Book frame

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to a book that can be used as a picture frame. More specifically, the present invention relates to a book which may contain a story and which may additionally function as a picture frame such that a photographic print or other printed image can be inserted therein for display.

Books are the gateway to the imagination, and people of all ages enjoy reading books. There are an unlimited number of genres with an unlimited number of reading choices for almost anyone. Teenagers and adults enjoy reading because it stimulates the mind. Young children enjoy reading because it occupies time and provides a perfect opportunity to recognize and learn letters, words, objects, persons, places color and things. Most people, regardless of age, enjoy stories or books that have been personalized in some form.

There are a multitude of personalized books that are currently marketed today. Many of these personalized storybooks are directed to and written for children. For example, the personalized storybooks generally feature the insertion of the name of the child throughout the book for one of the characters of the story. The story is typically an adventure involving a life activity, a holiday or a special occasion. The storybook may also feature a certain character known to children, such as a comic book character or other superhero, and the child may accompany the character on an adventure.

Photographic prints and other printed images are captured as a part of daily life. During special occasions, vacations, trips and other outings, photographic images are captured to memorialize the event. For example, during any holiday period, children or even adults have an opportunity to have their picture taken with a holiday figure. Parent capture images of their children as they grow up into adulthood. Pet owners frequently take pictures of their cats, dogs or other pets. The photographic images are processed into photographic prints and enjoyed for a short time. The images that are captured the greatest moments of life are put in a drawer for permanent storage. Many of these photographic prints are stored away and forgotten, including the pictures from the holidays and special occasions.

Accordingly, there is a need for a unique device for the display of pictures that functions as a keepsake or memento.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A book frame is disclosed that comprises a book having a front cover and a back cover, the front cover having an aperture; one or more pages interposed between the front cover and the back cover of the book wherein a portion of a first page is visible through the aperture; and an easel, wherein the easel is deployed to display the book as a book frame. The book may further comprise a dust jacket to protect the front cover and the back cover. The front cover and the back cover may be constructed from the same or a different material, which may include hard plastic, rubber, metal and coated cardboard. The aperture of the book frame may include a clear material layer, such as plastic or glass to protect the first page of the book. The one or more pages may contain a story and the shape of the book may be related to the subject of the story. The front cover and the back cover may have a design that is related to the subject of the story.

The book frame may be adapted to hold a printed image. The front cover may be comprised of a first portion and a second portion with the first portion secured to the second portion to define an area for the insertion of a printed image. The first page of the book may comprise a plastic sleeve that may be used to hold the printed image for display through the aperture. The first page may further comprise corner sheaths that are adapted to receive a printed image for display through the aperture. The easel may be part of the back cover or the easel may be attached to the back cover. The easel may be a die-cut easel or any other conventional easel. The book frame may further comprise a second front cover, wherein the front cover has an aperture and the second front cover depicts a printed image that is viewed through the aperture. The book frame may further comprise additional pages that are adapted to hold a printed image, the additional pages located among the one or more pages.

A method of making a book frame is disclosed comprising the steps of capturing an image; processing the image to print a photograph; manipulating the photograph for display in the book frame; inserting the photograph into the book frame; and presenting the book frame to the intended recipient for display. A method of displaying a book frame, the method comprising the steps of: providing an image for display; receiving a book frame with a printed image; and deploying an easel to display the book frame.

The book frame provides a unique personalized display for a photograph that can be displayed at any time of year. The book frame can be presented as a keepsake to friends and family as a memento of a special occasion or as a special gift.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings, in which like numbers refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a representation of a book frame according to one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 2A represents one embodiment of the front cover of a book frame in which an image can be inserted for display.

FIG. 2B represents another embodiment of the front cover of a book frame in which an image can be inserted for display.

FIG. 2C represents another embodiment of the front cover of a book frame in which an image can be inserted for display.

FIG. 3A is a rear perspective view of the book frame with an easel in a stowed position.

FIG. 3B is a rear perspective view of the book frame with the easel in a deployed position.

FIG. 4 represents the methodology of providing a book frame from the perspective of the vendor.

FIG. 5 represents the methodology of displaying a book from the perspective of the recipient.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The drawings referred to herein are for the purposes of illustrating the embodiments of the present invention and not for the purposes of limiting the same.

In FIG. 1, there is shown a book frame 5, as further described herein, which is generally a book 15 that may be supported in a vertical or vertically inclined position by an easel 10. The book 15 may be any shape, configuration or size that can be supported by an easel 10 and may contains a story. Further, the subject of the story contained within the book 15 may be such that a particular shape of the book 15 is more suitable. For example, the story may describe a young child's adventure at a baseball game. Accordingly, the book 15 may be in the shape of a circle to represent a baseball, or the book 15 may be in the shape of a diamond to represent a baseball diamond. Similarly, a football stadium may offer the book frame 5 as a promotional item for young children, and the subject of the book 15 may include the child as one of the players in the football game. Thus, an appropriate shape for the book 15 would be the shape of a football. Alternatively, the subject of the book 15 may relate to an adventure at the zoo. Accordingly, the book 15 may be configured in the shape of a zoo animal, such as a lion. Yet alternatively, the subject of the book 15 may be a holiday story, such as a story that is related to the Christmas holiday. Accordingly, the book 15 may be configured in the shape of a stocking, a Christmas tree or other Christmas related object. Still yet alternatively, the book 15 may have a shape that bears no relation to the story contained within it. Thus, the shape of the book 15 may include without limitation, a square, a rectangular, a diamond, a circle or a triangle. The shape of the book 15 may even be irregular or abstract so long as the book 15 is capable of being supported by an easel 10 for the display of a photographic print or other printed image 40.

The book 15 comprises a front cover 20 and a back cover 25 with one or more pages 30 interposed between. Each of the front cover 20 and the back cover 25 may be of the same paper type and weight as the one or more pages 30. The front cover 20 and the back cover 25 may be constructed from material such as cardboard to provide durability for the book frame 5. The front cover 20 and the back cover 25 may also be constructed from a conventional weight text stock or a heavier cover stock. The front cover 20 and the back cover 25 may also be constructed from a hard plastic material, a rubber-like material, metal, coated cardboard or any other material that may be suitable for use as one or both of the front cover 20 and the back cover of a book 15. Further, the front cover 20 and the back cover 25 may be the same or different type of material. Additionally, the book 15 may have a dust protector that covers the front cover 20 and the back cover 25.

The front cover 20 and the back cover 25 may comprise one continuous piece having a fold along the left edge 70 of the book 15 which defines a front side 75 and a back side (not shown) of the book 15. The front cover 20, the back cover 25 and the one or more pages 30 interposed between may be secured together along or near the fold along the left edge 70 to form a book, such as by stapling through the continuous piece that comprises the front cover 20 and the back cover 25 in addition to the one or more pages 30. The one or more pages 30 may also be secured to the continuous piece comprising the front cover 20 and the back cover 25 by gluing the same, using the type of glue normally used in the manufacture of books. The front cover 20 and the back cover 25 may further be separate components which would require that the book 15 be bound together so that the book 15 can be used by the reader while being held, when the book 15 is lying flat or when the book 15 is supported by the easel 10. The binding may be any conventional type of binding known in the art including a pivoting binder, which is a binder formed of individual ringlets. The binding may also be a spiral binding. The material used for the binding may be any suitable material including without limitation plastic or metal.

Each of the front cover 20 and the back cover 25 of the book 15 may be the same size as the one or more pages 30. However, it can be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the front cover 20 and the back cover 25 may be slightly larger in size than the one or more pages 30. The front cover 20 and the back cover 25 may also be printed with a design, which can be any type of design. For example, as previously described, the subject of the story in the book 15 may be a child's adventure at a baseball game. Accordingly, at least one of the front cover 20 and the back cover 25 may include a design of a baseball. In another example, the subject of the book 15 may be a story related to the Christmas holiday, and the front cover 20 and the back cover 25 may be printed with a Christmas theme design. One or both of the front cover 20 and the back cover 25 of the book 15 may also be a solid color, a geometric pattern or shape or the front cover and the back cover may have a wooden frame appearance.

The one or more pages 30 may contain writing that may be in the form of a story. The story can be any subject including an adventure, a holiday, a fill-in-the blank interactive story, a play, a whodunit, a mystery, a lesson to be learned such as a moral or education lesson. The one or more pages 30 may be a conventional twenty pound text paper stock, a thicker cover stock or cardboard, which may be coated. The one or more pages 30 can also be the same stock as the front cover 20 or the back cover 25. The story may contain only text, illustrations or a combination of both. The subject of the story contained within the book does not have to include a child as the main character, such as in the examples as described, as people of all ages enjoy reading a good book. Accordingly, the main character of the story may be an adult character.

The front cover 20 should function similar to a picture frame with a portion of the front cover 20 cut-out or otherwise removed to define an aperture 35. The aperture 35 may be covered with a clear material, preferably plastic, although glass may also be used. The clear material protects the photograph that is inserted into the book frame 5. FIGS. 2A through FIG. 2C represent a number of different embodiments that may be incorporated as part of the book frame 5 for the insertion of a photographic print or other printed image 40 for display through the aperture of the front cover 20 in connection with the book frame 5. As shown in FIG. 1, the printed photograph 40 should be visible when the book frame 5 is viewed from the perspective of the front cover 20. In one embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, the front cover 20 may be comprised of a first portion 20a and a second portion 20b. The first portion 20a is the outwardly facing portion of the front cover 20 and is visible to anyone that is looking at the front of the book frame 5. The second portion 20b of the front cover 20 should be attached to the first portion 20a of the front cover 20 in a manner that defines an area for the insertion of a printed photograph or other printed image. Ideally, the second portion 20b should be secured to the first portion 20a substantially around the perimeter of the front cover 20 such that a photograph may be securably placed in the area defined by the first portion 20a and the second portion 20b. The first portion 20a and the second portion 20b of the front cover 20 may be separate portions that are fastened together by glue, stapling, tape or any other conventional method of securing the same. In another embodiment, the front cover 20 may be one continuous piece that is folded along a right edge of the book 15 to define a first portion 20a and a second portion 20b. The open edges of the first portion 20a and the second portion 20b may be secured as necessary for the insertion of the photograph or other printed image 40.

FIG. 2B represents another embodiment of a book frame 5 in which a photographic print or other image 40 can be inserted for display. In FIG. 2B, a plastic sleeve 45 is used to hold the printed photograph or other printed image 40 in place for display in association with the book frame 5. The plastic sleeve 45 may be the same size as the aperture 40 cut into the front cover 20 or the plastic sleeve 45 may be larger or smaller than the aperture 40 cut into the front cover 20. The plastic sleeve 45 should be clear and shaped similar to the printed photograph or other printed image that is to be inserted therein. If the printed photograph or other printed image 40 is a standard photograph, the plastic sleeve 45 should be sealed or sealable on at least three sides, so that the photograph or other printed image is insertable and securable therein. The plastic sleeve 45 may be capable of being sealed on the fourth side to ensure that the printed photograph or other printed image 40 is maintained inside the plastic sleeve 45. The plastic sleeve 45 is affixed to the page immediately adjacent to the second portion 20b of the front cover 20 by any conventional method of affixation including without limitation glue, tape and stapling. In another embodiment, the first page 30 immediately following the front cover 20 may be a plastic sleeve 45 that is bound to the book frame 5 as its own page 30.

FIG. 2C represents another embodiment of the book frame 5 in which a photographic print or other image 40 can be inserted for display. In FIG. 2C, corner sheaths 50 are attached to the first page of the book 15 at locations to facilitate the placement of a printed photograph for display in association with the book frame 5. The tips of the printed photograph or other image 40 are slid into the corner sheaths 50 to hold the same in place.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the book frame 5 may include an easel 10 in connection with the back cover 25. Although the easel 10 is preferably die-cut in the back cover 25, other forms of attachment are also contemplated such as by gluing, tape, stapling or any other conventional method of attachment. The easel 10 may be used to support the book frame 5 in a generally upright orientation. The easel 10 may be constructed of any material that is suitable to provide strength to support the book frame 5, including without limitation plastic, rubber, metal and cardboard. FIG. 3A shows the book frame 5 with an easel 10 in a stowed position along the back cover 25. A finger hole 60 is further die cut into the back cover 25 to facilitate the deployment of the easel 10. FIG. 3B shows the easel 10 in a deployed position. The easel 10 is opened and bent at an angle relative to the plane of the book frame 5. Once the easel 10 is in its deployed position, the book frame 5 is ready for display on a surface, such as a table or shelf.

It should be understood that the book frame 5 is not intended only for the display of photographic prints. In another embodiment of the book frame 5, the book 15 may comprise two front covers 20, wherein the first front cover serves as a frame and the second front cover may depict the name of the book, the author or other illustrations which can be viewed through the aperture in the first front cover 20. In yet another embodiment of the book frame 5, the first page of the book 15 may serve as a title page and depict the name of the book, the author or other illustrations which can be viewed through the aperture 35 in the front cover 20. It should further be understood that the book 15 may comprises additional pages 30 that are adapted to hold photographic prints. These pages 30 may be placed anywhere within the book 15.

FIG. 4 represents the methodology of providing a book frame 5 described from the process of the vendor. At step 100, an image is captured through the use of an image capture device. The image capture device may be one of a digital camera, a video camera that captures still photographic images, a disposable camera, a web cam that captures still photographic images or any other device that is capable of capturing an image that can be printed as a photographic print. The subject of the image is unlimited and may be determined by the story contained within the book 15. In one example, the image may be captured in connection with a holiday event such as a child's visit to a holiday character. Specifically, the story contained within the book 15 may be a Christmas story and the image may be captured in connection with the Christmas holiday. A child may visit Santa Claus to provide a wish list for the upcoming holiday, and in connection therewith, an image may be captured of the child sitting on Santa Claus' lap. The subject of the image is not limited to the Christmas holiday, as the image may be captured in connection with a child's visit to any holiday character, including the Easter Bunny. In another example, the story contained within the book 15 may be sports-related, and an image can be captured that includes an individual standing in front of a venue or other similar location, such as a stadium. In another example, the subject of the image is unrelated to the story contained within the book 15 and an image may be captured for further display that has any subject.

Next, at step 105, the image is processed to provide a printed photograph. Depending on the manner in which the image is captured, different steps may be necessary to produce a printed photograph. For example, if the image is captured with a digital camera or other digital image capture device, the image may be in the form of a JPEG or other similar digital file format. The image should be uploaded to a personal computer having an attached printer or other device that is capable of processing a digital image to provide a printed photograph or other printed image. If the image is uploaded to a personal computer, the characteristics of the digital image can be adjusted before the image is printed as a photographic print. Using a software program such as Microsoft Photo Editor sold by Microsoft, Inc. of Redmond, Wash., the brightness, contrast and resolution of the image can be adjusted before the image is printed. Alternatively, if the image is captured using a camera containing traditional film, including cameras of the disposable type, the image may be processed through conventional photographic development techniques.

At step 110, the printed photograph is manipulated to fit within the confines of the frame of the book 15. The book frame 5 may be configured as a number of different shapes and sizes. Cropping of the photograph may be necessary depending on the configuration of the book frame 5. For example, the book frame 5 may be offered for sale in connection with a visit to a holiday oriented figure. The vendor of the services may have several different books 15 to choose from that are each adapted to receive a photographic print for display in connection therewith. The books 15 may further have a number of different shapes, including the shapes of a candy cane, a Christmas tree, a decorative bulb and a gingerbread man. In another example, the book frame 5 may be offered for sale in connection with a visit to a venue, as previously described. The books 15 may have a number of different shapes, including the shapes of a baseball, a football and a soccer ball. Accordingly, the shape of the book 15 may be such that the same size photograph may not be the appropriate size photograph for each book 15. In the example where the subject of the story is unrelated to the size or shape of the book 15, the vendor may be capturing images with an image capturing device that does not allow for size manipulation prior receiving the photographic image in a printed form, such as a Polaroid camera. Thus, the printed image may require further manipulation in the form of cutting or cropping for the display in connection with the front cover 20 of the book frame 5.

At step 115, the printed photograph is attached to the book frame 5 appropriately manner depending on the manner in which the printed photograph must be inserted for display. If the book 15 has a front cover 20 as displayed in FIG. 2A, the printed photograph is inserted into the open side of the front cover 20. If the book 15 has the plastic sleeve as represented by FIG. 2B, the printed photograph is inserted into the plastic sleeve, and the plastic sleeve is sealed if adapted for that purpose. Finally, if the book 15 has the corner sheaths as represented by FIG. 2C, each corner of the printed photograph is inserted into the proper corner sheath to secure the photograph for display.

At step 120, the book frame containing the printed photograph is presented to the intended recipient. The recipient may be a child or an adult who receives the book frame containing the printed photograph for further display, as described herein with respect to FIG. 4. The vendor benefits from the methodology of providing the book frame because the vendor is offering a unique and personalized product. The recipient also receives the benefit of having a personalized memorialization of an event or even just a uniquely personalized gift of a book 5 that can be used to display a printed photograph.

FIG. 5 represents the methodology of displaying a book frame 5 from the perspective of the recipient. At step 200, the user may provide an image for the display in connection with a book frame 5. Specifically, as previously described, the recipient may be obtaining the book frame in connection with a visit to a holiday-oriented figure or the recipient may have visited a sports venue. Moreover, the subject of the image is not limited and the image that is provided may be any mage that can be captured for display. The step of the user providing the image may consist of the user sitting for the capture of the image. Alternatively, the user may provide a previously processed photographic print for its insertion into the book frame 5.

Next, at step 205, the recipient receives the book frame 5 with the printed photograph inserted therein. The printed photograph should be inserted so that the printed photograph is visible when the book frame 5 is viewed from the front cover 20. Finally, at step 210, the recipient deploys an easel to display the book frame 5. The book frame 5 may be displayed anywhere that the recipient chooses to display the same. The book frame 5 is a uniquely personalized gift that can be displayed anywhere and at any time of the year.

It should be noted that the recipient does not necessarily have to be the person that is portrayed in the photograph. Instead, a grandchild may provide a book frame having a printed photograph inserted therein for display to a grandparent as a keepsake. In another example, a family member or friend may provide a book frame to another family member or friend to memorialize an event or the friendship. In another example, an employer may provide an employee with a book frame having a printed photograph inserted therein as a token of appreciation for employment, such as on an employment anniversary as a parting gift at the termination of employment.

The above description is given by way of example, and not limitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art could devise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the invention disclosed herein. Further, the various features of the embodiments disclosed herein can be used alone, or in varying combinations with each other and are not intended to be limited to the specific combination described herein. Thus, the scope of the claims is not to be limited by the illustrated embodiments.

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