EP0470908A1 - Presentation device from units, having in the same plane modifiable relative positions - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a presentation device for unit elements with relative positions which can be modified in a plane, provided with a chassis frame (1) of general rectangular shape. The device according to the invention is noteworthy in that it comprises a plurality of rectangular subframes (2), optionally in several parts (2a, 2b, 2c), which are identical with one another and fitted side-by-side in the chassis frame (1), so that they can move relative to one another, the dimensions of the said subframes (2) being such that they cover the entire free surface of the chassis frame except for a surface corresponding to the area of a subframe, in order to permit the displacement of the said subframes, whilst each subframe comprises means for receiving, as desired and in a visible manner, one of the unit elements to be presented. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a device for presenting unitary elements with relative positions which can be modified in a plane.

The invention is more particularly intended for the presentation or exhibition of photographs, postcards and / or drawings. The presentation and / or exhibition of such elements can be done for commercial and / or simply decorative purposes.

There are a number of known means for presenting photographs simultaneously, such as simple frames with coasters, multi-location panels, albums and other three-dimensional devices.

In all these known cases, it is not possible to simply change a composition of photographs, that is to say to change the relative position of the photographs with respect to each other, since it is generally necessary to remove each photograph from its support or its location to rearrange it and / or reattach it to another location.

This is why the inventor proposes to remedy these drawbacks with a device which makes it possible to exhibit or present several photographs simultaneously while ensuring them relative mobility with respect to each other, so as to allow recompositions at will of a set of photos without having to remove and reposition each of them.

The device according to the invention is inspired by the well-known game of "teasing". However, if the "teasing" aims to reconstitute an assembly from parts which individually are meaningless or without interest, on the contrary, the device according to the invention makes it possible to present a composition of unitary elements.

The device for presenting unitary elements with modifiable relative positions according to the invention is provided with a generally rectangular frame frame and it is remarkable in that it comprises a plurality of rectangular sub-frames, identical to each other and mounted side by side in the chassis frame, movably with respect to each other, the dimensions of said sub-frames being such that they cover the entire free surface of the frame chassis with the exception of a surface corresponding to the location of a sub-frame, to allow the movement of said sub-frames, while each sub-frame comprises means for receiving at will and visibly one unitary elements to present.

Thus, not only it is possible to modify at will a composition by taste or for any other reason, but it is also possible to modify the composition by playful spirit. In addition, it is possible to use the device according to the invention to obtain completely random compositions, it being understood that this may be of interest because of the individual character of each photograph, unlike the teasing game, any random composition of which is a starting position to destroy.

The sub-frames are for example provided laterally with sliding means of the type with ribs and grooves and according to one embodiment, two adjacent sides of each sub-frame each have a groove formed by a succession of fine ribs arranged alternately at the upper level and at the lower level of the edge of the side considered while the other two sides each have a rib arranged substantially in the middle of the edge of the side considered. Preferably at least one of the ribs has at least one notch.

Advantageously, each sub-frame is constituted by a support element mounted movably in the chassis frame and on which is fixed a protective element of which at least the central part of the upper face is transparent or hollowed out, said protective element being intended to maintain the unitary element to be presented, the latter being visible through the transparent or hollowed-out part of said protective element.

According to a first embodiment of the aforementioned type, the protective element is constituted by a cover at least partly transparent or hollowed out which comprises means for a removable fixing intended to cooperate with combined means arranged on the support element, the element unitary to be presented being disposed between the support element and said cover.

However, a preferred embodiment is remarkable in that the protective element comprises a bottom which can be fitted into the support element and a cover at least partly transparent or hollowed out intended for to be fixed removably on said bottom, the unitary element to be presented being disposed between said bottom and said cover.

In this case the cover is arranged to come to fit on or in the bottom of the protective element or else it is advantageously mounted on the bottom of the protective element in an articulated manner.

Preferably, each sub-frame comprises at least one projecting or recessed shape, intended to facilitate the handling of said sub-frame for its movement.

In addition, which is not compulsory, an additional blocking element can be arranged to removably close off the free space in order to block and unblock all of the sub-frames at will, said additional element being able for example to include a rib which is arranged on only one of its sides and a groove which is arranged on the side opposite to the latter.

If the invention is more particularly intended for the presentation of unitary elements in the form of photographs, it may also be drawings, postcards or other decorative elements or not.

• la figure 1 montre en éclaté certains des éléments constitutifs d'un dispositif selon l'invention,
• la figure 2 montre en vue de dessus un dispositif selon l'invention après assemblage des divers éléments,
• la figure 3 montre en vue de dessus un élément support pour un élément protecteur selon l'invention,
• la figure 4 est une demi-vue du dessous (après retournement) de l'élément de la figure 3,
• la figure 5 est une vue selon la flèche F5 de la figure 3,
• la figure 6 est une coupe selon VI-VI de la figure 3,
• la figure 7 est une vue de dessus d'un fond prévu pour s'emboîter dans l'élément des figures 3 à 6,
• la figure 8 est une coupe selon VIII-VIII de la figure 7,
• la figure 9 est une demi-vue du dessous de l'élément de la figure 7,
• la figure 10 montre en coupe un détail de l'emboîtement entre un élément support et le fond du mode de réalisation des figures précédentes.
• la figure 11 est une vue de dessus d'un couvercle pivotant destiné à venir coiffer le fond des figures 7 à 10,
• la figure 12 est une vue selon la flèche F12 de la figure 11,
• la figure 13 est une coupe selon XIII-XIII de la figure 11,
• la figure 14 schématise un détail de l'articulation entre le fond et le couvercle des figures précédentes,
• la figure 15 est une vue de dessus d'un élément supplémentaire de blocage,
• la figure 16 est une vue selon la flèche F16 de la figure 15,
• la figure 17 est une coupe selon XVII-XVII de la figure 15,
• les figures 18 et 19 montrent des détails de deux autres modes de réalisations possibles selon l'invention.

The invention will be clearly understood and other particularities will appear on reading the description which follows and which refers to the appended drawings in which:

• FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of some of the constituent elements of a device according to the invention,
• FIG. 2 shows a top view of a device according to the invention after assembly of the various elements,
• FIG. 3 shows a top view of a support element for a protective element according to the invention,
• FIG. 4 is a half view from below (after turning over) of the element of FIG. 3,
• FIG. 5 is a view along arrow F5 in FIG. 3,
• FIG. 6 is a section on VI-VI of FIG. 3,
• FIG. 7 is a top view of a bottom provided for fitting into the element of FIGS. 3 to 6,
• FIG. 8 is a section along VIII-VIII of FIG. 7,
• Figure 9 is a half view from below of the element of the figure 7,
• Figure 10 shows in section a detail of the nesting between a support element and the bottom of the embodiment of the previous figures.
• FIG. 11 is a top view of a pivoting cover intended to cover the bottom of FIGS. 7 to 10,
• FIG. 12 is a view along arrow F12 in FIG. 11,
• FIG. 13 is a section along XIII-XIII of FIG. 11,
• FIG. 14 schematizes a detail of the articulation between the bottom and the cover of the preceding figures,
• FIG. 15 is a top view of an additional blocking element,
• FIG. 16 is a view along arrow F16 in FIG. 15,
• FIG. 17 is a section along XVII-XVII of FIG. 15,
• Figures 18 and 19 show details of two other possible embodiments according to the invention.

The device according to the invention comprises a frame frame 1 (Figures 1 and 2) in which are arranged side by side, several sub-frames 2 of the same dimensions.

The dimensions of the chassis frame and of each sub-frame are such that the entire free surface of the chassis frame is occupied by the sub-frames with the exception of the location of a sub-frame. For this, it is sufficient that each of the dimensions of a sub-frame is a submultiple of the corresponding dimension of the free surface of the chassis frame.

The rectangular frame frame can of course be square, while each sub-frame will preferably have the shape of a square. If Figure 1 shows a chassis frame 1 of square shape, Figure 2 shows a rectangular chassis frame.

The chassis frame has a bottom 3 and four sides 1a , 1b, 1c and 1d (Figure 1) of which two adjacent sides 1a and 1b are provided with an internal rib and the other two sides 1c and 1d with a groove for sliding. sub-frames 2.

Each sub-frame 2 comprises a support element 2a, and a protective element formed by a bottom 2b and a cover 2c (FIG. 1 shows all of these elements).

The support element 2a is shown in more detail in FIGS. 3 to 6.

The element 2a here hollowed out in its center, which is not obligatory, comprises on two adjacent sides of the ribs 4a, 4b and on the other two sides of the grooves 5a, 5b. The ribs and grooves of an element are designed to cooperate with the grooves and the ribs of the contiguous elements respectively and / or with the grooves and ribs of the chassis frame 1.

To facilitate molding, but this arrangement is not compulsory either, the grooves 5a, 5b are advantageously formed in three parts 5′a, 5˝a, 5 ′ ′ ′ a and 5′b, 5˝b, 5 ′ ′ ′ B alternately at the top and bottom (see more particularly Figure 5).

The ribs 4a, 4b are they provided with a notch 6a, 6b, which will be discussed below, so that each rib 4a, 4b is in two parts 4′a, 4˝a and 4′b, 4˝b. According to the embodiment shown, it can also be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4 that one passes practically without discontinuity from the part 4 "a of the rib 4a on one side to the part 4′b of the rib 4b on the side Similarly, we pass from the upper part 5′a of the groove 5a on one side to the equivalent part 5 ′ ′ ′ b of the groove 5b on the adjacent side. The element 2a also has a peripheral rim 7 ( Figure 3) which will also be discussed below.

Figures 7 to 10 show the element 2b intended to form the bottom of a protective element.

This element 2b is essentially flat on the top and has, on the other hand, a flange 8 (FIGS. 8 to 10) on its lower face provided in places with slight protrusions 9.

The protrusions 9 are intended to snap under the rim 7 of the element 2a, said rim 7 having for this purpose an appropriate shape as shown more particularly in FIG. 10.

Figures 11 to 13 show more particularly the cover 2c intended to be articulated on the element 2b.

To this end, the cover 2c is provided on a peripheral rim 10 (FIGS. 12, 13, 14) with openings 11 intended to form a hinge. by cooperating with projections 12 arranged on the element 2b (Figures 7 and 14). Figure 14 also shows the cover 2c in the closed position in solid lines and in the open position in broken lines.

The cover 2c can also be fixed on the element 2b by any means, such as protrusions and openings or any other latching means, provided for example on the side opposite to the articulated side.

The cover 2c is also provided with protrusions 13 on the top (FIGS. 11 to 14) in order to facilitate the handling of the sub-frames 2 formed by the assembly of the elements 2a, 2b, 2c.

In Figures 15, 16 and 17 there is shown an additional blocking element 14 (also visible in Figures 1 and 2).

This element 14 is constituted in a similar manner to element 2a but it is provided with a single rib 15 in two parts 15 ′ and 15˝ separated by a notch 16 and with a single groove 17 in three parts 17 ′, 17 ˝, 17 ′ ′ ′, arranged on the side opposite to that equipped with said rib 15.

To facilitate the installation and removal of this element 14, the groove 17 is less pronounced than that of the elements 2a while the other two sides have neither rib nor groove (just a notch 18 on one of the free sides ).

The use of the device is simple to understand, each sub-frame 2 being assembled as just explained and then placed in the frame frame 1 (Figures 1 and 2).

Before their installation, at least some of the sub-frames 2 receive a drawing or a photograph or a postcard or other element to be presented which is arranged between the bottom 2b and the cover 2c, the latter being made of transparent or even hollowed out materials. in its central part. In FIG. 2, the elements to be presented are shown diagrammatically under the reference 19.

As shown more particularly in Figure 2, it may be advantageous to allow the opening of the cover 2c and / or the removal of the elements 2b, 2c only when the assembly 2a, 2b, 2c is on one of the sides from the empty slot.

We also understand that for the establishment of the elements 19, one disengages from its support 2a the assembly 2b, 2c forming a cassette, using in particular the notches 6a, 6b with which the said element 2a is provided, the opening of the cassette not being able, for example and according to the chosen embodiment, to be carried out only after disengagement of said assembly 2b, 2c.

However, each cassette 2b, 2c can be simplified as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19.

In fact, it is also possible, according to another embodiment, to have a cover 2′c and a bottom 2′b which are simply fitted one into the other as shown in FIG. 18.

According to yet a more simplified system, a cover 2˝c can directly fit onto an element 2˝a (FIG. 19), which is then slightly raised above its grooves and its ribs relative to the element 2a described above. In Figure 19 there are shown two elements side by side. In this case, one can also provide gripping means for easily dislodging the cover 2˝c.

If the interlocking of the cover 2′c or 2˝c takes place here respectively on the element 2b or 2˝a, the interlockings could also be carried out in the said elements, for example in the manner shown in FIG. About elements 2a and 2b. In all cases of course as shown in Figures 14, 18 and 19 a space is provided for the element to be presented, between the cover 2c, 2′c, 2˝c and the element on which it is fixed, respectively 2, 2′b, 2˝a.

Claims (12)

1) Device for presenting unit elements (19) with modifiable relative positions in a plane, provided with a chassis frame (1), of generally rectangular shape, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of sub-frames (2 ) rectangular, identical to each other and mounted side by side in the frame frame (1), movable with respect to each other, the dimensions of said sub-frames (2) being such that they cover the entire free surface chassis frame (1) with the exception of a surface corresponding to the location of a sub-frame, to allow the movement of said sub-frames, while each sub-frame comprises means for receiving at will and visibly one of the unit elements (19) to be presented. 2) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the sub-frames (2) are provided laterally with sliding means of the rib type (4a, 4b) and grooves (5a, 5b). 3) Device according to claim 2 characterized in that two adjacent sides of each sub-frame each have a groove (5a, 5b) formed by a succession of fine ribs arranged alternately at the upper level (5′a, 5 ′ ′ ′ a , 5′b, 5 ′ ′ ′ b) and at the lower level (5˝a, 5˝b) of the edge of the side considered while the other two sides each have a rib (4a, 4b) arranged substantially in the middle of the edge of the side considered. 4) Device according to one of claims 2 and 3 characterized in that at least one of the ribs (4a, 4b) has at least one notch (6a, 6b). 5) Device according to one of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that each sub-frame (2) is constituted by a support element (2a, 2˝a) mounted movably in the chassis frame (1) and on which is fixed a protective element (2b, 2′b, 2c, 2′c, 2˝c) of which at least the central part of the upper face is transparent or hollowed out, said protective element being provided to maintain the unitary element ( 19) to be presented, the latter being visible through the transparent or hollowed-out part of said protective element. 6) Device according to claim 5 characterized in that the protective element is constituted by a cover (2˝c) at least in transparent or hollowed out part which comprises means for a removable fixing intended to cooperate with combined means arranged on the support element (2 "a), the unitary element (19) to be presented being disposed between the support element (2" a) and said cover (2˝c). 7) Device according to claim 5 characterized in that the protective element comprises a nestable bottom (2b, 2′b) in the support element (2a) and a cover (2c, 2′c) at least partly transparent or hollow intended to be fixed removably on said bottom, the unitary element to be presented (19) being disposed between said bottom and said cover. 8) Device according to claim 7 characterized in that the cover (2′c) is arranged to come to fit on or in the bottom (2′b) of the protective element. 9) Device according to claim 7 characterized in that the cover (2c) is mounted on the bottom (2b) of the protective element in an articulated manner. 10) Device according to one of claims 1 to 9 characterized in that each sub-frame (2) comprises at least one shape (13) projecting or recessed, intended to facilitate the handling of said sub-frame for its movement. 11) Device according to one of claims 1 to 10 characterized in that it is provided with an additional blocking element (14) arranged to come removably close the free space to block and unlock at will the set of sub-frames. 12) Device according to claim 11 characterized in that the additional element (14) has a rib (15) which is arranged on only one of its sides and a groove (17) which is arranged on the side opposite to the latter.

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