Patent Application
20070144049
The invention relates in general to display devices and more specifically to an apparatus and method for displaying a picture or postcard or other aesthetic article.
Picture display devices such as picture frames allow the presentation of a photograph or other planar item for easy viewing. Many picture frames can be placed on a flat surface such as table or desk such that the displayed item is positioned at a pleasing viewing angle. Conventional display devices, however, have several limitations. For example, many conventional designs partially obscure the displayed item with a frame or clip. Further, many conventional display devices are heavy, bulky, and relatively expensive. Many picture frames in include a glass panel to protect the displayed device and, therefore, may pose a danger if dropped or otherwise broken.
Postcards provide a mechanism for mailing a message along with a selected picture. Although the selected image may be attractive, humorous, or otherwise entertaining, available images are limited and are not personalized. Often the sending party would prefer to send a personal photograph rather than a generic postcard. Conventional techniques for mailing personal photographs include using an envelope, using a framed postcard device, and applying a sticker to the back of the photograph. Conventional mailing techniques, however, are limited in several ways. For example, some conventional techniques are limited in that the photograph is partially or completely obscured by the article used to mail the photograph. When a photograph is mailed in an envelope, the entire image is covered until the recipient opens the package. Other devices include a frame that covers a portion of the custom photograph or picture. In addition, conventional mailing products are limited in that the photograph or other displayed item can not be easily positioned for display. Mailed photographs must often be displayed by securing the photograph to vertical surface using tacks or magnets or by placing the photograph in a picture frame.
Accordingly, there is need for an apparatus and method for efficiently displaying a displaying a planer display item.
A display device, comprising a clear-front envelope formed by foldable blank including at least one backing flap folded around a transparent sheet leaving an opening for receiving the planar displayed item, such as a photo; postcard; etc. The opening is at least partially closed when a sealing flap integrally formed with said foldable blank is secured to the backing flap. A support flap is integral with the sealing flap, the support flap being configured to fold at fold line adjacent to the backing flap and having an end for resting on a horizontal surface to support the clear-front envelope at a viewing angle to the horizontal surface.
According to this invention, a foldable support flap is affixed to a backing flap of an envelope having a main window portion to form a photograph display device. A user encloses a photograph, postcard or other thin, planar item to be displayed into a pocket formed between the main window portion and the foldable paper backing by folding side flaps and sealing flap relative to the main window portion. A transparent sheet may be disposed at the main window portion. Any combination of indicia such as advertisements, decorative marking, and instructions may be included on either side of the transparent front sheet, the main window portion, the foldable paper backing, and/or the support flap. In the exemplary embodiment, the display device includes postcard indicia such a stamp placement square and address lines allowing the display device to be used as a personalized postcard for mailing photographs or other display items. The foldable blank is typically partially sealed to create the pocket or envelope for receiving a photograph or postcard. As such, a user can easily insert a photograph, seal the display device and mail the display device. In addition to minimizing production costs, an efficient, integrated construction provides a durable display device that requires minimal manipulation and assembly by the user. Although the device may be used for mailing display items, the display device may be used solely as a safe, lightweight, and inexpensive picture frame that allows full view of the display item.
As discussed above, the support flap 124 is cut and angle, Φ, that allows the display device 100 to have an appropriate viewing angle when positioned in the portrait display position. In the exemplary embodiment, the angles on the both sides of the support flap 124 are the same. In some circumstances, however, the angles may be different allowing the display device to have different viewing angles depending on which short side 204 is placed on the horizontal display surface.
As will be described below with reference to
By following this methodology, a clear front envelope assembly shown in
With the configuration of
As will be apparent to those of skill in the art, the sealing flap 118 is not adhered to the paper backing 116 until after a photograph or other display item is inserted into the clear front envelope or pocket defined by the foldable flaps 106-109.
At least one sealing strip 120 may be disposed on the connection portion 122 of the support flap 104 and/or backing flap 106 to allow the user to peal off a protective tape, fold the support flap 104 and adhere the connection portion 124 of the support flap 104 to the backing flap 106 to seal the display item (e.g., photo, postcard or other item) inside the clear front envelope or pocket 133 of the display device 100. Once the support flap 104 is adhered to the backing flap 106, the display item is retained in the display device 100 and the article assumes the configuration shown in
The transparent sheet 112 may be adhered to the flaps 106, 107, 109 with adhesive that is applied at least along the perimeter of the main window portion 108 and/or the transparent sheet 112. It is also contemplated by this invention that the transparent sheet is retained within the envelope or pocket without the use of adhesive.
In use, the connection portion 122 meets the stand portion 124 at a fold line 126. The stand portion 124 is folded away from the backing flap 106 when the display device 110 is used to display the display item on a horizontal surface (not shown). The display device 100 may be used to display the display item in a portrait or in a landscape position.
As described above, a plurality of edges 106, 110 of the transparent sheet 112 is adhered to the back 114 of the backing flap to form a clear front envelope 102. An adhesive, such as a spray adhesive, is applied the back of the main window portion 108 and edges of the transparent sheet 112 are attached by the adhesive. A pocket 133 is formed between the front of the backing flap 106 and the transparent sheet 112. A display item such a photograph is inserted into the pocket 133.
In the exemplary embodiment, a section or peal of adhesive tape forms the adhesive strip 120 on one or both of the connecting portion 122 or backing flap 106. Accordingly, the user removes a protective strip from the adhesive strip and presses the connecting portion 122 of the support flap 104 to the paper backing. User instructions in the form of printed indicia are included on the display device to assist the user in properly using the display device 100 as a display device and a personalized postcard mailer. The instructions may include directions on applying the sealing flap to the backing flap 106 and not to the support flap 104.
The indicia may be a generic decorative designs or images such as representations, for example, of historical or natural landmarks, seasonal or holiday depictions, or religious symbols. The representations may include any level of complexity and color and may be full color photos such as traditional photos found on postcard or may be single color sketch. For example, the back of the display device 100 may include a full color photograph of a beach or may simply include a single color image of a palm tree to express a vacation theme. Examples of holiday and seasonal indicia include depictions of Christmas trees, Santa Claus, hearts, clovers, snowmen, flags, winter scenes, flowers, witches, pumpkins, turkeys, colored leaves, as well as text. In some situations the indicia may express an invitation to an event such as a party or wedding and may include customized information. For example, the indicia may include date, time, location and other event specific information.
The display device may be used as a promotional mechanism or for advertising. For example, company logos, names, slogans, trademarks and other company identifiable symbols may be etched or printed in the clear envelope or on the back of the display device 100. The promotional aspects of the exemplary display device 100 may be particularly useful at theme parks where symbols or marks may indicate the source of the picture. For example, an image of famous whale may be included on the display device to indicate that a photograph contained in the display device was taken at an aquatic adventure park. Further, famous cartoon characters may enhance the attractiveness of the display device when sold or otherwise provided at a well known theme park associated with those characters.
In some circumstances, a thin planer magnet is attached to the display device 100 to allow the display device to be mounted on a metal surface such as a refrigerator. A suitable technique for attaching a magnet includes sealing a strip of thin, planar magnetic material between the paper backing and the connection portion of the support flap 104.
The display device 100, therefore, allows a display item such a photograph to be displayed in either a landscape or portrait orientation. The clear front envelope formed by the paper backing and the transparent sheet secures the display item without obscuring the image with a frame. The display device 100 is easy to use as an inexpensive, safe picture frame and also as a convenient envelope for forming a personalized postcard.
Clearly, other embodiments and modifications of this invention will occur readily to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of these teachings. The above description is illustrative and not restrictive. This invention is to be limited only by the following claims, which include all such embodiments and modifications when viewed in conjunction with the above specification and accompanying drawings. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but instead should be determined with reference to the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.
