Light Transmissive Frame Patents (Class 40/737)
  • Patent number: 11559150
    Abstract: A cube-shaped display article includes an inner cube-shaped base and a first image substrate that is formed of a plurality of individual image receiving sections that are arranged in a first pattern, such as a cross shape. The first image substrate having a plurality of crease lines to permit folding of the individual image receiving sections of the first image substrate for positioning the individual image sections against corresponding faces of the inner cube-shaped base. An outer hollow cube-shaped cage for placement over the inner cube-shaped base. The outer hollow cube-shaped cage captures the first image substrate which is located between the outer hollow cube-shaped cage and the inner cube-shaped base and serves to press the individual images against the corresponding faces of the inner cube-shaped base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: TRACER IMAGING LLC
    Inventors: Steven M. Spiro, Ryan Kelly
  • Patent number: 10482792
    Abstract: A media display assembly, having a base assembly, including a frame, defining a set of resiliently deformable inwardly facing side surfaces, and a planar portion, surrounded by the frame and having a front surface that is recessed relative to the frame. Also, a cover, including a sheet having transparent display portion, is fit and held by tension between the resiliently deformable inwardly facing side surfaces. Further, display media interposed between the front surface and the cover. Finally, a level is set into the base assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: REVOLUTION SIGN AND MEDIA GROUP LLC
    Inventor: Richard Wendell Hiatt
  • Patent number: 10281756
    Abstract: A display module and a display device are disclosed. The display module comprises a transparent cover plate, a display panel, and a module frame. The module frame is arranged at the periphery of the display panel. The module frame is fixed to the transparent cover plate. The display panel is fixed to the transparent cover plate through the module frame. The module frame extends towards the transparent cover plate to form a front surface, which does not exceed one of a front surface and a back surface of the transparent cover plate. The front surface of the module frame does not exceed one of the front surface and back surface of the transparent cover plate, so that the front surface of the display module is free from protrusions due to any component, and a flat front surface of the display module is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventor: She Lin
  • Patent number: 8984785
    Abstract: A display device includes a display panel for irradiating light, a transparent substrate comprising an active portion for passing through the image light and a decoration portion surrounding the active portion, and a decoration layer filling a groove at the decoration portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sung Ku Kang
  • Patent number: 8875430
    Abstract: An artifact frame comprised of a hollow container bordered on front, rear, left and right sides and bottom to define an interior cavity into which can be placed ornamental material. On the front or back panel, or side or bottom panels, the artifact to be displayed may be mounted. Any number of mounting configurations are contemplated to be within the scope of the invention. A top panel may also be provided, which may be partially or totally removable to permit access to the interior cavity for the mounting of the artifact and placement of the ornamental material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: Lynn Elizabeth Leboff
  • Patent number: 8770776
    Abstract: The present invention provides a water lantern with flashing light which mainly comprises a water lantern body, a holder, and a graphics card unit. The water lantern body is provided above the holder. The water lantern body comprises a plane portion backward. The holder is provided with a slot backward corresponding to the plane portion. The bottom of the slot is provided with at least one flashing light-emitting element. The graphics card unit is inserted in the slot of the holder, and corresponding to the plane portion of the water lantern body. The graphics card unit obtains the light source from the light-emitting element from the bottom. Therefore, looking back from the front of the water lantern body, the patterns on the graphics card unit allows the water lantern body having enlarged brilliant effects visually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Inventor: Chin-Sheng Yang
  • Patent number: 8739442
    Abstract: A picture frame display device is provided that can be detachably secured to the sun visor of an automobile. The front face of the device features at least two windows adapted to display 4?×6? photographs, artwork, or postcards. These windows are surrounded by a border of synthetic leather. Pictures are inserted into the window by means of an opening along the back of the device which is constructed of a rigid material covered with synthetic leather. A storage pocket is located on a side of the frame, lying between the front and back portions and is large enough to accommodate the storage of pictures not being displayed at the time. Elastic straps attached to the back of the device provide a means for securing the same to a sun visor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventors: Mike Shape, Laura Arleth
  • Patent number: 8695255
    Abstract: A holder for displaying a sheet of material is provided. The holder includes a backplate, a lens, and a bracket. The bracket includes a frame defining at least one vertical wall bordering at least one inner wall. The at least one inner wall includes at least one connector for connecting to at least one corresponding connector of the lens for securing the lens to the bracket. A portion of the lens contacts a first wall of the at least one vertical wall and a first inner wall of the at least one inner wall. The backplate is secured to the bracket via at least one fastener. A portion of the backplate contacts a second wall of the at least one vertical wall and a second inner wall of the at least one inner wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Joseph Anzalone
  • Patent number: 8464450
    Abstract: A three dimensional picture frame comprising a first and a second vertical frame member, a bottom horizontal frame member, a top horizontal frame member, a front transparent sheet configured to engage with at least one of the frame members, a rear transparent sheet configured to engage with at least one of the frame members such that at least a portion of the frame members and transparent sheets forms a vessel, a backing sheet configured to engage with at least one of the frame members and located outward from the rear transparent sheet, and a plunger configured to slide into the vessel such that when a material is located in a portion of the vessel on a first side of the plunger, the material is prevented from entering a portion of the vessel on a second side of the plunger opposite the first side of the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Blaine Concepts, LLC
    Inventors: William Kendall, Elaine Kendall, Diane Munson, Scott Munson
  • Patent number: 8375615
    Abstract: A planar sheet mounting device comprising: a frame unit; at least one retaining unit connected to the frame unit, wherein the at least one retaining device comprises: a first plurality of formed segment pairs, wherein a formed segment pair comprises a first formed segment disposed on a second formed segment, wherein the second formed segment is substantially identical to the first formed segment, wherein the first formed segment is oriented in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the second formed segment, whereby a planar sheet is retained when interposed between the first formed segment the second formed segment; a holder, wherein the first plurality of formed segment pairs are coupled to holder at least one point on each formed segment pair of the first plurality of formed segment pairs, and wherein the first plurality of formed segment pairs are oriented adjacent to each other; an affixant coupled to the holder for removably affixing the first plurality of formed segment pairs and the frame unit
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Valerie Cameron
  • Publication number: 20120204461
    Abstract: There is provided a display device in which the thickness of a transparent board and an attaching member is reduced while the strength thereof is ensured. The display device includes a display panel, a transparent board having a panel installation region in which the display panel is provided, and an outer frame region surrounding the panel installation region, and an attaching member having a fixing portion bonded to the transparent board in the outer frame region, and an outer-side raised portion raised from a side of the fixing portion, the side being adjacent to an outline of the transparent board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Hisakazu TAKEUCHI
  • Patent number: 8241727
    Abstract: Decorated three-dimensional articles (64, 78, 82, 86) may be produced having wall structure (66-72) with distortion-free images (40a, 40b) appearing through the inner and outer surfaces of the wall structure (66-72). Preferably, a sheet of paper stock (38) is imprinted on both faces with mirror images (40a, 40b), and the stock (38) is applied to a light-transmitting substrate (44) so that the image (40b) appears through the substrate (44), thereby yielding a blank (50). A plurality of lines of weakness (54) are formed in the blank (50) by laser ablation extending through the image (40a) and stock (38), but not through the image (40b), in order to define spaced apart bend areas (56). The substrate (44) is then heated along the bend areas (56), and the blank (50) is formed about a mandrel (62). If desired, the formed blank (50) may be completed by addition of a base (74).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Barton Nelson, Inc.
    Inventor: Gunnard Nelson
  • Patent number: 8161673
    Abstract: A three dimensional picture frame comprising first and second vertical frame members, a bottom and top horizontal frame members coupled to opposite ends of the vertical frame members, front and rear transparent sheets located perpendicularly to the vertical and horizontal frame members to form a vessel, a backing sheet located perpendicularly to the first and second vertical frame members and the bottom and top horizontal frame members and outward from the rear transparent sheet such that when a material is placed in the vessel and a graphical sheet is placed between the backing sheet and rear transparent sheet, the graphical sheet is isolated from the material, and a plunger configured to slide downward in the vessel such that when a material is located in a portion of the vessel below the plunger, the material is prevented from entering a portion of the vessel above the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Blaine Concepts, LLC
    Inventors: William Kendall, Elaine Kendall, Diane Munson, Scott Munson
  • Patent number: 8141284
    Abstract: A stereopsis LED aqua-lamp photo frame assembly includes a base inside which an impedance heating type resistor that generates heat and an LED component that emits light are mounted. The base supports an aqua-lamp photo frame that has front and rear surfaces respectively forming front-side and rear-side recessed chambers. One of the recessed chambers receives and holds therein a photo or a picture. The aqua-lamp photo frame forms therein a flow channel at a portion thereof corresponding to the two recessed chambers, whereby the heat generated by the resistor causes a low boiling point flowable medium contained in the aqua-lamp photo frame to flow and with the brilliant lighting provided by the LED component, spangles contained in the flowable medium can entrain the flowing medium to pass through the flow channel, serving as embellishment of the photo or picture, thereby enhancing a stereopsis effect of the photo frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventor: Chin-Sheng Yang
  • Patent number: 8104917
    Abstract: An LED curtain includes a plurality of transparent hollow tubes parallelly connected side by side to form an integral unit and serve as a basic curtain body; a plurality of light-emitting strings, each of which includes a plurality of serially connected light-emitting diodes (LEDs) sequentially disposed in each of the hollow tubes; and a light controller internally provided with a circuit board, from which a plurality of signal lines is extended to separately connect to the light-emitting strings. Multiple pieces of the LED curtain can be hung to a track via a plurality of hooks provided at upper ends of the light-emitting strings. By operating the light controller to control the LEDs, different patterns or animations can be displayed on the curtain via the light-emitting strings, and different brightness of LEDs can be regulated to illuminate a room or create a special atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Loading Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Uu Link
  • Patent number: 8046945
    Abstract: A transparent picture frame allows artwork to appear more prominent relative to surrounding wall surfaces. The assembly includes a transparent cover plate having dimensions corresponding to the dimensions of the artwork, a transparent inner mat portion having a cut-out dimensioned to receive the cover plate and artwork, and a transparent outer mat portion having a cut-out with dimensions less than those of the inner mat portion, resulting in a peripheral overlap. The assembly further includes a transparent back panel, wherein the inner mat portion, outer mat portion and back panel all have the same outer dimensions. One or more fasteners are provided for holding the assembly together in the following order from front-to back: the outer mat portion, the inner mat portion with the cover plate over the artwork, and the back panel. In the preferred embodiment, the inner mat portion, outer mat portion and back panel are made of plastic, whereas the cover plate is made of glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventor: Arthur J. Radcliffe
  • Patent number: 8046232
    Abstract: A combined mirror and presentation medium includes a presentation member (24) for displaying an image, a presentation body (23) inserted into the presentation member to display an image, a light-emitting unit (25) disposed on one side of the presentation member, a transparent member (21) disposed on one side of the presentation member, and a reflection member (22) deposited between the transparent member (21) and the presentation member (24); a body unit (10) for supporting the presentation medium; a speech recognition drive unit (40) installed inside the body unit (10), configured to detect speech frequencies from a user's speech signals, and driving the system; a control unit (50) installed inside the body unit (10) and configured to control the presentation medium (20) and the speech recognition drive unit (40); and a power source unit (60) for supplying power to the presentation medium, a speaker (70), and the control unit (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignees: Yushin Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong-Kun Kim
  • Patent number: 8038309
    Abstract: A stereopsis aqua-lamp photo frame assembly includes a base inside which a light-emitting element that generates heat is mounted. The base supports thereon an aqua-lamp photo frame that has front and rear surfaces respectively forming front-side and rear-side recessed chambers. One of the recessed chambers receives and holds therein a photo or a picture. The aqua-lamp photo frame forms therein a flow channel at a portion thereof corresponding to the two recessed chambers, whereby the heat generated by the light-emitting element causes a low boiling point flowable medium contained in the aqua-lamp photo frame to flow and spangles contained in the flowable medium entrain the flowing medium to pass through the flow channel, serving as embellishment of the photo or picture, thereby enhancing a stereopsis effect of the photo frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventor: Chin-Sheng Yang
  • Patent number: 8011801
    Abstract: A digital picture display is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the device includes a main body, a removable decorative faceplate adapted to be secured to a front portion of the main body, and an internal casing seated within the main body. An annular sidewall extends frontward from a periphery of the internal casing and a plurality of notches are disposed in the annular sidewall of the internal casing to receive a plurality of light emitting diodes. A liquid crystal display is housed within the internal casing, wherein the liquid crystal display is in electrical communication with electronic circuitry. The internal casing also includes a non-volatile memory that stores digital images to view on the liquid crystal display. In addition, the decorative faceplate includes at least one latch to removably secure the faceplate to the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Jason Mock
  • Patent number: 7918046
    Abstract: A photo display device including a top portion, a bottom portion having an upper surface and a cuboid member extending upwardly from the upper surface, and a middle portion having a translucent material, an outer surface having an elliptical curvature, a cuboid inner chamber defined by an inner surface and adapted to receive the cuboid member therein, wherein the top portion, the middle portion, and the bottom portion are adapted to be assembled as the photo display device such that the top portion rests upon the middle portion and the middle portion rests upon the bottom portion, and wherein the photo display device is adapted to hold at least one substantially planar item between the cuboid member and the inner surface, and the middle portion is adapted to magnify the at least one substantially planar item when held between the cuboid member and the inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Umbra LLC
    Inventor: Seymer Cruz
  • Publication number: 20110016758
    Abstract: A transparent picture frame allows artwork to appear more prominent relative to surrounding wall surfaces. The assembly includes a transparent cover plate having dimensions corresponding to the dimensions of the artwork, a transparent inner mat portion having a cut-out dimensioned to receive the cover plate and artwork, and a transparent outer mat portion having a cut-out with dimensions less than those of the inner mat portion, resulting in a peripheral overlap. The assembly further includes a transparent back panel, wherein the inner mat portion, outer mat portion and back panel all have the same outer dimensions. One or more fasteners are provided for holding the assembly together in the following order from front-to back: the outer mat portion, the inner mat portion with the cover plate over the artwork, and the back panel. In the preferred embodiment, the inner mat portion, outer mat portion and back panel are made of plastic, whereas the cover plate is made of glass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventor: Arthur J. Radcliffe
  • Publication number: 20100186275
    Abstract: The framing and matting kit provides a drawing sheet, mat and frame for the production and framing of a piece of artwork or the like. The drawing sheet has opposed front and rear surfaces. The front surface includes a central portion and a border portion. Indicia are formed on the front surface of the drawing sheet to visually separate the central and border portions thereof. The mat has a central opening formed therethrough, which is dimensioned and configured to expose the central portion of the drawing sheet when the mat is positioned on the front surface of the drawing sheet to cover the border portion thereof. The frame includes a transparent front portion and a rear retaining portion. The drawing sheet and the mat are received between the transparent front portion and the rear retaining portion for display of the central portion of the drawing sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: Gary J. Freiberg, Mary T. Freiberg
  • Patent number: 7740282
    Abstract: A cable port identification system is disclosed that provides identification facilities for communication, data, other cabling and/or wires and the connectors to which they are coupled found in a multi-port station. In some implementations the identification facilities can include label retention and protection and may also include label magnification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick S. McNutt, Phillip Phung, James Lee Martin
  • Patent number: 7594350
    Abstract: A picture frame which contains a base member and a frame member that is pervious to light. The base member has a top opening exposing an internal space inside. A driving motor and at least a light generating element are housed inside the internal space of the base member. The frame member has a channel circling a window area which is filled with a fluid dispersed with spangles. The driving motor turns a magnetic element, which in turn drives a magnetically driven element with vanes inside the channel. The vanes propel the fluid and the spangles in the fluid to circle along the channel. The floating and moving spangles around the photo or picture in the window area, together with the light produced by the light generating element, therefore produce an appealing visual effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Inventor: Chin-Sheng Yang
  • Patent number: 7581849
    Abstract: A digital picture display ornament comprising a transparent exterior housing and an opaque internal casing. The exterior housing includes a front circular face with an annular sidewall extending rearward from the periphery of the front circular face. The internal casing slips within the exterior housing. Multiple user interface controls are provided on the ornament to control the microprocessor of the ornament and for downloading digital pictures to the ornament. LEDs are disposed on a rear surface of the transparent front face of the exterior housing to illuminate graphic elements of a decorative sheet secured to the front face of the exterior housing. The internal casing has a multiple LED notches disposed in an outer sidewall adapted for receiving a LED. The secondary LEDs illuminate outwards from the internal casing through the transparent sidewall of the exterior housing to produce a glow to the periphery of the ornament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Inventor: Jason Mock
  • Publication number: 20090205236
    Abstract: A display frame for stacking or handling by children comprising of a shatter-resistant cover of transparent material, having a face and at least one side; a backing member of pliable material with at least one face comprising at least one groove dimensioned to fit the side(s) of the shatter-resistant cover. The display object is placed on the face of the backing member and the shatter-resistant cover is pushed onto the backing member with the groove of the backing member encasing the side(s) of the shatter-resistant cover. A method for framing is also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Nancy Jordan
  • Patent number: 7418796
    Abstract: The invention comprises, in one form thereof, a customized picture framing apparatus and method of making the same. The framing apparatus includes a window, a picture affixed to the window, and a custom cut piece of glass attached to the window through the application of an adhesive material to at least one of the sides of the custom cut piece of glass. Decorations such as paint, a decorative pattern, and three-dimensional items may be added to the framing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Inventor: Annmarie Anastasio
  • Patent number: 7284347
    Abstract: A transparent divider to be used at checkout conveyors for separating one customers order from the next customers order. The divider is an elongate bar which has an open bottom for ease of stacking or sliding along a checkout rail. A slot is formed in the side walls of the divider into which a sheet of printed advertisement can be folded and slid. The advertisement is visible, preferably on all side walls of the divider. The divider is available in a number of different shapes and can be made as a single piece or as an inner divider with a transparent cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Retail Media Group
    Inventors: Claudio Rodrigues, Brad Wolff, Jill Rodrigues
  • Publication number: 20070193096
    Abstract: A display item frame with a front member formed of a transparent material; a rear member; at least one magnet attached to the front member or the rear member and at least one magnetic material attached to the rear member or the front member, respectively, wherein the magnet and the magnetic material cooperate to hold the front member and the rear member together; ornamentation located on the front surface of the front member and covering the magnet or magnetic material; and a block support for supporting the front member and the rear member in a viewable configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Inventor: Jim Rice
  • Patent number: 7228654
    Abstract: A frame assembly for pictures or other objects to be displayed includes a frame having front and rear panels defining a space therebetween for receiving objects to be displayed. A support mechanism optionally provided for supporting the frame in a substantially upright position enabling pictures to be viewed through a transparent area or window formed in one or both of the front and rear panels. The front panel includes retaining members formed along edges thereof, including at least two opposed edges, and each retaining member includes an extension portion extending rearward relative to a planar portion of the front panel and an inwardly projecting ridge formed on an inward surface of the extension portion. The rear panel is designed to fit snugly between the ridges and a rear surface of the front panel. The support mechanism may be a base separable from the frame or formed integral with the rear panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Inventor: David M. Stravitz
  • Patent number: 7134232
    Abstract: A frame assembly for pictures or other objects to be displayed includes a front panel and a rear panel spaced from the front panel to define a space therebetween for receiving an object to be displayed, e.g., one or more pictures. The front panel has a transparent area for viewing the object and a substantially planar portion, side walls extending rearward relative to the planar portion, and grooves arranged on an inward side of the side walls and preferably defined by retaining members formed in connection with the side walls. A respective portion of the rear panel, e.g., an edge projection formed thereon, is arranged to fit in the groove of each retaining member to thereby secure the rear panel to the front panel, with the objects being retained between the front and rear panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Inventor: David M. Stravitz
  • Patent number: 7107712
    Abstract: The invention described herein permits decorative or other lighting of a transparent or a translucent surface by placing a light source within a frame and contacting the light source with the transparent or translucent surface. The transparent or translucent surface may be eroded in one or more places to provide contrasting images on the transparent or translucent surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventor: Christine Ann Mueller
  • Patent number: 6827812
    Abstract: A framing device, used for displaying items such as photographs, certificates and the like, includes a translucent sheet-like material having an outward side and an inward side, both having a common continuous edge. An adhesive is applied along the inward side adjacent to the continuous edge in such a manner that a portion of such edge remains adhesive-free. A sheet of backing material has a first side and a second side and the first side of such foam is positionally secured by the adhesive and with respect to the translucent material. And a release liner is attached to the second side of the backing material. The adhesive-free portion of the edge and the sheet of backing material define a slot permitting insertion and removal of an item to be displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventor: Carey P. Woods
  • Patent number: 6799515
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a process for forming a translucent first image onto a transparent media 34 and forming a translucent mirror image of the first image onto a second transparent media 36 whereupon the first image and the second mirror image are placed face to face or back to back and positioned between opposing layers 42, 44 of transparent material where application of ambient light will produce a luminous effect on the dual image. Enhancement of a part or entire images is further achieved by centrally placing a thin layer of tissue paper 46, cut into the desired shape and sized between the two layers 34, 36 of transparent media holding the images. The tissue paper 46 serves to diffuse light imparting a luminous quality to the coplanar images, in either frontal 16 or backlighting 18 conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Inventors: Jerry K Lynn, Willa M Lynn
  • Publication number: 20040144007
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for displaying a document cover such as a certificate cover for an individual, objects relating to characteristics of the individual, and/or a picture holder with the individual's picture are disclosed. An apparatus comprising a wall, a slot, and a body portion is provided. A certificate cover can be inserted into the slot to hold the certificate cover in an upright position. One or more objects, representing one or more characteristics of an individual, can be inserted into a corresponding one of the one or more holes of the body portion. A picture holder, which may be centrally located with respect to the certificate cover, may also be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: Eugene G. Bilobram
  • Patent number: 6692806
    Abstract: A device, used for holding and displaying items such as photographs, certificates, compact discs and the like, includes a coversheet having an outward side and an inward side and an edge. A foam sheet material has front and back sides with the front side being connected with respect to the coversheet such that the device includes an entry portion to a pocket for holding the item. The back side of such foam clings to a display surface in a removable and replaceable manner. A backing material may be positioned between the foam sheet material and the coversheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Carey P. Woods
  • Publication number: 20030121195
    Abstract: The present invention provides a holder for the display of art. The holder is mounted to a wall. The art is placed in the holder which des not provide a frame around the art, without attachment to the holder or the wall. The holder does not need to be adjusted to the art nor does the art need to be adjusted to the holder. Art can be readily removed and new art can be placed in the holder without removing the holder from the wall and without resizing of the holder or the art. The art is not damaged by the holder and is protected from damage while exposed to the view of viewers while in the holder. The holder comprises a transparent flat planer face mounted to a wall with an upper and lower support. An opening is formed between the face and the wall by the supports. The art is placed in the opening for display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventor: Mary Jo Moon
  • Patent number: 6574896
    Abstract: A picture frame is constituted of a flat front glass plate and a rear frame back that is secured to the glass plate by double-sided tape. A border is screen printed onto the back surface of the glass so that it surrounds and defines a clear viewing area in which the picture is to be mounted. A design is printed on the glass in register with the border area so that the design and border are visible to a person observing the framed picture. The design can be on the front of the glass or on the back surface beneath the printed border, or designs may be printed in both places.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: David Howell
  • Patent number: 6510638
    Abstract: A picture frame for supporting and displaying a photograph or other similar item includes a frame body having a plurality of individual frame members which are affixed together. The frame body is constructed of metal and is shaped to define a center opening in which the photograph is positioned. A transparent glass plate is mounted onto the frame body over the center opening to protect the photograph without impeding visibility. For decorative purposes, text is shaped from a soft metal and is soldered onto the frame body around the center opening. In addition, a plurality of colored glass panels are mounted onto the frame body around the center opening. Furthermore, a plurality of flowers are disposed between a pair of spaced apart glass panels which, in turn, are mounted onto the frame body around the center opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Welco Photo Frame Inc
    Inventor: Walter Wang
  • Patent number: 6493976
    Abstract: A plastic T card holder formed from molded plastic pieces permanently united face to face and defining between them a pocket which will snugly receive a thin rectangular card. The pocket has a long upper opening through which a card may be introduced and a narrow lower opening through which a knife blade, a stiff card or the like can be inserted to dislodge the card upwardly. The card holder has considerable advantages of economy of manufacture and provides improved protection of the card and is resistant to breakage as compared with the conventional card holders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Richard E. H. Kenney
  • Patent number: 6472038
    Abstract: An exchangeable decorative frame cover is provided for decoration. The exchangeable decorative frame cover includes a frame cover made of flexible material with a shape adaptable to a solid frame, and a means for securing the frame cover on to the solid frame, and releasing the frame cover from the solid frame. The exchangeable decorative frame cover can be made of fabric, leather, fur and plastics. Additionally, a kit is also provided, which contains a plurality of exchangeable decorative frame covers for providing a decorative picture frame an ability to be matched with eclectic decor. The kit can further include a picture frame together with a plurality of exchangeable decorative frame covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: Jennifer Murphy
  • Patent number: 6447079
    Abstract: Shadowboxes traditionally have been used to show, and at the same time protect, hobbyist's items on display. The arrival of limited edition collectibles has led to a revival of the crafts of fabricating, not only shadowboxes, but other multiple compartment storage cases for use by hobbyists. Unfortunately the compartments in such cases cannot meet all of the size and shape requirements needed for various items now being collected. Such shadowboxes and stowage cases are not quite practical because they must be made to order. They also are not useable by artists and others desiring storage compartments that are not visible. Provided herein are multiple compartment storage cases that meet the stowage requirements for a wide variety of articles because they can be assembled by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventor: Russell S. Irwin
  • Patent number: 6438878
    Abstract: A novelty item comprising a first reservoir, a second reservoir, and a member for engaging the first and second reservoirs to define a display chamber. At least one of the first and second reservoirs includes a fluid therein and at least a portion of at least one of the first and second reservoirs is substantially transparent or translucent. The display chamber is capable of retaining an object therein for display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Neil Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Fine, Cliff Lam
  • Patent number: 6415537
    Abstract: A plastic T card holder formed from molded plastic pieces permanently united face to face and defining between them a pocket which will snugly receive a thin rectangular card. The pocket has a long upper opening through which a card may be introduced and a narrow lower opening through which a knife blade, a stiff card or the like can be inserted to dislodge the card upwardly. The card holder has considerable advantages of economy of manufacture and provides improved protection of the card and is resistant to breakage as compared with the conventional card holders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: Richard E. H. Kenney
  • Patent number: 6379765
    Abstract: A framing device, used for displaying items such as photographs, certificates and the like, includes a translucent sheet-like material having an outward side and an inward side, both having a common continuous edge. An adhesive is applied along the inward side adjacent to the continuous edge in such a manner that a portion of such edge remains adhesive-free. A sheet of backing material has a first side and a second side and the first side of such foam is positionally secured by the adhesive and with respect to the translucent material. And a release liner is attached to the second side of the backing material. The adhesive-free portion of the edge and the sheet of backing material define a slot permitting insertion and removal of an item to be displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventor: Carey P. Woods
  • Patent number: 6209248
    Abstract: A picture frame is constructed of a base member and a backing member with the backing member in some embodiments having the same configuration as the base member. The backing member, typically, is deflectable. The base member includes a border section which encloses a planar center section. Relative to the backing member, the border section is concave. The base member and backing member can be hinged. Mounted in conjunction with the border section of the base member are series of locking tabs with these tabs to be movable to fixedly retain the backing member in conjunction with the base member. A sheet material attachment is connectable with at least one pair of slits formed within the backing member able to assume an angular relationship relative to the backing member resembling an easel shape to support the picture frame in an upright manner when the attachment and a portion of the border section of the picture frame rest on a supporting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: Siegbert K. Reinhard
  • Patent number: 6205692
    Abstract: A decorative object including a groove, such as a grooved border or other indicia, with a rounded apex and well-defined sidewalls, formed in the back surface of the object. The back side of the object is painted a first color and the grooved border is painted a second different or contrasting color to give the illusion of a frame made of metal, stone or some other material that is embedded in the object. The illusion of an embedded frame gives the object a three-dimensional visual quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Planter, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Kite
  • Patent number: 6151822
    Abstract: A plastic T card holder formed from molded plastic pieces permanently united face to face and defining between them a pocket which will snugly receive a thin rectangular card. The pocket has a long upper opening through which a card may be introduced and a narrow lower opening through which a knife blade, a stiff card or the like can be inserted to dislodge the card upwardly. The card holder has considerable advantages of economy of manufacture and provides improved protection of the card and is resistant to breakage as compared with the conventional card holders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Richard E. H. Kenney
  • Patent number: 6125566
    Abstract: A picture frame and method for mounting on a dashboard of an automobile comprising a transparent picture holder with a pivotable U-shaped supporting member on the backside of the holder with bent ends at the distal ends of the U-shaped supporting member, the bent distal ends being detachably secured to vertical grill portions of a ventilation grill assembly or to a closed ash tray compartment or to a closed glove box compartment of an automobile dashboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventor: Ronald McLaughlin
  • Patent number: 6108958
    Abstract: A kit for framing pictures providing a user with a transparent or translucent overlay that may cover a picture in order to enhance its appearance and also to protect it from inadvertent contact with destructive substances such as water. The kit may provide a monolithic kit frame structure that consists of joined strips of a material such as glass, thermoplastic or epoxy which may be subject to coloring, texturing and sizing. The kit alternatively may provide the materials to form and join these customizable strips. The kit frame is directly affixable to a picture or may be used in addition to a standard picture frame. The kit further may comprise an additional viewing bubble to further enhance the appearance of a covered picture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventor: Bruce O. Kofoed