EP3215372A1

EP3215372A1 - Image display assembly

Info

Publication number: EP3215372A1
Application number: EP15797701.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ryan J. MILLMAN; Cheyne SMITH
Original assignee: Gallery Blocks dba Artsy Couture LLC
Current assignee: Gallery Blocks dba Artsy Couture LLC
Priority date: 2014-11-07
Filing date: 2015-11-09
Publication date: 2017-09-13
Also published as: WO2016071721A1; MX2017005825A; CN107428194A; CA2970906A1; AU2015341532A1

Abstract

Provided herein is an image display assembly (200) comprising: a base having a front face for securing an image or other display material for display, and a non-image face, the non-image face comprising a plurality of linear v-grooves (212), wherein the plurality of linear v-grooves segment the base into one or more foldable segments (222, 224) that upon folding of the segments assemble the base into a support structure comprising a plurality of corners, thereby forming an assembled base comprising at least one image display face formed from at least a portion of the front face. Also provided is an assembled image display, a method of creating an image display and use of an image display assembly to create an image display.

Description

IMAGE DISPLAY ASSEMBLY

Inventors: Ryan Millman and Cheyne Smith

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to earlier-filed U.S. provisional patent application No(s) 62/076,927 filed November 7, 2014; 62/130,850, filed March 10, 2015; and 62/160,370, filed May 12, 2015, the contents each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

The mounting and display of painted or printed images is typically

accomplished by stretching a canvas or other material containing an image over a wooden or metal stretcher frame. The images are generally secured to the backside of the frame with staples or adhesive. These systems are typically expensive, have multiple parts, or do not provide for an image that is professional in appearance. They also leave unintended folds of material or canvas, which appear as wrinkles at the edges, disturbing the integrity of the image. Other image display systems have been developed that provide a flat mounting surface, for transforming a flat image mounting surface into a frame upon folding of the portions of the base along indentations. These systems, however, require secondary support to secure the assembled position, to resist warping of the edges, such as rigid back panels, inner cavity supports such as foam, and the like.

There is a need for new support structures and image substrates that address such disadvantages and provide for a technically efficient image display providing a professional, artistic appearance, and where the integrity of the image is not compromised.

l SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein is an image display assembly wherein the image is an image printed on canvas or other material, and whereby the display assembly is configured for mounting of the image and for hanging or as a free-standing display.

The present invention provides an extremely efficient way to produce an artistic display, either as a display hanging from a wall or other support means, or as a free-standing display, and drastically reduces production time and cost when compared to other comparable image display systems, yet provides an extremely high quality display. One particular feature of the image display assembly is the resulting nearly-perfect 90° corners of the display, which are difficult to achieve on standard image displays, such as stretched canvas.

In one embodiment, the image display assembly is configured as a planar base with a unique v-grooved arrangement dispersed along a portion of the base, resulting in a foldable base segments. In one embodiment, the planar base is comprised of a rigid material, such as a medium density fiberboard (MDF). In another embodiment, v-grooves form a point at which the board can be folded along the groove (point of introversion, or hinge point), so that the folded edges portions of the base form a corner.

In one embodiment, the base of the assembly comprises an (optional) adhesive on an image side of the base, and an (optional) removable protective layer covering the adhesive. When the optional protective covering is removed, the adhesive is revealed, thereby providing a mounting surface for an image.

In one embodiment, the orientation of the v-grooves along the base create foldable segments, that when folded inward along the v-groove permit the base to be folded into various shapes, such as into a box-like shape with near-perfect 90° corners. This unique assembly solves the problem often seen in canvas print displays of wrinkles at the frame corners.

An image display according to one embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a planar base configured with an adhesive layer applied on an image mounting surface, with a removable protective layer covering the adhesive, and a plurality of v-grooves on a non-image face that provide means of assembling the base into a support structure with a plurality of corners, with one or more of an image display face, depending on the overall shape/contours of the planar base, and the arrangement of the grooves placed into/on the planar base.

In one embodiment, the image display assembly is a foldable planar base of particular configuration and shape that upon folding of the planar base results in an image display support of a particular shape, such as a rectangular shape, square shape, or cube-shape, wherein the overall dimensions are only limited by the area of the planar base, outer contours of the planar base, and arrangement of v-grooves.

In one embodiment, the image display base may be divided or segmented by one of numerous arrangements of v-grooves applied, the v-grooves creating segments that sub-divide the base and creates points of introversion, permitting folding of the segments inwardly at the v-grooves, thereby resulting in the formation of a corner segment that defines an edge of the image display assembly.

In one embodiment, the v-grooves are at a depth and width along the planar base that permits inward folding of the segments along a corresponding v-groove, such that the inward folding provides a near-perfect 90° corner upon alignment of the two adjoining segments along a respective v-groove. In another embodiment, the outer edges of the planar base comprise an angled edge, corresponding to a 45 degree angle, so that when a set of opposing ends of the planar base are brought together and aligned at the edge, they form a 90° corner.

An embodiment provides an image display assembly, comprising a base comprised of a generally-planar material and configured with peripheral edges that are angled at approximately 45°, a front (image) face and a back (non-image) face; an adhesive layer applied on the front face for adhering an image or display material thereto; and a linear v-groove arrangement applied on the non-image face, wherein the linear v-grooves comprise an angle in a range of 85° to 95° degrees, and wherein the linear v-groove arrangement sub-divides the base into a number of foldable base segments, that upon folding of the segments create at least one or more corners of one or more support means of an assembled image display assembly, wherein the support means comprise one or more of an image display face formed from at least a portion of the front face, a side wall formed from at least two side wall segments, a back wall formed from at least two back wall segments, an outer wall formed from at least two outer wall segments, and an inner support formed from at least two inner support segments.

An embodiment provides an image display assembly comprising: a base having a front face for securing an image or other display material for display, and a non-image face, the non-image face comprising a plurality of linear v-grooves, wherein the plurality of linear v-grooves segment the base into one or more foldable segments that upon folding of the segments assemble the base into a support structure comprising a plurality of corners, thereby forming an assembled base comprising at least one image display face formed from at least a portion of the front face. Another embodiment provides a method of creating an image display, comprising:

providing an image display assembly of the invention;

folding the segments to assemble the base into a support structure

comprising a plurality of corners, thereby forming an assembled base comprising at least one image display face formed from at least a portion of the front face; and applying at least one image to at least a portion of the image display face. Applying at least one image to at least a portion of the image display face may occur before, during and/or after folding the segments to assemble the base into a support structure. In an embodiment, at least one image may be applied before folding the segments. In an embodiment, at least one image may be applied after folding the segments. Where the image display assembly comprises a removable protective layer and an adhesive layer, the method may further comprise removing, the removable protective layer prior to applying the at least one image.

Another embodiment provides the use of an image display assembly of the invention to create an image display.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1A - 1 C show a cross-sectional view of an image display (partial) assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2A - 2H show various embodiments of an unassembled image display assembly configured as a rectangular-shaped image display.

Figs. 3A & 3B show an image display assembly configured as a rectangular frame. Figs. 4A - 4C show a stretcher frame assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 5A - 5C show a cube-shaped image display according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figs. 6A - 6C show an exemplary cube-shaped image display according to one embodiment of the present invention.

ADDITIONAL EMBODIMENTS

The invention also includes the embodiments of the following clauses:

1 . An image display assembly comprising:

a base having a front face and a back face, the back face comprising a plurality of grooves;

an adhesive layer applied to a front face of the base layer; and a removable protective layer covering the adhesive layer, wherein the plurality of grooves is configured such that the plurality of grooves may be folded to assemble the base into a support structure with a plurality of corners to form an assembled base comprising at least one image display face formed from at least a portion of the front face,

2. The image display assembly of clause 1 , wherein the base is at least

generally planar and comprises a number of segments defined by the plurality of grooves.

3. The image display assembly of clause 2, wherein folding the plurality grooves provides points of introversion permitting folding of the resulting segments inwardly toward the back face of the base, thereby forming of the plurality of corners of the display assembly. The image display assembly of any of clause 2 or clause 3, wherein the segments comprise a front segment, side segments, and optionally at least one back segment.

The image display assembly of clause 4, wherein when said grooves are folded, said side segments are approximately perpendicular to said front segment.

The image display assembly of clause 4 or clause 5, wherein when said grooves are folded, said side segments are approximately perpendicular to said at least one back segment, and said front segment is approximately parallel to said at least one back segment.

The image display assembly of clauses 4 to 6, wherein the front segment comprises the at least one display face, optionally wherein at least one side segment comprises a display face, further optionally wherein each side segment comprises a display face.

The image display assembly of any of clauses 2 to 7, wherein segments of the base comprise distal ends and said distal ends comprise clipped corners and/or notches to minimize interference of the segment ends with each other, when the plurality of grooves are folded to form the assembled base.

The image display assembly of any of clauses 2 to 6, wherein segments of the base comprise distal ends and said distal ends are shaped to allow overlap of a distal end of a segment with the distal end of a neighboring segment when the plurality of grooves are folded to form the assembled base. The image display assembly of clause 9, wherein a closure secures the overlap, thereby securing the assembled base, optionally wherein the closure is selected from staples, pins, nails, screws, rivets, glue, Velcro and magnets. The image display assembly of any of clauses 8 to 10, wherein said at least one back segment comprises said distal ends.

The image display assembly of any preceding clause, wherein at least one of said plurality of corners is formed at an angle of about 90°, optionally wherein each of said plurality of corners is formed at an angle of about 90°.

The image display assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the base is formed from a material comprising or selected from at least one of plastic, paperboard, cardboard, fiberboard, wood, metal, aluminum, or combination thereof

The image display assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the base has a thickness of at least 1/16 inch and not more than 1/2 inch.

The image display assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the grooves are v-grooves.

The image display assembly system of clause 15, wherein the v-grooves have an angle of 85 to 95°, optionally wherein the v-grooves have an angle of about

90°,

The image display assembly of clause 15 or clause 16, wherein the v-grooves have a depth such that they permit inward folding of segments of the base, but do not fully traverse the material of the base.

The image display assembly of any of preceding clause, wherein the grooves have a depth of at least 50% of the thickness of the base, optionally wherein the grooves have a depth of at least 60% of the thickness of the base, futher optionally wherein the grooves have a depth of at least 70% of the thickness of the base, still further optionally wherein the grooves have a depth of at least 80% of the thickness of the base. The image display system of any preceding clause, wherein the removable protective layer comprises a polymeric material.

The image display system of any preceding clause, wherein the adhesive layer comprises polyvinyl acetate, hot melt adhesives, and/or pressure sensitive adhesives.

The image display system of any preceding clause, wherein the adhesive layer comprises a double-sided adhesive film with a peel-away protective layer.

The image display system of any preceding clause, further comprising a decorative panel, wherein the decorative panel is configured for attachment to a non-image display side of the assembled base.

The image display system of clause 22, wherein the decorative panel, when attached to the assembled base, is approximately parallel to at least one image display face.

The image display system of clause 22 or clause 23, wherein the decorative panel, when attached to the assembled base, covers substantially all of the non-image display side of the assembled base.

The image display system of any of clauses 22 to 24, wherein the decorative panel comprises a material selected from cardboard, fiberboard, plastic, fabric, natural materials, synthetic materials, or any combination thereof. The image display system of any preceding clause, wherein the base is configured such that, when assembled, the assembled base forms a prism optionally with an end face removed.

The image display system of clause 26, wherein the side faces of the prism are rectangles, The image display system of clause 26 or 27, wherein the prism is a triangular prism or rectangular prism.

The image display system of any of clauses 26 to 28, wherein the prism is a cube.

The image display assembly of any preceding clause, further comprising an arrangement of closure means affixed to the back face, wherein the closure means comprise an arrangement of magnetic closures configured such that they secure the assembled base.

The image display assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of grooves have been folded and the assembled base has been formed.

The image display assembly of any preceding clause, further comprising one or more of an image or display materials mounted to the at least one image display face, wherein the materials are mounted by removing the removable protective layer and adhering the one or more image or display materials to the adhesive layer of the base.

A method of creating an image display, comprising:

providing an image display assembly of any of clauses 1 to 32, wherein the base comprises a number of segments defined by the grooves;

removing the removable protective layer from the base to expose the adhesive layer;

aligning one or more of an image to be displayed with the adhesive layer and securing the one or more image to be displayed to all or a portion of the base by adhering the one or more image to be displayed to the adhesive layer;

on the back face of the base, folding the segments along the grooves inwardly as to create the plurality of corners that provide a support structure, wherein the support structure comprises either a front image display, side walls, and back walls formed of the inward folded segments, or a multi- surface image display.

34. The method of clause 32, wherein the multi-surface image display comprises display surfaces of approximately equal dimensions.

35. The method of clause 33 or clause 34, wherein the multi-surface image

display is in the shape of a cube.

36. The method of any of clauses 33 to 35, wherein at least one of said plurality of corners is formed at an angle of about 90°, optionally wherein each of said plurality of corners is formed at an angle of about 90°.

37. Use of an image display assembly of any of clauses 1 to 32 for the creation of an image display.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein is an image display assembly comprising a base having a front (image) face for securing an image or other display material for display, and a back (non-image) face, the back face comprising a plurality of linear v-grooves; an optional adhesive layer applied to a front face of the base layer; and an optional removable protective layer covering the adhesive layer, and wherein the plurality of v-grooves segment the base into foldable segments that upon inward folding along the v-grooves assemble the base into a support structure with a plurality of corners to form an assembled base comprising at least one image display face formed from at least a portion of the front face. In another embodiment, the base is at least generally planar in its unassembled form. In one embodiment, the segments defined by the plurality of v-grooves comprise a frame segment, an outer wall comprised of a first segment and a second segment, wherein the first segment is separated from the second segment by a v- groove, and optionally including an inner support comprised of a first segment and a second segment, the first segment separated from the second segment by a v- groove, the outer wall and inner support segments disposed on opposing sides of the frame segment.

In one embodiment, when a first and second segment are folded inward along the v-groove, the resulting corner comprises a first (side) segment aligned

approximately perpendicular to a second (back) segment. In one embodiment, when the segments are folded inward along the v-grooves thereby forming a corner, a side segment is approximately perpendicular to a front of the base and a back segment is approximately parallel to the front of the base.

In another embodiment, the front segment comprises at least one display face, optionally wherein at least one side segment comprises a display face, further optionally wherein each side segment comprises a display face.

In another embodiment, back segments comprise distal ends, the distal ends comprising clipped corners and/or notches to minimize interference of the segment ends with each other, when the plurality of segments are folded to form the assembled base.

In one embodiment, the base is configured such that, when assembled, the assembled base forms a prism optionally with an end face removed, wherein the side faces of the prism are rectangles, or wherein the prism is a triangular prism or rectangular prism, or wherein the prism is a cube. Exemplary Base

In one embodiment, the base is comprised of a substantially rigid material. In one embodiment, the base may be constructed of a single layer of material or of multiple layers of material. The material of the base may be selected from at least one of plastic, paperboard, cardboard, fiberboard, wood, metal, aluminum, or other synthetic or natural materials, or any suitable combinations thereof. In one

embodiment, the base is comprised of a medium density fiberboard (MDF). In one embodiment, the base may have a thickness ranging from approximately 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch, although other base dimensions are contemplated.

In one embodiment, the base may include one or more of a mounting surface for adherence of display materials thereon. In one embodiment, the overall dimensions of the image display provide for an assembled image display of dimensions corresponding to one of a 3 x 5 inch image; a 5 x 7 inch images; an 8 x 10 inch image; a 1 1 x 14 inch image; 16 x 20 inch image; 20 x 30 inch image; 22 x 32 inch image, or any other suitable image size or equivalent thereof, such as the other standard-image sizes, or metric measurements. In yet another embodiment, the overall dimensions may be customized.

The periphery of the base comprises distal edges that are angled at about 45° (e.g. at 43 - 47° or at 45°), along all or a portion of the periphery, thereby providing for alignment of edges, if two edges are brought together in alignment. This is shown more clearly in the distal edges of base extensions shown in Figures 5 and 6. The angled edge provides for a 90° corner when the edges are aligned, which may then be held together by one or more fastening means, such as adhesive, staples, magnets, and the like. Exemplary Groove System

In one embodiment, the base is configured with an arrangement of linear v- grooves. The v-grooves are arranged on the non-image side of the base and divide the base into segments along either side of the v-groove. The resulting segments may then be folded inward along the v-groove, with the folded segment of the base forming a corner segment. With this arrangement, various overall shapes of the image display assembly are envisioned and may be assembled based on the arrangement and positioning of the v-grooves along the base.

In one embodiment, the v-grooves are created by a mitre bit on a

computerized numerical control (CNC) router, with a bit size in a range of 90-93 degrees. The depth of the v-groove is of a depth that permits inward folding of the segments of the base in order to create a 90° angled corner, but the v-groove does not fully traverse the base. In one embodiment, the v-groove depth is in a depth ranging from approximately 0.05 to 0.02 inches away from the image side of the base (ie, leaving a base thickness in a thickness range of 0.05 to 0.02 inches), alternatively, less than 0.004 inches away from the image side of the face; thus leaving a base thickness of less than 0.004 inches. It is understood that overall depth will vary depending on the thickness of the base, and the type of materials used as the base.

In an embodiment, the v-grooves have a depth of varying thickness, such as at least 50% of the thickness of the base, or a lower percentage, optionally wherein the grooves have a depth of at least, or greater than, 60% of the thickness of the base, further optionally wherein the grooves have a depth of at least, or greater than, 70% of the thickness of the base, still further optionally wherein the grooves have a depth of at least, or greater than, 80% of the thickness of the base, or a depth of a higher percentage.

In one embodiment, the v-grooves have an angle in a range of 85 to 95° (e.g. 87 to 93°), optionally, wherein the v-grooves have an angle of about 90°, and preferably an angle of about 91 °. For example the v-grooves may have an angle in the range of 89 to 92°.

In one embodiment, the v-grooves may be created by a mitre bit on a computerized numerical control (CNC) router, with a bit size in a range of 90-93 degrees. The depth of the v-groove is of a depth that permits inward folding of the segments of the base in order to create a 90° angled corner, but the v-groove does not fully traverse the base. In one embodiment, the v-groove depth is in a depth ranging from approximately 0.05 to 0.02 inches away from the image side of the base (ie, leaving a base thickness in a thickness range of 0.05 to 0.02 inches), alternatively, less than 0.004 inches away from the image side of the base; thus leaving a base thickness of less than 0.004 inches remaining at the end of the v- groove. In another embodiment the v-groove depth is at a depth ranging from approximately less than or up to 0.004 inches away from the image side of the base, leaving a base thickness of essentially less than 0.004. In yet another embodiment the v-groove depth is at a depth equal to the thickness of the base, and where the v- groove traverses the non-image side of the base, ending at the adhesive layer. It is understood that overall depth will vary depending on the thickness of the base, and the type of materials used as the base.

The v-grooves subdivide the base into segments. The segments may be folded along the v-groove to form one or more support members, such as a side wall and back wall, for an image display. In one embodiment, segments may be of varying widths and lengths, thereby permitting multiple display assembly configurations. In one embodiment, v-groove placement may result in a plurality of segments of various widths and lengths, which result in an overall assembly conforming to specific dimensions. In one embodiment, a depth of a side wall formed upon folding of segments of the base is in a range of 0.25 inches to 2.0 inches, although other depths are envisioned. In one embodiment, based on the overall dimensions (length and width) of the base and the arrangement of v-grooves, the resulting segments created on the base may be assembled to form an image display with - for example: an 1 1 x 14 inch image display face, a 1 .5 inch side wall, and a 1 .0 inch back wall. It is to be understood that these dimensions are meant to be illustrative and not exhaustive.

Protective Layer

In one embodiment, an (optional) protective layer is a layer of material, for example a synthetic material such as polymer or plastic, which is removable and capable of being peeled away from the adhesive residing on the base layer. The protective layer may cover all, or a portion of the adhesive on the base and may be removed by peeling all or a portion of the protective layer away from the adhesive. Adhesive Layer

In one embodiment, an adhesive layer may be selected from adhesives including a polyvinyl acetate adhesive, hot melt adhesives, and/or pressure sensitive adhesives. In one embodiment, an adhesive layer comprises a double-sided adhesive film and may include a peel-away protective layer disposed on one of the sides of the adhesive. In one embodiment, the double-sided adhesive layer is applied to an image side (the image mounting side) of an image display base. In one embodiment, the adhesive layer covers all or a portion of the image side (image mounting side) of the display base.

Image for Display

In one embodiment, the image may be of various visual arts and mediums such as one or more of a photograph, a graphic design, a printed image or painted image, a collage, or other collection of assembled images, or other suitable image medium intended to be displayed. While it is envisioned that a single image is mounted on the base for display, the image display assembly is configured such that multiple images may be mounted. The images may be printed on paper, canvas or other materials. In another embodiment, the images may be constructed of materials such as paint, dyes, or other artistic materials, applied to a canvas or other fabric, or paper, and adhered to the image display.

Distal Ends of Base and Base Segments

In one embodiment, the base is generally planar and comprises distal ends that define the overall shape of the planar base. In another embodiment, the distal ends comprise corner-forming edges that are clipped at a 45 degree angle, and/or notches, to minimize interference of the distal ends upon assembly of the image display.

In one embodiment, an image display may be assembled by folding the base segments inward along the plurality of linear v-grooves. As the base segments are folded inward along the v-groove one or more of a corner of the display assembly are formed. In one embodiment, the corner segments are secured in-place by the rigidity of the materials of the base, requiring no additional closure features or means of securing the corners in alignment. Although, optionally, the corners may be secured in position by the use closure means, such as staples, glue, Velcro, magnets, or any other suitable means.

In one embodiment, an image or other display materials may be applied to the adhesive layer of the base prior to assembly of the base. In another embodiment, one or more of an image of display material may be mounted to one or more of the resulting display surfaces of a fully assembled display assembly.

In one embodiment, a back panel or covering is provided and may be attached to the non-image side of the assembled image display assembly. In order to cover the back side of the back panel may be of a size suitable to cover all or a portion of the non-display (back) side of the display assembly. The panel may be comprised of various materials, such as cardboard, fiberboard, plastic, fabric, natural materials, synthetic materials, or any combination thereof. The panel may be secured to the image display by any suitable securement means, such as staples, pins, nails, glue, stitching, Velcro, or any other means for holding the panel on the non-image face of the image display. The back panel provides a clean and finished look to the image display assembly but - significantly - is not required for structural integrity of the assembled image display.

Also disclosed is a kit of parts for assembly of an image display, comprised of: a planar base with an image mounting display side comprising of an optional adhesive layer and a removable protective layer, and a non-display side comprising a plurality of v-grooves along the base segmenting the base into portions which are foldable along the v-grooves, such that the folded segments create corners resulting in an image support structure for the display of one or more of display materials affixed to the image display surface upon assembly of the image display. The base may be proportioned with a v-groove arrangement and with distal edges that, upon alignment, result in an image display of a pre-determined size and shape, such as a 5 x 7 rectangular image display.

Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing an image display assembly (which may be an image display assembly of the invention), wherein an adhesive layer is applied using a wide-format laminator machine to a planar base

(unassembled). As the planar base is fed through the laminator the adhesive layer is applied to an image side of the base. In another embodiment, the protective layer is applied as part of a double-sided adhesive layer, as the base is fed through the laminator. In one embodiment, linear v-grooves are applied to the base layer on a side opposite the adhesive layer (non-image side) using a v-groove router bit in a pattern for a desired shape or structure upon assembly of the base. In another embodiment, the v-grooves are applied prior to the adhesive layer being applied to the base.

In one embodiment, the planar base (representing the unassembled display) can be configured - based on the dimensions of the base, and the arrangement of the v-grooves, for assembly into a pre-determined shape (when the unassembled base is assembled into a display support structure), such as a rectangular shape, triangular shape, or a cube.

In one exemplary embodiment meant to be illustrative and not exhaustive, an unassembled image display assembly (base and adhesive layer) is of a thickness of approximately 0.125 inches, with a v-groove depth of approximately 0.1 15 inches inward along the non-image side, the v-grooves at an angle of 91 degrees and a width of approximately 0.2301 inches.

Turning now to the figures, in which are shown various embodiments of an image display assembly, in both unassembled and assembled forms. Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an image display 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, as an unassembled image display (Fig. 1A) and an assembled image display (Fig. 1 B). Shown in Fig.1 A, is a planar base 102; an image face 104 comprising an adhesive layer 106 configured with a protective overlay 108, wherein upon removal of the protective overlay 108 an image to be displayed may be adhered, or mounted, to the image substrate; a non-image face 1 10 comprising a plurality of v-grooves 1 12 that extend inward toward the image face of the base, creating a hinge point 1 14; and wherein the v-grooves are cut at an angle of width and depth that permits inward folding of the base on either side of the hinge point 1 14, and upon inward folding results in the formation of a corner segment (shown in Fig. 1 B) of adjoining sides of the base on either side of the hinge point 1 14.

Shown in Fig. 1 B is a (partial) cross-sectional view of an assembled image display 100, comprising base 102, corner segments 1 16 formed upon inward folding of base 102 along v-grooves of the non-image side 1 10, and an image 1 18 affixed to substrate layer 106, wherein the image 1 18 covers all or a portion of the image face 104 of the base 102.

Shown in Fig. 1 C is an expanded top view of a v-groove 1 12 arrangement on the non-image side 1 10 of unassembled base 102.

Fig. 2 shows an assortment of views of an image display assembly 200 configured as a rectangular-shaped image display. Fig. 2A shows a non-image side 210 of an unassembled image display assembly 200 configured with a linear v- groove arrangement 212 of 8 linear v-grooves along base 202. The v-groove arrangement 212 subdivides the base 202 into a central (rectangular) image support area 220, a first extension 222 that extends from the central rectangular region along each side of the rectangle. Each first extension 222 is a length equal to the side of the central rectangular image support area 220 to which it adjoins, and is configured with a width sufficient to create a side-wall of the image display when the image display is fully assembled. In one embodiment, the width of the first extension is in a range of 0.5 to 25 % of the length, although other widths are contemplated. In one embodiment, first extensions 222 are of equal dimensions. In another embodiment, the v-groove arrangement 212 subdivides the base 202 into central rectangular image support area 220, a plurality of first extensions 222 that extend from the central rectangular region along each side of the rectangle, and a plurality of second extensions 224 that extend from the first extensions 222. Each second extension is configured with angled ends 226 that are trimmed or clipped at 45 degrees, so that upon inward folding of the second extension along the v-groove inward toward the first extension (or vice versa) the ends are configured to form a 90° corner (shown as corner 216 in Fig. 2C), with adjoining folded extensions.

Shown in Fig. 2B is an image side 204 of an unassembled image display 200. In one embodiment, unassembled image display comprises an image side 204 covered with a protective layer 208 that upon removal, reveals a substrate layer 206 for affixing an image to the display.

Shown in Fig. 2C is a partially assembled image display 200 wherein a first extension 222 is folded along v-grooves 212 at hinge points, thereby creating a corner 216 of a side wall 230 oriented perpendicular to the rectangular-shaped image support area 220, and a second extension 224 is folded at the v-groove to create a back wall 232 oriented perpendicular to the side wall 230.

Fig. 2D shows an assembled image display 200 including an optional back panel 240 which may be secured by attachment means 242 (here, shown as staples, although glue or other adhesives means may be used). Back panel 240 is secured to the surface of back walls 232, and provides a covering of the non-image side of the image display as well as securing the aligned distal edges 226 of back wall segments. In one embodiment, the back panel 240 is essentially commensurate in size with the rectangular image support area 220, although may be smaller, thereby exposing a portion of the back wall segments 232.

Fig. 2E-G show an additional embodiment for closure means for the image display when a lighter weight material is used for the base, resulting in the need for closure means to secure corners 226 of back wall segments 232. Shown in Fig. 2E from the non-image side 210 is an image display 200 configured with attachment flaps 250 configured with an opening, showing their position along segment 224, which extends from segment 222, and together provide corners 226, to form the side wall 230 and back wall 232. Fig. 2F and 2G show an image display 200 on the non- image side 210 configured with securement means 252 for attachment flaps, shown in the figure as a plug that traverses the opening of flap 250, when the flaps of adjoining back walls 232 are aligned, and holds the flap 250 in position. The closure means 252 shown in assembly 200 shown in Figs. 2E - 2G are ideally suited for assemblies comprised of lighter weight materials, such as plastic, laminate or other synthetic materials, and provide support to side walls 230 and back wall 232.

Fig. 2H shows one embodiment of a fully assembled image display 200, wherein image 218 is affixed to the rectangular image support area of image face 204, extending (optionally) along the side walls 230.

Fig. 3A-3C, collectively, show an image display frame 300 according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, comprising a planar base 302 with an image display side (not visible in figure), a non-image side 310, and an arrangement of eight (8) v-grooves 312 on the non-image side of the base 310, wherein the arrangement of v-grooves 312 subdivide the base into a frame segment 321 , a first extension 322 extending from the frame segment 321 along an outer length, and a second extension 324 extending outward from the first extension 322, so that upon inward folding of the first extension 322 toward frame segment 321 at a hinge point of the v-groove 312, a side wall 330 (as shown in Fig. 3B) of the frame is created, and upon inward folding of the second extension 324 inward toward the first extension 322, a back wall 332 is created (as shown in Fig. 3B and 3C). Optionally, a back cover may be attached to the display assembly by various attachment means, as shown in Fig. 2.

Fig. 4A - 4C, collectively, show a stretcher frame assembly 400 according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, comprising a stretcher frame base 402, wherein the base 402 comprises an image face (not shown) upon which an image may be attached, a non-image side (shown), wherein the non-image side is configured with an arrangement of sixteen (16) linear v-grooves 412. The arrangement of v-grooves 412 divide the frame base 402 into a plurality of segments, the segments comprising a rectangular frame segment 421 , an outer wall segment 425 extending outward from an outward edge of the frame segment 421 , the outer wall segment 425 further comprised of a first segment 422 and a second segment 424, and an inner support segment 435 extending outward from an inward edge of the rectangular frame segment 421 and further comprised of a first segment 436 and a second segment 438.

The image side (not shown) of the image display frame 400 is the mounting surface of the display assembly, where on an image may be affixed. In one embodiment, an image - such as an image printed or painted on canvas - is stretched around the outer edges of the stretcher frame assembly and along the outer wall of the assembly. The image may be attached by various means, including but not limited to adhesives, tacks, nails, staples, or other suitable means of affixing the canvas to the stretcher frame. In one embodiment, all or a portion of the image surface of the base 402 is configured with an adhesive layer substrate layer. The adhesive layer may also be covered by a removable protective layer, in order to protect the adhesive layer until the image is mounted thereon.

Fig. 4B shows a partially assembled stretcher frame 400, showing base 402 with an inner support 435 aligned beneath outer wall 425, thereby creating a side of stretcher frame 400. In one embodiment, inner support segment 435 is assembled by inward folding of first segment 422 toward frame segment 421 at the v-groove 412 separating the two segments, and second segment 424 is folded inward toward first segment 422 along the v-groove 412 positioned between the segments, resulting in outer wall 425. The resulting outer wall 425 is fixed in position by the rigidity of the materials and the 90° corners formed upon folding of the base along the v-grooves.

Fig. 4C shows the back side of a stretcher frame 400, wherein the image is wrapped around the outer wall 425 of the rectangular stretcher frame, and shown from the non-image side 410.

In one embodiment, shown in Fig. 5A, an image display assembly 500 is further configured as a cube-shaped image display comprised of a planar base 502 configured with four (4) linear v-grooves 512 on the non-image surface 510, the v- grooves segmenting the board into four foldable extensions 540 extending from a center segment 542. Distal edges 550 of the extensions 540 are angled at 45° along the length of the extension 540. When the segments 540 are folded inward along each of the linear v-grooves 512, the resulting assembly 500 is in the shape of a 5- sided image display cube, as shown in Fig. 5C. The 5-sided image display cube may be considered a cube with an end face removed. In one embodiment, securement means (e.g. at least one closure), such as magnetic closures, are affixed to the base, and arranged so that upon assembly of the base into the cube-shaped structure the magnet closures will be properly aligned to provide support for the assembled image display.

Fig. 5B shows an image display 500 on the image side 504 of image base 502 comprising an adhesive layer 506 covered by protective layer 508. Upon removal of protective layer 508, an image may be affixed (mounted) to all or a portion of image side 504. In one embodiment, image 518 is mounted to the image side 504 of the base prior to assembly of the planar base into the cube-shaped assembly 500, shown in Fig. 5C.

In one embodiment, shown in Fig. 6A, an image display assembly 600 is configured as a six-sided cube comprised of a planar base 602 configured with five (5) linear v-grooves 612 on the non-image surface 610, arranged such that the v- grooves 612 segment the base 602 into five (5) foldable extensions 640 of equal surface area, extending from a center segment 642. Distal edges 650 of the extensions 640 are angled at 45° along the length of the extension 640. In another embodiment, one or more non-image surfaces of image display 600 are configured with an optional closure means, such as one or more magnetic closures (shown as 645 in Fig. 6A) aligned along the non-image side, so that upon assembly into a 6- sided display cube (or 5-sided, as shown in Fig. 5), the magnetic closures aid in keeping the structure assembled, especially if the assembly is hung for display. Fig. 6B shows a partially assembled 6-sided image display cube 600 with a plurality of image surfaces 604 for display of an image, whereby extensions 640 have been folded inward along the v-grooves of the base, forming corners 616, and with a remaining unassembled extension 640 being placed in its assembled position, opposite the central segment 642 (shown in the figure as looking into the top of the cube and looking inward at the non-image side 610), thereby forming a closed cube- shape image display assembly upon alignment of angled distal edges 650 of the segments.

In yet another embodiment, the 6-sided cube-shaped assembly 600 with image 618 affixed thereto is configured with hanging means, such as ribbon 660 shown in Fig. 6C.

The planar base materials can be configured by shaping, cutting and modifying the materials comprising the planar base layer in a way that upon the addition of the v-grooves, permits assembly of the planar base materials into various support structure shapes, by inward folding of extensions or segments created by the v-grooves, which when folded inwardly along the v-groove, provide a

substantially rigid support assembly on which an image can be affixed for display.

It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that features disclosed in relation to any of the embodiments disclosed above can be applicable interchangeably between the different embodiments. The embodiments disclosed above are examples to illustrate various features of the invention.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Claims

1 . An image display assembly comprising: a base having a front face for securing an image or other display material for display, and a non-image face, the non-image face comprising a plurality of linear v-grooves, wherein the plurality of linear v-grooves segment the base into one or more foldable segments that upon folding of the segments assemble the base into a support structure comprising a plurality of corners, thereby forming an assembled base comprising at least one image display face formed from at least a portion of the front face.

2. The image display assembly of claim 1 , wherein the base is at least generally planar in an unassembled form.

3. The image display assembly of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the plurality of v- grooves comprise points of introversion, thereby permitting folding of the base inwardly along the v-groove toward the non-image side of the base, and forming one or more of a corner of the display assembly.

4. The image display assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the segments defined by the plurality of linear v-grooves comprise a frame segment and an outer wall segment.

5. The image display assembly of any preceding claim, wherein when the segments are folded along the linear v-groove, the frame segment is approximately perpendicular to the segment of the outer wall.

6. The image display assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the image displayed is a photograph a graphic design, a printed image, a painted image, a collage, or a collection thereof.

7. The image display assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the image may be displayed on canvas, paper, or other natural or synthetic materials, or

combination thereof.

8. The image display assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the base is formed from a material comprising or selected from at least one of paperboard, cardboard, fiberboard, wood, plastic, metal, aluminum, or combination thereof

9. The image display assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the base has a thickness of at least 1/16 inch and up to 1/2 inch.

10. The image display assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the linear v- grooves have an angle of approximately 85 to 95°, optionally wherein the linear v- grooves have an angle of about 90°.

1 1 . The image display assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the v-grooves have a depth of varying thickness, such as a depth at least 50% of the thickness of the base, or a lower percentage.

12. The image display assembly of any preceding claim, further comprising an adhesive layer applied to the front face of the base layer and a removable protective layer covering the adhesive layer.

13. The image display assembly of claim 12, wherein the removable protective layer comprises a polymeric material.

14. The image display assembly of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the adhesive layer comprises polyvinyl acetate, hot melt adhesives, and/or pressure sensitive adhesives.

15. The image display assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the front face comprises a frame of a width and length to define a rectangular shape.

16. The image display assembly of claim 15, wherein the rectangular shape surrounds an open area within the frame.

17. The image display assembly of claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the rectangular shape defines a mounting area for affixing an image for display.

18. The image display assembly of any of claims 15 to 17, wherein the

rectangular shape is an area equivalent to an area for supporting an image size selected from the following sizes: 4x6 inches, 5x7 inches, 8x10 inches, 1 1x14 inches, 16x20 inches, 20x30 inches and 22x32 inches.

19. The image display assembly of any of claims 1 to 14, wherein the non-image face comprises an arrangement of four linear v-grooves, wherein the arrangement of the four linear v-grooves segment the base into five foldable segments of

approximately equal size and surface area and that are configured with an angled edge along the periphery of the segments, extending in part, from a central segment, that upon folding of the segments along the linear v-grooves, assemble the base into the support structure comprising the plurality of corners, thereby forming the assembled base comprising the at least one image display face formed from at least a portion of the front face, and wherein the base is configured such that, when assembled, the assembled base forms a cube with an end face removed.

20. The image display assembly of any of claims 1 to 14, wherein the non-image face comprises an arrangement of five linear v-grooves, wherein the arrangement of the five linear v-grooves segment the base into six foldable segments of

approximately equal size and surface area and that are configured with an angled edge along the periphery of the segments, extending in part, from a central segment, that upon folding of the segments along the linear v-grooves, assemble the base into the support structure comprising the plurality of corners, thereby forming the assembled base comprising the at least one image display face formed from at least a portion of the front face, and wherein the base is configured such that, when assembled, the assembled base forms a cube.

21 . The image display assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the non-image face comprises at least one closure affixed to the base, arranged such that upon formation of the assembled base the at least one closure will be aligned to provide support for the assembled base.

22. The image display assembly of claim 21 , wherein the at least one closure comprises at least two magnetic closures.

22. An assembled image display comprising an assembled base formed from the image display assembly of any preceding claim.

23. The assembled image display of claim 22, further comprising at least one image applied to the image display face.

24. A method of creating an image display, comprising: providing an image display assembly of any of claims 1 to 22; folding the segments to assemble the base into a support structure

comprising a plurality of corners, thereby forming an assembled base comprising at least one image display face formed from at least a portion of the front face; optionally removing, where present, the removable protective layer; and applying at least one image to at least a portion of the image display face.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein applying the at least one image occurs before folding the segments.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein applying the at least one image occurs after folding the segments.

27. Use of an image display assembly of any of claims 1 to 22 to create an image display.