Patent Grant
7278232
The present invention relates to an album page. In particular, the present invention relates to an album page for mounting substantially planar articles, such as photographs, on the album page mechanically and without the use of adhesives.
Albums for the display of planar articles, such as photographs, recipe cards, greeting cards, and the like, typically utilize a construction such as a book or a loose-leaf binder with pages on which the planar articles are mounted by various means. A wide variety of pages used to support and display the planar articles are known in the art. These pages use various means to mount the planar articles to the page, such as adhesives, individually applied corner mounts, integrated pockets in which to insert the planar articles, and so on.
For album pages on which an adhesive is used to mount the planar articles on a page, an adhesive substance is typically applied to completely coat a paper or cardboard sheet. When a photograph is placed on the page covered in the adhesive substance, the adhesive substance retains the photographs on the page. A cover sheet is typically also provided to further secure the planar articles to the page and prevent adjacent album pages from adhering to each other. While the use of an adhesive substance provides an acceptable short-term means of attaching photographs to a page, the properties of the adhesive material change over time. This often has a deleterious effect on the integrity of the planar article. For example, when a photograph is exposed to the adhesive substance for an extended period of time, the photo paper may begin to degrade and/or the emulsion chemistry of the photograph may begin to change, resulting in a permanent color change of the photograph. Furthermore, a photograph may become difficult or impossible to remove from the adhesive substance after long-term exposure.
Another means of mounting a planar article is by attaching to the album pages a plurality of triangular-shaped pockets to receive a corner of the planar article. These triangular-shaped pockets are commonly referred to as “photo corners.” Photo corners are an alternative to mounting planar objects with an adhesive substance, and the inherent drawbacks of using an adhesive substance are avoided. However, photo corners must be individually purchased and subsequently arranged on an album page to precisely align with the contours of the planar article. This approach is very time-consuming and subject to human error. Furthermore, if the photo corners are made of an opaque or translucent material, the portion of the planar object received by the photo corner will be obscured from view on the album page.
Album pages that include integrated transparent pockets to hold planar articles are also well known in the art. The transparent pockets are typically formed by sealing two sheets of flexible transparent material together at various locations to create pockets or by adhering two sheets of flexible transparent material at various locations to both sides of a piece of paper to create pockets. While the use of integrated transparent pockets to display planar articles avoids many of the drawbacks associated with mounting planar articles with an adhesive substance or with photo corners, the use of integrated transparent pockets also has drawbacks. For example, the pockets are typically formed on the album page to allow for only a particular size or orientation of planar article to be displayed on the page. This prevents a user from displaying planar articles of varying sizes and orientations on the same page. Furthermore, insertion of pictures into integrated transparent pockets can at times be difficult and time-consuming.
Thus, there is a need in the art for an album page assembly that avoids the drawbacks of the various approaches to mounting planar articles heretofore described.
The present invention is a display page assembly for holding substantially planar articles. The display page assembly includes a base layer, an anchoring layer, and a protective layer. The anchoring layer is attached to the base layer and includes a plurality of mounting apertures formed therein. The plurality of mounting apertures are arranged for receiving a portion of a substantially planar article therein to secure the substantially planar articles relative to the page. The protective layer is attached relative to the anchoring layer to cover the substantially planar article.
In one embodiment, the plurality of mounting apertures is arranged on the anchoring layer to secure a plurality of substantially planar articles on the anchoring layer. The plurality of mounting apertures is arranged on the anchoring layer such that substantially planar articles of varying sizes and orientations are securable on the anchoring layer.
In another embodiment, the plurality of mounting apertures comprises a slit. Each slit is aligned to receive a portion of a corner of a substantially planar article. Each slit may also include means for raising a portion of the anchoring layer adjacent each slit to facilitate insertion of a portion of the corner of the substantially planar article into the slit. In another embodiment, the plurality of mounting apertures defines a plurality of tabs, each tab aligned for receiving a portion of an edge of a substantially planar article.
While the above-identified drawing figures set forth several embodiments of the invention, other embodiments are also contemplated, as noted in the discussion. In all cases, this disclosure presents the invention by way of representation and not limitation. It should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art which fall within the scope and spirit of the principals of this invention. The figures may not be drawn to scale. Like reference numbers have been used throughout the figures to denote like parts.
Planar articles are mounted on album page 10, and in particular on mounting layers 14a and 14b. Planar articles 30 and 32 are shown in
In order to facilitate insertion of the corners of planar articles 30 and 32 into corner slits 20, corner retainers 22 are preferably provided. A corner retainer 22 is positioned adjacent to each corner slit 20 between base layer 12 and mounting layers 14a and 14b. Corner retainers 22 are preferably made of the same or similar material as base layer 12 and raise a portion of corner slits 20 such that corners of planar articles 30 and 32 are easily insertable between mounting layers 14a and 14b and base layer 12. In particular, corner retainers 22 permit insertion of the corners of planar articles 30 and 32 without the need to manually separate mounting layer 14a or 14b from base layer 12.
Base layer 12 is made of a resilient material which provides a robust foundation for album page 10. In a preferred embodiment, base layer 12 is made of an opaque fibrous material such as paper. The paper used for base layer 12 is preferably a paper having a weight typical of that used in the photo album or scrapbook art (e.g., greater than 10 pounds per 1,000 square feet). While the use of paper for base layer 12 is preferred, various alternative materials may also be used. For example, base layer 12 may be made of a translucent or a transparent resilient material, such as a polymer based material, to allow viewing of planar articles mounted on the opposing side of album page 10.
Mounting layers 14a and 14b are preferably attached to base layer 12 with an adhesive material, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive. The adhesive is applied to cover both major surfaces of base layer 12 except in journaling area 26 and in the area surrounding corner slits 20. The adhesive is not applied to the area surrounding corner slits 20 to allow insertion the corners of planar articles 30 and 32 into corner slits 20 (i.e., between base layer 12 and mounting layer 14a).
Mounting layers 14a and 14b are made of a material that is pliable to permit the corners of planar articles 30 and 32 to be easily received by corner slits 20, but durable to allow frequent insertion into corner slits 20 and removal from corner slits 20 of planar articles 30 and 32 without damage to the corner slits 20. In a preferred embodiment, mounting layers 14a and 14b are made of transparent polymeric material, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, a polyester, a polyamide, an ionomer, or the like. The use of a transparent material for mounting layers 14a and 14b allows viewing of the corners of planar articles 30 and 32 through mounting layer 14a when received by corner slits 20.
Corner slits 20 are typically formed in mounting layers 14a and 14b by die cutting, and preferably have a length in the range of 0.50 and 1.00 inch and a width of less than 0.25 inch. The pattern of corner slits 20 shown in
Protective layers 16a and 16b are positioned relative to mounting layers 14a and 14b, respectively, to cover the planar articles. Protective layers 16a and 16b are preferably made of transparent polymeric material, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, a polyester, a polyamide, an ionomer, or the like. Most preferably, protective layers 16a and 16b are made of a partially-neutralized ethylene methacrylic copolymer ionomer, sold by E.I. DuPont de Nemours Co., Wilmington, Del., under the trade designation Surlyn. Furthermore, protective layers 16a and 16b are preferably electrostatically charged so as to cling to the layer directly adjacent to it. In this way, protective layer 16a not only protects planar articles 30 and 32 and journaling area 26 from dust, smudging, and other elements, but also further secures the planar articles to album page 10.
Protective layers 16a and 16b are preferably attached or bonded to mounting layers 14a and 14b, respectively, and/or base layer 12 along region 35. This allows protective layers 16a and 16b to be removably positioned over planar objects 30 and 32. Alternatively, protective layers 16a and 16b may be secured (to base layer 12, for example) between journaling area 26 and holes 28, or along the edge of album page 10 opposite of holes 28 to be removably positioned over planar objects 30 and 32 and over journaling area 26. In an embodiment where protective layers 16a and 16b are secured to base layer 12, they are attached to each other with an adhesive material. In an embodiment where protective layers 16a and 16b are secured to mounting layers 14a and 14b, respectively, they are attached to each other with an adhesive material or by heat bonding means such as ultrasonic welding or thermal bonding.
Journaling area 26 is preferably printed on base layer 12, but may also be provided as a separate layer of material attached to base layer 12. Journaling area 26 allows recording of information regarding the planar articles displayed on album page 10, such as the subject matter of the planar articles displayed. Preferably, a portion of protective layers 16a and 16b covers journaling area 26 to prevent smudging or distorting of information recorded in journaling area 26. However, journaling area 26 may also remain uncovered by protective layers 16a and 16b. Alternatively, journaling area 26 may be omitted, and mounting layers 14a and 14b may be extended to holes 28 (and additional corner slits 20 formed therein) to allow mounting of further planar articles on album page 10.
Several optional modifications may be made to album page 10 as described without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, a mounting layer and a protective layer may be attached to a single side of base layer 12 (that is, planar objects may be mounted in corner slits on a single side of base layer 12), leaving the other side of base layer 12 available for other uses, such as for mounting of other articles using adhesive means or for additional space for notes. Also, a frame or other decorative pattern may be printed on base layer 12 to give the planar articles mounted on mounting layer 14a or 14b a framed or decorative appearance (when base layer 12 is viewed through mounting layer 14a or 14b). Furthermore, base layer 12 may be omitted from album page 10 such that planar objects are secured on album page 10 by inserting corners of the planar objects between mounting layers 14a and 14b.
Planar articles are mounted on album page 40, and in particular on mounting layers 44a and 44b. Planar articles 60 and 62 are shown in
Base layer 42 is made of a resilient material which provides a robust foundation for album page 40. In a preferred embodiment, base layer 42 is made of an opaque fibrous material such as paper. The paper used for base layer 42 is preferably a paper having a weight typical of that used in the photo album or scrapbook art (e.g., greater than 10 pounds per 1,000 square feet). While the use of paper for base layer 42 is preferred, various alternative materials may also be used. For example, base layer 42 may be made of a translucent or a transparent resilient material, such as a polymer based material, to allow viewing of planar articles mounted on the opposing side of album page 40.
Mounting layers 44a and 44b are preferably attached to base layer 42 with an adhesive material, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive. The adhesive is applied to cover both major surfaces of base layer 42 except in journaling area 56 and in the area surrounding edge tabs 50. The adhesive is not applied to the area surrounding edge tabs 50 to allow the edge tabs to be lifted for insertion of edge portions of planar articles 60 and 62 under edge tabs 50 (i.e., between base layer 42 and mounting layer 44a).
Mounting layers 44a and 44b are made of a material that is pliable to permit the edge portions of planar articles 60 and 62 to be easily received by edge tabs 50, but durable to allow for frequent insertion into edge tabs 60 and removal from edge tabs 60 of planar articles 60 and 62 without damage to the tabs. In a preferred embodiment, mounting layers 44a and 44b are made of transparent polymeric material, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, a polyester, a polyamide, an ionomer, or the like. The use of a transparent material for mounting layer 44 allows viewing of the edge portions of planar articles 60 and 62 positioned under edge tabs 50.
Edge tabs 50 are typically formed in mounting layers 44a and 44b by die cutting three sides of a quadrilateral shape into mounting layers 44a and 44b. The fourth, uncut side of the quadrilateral provides the pivot point for lifting edge tabs 50. The pattern of edge tabs 50 shown in
Protective layers 46a and 46b are positioned relative to mounting layers 44a and 44b to cover the planar articles. Protective layers 46a and 46b are preferably made of transparent polymeric material, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, a polyester, a polyamide, an ionomer, or the like. Most preferably, protective layers 46a and 46b are made of a partially-neutralized ethylene methacrylic copolymer ionomer film, commonly known as Surlyn. Furthermore, protective layers 46a and 46b are preferably electrostatically charged so as to cling to the layer directly adjacent to it. In this way, protective layer 46a not only protects planar articles 60 and 62 and journaling area 56 from dust, smudging, and other elements, but also further secures the planar articles to album page 40.
Protective layers 46a and 46b are preferably attached or bonded to mounting layers 44a and 44b, respectively, and/or base layer 42 along region 65. This allows protective layers 46a and 46b to be removably positioned over planar objects 60 and 62. Alternatively, protective layers 46a and 46b may be secured (to base layer 42, for example) between journaling area 56 and holes 58, or along the edge of album page 40 opposite of holes 58 to be removable positioned over planar objects 60 and 62 and over journaling area 56. In an embodiment where protective layers 46a and 46b are secured to base layer 42, they are attached to each other with an adhesive material. In an embodiment where protective layers 46a and 46b are secured to mounting layers 44a and 44b, respectively, they are attached to each other with an adhesive material or by heat bonding means such as ultrasonic welding or thermal bonding.
Journaling area 56 is preferably printed on base layer 42, but may also be provided as a separate layer of material attached to base layer 42. Journaling area 56 allows recording of information regarding the planar articles displayed on album page 40, such as the subject matter of the planar articles displayed. Preferably, a portion of protective layers 46a and 46b covers journaling area 56 to prevent smudging or distorting of information recorded in journaling area 56. Journaling area 56 may also not be covered by protective layers 46a and 46b. Alternatively, journaling area 56 may be omitted, and mounting layer 44 may be extended to holes 58 (and additional edge tabs 50 formed therein) to allow mounting of further planar articles on album page 40.
Several optional modifications may be made to album page 40 as described without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, a mounting layer and a protective layer may be attached to a single side of base layer 42 (that is, planar objects may optionally be mounted in edge tabs on a single side of base layer 42), leaving the other side of base layer 42 available for other uses, such as for mounting of other articles using adhesive means or for additional space for notes. Also, a frame or other decorative pattern may be printed on base layer 42 to give the planar articles mounted on mounting layer 44a or 44b a framed or decorative appearance (when base layer 42 is viewed through mounting layer 44a or 44b). Furthermore, base layer 42 may be omitted from album page 40 such that planar objects are secured on album page 40 by inserting edge portions of the planar objects under the edge tabs 50 and between mounting layers 44a and 44b.
Planar articles are mounted on album page 70, and in particular on mounting layers 74a and 74b. Planar articles 90, 92, and 94 are shown in
Base layer 72 is made of a resilient material which provides a robust foundation for album page 70. In a preferred embodiment, base layer 72 is made of an opaque fibrous material such as paper. The paper used for base layer 72 is preferably a paper having a weight typical of that used in the photo album or scrapbook art (e.g., greater than 10 pounds per 1,000 square feet). While the use of paper for base layer 72 is preferred, various alternative materials may also be used. For example, base layer 72 may be made of a translucent or a transparent resilient material, such as a polymer based material, to allow viewing of planar articles mounted on the opposing side of album page 70.
Mounting layers 74a and 74b are preferably attached to base layer 72 with an adhesive material, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive. The adhesive is applied to cover both major surfaces of base layer 72 except in journaling area 86 and in the area surrounding rounded edge tabs 80. The adhesive is not applied to the area surrounding rounded edge tabs 80 to allow rounded edge tabs 80 to be lifted for insertion of edge portions of planar articles 90, 92, and 94 under rounded edge tabs 80 (i.e., between base layer 72 and mounting layer 74a).
Mounting layers 74a and 74b are made of a material that is pliable to permit the edges of planar articles 90, 92, and 94 to be easily received by rounded edge tabs 80, but durable to allow for frequent insertion and removal of planar articles 90, 92, and 94 from rounded edge tabs 80 without damage to the tabs. In a preferred embodiment, mounting layers 74a and 74b are made of transparent polymeric material, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, a polyester, a polyamide, an ionomer, or the like. The use of a transparent material for mounting layers 74a and 74b allows viewing of the edges of planar articles 90, 92, and 94 through mounting layer 74a when received by rounded edge tabs 80.
Rounded edge tabs 80 are typically formed in mounting layers 74a and 74b by die cutting crescent-shaped slits into mounting layers 74a and 74b. The portions of mounting layers 74a and 74b along the inner arc of the crescent-shaped slits comprise rounded edge tabs 80. The pattern of rounded edge tabs 80 shown in
Protective layers 76a and 76b are positioned relative to mounting layers 74a and 74b, respectively, to cover the planar articles. Protective layers 76a and 76b are preferably made of transparent polymeric material, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, a polyester, a polyamide, an ionomer, or the like. Most preferably, protective layers 76a and 76b are made of a partially-neutralized ethylene methacrylic copolymer ionomer, commonly known as Surlyn. Furthermore, protective layers 76a and 76b are preferably electrostatically charged so as to cling to the layer directly adjacent to it. In this way, protective layer 76a not only protects planar articles 90, 92, and 94 and journaling area 86 from dust, smudging, and other elements, but also further secures the planar articles to album page 70.
Protective layers 76a and 76b are preferably attached or bonded to mounting layer 74a and 74b, respectively, and/or base layer 72 along region 95. This allows protective layer 76a to be removably positioned over planar objects 90, 92, and 94. Alternatively, protective layers 76a and 76b may be secured between journaling area 86 and holes 88, or along the edge of album page 70 opposite of holes 88 to be removably positioned over planar objects 90, 92, and 94 and over journaling area 86. In an embodiment where protective layers 76a and 76b are secured to base layer 72, they are attached to each other with an adhesive material. In an embodiment where protective layers 76a and 76b are secured to mounting layers 74a and 74b, respectively, they are attached to each other with an adhesive material or by heat bonding means such as ultrasonic welding or thermal bonding.
Journaling area 86 is preferably printed on base layer 72, but may also be provided as a separate layer of material attached to base layer 72. Journaling area 86 allows recording of information regarding the planar articles displayed on album page 70, such as the subject matter of the planar articles displayed. Preferably, a portion of protective layers 76a and 76b covers journaling area 86 to prevent smudging or distorting of information recorded in journaling area 86. Alternatively, journaling area 86 may be omitted, and mounting layers 74a and 74b may be extended to holes 88 (and additional rounded edge tabs 80 formed therein) to allow mounting of further planar articles on album page 70.
Several optional modifications may be made to album page 70 as described without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, a mounting layer and a protective layer may be attached to a single side of base layer 72 (that is, planar objects may be mounted in rounded edge tabs on a single side of base layer 72), leaving the other side of base layer 72 available for other uses, such as for mounting of other articles using adhesive means or for additional space for notes. Also, a frame or other decorative pattern may be printed on base layer 72 to give the planar articles mounted on mounting layer 74a or 74b a framed or decorative appearance (when base layer 72 is viewed through mounting layer 74a or 74b). Furthermore, base layer 72 may be omitted from album page 70 such that planar objects are secured on album page 70 by inserting edges of the planar objects between mounting layers 74a and 74b.
In summary, conventional album pages use various means to mount planar articles, such as photographs, to the page, such as adhesives, individually applied corner mounts, and integrated pockets in which to insert the planar articles. These various mounting means suffer from a variety of drawbacks that may have a deleterious effect on the integrity of the planar articles and may result in difficulty using the album pages. The present invention is a display page assembly for holding substantially planar articles that avoids these drawbacks. The display page assembly includes a base layer, an anchoring layer, and a protective layer. The anchoring layer is attached to the base layer and includes a plurality of mounting apertures formed therein. The plurality of mounting apertures are arranged for receiving a portion of a substantially planar article therein to secure the substantially planar articles relative to the page. The protective layer is attached relative to the anchoring layer to cover the substantially planar article. The plurality of mounting apertures is preferably arranged on the anchoring layer to secure a plurality of substantially planar articles on the anchoring layer. The plurality of mounting apertures is arranged on the anchoring layer such that substantially planar articles of varying sizes and orientations are securable on the anchoring layer.
Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2517535 | Cross | Aug 1950 | A |
| 3274706 | Friend | Sep 1966 | A |
| 3346979 | Milos | Oct 1967 | A |
| 3624688 | Miller | Nov 1971 | A |
| 4141162 | Mascolo | Feb 1979 | A |
| 4479318 | Russell | Oct 1984 | A |
| 5033215 | Newberry et al. | Jul 1991 | A |
| 5426876 | Jagoe et al. | Jun 1995 | A |
| 5569503 | Piotroski | Oct 1996 | A |
| 5826851 | Arbisi | Oct 1998 | A |
| 5893229 | Werner | Apr 1999 | A |
| 5987791 | Paine | Nov 1999 | A |
| 6101752 | Cumberland | Aug 2000 | A |
| 6266907 | Matteau et al. | Jul 2001 | B1 |
| 6511245 | Tan | Jan 2003 | B1 |
| 20010042328 | Matteau et al. | Nov 2001 | A1 |
| 20020067037 | Lo | Jun 2002 | A1 |
| 20020106236 | Hashizume | Aug 2002 | A1 |
| 20030110672 | Tan | Jun 2003 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 3140660 | Jul 1982 | DE |
| 29922367 | Apr 2001 | DE |
| 20109328 | Aug 2001 | DE |
| 63856 | Nov 1982 | EP |
| 2432392 | Apr 1980 | FR |
| 2108047 | May 1983 | GB |
| 2198084 | Jun 1988 | GB |
| 8108672 | Apr 1996 | JP |
| 11192790 | Jul 1999 | JP |
| 20000253362 | Sep 2000 | JP |
| 2002072939 | Mar 2002 | JP |
| 2002347377 | Dec 2002 | JP |
| WO 2004022357 | Mar 2004 | WO |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20060022450 A1 | Feb 2006 | US |
