AU2015203329A1 - A picture display - Google Patents

Abstract

A picture display, the picture display including: a rigid picture surface; rigid return surfaces integrally formed with the rigid picture surface and extending therefrom; and joining surfaces extending from the rigid return surfaces, wherein at least one of the joining surfaces is joined to a second of the joining surfaces. 410 310 320 300 200 320 310 Figure 1

Description

- 1 A PICTURE DISPLAY FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The invention relates to a picture display and method thereof. In particular, the invention relates, but is not limited, to a picture display including a digital print image. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION [0002] Pictures are typically displayed in a picture frame. Picture frames normally place a visually appealing decorative edge around a picture. The picture frame typically makes it easier to display a picture as the frame includes mounts. Furthermore, picture frames allow for further protection of the picture. [0003] Typically, a picture frame is made up of edge pieces that are mitred to allow for a 90 degree connection therebetween. A backing plate covers a picture within the connected edge pieces allowing the picture to be secured in the picture frame. The picture frame may also include a transparent surface in front of the picture to add further protection for the picture. [0004] In view of the above, it would be appreciated that significant time and cost is incurred in constructing picture frames. In this regard, consumers may be reluctant to change picture frames and/or pictures due to their cost and, therefore, the frame and picture may become outdated with other decor. Furthermore, reselling pictures and picture frames at a suitable resale value may be difficult as the frame and/or picture may not suit other decors. [0005] Reference to background art herein is not to be construed as an admission that such art constitutes common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere.

-2 OBJECT OF THE INVENTION [0006] It is an aim of this invention to provide a picture display which overcomes or ameliorates one or more of the disadvantages or problems described above, or which at least provides a useful alternative. [0007] Other preferred objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description. SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0008] In one form, although not necessarily the only or broadest form, the invention resides in a picture display, the picture display including: a rigid picture surface; rigid return surfaces integrally formed with the rigid picture surface and extending therefrom; and joining surfaces extending from the rigid return surfaces, wherein at least one of the joining surfaces is joined to a second of the joining surfaces. [0009] Preferably, the rigid picture surface includes a printed picture. Normally, the printed picture also covers one or more of the rigid return surfaces and/or one or more of the joining surfaces. Typically, the printed picture is in the form of a digital print. Preferably, the printed picture is printed onto a self adhesive synthetic film. Normally, a laminate is applied over the printed picture for protection. Preferably, the laminate is a clear synthetic adhesive film. Normally, the printed picture includes a border. Typically, the border gives the appearance of a picture frame. Preferably, the border extends from the rigid picture surface to the rigid return surfaces and/or joining surfaces. [0010] Preferably, the rigid return surfaces extend from the rigid picture surface at an angle. Typically, the rigid return surfaces extend from the rigid picture surface at an angle of substantially 90 degrees. That is, the rigid -3 return surfaces are substantially perpendicular to the rigid picture surface. Alternatively, the rigid return surfaces extend from the rigid picture surface at any angle including from 30 degrees to 60 degrees. Normally, one or more fold lines are located between the rigid picture surface and one or more of the rigid return surfaces extending therefrom. Preferably, the one or more fold lines are in the form of an engraving path. [0011] Preferably, the joining surfaces extend from the rigid return surfaces at an angle. Typically, the joining surfaces extend from the rigid return surfaces at an angle of substantially 90 degrees. That is, the joining surfaces are substantially perpendicular to the rigid return surfaces. Alternatively, the joining surfaces extend from the rigid return surfaces at any angle including 30 degrees to 60 degrees. Preferably, the joining surfaces extend substantially parallel with the rigid picture surface. Normally, one or more fold lines are located between one or more of the rigid return surfaces and one or more of the joining surfaces extending therefrom. Preferably, the one or more fold lines are in the form of an engraving path. [0012] Preferably, one or more of the joining surfaces include one or more joining holes. Typically, one or more of the joining surfaces include one or more slots. Preferably, the one or more slots include a wider portion and a narrow portion. Normally, the wider portion and narrow portion are substantially circular in shape. Typically, the one or more slots are in the form of a key hole. [0013] Preferably, the at least one of the joining surfaces is adjacent to the second of the joining surfaces. Normally, the at least one of the joining surfaces is joined to the second of the joining surfaces with a connector. Preferably the connector includes one or more holes. Typically, the joining holes of the joining surfaces are aligned with the holes of the connector and a fastener is inserted therethrough to connect the joining surfaces to the connector. Normally, the fastener is in the form of a rivet. Alternatively, or additionally, the at least one of the joining surfaces is joined to the second of the joining surfaces with an adhesive.

-4 [0014] Preferably, the rigid picture surface, rigid return surfaces and/or joining surfaces include a metal, plastic and/or composite. Preferably, the rigid picture surface, rigid return surfaces and joining surfaces are made from an aluminium composite material. [0015] In another form the invention resides in a method for assembling a picture display, the method including the steps of: producing a picture on a rigid picture surface; folding rigid return surfaces adjacent the rigid picture surface; folding joining surfaces extending from the rigid return surfaces; and joining a least one of the joining surfaces to a second of the joining surfaces. [0016] Preferably, the step of producing a picture on the rigid picture surface includes printing a picture. Typically, printing the picture includes digital printing. Alternatively, or additionally, printing the picture includes screen printing. Normally, the printed picture also covers one or more of the return surfaces and/or one or more of the joining surfaces. Preferably, the step of printing the picture includes printing onto a self adhesive synthetic film. [0017] Preferably, the step of producing a picture on the rigid picture surface also includes mounting the printed picture onto the rigid picture surface. Typically, the printed picture is also mounted onto one or more of the return surfaces and/or one or more of the joining surfaces. Normally, the printed picture is mounted using a roll laminator. [0018] Normally, the step of producing a picture on the rigid picture surface also includes applying a clear synthetic adhesive film to the picture for protection. [0019] Preferably, the method further includes trimming the printed picture.

-5 [0020] Typically, the step of folding the rigid return surfaces includes folding the rigid return surfaces to an angle of substantially 90 degrees with respect to the adjacent rigid picture surface. Normally, the step of folding the joining surfaces includes folding the joining surfaces to an angle of substantially 90 degrees with respect to the rigid return surfaces. That is, the step of folding the joining surfaces includes folding the joining surfaces to be substantially parallel with the rigid picture surface. [0021] Preferably, the step of joining the at least one of the joining surfaces to the second of the joining surfaces includes connecting a connector between the joining surfaces. Typically, the at least one of the joining surfaces is adjacent to the second of the joining surfaces. Normally, the step of connecting the connector between the joining surfaces includes passing a fastener through aligned holes in the connector and joining surfaces to allow fastening therebetween. Preferably, the fastener is in the form of a rivet. [0022] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0023] By way of example only, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein: Figure 1 illustrates a flat pattern of a picture display according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 illustrates an upper perspective view of a picture display according to an embodiment of the invention; and Figure 3 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the picture display shown in figure 2.

-6 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0024] Figure 1 illustrates an unassembled picture display 5 according to an embodiment of the invention. The assembled picture display 10, according to an embodiment of the invention, is shown in figures 2 and 3. [0025] As shown in figures 1 to 3, the picture display 5, 10 includes a rigid picture surface 100, rigid return surfaces 200 and joining surfaces 300. The rigid picture surface 100 is continuous and does not include perforations. However, it would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the picture surface may include perforations, if required. [0026] Furthermore, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that the term 'rigid' means, for example, not easily bent or changed in shape. In this regard, the rigid picture surface 100, rigid return surfaces 200 and joining surfaces 300, in this embodiment, are made of a rigid material in the form of an aluminium composite. The aluminium composite consists of a polyethylene core laminated between two sheets of aluminium. [0027] The rigid return surfaces 200 are integrally formed with the rigid picture surface 100 and extend from the sides of the picture surface 100. A fold line in the form of engraving path 150 is situated between the picture surface 100 and each rigid return surface 200. [0028] The joining surfaces 300 extend from the rigid return surfaces 200. A fold line in the form of engraving path 250 is situated between each joining surface 300 and each return surface 200. The joining surfaces 300 each also include joining holes 310 and slots in the form of keyholes 320. At each end of the joining surfaces 300 is an angled edge. [0029] The picture display 5, 10 also includes connectors 400. The connectors 400 each include two holes 410. The connectors 400 are configured to fit under the folded joining surfaces 300, as further outlined below. The connectors 400 are also made from the same aluminium composite from which the rigid picture surface 100, rigid return surfaces 200 and joining surfaces 300 are cut.

-7 [0030] To assemble the picture display 10, as shown in figures 2 and 3, a picture 110 is produced. The picture 110 is produced using a hi-resolution inkjet printer which prints a picture onto a self adhesive film. It would also be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that this step may, for example, also be achieved using a digital flatbed printer printing directly to a parent sheet. [0031] The picture 110 includes a border 112 that surrounds a desired image 114. The border 112 gives the appearance of a picture frame surrounding the image 114. The picture 110 is trimmed to the same size as the flat pattern of the picture display 10 shown in figure 1, excluding the connectors 400, in order to achieve accurate registration between these two components in the mounting step outlined below. [0032] After the picture 110 has been printed, a clear self adhesive synthetic film is placed over the picture 110 in order to assist in protecting the picture 110. The clear self adhesive synthetic film is applied using a roll laminator. [0033] The picture 110 is then mounted to the rigid picture surface 100, rigid return surfaces 200 and joining surfaces 300 using a roll laminator. The roll laminator allows for aligning the edges of these respective parts to maintain registration. The picture 110 may have to be trimmed after this stage. [0034] Once the picture 110 has been mounted to the rigid picture surface 100, rigid return surfaces 200 and joining surfaces 300, the picture 110 is placed face down. Following this, the rigid return surfaces 200 are folded about the engravings 150 to be substantially perpendicular to the rigid picture surface 100. The joining surfaces 300 are then folded about the engravings 250 to be substantially perpendicular to the rigid return surfaces 200. The angled edges of the joining surfaces 300 substantially form a mitred joint 302, between adjacent joining surfaces 300, when folded to be substantially perpendicular to the rigid return surfaces 200.

-8 The folded rigid return surfaces 200 and joining surfaces 300 are further shown in figure 3. The joining surfaces 300 substantially abut one another. [0035] To join at least one of the joining surfaces 300 to a second of the joining surfaces 300, piercings 304 in the form of cross cuts are first made through the picture 110 where it covers the joining holes 310 of the joining surfaces 300. The connectors 400 are then positioned below adjacent joining surfaces 300, at respective corners of the picture display 10, to allow alignment between joining holes 310 and holes 410. A rivet is then inserted through each of the joining holes 310 and holes 410, respectively, to substantially secure the adjacent joining surfaces 300 together via the connector 400. [0036] As would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, the picture display 10 provides a cost effective way of displaying pictures. The picture display 5, 10 is formed from a single sheet of material that is, for example, easily cut on a CNC router. The picture display 10 is easily assembled and is ideal as a reusable device. That is, as the picture 110 only has to be replaced to update a border 112 and/or image 114, the picture display 10 can be updated to match a certain decor. This is a notable commercial advantage over pictures mounted in a traditional picture frame, which are relatively expensive to update. Furthermore, due to high quality printing, the picture 110 also gives the appearance of an image 114 that has been professional framed with a traditional picture frame. [0037] The engraving paths 150, 250 relieve the surface tension in the picture display 10 which is important for maintaining a flat and stable picture surface 100 on which the picture 110 can be mounted. In addition, the engraving paths 150, 250 assist in accurately folding the rigid return surfaces 200 and joining surfaces 300. The engraving paths 150, 250 are cut with a specifically designed 90 degree Vcarve tool.

-9 [0038] Joining adjacent joining surfaces 300 strengthens the outer perimeter of the picture display 10. This allows the picture display 10 to be mounted on a wall via the keyholes 320. [0039] Overlaminating the picture 110 with a clear self adhesive synthetic film, for example, assists in protecting the picture 110 and also allows for a preferable surface finish (i.e. Matt, Satin, Gloss etc.). [0040] In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order. Where the context permits, reference to an integer or a component or step (or the like) is not to be interpreted as being limited to only one of that integer, component, or step, but rather could be one or more of that integer, component, or step etc. [0041] The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications, and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention. [0042] In this specification, the terms 'comprises', 'comprising', 'includes', 'including', or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method, system or apparatus that comprises a list of -10 elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.

Claims (20)

1. A picture display, the picture display including: a rigid picture surface; rigid return surfaces integrally formed with the rigid picture surface and extending therefrom; and joining surfaces extending from the rigid return surfaces, wherein at least one of the joining surfaces is joined to a second of the joining surfaces.

2. The picture display of claim 1, wherein the rigid picture surface includes a printed picture.

3. The picture display of claim 2, wherein the printed picture also covers one or more of the rigid return surfaces and/or one or more of the joining surfaces.

4. The picture display of claims 2 or 3, wherein the printed picture includes a border.

5. The picture display of claim 4, wherein the border extends from the rigid picture surface to the rigid return surfaces and/or joining surfaces.

6. The picture display of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rigid return surfaces extend from the rigid picture surface at an angle of substantially 90 degrees. -12 6. The picture display of any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more fold lines are located between the rigid picture surface and one or more of the rigid return surfaces extending therefrom.

7. The picture display of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the joining surfaces extend from the rigid return surfaces at an angle such that the joining surfaces extend substantially parallel with the rigid picture surface.

8. The picture display of any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more fold lines are located between one or more of the rigid return surfaces and one or more of the joining surfaces extending therefrom.

9. The picture display of any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more of the joining surfaces include one or more joining holes.

10. The picture display of claim 9, wherein the one or more joining holes are aligned with the holes of a connector and a fastener is inserted therethrough to connect the joining surfaces to the connector.

11. The picture display of any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more of the joining surfaces include one or more slots. -13

12. The picture display of claim 11, wherein the one or more slots include a wider portion and a narrow portion.

13. The picture display of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rigid picture surface, rigid return surfaces and joining surfaces are made from an aluminium composite material.

14. A method for assembling a picture display, the method including the steps of: producing a picture on a rigid picture surface; folding rigid return surfaces adjacent the rigid picture surface; folding joining surfaces extending from the rigid return surfaces; and joining a least one of the joining surfaces to a second of the joining surfaces.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of producing the picture on the rigid picture surface includes mounting the picture onto the rigid picture surface.

16. The method of claims 14 or 15, wherein the step of producing the picture on the rigid picture surface includes applying a clear synthetic adhesive film to the picture for protection.

17. The method of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the method further including mounting the picture onto one or more of the return - 14 surfaces and/or one or more of the joining surfaces.

18. The method of any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the step of joining the at least one of the joining surfaces to the second of the joining surfaces includes connecting a connector between the joining surfaces.

19. The method of any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the at least one of the joining surfaces is adjacent to the second of the joining surfaces.

20. The method of any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the step of connecting the connector between the joining surfaces includes passing a fastener through aligned holes in the connector and joining surfaces to allow fastening therebetween.