U.S. patent application number 09/733829 was filed with the patent office on 2001-08-30 for picture frame.
Invention is credited to Olson, David V., Olson, Lois J..
Application Number | 20010016996 09/733829 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26767337 |
Filed Date | 2001-08-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010016996 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Olson, David V. ; et
al. |
August 30, 2001 |
Picture Frame
Abstract
The disclosure is directed to several related forms of PICTURE
FRAMES for displaying photographs or similar illustrations. More
particularly, the disclosure is directed to picture frames
constructed from a single flat die-cut foldable paperboard blank
convertible into a three-dimensional picture frame without
requiring the use of adhesive, adhesive tape, staples, clips or
other fastening materials. This is accomplished by the use of
rectangular paperboard panels approximately the size of the photo
or other picture to be displayed, with infolding flaps on at least
three edges of the panel to engage the edges of the photo to entrap
the photo and hold it in place.
Inventors: |
Olson, David V.; (Shoreview,
MN) ; Olson, Lois J.; (Shoreview, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Richard O. Bartz
Suite 350
6750 France Avenue South
Edina
MN
55435
US
|
Family ID: |
26767337 |
Appl. No.: |
09/733829 |
Filed: |
December 11, 2000 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09733829 |
Dec 11, 2000 |
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09295020 |
Apr 20, 1999 |
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60082337 |
Apr 20, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
40/789 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 1/141 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
40/789 |
International
Class: |
A47G 001/06 |
Claims
We claim as our invention:
1. A device for displaying at least one rectangular photograph, the
device being composed of a single flat die-cut foldable paperboard
blank convertible into a three-dimensional picture frame without
use of adhesive, adhesive tape, staples, clips or other fastening
materials, said paperboard blank including: A) a first rectangular
panel approximately the size of the photograph to be displayed,
said panel having two opposed long side edges and two opposed short
side edges and an opening therein through which the photograph may
be viewed, B) a pair of blank photo-holding flap segments connected
along a fold line on each of said two opposed short side edges of
said panel and foldable inwardly toward the back of the photograph
to be displayed, C) a second rectangular panel of approximately the
same size as said first panel, connected to said first panel along
a fold line extending between said blank photo-holding flap
segments and foldable inwardly toward the back of the photograph to
be displayed, D) a third rectangular panel of approximately the
same size as one of said first and second panels, connected to said
second panel along a fold line spaced from and parallel to the fold
line between the first and second panels and foldable inwardly
toward said second panel, and E) a further blank assembly flap
segment coextensive with said third panel and connected thereto
along a fold line opposite from and parallel to said fold line
between the second and third panels, said further blank assembly
flap segment being foldable toward the third panel and insertable
in a space between the blank photo-holding flap segments of the
first panel and the back of the photograph to be displayed, when
the photo-holding flap segments are infolded on the photograph.
2. A device according to claim 1 wherein at least one of said
second and third panels has an opening therein through which a
photograph may be displayed, and said panel has a pair of blank
photo-holding flap segments connected along fold lines on opposite
short side edges of said panel having an opening therein, each
photo-holding flap segment being foldable inwardly toward the back
of the photograph to be displayed.
3. A device according to claim 2 wherein the blank photo-holding
flap segments located along one short side edge of each of the
rectangular panels having an opening for display of a photograph
are longer than the panels to which they are connected and are
foldable over the photographs to be displayed through the openings
in said panels and over the photo-holding flap segments at the
opposite side edges of the panels, and protrude beyond the opposite
panel short side edges.
4. A combination device for mailing and displaying a rectangular
photograph, the device being composed of a single flat die-cut
foldable paperboard blank convertible into a flat photo mailer and
into a three-dimensional picture frame, said blank comprising: A) a
first rectangular panel approximately the size of the photograph to
be mailed and displayed, said panel having two opposed long side
edges and two opposed short side edges and an opening therein
through which the photograph may be viewed, B) a pair of blank
photo-holding flap segments connected along a fold line on each of
said two opposed short side edges of said panel and foldable
inwardly toward the back of the photograph to be mailed and
displayed, C) a second rectangular panel segment of approximately
the same size as said first panel, connected to one long side edge
of said first panel along a fold line extending between said blank
photo-holding flap segments and foldable inwardly toward the back
of the photograph to be mailed and displayed and said photo-holding
flap segments, D) a third rectangular panel of approximately the
same size as one of said first and second panels, connected to said
second panel along a fold line spaced from and parallel to the fold
line between the first and second panels and foldable inwardly over
said first panel segment on the side opposite from said
photo-holding flap segments, when the blank is to be used as a
mailer and foldable inwardly toward said second panel when the
blank is to bsed as a picture frame, and E) a further blank
assembly flap segment coextensive with said third panel segment and
connected thereto along a fold line opposite from and parallel to
said fold line between the second and third panels, said further
blank assembly flap segment being foldable over and temporarily
attachable to said second panel segment to convert the blank into a
mailer, and insertable in a space between the photo-holding flap
segments and the back of the photograph to be displayed when the
photo-holding flap segments are infolded on the photograph to
convert the blank into a picture frame.
5. A picture frame displaying at least one rectangular photograph,
said device being composed of a single flat die-cut foldable paper
board blank convertible into a three-dimensional picture frame
without use of adhesive, adhesive tape, staples, clips or other
fastening materials, said frame including: A) a first rectangular
panel approximately the size of the photograph to be displayed,
said panel having two opposed long side edges and two opposed short
side edges and an opening therein through which the photograph may
be viewed, B) a photograph in abutment with said first panel and
positioned to be viewed through said opening, C) a pair of blank
photo-holding flap segments connected along a fold line on each of
said two opposed short side edges of said panel and folded inwardly
toward the back of the photograph to be displayed, D) a second
rectangular panel of approximately the same size as said first
panel, connected to said first panel along a fold line extending
between said blank photo-holding flap segments and folded inwardly
toward the photograph to be displayed, E) a third rectangular panel
of approximately the same size as one of said first and second
panels, connected to said second panel along a fold line spaced
from and parallel to the fold line between the first and second
panels and folded inwardly toward said second panel, and F) a
further blank assembly flap segment coextensive with said third
panel and connected thereto along a fold line opposite from and
parallel to said fold line between the second and third panels,
said further blank assembly flap segment being folded toward the
third panel and inserted in a space between the blank photo-holding
flap segments of the first panel and the back of the
photograph.
6. A picture frame according to claim 5 wherein: A) at least one of
said second and third panels has an opening therein through which a
photograph may be displayed, B) a photograph is positioned in
abutment with said panel having an opening therein so as to be
viewed through said opening, and C) said panel having an opening
therein has a pair of blank photo-holding flap segments connected
along fold lines on opposite short side edges of said panel, each
photo-holding flap segment being folded inwardly toward the back of
the photograph.
7. A picture frame according to claim 6 wherein the blank
photo-holding flap segments located along one short side edge of
each of the rectangular panels having an opening for display of a
photograph are longer than the panels to which they are connected
and are folded over the photographs displayed through the openings
in said panels and over the photo-holding flap segments at the
opposite side edges of the panels, and protrude beyond the opposite
panel short side edges.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention is directed to several related forms of
PICTURE FRAMES for displaying photographs or similar illustrations.
More particularly, the invention is directed to picture frames
constructed from a single flat die-cut foldable paperboard blank
convertible into a three-dimensional picture frame without
requiring the use of adhesive, adhesive tape, staples, clips or
other fastening materials. This is accomplished by the use of
rectangular paperboard panels approximately the size of the photo
or other picture to be displayed, with infolding flaps on at least
three edges of the panel to engage the edges of the photo to entrap
the photo and hold it in place.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Eastman U.S. Pat. No. 91,728 shows a simple single-fold-two
panel photo holder. Friedman U.S. Pat. No. 4,780,975 shows a single
panel display adapted to be a self-mailer. Hearsch U.S. Pat. No.
4,366,636 shows a two sided easel display device. Blanchard U.S.
Pat. No. 4,275,517 shows a conventional appearing single panel
display with a cover which serves as a partial support. Testa U.S.
Pat. No. 5,592,768 shows a display device having separate front and
back walls which can be expanded from a flat structure to a three
dimensional elliptical shape device by folding inner flaps. Corbo
U.S. Pat. No. 4,854,060 shows a structure which can display up to
six photos which, with the aid of a rubber band snaps from a flat
mailable structure to a three dimensional display device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Broadly stated the invention is directed to a device for
displaying one or more rectangular photographs or similar pictures,
the device being composed of a single flat die-cut foldable
paperboard blank convertible into a three-dimensional picture frame
without the necessity of the use of adhesive or other fastening
materials. The paperboard blank includes at least one first
rectangular panel approximately the size of the photograph to be
displayed with an opening in the panel through which the photo may
be viewed. The first panel has a pair of flaps connected along fold
lines on two opposed edges of the panel and foldable inwardly
toward the back of the photo to be displayed. Another second
rectangular panel is connected to an edge of the first panel along
a fold line extending between the first named flaps and also is
foldable inwardly toward the back of the photo to be displayed. The
other panel and flaps when folded inwardly engage three edges of
the photo to entrap it and hold it in place. A third panel is
connected to the second panel along a fold line and is also
foldable inwardly toward the back of the photo. A connection
composed of a flap connected along a fold line to the third panel
engages the back of the first panel and maintains the device in
three-dimensional configuration.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0006] The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings in
which corresponding parts are identified by the same numerals and
in which:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a die-cut paperboard blank from
which one form of photo display device may be formed;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a three-dimensional photo
display device formed from the blank of FIG. 1;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a second form of die-cut paperboard
blank;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a three-dimensional photo
display divice formed from the blank of FIG. 3;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a third form of die-cut paperboard
blank convertible into a mailer and a three dimensional photo
display device; and
[0012] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a three-dimensional photo
display device formed from the blank of FIG. 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0013] Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1,
there is shown a flat blank, indicated generally at 10, formed from
paperboard such as heavy weight paper or light weight cardboard,
which is stiff but also readily foldable. Paperboard blank 10
includes a first rectangular panel segment 11 of approximately the
size of the photograph or other picture to be displayed and opening
12 through which the photograph may be viewed, converting the panel
11 into a picture frame. A pair of flap segments 13 and 14 are
connected to opposite edges of panel segment 11 along fold lines 15
and 16, respectively. When a photograph is placed over panel 11 to
be viewed through opening 12, flaps 13 and 14 are folded inwardly
on top of the back of the photograph to partially entrap the
photograph in the frame.
[0014] Blank 10 includes a second panel segment 17 which is of the
same size as panel 11 and is connected thereto along a fold line
18. Panel 17 may also have an opening 19 through which a picture
may be viewed. A pair of flap segments 20 and 21 are connected to
opposite side of panel 17 along fold lines 22 and 23,
respectively.
[0015] Blank 19 includes a third panel 24 connected to panel 17
along fold line 25. Panel 24 may have an opening 26 through which a
photograph my be viewed, along with flaps 27 and 29 connected along
fold lines 29 and 30, respectively. A further assembly flap 31
which extends the full length of panel 24 is connected thereto
along fold line 32. The ends of the flaps are preferably tapered as
shown. Openings 12, 19 and 26 are representative of various
configurations of frame openings which may be used.
[0016] To form a frame as shown in FIG. 2, the photographs to be
displayed are laid face down over the openings in each panel. The
panel end flaps 13, 14, et al are folded inwardly over the backs of
the photographs to partially entrap them in the frames. Panels 11
and 24 are folded upwardly along their fold lines with panel 17 and
their edges are brought together so that assembly flap 31 may be
inserted in the space behind photograph 33 between the photograph
and flaps 13 and 14 on panel 11. Flap 31 frictionally engages the
insides of fold lines 15 and 16 to form the rigid three-dimensional
structure shown in FIG. 2, without the means of adhesive or
adhesive tape or staples or other fastening means.
[0017] The edges of the infolded panels along their folded fold
lines serve to further entrap the photos being displayed. When the
three-dimensional frame is in prism format as shown, photographs
are displayed on the two exposed prism faces. Panel 17 which forms
the prism base need not have an opening. However, if it does, as
shown in blank 10, then the frame structure can be rotated to
alternately display any two of the three framed photos. On the
other hand, if the photographs are in vertical format the prism
structure can be placed on its end and all three photographs are
always on display.
[0018] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a paperboard blank,
indicated generally at 34, for making a second form of three
dimensional photo display. Blank 34 has a first rectangular panel
segment 35 having an opening 36 therein. A flap segment 37 is
joined to panel segment 35 along a fold line 38. A pedestal flap
segment 39 is connected to the opposite side of panel segment 35
along fold line 40. Flap 39 is of a length greater than the length
of panel 35.
[0019] A second panel segment 41 has an opening 42 therein and is
connected to panel segment 35 along fold line 43. A flap segment
44, similar to flap 37, is connected to one edge of panel segment
41 along fold line 45. A pedestal flap segment 46, similar to flap
segment 39 is connected to the opposite side of panel 41 along fold
line 47. A third panel segment 48 having an opening 49 is connected
to panel segment 41 along fold line 50. Flaps 51 and 52 are
connected to opposite sides of panel 48 along fold lines 53 and 54,
respectively. An assembly flap 55 is connected to the opposite side
of third panel segment 48 along fold line 56.
[0020] To form a three dimensional photo display as shown in FIG.
4, photographs are placed face down over each of the openings in
the panel segments. Flaps 37, 44 and 51 are folded inwardly on top
of the backs of the photos. Pedestal flaps 39, 46 and 52 are folded
inwardly on top of the photos and flaps 37, 44 and 51,
respectively. Panel segment 48 is folded upwardly along fold line
50 relative to panel 41 and panel 35 is folded upwardly along fold
line 33 relative to panel 41. The edges of panels 48 and 35 are
brought together so that assembly flap 55 folded inwardly on fold
line 56 may be inserted behind the photograph on panel 35 and in
the space between the photograph and flaps 37 and 39 to
frictionally engage the insides of fold lines 38 and 40 and form a
rigid three-dimensional structure. The portions of the pedestal
flaps which extend beyond the rectangular panels form a base to
support the three dimensional photo display. Alternatively, the
structure may be inverted and the protruding portions of the
pedestal flaps function as finials on which school or sports
symbols or corporate logos or the like may be displayed.
[0021] Referring now to FIG. 5 there is shown a paperboard blank,
indicated generally at 60, for the formation of a prism-type photo
display in combination with a mailer for sending the photograph.
Blank 60 includes a rectangular panel section 61 having an opening
62. A pair of flap segments 63 and 64 are connected to the frame
segment along fold lines 65 and 66, respectively. A second panel
67, which is of the same size as panel 61 but without any opening
therein, is connected to panel 61 along fold line 68. A second
similar panel 69 without an opening is connected to panel 67 along
fold line 70. An assembly flap 71 is connected to panel 69 along
fold line 72.
[0022] To use blank 60 as a mailer, the photograph to be mailed,
and latter displayed, is placed face down over the opening in panel
61. Flaps 63 and 64 are folded inwardly against the back of the
photograph. Panel 61 and the entrapped photograph are folded
inwardly upon panel 67. Then, the composite panels 61 and 67 are
folded flat against panel 69. Assembly flap 72 is folded over the
end of the composite structure against the opposite face of panel
67. The flap is temporarily secured by means of a removable
pressure sensitive adhesive seal, removable pressure sensitive
adhesive tape, or the like. A personal message may be written on
the surfaces of panels 67 and/or 69. The address of the recipient
may be inscribed on the opposite face of panel 69 and the entire
structure may be mailed.
[0023] Upon receipt of the mailer by the recipient, the temporary
fastening means is removed and the mailer is partially opened
sufficient to form the prism-like configuration. Then, assembly
flap 71 is inserted in the space behind panel 61 between the back
of the displayed photograph 33 and flaps 63 and 64 to form the
rigid display device shown.
[0024] In each of the configurations shown, the picture to be
displayed is held entrapped by folded-in paperboard blank segments
on at least three of its four sides. In the configurations of FIGS.
2 and 6 the picture is held entrapped on three sides by in-folded
segments of the paperboard blank but the photograph is supported
along its fourth side by the assembly flap bearing against the back
surface of the picture.
[0025] The precut paperboard blanks are preferably scored along the
fold lines to facilitate assembly of the picture display
devices.
[0026] Although the picture display devices as shown and described
may be assembled without the use of adhesive or adhesive tape or
staples or clips or other fastening devices, so that they are
readily assembled and disassembled to change the pictures to be
displayed, the use of some auxiliary fastening means is not
foreclosed, if its use is desired.
[0027] It is apparent that many modifications and variation of this
invention as hereinbefore set forth may be made without departing
from the spirit and scope thereof. The specific embodiments
described are given by way of example only and the invention is
limited only be the terms of the appended claims.
* * * * *