Customizable magnetic display system
A customizable display system is configured to a plurality of display items to be removably connected to a frame in a variety of configurations. The frame has at least one substantially continuous display surface composed of a magnetic material. The display items are composed, at least in part, of a magnetic material adapted to removably attach the display items to the frame. The display items may be attached at multiple points along the substantially continuous surface of the frame and may overlap each other.
a. Field of the Invention
This invention generally relates to the artistic display of photographs and other small items, and more specifically to a magnetic display system for the creative, three-dimensional presentation of cards, photographs, artwork, and other items utilizing magnetic means to retain the items to be displayed.
b. Background Art
There are a variety of three-dimensional, collage-type display systems known in the art. U.S. Pat. No. 4,777,067 to Woronow et al., uses a plurality of backing members fixed in overlapping and adjoining relationships to form a unitary three-dimensional collage. Photographs are then permanently adhered to the backing members.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,722,122 to Sesto, uses a plurality of frame members and clips to create a variety of overlapping, three-dimensional displays. Photographs are inserted into the frames as in a typical picture frame arrangement. Both of these display systems allow for a single hanging point on the wall, which is an improvement over simply individually hanging numerous pictures. In addition, a three-dimensional look can be achieved which is desirable from an artistic standpoint. In the case of the Woronow et al. patent, the photographs are permanently adhered to the backing members. There is no way to update the photographs or add additional photographs to the display. The Sesto patent does allow for the photographs to be removed and new ones added. Additionally, the frame can be disassembled and rebuilt into new configurations, including the addition of more frame members and hence more photographs. This process would be somewhat laborious and would require additional frame materials.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,123,862 to Dyer et al., describes a decorative display assembly kit that allows for a wide variety of three-dimensional designs. Photographs are adhered to a backing, which are overlapped and adhered to other photographs. The entire finished design is attached to a frame, which can be hung on a wall. The process of building the design, one photograph at a time, would be intricate and time consuming. The finished product, like with the Womow et al. patent, would be permanent.
Various types of picture frames and mounting devices have been developed using magnetic means to retain the picture or object to be displayed. The use of magnets allows photographs and other displayed objects to be easily removed or added to the display. U.S. Pat. No. 5,269,083 to Vampatella et al., describes a quick change multi-picture frame apparatus. Essentially, the invention is a large rectangular box that has been subdivided into equal sized compartments by the use of dividers. In the middle of each compartment is mounted a magnetically attractive element. Photographs are mounted in sub-frames which have a magnet attached to the back, and then are inserted into each compartment. The result is a two-dimensional display of photographs that can be easily removed and replaced with newer photographs. In this type of display, the frame functions merely to hold the photographs by magnetic means. The frame itself does not contribute artistically to the display as a whole. Additionally, photographs must be placed into the various compartments. U.S. Pat. No. 3,965,599 to Ebner, describes a display system for the interchangeable presentation of art prints or other substantially flat display objects, and for the storage of a number of such prints not being displayed. A large box acts as a display surface for prints that are magnetically attached to the box. Additional prints can be stored inside the box. With ease, the currently displayed print can be exchanged or replaced by one of the stored frames. In this particular design, one print is typically displayed at a time. Both of these inventions emphasize the ability to quickly change photographs in the display by utilizing magnetic elements.
None of these references disclose a truly customizable, three-dimensional display system for personal photographs, cards, and other small objects. Existing three-dimensional designs are typically permanent and static. Magnetic displays, while being relatively customizable, fail to achieve the three-dimensional, artistic quality of the more permanent designs. With the current popularity of digital cameras, there is now, more than ever, a need for an inexpensive, readily available system for displaying the results of our photographic endeavors.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention concerns a customizable display system that allows a plurality of display items to be removably connected to a frame in a variety of configurations. The display system primarily comprises a frame having a display surface and a back surface. The display surface has at least one substantially continuous surface composed, at least in part of a magnetic material. A display item for mounting on the frame has a front surface and a rear surface. The rear surface is composed, at least in part, of a magnetic material adapted to removably attach the display item to the frame. The display item may be attached at multiple points along the substantially continuous surface of the frame. At least one of the magnetic materials comprising the frame and the display item is a magnet.
In the display system of the present invention, the frame itself contributes significantly to the overall artistic impression of the display. The display system also provides for the overlapping of display items, creating a three-dimensional arrangement of photographs and other display items. The display system accepts photographs and other display items of various sizes and shapes for mounting to or placement on the frame. Further, the display system is substantially customizable, allowing the user to arrange photographs and other display items in any way desirable.
The foregoing and other aspects, features, details, utilities, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from reading the following description and claims, and from reviewing the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
As shown in
Attached to the backside of the frame 20, as illustrated in
A customizable magnetic display system according to the present invention may provide one or more of the following unique features or advantages. First, the frame of the customizable magnetic display system contributes significantly to the artistic impression of the display as a whole. The frame functions to provide more flexibility than a mere means for holding photographs in a predetermined arrangement. Even when the frame is completely obscured by overlapping display items, the shape of the frame is conveyed in the general shape of the final display. Second, the frame design can be customized for an individual's specific needs or space requirements in an infinite number of frame designs. Although, for example, four exemplary variations of frame designs are disclosed herein, any number of frame designs according to the present invention are possible. Third, the use of at least one magnet as a fastening means along with at least one other magnetic material allows display items to be added or removed from the frame with ease. This provides a vast improvement over the permanent nature of most collage-type display systems. Fourth, the use of at least one magnet as a fastening means along with at least one other magnetic material allows a user to creatively arrange the display items on the frame. Any single frame design could potentially result in hundreds of unique final display arrangements. Fifth, the total cost of such a customizable magnetic display system, for example, with frame and display items, provides considerable cost savings when compared to equivalent static framed collage displays with custom matting and cover glass. Sixth, by utilizing mounting brackets, the frame can be hung vertically, horizontally, or at any desired angle.
Although multiple embodiments of this invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this invention. For example, replacement or rearrangement of particular magnets and other magnetic materials may be done without affecting the usefulness of the present invention. All directional references (e.g., upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the present invention, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the invention. Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, fastened, and fixed) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims
1. A customizable magnetic display system allowing for removably connecting display items to a frame in a variety of configurations, the display system comprising:
- a frame having a display surface and a back surface, said display surface comprising at least one substantially continuous surface comprising a first magnetic material; and
- at least one display item having a front surface and a rear surface, said rear surface comprising a second magnetic material adapted to removably attach said display item at multiple points along said at least one substantially continuous surface,
- wherein at least one of said first magnetic material and said second magnetic material comprises a magnet.
2. The display system of claim 1, wherein said frame comprises at least one mounting bracket attached to said back surface for the purpose of hanging said frame.
3. The display system of claim 1, wherein said frame comprises at least one spacer attached to said back surface.
4. The display system of claim 1, further comprising a magnetic spacer disposed between said first magnetic material and said second magnetic material.
5. The display system of claim 4, wherein said magnetic spacer comprises a neodymium iron boron magnet.
6. The display system of claim 1, wherein said frame further comprises a shelf.
7. The display system of claim 1, wherein said substantially continuous surface of said frame comprises a substantially continuous steel surface.
8. The display system of claim 1, wherein said display surface of said frame comprises a shape from the group of: an arc-shaped display surface, an undulating-shaped display surface, a second display surface at least partially surrounded by said substantially continuous display surface, and a generally X-shaped display surface.
9. The display system of claim 1, wherein said second magnetic material may be removably connected at substantially any point along said substantially continuous display surface of said frame.
10. The display system of claim 1, wherein said second magnetic material is at least partially inset into said display item.
11. The display system of claim 1, wherein said second magnetic material is attached to said rear surface of said display item.
12. A customizable magnetic display system allowing for removably connecting display items to a frame in a variety of configurations, the display system comprising:
- a frame having a display surface and a back surface, said display surface comprising at least one substantially continuous surface comprising a first magnetic material;
- at least one display item comprising a front surface and a rear surface, said rear surface comprising a second magnetic material adapted to removably attach said display item at multiple points along said at least one substantially continuous surface; and
- a spacer disposed between said first magnetic material and said second magnetic material, said spacer comprising a third magnetic material.
13. The customizable magnetic display system of claim 12, wherein at least one of said first magnetic material, said second magnetic material, and said third magnetic material comprises a magnet.
14. The display system of claim 13, wherein said magnet comprises a neodymium iron boron magnet.
15. The display system of claim 12, wherein
- said at least one display item comprises a first display item and a second display item;
- said spacer comprises a first spacer associated with said first display item and a second spacer associated with said second display item;
- said second spacer is longer than said first spacer; and
- said second display item is spaced apart from said frame a greater distance than said first display item is spaced apart from said frame.
16. The display system of claim 15, wherein said second display item overlaps said first display item.
17. The display system of claim 12, wherein said frame further comprises a shelf.
18. The display system of claim 12, wherein said substantially continuous surface of said frame comprises a substantially continuous steel surface.
19. The display system of claim 12, wherein said second magnetic material is at least partially inset into said display item.
20. The display system of claim 12, wherein said display surface of said frame comprises a shape from the group of: an arc-shaped display surface, an undulating-shaped display surface, a second display surface at least partially surrounded by said substantially continuous display surface, and a generally X-shaped display surface.
21. The display item of claim 12, wherein said second magnetic material may be removably connected at substantially any point along said substantially continuous display surface of said frame.
22. A customizable magnetic display system comprising:
- a frame having a display surface and a back surface, said display surface comprising at least one substantially continuous surface comprising a first magnetic material;
- at least one display item comprising a front surface and a rear surface, said rear surface comprising a second magnetic material adapted to attach said display item at multiple points along said at least one substantially continuous surface.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 27, 2005
Publication Date: May 24, 2007
Inventor: Kevin Kerns (Arvada, CO)
Application Number: 11/237,445
International Classification: A47G 1/06 (20060101);