SNAP-IN FRAME FOR AN ORGANIZER COMPONENT SYSTEM

A snap-in frame arrangement for an organizer component system is disclosed. At least one of a locking nib is disposed within an organizer/component image receiving area of the organizer system. The locking nib has an under-cut to aid in the removal of a snap-in frame from an organizer/component image receiving area by allowing the use of a finger tip or finger nail to catch the edge of the snap-in frame and lift it out. During the lifting out process the snap-in frame bends (flexes) slightly around each locking nib and allows the snap-in frame to be removed.

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Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The technology described herein relates generally to a way to hold in place a graphic or photo inside a correspondingly dimensioned recess, and in particular to a snap-in frame arrangement that is used in, but not limited to, an organizer component system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is a need to have a simple way of securing an image, photo, graphic or other embodiments, or a combination thereof, into the pocket on a display or apparatus of an organizer component system that is simple to install and remove for changing out the graphics.

The snap-in frame arrangement according to embodiments of the invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art. It can be appreciated that there exists a continuing need for a new and improved snap-in frame arrangement which can be used commercially. In this regard, the technology described herein substantially fulfills these objectives.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A snap-in frame arrangement for an organizer component system is described herein. At least one of a locking nib is disposed within an organizer/component image receiving area of the organizer system. The locking nib has an under-cut to aid in the removal of a snap-in frame from an organizer/component image receiving area by allowing the use of a finger tip or finger nail to catch the edge of the snap-in frame and lift it out and over the locking nib. During the lifting out process the snap-in frame bends (flexes) slightly around a locking nib and allows the snap-in frame to be removed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The technology described herein, together with further advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description of the simplest form of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of how a Snap-in Frame is used to hold a photo/image and a photo/image mat in a component receiving area of an organizing apparatus (blown-up view) shown in accordance with the technology described herein;

FIG. 2 illustrates a Photo/Image Mat component for use in accordance with the technology described herein;

FIG. 3 illustrates a Photo/Image Template, e.g., a 0.005 inch die cut polyester film that is used to trace on an image to enable the user to cut an image to the appropriate size for use in accordance with the technology described herein. The Photo/Image Template may also be used as a photo protecting film to be placed on top of the photo inside the component/image receiving area;

FIG. 4 illustrates the Photo/Image cut to fit the component/image receiving area, for use in accordance with the technology described herein;

FIG. 5 illustrates a Snap-in Frame, for use in accordance with the technology described herein;

FIG. 6 illustrates the Snap-in Frame on top of the photo Image Mat, which is on top of the Image and all are placed within the Component Receiving Area for use in accordance with the technology described herein;

FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of the Snap-in Frame in the organizing apparatus. The Snap-in Frame is being held in place by the Locking Nib. The Snap in frame is in the Component Receiving Area, for use in accordance with the technology described herein;

FIG. 8 illustrates a partial front view of the Snap-in Frame in the organizing apparatus. The Snap-in Frame is being held in place by the Locking Nib. The Snap-in Frame is in the Component Receiving Area, for use in accordance with the technology described herein;

FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of the Snap-in Frame in the organizing apparatus. The Snap-in Frame is being held in place by the Locking Nib. The Snap in frame is in the Component Receiving Area, for use in accordance with the technology described herein;

FIG. 10 illustrates a partial front view of the Snap-in Frame in the organizing apparatus. The Snap-in Frame is being held in place by the Locking Nib. The Snap-in Frame is in the Component Receiving Area, for use in accordance with the technology described herein;

FIG. 11 illustrates a front view of the Snap-in Frame for use in accordance with the technology described herein;

FIG. 12 illustrates a section view of the Snap-in Frame for use in accordance with the technology described herein;

FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of the Snap-in Frame for use in accordance with the technology described herein;

FIG. 14 illustrates a section view of the Snap-in Frame and the organizing apparatus. The Snap-in Frame is being held in place by the Locking Nib. The Snap-in Frame is in the Component Receiving Area, for use in accordance with the technology described herein;

FIG. 15 illustrates a partial section view of the Snap-in Frame, and the organizing apparatus. The Snap-in Frame is being held in place by the Locking Nib. The Snap-in Frame is in the Component Receiving Area, for use in accordance with the technology described herein;

FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 illustrate an organizing system utilizing the technology described herein.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The technology described herein will now be described in detail with reference to at least one preferred embodiment thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the technology described herein. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the technology described herein may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known operations have not been described in detail so not to unnecessarily obscure the technology described herein.

Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1-15, where like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several figures, reference is made first to FIG. 1 that illustrates a typical configuration of the technology described herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of how a Snap-in Frame 14 releaseably holds a photo/image 16 and a photo/image mat 1190 in a component receiving area 130 of an organizing apparatus 110 (blown-up view), by utilizing a Locking Nib 122.

FIG. 2 illustrates Photo/Image Mat component 1190.

FIG. 3 illustrates a Photo/Image Template 17, e.g., a 0.005 inch die cut polyester film that is used as a template to trace on an image to enable the user to cut an image to the appropriate size. The Photo/Image Template 17 may also be used as a photo protecting film to be placed on top of the photo inside the component/image receiving area.

FIG. 4 illustrates a Photo/Image 16 cut to fit the component/image receiving area 130.

FIG. 5 illustrates a Snap-in Frame 14.

FIG. 6 illustrates the Snap-in Frame 14 on top of the photo Image Mat 1190, which is on top of the Image 16 and all are placed within the Component Receiving Area utilizing the Locking Nib 122.

FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of the Snap-in Frame in the organizing apparatus. The Snap-in Frame is being held in place by the Locking Nib. The Snap-in Frame is in the Component Receiving Area.

FIG. 8 illustrates a partial front view of the Snap-in Frame 14 in the organizing apparatus 110. The Snap-in Frame 14 is being held in place by the Locking Nib 122. The Snap-in Frame 14 is in the Component Receiving Area, along with the Image 16.

FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of the Snap-in Frame in the organizing apparatus. The Snap-in Frame is being held in place by the Locking Nib. The Snap-in Frame is in the Component Receiving Area.

FIG. 10 illustrates a partial front view of the Snap-in Frame 14 in the organizing apparatus 110. The Snap-in Frame 14 is being held in place by the Locking Nib 122. The Snap-in Frame 14 is in the Component Receiving Area, as well as the Image 16.

FIG. 11 illustrates a front view of the Snap-in Frame 14. In addition to the profile of the Snap-in Frame 14 illustrated in FIG. 11, other shaped profiles within the pocket also work.

FIG. 12 illustrates a section view of the Snap-in Frame 14.

FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of the Snap-in Frame 14.

FIG. 14 illustrates a section view of the Snap-in Frame and the organizing apparatus. The Snap-in Frame is being held in place by the Locking Nib. The Snap-in Frame is in the Component Receiving Area, as well as the Image 16.

FIG. 15 illustrates a partial section view of the Snap-in Frame 14, and the organizing apparatus 110. The Snap-in Frame 14 is being held in place by the Locking Nib 122. The Snap-in Frame 14 is in the Component Receiving Area 130.

FIG. 16 illustrates an organizing system 010 where only photos and/or images are inserted.

FIG. 17 illustrates an organizing system 010 where both photos and/or images are inserted, as well as other accessories are inserted.

The section of the Snap-In Frame 14 has an under-cut to aid in the removal of the frame by allowing the consumer to use their finger tip or finger nail to catch the edge of the Snap-in Frame 14 and lift it out. While the Snap-in Frame 14 is being lifted out of the Component/Image Receiving Area 130, it bends (flexes) slightly around the locking nib 122, and allows the Snap-in Frame 14 to be removed.

In one embodiment the technology described herein could fit into the pocket and wrap outside the cavity 140 onto the Component/Image receiving section 120 of the apparatus. This embodiment can be in the shape of the pocket using different colors, with different graphic patterns, as long as the friction on the cavity is maintained, or where a portion of the Snap-in Frame 14 is positioned beneath the locking nib.

In one embodiment a snap-in frame assembly comprises an organizing apparatus, formed to fit on a computer monitor, having at least one of a component receiving section; at least one of a cavity disposed within each component receiving section, each cavity having a component receiving area, each component receiving area having at least one of a locking nib disposed thereon; and at least one of a snap-in frame, where the snap-in frame is insertable into the component receiving area and held in place by the locking nib.

In another embodiment a snap-in frame assembly comprises an organizing apparatus having at least one of a component receiving section; at least one of a cavity disposed within each component receiving section, each cavity having a component receiving area, each component receiving area having at least one of a locking nib disposed thereon; and at least one of a snap-in frame, where the snap-in frame is insertable into the component receiving area and held in place by the locking nib and each locking nib has an under-cut.

In another embodiment a snap-in frame assembly comprises an organizing apparatus having at least one of a component receiving section; at least one of a cavity disposed within each component receiving section, each cavity having a component receiving area, each component receiving area having at least one of a locking nib disposed thereon; at least one of a snap-in frame; and a photo/image mat component, where the snap-in frame is insertable into the component receiving area and held in place by the locking nib and each locking nib has an under-cut.

In another embodiment a snap-in frame assembly comprises an organizing apparatus having at least one of a component receiving section; at least one of a cavity disposed within each component receiving section, each cavity having a component receiving area, each component receiving area having at least one of a locking nib disposed thereon; at least one of a snap-in frame; a photo/image mat component; and an image, where the snap-in frame is insertable into the component receiving area and held in place by the locking nib and each locking nib has an under-cut, the image is positioned within the component receiving area, the photo/image mat is positioned over the image, and the snap-in frame is positioned over the photo/image mat. A film may be placed over the image or photo. The cavities may be rectangular or non-rectangular in shape. The cavities may hold photos, images, or accessories for holding personal and/or business related items.

In one embodiment of the technology described herein installation is as follows:

    • first insert a photo/image into a component receiving area 130
    • then insert a Snap-in Frame 14

For manufacturing of this system there are several thermal forming processes that may be used as well as several plastics or rubbers may be used to form this accessory. The preferred method of manufacturing of this accessory is plastic injection molding and the preferred material is ABS plastic.

Images or photos are installed into an organizing apparatus, 110, as follows:

1. Align the image template over the photo or image that you want in your Organizing Apparatus 110.

2. Carefully trace around the template with an appropriate marking instrument.

3. Cut out the image with scissors

4. Place the image into a component receiving area 130 on the Organizing Apparatus 110

5. Ensure that the image is not binding in the component receiving area 130; the image must lay flat; if the image is binding, trim off the edges of the image that are keeping it from laying flat

6. Insert the image

7. Insert the Snap-in Frame into the component receiving area 130 to hold the image into place

8. Repeat this step for all the component receiving areas 130 until all desired images have been inserted.

Below is a table of the reference numbers pertaining to the technology described herein.

Reference Number Reference Name 14 Snap-in Frame 16 Image 17 Image Template 110 Organizing Apparatus 120 Component Receiving Section 122 Locking Nib 130 Component Receiving Area 140 Cavity 1190 Photo/Image Mat Component

The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments of the technology described herein. Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the technology described herein, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations and modifications may be made within the scope of the technology described herein. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the technology described herein is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.

Claims

1. A snap-in frame assembly comprising:

a. an organizing apparatus having at least one of a component receiving section;
b. at least one of a cavity disposed within each component receiving section, each cavity having a component receiving area, each component receiving area having at least one of a locking nib disposed thereon; and
c. at least one of a snap-in frame, wherein the snap-in frame is insertable into the component receiving area and held in place by the locking nib.

2. The snap-in frame assembly of claim 1, wherein each locking nib has an under-cut.

3. The snap-in frame assembly of claim 2, further comprising a photo/image mat component.

4. The snap-in frame assembly of claim 3, further comprising an image.

5. The snap-in frame assembly of claim 4, wherein the image is positioned within the component receiving area, the photo/image mat is positioned over the image, and the snap-in frame is positioned over the photo/image mat.

6. The snap-in frame assembly of claim 2, further comprising a film.

7. The snap-in frame assembly of claim 6, further comprising a photo/image mat component.

8. The snap-in frame assembly of claim 7, further comprising an image.

9. The snap-in frame assembly of claim 8, wherein the image is positioned within the component receiving area, the film is positioned over the image, the photo/image mat is positioned over the film, and the snap-in frame is positioned over the photo/image mat.

10. The snap-in frame assembly of claim 2, wherein each cavity is rectangular in shape.

11. The snap-in frame assembly of claim 1, wherein each cavity has a photo/image mat.

12. The snap-in frame assembly of claim 6, wherein each cavity is rectangular in shape.

13. The snap-in frame assembly of claim 1, wherein the organizing apparatus fits securely to a computer monitor.

14. The snap-in frame assembly of claim 5, wherein the organizing apparatus fits securely to a computer monitor.

15. The snap-in frame assembly of claim 9, wherein the organizing apparatus fits securely to a computer monitor.

Patent History
Publication number: 20090084013
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 30, 2008
Publication Date: Apr 2, 2009
Inventors: Timothy M. Lom (Alpharetta, GA), Lawrence S. Hamilton (Roswell, GA)
Application Number: 12/242,731
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Having Structure To Secure Picture (e.g., Tab, Catch, Slot, Etc.) (40/777); Picture Retainer (40/790)
International Classification: A47G 1/06 (20060101);