BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
The present patent application is generally related to picture frames, and is more specifically related to systems and devices for framing items for display such as photographs, pictures, memorabilia, and collectibles.
Description of the Related Art
FIG. 1 shows a prior art framing system 100 for displaying items such as photographs. The framing system 100 includes a picture frame 102 having an outer perimeter 104 that surrounds a central opening 106. The framing system 100 includes a picture frame mat 108 that is placed into the central opening 106 so that the outer perimeter 104 of the picture frame 102 surrounds the picture frame mat 108. The picture frame mat 108 has three evenly spaced openings 110A, 110B, and 110C that are adapted to receive respective photographs 112A-112C, which are secured to a rear face of the picture frame mat 108 and that cover the spaced openings 110A-110C. After the photographs 112A0112C are secured to the rear face of the picture frame mat 108, the photographs are viewable through the spaced openings 110A-110C on the front face of the picture frame mat.
FIG. 2 shows the picture frame mat 108 after it has been removed from the picture frame 102 (FIG. 1). The picture frame mat 108 has the three spaced openings 110A-110C that are adapted to receive the respective photographs 112A-112C. The photographs are centered within the spaced openings 110A-110C of the picture frame mat 108, and are visible at the front surface of the picture frame mat.
FIG. 3 shows a magnified view of the second opening 1108 (FIG. 2) of the picture frame mat 108. The second opening 1108 has a length L1 of about 5.5 inches and a height H1 of about 3.5 inches. At the front surface of the picture frame mat 108, the second picture 112B is visible through the second opening 1108.
Referring to FIG. 4, the picture frame mat 108 (FIG. 2) has a rear face 114 to which the photographs 112A-112C are secured. After the respective photographs 112A-112C have been aligned with the spaced openings 110A-110C (FIG. 2) of the picture frame mat 108, an adhesive material such as adhesive tape 116 may be utilized for securing the photographs to the respective openings provided in the picture frame mat 108.
FIG. 5 shows a tape dispenser 118 that dispenses the adhesive tape 116 that is used for securing the photographs 112A-112C to the rear face 114 of the picture frame mat 108.
Referring to FIG. 6, the third opening 110C of the picture frame mat 108 has a length L1 of about 5.5 inches and a height H1 of about 3.5 inches. The third picture 112C that is positioned over the third opening 110C has a length L2 of about 6 inches and a height H2 of about 4 inches. As a result, when the third picture 112C is positioned over the third opening 110C, when viewed from the front face of the picture frame mat 108, the outer edges of the third picture 112C cut off and are not visible through the third opening 108C of the picture frame mat 106. In addition, using adhesive tape 116 to secure the photographs 112A-112C to the rear face 114 of the picture frame mat 108 will typically damage the photographs and/or make it difficult to remove or re-position the photographs from their attachment to the picture frame mat 108.
FIG. 7 shows the third photograph 112C being aligned over the third opening 110C of the picture frame mat 108. The third photograph 112C has a length L2 of about 4.0 inches that is greater than the length L1 of the third opening 110C of about 3.5 inches so that the outer edges of the third picture 112C, when viewed the front face of the picture frame mat, are cut off and not visible through the third opening 110C.
FIG. 8 shows the adhesive strip 116 being utilized for securing the third photograph 112C to the rear face 114 of the picture frame mat 108. The second photograph 112B is also secured to the rear face 114 of the picture frame mat 108 using another adhesive strip 116.
In many instances, individuals wish to display photographs, pictures, memorabilia and/or collectibles inside a picture frame containing a picture frame mat. Requiring individuals to utilize adhesive material such adhesive tape to secure the items to the rear face of the picture frame mat may damage the items secured to the rear of the picture frame mat. Using adhesive tape to secure items to the rear face of a picture frame mat will also minimize the likelihood that an individual will be able to remove the items from being secured to the rear face of a picture frame mat for being displayed inside another picture frame or at another location.
FIG. 9 shows the rear face 114 of the picture frame mat 108 after the three pictures 112A-112C have been secured to the rear face 114 using adhesive tape 116. The picture frame mat 108 having the three pictures 112A-112C secured thereto may be positioned within the picture frame 102 (FIG. 1). The outer perimeters of the photographs are greater than the outer perimeters of the respective openings 110A-110C (FIG. 2) of the picture frame mat 108 so that the outer edges of the photographs are cut off and not visible at the front face of the picture frame mat.
FIG. 10 shows the picture frame mat 108 and three attached photographs 112A-112C of FIG. 9 positioned within the central opening 106 of the picture frame 102 so that the outer perimeter 104 of the picture frame 102 surrounds the picture frame mat 108 and the three photographs secured thereto. At the front face of the picture frame mat 108, the three photographs 112A-112C may be viewed through the respective openings 110A-110C (FIG. 1).
In view of the above-noted deficiencies, there remains a continuing need for systems and devices for framing items including photographs, pictures, memorabilia, and collectibles. In addition, there remains a continuing need for systems and devices for displaying framed items whereby the outer edges and outer perimeters of the framed items remain completely visible and are not occluded by a picture framing mat. Moreover, there is a need for systems and devices for framing items having a substantial thickness such as sports programs, playbills, and/or magazines.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one embodiment, a system for framing a display item such as a photograph, a picture, memorabilia and/or a collectible preferably includes a picture frame having an outer perimeter that defines a central opening of the picture frame. The central opening is desirably adapted to receive glazing or a transparent pane, such as a pane of glass or a transparent polymer sheet.
In one embodiment, the system preferably includes a compliant framing mat having a cloth covering that covers at least one major surface or face of the compliant framing mat. In one embodiment, the cloth covering may be black. In one embodiment, the cloth covering may be white. In one embodiment, cloth coverings may be selected from a broad range of different colors and may have different patterns or designs printed thereon. In one embodiment, the compliant framing mat desirably has a width and a height that is sized to match the size of the central opening of the picture frame.
In one embodiment, a display item, such as a playbill, a magazine, memorabilia or a collectible is configured to be positioned atop the compliant framing mat for display within the picture frame of the system.
In one embodiment, the compliant framing mat preferably has a width, a height, and a thickness. The thickness may be varied to accommodate the thickness of the display item. The top face of the compliant framing mat is preferably covered by the cloth covering. In one embodiment, the cloth covering may be black, white, or colored (e.g., red, blue, green).
In one embodiment, the display item may be positioned over the cloth covering of the compliant framing mat. The outer edge of the display item is preferably fully visible after it has been positioned over the top surface of the compliant framing mat. Placing the display item over the top surface of the compliant framing mat, as opposed to securing the display item to a rear face of a picture frame mat, provides a dramatic improvement over prior art framing mats whereby the outer edges of the photographs secured over the openings of the prior art mats are cut off and not visible.
In one embodiment, a framed display item may be a playbill, a magazine, or a program having many pages (e.g., 10-100 pages or more) that are secured together (e.g., stapled). As a result, in one embodiment, the display item may have a substantial thickness that is significantly greater than a single sheet of paper.
In one embodiment, the compliant framing mat preferably has a thickness that is selected to match the thickness of the display item. In one embodiment, if the display item has a greater thickness, the thickness of the compliant framing mat may be relatively thin. In embodiments in which the display item is thinner, the compliant framing mat may be thicker to insure a secure fit between the display item and the compliant framing mat so that the collectible item does not shift and/or move relative to the top surface of the compliant framing mat.
In one embodiment, when the compliant framing mat and the display item are placed into a picture frame, the display item is preferably sandwiched between the glazing (e.g., a glass pane) of the picture frame and the top surface of the compliant framing mat. When a backing board is secured to the back of the frame, the compliant framing mat is preferably compressed so that the display item sinks into the front face of the compliant framing mat. As the compliant framing mat is pressed against the display item, a depression preferably forms in the front face of the compliant framing mat that conforms to the shape of the outer perimeter or outer edge of the display item. The depression formed in the front face of the compliant framing mat preferably surrounds the outer edges of the display item to hold the display item stationary and prevent shifting of the display item relative to the front face of the compliant framing mat.
In one embodiment, after a display item has been positioned over the top major surface of the compliant framing mat, the combination of the compliant framing mat and the display item may be positioned inside a picture frame so that the display item is visible through the glazing that covers the central opening of the picture frame. Due to the fact that a conventional framing mat having openings (FIG. 1) is not utilized, and because the display item overlies the top major surface of the compliant framing mat, the entire outer edge or outer perimeter of the display item is visible and no portion of the outer edge is cut off or occluded the compliant framing mat.
These and other preferred embodiments of the present patent application will be described in more detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows a prior art framing system for displaying photographs including a picture frame, a picture frame mat having three openings for photographs, and three photographs aligned with the respective openings provided in the picture frame mat.
FIG. 2 shows a top plan view of the picture frame mat of FIG. 1 with a single photograph placed in each of the three openings provided in the picture frame mat.
FIG. 3 shows a magnified view of a midsection of the picture frame mat of FIGS. 1 and 2 including a photograph placed over a second opening of the picture frame mat.
FIG. 4 shows a rear face of the picture frame mat of FIG. 2 with a third photograph removed from covering the third opening of the picture frame mat.
FIG. 5 shows a method of using adhesive tape to secure the third photograph of FIG. 4 over the third opening of the picture frame mat.
FIG. 6 shows a magnified view of the third photograph and the third opening of the picture frame mat shown in FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 shows a step of a method of securing the third photograph of FIG. 4 over the third opening of the picture frame mat.
FIG. 8 shows adhesive tape being used to secure the third picture over the third opening of the picture frame mat.
FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the rear face of the picture frame mat of FIG. 4 after adhesive tape has been used for securing the third photograph over the third opening of the picture frame mat.
FIG. 10 shows the picture frame mat of FIG. 9 after the picture frame mat has been placed into the picture frame of FIG. 1.
FIG. 11 shows a framing system for displaying items including photographs, pictures, memorabilia, and collectibles, the framing system including a picture frame, a compliant framing mat, and a display item that will be positioned over a top surface of the compliant framing mat, in accordance with one embodiment of the present patent application.
FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the compliant framing mat shown in FIG. 11.
FIG. 13 shows a top plan view of the display item shown in FIG. 11.
FIG. 14A shows the display item of FIG. 13 positioned over a top surface of the compliant framing mat of FIGS. 11 and 12.
FIG. 14B shows a perspective view of the display item and the compliant framing mat of FIG. 14A.
FIG. 15 shows the display item and the compliant framing mat of FIGS. 14A and 14B after being placed inside the picture frame of FIG. 11.
FIG. 16A shows a compliant framing mat having a white cloth covering, and a display item positioned over a top surface of the compliant framing mat, in accordance with one embodiment of the present patent application.
FIG. 16B shows a perspective view of the display item and the compliant framing mat of FIG. 16A.
FIG. 17 shows the display item and the compliant framing mat of FIGS. 16A and 16B after being placed inside the picture frame of FIG. 11.
FIG. 18 shows a top view of two photographs and a compliant framing mat having a white cloth covering configured to receive the two photographs, in accordance with one embodiment of the present patent application.
FIG. 19 shows the two photographs of FIG. 18 positioned over a top major surface of the compliant framing mat of FIG. 18, in accordance with one embodiment of the present patent application.
FIG. 20 shows the two pictures and the compliant framing mat of FIGS. 18 and 19 after being positioned inside a picture frame, in accordance with one embodiment of the present patent application.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to FIG. 11, in one embodiment, a system 200 for framing a display item such as a photograph, a picture, memorabilia and/or a collectible preferably includes a picture frame 202 having an outer perimeter 204 that defines a central opening 206 of the picture frame. The central opening 206 is desirably adapted to receive a transparent pane, such as a pane of glass or a transparent polymer sheet. The system 200 preferably includes a compliant framing mat 208 having a cloth covering 210 that covers at least one major surface or face of the compliant framing mat 208. In one embodiment, the cloth covering may be black. In one embodiment, the cloth covering may be white. In one embodiment, cloth coverings may be selected from a broad range of different colors and may have different patterns or designs printed thereon. In one embodiment, the compliant framing mat 208 desirably has a width W3 and a height H3 that is sized to match the size of the central opening 206 of the picture frame 202.
In one embodiment, a display item 212, such as a playbill, a magazine, memorabilia or a collectible is configured to be positioned atop the compliant framing mat 208 for display within the picture frame 202 of the system 200.
FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a top face or surface of the compliant framing mat 208 shown in FIG. 11. The compliant framing mat 208 may be made of foam or a compressible material. The compliant framing mat 208 has a width W3, a height H3, and a thickness T1. The thickness may be varied to accommodate the thickness of the display item 212 (FIG. 11). The top face of the compliant framing mat 208 is preferably covered by the cloth covering 210. In one embodiment, the cloth covering 210 may be black.
FIG. 13 shows a magnified view of the display item 212 shown in FIG. 11. The display item 212 has a width W4 and a height H4 that define the outer edge 214 of the collectible 212.
Referring to FIG. 14A, in one embodiment, the display item 212 is preferably positioned over the cloth covering 210 of the compliant framing mat 208. The outer edge 214 of the display item is fully visible after it has been positioned over the top surface of the compliant framing mat 208. Placing the display item 212 over the top surface of the compliant framing mat 208, as opposed to securing the display item to a rear face of a picture frame mat, provides a dramatic improvement over the framing mat 106 shown and described above in FIG. 1, whereby the outer edges of the photographs secured over the openings are cut off and not visible.
Referring to FIG. 14B, in one embodiment, the display item 212 may be a playbill, a magazine, or a program having many pages (e.g., 10-100 pages or more) that are secured together (e.g., stapled). As a result, the display item 212 has a substantial thickness that is significantly greater than a single sheet of paper. The compliant framing mat 210 preferably has a thickness T1 that is selected to match the thickness of the display item 212. In one embodiment, if the display item 212 has a greater thickness, the thickness of the compliant framing mat 210 may be relatively thin. In embodiments in which the display item 212 is thinner, the compliant framing mat 210 may be thicker to insure a secure fit between the display item and the compliant framing mat 210 so that the collectible item does not shift and/or move relative to the top surface of the compliant framing mat.
In one embodiment, when the compliant framing mat 208 and the display item 212 are placed into a picture frame, the display item 212 is preferably sandwiched between the glazing (e.g., a glass pane) of the picture frame and the top surface of the compliant framing mat. When a backing board is secured to the back of the frame, the compliant framing mat is preferably compressed so that the display item sinks into the front face of the compliant framing mat 210. As the compliant framing mat is pressed against the display item, a depression preferably forms in the front face of the compliant framing mat that conforms to the shape of the outer perimeter of the display item. The depression formed in the front face of the compliant framing mat preferably surrounds the outer edges of the display item to hold the display item stationary and prevent shifting of the display item relative to the front face of the compliant framing mat.
Referring to FIG. 15, after the collectible item 212 has been positioned over the top major surface of the compliant framing mat 210, the combination of the compliant framing mat and the collectible item may be positioned inside the picture frame 202 so that the collectible item is visible through the glazing that covers the central opening 206 of the picture frame 202. Due to the fact that a conventional framing mat having openings (FIG. 1) is not utilized, and because the collectible item 212 actually overlies the top major surface of the compliant framing mat 210, the entire outer edge 214 or outer periphery of the collectible item 212 is visible and no portion of the outer edge is cut off or occluded the compliant framing mat.
Referring to FIG. 16A, in one embodiment, a compliant framing mat 310 may have a cloth covering 315 that is white. In one embodiment, the exact color or shading of the cloth cover may be modified so that the contrast between the display item 312 and the underlying compliant framing mat provides an optimal aesthetic appearance.
FIG. 16B shows the collectible item 312 positioned over a top major surface of the compliant framing mat 310. The outer edges 314 of the display item 312 are not covered or occluded by the compliant framing mat as occurs with the prior art picture frame mat shown and described above in FIGS. 1-10.
FIG. 17 shows the compliant framing mat 310 and the display item 312 of FIGS. 16A and 16B positioned within the outer perimeter of a picture frame 302 with the display item 312 aligned with the glazing covering the central opening 306 of the picture frame 302.
Referring to FIG. 18, in one embodiment, two or more pictures may be positioned atop a major surface of a compliant framing mat 408. In one embodiment, the compliant framing mat 408 has a white cloth cover 410 that is selected to provide a good aesthetic contrast with the two photographs 410A and 410B.
Referring to FIG. 19, in one embodiment, the two photographs 410A, 410B may be positioned over a top major surface of the compliant framing mat 408. The outer edges of the photographs 410A, 410B are fully visible and are not occluded by the compliant framing mat as occurs when using the prior art picture frame mats shown and described above in FIGS. 1-10.
Referring to FIG. 20, in one embodiment, the compliant framing mat 408 and the two photographs 410A, 410B overlying the compliant framing mat may be positioned within the central opening 406 of the picture frame 402. The outer edges of the first and second photographs 410A, 410B are fully visible within the central opening 406 of the picture frame 402 because they are not covered by the compliant framing mat as occurs with the prior art picture frame mat shown and described above in FIGS. 1-10.
In one embodiment, when the compliant framing mat 408 and the two photographs 410A, 410B are placed into the picture frame 402, the photographs 410A, 410B are preferably sandwiched between the glazing (e.g., a glass pane) of the picture frame and the top surface of the compliant framing mat. When a backing board is secured to the back of the picture frame, the compliant framing mat is preferably compressed so that the photographs sink into the front face of the compliant framing mat 410. As the compliant framing mat is pressed against the photographs, a depression preferably forms in the front face of the compliant framing mat that conforms to the shape of the outer perimeters of the two photographs. The depression formed in the front face of the compliant framing mat preferably surrounds the outer edges of the two photographs to hold the photographs stationary and prevent shifting of the photographs relative to the front face of the compliant framing mat.
Referring to FIG. 21, in one embodiment, two or more photographs may be positioned atop a major surface of a compliant framing mat 508. In one embodiment, the compliant framing mat 508 has a white cloth cover 514 that is selected to provide a good aesthetic contrast with two photographs 512A and 512B. In one embodiment, a first decorative border 525A may be provided on the white cloth cover 510 that is adapted to surround the first photograph 512A when the first photograph overlies the top surface of the compliant framing mat 508, and a second decorative border 525B may be provided on the white cloth cover 510 that is adapted to surround the second photograph 512B when the second photograph overlies the top surface of the compliant framing mat.
Referring to FIG. 22, when the two photographs 512A, 512B are positioned over the top major surface of the compliant framing mat 508, the decorative borders 525A, 525B surround the respective photographs 512A, 512B for enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the framed photographs.
Referring to FIG. 23, in one embodiment, the compliant framing mat 508 and the two photographs 512A, 512B overlying the compliant framing mat may be positioned within the central opening 506 of the picture frame 502. The outer edges of the first and second photographs 512A, 512B are fully visible within the central opening 506 of the picture frame 502 because they are not covered by the compliant framing mat as occurs with the prior art picture frame mat shown and described above in FIGS. 1-10. The decorative borders 525A, 525B surround the respective photographs 512A, 512B for enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the framed photographs.
Referring to FIG. 24, in one embodiment, two or more photographs may be positioned atop a major surface of a compliant framing mat 608. In one embodiment, the compliant framing mat 608 has a white cloth cover 610 that is selected to provide a good aesthetic contrast with two photographs 612A and 612B. In one embodiment, a first alignment guide 625A may be provided on the white cloth cover 610 that is adapted to aid alignment of the first photograph 612A over the top surface of the compliant framing mat 608, and a second alignment guide 625B may be provided on the white cloth cover 610 that is adapted to aid alignment of the second photograph 612B over the top surface of the compliant framing mat.
Referring to FIG. 25, when the two photographs 610A, 610B are positioned over the top major surface of the compliant framing mat 608, the first and second alignment guides 625A, 625B (FIG. 24) are covered by the respective photographs 612A, 612B.
Referring to FIG. 26, in one embodiment, the compliant framing mat 608 and the two photographs 612A, 612B overlying the compliant framing mat may be positioned within the central opening 606 of the picture frame 602. The outer edges of the first and second photographs 612A, 612B are fully visible within the central opening 606 of the picture frame 602 because they are not covered by the compliant framing mat as occurs with the prior art picture frame mat shown and described above in FIGS. 1-10. The alignment guides 625A, 625B (FIG. 24), which may be printed onto the cloth cover, preferably insure that the photographs are properly aligned over the top surface of the compliant framing mat.
In one embodiment, the compliant framing mat may be made of foam and may have a thickness of about 0.25-3.0 inches. In one embodiment, the compliant framing mat may have a width of about 4-30 inches and a height of about 6-40 inches.
In one embodiment, a framing system preferably includes a set of compliant framing mats, whereby at least some of the compliant framing mats in the set have different thicknesses. In one embodiment, a set of compliant framing mats have various thickness that range from 0.25 inches to 3.0 inches. In one embodiment, a set of compliant framing mats have thicknesses of 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, 1.50, 1.75, 2.0, 2.25, 2.50, 2.75, and 3.00 inches. In one embodiment, a set of compliant framing mats have different colors such as black, white, red, blue, green, orange, yellow, purple, etc. In one embodiment, a set of compliant framing mats may have different patterns or designs provided on the major surfaces thereof.
While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, which is only limited by the scope of the claims that follow. For example, the present invention contemplates that any of the features shown in any of the embodiments described herein, or incorporated by reference herein, may be incorporated with any of the features shown in any of the other embodiments described herein, or incorporated by reference herein, and still fall within the scope of the present invention.
Patent Application
20200288886
