Artwork can be displayed in many different ways and many different styles. One type of known artwork display is for three-dimensional artwork. This type of artwork is typically presented by providing multiple layers of transparencies, each containing a distinct image. When the images are combined, they produce a multi-layered, three-dimensional display. However, three-dimensional artwork has the disadvantage of being expensive to present in that such artwork-typically requires a special frame that can be extremely time consuming to assemble due to intricate telescoping members, etc.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,367,801 issued to Ahn discloses a multi-layered, three-dimensional display comprising three image layers which are spaced apart inside a rigid frame construction.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,438,579 issued to Engel discloses a three-dimensional picture with interchangeable scenes comprising three overlapping and telescoping images which are frictionally held with a rigid frame. The frame is provided with a dust cover.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,787,992 issued to Leonhardt discloses a dimensional picture frame comprising a box-like frame structure telescopingly surrounding a picture-mounting means to produce a multi-dimensional picture having a depth dimension thereto.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,014,302 issued to Hughes discloses an abstract art device comprising a plurality of transparent members each containing an image and being nested in a frame having a stepped inner wall, each step receiving the subsequent transparent sheet.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,565,553 issued to Foley discloses a three-dimensional picture frame comprising a plurality of concave picture sheets displayed in a box-like housing, one behind another.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,314,180 issued to Porter discloses a three-dimensional picture assembly comprising a rigid frame in which a plurality of opaque sheets are sequentially arranged and having spacers therebetween. Each opaque sheet contains partial images which combine to form a three-dimensional image.
Such examples of prior art three-dimensional display apparatus have the disadvantage that they are not only costly due to rigid and intricate frames, but also time consuming to assemble due to various telescoping members and intricate designs.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,033,060 issued to Lawrence discloses a picture frame construction comprising a picture being sandwiched between a front frame and a back frame which includes elements for spacing the frame from a wall. A backing element is used in cooperation with the back frame. The picture frame construction, once assembled, can then be hung on a wall or inserted into a box-like housing structure. The Lawrence patent is time-consuming to assemble and only discloses use for a single picture image.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,991,578 issued to Messina discloses a combination collapsible box and display device. The display device comprises a compact, foldable box comprising two basic sections. The first section is the picture-holding and display area section and the second section is the support and locking section. The first section includes a picture-holding area wherein the picture's corners are inserted into cut-out tab sections and the top edge of the picture is inserted under a tab to hold the picture in place. The picture-holding section is then folded on top of a frame section to comprise the first section. The second section includes a plurality of panels which form a box-like structure having an inside slot and an outside cut-out tab. The first section includes a locking tab which can be folded around and inserted into the outside cut-out tab of the second section to secure the display device in a compact, box-like display device. The locking tab can also be inserted into the inside slot of the second section to form an easel-like display. The Messina product is time-consuming to assemble and position and further does not make arrangements to display a three-dimensional artwork.
Accordingly, there is a need for a relatively simple and low-cost, three-dimensional presentation apparatus. The present invention fulfills such a need.
The present invention comprises a one-piece folder construction with one or more side panels which fold over a back section which may contain an image. The one or more side panels create image screens when folded against the back section and serve as the final image screen of the presentation apparatus. The one or more side panels include die-cut window elements to present images thereon and to allow viewing of the back section of the presentation apparatus.
In use, one or more side panels are folded over the back section. The side panel(s) and die-cut elements are folded away from and secured to the back section to form the presentation apparatus. In this manner, the apparatus can be quickly and easily assembled to produce a low-cost presentation apparatus which can be mass produced.
Accordingly, it is the principal object of the present invention to provide a presentation apparatus for artwork.
It is further an object of the invention to provide a method of forming a presentation apparatus for artwork.
It is also an object of the invention to provide a low-cost presentation apparatus for three-dimensional artwork.
It is an object of the invention to provide a low-cost, three-dimensional greeting card.
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a presentation apparatus which can be relatively easily assembled and mass produced.
While the invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will be described herein in detail a preferred embodiment of the invention. It should be understood, however, that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the scope and spirit of the invention and/or claims of the embodiment illustrated.
Attention is directed to
In addition, the window or cel 20 may be an image screen and contain artwork. Preferably, the window or cel 20 or image screen is made of clear acetate and has printed thereon colored litho, such as a four-color litho, to produce the image. However, it should be understood that any suitable clear material, preferably plastic or acetate, material be used for window or cel 20 or image screen and image as is known in the prior art.
Back section 14 has a rearward side 14a and a forward side 14b. The back section also contains top edge 14c, bottom edge 14d, and side edge 14e. Images and artwork as described are preferably presented on forward side 14b for viewing. As an alternative embodiment, the artwork on the forward side 14a of the back section may be painted by the purchaser of the presentation apparatus. The painting may be accomplished free-hand or by following numbers on a configuration provided on the back section, as shown in
Side panel 14 has a slot 22 at one end for receiving the opposed end or side edge 14e of back section 14. Back section 14 may be flexible or rigid, allowing it to be folded into slot 22. Likewise, side panel 16 may be flexible or rigid, allowing slot 22 to engage side edge 14e. The flexing of back section 14 or side panel 16, when folded, provides for a sufficient amount of spacing between the two to promote a three-dimensional effect. The curvilinear shape or design of the flexed, folded back section or side panel also promotes the three-dimensional effect of the presentation apparatus.
Illustrated in
Back section 30 has top and bottom edges 30a and b, respectively. First and second side edges 30c and d meet first and second side panels 32a and b at fold lines 34a and b. Slot 36 is located near first side edge 32 in back section 30. Side panel 32a has top and bottom edges 38a and b and side edges 38c and d. Side edge 38c meets fold line 34a at back section 30. Opposite first side panel 32a is second side panel 32b with top and bottom edges 40a and b and first and second side edges 40c and d. Second side edge 40c joins back section edge 30d at fold line 34b. Slot 42 is cut in second side panel 32b adjacent side edge 40c. Artwork can be shown on back section 30 where it is disclosed for viewing through die-cut windows 44a and b in first and second side panels 32a and b. The windows may be clear acetate sheets and printed with four-color litho to produce an image.
Lenticular image 46 may also be present on the back section, as shown in
To create a multi-layered, three-dimensional effect with the presentation apparatus, second side panel 32b may be folded at fold line 34b. Second side edge 40d engages slot 36 to create the first layer 48 for the image, as shown in
Another embodiment of the presentation apparatus is shown in
The side panels can be folded at fold lines 64a and b. First side panel 66a is folded over the front side 60a of back section 60 so that first edge 66 engages slot 62b. This arrangement creates a three-dimensional arrangement on the front side 60a of back section 60. Further, second side panel 66b can be folded at fold line 64b so that it covers rear side 60b of back section 60 to allow second edge 66d to engage slot 62a, thereby rendering an image and three-dimensional representation on the rear side of back section 60, as seen in
Another embodiment of the presentation apparatus is shown in
All the embodiments of the present invention are free-standing when the side panel(s) are engaged. The free-standing arrangement of the device facilitates display of the device on a surface. It may also be hung from a wall.
It will be evident that a number of variations can be made while remaining within the scope of the following claims.
This application is a continuation application of U.S. Ser. No. 10/244,654 filed Sep. 16, 2002 which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Ser. No. 09/327,154, filed Jun. 7, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,449,891. The present invention relates to a presentation apparatus for artwork and, more specifically, a presentation apparatus for three-dimensional artwork including greeting cards.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
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956916 | Wiederseim, Jr. | May 1910 | A |
2472114 | Marder | Jun 1949 | A |
4237633 | Murrell | Dec 1980 | A |
4681253 | Engelhardt | Jul 1987 | A |
5035929 | Myers et al. | Jul 1991 | A |
5494445 | Sekiguchi et al. | Feb 1996 | A |
6173515 | Walsh | Jan 2001 | B1 |
Number | Date | Country |
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019936414 | Oct 2000 | DE |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 10244654 | Sep 2002 | US |
Child | 10820836 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 09327154 | Jun 1999 | US |
Child | 10244654 | US |