WO2009051798A2

WO2009051798A2 - Decorative display system

Info

Publication number: WO2009051798A2
Application number: PCT/US2008/011873
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kelly E. Benes; John D. Owensby
Original assignee: Benes Kelly E; Owensby John D
Priority date: 2007-10-18
Filing date: 2008-10-18
Publication date: 2009-04-23
Also published as: WO2009051798A3

Abstract

A decorative display system may include a placard configured to be mounted on a supporting surface, the placard having a plurality of horizontal grooves and a mounting accessory. The mounting accessory may include a mounting portion configured to interface with one or more of the horizontal grooves and a support portion for support an item to be displayed. The mounting accessory may be positioned at a plurality of positions relative to the placard. In some embodiments, the decorative display may include a plurality of vertical grooves for mounting accessories.

Description

DECORATIVE DISPLAY SYSTEM

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of and priority to U.S.

Provisional Patent Application No. 60/999,487, filed October 18, 2007, entitled DECORATIVE ORGANIZATIONAL DISPLAY PLACARD(S) SYSTEM WITH INTERCHANGEABLE ACCESSORIES, which document is hereby incorporated by reference to the extent permitted by law.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

A variety of modular and adjustable shelving systems currently exist. However, these systems are often designed without the ability to be used in connection with decorative displays. Further, such systems lack sufficient modularity to be used with a wide variety of display items. Accordingly, there is a need for a decorative display system that is modular and adjustable to the needs of a user.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Page l BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. l is a perspective view of a decorative display system. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another decorative display system.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of alternative placards for a decorative display system.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a decorative display system.

FIG. 5 A is a partial crossectional view of a decorative display system.

FIG. 5B is a partial crossectional view of a decorative display system. FIG. 5C is a partial perspective view of a decorative display system.

FIG. 6A is a partial crossectional view of a decorative display system.

FIG. 6B is a partial crossectional view of a decorative display system.

FIG. 6C is a partial perspective view of a decorative display system.

FIG. 7 A is a partial crossectional view of a decorative display system. FIG. 7B is a partial crossectional view of a decorative display system.

FIG. 7C is a partial perspective view of a decorative display system.

FIG. 8 A is a partial crossectional view of a decorative display system.

FIG. 8B is a partial crossectional view of a decorative display system.

FIG. 8C is a partial perspective view of a decorative display system. FIG. 9A is a partial crossectional view of a decorative display system.

FIG. 9B is a partial crossectional view of a decorative display system.

FIG. 9C is a partial perspective view of a decorative display system.

FIG. 1OA is a perspective view of a mounting accessory. FIG. 1OB is a perspective view of a mounting accessory.

FIG. 1OC is a perspective view of a mounting accessory.

FIG. 1OD is a perspective view of a mounting accessory.

FIG. 1OE is a perspective view of a mounting accessory.

FIG. 1 IA is a perspective view for a shelf mounting accessory. FIG. 1 IB is an exploded view of the shelf mounting accessory of FIG. 1 IA.

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a mounting accessory.

FIG. 12B is another perspective view of a mounting accessory.

FIG. 12C is a perspective view of a decorative display system.

FIG. 13A is another perspective view of a decorative display system. FIG. 13B is a plan side view of a decorative display system.

FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a decorative display system. FIG. 14B is another perspective view of a decorative display system.

FIG. 14C is an elevation view of a decorative display system.

FIG. 15 A is a perspective view of a mounting accessory.

FIG. 15B is a perspective view of a mounting accessory.

FIG. 15C is a perspective view of a mounting accessory.

FIG. 16A is a perspective view of a mounting accessory.

FIG. 16B is a perspective view of a mounting accessory.

FIG. 16C is a perspective view of a mounting accessory.

FIG. 16D is a perspective view of a mounting accessory.

FIG. 17A is a perspective view of a mounting accessory.

FIG. 17B is perspective view of a mounting accessory.

FIG. 18 is a rear perspective view of a decorative display system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG 1, 13, and 14 best demonstrates samples of the invention as complete for use. The placard is mounted in a horizontal position on a vertical surface. The placard can be of any size and shapel-7 as part of the current invention. Placard modification Ia-Ic, 5a, and 5b, require bracing 23 to be attached to the back of the placard to prevent warping as part of the current invention. Individual placard 7 pieces are too small to require bracing. The placard will have horizontal and or vertical grooves cut into the material or created on the surface with possible additional mechanical means to allow accessories 8-22 to be secured to the placard at the appropriate angle. Horizontal and vertical grooves 6a-6b used in combination are pervious art and not part of this invention. The use of this groove pattern 6c to secure cord- like material is part of this invention.

Numerous groove patterns or external mechanical means may be used to mate the placard to the accessory 25a, 27a-29a as part of this invention. Attachment means Ia and 26a, as prior art, are not part of invention. Accessories may attach with same means Ia and 26a but design and function of the accessories 8-16, 21 is as part of this invention.

Items to be displayed 30-35 are limitless. Items to display or organize include round objects 30, disk like objects 31, mobile devices 32, 33, paper items 34 decorative pins 35 and any number of flat surface or odd shapes items. Mobile devices and decorative pins are limitless in size and function; due to this the accessories 14, 15, 21 are not limited in size as part of his invention.

The placard can be screen-printed If on the surface with paint for decorative or informative purposes as part of this invention.

The placard(s) FIGS 1, 13, 14 are made from any wood, plastic metal or any other suitable sturdy material in combination with braces 23 made from metal or any other firm structural material and a hanging mechanism 24 complete the placard portion of this invention. Small placards 13, 14, 7 may not require braces 23. The braces and hanging mechanism 24 may be used in a system FIG 18 or as separate pieces if the hanging mechanism 24 is connected directly to the placard. The placard may also have holes cut through the placard 7a to allow direct attachment of the placard to the desired vertical surface. All placards are intended for use in the vertical position and attached to a vertical surface.

The placards 1-7 can be of any size and shape. These placards can be used in the raw material state or coatings may be applied for decorative If and/ or functional purposes. The placards can be used in a combination FIG 3 by cutting nesting portions 3c, 4a of the placard to allow the placard shapes to be incorporated with each other to create an additional overall design and function. The placard 3 a, can have additional material(s) 3b added for functional or decorative purposes as part of this invention.

The placards FIG 4 can have a smooth exterior 5a if the cutting tool used to create the grooves pattern enters the placard from the surface. This type of entrance will create a space 5b that does not have the ability to support an accessory 8-22. The size of this space 5b will vary and may be used for numerous types of additional accessory 18a placement that may be attached by mechanical means 18b.

The placard horizontal attachment means and accessory attachment means samples FIGS 5-9 demonstrate either a femalela, Ib, Ic, Ie or a maleld attachment means for the placard and male 25b, 26a, 27a, 29a or female attachment 28a means for the accessories.

FIGS 5 thru 9 are cut away portions of a placard and demonstrate samples of placard and accessory attachment systems.

FIG 5 demonstrates a flat accessory attached by mechanical means. FIG 5 A demonstrates a standard horizontal slot cut into the placard Ib with is further demonstrated in the isometric view FIG 5C. The flat accessory 25a is placed into the groove Ib FIG 5B and secured with a standard screw 25b. This can also be secured with a peg if the entrance of the peg FIG 5C is pre-drilled Ic for acceptance of the peg.

FIG 6 demonstrates an industry standard horizontal groove system between the placard 1 and the accessory 26a. As prior art this is not included in the invention but demonstrated as this attachment means is demonstrated on the new accessory options that are included in this invention. FIG 6A-C in an isometric view of this attachment means.

FIG 7 demonstrates a magnetic attachment system. FIG 7 A demonstrates the components of the system. A standard horizontal slot is cut into the placard Ic and is further demonstrated in the isometric view FIG 7C. A magnet is then attached in the groove Ic. The flat accessory 27 is attached to a metal piece 27a or the entire accessory is made from metal and is placed into the groove FIG 7B. Appropriate magnetic levels are required for this system to function properly. This system can be used on entire placard or used in desired areas of a placard.

FIG 8 demonstrates an exterior bracket and notched accessory system. FIG 8A shows the individual components of the brace Id and accessory 28 with the female attachment means 28a. FIG 9B demonstrates the system as assembled. FIG 8C is the isometric view of the functioning system.

FIG 9 demonstrates and angled groove and flat accessory attachment means. FIG 9a show the individual components of the system with a simple groove Ie cut at less than a 90- degree angle. The angle of this groove Ie may vary and require appropriate allowances in depth and length of the accessory 29 for proper mating of the components. A groove must be cut on the bottom side of the accessory 29b. The groove is located in the position where the top of the flat accessory 29 meets the topside of the placard groove Ie when placed together as a system FIG9B. The groove in the accessory stops the accessory from coming out of the placard. GIF 9C is an isometric view of this system.

FIG 10-14, 16 Demonstrate the accessory inventions. FIG 1OA large item holder 8 can display and keep desire angle of view for round and non- round items. The cutout 8a is not round. The out of round shape allows multiple types of items to be held individually and gives added pressure in combination with gravity to hold desired viewing angles of the items being displayed.

Standard accessories like the shelf 9 are altered to do multiple functions. The groove 9b that is cut into the surface of the shelf9a can be used to keep a photograph frame in an upright position. The small circle cutout can be used to stabilize a small sphere item. The slits cut into the front 9c can be used serve as hooks fro thin material such as ribbons or thread. This same shelf can be made into any desired length 10 and have just one type of alteration 10a to the surface of the shelf. Additional accessory styles include a double-sided attachment means that can be used with any accessory that might require greater stabilization of the accessory. Hooks 13a, 13b can be cut from solid material for added rigidity. These accessories can be used individually but when used as a set they can hold any size baseball bat in perfect horizontal orientation. This is accomplished by altering the distance between the hooks on the placard.

FIG 11 demonstrates multi-use accessories 11, 12 used with standard shelving. The accessories 11, 12 are designed hold either a small spherical objects 30 or small items not having a flat surface. The accessory 12 has two sets of slits 12a, 12b that are cut from the top of the cylinder piece down to the middle of the cylinder. These slits are cut to a depth that will allow for stabilization of flat items such as medals and photograph frames 31. These slits sets are cut at different angles to add options for placement and display angles of the items.

FIG 12 illustrates modified standard shelves with added angles 14b, 15b to create a holder for smaller mobile or portable rechargeable devices. FIG 12A demonstrates a long shelf that can hold multiple items. The slots cut into the top 14a of the accessory 14 allow electrical charging cords 32a to extend from the item being held on the accessory through the opening and into the groove of the placard. The cords will then be controlled due to the weight of the accessory in the placard groove. This control of the cord will allow for the cord to be organized and kept secure in the position desired. FIG 12C illustrates the same shelf with slots also cut into the bottom cradle portion of the accessory 14c. This slot is used when the charging cord of the item extends out from the bottom of the device being held. The slot needs to be large enough to allow clearance of the various plugs 32b of these devices so that the device can remain in an upright position. Numerous portable devices can fit onto this accessory to include cellular telephones, cellular earpieces, mobile music devices and other rechargeable devices. FIG 12B demonstrates another accessory 15 used to wrap and organize the charging power cords. The cord 32a is extended through the upper slot 15b in the accessory with the desired length of cord extending out of the slot The other end of the cord is plugged into the desire electrical out let. The remaining cord is wrapped around accessory 15 from one groove 15a one side of the accessory to the companion groove on the opposite side of the accessory. The accessory 15 is then inserted into the placard. Once the accessory is inserted into the placard. The slit 15b is enclosed on all side. This results in control of the device plug end of the charging cord.

FIG 13 illustrates the use of the portable device accessories with a placard. FIG 13 A demonstrates the proper position of the mobile device accessory 14 with a sample device 32 in position also shown is proper placement of the mobile device cord holder 15. These accessories can be put in any desired location on the placard. The portable device cord holder can allow the plug 32b to extend through the slot 15b and extend out of the top or bottom of the accessory. This will allow easy access of the plug to the mobile device holding accessoryl4. Figure 13B demonstrated the cord path options. The power cord 32c can be controlled from the mobile device through the slots in the mobile device holder either through the slots in the top or the bottom of the holder and then the cord will go through the mobile device cord accessory slot and then wound around the accessory 32a to organize all parts of the mobile device system. The cord accessory 15 can be removed with the cord in place and used at a remote location, then returned to the placard.

FIG 14 illustrates another placard style 6 that has additional grooves in both the horizontal and vertical planes. The type of pattern is an existing standard placard pattern. The use of this pattern in combination with the accessories 14, 16 completes another example of a mobile device charging station shelf system that is part of the invention. The mobile device 32 is placed in the same accessory 14 that functions the same as in FIG 13. except when the power charging cord 32c exits the accessory and goes into the groove of the placard Ia the cord can then be wrapped 32a around the squares 6c, or any shape of groove pattern that allows for wrapping of cord, The plug 32d can then exit to the electrical outlet. Electrical devices that can be hung 33 can be placed on a hook style accessory on the placard. The charging cord can be controlled in the groove patterns also.

Figure 15A demonstrates the smallest placard 7 options. The small pieces have similar profiles to the larger placards. Due to their size they must be mechanically fastened to the vertical surface 7a they are to be mounted to, either a wall or another placard surface. They can be used individually to hold a single accessory FIG 15B or more small placards used in a linear plane to mount larger accessories FIG 15C.

FIG 16 illustrates types of electrical options for the placard display system to include clocksl7, electrical power stripslδ, Lights 19, and display monitors 20.

FIG 17 demonstrates the two functions of the hanging frame accessory 21a. The standard use is illustrated in FIG 17A for display of a photograph 34. The additional function of the frame FIG 17B is the addition of a plastic film that is sturdy enough to support weight. The film 21b will be pierced to allow decorative pins 25a to be displayed by pinning the item into the plastic film. If the pin has a mechanical back 35b it can be placed on the back of the film to help control the pin display position.

Although a few exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, the present invention is not limited to the described exemplary embodiments. Instead, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made to these exemplary embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

The terminology used in the description of the invention herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used in the description of the embodiments of the invention and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. AU publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It will be understood that relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures.

Moreover, it will be understood that although the terms first and second are used herein to describe various features, elements, regions, layers and/or sections, these features, elements, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one feature, element, region, layer or section from another feature, element, region, layer or section. Thus, a first feature, element, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second feature, element, region, layer or section, and similarly, a second without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or

"coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Further, as used herein the term "plurality" refers to at least two elements. Additionally, like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

Thus, there has been shown and described several embodiments of a novel invention. As is evident from the foregoing description, certain aspects of the present invention are not limited by the particular details of the examples illustrated herein, and it is therefore contemplated that other modifications and applications, or equivalents thereof, will occur to those skilled in the art. The terms "having" and "including" and similar terms as used in the foregoing specification are used in the sense of "optional" or "may include" and not as "required". Many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the present construction will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and the accompanying drawings. All such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention which is limited only by the claims which follow. The scope of the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless specifically so stated, but rather "one or more." All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various embodiments described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1 A decorative display system comprising: a placard configured to be mounted on a supporting surface, the placard having a plurality of horizontal grooves a mounting accessory comprising a mounting portion configured to interface with one or more of the plurality of horizontal grooves and a support portion, located distal to the mounting portion, the support portion configured to support an item to be displayed; and wherein the mounting accessory may be positioned at a plurality of positions relative to the placard.

2. The decorative display system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of horizontal grooves have a generally 'T' shaped crossection.

3. The decorative display system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of vertical grooves for mounting accessories.