Patent Application
20160343157
The present invention relates generally to a collage system and method for creative predesign and arrangement of items on a surface to form a decorative layout. More so, the collage system and method for predesign and arrangement of items on a surface enables systematic predesign of a collage on a predesign medium, such as a digital display screen; conversion of the predesigned medium to a template surface, such as a prefabricated panel; arrangement of at least one item on the template surface in conformance with the predesign; framing of the item; and mounting of the template surface on a mounting surface to form the predesigned collage or decorative layout.
The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.
It is known in the art that a collage is a plurality of art objects mounted in a pleasing relationship to each other upon a background material. The art objects are generally glued, or fixedly attached in place on a background material and hence could not be rearranged or replaced. The individual art objects, thus create a new whole.
Typically, the art objects used in the collage consist of decorative media, such as magazine and newspaper clippings, ribbons, paint, bits of colored or handmade papers, portions of other artwork or texts, photographs and other found objects, glued to a piece of paper or canvas. The arrangement of decorative media generally occurs after the mounting surface is ready to receive the items.
In many instances, digital image editing computer programs are prevalent and easily accessible and provide a means that allows any computer to be used for digital image editing. Such image editing computer programs enable users to store, organize, manage, edit, enhance, and share digital images at the central network location using a web browser or other software applications. A user can also design and personalize image-based products.
Digital manipulation allows for predesigning templates prior to actual printing or construction of a substrate or surface. Thus, the finished product can be viewed digitally prior to expensing the resources to produce the visual product, such as a collage.
Other proposals have involved designing decorative layouts and collages. The problem with these techniques is that they do not allow for predesigning and adjusting dimensions and positions of the decorative items, prior to forming the collage. Even though the above cited design techniques meet some of the needs of the market, a collage system and method for creative predesign and arrangement of items on a surface enables systematic predesign of a collage on a predesign medium; then conversion of the predesigned medium to a template surface; then arrangement of items on the template surface in conformance with the predesign; and finally framing and mounting of the completed template surface on a mounting surface as a collage or decorative layout is still desired.
Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure are generally directed to a collage system and method for predesign and arrangement of items on a surface. The collage system and method enables systematic predesign of a collage on a selected predesign medium, such as a display screen through software, and then arrangement of at least one item on a template surface, such as a prefabricated panel. The design of the template surface follows substantially the same configuration as the predesign medium. At least one item fastens to the template surface in conformance with the predesigned layout. The item may be framed for visual enhancement. The template surface may then be mounted on a mounting surface to form the collage or decorative layout.
In one embodiment, the collage system and method enables creative predesign and arrangement of at least one item on a predesigned arrangement, so as to form a collage, or other decorative layout. The collage system and method may provide a plurality of predesign media that facilitate dimensional and positional manipulation of at least one design boundary that represents a visual depiction of at least one item that forms the finished collage. The design boundary is essentially the place holder for the item. In one embodiment, the predesign media is operated digitally on a display screen.
From the plurality of predesign media, one predesign medium is selected to be converted into the template surface. The template surface may be marked to have at least one design boundary that substantially matches the dimension and position of the at least one design boundary that was manipulated in the predesign medium. The design boundary is designed by an interior region and a peripheral region. The item positions interior region of the design boundary. The template surface may include at least one horizontal line and at least one vertical line that enables aligned positioning and fastening of the item.
Thus, the item is positioned inside an interior region of the design boundary, and then aligned along the vertical and horizontal lines, as desired. After fastening the items on the template surface, the template surface may then be mounted on a more durable mounting surface. The mounting surface may include a leveling line that enables appropriate alignment and mounting of the template surface. A frame may also be aligned by the horizontal and vertical lines to enable enclosure of the item on the template surface.
In some embodiments, a collage system for predesign and arrangement of items on a surface is used to systematically design a collage on a selected predesign medium, such as a display screen through software, and then arrange the predesigned collage on a template surface, such as a prefabricated panel, before mounting the completed collage on a mounting surface.
The collage system may include a plurality of predesign mediums. The predesign mediums may be displayed on a display screen. One of the predesign mediums is selected. The collage may further include at least one design boundary that is defined by an interior region and a peripheral region. The at least one design boundary configured to display in one of the plurality of predesign media. The design boundary may be manipulated to change the dimensions and positon on the predesign medium.
In some embodiments, the selected predesign medium is converted to a template surface. The template surface is configured to substantially match the plurality of predesign mediums. The template surface has substantially the same arrangement for the at least one design boundary as the one predesign medium. In essence, the size and positon of the design boundary on the template surface is substantially identical to the predesign medium. The template surface comprising at least one vertical line and at least one horizontal line for enabling alignment of at least one item.
In some embodiments, the collage system comprises a mounting surface configured to enable mounting of the template surface. The mounting surface comprising a leveling line that enables the template surface to be aligned evenly on the mounting surface, relative to the leveling line. Once the template surface is mounted on the mounting surface, at least one item may be fastened in the interior region of the design boundary. The item may be aligned with on the template surface through use of the at least one vertical line and the at least one horizontal line that traverse the template surface.
In some embodiments, the collage system may utilize a frame. The frame is configured to enclose a predetermined region around the at least one item. In other embodiments, at least one projecting member extends from the mounting surface. The projecting member is disposed to align along the at least one horizontal line and the at least one vertical line of the template surface. The projecting member configured to enable support of a shelf
In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for creative arrangement of items on a surface to form a decorative layout, comprises an initial Step of providing a plurality of predesign media. A Step may include selecting one of the plurality of predesign media.
The method may include a further Step of providing at least one design boundary, the at least one design boundary defined by an interior region and a peripheral region. A Step includes manipulating a dimension of the at least one design boundary in relation to the selected predesign medium. A Step comprises manipulating a position of the at least one design boundary in relation to the selected predesign medium.
A Step comprises converting the selected predesign medium to a template surface, the template surface having substantially the same arrangement for the at least one design boundary as the selected predesign medium, the template surface comprising at least one vertical line and at least one horizontal line. In some embodiments, a Step may include positioning the template surface on a mounting surface, the mounting surface comprising a leveling line. Another Step in the method comprises aligning, generally, the template surface with the leveling line of the mounting surface.
Yet another Step includes arranging at least one item approximately in the interior region of the at least one design boundary. A Step may include aligning, generally, the at least one item with the at least one vertical line and the at least one horizontal line of the template surface. In some embodiments, a Step may include fastening the at least one item to the template surface. Another Step includes providing a frame, the frame configured to enclose a predetermined region around the at least one item. A final Step may include enclosing the predetermined region around the at least one item with the frame.
In a second aspect, method includes a software application. In another aspect, the positions and dimensions of at least one design boundary on predesign medium are predesigned from a display screen. In another aspect, design boundary is dragged across predesign medium on the display screen to a desired position on predesign medium.
In another aspect, design boundary may be arranged, rearranged, and added by dragging design boundaries around the display screen, by using a rearrange button, or by manipulation of any other buttons on the display screen.
In another aspect, predesign medium is a prefabricated panel with an outline of design boundary, wherein at least one design boundary has at least one vertical line and at least one horizontal line. In another aspect, mounting surface is a wall in a building. In another aspect, leveling line on mounting surface is a horizontal line that aligns with a top edge of perimeter on predesign medium. In another aspect, predesign medium is taped to mounting surface.
In another aspect, at least one vertical line is centrally disposed on the predesign medium. In another aspect, at least one horizontal line is a series of evenly spaced-apart lines on predesign medium. In another aspect, at least one design boundary is square or rectangular shaped. In another aspect, the frame is square or rectangular shaped, substantially the same as at least one design boundary.
One objective of the present invention is to create a collage with at least one image content, form, and art work in a level, accurate alignment.
Another objective is to provide a software application that enables predesign of a collage, including the types of image content, the dimensions of the frame, and the positioning of the frame.
Another objective is to provide a collage with at least one projecting member for supporting a shelf.
Another objective is to level predesign medium with a leveling line on mounting surface.
Another objective is to align frame against the centrally disposed vertical line, and the series of evenly spaced-apart horizontal lines.
Another objective is to provide an easy to operate software application to design and manufacture a collage.
Other systems, devices, methods, features, and advantages will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims and drawings
The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.
The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in
A collage system 100 and method 200 for predesign and arrangement of items on a surface is referenced in
Thereafter, predesign medium 102a is converted to a template surface 120. Template surface 120 may include a non-digital, physical substrate. At least one item 126a-e may be attached to template surface 120 in conformance to the design of a selected predesign medium 102a. Item 126a-e may include decorative members that can be arranged in a pleasing relationship to each other upon a background material. Item 126a-e may be enclosed by at least one frame 132a, 132b for visual enhancement. Template surface 120 may be mounted on a mounting surface 128.
As referenced in
In some embodiments, a predesign setting member 112, shown in
The selected predesign medium 102a may be converted into a substantially matching template surface 120. Template surface 120, which may include a physical substrate, may be marked to have design boundary 104a-g that substantially matches design boundary 104a-g dimensioned and positioned in predesign medium 102a, i.e., digitally. Further, template surface 120 may include at least one horizontal line 124 and at least one vertical line 122 that enables aligned positioning and fastening of at least one item 126a-e inside an interior region 106 of design boundary 104a-g.
Thus, item 126a-e is positioned inside interior region 106 of design boundary 104a-g for displaying on template surface 120, and then aligned along the vertical and horizontal lines 122, 124 of template surface 120. For example, after mounting item 126a-e to template surface 120, the template surface 120 is mounted on a more durable mounting surface 128. Mounting surface 128 may include a leveling line 130 that enables appropriate alignment and mounting of the template surface 120. At least one frame 132a, 132b may also be aligned by horizontal and vertical lines 122, 124 to enable enclosure and visual enhancement of item 126a-e while displayed on template surface 120.
Looking forward to
In yet another example of the various possible designs, predesign medium 102e is square-shaped and has three design boundaries with images. In another embodiment, predesign medium 102f is square-shaped and has nine design boundaries. In another embodiment, predesign medium 102g is square-shaped and has ten boundaries above a central design boundary. Though in other embodiments, predesign media 102a-g may take any shape and position. Further, predesign media 102a-g and design boundary 104a-g are dimension and position adjustable, as described below. After achieving a desired design medium 102a, selection and saving of design medium 102a is possible.
As discussed above and illustrated in
As discussed above, a single predesign medium 102a is selected from the plurality of predesign media 102a-g. As
As discussed above and shown in
In one embodiment, at least one image 110a, 110b is selected to display from design boundary 104a-g. Image 110a, 110b is representative and provides a visual predesign of the item 126a-e that will be subsequently positioned at that space in the interior region 106 of the design boundary 104a-g. Use of the image 110a, 110b in the design boundary 104a-g during predesign of the predesign medium is illustrated in
In one example, design boundary 104a is square shaped. In another example, design boundary 104b is rectangular shaped. In another example, design boundary 104c is oval shaped. In another example, design boundary 104d is square shaped and has an image 110a of a face. In another example, design boundary 104e is rectangular shape and has an image 110b of a letter. In another example, design boundary 104f overlaps design boundary 104g. Further design boundary 104a-g may be dimension and positon adjusted.
Further, design boundary 104a-g may be manipulated to change its dimensions and/or position relative to the predesign medium.
Looking back at
Turning now to
The conversion of the selected predesign medium 102a to template surface 120 may include printing the completed predesign medium 102a and the arrangement of design boundaries 104a-g. As comparison of
In essence, the size and positon of design boundary 104a-g on template surface 120 is substantially identical to predesign medium 102a. Thus, in one exemplary embodiment, a digital image 110a, 110b of predesign medium 102a is printed on a paper substrate composition of template surface 120, in substantially the same dimensions, and with the design boundaries 104a-g substantially sized and positioned the same.
As
Lines 122, 124 may include, without limitation, a single, centrally disposed vertical line 122; and a plurality of evenly spaced-apart horizontal lines. Though, in other embodiments, diagonal lines may also be used, depending on the dimensions of design boundary 104a-g. Lines 122, 124 enable precise alignment of frame 132a, 132b that encloses item design boundary 104a-g and displays the selected image 110a, 110b content. Vertical and horizontal lines 122, 124 are also used to align a projecting member 134 for supporting a shelf, as described below.
Looking now at
As
In some embodiments, collage system 100 may utilize at least one frame 132a, 132b. Frame 132a, 132b is configured to enclose a predetermined region around item 126a-e. In some embodiments, frame 132a, 132b may then be designed to substantially match the dimensions of predesigned design boundary 104a-g. Frame 132a, 132b displays the same image 110a, 110b, and has substantially the same dimensions as design boundary 104a-g. Frame 132a, 132b overlays the peripheral region 108 of design boundary 104a-g. Frame 132a, 132b detachably attaches thereto for enhanced visual appearance. In one embodiment, frame 132a, 132b is a picture frame. Frame 132a, 132b may be manufactured to have the same size and dimensions of design boundary 104a designed on the software application in design medium 102a.
Looking back at
As illustrated in
In some embodiments, projecting member 134 may include a bracket, a ridge, or a slot that is sized and dimensioned to carry and support the weight of a shelf. Projecting member 134 is aligned at a desired elevation by selecting the appropriate horizontal line 124. Projecting member 134 is aligned at a desired lateral position by shifting relative to the centrally disposed vertical line 122.
In one alternative embodiment, the position of projecting member 134 may be predesigned and marked on the template surface 120 with design boundary 104a. In this manner, template surface 120 is effective for facilitating the precise alignment and juxtaposition of different component items 126a-e, forms, artwork, and projecting members 134 to create a collage that forms an overall new whole.
A Step 204 may include selecting one of the plurality of predesign media 102a-g. A single predesign medium 102a is selected from the plurality of predesign media 102a-g. As
The method 200 may include a further Step 206 of providing at least one design boundary 104a-g, the at least one design boundary 104a-g defined by an interior region 106 and a peripheral region 108. The selection may be between various template-style arrangements of size and placement of at least one design boundary 104a-g in relation to each other. This selection is determinative of subsequent design of template surface 120, and positioning of at least one item 126a-e on template surface 120.
A Step 208 includes manipulating a dimension of the at least one design boundary 104a-g in relation to the selected predesign medium. A Step 210 comprises manipulating a position of the at least one design boundary 104a-g in relation to the selected predesign medium. In altering the dimensions and positions of design boundaries 104a-g and image 110a, 110b contained therein, may be performed through computer drag and drop functions known in the computer art.
A Step 212 comprises converting the selected predesign medium to a template surface 120, the template surface 120 having substantially the same arrangement for the at least one design boundary 104a-g as the selected predesign medium, the template surface 120 comprising at least one vertical line 122 and at least one horizontal line 124. The conversion of the selected predesign medium 102a to template surface 120 may include printing the completed predesign medium 102a and the arrangement of design boundaries 104a-g. As comparison of
In some embodiments, a Step 214 may include positioning the template surface 120 on a mounting surface 128, the mounting surface 128 comprising a leveling line 130. Another Step 216 in the method 200 comprises aligning, generally, the template surface 120 with the leveling line 130 of the mounting surface 128. Mounting surface 128 comprises a leveling line 130 that enables template surface 120 to be aligned evenly on mounting surface 128, relative to leveling line 130. Once template surface 120 is mounted on mounting surface 128, item 126a-e may be fastened in the interior region 106 of the design boundary 104a-g.
Yet another Step 218 includes arranging at least one item 126a-e approximately in the interior region 106 of the at least one design boundary 104a-g. A Step 220 may include aligning, generally, the at least one item 126a-e with the at least one vertical line 122 and the at least one horizontal line 124 of the template surface 120. Item 126a-e may be aligned with on the template surface 120 through use of the at least one vertical line 122 and the at least one horizontal line 124 that traverse the template surface 120. In some embodiments, a Step 222 may include fastening the at least one item 126a-e to the template surface 120. Various fasteners may be used, including glue, screws, nails, magnets, and friction fit mechanisms.
Another Step 224 includes providing a frame 132a, 132b, the frame 132a, 132b configured to enclose a predetermined region around the at least one item 126a-e. Frame 132a, 132b is configured to enclose a predetermined region around item 126a-e. A final Step 226 may include enclosing the predetermined region around the at least one item 126a-e with the frame 132a, 132b. In some embodiments, frame 132a, 132b may then be designed to substantially match the dimensions of predesigned design boundary 104a-g. Frame 132a, 132b displays the same image 110a, 110b, and has substantially the same dimensions as design boundary 104a-g. Frame 132a, 132b overlays the peripheral region 108 of design boundary 104a-g. Frame 132a, 132b detachably attaches thereto for enhanced visual appearance.
In an alternative embodiment, a further Step may include selecting an image 110a, 110b for display in the at least one design boundary 104a-g, the image 110a, 110b configured to replicate the at least one item 126a-e. In another alternative embodiment, a further Step may include saving the manipulated dimension and the manipulated position of the at least one design boundary 104a-g. In yet another alternative embodiment, a further Step may include providing at least one projecting member 134.
In another alternative embodiment of method 200, a Step may include aligning the at least one projecting member 134 with at least one of the following: the leveling line 130, the at least one horizontal line 124, and the at least one vertical line 122. In an alternative embodiment, a further Step may include fastening the at least one projecting member 134 to the mounting surface 128. In an alternative embodiment, a further Step may include positioning a shelf on the at least one projecting member.
In yet another alternative method of installing items on a wall via a predesign medium, either pre designed or custom designed. A first Step includes selecting an item 126a-e to install on a wall. The item may include, without limitation, an image, a shelf, a toy, an ornamental member, and a ribbon. The alternative method may further include a Step of providing a predesign medium that is defined by perimeter, at least one horizontal line, and at least one vertical line, the predesign medium configured to enable alignment of the item. In one embodiment, the predesign medium is a collage that can be either predesigned or custom designed. The predesigned predesign medium is often fabricated in a factory. The custom designed predesign medium can be previewed on a computer as a predesign medium before actual construction of the collage.
In some embodiments, a Step includes aligning the item 126a-e with the at least one horizontal line, and at least one vertical line on the predesign medium. The alignment helps achieve a desired orientation and ornamental effect. A Step may include altering a position of the image in relation to the predesign medium, wherein the dimension and position of the item 126a-e forms a collage. Item 126a-e may be dragged across the predesign medium to a desired position on predesign medium. Design boundary may be rotated and stretched to form the desired design in predesign medium. A final Step may further include fastening item 126a-e to the wall. Item 126a-e may be fastened through various means, including, without limitation, adhesives, nails, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, and frictional fits. Conversely, item 126a-e may be detached and replaced, such that interchangeability is possible.
These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.
Because many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.
This application claims the benefits of U.S. provisional application No. 62/163,099, filed May 18, 2015 and entitled TEMPLATE AND METHOD FOR PREDESIGNING AND INSTALLING ITEMS ON A WALL, which provisional application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62163099 | May 2015 | US |
