GB2528334A

GB2528334A - Display with an Integral Frame

Info

Publication number: GB2528334A
Application number: GB1417641.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Charles Smith; Kim Anne Sutherland; Geoffrey James Leech; Grant Mcdougall; Robin Taylor
Original assignee: JAMES CROPPER CONVERTING Ltd
Current assignee: JAMES CROPPER CONVERTING Ltd
Priority date: 2014-07-18
Filing date: 2014-10-06
Publication date: 2016-01-20
Also published as: GB201417641D0; GB201412820D0

Abstract

A kit of parts is provided for forming a display with an integral frame. The kit comprises a foldable display sheet 1 cut from board 2 and a stiffener 11. The foldable display sheet has a central display section 4 and a plurality of foldable flaps 5, 6, 7, extending from the central display section. Each flap comprises a side-section 8 extending from the periphery of the central display section, and a connection section 9 which extends from the side-section. The connection section is formed with connection means for connection with the stiffener and the stiffener has connection means for connection with the connection section of the foldable display sheet. The connection means of the connection section comprises tabs, whereby in use the tabs of the connection section are inserted into the apertures in the stiffener to form the display. The apertures and tabs in use the stiffener acts to hold opposing side sections of the frame in tension. The backing section 12 is also provided with four pairs of slots (15) for receiving an optional supporting strut 21.

Description

Display with an integral frame

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a display with an integral frame, a kit ofparts for forming such a display and a method of forming a display.

Background to the Invention

Since the advent of digital photography and digital printing on canvass, it has become popular to buy images printed on canvass mounted on wooden frames. Such displays however remain relatively expensive and suffer certain disadvantages. Accordingly alternative image mounting systems have been proposed.

One such prior art alternative is that disclosed in W0201 1/010085 and marketed by Jetmaster Systems. Tn this prior art, a rectangular blank formed of cardboard is provided, which has a central rectangular portion with a foldable extension at each edge. Each foldable extension is divided longitudinally into four tabs, by three separate scored fold lines. In use, the first tab (closest to the central rectangular portion) is folded inwardly to IS form a perimeter wall; the second tab (adjacent the first tab) is folded inwardly to form the back surface of the mount perimeter; the third tab is folded inwardly to form an inner perimeter wall and the fourth tab is folded in and secured to the back surface of the rectangular portion, This process, in particular the final step securing (e.g. with adhesive tape) the fourth tab to the back surface of the rectangular portion can be difficult. Moreover, in practice, a further stiffening element is normally required to brace the folded board.

Furthermore, since each foldable extension is divided into four tabs, a quite significant area outside the outer perimeter of the central rectangular section (on which an image is displayed) is used to form the frame rather than for displaying the image -accordingly, the size of cardboard sheet required to make the frame is high relative to the size of the framed image.

There are practical restrictions on the printable area and the size of board that can be printed on. Accordingly for a given printer, only a certain size of image can be obtained.

The present invention seeks to address one or more of the problems mentioned above arid/or to provide an alternative and/or to improve the relative size of a display that can be achieved for a given size of blank.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit of parts for forming a display with an integral frame; the kit comprising a foldable display sheet and a stiffener; the foldable display sheet having a central display section and a plurality offoldable flaps extending from the central display section; each flap comprising a side-section extending from the periphery of the central display section (which in use is folded so as to extend perpendicularly away from the front surface) and a connection-section which extends from the side-section (and in use extends inwardly parallel to the central display section); the connection section being formed with connection means for connection with the stiffener; the stiffener having connection means for connection with the connection section of the foldable display sheet.

Because the foldable flaps are only split into two sections (the side-section and the inwardly extending connection-section) a smaller blank can be used to produce a frame with the same central image size as that of the prior art (or a larger image can be produced from a blank of the same size). Moreover, the final step of adhering a tab to the back surface of the rectangular portion is avoided.

Preferably the connection means of the stiffener comprise apertures and the connection means of the connection-section comprise tabs; whereby in use the tabs of the connection section are inserted into the apertures in the stiffener to form the display. This avoids the need for adhesive, thereby reducing cost, simplifying manuftcture and reducing environmental harm. Preferably the tabs are barbed and preferably the apertures are cut-outs.

Preferably the apertures and tabs are disposed such that the stiffener acts to hold opposing side-sections in tension. This arrangement serves to strengthen the display with an integral frame against unfolding outwards.

Preferably the stiffener comprises a planar blank having a central section and a plurality of flaps which in use are folded perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the plane of the blank and abut the inner surfaces of the flaps of the blank. This arrangement serves to strengthen the display with an integral frame against being squashed inwards.

The connection between the stiffener and the flaps of the tbldable display sheet preferably also counteracts the tendency to bend under torsion.

Preferably the central section of the foldable display sheet is rectangular (including square). This arrangement suits most images.

Preferably the connection means are oriented diagonally with respect to the central section of the foldable display sheet.

Preferably at least some of the apertures of the stiffener and at least some of the tabs of the foldable display sheet are arranged such that at least one aperture receives a tab from two flaps. This arrangement is particularly useflul for counteracting any bending under torsion.

Preferably four apertures receive two tabs each from two respective flaps.

Preferably the four apertures which receive two tabs each are diagonally oriented. This produces a particularly secure arrangement.

Preferably at least some of the connection means are oriented parallel or substantially parallel to the nearest side of the central display section.

Preferably an image is applied to the central display section and the side-sections ofthe foldable display sheet.

More preferably the image is applied to the central display section, the side-sections and a portion of the connection-sections of the foldable display sheet. This presents a more realistic impression of a real canvass.

Preferably the side sections of the foldable display sheet have chamfered corners. This creates a particularly neat finish.

Preferably at least some of the tabs are asymmetrical. Allowing the tabs to be asymmetrical can achieve a good compromise between having the ideal shape to mate well with the cut-outs/apertures in the stiffener and having a shape which takes up as little lateral space as possible to allow a greater proportion ofthe display sheet to be used for the central display section relative to its total width/length.

Preferably the central section of the planar blank of the stiffener is provided with rounded corners and a score line extends between rounded corners, to define the periphery ofthe central section, away from which the flaps extend. Rounded corners assist in mating well with the corner regions of the foldable display sheet, where the corner flaps are folded.

Preferably the kit of fhrther comprises an inner straightener which in use fits behind the foldable display sheet to straighten the central display surface.

Preferably the inner straightener is formed with a central rectangular section and chamfered flaps, with notches formed at the corners of the rectangular section, This structure, in particular the notches, allows the straightener to mate well inside the foldable display sheet and stiffener.

The inner straightener may be separate from the foldable display sheet and the stiffener.

This offers advantages in terms of adaptability as the straightener may be used or not and may be made from a different material from the stiffener.

Alternatively the inner straightener is formed integrally with the stiffener. This reduces the number of components required and can increase the stability of both parts.

Preferably the stiffener comprises a planar blank having a central section and a plurality of flaps which in use are folded perpendicular to the plane ofthe blank and abut the inner surfaces of the flaps of the blank; and the inner straightener extends from the distal edge of one ofthe plurality of flaps. This arrangement in which one flap is shared by both the stiffener portion and the straightener portion of the integrated stiffener and straightener is convenient and makes assembly easier as the relative orientation of the portions is defined by the shared flap.

Preferably the inner stiffener is provided with a plurality of flaps which engage with the flaps of the straightener to form a box shape. This further aids the increased stability mentioned above.

Preferably the inner stiffener extends from the distal edge of one of the plurality of flaps of the stiffener and the inner straightener and the inner stiffener each have a fhrther three flaps which are mutually engageable to form the box shape. The formation of a box shape in which connections are made by three pairs of flaps as well as the shared flap results in a particularly strong shape.

Preferably at least one ofthe further flaps of one ofthe inner straightener or the stiffener is provided with a slit and the corresponding flap of the other of the inner straightener and the stiffener is provided with a tab, engageable with the slit. This tab-fastening offers a convenient way ofensuring that the stiffening portion and the straightening portion are connected in the correct relative configuration, parallel to one another.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a display with an integral frame comprising a foldable display sheet and a stiffener; the foldable display sheet having a central display section and a plurality of foldable flaps extending from the central display section; each flap comprising a side-section extending from the periphery of the central display section, which is folded so as to extend perpendicularly, or substantially perpendicularly away from the front surface and a connection-section which extends from the side-section, inwardly parallel, or substantially parallel to the central display section; the connection section being formed with connection means connecting the foldable display sheet to corresponding connection means formed in the stiffener.

Preferably the display according to the second aspect of the invention includes the preferred features discussed above.

In a third aspect of the invention, there is provided, a method of forming a display with an integral frame as set out above from a kit of parts as set out above, the method comprising applying an image to the image display sheet, folding the foldable flaps of the foldable display sheet around the stiffener, such that the side sections extend perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the central display section and connection sections parallel or substantially parallel to the central display section and connecting the connection sections ofthe image display sheet to the connection means of the stiffener.

Preferably the method of connecting the connection sections of the image display sheet to the stiffener comprises folding tabs on the image display sheet through apertures in the stiffener.

Preferably the method includes the step of inserting a straightener behind the central display surface.

Preferably the method comprises folding the flaps of an inner straightener which is integrated with a stiffener and folding the flaps ofthe stiffener; and engaging the flaps of the straightener with the flaps of the stiffener so as to form a box shape prior to the steps mentioned above.

In a fourth aspect ofthe invention, there is provided a method offorming a kit ofparts for forming a display with an integral frame comprising: cutting a sheet of foldable material to form the foldable display sheet having a central display section and scoring the material to provide a plurality of foldable flaps extending from the central display section; scoring each flap longitudinally to define a side-section extending from the periphery of the central display section, and a connection-section which extends from the side-section; cutting and/or scoring the connection sections to form connection means for connection with a stiffener; and cutting a sheet of foldable material to form a stiffener and cutting the stiffener to provide connection means for connection with the connection sections of the foldable display sheet.

Preferably the method of forming a kit of parts forms a kit of parts as set out above by making cuts and scoring sheets of foldable material to form a foldable display sheet and a stiffener.

In any aspects of the invention, preferably an image is printed on the foldable display sheet before the foldable display sheet is folded. The aspects of the invention discussed above lead to a kit which can be easily folded, even after it has been printed on, without the print cracking.

In any of the aspects of the invention, preferably the foldable display sheet is formed from 3-ply board with an embossed front surface. This arrangement is particularly suited to receiving print on the embossed front surface before being folded, without the print cracking.

In any of the aspects of the invention, preferably the display is of an artwork, a photograph, or a point of sale display.

It will be appreciated that expressions of direction and shape, such as perpendicular or parallel, and "rectangular" are not intended to be strictly interpreted and these and like expressions are intended to convey a broader meaning of substantially perpendicular, substantially parallel, or substantially rectangular.

Detailed Description of the Invention

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure t shows a foldable display sheet, with a central display portion, according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a stiffener according to the first embodiment; Figure 3 shows an optiona' straightener according to the first embodiment; Figure 4 shows an optional supporting strut according to the first embodiment; FigureS shows a kit of parts consisting of a foldable display sheet, a stiffener and a stand according to a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 shows the kit of figure 5 with the stiffener and the stand in a folded configuration; Figure 7 shows the kit of figure 6 with the stiffener located on the foldable display sheet; Figure 8 shows the foldable display sheet and the stiffener of figure 7 with the display sheet partially folded around the stiffener; Figure 9 shows the display sheet and stiffener of figure 8 connected together, forming a display with an integral frame; Figure 10 shows the stand attached to the back of the display with an integral frame shown in figure 9; Figure 11 shows a plan view of the foldable display sheet according to a third embodiment of the invention; Figure 12 shows a plan view of an integrated stiffener and straightener according to the third embodiment of the invention prior to folding; Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the integrated stiffener and straightener of figure U in a folded configuration; Figure 14 shows a perspective view of the integrated stiffener and straightener of figure H positioned on the foldable display sheet of figure 1]; and Figure 15 shows a perspective view of the integrated stiffener and straightener and foldable display sheet of figure 14 connected together to form a display with an integral frame.

With reference to figure 1, a foldaNe display sheet 1 is formed in a sheet of board 2. The board of this embodiment is three-ply, with a front layer having an embossed, inkjet receptive front surface, a rear layer with a coated paper rear surface and an intervening I 5 box-board middle layer, adhered together by PVA glue.

An image will be printed on the foldable display surface 1, for example by an inlcjet printer. Of course images could be attached to the foldable display surface by other means, such as adhering printed paper or the like.

The shape of the outer perimeter ofthe foldable display sheet 1 is cut through the board 2 such that the foldable display sheet 1 can be pushed out ofthe board 2, leaving behind the surrounding waste 3.

The foldable display sheet 1 has a rectangular central display section 4, on which the main image is formed. At all four edges of the central display section 4, foldable flaps are formed by scoring the periphery of the central display section.

Short foldable flaps 5, are formed at the short sides of the central rectangular section and long foldable flaps 6 are formed at the long sides of the central rectangular section.

Corner flaps 7 extend from the four corners of the central display section.

Each foldable flap 5,6, comprises a first side-section 8 immediately adjacent the central display section 4, The side-sections 8 are generally rectangular, having a length equal to the edge of the central display section 4 from which they extend, However, the corners of the generally rectangular side-sections 8 distal to the central display section 4 are chamfered, so the short sides ofthe side-sections 8 are not as long as their overall width.

The corner flaps 7 extend between the chamfered corners of adjacent side-sections 8 bulging outwards between the tips ofthe short sides of the side-sections 8, to take a form of a right angled triangle with an outwardly arced hypotenuse. Score lines define the lines separating the side-sections 8 from the corner flaps 7 and the corner flaps are also scored diametrically.

Extending distally from the side-sections 8 are connection-sections 9. Score lines are formed to separate the side-sections 8 from the connection-sections 9. The connection-sections 9 are generally trapezoidal, with an outside edge parallel to, distal to and shorter than the side-sections 8 and two short edges extending from the chamfered portion ofthe side sections 8 to the outside edge.

The connection sections 9 are provided with tabs 10 for connection with the stiffener t 1 shown in figure 2. In this embodiment each short foldable flap 5 is provided with three tabs 10, one on each of the short sides of the connection sections 9 and one in between, and each long flap 6 is provided with five tabs 10, one on each of the short sides of the connection sections 9 and three spaced equally in between them.

Each tab tO is formed by inwardly extending cuts into the connection sections and scored fold lines between the cuts to define a foldable section with barbed ends. The tabs 10 are tapered towards the outer periphery, such that their inner width is wider than their end width and they have cuts extending parallel to the outer perimeter of the respective connection section 9 towards each other. At their proximal ends, the cuts extend radially inwardly, perpendicular to the perimeter of the respective connection section, and a score-line is provided between these most inward ends. This defines an arrow-head type shape with barbed ends, which when folded perpendicular to the plane of the connection section are separated from it by a pair of inwardly extending channels formed by the separation between the score line and the line along which the cuts which extend parallel to the outer perimeter of the respective connection section 9.

IS The three tabs on the short foldable flaps 5 are all symmetrical, as are the three central tabs 10 on the long flaps 6. However, the peripheral tabs 10 which are formed on the short sides of the connection sections 9 of the long flaps 6 are asymmetrical, formed with one barb more sharply angled than the other. This is in order to make the best use ofthe available space in the board 2 from which the foldable sheet I is formed, such that the side of one barbed section of these asymmetrical tabs runs parallel with the side of the board I, With reference to figure 2, a stiffener 11 is formed from foldable board, In use, the foldable display sheet I, described above, is folded around the stiffener II to fonn a display with an integral frame. The stiffener 11 has a generally rectangular central backing section 12, which is sized to be slightly smaller than the rectangular central display section 4 of the foldable display sheet I. For example, the foldable display sheet 1 may be 508mm long and 406mm wide, in which case the central backing section 12 would usefully be 506mm long and 404mm wide. Generally speaking a difference of about 2mm is suitable.

The size ofthe various parts of the display will normally be based on the size of the sheet of board 2 from which the foldable display sheet 1 is formed, with the intention to optimise the size of the display portion relative to the size of the sheet of board 2 required to form the display.

The corners of the rectangular backing section 12 of the stiffener 11 are rounded in order to avoid obstructing the corner flaps 7 of the foldable display sheet I and four generally rectangular flaps 13 extend from the straight edges ofthe backing section 12 between the rounded corners. Score lines are formed along the periphery of the backing section to IS define the flaps. The distal corners of the flaps 13 of the stiffener II are also chamfered and, like the rectangular backing section 12, the flaps 13 are sized to be slightly narrower than the width of the side sections 8 ofthe foldable display surface 1. This allows for the foldable display sheet Ito fold round the flaps 13 in use. For example, the side sections 8 may be 38mm wide and the flaps 13 of the stiffener 11 may be 36mm wide. Again a difference of about 2mm is generally suitable.

In use, the flaps 13 of the stiffener ii are folded down such that their distal ends sit on the back of the display surface 4 of the foldable display sheet. The foldable display sheet is folded up, round the stiffener II and the tabs 10 of the connection-sections 9 are connected to the stiffener 11. To that end, the rectangular backing section 12 of stiffener 11 is provided with appropriately sized, shaped and located cut-outs 14 through which the tabs 10 can be inserted to attach the foldable display sheet Ito the stiffener II.

Accordingly, in this example, twelve tab-receiving cut-outs 14 are provided, one central cut-out 14 is provided inwardly of each of the shorter sides of the rectangular backing section 12, three corresponding cut-outs 14 are provided inwardly of each of the longer sides of the rectangular backing section 12, and four corner cut-outs N, extend diagonally inwardly at each corner of the rectangular backing section 12. Each of the four corner cut-outs 14 receives two tabs 10 from separate connection sections c,whereas the other eight cut-outs 14 receive one tab 10 each.

The backing section t2 is also provided with four pairs of slots 15 for receiving the optional supporting stmt 21 shown in figure 4.

Apertures 16 are provided in suitable positions on the connection sections 9 of the foldable display sheet I and corresponding notches are provided in the central cut-outs 10 the stiffener 11 to hang the display.

With reference to figure 3, this embodiment also includes an optional inner-straightener 17 which is another board with a central rectangular section 18 and chamfered flaps sized to fit within the straightener 11. In the example given, the flaps 19 are 35mm wide and the rectangular section 18 is 504mm x 402mm. Thus, the flaps 19, when folded perpendicular to the rectangular section 18 may be set with their ends against the corner fold between the flaps 13 of the stiffener II and its rectangular backing section 12, such that in use, its central rectangular straightening face, sits behind the central display surface 4 of the foldable display surface, keeping it straight across its surface.

Notches 20 are provided at each corner ofthe inner straightener 17, which help to keep it in place.

The supporting strut 21, shown in figure 4 has a central rectangular portion 22 separated by scored lines from two wings 23, which fold round to provide a wedge. Each wing 23 has a projecting ear 24which can be slotted into the slots 15 in the stiffener, to provide a stand for the display.

To form a display from the kit of parts described above, an image is first applied to the front surface of the foldable display sheet, e.g. by printing. The image is formed on a display area 25 ofthe sheet ofboard 2. The display area covers the entire central display section 4, as well as the side-sections 8 and corner sections of the flaps 5,6 and a small area of the connection sections, such that when assembled, the image appears to extend right round the display.

The foldable display sheet I is then pushed out of the board, Of course, if the shape of the outer circumference was not cut through, it could simply be cut out of the board afler printing.

Subsequently the display is assembled by following the steps described below in relation to a second embodiment of the invention. The second embodiment is somewhat less sophisticated than the first embodiment, so certain features and shapes of the first embodiment cannot be found in the second. Indeed the second embodiment does not include a straightener 17, but its use will be understood from the discussion above, Nonetheless, like numerals are used for like parts, The first, optional, step is to pre-fold each part of the kit shown in figure 5 to form creases where the score lines separate the flaps 5, 6, 13 from the central sections 4, 12 and along the score lines separating the connection-sections 9 from the side-sections 8.

The wings 23 of the stand are also pre-folded at this stage.

The flaps 13 of the stiffener 11 are then folded inwardly such that they are perpendicular to its rectangular backing section 12, forming side-panels as shown in figure 6. The wings 23 of the stmt 21 may also be folded at this stage to form the wedge shape.

Next, as shown in figure 7, the stiffener I] is placed in the middle of the foldable display sheet 1, with the image receiving surface facing away and the ends of the stiffener's flaps 13 sitting inside the creases formed between the side-sections 8 of the foldable display sheet and its central display section 4, Then, as shown in figure 8, the foldable display sheet I is folded around the stiffener 11, such that the side-sections 8 sit outside the side panels formed by the flaps 13 of the stiffener, and the connection-sections 9 sit on top of the rectangular backing section 12.

Next, referring to figure 9 the tabs 10 of the connection-sections 9 are pushed through the cut-outs 14 so that their barbs latch behind the cut-outs 14 and hold the foldable display sheet I wrapped around the stiffener II.

The display may then by hung on a wall hanger (not shown) by pushing a suitable apertures 16 over the pin of a hanger (not shown). Alternatively, with reference to figure 0, the ears 24 of the strut may be inserted through a corresponding pair of slots 5 to stand the display.

A third embodiment of the invention is described below, with reference to figures 11 to 15.

With reference to figure 11, a foldable display sheet 101 is formed in a sheet of board (not shown). The board may again be three-ply, with a front layer having an embossed, inkjet receptive front surface, a rear layer with a coated paper rear surface and an intervening box-board middle layer, adhered together by PVA glue.

An image will be printed on the foldable display surface 101, for example by an inkjet printer. Of course images could be attached to the foldable display surface by other means, such as adhering printed paper or the like.

The shape of the outer perimeter of the foldable display sheet tOt is cut through the board (not shown) such that the foldable display sheet I can be pushed out of the board, leaving behind the surrounding waste.

The foldable display sheet 10] has a rectangular central display section 104, on which the main image is formed. At all four edges of the central display section t04, foldable flaps are formed by scoring the periphery of the central display section.

Short foldable flaps 105, are formed at the short sides of the central rectangular section and long foldable flaps t 06 are formed at the long sides of the central rectangular section.

Corner flaps 107 extend from the four corners of the central display section 104.

Each foldable flap 105,106, comprises a first side-section 108 immediately adjacent the central display section 104. The side-sections 108 are generally rectangular, having a length equal to the edge of the central display section 104 from which they extend.

However, the corners of the generally rectangular side-sections 108 distal to the central display section 104 are chamfered, so the short sides of the side-sections 108 are not as long as their overall width.

The corner flaps 107 extend between the chamfered corners of adjacent side-sections 108 bulging outwards between the tips of the short sides of the side-sections 108, to take a form of a right angled triangle with an outwardly arced hypotenuse. Score lines define the lines separating the side-sections 108 from the corner flaps 107 and the corner flaps are also scored diametrically.

Extending distally from the side-sections 108 are connection-sections 109. Score lines are formed to separate the side-sections 08 from the connection-sections 109. The connection-sections 109 are generally trapezoidal, with an outside edge parallel to, distal to and shorter than the side-sections 108 and two short edges extending from the chamfered portion of the side sections 108 to the outside edge.

The connection sections 109 are provided with tabs 110 for connection with the stiffener shown in figure 12. In this embodiment each short foldable flap 105 is provided with three tabs 110, one on each ofthe short sides of the connection sections 109 and one in between, and each long flap 106 is provided with three tabs t to, one on each of the IS short sides of the connection sections 109 and one spaced equally in between them.

Each tab 110 is formed by inwardly extending cuts into the connection sections and scored fold lines between the cuts to define a foldable section with barbed ends. The tabs are tapered towards the outer periphery, such that their inner width is wider than their end width and they have cuts extending parallel to the outer perimeter of the respective connection section 109 towards each other. At their proximal ends, the cuts extend radially inwardly, perpendicular to the perimeter of the respective connection section, and a score-line is provided between these most inward ends, This defines an arrow-head type shape with barbed ends, which when folded perpendicular to the plane of the connection section are separated from it by a pair of inwardly extending channels formed by the separation between the score line and the line along which the cuts which extend parallel to the outer perimeter of the respective connection section 19.

The three tabs 110 on the short foldable flaps 105 are all symmetrical, as is the central tab 110 on the long flaps 106. However, the peripheral tabs 110 which are formed on the short sides of the connection sections 109 of the long flaps 106 are asymmetrical, formed with one barb more sharply angled than the other. This is in order to make the best use of the available space in the board from which the foldable sheet 101 is formed, such that the side of one barbed section ofthese asymmetrical tabs mns parallel with the side of the board.

With reference to figure 12, an integrated stiffener and straightener 100 is formed from foldable board. In use, the foldable display sheet 101, described above, is folded around the integrated stiffener and straightener 100 to form a display with an integral frame. The integrated stiffener and straightener 100 as a stiffener portion 111, which has a generally IS rectangular central stiffening section U, which is sized to be slightly smaller than the rectangular central display section 104 of the foldable display sheet 101. For example, the foldable display sheet 101 may be 508mm long and 406mm wide, in which case the central backing section 112 would usefully be 506mm long and 404mm wide. Generally speaking a difference of about 2mm is suitable.

The corners of the rectangular stiffening section 112 of the integrated stiffener and straightener 100 are rounded in order to avoid obstructing the corner flaps 107 of the foldable display sheet 101 and three flaps 113 extend from three of the straight edges of the stiffening section 112 between the rounded corners. Score lines are formed along the periphery of the backing section to define the flaps.

The fourth side of the rectangular stiffening section 112 is provided with a shared flap section 116, which extends between the distal straight edge of the fourth side of the rectangular backing section (which in this embodiment is a long edge) to a long edge of a central rectangular section 118 of the inner-straightener portion 117 of the integrated stiffener and straightener 100.

Extending from the other three edges of the central rectangular section 118 of the inner straightening portion 117 are chamfered flaps 119 sized and shaped to engage with the flaps 113 extending from the straightener portion 111.

Semi-circular notches 120 are provided at each corner of the inner straightener 117, which help to keep it in place.

The distal edge of the flap 113 of the stiffening portion 111 distal to the shared flap section 116 is provided with a tab 120, which, when folded up engages with a slit 121 provided at the proximal edge of the flap 119 of the straightening portion 117 distal to the shared flap section 16.

The two flaps 113 at the short sides of the stiffening section are provided with coresponding tabs 122 which engage with elongated notches 23 cut out from the outer edges of the two corresponding flaps 119 on the short sides of the straightening section L17.

The distal corners of the flaps 113 of the stiffener portion lii are chamfered and, like the generally rectangular central stiffening section 112, the flaps 113 are sized to be slightly narrower than the width of the side sections 108 of the foldable display surface 111. This allows for the foldable display sheet 111 to fold round the flaps 113 in use. For example, the side sections 108 may be 38mm wide and the flaps 113 of the stiffener portion 111 may be 36mm wide. Again a difference of about 2mm is generally suitable.

In use, as shown in figure t3, the rectangular central stiffening section 112 and the central rectangular section 118 of the straightening portion 118 are brought parallel to one another (perpendicular to the shared flap section 116.

The flaps 113 of the stiffening portion 111 are folded down around the outside of the flaps 119 ofthe straightening portion t t7 and their flaps t22 and elongated notches t23 are engaged. The tab 120 distal to the shared flap section 6 is inserted into the slit 12] to hold the integrated stiffener and straightener 100 in a box-shape.

Then, as shown in figure 14, the central rectangular straightening section 1] 8 is placed on the inside back of the display surface 104 of the foldable display sheet. The foldable display sheet 101 is folded up, round the stiffener Iii and the tabs 110 of the connection-sections 109 are connected to the stiffener 1]], To that end, the rectangular backing section t t2 of stiffener t t t is provided with appropriately sized, shaped and located cut-outs I N through which the tabs 10 can be inserted to attach the foldable display sheet 101 to the stiffener 111.

Accordingly, in this example, eight tab-receiving cut-outs 14 are provided, one central cut-out 1 t4 is provided inwardly of each of the sides of the rectangular backing section 2, and four corner cut-outs 114, extend diagonally inwardly at each corner of the rectangular backing section 112.

Each of the four corner cut-outs 114 receives two tabs 110 from separate connection sections 109, whereas the other four cut-outs 114 receive one tab 110 each, as shown in figure 5.

The backing section 112 is also provided with four pairs of slots 115 for receiving the optional supporting strut 121 shown in figure 4.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications may be made to the embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope ofthe invention, which is defined by the appended claims. For example, the three-ply structure of the board may be replaced by a structure with fewer layers, or indeed more layers may be added, For example, a fourth layer with an image printed thereon may be adhered to the existing three layers to form the final structure. Similarly, a greater or fewer number oftabs could be formed, and indeed different forms of connection means could be contemplated.

Claims

Claims I. A kit of parts for forming a display with an integral frame; the kit comprising a foldable display sheet and a stiffener the foldable display sheet having a central display section and a plurality of foldable flaps extending from the central display section; each flap comprising a side-section extending from the periphery of the central display section, and a connection-section which extends from the side-section; the connection section being formed with connection means for connection with the stiffeneç the stiffener having connection means for connection with the connection section of the foldable display sheet.
2. A kit of parts according to claim I wherein the connection means of the stiffener comprise apertures and the connection means of the connection-section comprise tabs; whereby in use the tabs of the connection section are inserted into the apertures in the stiffener to form the display.
3. A kit of parts according to claim 2 wherein apertures and tabs are disposed such that in use the stiffener acts to hold opposing side-sections in tension.
4. A kit of parts according to claim 2 or 3 wherein the tabs are barbed.
5. A kit of parts according to any of the preceding claims wherein the stiffener comprises a planar blank having a central section and a plurality of flaps which in use are folded perpendicular to the plane of the blank and abut the inner surfaces of the flaps of the blank.
6. A kit of parts according to any ofthe preceding claims wherein the central section of the foldable display sheet is rectangular.
7. A kit of parts according to claim 6 having connection means oriented diagonally with respect to the central section of the foldable display sheet.
8. A kit of parts according to any of claims 2-7 wherein at least some of the apertures and at least some of the tabs are arranged such that at least one aperture receives a tab from two flaps.
9. A kit of parts according to claim 8 wherein four apertures receive two tabs each from two respective flaps.
0, A kit of parts according to claim 9 wherein the four apertures which receive two tabs each are diagonally oriented.
11. Akit of parts according to any of the preceding claims wherein at least some of the connection means are oriented parallel to the nearest side of the central display section.
12. A kit of parts according to any of the preceding claims wherein an image is applied to the central display section and the side-sections of the foldable display sheet.
13. A kit of parts according to claim 11 wherein the image is applied to the central display section, the side-sections and a portion ofthe connection-sections ofthe foldable display sheet.
N. A kit of parts according to any of the preceding claims wherein the side sections of the foldable display sheet have chamfered corners.
15. A kit of parts according to any of claims 2-14 wherein at least some of the tabs are asymmetrical,
16. A kit of parts according to any of claims 5-15 wherein the central section of the planar blank of the stiffener is provided with rounded corners and a score line extends between rounded corners, to define the periphery ofthe central section, away from which the flaps extend.
17. A kit of parts according to any of the preceding claims further comprising an inner straightener which in use fits behind the foldable display sheet to straighten the central display surface.
18. A kit of parts according to claim 17 wherein the inner straightener is formed with a central rectangular section and chamfered flaps, with notches formed at the corners of the rectangular section.9. A kit of parts according to claim L/ or 18 wherein the inner straightener is separate from the foldable disp'ay sheet and the stiffener.IS 20. A kit of parts according to claim 17 or 18 wherein the inner straightener is formed integrally with the stiffener.2L A kit of parts according to claim 20 wherein the stiffener comprises a planar blank having a central section and a plurality of flaps which in use are folded perpendicular to the plane of the blank and abut the inner surfaces of the flaps of the blank; and the inner straightener extends from the distal edge of one of the plurality of flaps.22. A kit of parts according to claim 21 wherein the inner stiffener is provided with a plurality of flaps which engage with the flaps of the straightener to form a box shape.23. A kit of parts according to claim 22 wherein the inner stiffener extends from the distal edge of one of the plurality of flaps of the stiffener and the inner straightener and the inner stiffener each have a further three flaps which are mutually engageable to form the box shape.24. A kit of parts according to claim 24 wherein at least one of the further flaps of one ofthe inner straightener or the stiffener is provided with a slit and the corresponding flap of the other of the inner straightener and the stiffener is provided with a tab, engageable with the slit.25, A display with an integral frame comprising a foldable display sheet and a stiffener; the foldable display sheet having a central display section and a plurality offoldable flaps extending from the central display section; IS each flap comprising a side-section extending from the periphery of the central display section, which is folded so as to extend perpendiculatly away from the front surface and a connection-section which extends from the side-section, inwardly parallel to the central display section; the connection section being formed with connection means connecting the foldable display sheet to corresponding connection means formed in the stiffener.26. A display according to claim 25 further comprising the features of any of claims 2-24.27. A method of forming a display with an integral frame according to claim 25 or26 from a kit of parts according to any of claims 1-24, the method comprising applying an image to the image display sheet, folding the foldable flaps ofthe foldable display sheet around the stiffener, such that the side sections extend perpendicularly to the central display section and connection sections extend parallel to the central display section and connecting the connection sections ofthe image display sheet to the connection means of the stiffener.28. A method according to claim 27 wherein the method ofcoimecting the connection sections of the image display sheet to the stiffener comprises folding tabs on the image display sheet through apertures in the stiffener.29. A method according to claim 28 further comprising the step of inserting a straightener behind the central display surface.30. A method according to claim 28 comprising folding the flaps of an inner straightener which is integrated with a stiffener and folding the flaps of the stiffener; engaging the flaps of the straightener with the flaps of the stiffener so as to form a box shape prior to the steps of claims 27 and 28.31. A method of forming a kit of parts for forming a display with an integral frame comprising: cutting a sheet of foldable material to form the foldable display sheet having a central display section and scoring the material to provide a plurality offoldable flaps extending from the central display section; scoring each flap longitudinally to define a side-section extending from the periphery of the central display section, and a connection-section which extends from the side-section; cutting and/or scoring the connection sections to form connection means for connection with a stiffener; and cutting a sheet of foldable material to form a stiffener and cutting the stiffener to provide connection means for connection with the connection sections of the foldable display sheet.32, A method according to claim 3] of forming a kit of parts according to any of claims 1-24 by making cuts and scoring sheets of foldable material to form a foldable display sheet and a stiffener.33. A method, kit or display with an integral frame according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the foldable display sheet is formed from 3-ply board with an embossed front surface, 34. A method, kit or display with an integral frame according to any ofthe preceding claims, wherein the display is an artwork, a photograph or a point of sale display.35. A method, kit or display with an integral frame according to any ofthe preceding IS claims wherein an image is printed on the foldable display sheet before the foldable display sheet is folded.36. A kit ofparts, a display with an integral frame, a method of forming a kit ofparts or a method of forming a display with an integral frame from a kit of parts substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying figures.