Having Structure To Secure Picture (e.g., Tab, Catch, Slot, Etc.) Patents (Class 40/777)
  • Patent number: 8714510
    Abstract: A case for an electronic device such as a tablet computer includes book configuration and stand configuration. In the stand configuration, the back panel of the holder, against which the electronic device is held, is disposed at an incline with respect to the front panel. The stand configuration is achieved through folding seams in the front panel and pockets in the back panel such that the front panel is folded back such that the front panel exterior surface generally faces the back panel exterior surface and respective front panel corners are folded along the folding seams and disposed within the back panel pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: DayMen Canada Acquisition ULC
    Inventors: Benjamin McCosh, Mark Loncar
  • Publication number: 20140109450
    Abstract: Described herein is a picture framing system comprising a frame and at least one display panel. The frame comprises one or more first portions of a coupling mechanism and the at least one display panel comprises corresponding one or more second portions of the coupling mechanism. The frame further comprises at least one of a baseboard, sideboard, cross-bar, and support beam. The at least one of a baseboard, sideboard, cross-bar, and support beam may be one of coupled an integrated to another of the baseboard, sideboard, and cross-bar. The coupling mechanism is adapted to removably couple the panel to the frame without removing the frame from the wall or re-leveling the frame upon coupling a new panel to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventor: Richard Valois
  • Publication number: 20140000140
    Abstract: A photograph holder comprises a cloth backing material and a plurality of buttons secured to the cloth backing material with thread. The plurality of buttons defines at least one area on the cloth backing material in which a photograph may be secured between the buttons and the backing material. The area may be any shape and/or any size to accommodate the varying shapes and sizes of photographs. The photograph holder may further comprise a frame having a rigid backing and a glass. The cloth backing material and buttons may be disposed between the glass and the rigid backing within the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventor: Deborah J. Fredette
  • Patent number: 8578641
    Abstract: A thin, illuminatable graphic support assembly comprising an elongated base rail having an elongated first edge and an elongated second edge; an elongated cover rail having an elongated planar portion arranged along one edge thereof, and an elongated ā€œJā€ shaped portion arranged along a second edge thereof, the elongated cover rail pivotable between an open orientation and a closed graphic or panel restraining position; an elongated receiving channel arranged in the elongated second edge of the base rail, with a biasing member arranged therein, and a fixture support first channel and a fixture support second channel on an outer lower side of the base rail, to enable the illuminable graphic support assembly to be selectively secured to a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Rose Displays Ltd
    Inventors: Rebecca C. Suciu, Thomas P. Burrous, Pual P. Ellsworth, Alan L. Stenfors, Sidney Rose
  • Patent number: 8336242
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a multi-purpose, double paneled, convertible apparatus which may be used as a protective holder and/or wall display for a diploma, certificate, photograph or the like. The apparatus may provide a safe and secure manner for receiving, holding, transporting, protecting, and/or storing, for example, the diploma, certificate, photograph or the like and further may quickly be converted to provide an attractive display for hanging the diploma, certificate, photograph or the like on a wall. The apparatus may have a first panel which may be connected to a second panel. Further, the first panel may rotate with respect to the second panel. The second panel may store the diploma, certificate, photograph or the like while the first panel may provide a cover for the diploma, certificate, photograph or the like. The second panel may have at least one strap which may secure the first panel, when rotated behind the second panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: The Diplomatic Company
    Inventor: Wilmer Enrique Useche
  • Publication number: 20120260551
    Abstract: A backboard for use with a display case or picture frame is formed to include an integrated hanger structure for displaying an article of clothing. The backboard includes a substrate that includes a top edge. The substrate has a first section and a second section that extends outwardly away from one edge of the first section. The second section is pivotally attached to the first section to allow at least a portion of the second section to overlie the first section. The second section includes a cross-bar that is configured to be received within and support the article of clothing to allow display thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: Nielsen Bainbridge
    Inventor: Michael Andrulewich
  • Patent number: 8196325
    Abstract: A thin, graphic support assembly comprising an elongated base rail and an elongated cover rail which come together around a board to form four sides of a frame. A spring mechanism is fully captured after the base rail and cover rail are assembled together, and the angle and position of the spring channel allows the hinge location to be at the top/outer edge of the frame. The elongated base rail and elongated cover rail can be oriented in a parallel relationship when closed for capturing a display panel or a perpendicular relationship when open for inserting or removing a display panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Rose Displays, Ltd
    Inventors: David E. Pitcher, Thomas P. Burrous, Rebecca C. Suciu, Paul P. Ellsworth, Alan L. Stenfors, Sidney Rose
  • Publication number: 20120060400
    Abstract: A photograph retention assembly, for holding one or more photographs, includes a retention member that includes a pair of opposed retention fingers. The retention fingers are moveable between an open configuration to receive one or more photographs therebetween and a closed configuration to retain the one or more photographs therebetween. Each retention finger includes a corresponding arm. Movement of one arm relative to the other arm moves the fingers between the open and closed configurations. The photograph retention assembly also includes a mount member that has an engagement formation. The engagement formation is cooperable with at least one arm to selectively secure the retention member and the mount member to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: Nexfoto Limited
    Inventors: David KING, David HARBINSON
  • Publication number: 20090126247
    Abstract: A one-piece panel for the display of a plurality of photos and other card-like items on a flat surface such as a refrigerator door constituted of resilient plastic sheet material into which U-shaped die cuts form numerous integral downward- and upward-pointing tabs. The tabs are made accessible for extension from their original position planar to the body of the panel by means of contiguous cutouts so that they can be used to hold in place display items whose edges are inserted under them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Frank Joseph Thibault
  • Publication number: 20090084013
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventors: Timothy M. Lom, Lawrence S. Hamilton
  • Publication number: 20080244950
    Abstract: A picture frame assembly is provided that includes a picture frame, a window disposed in the picture frame, and a backing member for retaining a sheet form graphic piece against the window. The backing member is adapted to be quickly released from the frame to provide access to the graphic piece and reassembled to the frame for displaying the graphic piece. The backing member is assembled to the frame and disassembled from the frame by compressing a compressible section to move a tongue into a release position to clear a back rib as the backing member is moved toward the window and away from the window. The tongue is returned to a normal position in which the tongue is disposed between the front rib and the back rib to retain the graphic object within the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Edward R. Golden
  • Patent number: 7418794
    Abstract: A three-dimensional display frame assembly for displaying planar display material in respective multiple planes. The frame assembly can be provided as a single-sheet preform and can be self-standing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Inventor: Irvin A. Kittrell, III
  • Patent number: 7415786
    Abstract: A greeting or announcement card includes integrated picture mailer and frame. An illustrative embodiment of the card is made by die cutting thick paper stock. The card includes front and back portions disposed side-by-side, and a middle portion disposed under the back portion. Adhesive strips cover the inside of the back portion or of the middle portion. When the card is assembled, it is folded along a line to bring into contact the inside surfaces of the middle and back portions, forming a holding pocket open on one side. A picture can be inserted into the pocket and viewed through an aperture in the middle portion. After insertion, the front portion is folded towards the pocket, and the card is mailed. The card's recipient tears off the front portion, and pulls on a precut tab in the back portion, forming a picture frame with an easel-like stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Inventor: Mark W. Boydston
  • Patent number: 7278232
    Abstract: A display page assembly for holding substantially planar articles includes a base layer, an anchoring layer, and a protective layer. The anchoring layer is attached to the base layer and includes a plurality of mounting apertures formed therein. The plurality of mounting apertures are arranged for receiving a portion of a substantially planar article therein to secure the substantially planar articles relative to the page. The protective layer is attached relative to the anchoring layer to cover the substantially planar article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Charles R. Kleissler, Joseph P. Callahan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7240447
    Abstract: A mix and match framing system comprising a frame adapted to receive artwork, such as a mirror, painting, print or the like therein. The frame includes a ledge or ridge against which the artwork abuts and swivelled closure members at spaced locations on the back of the frame for securing the artwork in place. The system also includes spacing elements that may be used to compensate for differences in thickness of the artwork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Neall Humphrey
  • Patent number: 7100317
    Abstract: A thin flexible material (30) is die-cut into a shape. Inset cuts are made in the sheet material to form large tabs (32 and 32?) and small tabs (34 and 34?). Another set of inset cuts and a vertical cut are made to form split tabs (40a and 40b and 40?a and 40?b). The large tabs are bent forward and the small tabs are bent backward so that a photo or flexible sheet material (46) may be placed under tabs in a flexed position on both sides of the device in either a horizontal or vertical orientation. The curved position of the displayed material creates a unique effect without damaging the displayed material with tacks or tape. When assembled the display device and displayed materials form a stand-alone three-dimensional structure. When placed on a horizontal surface, the displayed material can be displayed on both sides of the device. With displayed material on only one side of the device, it can be attached to a vertical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: Finn Alexander Strong
  • Patent number: 7069682
    Abstract: The subject matter of the invention under consideration is directed to picture frames that can be quickly and safely assembled, installed, and disassembled to display artwork. The picture frame has a frame member and backing that are adapted for safe, easy and removable assembly using removable attachment means, and are designed for safe use by children, elderly, and disabled adults without the need for adult assistance or supervision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventors: Raymond M. Gatt, Mark J. Potok
  • Patent number: 6780273
    Abstract: The process for making a picture frame having printed border artwork on a transparent front panel with irregular outer and inner edges and having an attached rear panel having a picture frame folding stand therein. The process includes the printing of border art on a sheet of a material having a covered pressure sensitive adhesive backing and attaching it to the front panel. The front panel is then laser cut along the computer marked cut path to cut along the outside and inside edges of the printed border artwork while cutting a window therein. The cutout window is removed and a thin transparent polymer sheet is attached thereover. A picture frame back is cut with a foldout stand and is attached to the front panel to form the picture frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventor: Richard N. Bradford
  • Patent number: 6742295
    Abstract: Disclosed is a novel system for suspending artwork, photographs, documents and other planar material for display in which one edge (the top edge of the material) instead of being attached to hinges, is positioned between opposed magnetic materials having a strong reciprocal force tightly gripping the planar material therebetween whereby the planar article is releasably mounted for display. One of each set of opposed magnetic materials is seated within a recessed area of a mounting board providing a backing for the artwork or other planar article; while the other magnetic material is seated within a mat or other planar material designed to be positioned over the face of the artwork or other planar material to be displayed. It is particularly useful for mounting for display priceless artwork and archival documents which can suffer irreversible degradation from the hinging techniques heretofore employed for such priceless planar materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventor: James R. Gross
  • Publication number: 20030150150
    Abstract: A combination picture retaining and item storing device that has an integrally formed plastic structure. The structure includes at least two sidewalls that extend from a base. At least one of the sidewalls has a hole formed through the sidewall. A storage area is disposed adjacent and integrally formed with the at least two sidewalls. A separate picture retaining member having a translucent planar body including first and second parallel portions are joined at a radius. The first and second parallel portions allow for retention of a picture in a gap formed by the opposing portions. Retaining features formed on an inner surface and around a periphery of the hole positions the picture retaining member within the periphery of the hole and allows for easy removal of the picture retaining member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: Ronald D. Clarke
  • Patent number: 6574897
    Abstract: A picture frame assembly for enhancing the display of a picture and other viewable objects in a display frame and to a method of framing the picture and objects. The assembly includes a housing having a back wall, an annular side wall projecting from the back wall, a front opening circumscribed by the side wall; a two-dimensional background scene mounted within the housing adjacent to the back thereof; a two-dimensional picture mounted within the housing in front of and in viewing association the background scene; a three-dimensional motif mounted within the housing in front of and in viewing association with both the scene and the picture, the motif and the background scene suggesting a theme related to the picture; and a magnifying lens mounted in the opening of the housing and providing a common field of view for the scene, the picture and the motif.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Dana W. Timmer
  • Patent number: 6547283
    Abstract: A system for mounting a component to a portfolio including a tongue located on the component, the tongue having a tail portion and a tip portion, and a portfolio having a tongue opening formed therein. The top can be inserted into the tongue opening and component rotated relative to the portfolio until the tongue is generally received through the tongue opening to couple the component to the portfolio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: The Mead Corporation
    Inventor: Marc L. Moor
  • Patent number: 6540260
    Abstract: A photograph album system (10) has a spine (14) with an internal lateral groove (30) at one end and a removable retainer (42) having a plurality of internal retaining fingers (44) within the groove. A plurality of pages (52) are defined by a plurality of signatures (54). Each signature is defined by a plurality of page sets (56). Each page set consists of an interior support sheet (58) with a central fold (60) and a pair of exterior cover sheets (64). The exterior cover sheets are folded around an individual outer edge of an interior support sheet with each having a central fold defining an outer bend (66). The exterior cover sheets are adhered to the interior support sheet so that two pages are formed with separate pockets (72) on each side of each page. Posts (36) couple the pages to the spine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Whang Kwee Tan
  • Patent number: 6536149
    Abstract: The structured trading card display kit provides a way of displaying trading cards in an organized manner, based on a particular index assigned to the kit. The index can be selected from a large possible group and the kit includes structure identifying the index as well as a display assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: David Phillips
  • Publication number: 20020133994
    Abstract: A pictorial display resides in the combination of a transparent polyhedron and an opaque backing. The backing is removably attached to the polyhedron block by interlocking elements formed on the backing co-acting with recesses formed in appropriate surfaces of the polyhedron block. Pictures placed between the block and backing are dramatically viewed through the block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas Vincent
  • Patent number: 6401376
    Abstract: A photograph retaining assembly is disclosed, wherein a backing substrate has an adhesive layer on one side and a plurality of retaining pockets on a second side. The retaining pockets formed to preclude perforation of the backing substrate. The retaining pockets can form a frame extending along two, three or all four sides of the photograph, wherein the retaining pocket engages the retained photograph along at least three sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventors: Holly S. Cumberland, Todd C. Cumberland
  • Patent number: 6389724
    Abstract: A photograph retaining assembly is disclosed, wherein a backing substrate has an adhesive layer on one side and a plurality of retaining pockets on a second side. The retaining pockets formed to preclude perforation of the backing substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: Holly S. Cumberland
  • Patent number: 6345459
    Abstract: A merchandise display guard and seal system which uses a generally flat elongated flexible strip having a thickness and a pair of side edges defining a width, the width being substantially larger than the thickness. The strip includes a first fold line which is substantially parallel to one of the side edges and which provides a flexible section for dividing the strip into a sidewall section and a seal section; and a scored section, the scored section being at an angle to the first fold line and extending from one of the side edges, along the seal section towards the fold line, so that folding the strip along the first fold line and severing the scored section provides flexibility to the sidewall section, so that upon folding the sidewall section towards the seal section the sidewall section forms a concave boundary about the seal section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Inventors: Robert Martinez, Douglas Cotter
  • Patent number: 6305714
    Abstract: A folder having framed windows featuring a first panel, a second panel and a spine panel disposed between the covers. A pocket panel secured to the holder providing framed windows in substantial alignment with the front cover and the spine such that a sheet containing content information is insertable within the pocket and displayable over the front cover, spine or a combination thereof. A mounting sheet is insertable within the pocket for securing a sheet containing content identification. The mounting sheet has a plurality of fasteners adaptable for securing and displaying sheets for insertion into the pocket in multiple orientations. In the first orientation, the plurality of fasteners secures the sheet such that it extends over the front cover and is viewable only within the framed window of the front cover. In the second orientation, the fasteners secure the sheet such that it extends over both the front cover and the spine and is viewable within both framed windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Acco Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Rossetto, James Joseph Steger, Patricia Forrest
  • Patent number: 6282828
    Abstract: A self-supporting, frame system for a photo, print or any other flat material. The system is compromised of at least one flat, stiff piece of material and one main piece of material flexible enough to manually distort slightly. In one embodiment an item to be displayed is sandwiched between two stiff pieces of material and is inserted into a uniquely shaped hole(s) cut into the flexible main piece of the photo frame. The shaped hole(s) is cut such that a portion of the main flexible piece presses against the front of the sandwich while another portion presses against the back of the sandwich. After the sandwich is inserted and the flexible material is allowed to return to its original shape, the sandwich is pressed together effectively capturing the photo or the like in the sandwich.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventor: Renzo Cecchetto
  • Patent number: 6216379
    Abstract: A device is provided for filing a developed X-ray film such as a developed dental X-ray film. The filing device is formed of a transparent sheet. The transparent sheet has scale marks applied thereon, and is arranged such that a particular site, such as a tooth, in the X-ray film can be diagnosed using the scale marks. The filing device makes it possible to determine with precision and ease the size, relative position or the like of the particular site without removal of the X-ray film from the filing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: NIX Company Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6132283
    Abstract: A toy apparatus includes a back housing portion which includes straps for connecting the apparatus to a crib. A plurality of item pressing members are connected to an interior portion of the back housing portion. A front housing portion includes a housing connector for connecting the front housing portion to the back housing portion. The front housing portion includes a plurality of item retainers and a plurality of windows placed in registration with the item retainers. A plurality of infant stimulus items are retained in the item retainers. The item retainers are placed in registration with the item pressing members when the front housing portion and the back housing portion are placed in a closed orientation. A housing lock assembly is connected between the back housing portion and the front housing portion, for keeping the back housing portion and the front housing portion closed with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventors: Teresa Hohol O'Donnell, Patrick Alan O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 6101752
    Abstract: A photograph retaining assembly is disclosed, wherein a backing substrate has an adhesive layer on one side and a plurality of retaining pockets on a second side. The retaining pockets formed to preclude perforation of the backing substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Holly S. Cumberland
  • Patent number: 6043866
    Abstract: This specification discloses a carrier sheet for original having an upper sheet and a lower sheet, the two sheets having their leading end portions as viewed in the direction of advance of the original adhesively secured to each other in the widthwise direction thereof, and adapted to be opened to set the original and to be closed to hold the original therebetween, characterized by the provision of original keeping means for preventing the deviation of the original held by the carrier sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsutomu Kawai, Shinya Asano, Hiroshi Nakai, Hiroyuki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5915874
    Abstract: A panel attached to a book on foldable extensions by which the panel can be positioned next to the book and at various heights within the book and maintain the same orientation at each position, has a slot configured to receive an object through the panel and an acute fold at each end of the slot transverse to the slot at the fold, blocking the end of the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Specialty Loose Leaf, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Wilson, F. Christian Schweitzer
  • Patent number: 5826851
    Abstract: A removable mounting unit for electrostatic mounting of a shelf or hook to a nonporous surface includes a sheet of electrostatic material having an opening to engage the shelf or hook and hold it to the non-porous surface. The removable mounting unit may also include only the electrostatic sheet used to mount a picture or flat object by sandwiching the object between the sheet and a non-porous surface, or by using slits cut into the sheet to hold the corners of the object. The shelf or hook may be directly fused or glued to the electrostatic sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventor: Dominic S. Arbisi
  • Patent number: 5761839
    Abstract: An advertising device or sign that has a plastic frame having a front that contains advertising. The advertisement is on a plastic laminate with holes around its periphery that engage pins on the back of the frame. The back further has receptacles that engage a holder that forms an optional pocket. The optional pocket contains items that can be handed out or mailed. The frames can be joined together to form a larger display than can be accommodated on a single frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Inventor: Unto A. Heikkila
  • Patent number: 5659991
    Abstract: A picture frame assembly comprises a first background panel for affixation to a wall surface, the panel having at least one aperture for releasable insertion of a picture frame therein. Tabs on the rear of the frame releasably secure the frame to slots in the panel for display of the frame in a wall hanging mode. Molding about the frame overlies the defining edge of the panel aperture. Removal of the tabs from the panel slots allows the frame to be disengaged from the panel. A leg on the rear surface of the removed frame supports the removed frame on a horizontal surface. The assembly thus presents structure allowing for picture display in wall mounted or stand alone modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Inventor: Darrell L. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 5592361
    Abstract: An electronic device, such as a portable computer, has a receptacle for holding an identification card, such as a business card. The electronic device has an applique affixed to a first surface, such as the top or bottom surface of the electronic device. The applique has a transparent portion and a slot substantially adjacent to the transparent portion. A tray for holding an identification card is insertable through the slot into a receptacle located between the first surface and the applique, underneath the transparent portion of the applique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Mark A. Smith, John Sterner, Robert P. Bliven
  • Patent number: 5581925
    Abstract: A framed picture is constructed for protecting a frame thereof from damage such as when knocked over on a desk or table. The framed picture preferably includes a transparent sheet defining a picture covering, a picture positionally aligned adjacent the picture covering for viewing therethrough, and a backing sheet member positioned to underlie back portions of the picture and to support front portions of the picture against the picture covering, and a frame body integrally formed from a unitary piece of a soft, pliable material. The frame body preferably has a front portion which includes a first opening formed therein arranged for viewing a picture therethrough and a back portion which includes a second opening formed therein positionally aligned with the first opening. The second opening receives the picture covering, the picture, and the backing sheet member therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: American Industrial Design Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip J. Snoke, Mark J. Moneypenny
  • Patent number: 4021946
    Abstract: A sign display comprises a plurality of triangular display elements each having three display surfaces. The display elements are arranged along mutually perpendicular sets of axes to define a matrix display having a display plane. Rotary drive shafts extend through the display element parallel to the display surfaces, and each display element includes clutch structure comprising frustoconical clutch members received in frustoconical apertures formed in the display element and spring biased to normally coupled the display element for rotation with the drive shaft extending therethrough. Abutment surfaces corresponding to the display surfaces project from the lower end of each display element, and a stop arm is associated with each display element for selective actuation to terminate rotation of the display element with a predetermined display surface situated in the display plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1975
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1977
    Assignee: F & M Systems, Co., a division of Fischbach and Moore, Incorporated
    Inventor: James T. Bradshaw
  • Patent number: 4002022
    Abstract: An electro-mechanical sign which alternatively exhibits two different kinds of information, for example clock or sign display information, on two respective faces of several adjacent dihedral angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1974
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1977
    Inventor: Guillermo Lopez C.
  • Patent number: 3983648
    Abstract: Sign apparatus having a message display space, a number of message support elements which are movably positionable within the message display space, and apparatus for automatically closing gaps which occur in the message display space when the message support elements are repositioned. The message support elements are periodically rotated to change the message appearing in the message display space, and gap closure elements are operatively interconnected with the message support elements to occupy gaps which would otherwise be visible in the message display space due to the offset message support faces on the message support elements. Several embodiments of the present sign apparatus are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1975
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1976
    Inventor: E. Tait Hunter, Jr.