Abstract: A composite laminated print and frame and method of fabrication is described. A canvas sheet is secured on a flat outer contour surface of a circumferential hollow frame member such that the canvas sheet is accessible from behind the frame. A printed image sheet is bonded on a clear plastic film sheet with an image of the sheet facing the clear plastic film sheet. The plastic film has a marginal extension portion all about the image sheet. The marginal extension portion extends over a circumferential outer side wall of the frame member and is held taunt by fasteners over the canvas sheet with the image facing outwardly. The canvas is visible and touchable from the rear of the frame given the impression that the image is directly on the canvas.

Abstract: A portable model picture framing gallery comprising an easily carried box containing multiple image cards, multiple mat cards, one or more transparent protective covers, and multiple frame cards. The image cards contain preselected representations of artwork images manipulated to a predetermined size, the mat cards are of a variety of colors and textures, the transparent cover can be non-glare or regular glass or plastic, and framing cards are each imprinted with representation of a frame. The user selects an image card, one or more mat cards, a protective cover, and a suitable frame card to view a representation of the custom framed image suitable for placing an order.

Abstract: A method of making a mat for framing visual artwork which includes scanning at least two photographs, manipulating the scanned images to form a mat using a photograph-manipulation software program, and printing the mat. The mat may include a border and a window inside the border through which to view the artwork.

Abstract: A page for a memory album or a scrapbook has an illumination assembly secured between adjacent sheets of the page. The illumination assembly has a power source and one or more light emitting members powered by the power source. The light emitting member(s) are mounted opposite one or more openings formed in the page to allow light emitted by the light emitting member to be visible on the front surface of the page. An on/off switch is mounted on the carrier, which is secured to the back of the page to allow a user to selectively activate the light-emitting member by depressing the location on the page which overlays the switch. A rigid eyelet may be mounted in a surrounding relationship over each opening to protect the sheets of the album. A resistance member is incorporated into a programmable electronic circuit to regulate the supply of power to the light emitting members and extend the life of the power source. The illumination assembly allows personalization of the design on the page of the scrapbook.

Abstract: The invention relates to a picture frame consisting of four separate mounting support pieces that interconnect to glass or an acrylic glass sheet to form a support system or frame element. A separate sheet of glass, acrylic glass, matting or any such backing material is used as a backing to hold the picture centered in the middle of the frame. The frame has excess acrylic, glass or backing material to enhance the picture. When acrylic or glass is used this brings out the floating picture effect being a translucent background. This unique style enables picture viewers to visually see the background wall of any color or style thru the excess glass matting. The mounting support piece and acrylic glass or glass piece being separate pieces are joined together forming one individual front piece of the picture frame. Each mounting support piece is completed with a sawtooth hanger to enable the consumer to hang the picture on the wall of their choice.

Abstract: A display device for displaying flat articles. The device includes a frame having a front side and a rear side. A transparent sheet is mounted to the frame at its front side. A planar mat having a plurality of cutouts in predefined shapes and at predefined positions is then positioned flatly against the transparent sheet. Thereafter, a planar article holder having a plurality of pockets wherein each pocket corresponds in shape and location to an associated cutout in the mat, is then positioned flatly against the planar mat. Each pocket is designed to hold one flat article for display. A planar backing is then mounted to the frame adjacent the rear side of the frame so that the mat and article holder are sandwiched in between the transparent sheet and the backing.

Abstract: A back member of a picture frame includes a platform and a retainer mechanism. The picture frame has interior walls that form an interior cavity. The platform includes retaining walls, and the platform and the retaining walls are adapted to fit within the interior cavity of the picture frame. The retainer mechanism is disposed relative to one of the retaining walls so as to provide a force to releasably engage one of the retaining walls against one of the interior walls. The retainer mechanism provides a one-step, quick release engagement and disengagement of the back member and the picture frame. The retainer mechanism may include an elastic spring element or a gasket-like elastic material. In another embodiment, a system for framing a display piece is also disclosed. The system includes a frame, a back member engageable with the frame, and a retainer mechanism for maintaining engagement between the frame and the back member.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a picture-holding system (1) with a frame (2), and a flat backing piece (3). It is provided according to the invention that the flat backing piece is a bearing plate (3) onto which frame (2) is fixed, so that it surrounds an opening (4) and that at least one picture is provided in the form of a flexible sheet (5), whose outer contour corresponds at least partially to the contour of opening (4) and whose length and/or width is greater than the length or width of opening (4). The present invention also concerns a frame system (1′) for such a picture-holding system (1).

Abstract: A portable model picture framing gallery comprising an easily carried box containing multiple image cards, multiple mat cards, one or more transparent protective covers, and multiple frame cards. The image cards contain preselected representations of artwork images manipulated to a predetermined size, the mat cards are of a variety of colors and textures, the transparent cover can be non-glare or regular glass or plastic, and framing cards are each imprinted with representation of a frame. The user selects an image card, one or more mat cards, a protective cover, and a suitable frame card to view a representation of the custom framed image suitable for placing an order.

Abstract: A matboard with a plurality of luminescent designs is disclosed. The luminescent designs may be in any shape and design and glow in the dark. The matboard may be utilized as a background or perimeter board for any type of artwork or mirror suitable for display. The luminescent designs may provide a unique appearance enhancing the aesthetic beauty of the artwork.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, a picture frame may include a holder disposed on the rear side of the frame so as to define a cavity to receive a card. The holder may have a second viewing window that is operable to display the card from the rear side of the frame. The holder may be substantially concealed from the perspective of a viewer exposed to the first viewing window in the front side of the frame.

Abstract: A picture frame illuminated and decorated by several LEDs, distributed along the face of parallel sides, as well as top and bottom of the picture frame and controlled by software, which is programmed into a micro-controller. The lighted picture frame comprises of a printed circuit board, a motion detector element, a light sensor element, a push button, battery compartment, one or more one-color, bi-color or tri-color LED independently or collectively connected to printed circuit board by wires, or by printed wires. A current limiting resistor network is connected in series with LEDs. Electronic circuit is powered by a DC power source, which can be either battery or a DC adapter. LEDs flash and illuminate in different patterns and sequences controlled by software. LEDs are individually or collectively controlled by software, making it possible to create a variety of light and pattern combinations.

Abstract: A sight glass retaining system is provided for mounting a sight glass to a support panel, such as for viewing combustion or other processes. The system includes a retainer which forms a continuous frame and has lateral flanges for locating the sight glass. Retaining tabs extend from the frame and support resilient retaining portions which snap into engagement with the support panel. A resilient element, which may form a seal with the sight glass and support panel, urges the assembly in compression to maintain tight engagement of the components, and generally column loads the retaining portions to preclude movement of the assembly on the support panel.

Abstract: A form with a well has a form layer with a top and a bottom surface and a perimeter, a die cut through the form layer that defines a portion of said form layer within said die cut, a patch layer having a perimeter and top and bottom surfaces, and an adhesive layer that is repositionable and peelable. The patch layer is adhesively but removably secured to the bottom surface of the form layer such that the die cut and form layer portion are entirely within the perimeter of the patch layer. The form has a well, that is created by removal of the form layer portion from within the die cut. The bottom of the well is the top surface of said adhesive layer and the sides of the well are the edges of said die cut. The adhesive layer has a greater affinity for the patch layer than the form layer portion such that when the form layer portion is removed from the form, the adhesive stays adhered to the patch layer. Articles such as photographs may then be inserted into the well.

Abstract: A cloth-painting frame is constructed to include a piece of painting cloth, the piece of painting cloth having a planar woven writing surface for drawing a picture and writing letters and a fringe suspended around the periphery for decoration, and a frame adapted for holding the piece of painting cloth.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel system for suspending artwork, photographs, documents and other planar material for display in which one edge (the top edge of the material) instead of being attached to hinges, is positioned between opposed magnetic materials having a strong reciprocal force tightly gripping the planar material therebetween whereby the planar article is releasably mounted for display. One of each set of opposed magnetic materials is seated within a recessed area of a mounting board providing a backing for the artwork or other planar article; while the other magnetic material is seated within a mat or other planar material designed to be positioned over the face of the artwork or other planar material to be displayed. The invention is particularly useful for mounting for display priceless artwork and archival documents which can suffer irreversible degradation from the hinging techniques heretofore employed for such priceless planar materials.

Abstract: Disclosed is a display device comprising a magnetically attachable magnetic sheet laminate, which includes a thin-film-like magnetic sheet and an impression sheet laminated on the magnetic sheet with various display subjects selectively printed on the surface of the impression sheet, and a display member having a magnetic surface and combined with the magnetic sheet laminate. A display subject such as a painting, an ink writing, a photograph, etc. thus can be quickly and readily replaced to match the season or the place of installation for according to the taste of a visitor. Or such a display subject as a poster can be replaced in dependence on an advertisement content change or the like.

Abstract: A novel method of advertising in appropriate bound or unbound publications wherein the pages of the publication are folded in half and may be bound along one edge by either saddle-stitching or perfect-binding the pages at the center of the publication together, wherein a carrier member formed of a folded member that is appropriately bound into the publication and has at least one adhesive strip or a plurality of adhesive spots positioned adjacent one edge for mounting a substantially thinner mouse pad thereon for ease of removal and subsequent use. The mouse pad is formed of a thin generally transparent plastic material and carries advertising printed on the undersurface of the pad, which advertising is viewed through the transparent pad; the mouse pad acting to insure that the publication will flip open at the position of the pad so that the viewer or reader will see the advertising early in the inspection of the publication.

Abstract: A picture frame is constructed to include an outer frame, an inner frame press-fitted into the inside of the outer frame, a transparent plate and a back plate. The inner frame has a mounting groove in a back side thereof for receiving the transparent plate therein. The back plate is mounted in a back side of the inner frame and peripherally stopped against the inside wall of the outer frame and adapted for holding a picture in between the transparent plate and the back plate.

Abstract: Display apparatus for displaying objects includes a display panel including a panel layer formed of a penetrable, stiff material sandwiched between a layer formed of a penetrable, flexible sheet material and a layer formed of mesh material. The objects are held in position by wires looping about the objects and extending through the display panel.

Abstract: A picture frame mat made by the process of injection molding a molten material into a prepared mold, allowing the material to cool and ejecting the resultant mat. The molten material may be selected from the group consisting of plastic, glass, ceramic, liquid metal, powdered metal and combinations thereof. A secondary step in manufacturing the mat involves modifying a surface portion of the mat. This step is selected from the group consisting of a) plating said surface portion, b) adding a surface modifier to a mold cavity prior to injecting said material, and c) coating said surface portion with said surface modifier. The surface modifier added to the mold cavity consists of graphics carried by a Mylar® sheet. The plating step is preferably electroplating using copper, brass, pewter, antique versions of those three, gold, or statuary finishes. The coating step would comprise the addition of paint to areas of the treated surface portion.

Abstract: Methods and print media useful for the generation of customized picture frames for the framing of photographs, drawings, graphics, collages and other visual formats. The embodiments include specialized print media for use in conventional imaging devices and their methods of use. The print media includes an interior portion removably attached to a surrounding portion. The interior portion is adapted to remain with the surrounding portion as an image is transferred to a printable surface of the print media using an imaging device. The interior portion may subsequently be removed from the surrounding portion without cutting.

Abstract: A picture matte for framing one or more pictures that also presents two or more composite graphic images or sets of images for viewing with the picture or pictures. The matte may framed or unframed. In an unframed embodiment, the matte serves as a picture frame or other display device. The invention thereby provides an entertainment or enjoyment value, or commercial value (e.g., advertising, marketing, promotional) in addition to the value(s) presented by the picture or pictures. The two or more graphic images or sets of images in a same field of view as a picture, or in an overlapping field of view with that of the picture. A matte comprises at least two interleaved series or sets of sections that are arranged in a wave-like manner such that each series presents a composite image or a set of images, in addition to the matte presenting at least one picture.

Abstract: A system for mounting a component to a portfolio including a tongue located on the component, the tongue having a tail portion and a tip portion, and a portfolio having a tongue opening formed therein. The top can be inserted into the tongue opening and component rotated relative to the portfolio until the tongue is generally received through the tongue opening to couple the component to the portfolio.

Abstract: The structured trading card display kit provides a way of displaying trading cards in an organized manner, based on a particular index assigned to the kit. The index can be selected from a large possible group and the kit includes structure identifying the index as well as a display assembly.

Abstract: A pin has a front side having a recess therein and a back side having a connector for attaching the pin to an article of clothing. The recess is capable of having a photograph attached therein. The pin provides users of pins with flexibility in designing pins to personal taste. In another version the pin has two hinged sections that can be opened and closed like a book, with each section having a recess for a photo.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a preservation mat board for use in framing a picture frame. The mat board includes a top facing layer and/or backing layer, each comprising a buffer and/or deacidifying agent, adhered to a middle board or layer by an adhesive containing zeolites. Another embodiment discloses mixing polystyrene pellets with zeolite using an extruder and one or more blowing agents to form a foam material. One or more paper layers comprising a buffer and/or deacidifying agent are heat-fused, without the use of adhesives, to the surface of the foam to form a preservation mat board.

Abstract: A picture frame assembly has a border with recesses for holding coins. The border consists of an internally mounted framing component having a plurality of circular recesses formed therein. The internal edges of the framing component are designed to slightly overlap the edges of the picture or photo to be framed, while the external edges are designed to fit under the external border of the frame. A backing member immediately adjacent the framing component cooperates with the apertures formed in the framing component to create recessed into which coins may be placed. The date of the coins coincides with the date of the photo or picture and thus provide an indication of the date of the photo or picture. The backing member is held in position relative to the framing component by a clamp, which also serves to bind the frontal border and glass plate in position thereby completing the frame assembly.

Abstract: An adhesive pad includes a substrate, a releaseable first adhesive layer disposed on one side of the substrate and having a first degree of tackiness, a first piece of release paper overlying the first adhesive layer, a display layer bonded adhesively to the other side of the substrate, a releaseable second adhesive layer disposed on the display layer and having a second degree of tackiness which is lower than the first degree of tackiness, and a second piece of release paper covering the second adhesive layer.

Abstract: The poster-frame poster “Zaney Frames™” is a frame for posters that is actually a poster itself. Because most posters are standard size, Zaney Frames can be designed with the center section removed so that almost all of the posters on the market can be placed behind them and viewed completely. Zaney Frames can be installed over any poster at any time. Made from paper or vinyl they may have an adhesive backing (non-penetrating and non-permanent) to aid in installation. Because they are printed with brilliant 3D graphics, they can be designed to look like real frames, cutouts in the wall, castle windows, splattered blobs, or anything that the imagination can think of.

Abstract: A versatile system which includes a display unit by which a plurality of image works selected from photographs, paintings, newspaper articles, pictures, images, prints, designs, sports memorabilia, certificates, awards, and diplomas may be viewed simultaneously or individually, as selected by the viewer. A display unit stores a plurality of image works for selective viewing by an observer by virtue of each image works being mounted on a slidable carrier, which may be slid within a framework to enable or disable viewing of image works which may be disposed behind a given slidable carrier.

Abstract: A back member of a picture frame includes a platform and a retainer mechanism. The picture frame has interior walls that form an interior cavity. The platform includes retaining walls, and the platform and the retaining walls are adapted to fit within the interior cavity of the picture frame. The retainer mechanism is disposed relative to one of the retaining walls so as to provide a force to releasably engage one of the retaining walls against one of the interior walls. The retainer mechanism provides a one-step, quick release engagement and disengagement of the back member and the picture frame. The retainer mechanism may include an elastic spring element or a gasket-like elastic material. In another embodiment, a system for framing a display piece is also disclosed. The system includes a frame, a back member engageable with the frame, and a retainer mechanism for maintaining engagement between the frame and the back member.

Abstract: A frameless picture mount is formed of a series of flat, planar elements adhesively laminated together to form the complete assembly. A laminated backing board comprising a foam core sandwiched between opposed sheets of coated paper is used as a base for the assembly, with a flat, planar display article (photograph, picture, etc.) adhesively secured to the front of the backing board by a series of double sided adhesive tape strips. The display article is protected by a clear plastic laminating sheet which is adhesively sealed to the front of the article. A second such sheet may be used to seal the article completely between the two laminating sheets, to preclude migration of acids and/or chemicals between the display article and the papers or materials of the remainder of the assembly.

Abstract: A faery adhesive tape is a transparent or translucent membrane substrate with constant width that is back-coated with glue, and multiple reels are produced and used as a tape. While producing multiple reels, the topic related describing intrigue is printed or tape-fitted at suitable interval on the substrate. The intrigue of said topic is expressed by segment with designs, letters, or excellent pictures and literary composition. Depending on the seriatim torn away of the adhesive tape, it will gradually deepen into the intrigue or gradually disclose the solution, build up the interesting effect of the expectation and pleasant surprise of users, and thus widen the scope of usage of the adhesive tape.

Abstract: The invention is created by taking photographs and introducing them into a computer by either scanning hardcopies or directly from a digital format. The photos are then arranged in a way to allow the colors or patterns to flow around an opening in the center in which a removable photo or item can be placed. Once an appropriate pattern is achieved, the image is printed onto a glossy photo quality paper and then adhered to matte board. The center is then removed using a beveled cutter in order to display the depth of the matte board. The final photo matte is a blended image of photos that depicts a story told with photos rather than words.

Abstract: A picture frame capable of storing more than one picture, which includes a front frame member hingeably and removably attached to a rear support member, where the front frame member includes a frame surrounding a transparent display window and where the rear support member includes a picture compartment for storing pictures. The front frame member also includes a removable mat board mounted on the inside of the transparent window. The mat board forms a border on the inside of the display window and is releasably secured to the front frame member by flexible support arms. The front frame member and the rear support member are connected by a pair of releasable and interrelating fasteners mounted on the front frame member and the rear support member, respectively, for releasably securing the front frame member to the rear support member. The picture compartment includes an automatically adjusting, removable rear picture support removably mounted within the picture compartment.

Abstract: A shallow box display frame is provided for a three-dimensional ornamental object. The display frame is formed with a surrounding border having inner and outer surfaces. A hollow bubble projects from the outer surface of the border. The bubble is closed at the inner surface of the border by a flat closure member that is thinner than the border and which seats in a seating recess that surrounds the bubble on the inner surface of the border. The flat closure member resides in the seating recess so that its exposed surface is in coplanar relationship with the surrounding portion of the inner surface of the border. A hollow enclosed cavity is defined within the bubble and a three-dimensional display object is loosely entrapped within the hollow cavity.

Abstract: Described and claimed are mat boards and backing boards buffered to a pH greater than 7.0 and having as an outer layer a vapor barrier and protective material such as PET, PBT, co-PBT co-PET and mixtures thereof, as well as methods for making and using such matboards and backing boards.

Abstract: A frame for displaying encased sports cards and the like with a glass pane, a pre-frame of wood or plastic having a cutout port for each card encased in an inflexible transparent plastic card holder, and an inflexible cardboard backing layer. Up to one hundred cards may be encased within the frame.

Abstract: A photograph retaining assembly is disclosed, wherein a backing substrate has an adhesive layer on one side and a plurality of retaining pockets on a second side. The retaining pockets formed to preclude perforation of the backing substrate. The retaining pockets can form a frame extending along two, three or all four sides of the photograph, wherein the retaining pocket engages the retained photograph along at least three sides.

Abstract: A device for the presentation of documents, which includes a back element (3; 13; 17) and a frame (2) capable of surrounding the back element (3; 13; 17). The latter includes one or more fixing elements (9; 10), each comprising a part (20) capable of deforming elastically. When the device (1) is in the closed state, each of the elements applies a clamping force to the frame (2), causing the document (8) to be clamped.

Abstract: A folder having framed windows featuring a first panel, a second panel and a spine panel disposed between the covers. A pocket panel secured to the holder providing framed windows in substantial alignment with the front cover and the spine such that a sheet containing content information is insertable within the pocket and displayable over the front cover, spine or a combination thereof. A mounting sheet is insertable within the pocket for securing a sheet containing content identification. The mounting sheet has a plurality of fasteners adaptable for securing and displaying sheets for insertion into the pocket in multiple orientations. In the first orientation, the plurality of fasteners secures the sheet such that it extends over the front cover and is viewable only within the framed window of the front cover. In the second orientation, the fasteners secure the sheet such that it extends over both the front cover and the spine and is viewable within both framed windows.

Abstract: A frame for framing pictures has frame sections each having an external side wall connecting a channel for corner brackets on the back of the frame section with a visible front surface, which extends from the side wall towards a picture element in the frame. A screen wall extends from a holding lip down past a supporting lip to a bottom surface. A clear gap between the front surface of the frame section and the screen wall is of a smaller width than the distance from the holding lip to the bottom surface.

Abstract: The frame assembly for mounting a picture, painting, photograph or the like includes: a generally rectangular frame having an inwardly extending rear end flange; a backing board having a border or perimeter and being constructed and arranged to be received within the frame; at least two retainers slidably mounted on the backing board and being movable from a position not engaging the rear end flange of the frame and within the border of the backing board to a rear end flange engaging position where a hook of the retainer at a first end of the retainer is positioned beyond the border of the backing board and in front of the rear end flange for holding the backing board in the frame of the frame assembly.

Abstract: A method of personalizing a photograph display frame consists of the steps of: providing a photograph display frame having a perimeter, a central opening, a front surface, a rear surface and a thickness; providing a photographic image depicted in two portions, a first portion sized to cover the front surface of the frame and a second portion sized to at least fit the central opening of the frame; attaching the first portion to the frame; and positioning the second portion in the opening separated at least by the thickness of the frame from the first portion such that the first portion and second portion are in plan view alignment.

Abstract: A picture frame is constructed of a base member and a backing member with the backing member in some embodiments having the same configuration as the base member. The backing member, typically, is deflectable. The base member includes a border section which encloses a planar center section. Relative to the backing member, the border section is concave. The base member and backing member can be hinged. Mounted in conjunction with the border section of the base member are series of locking tabs with these tabs to be movable to fixedly retain the backing member in conjunction with the base member. A sheet material attachment is connectable with at least one pair of slits formed within the backing member able to assume an angular relationship relative to the backing member resembling an easel shape to support the picture frame in an upright manner when the attachment and a portion of the border section of the picture frame rest on a supporting surface.

Abstract: A wall-hanging art-tapestry comprises, for example, a Giclée print of original art reproduced with extreme high fidelity on a textured watercolor paper mounted on a honeycomb board. Canvas is used to cover the back of the board and upholstery velvet edgings are used to edge and cover three sides of the perimeter. An antiqued wood rod with end mounted resin finials are stapled with a fifty percent board compression at each staple across the top and in front of the artwork. A cord is attached at each end of the rod for hanging and tassels are added to complete a tapestry look to the whole construction.

Abstract: The certification display has a multilayer matting board including similarly sized first and second matting layers. The first matting layer is connected in coextensive overlaying relation to a front surface of the second matting layer. The multilayer matting board provides a predetermined location for the placement of a certification document or diploma and recertification labels. A certificate aperture for viewing a certificate, diploma or other certification documents extends through the matting board. The certificate aperture has a sufficient depth to act as a spacer between a front cover and the face of the certificate or diploma. A certificate, diploma, or other documentation is mounted on a back surface of the second matting layer in registry with the certificate aperture. A plurality of label wells extends through the first layer of the matting board. A recertification label is placed within the label wells, typically adhered to the bottom of the label well.

Abstract: A transparency mat card comprising a mat with a window and a transparency mounted in the window using a weak, removable glue applied to portions of a glue border so that the transparency can be detached intact from the mat card. A picture or other visual pattern is preferably printed or otherwise marked on the transparency, preferably on the rear surface.

Abstract: A sheet material for mounting on a substrate such as a wall, and displaying an article such as a greeting card, comprising a film backing, a first repositionable adhesive coating on one surface, and a second repositionable coating on the other surface. The sheet material permits the article to be adhered to, repositioned on, and removed from the sheet material without removing the sheet material from the substrate to which it has been adhered.