Patent Application
20200320912
The modes of artistic self-expression have changed with the use of new technologies. These new technologies present new challenges and opportunities. The use of lasers as instruments of drawing and LEDs (light-emitting diodes) allow to present art in new ways. Until this point there were only image display assemblies that contained single layer images. There were no image display assemblies able to accommodate multiple images, let alone have them illuminated all the way around by a hidden light source, to provide depth of expression.
Disclosed herein is an image display assembly comprising a frame configured with a groove system comprising one or more grooves or channels of varying depths and thicknesses, for securing a plurality of image display sheets therein, wherein the image sheets may be of like or varying materials and thicknesses. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing an image display assembly, comprising, etching an image onto a first acrylic sheet; applying a painted layer to at least one of a second and third acrylic or Plexiglas sheet, wherein the first, the sheets are commensurate in size; assembling the plurality of layers of sheets into a frame, wherein the frame has a series of channels disposed within the interior of the frame, so that each of the layers is secured within a channel into the frame; and a light source secured within the first channel of the frame in order to light the image display.
The present invention provides a presentation of physical juxtaposed images to create a narrative, comprising three layers of drawings laser etched on acrylic or plexiglass sheets juxtaposed—but not touching each other, requiring each one to be secured in their own channel, or groove.
There was a need for an image display assembly that would accommodate three layers of acrylic or Plexiglass of varying thickness and that would also allow an embedded light source, such as an LED strip. Ideally the light source should be hidden inside the assembly, and the cables that connect it to the electric source must be hidden from plain view. The assembly requires that one of the channels is deep enough to accommodate this LED strip and also the assembly should be deep enough to hide all the wiring required to connect the strip to an electric source.
The present invention provides an image display assembly configured to accommodate multiple laser etched and/or painted image acrylic sheets, each one secured in its groove with the front image illuminated by LEDs embedded in the assembly. The assembly is configured to allow otherwise hidden or invisible images (those etched onto the clear image sheets) to become visible. The assembly can be secured to a wall or structure and will hide all the electrical elements.
Described herein is a lighted image display assembly, comprising a frame configured with a plurality of channels along the inner surface of the frame into which a plurality of artwork panels, or alternately referred to as sheets, are installed. In one embodiment, the frame comprises a plurality of channels on the inner surface configured to secure the image display sheets; and a light source secured in at least one of the plurality of channels. In one embodiment, the frame is a thickness ranging from 3.5 inches to 4 inches. The channels are a thickness commensurate with the acrylic sheets, and may each be of a differing thickness depending on the nature of material, or the artistic image disposed thereon. For example, a panel with laser etching may be of a thicker material than a sheet with a painted image thereon.
In one embodiment, the plurality of image panels comprise three layers: a first transparent layer, a second transparent layer and a third layer, the first layer being an outer facing layer, the second layer being disposed between the first and third layer, and the third layer being an opaque layer oriented to the back of the image display. The opaque layer is made through the selection of materials or by application of paint. In another embodiment, the plurality of layers is separated by at least 0.15 inches up to 0.5 inches, between the layers.
In one embodiment, the first layer has disposed on a first surface of the image sheet a laser cut image etched/engraved onto the image sheet. The image is formed by converting a hand drawn or computer generated (such as Photoshop or Illustrator) image into a series of vectors corresponding to the image for translation of the image onto the image sheet. The etching ranges from 0.001 inches to approximately 0.05 inches into the Plexiglas.
In one embodiment, one of the first image sheet or second image sheet comprises a sheet of acrylic or Plexiglas, and is covered with a protective layer (such as tape, paper, or other removable adhesive), that is removed after the laser cut image is applied. Sheets may be of varying thickness, and in one embodiment, a sheet has a thickness of 1/16 to ¼ inch.
In one embodiment, the light source for the lighted image display is an LED strip of lights, which are secured into the channel of the frame, between the frame and the first image layer, so that the LED lighting illuminates the first image display sheet making visible the image as the light illuminates it.
In one embodiment, the assembly comprises three layers secured within a frame, the assembly comprising: a first transparent layer and a second transparent layer, the first layer comprising an etched image, and a third layer, the third layer being opaque, or colored; and wherein between the third layer and the back edge of the frame is an open space; behind the open space wires may be secured for the LED lights; and wherein the back edge of the frame is flush with the wall when installed and mounted on a wall for display. On the back of the frame is a cleat that secures to the frame and to the wall.
In one embodiment, sheets are made of acrylic material, such as Plexiglas. The first and second sheets are transparent and display either an etched image or an etched and displays and etched painted image painted image; a third layer is opaque and forms a back panel of the image display. In one embodiment, the painted image is made of an oil-based paint with high luminosity and gloss.
Also disclosed are photographic images of the image display, showing the following features: frame with inner channels for securing a plurality of image sheets; image sheets comprising one or more images (painted and etched by laser); light source (LED light strip); cleat member for securing image display to a wall for display.
The overall dimensions of the image display may vary; the thickness of the frame (from back to front of each side) is a minimum of 3 inches; however, the length and width of the image sheets, and the corresponding dimensions of the frame are variable.
In one embodiment, the frame is comprised of wood or wood composite, metals or plastics.
Turning now to the Figures, where are shown the various features of the invention.
A method of making an image display assembly and illuminating an otherwise invisible layer of an image display comprises: etching an image onto a first acrylic sheet; applying paint to a second sheet, wherein all or a portion of the sheet is covered by a protective layer; removing a portion of the protective layer from the second sheet, whether by tearing or cutting or other manual or mechanical means; and securing the first, second and a third opaque sheet, the opaque sheet being non-transparent by material selection or by color of the sheet, into respective grooves of a partially assembled frame, the frame comprising four side panels (oriented with a top, bottom, and parallel sides), with a plurality of grooves disposed along the inner side of each frame panel, each groove corresponding in thickness to a accommodate a sheet for securement in the frame (for example, a thickness ranging from 1/16 of an inch to ½ of an inch); and upon securement of the sheets into the grooves and arrangement of the top, bottom and sides, attaching each corner of the frame together to form a rectangular image display assembly. The groves may be of varying depths and range from 1/16 to 1 inch in depth, but may vary in order to accommodate a light source within the channel in addition to the sheet. The grooves are applied to each of the four inner walls of the frame sides (top, bottom and each side member of frame).
Features, characteristics, compounds, elements, provided as an embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this disclosure (including any accompanying claims, figures, images, pictures), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62827912 | Apr 2019 | US |
