U.S. patent application number 15/097894 was filed with the patent office on 2016-10-13 for wooden image display assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to Gallery Blocks LLC d/b/a Artsy Couture, Gallery Blocks LLC d/b/a Artsy Couture. The applicant listed for this patent is Gallery Blocks LLC d/b/a Artsy Couture, Gallery Blocks LLC d/b/a Artsy Couture. Invention is credited to Ryan Millman, Cheyne Smith.
Application Number | 20160296044 15/097894 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57112267 |
Filed Date | 2016-10-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160296044 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Millman; Ryan ; et
al. |
October 13, 2016 |
Wooden Image Display Assembly
Abstract
Disclosed is an image display assembly comprising a wood base
having a front (image) face for printing an image thereto, and a
back (non-image) face, the back face comprising a plurality of
linear v-grooves; an optional laminate layer applied to the front
face of the base layer; and wherein the plurality of v-grooves
segment the base into foldable base segments that upon inward
folding along the v-grooves assemble the base into a support
structure with a plurality of corners to form an assembled base
comprising at least one image display face formed from at least a
portion of the front face. Also provided is an assembled image
display, a method of creating an image display and use of an image
display and use of an image display assembly to create an image
display.
Inventors: |
Millman; Ryan; (Hunt Valley,
MD) ; Smith; Cheyne; (Manchester, MD) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Gallery Blocks LLC d/b/a Artsy Couture |
Hunt Valley |
MD |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Gallery Blocks LLC d/b/a Artsy
Couture
Hunt Valley
MD
|
Family ID: |
57112267 |
Appl. No.: |
15/097894 |
Filed: |
April 13, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62146628 |
Apr 13, 2015 |
|
|
|
62160370 |
May 12, 2015 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 1/0633 20130101;
A47G 2001/145 20130101; B44D 3/185 20130101; A47G 1/14
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47G 1/14 20060101
A47G001/14 |
Claims
1. An image display assembly comprising: a wooden base having a
front face comprising an image printed thereon, and a non-image
face, the non-image face comprising a plurality of linear
v-grooves, wherein the plurality of linear v-grooves segment the
base into one or more foldable segments that upon folding of the
segments assemble the base into a support structure comprising a
plurality of corners, thereby forming an assembled base comprising
at least one image display face formed from at least a portion of
the front face.
2. The image display assembly of claim 1, wherein the base is at
least generally planar in an unassembled form.
3. The image display assembly of claim 1, further comprising a
laminate layer on at least a portion of the front face.
4. The image display assembly of claim 1, wherein the base has a
thickness of at least 0.0625 inches and up to 0.5 inches.
5. The image display assembly of claim 1, wherein the linear
v-grooves have an angle of approximately 85.degree. to
95.degree..
6. The image display assembly of claim 1, wherein the v-grooves
have a depth of varying thickness, such as a depth at least 80% of
the thickness of the base.
7. The image display assembly of claim 1, further comprising a
laminate layer applied to the printed image of the image face.
8. An image display assembly comprising: a planar wooden base
having a front face comprising an image printed thereto; and a
non-image face, wherein the non-image face comprises an arrangement
of five linear v-grooves, wherein the arrangement of five linear
v-grooves segment the base into six base segments of approximately
equal size and surface area and that are configured with an angled
edge along the outer most periphery of one or more of the segments,
the segments extending, in part, from a central segment, that upon
folding of the segments along the linear v-grooves, assemble the
base into a support structure comprising a plurality of corners,
thereby forming an assembled base comprising at least one image
display face formed from at least a portion of the front face, and
wherein the base is configured such that, when assembled, the
assembled base forms a six-sided cube.
9. The image display assembly of claim 8, wherein the image is
printed to the front face by a UV printing process.
10. The image display assembly of claim 8, further comprising a
laminate layer.
11. The image display assembly of claim 8, wherein the base has a
thickness of at least 0.0625 inches and up to 0.5 inches.
12. An image display assembly comprising: a planar wooden base
having a front face comprising an image printed thereto; and a
non-image face, wherein the non-image face comprises an arrangement
of four linear v-grooves, wherein the arrangement of four linear
v-grooves segment the base into five foldable segments arranged, in
part, around a central segment, all of the segments of
approximately equal size and surface area and that are configured
with an angled edge along the periphery of the segments, that upon
folding of the segments along the linear v-grooves, assemble the
base into a support structure comprising a plurality of corners,
thereby forming an assembled base comprising at least one image
display face formed from at least a portion of the front face, and
wherein the base is configured such that, when assembled, the
assembled base forms a five-sided cube with an end face
removed.
13. The image display assembly of claim 12, further comprising one
or more closure means affixed to the non-image side of the base,
wherein the closure means comprise magnets configured in a position
on the base to form a magnetic closure upon folding of the base
segments.
14. The image display assembly of claim 12, wherein the image is
printed to the front face by a UV printing process.
15. The image display assembly of claim 12, further comprising a
laminate layer.
16. The image display assembly of claim 12, wherein the base has a
thickness of at least 0.0625 inches and up to 0.5 inches.
17. The image display assembly of claim 8, further comprising one
or more closure means affixed to the non-image side of the base,
wherein the closure means comprise magnets configured in a position
on the base to form a magnetic closure upon folding of the base
segments.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to earlier-filed U.S.
provisional patent application No(s). 62/146,628 filed Apr. 13,
2015, and 62/160,370 filed May 12, 2015, the contents each of which
are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The mounting and display of printed images is typically
accomplished by stretching a canvas or other material containing an
image over a wooden or metal stretcher frame. The images are
generally secured to the backside of the frame with staples or
adhesive. These systems are typically expensive, have multiple
parts, or do not provide for an image that is professional in
appearance. They also leave unintended folds of material or canvas,
which appear as wrinkles at the edges, disturbing the integrity of
the image.
[0003] There is a need for new support structures and image
substrates that address such disadvantages and provide for a
technically efficient image display providing a professional,
artistic appearance, and where the integrity of the image is not
compromised.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In one embodiment, the image display assembly is configured
as a planar wood base with a unique v-grooved arrangement dispersed
along a non-image surface of the wood base, resulting in one or
more foldable base segments. In one embodiment, the applied
v-grooves form points at which the wood base can be folded along
the groove (a point of introversion, or hinge point), so that the
folded segments form a corner.
[0005] In one embodiment, the orientation and arrangement of the
v-grooves along the non-image side of the wood base create foldable
segments, that when folded inward along the v-grooves permit the
wood base to be folded into various shapes, such as into a box-like
(cube) shape with near-perfect 90.degree. corners.
[0006] A wooden image display according to one embodiment of the
present invention is comprised of a planar wood base configured
with a plurality of v-grooves on a non-image face that provide
means of assembling the base into a support structure with a
plurality of corners; one or more of an image display face whereon
an image is printed.
[0007] In one embodiment, an image display assembly comprises: a
wood base configured with a front face comprising an image printed
thereon, and a non-image face, the non-image face comprising a
plurality of linear v-grooves, wherein the plurality of linear
v-grooves segment the wood base into one or more foldable segments
that upon folding of the segments assemble the base into a support
structure comprising a plurality of corners, thereby forming an
assembled base comprising at least one image display face formed
from at least a portion of the front face.
[0008] Another embodiment provides an image display assembly,
comprising: a base comprised of a generally-planar wooden material
with peripheral edges that are angled at approximately 45.degree.
and an image face and a non-image face; a laminate layer on the
image face; and a linear v-groove arrangement on the non-image
face, wherein the linear v-grooves comprise an angle in a range of
85.degree. to 95.degree. degrees and traverses the non-image face
at a depth that is essentially equal to the width of the base and
approaching the laminate layer on the image face of the base, and
wherein the linear v-groove arrangement sub-divides the base into
one or more foldable segments, that upon folding of the segments
create support means comprising a plurality of corners, and wherein
the support means comprise one or more of an image display face
formed from at least a portion of the front face, a side wall, and
a back wall.
[0009] Another embodiment provides a method of creating an image
display, comprising: providing a wooden base comprising an image
face and a non-image face configured with foldable segments, the
segments formed by applying a plurality of linear v-grooves along
the non-image face at a sufficient depth to permit inward folding
to create a 90 degree corner from the foldable segments; printing
at least one image to at least a portion of the image face; and
folding the segments to assemble the base into a support structure
comprising a plurality of corners, thereby forming an assembled
display comprising at least one image display face formed from at
least a portion of the front face.
[0010] In one embodiment, a process for applying an image to an
wood base, comprises the steps of: applying by way of printing to
an image side of a planar wood base in a predetermined pattern
corresponding to the image to be applied, wherein the wood base is
configured with a non-image side comprising a v-groove arrangement,
the v-groove arrangement generating foldable base segments, that
when folded inward along the v-groove generate folded base segments
comprising a 90 degree corner; and (optionally) applying a
lamination layer to the image side of the wood base, wherein
application comprises rolling of a laminate material to the wood
via a machine process, an automated process, or by manual process;
folding the foldable segments of the wood base in order to assemble
the base into an image support structure comprising a front image
face and one or more of a side wall.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1A shows a cross-sectional view of an image display
(partial) assembly 100 according to one embodiment of the present
invention--unassembled.
[0012] FIG. 1B shows a cross-sectional view of an image display
assembly 100 according to one embodiment of the present
invention--assembled.
[0013] FIG. 1C shows an expanded top view of a v-groove arrangement
of the image display assembly, according to one embodiment of the
invention.
[0014] FIG. 2A shows a top view of an (unassembled) image display
assembly showing a v-groove arrangement of a non-image side
according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 2B shows a back partial-side view of the image display
assembly as partially assembled, according to one embodiment of the
invention, with a side wall and back wall formed from the foldable
base segments.
[0016] FIG. 2C shows a back-side view of the image display assembly
as assembled and including a back covering and attachment means for
securing the covering to the back side of the assembled image
display.
[0017] FIG. 2D shows a top (partial-side) view of an exemplary
image printed to the wooden image display side of fully assembled
image display according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0018] FIGS. 3A shows the non-image side of an exemplary five-sided
cube-shaped wooden image display (partially assembled) according to
one embodiment of the present invention, including the v-groove
arrangement and foldable assembly base segments.
[0019] FIG. 3B shows the image side of an exemplary five-sided
cube-shaped wooden image display according to one embodiment of the
invention, fully assembled and including one or more images printed
on the image side.
[0020] FIGS. 4A shows the non-image side of a (partially-assembled)
exemplary six-sided cube-shaped wooden image display according to
one embodiment of the present invention, including the v-groove
arrangement.
[0021] FIG. 4B shows a top view of a partially-assembled six-sided
cube-shaped wooden image display, showing the image side of the
assembly.
[0022] FIG. 4C shows the image side of an exemplary six-sided
cube-shaped image display according to one embodiment of the
invention, including one or more images adhered thereto and
(optional) attachment means for hanging the display.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] Described herein is an image display assembly comprising a
wood base having a front (image) face for printing an image
thereto, and a back (non-image) face, the back face comprising a
plurality of linear v-grooves; an optional laminate layer applied
to the front face of the base layer; and wherein the plurality of
v-grooves segment the base into foldable base segments that upon
inward folding along the v-grooves assemble the base into a support
structure with a plurality of corners to form an assembled base
comprising at least one image display face formed from at least a
portion of the front face.
[0024] In another embodiment, the front segment comprises at least
one display face, optionally wherein at least one side segment
comprises a display face, further optionally wherein each side
segment comprises a display face.
[0025] In one embodiment, the base is configured such that, when
assembled, the assembled base forms a prism optionally with an end
face removed, wherein the side faces of the prism are rectangles,
or wherein the prism is a triangular prism or rectangular prism, or
wherein the prism is a cube.
Exemplary Base
[0026] In one embodiment, the base is comprised of a wooden
material, such as treated or untreated wood, reclaimed wood, and
recycled wood. The wooden base may be formed from particle board,
or other wood-based materials, including veneers, medium density
fiberboard (MDF), and including any necessary natural or synthetic
resins or other suitable binders in order to impart rigidity and
strength to the base. In one embodiment, the wood base may have a
thickness ranging from approximately 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch, at
least 0.0625 inches and up to 0.5 inches, although other base
dimensions are contemplated.
[0027] In one embodiment, the overall dimensions of the image
display provide for an assembled image display of dimensions
corresponding to one of a 3.times.5 inch image; a 5.times.7 inch
images; an 8.times.10 inch image; a 11.times.14 inch image;
16.times.20 inch image; 20.times.30 inch image; 22.times.32 inch
image, or any other suitable image size or equivalent thereof, such
as the other standard-image sizes, or metric measurements. In yet
another embodiment, the overall dimensions may be customized.
[0028] The periphery of the base comprises distal edges that are
angled at about 45.degree. (e.g. at 43-47.degree. or at)45.degree.,
along all or a portion of the periphery, thereby providing for
alignment of edges, if two edges of the planar wood base are
brought together in alignment upon folding of the v-grooves (shown
in more detail in the Figures).
Exemplary Groove System
[0029] In one embodiment, the wood base is configured with an
arrangement of linear v-grooves. The v-grooves are arranged on the
non-image side of the wood base and divide the base into foldable
segments along either side of the v-groove. The resulting foldable
segments are folded inward along the v-groove, with the folded
segments forming a corner segment. With this arrangement, various
overall shapes of the image display assembly are envisioned and may
be assembled based on the arrangement and positioning of the
v-grooves along the wood base.
[0030] In one embodiment, the v-grooves are created by a mitre bit
on a computerized numerical control (CNC) router, with a bit size
in a range of 90-93 degrees. The depth of the v-groove is of a
depth that permits inward folding of the segments of the wood base
in order to create a 90.degree. angled corner, but the v-groove
does not fully traverse the wood base. In one embodiment, the
v-groove depth is in a depth ranging from approximately 0.05 to
0.02 inches away from the image side of the wood base (ie, leaving
a base thickness in a thickness range of 0.05 to 0.02 inches),
alternatively, less than 0.004 inches away from the image side of
the wood base; thus leaving a base thickness of less than 0.004
inches remaining at the end of the v-groove. In another embodiment
the v-groove depth is at a depth ranging from approximately less
than or up to 0.004 inches away from the image side of the wood
base, leaving a base thickness of essentially less than 0.004. It
is understood that overall depth will vary depending on the
thickness of the base, and the type of materials used as the
base.
[0031] In an embodiment, the v-grooves have a depth of varying
thickness, such as at least 50% of the thickness of the base, or a
lower percentage, optionally wherein the grooves have a depth at
least, or greater than, 60% of the thickness of the base, further
optionally wherein the grooves have a depth of at least, or greater
than, 70% of the thickness of the base, still further optionally
wherein the grooves have a depth of at least, or greater than, 80%
of the thickness of the base, or a depth of a higher
percentage.
[0032] In one embodiment, the v-grooves have an angle in a range of
85 to 95.degree. (e.g. 87 to 93.degree., optionally, wherein the
v-grooves have an angle of about 90.degree., and preferably an
angle of about 91.degree.. For example the v-grooves may have an
angle in the range of 89 to 92.degree..
[0033] The v-grooves subdivide the base into segments. The segments
may be folded along the v-groove to form one or more support
members, such as a side wall and back wall, for an image display.
In one embodiment, segments may be of varying widths and lengths,
thereby permitting multiple display assembly configurations. In one
embodiment, v-groove placement may result in a plurality of
segments of various widths and lengths, which result in an overall
assembly conforming to specific dimensions. In one embodiment, a
depth of a side wall formed upon folding of segments of the base is
in a range of 0.25 inches to 2.0 inches, although other depths are
envisioned. In one embodiment, based on the overall dimensions
(length and width) of the base and the arraignment of v-grooves,
the resulting segments created on the base may be assembled to form
an image display with--for example: an 11.times.14 inch image
display face, a 1.5 inch side wall, and a 1.0 inch back wall. It is
to be understood that these are dimensions are meant to be
illustrative and not exhaustive.
Laminate Layer
[0034] In one embodiment, a laminate layer is a layer of laminate
material and may cover all, or a portion of, the image face of the
wood base. Laminate (generally translucent; although may be colored
or tinted) comprises plastic, vinyl, and/or other materials, such
as dyes, colors, fibers. In one embodiment, the laminate layer is
applied by rolling of a layer of laminate material using a
laminating machine, such as rolling laminate machines known in the
art. In another embodiment, laminate layer may be manually applied,
whether as a sheet of laminate material or other adhesive material,
such as liquid laminates applied manually by brush, spraying, or
sponge. In yet another embodiment, a laminate is applied by a
process involving one of heat, pressure, welding, or adhesives.
[0035] In one embodiment, laminate layer comprises sheets of vinyl
impregnated with ferro-magnetic material, thereby allowing a bond
to magnets, such as for a custom arrangement of display assemblies
or other unique visual presentation. In another embodiment, the
laminate layer comprises specially surfaced plastic sheets applied
to the printed image to allow them to be safely written upon, such
as with dry erase markers or chalk. In yet another embodiment,
multiple translucent printed images may be laminated in layers to
achieve certain visual effects or to hold holographic images.
Various laminate films are envisioned, including: standard thermal
laminating films; low-temperature thermal laminating films; heat
set (or heat-assisted) laminating films; pressure-sensitive films;
and liquid laminate.
Image for Display
[0036] In one embodiment, the image is printed directly onto the
image face of the wooden base using an ultraviolet (UV) print
method. Ultraviolet printing comprises a process of using UV inks
instead of traditional inks to apply an image to the image face of
the wood base. While traditional inks are solvent-based and dry by
allowing chemicals to evaporate over time, UV inks are dried
(cured) with UV light. In another embodiment, printing comprises
applying traditional inks to print the image to the image face of
the wood base.
Distal Ends of Base and Base Segments
[0037] In one embodiment, the wood base is generally planar and
comprises distal ends that based on their configuration (length,
width, angles generated) define the overall shape of the planar
wood base. In another embodiment, the distal ends comprise
corner-forming edges that are clipped at a 45 degree angle across
the width of the wood base, to minimize interference of the distal
ends upon assembly of the image display into its assembled form
(See angled edges 226 in FIG. 2A).
[0038] In one embodiment, an image display may be assembled by
folding the base segments inwardly along the plurality of linear
v-grooves. As the base segments are folded inward along the
v-grooves one or more of a corner of the display assembly are
formed. In one embodiment, the corner segments are secured in-place
by the rigidity of the materials of the base, requiring no
additional closure features or means of securing the corners in
alignment. Although, optionally, closure means, such as staples,
glue, Velcro, magnets, or any other suitable means may be used at
corners.
[0039] In one embodiment, a back panel or covering is provided and
may be attached to the non-image side of the assembled image
display assembly. In order to cover the back side of the back panel
may be of a size suitable to cover all or a portion of the
non-display (back) side of the display assembly. The panel may be
comprised of various materials, such as cardboard, fiberboard,
plastic, fabric, natural materials, synthetic materials, or any
combination thereof. The panel may be secured to the image display
by any suitable securement means, such as staples, pins, nails,
glue, stitching, Velcro, or any other means for holding the panel
on the non-image face of the image display. The back panel provides
a clean and finished look to the image display assembly
but--significantly--is not required for structural integrity of the
assembled image display.
[0040] Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing an image display
assembly (which may be an image display assembly of the invention),
wherein in one embodiment, linear v-grooves are applied to the base
layer on a side opposite the image face using a v-groove router bit
in a pattern for a desired shape or structure upon assembly of the
base.
[0041] In one embodiment, the planar base (representing the
unassembled display) can be configured--based on the dimensions of
the base, and the arrangement of the v-grooves, for assembly into a
pre-determined shape (when the unassembled base is assembled into a
display support structure), such as a rectangular shape, triangular
shape, or a cube.
[0042] In one exemplary embodiment meant to be illustrative and not
exhaustive, an unassembled image display base is of a thickness of
approximately 0.125 inches, with a v-groove depth of approximately
0.115 inches inward from the non-image side, the v-grooves at an
angle of 91 degrees and a width of approximately 0.2301 inches.
[0043] Turning now to the figures, in which are shown various
embodiments of an image display assembly, in both unassembled and
assembled forms.
[0044] FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a partial view of an
image display 100 according to one embodiment of the present
invention, as an unassembled image display (FIG. 1A) and an
assembled image display (FIG. 1B). Shown in FIG. 1A, is a planar
wood base 102; an image face 104; a non-image face 106 comprising a
plurality of v-grooves 108 that extend inward toward the image face
of the base, creating one or more foldable base segments 110; and
wherein the v-grooves are cut at an angle of width and depth that
permits inward folding of foldable segments at the v-groove 108,
resulting in the formation of a corner segment (shown in FIG.
1B).
[0045] Shown in FIG. 1B is a (partial) cross-sectional view of an
assembled image display 100, comprising (folded) base 102, and
corner segments 112 formed upon inward folding of base 102 along
the v-grooves of the non-image side 106, forming an assembly for
display of an image on the image side 104.
[0046] Shown in FIG. 1C is an expanded top view of a (partial)
v-groove 108 arrangement and foldable base segments 110 on the
non-image side of unassembled base 102.
[0047] FIG. 2 shows an assortment of views of an image display
assembly 200 configured as a rectangular-shaped image display. FIG.
2A shows a non-image side 206 of wooden base 202 of an unassembled
image display assembly 200 configured with a linear v-groove
arrangement 208 of 8 linear v-grooves along base 202. The v-groove
arrangement 208 subdivides the base 202 into a central
(rectangular) image support area 220, and foldable base sections
210 that extends from the central rectangular region 220 along each
side of the rectangle. Each foldable base segment 210 is a length
equal to the side of the central rectangular image support area 220
to which is adjoins, and is configured with a width sufficient to
create a side-wall of an assembled image display, and a back wall
(when the image display is fully assembled). In one embodiment, the
width of the foldable base segment adjoining the central
rectangular region 220 is in a range of 0.5 to 25% of the length,
although other widths are contemplated. In another embodiment, the
v-groove arrangement 208 subdivides the base 202 into central
rectangular image support area 220, a plurality of foldable base
segments 210 (eight segments are shown in this example) that extend
from the central rectangular region 220 along each side of the
rectangle. Each terminal foldable segment 210 is configured with
angled ends 226 that are trimmed or clipped at 45 degrees along the
edge of the base, so that upon assembly adjoining terminal ends
form a 90 degree corner.
[0048] Shown in FIG. 2B is a partially assembled image display 200
wherein a pair of foldable base segments 210 folded along v-grooves
208 of the non-image side 206 of base 202, form corners 212 and
supporting wall 216 comprising a side and back wall.
[0049] FIG. 2C shows an assembled image display 200 including an
optional back panel 220 which may be secured by attachment means
222 (here, shown as staples, although glue or other adhesives means
may be used). Back panel 220 is secured to a back wall of
supporting walls 216, and provides a covering of the non-image side
206 of the image display.
[0050] FIG. 2D shows one embodiment of a fully assembled image
display 200, wherein a printed image 218 is printed on the image
face 204 of the wood base, extending (optionally) along the side
supporting walls 216.
[0051] In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 3A, an image display
assembly 300 is further configured as a cube-shaped image display
comprised of a planar wood base 302 configured with four (4) linear
v-grooves 308 on the non-image surface 306, the v-grooves
segmenting the board into four foldable segments 340 extending from
a center segment 342. Distal edges 350 of the terminal segments of
segments 340 are angled at 45.degree. across the width of the
periphery of the terminal segments. When the segments 340 are
folded inward along each of the linear v-grooves 308, one or more
corners 312 are formed, and the resulting assembly 300 is in the
shape of a 5-sided image display cube with one or more printed
images 318 on one or more image faces 304 of the image display, as
shown in FIG. 3B. The 5-sided image display cube may be considered
a cube with an end face removed. In one embodiment, securement
means (e.g. at least one closure), such as magnetic closures 344
shown in FIG. 3A, are affixed to the base, and arranged so that
upon assembly of the base into the cube-shaped structure the magnet
closures will be properly aligned to provide support for the
assembled image display.
[0052] FIG. 4A shows an image display assembly 400 configured as a
six-sided cube comprised of a planar base 402 configured with five
(5) linear v-grooves 412 on the non-image surface 410, arranged
such that the v-grooves 412 segment the base 402 into five (5)
foldable segments 440 of equal surface area, extending from a
center segment 442. Distal edges 450 of the extensions 440 are
angled at 45.degree. along the peripheral edge of the segment 440.
In another embodiment, one or more non-image surfaces of image
display 400 are configured with an optional closure means, such as
one or more magnetic closures (shown as 444 in FIG. 4A) aligned
along the non-image side, so that upon assembly into a 6-sided
display cube (or 5-sided, as shown in FIG. 3), the magnetic
closures aid in keeping the structure assembled, especially if the
assembly is hung for display.
[0053] FIG. 4B shows a partially assembled 6-sided image display
cube 400 with a plurality of image surfaces 404 for display of an
image, whereby segments 440 have been folded inward along the
v-grooves of the base, forming corners 412, and with a remaining
unassembled extension 440 being placed in its assembled position,
opposite and parallel the central segment 442 (shown in the figure
as looking into the top of the cube and looking inward at the
non-image side 410), thereby forming a closed cube-shape image
display assembly upon alignment of angled distal edges 450 of the
segments 440.
[0054] In yet another embodiment, the 6-sided cube-shaped assembly
400 with printed image 418 printed thereon is configured with
hanging means 460, or other decorative means, shown as a ribbon in
FIG. 4C. Hanging means vary and may be affixed to the image display
assembly, such as by glue or other adhesive, or may be physically
attached, such as by screws, magnets or other attachment means.
[0055] The planar base materials can be configured by shaping,
cutting and modifying the materials comprising the planar base
layer in a way that upon the addition of the v-grooves, permits
assembly of the planar base materials into various support
structure shapes, by inward folding of extensions or segments
created by the v-grooves, which when folded inwardly along the
v-groove, provide a substantially rigid support assembly on which
an image can be affixed for display.
[0056] An image display assembly, comprises a base comprised of a
generally-planar and semi-rigid material configured with peripheral
edges that are angled at approximately 45.degree., a front (image)
face and a back (non-image) face; a printed image printed directly
onto the front face; and a linear v-groove arrangement applied on
the non-image face, wherein the linear v-grooves comprise an angle
in a range of 85.degree. to 95.degree. degrees, and wherein the
linear v-groove arrangement sub-divides the base into a number of
foldable base segments, that upon folding of the segments create an
image display face formed from at least a portion of the front
face, and at least one or more corners of one or more support means
of an assembled image display assembly, wherein the support means
comprise one or more of a side wall comprised of at least two side
wall segments, a back wall comprised of at least two back wall
segments, an outer wall comprised of at least two outer wall
segments, an inner support comprised of at least two inner support
segments.
Additional Embodiments
[0057] An image display assembly comprises: a base having a front
face and a back face; a printed image printed to at least one front
face of the base layer; and wherein the back face comprising a
plurality of grooves configured such that the plurality of grooves
foldable segments that may be folded to assemble the base into a
support structure with a plurality of corners to form an assembled
base comprising at least one image display face formed from at
least a portion of the front face. In another embodiment, the
segments of the base comprise distal ends and said distal ends
comprise clipped corners and/or notches to minimize interference of
the segment ends with each other, when the plurality of grooves are
folded to form the assembled base, and further wherein segments of
the base comprise distal ends and said distal ends are shaped to
allow overlap of a distal end of a segment with the distal end of a
neighboring segment when the plurality of grooves are folded to
form the assembled base.
[0058] In another embodiment, a method of creating an image
display, comprises presenting a wood base with an image side and a
non-image side, wherein the non-image side is configured with a
plurality of linear v-grooves, the v-grooves forming an angle
ranging from 85.degree. to 95.degree. on the non-image side
resulting in a plurality of foldable base segments; printing an
image directly onto a portion of the image face of the wood base,
wherein printing comprises applying an image by a ultraviolet or
traditional printing process; folding the foldable base segments
along the v-grooves thereby forming a plurality of corners that
provide a support structure, wherein the support structure
comprises one or more image display faces, and depending on the
arrangement of the linear v-grooves, one or more of a supporting
wall comprising a side wall, and a back wall. In another
embodiment, the process further comprises applying a laminate layer
to the image side of the wood base. The laminate layer may be
applied prior to the application of the linear v-groove arrangement
to the wood base; or prior to the printing of the image to the
image side of the wood base; or prior to folding of the foldable
base segments but after printing of the image to the image side of
the wood base.
[0059] It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that
features disclosed in relation to any of the embodiments disclosed
above can be applicable interchangeably between the different
embodiments. The embodiments disclosed above are examples to
illustrate various features of the invention.
[0060] Throughout the description and claims of this specification,
the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise
requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the
specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as
well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.
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