U.S. patent application number 13/968031 was filed with the patent office on 2014-02-20 for modular frame systems.
The applicant listed for this patent is JEFFERY L. JACKSON. Invention is credited to JEFFERY L. JACKSON.
Application Number | 20140047747 13/968031 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50099041 |
Filed Date | 2014-02-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140047747 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
JACKSON; JEFFERY L. |
February 20, 2014 |
MODULAR FRAME SYSTEMS
Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods
for a modular frame system. The frame system provides flexibility
and ease in configuring a visual display. In embodiments, the frame
system may include additional elements such as whiteboards,
magnetic boards, shelves, and the like.
Inventors: |
JACKSON; JEFFERY L.;
(Vancouver, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
JACKSON; JEFFERY L. |
Vancouver |
WA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50099041 |
Appl. No.: |
13/968031 |
Filed: |
August 15, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61684055 |
Aug 16, 2012 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
40/730 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09F 15/0012 20130101;
G09F 15/0068 20130101; B43L 1/00 20130101; A47G 1/065 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
40/730 |
International
Class: |
A47G 1/06 20060101
A47G001/06 |
Claims
1. A modular frame system comprising: a plurality of modular frame
portions, each modular frame portion including a backing
substructure and a plurality of side members, the side members
including a channel to receive the backing substructure, the side
members also including a plurality of clip guides forming clip
channels in the side members, each modular frame portion also
including a hanging, mounting, or displaying mechanism; and a
fastening mechanism configured to removably attach together at
least one side member of at least two different modular frame
portions it the clip channels of each of the at least one side
member.
2. The modular frame system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the
fastening mechanism is a spring clip.
3. The modular frame system as claimed in claim 2 wherein the
spring clip includes lever arms configured to open the spring
clip.
4. The modular frame system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the
listening mechanism is a clip configured to attached with a bolt,
screw, or rivet.
5. The modular frame system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the
fastening mechanism includes a slot to receive both of the side
members of the least two different modular frame portions.
6. The modular frame system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the
plurality of modular frame portions are of different
dimensions.
7. The modular frame system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the
plurality of modular frame portions are fabricated from a material
from the group: wood, metal, composite, and plastic.
8. The modular frame system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the
hacking substructure is fabricated from a material from the group:
corrugated hacking, cardboard, cardstock, wood, composites, metal,
plastic, acrylic, and foam core.
9. The modular frame system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the
fastening mechanism is a groove-and-tongue mechanism built into the
plurality of modular frame portions.
10. The modular frame system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the
modular frame system is configured to display an image.
Description
REFERENCE TO PRIORITY PATENT APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a non-provisional patent.
application of Ser. No. 61/684055, filed on Aug. 16, 2012. The
present non-provisional application claims priority to the
referenced provisional application, which is hereby incorporated by
reference herein in its entirety.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of
the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but
otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. The following
notice applies to the disclosure herein and to the drawings that
form a part of this document: Copyright 2012-2013, Jeffery L.
Jackson, All Rights Reserved,
BACKGROUND
[0003] 1. Technical Field
[0004] The present invention pertains generally to frames, and
relates more particularly to modular frame systems.
[0005] 2. Related Art
[0006] Advances in photography, desktop publishing, and printing
have resulted in an increase in the creation photos and visual art.
Although the creation and printing of the photos and visual art is
easier, more accessible, and less expensive, limitations still
exist. One of the principal limitations is displaying the photos or
visual art. Although the are frames and stands, these items tend to
be of fixed size and configurations. The fixed sizes and limited
configurations place constraints on the displaying of visual
content. One can obtain frames of different sizes and
configurations but typically such non-standard items must be custom
made and can be expensive. Accordingly, what is needed are modular
frame systems that can readily provide a variety of configuration
and size display options and that do not require the typical
specialized, custom-build drawbacks.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention,
examples of which may be illustrated in the accompanying figures.
These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting.
Although the invention is generally described in the context of
these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended
to limit the scope of the invention to these particular
embodiments.
[0008] FIG. 1 depicts the front, side, and bottom views of a frame
system component according to embodiments of the present
invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the frame portion of
FIG. 1 according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of clip according to
embodiments of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of the frame system and a
detailed view of a part of the frame system and the clips according
to embodiments of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 5 depicts a back view of the frame system of FIG. 4 and
a cross-section view of a clip portion in the frame system
according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 6 depicts a front view of the frame system of FIG. 4
and a detailed view clips in the frame system according to
embodiments of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a spring clip with slots to
facilitate hanging according to embodiments of the present
invention.
[0015] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of as hanging mount according
to embodiments of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a configured modular frame
system according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 10 depicts a view of an alternative fastening or
clamping ping mechanism according to embodiments of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] In the following description, for purposes of explanation,
specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding
of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to one of ordinary
skill in the art that the invention can be practiced without these
details. Furthermore, one of ordinary skill in the art will
recognize that embodiments of the present invention, described
below, may be implemented in a variety of ways. Accordingly, the
figures described herein are illustrative of specific embodiments
of the invention and are meant to avoid obscuring the
invention.
[0019] Reference in the specification to "one embodiment,"
"preferred embodiment," "an embodiment," or "embodiments" means
that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function
described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least
one embodiment of the invention and may be in more than one
embodiment. The appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment," "in
an embodiment," or "in embodiments" in various places in the
specification are not necessarily all referring to the same
embodiment or embodiments. The use of certain terms in various
places in the specification is for illustration and should not be
construed as limiting.
[0020] Embodiments of the present invention presented herein will
be described using photographs and other visual art examples. These
examples are provided by way of illustration and not by way of
limitation. One of ordinary skill in the art shall also recognize
the general applicability of the present inventions to other
applications.
Overview
[0021] In embodiments, the modular frame system comprises one or
more modular frame portions and one or more fasteners or fastening
means for attaching the modular frames together. In embodiments,
the modular frame portions receive a picture (or portion thereof),
art work (or portion thereof), or other display or functional
items. Examples of other display or functional items include, but
are not limited to, corkboard, whiteboard, glass, magnetic board,
electronic display, shelves, lighting, and the like. As explained
in more detail below, the modularity of the frame system allows
flexibility and creativity in being connected and configured
together. Thus, an end user may configure the overall frame
structure as he or she dictates.
Frame Components
[0022] FIG. 1 depicts an example of a modular frame portion or
component 100 according to embodiments of the present invention.
Shown in FIG. 1 are front, side, and bottom views of a modular
frame component. The modular frame component 100 in FIG. 1 is
square, but other regular and irregular shapes may be used. In
embodiments, the frames may be made of wood, metal, composite,
plastic, or other suitable material or materials. In embodiments,
the frames may be injected molded and allow for a substructure
backing to be precisely made both to fit the frame and to provide
structural support. In embodiments, different substructure backings
may he used, including but not limited to corrugated backing,
cardboard, cardstock, wood, composites, metal, plastic, acrylic,
and foam core. In embodiments, the photo or other visual display
element may be attached to the substructure backing. Alternatively,
the photo or other visual display element may he positioned between
substructure elements, such as a transparent a material and another
backing material, in yet other embodiments, the photo or other
visual display element may be positioned behind a transparent or
partially transparent material only. In such embodiments, the
transparent or partially transparent material acts as the
substructure backing material. In embodiments, the photo or other
visual display element may be attached via an adhesive material to
the transparent or partially transparent material, backing, a
hacking substructure, or some combination thereof. In embodiments,
the photo or other visual display element may be printed directly
on the transparent or partially transparent material, a backing, a
backing substructure, or some combination thereof. In embodiments,
the substructure backing board may be configured to he
double-sided, reversible, or both.
[0023] In embodiments, different frames may be configured to be
clipped together. FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the example
frame portion 100 of FIG. 1, which represents an embodiment of the
present invention. Also shown in FIG. 2 is a detailed view of an
interior portion (Detail A) 210 of the frame portion 100, according
to embodiment the present invention. In embodiments, the frame
portion 100 comprises a set of sides or members (e.g., member 215).
In embodiments, the side members may include a channel 230 to
receive the display item and the substructure backing. The channel
helps secure the display element and substructure and contributes
to the overall support structure of the frame.
[0024] In embodiments, a fastening or connection mechanism is used
to secure one frame portion to another. In embodiments, the
fastener may be a clip, such as a springform clip, which is used on
the back side of the frames. In embodiments, the clips secure the
frames tightly together, as well as secure the display items into
the frames. This combined with structure of the substructure
hackings create solid but lightweight structures.
[0025] In embodiments that use clips such as the embodiment shown
in FIG. 2, the frame 100 may include clip guides (e.g., 220) that
form clip channels (e.g., 225). The clip guides may be created by
having a raised ridge that runs across, or partially across, the
side member width. The clip channels (e.g., 225) may configured to
be of a size that mates with a clip. One of ordinary skill in the
art shall recognize that the clip channels provide a number of
benefits. For example, the clip channels help add to the overall
strength and eliminate issues of frame components slipping. Also,
when aligning frames into a large frame system, the clip channels
act as metering units. It shall be noted that features of the frame
portion, such as the channel 230 and clip guides 220 are
optional.
[0026] In embodiments, a frame portion may include one or more
hanging, mounting, or displaying mechanisms. FIG. 7 shows an
example of a clip 705 that includes slots 710 for receiving the
head of nails, screws, rivets, or the like to secure the frame to a
wall or stand. One of ordinary skill in the art shall recognize
that several methods may be used when mounting each frame
individually or while the frames are connected, in embodiments, one
or more small hangers may be used in conjunction with each framing
system. An example of such a hanger 805 is shown in FIG. 8, which
hanger 805 includes a slot 810 for receiving the head of nails,
screws, rivets, or the like tor securing the frame to a wall or
stand. In embodiments, these hangers may be mounted with peel and
stick adhesive to the inside of the frame/frames, although other
attachment mechanisms may be used. In embodiments, the clips
include enough space 815 to utilize double-sided adhesive to affix
to the frame. In an alternative embodiment, a key detail may exist
on the back of the lips that would allow for mounting.
Connector/Fasteners
[0027] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a spring, clip 300
according to embodiments of the present invention. The spring clip
300 serves as the fastening mechanism in the example embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the clip 300 is formed
of a spring material, such as steel although other materials may be
used. The clip 300 may be single piece or made of a plurality of
pieces. The clip 300 contains lever arms (e.g., 305) that allow a
user to squeeze the left and right lever arms toward the center of
the clip. In so doing, a channel or slot 310 opens larger. The slot
310 is configured to receive the sides of two frames. Once the
pressure on the lever arms (e.g., 305) is released, the channel 310
closes and puts compressive pressure on the two frames within the
channel. This pressure holds the frames securely together. In
embodiments, the clip includes a portion 315 that is configured to
align with frame clip guides 220. FIG. 10 depicts a view of an
alternative fastening or clamping mechanism according to
embodiments of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of a set of six frames (in
as 2.times.3 configuration) held together by a set of clips 300
according to embodiments of the present invention. Detail B in FIG.
4 shows a close-up view of an intersection of four frames. In the
depicted embodiment, Detail B 410 shows four clips holding the four
frames together. Also depicted in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4
(Detail 13) is the alignment of the edges of the clip portion 315
with the clip guides 220.
[0029] FIG. 5 depicts a back view of the set of six frames in FIG.
4 according to embodiments of the present invention. Also depicted
in FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view, Section C-C, of the grip of a
clip 300. As shown in section view C-C, a frame on the left (100-L)
is securely held to a frame on the right (100-R) by clip 300
through its compressive force exerted in slot 310. In embodiments,
the clip end is configured at a distance 505 away from the front
edge of the frame so as to provide three to hold the display item
and substructure backing into place. FIG. 6 depicts a front view of
as set of six frames in FIG. 4 according to embodiments of the
present invention. Depicted in FIG. 6 is a detailed view, view of
the front view of the clip 300.
Modular Frame System Alternative Embodiments
[0030] One of ordinary skill in the art shall recognize that other
fastener or connectors may, additionally or alternatively, be used.
In embodiments, bolts, screws, rivets, and the like may be used.
For example, nylon bolts may he used and the frames may include
holes designed into the frames to facilitate receiving, the bolts.
Alternatively, a channel-lock or groove-and-tongue mechanism could
be built into the frame to allow interlocking of frames. For
example, in embodiments, a key shape may be designed on the
backside of the frame and an injected molded part may be slid on
that detail to secure the frames together.
[0031] One of ordinary skill in the art shall recognize that such a
modular frame system is capable of a great deal of flexibility. In
embodiments, the frame portions are designed to work together and
may be offered in a variety of sizes, shapes, materials, and
colors. FIG. 9 depicts an example of a frame system comprising a
number of frame portions. It shall be noted that the frame system
may be configured to display one or more images or items. In the
depicted embodiment, two different images (Image A and Image B) are
displayed as well as other items (e.g., a whiteboard). In
embodiments, the visible portion of the frame (e.g., 905) may be of
varying widths. In embodiments, the visible portion of the frame
(e.g., 905) may be made small and/or clear so as to minimize the
discontinuity between image segments of the same image. Also, as
shown in FIG. 9, it should be noted that the flexibility of the
frame system allows it be configured to cover large spaces
contiguous spaces (e.g. Image A) but may also be configured to
include open spaces e.g., 910).
[0032] It should also be noted that there are different ways to
offer the frames other than different sizes, shapes, materials, and
colors. In embodiments, the frames are designed to have the images
loaded from the backside of the frame. In alternative embodiments,
the framing system takes advantage of the clip attachment, but
rather than loading the images from the back of the frame, the
images are configured into a box-top configuration. For example, in
embodiments, the images may he printed flat, but after printing,
the images are cut such that the four sides can he folded down at
90 degrees (flapped). The leading edges of the image, the edges
which were folded down, are fit into matching grooves designed into
the front of the frame. The grooves are deep enough and provide
enough compressive force to provide retention to the frame edge as
it is forced into it. In embodiments, an individual image has
consistent flaps, but between images the flap lengths may vary. In
embodiments, an individual image may have different flap lengths
may vary to create different angled front surfaces.
[0033] Also, as noted previously, taking advantage of the
modularity, embodiments of the modular frame may receive a picture
(or portion thereof), art work (or portion thereon, or other
display or functional items. Examples of other display or
functional items include, but are not limited to, corkboard, white
board, glass, magnetic board, electronic display, shelves,
lighting, and the like. For example, in embodiments, all or part of
the frame may be made of a semi-translucent material with added
backlighting. Or, for example, the frames could have whiteboards
and/or magnetic boards thereby allowing for a user to custom
configure the frame into a "message center." In further
embodiments, the frame system allows for people to have custom
"friend-center boards" or topic-specific boards or sections.
[0034] In embodiments, the frame system may function in conjunction
with an application to divide an image according to the frame
configuration desired by the end user. The image may be printed by
a service or by a user's printer and put into the frame system.
[0035] In embodiments, one or more of the displayed images may be
printed or include an augmented reality code. A person may use a
laptop, phone, or other computing device to augment their viewing
of the framed display using the augmented reality code. This can
allow a user to link multimedia content to an image. For example,
music or a video may be linked to the display of a picture.
Interactive content may also be linked to the framed display.
[0036] It should be noted that modular frame system that offers a
variety of configuration and combinations and may be used for
frames, notices, signs, displays, and the like. In embodiments, the
frame system may be configured for indoor or outdoor use. It shall
also he noted that another benefit of the modular frame system is
that it can be easily changed, re-configured, and/or stored.
[0037] The modular frame system provides a strong and aesthetically
appealing frame for configuring and displaying visual content--but
at very affordable costs. Furthermore, the modularity allows an
end-user to creatively configure and arrange the visual
presentation.
[0038] It will be appreciated to those of ordinary skill in the art
that the preceding examples and embodiment are exemplary and not
limiting to the scope of the present invention. It is intended that
all permutations, enhancements, equivalents, combinations, and
improvements thereto that are apparent to those of ordinary skill
in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the
drawings are included within the true spirit and scope of the
present invention.
* * * * *