WO1995014293A1

WO1995014293A1 - Frame having ancillary display apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO1995014293A1
Application number: PCT/US1994/013038
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richard D. Harroch
Original assignee: Harroch Richard D
Priority date: 1993-11-16
Filing date: 1994-11-14
Publication date: 1995-05-26

Abstract

A frame which includes an ancillary apparatus for displaying information regarding the framed work. The ancillary display apparatus is inexpensive and readily settable and alterable by an ordinary user. The frame includes a border structure (60) having a first aperture (64) for displaying the work (74). An apparatus (34) is mounted to the border structure (60) for displaying alphanumeric characters (32) which can be selected to provide information about the work (74). Preferably the alphanumeric characters (32) are primarly configured to display calendar date information. The preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a second aperture (82) passing through the frame. A plurality of closed loops (30) are slidably mounted to a cylinder (34) which in turn is mounted through the second aperture (82). A set of alphanumeric characters (32) are printed on each loop (30) and an appropriate set is selected by sliding the loop (30) around the cylinder (42).

Description

FRAME HAVING ANCILLARY DISPLAY APPARATUS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of display frames, such as picture frames. More particularly, this invention relates to a frame for displaying a primary work, having an ancillary display apparatus for displaying information concerning the work.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Frames are commonly used to display photographs, paintings, diplomas, award and the like, hereinafter referred to as "work". Frames are well known and have been used for generations. Traditionally, frames are used to provide an attractive means for displaying the work rather than to provide information regarding the work.

Many present day cameras provide a feature that photographically imprints a calendar date onto each photograph representing the date that picture was taken. While this is a popular feature because it preserves t f late of an event, it has the disadvantage of obscuring a portion of the photographic image.

Others have preserved an important date on a frame by engraving the frame or a plaque that is attached to the frame. This technique has two disadvantages. First, by virtue of engraving, the date cannot be changed. Accordingly, only a particular picture or pictures related to a particular event can be displayed in the frame. This essentially destroys any flexibility in the use of that frame. Second, the cost of engraving is typically expensive both financially and in terms of the time it takes to arrange, order, drop off and retrieve the frame from an engraver.

What is needed is a frame that includes inexpensive means for displaying information about the framed work. Further, a frame is needed that includes an alterable means for displaying information about the framed work.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A frame includes an ancillary means for displaying information regarding the framed work. The ancillary display means is inexpensive and readily settable and alterable by an ordinary user. The frame includes a border structure having a first aperture for displaying the work. An apparatus is mounted to the border structure for displaying alphanumeric characters which can be selected to provide information about the work, such as the date when a photo was taken. The preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a second aperture passing through the frame. A plurality of closed loops are slidably mounted to a cylinder which in turn is mounted through the second aperture. A set of alphanumeric characters are printed on each loop and an appropriate set are selected by sliding the loop around the cylinder.

A second embodiment includes an ornate mounting bracket. The apparatus of the preferred embodiment can be displayed through the mounted bracket. Alternatively, a plurality of wheels can be mounted within or inside the bracket, each wheel is imprinted with alphanumeric characters. The wheels are rotated to display the desired information. A third embodiment includes a segmented date frame for holding pre-printed miniature date cards in predetermined positions. Preferably, a perforated sheet is provided having appropriate detachable information (such as month, day and/or year) for insertion into the date frame. A fourth embodiment includes an electronic display mounted through the second aperture or directly on the frame. This display includes settable LEDs or liquid crystal diodes for displaying information. The user can select a message to describe the framed work.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a T-shaped mechanism for selectively and interchangeably displaying a date according to the preferred embodiment.

Figure 2 shows an exploded partial perspective view of an L- shaped mechanism according a first alternate embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 shows a partial perspective view of an oval shaped mechanism according a second alternate embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 4A, 4B and 4C show a cross sectional side view of the T-shaped mechanism of the preferred embodiment in relation to a frame.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the preferred embodiment in relation to a frame.

Figure 6 shows a partially exploded perspective view of a T- shaped mechanism for selectively and interchangeably displaying a date according to a third alternate embodiment.

Figure 7 shows a plan view of a frame having an alternate embodiment of the invention.

Figure 8 shows a bottom elevation view of the frame of Figure 7. Figure 9 shows an alternate bottom elevation view of the frame of Figure 7.

Figure 10 shows a cross section view of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 8 which utilizes the mechanism of Figure 6.

Figure 11 illustrates top cross sectional view of a third embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 12 shows a front plan view of the embodiment of Figure 11.

Figure 13 illustrates a representative sample of a perforated sheet to be used in accordance with the embodiment of Figure 11.

Figure 14 shows top plan view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 shows front cross sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 14.

Figure 16 illustrates a back plan view of the embodiment of Figure 14.

Figure 17 shows a side view of an alternate electronic embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a mechanism for selectively and interchangeably displaying a date according to the preferred embodiment. A plurality of closed loops 30 are each imprinted with a series of alphanumeric characters 32. Preferably, the characters 32 on the loops 30 are selected for forming calendar dates. The circumference of all the loops 30 are the same and of a length configured to accommodate the desired set of alphanumeric characters. Accordingly, the more alphanumeric characters 32 needed the longer the loops 30 need to be.

The loops are preferably formed of a flexible material such as acetate, rubber, cloth, paper and the like. The loops are adapted to conform to a cylinder. According to plane and solid geometry, a cylinder is a closed shape formed of parallel line segments. The most commonly thought of cylinder is a right circular cylinder such as a paper towel tube, wherein the cross section is a circle. In the preferred embodiment the cylinder 34 has a T-shape cross section.

The loops 30 and the T-shape cross section have similar circumferences, wherein the loops 30 are adapted to surround the T-shaped cylinder 34 in essentially intimate contact. The rods 36 are mounted to the cylinder 34 to hold the loops 30 into contact with the cylinder 34 in the concave portions 38 of the T- shape. The rods 36 may be solidly mounted to the cylinder 34 or journalled about their ends to rotate depending upon the coefficient of friction between the loops 30 and the rods 36. The leg 40 of the T-shaped cylinder 34 forms a display extension. Appropriate ones of the alphanumeric characters 32 are aligned on the end surface 42 of the leg 40 of the T-shaped cylinder 34 to be displayed in a manner described in detail below. Appropriate spaces are provided between the various alphanumeric characters 32 along the loops 30 so that only one alphanumeric character 32 can be centered on the end surface 42 at a time. A different alphanumeric character 32 can be displayed by sliding that loop 30 circumferentially around the cylinder 34.

In the preferred embodiment, at most twelve characters are printed on each loop. A first loop has all twelve months printed thereon as shown in Figure 1. The remainder of the loops 30 have the numbers 0-9 and a blank printed around their outside circumference. January 9 is displayed by sliding "January" to the end surface 42 of the leg 40 along with a "blank" next in the tens place of the day of the month and a "9" in ones place. To display the year, four adjacent single digit number loops 30 can be used. In the alternative, a single loop can be used having up to twelve convenient calendar years printed thereon. It will be apparent that the loops bearing the names of the months and four digits for the years, if used, will necessarily be wider than those having single digits.

Depending upon the size of the font used for printing on the loops, the number of alphanumeric characters 32 printed around the loops 30 as well and the dimensions of the end surface 42, loops of varying circumference lengths can be used. To accommodate different length loops the leg and arms of the T- shaped cylinder can be adjusted. Similarly, other cylindrical shapes can be used such as an L-shaped cylinder 44 as shown in Figure 2 and an oval shaped cylinder 50 and shown in Figure 3. An L-shaped cylinder 44 also required a rod 46 to maintain its loops in contact with the surface of the cylinder 44 because is has a concave surface 48.

Figure 4A shows a cross sectional view of the T-shaped cylinder 34 of the preferred embodiment in relationship to a frame (with the frame laying flat as opposed to its normal viewing position) . The frame includes a border structure 62 typically formed of wood, extruded aluminum, metal, extruded plastic and the like. Frames come in a variety of configurations and only one typical such configuration is disclosed herein. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this disclosure how to apply these teachings relative to the invention to other frame configurations.

In this frame configuration, the border structure 60 includes a flange 62 or lip surrounding a first aperture 64 through which the work is displayed. With the frame laying on its face 66 a sheet of glass 70 is installed from the back 68 of the frame into the first aperture 64 and is sized to be held within the frame by the flange 62. Next, it may be desired to include a matting sheet 72. If included, for purposes of this invention the matting sheet 72 is considered part of the border structure 60 and will include and define the first aperture 64. The framed work 74 is installed against of the matting sheet 72, if used, and against the glass 70, if not. Lastly, a backing sheet 76 is installed and held in place by any convenient manner such as a nail, swivel lock and the like. Often the backing sheet is formed of a corrugated board.

The T-shaped cylinder 34 is installed into a second aperture 82 that is formed in the border structure 60 of the frame so that the end surface 42 is oriented into the same direction and the

for the rotating members 102 to fit into the volume of space provided for the T-shaped cylinder. Preferably, one such rotating member 102 is provided for each loop 30. To slide the loop 30 around the cylinder, the user presses a finger against the loop 30 over the rotating member and turns the rotating member 102. This action urges the loop 30 to slide around the cylinder 100 without the negative impact of friction at the point of contact.

The rotating members 102 include a central bearing aperture and are mounted to a rod 104 which is held in close proximity to the T-shaped member by the end caps 106. The end caps can be affixed to the cylinder using any convenient means such as fasteners or an adhesive. The end caps 106 are preferably also configured to hold the rods 36 of the preferred embodiment in place.

To aid the user in turning the rotating member 102, a raised flange 108 can be included on each rotating member 102. The raised flange can be serrated to provide even better control. A decorative handle can be substituted for the display as shown in Figures 7, 8 and 9. In Figure 7, the border structure 60 defines a first aperture 64. A decorative mount 120 is affixed to the border structure 60. Preferably, the decorative mount is a right circular cylinder having decorative end caps 122. A second aperture 122 is formed through a surface of the decorative mount 120 that is away from the frame through which a calendar or other information is displayed. If the second aperture is very shallow a printed label bearing the desired information can be displayed in the base of the second aperture. In Figure 8, the decorative mount 120 is mounted directly onto the border structure 60. In Figure 9, the decorative mount 120 is mounted onto the border structure 60 using legs 124.

Figure 10 illustrates a cross section view of the structure of Figure 8 wherein the decorative mount 120 is mounted directly onto the border structure 60. The second aperture penetrates the decorative mount 120 and the border structure 60 allowing the T- shaped cylinder 100 to be mounted in the preferred manner. The T-shaped cylinder 100 shown is that of the modified embodiment of Figure 6 and includes the rotating members 102, each having a flange 108. The rotating members are journalled about the rod 104. The rods 36 hold the loops 30 in place within the concave surfaces of the cylinder.

In the embodiment of Figure 9, it is possible to incorporate a small version of the T-shaped cylinder into the decorative mount. It is understood that other more complicated shapes can be utilized to increase the length of the loops if necessary. In addition, an apparatus including rotating wheels imprinted with date information can be substituted. The wheels can be rotatably controlled by the decorative end caps.

Figure 11 shows a top view of another embodiment of the invention. A date frame 198 is provided which is compartmentalized for accepting cards bearing appropriate words or numbers for displaying dates. The date frame 198 can be formed of a metal, and is formed in a single stamping operation. The date frame 198 can also be formed of plastic or other similar materials. The compartments are integrally formed to accept the cards which are slipped therein. A first compartment 200 is preconditioned for accepting cards on which the months of the year are pre-printed. A second compartment 202 is configured for accepting cards bearing the numbers 1-31. A third compartment 204 can accept cards on which years are imprinted. Figure 12 shows a front view of the date frame 198 into which three such date card have been inserted. The date frame 198 is mounted to a border structure 60. To facilitate use of this date frame, a card 208 bearing appropriate pre-printed legends is provided including twelve months, numbers from 1-31 and any appropriate collection of years, eg., 1950- 1999. The card 208 is perforated to provide easy detachment of the desired date cards. The openings 206 are appropriated sized to obscure the perforated edges of the date cards to provide an attractive appearance. Alternatively, a second aperture can be formed through the matting that surrounds the displayed work. The pre-printed cards 208 can be inserted into second aperture as the frame is assembled to display the appropriate information.

A last embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 14, 15 and 16. An electronic display is provided which can display alphanumeric characters. Figure 14 shows a top plan view of the apparatus of the electronic embodiment. A second aperture 220 is provided for holding an electronic display device 222. Figure 15 shows a cross sectional view of the electronic embodiment. The electronic display device is mounted within the second aperture 220 for display. The display includes a plurality of diodes, including either LEDs or liquid crystal display diodes.

Figure 16 shows a bottom plan view of the electronic embodiment. At least three buttons are provided to entering information. A first button 224 is provided to enter the programming state. A second button 226 is provided to select a character. Preferably, as the second button 226 is depressed, the character presently being set on the display will increment through the alphabet and then through the counting numbers. The set of available characters will also include a blank character. A third button 228 will increment from one character to the next.

Figure 17 shows a side view of an alternate electronic display embodiment. In this embodiment, an adhesive layer 230 is formed between the electronic display apparatus 232 and the frame 234. In the preferred embodiment, the buttons 236 are on the face of the electronic display apparatus 232 and the frame 234. The buttons 236 perform the same functions as described above. The present invention has been described relative to several embodiments. Modifications which become apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art only after reviewing this disclosure are deemed within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

C L A I M S

1. A display frame with a manually adjustable information display apparatus, comprising: a. a border structure having a first aperture for surrounding an image that is being displayed; and b. means for displaying alphanumeric characters, mounted to the border structure.

2. The display frame as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a. a second aperture formed through the border structure; b. a cylindrical form having a display extension configured to project through the second aperture; c. a plurality of slidably adjustable closed-end loops of a length to surround the cylindrical form, having alphanumeric characters along an exterior of the loops; d. means for conforming the loops to the cylindrical form; and e. means for positioning an appropriate set of the alphanumeric characters onto the display extension.

3. The display frame as claimed in claim 2, wherein the cylindrical form includes a concave surface and the means for conforming the loops to the cylindrical form comprises a rod coupled to the cylindrical form for positioning the loops in intimate contact with the concave surface.

4. The display frame as claimed in claim 3, further comprising means for rotating the rod.

5. The display frame as claimed in claim 2, wherein the means for positioning the alphanumeric characters onto the display extension comprises a plurality of cylinders, each accepting one of the loops, rotatably mounted to the cylindrical form and having a raised edge for manual adjustment.

6. The display frame as claimed in claim 2, wherein the cylindrical form is T-shaped.

7. The display frame as claimed in claim 2, wherein the cylindrical form is L-shaped.

8. The display frame as claimed in claim 2, whert._.n the cylindrical form is oval-shaped.

9. The display frame as claimed in claim 2, wherein the loops are formed of acetate.

10. The display frame as claimed in claim 2, wherein the loops are formed of rubber.

11. The display frame as claimed in claim 2, wherein the loops are formed of cloth.

12. The display frame as claimed in claim 2, wherein the loops are formed of paper.

13. The display frame as claimed in claim 2, wherein the loops are formed of plastic.

14. The display frame as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a. a second aperture formed through the border structure; b. a cylindrical from containing a digital display apparatus configured to project through the second aperture; and c. a plurality of push buttons configured to select alphanumeric characters for display by the digital display apparatus .

15. The display frame as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a. a hollow cylindrical housing containing a second aperture for surrounding alphanumeric characters for display through the second aperture; and b. means for mounting the housing to the border structure.

16. The display frame as claimed in claim 15, wherein the housing further comprises: a. a plurality of display wheels mounted within the housing and having alphanumeric characters upon their peripheral surfaces, the alphanumeric characters selectively readable through the second aperture; b. a shaft rotatably and slidably mounted within the housing and aligned with the perpendicular axis of said wheels; and c. means on said shaft for selectively engaging any of the wheels for rotational movement.

17. The display frame as claimed in claim 15, further comprising a predetermined plurality of perforatedly detachable object cards that have been pre-printed with alphanumeric characters, for insertion into the housing.

18. The display frame as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a. a date frame configured for mounting to the display frame, having a second aperture; b. a predetermined plurality of perforatedly detachable object cards that have been pre-printed with alphanumeric characters for forming the calendar date, for insertion into the date frame; and c. means for mounting the date frame to the display frame.

19. The display frame as claimed in claim 1 further comprising an electronic display device mounted to the frame having user settable means for displaying information about the image.

20. A display frame with a manually adjustable information display apparatus comprising: a. a border structure having a first aperture for surrounding an image that is being displayed; b. a second aperture formed through the border structure; c. a cylindrical form having a display extension configured to project through the second aperture; d. a plurality of slidably adjustable closed-end loops of a length to surround the cylindrical form, having alphanumeric characters along an exterior of the loops; e. means for conforming the loops to the cylindrical form; and f. means for positioning an appropriate set of the alphanumeric characters onto the display extension.

21. The display frame as claimed in claim 20, wherein the cylindrical form includes a concave surface and the means for conforming the loops to the cylindrical form comprises a rod coupled to the cylindrical form for positioning the loops in intimate contact with the concave surface.

22. The display frame as claimed i" claim 21, further comprising means for rotating the rod.

23. The display frame as claimed in claim 20, wherein the means for positioning the alphanumeric characters onto the display extension comprises a plurality of cylinders, each accepting one of the loops, rotatably mounted to the cylindrical form and having a raised edge for manual adjustment.

24. A display frame with a manually adjustable information display apparatus comprising: a. a border structure having a first aperture for surrounding an image that is being displayed; b. a second aperture formed through the border structure; c. a cylindrical form containing a digital display apparatus configured to project through the second aperture; and d. a plurality of push buttons configured to select alphanumeric characters for display by the digital display apparatus.

25. A display frame with a manually adjustable information display apparatus comprising: a. a border structure having a first aperture for surrounding an image that is being displayed; b. a hollow cylindrical housing containing a second aperture for surrounding alphanumeric characters for display through the second aperture; and c. means for mounting the housing to the border structure.

26. The display frame as claimed in claim 25, wherein the housing further comprises: a. a plurality of display wheels mounted within the housing and having alphanumeric characters upon their peripheral surfaces, the alphanumeric characters selectively readable through the second aperture; b. a shaft rotatably and slidably mounted within the housing and aligned with the perpendicular axis of said wheels; and c. means on said shaft for selectively engaging any of the wheels for rotational movement.

27. The display frame as claimed in claim 25, further comprising a predetermined plurality of perforatedly detachable object cards that have been pre-printed with alphanumeric characters, for insertion into the housing.

28. A display frame with a manually adjustable date display apparatus comprising: a. a border structure having a first aperture for surrounding an image; b. a date frame configured for mounting to the display frame, having a second aperture; c. a predetermined plurality of perforatedly detachable object cards that have been pre-printed with alphanumeric characters for forming the calendar date, for insertion into the date frame; and d. means for mounting the date frame to the display frame.