GB2413281A

GB2413281A - A photograph holder

Info

Publication number: GB2413281A
Application number: GB0408735A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Phillip John Evans
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-04-20
Filing date: 2004-04-20
Publication date: 2005-10-26
Also published as: GB0408735D0

Abstract

A photograph holder made of a resilient material and with slots in the holder to accommodate the photograph. The holder is capable of flexing on the application of a force and returning to its original state on removal of the force. In use, the holder is flexed, the photograph fitted into the slots in the holder, and the photograph then held firmly in place by the holder as it attempts to resume its original state. The holder may be used to stand on a surface, or may be hung on a wall . The holder may be used to enhance the photograph though the use of interesting materials, unusual shapes or various colours.

Description

- 2413281

PHOTO-HOLDER

This invention relates to frames for supporting and presenting photographs, pictures, prints or any sheet material wishing to be viewed containing a design or information. More specifically it relates to the resistant material frame, which will hold the photograph and be used to display the photograph.

Conventional picture frames typically consist of straight members of a resistant material arranged in a rectangle with corners held together with glue. The item to be displayed is placed in the frame along with a transparent front panel and a backing material, which are attached with other materials or hardware. A piece may be folded out to act as a support for display on a horizontal surface or it may be hung on a picture rail or picture nail for vertical viewing.

This invention provides a very simple effective, convenient and novel way of presenting photographs, prints or other similar sheet material.

This invention allows a photograph to be displayed in a novel manner without the use of additional hardware. The holder does this through the use of specially designed slots in the arms of the holder. The holder is bent to allow these slots to align; the photograph, glass and backing piece are inserted into the slots. When released the holder tries to retain it's original shape thus creating a force which secures the photograph.

When in this bent position the holder is able to support itself on a horizontal surface. Thus presenting the photograph in a suitable position without the need for additional hardware. It may also serve to provide a decorative product in it's own right to enhance the photograph through the use of interesting materials, novel shapes and colours.

In it's basic form the holder consists of a piece of resistant material which may be flexed, which then tries to return to it's original shape when released.

The holder has specially shaped slots at the ends of its arms. These slots are wide enough to hold a piece of glass or suchlike material, the photograph or print to be displayed and a backing piece of material that is resistant to flexing. The holder is bent to align the slots, the sandwich of glass, photograph and backing piece is placed in the slots and the holder is released. When released the holder tries to return to its original shape and in doing so clamps the sandwich of glass, photograph and backing piece thus forming a display unit for the photograph which is self supporting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A better understanding of the invention and further features will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the shape of an amorphous man is used but the invention could easily be any suitable shape, wherein: FIG 1 is the front of the holder showing a shape of an amorphous man; FIG 2 is the side view of the holder from the left FIG 3 is the side view of the holder from the right FIG 4 is the rear view of the holder FIG 5 is an isometric view of the holder FIG 6 shows how the photograph or print etc. is held between a glass sheet or something similar and a rigid backing piece FIG 7 is a plan view of the holder in its normal state FIG 8 shows pressure being applied to the holder to align the slots FIG 9 shows the pieces B C D being inserted into the holder's slots FIG 10 illustrates that the holder is trying to retain its original shape and thus exerting pressure on pieces B C D and holding them securely FIG 1 1 demonstrates how the whole looks when together also how it supports itself and the photograph or print on a horizontal surface

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As shown in the accompanying drawings the present invention is a selfsupporting frame system for a photograph, print or similar. The holder is a shaped rigid resistant material that is able to flex slightly. It has slots that allow a photograph, print or similar, glass sheet or similar and a backing piece (FIG 6) to be held for purposes of display.

The holder will available in a range of sizes that correspond to the general range of photographic print sizes.

It will also be within the scope of the holder to be any suitable shape to display the print or photograph in a novel manner, i.e. picture of a house; the holder could be the shape of a house. It will also be within the scope of the holder to be more 3D and to have more form than is shown in the drawings.

The photograph, print or similar is held between a sheet of glass or something similar and a rigid backing piece (FIG 6) the holder can be of any resistant material that will be able to flex slightly and return to its original shape. The holder has slots which when pressure is exerted will align, allowing the sandwich of photograph, glass and backing to be inserted easily. In this way the invention will be able to display photographs etc. on a horizontal surface and provide a decorative feature.

In another form it may be able to be supported on a wall with the addition of a screw or other mounting bracket.

As stated previously the holder will be particularly suited to displaying photographs, prints and such like on any convenient horizontal flat surface.

It will also be convenient for the display of menu's, information signs, certificates etc. Whilst certain specific applications has been described and illustrated it will be very clear that the holder will have many and varied alternatives to the basic ones described. It is to be understood, however, that such alternatives and/ or variations fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A holder and support assembly for display purposes comprising,

a resilient material holder capable of flexing on application of a force and returning to its original state on removal of said force, the holder having slots in its extremities to provide a secure clamp and holding fixtures.
2. A holder and support assembly for display purposes according to claim 1, further comprising a backing sheet and a glass sheet in between which in use an item to be displayed is placed and then inserted into the slots in the holder when the slots on the holder have been aligned by the application of a force on its extremities, the force is then released and the holder tries to regain its original shape thus clamping the backing sheet the item being displayed and the glass sheet.
3. A holder and support assembly for display purposes according to any previous claim, where the holder is self supporting on a horizontal surface.
4. A holder and support assembly for display purposes according to claim 1 and claim 2, where the holder is able to be fixed to a wall with suitable fixing devices.