portion  32  is generally planar or flat having a length, width, and thickness, with the thickness being minimal to allow the display members  20  to be located as close to a surface, such as a wall  12 , as possible. That is, connecting portion  32  has a flat planar upper surface adapted to be connected to a back portion, preferably flat, of a display member  20 . Thus, connecting portion  32  upper surface is free of any protrusions, projections, walls, slots, extensions or the like, which could interfere with connection of connecting element  30  to a connecting surface of display member  20 .  
         [0032]     Connecting element  30  is also provided with a spacing element  34  having a side surface  35  against which a side of display member  20  is abutted. The distance of spacing element  34  between connecting portions  32  thus provides a spacing distance between adjacent display members  20  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Spacing element  34  length between connecting portions  32  ranges generally from about 0.25 to about 6 inches, desirably from 0.5 to about 4 inches, and preferably is 1, 2 or 3 inches. Spacing element  34  can have any of numerous forms or shapes, such as, but not limited to, an arch, a square, a rectangle, or the like. Connecting element  30  can be formed from wood, metal, plastic or the like, or combinations thereof. Spacing element  34  has a height, i.e. extends out from the plane of base  31 , of from about 0.5 to about 3 inches, desirably from about 0.75 to about 1.25 inches, and preferably from about 0.75 to about 1 inch.  
         [0033]     In a further embodiment, connecting element  30  is a dimensional plane spacer which connects two or more display members  20  in different planes as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . The planes of the display members  20  are preferably parallel as shown, but can be otherwise. The dimensional spacer connecting element  30  includes a depth extender section  37  connected between two connecting portions  32 . Depth extender section  37  can be any length, but ranges generally from about 0.25 or about 0.5 to about 12 inches, desirably about 1 to about 6 inches, and preferably about 1 to about 2 or about 4 inches.  
         [0034]     As described hereinabove, connecting portions  32  each include one or more apertures in order to connect to a display member  20 . Angle  38  between depth extender section  37  and connecting portion  32  ranges generally from about 45° to about 135°, desirably from about 70° to about 110°, and preferably is about 90°.  
         [0035]     In one embodiment, the decorating system  10  of the present invention is prepared as a kit comprising a plurality of display members  20  and at least one connecting element  30 , which can be utilized to connect display members  20 . In some embodiments, the decorating system includes a number of different types of display members  20  in order to produce a desired defect, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . For example, a kit for the decorating system shown in  FIG. 1  would include five square display members, four triangular and four square members  20 , and at least twelve connecting elements  30 , along with a suitable number of fasteners, in order to produce the design shown. Likewise, the decorating system illustrated in  FIG. 2  would include a kit comprising four display members  20  and five connecting elements  20 , along with a suitable number of fasteners. As also illustrated in  FIG. 2 , one or more connecting element can be utilized to connect to adjacent display members. Furthermore, connecting elements can be connected to display members at locations other than a center point between ends.  
         [0036]     While in accordance with the patent statutes the best mode and preferred embodiment have been set forth, the scope of the invention is not limited thereto, but rather by the scope of the attached claims.