Abstract:
A picture matte for framing one or more pictures that also presents two or more composite graphic images or sets of images for viewing with the picture or pictures. The matte may framed or unframed. In an unframed embodiment, the matte serves as a picture frame or other display device. The invention thereby provides an entertainment or enjoyment value, or commercial value (e.g., advertising, marketing, promotional) in addition to the value(s) presented by the picture or pictures. The two or more graphic images or sets of images in a same field of view as a picture, or in an overlapping field of view with that of the picture. A matte comprises at least two interleaved series or sets of sections that are arranged in a wave-like manner such that each series presents a composite image or a set of images, in addition to the matte presenting at least one picture. The matte may have an opening therein, and at least one picture may be mounted to the matte so as to be exposed in the opening for viewing with the image or images presented by the matte, or the picture may be simply positioned adjacent the matte overlaying a portion thereof without an opening. A matte may be provided for one or more sides of viewing, and mattes may be 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional, and may form picture display objects such as pencil holders, drinking cups and notebook covers.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The invention generally relates to mattes for framing pictures and picture frames and other picture display devices.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The invention provides a picture matte for framing one or more pictures that also presents two or more composite graphic images or sets of images for viewing with the picture or pictures. “Image” or “images” are used herein in a broad sense, and encompass images of persons, places, things, characters, figures, graphic designs and abstracts, text, messages, etc., or parts thereof. The matte may be framed or unframed. For example, in an unframed embodiment, the matte serves as a picture frame. Thus, the matte may be part of, or form, a picture frame or other picture display device.  
           [0003]    The invention thereby provides an entertainment or enjoyment value, or commercial value (e.g., advertising, marketing, promotional) in addition to the value(s) presented by the picture or pictures. For example, where the picture or pictures are those of a child, the graphic images can be those of licensed characters, such as those available from The Walt Disney Company and Warner Brothers, for example, or text or a message related to the picture or the holder of the matte. The images may also have a personal or other relationship with picture(s), for example, a composite image of a relative such as a grand parent, or a message to a grand parent, etc. This arrangement can personalize the picture frame or matte for the holder thereof beyond simple display of a picture, or can provide advertising, promotion and marketing via a picture, the images and both. Devices incorporating the invention may therefore be provided for many purposes, including personalization, enjoyment, entertainment, marketing, advertising, promotional and/or novelty purposes.  
           [0004]    The invention provides the two or more graphic images or sets of images in a same field of view as a picture, or in an overlapping field of view with that of the picture. A matte comprises at least two interleaved series or sets of sections that are arranged in a wave-like manner such that each series presents a composite image or a set of images, in addition to the matte presenting at least one picture. The matte may have an opening therein, and at least one picture may be mounted to the matte so as to be exposed in the opening for viewing with the image or images presented by the matte.  
           [0005]    Also, the picture may be simply positioned adjacent the matte overlaying a portion thereof so as to be exposed for viewing with the image or images presented by exposed parts of the matte. In that embodiment, an opening in the matte would not be needed.  
           [0006]    The sections of each series of interleaved sections generally face in a common direction so that images or parts of images displayed by the sections of a same series are viewable together, and the sections of different series face in different directions. “Direction” as used in a broad sense and encompasses linear directions as well as directions along a curve, and clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. This configuration allows an observer to view a picture from a first direction together with a first image or set of images displayed by the matte, and to view the picture from a second direction together with a second image or set of images displayed by the matte. Again using the example of a child&#39;s picture, the sections of one series of sections may display a composite image of Mickey Mouse, while the sections of another series of sections may display a composite image of Donald Duck. The matte may also be personalized by providing the sections with composite images of grand parents or other relatives, etc., or other images of the child, etc.  
           [0007]    The sections of the series may be pre-printed with an image or part thereof, or they may be constructed so as to be suitable for receiving an image or part thereof that can be affixed to or printed on the sections in any suitable manner. The invention provides kits which allow artists, hobbyists and consumers to apply images to wave-like mattes, and/or to attach pictures to wave-like mattes and/or to assemble wave-like mattes into picture frames.  
           [0008]    The matte may or may not be surrounded by a frame, and may or may not be covered by a transparent glass or plastic plate. Also, picture frames of various configurations may incorporate an inventive matte. An opening for a picture, if one is used, can have any suitable shape, such as rectangular, circular, triangular, etc., and the matte part and/or any frame may have any suitable shape. Similarly, a picture displayed by the matte part may have any suitable shape. The sections can have any suitable size, depending, for example, on the size of the picture and/or the size or type of image(s) that the sections display.  
           [0009]    A matte may be provided for one or more sides of viewing. For one-sided viewing, a matte presents at least one picture and at least two images or sets of images for viewing from a same side of the matte. In that embodiment, the matte is generally two-dimensional when not considering the wave-like configuration of the matte, similar to the manner in which a picture frame may be considered  2 -dimensional. For two-sided viewing, a matte may be 2-dimensional, as discussed above, and present at least one picture and at least two images or sets of images from opposite sides of the matte. In this embodiment, pictures may be positioned against the matte without openings, or openings may be provided that do not extend completely through the matte.  
           [0010]    Mattes may also be 3-dimensional. For example, a matte or matte sections may be arranged to define, in cross section, an open or closed figure. An open figure may be formed, for example, by two 2-dimensional matte sections, as described above, connected at an angle so as to be self-standing. A closed figure may be, for example, a geometric figure such as polygon, or a tube or other curved figure. In the case of a polygon, each side may be defined by a 2-dimensional matte section that presents at least one picture and at least two images or sets of images from one or two sides thereof. In the case of tubular or other curved figure, at least one picture, curved to follow the contour of the matte, is positioned on one or two sides of the matte. 3-dimensional mattes may be constructed as display device containers, or as display device novelty items, for example, pencil holders, drinking cups, paper weights, etc. In the case of drinking cups and other novelty items, the matte is sandwiched and sealed within spaced walls.  
           [0011]    2-dimensional mattes and picture frames may also be configured to form picture frame or other display device novelty objects such as notebook covers, etc.  
           [0012]    The wave-like series of sections may be exposed, and thereby provide an undulating surface, or closed by a sheet-like member, or sandwiched between sheet-like members or walls to present a smooth surface. The 3-dimensional figures by be closed on one or more sides, i.e., open on one but less than all sides. A display device pencil holder or drinking cup, for example is open at one end of tubular item. When the sections are closed or sandwiched by sheet-like members, such members are transparent or translucent. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]    The foregoing and other aspects of the invention will become more apparent from the following description of illustrative embodiments thereof and the accompanying drawings which illustrate the invention by way of example. In the drawings:  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 1A is a front view of a matte for a picture according to the invention;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 1B is a rear view of the matte depicted in FIG. 1;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 1C is a front perspective view of the matte depicted in FIG. 1 taken from a first direction in which a first image or set of images can be coherently viewed;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 1D is a front perspective view of the matte depicted in FIG. 1, similar to that depicted ion FIG. 1C, but taken from a second direction, generally opposite to the first direction, in which a second image or set of images can be coherently viewed;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 1E is a front view of a matte similar to that of FIG. 1, except that an opening is not provided for a picture which is positioned adjacent the matte;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 2A is a top view of picture frame according to the invention, including a matte, similar to the one depicted in FIG. 1 but having elongate extensions connected thereto for supporting the matte on a surface;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 2B is a front view of the picture frame depicted in FIG. 2A;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 2C is a rear view of the picture frame depicted in FIG. 2A;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 3A is an exploded perspective view of a picture frame according to the invention which includes a matte similar or the same as the matte depicted in FIG. 1;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 3B is front perspective view of the picture frame depicted in FIG. 3A;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 4A is an exploded perspective view of a picture frame including the matte depicted in FIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the invention;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIGS. 4B and 4C are front and rear perspective views, respectively, of the picture frame depicted in FIG. 4A;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a picture frame including a matte similar or the same as the matte depicted in FIG. 1 according to still another embodiment of the invention;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIGS. 6A, 6B,  6 C and  6 D are schematic diagrams showing different shapes of a matte according to the invention.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a display device including a tubular matte according the invention;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a display device including a four-sided matte according to the invention; and  
         [0030]    [0030]FIGS. 9A and 9B are perspective views of two embodiments of a notebook having a matte for displaying a picture the same as or similar to the matte depicted in FIG. 1. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0031]    The matte  20  depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B has a wavelike configuration  24  and comprises two interleaved series of sections  28  and  32  suitable for displaying a composite image or a series of images. The matte  20  may be constructed of any suitable material, such as cardboard or plastic, for example. The sections are shown to be flat, but may have some other configuration that is also suitable for displaying an image or part of an image, e.g., curved or segmented, etc. The sections  28  of one series face in one direction and the sections  32  of the other series face in another direction, here the opposite direction.  
         [0032]    Referring to FIG. 1A, the sections  28  of one series and the sections  32  of the other series are alternatively interspersed with each other so that adjacent first and second series sections  28  and  32  have common edges  33 . In the preferred embodiments, the common edges  33  are substantially parallel to each other. The phrase “substantially parallel” as used herein, should be interpreted to mean parallel to the degree necessary so that composite image components can be viewed as a composite image from a suitable direction. In another embodiment (not shown), adjacent wave-like sections  28  and  32  do not have common edges but have distinct separated edges. Such edges, however, are preferably also substantially parallel to each other.  
         [0033]    The first series of display sections  28  is preferably imprinted with or otherwise carries graphics that form a first composite image, or distinct images that preferably have some relationship to each other or to a picture  38  mounted to the matte. The image or images presented by sections  28  can be coherently viewed from a first angle or direction of observation, as illustrated in FIG. 1C, while the image or images presented by sections  32  can be coherently viewed from a second angle or direction of observation, as illustrated in FIG. 1D.  
         [0034]    As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the sections  28  are viewable from a first direction in which the sections  32  are not. The sections  28 ,  32  of each series of sections carry images, as shown in FIG. 1A that are preferably related, or a composite image (not shown) of a cartoon character, for example. Different symbols are used in FIG. 1A to portray the different images.  
         [0035]    The first and second composite images are preferably pre-printed or pre-applied to the sections  28 ,  32  so as to provide a decorative background against which a picture  38  (e.g., a photograph) selected by the purchaser of the frame can be displayed. For example, the first and second images can be popular cartoon characters, which will provide a suitable backdrop for displaying the picture of a child. The matte  20  can thus be a suitable article for character merchandising.  
         [0036]    The matte  24  includes an opening  36  for displaying the picture  38 , and means are provided for securing the picture to or against the matte  20  so that the picture may be viewed though the opening  32 . The securing means comprises any suitable structure for holding the picture  38  against the matte  20 . For example, adhesive or tape, or corner tabs or slits such as are typically used in photo albums or to hold photos taken at amusement parks, as well as other means may be used. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS.  1 A- 1 D, a strip such as a contiguous plastic film  40  is disposed on the rear side  26  of the matte  24 . The film  40  provides a series of flaps  44  surrounding the opening  36  to form a sheath or pocket in which the picture  38  may be mounted. The contiguous film  40  may be replaced by one or more discrete strips, if desired. In alternative embodiments, if the matte  20  is sufficiently thick and the picture  38  is sufficiently rigid, the picture  38  and opening  36  can be sized so as to provide a friction-fit of the picture  38  within the internal periphery  48  of the opening  36 . Similarly, the matte  24  can be formed with slots or slits in the periphery  48  of the opening  36  into which the picture  38  may be placed. Other structure for the securing a picture against a matte are discussed below in connection with other embodiments of the invention.  
         [0037]    The matte  20  may serve as a picture frame (display device) when provided with some means for supporting it on a wall or a horizontal surface. For example, a hook  49 , or a flap similar to flap  126  shown in FIG. 4C, may be attached to the rear of the matte  20 .  
         [0038]    In another embodiment, a matte  20   a  is provided that is similar to the matte  20  except that it does not have an opening  36 . A picture  38  may be simply positioned adjacent the matte  20   a  overlaying a portion thereof so as to be exposed for viewing with the image or set of images presented by exposed parts of the matte. The picture  38  can be secured to the matte  20   a  in any suitable way as, for example, described herein.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIGS. 2A, 2B and  2 C depict a picture frame (display device)  50  that includes a matte  56  similar to the one depicted in FIGS.  1 A- 1 D. The matte  56  includes, or has connected thereto, elongated or distal or end sections  54  extending therefrom at an angle sufficient to provide support for the matte  56  on a horizontal support surface. The picture frame  50  is thereby self-standing. A picture (not shown) can be held against the matte  56  exposed in the opening  60  as described above.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIGS. 3A and 3B depict another embodiment of a picture frame (display device)  70 . In this embodiment, the picture frame  70  includes a frame member  82 , that can be conventional (e.g., made of wood, metal or plastic), a matte  74  that can be the same as the matte  20  depicted in FIG. 1, and a conventional backing  78  (e.g., of cardboard). If desired, the backing  78  may be omitted, and other means may be used to hold a picture in the frame member  82 , e.g., spring clips and structures typically used to mount a picture in a frame. A hook or flap may be attached to the back of the matte, or a hook may be attached to the back of the frame. The frame member  82 , matte  74  and backing  78  may be provided as a kit for assembly by a consumer.  
         [0041]    The frame member  82  defines an internal channel  90  for ensconcing the matte  74  and backing  78 . Alternatively, a series of rotatable stops or bendable tabs or clips  92  may be provided on the rear of the frame to hold the backing  78  in the frame member  82 . The backing  78  may also include slots  94  for mounting a picture thereto (not shown). Additionally or alternatively, a film  98 , preferably translucent, (shown in stippled lines) may be provided for mounting the picture the backing  78 . The backing  78  preferably also includes a fin-shaped perforation  102  which, when unfolded or extended, will serve as a flap to support the frame  70  on a horizontal surface.  
         [0042]    When mounted in the frame member  82 , the matte  74  abuts the backing  78 , as shown in FIG. 3B. Thus, the backing  78  and frame member  82  collectively provide a means for securing a picture against the matte  74  so that the picture may be viewed though the opening in the matte. In the alternative, the frame member  82  may be omitted and the matte  74  directly secured to the backing  78  by fasteners such as staples or adhesives, thereby providing another variant of the securing means.  
         [0043]    The frame member  82  may be a peripheral member that encloses the matte  74  which can be viewed through an opening forming by the peripheral member. That opening may be closed by a transparent sheet of glass or plastic (not shown), as is conventional for picture frames, with the sheet being held in the frame member  82  adjacent the matte  74  in a conventional manner. For example, the sheet may be held between the front peripheral lip  99  of the frame member  82  by the matte  74  and the backing  78 , which are held in the frame member  82  as discussed above. In another embodiment, frame element (not shown) may include a transparent front similar to frame member  114  depicted in FIG. 4A.  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 4A depicts another embodiment of a picture frame (display device)  110  according to the invention. In this embodiment, the picture frame  110  includes a matte  116 , similar or the same as matte  20 , a frame member  114  having a transparent front  114   a , a matte  116  that is similar to or the same as matte  20  depicted in FIG. 1, and 3-dimensional backing  120 . A picture  122  may be mounted to the backing  120  via slots  124  aligned with the perimeter of an opening  130  in the matte  116 . A plastic film (such as film  60  shown in FIG. 2C) or fasteners such as staples or adhesives can be also used to mount the picture  122  to the backing  120 .  
         [0045]    The backing  120  is box-like and sized to snuggly fit within the frame member  114  so as to hold the matte  116  therein, as shown in FIG. 4B. The rear  120 B of the backing  120  preferably includes a fin-shaped perforation  126  which, when extended, forms a flap that enables the picture frame  110  to be self-standing on a horizontal surface, as shown in FIG. 4C. The backing  120  can be held in the frame member  114  by a friction fit, or by tabs or the like projecting (such as tabs  92  depicted in FIG. 3A) from the rear periphery of the frame member  114 .  
         [0046]    The frame member  114  be similar or the same as frame member  82  depicted in FIG. 3A, except having more depth to accommodate the backing  120 , and a transparent sheet, as discussed in connection with FIGS. 3A and 3B, may or may not be provided. In that embodiment, the backing  78  would hold the matte  74  in the frame member as described in connection with FIGS. 3A and 3B.  
         [0047]    The picture frame (display device)  140  depicted in FIG. 5 includes a matte  148  similar to or the same as matte  20  depicted in FIG. 1 and a transparent frame member  144  forming an enclosure closed on at least one side and having at least one side open to allow the matte  148  to be inserted into the frame member  144 . Preferably, the frame member  144  is open on only one side. Also, the frame member  144  need only have a transparent front, rather than being entirely transparent. A backing may be provided between the matte  144  and the rear of the frame member  148 . The frame member  144  has sufficient depth to make the picture frame  140  self-standing on a horizontal surface. Alternatively, a hook or other structure can be provided on the rear of the frame member  144  for hanging the picture frame  140  from a wall. A picture can be held against the matte  140  as described above.  
         [0048]    The picture frames depicted in FIGS.  1 - 5  may be provided in kit form for assembly by consumers. The picture frames depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 need only have a picture secured thereto (or the one or more graphic images), while the picture frames depicted in FIGS.  3 - 5  would additionally require assembly by a consumer.  
         [0049]    The mattes and picture frames depicted in FIGS.  1 - 5  have been described in connection with viewing from a single side thereof. However, a matte and/or picture frame may be configured for viewing from more than one side. For example, the matte  20   a  depicted in FIG. 1E and the picture frame  140  depicted in FIG. 5, with a modification to include the matte  20   a , may be provided for viewing from opposite sides thereof. The mattes depicted ion FIGS.  1 - 5  may be considered as being generally  2 -dimensional when not considering the wave-like configuration of the matte, similar to the manner in which a picture frame may be considered 2-dimensional. Such 2-dimensional mattes may be configured for two-sided viewing as follows. At least one picture may be held against each side of the matte as described above in connection with FIG. 1E, and at least two images or sets of images are presented by each side as discussed above for one side. A two-sided matte similar to the one depicted in FIG. 1E may be suspended in an open area for two-sided viewing. A two-sided picture frame similar to the one depicted in FIG. 5 may be supported on a horizontal surface where it can be viewed form opposite sides.  
         [0050]    Referring to FIGS.  6 A- 6 D, mattes may be provided in various shapes having openings of various shapes, or may display pictures of various shapes. Mattes may have many shapes other than does depicted in FIGS.  6 A- 6 D, which are exemplary.  
         [0051]    As discussed above, mattes may form part of or be 3-dimensional picture frames and other display devices. FIGS.  7 - 9  depict 3-dimensional configurations. Referring to FIG. 7, a picture frame  150  may comprise two mattes  152  similar or the same as matte  20  depicted in FIG. 1 joined at a sufficient angle to make the picture frame self-standing. With a wider angle, the two mattes  152  can each be configured for two sided viewing, as described above.  
         [0052]    3-dimensional configurations can be open, as depicted in FIG. 7, or closed as depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9. Referring to FIG. 8, a display device  160  is configured as a pencil holder or drinking cup, and includes a tubular matte  162  sandwiched between inner and outer tubular sheets  164 ,  165  that are sealed in conventional manner at the tops and bottoms thereof. The display device  160  may be constructed similar to the manner that an insulated cup is constructed. One or more pictures may be adhered to the outer tubular sheet  165 , or the outer tubular sheet may have an opening  167  therein into which a picture can be inserted and held, e.g., adhered against the inner tubular sheet  164  or flexed against the periphery of the opening. The outer tubular sheet  165  is transparent. However, the matte  162  may be configured for two-sided viewing and the inner tubular sheet  164  may also be transparent.  
         [0053]    A four sided display device  170 , depicted in FIG. 9, comprises a four section matte  172  and a four double sided walls  174 . Each matte section  172  may be similar to or the same as matte  20  depicted in FIG. 1 joined to from a polygon, or the matte sections can be unjoined and held in position by the walls  174 . The walls  174  include inner and outer sheets, which can be joined and sealed conventionally. One or more pictures can be held by the picture display device  170  as generally discussed in connection with picture frame  160 . The matte sections of matte  162  can be configured for one or two sided viewing as discussed for display device  160 .  
         [0054]    As discussed above, mattes and picture frames or other display devices can be configured for various applications. FIG. 10A depicts a picture frame  180  attached to or forming the cover of a notebook  182 . The picture frame  180  includes a matte  183  similar to the matte  20  depicted in FIG. 1A. The matte  183  may be secured to the cover  184  in any suitable manner. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 10A, the matte  183  is not covered or enclosed. FIG. 10B depicts an embodiment on which the matte  183  is covered by a transparent enclosure  186  attached to the notebook cover  184 . FIGS. 10A and 10B depict embodiments in which a matte or picture frame is secured to only one cover. However, mattes or picture framed may be secured to both covers, as well as to the spine of the notebook. Pictures may be secured to the picture frames and mattes as discussed above.  
         [0055]    Kits may be provided as described above. In addition, images may be provided that can be affixed to mattes. Strips with images imprinted thereon and an adhesive backing may be provided as separate items or as part of a kit.  
         [0056]    For best visual effects, the sections in each series are preferably flat, of equal size and arranged parallel to each other, with the sections of one series being orientated transversely (preferably an angle in the range of 30 to 60 degrees) to the sections of the other series.  
         [0057]    The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the disclosure herein. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many modifications and variations may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The applicant intends that the claims cover all such modifications and variations, and equivalents thereof, permitted by the prior art.