Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TITLE: KINETIC DISPLAY ASSEMBLY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Embodiments of the invention relate generally to the field of
displays for artistic works and more particularly to the display of three-
dimensional artworks.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Displays that are shaped in a pleated or accordion-style manner
can be used to display multiple images, where the image seen by the viewer
depends on the position of the viewer. Such artwork images are often called
kinetic artwork or kinetic artwork images, and are generally discussed in the
United States Patent No. 6,306,479.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In accordance with an aspect of an embodiment of the present
invention, there is provided a display frame for supporting an image insert
for
display. The display frame comprises i) an abutment structure for supporting
the
image insert for display; ii) an upright member including a first connection
member and a second connection member; and iii) an interlocking mechanism
for interlocking the first connection member and the second connection member.
The upright member has a first substantially planar state and a second non-
planar display state, and is operable to support the abutment structure. The
interlocking mechanism is operable to interlock the first connection member
and
the second connection member such that the upright member is in the second
non-planar display state.
[0004] In accordance with an aspect of a second embodiment of the
present invention. there is provided a product comprising (a) a plurality of
pages,
each page in the plurality of pages having a spine edge and a free edge
opposite
to the spine edge; (b) a spine for securing the plurality of pages together,
the
spine being attached to the spine edge for each page in the plurality of
pages; (c)
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an image insert for displaying a first image; and (d) a display frame for
supporting
the image insert in a display configuration. The display frame comprises (i)
an
abutment structure for supporting the image insert for display; (ii) an
upright
member including a first connection member and a second connection member;
and (iii) an interlocking mechanism for interlocking the first connection
member
and the second connection member. The upright member has a first
substantially planar state and a second non-planar display state, and is
operable
to support the abutment structure. The interlocking mechanism is operable to
interlock the first connection member and the second connection member such
that the upright member is in the second non-planar display state. Before
assembly, the image insert is detachably attached to one of the spine and at
least one page in the plurality of pages in the planar configuration; and the
display frame is detachably attached to one of the spine and at least one page
in
the plurality of pages.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] For a better understanding of embodiments of the invention, and to
show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be
made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0006] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of an assembled display frame
for use with a kinetic artwork insert according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0007] Figure 1 a is a rear perspective view of the assembled display frame
of Figure 1;
[0008] Figure 2 is a plan view of the unassembled display frame of Figure
1;
[0009] Figure 2a is a plan view of a kinetic artwork insert in a planar
configuration for use with the display frame of Figure 1;
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[0010] Figure 2b is a plan view of a portion of the display frame of Figure 2
showing two band members;
[0011] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the assembled display frame of
Figure 1 with the kinetic artwork insert of Figure 2a;
5[0012] Figure 4 is a front view of the assembled display frame and the
kinetic artwork insert of Figure 3;
[0013] Figure 4a is a bottom view of the assembled display frame and the
kinetic artwork insert of Figure 3;
[0014] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the display frame of Figure 1
shown partially assembled;
[0015] Figure 6 is a plan view of an unassembled display frame with a
kinetic artwork insert according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0016] Figure 7 is a plan view of an unassembled kinetic artwork insert
according to another embodiment of the invention;
[0017] Figure 7a is a plan view of an unassembled display frame for use
with the kinetic artwork insert of Figure 7;
[0018] Figure 7b is an exploded perspective view of a book with the
display frame of Figure 7a and the kinetic artwork insert of Figure 7
attached;
[0019] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a display frame having a
supporting insert according to another embodiment of the invention;
[0020] Figure 8a is a perspective view of a kinetic artwork insert for
mounting on the supporting insert of Figure 8;
[0021] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the kinetic artwork insert of Figure
8a mounted to the display frame of Figure 8;
[0022] Figure 9a is a bottom view of the kinetic artwork insert and display
frame shown in Figure 9;
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[0023] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a display frame according to
another embodiment of the invention;
[0024] Figure 10a is a side view of a section of the display frame of Figure
10;
[0025] Figure 10b is a top view of a section of the display frame of Figure
10;
[0026] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of an assembled display frame
with a kinetic artwork insert according to another embodiment of the
invention;
[0027] FIG. 12A is a plan view of the unassembled display frame of FIG.
11;
[0028] FIG. 12B is a plan view of an optional support insert for use with the
display frame of FIG. 11;
[0029] FIG. 12C is a plan view of a kinetic artwork insert in a planar
configuration for use with the display frame of FIG. 11;
[0030] FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of a partly assembled display
frame of FIG. 11;
[0031] FIG. 14A is a rear perspective view of the partly assembled display
frame from of FIG. 13, and the optional support insert for use with the
display
frame from FIG. 12B;
[0032] FIG. 14B is a rear perspective view of the assembled display frame
from FIG. 14A;
[0033] FIG. 15A is a front perspective view of the assembled display frame
from FIG. 14A;
[0034] FIG. 15B is a front perspective view of a kinetic artwork insert for
mounting on the assembled display frame from FIG. 11;
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[0035] FIG. 15C is a front perspective view of an assembled display frame
from FIG. 15A with the kinetic artwork insert from FIG. 15B partly mounted
therein;
[0036] FIG. 16 is a front plan view of the assembled display frame and
kinetic artwork insert from FIG. 15A; and
[0037] FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the assembled display frame and kinetic
artwork insert from FIG. 16.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0038] Aspects of the invention involve a display assembly comprising an
image insert, the insert being bendable from a planar configuration to a non-
planar, or accordion-like, configuration. The image insert has a number of
first
and second surfaces for displaying portions of a first image and portions of a
second image respectively. The display assembly further comprises a display
frame for supporting the image insert in the non-planar configuration. The
display
frame, in turn, includes an abutment structure for abutting the first and
second
surfaces to secure the first surfaces at a non-zero angle relative to the
second
surfaces. The abutment structure resists the image insert unbending and
returning to the planar configuration.
[0039] In some embodiments, the image insert has a number of fold lines
defining alternating first and second surfaces, wherein each of the first
surfaces
is adjacent to and separated from a second surface by a fold line.
[0040] In one embodiment, the abutment structure comprises a pair of
curved bands connected to an upright member of the display frame. At least one
of the bands has a series of abutments, such as notches or tabs, spaced along
the band to secure the image insert to the display frame, and to keep the
image
insert in its non-planar configuration. Specifically, the notches and tabs are
arranged to ensure that the first and second surfaces remain at the non-zero
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angle relative to each other to ensure optimum viewing for a viewer. In some
preferred embodiments, this non-zero angle will be approximately 90 degrees.
[0041] Other embodiments of the invention involve a book having a
plurality of pages. Each page has a spine edge and at least one free edge. The
spine edge is attached to the spine of the book to secure the pages together.
An
image insert, in a planar configuration, is attached by a spine edge to the
spine of
the book. A display frame is also attached to the spine of the book using a
spine
edge. The image insert and display frame are removable to provide a display
assembly.
[0042] Features of various embodiments of the invention are discussed in
greater detail below with reference to the appended figures.
[0043] With reference to Figure 1, Figure 1a and Figure 2, an assembled
display frame 100 comprises an upright member 102 having support fins 104, an
upper support 106, a base member 108, and an opening 110 cut through the
center of the upright member 102. Two curved abutment bands, lower band 112
and upper band 114, are attached to the upright member 102 at a lower and
upper portion respectively. The display frame 100 further comprises center
support flaps 116 that fold away from the upright member 102 along fold lines
116a, and a rear support flap 118 connected to the upright member 102 along
fold line 118a.
[0044] The base member 108 sits on a ground surface to support and hold
the upright member 102 in a substantially vertical position relative to the
ground
surface. The support fins 104 provide additional support, protruding off the
sides
of the upright member 102 at a generally non-zero angle and extending
vertically
to provide additional rigidity to prevent the display frame 100 from tipping.
In one
preferred embodiment, the angle between the support fins 104 and the upright
member 102 is about 45 degrees. In another embodiment, this angle is
approximately 90 degrees.
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[0045] The rear support flap 118 provides additional support for spacing
the upright member 102 from the base member 108. When assembied, the rear
support flap 118 is engaged with the base member 108 by a tab 120 fitted into
a
keyhole 122 in base member 108. The base member 108 and rear support flap
118 form a generally triangular shape with the upright member 102 to space the
upright member 102 from the base member 108.
[0046] The upper support 106 provides additional rigidity to the upright
member 102. The upper support 106 is attached to the upright member 102 at
fold edge 106a, and is supported by the center support flaps 116 by engagement
of tabs 124 with slots 126, providing increased rigidity. The upper support
flap
106 may also contain a mounting hole 128 which can be used to mount the
display frame 100 on a vertical surface, for example by placing a hook through
the mounting hole 128.
[0047] Images, for example those images complementing the kinetic
artwork insert, advertising images, or a calendar, may be printed on one or
more
portions of the display frame such as the upright member 102, the rear support
member 118 and the upper support 106. In this fashion, the display frame 100
may be made more aesthetically pleasing to the viewer, or can be used for a
secondary purpose, for example, by displaying a calendar on the upright member
102.
[0048] As shown, the lower band 112 and upper band 114 are contoured
and curve outwards somewhat from the plane of the upright member 102. The
lower band 112 provides a lower mount for the kinetic artwork insert 140 (as
shown in Figure 3). The lower band 112 is joined to upright member 102 by
inserting tabs 130 into slots 132 in the upright member 102. The lower band
112
preferably contacts the ground surface, helping to support the upright member
102 in its substantially vertical position. The upper band 114 is similarly
connected to the upright member 102 using tabs 134 engaged with slots 136
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(shown in detail in Figure 5) to provide an upper mount for the kinetic
artwork
insert 140.
[0049] The opening 110 in the upright member 102 allows for ambient light
to pass through the display frame 100, to create a halo effect around the
kinetic
artwork insert 140, highlighting the images. Alternatively, in some
embodiments
an electric light or a candle may be mounted on or to the rear support flap
118 or
base member to provide additional illumination through the opening 110. In
some
embodiments, a sound chip may be mounted to the base member 108 to provide
music, speech or other sound-based accompaniment while viewing the image.
[0050] The display frame 100 is made from a resilient planar material,
such as a thin sheet of cardboard. In some embodiments, the display frame can
be made from materials such as plastic or foam sheet, cardstock, heavy paper
or
other suitably resilient materials. In one preferred embodiment, the display
frame
is made from a 20-point SBS cardboard.
[0051] With specific reference to Figure 2, the display frame 100 is visible
in a planar configuration before assembly. As shown, the lower band 112 and
upper band 114 are initially joined to the display frame 100. The lower band
112
and upper band 114 are held together by a removable connecting piece 114a,
and are connected to the base member 108 at a tear-off connection 112a. To
assemble the display frame 100, the lower band 112 and upper band 114 are
detached from the base member 108 by tearing along the tear-off connection
112a. The connecting piece 114a is removed, and the lower band 112 and upper
band 114 can then be inserted into the upright member 102.
[0052] Turning now to Figure 2a, the kinetic artwork insert 140 is shown in
its planar configuration as a thin, rectangular section of a resilient
material. The
kinetic artwork insert 140 has a series of fold lines 142; folding along the
fold
lines 142 gives the kinetic artwork insert 140 its distinctive accordion-style
or
non-planar display configuration. In some embodiments, one or more of the fold
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lines 142 may include perforations to provide for easier folding. In other
embodiments, the fold lines may simply be scored without perforating the
material.
[0053] The kinetic artwork insert 140 comprises a series of alternating first
image surfaces 144 and second image surfaces 146. The first image surfaces
144 comprise sections or strips from a first image, and the second image
surfaces 146 comprise sections or strips from a second image. When the kinetic
artwork insert 140 is folded into its non-planar display configuration, an
observer
will observe what appears to be the first image when viewing from a first
location,
and will observe what appears to be the second image when viewing from a
second location.
[0054] In some embodiments, the kinetic artwork insert 140 is made of a
material such as cardboard, cardstock or paper. In one preferred embodiment,
the cardboard is 10-point SBS cardboard. In another preferred embodiment, the
cardboard is 12-point SBS cardboard.
[0055] In some embodiments, the kinetic artwork insert 140 is pre-printed
with an images, such that the sections from the first and second images are
printed onto the corresponding first image surfaces 144 and second image
surfaces 146 respectively. In other embodiments, the kinetic artwork insert
140
may be blank, and a user can populate the image surfaces 144, 146 using pre-
cut or 'kiss-cut' stickers shaped to match the image surfaces 144, 146. In
some
embodiments, sheet of stickers may have the first and second images pre-
printed thereon. In other embodiments, the sheet of stickers may be blank, and
the user may draw, paint, or print first and second images onto the stickers
before placing them onto the kinetic artwork insert 140. For example, the
stickers
may be provided on a 'kiss-cut' photo-paper, which can used to print first and
second images using a standard inkjet printer, and then placed onto the
kinetic
artwork insert 140, maintaining the order of the strips so that the first and
second
images maintain the proper viewing relationship.
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[0056] Turning now to Figure 2b, the upper band 114 and the lower band
112 from Figure 2 are shown in greater detail. The upper band 114 and the
lower
band 112 are joined by the connecting piece 114a along tear lines 114b and
114c. The lower band 112 is also connected to the base member 108 of the
display frame 100 at the tear off-connection 112a. As discussed above, the
upper
and lower bands 112, 114 must be torn away from the base member 108 of the
display frame 100 at the tear-off connection 112a, and the connecting piece
114a
removed, before the lower band 112 and upper band 114 can be mounted to the
upright member 102.
[0057] The tabs 130 on the lower band 112 and the tabs 134 on the upper
band 114 can be seen in greater detail in Figure 2b, and are shaped to engage
with the slots 132 and 136 on the upright member 102. The lower band 112 also
comprises a plurality of notches 148, rear tabs 150 and front tabs 151. The
notches 148, rear tabs 150 and front tabs 151 are shaped and spaced along the
lower band 112 to engage and secure the lower edge of the kinetic artwork
insert
140 during assembly, and to ensure it maintains its non-planar or accordion-
style
shape, while staying flush with the upright member 102. Specifically, vertical
sections of the kinetic artwork insert 140 are inserted into the notches 148,
while
the rear tabs 150 support from the rear of the kinetic artwork insert 140 and
the
front tabs 151 support from the front of the kinetic artwork insert 140. In
the
preferred embodiment, the notches 148 are generally U-shaped with walls that
accommodate kinetic artwork inserts 140 of different thicknesses, or engage
multiple kinetic artwork inserts 140 concurrently. The front tabs 151 may have
v-
shaped grooves 151a cut out to provide improved viewing of the kinetic artwork
insert 140 when mounted on the display frame 100, and to improve the aesthetic
appearance of the display frame 100.
[0058] The upper band 114 optionally has teeth members 152 for
engaging with and securing an upper edge of the kinetic artwork insert 140 to
the
display frame 100. The teeth members 152 on the upper band 114 are sized and
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spaced to secure the kinetic artwork insert 140 to the display frame, and to
help
the kinetic artwork insert 140 maintain its non-planar display configuration
when
inserted into the display frame 100.
[0059] Turning now to Figure 3, Figure 4 and Figure 4a, the display frame
100 is shown assembled with kinetic artwork insert 140 in its non-planar
display
configuration. The kinetic artwork insert 140 sits in the notches 148 on the
lower
band 112, and is secured in place by the front tabs 151 which are visible and
shown in solid lines, and the rear tabs 150, which are hidden and are shown in
dashed lines. The teeth members 152 on the upper band 114 are shown
engaged with the folds in the kinetic artwork insert 140.
[0060] In Figure 4a, the position of the kinetic artwork insert 140 with
respect to the lower band 112 is shown in detail. The first image surfaces 144
and the second image surfaces 146 are oriented at angle 0 relative to each
other.
In a preferred embodiment, the angle 0 between the first image surface 144 and
the second image surface 146 is approximately 90 degrees to provide optimum
viewing of the first and second images.
[0061] It is also desirable that the kinetic artwork insert 140 stay flush
against the upright member 102 and not follow the curve of the lower band 112,
as this ensures a better quality of image to the observer. It is also
desirable that
the angle 0 be optimized for viewing. This is accomplished by properly
selecting
the size and spacing of the notches 148, the rear tabs 150 and front tabs 151
on
the lower band 112. For example, with reference to Figures 4 and 4a, a first
front
tab 151a would have spacing 'dl' as shown at one end of the lower band 112,
and a second front tab 151b would have spacing 'd3' as shown at the centre of
the lower band 112. A third intermediate spacing is shown as 'd2'. Generally,
'd2'
is slightly larger than 'dl', and 'd3' is slightly larger than 'd2', helping
the kinetic
artwork insert 140 to stay flush to the upright member 102 while accommodating
the curvature of the lower band 112. It will be appreciated by those skilled
in the
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art that the particular sizes and spacing of 'd 1', 'd2' and 'd3' will depend
upon the
curvature of the lower band 112, as well as the particular size and shape of
the
kinetic artwork insert 140.
[0062] Figure 4a also clearly shows the tab 120 of the rear support flap
118 engaged with the keyhole 122 of the base member 108, securing the rear
support flap 118 to the base member 108. In some embodiments, such as the
embodiment shown in Figure 4a, a secondary tab 120a may be used to help
secure the tab 120 to the base member 108. The tabs 120 and 120a project in
opposite directions against the base member 108 thereby reducing the chance of
inadvertent removal of tabs 120 and 120a from the keyhole 122.
[0063] In Figure 5, the tabs 134 of the upper band 114 have been inserted
into the slots 136 on the upright member 102, securing the upper band 114 to
the
upright member 102. The lower band 112 is partially secured to the upright
member 120, and tab 130a is being inserted into slot 132a to completely secure
the lower band 112 in place.
[0064] Turning now to Figure 6, the display frame 100 and kinetic artwork
insert 140 of Figure 2 have been prepared to use as an insert, for example in
a
plastic bag holding a magazine. In step 1, the kinetic artwork insert 140 is
placed
onto the upright member 102 of the unassembled display frame 100. In step 2,
the base member 108 is then folded over to partially cover the kinetic artwork
insert 140. In step 3, the upper support 106 is folded over to cover the base
member 108 and the kinetic artwork insert 140. In this manner, the kinetic
artwork insert 140 is protected by the folded base member 108 and upper
support 106 of the display frame 100, and the entire assembly can be easily
inserted into a plastic bag for distribution with a magazine, for example.
[0065] Figure 7 and 7a show a different embodiment of the invention for
use as a detachable part of a book or magazine. For clarity, the same
reference
numerals are used to designate elements analogous to those described above in
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connection with Figures 1 to 5. The kinetic artwork insert 140 is included as
part
of an insert sheet 160 in such a way that it can be easily detached by
providing
perforated cut lines along the edges of the kinetic artwork insert 140. The
upper
band 114 and a lower band 112 are also included in the insert sheet 160 in a
similar manner, and are easily removed. The kinetic artwork insert 140 shown
in
Figure 7 has different types of parallel fold lines, included scored fold
lines 142a,
and perforated fold lines 142b. For the scored fold lines 142a, the sheet
material
of the kinetic artwork insert 140 has been creased but has not been
perforated,
while the perforated fold lines 142b comprise a series of cuts or holes
passing
through the material of the kinetic artwork insert 140. The combination of
scored
fold lines 142a and perforated fold lines 142b provides for improved folding.
[0066] The image sheet 160 is designed to be attached to a book or a
magazine, using a spine edge 162, which is connected to the insert sheet 160
along tear line 164.
[0067] The display frame 100 shown in Figure 7a is similarly included as
part of a frame sheet 166, and the display frame 100 is provided with
perforated
cut lines along the edges to allow for easy removal. In this particular
embodiment, the display frame 100 comprises generally an upright member 102
and a base member 108, with rear support flap 118, but has no upper support.
Optionally, however, the frame sheet 166 may include an upper support 106.
[0068] The frame sheet 166 is designed to be attached to a book or
magazine, using a second spine edge 168, which is connected along tear line
170.
[0069] As shown in Figure 7b, the spine edges 162, 168 are joined with
other pages in a book or magazine 172 using a typical binding process, for
example by gluing or by stapling, to secure the image sheet 160 and the frame
sheet 166 as part of the magazine 172. In one embodiment, the frame sheet 166
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and image sheet 160 can be made from one large sheet, and be stapled at the
centre of a book or magazine.
[0070] During assembly, the frame sheet 166 and image sheet 160 are
removed from the book or magazine along the tear lines 164, 170. The
individual
components such as the display frame 100 can then be removed using the
perforated cut lines, and assembled. It will be appreciated that the shapes
and
sizes of the image sheet 160 and the frame sheet 166 may be adjusted to
accommodate books and magazines of different shapes and sizes.
[0071] In some embodiments of the invention, the book or magazine may
include one or more sticker sheets having one or more images, which can be
peeled off and mounted onto the kinetic artwork insert.
[0072] Figure 8, 8a, 9 and 9a show yet another embodiment of the
invention. For clarity, the same reference numerals are used to designate
elements analogous to those described above in connection with Figures 1 to
7b.
As shown in Figures 8 and 8a, a shaped insert 180 is used to support the
kinetic
artwork insert 140 on the display frame 100. The shaped insert 180 resists
deformation to support the kinetic artwork insert 140 in the non-planar or
accordion-like configuration. In one embodiment, the shaped insert 180 is
molded. The insert 180 has an upper tab 182 and a pair of lower tabs 184, for
engagement with an upper slot 186 and a pair of lower slots 188, respectively,
on
the display frame 100. The insert 180 further comprises a series of peaks 190
and valleys 192, generally at angle 0 relative to each other, and spaced to
engage with the kinetic artwork insert 140 when in its non-planar display
configuration.
[0073] In this embodiment, the insert 180 replaces the upper and lower
bands 112, 114 in the above-described embodiments, secures the kinetic artwork
insert 140 to the display frame 100, and ensures the kinetic artwork insert
140
remains in its non-planar display configuration. In some embodiments, the
kinetic
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artwork insert 140 is releasably attachable to the insert 180 to allow
different
kinetic artwork inserts 140 to be used with the same insert 180. In some
embodiments, the kinetic artwork insert 140 may be secured to the insert 180
using tape, sticky wax, or some other releasable means. The kinetic artwork
insert 140 may also be glued to the insert 180 to provide a more permanent
bond.
[0074] The insert 180 is preferably made from a generally light-weight,
rigid material, for example a lightweight plastic or foam, cardboard or paper,
or
any other suitable material, such that it can secure the kinetic artwork
insert 140
in its non-planar form to the upright member 102 without causing the display
frame 100 to tip.
[0075] With reference specifically to Figure 9a, peaks 190 and valleys 192
of the insert 180 are clearly shown, engaged with the first image surfaces 144
and second image surfaces 146 on the kinetic artwork insert 140 to project the
kinetic artwork insert 140 away from the upright member 102. In this fashion,
the
kinetic artwork insert 140 appears to the viewer to float in front of the
upright
member 102 while still maintaining the non-planar display configuration that
facilitates perception of the first and second images by a viewer. In
addition, a
shadow 194 may be created around the kinetic artwork insert 140, which can
further emphasize the images. Further, light passing through the opening 110
in
the display frame 100 may create a halo effect around the kinetic artwork
insert
140, further highlighting the images.
[0076] Turning now to Figures 10, 10a and 10b, there is illustrated a
display frame 200 designed for use with the insert 180 discussed above,
according to another embodiment. The display frame 200 comprises an upright
member 202 having a generally curved shape such that no base member is
needed to support the upright member 202 in an upright position, as best seen
in
Figure 10b. Support fins 204 may optionally be present to provide additional
stability.
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[0077] The display frame 200 has a flat region 206, having an upper hook
208 and a pair of lower hooks 210, spaced and arranged to engage with the
upper tab 182 and the lower tabs 184 on the insert 180. Thus, a kinetic
artwork
insert 140 can be mounted to display frame 200 using the insert 180.
[0078] The display frame 200 is made of a generally rigid material, such as
a hard plastic or a metal. In preferred embodiments, the display frame 200 is
made from a brushed aluminum or a stainless steel.
[0079] Reference is now made to FIGs. 11 to 17, which illustrate another
embodiment of a display frame 300 for use with an image insert, for example
the
kinetic artwork display 140 discussed above. The display frame 300 comprises
an interlocking mechanism 302, notches 316, and a rear support insert 318.
Display frame 300 is substantially similar to display frame 100, except as
discussed below. Like parts are identified by like reference numbers and will
not
be further described except as material.
[0080] In some embodiments, the display frame 300 can be used to
display an image insert (not shown) that is a substantially planar image. For
example, the image insert may be a photograph, or an image for display placed
on a layer of slightly curved or substantially flat or unbent material. The
abutment structure of the display frame 300 can be altered appropriately so as
to
support the planar or non-bendable image insert for display. For example, an
upper band 314 and a lower band 312 of the abutment structure can comprise
slits for engaging and securing the image insert in the display frame 300. In
other embodiments, the image insert may be the bendable kinetic artwork
display
140 discussed above.
[0081] In the embodiments shown in Fig. 11-12(a), the abutment structure
comprises the lower band 312 and upper band 314. In display frame 300, the
lower band 312 and upper band 314 are similar to the lower band 112 and upper
band 114 in the display frame 100. The lower band 312 and the upper band 314
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are foldable around fold lines 320 at the first connection member 306 and a
second connection member 304,such that the portions of the lower band 312 and
the upper band 314 between fold lines 320 bow outwardly when the first
connection member 306 and the second connection member 304 are locked in
an interlocked position as will be described in more detail below. This
permits
the first connection member 306 and the second connection member 304 to
operably support the abutment structure in a fashion similar to the upright
member 102 operably supporting the abutment structure in display frame 100.
[0082] The first connection member 306 and the second connection
member 304 are both part of the upright member 102. Optionally, the first
connection member 306 and the second connection member 304 can have slits
cut in them that align to form a wall mount aperture 330, suitable for hanging
on a
peg on a wall, to hang the display frame against the wall. The lower band 312
and upper band 314 can curve outward somewhat from the plane of the upright
member 102 by pivoting about fold lines 320. In the embodiments of Fig. 11,
fold
lines 320 are located at the ends of both the lower band 312 and the upper
band
314. Typically, the lower band 312 and the upper band 314 are planar when the
display frame 300 is in a first substantially planar state, and curve
outwardly
when the display frame 300 is in a second non-planar display state.
[0083] The support fins 104 of the display frame 300 can be slightly larger
than the support fins of the display frame 100, or 200. The larger size of the
support fins 104 in the display frame 300 can provide the upright member 102
with additional support to further impede tipping of the display frame 300.
When
the display frame 300 is in the first substantially planar state, as shown in
FIG
12A, the support fins 104 can be substantially parallel to (or in) the plane
of the
upright member 102. As shown in FIG. 15A, when the display frame 300 is in the
second non-planar display state the support fins 104 can be at a generally non-
zero angle a relative to the plane of the upright member 102.
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[0084] In addition as shown in FIGs 13 and 15A, when the display frame
300 is in the second non-planar display state, the lower band 312 can be
configured to curve outwardly from the plane of the upright member 102,
providing additional support to impede the display frame 300 from tipping. In
one
embodiment, the support fins 104 and the lower band 312 rest on a
substantially
horizontal surface to support the display frame at a substantially vertical
orientation. The lower band 312 can also comprise a support edge 312a for
resting on the substantially horizontal surface. Some example horizontal
surfaces include a table or a desk.
[0085] As shown in FIGs 12A and 13, the interlocking mechanism 302
typically includes a first connection member 306, a second connection member
304, a male member 308, and a female member 310. The first connection
member 306 is integrally attached to the rest of upright member 102 at a first
side 326, and unattached to the rest of upright member 102 at a centerline 307
adjacent to the second connection member 304. In addition, the first
connection
member 306 is unattached to the rest of upright member 102 at a top side 306a
adjacent to the upper band 314, and at a bottom side 306b adjacent to the
lower
band 312. Similarly, the second connection member 304 is integrally attached
to
the rest of upright member 102 at a second side 328, and unattached to the
rest
of upright member 102 at centerline 307 adjacent to the first connection
member
306. In addition, the second connection member 304 is unattached to the rest
of
upright member 102 at a top side 304a adjacent to the upper band 314, and at a
bottom side 304b adjacent to the lower band 312.
[0086] As shown in Fig 12A, in the first substantially planar state a side
306c of the first connection member 306 adjacent to the second connection
member 304 abuts the second connection member 304, forming a substantially
planar sheet. In the second non-planar display state side 306c of the first
connection member 306 overlaps the second connection member 304 at a side
304c. The overlapping of the first connection member 306 and the second
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connection member 304 contracts the upright member 102 to cause the upper
band 314 and the lower band 312 to curve outward from the plane of the upright
member 102.
[0087] Unless interconnected or interlocked in place, typically the display
frame 300 resiliently returns from the second non-planar display state to the
first
substantially planar state. In some embodiments, this is a result of the
resilient
nature of the material and structure of any of: the first connection member
306;
second connection member 304; the upper band 314; and the lower band 312.
[0088] For some embodiments, the male member 308 is integrally
attached on the first connection member 306, and the female member 310 is cut
into the second connection member 304. In some embodiments, the male
member 308 is a rectangular key detachable from the first connection member
306 on all sides except fold line 322 at which the male member remains
attached
to the first connection member 306. The male member 308 is typically foldable
around fold line 322 relative to the first connection member 306. In some
embodiments, the female member 310 comprises an aperture cut into the
second connection member 304, where the aperture is dimensioned to receive
the male member 308, such that the male member 308 can interlock with the
female member 310. In addition, in some embodiments the male member 308
comprises flanges 324 adapted to catch on an edge of the female member 310.
Flanges 324 tend to be held against the edge of the female member 310 by the
natural resiliency of the upright member 102. Alternatively, other retaining
mechanisms can be used instead of the flanges 324 and edge of the female
member 310 shown in the drawings. For example, a tight friction-fit might be
used. As shown in FIG 12A, when the display frame 300 is in the first
substantially planar state the male member 308 is typically parallel with a
plane
defined by the first connection member 306, which itself is in the same plane
as
the second connection member 304 or the upright member 102 at that stage.
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[0089] As shown in FIGs 13 and 15A, when the display frame 300 is in a
second non-planar display state, the male member 308 is typically folded
around
fold line 322 and interlocked with the female member 310. This involves
flanges
324 catching on the edge of the female member 310 to retain male member 308
within female member 310, to interlock the interlocking mechanism 302. In some
embodiments the display frame 300 can be selectively changed between the first
substantially planar state and the second non-planar display state, by
interlocking
or uninterlocking the male member 308 and female member 310.
[0090] As described above, in some embodiments the display frame 300
also comprises a support insert 318, as shown in FIG 12B. As shown in FIGs
14A and 14B, the support insert 318 can be attached to the backside of the
display frame 300 when the display frame 300 is in the second non-planar
display state. The support member 318 can help maintain the upright member
102 in an upright state to maintain the kinetic artwork insert 140 in proper
position for viewing.
[0091] As shown in FIGs 14A, 14B and 15A, the support insert 318 can be
attached to the backside of the display frame 300 via a plurality of notches
316
adapted to selectively interlock with the support insert 318 when the display
frame 300 is in the second non-planar display state. In one example, four
notches 316 are positioned in a generally rectangular shape, with two formed
in
the first connection member 306 and two formed in the second connection
member 304. The four notches 316 are positioned such that when the display
frame 300 is in the second non-planar display state, a rectangular embodiment
of
the support insert 318 can engage the notches, and can thus attach to the
display frame 300. The notches 316 may be replaced by any suitable means for
attaching the support insert 318 to the display frame 300, such as, for
example, a
paperclip, an adhesive or the like.
[0092] As shown in FIGs 11, 15B, 15C, 16, and 17, similar to display
frame 100, and 200, once the display frame 300 is the second non-planar
display
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state, the kinetic artwork insert 140 can be engaged with the display frame
300 in
a fashion similar to that described above.
[0093] Optionally, the contoured support or shaped insert 180 described
above in connection with Figures 8, 8(a), 9 and 9(a), may also be used in
connection with the display frame 300. According to this variant of the
invention,
the insert 180 could replace the upper and lower bands 312, 314 described
above or could be used in addition to the bands 312, 314.
[0094] As described above, both the display frame and the image insert
may be part of a product such as a book having a plurality of pages. The book
may be a magazine, having a soft cover, or may be other articles comprising a
spine edge and a plurality of pages connected at the spine edge.
[0095] Other variations and modifications of the invention are possible. All
such modifications or variations are believed to be within the sphere and
scope
of the invention as defined by the claims appended hereto.
