Picture Template

Abstract

A system, apparatus, kit, and method is disclosed to organize and configure pictures in a desired image on a surface without needing to determine the alignment of individual pictures. The pictures are generally organized to create a shape, letter, word, or object that is separate and distinct from the shape of the pictures creating the image. Therefore, a series of pictures of one or more size, configuration, orientation, and or shape may be used in combination to create the image. A picture template is therefore provided having a base with an exterior boarder, and a plurality of holes in the base. The plurality of holes are arranged such that an exterior perimeter circumscribing the plurality of holes creates the desired image.

Description

BACKGROUND

Pictures are generally framed and hung on walls or supported on surfaces such as desks, shelves, mantles, etc. Pictures may be arranged by aligning frames of like size. However, aligning framed pictures is generally difficult as the support is on a back side of the frame not easily accessible. Moreover, the relationship of the support is not consistent in relation to the frame, such that simply aligning the support hook is insufficient to ensure that the resulting framed pictures are aligned.

Framing pictures is also generally expensive and the mounting of the frames to a wall invasive. The frames must be aligned and a support sufficient to support the picture and frame is coupled to the wall. The support usually includes one or more nails through the wall thus creating holes or other blemishes in the wall surface. Such configuration is okay if the picture is intended to hang for a long period of time, such as for years.

Examples of framing arrangements may be found in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,595,142; 4,443,949; 4,457,485; 6,449,863; 6,618,955; 6,880,259; 8,333,026; 8,345,057; US Pub. No. 2010/0011602; US Pub. No. 2011/0303814; US Pub. No. 2013/0097906; and US Pub. No. 2013/0199068.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A picture template is provided for organizing and configuring pictures in a desired image or arrangement on a surface without needing to determine the alignment of individual pictures. The picture template includes a base having a plurality of holes in the base. The holes are arranged such that an exterior perimeter circumscribing the holes creates the desired image. The pictures are generally organized to create a shape, letter, word, or object that is separate and distinct from the shape of the pictures creating the image. The holes may be sized and shaped to circumscribe an associated picture such that the picture can fit through the hole during placement. The hole should approximate the outer perimeter of the pictures such that a user simply places the picture within the hole to properly position and align the picture with respect to adjacent pictures.

In an exemplary embodiment, a kit is also provided including the picture template and support structures for coupling the template and/or pictures to the support surface. The support structures may be the same or different for the template and pictures. The support structures preferably removably attached to the support surface such that when removed from the support surface the support surface is not visibly altered by the support structure.

A method of arranging a plurality of pictures on a support surface is provided using embodiments of the picture template. First, the picture template having a base and a plurality of holes in the base is attached to the support surface. The plurality of holes of the template are arranged on the template such that an exterior perimeter circumscribing the plurality of holes creates an image. A plurality of pictures are then attached to the support surface through the plurality of holes. Finally, the template is removed from the support surface, leaving the pictures on display in a shape of the image.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a picture template 100 according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a template 200.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary template 300 in which the holes 302 are configured in the shape of a Christmas tree.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary template 400 in which the holes are configured to form a desired shape.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary method of using embodiments as described herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary kit in which a template 602, template support 604, picture support 606, and informational material 608 is provided together to a user.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary system 700 to facilitate selection, order, and receipt of the template, kit, and/or associated pictures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description illustrates by way of example, not by way of limitation, the principles of the invention. This description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives and uses of the invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the invention. It should be understood that the drawings are diagrammatic and schematic representations of exemplary embodiments of the invention, and are not limiting of the present invention nor are they necessarily drawn to scale.

Embodiments as described herein are directed toward a system, apparatus, kit, and method of organizing and configuring pictures in a desired design on a surface. The pictures are generally organized to create a shape or word that is separate and distinct from the shape of the pictures creating the shape. Therefore, a series of pictures of one or more size, configuration, orientation, and or shape may be used in combination to create a distinct shape having a size, configuration, and orientation distinct from the individual pictures. The organization can be thematic, such as associated with a season or holiday, or may be general shapes, letters, words. The pictures are preferably directly connected to the surface without requiring a frame or multiple component support structure. Embodiments described herein are ideal for temporary or removable placement of pictures cheaply in a unique design configuration. Embodiments may be used to create a unique collage of pictures without requiring the time or inclination to determine an appropriate configuration to create the desired design.

FIG. 1 illustrates a picture template 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The picture template 100 includes a plurality of holes 102 in a desired shape 104. The holes 102 are pre-formed on a base 106. An exterior perimeter circumscribing the plurality of holes 102 creates the desired shape 104. The desired shape may be any image, such as a geometric shape, novelty shape, letter or word. The shapes may be thematic such as associated with a holiday, season, event, life experience, person, etc. Exemplary shapes include a heart, star, cross, Christmas tree, etc.

As shown in FIG. 1, the holes 102 may comprise a uniform and consistent size and shape such that any picture may be placed in any of the holes 102. The holes 102 may be aligned such that edges of each of the holes form an aligned grid. The holes may be square or rectangular and may be of a size of regular picture prints. For example, each of the holes may be 2×2, 2×4, 3×3, 4×4, 4×6, 5×5, 5×7, 8×8, 8×10 inches, while the holes may be separated from an adjacent hole by between ¼-1 inch, such as ¼ inch. The holes therefore, may be square and or rectangular or other shape corresponding to the inserted pictures. Each of the holes may be aligned with an adjacent hole such that extensions of the edges of the respective holes are co-linear. Accordingly, the template may be used to properly align a grid of pictures into the desired shape.

The base 106 may be of a material sufficiently rigid to retain its shape when attached to the surface, thus creating a clear indication and alignment for the attachment of the pictures through the respective holes. The base 106 may also be disposable, such that it is used once to orient a plurality of picture on a surface and then removed and disposed of. Alternatively, the base 106 may be re-useable. The base 106 may be configured to collapse into a reduced configuration for shipping, transportation, and/or storage. The base 106 may therefore be flexible to be folded and/or rolled, but sufficiently rigid to maintain the desired configurations and boarders without deviation when positioned on the surface. The base may therefore be a thick stock paper, plastic, card-stock, cardboard, poster board, board, wood, metal, foam, vinyl, composite, etc.

The base 106 may include a section 108 to display various information. The company logo, promotional material, advertising material, or additional information about other services or options may be provided. For example, the instructions for use may be printed directly onto the template. In addition or alternatively, instructions for ordering photo prints may be provided. A company name, logo, and/or website may also be displayed. A part number and or instructions on reordering one or more components of the system may also be provided. Contact information, customer service information, etc. may also be provided.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a template 200. The template 200 comprises a base 206 similar to FIG. 1 above. The template includes a plurality of holes 202 oriented to create a desired image. As shown, an exterior perimeter circumscribing a plurality of holes forms letters. The holes may therefore be configured or oriented to form a word. As shown, the holes form the word “LOVE”. The holes 202 may be sized to accommodate any select picture sizes. The holes may all be of the same size, shape, and/or orientation. The holes 202 configured to form the desired image may not align in one or more directions. For example, as shown, in a horizontal direction, the holes 202 are aligned such that a series of rows are created by adjacent holes 202. In a vertical direction however, one or more holes may be offset to form the desired letters, image, or overall configuration. The out-of-linear alignment between adjacent holes in one or more directions however may be geometrically related to the overall shape achieved and may still be aligned such that the orderly presentation of the pictures is preserved. Therefore, the one or more holes may be centered and aligned with respect to adjacent holes even if the edges are not maintained co-linearly. Other exemplary words include “LOVE”, “PEACE”, “FRIENDS”, “PARTY”, “BOO”, “NOEL”, etc.

Individual letters may also be provided, such that any word, acronym, abbreviation, initial, etc. can be created by selecting and combining individual letter templates. One or more exterior edges of the template may comprise a shaped feature 220. The shaped feature may correspond to a shaped feature of an adjacent edge of another template. The shaped features may mate such that when brought together, the templates automatically align. For example, the left side of each of the templates may include a female shaped feature, while the right side of each of the templates includes a male shaped feature. When the female and male features are coupled, the templates and associated images are aligned. Therefore, use can combine one or more template images, such as letters, to create an overall image that does not require individual alignment of respective templates. Male and female surfaces are used herein to simply indicate that one surface mates with another. The mating may be of any configuration and does not require an insertion component. Thus, for example, the edge may be curved, squared, or otherwise shaped such that when the exterior edge of two templates are brought into contact, the templates self-align. The mating feature may also be repeated at a set interval, such that the adjacent templates may be offset at a set and pre-determined amount. Therefore, sequential templates may be regularly offset and realigned in a desired pattern. The mating feature may be used, for example, to angle a word along a slope of stairs.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary template 300 in which the holes 302 are configured in the shape of a Christmas tree. The holes are aligned in a horizontal direction and out of alignment in the vertical direction similar to FIG. 2, above. The holes 302 are of the same configuration, shape, and orientation. The base 306 may include a leveling device 310 to orient the template with respect to the mounting surface. The leveling device 310 may be a transparent pocket partially filled with a fluid. The unique holes 302a may include non-traditional shapes as well. The template may be used to cut the picture, such as by providing a cutting surface or tracing surface to outline the picture before positioning on the support surface. When used with a photographic or picture order service, as described herein, options may be provided to pre-cut one or more selected pictures into the necessary unique shapes corresponding to the unique hole.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary template 400 in which the holes are configured to form a desired shape. The holes 402 include various sizes, such as 402a-d. Thus, the holes 402 may be of the same general geometry, shape, and/or orientation, or may be different. For example, the template may include holes of two, three, or four different sizes and/or shapes. The sizes and/or shapes may correspond to standard picture sizes, such that a variety of pictures may be used with the template. For example, each of the holes may be 2×2, 2×4, 3×3, 4×4, 4×6, 5×5, 5×7, 8×8, 8×10 inches. A set of holes corresponding to one or more of the hole sizes and or shapes may be used to create the desired overall shape from the associated holes. The holes need not be aligned in any one or more directions. However, the template may be used to properly arrange a set of pictures into a desired overall shape. The template may separate the pictures such that each picture is placed on a support surface with a naturally formed boarder or frame created by the separation between pictures.

The template 400 may also include a supporting device 420 to couple the template to the desired surface. As shown, four supporting devices 420 are provided at respective corners on a back surface of the template facing the desired surface to support the pictures when positioned. The supporting device may include an adhesive, tape, putty, etc. The adhesive may be configured to permanently adhere to the template, while removably adhering to the surface. One or more removable covers may be provided over the adhesive such that the adhesive is protected when not in use. The adhesive may also be positioned such that the adhesive removably couples to the template in a stored configuration. When the template is prepared for use, the adhesive is exposed. Tabs may also removably cover the adhesive, such as with waxed paper or plastic. The tabs may be separate from the template and removable from the adhesive, or may be coupled to the template such as in a flap configuration. Therefore, in a stored configuration the flap covers the adhesive. In use, the tab can be separated from the adhesive and folded back exposing the adhesive to the surface. The supporting device 420 may cover all of the template, a portion of the template, or multiple portions of the template.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary method of using embodiments as described herein. The method may include selecting one or more templates and the associated pictures corresponding to the desired quantity and size. The template and pictures may be received by a user, and removably secured to a surface. The pictures are properly arranged through the respective holes directly to the support surface. The template is removed, thereby leaving the pictures in the desired decorative shaped configuration.

At step 202, a user may select the desired template based on the support surface, the number of pictures creating the template, the various picture sizes available for the template, and the desired created shape. A user may navigate to a website to select from a plurality of template options. Alternatively, an application may be run on a smart device, such as a phone, tablet, portable computer, etc. that permits a user to select a template from one or more template options. In an exemplary embodiment, once the user purchases the associated template, a coupon may be generated to permit the user to print of the associated number of pictures from the same website or application or a related or corresponding website or application to fill the corresponding template.

At step 204, a user may select the photos to use in conjunction with the template. The respective sizes may be selected depending on the chosen template. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more desired photos may be uploaded to the same or a different website and/or application as used to order the template. The website or application permits a user to select the photos to be printed and the desired size, corresponding to the holes of the selected template. Therefore, a user may select one or more photos to upload. Once a template is selected, the associated sizes may be provided and the corresponding available quantity may be selected such that a user can select which photos to print at the required sizes. The website or application may include a counter, indicator, or other user interface to alert the user of the remaining selections of quantity and size necessary to fill the selected template. If only a single size template is selected, the system may suggest a quantity remaining only. The system may be separate from the photo upload, such that photos are manually selected from pre-printed photos. Alternatively, if the template order is separate from the picture order, a user can select photos to print from a set of electronic photos and use a coupon code or other voucher provided at the time of template purchase.

At step 206, after the user receives the template and photos, the user attaches the template to a desired surface. Before attachment to the surface, the template should be aligned and positioned as desired on the surface. If the template includes a leveler, it may be used to align the template on the surface. Other techniques such as visual cues may be used to orient the template on the desired surface. The desired surface may be a wall, desk, window, cabinet, appliance, furniture, etc. The desired surface may be generally vertical, such as a wall, or may be horizontal, such as a table top. The template can be removably attached to the surface. The template should be attached to the surface through a medium that does not damage the surface and provides easy attachment and removal therefrom. For example, the template can be attached the to the surface through a single sided or double sided tape, removable putty, etc. separately provided. Alternatively, an adhesive covering all or one or more portions of the template may be exposed and used directly by simply applying pressure on the template over the adhesive surface.

At step 208, the pictures are secured to the support surface through the one or more holes of the template. The template is provided pre-formed with a plurality of holes in the correct pattern to create the desired shape. The holes are sized to correspond to the respective picture size to be supported on the surface. Therefore, the pictures are positioned in the respective hole of the template such that the hole circumscribes the picture. Therefore, the user simply needs to orient the template on a surface (not shown) and attached a plurality of pictures directly to the surface through the corresponding holes. The pictures are preferably directly removably secured to the surface. The pictures may be coupled to the surface such as, for example, double sided tape or sticky putty. The pictures are secured preferably through a single component so that additional aligned between connecting components is unnecessary. The pictures are also preferably connected to the surface without framing. Therefore, the pictures are kept light and can be supported by the simple, cheap attachment component.

At step 210, the template is removed from the support surface. After all of the pictures have been secured in the respective holes, the template is removed from the surface. The pictures are left on the surface in the desired orientation, shape, design, configuration, alignment without necessitating individual and separate alignment of the pictures. The pictures are separated by the space previously filled by the template, thus creating a natural boarder around the pictures by the support surface.

At step 212, the pictures may be enjoyed as a decorative presentation of a plurality of pictures. At step 214, the pictures may be removed for the surface. The pictures may be releaseably attached such that the removal of the pictures does not adversely affect the surface. One or more of the steps may be repeated, such that another template and/or selection of pictures may be positioned on the surface.

The disclosed embodiments and associated methods include a plurality of features and/or steps that may be subdivided, eliminated, duplicated, or combined in any combination. Therefore, the provided embodiments and methods are exemplary only and are not intended to be limiting. Features from any one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment. Features may also be eliminated and/or duplicated such that no one feature is considered essential to the operation of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary kit in which a template 602, template support 604, picture support 606, and informational material 608 is provided together to a user. Once the user has selected a desired template, a kit can be sent to the user. The kit comprises the selected template 602 in a stored configuration. For example, the template may be rolled and delivered in a tube. Alternatively, the template may be folded or separated and sent in a box or envelope. With the template, the kit includes the necessary template support 604 to temporarily retain the template to the support surface while the pictures are secured. For example, the kit may include a plurality of tape segments, such that a user simply removes the tape segments and tapes the template to the surface along its edge. The kit may also include the picture support 606. The picture support may be sticky putty that removably secures the pictures to the support surface. A sufficient amount of putty is provided corresponding to the number of pictures associated with the respective template. The putty may be retained between one or more sheets to keep it from contacting other components during transportation. Other picture supports and template supports may be used, such as double sided tape. Other material may be provided with the kit, such as additional ordering material, instructions on use, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the kit may include a coupon or voucher to purchase the necessary number of prints to fill the template. The coupon and/or other informational material may be provided electronically at the time of purchase, or may be sent with the template kit.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary system 700 to facilitate selection, order, and receipt of the template, kit, and/or associated pictures. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises an application run on a smart device. The smart device 702, such as a phone, tablet, laptop, etc., includes a processor, memory, and input/output devices. The smart device is configured to connect to the internet to send and receive file with a server and remote computer 704. The smart device comprises non-transitory machine readable code and/or instructions executed by the processor or other electronic hardware. The application is configured to display one or more template options to a user for selection. The application may receive an input from the user selecting the desired template. The application may also permit the user to upload, select, and/or identify a number of photos to be used in the template. The application may track the number and size of the pictures necessary to fill the template. Respective pictures may be selected for the respective sizes. Once entered, the information and pictures may be sent to a remote computer and processed. The pictures may be printed in the selected sizes at a printer 706. The template, kit, and/or pictures 708 may then be packaged and/or sent to the user. The template, kit, and/or pictures may be sent together and/or separately. The application may also be configured to charge the user for the transaction.

The application may include logic that is configured to receive input from a user, present a selection to a user, receive and/or upload files, send the files to a remote location, and/or charge a user for a transaction. The application is performed by processing logic that may comprise hardware (circuitry, dedicated logic, state machines, etc.), software (such as is run on a smart device, general purpose computer system, or a dedicated machine), or a combination of both.

The smart device, computer, or dedicated machine may include a processing unit having memory, a processor, an analog-to-digital converter (A/D) and a plurality of software routines that may be stored on the memory and executed by the processor to perform the application described herein. The processing unit may be based on a variety of commercially available platforms such as a personal computer, workstation, tablet, phone, or may be based on a custom platform that uses application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and other custom circuitry to carry out the diagnostic techniques described herein. Additionally, the processing unit is coupled to one or more input/output (I/O) devices that enable a user to interface to the system. By way of example only, the processing unit may receive user inputs via a keypad, track pad, or touchscreen or any other data input device and may provide graphical displays to the user via a display.

Although embodiments of the invention may be described and illustrated herein in terms of a template for photo pictures, it should be understood that embodiments of this invention are not so limited, but are additionally applicable to other displays or collections of mementoes. Moreover, preferred embodiments are described herein in which pictures are directly connected or connected through a single component to the support surface. Therefore, frames or cooperating connectors such as hooks and loop or wire are not necessary. The invention is not so limited, however. The template may be used to arrange the pictures and/or support structures as well. In this case, the holes in the template would correspond to the outer perimeter of the frame instead of the picture. Accordingly, the picture and frame may pass through the template to remove the template from the support surface and leave the pictures in the desired configuration. The pictures may also be enhanced, such as by printed on a picture board instead of photo paper.

Some portions of the detailed descriptions above are presented in terms of algorithms and symbolic representations of operations on data bits within a computer memory. These algorithmic descriptions and representations are the means used by those skilled in the data processing arts to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. An algorithm is here, and generally, conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of operations leading to a desired result. The operations are those requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. It has proven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like.

While some specific embodiments of the invention have been shown, the invention is not to be limited to these embodiments. For example, most functions performed by electronic hardware components may be duplicated by software emulation. Thus, a software program written to accomplish those same functions may emulate the functionality of the hardware components in input-output circuitry. Alternatively, hardware components may be used in place of software programs. The invention is to be understood as not limited by the specific embodiments described herein, but only by scope of the appended claims.

Although embodiments of this invention have been fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as being included within the scope of embodiments of this invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A picture template, comprising:

a base with an exterior boarder, the base having an arrangement of holes for facilitating creating a desired image by way of a corresponding arrangement of pictures, the arrangement of holes comprising a desired shape, and the arrangement of pictures comprising the desired image.

2. The picture template of claim 1, wherein each hole of the arrangement of holes is sized and shaped to correspond to an outer perimeter of a picture to be coupled to a support surface.

3. The picture template of claim 2, wherein the arrangement of holes comprises the same geometric shape and size.

4. The picture template of claim 3, wherein the arrangement of holes is aligned in a series of one dimensions.

5. The picture template of claim 4, wherein the arrangement of holes is aligned in two orthogonal dimensions.

6. The picture template of claim 5, wherein the desired image comprises a representation of a heart.

7. The picture template of claim 2, wherein the arrangement of holes comprises a arrangement of geometric shapes, sizes, or a combination thereof.

8. The picture template of claim 2, further comprising a support feature for removably coupling the template with the support surface.

9. The picture template of claim 1, wherein the desired image comprises a representation of a word.

10. A kit comprising:

a picture template, the template comprising a base with an exterior boarder, the base having an arrangement of holes for facilitating creating a desired image by way of a corresponding arrangement of pictures, the arrangement of holes comprising a desired shape, and the arrangement of pictures comprising the desired image, wherein each hole of the arrangement of holes are sized and shaped to correspond to an outer perimeter of a picture to be coupled to a support surface;

a support device for the template to removably couple the template to a support surface; and

a support device for the plurality of pictures.

11. A method of arranging a plurality of pictures on a support surface, comprising:

providing picture template, the template providing comprising providing a base with an exterior boarder, the base providing comprising providing an arrangement of holes for facilitating creating a desired image by way of a corresponding arrangement of pictures, the arrangement of holes comprising a desired shape, and the arrangement of pictures comprising the desired image;

coupling the template with the support surface;

disposing a plurality of pictures through the plurality of holes and in relation to the support surface;

removing the template from the support surface; and

thereby creating the desired image comprising the arrangement of pictures corresponding to the arrangement of holes.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the desired image comprises a recognizable geometric shape, letter, word, or object that is unrelated to a shape of the individual plurality of pictures creating the image.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein each hole of the arrangement of holes is sized and shaped to correspond to an outer perimeter of the picture to be coupled to the support surface.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein coupling and removing the template from the support surface does not visibly alter the support surface.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the image comprises a representation of a heart.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising at least one of:

attaching the arrangement of pictures to the support surface; and

removing the arrangement of pictures from the support surface without visibly altering the support surface.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein each picture of the arrangement of pictures is attached to the support surface by one attachment component, thereby eliminating additional alignment.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the arrangement of pictures is attached to the support surface without a frame.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein the arrangement of pictures is disposed in the arrangement of holes during coupling and removing.

20. The method of claim 14, wherein base is not altered, cut, or modified prior or during use.