JP2009273887A - Collapsible display frame and methods of use - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device for framing a sheet-like material such as a sheet. <P>SOLUTION: The invention disclosed is a portable and collapsible frame and sheet. In embodiments of the invention, the frame and sheet may be rolled into a tube for easy and safe transport or mailing. In an embodiment of the invention, the frame comprises at least two pairs of elongate members, each elongate member having two ends, each pair of elongate members having at least one pre-attached sheet extending between members of the pair, and each end of each elongate member is adapted for fixed attachment to at least one end of another elongate member, wherein, in an assembled condition, a display is formed with at least partially overlapping sheets. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

(Technical field)

  The present invention relates to a frame, and more particularly to a foldable frame.

(Background technology)

  Flexible sheet materials for framing, such as art, have been known for a long time. However, flexible sheet material frames that are foldable and that allow easy storage and transportation are less common in the art. Such devices typically have limited protection against the sheet, limited ability to build and disassemble, or damage the sheet itself. This damage means that the sheet cannot be used a second time in a different frame and / or the sheet loses value.

  For example, Farris U.S. Pat. No. 4,356,647 and Hahn U.S. Pat. No. 6,474,009 teach an apparatus for holding or displaying a sheet-like article such as a poster. The first and second substantially identical members extend longitudinally on the opposite side of the poster. However, the article is not protected except for the top and bottom sides of the sheet-like article. For example, shear forces that extend diagonally or perpendicularly to the top and bottom members will break the sheet. For example, if the device is hanging on a wall for display, the weight of the bottom member increases the likelihood that the weight of the bottom member will tear the sheet because the weight is continuously added to the sheet. Also, the front and rear protection of the seat is not disclosed, and the article cannot be adapted to the embodiment except to hang in an orientation from top to bottom or from bottom to top.

  Other foldable picture frames known in the art can be costly to manufacture and obtain and include many parts that can be easily lost. For example, both Pollac U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,669,209 and 4,987,013 provide protection for at least four sides of a sheet, such as a painting, but include four sides and four corners. Generating a frame requires at least eight parts and requires too many steps to construct. In addition, such a frame is difficult to package or ship with the sheet itself and is forced to use extra material to wrap in a separate package or to prevent damage to the sheet by parts of the frame. Let

  Still other frames, such as those disclosed in Pounds US Pat. No. 6,962,017, require excessive parts and not only have the disadvantages of the above references, but all The need to open holes in the sheet damages the sheet-like article. This is often unacceptable when expensive artworks, etc., or electronic equipment is included and the pores reduce their functionality.

Therefore, it is easy to manufacture, easy to obtain, has a small number of parts and can be safely shipped with a sheet of art, etc., on at least four sides, but preferably also on the front and back There is a long-standing unmet need to provide a framing device that can be adapted to provide protection against.
(Summary of Invention)

  Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for framing a sheet-like material such as a sheet. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a frame that can be pre-assembled with sheet-like material, such as shipping in a cylinder, without the need for additional packaging or protective material.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide a frame that can be disassembled or configured to display sheets in a protected manner with minimal effort.

  Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a foldable frame and sheet, which is protected by a backing and / or front panel.

  Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a collapsible frame having component members that can be repositioned in various configurations.

  The disclosed invention comprises a frame comprising at least two pairs of elongate members, each elongate member having two ends, each pair of elongate members extending between the pair. Having a pre-attached sheet, each end of each elongate member is adapted to be fixedly attached to at least one end of another elongate member, and in the assembled state, the display is , At least partly overlapping sheets.

  The at least two pairs of elongate members may be a first pair of elongate members connected at right angles to the second pair of elongate members, each sheet being defined by the first and second pairs of elongate members. Substantially covering the area. At least one sheet may be flexible and / or at least one sheet may be rigid.

  In an embodiment of the invention, the sheets of the first pair of elongate members substantially overlap the sheets of both the second pair and the third pair of elongate members.

  The sheet (or “sheet-like material” as used in this disclosure) can be a backing, a work of art, a cover, an electronic display, a solar panel, an organic sheet, or a combination thereof. Each pair of elongate members can be pre-configured, pre-attached to a corresponding seat, installed in a cylinder for shipping, etc. The at least one pair of elongated members may comprise a plurality of sheets.

  The first pair of elongate members positions the rigid backing sheet and the rigid cover sheet therebetween, and the second pair of elongate members includes a flexible sheet as defined above, such as a work of art. Position between them.

  The attachment of the end of the first elongate member and the end of the second elongate member may include a magnet, dowel holes and dowels, tenon holes and dowels, magnetic tape, or combinations thereof.

  In an embodiment of the invention, the frame comprises at least two overlapping sheets, the sheets being (a) at least 90 degrees apart from each other, or (b) at least 15 degrees apart from each other, each sheet having a first end The first end is attached to the first elongate frame member and the second end is attached to the second elongate frame member. Each elongate frame member has two ends, and each end of each elongate frame member is rigidly attached to the end of another elongate frame member. With a 90 degree offset, more than one pair of elongated frame members may be used. With a 30 degree offset, more than two pairs of elongated frame members may be used. Other misalignments are 15 degrees (12 sheets if each elongate member is substantially similar length), 45 degrees (4 sheets if each elongate member is substantially similar length) , And 60 degrees (where each elongate member is substantially similar in length). In an embodiment of the invention, the frame member is straight. However, in other embodiments of the present invention, individual frame members can be curved or angled, such as when the angle of one module is less than 90 degrees relative to another.

  The sheet can be pre-attached to the first and second elongate frame members, or the sheet can be frictionally or bonded between the two elongate frame members when the frame is assembled. At least one of the sheets may be flexible or rigid. The at least two sheets can be three sheets.

  The frame member may be attached by magnets, dowel holes and dowels, tenon holes and tenons, magnetic tape, adhesives, zippers, Velcro, or combinations thereof. Virtually any attachment device known in the art can be used. The sheet can be an organic or electronic display, and the display can be flexible.

  A method of constructing the display of the present invention is also taught. At least the first and second modules of the display, each module comprising two frame members and a sheet positioned therebetween, position the first module in a position and at least 30 degrees from the first module It can be configured in the display by displacing and positioning the second module on the first module (meaning it touches the top, overlays above, in front or above). The display is then constructed by attaching at least one frame member of the first module to at least one frame member of the second module. The deviation can be 90 degrees. The location can be a table, an easel, or a wall. Objects such as biological / organic, electronic or artistic works can be placed between two sheets or modules.

FIG. 2 shows a first module of a foldable display frame and painting as used in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows a foldable display frame and a second module of a picture as used in an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the upper surface perspective view of the foldable display frame of this invention in the comprised state. It is a figure which shows the back surface top view of the foldable display frame of this invention in the comprised state. It is a figure which shows the front perspective view of embodiment of this invention using the division | segmentation frame in the half-decomposed state. It is a figure which shows the front perspective view of embodiment of this invention using the division | segmentation frame in the state comprised. It is a figure which shows the back surface top view of embodiment of this invention using the division | segmentation frame in the comprised state. It is a figure which shows the foldable display frame 1st module of embodiment of this invention in a winding structure. It is a figure which shows the foldable display frame 1st and 2nd module of embodiment of this invention in a winding structure. It is a figure which shows the cylinder holding the foldable display frame 1st and 2nd module of embodiment of this invention in a winding structure. FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the frame of FIG. 10. FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the frame of FIG. 10. It is a side perspective view of the frame of FIG. It is a figure which shows the side hole top view of the tenon hole used for attaching two frame members in embodiment of this invention, and a tenon. It is a figure which shows the perspective view of the side hole of FIG. 14A, and a side joint. It is a figure which shows the detail A of FIG. 14B. It is a figure which shows the side top view of the pin used in order to attach the two frame members in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the perspective view of embodiment of FIG. 15A. FIG. 15D is an inset F of FIG. 15D. FIG. 15B is another perspective view of FIG. 15A. FIG. 6 shows a partial exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention with a circular socket joint. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a frame member as used in a circular socket joint according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows a partial exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention with a square socket joint. FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a frame member as used in a rectangular socket joint according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a side schematic perspective view of the attachment mechanism for attaching a sheet | seat to the frame member in embodiment of this invention. FIG. 18B is an inset B of FIG. 18D. FIG. 18B is a second side perspective view of the attachment mechanism of FIG. 18A. FIG. 18B is a side plan view of the mechanism of FIG. 18A. It is a figure which shows the disassembled view of the tape attachment mechanism for attaching a sheet | seat to the frame member in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the 2nd disassembled view of the tape attachment mechanism for attaching a sheet | seat to the frame member in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the side top view of the staple attachment mechanism for attaching a sheet | seat to the frame member in embodiment of this invention. FIG. 20B is a side perspective view of FIG. 20A. It is a side perspective view of another attachment mechanism. It is a figure which shows the front perspective view of the frame member of embodiment of this invention used in combination with a some sheet | seat. It is a figure which shows the dismantling type | mold of FIG. 21A. FIG. 21B is a plan view of the frame member of FIG. 21B. It is a figure which shows sectional drawing of the flame | frame member of FIG. 21C cut along cutting line AA.

  The disclosed invention is a portable and foldable frame and sheet. In embodiments of the present invention, the frame and sheet can be rolled into a cylinder for easy and safe storage, transportation or mailing. In an embodiment of the present invention, the frame comprises at least two pairs of elongate members, each elongate member having two ends, and each pair of elongate members extending between the pair of members. Having two pre-attached sheets, each end of each elongate member is adapted to be fixedly attached to at least one end of another elongate member, and in the assembled state, the display is , At least partly overlapping sheets.

  Embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent with reference to the following figures.

  FIG. 1 shows a first module of a foldable display frame and a picture used in an embodiment of the present invention. Module 110 includes two elongated frame members. The left member 112 and the right member 114 are connected or frictionally engaged with the seat 116. The right and left members 114 and 112 form a unitary structure and may be fixedly attached to the seat 116 or may be pre-attached. The sheet 116 is rigid in the first embodiment of the module and flexible in the second embodiment of the module.

  FIG. 2 shows a foldable display frame and painting second module used in an embodiment of the present invention. The module 120 includes a top member 124 and a bottom member 122 that are connected to or frictionally engaged with the seat 126. The top and bottom members 124 and 122 form a unitary structure and may be fixedly attached to the seat 126 or may be pre-attached. The sheet 126 is rigid in the first embodiment of the module and flexible in the second embodiment of the module.

  Sheet 116, sheet 126 and further sheets as described above can be rigid or flexible. In embodiments of the invention, a third or more sheets may be used. Each sheet can be rigid or flexible depending on the embodiment of the invention. For example, when displaying a painting, the sheet 116 may be a rigid and opaque backing, and the sheet 126 may be a rigid Lucite protective cover for the painting placed between the sheets 116 and 126. . In another example, both the backing sheet 116 and the cover sheet 126 can be flexible. In yet another embodiment, the sheet 116 is a backing and the sheet 126 is a painting or a work of art. In embodiments of the invention in which flexible sheets are used, such sheets having their respective upper and lower (or left and right) members can be rolled.

  The sheets used in the present invention can be rigid or flexible, elongated and generally flat articles. The sheets of the present invention generally have functional, artistic, protective or structural properties, or a combination of these features. Artistic sheets may include art objects, photographs, liquid crystal displays, organic light emitting diode displays, other forms of electronic displays, and the like. The artistic sheet may be flexible and / or rollable or rigid. The protective sheet can be a Lucite protective cover, a plastic cover, a glass cover, a cardboard backing, a wooden backing, and the like. The protective sheet may be flexible and / or rollable or rigid. The structural sheet is generally rigid, ensuring structural integrity and protection of the frame and other sheets in addition to the structure of the frame itself. The seat may be formed as a unitary structure with top and bottom members 124 and 122 or left and right members 112 and 114. The sheet may also be a mirror or have reflective properties. In embodiments of the invention, combining the usage of any of the above-described sheets is contemplated as part of the scope of the invention. Examples of such combinations are one transparent sheet and one work of art, one transparent sheet, one work of art and one backing, two transparent sheets and one work of art, two backs Includes a batting sheet and a piece of art, or any combination thereof.

  In an embodiment of the invention, a further sheet or object is inserted in the frame between the two sheets. The object can be, for example, a biological object (such as a growing bacterium), a household object for display (such as a baseball ball), or another sheet (such as a poster or paper that is frictionally held between the two sheets). possible. In an embodiment of the invention, two artworks (including posters) or double-sided artworks may be inserted between two sheets, such as two sheets attached to a frame member, i.e. one or two Art works are placed between two modules. In such an embodiment, the frame in the configured state may be reversible, thereby displaying the first artwork on one side and the second artwork on the other side. Also, the one or more artworks in this embodiment of the invention can be one or more objects.

  FIG. 3 shows a top perspective view of the foldable display frame of the present invention in the configured state. FIG. 4 shows a back plan view of the foldable display frame of the present invention in the configured state. The corners of the elongated upper, lower, right and left side members are coupled by attachment means known in the art or by friction means and are described in the next paragraph. The dotted line in FIG. 4 represents the position of the sheet 126 in this embodiment of the invention. Sheet 116 is displayed on the front of the device and, when translucent or transparent, generally large rectangular unblocked portions of sheet 126 (ie, not covered by elongated top, bottom, right and left side members). Can be viewed by the user.

  FIG. 5 shows a front perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention using a split frame in a semi-disassembled state. The embodiment of the present drawing is illustrative of one of many possible configurations of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the first unit 210 includes a sheet 216 connected to the left member 212 and the right member 214 as in the embodiments of FIGS. The second unit 220 includes a sheet 226 attached to the top member 222 and the bottom member 224. The third unit 230 includes an upper member 232 and a bottom member 234 attached to the seat 236. The adjacent corners of the elongated frame members 222, 224, 232, and 234 of the units 220 and 230 are attached to each other or frictionally engaged with each other. That is, the adjacent angles of the upper member 222 and the upper member 232 are attached in the same manner as the bottom members 224 and 234. Similarly, the adjacent angle of unit 210 is attached or frictionally engaged with units 220 and 230. That is, the adjacent corners of members 222 and 224 are attached to the respective corners of member 212, and members 232 and 234 are attached to the respective corners of member 214.

  FIG. 6 shows a front perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention using a split frame in the configured state. FIG. 7 shows a rear plan view of an embodiment of the present invention using a split frame in the configured state. In the configured state of this embodiment of the present invention, the top of the frame includes top members 222 and 232, the bottom of the frame includes bottom members 224 and 234, the left side portion of the frame includes member 212, The right side member of the frame includes a member 214. Sheet 216 is presented on the front side of the constructed frame and may be translucent or transparent so that sheets 236 and / or 226 are visible. This embodiment is an illustration of one of many embodiments of the invention that are within the scope of the invention. Any combination of members with attached sheets can be used to provide protection against sheets on the sheet edges and optionally on the front and / or back surfaces during both disassembled or configured conditions of the device. Can be used to be quickly constructed and disassembled, or can be pre-configured.

  FIGS. 8-10 shows the winding structure of the foldable display frame in the embodiment of the present invention. The sheets 116, 126 and other sheets used in such embodiments are typically flexible sheets that can be rolled or unrolled.

  FIG. 8 shows a first module of a foldable display frame of an embodiment of the invention in a winding configuration. The winding configuration is a completely disassembled state of the module because the module 110 is not connected to another frame module and no seat is presented. Although the module 110 can be substantially wound in any manner, in the illustrated embodiment, the first member 112 and the second member 114 serve as a roller that winds the sheet 116 around them.

  FIG. 9 shows the first and second modules of the foldable display frame of an embodiment of the invention in a winding configuration. In this embodiment of the invention, the second module 120 is wrapped around the first module 110. Typically, larger modules are wrapped around smaller modules to ensure the use of a minimum volume. Thus, for example, the module 110 of FIG. 8 is wound around the module 120 of FIG.

  FIG. 10 shows the cylinder holding the first and second modules of the foldable display frame of the embodiment of the invention in a wound configuration. Such a tube 150 may be a postal tube as commonly used when sending a parcel to a recipient via a postman or delivery service. In this way, for example, the modules 110 and 120 can be rolled and installed in a cylinder for mailing or for its protected transport. Thus, when using rollable sheets, the device of the present invention can be easily and economically protected and can be transported from place to place and assembled as needed. In embodiments of the present invention, the sheet may be a liquid crystal display, or other form of electronic or organic sheet, which may include functions such as, for example, a touch screen or part of a personal digital assistant. The organic sheet can be configured for use with, for example, increasing biological or laboratory materials. If desired by the user, the module protected within the tube 150 can be removed and easily assembled into the fully configured state of the present invention, and the electronic display (or other sheet) can be In this embodiment, it is protected by the frame member and the backing and / or front sheet.

  11-13 show various views of the module in the winding configuration of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a plan view of the frame of FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the frame of FIG. FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of the frame of FIG.

  FIG. 14A shows a side plan view of a relief hole and a relief used to attach two frame members in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14B shows a perspective view of the relief hole and the relief joint of FIG. 14A. The figure is shown as an example only. Typically, each frame member is attachable or pre-attached to the seat and the second frame member. Any burrows and fountain systems known in the art can be used, such as wedges, stubs, haunch stubs, foxtails, pinning, or feather bonds. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, some of these joints are substantially permanent (i.e., once formed, removing the joint requires significantly greater force than attaching it). And / or will collapse the frame or burrow and burrow system). Other joints are substantially reversible (i.e., removal requires approximately the same amount of force as attachment and / or joints can be made multiple times without visibly damaging the frame or joint. Can be disassembled or reassembled). In the embodiment of FIG. 14A, a single relief hole and relief are illustrated, but if such a joint is used, it is typically used on all joints of the frame member. Such joints are typically placed at the corners of all frame members (the ends of the longitudinal components that make up each frame member).

  14-16 generally, and with particular reference to FIG. 14C, FIG. 14C shows detail A of FIG. 14B. As an example, the upper frame member 124 and the side frame member 114 each include a relief hole 129 and a relief 118. Any combination of burrows and burrows can be used in embodiments of the present invention. For example, the relief holes may be on the first member and the reliefs on the second member, and vice versa. Similarly, multiple burrows and burrs can be used in the junction. The fountain 118 fits snugly within the fountain hole 129 so that the top member 124 and the side member 114 are frictionally held in place or attached in the configured state of the apparatus of the present invention. Configured. It should also be understood that the slots illustrated in FIG. 14C are used in embodiments of the present invention to hold sheets that are slidably placed therein. However, other embodiments of the present invention may use various mechanisms to attach or frictionally engage one or more sheets.

  FIG. 15A shows a side plan view of a pin used to attach two frame members in an embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment of the present invention provides a scallop hole and stenosis in that a pin 138 of a member, such as side member 114, enters and attaches or frictionally engages a cavity 139 of a second member, such as top member 124. It is the same as the form. An adhesive may be used to make the engagement irreversible.

  FIG. 15B shows a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 15A. FIG. 15C shows inset F of FIG. 15D. FIG. 15D shows another perspective view of FIG. 15A. Referring now specifically to FIG. 15C, the pin 138 extends from a corner of the side member 114. In at least this embodiment, a corner is defined as a tapered or angled region as shown in FIG. 15C. The corner is adapted to the corresponding corner of the adjacent second member, in this case the corner of the upper member 124 (as illustrated in FIG. 15A). Pin 138 extends into cavity 139 (shown in FIG. 15A) for attaching respective members 124 and 114. In this way, each member may be attached to an adjacent member. Pins 138 and cavities 139 (similar to the burrows and burrows in the previous embodiment) may be used in combination with each other, i.e., together in one connection method or to attach a combination of separate corners. Further, the pins, cavities, ridge holes, or ridges may be angled at a degree other than 90 degrees, such as between 15 and 165 degrees. Each corner in such an angled embodiment is appropriately tapered, allowing attachment at various angles.

  FIG. 16A shows an exploded view of a portion of an embodiment of the present invention comprising a circular socket joint. FIG. 16B shows an exploded view of a frame member as used in an embodiment of the circular socket joint of the present invention. Upper member 324 includes corners 328 and longitudinal members 327. In one embodiment of the invention, each corner is removable from each of at least two longitudinal members (ie, longitudinal members 327 and 317). In another embodiment of the present invention, each corner, such as corner 328, is fixedly attached to or forms an integral structure with a longitudinal member, such as longitudinal member 327. Thus, the method of constructing the frame in this embodiment of the present invention is similar or the same as that of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-15, i.e., the two frame members and the position between them. All the modules with the sheet to be placed are arranged at 90 degrees relative to each other and attached at their corners. Sheets 316 and 326 can be pre-attached to (form a unitary structure with) the respective frame members or can be attachable by the user.

  Referring again to FIGS. 16A and 16B, slots such as slots 362 and 364 allow each corner to connect to at least two longitudinal members, such that at least one sheet member can extend through each slot. Thus, it is cut into the side of a generally hollow corner member such as corner member 328 and extends through that side. Multiple slots may be used as needed when multiple sheets are planned for use with the foldable frame of the present invention.

  FIG. 17A shows an exploded view of a portion of an embodiment of the present invention comprising a square socket joint. FIG. 17B shows an exploded view of a frame member as used in an embodiment of the rectangular socket joint of the present invention. The embodiment of FIGS. 17A and 17B is similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 16A and 16B, with element numbering increased by 100. It should be noted that the corner members 428 may be fixedly attached to any of the top, bottom, right side, or left side frame members, or may form an integral structure therewith.

  FIG. 18A is a side perspective view of a mechanism for attaching a seat to a frame member in the embodiment of the present invention. 18D is a side plan view of the mechanism of FIG. 18A. 18B is an inset B of FIG. 18D. FIG. 18C is a second side perspective view of the attachment mechanism of FIG. 18A. The attachment mechanism comprises a wedge-shaped or other opening 550 that extends at least partially or completely over the entire length of the frame member 512, which can be any frame member used in embodiments of the present invention. The opening 550 is substantially narrower than the widest portion of the opening so that a wedge 552 or any other article extending at least partially over the entire length of the opening 550 can be retained within the opening. Any shape with an opening to 516 may be used. Such wedges 552 may be fixedly attached to one or more frame members 512, or may be pre-attached, or such frame members by lateral movement through the apertures 550. Immediate removal and re-installation may be possible.

  In embodiments of the present invention, when the frame member 512 is attached to a second frame member (eg, as illustrated in FIGS. 14A-17B), the lateral movement of the wedge 552 is at least a wedge 562. [552] is limited to a range that stays in the opening 550 of the frame member 512. The wedge 552 is attached in a fixed or removable relationship with the seat 516 or is pre-attached. The combination of the sheet 516 with the wedge 552 is configured to fit within the opening 550 so that the sheet can exit the opening. The sheet 516 can be a rigid or flexible sheet, and as should be understood, multiple sheets can be used in one or more openings and in one or more frame members. Similar to embodiments of the present invention that use slot and friction attachments, the sheet 516 need not be punctured or otherwise broken.

  19A and 19B are exploded views of a tape attachment mechanism for attaching a sheet to a frame member in the embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the tape 560 may be a double-sided tape attached to the frame member 512 on the first side and to the sheet 516 on the second side. The frame member 512 can include a plurality of attachment mechanisms. Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, the tape 560 may be a magnetic tape. The magnetic tape allows attachment and removal of the sheet 516 from the frame member 512 without causing changes to the physical properties of the sheet or frame member. Also, double-sided or magnetic tape can be used to attach the corners of the frame members to each other.

  FIG. 20A shows a side plan view of a staple attachment mechanism for attaching a sheet to a frame member in an embodiment of the present invention. 20B is a side perspective view of FIG. 20A. FIG. 20C is a side perspective view of another attachment mechanism. In this embodiment, the staple 570 is used to penetrate the holes through the frame member 512 and the sheet 516 and attach the respective components to each other. Such attachment is substantially irreversible in that removal can damage either the frame member 512 or the seat 516. The attachment apparatus of FIG. 20C may be a dowel 580 having a pre-drilled opening 582 that is substantially removable (not damaging upon removal) or removable. In the embodiment of the present invention, the dowel 580 is a screw or a nail. Such devices and attachment mechanisms may also be used to attach the frame members to each other in a permanent or reversible manner.

  FIG. 21A shows a front perspective view of a frame member of an embodiment of the present invention used in conjunction with a plurality of sheets. FIG. 21B shows the dismantling type of FIG. 21A. FIG. 21C shows a plan view of the frame member of FIG. 21B. FIG. 21D shows a cross-sectional view of the frame member of FIG. 21C taken along section line AA. In such an embodiment, many sheets, such as 24 sheets, may be used. The sheet may be transparent, translucent or opaque and may provide structural stability (rigid sheet) or may display part of a work of art. The sheet may be pre-attached by any of the above-described mechanisms described herein, or by other methods known in the art, or one or more sheets may be inserted into the provided grooves. And may be held between two attached frame members. The sheet may extend partially or completely over the entire length of the frame member, and the configuration of the sheet may be preselected for display of a work of art, for example, in a particular configuration.

  In the method of the present invention, the frame member may be installed in the cylinder and / or in a wound configuration (see FIGS. 8 to 13). For purposes of the method embodiments of the present invention, each set of frame members and attached or corresponding sheets as described with reference to the apparatus embodiments of the present invention is defined as a module. Positions can be selected in embodiments of the present invention after one or more modules have been unrolled and / or after construction has been performed that includes attaching, positioning, and positioning each frame member and sheet. For example, the location may be a laboratory or other table or surface, an easel or stand, or a wall. The first module is attached or installed in position by methods known in the art.

  After positioning the first module in one position, the second module is positioned on the first module. That is, the second module is arranged at an angle offset from the first module as desired by the user or display manufacturer. The offset angle is 90 degrees when two modules are used. For example, when hanging a picture or information display or assembling a box for the inspection of biological or organic materials, the first module is installed and then the second module is installed in the opposite direction. It is installed on the top. When the first module extends from the top to the bottom, the second module extends from the left side to the right side (or from the right side to the left side). It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the deviation includes between 15 and 90 degrees. If the angle is less than 90 degrees, more than two modules are typically used.

  Then, at least one module is attached to at least one other module, i.e., the first module is attached to the second module, the attachment comprising the frame of the first module to the frame member of the second module. It is attachment of a member. Typically, the frame member is attached at its corner, which is the end of the longitudinal member. They can be attached by any means known in the art or described with reference to the apparatus of the present invention.

  Furthermore, the object can be placed between the first and second sheets or the first and second modules. The object can be a biological / organic object such as a growth culture. The present invention provides a method of installing module frame members in a pre-configured manner to minimize interference with growth culture, gel electrophoresis, and the like. Still further, the frame member may comprise electrical components, such as to provide a current input or power source for gel electrophoresis or a data input / output portal to the electronic display, the electronic display comprising a module sheet or It is an object located between two sheets. Organic objects, artistic objects, organic objects, or combinations of other objects can be used with any combination of sheets.

While the invention has been taught with specific reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims (26)

  A frame comprising at least two pairs of elongate members, each elongate member having two ends, each pair of elongate members being at least one pre-attached sheet extending between said pair. And each end of each elongate member is adapted to be fixedly attached to at least one end of another elongate member, and in the assembled state, the display is at least partially overlapping A frame that is formed with a sheet.   The at least two pairs of elongate members are two pairs of elongate members, the first pair of elongate members being connected at right angles to the second pair of elongate members, and each sheet comprising the first and second elongate members The frame of claim 1 covering at least a portion of a region defined by a pair of elongated members.   The frame of claim 1, wherein the at least one sheet is flexible.   The frame of claim 1, wherein at least one seat is rigid.   The frame of claim 1, wherein the sheets of the first pair of elongate members substantially overlap the sheets of both the second and third pairs of elongate members.   The frame of claim 1, wherein the sheet is selected from the group consisting of a backing, a work of art, a cover, a mirror, a biological sheet, and an electronic display.   The frame of claim 6, wherein each pair of elongated members is pre-configured with a corresponding sheet and tube.   The frame of claim 6, wherein the at least one pair of elongate members comprises a plurality of sheets.   9. The frame of claim 8, wherein the first pair of elongate members comprises a rigid backing sheet and a rigid cover sheet, and the second pair of elongate members comprises a flexible sheet.   The attachment of the end of the first elongate member and the end of the second elongate member is from the group consisting of at least one magnet, adhesive, dowel holes and dowels, tenon holes and tenons, magnetic tape, and combinations thereof. The frame of claim 1, which is selected.   A frame comprising at least two overlapping sheets, wherein the sheets are offset from each other by at least 15 degrees, each sheet being a first elongated frame member at a first end and a first at a second end. Attached to two elongate frame members, each elongate frame member having two ends, each end of each elongate frame member rigidly attached to an end of another elongate frame member; flame.   The frame according to claim 11, wherein the shift is 90 degrees.   The frame of claim 11, wherein each seat is pre-attached to the first and second elongate frame members.   The frame of claim 11, wherein each of the sheets is frictionally held between two elongated frame members in the assembled state of the frame.   The frame of claim 11, wherein at least one of the sheets is flexible.   The frame of claim 11, wherein at least one of the seats is rigid.   12. A frame according to claim 11, wherein the object is held in friction between the two sheets.   12. The synthetic attachment of the frame member is an attachment selected from the group consisting of at least one magnet, dowel holes and dowels, tenon holes and tenons, magnetic tape, and combinations thereof. flame.   The frame according to claim 11, wherein the sheet is an electronic sheet.   The frame according to claim 19, wherein the electronic sheet is flexible. A method of constructing at least first and second modules of a display object, each module comprising two frame members and a sheet positioned therebetween, said method comprising the first module in a position A step of positioning
Positioning a second module on the first module at least 15 degrees offset from the first module;
Attaching at least one frame member of the first module to the at least one frame member of the second module;
In order.   The method of claim 21, wherein the deviation is 90 degrees.   The method of claim 21, wherein the location is a table.   24. The method of claim 23, further comprising placing an object between the first module and the second module prior to the attaching step.   25. The method of claim 24, wherein the object is selected from the group consisting of organic objects, artistic objects, and electronic objects.   The method of claim 24, further comprising removing at least one of the modules from the tube.

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