The present application is directed to display articles and more particularly, to a cube-shaped display article that is configured to display printed matter, such as photographs, and also is configured to act as an ornament that can be hung.
Display articles come in many different shapes and sizes and constructions depending upon the nature of the articles to be displayed.
One type of display article that is often used to display plural photographs is a cube display since a cube is a six-sided object which allows for one photo to be displayed on one selected cube side (face). Thus, a photo cube allows a person to display up to six photos or a combination of photos and other objects, such as artwork or sayings, can be placed on some of the sides of the cube. Traditional photo cubes can be formed of plastic materials and some are designed to also store photos in the hollow center. While commercially available photo cubes are functional, there is a need for an improved photo cube that can be easily assembled by the user and is designed to securely hold the photos or other printed matter, etc.
In addition to photo displays, ornaments are another type of display article. As is known, an ornament is an accessory, article, or detail used to beautify the appearance of something to which it is added or of which it is a part. There are many different types of ornament ranging from architectural ornaments to decorative ornaments that are intended to be hung from an object, such as a window or other support structure or a branch of a holiday tree. During holiday time, personalized ornaments are often given as gifts.
In one embodiment, a cube-shaped display article includes an inner cube-shaped base and a first image substrate that is formed of a plurality of individual image receiving sections that are arranged in a first pattern, such as a cross shape. The first image substrate having a plurality of crease lines to permit folding of the individual image receiving sections of the first image substrate for positioning the individual image sections against corresponding faces of the inner cube-shaped base.
The cube-shaped display article also includes an outer hollow cube-shaped cage for placement over the inner cube-shaped base. The outer hollow cube-shaped cage captures the first image substrate which is located between the outer hollow cube-shaped cage and the inner cube-shaped base and serves to press the individual images against the corresponding faces of the inner cube-shaped base.
In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method for constructing a cube-shaped display article comprising the steps of:
disposing a first image substrate over an inner cube-shaped base, the first image substrate comprising a plurality of individual image sections that are arranged in a first pattern and on which an image can be formed, the first image substrate having a plurality of crease lines;
folding the first image substrate about the crease lines to position the individual images against corresponding faces of the inner cube-shaped base; and
sliding an outer hollow cube-shaped cage over both the folded first image substrate and the inner cube-shaped base resulting in the capturing of the first image substrate between the outer hollow cube-shaped cage and the inner cube-shaped base and resulting in the individual images being pressed against the corresponding faces of the inner cube-shaped base.
Template 10 (
As shown in
The label stock that forms the template 10 is specifically fabricated to have the shape and format shown in
The template 10 also includes a second label section (second image substrate) 50 that is in the form of a single image, namely, a sixth image 26. Both the first label section 20 and the second label section 50 are formed out of the same template. As shown, the second label section 50 is square shaped and defined by four die cuts 30.
It will be appreciated that any number of types of images can be formed on the first label section 20 and the second label section 50. For example, images can be printed on the label stock. The images can take the form of photos, artwork, text, or other decorative indicia. This arrangement provides for a high degree of customization since the user can select the precise images (e.g., photos) to be displayed and then insert the template 10 into a suitable printer that then prints the individual images on the label stock. Alternatively, the images can be formed on the label stock using other techniques. For example, in the case of artwork, the images can be applied by hand (e.g., hand painted onto the label stock). As described herein, after the template 10 is fabricated, the user then subsequently applies the first and second label sections 20, 50 to another base part of the assembly as described herein.
Cube-Shaped Display Article 100
As mentioned, the cube-shaped display article 100 is formed of a number of parts that are assembled together.
Base 120
For example, the cube-shaped display article 100 includes a base 110. The base 110 represents the structure to which the first label section 20 is applied. Accordingly, the base 110 is a five sided object that has fives faces 111, 112, 113, 114, 115 that have complementary shapes and sizes relative to the five images 21-25 to allow the five images 21-25 to be applied to five faces 111-115 of the base 110. In one embodiment, when the label stock (i.e., the first label section 20) is removed from the carrier, any adhesive residues is left behind on the carrier and the back side of the label stock is substantially free of adhesive. As a result, the first label section 20 is not adhesively bonded to the five faces 111-115 but rather the first label section 20 is merely positioned and disposed over the five faces 111-115 without a positive bonding or direct attachment between the two.
As shown in
As shown in
The bottom corners of the base 110 also include corner guide cutouts or notches 105 formed in each bottom corner of the base 110. More specifically, along the bottom edge of each of the faces 112-115, the corner guide cutouts 105 are formed in corners of the base 110 where two of the faces 112-115 join. Like the notches 116, the corner guide cutouts 105 are open along the bottom edge of the faces 112-115.
Cap 120
The cube-shaped display article 100 also includes a cap 120 that is configured to mate to the base 110 along the sixth face for completing and making the cube-shaped base 110 complete. In other words, the cap 120 is a wall plate that attaches to the open sixth face of the base 110 to close it off. As shown in
It will be fully understood and appreciated that instead of having the base 110 and the separate cap 120, the two can be combined into a single cube-shaped structure, such as a hollow or solid block. For example, a solid block shaped structure (e.g., a wood block) can be used and provides the 6 faces on which the six images are displayed.
Positioning of the First and Second Label Sections 20, 50
As mentioned, the first label section 20 is intended for placement over the base 110 with the images 21-25 being disposed over the fives faces 111-115 of the base 110. The perforated cut lines 40 define fold (crease) lines of the first label section 20 to allow the images to be folded around the faces of the base 110. For example, the image 25 is placed against the first face 111 of the base 110 and then the images 21-24 are folded about the perforated cut lines 40 to allow the images 21-24 to be folded downward and positioned against the other respective faces 112-115.
It will be appreciated that the second label section 50 is for positioning along the outer face (sixth face) of the cap 120. It will also be appreciated that the use can choose not to use the second label section 50 since in normal operation, this represents the face of the cube that faces downward and would thus not be visible to the user.
Cage 200 (
The cube-shaped display article 100 includes a cage structure that completes the display article 100 and serves to retain the first and second label sections 20, 50 in place over the base 110 and the cap 120.
The cage 200 is in the form of a wire frame that has the outline of a cube and is defined by a plurality of rails 210 that are attached to one another at their ends. The inside of the cage 200 is completely hollow. The rails 210 are not all the like in that a bottom set of rails 211 includes locking features as described below. The other rails, including the side (vertical) rails and the top rails 210 do not include these locking features. The locking features that are formed in each of the bottom rails 211 comprises a pair of recesses 215 that are spaced apart from one another and generally located near the ends of the respective bottom rail 211. As shown, the recesses 215 face inward and are thus formed along the inner surface of the bottom rails 211 (facing into the hollow interior). With four bottom rails 211, there are thus a total of eight locking recesses 215.
The cage 200 is shaped and sized so that it can fit over the first label section 20 that is itself disposed over the base 110. In other words, the cage 200 acts as a retainer for the first label section 20 and, as discussed below, the user slowly guides the cage 200 over the first label section 20 and the base 110 causing the side images 21-24 (
The cage 200 is rigid structure formed of a suitable material, such as a suitable plastic.
Frame Member 300 (
The cube-shaped display article 100 also includes a frame member 300 that is intended to mate with and attach to the cage 200. The frame member 300 is itself a hollow frame member defined by a plurality of rails 310 that are connected to one another to form a hollow structure. The shape and size of the frame member 300 is complementary to the cage 200 since the frame member 300 mates to one face (i.e., a bottom face) of the cage 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame member 300 is square shaped which complements the cube shape of the cage 200. There are therefore four rails 310 to define the square shaped frame member 300.
The frame member 300 has a plurality of locking tabs 320 that engage and are received into the locking recesses 215 for attaching the frame member 300 to the cage 200. The locking tabs 320 are formed along the inner face of the frame member 300. Each locking tab 320 is in the form of an upstanding wall that has lip or locking flange formed at the top end of the upstanding wall. The lip extends outwardly away from the hollow center of the frame member 300.
The locking tabs 320 are intended to be received into the notches 116 between the edges of the cap 120 and the cage 200 and more particularly, the locking tabs 320 are received and engage the locking recesses 215 formed in the cage 200. This action results in a snap-fit between the frame member 300 and the cage 200.
As described below, the frame member 300 is designed to capture the second label section 50 between the frame member 300 and the solid cap 120. In this way, the attachment of the frame member 300 to the cage 200 results in the second label section 50 being pressed against the solid cap 120 and held in place.
The frame member 300 also includes corner protrusions 330 which can be in the form of circular shaped protrusions that extend outwardly from the inner face of the frame member 300. The corner protrusions 330 act as guides and are received within the corner guide cutouts or notches 105 that are formed in each bottom corner of the base 110. The combination of the corner protrusions 330 and guide cutouts 105 act as a guide to assist the user to properly positioning and mating together the frame member 300 and the base 110.
The cube-shaped display article 100 thus has two sub-assemblies that use snap-fits (or similar mechanical attachment techniques) to form the assembled sub-assembly and the complete assembled cube-shaped display article 100. The first snap-fit is between the base 110 and the cap 120 and the second snap-fit is between the cage 200 and the frame member 300.
In one embodiment, the cube-shaped article 100 is a 3 inch×3 inch cube; however, other sizes are possible.
Optional Stand (
In the event that the cube-shaped display article 100 is intended to be placed on a flat surface, such as a desk or table or shelf, a stand 400 (
Assembly of the Display 100
The cube-shaped display article 100 can be assembled as follows.
The first label section 20 is placed over the base 110 with the image 25 being placed against the first face 111 of the base 110 and then the images 21-24 are folded about the perforated cut lines 40 to allow the images 21-24 to be folded downward and positioned against the other respective faces 112-115 of the base 110.
The user slowly guides the cage 200 over the first label section 20 and the base 110 causing the side images 21-24 to be pushed inward against the respective faces of the base 110. The purposeful tight fit between the outer cage 200 and the inner base 110 results in the first label section 20 being captured between the outer cage 200 and the inner base 110. At this time the sixth face of the base 110 remains fully open.
Next, the cap 120 is attached to the base 110 and more particularly, the cap 120 is positioned and pressed onto the base 110 such that each locking tab 122 snap-fittingly mates with one respective opening 117 to attach the cap 120 to the base 110.
The second label section 50 is then positioned over the outer surface of the cap 120.
To complete the assembly, the frame member 300 is then mated to the cage 200 such that the frame member 300 is placed over the second label section 50. When the frame member 300 snap-fits to the cage 200, the second label section 50 is captured.
When the stand 400 is used, the stand 400 is inserted into the hollow interior the base 110 and mates with the post 119 thereof and neither the cap 120 nor the frame member 300 are used.
When the stand 400 is not used, it will be appreciated that the cap 120 and the frame member 300 can be oriented as either the top or the bottom of the cube-shaped display article 100.
Alternative Cube-Shaped Display Article 500 (
Base 510
The base 510 is similar to the base 110 and represents the structure to which the first label section 20 is applied. Accordingly, the base 510 is a five sided object that has the fives faces 111, 112, 113, 114, 115 that have complementary shapes and sizes relative to the five images 21-25 to allow the five images 21-25 (
As shown in
As shown in
Cap 125 (
The cap 125 is very similar to the cap 120 with the one difference being that the illustrated cap 125 includes only one locking tabs 122 along each side edge 121. Each locking tab 122 is designed to mate with one respective opening 117 to attach the cap 125 to the base 510. Once the cap 125 is attached to the base 510, the resulting structure is a complete cube with a hollow interior. This attachment is intended to be of a permanent nature. It will be appreciated that the cap 125 can include two locking tabs 122 instead of one along each side edge 121 as in cap 120.
Cage 201 (
The cage 201 is very similar to the cap 200 with the one difference being that the illustrated cage 201 includes only one locking recess 115 along each side edge. It will be appreciated that the cage 201 can include two locking recesses 115 along each side instead of one along each side edge as in cage 201.
Frame Member 301 (
The frame member 301 is very similar to the frame member 300 with the one difference being that the illustrated frame member 301 includes only one locking tab 320 along each side rail 310. However, like frame member 300, each corner includes one corner protrusion 330, It will be appreciated that the frame member 301 can include two locking tabs 320 along each rail 310 as in frame member 300.
One difference between the cube-shaped display article 100 and the cube-shaped display article 500 is that the cube-shaped display article 500 is constructed so that it can be hung as an ornament.
Hang Loop 520 (
The cage 201 that is part of the cube-shaped display article 500 a hang loop 520 that is formed in one of the upper corners of the cage 201. In all other ways, except size, the cage 201 for the cube-shaped display article 500 is the same for the cube-shaped display article 100. This hang loop 520 is preferably an integral structure that defines a loop in the one corner of the cage. The hang loop 520 can be formed of the same material as the cage 201. Like most ornaments, the hang loop 520 can be used to hang the cube-shaped display article 100 as by a hook or string, etc.
Assembly of the Display 500
The cube-shaped display article 500 can be assembled as follows.
The first label section 20 is placed over the base 510 with the image 25 being placed against the first face 111 of the base 510 and then the images 21-24 are folded about the perforated cut lines 40 to allow the images 21-24 (
The user slowly guides the cage 201 over the first label section 20 and the base 510 causing the side images 21-24 to be pushed inward against the respective faces of the base 510. The purposeful tight fit between the outer cage 201 and the inner base 510 results in the first label section 20 being captured between the outer cage 201 and the inner base 510. At this time the sixth face of the base 510 remains fully open.
Next, the cap 125 is attached to the base 510 and more particularly, the cap 125 is positioned and pressed onto the base 510 such that each locking tab 122 snap-fittingly mates with one respective opening 117 to attach the cap 125 to the base 510.
The second label section 50 is then positioned over the outer surface of the cap 125.
To complete the assembly, the frame member 301 is then mated to the cage 201 such that the frame member 301 is placed over the second label section 50. When the frame member 301 snap-fits to the cage 201, the second label section 50 is captured.
The hang loop 520 permits the cube-shaped display article 500 to be hung.
It is to be understood that like numerals in the drawings represent like elements through the several figures, and that not all components and/or steps described and illustrated with reference to the figures are required for all embodiments or arrangements.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. 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 precludes the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.
The subject matter described above is provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting. Various modifications and changes can be made to the subject matter described herein without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
The present application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 63/073,112, filed Sep. 1, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63073112 | Sep 2020 | US |