GB2599449A - Blank for picture carrying article - Google Patents

Abstract

A picture carrying article formed from a picture carrier sheet 4 and a backing sheet 6, the picture carrier sheet 4 comprising: a picture carrier layer 8 to receive a picture and an adhesive layer 10; the backing layer arranged to partially cover the adhesive layer. The picture carrying article may be formed from a blank 2, wherein the picture carrier sheet comprises a first line of weakening 32 defining a picture carrying member 34 of a picture carrying article 30, and the backing sheet comprises a second line 36 of weakening defining a backing member 38 of the picture carrying article 30. The picture carrying article may be separable from the blank, with the backing member to partially cover the adhesive layer to define an exposed adhesive portion of the adhesive layer for interconnection of the picture carrying member. Also provided is a method of forming the picture carrying article.

Description

BLANK FOR PICTURE CARRYING ARTICLE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to blanks to carry a picture carrying article for display with a picture displaying article.

BACKGROUND

Picture carrying articles are formed from sheet material, which is typically a plastic or paper. They can be arranged as a front portion and an adjoining back portion. A picture can be printed, i.e. carried, on exterior faces of the front portion and/or the back portion. The picture carrying article can be housed within a transparent picture displaying article, such as a bauble, or key ring for display.

The process of arranging the front portion and back portion to adjoin each other can be complex, for example they may be difficult to align.

Therefore, in spite of the effort already invested in the development of said blanks, and/or the associated picture carrying article, further improvements are desirable.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a blank comprising a picture carrier sheet and a backing sheet, the picture carrier sheet comprising: a picture carrier layer to receive a picture, and; an adhesive layer; the backing sheet arranged to cover (e.g. adjoin) the adhesive layer.

In embodiments, the picture carrier sheet comprises a first line of weakening defining a picture carrying member of a picture carrying article, and the backing sheet comprises a second line of weakening defining a backing member of the picture carrying article. The picture carrying article is separable from the blank along the lines of weakening. In embodiments, the backing member to partially covers (e.g. the backing member is smaller in at least one dimension than the picture carrying member) the adhesive layer of the picture carrying member to define an exposed adhesive portion of the adhesive layer for interconnection of the picture carrying member.

By arranging the backing member not to cover all of the adhesive layer of the picture carrying member, part of the adhesive layer is exposed on the extracted picture carrying article. The backing member therefore forms a non-adhesive portion of a back face of the picture carrying article, which can therefore be used to slideably align the picture carrying member into an assembled position (e.g. with respect to a substrate that can comprise another portion of the picture carrying member or a part of a picture displaying article) before the exposed adhesive portion is used to adhere the picture carrying member in the assembled position.

In embodiments, the blank comprises a third line of weakening in the picture carrier sheet defining a separate picture information carrying member. By additionally forming a picture information carrying member on the blank picture information, that is related to the picture of the picture carrying article that is printed on the blank, can be printed onto the blank at the same time as the picture, e.g. the address to dispatch the picture carrying article and optionally an associated picture displaying article to.

In embodiments, the blank comprises a fourth line of weakening in the picture carrier sheet defining a separate message carrying member. By additionally forming a message carrying member a message, that is associated with the picture of the picture carrying article that is printed on the blank, can be printed onto the blank at the same time as the picture, e.g. a message that can be adhered to a card to accompany picture carrying article and optionally an associated picture displaying article to.

In embodiments, the blank comprises one or more of: a picture printed on an exterior surface of the picture carrying article; a message printed on a message carrying member; picture information printed on a picture information carrying member.

The picture carrying article of the blank may implement any feature of the proceeding embodiment picture carrying article or another embodiment disclosed herein.

The present disclosure provides a picture carrying article comprising: a picture carrying member comprising: a picture carrier layer to receive a picture on a front surface of the picture carrying article, and; an adhesive layer, wherein an exposed adhesive portion of the adhesive layer and a non-adhesive portion forms a back surface of the picture carrying article.

By arranging the exposed adhesive portion not to cover all of the back surface of the picture carrying member, the non-adhesive portion can be used to align the picture caring member in an assembled position (e.g. with respect to a substrate that can comprise another portion of the picture carrying member or a part of a picture displaying article) before the exposed adhesive portion is used to adhere the picture carrying member in the assembled position.

In embodiments, the exposed adhesive portion of the adhesive layer is set back from (e.g. in a depth direction) an/or is aligned with an exterior surface of the non-adhesive portion. By arranging the exposed adhesive portion not to protrude outwards from the back surface (e.g. so that the non-adhesive portion forms an outermost portion of the back surface), the non-adhesive portion can engage the substrate (e.g. without engagement of the exposed adhesive portion). The picture carrying member may then be slid over the substrate until the correct alignment is provided and the exposed adhesive portion may then be pressed to engage with the substrate in the assembled position.

In embodiments, the non-adhesive portion is a backing member, which is arranged to partially cover the adhesive layer of the picture carrying member to define the exposed adhesive portion. By implementing the backing member as the non-adhesive portion, the exposed adhesive portion may be conveniently provided as the part of the adhesive layer that is not covered by the backing member (e.g. the adhesive layer entirely overlaps and extends beyond the backing member to form the exposed adhesive portion). The picture carrying article may thereby be conveniently provide as part of a blank. Moreover, there is no need to perform a step of removing the backing member when adhering the picture carrying article to the substrate.

In embodiments, the exposed adhesive portion of the adhesive layer is arranged at a periphery of the back surface of the picture carrying article (e.g. a periphery of the picture carrier layer). By arranging the exposed adhesive portion at the periphery (including exactly at the periphery or in close proximity, e.g. within 1 -3 mm, of the periphery) it may be ensured that the picture carrier layer is precisely aligned in the assembled position, e.g. by aligning the middle before connecting the sides.

In embodiments, the exposed adhesive portion is continuous. By having a continuous exposed adhesive portion (e.g. not arranged with separate units) it may be ensured that in the assembled position, contouring from the adhesive connection is minimised on an exterior surface of the picture carrying layer or elsewhere.

In embodiments, the exposed adhesive portion extends around the entire periphery of the back surface of the picture carrying article. By arranging the exposed adhesive portion entirely around the outer of the picture carrying member, it may be ensured that in the assembled position, contouring from the adhesive connection is minimised on an exterior surface of the picture carrying layer.

In embodiments, the exposed adhesive portion is not arranged distal the periphery. By only arranging the exposed adhesive portion at the periphery, e.g. not in the centre of the picture carrying article, it may be ensured that contouring from the adhesive connection is minimised on the most visually dominating parts of the exterior surface, and in particular at the centre of the exterior surface.

In embodiments, the picture carrying article is arranged as a front portion and a back portion. In an assembled position the exposed adhesive portion, which is arranged on at least one of the front portion or back portion, is arranged to adjoin the other of the front portion or back portion. By having a front portion and a back portion with either of both portions comprising the exposed adhesive potion, the front and back portion may be conveniently formed on the same blank (which allows the picture to be printed on the front portion and back portion at the same time) and assembled together.

In embodiments, the front portion and back portion correspond to each other. By arranging the front portion and back portion to correspond in shape, the back portion may conceal the back surface of the front portion, such that the picture carrying article comprises a full picture on both exterior surfaces.

In embodiments, the front portion and back portion are interconnected by an interconnection portion. By interconnecting the front portion and back portion it may be ensured that the front and back portion are aligned when moved into the assembled position.

In embodiments, the interconnection portion extends from the front portion and from the back portion. By arranged the interconnection portion to extend from one of the front or back portions, it may provide a tab for alignment to the picture displaying article and/or orientation identification with respect to the printed picture.

In embodiments, the picture carrying article comprising a picture printed on the front surface of the picture carrying article.

In embodiments, with the picture carrying article arranged in the assembled position, the backing member of the front portion and back portion arranged to adjoin another. The assembled picture carrying article therefore comprises the backing member, e.g. there is no need to perform a step of removing the backing member from the adhesive layers.

The present disclosure provides a system comprising the picture carrying article of any preceding embodiment or another embodiment disclosed herein and a picture displaying article configured to display the picture carrying article. The picture displaying article may comprise a cavity specifically shaped to house the picture carrying article.

The present disclosure provides use of a picture displaying article for the picture carrying article of any preceding embodiment or another embodiment disclosed herein.

The present disclosure provides a method of forming a picture carrying article in a blank comprising a picture carrier sheet adjoining a backing sheet, the method comprising: forming a first line of weakening defining a picture carrying member in the picture carrier sheet; forming a second line of weakening defining a backing member in the backing sheet; wherein the picture carrying member overlaps and extends beyond the backing member. The method may implement the features of any preceding embodiment or another embodiment disclosed herein.

In embodiments, the method comprises forming the first line of weakening on the picture carrier sheet and forming the second line of weakening on the backing sheet when the picture carrier sheet and backing sheet adjoin each other. By forming the lines of weakening on the assembled blank, manufacturing may be more convenient.

The present disclosure provides a method of assembling a picture carrying article comprising: aligning the picture carrying article with a substrate by engaging a non-adhesive portion of a back surface of the picture carrying article with the substrate, and; (e.g. after said engaging step) adhering an exposed adhesive portion of an adhesive layer of the back surface to the substrate.

In embodiments, the method comprises aligning the picture carrying article with a substrate with the exposed adhesive portion separated from the substrate.

In embodiments, the method comprises applying a pressing force to engage the exposed adhesive portion with the substrate. In embodiments, the method comprises not adhering the picture carrying article distal its periphery.

In embodiments, wherein the picture carrying article comprises: a front portion, and; a back portion, which is arranged as the substrate, the method comprising: arranging in an assembled position the back surface of the front portion to engage the back surface of the back portion.

In embodiments, the method comprises foiling the front portion and back portion about an interconnection portion. In embodiments, the method comprises printing a picture on a picture carrying member of the picture carrying article.

In embodiments, the method comprises printing the picture on the picture carrying article when arranged as a blank comprising a picture carrier sheet and a backing sheet. By printing the picture on the picture carrying article when it is arranged as part of a blank, the front portion and back portion can be conveniently printed on at the same time on a single side of the blank.

In embodiments, the method comprises printing picture information on a picture information carrying member of the blank at the same time as printing the picture. In embodiments, the method comprises printing a message on a message carrying member of the blank at the same time as printing the picture.

The preceding summary is provided for purposes of summarizing some embodiments to provide a basic understanding of aspects of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly, the above-described features are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way. Moreover, the above and/or proceeding embodiments may be combined in any suitable combination to provide further embodiments. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following Detailed Description, Figures, and Claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Aspects, features and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of embodiments in reference to the appended drawings in which like numerals denote like elements.

Figure 1 is a plan view showing an embodiment blank comprising a picture carrying article. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the blank of figure 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the picture carrying article of figure 1.

Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the picture carrying article of figure 1 in an unassembled position.

Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the picture carrying article of figure 1 in an assembled position.

Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the picture carrying article of figure 1 and a picture displaying article in an open position.

Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the picture carrying article of figure 1 and a picture displaying article in a closed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Before describing several embodiments of the system, it is to be understood that the system, which is comprised of a picture carrying article and a picture displaying article is not limited to the details of construction or process steps set forth in the following description. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure that the system is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways.

The present disclosure may be better understood in view of the following explanations: As used therein the term "blank" may refer to a sheet comprising a laminate of a picture carrier sheet and a backing sheet, from which various items, including a picture carrier article, can be extracted.

As used therein the term "picture carrier sheet" may refer to any sheet capable of receiving a picture. The picture carrier sheet may comprises a picture carrier layer and an adhesive layer.

As used therein the term "picture carrier layer' may refer to any sheet capable of receiving a picture. The picture may be received by printing directly to the sheet or by other means including engraving or adhering a picture member thereto. The picture carrier layer may be based on one or more of the following materials: paper; a plastic based material including polyester, nyion, acetate, vinyl, other plastic material; metal foil; other suitable material. The surface finish of the picture carrier sheet may be satin, gloss, matte, other suitable finish. The picture carrier layer may be formed of a flexible material to enable the adhesive layer attached thereto to flex around the backing member to engage a substrate.

As used therein the term "adhesive layer' may refer to a layer of adhesive formed of any material suitable for adhering the picture carrying article to a substrate. The adhesive layer may be based on one or more of: a plastic based adhesive; a rubber based adhesive; a pressure sensitive adhesive; a moisture activated adhesive; other adhesive.

As used therein the term "backing sheet" may refer to any layer that is removably attachable to the adhesive layer. The backing sheet may be attachable to the adhesive layer without bonding to the adhesive layer so that it can be removed to exposed the adhesive layer. The backing sheet may be based on one or more of: paper, including waxed paper; metal foil including a waxed foil; other material.

As used therein the term "line of weakening" may refer to a point of reduced material strength, which may be introduced to aid separation of the material along the line. The line of weakening may be formed by one or more of the following: cutting, including entirely or partially though; scoring; folding; any of the aforesaid arranged as a continuous or a series of discrete units; other line of weakening.

As used therein the term "picture carrying member" may refer to a portion of the picture carrying sheet that may be defined by the line of weakening. The picture carrying article comprises the picture carrying member.

As used therein the term "backing member may refer to a portion of the backing sheet that may be defined by the line of weakening. The picture carrying article comprises the backing member.

As used therein the term "picture carrying article" may refer to a combination of the picture carrying member and backing member, which may be arranged as a laminate.

As used therein the term "picture displaying article" may refer to any article suitable for displaying the picture carrying article. The picture displaying article may house the picture carrying article, including fully or partially. The picture displaying article may include a cavity to house the picture carrying article. The picture displaying article may be formed of an at least partially transparent material, including plastic. The picture displaying article may have a transparent portion, which may have one or two sides that are transparent so that a respective single sided picture of the picture carrier article or double sided picture of the picture carrier article is displayed. The picture displaying article may have other functions than solely to display the picture carrying article. The picture displaying article may comprises one or more of a: Christmas ornaments, including a bauble, star, other item; a keyring; a magnet, including a fridge magnet; a snowdome; a photo frame, including a transparent frame which is visible on one or both sides; a ruler including a transparent frame which is visible on one or both sides; a badge holder; other like item; a drinks container; a coaster; other like item.

As used herein the term "picture" or "picture member" may refer to any picture for on the picture carrying article, it can include: a photo; artwork that can include a painting; or other article. The picture may formed by printing. The picture may be printed directly onto the picture carrying member.

As used herein the term "picture information" may comprise any information related to the picture. It may include one or more of: the manufacturer; shipping address; customer (e.g. who the picture carrying article and/or picture displaying article are to be shipped to) identifier, which can include a code, including an optical code like a bar code, a QR code or other code; date of order; order number; order date.

As used herein the term "picture information carrying member" may comprise a portion of the picture carrying sheet that may be designated for carrying picture information. The picture information carrying member may be defined by a line of weakening. The picture information carrying member may be extracted from the blank and adhered to a dispatch parcel that comprises one or more of the picture carrying article and the picture display article. The customer identifier of the picture information carrying member may be read at points of a manufacturing process to determine at what stage the product is at, including dispatched, in progress but not dispatched.

As used herein the term "message" may comprise any information related to the customer or recipient. It may include a Christmas or birthday message or any other message that would be written in a card.

As used herein the term "message carrying member" may comprise a portion of the picture carrying sheet that may be designated for the message. The message carrying member may be defined by a line of weakening. The message carrying member may be extracted from the blank and adhered to a card arranged in a dispatch parcel that comprises one or more of the picture carrying article and the picture display article.

Referring to figures Ito 3, a blank 2 comprises a picture carrier sheet 4 and a backing sheet 6. As best seen in figure 3, the picture carrier sheet 4 comprises a picture carrier layer 8 to receive a picture (not illustrated in figures 1 to 3) and an adhesive layer 10. The blank 2 has a front surface 12 and a back surface 14.

The blank 2 is aligned in an in-plane direction, which is defined by a longitudinal direction 100 and a lateral direction 102, which are both orthogonal to a depth direction 104. The picture carrier layer 8 and adjoining adhesive layer 10 are layered in the depth direction 104.

The picture carrier layer 8 has an exterior surface 16, which forms an exterior front surface 12 of the blank 2. The picture carrier layer 8 has an interior surface 18, which is arranged to adjoin the adhesive layer 8. The adhesive layer 10 has an interior surface 20, which is arranged to adjoin the picture carrier layer 8. The adhesive layer 10 has an exterior surface 22, which is arranged to adjoin the backing sheet 6.

The backing sheet 6 has an exterior surface 24, which forms a back surface 14 of the blank 2. The backing sheet 6 has an interior surface 26 which is arranged to cover the exterior surface 22 of the adhesive layer 10.

In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated; additional layers may be present, for example the picture carrier layer may comprise sub layers including an exterior layer suitable for providing a surface finish on a print of a picture, as will be discussed; although the blank is shown as a rectangular sheet, other shapes may be implement, including circular, triangular, or other shape; the blank may be arranged as a reel, rather than a separate sheet, the reel may be cut to sheets or remain as a reel.

Referring to figures 1 to 4, the blank 2 includes an extractable picture carrying article 30, which is formed of the picture carrier sheet 4 and a backing sheet 6. Accordingly, figure 3 is used interchangeably to refer to the layers of the blank 2 or the picture carrying article 30.

Although the blank 2 is illustrated with two picture carrying articles 30, only one is discussed for brevity. In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated, the blank may comprise other numbers of picture carrying articles, including 1, 3 or 5.

As can be best seen in figure 1 and 2, the picture carrier sheet 4 comprises a first line of weakening 32 defining a picture carrying member 34 of the picture carrying article 30. The backing sheet 6 comprises a second line of weakening 36 defining a backing member 38 of the picture carrying article 30.

Accordingly, the picture carrying member 34 is formed of both the picture carrier layer 8 and the adhesive layer 10 of the picture carrier sheet 4 and the backing member 38 is formed of the backing sheet 6 As can be best seen in figure 3, the backing member 38 partially covers the adhesive layer 10 of the picture carrying member 34 to define an exposed adhesive portion 40 of the adhesive layer 10 for interconnection of the picture carrying member 38, as will be discussed.

In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated: the adhesive layer is only arranged where the exposed adhesive portion is, e.g. the backing member does not cover any of the adhesive layer. In such an embodiment, the adhesive layer may be printed on the picture carrier layer. The picture carrier layer may also have an indent to receive the adhesive layer so that it does not extend beyond the back surface of the picture carrier layer. Such an arrangement would replace the backing member.

Referring to figure 3, a picture (not illustrated) is printed on the part of the front surface 12 (that forms the picture carrying article 30.

Referring to figure 3, the part of the back surface 14 that forms the picture carrying article 30 is comprised of both the exposed adhesive portion 40 and an exterior surface 24 of the backing member 38.

At the back surface 14 the exposed adhesive portion 40 of the adhesive layer 10 is set back in the counter depth direction 104 from the exterior surface 24 of the backing member 38. The exterior surface 24 of the backing member 38 therefore forms a non-adhesive portion of the back surface 14.

As best seen in figures 3 and 4, the exposed adhesive portion 40 of the adhesive layer 10 is arranged contiguous (e.g. at and in close proximity of) the peripheral edge 42 of the picture carrier layer 8. The exposed adhesive portion 40 extends continuously, (e.g. unbroken) around the peripheral edge 42. The exposed adhesive portion 40 is only arranged at the periphery, e.g. it does not extend into the centre of the picture carrier layer 8.

In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated, the exposed adhesive portion is alternatively arranged: it may be arranged parallel in respect of the depth direction to the exterior surface of the backing member; it may extend beyond the exterior surface of the backing member; it may extended in a non-continuous manner, e.g. as discrete portions; it may be arranged away from the periphery, including at the centre.

Referring to figures 1, 4 and 5, the picture carrying article 30 is arranged with a front portion 44 and a back portion 46. The front portion 44 and back portion 46 are formed from the same laminate of the blank 2, and therefore comprise a portion of the carrier layer 8, adhesive layer 10 and backing member 38 and their associated arrangements.

The exposed adhesive portion 40 extends as an annular ring around the front portion 44 and the back portion 46. The annular ring is broken at a interconnection portion (as will be discussed) along a periphery of which the exposed adhesive portion 40 extends to interconnect the annular rings. Hence the exposed adhesive portion 40 extends around the exterior periphery of the front back and interconnection portions.

Figure 4 illustrates the picture carrying article 30 in an unassembled position, with the front portion 44 and back portion 46 separated from each other.

Figure 5 illustrates the picture carrying article 30 an assembled position, in which the front portion 44 and back portion 46 abut and overlap each other. In particular, the front portion 44 and back portion 46 correspond in shape to each other, such that in the assembled position the respective exposed adhesive portions 40 are aligned and bond to another. The bonded exposed adhesive portions 40 therefore enclose the backing members 38 (not illustrated in figure 5) of the front portion 44 and back portion 46. The picture carrier layer 8 is sufficiently flexible to displaced in the depth direction 104 to enable the exposed adhesive portions 40 to come together around the backing members 38. In the assembled position, the front surfaces 12 of the front portion 44 and back portion 46 therefore form respective front and back surfaces of the assembled picture carrying article 30.

Referring to figures 1, 4 and 5, the front portion 44 and back portion 46 are interconnected by an interconnection portion 48. The interconnection portion 48 extends from the front portion 44 and from the back portion 46 and is formed of the same layers, and therefore comprise a portion of the carrier layer 8, adhesive layer 10 and backing member 38. Referring to figure 1 and figure 5, the interconnection portion 48 includes a line of weakening 50 along which the interconnection portion 48 is folded to guide the front portion 44 and back portion 46 into the assembled position. The exposed adhesive portion 40 also extends along an outer periphery of the interconnection portion 48 so that it is closed as for the front and back potion.

In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated: picture carrying article does not have a front portion and a black portion, e.g. it is arranged as a single portion that is attached directly via the exposed adhesive portion to the picture displaying article; the interconnection portion is arranged as a common edge of the front and back portion; the interconnection portion is omitted; the line of weaking of the interconnection portion is omitted; although the front and back portion are illustrated as circular, other shapes may be implemented, including one or a combination of square, triangular, curved, elliptical, other shape.

Referring back to figures 1 and 2, the blank 2 comprises a third line of weakening 52 in the picture carrier sheet 4 defining a separate picture information carrying member 54. The blank 2 comprises a fourth line of weakening 56 in the picture carrier sheet 4 defining a separate picture message carrying member 58.

The blank 2 can have printed on at the same time one or more of: a picture printed on an exterior surface 12 of the picture carrier layer 8 of the picture carrying article 30; information printed on the message carrying member 58; picture information printed on the picture information carrying member 54.

In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated: the picture information carrying member and/or the separate picture message carrying member is omitted.

Referring to figure 1 a method of forming a blank comprises: Step 1: the first line of weaking 32 is formed in the picture carrier sheet 4 by passing the sheet of the blank 2 over a die of a die cutting machine (not illustrated). Step 1 may also include forming the third line of weakening 52 and the fourth line of weakening 56 in the picture carrier sheet 4.

Step 2: the second line of weaking 36 is formed in the backing sheet 6 by passing the sheet of the blank 2 over a further die of the die cutting machine (not illustrated).

The first and second line of weakening are formed with the picture carrier sheet 4 and backing sheet 6 adjoining each other, e.g. as the assembled blank shown in figure 1.

Subsequent to steps 1 and 2, the blank 2 can have printed on at the same time one or more of: a picture printed on an exterior surface 12 of the picture carrier layer 8 of the picture carrying article 30; a message printed on the message carrying member 58; picture information printed on the picture information carrying member 54.

In variants embodiments; step 1 and step 2 are performed with the picture carrier sheet 4 and backing sheet 6 separated from each other, e.g. as they are illustrate in figure 2. They may then be assembled to form the blank 2.

In variant embodiments: step 1 and step 2 are performed with the blank arranged as a reel, which may or may not then be cut into sheets; step 2 is performed before step 1 or simultaneously.

Referring to figures 1 -6 a method of forming a blank comprises: Step 1: referring to figure 1, the picture carrying article 30 is separated from the blank 2.

Step 2: referring to figure 4, the front portion 44 and back portion 46 are folded together about the interconnection portion 48.

Step 3: the front portion 44 of the picture carrying article 30 is aligned with the back portion 46 by slideably engaging the backing members 38 of said portions with each other.

Step 4: the exposed adhesive portions 40 of the adhesive layers 10 of the front portion 44 and back portion 46 are pressed into each other via an externally applied pressing force to the front surface 12, such that they flex around the backing members 38 and adjoin each other. The picture carrying article 30 is then arranged in the assembled position as shown in figure 5.

Step 5: Referring to figure 6, the picture carrying article 30 is aligned with a picture displaying article 60, in an open position, which is illustrated as a bauble. The picture carrying article 30 is aligned using the interconnection portion 48, which can also be used to ensure the picture is correctly rotationally orientated. In particular, the picture displaying article 60 and interconnection portion 48 are both specifically arranged to interlock with each other.

Step 6: referring to figure 7, the picture displaying article 60 is arranged in a closed position to house the picture carrying article 30. The picture carrying article 30 is clamped in place between first and second portions of the picture displaying article 60.

In variant embodiments, the method comprises; before step 1, printing the picture on the picture carrying article when arranged as a blank comprising a picture carrier sheet and a backing sheet; alternatively, the picture may be printed on the extracted picture carrying article; in embodiments, where the picture displaying article does not comprise a back portion, at steps 3 -5 the exposed adhesive portion is pressed into a surface of the picture displaying article and step 2 is omitted.

As used in this specification, any formulation used of the style "at least one of A, B or C", and the formulation "at least one of A, B and C" use a disjunctive "or and a disjunctive "and" such that those formulations comprise any and all joint and several permutations of A, B, C, that is, A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B in any order, A and C in any order, B and C in any order and A, B, C in any order. There may be more or less than three features used in such formulations.

In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word 'comprising' does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps then those listed in a claim. Furthermore, the terms "a" or "an," as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. Also, the use of introductory phrases such as "at least one" and "one or more" in the claims should not be construed to imply that the introduction of another claim element by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim element to inventions containing only one such element, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an." The same holds true for the use of definite articles. Unless stated otherwise, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the elements such terms describe. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other prioritization of such elements. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Unless otherwise explicitly stated as incompatible, or the physics or otherwise of the embodiments, example or claims prevent such a combination, the features of the foregoing embodiments and examples, and of the following claims may be integrated together in any suitable arrangement, especially ones where there is a beneficial effect in doing so. This is not limited to only any specified benefit, and instead may arise from an "ex post facto" benefit. This is to say that the combination of features is not limited by the described forms, particularly the form (e.g. numbering) of the example(s), embodiment(s), or dependency of the claim(s). Moreover, this also applies to the phrase "in one embodiment, 'according to an embodiment" and the like, which are merely a stylistic form of wording and are not to be construed as limiting the following features to a separate embodiment to all other instances of the same or similar wording. This is to say, a reference to 'an', 'one' or 'some' embodiment(s) may be a reference to any one or more, and/or all embodiments, or combination(s) thereof, disclosed. Also, similarly, the reference to "the" embodiment may not be limited to the immediately preceding embodiment.

The foregoing description of one or more implementations provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the invention to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of various implementations of the present disclosure.

LIST OF REFERENCES

2 Blank 4 Picture carrier sheet 8 Picture carrier layer 42 Peripheral edge 16 Exterior surface 18 Interior surface Adhesive layer Exterior surface 22 Interior surface 6 Backing sheet 24 Exterior surface 26 Interior surface 12 Front surface 14 Back surface Picture carrying article 32 First line of weakening 36 Second line of weakening 52 Third line of weakening 54 Information carrying member 58 Message carrying member Picture carrying article 34 Picture carrying member Exposed adhesive portion 38 Backing member 44 Front portion 12 Front surface 14 Back surface 34 Picture carrying member Exposed adhesive portion 38 Backing member 46 Back portion 12 Front surface 14 Back surface 34 Picture carrying member Exposed adhesive portion 38 Backing member 48 Interconnection portion Line of weakening Picture displaying article

Claims (25)

1. CLAIMS1. A blank comprising a picture carrier sheet and a backing sheet, the picture carrier sheet comprising: a picture carrier layer to receive a picture, and an adhesive layer, the backing sheet arranged to adjoin the adhesive layer, wherein the picture carrier sheet comprises a first line of weakening defining a picture carrying member of a picture carrying article, and the backing sheet comprises a second line of weakening defining a backing member of the picture carrying article, wherein the picture carrying article is separable from the blank, with the backing member to partially cover the adhesive layer of the picture carrying member to define an exposed adhesive portion of the adhesive layer for connection of the picture carrying article.
2. 2. The blank of claim 1 comprising a third line of weakening in the picture carrier sheet defining a picture information carrying member.
3. 3. The blank of either of claims 1 or 2 comprising a fourth line of weakening in the picture carrier sheet defining a message carrying member.
4. 4. The blank of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the blank comprises one or more of: a picture printed on an exterior surface of the picture carrier member of the picture carrying article; a message printed on a message carrying member; picture information printed on a picture information carrying member.
5. 5 A picture carrying article comprising: a picture carrying member comprising: a picture carrier layer to receive a picture on a front surface of the picture carrying article, and; an adhesive layer, wherein an exposed adhesive portion of the adhesive layer and a non-adhesive portion forms a back surface of the picture carrying article, wherein the exposed adhesive portion of the adhesive layer is set back from an/or is aligned with an exterior surface of the non-adhesive portion.
6. 6 The picture carrying article of claim 5, wherein the non-adhesive portion is a backing member, which is arranged to partially cover the adhesive layer of the picture carrying member to define the exposed adhesive portion.
7. 7 The picture carrying article of either of claims 5 or 6, wherein the exposed adhesive portion of the adhesive layer is arranged at a periphery of the back surface of the picture carrying article.
8. 8. The picture carrying article of claim 7, wherein the exposed adhesive portion is continuous and extends around the entire periphery of the back surface of the picture carrying article.
9. 9. The picture carrying article of claims 7 or 8, wherein the exposed adhesive portion is not arranged distal the periphery.
10. 10. The picture carrying article of any of claims 5 to 9, wherein the picture carrying article is arranged as a front portion and a back portion, and in an assembled position the exposed adhesive portion, which is arranged on at least one of the front portion or back portion, is arranged to adjoin the other of the front portion or back portion.
11. 11. The picture carrying article of claim 10, wherein the front portion and the back portion are interconnected by an interconnection portion.
12. 12. The picture carrying article of claim 11, wherein the interconnection portion extends from the front portion and to the back portion.
13. 13. The picture carrying article of any of claims 5 to 12 comprising a picture printed the front surface of the picture carrying article.
14. 14. The picture carrying article of any of claims 10 to 13, when dependent on claim 6, arranged in the assembled position with the backing member of the front portion and back portion arranged to adjoin another.
15. 15. A system comprising the either the blank of any of claims 1 to 4 or picture carrying article of any of claims 5 to 14 and a picture displaying article configured to display the picture carrying article.
16. 16. Use of a picture displaying article for the picture carrying article of any of claims 1 to 14.
17. 17. A method of forming a picture carrying article on a blank, which comprises a picture carrier sheet and a backing sheet, the method comprising: forming a first line of weakening defining a picture carrying member in the picture carrier sheet; forming a second line of weakening defining a backing member in the backing sheet; wherein the picture carrying member overlaps and extends beyond the backing member.
18. 18. The method of claim 17 comprising forming the first line of weakening on the picture carrier sheet and forming the second line of weakening on the backing sheet when the picture carrier sheet and backing sheet adjoin each other.
19. 19. A method of assembling a picture carrying article comprising: aligning the picture carrying article with a substrate by engaging a non-adhesive portion of a back surface of the picture carrying article with the substrate, and; adhering an exposed adhesive portion of an adhesive layer of the back surface to the substrate.
20. 20. The method of claim 19 comprising: aligning the picture carrying article with the substrate with the exposed adhesive portion separated from the substrate
21. 21. The method of claim 20 comprising applying a pressing force to engage the exposed adhesive portion with the substrate.
22. 22. The method of any of claims 19 to 21, comprising not adhering the picture carrying article to the substrate distal its periphery.
23. 23. The method of any of claims 19 to 22, wherein the picture carrying article comprises: a front portion, and; a back portion, which is arranged as the substrate, the method comprising: arranging in an assembled position the back surface of the front portion to engage the back surface of the back portion
24. 24. The method of claim 23 comprising foiling the front portion and back portion about an interconnection portion.
25. 25. The method of any of claims 19 to 23 comprising printing a picture on a picture carrying member of the picture carrying article.