Patents by Inventor Steven M. Spiro

Steven M. Spiro has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11548315
    Abstract: A system for mounting a covering (e.g., a fabric material) upon a frame is constructed from a plurality of elongated frame parts. Each frame part has two mitered ends and a channel formed therein. The related mounting method includes the steps of: (a) using a jig to hold the fabric material against the frame; (b) inserting a plurality of retaining splines within respective channels so as to capture the fabric material within the channels between one retaining spline and a corresponding floor of the channel, whereby a plurality of corner pleats are formed; and (c) using a tool to invert each corner pleat into a corner joint formed between respective adjacent frame parts so as to form an internal fold at each corner of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: TRACER IMAGING LLC
    Inventors: Steven M. Spiro, Stephen S. Daniell, Theodore Petroulas, Paul Dowd, Ryan Kelly, Bennet Otto Poepping, Kevin Skeuse, Erol Searfoss, Jack Fernandez
  • Patent number: 11534010
    Abstract: A frame system according to one embodiment includes a mount body having an inner surface and an opposing outer surface. The outer surface has an adhesive body applied thereto. The adhesive body has an adhesive on an outer surface thereof for contacting and bonding with a support surface. The frame system further includes an outer frame element having a first opening through which an image substrate is visible. The outer frame element has a first surface against which the image substrate seats. A back plate is configured for attachment to the outer frame element and the back plate includes a second opening that receives the adhesive body. The back plate further includes a forward protrusion against which the image substrate seat. A mount space is defined between the outer frame element and the back plate in which the mount body is disposed and is configured to move in at least two directions for adjusting a position of the frame system on the support surface. At least one biasing element (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: TRACER IMAGING LLC
    Inventors: James Alexander, Ryan Kelly, Steven M. Spiro
  • Patent number: 11523693
    Abstract: A frame system according to one embodiment includes a hollow outer frame element that includes a plurality of recesses formed along inner faces of walls of the outer frame element. The outer frame element further includes a plurality of ribs formed along the inner face and an inner landing that protrudes inwardly into a center opening of the outer frame element. The frame system also includes a back plate configured for insertion into the center opening. The back plate includes a plurality of locking ribs for reception within the plurality of recesses to generate a snap-fit attachment of the back plate to the hollow outer frame element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: TRACER IMAGING LLC
    Inventors: Steven M. Spiro, Ryan Kelly
  • Publication number: 20220265069
    Abstract: A vertical slot hanger assembly includes a substrate having a top edge and a bottom edge and a plurality of holes or slits formed therein along each of the top edge and the bottom edge. The assembly further includes a top rail and a bottom rail. Each of the top rail and the bottom rail includes a recessed channel that extends in a longitudinal direction. Each rail has a plurality of blind holes formed therein. Each blind hole intersects the recessed channel. The top edge of the substrate is received within the recessed channel of the top rail and the bottom edge of the substrate is received within the recessed channel of the bottom rail. The system further includes an elongated hanging element that is disposed within the recessed channel between the top edge of the substrate and a top surface of the recessed channel. The system includes a plurality of fasteners for reception in the plurality of blind holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2022
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Inventors: Steven M. Spiro, Jessica Huffman, Ryan Kelly
  • Patent number: 11419436
    Abstract: A method for assembling a canvas print includes the steps of: preparing a canvas substrate that includes a printed side; placing the canvas substrate with the printed side facing down; disposing a base frame over the canvas substrate; folding edges of the canvas substrate over sides of the base frame; inserting a rear panel into the base frame; and pressing the rear panel downward until a snap-fit connection is realized between the rear panel and the base frame with the folded edges of the canvas substrate being captured between the rear panel and the base frame and being taught across a forward face of the base frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: TRACER IMAGING LLC
    Inventors: Steven M. Spiro, Ryan Kelly, Paul Dowd
  • Publication number: 20220233000
    Abstract: An article for hanging on a support surface includes a substrate having a first end and a second end. The article includes a pair of rails with each rail including a recessed channel that extends in a longitudinal direction. A pair of splines is provided with each spline including a raised ridge that extends in a longitudinal direction. The raised ridge is configured for insertion into the recessed channel. The article also includes a first pair of end caps. Each end cap of the first pair of end caps having an end walls and side walls that define a hollow interior, wherein each end cap of the first pair of end caps further includes slots that are formed in two of the side walls that are opposite one another. The article includes an elongated hanging element that has enlarged portions at two opposite ends thereof. The elongated hanging element passes through the slots of the first pair of end caps with the enlarged portions being located external to the first pair of end caps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2022
    Publication date: July 28, 2022
    Inventors: Steven M. Spiro, Ryan Kelly
  • Publication number: 20220133064
    Abstract: A frame system according to one embodiment includes a mount body having an inner surface and an opposing outer surface. The outer surface has an adhesive body applied thereto. The adhesive body has an adhesive on an outer surface thereof for contacting and bonding with a support surface. The frame system further includes an outer frame element having a first opening through which an image substrate is visible. The outer frame element has a first surface against which the image substrate seats. A back plate is configured for attachment to the outer frame element and the back plate includes a second opening that receives the adhesive body. The back plate further includes a forward protrusion against which the image substrate seat. A mount space is defined between the outer frame element and the back plate in which the mount body is disposed and is configured to move in at least two directions for adjusting a position of the frame system on the support surface. At least one biasing element (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2021
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Inventors: James Alexander, Ryan KELLY, Steven M. Spiro
  • Publication number: 20220104637
    Abstract: A frame system includes a mount having an outer surface for receiving an adhesive for placement on a support surface and an inner surface that includes a plurality of first coupling elements. The frame system also includes a hollow outer frame element and a back plate configured for insertion into and attachment to the outer frame element. The back plate includes a plurality of second coupling elements that mate with the first coupling elements for attaching the back plate to the mount in such a way that the back plate can rotate relative to the mount to allow for adjustment of the combined outer frame element and the back plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2021
    Publication date: April 7, 2022
    Inventors: Steven M. Spiro, Ryan Kelly, Ryan Spiro
  • Patent number: 11278132
    Abstract: A display for displaying a plurality of images includes a cube shaped housing formed of a first housing part that includes first, second and third faces and a second housing part that includes fourth, fifth and sixth faces, wherein the first part and the second housing parts are coupled to one another by a snap-fit to form the cube shaped housing. The display includes a skeleton frame formed of a first frame part and a second frame part. The first frame part and the second frame part are attached to one another to surround the cube shaped housing. The display includes a first image template that includes interconnected first, second and third images, the first image being coupled to the first face, the second image being coupled to the second face and the third image being coupled to the third face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: TRACER IMAGING LLC
    Inventors: Steven M. Spiro, Ryan Kelly, Paul Dowd
  • Publication number: 20220061555
    Abstract: A cube-shaped display article includes an inner cube-shaped base and a first image substrate that is formed of a plurality of individual image receiving sections that are arranged in a first pattern, such as a cross shape. The first image substrate having a plurality of crease lines to permit folding of the individual image receiving sections of the first image substrate for positioning the individual image sections against corresponding faces of the inner cube-shaped base. An outer hollow cube-shaped cage for placement over the inner cube-shaped base. The outer hollow cube-shaped cage captures the first image substrate which is located between the outer hollow cube-shaped cage and the inner cube-shaped base and serves to press the individual images against the corresponding faces of the inner cube-shaped base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Inventors: Steven M. Spiro, Ryan Kelly
  • Publication number: 20220031095
    Abstract: A frame system according to one embodiment includes a hollow outer frame element that includes a plurality of recesses formed along inner faces of walls of the outer frame element. The outer frame element further includes a plurality of ribs formed along the inner face and an inner landing that protrudes inwardly into a center opening of the outer frame element. The frame system also includes a back plate configured for insertion into the center opening. The back plate includes a plurality of locking ribs for reception within the plurality of recesses to generate a snap-fit attachment of the back plate to the hollow outer frame element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Inventors: Steven M. Spiro, Ryan Kelly
  • Publication number: 20210276363
    Abstract: A system for mounting a covering (e.g., a fabric material) upon a frame is constructed from a plurality of elongated frame parts. Each frame part has two mitered ends and a channel formed therein. The related mounting method includes the steps of: (a) using a jig to hold the fabric material against the frame; (b) inserting a plurality of retaining splines within respective channels so as to capture the fabric material within the channels between one retaining spline and a corresponding floor of the channel, whereby a plurality of corner pleats are formed; and (c) using a tool to invert each corner pleat into a corner joint formed between respective adjacent frame parts so as to form an internal fold at each corner of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Inventors: Steven M. Spiro, Stephen S. Daniell, Theodore Petroulas, Paul Dowd, Ryan Kelly, Bennet Otto Poepping, Kevin Skeuse, Erol Searfoss, Jack Fernandez
  • Publication number: 20210204724
    Abstract: A repositionable frame system includes a repositionable wall mount configured for being repositionably secured to a support surface. The repositionable wall mount includes a first magnetic element. The system further includes a frame having a rear face that includes a second magnetic element that is magnetically attracted to the first magnetic element resulting in a magnetic coupling between the frame and the repositionable wall mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2021
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Inventors: Charles Phillips, Steven M. Spiro
  • Publication number: 20210120982
    Abstract: A display for displaying a plurality of images includes a cube shaped housing formed of a first housing part that includes first, second and third faces and a second housing part that includes fourth, fifth and sixth faces, wherein the first part and the second housing parts are coupled to one another by a snap-fit to form the cube shaped housing. The display includes a skeleton frame formed of a first frame part and a second frame part. The first frame part and the second frame part are attached to one another to surround the cube shaped housing. The display includes a first image template that includes interconnected first, second and third images, the first image being coupled to the first face, the second image being coupled to the second face and the third image being coupled to the third face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2020
    Publication date: April 29, 2021
    Inventors: Steven M. Spiro, Ryan Kelly, Paul Dowd
  • Patent number: 10981415
    Abstract: A system for mounting a covering (e.g., a fabric material) upon a frame is constructed from a plurality of elongated frame parts. Each frame part has two mitered ends and a channel formed therein. The related mounting method includes the steps of: (a) using a jig to hold the fabric material against the frame; (b) inserting a plurality of retaining splines within respective channels so as to capture the fabric material within the channels between one retaining spline and a corresponding floor of the channel, whereby a plurality of corner pleats are formed; and (c) using a tool to invert each corner pleat into a corner joint formed between respective adjacent frame parts so as to form an internal fold at each corner of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: TRACER IMAGING LLC
    Inventors: Steven M. Spiro, Stephen S. Daniell, Theodore Petroulas, Paul Dowd, Ryan Kelly, Bennet Otto Poepping, Kevin Skeuse, Erol Searfoss, Jack Fernandez
  • Patent number: 10889107
    Abstract: A printing system capable of accurately positioning a lenticular array in registration with a rectilinear raster includes a printer that is capable of printing onto a printable surface. The printer has a main support surface on which the printable surface rests. The system further includes a series of raised parallel relief features being spatially formed along a printable substrate that is supported by the main support surface. The raised parallel relief features are raised to a sufficient height above the printable substrate such that when the lenticular array is disposed upon the raised parallel relief features, each raised parallel relief feature fits and is disposed within a valley formed between two respective adjoining lenticules of the lenticular array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: TRACER IMAGING LLC
    Inventors: Steven M. Spiro, Stephen S. Daniell, Daniel L. Lau
  • Publication number: 20200397161
    Abstract: A frame assembly includes a frame base and a rear panel including a plurality of side walls that are configured to be received within a plurality of side walls of the frame base. Along an external surface of each side wall of the rear panel there is at least one locking tab that is configured for reception within one corresponding locking opening of the frame base when the rear panel is inserted into the frame base so as couple the rear panel to the frame base in a snap-fitting manner and permit a canvas substrate to be captured therebetween for holding the canvas substrate across a front face of the frame base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: Steven M. SPIRO, Ryan KELLY, Paul DOWD
  • Publication number: 20200397160
    Abstract: A method for assembling a canvas print includes the steps of: preparing a canvas substrate that includes a printed side; placing the canvas substrate with the printed side facing down; disposing a base frame over the canvas substrate; folding edges of the canvas substrate over sides of the base frame; inserting a rear panel into the base frame; and pressing the rear panel downward until a snap-fit connection is realized between the rear panel and the base frame with the folded edges of the canvas substrate being captured between the rear panel and the base frame and being taught across a forward face of the base frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: Steven M. SPIRO, Ryan KELLY, Paul DOWD
  • Patent number: 10813478
    Abstract: A spline installation device for use with a spline/rail type frame to assemble the splines to the rails. The device including a base that defines a platform for receiving a frame subassembly; and a plurality of linkages that are disposed about the platform and coupled to the base. Each linkage is configured to move between a first position in which a fence bearing surface thereof is at an angle other than 90 degrees relative to the platform and a second position in which the fence bearing surface is set at an at least substantially 90 degree angle relative to the platform for locking and holding the frame subassembly in place. The linkages further being configured to receive a spline instillation tool for locking the splines in place relative to the rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: TRACER IMAGING LLC
    Inventors: Steven M. Spiro, Stephen S. Daniell, Kevin Skeuse, Paul Dowd
  • Publication number: 20200297134
    Abstract: A spline installation device for use with a spline/rail type frame to assemble the splines to the rails. The device including a base that defines a platform for receiving a frame subassembly; and a plurality of linkages that are disposed about the platform and coupled to the base. Each linkage is configured to move between a first position in which a fence bearing surface thereof is at an angle other than 90 degrees relative to the platform and a second position in which the fence bearing surface is set at an at least substantially 90 degree angle relative to the platform for locking and holding the frame subassembly in place. The linkages further being configured to receive a spline instillation tool for locking the splines in place relative to the rails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2020
    Publication date: September 24, 2020
    Inventors: Steven M. Spiro, Stephen S. Daniell, Kevin Skeuse, Paul Dowd