US20080115397A1 - Image Display Structure and Components Thereof - Google Patents

Image Display Structure and Components Thereof Download PDF

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Publication number
US20080115397A1
US20080115397A1 US11/936,272 US93627207A US2008115397A1 US 20080115397 A1 US20080115397 A1 US 20080115397A1 US 93627207 A US93627207 A US 93627207A US 2008115397 A1 US2008115397 A1 US 2008115397A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
display structure
generally
members
spacer
perimeter
Prior art date
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Abandoned
Application number
US11/936,272
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English (en)
Inventor
Juergen Reinold
Thomas M. McAuliffe
Rajat Shail
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Sentiam Inc
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Individual
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Priority to US11/936,272 priority Critical patent/US20080115397A1/en
Priority to PCT/US2007/083920 priority patent/WO2008070389A2/fr
Priority to EP07871392A priority patent/EP2092509A2/fr
Assigned to SENTIAM, INC. reassignment SENTIAM, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: SHAIL, RAJAT, MCAULIFFE, THOMAS M., REINOLD, JUERGEN
Publication of US20080115397A1 publication Critical patent/US20080115397A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G1/00—Mirrors; Picture frames or the like, e.g. provided with heating, lighting or ventilating means
    • A47G1/14—Photograph stands
    • A47G1/142—Supporting legs or feet
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G1/00—Mirrors; Picture frames or the like, e.g. provided with heating, lighting or ventilating means
    • A47G1/06—Picture frames
    • A47G1/0638—Frameless picture holders
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B44—DECORATIVE ARTS
    • B44C—PRODUCING DECORATIVE EFFECTS; MOSAICS; TARSIA WORK; PAPERHANGING
    • B44C5/00—Processes for producing special ornamental bodies
    • B44C5/02—Mountings for pictures; Mountings of horns on plates
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G1/00—Mirrors; Picture frames or the like, e.g. provided with heating, lighting or ventilating means
    • A47G1/06—Picture frames
    • A47G2001/0672—Picture frames employing magnets

Definitions

  • the present invention is directed to a novel apparatus for mounting images for display.
  • Glazing e.g., covering an image with glass, acrylic or other transparent materials, is used to protect the image (which has traditionally been relatively expensive and/or troublesome to replace if damaged), and to provide a rigid surface to keep the print flat.
  • Glazing e.g., covering an image with glass, acrylic or other transparent materials, is used to protect the image (which has traditionally been relatively expensive and/or troublesome to replace if damaged), and to provide a rigid surface to keep the print flat.
  • Today's framing techniques are rooted in approaches developed a century or more ago. Prints are now cheaper than glass and can be protected against harm from UV rays, but we are still using traditional methods that have significant negative effects. Glass degrades the image viewing experience because of reflections. If non-glare glass is used, reflections are diminished, but so are contrast and color saturation. This degradation becomes increasingly important as the appetite for and ability to produce high-quality photographic images increase.
  • the primary current alternative to the glass framing approach is to dry mount prints and frame or display them without glass. Dry mounting involves the use of a press and heat to adhere the print to a rigid material. Once the adhesive has cured, the mounted print is assembled into a frame. This method is labor-intensive, slow, and expensive. Its use is therefore limited.
  • a display structure for displaying an image support comprises a generally planar body, at least one generally planar mounting surface, wherein the mounting surface is spaced generally parallel to the body, creating an offset between the body and the mounting surface.
  • the display structure further comprises at least one arm connecting the mounting surface to the body, and at least one connector attached to said mounting surface.
  • a display assembly comprises a display structure, wherein the display structure comprises: a generally planar body having a mounting surface; two generally planar sides, the sides being generally parallel to one another and being attached to the body, the sides being generally perpendicular to the body; two slots between the body and the sides, and at least one connector attached to the mounting surface.
  • the display assembly further comprises a generally planar stand, wherein the stand comprises: a first section having a first slot and a first bendable end, wherein the first bendable end is bendable along the first slot, a second section having a second slot and a second bendable end, where the second bendable end is bendable along the second slot, wherein the first section of the stand is inserted into the slots of the display structure.
  • a display assembly may comprise of a stand with a base having at least one connector connecting directly to an image support.
  • a display structure comprising at least four members, wherein a first and second member are spaced generally parallel to one another, wherein a third and fourth member are spaced generally parallel to one another, wherein the first and second members are generally perpendicular to the third and fourth members, and wherein the third and fourth members have ends that are connectable to the first and second members.
  • the members combine to form a mounting surface, and there is at least one connector attached to the mounting surface.
  • a spacer comprising a first surface, a second surface, a third surface and a fourth surface, wherein the surfaces are generally planar and are spaced generally parallel to one another, wherein said first and second surfaces are forward facing surfaces and said third and fourth surfaces are rearward facing surfaces, and wherein the surfaces are generally aligned along a central axis.
  • the spacer further comprises a first outer face between the first surface and the third surface, a second outer face between the third surface and the fourth surface, a first inner face between the first surface and the second surface, and a second inner face between the third surface and the fourth surface.
  • the first outer face has a perimeter that is greater than the perimeter of the second outer face.
  • the first inner face has a perimeter that is less than the perimeter of the first outer face and less than the perimeter of the second outer face.
  • the second inner face has a perimeter that is less than the perimeter of the first inner face, less than the perimeter of the first outer face and less than the perimeter of the second outer face.
  • FIG. 1 is a plan view of a display structure.
  • FIG. 2 is a front view of the display structure of FIG. 1
  • FIG. 3 is an end view of the display structure of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 4 is a side view of the display structure of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 5 is a plan view of another embodiment of a display structure.
  • FIG. 6 is a front view of the display structure of FIG. 5
  • FIG. 7 is a top view of the display structure of FIG. 5 .
  • FIG. 8 is a side view of the display structure of FIG. 5 .
  • FIG. 9 is a front view of a stand.
  • FIG. 10 is a plan view of the stand of FIG. 9 after the bendable ends have been bent.
  • FIG. 11 is a plan view of a display assembly comprised of the display structure of FIG. 5 , the stand of FIG. 9 , and an image support.
  • FIG. 12 is a rear view of the display assembly of FIG. 11 .
  • FIG. 13 is a side view of the display assembly of FIG. 11 .
  • FIG. 14 is a plan view of another display assembly.
  • FIG. 15 is a plan view of the stand in FIG. 14 .
  • FIG. 16 is a side view of the stand in FIG. 14 .
  • FIG. 17A is a plan view another embodiment of a display structure.
  • FIG. 17B is a detail view in FIG. 17A
  • FIG. 18A is an exploded plan view of the display structure of FIG. 17A .
  • FIG. 18B is a detail view in FIG. 18A
  • FIG. 19 shows multiple modular display structures.
  • FIG. 20 is a plan view of a spacer.
  • FIG. 21 is a different plan view of the spacer of FIG. 20 .
  • FIG. 22 is a rear view of the spacer of FIG. 20 .
  • FIG. 23 is a side view of the spacer of FIG. 20 .
  • FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the spacer of FIG. 20 .
  • FIG. 25 is a plan view of the spacer of FIG. 20 and a magnet.
  • FIG. 26 is a plan view of the spacer of FIG. 20 housing a magnet.
  • FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the spacer of FIG. 20 housing a magnet.
  • FIG. 28 is a rear view of the spacer of FIG. 20 housing a magnet.
  • FIG. 29 is a rear view of an image support.
  • FIG. 30 is a side view of the image support of FIG. 29 .
  • FIG. 31 is a side view of a spacer affixed to an image support.
  • FIG. 32 shows multiple image supports.
  • a new concept for a display structure for displaying graphic images without a picture frame or the traditional glass cover, i.e. a frameless, coverless display for graphic images, is shown.
  • the display structure may support an image supported by an image support, e.g., wood, cardboard, plastic, acrylic, metal, which may be mounted upon the display structure.
  • an image support e.g., wood, cardboard, plastic, acrylic, metal, which may be mounted upon the display structure.
  • Most of the description herein describes a single image. In all cases, multiple images could be mounted instead of a single image.
  • the images are parallel to a wall or mounting surface; however, the image could be at any angle with relationship to mounting surface or be non-planar, e.g. curved or irregular.
  • display structure 10 has a body that is generally H-shaped, and it is preferred that display structure 10 is generally symmetrical along a first axis A and a second axis B.
  • Display structure 10 has a middle section 20 and two end sections 22 and 24 .
  • Middle section 20 is generally planar, having a forward face and a rear face opposite forward face. Though the shape of middle section 20 may vary, middle section 20 is preferably rectangular in shape. The length, width and thickness of middle section 20 may vary as desired.
  • End sections 22 , 24 each have two generally planar mounting surfaces 30 a , 30 b , 30 c , 30 d .
  • Mounting surfaces 30 a and 30 b are opposite each other and are generally symmetrical along first axis A of rigid display structure 10 .
  • mounting surfaces 30 c and 30 d are opposite each other and are generally symmetrical along first axis A.
  • Mounting surfaces 30 a and 30 c are opposite each other and are generally symmetrical along second axis B of rigid display structure 10 .
  • mounting surfaces 30 b and 30 d are opposite each other and are generally symmetrical along second axis B.
  • Mounting surfaces 30 a , 30 b , 30 c , 30 d are preferably all generally in the same plane. It is preferred that mounting surfaces 30 a , 30 b , 30 c , 30 d have rounded edges 32 . The size, shape, number and positioning of mounting surfaces 30 a , 30 b , 30 c , 30 d , may vary.
  • End sections 22 , 24 include bends 40 so that mounting surfaces 30 a , 30 b , 30 c , 30 d are offset from middle section 20 .
  • Mounting surfaces 30 a , 30 b , 30 c , 30 d are preferably located in a plane that is generally parallel to middle section 20 .
  • the distance of the offset may vary if desired, but preferably it is between about 1 ⁇ 5 and about 2 ⁇ 5 inches, and more preferably is about 1 ⁇ 3 inches.
  • the offset may create a desired “float” effect when an image support is attached to display structure 100 when mounted on a wall, i.e., an image support mounted on display structure 100 may have the aesthetically pleasing appearance that it is detached from the wall.
  • Mounting surfaces 30 a , 30 b , 30 c , 30 d include a connector 50 so that an image support may be attached to display structure 10 .
  • connectors 50 are releasable so that an image support may be easily attached to and removed from display structure 10 .
  • Some examples of a releasable connector include magnetic attachment but could also include any other fastening technique such as hook and loop fabric (VelcroTM), snap fits, suction cups, or pins with detent mechanisms.
  • Connectors 50 may be fixedly attached to mounting surfaces 30 a , 30 b , 30 c , 30 d using any suitable means.
  • connectors 10 may vary. For example, for a larger image support, it may be desirable to have a greater number of connectors 10 for support. It may also be desirable to have connectors positioned on middle section 20 because such positioning may provide additional support and thus may prevent warping or distortion of an image support.
  • connectors 50 are magnets. Though the positioning of connectors 50 may vary, it is preferred that connectors 50 are generally centered on mounting surfaces 30 a , 30 b , 30 c , 30 d .
  • the use of magnets as connectors 50 may provide for natural alignment of an image support with display structure 10 . Also, magnets may allow for easy attachment and removal of an image support upon display structure 10 .
  • display structure 10 has an opening 60 to facilitate mounting display structure 10 to a surface, e.g., a wall, using a fastener, e.g., a nail, screw or pin. While the size, shape and location of opening 60 may vary, opening 60 is preferably shaped like a diamond and is preferably generally positioned along second axis B. Such a shape and positioning, in combination with the generally symmetrical shape of display structure 10 , may allow for display structure to be mounted to a wall and to be leveled naturally by gravity, thus eliminating the need for a leveling tool.
  • a fastener e.g., a nail, screw or pin.
  • end sections 22 , 24 also include openings 62 . While the size, shape and location of openings 62 may vary, openings 62 are preferably shaped like a diamond and are preferably located along first axis A. Openings 62 may allow for display structure 10 to be mounted to a wall. Additionally, display structure 10 has holes 64 , which may also be used in combination with a fastener to mount display structure 10 to a surface. The positioning and dimensions of holes 64 may vary as desired.
  • additional fasteners e.g., nails, screws, pins, may be used in combination with one or more remaining openings which may further stabilize and secure display structure 10 to the surface.
  • edges 70 and 72 are bent, which may increase the stability of display structure 10 and prevent warping when an image support is mounted to display structure 10 .
  • Display structure 10 may be comprised of any material. Light weight materials such as acrylic or other plastics may be desirable, or metals such as aluminum. Any material resulting in a visually pleasing shape that is readily manufactured is a desirable material.
  • the embodiment shown has a preferred length between end 22 and 24 of between about 6 inches and about 10 inches, and more preferably of about 8 inches.
  • the width as measured between mounting surface 30 a and mounting surface 30 b is preferably between about 4 inches and about 6 inches, and more preferably about 5 inches.
  • the width of middle section 20 is between about 11 ⁇ 2 inches and about 31 ⁇ 2 inches, and more preferably about 21 ⁇ 2 inches.
  • Mounting surfaces 30 a , 30 b , 30 c , 30 d are preferably offset from middle section 10 by between about 1/10 inch and about 1 ⁇ 2 inch, and more preferably by about 3/10 inch.
  • display structure 10 may vary as desired to accommodate any size image support.
  • the assembly shown comprises a display structure 100 and a stand 102 .
  • Display structure 100 and stand 102 may be used in combination with one another to display an image on a generally horizontal surface, e.g., a desktop.
  • display structure 100 as shown in FIGS. 5-8 may vary, but preferably display structure 100 is generally planar and rectangular in shape.
  • Display structure 100 has a mounting face 110 to which an image support may be attached.
  • display structure 100 has a length of between about 6 inches and about 8 inches, and more preferably about 7 inches.
  • display structure has a width of between about 1 ⁇ 2 inches and about 4 inches, and more preferably about 21 ⁇ 4 inches.
  • Mounting face 110 has two connectors 120 for attaching an image support.
  • Connectors 120 are preferably releasable so that an image support may be easily attached and removed.
  • Some examples of a releasable connector include magnetic attachment but could also include any other fastening technique such as hook and loop fabric (VelcroTM), snap fits, suction cups, or pins with detent mechanisms.
  • Connectors 120 may be fixedly attached to mounting face 110 using any suitable means. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , connectors 120 are magnets. The number and positioning of connectors 120 may vary as desired.
  • display structure 100 of FIGS. 5-8 has four openings 122 to facilitate mounting design structure 100 on a generally vertical surface, e.g., a wall.
  • Two of openings 122 are diamond shape, which may allow display structure 100 to naturally level itself under the force of gravity. Additional fasteners, e.g., nails, screws, bolts, may be used in combination with openings 122 to further secure and stabilize display structure 100 on the wall.
  • the shape, dimensions and positioning of openings 122 may vary as desired.
  • display structure 100 has two bendable ends 126 and 128 .
  • Bendable end 126 has slot 127 and bendable end 128 has slot 129 , which may facilitate the bending of bendable ends 126 , 128 .
  • slots 127 , 129 have a length between about 1.5 inches and 2 inches, and more preferably about 13 ⁇ 4 inches.
  • Bendable ends 126 , 128 may be bent along slots 127 , 129 respectively. When bendable ends 126 , 128 are bent away from mounting face 110 , bendable ends 126 , 128 may create spacing between mounting face 110 and the surface it is mounted on, e.g., a wall. Such spacing may create a desired “float” effect, i.e., an image support mounted on display structure 110 may have the aesthetically pleasing appearance that it is detached from the wall.
  • Display structure 100 has two sides 130 and 132 which are generally parallel to one another and generally perpendicular to mounting face 110 . Though their dimensions may vary, sides 130 , 132 preferably have a length between about 5 inches and 6 inches, and more preferably about 5.5 inches. Sides 130 , 132 preferably have a height between about 1 ⁇ 5 inches and 2 ⁇ 5 inches, and more preferably about 1 ⁇ 3 inches.
  • slots 140 and 142 may be of varying dimensions.
  • slots 140 , 142 have a length between about 1 inch and about 3 inches, and more preferably about 2 inches.
  • stand 102 is generally planar. The size and shape of stand 102 may vary, but preferably stand 102 is T-shaped as shown in FIG. 9 .
  • Stand 102 has a first section 150 and a second section 152 .
  • first section 150 has a width of between about 1 inch and about 3 inches, and more preferably about 2 inches.
  • second section 152 has a length of between about 2 inches and about 4 inches, and more preferably about 3 inches.
  • second section 152 has a width of between about 2 inches and about 4 inches, and more preferably about 3 inches. While the widths of first section 150 and second section 152 may vary, the width of first section 150 should be less than the width of second section 152 .
  • First section 150 has a slot 151 and first bendable end 160 .
  • first section 150 has a length of between about 2 inches and about 4 inches, and more preferably about 3 inches.
  • Second section 152 has a slot 153 and second bendable end 162 . Slots 151 and 153 may facilitate bending of bendable ends 160 , 162 .
  • FIG. 10 shows stand 102 after bendable ends 160 , 162 have been bent.
  • First section 150 should be of sufficient length and width so that first section 150 may be inserted into slots 140 and 142 of rigid display structure 10 , as shown in FIGS. 11-13 .
  • the length of first section 150 is between about 2 inches and about 4 inches, and more preferably about 3 inches.
  • first bendable end 160 of first section 150 may be bent along slot 151 so that stand 102 may be secured within slots 140 and 142 of display structure 100 .
  • Second section 152 may be bent along slot 153 so as to support display structure 100 and stand 102 as assembled when placed on a generally horizontal surface, e.g., a desktop, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 . Though the angle may vary, an image support attached to display structure 100 and stand 102 as assembled is preferably positioned at an angle between about 70° and about 90°, and more preferably at about 80° to horizon.
  • FIGS. 11-13 show a display assembly comprising display structure 100 , stand 102 , and an image support 103 .
  • the dimensions of the assembly may vary to accommodate image supports of varying sizes.
  • Display structure 100 and stand 102 may be generally flat when it is shipped to consumers, which may make for easier and less expensive shipment. After receiving the disassembled and unbent display structure 100 and stand 102 , the consumer may then assemble display structure 100 and stand 102 and bend stand 102 as discussed above for displaying an image support.
  • display structure 100 and stand 102 may vary as desired to accommodate any size image support.
  • a stand may attach to an image support without the aid of a display structure.
  • the stand of this type may vary in size and shape and may have connectors to attach directly to an image support.
  • the stand may be designed to sit on a horizontal surface, such as a desktop.
  • FIGS. 14-16 show a preferred embodiment of a stand 170 that may attach directly to an image support 103 .
  • Stand 170 has a base 174 , which is generally horizontal and attached to two generally vertical members 176 .
  • Each generally vertical member 176 has a lower and an upper section, the upper section of which has a recessed surface 178 with a connector 120 .
  • Connector 120 is preferably a magnet.
  • Generally vertical members 176 may be stabilized with a crossbar 172 attaching to each of the upper sections.
  • generally vertical member 176 may be at an angle toward base 174 , forming an acute angle ⁇ at their intersection. Angle ⁇ may be between about 85° and about 50°, preferably between about 80° and about 60°, and still more preferably about 70°.
  • Connector 120 is on the side of generally vertical member 176 opposite of said base. Image support 103 therefore would be tilted to display an image slightly upward from vertical.
  • Generally vertical member 176 may have a height H between about 2 inches and about 16 inches, preferably between about 4 inches and about 8 inches, and still more preferably about 6 inches.
  • Base 174 may have a length L between about 1 ⁇ 2 inch and about 6 inches, preferably between about 1 inch and about 3 inches, and still more preferably about 2 inches. Length L of base 174 and height H of generally vertical member 176 may each vary in size for design or for stability.
  • Base 174 and crossbar 172 in FIGS. 14 and 15 are shown to be approximately equal in the distance that base separates the lower sections of the two generally vertical members 176 as crossbar 172 separates the upper sections of the two generally vertical members 176 , however, these distances may differ to result in the upper sections being closer together than the lower sections or the lower sections being closer together than the upper sections. Further, base 174 may not be attached to each of multiple vertical members 176 present in a stand and multiple bases 174 may be present, in which case each vertical member 176 may attached to each base 174 . Stand 170 may be made of various or multiple materials, preferably mostly metal.
  • FIGS. 17-18 show another embodiment of a display structure.
  • Display structure 200 is comprised of at least four members. The number and dimensions of members may vary, depending on the size of the image support to be mounted upon the display structure.
  • display structure 200 has two members 210 and 212 that are generally parallel to one another.
  • Members 210 and 212 are generally the same size and shape, each having a generally U-shaped cross section.
  • Display structure 200 further has three members 214 , 216 and 218 which are generally parallel to one another.
  • Members 214 , 216 , 218 are generally the same size and shape.
  • Members 214 , 216 , 218 are generally perpendicular to members 210 , 212 .
  • Members 214 , 216 , 218 have ends 230 that are connectable with members 210 and 212 .
  • the manner by which ends 230 connect with members 210 , 212 may vary.
  • ends 230 may be connectable using a snap fit or a fastener such as a screw or bolt.
  • ends 230 are configured with grooves 232 which interface with a U-shaped trough 234 of members 210 , 212 . Ends 230 may slide into trough 234 and then secured. The means for securing ends 230 within trough 234 may vary. As shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B , members 210 , 212 have holes 240 which correspond to holes 242 in ends 230 . A fastener (not shown) may be inserted into holes 240 and 242 to secure ends 230 in trough 234 .
  • Connectors 250 are preferably releasable so that an image support may easily be attached and removed.
  • the number and location of connectors 250 may vary.
  • Some examples of a releasable connector include magnetic attachment but could also include any other fastening technique such as hook and loop fabric (VelcroTM), snap fits, suction cups, or pins with detent mechanisms.
  • Connectors 250 may be fixedly attached to members 210 , 212 , 214 , 216 , 218 using any suitable means. As shown in FIGS. 17-18 , connectors 250 are magnets.
  • Members 210 , 212 , 214 , 216 , 218 may be comprised of any suitable material
  • members 210 , 212 , 214 , 216 , 218 are comprised of a material that may easily be formed or molded, e.g., plastic or aluminum.
  • Members 210 , 212 , 214 , 216 , 218 may be manufactured using an extrusion process, which may be and reduce the expense of manufacturing members 210 , 212 , 214 , 216 , 218 of varying lengths as desired.
  • members 210 , 212 are preferably between about 14 and about 18 inches long, and more preferably about 16 inches long.
  • Members 210 , 212 are between about 1 ⁇ 2 inch to about 11 ⁇ 2 inches thick, and more preferably about 1 inch thick.
  • Members 214 , 216 , 218 are preferably between about 10 and about 14 inches long, and more preferably about 12 inches long.
  • Members 210 , 212 , 214 , 216 , 218 preferably have a cross-section with dimensions that are between about 1 ⁇ 2 inch by 1 ⁇ 2 inch to about 11 ⁇ 2 inch by 11 ⁇ 2 inch, and more preferably about 1 inch by 1 inch.
  • the shape and dimensions of the cross-sections of members 210 , 212 , 214 , 216 , 218 may vary as desired.
  • FIGS. 20-23 show a spacer 300 that may be affixed to an image support so that an image support may be attached to a display structure.
  • spacer 300 may interface with the connectors as discussed above and may releasably secure an image support to the display structure of FIGS. 1-13 and 17 - 19 .
  • the display structures may be adapted to include a locking mechanism which may prevent unauthorized removal of an image support from a rigid display structure.
  • spacer 300 is generally circular, though the size and shape of spacer 300 may vary.
  • the shape of spacer 300 could be rectangular, square, or hexagonal, or the dimensions of spacer 300 may be increased so that spacer 300 may support larger images.
  • Spacer 300 has a first surface 320 , a second surface 322 , a third surface 324 , and a fourth surface 326 , which are generally planar and ring-shaped.
  • First surface 320 , second surface 322 , third surface 324 , and fourth surface 326 are generally concentric and are generally spaced parallel to one another.
  • first surface 320 and third surface 324 is between about 1/10 and 1 ⁇ 5 inches, and more preferably about 1 inches.
  • the preferred distance between second surface 322 and third surface 324 is between about 1/50 and about 1/25 inches, and more preferably about 1/30 inches.
  • the preferred distance between third surface 324 and fourth surface 326 is between about 1/10 and 1 ⁇ 5 inches, and more preferably about 1/7 inches.
  • Spacer 300 has a first outer diameter D 1 between first surface 320 and third surface 324 , resulting in a first outer face 332 .
  • the dimensions of first outer diameter D 1 may vary.
  • first outer diameter D 1 is between about 3 ⁇ 4 and about 1 ⁇ 4 inches, and more preferably it is about 1 inch.
  • First outer diameter D 1 may increase or decrease between first surface 320 and third surface 324 , so that first outer face 332 is tapered between first surface 320 and third surface 324 .
  • Spacer 300 has a second outer diameter D 2 between third surface 324 and fourth surface 326 , resulting in a second outer face 342 .
  • the dimensions of second outer diameter D 2 may vary.
  • second outer diameter D 2 is between about 3 ⁇ 5 and about 1 inch, and more preferably it is about 4 ⁇ 5 inches.
  • Second outer diameter D 2 may increase or decrease between third surface 324 and fourth surface 326 so that second outer face 342 is tapered between third surface 324 and fourth surface 326 .
  • Spacer 300 has a first inner diameter D 3 between first surface 320 and second surface 322 , resulting in a first inner face 352 .
  • the dimensions of first inner diameter D 3 may vary.
  • first inner diameter D 3 is between about 1 ⁇ 4 and about 3 ⁇ 4 inches, and more preferably it is about 1 ⁇ 2 inches.
  • First inner diameter D 3 may increase or decrease between first surface 320 and second surface 322 so that first inner face 52 is tapered between first surface 320 and second surface 322 .
  • Spacer 300 has a second inner diameter D 4 between third surface 324 and fourth surface 326 , resulting in second inner face 362 .
  • the dimensions of second inner diameter D 4 may vary, but second inner diameter D 4 is preferably between about 1 ⁇ 5 and about 3 ⁇ 5 inches, and more preferably it is about 2 ⁇ 5 inches.
  • Second inner diameter D 4 may increase or decrease between third surface 324 and fourth surface 326 so that second inner face 362 is tapered between third surface 324 and fourth surface 326 .
  • FIGS. 20-21 and 25 - 26 there is a cavity 370 between third surface 324 and fourth surface 326 formed by second surface 322 and second inner face 362 which may house a magnet 390 . Ridges 372 along second inner face 362 may help to secure magnet within cavity 370 .
  • FIGS. 26-28 show a magnet being housed by spacer 300 .
  • Spacer 300 may be affixed to an image support, which may further secure a magnet with cavity 370 .
  • Spacer 300 may be attached to an image support by suitable means.
  • fourth surface 326 of spacer 300 may be chemically bonded to an image support.
  • Spacer 300 may interface with a connector of display structures shown in FIGS. 1-13 and 17 - 19 to releasably attach an image support to the display structure.
  • FIGS. 29-32 show an image support 400 with spacers 410 attached to a rear face 420 of image support 400 .
  • FIG. 28 shows a spacer housing a magnet 430 .
  • FIG. 32 shows arrangements of spacers with various sizes of image supports.
  • spacer 300 may serve as a support for mounting image support without a display structure.
  • wire or string may be secured to spacer 300 so that the image support may be hung from a wall or other desired surface.
  • Spacer 300 may have a hole through the center that is preferably circular in shape, though the shape of hole may vary. While the diameter of the hole may vary, it must be less than second inner diameter 360 in order to house a magnet. If desired, the hole may be eliminated by filling it with material.
  • Spacer 300 when affixed to an image support, may provide shear support when it is attached to a display structure that is mounted on a generally vertical surface.
  • the connector of a display structure may abut said second surface 322 so that said first inner face 352 may surround said connector, which may provide additional support should said image support experience a shear force.
  • Spacer 300 may be comprised of any suitable material. Light weight materials such as acrylic or other plastics may be desirable.
  • spacer 300 when mounting an image support upon a display structure, which may be mounted on a wall, for example, may result in spacing between the image support and the display structure. Such spacing may create a desired “float” effect, i.e., an image support mounted on display structure may have the aesthetically pleasing appearance that it is detached from the wall.

Landscapes

  • Devices For Indicating Variable Information By Combining Individual Elements (AREA)
US11/936,272 2006-11-22 2007-11-07 Image Display Structure and Components Thereof Abandoned US20080115397A1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/936,272 US20080115397A1 (en) 2006-11-22 2007-11-07 Image Display Structure and Components Thereof
PCT/US2007/083920 WO2008070389A2 (fr) 2006-11-22 2007-11-07 Structure d'affichage d'image et composants de celle-ci
EP07871392A EP2092509A2 (fr) 2006-11-22 2007-11-07 Structure d'affichage d'image et composants de celle-ci

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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US86074206P 2006-11-22 2006-11-22
US11/936,272 US20080115397A1 (en) 2006-11-22 2007-11-07 Image Display Structure and Components Thereof

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US (1) US20080115397A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP2092509A2 (fr)
WO (1) WO2008070389A2 (fr)

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US20080229640A1 (en) * 2007-03-22 2008-09-25 Harry Saunders-Singer Mounting systems
US20080297438A1 (en) * 2007-06-01 2008-12-04 Asustek Computer Inc. Digital photo frame
US20130247401A1 (en) * 2012-03-26 2013-09-26 David Miller Systems and methods for mounting picture frames
USD746069S1 (en) * 2011-08-08 2015-12-29 Chun Che Cheng Supporting plate for a display frame
US20180098644A1 (en) * 2016-10-11 2018-04-12 Chadwick Shane Banks Reconfigurable modular display apparatuses and systems
USD815842S1 (en) * 2014-04-24 2018-04-24 Tricia L. Shay-Puetzer Portion of a frame for displaying an object
US20230127622A1 (en) * 2021-10-21 2023-04-27 Joshua K. Williams Protective frame

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102023108731B3 (de) 2023-04-05 2024-06-20 Frank Tschacher Rahmenlose Wechselbildhalterung, System mit einer solchen Wechselbildhalterung, und Verfahren zum Herstellen einer solchen Wechselbildhalterung

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US4287676A (en) * 1978-05-22 1981-09-08 Weinhaus Robert S Magnetically secured display apparatus
US4676686A (en) * 1986-08-21 1987-06-30 Adolf Eisenloffel Corner clamp for a picture frame
USD292872S (en) * 1984-12-14 1987-11-24 Kitagawa Industries Co., Ltd. Spacer
US5269083A (en) * 1992-10-22 1993-12-14 Claudia Vampatella Quick change picture frame apparatus
US5711100A (en) * 1993-06-14 1998-01-27 Elmer; William A. Vehicle advertising sign, system and method
US6006455A (en) * 1998-02-23 1999-12-28 Miller; Marilyn Magnetic name-tag
US6020867A (en) * 1995-03-22 2000-02-01 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Display apparatus
US6379209B1 (en) * 2000-01-04 2002-04-30 Daktronics, Inc. Alpha-numeric character display panel
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US6742295B2 (en) * 2002-06-20 2004-06-01 James R. Gross System for suspending or mounting priceless planar artwork and the like
US20050028417A1 (en) * 2003-08-04 2005-02-10 Kim Paul T. Picture holding system
US6865836B2 (en) * 2003-01-03 2005-03-15 Tracy Sachs-Lavery Picture frame system
US20060080878A1 (en) * 2004-10-14 2006-04-20 Kittrell Irvin A Iii Three-dimensional display frame assembly
US20060117617A1 (en) * 2004-12-02 2006-06-08 Peterson James P Badge for displaying multiple and interchangeable pieces of information

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1850180A (en) * 1931-09-16 1932-03-22 Harry H Pinney Sign
US3551963A (en) * 1968-08-16 1971-01-05 Walter W Mosher Jr Self-locking snap fastener
US4287676A (en) * 1978-05-22 1981-09-08 Weinhaus Robert S Magnetically secured display apparatus
USD292872S (en) * 1984-12-14 1987-11-24 Kitagawa Industries Co., Ltd. Spacer
US4676686A (en) * 1986-08-21 1987-06-30 Adolf Eisenloffel Corner clamp for a picture frame
US5269083A (en) * 1992-10-22 1993-12-14 Claudia Vampatella Quick change picture frame apparatus
US5711100A (en) * 1993-06-14 1998-01-27 Elmer; William A. Vehicle advertising sign, system and method
US6020867A (en) * 1995-03-22 2000-02-01 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Display apparatus
US6006455A (en) * 1998-02-23 1999-12-28 Miller; Marilyn Magnetic name-tag
US20040057131A1 (en) * 1999-11-24 2004-03-25 Donnelly Corporation, A Corporation Of The State Of Michigan Rearview mirror assembly with utility functions
US6379209B1 (en) * 2000-01-04 2002-04-30 Daktronics, Inc. Alpha-numeric character display panel
US6742295B2 (en) * 2002-06-20 2004-06-01 James R. Gross System for suspending or mounting priceless planar artwork and the like
US6865836B2 (en) * 2003-01-03 2005-03-15 Tracy Sachs-Lavery Picture frame system
US20050028417A1 (en) * 2003-08-04 2005-02-10 Kim Paul T. Picture holding system
US20060080878A1 (en) * 2004-10-14 2006-04-20 Kittrell Irvin A Iii Three-dimensional display frame assembly
US20060117617A1 (en) * 2004-12-02 2006-06-08 Peterson James P Badge for displaying multiple and interchangeable pieces of information

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080229640A1 (en) * 2007-03-22 2008-09-25 Harry Saunders-Singer Mounting systems
US7841115B2 (en) * 2007-03-22 2010-11-30 Nokia Corporation Mounting systems
US20080297438A1 (en) * 2007-06-01 2008-12-04 Asustek Computer Inc. Digital photo frame
USD746069S1 (en) * 2011-08-08 2015-12-29 Chun Che Cheng Supporting plate for a display frame
US20130247401A1 (en) * 2012-03-26 2013-09-26 David Miller Systems and methods for mounting picture frames
USD815842S1 (en) * 2014-04-24 2018-04-24 Tricia L. Shay-Puetzer Portion of a frame for displaying an object
US20180098644A1 (en) * 2016-10-11 2018-04-12 Chadwick Shane Banks Reconfigurable modular display apparatuses and systems
US20230127622A1 (en) * 2021-10-21 2023-04-27 Joshua K. Williams Protective frame

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2092509A2 (fr) 2009-08-26
WO2008070389A2 (fr) 2008-06-12
WO2008070389A3 (fr) 2008-10-16

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