Abstract:
A planar sheet mounting device comprising: a frame unit; at least one retaining unit connected to the frame unit, wherein the at least one retaining device comprises: a first plurality of formed segment pairs, wherein a formed segment pair comprises a first formed segment disposed on a second formed segment, wherein the second formed segment is substantially identical to the first formed segment, wherein the first formed segment is oriented in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the second formed segment, whereby a planar sheet is retained when interposed between the first formed segment the second formed segment; a holder, wherein the first plurality of formed segment pairs are coupled to holder at least one point on each formed segment pair of the first plurality of formed segment pairs, and wherein the first plurality of formed segment pairs are oriented adjacent to each other; an affixant coupled to the holder for removably affixing the first plurality of formed segment pairs and the frame unit to a substrate.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not Applicable 
       FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM LISTING 
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The invention relates to a planar sheet mounting device. In particular, the invention relates to a planar sheet mounting device comprising: a frame unit and at least one retaining unit connected to the frame unit 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0005]    Various methods and devices are known for attaching planar sheet items, such as papers, photographs, envelopes, etc. to a surface. 
         [0006]    A first device includes a pin that pierces the item to attach it to a surface, such as a vertical wall. This method is simple and cost effective, but damages the item which is undesirable when the item is a picture or a piece of artwork or other keepsake item. Further, although decorative versions of these devices are available, they do little to enhance the quality and appearance of the display. 
         [0007]    A second device includes a clip that uses spring force to retain the item and may include a clip or pin or other mechanism for attachment to a surface. This device is an improvement over the pin device, but still causes damage by creasing or deforming the item. 
         [0008]    A third device includes a paper clip type retaining structure, which may also include a clip or pin or other mechanism for attaching to a surface. This device also causes damage by creasing or deforming the item. Further, although decorative variations of these devices are available and they do little to enhance the quality and appearance of the display. 
         [0009]    Therefore it would be desirable to provide a planar sheet mounting device that overcomes these limitations of the prior art devices 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    One aspect of the present invention provides a planar sheet mounting device comprising: a frame unit; at least one retaining unit connected to the frame unit, wherein the at least one retaining device comprises: a first plurality of formed segment pairs, wherein a formed segment pair comprises a first formed segment disposed on a second formed segment, wherein the second formed segment is substantially identical to the first formed segment, wherein the first formed segment is oriented in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the second formed segment, whereby a planar sheet is retained when interposed between the first formed segment the second formed segment; a holder, wherein the first plurality of formed segment pairs are coupled to holder at least one point on each formed segment pair of the first plurality of formed segment pairs, and wherein the first plurality of formed segment pairs are oriented adjacent to each other; an affixant coupled to the holder for removably affixing the first plurality of formed segment pairs and the frame unit to a substrate. 
         [0011]    Another aspect of the invention provides a planar sheet retaining unit comprising: a first plurality of formed segment pairs; wherein a formed segment pair comprises a first formed segment disposed on a second formed segment; wherein the first formed segment is oriented in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the second formed segment, whereby a planar sheet is retained when interposed between the first formed segment the second formed segment; a holder, wherein the first plurality of formed segment pairs are coupled to holder at least one point on each formed segment pair of the first plurality of formed segment pairs, and wherein the first plurality of formed segment pairs are oriented adjacent to each other; an affixant coupled to the holder for removably affixing the first plurality of formed segment pairs to a substrate. 
         [0012]    The aforementioned and other features and advantages of the invention will become further apparent from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments, read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The detailed description and drawings are merely illustrative of the invention rather than limiting, the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1   a  is a front elevation view of a device comprising a frame unit according to the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 1   b  is a side elevation view of a device comprising a frame unit according to the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 1   c  is a back elevation view of a device comprising a frame unit according to the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2   a  is a front elevation view of a device comprising a frame unit according to the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2   b  is a side elevation view of a device comprising a frame unit according to the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2   c  is a back elevation view of a device comprising a frame unit according to the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a device comprising a frame unit according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0020]    A device is provided for mounting a planar sheet, such as photographs, certificates, artwork, etc., which may be used in an office, a home, an automobile, or other personal space. Surfaces for mounting such items are typically vertically oriented and are comprised of fabric, drywall, wood, plastic, or other material suitable material. 
         [0021]      FIGS. 1   a - 1   c  illustrate respective front, side, and back views of a first embodiment of a planar sheet mounting device  100 . In general, planar sheet mounting device comprises a set of one or more formed segment pairs.  FIG. 1   a  illustrates a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the planar sheet mounting device having a set of formed segment pairs, which includes six formed segment pairs  110   a - 110   f , and a holder  120  that provides a structure to connect together each individual segment pair  110   a - 110   f . The six formed segment pairs,  110   a - 110   f  are attached to the holder using, for example, an adhesive or a solder. In other embodiments, a pressure fit or threaded arrangement is used for attaching each formed segment pair to the holder  120 . Holder  120  may extend from front of formed segment pairs  110   a - 110   f  to the back of formed segments  110   a - 110   f , to grip the formed segment pairs abd aid in attachment of the formed segment pairs to the holder. As shown in exemplary side view illustrated in  FIG. 1   b , each formed segment pair  110   a - 110   f  includes a pair of formed segments, exemplified by first formed segment  111  and second formed segment  112 . First and second formed segments  111 ,  112  are in direct contact with each other and are oriented in parallel planes. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second formed segments  111 ,  112  are the same size and shape, so that when seen from the front they appear as a single piece. In other embodiments, the first and second formed segments  111 ,  112  are of different sizes and/or shapes. 
         [0022]    A planar sheet (not shown) is inserted between formed segments  111 ,  112  of one or more of the formed segment pairs  110   a - 110   f , to retain the planar sheet, by way of the pressure or friction fit. In the preferred embodiment, where the formed segments are of the same size and shape the pressure or friction is provided by the intimate contact between the formed segments  111 ,  112 , while not deforming the planar sheet  130  in any way. Formed segments  111 ,  112  are coated with a protective coating such as nylon, acrylic, or other plastic coating or by anodization. Coatings are also selected for their surface properties. Coatings, such as nylon, can enhance the ease of insertion of the planar sheet between the formed segments, while coatings, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) can enhance the retention of the planar sheet between the formed segments by increasing the friction coefficient of the surface. Coating protects planar sheet from damage and provides a means to modify the strength of the friction fit. In some embodiments coating can provide one or more colors or textures to the formed segment pairs. By way of example, coatings may include anodization, powder coating, nylon coating, or PVC. In other embodiments additional coatings are used or no coating is applied. 
         [0023]      FIG. 1   c  illustrates a back view of an exemplary embodiment of the planar sheet mounting device  100 . Affixant is shown as pin  140 , which is shown coupled to holder  120  for removably affixing planar sheet mounting device  100  to a substrate (not shown). In other embodiments, pin  140  is replaced with other means for affixing the planar sheet mounting device  100  to a substrate, for example, a clip, a magnet, or a hook and loop strip, among others. The choice of affixant is based on the properties of the substrate and the preference of the user. 
         [0024]    In one embodiment, formed segments  111 ,  112  are produced using a stiff but pliable linear material, such as a metallic wire, that provides an acceptable amount of stiffness and pliability to allow for production of various meaningful symbols. The formed segments define an outline wherein each formed segment pair produces a meaningful symbol by its outline. Meaningful symbols include various themes or groups of shapes, such as by way of example, garden items, ocean creatures, animals, stars, sports items, flowers, geometric shapes, astrological symbols, buildings, people, holidays, clothing, shoes, and tools. The selection of possible themes or groups of shapes is unlimited and any shape that can be rendered by shaping of the wire may be used. Metallic wire types suitable for the current invention include copper, aluminum, and stainless steel. In other embodiments, additional metal or plastic linear materials are used. 
         [0025]    In the preferred embodiment, formed segment pairs  110   a - 110   f  are shown in the form of a rhodonea curve, or rose shape. A rhodonea curve is a sinusoid plotted in polar coordinates and can be expressed by the polar equation r=cos(kθ). If k is an even integer, the curve is a rose shape having 2k petals and if k is an odd interger the curve is a rose shape having k petals. In other embodiments, other shapes are used and include any geometric shape and the meaningful symbols, as discussed above. The rhodonea curve is preferred for its ease of forming and decorative appearance. 
         [0026]    Holder  120  is a solid or layered part that comprises a variety of shapes including a three dimensional geometric shapes. In one embodiment the three dimensional shape depicts a meaningful symbol. As above, meaningful symbols include various themes or groups of shapes, such as by way of example, garden items, ocean creatures, animals, stars, sports items, flowers, geometric shapes, astrological symbols, buildings, people, holidays, clothing, shoes, and tools. The selection of possible themes or groups of shapes is unlimited and any shape that can be rendered by forming or molding of the holder  120  may be used. In the preferred embodiment, holder  120  is formed of the same material as frame unit and formed segment pairs. In other embodiments different materials are used. Materials selected are based on ease of forming the selected meaningful symbol and include materials that provide one or more colors. In some embodiments, one or more coatings are provided that offer protection to holder  120 , as discussed above with respect to the formed segments. Coatings may comprise one or more colors for providing a decorative finish to holder  120 . 
         [0027]      FIG. 2   a - 2   c  illustrates respective front, side, and back views of a second embodiment of a planar sheet mounting device  200 . The second embodiment includes a second set of formed segment pairs, which includes six formed segment pairs  210   a - 210   f . Each formed segment pair in the second set of formed segment pairs  210   a - 210   f  includes respective third and fourth forth formed segments  213  and  214 , similar to first and second formed segments  111  and  112  and shown in  FIG. 2   b . Second set of formed segment pairs is identical to first set of formed segment pairs  110   a - 110   f , except smaller in size. In another embodiment, second set of formed segment pairs  210   a - 210   f  is a different shape than first set of formed segment pairs  110   a - 110   f . Choice of size and shape is based on desired appearance. First set of formed segment pairs  110   a - 110   f  and second set of formed segment pairs  210   a - 210   f , both accommodate insertion of a planar sheet. In another embodiment, either first set of formed segment pairs  110   a - 110   f  or second set of formed segment pairs  210   a - 210   f  is configured so as not to accommodate insertion of a planar sheet. 
         [0028]    Second embodiment of the planar sheet mounting device includes a holder  220  for attachment of first and second sets of formed segment pairs  110   a - 110   f  and  210   a - 210   f . Also, an affixant, such as pin  240  is included for affixing planar sheet mounting device  200  to substrate (not shown). 
         [0029]      FIG. 3  illustrates one embodiment of a planar sheet mounting device. The planar sheet mounting device  300  includes a frame unit  310 , shown having a curvilinear form. Other forms may be used, such as a linear form a rectilinear form and various geometric shapes. The shape of the frame unit is not limited and can be customized, for example, to match the place of use, to conform to the size and/or shape of the planar sheet, to conform to the size and/or shape of the mounting area, or to conform to the specifications of the user. Other variables can be incorporated into the frame unit design. 
         [0030]    Connected to the frame unit is one or more planar sheet retaining units  100  and  200 , as discussed above in relation to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Planar sheet retaining units  100  and  200 , are connected to the frame unit  310 , using a solder, an adhesive, a pressure fit, or a threaded arrangement. In various embodiments, different combinations of planar sheet retaining units are used and different shaped planar sheet retaining units are used. 
         [0031]    Planar sheet mounting device  300  includes a third formed segment  320  having a unique shape interspersed with planar sheet retaining units  100  and  200  and attached to frame unit  310 . Third formed segment  320  is attached using any suitable means, such as adhesive or solder. In another, embodiment, third formed segment  320 , is integrally formed with frame unit  310 . In the preferred embodiment, third formed segment  320  is a single wire and does not function as a planar sheet retaining device. In other embodiments, both third formed segment  320  and frame unit  310 , are constructed as a pair of segments, providing for the retention of a planar sheet. 
         [0032]    In another embodiment, the frame unit  310  includes one or more apertures (not shown) corresponding to each planar sheet retaining unit  100 ,  200 . Affixants, such as pins  140 ,  240 , on each planar sheet retaining unit  100 ,  200 , respectively, pass through respective apertures and contact or pierce substrate, providing for removal and interchange of different planar sheet retaining units  100 ,  200  using the same frame unit. Frame unit includes any number of apertures and not all apertures need be used. Spacing of apertures and planar sheet retaining units is typically from about 1-5 inches, but other values are used based on a number of variables, such as the size of the planar sheet, the stiffness of the planar sheet, the desired appearance, and the type of substrate, among others. 
         [0033]    A planar sheet (not shown), as described above, is retained by one or more of the planar sheet retaining units, by way of the pressure or friction fit. In the preferred embodiment, frame unit  310  is formed of the same material as the holder and the formed segment pairs. In other embodiments different materials are used. Materials selected are based on ease of forming the selected shape or meaningful symbol and include materials that provide one or more colors. In other embodiments, one or more coatings, such as those discussed above, are provided that offer protection to frame unit  310 . Coatings may comprise one or more colors for providing a decorative finish to frame unit  310 . 
         [0034]    In another embodiment, Holder  120  with coupled affixant  140  may be used with or without other parts, such as formed segment pairs or frame unit. 
         [0035]    While the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are presently considered to be preferred, various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is indicated in the appended claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents are intended to be embraced therein.