Hingedly Connected Patents (Class 40/733)
  • Patent number: 9730533
    Abstract: A frame for displaying items such as photographs, drawings, paintings, or documents, as well as a method of displaying such items, is provided. A substantially flat panel has a plurality of holes extending through the panel. A line, such as a string or rope, extends through each of the holes alternately through the front side of the panel and through the back side of the panel. The line is pulled taut to substantially remove slack in the line so that the line runs along the front surface of the panel between pairs of holes. The line is configured to cover corners or edges of a display item, thereby holding the display item securely in place within the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: ELIZABETH ANN'S, LLC
    Inventor: Billy Ray Cornelson
  • Patent number: 9548005
    Abstract: Card holders for personalized and customized display of interchangeable cards are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventor: Gerald Willoughby
  • Patent number: 8539705
    Abstract: A computing device with a keyboard and display is configurable to fold from a compact and protective pocket sized closed configuration to other computing configurations. An embodiment of the device includes dispersed or interspersed hinge mechanisms to enable a cross folding mechanism to configure the device to multiple configurations using only simple hinges. An embodiment of the device further unfolds to a fully flat configuration supported by interspersed feet. Keys of reduced aspect ratio can reduce the footprint of a folded device without reducing the key's sideways spacing. A rotating input pad can supplement the keyboard input without increasing the footprint of the folded pocked sized configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Edward Bullister
  • Patent number: 7988112
    Abstract: A multi-screen display device includes a display device and a folding bracket. The display device includes a first display frame and a second display frame. The folding bracket includes an inner rotating portion pivotally connected to the first display frame, and an outer rotating portion pivotally connected to the inner rotating portion and pivotally connected to the second display frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Weng-Tiang Tang
  • Patent number: 7556384
    Abstract: A trifold display device comprising panel opening mechanism(s) which open the device, in a damped motion, from a closed position wherein display surfaces are concealed from view to an open configuration wherein three display surfaces are exposed. The panel operating mechanisms exert forces on two panels, thereby urging the panels toward an open position. Upon actuation of a release latch, the opening mechanisms move a support panel around to the back of the mirror, thereby raising the device into a tilted position (if the device is resting on a surface). Preferably simultaneously, the two movable display panels are also moved to an open configuration wherein they are exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: C.C. & L Company Limited
    Inventor: Sik Leung Chan
  • Patent number: 7341767
    Abstract: A system for storing and displaying pom pons is provided with a frame and a plurality of securement members positioned in a spaced-apart relationship with one another along opposite side portions of the frame. The securement members releasably secure the gripping portion of pom pons. A multi-segmented frame may be provided that allows the segments to move independently from one another. Spirit adornment may be provided to the frame as well as shaping the frame itself to exhibit such adornment. Various hanging and ground supports are provided for supporting the frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Inventor: Frank J. Velinsky
  • Patent number: 6968641
    Abstract: A snap-together poster frame includes a plurality of edge supports, each comprising a plurality of segments having a slotted, channel-shaped cross-sectional profile to define a single opening having an unobstructed mouth for receiving an edge of a poster board. The segments include a top wall, a bottom wall and a sidewall joining the top and bottom walls. The edge support is resilient and the sidewall includes a generally L-shaped instep by which it is joined to the bottom wall having three flex points which allows the opening to adjust to the width of the posterboard inserted therein, thereby retaining the edge of the poster board via an interference fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: Ronald M. Pollack
  • Patent number: 6951068
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying works of art is disclosed. In one embodiment, a display unit is used to display artwork. The display unit is comprised of at least one overlay section set having at least two overlay sections. It also has at least one clip for securing said overlay sections together. The display unit has at least one securing platform to support said overlay section set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Pikture Klips LLC
    Inventor: Sean B. Weatherill
  • Patent number: 6932218
    Abstract: A folding photo case includes a pair of exterior case members coupled to each other by a first hinge and a pair of interior frame members coupled to respective exterior case members by respective second and third hinges. The first, second and third hinges are preferably torsion bar hinges with the first hinge biasing the exterior case members to an open position and the second and third springs biasing the interior frame members toward interior surfaces of the exterior case members. One or both of the exterior case members are preferably provided with a latch structure which allows the folding case to be latched in a closed position. The dimensions of the folding case are preferably such that the case can be carried in a pocket or purse when it is folded into the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Monica Rich Kosann Photography LLC
    Inventors: Rod G. Kosann, Monica Kosann
  • Patent number: 6637139
    Abstract: An image display device includes a base. A proximal panel is connected to the base by a spring-loaded hinge and has an image display area. A distal panel is connected directly or indirectly to the proximal panel via a spring-loaded hinge and also has an image display area. A catch co-operates with the base and the distal panel to release the proximal and distal panels from a storage configuration alongside the base to be moved by action of the spring-loaded hinges to a display configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: C. C. & L Company Limited
    Inventor: Sik-Leung Chan
  • Patent number: 6568114
    Abstract: A photo album having display inserts includes a base body, a first folding body, a second folding body, a base display insert, a first display insert, and a second display insert. The first folding body is pivotally attached to one side of the base body and the second folding body is pivotally attached to the other side of the base body. The first display insert is slidably received by the first folding body. The second display insert is slidably received by the second folding body. The base display insert is slidably received by the base body. At least one display window is formed through the first display insert, the second display insert, and the base display insert. A photograph or the like is attached to the area surrounding the display opening on a back side of the display insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventor: Joel F. Klukan
  • Patent number: 6230428
    Abstract: A frame connector for quickly and easily attaching two picture frames together in a stable manner has a support arm and a coupling member on each end. A coupling member may be a slider, snap, wedge or spring. A slider frame support attaches easily to either metal or wood frames. A coupling member for a slider frame support may be a flat piece for screwing or nailing to a wood frame, or may be slid into the channel of a metal frame. Holes, slots or spikes for attaching to a wood frame may be incorporated into any of the coupling members. A slider frame support includes a screw hole for a screw that secures the slider support to a channel of a metal frame. A snap frame support attaches to a channel of a frame by fingers that snap into the channel. A wedge frame support secures itself in a channel of a frame by wedging itself within the channel. A spring frame support secures itself in the channel of a frame by spring-like fingers that press against the channel walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Stephen D. Albin
  • Patent number: 6112445
    Abstract: A multi-panel folding display screen includes a plurality of hingedly connected panels with each panel of the screen including a number of display openings there through with the openings being spaced longitudinally along the panel. Within each opening one or more picture frames are mounted so that a collection of photographs can be displayed in the screen. Each picture frame is pivotally mounted relative to the respective panel such that it is rotatable relative to the panel and each frame has a side loading slot so that a pair of photographs can be loaded therein with the photographs being arrayed back to back to face in opposite directions. Each frame can thus be selectively rotated to alternatively exhibit one or the other of the opposing photographs so that the photographic collection can be easily changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: J.P. Products, LC
    Inventor: Paul W. Feeney
  • Patent number: 6095226
    Abstract: The invention relates to a kind of improved structure multifunction partition, specifically referring to a kind of structure offering an innovative improvement over shortcomings, such as uninteresting and monotonous features, of conventional partitions and which consists of partition units having a number of pivot openings of predetermined dimension and rotating mounts at the center of the interior sides of the top and bottom ends. The rotating mounts are capable of holding interchangeable photographs, pictures, compact disks (CD), or optical disks which thereby allows the user to switch or change photographs or rotate to replace the background, or to display compact disks (CD) or optical disks, which demonstrates the enhanced function of the partition structure in terms of practical application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventors: Hong-Jen Chen, Ming Yao Yao, Chung Hsien Lee
  • Patent number: 5974713
    Abstract: A picture frame assembly has a first picture frame and a second picture frame. The first picture frame has a first connection bar, a first insert rod disposed on the first connection bar, a first connection plate, and a first C-shaped clamp plate disposed on the first connection plate. The second picture frame has a second connection bar, a second insert rod disposed on the second connection bar, a second connection plate, and a second C-shaped clamp plate disposed on the second connection plate. The second insert rod is inserted in the first C-shaped clamp plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Shiang-Lan Wu
  • Patent number: 5890309
    Abstract: A pair of pivoting picture frames each include a vertical picture holder and a horizontal stand. A horizontal hinge is attached between adjacent edges of the horizontal stands, so that the frames are pivotable relative to each other about a horizontal axis generally perpendicular to the picture holders. The frames can be positioned around a corner of a computer monitor by pivoting them to form a right angle, or they can be positioned on top of the monitor, or on furniture, by pivoting them so that they are aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Inventor: Jean Markarian
  • Patent number: 5887373
    Abstract: A two-sided card frame of a type constructed from resilient modular components, the modular components including top and bottom cap modules and left and right side modules which include in their structure the necessary snap securing configurations for combination to a rectangular card frame bordering window modules that retain the viewable material. Additionally, modules are included to enable stacking and/or hinge alignment of the individual card frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventor: Thomas L. Byers
  • Patent number: 5626926
    Abstract: A stand-alone decorative assembly comprising at least two hingedly connected frames. Each of the frames includes a frame member, which define an open display area. The assembly also includes a substantially rigid, decorative panel for each of the frames. The panels are removably supported by the frames, so that front and back surfaces of each panel are exposed along the open display area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Lin Pac, Inc.
    Inventor: Gilchrist P. Roberts
  • Patent number: 5544438
    Abstract: A card and picture holder is formed from two identical, generally planar half portions, which are assembled together to capture a card, picture or other planar display object therebetween. Each half portion includes a transparent center window therein, so an article(s) sandwiched within the two portions may be viewed from either side. Each half portion includes a plurality of slotted channels formed in the periphery, which channels form hinge passages in the completed assembly and serve to capture the pins of interconnectors or a hanger(s) therein. The interconnectors are identical and symmetrical, and include an intermediate member which provides sufficient distance between the two opposite pins to allow for the thickness of the holders comprising an assembly of interconnected holders. Thus, the holders may be folded over one another for compact storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Inventor: James I. Fazekas