US20100154266A1

US20100154266A1 - Magnetic photo display assembly

Info

Publication number: US20100154266A1
Application number: US12/317,443
Authority: US
Inventors: Thomas Vincent
Original assignee: Umbra LLC
Current assignee: Umbra LLC
Priority date: 2008-12-22
Filing date: 2008-12-22
Publication date: 2010-06-24
Also published as: CA2673697A1; DE102009026352A1; GB2466323A; GB0911988D0

Abstract

A magnetic picture display assembly including a base and a first frame including a frame portion having an inner perimeter and a window defined by the inner perimeter, and at least a first wire stand extending through the frame portion and having a first end having an upper magnet extending upwardly and a second end having a lower magnet extending downwardly, wherein the lower magnet is magnetically securable to the base, and the at least first wire stand is arranged to support the first frame in an upright position when the lower magnet is magnetically secured to the base.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention broadly relates to devices for displaying pictures, photographs and the like, more particularly to such devices comprising an assembly of magnetically stackable frames.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Devices for holding and displaying a plurality of pictorial items, such as photographs and pictures, are well known. Generally, such a device may be embodied as a frame having a plurality of windows arranged in a plane, wherein each window is arranged to display a picture from a single viewing side.
Alternatively, such a device may comprise a plurality of frames, wherein each frame fixedly is secured to another frame and includes a window arranged to display a picture from a single viewing side. Frames of this type often display pictures in a single plane, although some frames of this type include a hinge arranged to allow the frames to pivot into more than one plane.
One problem with these prior frames is that the angles at which the frames may be displayed are limited. Another problem with these prior frames is that, since the frames are inseparable from each other, a user is forced to manipulate the entire device in order to change even a single picture displayed therein. A further problem with these devices is that they generally only have a single viewing side.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Broadly, the present invention is a magnetic picture display assembly comprising: a base; and, a first frame comprising: a frame portion having an inner perimeter and a window defined by the inner perimeter; and, at least a first wire stand extending through the frame portion and having a first end comprising an upper magnet extending upwardly and a second end comprising a lower magnet extending downwardly, wherein the lower magnet is magnetically securable to the base, and the at least first wire stand is arranged to support the first frame in an upright position when the lower magnet is magnetically secured to the base.
In one embodiment, the first frame further comprises a second wire stand extending through the frame portion and having a first end comprising an upper magnet extending upwardly and a second end comprising a lower magnet extending downwardly, wherein the lower magnet of the second wire stand is magnetically securable to the base, and the second wire stand is arranged to support the first frame in an upright position when the lower magnet of the second wire stand is magnetically secured to the base.
In another embodiment the magnetic photo display assembly further comprises a second frame comprising: a frame portion having an inner perimeter and a window defined by the inner perimeter of the frame portion of the second frame; and, at least a first wire stand extending through the frame portion of the second frame and having a first end comprising an upper magnet extending upwardly and a second end comprising a lower magnet extending downwardly, wherein the lower magnet of the at least first wire stand of the second frame is magnetically securable to the base, the at least first wire stand of the second frame is arranged to support the second frame in an upright position when the lower magnet of the at least first wire stand of the second frame is magnetically secured to the base, and the second frame is adapted to display a substantially planar item in the window of the second frame.
In a preferred embodiment, the second frame is stackable upon the first frame by magnetically securing the lower magnet of the at least first wire stand of the second frame to the upper magnet of the at least first wire stand of the first frame.
A general object of the present invention is to provide a photo display device having a plurality of frames which may be arranged in an infinite number of viewing angles.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a photo display device having a plurality of frames which may be stacked upon one another in an infinite number of arrangements.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a frame which is arranged to display pictures on opposite sides on the frame, and includes a means for easily inserting such pictures.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a frame which is adapted to magnetically couple to a base and/or magnetically stack upon another frame.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciable from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention and from the accompanying drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The nature and mode of operation of the present invention will now be more fully described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying drawing figures of at least one exemplary embodiment thereof, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the magnetic photo display assembly comprising a plurality of frames and a base;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the magnetic photo display assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a first frame of the plurality of frames;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the first frame;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of area 5 shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second panel of the first frame; and,

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the second panel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements of the invention. While the present invention is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred aspects, it is to be understood that the invention as claimed is not limited to the disclosed aspects.
Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the appended claims.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It should be appreciated that the term “frame” refers to a substantially rigid structure which defines at least one window and is operatively arranged to hold and display a substantially planar object, such as a photograph or other pictorial item, in the at least one window.
It should also be appreciated that since each frame of the plurality of frames of the present invention is arranged to display pictures in two windows arranged opposite each other, and since the plurality of frames may be stacked and arranged in an infinite number of positions, the terms “front”, “back”, “left”, and “right”, when used herein, are relative terms meant to refer to the viewing perspective shown in the figures.
Although many methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are now described.
Adverting now to the figures, FIG. 1 and show an exemplary embodiment of the present invention magnetic photo display assembly, hereinafter referred to as assembly 10. Assembly 10 comprises a plurality of frames, namely, first frame 100, second frame 200, third frame 300, fourth frame 400, and fifth frame 500. Each frame is adapted to hold and display a substantially planar item in its window, such as the picture of the woman shown displayed in each of the windows in FIGS. 1 and 2. Assembly 10 may also comprise base 80. It should be appreciated that the plurality of frames and base shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are meant to illustrate a manner in which the frames of the present invention may be stacked and magnetically coupled to each other and/or the base for displaying pictures.
It should also be appreciated that the present invention may comprise a single frame, for example, any one of frames 100, 200, 300, 400, or 500, as these frames comprise substantially the same elements and differ primarily with respect to dimensions, such as, height and width. Accordingly, the following description focuses primarily on first frame 100, and its description should be presumed to be applicable to second, third, fourth, and fifth frames, 200, 300, 400, and 500, respectively.
As shown in FIGS. 3-7, first frame 100 comprises frame portion 110, right wire stand 140, and left wire stand 160. In this embodiment, frame potion 110 includes first panel 120 and second panel 130, wherein first panel 120 and second panel are removably securable to each other.
Second panel 130 comprises outer perimeter 134, inner perimeter 132, which defines window 112, front surface 131B, and back surface 131A. Front surface 131B comprises internal frame 136, which has an open top, and lip 139 arranged substantially around internal frame 136, preferably proximate outer perimeter 134. Front surface 131B also comprises first right recess 133A, second right recess 135A, and third right recess 137A, which together partially form a channel arranged to secure a portion of right wire stand 140 therein, as described in further detail below. Front surface 131B also comprises first left recess 133B, second left recess 135B, and third left recess 137B, which together partially form a channel arranged to secure a portion of left wire stand 160 therein, as described in further detail below.
First panel 120 comprises outer perimeter 124, inner perimeter 122, which defines window 111, front surface 121A, and back surface 121B. Back surface 121B comprises an internal frame (not shown), which is similar and complimentary to internal frame 136 of second panel 130, and a lip 129, which is similar and complimentary to lip 139 and arranged substantially around its internal frame, preferably proximate outer perimeter 124.
Back surface 121B also comprises first right recess 123A, second right recess 135A, and a third right recess (not shown) similar and complimentary to third right recess 137A, which together partially form a channel arranged to secure a portion of right wire stand 140 therein, as described in further detail below. Back surface 121B also comprises first left recess 123B, second left recess 125B, and a third left recess (not shown) similar and complimentary to third left recess 137B, which together partially form a channel arranged to secure a portion of left wire stand 160 therein, as described in further detail below.
First panel 120 and second panel 130 are removably securable to each other by means of a frictional and/or mechanical engagement between lip 129 and lip 139. When first panel and second panels, 120 and 130, are removably secured to each other, internal frame 136 and the internal frame of first panel 120 form slot 115 into which one or more substantially planar items, such as photographs, may be inserted for viewing in window 111 and/or 112. In one aspect of the invention, when first and second panels, 120 and 130, are secured to each other, inner perimeters 111 and 112 form a substantially integral inner perimeter defining a window adapted to be viewed from opposite sides of the frame.
Frame 100 may further comprise an insert which includes first pane 105 and second pane 106, preferably connected to each other by means of resting surface 107. First and second panes, 105 and 106, each comprise a substantially transparent material, such as plastic or glass. The insert is arranged such that a user may place one or more substantially planar objects, such as photographs, between first and second panes, 105 and 106. Slot 115 is adapted to receive the insert and display any items secured therein in windows 111 and 112.
Additionally, when first panel and second panels, 120 and 130, are removably secured to each other, first right recess 133A is arranged across from first right recess 123A and form an aperture in frame portion 110, second right recess 135A is arranged across from second right recess 125A and form an aperture in frame portion 110, and third right recess 137A is arranged across from the third right recess of first panel 120, and together such recess are arranged to form a channel, in which a portion of right wire stand 140 may be secured.
Similarly, when first panel and second panels, 120 and 130, are removably secured to each other, first left right recess 133B is arranged across from first right recess 123B and form an aperture in frame portion 110, second right recess 135B is arranged across from second right recess 125B and form an aperture in frame portion 110, and third right recess 137B is arranged across from the third right recess of first panel 120, and together such recess are arranged to form a channel, in which a portion of left wire stand 160 may be secured.
Right wire stand 140 includes first end 141, which comprises upper magnet 142 having top surface 142A, and second end 143, which comprises lower magnet 144 having bottom surface 144A. Right wire stand 140 is adapted to extend through the aforementioned channel formed by recesses 133A, 135A, and 137A of second panel 130 and recesses 123A, 125A, and the third right recess of first panel 120, such that top surface 142A is arranged facing upwardly and bottom surface 144A is arranged facing downwardly.
Left wire stand 160 includes first end 161, which comprises upper magnet 162 having top surface 162A, and second end 163, which comprises lower magnet 164 having bottom surface 164A. Left wire stand 160 is adapted to extend through the aforementioned channel formed by recesses 133B, 135B, and 137B of second panel 130 and recesses 123B, 125B, and the third left recess of first panel 120, such that top surface 162A is arranged facing upwardly and bottom surface 164A is arranged facing downwardly.
Right an left wire stands, 140 and 160, are adapted to support frame portion 110 in an upright position, as shown in the figures, when first panel and second panels, 120 and 130, are removably secured to each other and right an left wire stands, 140 and 160, are secured therebetween. Accordingly, bottom surfaces 144A and 164A of lower magnets 144 and 164, respectively, are preferably substantially planar so that they may rest upon on a substantially planar horizontal surface, such as a table top.
In a preferred embodiment, assembly 10 includes base 80 having top surface 81 and bottom surface 82. Base 80 preferably comprises a magnetically attractable material, such as iron or an iron alloy. Accordingly, the frames of the present invention may be magnetically secured to base 80. For example, first frame 100 may be placed is placed upon base 80 such that bottom surfaces 144A and 164A of magnets 144 and 164, respectively, rest upon and are in contact with top surface 81, thereby magnetically securing lower magnets 144 and 164, and therefore first frame 100, to base 80.
As described above, each of the frames shown in the figures comprise essentially the same elements, i.e., each comprises a frame portion similar to frame portion 110, and right and left wire stands similar to right and left wire stands 140 and 160. Each frame's right wire stand includes upper and lower magnets similar to upper and lower magnets 142 and 144, and each frame's left wire stand includes upper and lower magnets similar to upper and lower magnets 162 and 164.
In particular: second frame 200 comprises a frame portion having at least one window 211 and supported by right wire stand 240, having upper magnet 242 and lower magnet 244, and left wire stand 260 having upper magnet 262 and lower magnet 264; third frame 300 comprises a frame portion having at least one window 311 and supported by right wire stand 340, having upper magnet 342 and lower magnet 344, and left wire stand 360 having upper magnet 362 and lower magnet 364; fourth frame 400 comprises a frame portion having at least one window 411 and supported by right wire stand 440, having upper magnet 442 and lower magnet 444, and left wire stand 460 having upper magnet 462 and lower magnet 464; and, fifth frame 500 comprises a frame portion having at least one window 511 and supported by right wire stand 540, having upper magnet 542 and lower magnet 544, and left wire stand 560 having upper magnet 562 and lower magnet 564.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the frames of the present invention are adapted to stack upon one another. In particular, each frame may be stacked upon one or two other frames by magnetically securing one lower magnet of such frame upper magnets of the one or two other frames. For example, in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lower magnets of first frame 100, second frame 200, and fourth frame 400 are resting upon and magnetically secured to base 80. Additionally, lower magnet 564 of fifth frame 500 is resting upon and magnetically secured to upper magnet 242 of second frame 200, and lower magnet 344 of third frame 300 is resting upon and magnetically secured to upper magnet 262 of second frame 200. Accordingly, the magnets selected for the present invention wire stands should of sufficient attractive strength to support the force the offset weight of a supported frame. Moreover, the magnets should all be arranged in the same north-south orientation so that upper and lower magnets are arranged to attract rather than repel each other.
It should be appreciated that the frames of the present invention may be of integral form, i.e., each may not comprise two panels. Additionally, each wire stand may comprise more than one component, e.g., each may comprise a lower wire stand having a lower magnet and extending downwardly from the frame portion, and an upper wire stand having an upper magnet and extending upwardly from the frame portion. Moreover, if magnets of sufficient strength are used, each frame may comprise as few as one lower wire stand and one upper wire stand.
Thus, it is seen that the objects of the present invention are efficiently obtained, although modifications and changes to the invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, which modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. It also is understood that the foregoing description is illustrative of the present invention and should not be considered as limiting. Therefore, other embodiments of the present invention are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A magnetic photo display assembly comprising:

a base; and,

a first frame comprising: a frame portion having an inner perimeter and a window defined by the inner perimeter; and, at least a first wire stand extending through the frame portion and having a first end comprising an upper magnet extending upwardly and a second end comprising a lower magnet extending downwardly, wherein the lower magnet is magnetically securable to the base, the at least first wire stand is arranged to support the first frame in an upright position when the lower magnet is magnetically secured to the base, and the first frame is adapted to display a substantially planar item in the window.

2. The magnetic photo display assembly recited in claim 1 wherein the first frame further comprises a second wire stand extending through the frame portion and having a first end comprising an upper magnet extending upwardly and a second end comprising a lower magnet extending downwardly, wherein the lower magnet of the second wire stand is magnetically securable to the base, and the second wire stand is arranged to support the first frame in an upright position when the lower magnet of the second wire stand is magnetically secured to the base.

3. The magnetic photo display assembly recited in claim 1 further comprising a second frame comprising: a frame portion having an inner perimeter and a window defined by the inner perimeter of the frame portion of the second frame; and, at least a first wire stand extending through the frame portion of the second frame and having a first end comprising an upper magnet extending upwardly and a second end comprising a lower magnet extending downwardly, wherein the lower magnet of the at least first wire stand of the second frame is magnetically securable to the base, the at least first wire stand of the second frame is arranged to support the second frame in an upright position when the lower magnet of the at least first wire stand of the second frame is magnetically secured to the base, and the second frame is adapted to display a substantially planar item in the window of the second frame.

4. The magnetic photo display device recited in claim 3 wherein the second frame is stackable upon the first frame by magnetically securing the lower magnet of the at least first wire stand of the second frame to the upper magnet of the at least first wire stand of the first frame.

5. The magnetic photo display device recited in claim 3 wherein the second frame further comprises a second wire stand extending through the frame portion of the second frame and having a first end comprising an upper magnet extending upwardly and a second end comprising a lower magnet extending downwardly, wherein the lower magnet of the second wire stand of the second frame is magnetically securable to the base, and the second wire stand of the second frame is arranged to support the second frame in an upright position when the lower magnet of the second wire stand of the second frame is magnetically secured to the base.

6. The magnetic photo display device recited in claim 1 wherein the first frame comprises a slot adapted to receive the substantially planar item therein for display in the window.

7. The magnetic photo display device recited in claim 1 wherein the window is adapted to display the substantially planar item on opposite sides of the first frame.

8. A frame comprising:

a frame portion having an inner perimeter and a window defined by the inner perimeter;

a first wire stand extending through the frame portion and having a first end comprising an upper magnet extending upwardly and a second end comprising a lower magnet extending downwardly; and,

a second first wire stand extending through the frame portion and having a first end comprising an upper magnet extending upwardly and a second end comprising a lower magnet extending downwardly, wherein the first wire stand and the second wire stand are adapted to support the frame in an upright position when the lower magnet of the first wire stand and the lower magnet of the second wire stand are resting on a substantially horizontal surface, and the frame is adapted to display a substantially planar item in the window.

9. The frame recited in claim 8 further comprising a slot adapted to receive the substantially planar item therein for display in the window.

10. The frame recited in claim 8 wherein the window is adapted to display the substantially planar item on opposite sides of the frame.