Modular Photo Storage Assembly and System
Modular photo storage assemblies are provided for storing photographic materials. Each modular photo storage assembly can be both individually displayed and interchangeably engaged as a module in a photo storage system.
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This application claims the priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), of provisional application No. 60/852,083, filed Oct. 16, 2006; the prior application is herewith incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a photo storage assembly and system for storing photographic prints, negatives and/or photodiscs and more particularly to a modular storage assembly in which photographic prints, negatives and/or photodiscs can be stored, and a modular system using the modular storage assembly as its base.
2. Description of the Related Art
Individual boxes for storing and displaying photographic prints are known. U.S. Pat. No. 4,932,529 to Levine discloses a container for storing a stack of photographic prints and their negatives, as well as displaying one of the photographs. Locating elements in the container of Levine extend between the transport wall and the front wall to precisely locate the stack of photographic prints with respect to a display opening in the front wall. Levine provides a spacer to accommodate stacks of variable thickness and a liner to hold the stack and negatives in the container.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,685,430 and 5,558,225 to Weisburn et al. discloses a photograph and negative storage container formed as a one-piece member of plastic material. U.S. Pat. No. 5,016,752 to Haugen Jr., discloses a picture and negative storage container having the general shape and configuration of a book.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,068,987 to Tontarelli discloses a picture display receptacle for holding and displaying photographs, wherein stacked photographs of suitable format fit exactly, and the first of which, starting from the top of the pile, is clearly visible from the outside of the box, in that the lid of the latter possess a sizeable central window closed by a sheet of transparent material. The box of Tontarelli gives the optical effect of making the photograph holding box into a simple photograph frame. U.S. Pat. No. 5,400,532 to Grove discloses a desk-top picture gallery constituted by a frame-pocket assembly supported to a detachable easel. In Grove, a box-like pocket secured to the rear of the frame behind a display opening accommodates a deck of prints.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,691,456 to Ackeret discloses a container for storing a stack of pictures. The container of Ackeret has a display window, a first chamber for accommodating a single picture at the window and a second chamber separated from the first chamber, wherein the remaining pictures of the stack can be loosely housed. In one particular embodiment of Ackeret, the container includes a housing and a drawer which is slidably removable from the housing. In a third embodiment of Ackeret, a picture holder is pivotally connected to a housing. The picture holder of the third embodiment of Ackeret includes rails to separate the upper and lower picture chambers when the holder is in a closed position. A stand foot, located at the back of the housing of the third embodiment of Ackeret unfolds to permit the container to be used as a stand-up frame.
The above patents all focus on individual photo storage containers. However, what is needed is a system for organizing a plurality of individual photo storage containers. What is additionally needed is a modular photo storage assembly that can be used both, individually or in combination with other photo storage assemblies, in such a system, for the display and/or organization of photographic materials.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIt is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a modular photo storage assembly and system, which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices and methods of this general type.
More particularly, it is an object of the invention to provide basic photo storage assemblies for storing photographic materials. Each modular photo storage assembly can be, both, individually displayed and interchangeably engaged as a module in a photo storage system.
Other features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims.
Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a modular photo storage assembly and system, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.
The construction of the invention, however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof will be best understood from the following description of the specific embodiment when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.
The present invention and its many features and advantages will be more apparent after reading the following detailed description which refers to the accompanying drawings illustrate the working parts of this invention. Like reference numerals refer to like items throughout the drawing.
Referring now to the figures of the drawing in detail and first, particularly, to
More particularly, the photo storage assembly or assembly 10 includes a cover portion 12 mated with a base portion 14. In the present embodiment, the cover portion 12 is pivotally mated to the base portion 14 at a pair of pivot points 15, wherein a pair of protuberances 17 on the base portion mate with a pair of holes 19 on the cover portion to permit the cover 12 to be pivoted between an open position and a closed position. The closed position is shown in
The photo storage assembly 10 is designed to not only act as a storage box, but to additionally be used as a picture frame, if desired. More particularly, in the present embodiment, a border section 16, of the cover portion 12 is made to be opaque. For example, the border section 16 can be formed using a textured material, and/or a dark plastic, or other opaque material, or can be painted for opacity. Alternatively, a snap-on face plate and/or stickers can be applied to form and/or decorate the opaque border section 16.
Further, located within the border section 16 is a clear section 18, through which a photograph can be viewed. For example, in the instant embodiment, a stack of photographs can be placed in the chamber 13 between the cover portion 12 and the base portion 14, the top photograph of which will be visible through the clear section 18. As such, by providing a decorative opaque border section 16, the photograph on the top of the stack will appear to be “framed” by the border section 16.
Additionally, the photo storage assembly 10 of the instant embodiment includes a mechanism to ensure that a photograph is appropriately framed within the border section 16. Referring more particularly to
In operation, a photograph can be slid by the user or a photofinisher within the cover portion 12, between the clear section 18 and the fingers 22. In the present embodiment, the photograph slides from inside the lid into an area purposely arranged to receive it. If desired, stops 24 can be provided to further limit the horizontal travel of a photograph placed under the fingers 22.
As can additionally be seen from
The photo storage assembly 10 additionally includes a mating catch (not shown) used to secure the cover portion 12 to the base portion 14, thus securing the contents of the assembly 10 within the chamber 13. As such, if desired, the end face of the photo storage assembly 10 opposite the pivot point 15 can be formed to include a groove or indent 26, to facilitate the opening of the assembly 10 (i.e., the pivoting of the cover portion 12 around the pivot points 15 in order to expose the chamber 13, and its contents). The mating catch securing the assembly 10 closed can be countered by inserting a finger or thumb into the groove 26 and biasing the cover portion 12 away from the base portion 14.
Referring now more particularly to
In the instant embodiment, the base portion 14 of the photo storage assembly 10 includes a number of features that can be used to facilitate the use of the assembly 10 as a frame. For example, the base portion 14 of the assembly includes a number of notches 30, formed therethrough. The notches 30 can be used to hang the assembly 10 on a wall, i.e., by engaging either the pair of notches 30a or the pair of notches 30b with a pair of nails or picture hangers mounted in a wall. Use of a pair of notches 30a or 30b to hang the assembly 10, instead of a single centered notch, helps to balance the assembly 10 on the wall, even if the contents of the assembly 10 are unevenly balanced within the assembly 10. Selection of either the notches 30a or the notches 30b to hang the assembly 10 permits the assembly 10 to be hung in either the portrait or landscape orientation. Referring more particularly to
As an alternative to hanging the assembly 10 on a wall, feet 32 can be provided with the assembly 10, in order to use the assembly 10 as a freestanding picture frame. For example, a single pair of the feet 32 can be provided with the assembly, as shown more particularly in
Additionally, as shown more particularly in
It can be understood from the foregoing, that the photo storage assembly 10 can be made to accommodate any size of photographic print, as desired. For example, the assembly 10 can be sized to optimize the receipt of 3×5 prints, 4×6 prints, 5×7 prints, 8×10 prints, etc. Additionally, the assembly 10 can be made to be any depth to accommodate a desired number of photographic prints, an accompanying photodisc and/or photographic negatives.
However, in one particular embodiment of the preferred invention, the photo storage assembly 10 is sized to fit in existing standard CD racks. In this embodiment, the length of the assembly 10 is, for example, 19.3 centimeters, while the depth is 11.5 mils. Such a design can accommodate 27 photographic prints of the size 4×6, with one further photograph print being retained against the cover portion 12 by the fingers 22.
Referring now to
In contrast to the photo storage assembly 10, which includes fingers 22 to retain a photo adjacent to the cover viewing area (i.e., clear section 18 of
As shown more particularly in
Further, removal of the lens 58 and securing plate 60 permit easy removal of a photographic print previously placed in the pocket 54, thus allowing different pictures to be cycled through as the cover photo.
As can be determined from the exploded view of the photo storage assembly 50 in
Referring back to
The base portion 68, as shown more particularly in
As such, in use, a photographic print or sheet can be secured in the pocket 54 of the photo storage assembly 50, while other photographic materials (i.e., photographic prints, negatives, photodiscs, memory cards, etc.) can be placed and/or secured into the chamber formed internal to the mated cover portion 52 and the base portion 68.
Note that other embodiments of the photo storage assemblies 10 and 50 are envisioned as being part of the instant invention. For example, in another embodiment, a photo storage assembly can be provided including a border surrounding, on all four sides, a pocket in the cover. In such an embodiment, a lens having posts or edges that engage the cover could be snapped into the cover to secure the cover print in the pocket. A slight groove at one edge of either the border or the lens would permit a slim edge, such as a screwdriver blade or nail file, to be inserted into the groove in order to bias and remove the lens from its locked engagement with the cover, when it is desired to remove or change the cover print. It is apparent from the foregoing that other modifications can be made to the described assemblies without deviating from Applicants' invention.
Additionally, it can be desirable to provide a photo storage assembly having a key lock feature, to assist in the retention in and removal from a photo storage assembly organizer. Referring more particularly to
As shown in
As can be seen more particularly in
Although shown and described as preferably being incorporated into the base portion, please note that a key member, such as key member 70, may alternatively, and/or additionally, be incorporated on the cover portion, if desired.
Referring now to
Additionally, as shown more particularly in
Additionally, referring now to
Additionally, as previously stated, the above described photo storage assemblies 10 and 50 can be used as the basis (i.e., the basic unit or module) in a modular photograph storage system. For example, it is envisioned that a user of such a system will possess a plurality of individual photo storage assemblies 10 or 50. As such, the instant invention additionally provides a system for organizing a plurality of individual photo storage assemblies (i.e., the base modules). Further, the system for organizing can additionally be built upon in a modular fashion, by acquiring and accumulating modular organizational units, as well as, modular photo storage assemblies, such that the photo storage assemblies may be interchanged between the various modular organizational units.
More particularly, referring now to
Further, the cube 100 is arranged to permit individual photo storage assemblies 110 to be slid into the cube 100. Openings in the corner brackets permit the photo storage assemblies 110 to be slid into a space on the face of the cube 100 from only one direction, thus being maintained in that space. Linear portions 104 of the cube 100 support the cube 100 while it is empty or only partially filled. Interlocking members on the linear portions 104 and corner brackets 102 permit the cube 100 to be assembled by the purchaser/end user.
Further, the cube 100 is, in one embodiment, mounted on a carousel (not shown), in order to permit the cube 100 to be easily rotated. In this embodiment, there are five faces of the cube 100 (i.e., the top and four sides) that can receive individual photo storage assemblies 110. As such, upon spinning the cube 100, five different photographic prints can be viewed (i.e., one print on the cover of each assembly 110).
Optionally, the carousel on the bottom face of the cube 100 can be replaced with a further space, such that a sixth photo storage assembly 110 can be placed therein. However, in such an embodiment, the cube 100 would need to be lifted from the table to view all of the images located on the covers of all of the assemblies 110.
In one embodiment of the cube 100, the corner brackets are placed and arranged to receive the assemblies 110 in alternating horizontal and vertical formats. Thus, in this embodiment, the assemblies 110 will alternate portrait and landscape orientations, around the side faces of the cube 100.
Referring now to
Referring now to
Each “sphere” 122 has indentations for receiving a plurality of corners of the photo storage assemblies 10 and 50. In one preferred embodiment, the “sphere” 122 includes eight indentations 123, allowing each “sphere” 122 to be used in any orientation and, additionally, allowing the system 122 to be added onto in any direction.
As shown in
For example, the system 120 of
Referring now to
Referring now to
The domed connectors 152 include, in the instant embodiment, one domed surface and an opposite, flat surface. Alternatively, the connectors 152 need not be domed, but could be flat on both faces. Additionally, the connectors 152 need not be circular, but could be square or rectangular in shape. In the instant embodiment, the connectors 152 include embedded therein, or affixed thereto, magnetic materials. As such, “two dimensional” arrays of photo storage assemblies can be built, using the modular connectors and modular assemblies of the instant invention, as each array is intended to be supported on a metallic, or other magnetically compatible, surface. For example, a large array of photo storage assemblies 154 can be placed on the door of a refrigerator.
In
Note that the same connector 162 can be used to connect either two assemblies 164 in a first dimension (as shown in
In operation, at least one edge of each photo storage assembly 164 is slid into a groove of a connector 162 to form an engagement therebetween. The modular brackets 162 of the instant embodiment can be elastomeric, or can be rigid, for example, hard plastic or metal extrusions. However, this is not meant to be limiting, as it can be seen that other materials, including wood, could be used to form the connectors 162. If the brackets 162 are elastic, for example, synthetic rubber, it can be seen how they could be bent to arrange for differently shaped structures in the same manner as is disclosed in connection with the connectors of
Additionally, differently shaped brackets can be used to form differently shaped structures. For example, referring to
Another embodiment of a modular bracket for use in a modular organizational system of the present invention is shown in
Other shapes of modular brackets may additionally be used. For example in
In all of the embodiments of
Referring now to
In
Referring now to
Referring now to
However, in the instant embodiment wherein the photo storage assembly 210 includes the base portion 14′ of
Note that other forms of locking mechanism may be used in addition to, or in place of, the key member 70. For example, a knob may be included on the base portion of the frame assembly 200, such that the knob is graspable and turnable externally. The reverse portion of the knob can include a cam and finger portion that engages the photo assembly module such that, upon insertion, the finger engages a cutout (not shown) in the sidewall of a photo storage assembly, such as photo storage assemblies 10 and 50, thus, locking the photo storage assembly into the frame assembly 200. For example, the finger portion can be inserted into the edge of the photo storage assembly. A spring, such as a coil spring, can be used to normally maintain the finger in such a position to engage and mate with the photo storage assembly.
When it is desired to remove the photo storage assembly, the knob is rotated, opposing the normal bias of the spring, and disengaging the retaining finger from the photo storage assembly. Additionally, rotation of the knob brings a cam surface on the cam and finger portion into contact with one edge of the photo storage assembly and, with the rotation of the knob, the cam pushes the photo storage assembly outside of the frame assembly an amount sufficient for it to be grasped and removed.
The frame assembly 200 of the present embodiment includes a decorative flange 220, which provides a decorative border for the frame assembly 200. Note that the decorative flange can include molded decorations, painted decorations, etc., if desired. Additionally, if desired, the decorative flange can include an object, such as a clock (not shown) inset therein. Note that, the decorative flange 220 can be made to cover the entire border section 212 (see also, for example, border section 56 of
Referring now to
Additionally as shown in
Referring now to
Additionally, the unit 350 can include a stand 395, which can be the same or similar to that described in connection with
Referring now to
Additionally, a window 485, through the cover of the assembly 450, permits the top photo of a stack of photos in the chamber 480 to be viewed. Alternatively, rails or a pocket may be provided in the cover portion of the assembly 450, to receive an individual photographic print, as is described in connection with the assemblies 10 and 50.
Referring now to
Referring to
Referring now to
Referring now to
While the invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A modular photo storage assembly, comprising:
- a base portion including a chamber for receiving photographic media;
- a cover portion, hingedly connected to said base portion, said cover portion including: a photo retaining section sized to receive and retain a single photographic print; and an opaque frame section surrounding said photo retaining section on at least three sides;
- said base portion further including a retaining key for retaining a photodisc in a locked position in said chamber; and
- said base portion and said cover portion mating to, in said closed position, retain said photographic media in said chamber.
2. The modular photo storage assembly of claim 1, wherein said photo retaining section is a pocket for receiving said single photographic print, said modular photo storage assembly further including a lens removably engaged with said cover portion above said photo retaining section.
3. The modular photo storage assembly of claim 1, wherein said photo retaining section is formed of a clear material and said cover portion includes rails for retaining said single photo in said photo retaining section under said clear material.
4. The modular photo storage assembly of claim 1, wherein the opacity of said opaque frame section is achieved by texturing the material.
5. The modular photo storage assembly of claim 1, wherein the opacity of said opaque frame section is achieved by using a colored material.
6. The modular photo storage assembly of claim 1, further including an indentation for receiving an adhesive label.
7. The modular photo storage assembly of claim 1, wherein said base portion additionally includes at least two holes for hanging said modular photo storage assembly.
8. The modular photo storage assembly of claim 7, wherein at least one of said two holes permits the modular photo storage assembly to be hung in a landscape orientation and the other of the two holes permits the modular photo storage assembly to be hung in a portrait orientation.
9. The modular photo storage assembly of claim 7, wherein both of said two holes are used to hang the modular photo storage assembly in one of a landscape orientation and a portrait orientation
10. The modular photo storage assembly of claim 9, including at least a third hole through said base portion, said third hole being used to hang the modular photo storage assembly in the other one of a landscape orientation and a portrait orientation.
11. The modular photo storage assembly of claim 1, additionally including at least one stand foot, storable in said chamber and removably engageable with an external face said base portion to act as a stand for the photo storage assembly.
12. The modular photo storage assembly of claim 1, wherein one of said base portion and said cover portion further includes a spring biased key member.
13. The modular photo storage assembly of claim 12, wherein said spring is actuable between a first position and a second position by depressing and releasing a thumb button, respectively.
14. A modular photo storage assembly, comprising:
- a base portion including a chamber for receiving photographic media;
- a cover portion, hingedly connected to said base portion, said cover portion including: a photo retaining section sized to receive and retain a single photographic print; and an opaque frame section surrounding said photo retaining section on at least three sides;
- said photo retaining section being a pocket formed in said cover portion, said photo retaining section being covered by a removable a lens; and
- said base portion and said cover portion mating to, in said closed position, retain said photographic media in said chamber.
15. The modular photo storage assembly of claim 14, wherein said cover portion includes rails for retaining said lens over said photo retaining section, said lens sliding on said rails.
16. The modular photo storage assembly of claim 14, wherein said opaque frame section surrounds said photo retaining section on only three sides and said photo retaining section and wherein said lens is retained over said photo retaining section by a securing plate, said securing plate completing said opaque frame section on its fourth side.
17. The modular photo storage assembly of claim 16, wherein said securing plate and said lens are joined as a single piece.
18. The modular photo storage assembly of claim 14, wherein one of said base portion and said cover portion further includes a spring biased key member.
19. A modular photo storage system, comprising:
- a modular photo storage assembly, including: a base portion including a chamber for receiving photographic media; a cover portion, hingedly connected to said base portion, said cover portion including a photo retaining section sized to receive and retain a single photographic print; and said base portion and said cover portion mating to, in said closed position, retain said photographic media in said chamber;
- a frame assembly including a pocket for receiving said modular photo storage assembly; and
- a key member for lockingly engaging said photo storage assembly into said frame assembly.
20. The modular photo storage system of claim 19, wherein said key member includes a spring mechanism to retain said modular photo storage assembly within said frame assembly.
21. The modular photo storage system of claim 20, wherein said spring mechanism is located on a portion of said photo storage assembly, said key member interlocking with a mating portion located on said frame assembly.
22. The modular photo storage system of claim 21, wherein depression of a portion of said key member permits said photo storage assembly to be disengaged from said frame assembly.
23. The modular photo storage system of claim 19, wherein a rear face said frame assembly includes a stand portion mounted thereto, said rear face being curved and said stand portion is nested in said curved face in a folded position, such that said frame assembly can sit flush on a surface contacting said rear face.
24. The modular photo storage system of claim 23, wherein a ratchet portion on said stand portion engages a ratchet portion on said frame assembly, said ratchet portions matingly engaged to adjust and frictionally maintain an angle of separation between said stand portion and said frame assembly when said stand portion is in an unfolded position.
25. A modular photo storage system, comprising:
- a plurality of photo storage assemblies, each photo storage assembly including: a base portion including a chamber for receiving photographic media; a cover portion, hingedly connected to said base portion, said cover portion including, a photo retaining section sized to receive and retain a single photographic print, and an opaque frame section surrounding said photo retaining section on at least three sides; said base portion and said cover portion mating to, in said closed position, retain said photographic media in said chamber; and
- at least one modular connector for removably engaging at least two of said plurality of photo storage assemblies, in order to retain said at least two of said plurality of photo storage assemblies in a stable configuration.
26. The modular photo storage system of claim 25, wherein said at least one modular connector engages at least one corner of each of said at least two of said plurality of photo storage assemblies.
27. The modular photo storage system of claim 26, wherein said at least one modular connector is an elastomeric sphere.
28. The modular photo storage system of claim 25, wherein said at least one modular connector engages at least one edge of each of said at least two of said plurality of photo storage assemblies.
29. The modular photo storage system of claim 28, wherein said at least one modular connector includes an elastomeric sphere.
30. The modular photo storage system of claim 29, wherein said at least one modular connector is a linear bracket.
31. The modular photo storage system of claim 30, wherein said linear bracket includes an elastomeric material.
32. The modular photo storage system of claim 30, wherein said linear bracket includes a rigid extrusion.
33. The modular photo storage system of claim 25, wherein said at least one modular connector includes a magnet.
34. A modular photo storage system, comprising:
- at least one photo storage assembly including: a base portion including a chamber for receiving photographic media; a cover portion, hingedly connected to said base portion, said cover portion including, a photo retaining section sized to receive and retain a single photographic print, and an opaque frame section surrounding said photo retaining section on at least three sides; said base portion and said cover portion mating to, in said closed position, retain said photographic media in said chamber; and
- a cube shaped frame including at least one opening for receiving said at least one photo storage assembly in said frame, such that said cover portion is displayed on a face of said cube.
35. The photo storage system of claim 34, wherein said cube shaped frame includes at least five openings, each of said five openings for receiving at least one photo storage assembly in an orientation that displays a cover portion of said at least one photo storage assembly on a face of said cube.
36. The photo storage system of claim 35, wherein said cube shaped frame further includes, a carousel in communication with the sixth face.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 15, 2007
Publication Date: May 29, 2008
Applicant: CONCORD CAMERA CORP. (Hollywood, FL)
Inventors: Andreas Haase (Plantation, FL), Urs Stampfli (Weston, FL), Connie Chan (Weston, FL)
Application Number: 11/872,222