U.S. patent application number 14/051368 was filed with the patent office on 2015-04-16 for picture template.
The applicant listed for this patent is Isaac Lay, Michael Sarlitt. Invention is credited to Isaac Lay, Michael Sarlitt.
Application Number | 20150101226 14/051368 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52808442 |
Filed Date | 2015-04-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150101226 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sarlitt; Michael ; et
al. |
April 16, 2015 |
Picture Template
Abstract
A system, apparatus, kit, and method is disclosed to organize
and configure pictures in a desired image on a surface without
needing to determine the alignment of individual pictures. The
pictures are generally organized to create a shape, letter, word,
or object that is separate and distinct from the shape of the
pictures creating the image. Therefore, a series of pictures of one
or more size, configuration, orientation, and or shape may be used
in combination to create the image. A picture template is therefore
provided having a base with an exterior boarder, and a plurality of
holes in the base. The plurality of holes are arranged such that an
exterior perimeter circumscribing the plurality of holes creates
the desired image.
Inventors: |
Sarlitt; Michael; (Irvine,
CA) ; Lay; Isaac; (Brea, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Sarlitt; Michael
Lay; Isaac |
Irvine
Brea |
CA
CA |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52808442 |
Appl. No.: |
14/051368 |
Filed: |
October 10, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
40/735 ;
29/426.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 29/49817 20150115;
A47G 1/065 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
40/735 ;
29/426.2 |
International
Class: |
A47G 1/06 20060101
A47G001/06 |
Claims
1. A picture template, comprising: a base with an exterior boarder,
the base having an arrangement of holes for facilitating creating a
desired image by way of a corresponding arrangement of pictures,
the arrangement of holes comprising a desired shape, and the
arrangement of pictures comprising the desired image.
2. The picture template of claim 1, wherein each hole of the
arrangement of holes is sized and shaped to correspond to an outer
perimeter of a picture to be coupled to a support surface.
3. The picture template of claim 2, wherein the arrangement of
holes comprises the same geometric shape and size.
4. The picture template of claim 3, wherein the arrangement of
holes is aligned in a series of one dimensions.
5. The picture template of claim 4, wherein the arrangement of
holes is aligned in two orthogonal dimensions.
6. The picture template of claim 5, wherein the desired image
comprises a representation of a heart.
7. The picture template of claim 2, wherein the arrangement of
holes comprises a arrangement of geometric shapes, sizes, or a
combination thereof.
8. The picture template of claim 2, further comprising a support
feature for removably coupling the template with the support
surface.
9. The picture template of claim 1, wherein the desired image
comprises a representation of a word.
10. A kit comprising: a picture template, the template comprising a
base with an exterior boarder, the base having an arrangement of
holes for facilitating creating a desired image by way of a
corresponding arrangement of pictures, the arrangement of holes
comprising a desired shape, and the arrangement of pictures
comprising the desired image, wherein each hole of the arrangement
of holes are sized and shaped to correspond to an outer perimeter
of a picture to be coupled to a support surface; a support device
for the template to removably couple the template to a support
surface; and a support device for the plurality of pictures.
11. A method of arranging a plurality of pictures on a support
surface, comprising: providing picture template, the template
providing comprising providing a base with an exterior boarder, the
base providing comprising providing an arrangement of holes for
facilitating creating a desired image by way of a corresponding
arrangement of pictures, the arrangement of holes comprising a
desired shape, and the arrangement of pictures comprising the
desired image; coupling the template with the support surface;
disposing a plurality of pictures through the plurality of holes
and in relation to the support surface; removing the template from
the support surface; and thereby creating the desired image
comprising the arrangement of pictures corresponding to the
arrangement of holes.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the desired image comprises a
recognizable geometric shape, letter, word, or object that is
unrelated to a shape of the individual plurality of pictures
creating the image.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein each hole of the arrangement of
holes is sized and shaped to correspond to an outer perimeter of
the picture to be coupled to the support surface.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein coupling and removing the
template from the support surface does not visibly alter the
support surface.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the image comprises a
representation of a heart.
16. The method of claim 14, further comprising at least one of:
attaching the arrangement of pictures to the support surface; and
removing the arrangement of pictures from the support surface
without visibly altering the support surface.
17. The method of claim 14, wherein each picture of the arrangement
of pictures is attached to the support surface by one attachment
component, thereby eliminating additional alignment.
18. The method of claim 14, wherein the arrangement of pictures is
attached to the support surface without a frame.
19. The method of claim 14, wherein the arrangement of pictures is
disposed in the arrangement of holes during coupling and
removing.
20. The method of claim 14, wherein base is not altered, cut, or
modified prior or during use.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Pictures are generally framed and hung on walls or supported
on surfaces such as desks, shelves, mantles, etc. Pictures may be
arranged by aligning frames of like size. However, aligning framed
pictures is generally difficult as the support is on a back side of
the frame not easily accessible. Moreover, the relationship of the
support is not consistent in relation to the frame, such that
simply aligning the support hook is insufficient to ensure that the
resulting framed pictures are aligned.
[0002] Framing pictures is also generally expensive and the
mounting of the frames to a wall invasive. The frames must be
aligned and a support sufficient to support the picture and frame
is coupled to the wall. The support usually includes one or more
nails through the wall thus creating holes or other blemishes in
the wall surface. Such configuration is okay if the picture is
intended to hang for a long period of time, such as for years.
[0003] Examples of framing arrangements may be found in, for
example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,595,142; 4,443,949; 4,457,485; 6,449,863;
6,618,955; 6,880,259; 8,333,026; 8,345,057; US Pub. No.
2010/0011602; US Pub. No. 2011/0303814; US Pub. No. 2013/0097906;
and US Pub. No. 2013/0199068.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0004] A picture template is provided for organizing and
configuring pictures in a desired image or arrangement on a surface
without needing to determine the alignment of individual pictures.
The picture template includes a base having a plurality of holes in
the base. The holes are arranged such that an exterior perimeter
circumscribing the holes creates the desired image. The pictures
are generally organized to create a shape, letter, word, or object
that is separate and distinct from the shape of the pictures
creating the image. The holes may be sized and shaped to
circumscribe an associated picture such that the picture can fit
through the hole during placement. The hole should approximate the
outer perimeter of the pictures such that a user simply places the
picture within the hole to properly position and align the picture
with respect to adjacent pictures.
[0005] In an exemplary embodiment, a kit is also provided including
the picture template and support structures for coupling the
template and/or pictures to the support surface. The support
structures may be the same or different for the template and
pictures. The support structures preferably removably attached to
the support surface such that when removed from the support surface
the support surface is not visibly altered by the support
structure.
[0006] A method of arranging a plurality of pictures on a support
surface is provided using embodiments of the picture template.
First, the picture template having a base and a plurality of holes
in the base is attached to the support surface. The plurality of
holes of the template are arranged on the template such that an
exterior perimeter circumscribing the plurality of holes creates an
image. A plurality of pictures are then attached to the support
surface through the plurality of holes. Finally, the template is
removed from the support surface, leaving the pictures on display
in a shape of the image.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a picture template 100 according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a template
200.
[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary template 300 in which the
holes 302 are configured in the shape of a Christmas tree.
[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary template 400 in which the
holes are configured to form a desired shape.
[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary method of using embodiments
as described herein.
[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary kit in which a template 602,
template support 604, picture support 606, and informational
material 608 is provided together to a user.
[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary system 700 to facilitate
selection, order, and receipt of the template, kit, and/or
associated pictures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] The following detailed description illustrates by way of
example, not by way of limitation, the principles of the invention.
This description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make
and use the invention, and describes several embodiments,
adaptations, variations, alternatives and uses of the invention,
including what is presently believed to be the best mode of
carrying out the invention. It should be understood that the
drawings are diagrammatic and schematic representations of
exemplary embodiments of the invention, and are not limiting of the
present invention nor are they necessarily drawn to scale.
[0015] Embodiments as described herein are directed toward a
system, apparatus, kit, and method of organizing and configuring
pictures in a desired design on a surface. The pictures are
generally organized to create a shape or word that is separate and
distinct from the shape of the pictures creating the shape.
Therefore, a series of pictures of one or more size, configuration,
orientation, and or shape may be used in combination to create a
distinct shape having a size, configuration, and orientation
distinct from the individual pictures. The organization can be
thematic, such as associated with a season or holiday, or may be
general shapes, letters, words. The pictures are preferably
directly connected to the surface without requiring a frame or
multiple component support structure. Embodiments described herein
are ideal for temporary or removable placement of pictures cheaply
in a unique design configuration. Embodiments may be used to create
a unique collage of pictures without requiring the time or
inclination to determine an appropriate configuration to create the
desired design.
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a picture template 100 according to an
exemplary embodiment. The picture template 100 includes a plurality
of holes 102 in a desired shape 104. The holes 102 are pre-formed
on a base 106. An exterior perimeter circumscribing the plurality
of holes 102 creates the desired shape 104. The desired shape may
be any image, such as a geometric shape, novelty shape, letter or
word. The shapes may be thematic such as associated with a holiday,
season, event, life experience, person, etc. Exemplary shapes
include a heart, star, cross, Christmas tree, etc.
[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the holes 102 may comprise a uniform and
consistent size and shape such that any picture may be placed in
any of the holes 102. The holes 102 may be aligned such that edges
of each of the holes form an aligned grid. The holes may be square
or rectangular and may be of a size of regular picture prints. For
example, each of the holes may be 2.times.2, 2.times.4, 3.times.3,
4.times.4, 4.times.6, 5.times.5, 5.times.7, 8.times.8, 8.times.10
inches, while the holes may be separated from an adjacent hole by
between 1/4-1 inch, such as 1/4 inch. The holes therefore, may be
square and or rectangular or other shape corresponding to the
inserted pictures. Each of the holes may be aligned with an
adjacent hole such that extensions of the edges of the respective
holes are co-linear. Accordingly, the template may be used to
properly align a grid of pictures into the desired shape.
[0018] The base 106 may be of a material sufficiently rigid to
retain its shape when attached to the surface, thus creating a
clear indication and alignment for the attachment of the pictures
through the respective holes. The base 106 may also be disposable,
such that it is used once to orient a plurality of picture on a
surface and then removed and disposed of. Alternatively, the base
106 may be re-useable. The base 106 may be configured to collapse
into a reduced configuration for shipping, transportation, and/or
storage. The base 106 may therefore be flexible to be folded and/or
rolled, but sufficiently rigid to maintain the desired
configurations and boarders without deviation when positioned on
the surface. The base may therefore be a thick stock paper,
plastic, card-stock, cardboard, poster board, board, wood, metal,
foam, vinyl, composite, etc.
[0019] The base 106 may include a section 108 to display various
information. The company logo, promotional material, advertising
material, or additional information about other services or options
may be provided. For example, the instructions for use may be
printed directly onto the template. In addition or alternatively,
instructions for ordering photo prints may be provided. A company
name, logo, and/or website may also be displayed. A part number and
or instructions on reordering one or more components of the system
may also be provided. Contact information, customer service
information, etc. may also be provided.
[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a template
200. The template 200 comprises a base 206 similar to FIG. 1 above.
The template includes a plurality of holes 202 oriented to create a
desired image. As shown, an exterior perimeter circumscribing a
plurality of holes forms letters. The holes may therefore be
configured or oriented to form a word. As shown, the holes form the
word "LOVE". The holes 202 may be sized to accommodate any select
picture sizes. The holes may all be of the same size, shape, and/or
orientation. The holes 202 configured to form the desired image may
not align in one or more directions. For example, as shown, in a
horizontal direction, the holes 202 are aligned such that a series
of rows are created by adjacent holes 202. In a vertical direction
however, one or more holes may be offset to form the desired
letters, image, or overall configuration. The out-of-linear
alignment between adjacent holes in one or more directions however
may be geometrically related to the overall shape achieved and may
still be aligned such that the orderly presentation of the pictures
is preserved. Therefore, the one or more holes may be centered and
aligned with respect to adjacent holes even if the edges are not
maintained co-linearly. Other exemplary words include "LOVE",
"PEACE", "FRIENDS", "PARTY", "BOO", "NOEL", etc.
[0021] Individual letters may also be provided, such that any word,
acronym, abbreviation, initial, etc. can be created by selecting
and combining individual letter templates. One or more exterior
edges of the template may comprise a shaped feature 220. The shaped
feature may correspond to a shaped feature of an adjacent edge of
another template. The shaped features may mate such that when
brought together, the templates automatically align. For example,
the left side of each of the templates may include a female shaped
feature, while the right side of each of the templates includes a
male shaped feature. When the female and male features are coupled,
the templates and associated images are aligned. Therefore, use can
combine one or more template images, such as letters, to create an
overall image that does not require individual alignment of
respective templates. Male and female surfaces are used herein to
simply indicate that one surface mates with another. The mating may
be of any configuration and does not require an insertion
component. Thus, for example, the edge may be curved, squared, or
otherwise shaped such that when the exterior edge of two templates
are brought into contact, the templates self-align. The mating
feature may also be repeated at a set interval, such that the
adjacent templates may be offset at a set and pre-determined
amount. Therefore, sequential templates may be regularly offset and
realigned in a desired pattern. The mating feature may be used, for
example, to angle a word along a slope of stairs.
[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary template 300 in which the
holes 302 are configured in the shape of a Christmas tree. The
holes are aligned in a horizontal direction and out of alignment in
the vertical direction similar to FIG. 2, above. The holes 302 are
of the same configuration, shape, and orientation. The base 306 may
include a leveling device 310 to orient the template with respect
to the mounting surface. The leveling device 310 may be a
transparent pocket partially filled with a fluid. The unique holes
302a may include non-traditional shapes as well. The template may
be used to cut the picture, such as by providing a cutting surface
or tracing surface to outline the picture before positioning on the
support surface. When used with a photographic or picture order
service, as described herein, options may be provided to pre-cut
one or more selected pictures into the necessary unique shapes
corresponding to the unique hole.
[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary template 400 in which the
holes are configured to form a desired shape. The holes 402 include
various sizes, such as 402a-d. Thus, the holes 402 may be of the
same general geometry, shape, and/or orientation, or may be
different. For example, the template may include holes of two,
three, or four different sizes and/or shapes. The sizes and/or
shapes may correspond to standard picture sizes, such that a
variety of pictures may be used with the template. For example,
each of the holes may be 2.times.2, 2.times.4, 3.times.3,
4.times.4, 4.times.6, 5.times.5, 5.times.7, 8.times.8, 8.times.10
inches. A set of holes corresponding to one or more of the hole
sizes and or shapes may be used to create the desired overall shape
from the associated holes. The holes need not be aligned in any one
or more directions. However, the template may be used to properly
arrange a set of pictures into a desired overall shape. The
template may separate the pictures such that each picture is placed
on a support surface with a naturally formed boarder or frame
created by the separation between pictures.
[0024] The template 400 may also include a supporting device 420 to
couple the template to the desired surface. As shown, four
supporting devices 420 are provided at respective corners on a back
surface of the template facing the desired surface to support the
pictures when positioned. The supporting device may include an
adhesive, tape, putty, etc. The adhesive may be configured to
permanently adhere to the template, while removably adhering to the
surface. One or more removable covers may be provided over the
adhesive such that the adhesive is protected when not in use. The
adhesive may also be positioned such that the adhesive removably
couples to the template in a stored configuration. When the
template is prepared for use, the adhesive is exposed. Tabs may
also removably cover the adhesive, such as with waxed paper or
plastic. The tabs may be separate from the template and removable
from the adhesive, or may be coupled to the template such as in a
flap configuration. Therefore, in a stored configuration the flap
covers the adhesive. In use, the tab can be separated from the
adhesive and folded back exposing the adhesive to the surface. The
supporting device 420 may cover all of the template, a portion of
the template, or multiple portions of the template.
[0025] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary method of using embodiments
as described herein. The method may include selecting one or more
templates and the associated pictures corresponding to the desired
quantity and size. The template and pictures may be received by a
user, and removably secured to a surface. The pictures are properly
arranged through the respective holes directly to the support
surface. The template is removed, thereby leaving the pictures in
the desired decorative shaped configuration.
[0026] At step 202, a user may select the desired template based on
the support surface, the number of pictures creating the template,
the various picture sizes available for the template, and the
desired created shape. A user may navigate to a website to select
from a plurality of template options. Alternatively, an application
may be run on a smart device, such as a phone, tablet, portable
computer, etc. that permits a user to select a template from one or
more template options. In an exemplary embodiment, once the user
purchases the associated template, a coupon may be generated to
permit the user to print of the associated number of pictures from
the same website or application or a related or corresponding
website or application to fill the corresponding template.
[0027] At step 204, a user may select the photos to use in
conjunction with the template. The respective sizes may be selected
depending on the chosen template. In an exemplary embodiment, one
or more desired photos may be uploaded to the same or a different
website and/or application as used to order the template. The
website or application permits a user to select the photos to be
printed and the desired size, corresponding to the holes of the
selected template. Therefore, a user may select one or more photos
to upload. Once a template is selected, the associated sizes may be
provided and the corresponding available quantity may be selected
such that a user can select which photos to print at the required
sizes. The website or application may include a counter, indicator,
or other user interface to alert the user of the remaining
selections of quantity and size necessary to fill the selected
template. If only a single size template is selected, the system
may suggest a quantity remaining only. The system may be separate
from the photo upload, such that photos are manually selected from
pre-printed photos. Alternatively, if the template order is
separate from the picture order, a user can select photos to print
from a set of electronic photos and use a coupon code or other
voucher provided at the time of template purchase.
[0028] At step 206, after the user receives the template and
photos, the user attaches the template to a desired surface. Before
attachment to the surface, the template should be aligned and
positioned as desired on the surface. If the template includes a
leveler, it may be used to align the template on the surface. Other
techniques such as visual cues may be used to orient the template
on the desired surface. The desired surface may be a wall, desk,
window, cabinet, appliance, furniture, etc. The desired surface may
be generally vertical, such as a wall, or may be horizontal, such
as a table top. The template can be removably attached to the
surface. The template should be attached to the surface through a
medium that does not damage the surface and provides easy
attachment and removal therefrom. For example, the template can be
attached the to the surface through a single sided or double sided
tape, removable putty, etc. separately provided. Alternatively, an
adhesive covering all or one or more portions of the template may
be exposed and used directly by simply applying pressure on the
template over the adhesive surface.
[0029] At step 208, the pictures are secured to the support surface
through the one or more holes of the template. The template is
provided pre-formed with a plurality of holes in the correct
pattern to create the desired shape. The holes are sized to
correspond to the respective picture size to be supported on the
surface. Therefore, the pictures are positioned in the respective
hole of the template such that the hole circumscribes the picture.
Therefore, the user simply needs to orient the template on a
surface (not shown) and attached a plurality of pictures directly
to the surface through the corresponding holes. The pictures are
preferably directly removably secured to the surface. The pictures
may be coupled to the surface such as, for example, double sided
tape or sticky putty. The pictures are secured preferably through a
single component so that additional aligned between connecting
components is unnecessary. The pictures are also preferably
connected to the surface without framing. Therefore, the pictures
are kept light and can be supported by the simple, cheap attachment
component.
[0030] At step 210, the template is removed from the support
surface. After all of the pictures have been secured in the
respective holes, the template is removed from the surface. The
pictures are left on the surface in the desired orientation, shape,
design, configuration, alignment without necessitating individual
and separate alignment of the pictures. The pictures are separated
by the space previously filled by the template, thus creating a
natural boarder around the pictures by the support surface.
[0031] At step 212, the pictures may be enjoyed as a decorative
presentation of a plurality of pictures. At step 214, the pictures
may be removed for the surface. The pictures may be releaseably
attached such that the removal of the pictures does not adversely
affect the surface. One or more of the steps may be repeated, such
that another template and/or selection of pictures may be
positioned on the surface.
[0032] The disclosed embodiments and associated methods include a
plurality of features and/or steps that may be subdivided,
eliminated, duplicated, or combined in any combination. Therefore,
the provided embodiments and methods are exemplary only and are not
intended to be limiting. Features from any one embodiment may be
incorporated into another embodiment. Features may also be
eliminated and/or duplicated such that no one feature is considered
essential to the operation of the present disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary kit in which a template 602,
template support 604, picture support 606, and informational
material 608 is provided together to a user. Once the user has
selected a desired template, a kit can be sent to the user. The kit
comprises the selected template 602 in a stored configuration. For
example, the template may be rolled and delivered in a tube.
Alternatively, the template may be folded or separated and sent in
a box or envelope. With the template, the kit includes the
necessary template support 604 to temporarily retain the template
to the support surface while the pictures are secured. For example,
the kit may include a plurality of tape segments, such that a user
simply removes the tape segments and tapes the template to the
surface along its edge. The kit may also include the picture
support 606. The picture support may be sticky putty that removably
secures the pictures to the support surface. A sufficient amount of
putty is provided corresponding to the number of pictures
associated with the respective template. The putty may be retained
between one or more sheets to keep it from contacting other
components during transportation. Other picture supports and
template supports may be used, such as double sided tape. Other
material may be provided with the kit, such as additional ordering
material, instructions on use, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the
kit may include a coupon or voucher to purchase the necessary
number of prints to fill the template. The coupon and/or other
informational material may be provided electronically at the time
of purchase, or may be sent with the template kit.
[0034] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary system 700 to facilitate
selection, order, and receipt of the template, kit, and/or
associated pictures. In an exemplary embodiment, the system
comprises an application run on a smart device. The smart device
702, such as a phone, tablet, laptop, etc., includes a processor,
memory, and input/output devices. The smart device is configured to
connect to the internet to send and receive file with a server and
remote computer 704. The smart device comprises non-transitory
machine readable code and/or instructions executed by the processor
or other electronic hardware. The application is configured to
display one or more template options to a user for selection. The
application may receive an input from the user selecting the
desired template. The application may also permit the user to
upload, select, and/or identify a number of photos to be used in
the template. The application may track the number and size of the
pictures necessary to fill the template. Respective pictures may be
selected for the respective sizes. Once entered, the information
and pictures may be sent to a remote computer and processed. The
pictures may be printed in the selected sizes at a printer 706. The
template, kit, and/or pictures 708 may then be packaged and/or sent
to the user. The template, kit, and/or pictures may be sent
together and/or separately. The application may also be configured
to charge the user for the transaction.
[0035] The application may include logic that is configured to
receive input from a user, present a selection to a user, receive
and/or upload files, send the files to a remote location, and/or
charge a user for a transaction. The application is performed by
processing logic that may comprise hardware (circuitry, dedicated
logic, state machines, etc.), software (such as is run on a smart
device, general purpose computer system, or a dedicated machine),
or a combination of both.
[0036] The smart device, computer, or dedicated machine may include
a processing unit having memory, a processor, an analog-to-digital
converter (A/D) and a plurality of software routines that may be
stored on the memory and executed by the processor to perform the
application described herein. The processing unit may be based on a
variety of commercially available platforms such as a personal
computer, workstation, tablet, phone, or may be based on a custom
platform that uses application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)
and other custom circuitry to carry out the diagnostic techniques
described herein. Additionally, the processing unit is coupled to
one or more input/output (I/O) devices that enable a user to
interface to the system. By way of example only, the processing
unit may receive user inputs via a keypad, track pad, or
touchscreen or any other data input device and may provide
graphical displays to the user via a display.
[0037] Although embodiments of the invention may be described and
illustrated herein in terms of a template for photo pictures, it
should be understood that embodiments of this invention are not so
limited, but are additionally applicable to other displays or
collections of mementoes. Moreover, preferred embodiments are
described herein in which pictures are directly connected or
connected through a single component to the support surface.
Therefore, frames or cooperating connectors such as hooks and loop
or wire are not necessary. The invention is not so limited,
however. The template may be used to arrange the pictures and/or
support structures as well. In this case, the holes in the template
would correspond to the outer perimeter of the frame instead of the
picture. Accordingly, the picture and frame may pass through the
template to remove the template from the support surface and leave
the pictures in the desired configuration. The pictures may also be
enhanced, such as by printed on a picture board instead of photo
paper.
[0038] Some portions of the detailed descriptions above are
presented in terms of algorithms and symbolic representations of
operations on data bits within a computer memory. These algorithmic
descriptions and representations are the means used by those
skilled in the data processing arts to most effectively convey the
substance of their work to others skilled in the art. An algorithm
is here, and generally, conceived to be a self-consistent sequence
of operations leading to a desired result. The operations are those
requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually,
though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of
electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored,
transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. It has
proven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common
usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements,
symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like.
[0039] While some specific embodiments of the invention have been
shown, the invention is not to be limited to these embodiments. For
example, most functions performed by electronic hardware components
may be duplicated by software emulation. Thus, a software program
written to accomplish those same functions may emulate the
functionality of the hardware components in input-output circuitry.
Alternatively, hardware components may be used in place of software
programs. The invention is to be understood as not limited by the
specific embodiments described herein, but only by scope of the
appended claims.
[0040] Although embodiments of this invention have been fully
described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be
noted that various changes and modifications will become apparent
to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to
be understood as being included within the scope of embodiments of
this invention as defined by the appended claims.
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