Abstract:
A photograph retaining assembly is disclosed, wherein a backing substrate has an adhesive layer on one side and a plurality of retaining pockets on a second side. The retaining pockets formed to preclude perforation of the backing substrate.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an assembly for releasably mounting images, and more particularly to the releasable retention of a photograph to a page, wherein the photograph and a mount are simultaneously aligned with each and may be adhered to the page as a single element. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The storage and display of images, such as photographs often significantly contributes to their value. That is, if a picture is never displayed, its value will likely not be realized. Even if the picture is displayed, the mounting of the picture may contribute to its degradation. That is, many current mounting components tend to deteriorate over time, thereby creating the risk of releasing the photograph from the mount. In addition, some mounts may actually degrade the retained photograph. This deterioration of the photograph may result from contact or exposure of the mount to the photograph. Chemicals from the mount may leech into the photograph and distort the image quality. 
     A further problem exists in mounting a picture to a given page in a desired location. Thus, misalignment often occurs. Devices employed for mounting pictures have utilized double-sided adhesive stickers which were stuck to the back of picture at the corners and then stuck to a mounting sheet by moistening the stickers. However, these adhesives are generally harmful to the photograph or prohibitively expensive. 
     Alternatively, slits in a mounting sheet have been used to retain a photograph with respect to the sheet. The slits are cut in the sheet and allow no user modification. Thus, there is no ability to locate the photograph in a particular location on a page. 
     Therefore, the need exists for a retention system that can retain a photograph without exposing the photograph to damaging adhesives. The need also exists for a system in which photographs are operably aligned with a mount or retainer, and the combination can be readily aligned with a page. A further need exists for a system that can be readily located with respect to a page such that a resulting location of the photograph is visible during the mounting process. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a mounting system that allows a photograph to be operably retained with respect to the mount and the combined photograph and mount to be located with respect to a support. The invention is particularly directed to mounting planar images such as photographs with respect to a support such as a page in an album. 
     The present invention includes a backing substrate having an adhesive on one planar surface that retains the backing substrate with respect to the support and a second planar surface of the backing substrate having a plurality of overlay areas, configured as retaining pockets, to retain a portion of a periphery of the photograph. 
     The present invention provides a mount for photographs, wherein no plastic layer is disposed over the face of the photograph to retain the photograph. Only a portion of the periphery of the photograph is covered in the present invention. Further, the portion of the periphery may be a corner or an edge of the photograph. 
     The present invention offers the benefit of simultaneously locating the photograph and associated mount to a page of a photo album. Specifically, the present invention obviates the need to locate and temporarily retain multiple individual corner supports to an album page. By providing a system having all the retaining pockets affixed to a substrate, the photograph and the substrate will not be subject to unintended separation, and accurate alignment with the album page is readily achieved. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a retaining pocket in the first embodiment. 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an expanded retaining pocket for receiving a portion of the periphery of a planar image. 
     FIG. 5 depicts a support bearing two mounted backing substrates. 
     FIG. 6 is an exaggerated cross sectional view taken along lines 6--6 of FIG. 3. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the present invention provides a mounting system 10 for locating a planar image 12 with respect to a support 14. The planar image 12 may be a print, a painting a photograph, drawing or other image. For purposes of the present description, the planar image 12 is set forth as a photograph. The support 14 may be a wall, a table top, or any surface with which the planar image 12 is to be displayed. For purposes of the present description, the support 14 is a page in a photo album. 
     Generally, the present invention includes a backing substrate 20 and a plurality of retaining pockets 30. 
     FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the invention including the backing substrate 20. Preferably, the backing substrate 20 has a first and a second planar surface 22, 24. The first planar surface 22 includes the adhesive material 40 and the second planar surface 24 contacts a rear surface of the photograph. The adhesive material 40 may be any variety of materials such as permanent or releasable adhesives. Preferably, the backing substrate 20 is non-degrading with respect to the planar image 12. A backing substrate 20 sold under the trademark CHARTPAK by Chartpak of Massachusetts has been found to be an acceptable material. The backing substrate 20 is impervious to the adhesive material 40 so that migration of the adhesive material from the first surface 22 to the second surface 24 is substantially precluded. Preferably, the adhesive layer 40 is initially covered by a releasable film 42 that is readily removed to expose the adhesive layer. 
     The second surface 24 of the backing substrate 20 includes the retaining pockets 30. The retaining pockets 30 are formed by an overlying member 32 that overlies a portion of the backing substrate 20. The overlying member 22 may be a portion of the backing substrate that has been folded to overlie the second surface 24. Alternatively, the overlying member 22 may be a separately formed member that is attached to the second surface 24 of the backing substrate 20. In a further configuration, the retaining pocket 30 may have a bottom 34 and the overlying member 22 joined along three sides, or so as to define a pocket having an opening 38. An outside of the bottom 34 will be joined to the second surface 24 of the backing substrate 20. The retaining pocket 30 may be joined to the backing substrate 20 by any of a variety of mechanisms such as adhesives, welding heat treating or other fixedly attaching process. The retaining pockets 30 have the opening 38 into which a portion of the planar image 12 is received. The retaining pockets 30, shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, are constructed to encompass a corner of the planar image 12 to be retained. The retaining pockets 30 are preferably formed of an archival material that will not degrade the planar image 12. 
     The retaining pockets 30 may separately formed from the backing substrate 20 and affixed to the substrate at any location. Thus, a user may identify the desired location of the planar image 12 with respect to the backing substrate 20 and affix the retaining pockets 30 at the required locations to the second surface 24. The planar image 12 is then engaged by the retaining pockets 30 and the backing substrate 20 and engaged planar image 12 are bonded to the page. 
     Preferably, the retaining pocket 30 is sufficiently affixed to the backing substrate 20 so that non destructive separation is substantially precluded. 
     The retaining pockets 30 may have any of a variety of configurations. The retaining pockets 30 may engage a corner of the planar image 12, or an edge of the planar image 12. FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment in which retaining pockets 30 extend along an entire dimension of the planar image 12 along a periphery. FIG. 4 shows the opening 38 which permits retention of a planar image 12. 
     FIG. 5 shows a configuration of the invention in which a planar image 12 is retained by the retaining pockets 30 with respect to the backing substrate 20. A page 70 of a photo album 60 holds two of the mounting assemblies. 
     FIG. 6 shows a cross sectional view taken along line 6--6 of FIG. 3 in which the retaining pocket 30 includes the overlying member 22 and the bottom 34 adhered to the second surface 24 of the backing substrate 20. The backing substrate 20, in turn, has the adhesive layer 40 with the releasable film 42. 
     Thus, the planar image 12 may be displayed without the use of a plastic overlay. Any damage that may result from extended contact between the planar image 12 and a plastic overlay is reduced. In addition, the planar image 12 is readily visible without the distorting effects of a plastic overlay. It is contemplated the backing substrate 20 may be sized and include sufficient retaining pockets 30 to locate two or more planar images 12. Further, the backing substrate 20 may be sized to accommodate any of a variety of photograph sizes. 
     The present invention offers the benefit of locating the planar image 12 and associated mounting system 10 to a page in the photo album. In prior systems, a user had to balance a corner mount on all four corners of the photograph and then align the photograph with the page, trying to place a balanced corner mounts and photo on the page. In these prior systems, a corner mount invariably fell off or the photograph was misaligned. By mounting the planar image 12 to the substrate 20 prior to aligning with the support, wherein the substrate and the photograph are not be subject to unintended separation, the present invention thus allows accurate alignment with the album page. 
     In use, the protective film 42 is removed, thereby exposing the adhesive 40. The adhesive 40 and substrate 20 is then affixed to the support 14, with or without the planar image 12. The second surface 24 of the backing substrate 20 has previously adhered retaining pockets 30 which are ready to receive a planar image 12. Simply by inserting an edge of the planar image 12 into the opening 38, the planar image is easily mounted relative to the backing substrate 20. 
     While the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation of material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.