Abstract:
A frame for insertion of a photograph having a folded structural element with a first portion incorporating a backing and a second portion connected to the first portion having two spaced lateral elements folded onto and rising from the backing. The first portion and second portion cooperatively form an aperture perpendicular to the spaced lateral elements for receiving a photograph to be held between the spaced lateral elements. A face structural element overlays the two spaced lateral elements and is spaced from the backing thereby to engage and support the photograph opposite the backing.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     This invention relates generally to the field of frames for photographs and, more particularly, to a light weight frame with paper structural components and a method for fabricating the frame.  
         [0003]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0004]     Frames provide a means for display and protection of photographs. Conventional frames are typically relatively bulky and costly to produce. Most conventional frames also require complex operations to disassemble, mount the photograph and reassemble the frame which can be time consuming and frustrating for the user. Light weight paper sleeves and mailers have been developed to provide mailing or shipping capability for photos and in some cases have limited ability to act as a display means for the photograph. However, these products tend to be of low quality and do not provide an attractive presentation format.  
         [0005]     It is therefore desirable to provide a display means for photographs that is less costly to manufacture, light weight and yet attractive for presentation. It is further desirable that the means for display allow simple insertion of the photograph without disassembly of the frame.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     The present invention provides a frame for insertion of a photograph having a folded structural element with a first portion incorporating a backing and a second portion connected to the first portion having two spaced lateral elements folded onto and rising from the backing. The first portion and second portion cooperatively form an aperture perpendicular to the spaced lateral elements for receiving a photograph to be held between the spaced lateral elements. A face structural element overlays the two spaced lateral elements and is spaced from the backing thereby to engage and support the photograph opposite the backing.  
         [0007]     In a first embodiment, the face structural element comprises a third portion of the folded structural element extending from the first portion opposite the two spaced lateral elements of the second portion. The third portion is folded onto the second portion opposite the backing. A fold line between the first portion and third portion incorporates a slot substantially similar in length to the spacing of the lateral elements to form a portion of the aperture to receive the photograph. The third portion has a rectangular opening for viewing the photograph. A rectangular border element is affixed to the third portion with an aperture over the rectangular opening of the third portion. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0008]     These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:  
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a bottom plan view of the folding support or structural element of a first embodiment of a frame according to the present invention;  
         [0010]      FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  with the second portion of the structural element operatively folded on to the first portion;  
         [0011]      FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the structural element with the second portion and face structural portion of the first embodiment in their operational positions;  
         [0012]      FIG. 4   a  is an isometric bottom view of the first embodiment with a border element installed with paper thickness exaggerated and fold lines separated;  
         [0013]      FIG. 4   b  is an isometric top view of the first embodiment with a border element installed with paper thickness exaggerated and fold lines separated;  
         [0014]      FIG. 5  is a left end section view along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 3  of the first embodiment with all elements in the operational position with paper thicknesses exaggerated and fold lines separated showing the relative orientation of the elements;  
         [0015]      FIG. 6  is a bottom plan view of the folding support or structural element of a second embodiment of a frame according to the present invention;  
         [0016]      FIG. 7  is a top plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 6  with the second portion of the structural element operatively folded onto the first portion;  
         [0017]      FIG. 8   a  is an isometric bottom view of the second embodiment with combined face structural portion and border element installed; and,  
         [0018]      FIG. 8   b  is an isometric top view of the second embodiment with combined face structural portion and border element installed;  
         [0019]      FIG. 9  is a top plan view of a third embodiment; and,  
         [0020]      FIG. 10  is an isometric bottom view of the embodiment of  FIG. 9  with the second portion of the structural element operatively folded onto the first portion. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0021]     Referring to the drawings,  FIG. 1  shows in plan form the structural elements of a first embodiment of a frame according to the present invention. A folding structural element  10  incorporates a first portion  12  providing a backing  14  to support a photograph. A second portion  16  is attached to the first portion, extending from a first fold line  18  in the first embodiment, providing two spaced lateral elements  20   a  and  20   b  and an interconnecting web  21 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the spaced lateral elements and web of the second portion are folded onto the first portion along the first fold line. The spaced lateral elements then provide a volume to receive a photograph and to constrain two opposing sides of the photograph for positioning while the web acts as a stop for one end of the photograph, as will be described in greater detail subsequently.  
         [0022]     For the first embodiment, a face structural portion  22  is attached to the first portion at a second fold line  24  opposite the second portion. A slot  26  having a length substantially equal to the spacing of the lateral elements in the second portion is present in the second fold line. A rectangular relief  28  extends the slot into the backing of the first portion to assist in insertion of a photograph. The relief not only provides additional ability to manipulate one edge of the photograph but increases the flexibility of the backing out of plane to reduce friction on the photograph during insertion by allowing flexing of the backing.  
         [0023]     The face structural portion is folded over the lateral elements resting on the backing as shown in  FIG. 3 . A rectangular opening  30  in the face structural portion allows the photograph to be viewed and acts in certain embodiments as a matte for outlining the photograph. The transverse dimension  32  of the opening is less than the spacing of the lateral elements to restrain an inserted photograph between the face structural portion and the backing while the lateral elements engage opposing sides of the photograph to align the photograph and position it within the opening of the face structural portion. Comparable dimensioning of the web and rectangular relief to provide a total transverse dimension substantially equal to the transverse dimension of the photograph allows easy centering of the photograph within the opening.  
         [0024]     As shown in  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  for the first embodiment with exaggerated thickness of the paper elements and fold lines scored substantially through the paper thickness, a rectangular border element  34  is adhesively attached to the face structural portion with an aperture  36  at approximately the size of the rectangular opening in the face structural portion. The relative size of the aperture and rectangular opening determine any matte effect or appearance of the face structural portion. For certain embodiments, the face structural portion is not visible through the rectangular border element aperture. For exemplary embodiments, the border element is also formed from paper or corrugated press board having greater weight or thickness than the material of the structural elements. In alternative embodiments, a wood, plastic or metal construction for the border elements is employed  
         [0025]     The left end view of  FIG. 5  shows, again with exaggerated thickness of the paper elements and fold lines scored substantially through the thickness of the paper, the slot  26  in the second fold line and associated relief with the face structural portion  22  separated from the backing  14  of the first portion by the spaced lateral elements  20   a ,  20   b  of the second portion.  
         [0026]     For the first embodiment, an adjustment aperture  38 , as seen in  FIG. 1 , is provided in the backing to assist in manipulation of the photograph during insertion through the slot. The aperture also increases the flexibility of the backing and provides purchase for flexing the backing during insertion of the photo.  
         [0027]     To allow the frame to be self supporting on a desk or other display surface, the backing of the first portion of the structural element includes scored supports  40   a  and  40   b . The supports in the embodiments shown are substantially quadrilateral with a first support on a first quadrant of the backing scored for separation from the backing on three sides and folding from the backing on a forth side substantially along a midline of the backing. The second support is located on a second quadrant of the backing scored for separation from the backing on three sides and folding from the backing on a forth side substantially along a line perpendicular to the first midline of the backing. These supports can be extracted along their respective score lines from the backing and folded along lines  42   a  or  42   b  respectively to form a perpendicularly projecting support from the backing with the frame sitting on a first or second edge. Support  40   a  allows the frame to be viewed in a portrait orientation while support  40   b  allows a landscape orientation. Supplemental scored semicircles  44   a  and  44   b  engage and fix supports  40   a  and  40   b  respectively.  
         [0028]     A second embodiment of a frame according to the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 6-8 . This simplified embodiment reduces the raw material required. As in the prior embodiment, the first portion of the structural element incorporates a backing  14 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the spaced lateral elements  50   a  and  50   b  of the second portion are positioned transversely on the first portion with fold lines  52   a  and  52   b  respectively. When folded as shown in  FIG. 7 , the lateral elements then provide a volume to receive a photograph and to constrain two opposing sides of the photograph for positioning. A web  54  is provided attached to the first portion along a fold line  56  and, when folded, assists in constraining an inserted photograph as previously described. A face structural portion  58  is mounted to the spaced lateral elements with an aperture  60  for viewing the photograph. A rectangular relief  62  in the backing enhances flexibility of the backing and cooperates with the web for positioning of the photograph as previously described. The relief in the embodiment shown in the drawings extends between the folded lateral elements. A relief for the full extent of the side between the first and second fold lines is employed in alternative embodiments.  
         [0029]     For the second embodiment, a positioning aperture  38  and scored supports  40   a  and  40   b  are provided to function as described with respect to the first embodiment.  
         [0030]      FIGS. 9 and 10  demonstrate a third embodiment of the invention. As in the prior embodiments, the first portion of the structural element incorporates a backing  14 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the spaced lateral elements  64   a  and  64   b  of the second portion are positioned transversely on the first portion with fold lines  66   a  and  66   b  respectively. When folded as shown in  FIG. 10 , the lateral elements then provide a volume to receive a photograph and to constrain two opposing sides of the photograph for positioning. As with the prior embodiments, the thickness of the structural elements is exaggerated to more clearly show the effective relationship in their folded operating positions. Tabs  68   a  and  68   b  extend from an end of each the spaced lateral elements and, when the lateral elements are folded, assist in constraining an inserted photograph. A face structural portion is mounted to the spaced lateral elements with an aperture for viewing the photograph as previously shown for the second embodiment. A rectangular relief  70  in the backing enhances flexibility of the backing and cooperates with the web for positioning of the photograph as previously described. As with the prior embodiment, the relief as shown in the drawings for the third embodiment extends between the folded lateral elements. The third embodiment, however, shows the relief and aperture on the minor dimension of the rectangular frame. A relief for the full extent of the side between the first and second fold lines is employed in alternative embodiments.  
         [0031]     For the third embodiment, a positioning aperture  38  and scored supports  40   a  and  40   b  are provided in the backing to function as described with respect to the first embodiment. Further, the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10  also includes a restraining element  72  which is scored in the backing and folds outward along fold line  74 . When folded, the photograph is constrained between the restraining element and the tabs on the spaced lateral elements.  
         [0032]     For each of the embodiments disclosed, the positioning aperture  38  additionally is shaped and sized for attachment to a support disc for wall mounting in a frame system such as that disclosed in co-pending patent application Ser. No. 10/819,971 entitled Picture Frame Assembly having a common assignee with the present invention, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.  
         [0033]     Fabrication of a frame according to the present invention is significantly simplified for either hand or automated line assembly. An extended rectangular paper sheet is provided having first central backing portion, a second portion extending from a first fold line and a third portion extending from a second fold line. A first rectangle is cut from the second portion, extending from an edge of the second portion opposing the first fold line proximate the first fold line. When removed, the rectangle leaves the two laterally spaced rectangular elements and the web. A slot is cut in the second fold line substantially the length of the lateral spacing of the two laterally spaced rectangular elements with a rectangular extension of the slot into the first backing portion. A rectangle is then cut from the third portion substantially centrally located therein and having a lateral extent less than the lateral spacing of the spaced rectangular elements in the second portion forming the face structural portion. A central aperture is then cut in the first central backing portion and a first quadrilateral located on a first quadrant of the backing is scored for separation from the backing on three sides and folding from the backing on a forth side substantially along a first midline of the backing and a second quadrilateral located on a second quadrant of the backing is scored for separation from the backing on three sides and folding from the backing on a forth side substantially along a line perpendicular to the first midline of the backing.  
         [0034]     For the first embodiment, assembly is then accomplished by placing parallel lines of adhesive along the two laterally spaced rectangular elements and the third portion. The two laterally spaced rectangular elements and web are folded onto the first central backing portion along the first fold line. The third portion is then folded over the two laterally spaced rectangular elements onto the first central backing portion along the second fold line.  
         [0035]     The rectangular border element for the first embodiment is then adhesively attached to the third portion with the rectangular opening of the face structural portion substantially centered in the aperture in the border element.  
         [0036]     The second embodiment is substantially similar in assembly with the rectangular paper sheet scored or marked with three fold lines surrounding the first backing portion; one at the top for the first lateral element, a second at the bottom for the second lateral element and a third at a first side for the web. A rectangular relief is then cut into the first backing portion on the edge opposite the third fold line. In alternative embodiments, the relief extends for the full length between the first and second fold lines or for a lateral extent of the side between the first and second lateral elements when folded. The face structural element has the aperture cutout made and is then adhesively bonded to the first and second lateral elements.  
         [0037]     The third embodiment is also substantially similar in assembly however the rectangular paper sheet is scored or marked with two fold lines laterally spaced on the first backing portion; one at the top for the first lateral element, a second at the bottom for the second lateral element. The tabs extending from the first and second lateral elements providing a partial web for constraining the photograph. A rectangular relief is then cut into the first backing portion on the edge opposite the tabs. In alternative embodiments, the relief extends for the full length between the first and second fold lines or for a lateral extent of the side between the first and second lateral elements when folded. The restraining member is then scored into the first backing portion. The face structural element has the aperture cutout made and is then adhesively bonded to the first and second lateral elements.  
         [0038]     Having now described the invention in detail as required by the patent statutes, those skilled in the art will recognize modifications and substitutions to the specific embodiments disclosed herein. Such modifications are within the scope and intent of the present invention as defined in the following claims.