GB2617358A

GB2617358A - System for displaying a picture article

Info

Publication number: GB2617358A
Application number: GB2205002.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Glen Morrish Edward; Morrish John; Peter Morrish Mark
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-04-05
Filing date: 2022-04-05
Publication date: 2023-10-11
Also published as: GB202205002D0

Abstract

A system 120 comprises a picture displaying article 60, a dome 122 assembly, comprising dome 124 with a transparent layer 126 and an adhesive layer 128 arranged on a backing member 130 and a picture carrying article 30. The dome assembly comprises the backing member with an extension portion 132. The extension portion may be movable from an extended to a folded configuration in which a fold line (134, Fig 16) bisects the dome to expose a portion of the adhesive layer, movable between the extended and folded configuration by actuating the extension portion separated from the adhesive layer. Preferably the backing member includes an instruction indicating location of the fold line. The dome may be elongate, and the extension portion extends beyond the dome such that in the folded configuration the extension portion is folded, to at least partially extend counter longitudinally, along the fold line, which is laterally extending. The extension portion extends beyond the dome on all edges. The dome layer is preferably formed from an epoxy-based resin and comprises a curved peripheral edge. Methods of forming a dome sheet and extracting a dome from a backing layer are also claimed.

Description

SYSTEM FOR DISPLAYING A PICTURE ARTICLE

The present disclosure relates to a system for displaying a picture article of a picture carrying article and a transparent dome arranged over said picture carrying article.

BACKGROUND

Picture carrying articles that carry a picture article 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 article 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 or on a picture displaying article, such as within a transparent bauble, or on a key ring for display.

A process of assembling the front portion and back portion to adjoin each other can be complex, for example they may be difficult to align relative to each other or the picture displaying article.

A transparent dome may be adhered, via an adhesive layer of the dome, on the picture carrying article both to protect the picture carrying article and to provide enhanced visual appearance.

A process of assembling the dome on the picture carrying article can be complex, for example the dome may be difficult to align and a user may touch the adhesive layer leaving finger print marks that are visible though the dome.

Therefore, in spite of the effort already invested in the development of said picture carrying articles and/or a process of assembly with the dome, further improvements are desirable.

SUM MARY

The present disclosure provides a system for displaying a picture article. The system comprises: a picture displaying article; a dome assembly, and; a picture carrying article. The dome assembly comprises: a dome, which has an at least partially transparent dome layer and an adhesive layer, and; a backing member. The backing member has an extension portion arranged to extend beyond the dome (e.g. in a none overlapping manner), and; consists of only a single dome.

By arranging the backing member to have extension portions that protrude beyond a periphery of the dome together with a single dome, the extension portions can be manipulated by folding by a user to expose the adhesive layer without touching the adhesive layer. By avoiding touching the adhesive layer finger print marks on the adhesive layer may be avoided.

With prior art arrangements, there may be multiple domes arranged on a backing sheet which may prevent its folding, and hence a user may have to touch the adhesive layer of the dome when removing the dome from the backing sheet. With alternative prior art arrangements the backing member may not extend beyond the dome, hence a user may have to touch the adhesive layer when removing the dome from the backing member.

In embodiments, the extension portion is movable from an extended configuration (e.g. in which it extends beyond said dome) to a folded configuration (e.g. in which the extension portion overlaps part of the rest of the backing member and may be at least partially folded) in which a fold line bisects (e.g. it extends over) the dome (e.g. only the single dome) to expose an exposed portion of the adhesive layer.

The extension portion may be movable between the extended configuration to the folded configuration by actuating (e.g. via holding with opposed digits) the extension portion at a position separated from the adhesive layer, e.g. without a user engaging the adhesive layer of the dome.

By enabling a user to hold the extension portion to move the extension portion from the extended configuration to the folded configuration without touching the adhesive layer of the dome with their fingers, finger prints may be avoided.

As used herein the term "fold" may refer to implementing a bend, which may be plastic or elastic, with an apex along a linear (including substantially linear) line. The fold may have an angle from 180 to 90 degrees.

In embodiments, the backing member includes a line of weakening at said fold line to define and locate said fold. The line of weakening may ensure that the fold is located at the desired position so that a particular area of the adhesive layer is exposed upon folding.

In embodiments, the backing member includes an instruction indicating a location of the fold line. The instruction may ensure that the fold is located at the desired position so that a particular area of the adhesive layer is exposed upon folding.

As user herein the term "instruction" in respect of the fold line may refer to a line and/or other indicator (e.g. a written instruction) to indicate a fold line.

In embodiments, the dome is elongate in a longitudinal direction and the extension portion extends beyond the dome in the longitudinal direction such that in the folded configuration the extension portion is arranged to at least partially extend in the counter longitudinal direction (including folded back on itself with or without contact) along the fold line, which is laterally extending.

With such an arrangement it may be ensured that the exposed adhesive portion of the adhesive layer is arranged at a tip of the elongate dome, which may enable more convention alignment of the dome on the picture displaying article.

In embodiments, the extension portion extends beyond the dome on all edges of the dome. By extending the extension portion beyond the dome around its entire periphery, it may be ensured that a user does not touch the adhesive layer when extracting the dome from the backing member.

In embodiments, the dome layer is formed from an epoxy based resin. In embodiments, the dome layer comprises a curved peripheral edge. In embodiments, the adhesive layer may be at least partially transparent, e.g. so as not to obscure the picture article it is adhered to.

In embodiments, the system comprises a dome sheet comprising a plurality of individual dome assemblies, wherein the dome sheet comprises a backing sheet arranged from the plurality of the backing members of the individual dome assemblies, and the backing members are defined by a line of weakening for separating the individual dome assemblies from said dome sheet.

By forming the dome sheet from individualised dome assemblies, which are demarcated via lines of weakening, a dome assembly may be conveniently separated from the dome sheet before the dome is extracted. Particularly as the folding of an individual backing member of a dome assembly can not be implemented when as part of the dome sheet.

In embodiments, the system comprises instructions for assembly of the system according to any of the methods disclosed herein. The instructions may comprise written instructions (e.g. for process of assembly steps) or a web link to said instructions.

In embodiments, the system comprises: 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 the picture carrying article, and the backing sheet comprises a second line of weakening defining a backing member of the picture carrying article, wherein the first line of weakening an second line of weakening are arranged such that whilst separating the picture carrying article from the blank, the backing member partially covers 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. The blank may implemented the features of any embodiments disclosed herein.

The picture carrying article may be extracted from the blank and attached to the picture displaying article and the dome subsequently attached to the picture carrying article.

In embodiments, the picture carrying article comprises: a picture carrying member comprising: a picture carrier layer arranged to form a front surface of the picture carrying article, and; an adhesive layer arranged to fully overlap the picture carrier layer, and a backing member that partially covers the adhesive layer to define an exposed adhesive portion, the backing member and adhesive layer forming a back surface of the picture carrying article, wherein the exposed adhesive portion of the adhesive layer is arranged at a periphery of the back surface of the picture carrying article, and the exposed adhesive portion is continuous and extends around the entire periphery of the back surface of the picture carrying article or the backing member includes a handling tab, which is arranged to extend beyond the adhesive layer and the picture carrier layer, the exposed adhesive portion is continuous and extends around the periphery of the back surface of the picture carrying article between the handling tab. The picture carrying article may implemented the features of any embodiments disclosed herein.

The picture carrying article may be attached to the picture displaying article and the dome subsequently attached to the picture carrying article.

The present disclosure provides a dome sheet comprising: a plurality of dome assemblies, each comprising a single dome having an at least partially transparent dome layer and an adhesive layer arranged on a backing member, wherein the dome sheet comprises a backing sheet arranged from the plurality of backing members of the individual dome assemblies, wherein a backing member is defined by a line of weakening for separating the individual dome assemblies from said dome sheet and the backing member includes an extension portion to extend beyond the dome. The dome sheet may be for the system of any preceding embodiment or another embodiment disclosed herein.

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.

In embodiments, the first line of weakening an second line of weakening are arranged such that whilst separating the picture carrying article from the blank, the backing member partially covers 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.

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 backing sheet consists of a single integral member that partially covers the adhesive layer. In embodiments, the first line of weakening consist of a single line enclosed line and the second line of weakening consist of a single line enclosed line. In embodiments, the first line of weakening is arranged entirely around and to extend beyond the second line of weaking. In embodiments, the first line of weakening extends entirely though the picture carrier layer and adhesive layer. In embodiments, the second line of weaking is formed entirely within and is set back from the bounds of the first line of weaking.

In embodiments, the backing member includes a handling tab, which is arranged to extend beyond the adhesive layer and the picture carrying layer.

In embodiments, the backing member includes a line of weaking to define the handling tab. In embodiments, backing member includes an instruction indicating a location of the fold line.

In embodiments, the fold line is arranged to bisect the picture carrier layer and adhesive layer. such that a bisected part of the adhesive layer forms the exposed portion of the adhesive layer when the backing member is moved to the retracted position.

In embodiments, the exposed adhesive portion is continuous and extends around the periphery of the second line of weakening of the picture carrying article between a handling tab.

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. In embodiments, the adhesive layer arranged to fully overlap the picture carrier layer.

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 backing sheet consists of a single integral member that partially covers the adhesive layer, and the picture carrying member is a single integral member.

In embodiments the backing member includes a handling tab, which is arranged to extend beyond the adhesive layer and the picture carrier layer. In embodiments, the backing member includes a line of weaking to define the handling tab. In embodiments, the exposed adhesive portion is continuous and extends around the periphery of the back surface of the picture carrying article between the handling tab.

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 forming a picture carrying article, which comprises 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 method comprising: separating the picture carrying article from a blank to automatically form from a first line of weakening in the picture carrier sheet an second line of weakening in the backing sheet an exposed adhesive portion of the adhesive layer for connection of the picture carrying article. The method may implement the features of any preceding embodiment or another embodiment disclosed herein.

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. The method may implement the features of any preceding embodiment or another embodiment disclosed herein.

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.

In embodiments, the method comprises folding a backing layer that forms the non-adhesive portion of a back surface to define a handing tab; aligning the picture carrying article with a substrate at an edge of the picture carrying article proximal the handling tab; adhering the exposed adhesive portion of an adhesive layer proximal said edge; removing the backing layer from the adhesive layer from the handling tab to progressively adhere the remainder of the exposed adhesive portion.

In embodiments, the method comprises engaging the handing tab with the substrate. In embodiments, the method comprises folding the backing layer to expose a portion of the adhesive layer proximal the handling tab.

The present disclosure provides a method of forming a dome sheet, the method comprising forming a line of weakening on a backing sheet to define individual backing members; and (including before or after forming the line of weaking) arranging a dome on each backing member of the backing sheet. In embodiments, the line of weakening extends, in a none overlapping manner, beyond the dome. The method may implement the features of any preceding embodiment or another embodiment disclosed herein.

The present disclosure provides a method of extracting a dome from a backing layer, the method comprising: folding the backing layer by holding a portion of the backing layer that extends beyond the dome to expose a portion of an adhesive layer of the dome without touching (e.g. via a hand of a user or an implement such as a tool) said adhesive layer. The method may implement the features of any preceding embodiment or another embodiment disclosed herein.

In embodiments, the method comprises arranging the exposed adhesive portion of the dome to contact a picture displaying article (which may include a picture carrying article when arrange on the picture displaying article), and; progressively removing the backing layer from an adhesive layer of the dome to increase the exposed adhesive portion in contact with the a picture displaying article.

The present disclosure provides a method of assembling a system for displaying a picture article, the method comprising: arranging a picture carrying article on a picture displaying article, and; the methods of the preceding embodiments or another embodiment disclosed herein, wherein the dome is arranged on the a picture carrying article.

In embodiments, the method comprises aligning the picture carrying article with a picture displaying article by engaging a non-adhesive portion of a back surface of the picture carrying article with the picture displaying article with an exposed adhesive portion of the adhesive layer separated from the picture displaying article, and; subsequently adhering the exposed adhesive portion of an adhesive layer of the back surface to the picture displaying article, wherein the exposed adhesive portion of the adhesive layer is arranged at a periphery of the back surface of the picture carrying article In embodiments, the method comprises: folding a backing layer that forms the non-adhesive portion of a back surface to define a handing tab; aligning the picture carrying article with the picture displaying article at an edge of the picture carrying article proximal the handling tab; engaging the handing tab with the picture displaying article; adhering the exposed adhesive portion of an adhesive layer proximal said edge; removing the backing layer from the adhesive layer from the handling tab to progressively adhere the remainder of the exposed adhesive portion.

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.

Figure 8 is a plan view showing a picture carrying article with a handling tab of a backing member in an extended configuration.

Figure 9 is a plan view showing a picture carrying article with a handling tab of a backing member in a retracted/folded configuration.

Figures 10 to 13 are perspective views showing a process of connecting a picture carrying article to a picture displaying article by means of the handling tab shown in of figures 8 and 9 Figure 14 is a exploded perspective view showing a system for displaying a picture, which incorporates the picture carrying article of figures 1 to 13.

Figure 15 is a side view showing a dome assembly of the system of figure 14 with an extension portion of a backing member in an extended configuration.

Figure 16 is a plan view showing a dome assembly of the system of figure 14 with an extension portion of a backing member in an extended configuration.

Figure 17 is a plan view showing a dome sheet comprising a plurality of dome assemblies of figures 15 and 16.

Figures 18 to 21 are perspective views showing a process of connecting a dome of a dome assembly to a picture displaying article and picture carrying article.

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, nylon, 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 or the dome layer to the picture carrying article or picture displaying article. 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. In examples, the backing sheet may be partitioned into one or more backing layers.

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" or "backing layer" 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. The dome assembly comprises the backing member.

As used herein the term "handling tab" may refer to an extension of the backing member that extends beyond the picture carrying member to facilitate handing of the picture carrying article.

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 with the dome. 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" or "picture article" may refer to any picture for arrangement on the picture carrying article, it can include: a photo; artwork that can include a painting; or other article including a graphical article, e.g. a logo or design. 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 refer to 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.

As used herein the term "dome layer" may refer to a transparent, including at least partially transparent member, which has a curved periphery or otherwise angled peripheral edge. The entire peripheral edge may have said periphery. The dome layer may curve from the peripheral edge to a centre. The dome layer may be referred to as a lens or crystal dome. The dome layer may be formed of an resin, including an epoxy resin. As used herein the term "dome" may refer to a dome layer and adhesive layer. As used herein the term "dome assembly" may refer to an assembly comprising the dome arranged on the backing layer.

As used herein the term "dome sheet" may refer a backing sheet comprising a plurality of dome assemblies, in which the backing sheet is partitioned via lines of weakening into the backing layers.

Referring to figures 1 to 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 assembling a picture carrying article 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.

[Handling Tab] Referring to figures 8 and 9, the picture carrying article 30 includes the backing member 38 incorporating a handling tab 70. The handling tab 70 is arranged to extend beyond the adhesive layer 10 (including the exposed adhesive portion 40 thereof) and the picture carrier layer 8. In the example, said extension is over an entire left edge of said layers.

Referring to figure 8, the backing member 38 is shown in an extended configuration and includes a line of weaking 72 that defines a fold line at a peripheral edge of the handling tab 70.

In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated, the fold line does not comprise a line of weakening. In such embodiments, the backing member includes an instruction indicating a location of the fold line. The instruction may ensure that the fold is located at the desired position so that a particular area of the adhesive layer is exposed upon folding. The instruction may be implemented as one or more of: a different colour line arranged on the backing member, which is aligned with the fold line; written instructions reciting to fold along a particular line, and; arrows or other indications.

The fold line is arranged to bisect the picture carrier layer 8 and adhesive layer 10. In this way a bisected part of the adhesive layer 10 forms the exposed portion 40 of the adhesive layer 10 when the backing member 38 is moved to the retracted position.

The exposed adhesive portion 40 is continuous and extends around a periphery of the backing member 38 between a first edge 74 and second edge 76 of the handling tab 70.

Referring to figure 9, the handling tab 70 is illustrated in a retracted configuration in which it is folded back through 180 degrees at the line of weakening 72.

It will be understood that since, in the extended configuration, the handling tab 70 extends beyond the adhesive layer 10 and the picture carrier layer 8, it can be easily grasped (e.g. by opposed digits of a hand of a user) and separated from the adhesive layer 10 as it is transitioned to the retracted configuration.

In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated: the handling tab can be implemented on other shaped picture carrying articles; the handling tab may have other forms, including triangular, the only requirement is that it includes a portion that extends beyond the adjoining layers; the handling tab may extend from any edge, however for an picture carrying article that is elongate it may be preferable for it to extend from a narrow edge; the exposed adhesive portion is arranged so that it is only exposed on moving the handling tab to the retracted configuration, e.g. it does not extend around a periphery of the backing member between a first edge and second edge of the handling tab.

It will be understood that the blank 2 of the prior embodiments can be adapted to include the handling tab 70 by suitable adaptation of the second line of weakening 36 in the backing sheet 6 A method of assembling a picture carrying article 30 with the handling tab 70 comprises (which can be performed subsequent to separation of the picture carrying article 30 from the blank 2): Step 1: referring to figures 10 and 11, the handling tab 70 is transitioned from the extended position of figure 10 to the retracted position of figure 11 by a user gripping the handing tab 70 (e.g. between opposed digits) and folding it back against the line of weakening 72. The user may also grip (e.g. with opposed digits of another had at the same time) the picture carrying article 30 over a portion of the remainder backing member 38.

This provides an exposed adhesive portion 40 (figure 11) of the adhesive layer 10 proximal the line of weakening 72 and proximal the edge 78 the picture carrying article 30.

Step 2: referring to figure 12, the edge 78 of the picture carrying article 30 is aligned with a corresponding in position proximal edge 80 of picture displaying article 60.

Step 3: referring to figure 12 the handing tab 70 is engaged to abut the picture displaying article 60.

Step 4: referring to figure 12 the exposed adhesive portion 40 of the adhesive layer 10 is adhered in an aligned manner to the picture displaying article 60 proximal the edge 78. This may be achieved by pressing picture carrying article 30 the into the picture displaying article 60 over the exposed adhesive portion 40.

Step 5: transition from figure 12 to figure 13 the backing member 38 is removed from the adhesive layer 10 via pulling of the handling tab 70 to progressively adhere the remainder of the adhesive layer 10 to the picture displaying article 80.

In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated: step 3 may be omitted such that the handling tab 70 does not rest on the picture displaying article 80; step 4 may be executed before step 3.

At step 5 the backing member may remain attached to the adhesive layer 10 and be held in the retracted position via the exposed portion 40 of the adhesive later fixing it to the picture displaying article.

In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated, 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 carrying article does not comprise a back portion with a handing tab, at steps 3 -4 the exposed adhesive portion is pressed into a surface of the picture displaying article and step 5 is omitted.

[Dome] Referring to figure 14, the present disclosure provides a system 120 for displaying the picture article. The system 120 comprises: the picture displaying article 60 as discussed for any preceding embodiment or another embodiment disclosed herein; a dome assembly 122, and; a picture carrying article 30 as discussed for any preceding embodiment or another embodiment disclosed herein.

In the illustrated example, the picture carrying article 30 comprises the embodiment discussed in figures 8 to 13, which may be supplied from the blank 2 as discussed in the embodiment of figures 1 and 2.

In other embodiments, the picture carrying article may comprise a simplified arrangement of a picture carrier member with an adhesive layer and a backing member that fully covers the adhesive layer. In other embodiments the picture carrying article may be integrated with the picture displaying article.

Referring to figures 14, 15 and 16, the dome assembly 122 comprises: a dome 124, which has an at least partially transparent dome layer 126 and an adhesive layer 128, and; a backing member 130. The backing member 130 has an extension portion 132 arranged to extend beyond the dome 124. The extension portion 130 can be defined as a gripable (e.g. with opposed digits) portion of the backing member 130 that is not overlapped by the dome 124 in the lateral 102 and longitudinal 100 directions.

The dome assembly 122 comprises only a single dome 124. In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated, the dome assembly comprises more than one dome.

Referring to figures 18 and 19 the extension portion 132 of the backing member 130 is movable via folding about a fold line 134 from an extended configuration (figure 18) to a folded configuration (figure 19). The fold line 134 (as best seen in figure 16) extends over the dome 124 such that in the folded configuration (figure 19) the extension portion 132 is folded back to overlap a remainder of the backing member 130 to expose an exposed portion 136 of the adhesive layer 128 of the dome 124.

To move the extension portion 132 to the folded configuration, a user can grip said portion (e.g. with opposed digits), and implement said fold. Whilst moving the extension portion 132 the user may also grip (e.g. with opposed digits of another had) the dome 124 over the portion of the backing member 130 that overlaps the dome 124, since this does not impart finger prints into the adhesive layer 128 of the dome 124. The user therefore does not have to prise the backing member 130 away from the adhesive layer 128 directly between the interface of the adhesive layer 128 and the backing member 130, which would result in fingerprint marks being imprinted in the adhesive layer 128.

Referring to figure 16, the backing member 130 includes a line of weakening at said fold line 134 to define said fold, which ensures that that the fold is located at the desired position.

In variant embedment's, which are not illustrated: the backing member includes an instruction indicating a location of the fold line. The instruction may ensure that the fold is located at the desired position so that a particular area of the adhesive layer is exposed upon folding. The instruction may be implemented as one or more of: a different colour line arranged on the backing member, which is aligned with the fold line; written instructions reciting to fold along a particular line, and; arrows or other indications.

Referring to figure 16, the dome 124 is elongate in the longitudinal direction 100 and includes a proximal lateral edge 138 and a distal lateral edge 140, wherein proximal and distal are defined relative the fold line 134, and an upper longitudinal edge 142 and lower longitudinal edge 144, wherein upper and lower are defined relative to each other.

The extension portion 132 extends beyond the dome 124 in the longitudinal direction 100 from the lateral proximal edge 138. In the folded configuration the extension portion 132 is folded together (including folded back on itself with or without contact with the remainder of the backing member 130) along the fold line 134, which extends in the lateral direction 102.

The fold line 134 is arranged to bisect the dome 124, in this way a bisected part of the adhesive layer 128 of the dome 124 forms the exposed portion 136.

The extension portion 132 extends beyond the dome 124 on all edges of the dome. In particular, it extends: at the distal lateral edge 140 in the counter longitudinal direction 100; at the lower longitudinal edge 142 in the lateral direction 102, and; at the upper longitudinal edge 144 in the counter lateral direction 102. With such an arrangement a user is less likely to directly grasp or touch the adhesive layer 128 when extracting the dome 124 from the backing member 130.

The picture displaying article 60 and picture carrying article 30 and dome 124 correspond in shape to each other. In the example the picture displaying article 60 is a key ring.

In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated: the extension portion extends only from some of the edges, e.g. just the proximal lateral edge; the dome may have other shapes, including square, circular, rectangular, or combinations thereof.

Referring to figure 17, a dome sheet 150 comprises 12 individual dome assemblies 122. The dome sheet 150 comprises a backing sheet 152 which includes lines of weakening 154 to define the backing members 130 of the individual domes 124. Accordingly, an individual dome assembly 124 can be extracted from the dome sheet 130 by separating an associated line of weakening 154.

In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated: the dome sheet comprises any number greater than two dome assemblies.

A method of forming the dome sheet 150 comprises: Step 1: Forming a line of weakening 154 (e.g. by scoring or periodic cutting or other suitable method) on the backing sheet 152 to define backing members 130.

Step 2: Forming the domes 124 by forming the dome layer 126 on the adhesive layer 128 (e.g. by dispensing liquid epoxy resin onto an adhesive sheet and allowing the resin to cure).

Step 3: Arranging the domes 124 on the backing members 130.

The steps may be executed in any suitable order, e.g. step 2 before step 1 or step 1 after step 3.

Referring to figures 18 to 21, a method of arranging a dome 124 on a picture displaying article 60 comprises: Step 1: referring to figures 18 and 19, the extension portion 132 is folded at the fold line 134 to expose an exposed portion 136 of the adhesive layer 128 This step is in particular achieved by griping the extension portion 132 away from the proximal lateral edge of the 138 dome 124 to avoid imparting finger prints into the exposed portion 136 of the adhesive layer 128. The user may also grip (e.g. with opposed digits of another had at the same time) the dome 124 over the portion of the backing member 130 that overlaps the dome 124, since this does not impart finger prints into the adhesive layer 128 of the dome 124.

Step 2: referring to figure 20, the proximal lateral edge 138 of the dome 124 is aligned with a corresponding lateral edge 156 of the picture displaying article 60, and the exposed adhesive portion 136 of the adhesive layer 128 is adhered to the picture displaying article 60. This may be achieved by pressing the dome layer 126 into the picture displaying article 60 over the exposed adhesive portion 136.

In this position the extension portion 132 may optionally abut the picture displaying article 60.

Step 3: referring to a transition from figure 20 to figure 21, the backing member 130 is progressively removed from the adhesive layer 128 of the dome 124 via pulling of the extension portion 132 to increase the exposed adhesive portion 136 in contact with the a picture displaying article 60.

In this transition the extension portion 132 of the backing member 130 can be optionally slid in contact with the picture displaying article 60.

The method may comprise arranging the picture carrying article 30 on a picture displaying article 60 as discussed in the preceding embodiments. The dome 124 is subsequently arranged on the picture carrying article 30 on the picture displaying article 60 as discussed in steps 1 -3 above. In a variant, the dome 124 is arranged on the picture carrying article 30, which is subsequently arranged on the picture displaying article 60.

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 fad 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 10 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 System Picture displaying article Picture displaying article 122 Dome assembly 124 Dome 126 Dome layer 128 Adhesive layer 136 Exposed portion 138 Proximal lateral edge Distal lateral edge 142 Lower longitudinal edge 144 Upper longitudinal edge Backing member 132 Extension portion 134 Fold line Dome sheet 152 Backing sheet 154 Line of weakening

Claims

CLAIMS1. A system for displaying a picture article comprising: a picture displaying article; a dome assembly, comprising a dome having an at least partially transparent dome layer and an adhesive layer arranged on a backing member, and; a picture carrying article, wherein the dome assembly comprises: the backing member with an extension portion to extend beyond the dome, and; consists of only a single dome.
2 The system of claim 1, wherein the extension portion is movable from an extended configuration to a folded configuration in which a fold line bisects the dome to expose an exposed portion of the adhesive layer, and the extension portion is movable between the extended configuration to the folded configuration by actuating the extension portion at a position separated from the adhesive layer.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the backing member includes a line of weakening at said fold line to define said fold and/or an instruction indicating a location of the fold line.
4 The system of either of claims 2 or 3, wherein the dome is elongate in a longitudinal direction and the extension portion extends beyond the dome in the longitudinal direction such that in the folded configuration the extension portion is folded, to at least partially extend in the counter longitudinal direction, along the fold line, which is laterally extending.
5. The system of ant preceding claim, wherein the extension portion extends beyond the dome on all edges of the dome
6. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the dome layer is formed from an epoxy based resin, and comprises a curved peripheral edge.
7. The system of any preceding claim comprising: a dome sheet comprising a plurality of individual dome assemblies, wherein the dome sheet comprises a backing sheet arranged from the plurality of the backing members of the individual dome assemblies, and the backing members are defined by a line of weakening for separating the individual dome assemblies from said dome sheet.
S. The system of any preceding claim comprising: 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 the picture carrying article, and the backing sheet comprises a second line of weakening defining a backing member of the picture carrying article, wherein the first line of weakening an second line of weakening are arranged such that whilst separating the picture carrying article from the blank, the backing member partially covers 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.
9. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the picture carrying article comprises: a picture carrying member comprising: a picture carrier layer arranged to form a front surface of the picture carrying article, and; an adhesive layer arranged to fully overlap the picture carrier layer, and a backing member that partially covers the adhesive layer to define an exposed adhesive portion, the backing member and adhesive layer forming a back surface of the picture carrying article, wherein the exposed adhesive portion of the adhesive layer is arranged at a periphery of the back surface of the picture carrying article, and the exposed adhesive portion is continuous and extends around the entire periphery of the back surface of the picture carrying article, or: the backing member includes a handling tab, which is arranged to extend beyond the adhesive layer and the picture carrier layer, the exposed adhesive portion is continuous and extends around the periphery of the back surface of the picture carrying article between the handling tab.
10. The system of any of claims 1 to 9 comprising: instructions for assembly of the system according to any of the methods disclosed herein, with reference to the accompanying description and figures.
11. A dome sheet, for the system of any of claims -1 to 10, the dome sheet comprising: a plurality of dome assemblies, each comprising a single dome having an at least partially transparent dome layer and an adhesive layer arranged on a backing member, wherein the dome sheet comprises a backing sheet arranged from the plurality of backing members of the individual dome assemblies, wherein a backing member is defined by a line of weakening in the dome sheet for separating the individual dome assemblies from said dome sheet and the backing member includes an extension portion to extend beyond the dome.
12. A method of forming a dome sheet, the method comprising: forming a line of weakening on a backing sheet to define individual backing members; arranging a dome on each backing member of the backing sheet; wherein the line of weakening extends beyond the dome.
13. A method of extracting a dome from a backing layer, the method comprising: folding the backing layer by holding a portion of the backing layer that extends beyond the dome to expose a portion of an adhesive layer of the dome without touching said adhesive layer.
14. The method of claim 13 comprising: arranging the exposed adhesive portion of the dome to contact a picture displaying article, and, progressively removing the backing layer from the adhesive layer of the dome to increase the exposed adhesive portion in contact with the a picture displaying article.
15. A method of assembling a system for displaying a picture article, the method comprising: arranging a picture carrying article on a picture displaying article, and; the methods of either of claims 13 or 14, wherein the dome is arranged on the a picture carrying article.
16. The method of claim 15 comprising: aligning the picture carrying article with a picture displaying article by engaging a nonadhesive portion of a back surface of the picture carrying article with the picture displaying article with an exposed adhesive portion of the adhesive layer separated from the picture displaying article, and; subsequently adhering the exposed adhesive portion of an adhesive layer of the back surface to the picture displaying article, wherein the exposed adhesive portion of the adhesive layer is arranged at a periphery of the back surface of the picture carrying article.
17. The method of claim 16 comprising: folding a backing layer that forms the non-adhesive portion of a back surface to define a handing tab; aligning the picture carrying article with the picture displaying article at an edge of the picture carrying article proximal the handling tab; adhering the exposed adhesive portion of an adhesive layer proximal said edge; removing the backing layer from the adhesive layer from the handling tab to progressively adhere the remainder of the exposed adhesive portion.