Curved Picture Patents (Class 40/738)
  • Patent number: 10716402
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a rear structure coupled to a display panel. The rear structure comprises a wall mount assembly comprising a first kit comprising a first wall mount bracket, a plurality of circularly arranged first trenches, and a plurality of first magnets accommodated by the first trenches, and a second kit removably coupled to the first kit comprising a second wall mount bracket structurally complementary to the first wall mount bracket, a plurality of circularly arranged second trenches, and a plurality of second magnets accommodated by the second trenches. Wherein when the first kit is coupled to the second kit, each of the first magnets is located corresponds to one of the second magnets, and a magnetism of a side of one of the first magnets facing the second kit is opposite to a magnetism of a side of one of the second magnets facing the first kit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignees: ShenZhen Hongfei Precision Technology Co., Ltd., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wen-Pin Wang, Yao-Shih Chung, Shih-Hong Fu
  • Patent number: 10506888
    Abstract: A frame for the interchangeable and selective display of panels of artwork or text, where at least one interior surface of the frame defines a cavity in which one or more panels may be disposed, and channels are formed on the interior surface to receive a rod that slidably engages the channels to secure and accessibly store one or more panels within the frame. Also disclosed is a technique for disposing one or more panels within a frame for display and securing the one or more panels by advancing a rod along channels to exert force against the one or more panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Bay Island, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth D. McMahon, Jeffrey Louwagie
  • Patent number: 8938897
    Abstract: In combination with a highway tractor of the type having an operator's cab mounted on a frame, a vertical pivotal coupling means coupled to the frame behind the cab adapted to be coupled to a trailer, and an aerodynamic structure at the top of the cab which includes a plurality of LED bulbs and a heat generating element in the front of the aerodynamic structure. A front panel of glass or plastic material having information such as a logo containing letters and/or images located on its first surface, second surface or embedded surface covers the LED bulbs with a weatherproof seal. Light from the LED bulbs provides illumination for the information on the front panel to be viewed from the front of the highway tractor and heat from the heat generating element helps to keep the front panel having information such as a logo free of snow and/or ice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventors: Peter Anthony Borreggine, Gaston Ivan Bilbao
  • Patent number: 8763291
    Abstract: Support devices and graphic display systems in which the graphic display material is supported by a support device that is rollable with the flexible graphic display material, eliminating the need for traditional frames or stands. The support devices include a thin-walled elongate body having a length extending between first and second ends and having first and second side edges extending along the length of the elongate body. The side edges include at least one recess or protrusion for selectively locking the side edges together to selectively orient the elongate body in an elongate tube-shaped configuration when the side edges are selectively locked together. The thin-walled elongate body is sufficiently flexible so that when the side edges are disengaged from each other the elongate body can be rolled along its length into a tube-shaped configuration for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventor: John A. Nichols
  • Patent number: 8733005
    Abstract: A keepsake display device stores and displays a printed ultrasound image, and includes a substantially transparent convex hollow first member with a substantially closed smooth outer surface, a second member coupled to the first member to define a substantially closed outer surface for the device, and a display element adapted to receive the printed ultrasound image and display it through the outer surface of the first member. The first and second members can be shaped to mimic a pregnant belly and a woman's buttocks, together representing the midsection of a pregnant woman. A kit includes the display device plus one or more of a lamination member, a real or plastic birthstone or a set of real or plastic birthstones, a template useful for cutting the ultrasound image, and glue. An assembly includes the display device and a figurine such a stork which can hold the display device from its beak.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventors: Adrienne Hughes, Jeffrey Magsitza, Kelly Law
  • Patent number: 8479427
    Abstract: A multi-planar image display system includes an insert having sheets being held in alignment at opposite edges. The sheets have particularly predetermined widths such that when aligned and affixed to each other, the sheets form predetermined curve profiles with equal spacing between the sheets, allowing a sharp, realistic 3D image to be produced from 2D images printed on the sheets. The system may further include a frame to securely hold the insert in tension without requiring additional fasteners. The frame may hold one or more inserts and allow easy insertion and removal of each insert. The frame may accommodate a cover, a board, a light panel, a cap, a casing, and/or other feature(s) to protect or otherwise accompany the 3D image produced by the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Pops3d, Inc.
    Inventors: Ivan Verheye, Fred B. Weiner
  • Publication number: 20120272554
    Abstract: A multi-planar image display system comprises an insert having holding means and sheets being held in alignment at opposite edges by the holding means. The sheets have particularly predetermined widths such that when aligned and affixed to each other via the holding means form predetermined curve profiles with equal spacing between the sheets, allowing a sharp, realistic 3D image to be produced from 2D images printed on the sheets. The system may further comprise a frame configured to securely hold the insert in tension without requiring additional fasteners. The frame may be configured to hold one or more inserts and allow easy insertion and removal of each insert. The frame may be configured to accommodate a cover, a board, a light panel, a cap, a casing, and/or other feature(s) to protect or otherwise accompany the 3D image produced by the insert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventors: Ivan Verheye, Fred B. Weiner
  • Patent number: 8104208
    Abstract: A picture frame assembly includes a backing plate having a front surface, a rear surface, and a plurality of parallel grooves in one of the surfaces. The material and thickness of the backing plate are chosen so that the backing plate can be plastically deformed about a bending axis parallel to the grooves. At least one frame element, which can be formed integrally with the backing plate, is for provided for retaining a planar picture element against the front surface of the backing plate. A fastener extends from the rear surface for mounting the assembly to any of various objects, such as a tree, flower stem, a candle, a vase, a basket, a gift wrapping device, a container, a column, and furniture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Margarete Schymura
  • Publication number: 20110146126
    Abstract: A display device includes a foam panel resiliently bendable from a generally planar configuration to an arcuate configuration, a sheet article, such as a picture, including a base sheet bearing an image to be displayed, and an adhesive carrier for adhering the base sheet in surface area contact with the foam panel. The base sheet is non-stretchable to hold and maintain the foam panel in the arcuate configuration, thereby enabling viewing of the image in curved form. A frame of a resilient foam material may peripherally surround the foam panel in the generally planar configuration with an interchangeable, compression fit. The foam panel self-conforms to any irregularities on a support surface against which the foam panel is directly mounted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: Charles PHILLIPS
  • Patent number: 7647715
    Abstract: An image-holder article usable as postcard, that can be sent by mail but that can also be used to display the image incorporated therein, and mailable in standard ways is effectively usable as postcard, allows display of the image on a surface that remains flat, comprising: a first flat sheet-like support (2), with an image being reproduced thereon, comprising side flaps (3) delimited by the edge thereof and by fold lines (5), so that said flaps are foldable and may adopt a folded configuration with respect to the first sheet-like support and an extended configuration, forming an uniform plane with the first sheet-like support; a second flat sheet-like support (6) made of a substantially flexible material, so as to be reversibly flexed assuming a cambered position, and having an extension such that, if inserted between said flaps (3) in a folded configuration with its edges resting on said fold lines, it adopts said cambered position and determines, in cooperation with said first sheet-like support (2), a res
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Ink on the Sky Di Paola Sorgini
    Inventors: Guido Caravacci, Paola Sorgini
  • Patent number: 7610702
    Abstract: A card carrier and presentation device that can assume a flat 2-dimensional configuration and be deformed into a 3-dimensional configuration. The flat configuration is used to carrier the card on a rack for vending. When the card and device is purchased, the card can be removed and inserted into the device after it is deformed into the 3-dimensional configuration. The card can become part of the 3-dimensional structure. The device can be transparent and have optional artwork on a surface that can optically interact with artwork on the card when the device is in the 3-dimensional configuration to create a combined visual effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Inventor: George Brogdanovic
  • Publication number: 20090064555
    Abstract: A picture frame assembly includes a backing plate having a front surface, a rear surface, and a plurality of parallel grooves in one of the surfaces. The material and thickness of the backing plate are chosen so that the backing plate can be plastically deformed about a bending axis parallel to the grooves. At least one frame element, which can be formed integrally with the backing plate, is for provided for retaining a planar picture element against the front surface of the backing plate. A fastener extends from the rear surface for mounting the assembly to any of various objects, such as a tree, flower stem, a candle, a vase, a basket, a gift wrapping device, a container, a column, and furniture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Margarete Schymura
  • Patent number: 7484325
    Abstract: A curved sign assembly includes a flexible sign panel removably mounted in an arcuate position in a modular frame. The frame comprises a pair of edge rails mounted on opposite side edges of an intermediate member. The edge rails can clip on a variety of intermediate members of different sizes. The edge rails include inwardly facing open-sided channels that receive and hold side edges of the flexible sign panels on one or both sides of the intermediate members. Upper and lower plates cover the top and bottom sides of the sign. Horizontal or vertical reinforcing members positioned on the intermediate member for larger signs support the sign panels between the edges. The edge rails can be decorative extruded aluminum members that are attached in different lengths to a variety of intermediate members. A channel member can be mounted between the edge rails to receive the ends of sign panels that extend only part of the way between the edge rails and the side of the intermediate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: System 2/90, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A Benedict, Charles R. Tyke
  • Patent number: 7421810
    Abstract: A picture frame assembly includes a backing plate having a front surface, a rear surface, and a plurality of parallel grooves in one of the surfaces. The material and thickness of the backing plate are chosen so that the backing plate may be plastically deformed about a bending axis parallel to the grooves. At least one frame element, which may be formed integrally with the backing plate, is for provided for retaining a planar picture element against the front surface of the backing plate. A pair of tack elements extending from the rear surface are provided for mounting the assembly to a cylindrical object such as a tree or a candle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: Margarete Schymura
  • Patent number: 7171772
    Abstract: The present reflector is an acrylic screen or curtain created for the purpose of illuminating designs and images by candlelight. The reflector is a free standing, thermo-molded, light-weight, acrylic form with decorative fabric affixed to the convex side of the form to be used in conjunction with a candle placed within the concave area of the form for illuminating the fabric images and softening the light from the candle. The concave side of the form, not covered with the fabric, reflects the light in such a way as to give the appearance of a flame levitating in the air, as if a hologram, above the actual candle. The designs are printed on a synthetic poly silk fabric using dye sublimation process and may easily be cleaned with a damp sponge or cloth. The. curved acrylic form is edged with copper foiling for a decorative finish that will patina over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Cynthia Lee Male
  • Patent number: 7117621
    Abstract: A 3D picture frame for making a 3D framed display. A mounted background picture is bent into a concavo-convex shape for adding a 3D effect to the displayed picture. A mounted bottom edge picture achieves a depth of the field and a wrap-around effect. A floating picture, which is preferably a self trimmed composite picture for bearing a customer's image, obtained without manual trimming process, is displayed in front of and spaced apart from the background picture. A created arch-shaped void space in this frame can house one or more magnetically held 3D arts therein. A toy platform can be installed to turn the 3D picture frame into a play-and-display station. An animated 3D art with a built-in insert will add “live” to the 3D framed display. All above contents can be mounted or removed without taking down the frame body from the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventor: Cherng Chang
  • 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: 6792709
    Abstract: A display device having one or more liquid-filled chambers through which an object may be viewed as if it were submerged in liquid. The display device includes a frame member having four sides, at least two of the sides each having a viewing aperture. At least two substantially transparent liquid-filled chambers can also be provided in a side-by-side or back-to-back alignment, and are positioned within the frame member in substantial corresponding relationship with one of the viewing apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Neil Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Fine, Cliff Lan
  • Publication number: 20040159031
    Abstract: A 3D picture frame for making a 3D framed display. A mounted background picture is bent into a concavo-convex shape for adding a 3D effect to the displayed picture. A mounted bottom edge picture achieves a depth of the field and a wrap-around effect. A floating picture, which is preferably a self trimmed composite picture for bearing a customer's image, obtained without manual trimming process, is displayed in front of and spaced apart from the background picture. A created arch-shaped void space in this frame can house one or more magnetically held 3D arts therein. A toy platform can be installed to turn the 3D picture frame into a play-and-display station. An animated 3D art with a built-in insert will add “live” to the 3D framed display. All above contents can be mounted or removed without taking down the frame body from the wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Cherng Chang
  • Patent number: 6729060
    Abstract: A frame that holds an artist's canvas for creating a work of art thereon and for subsequent display of the work so created uses a body member that has a front surface that is curved and a rear surface that has a first generally flat section and a second generally flat section such that the first section and the second section meet in generally normal fashion and such that the body member is hung within a corner of a building, the corner formed by a first wall and a second wall that meet in generally normal fashion such that the first section faces the first wall and the second section faces the second wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: Carla Rietkerk
  • Patent number: 6722069
    Abstract: A curved panel assembly useful e.g. as a sign holder, has upper and lower elongate curved abutment members each with an elongate concave rear side, and backing sheet retainers extending rearwardly from the concave side at opposite ends of the concave side, the backing sheet retainers having a predetermined spacing from one another. A backing sheet has first opposite marginal edge portions facing and abutting the concave rear sides of the abutment members, the latter being rearwardly open behind the edge portions to allow the backing sheet to be displaced to and fro, and second opposite marginal edge portions retained by the backing sheet retainers. The first opposite marginal edge portions have a length greater than the predetermined spacing of the backing sheet retainers and the backing sheet is sprung into abutment against the rear sides of the abutment members with the second opposite marginal edge portions retained by the backing sheet retainers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Addison Lanier
  • Patent number: 6718676
    Abstract: A presentation apparatus for artwork comprising a one-piece, die-cut folder construction of cardboard or other suitable material. The apparatus comprises a back section containing artwork and one or more side panels which suitable fold over the back section. The one or more side panels contain die-cut windows covered with acetate sheets or cels for viewing the artwork on the back section and may also contain artwork or images providing a three-dimensional effect for the images or artwork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Ian Miska
  • Patent number: 6651370
    Abstract: A decoration includes a thin cover sheet onto which an image has been printed and which has been formed into a contoured shape at least partially corresponding to the image. A support layer, which preferably is thicker than the cover sheet, has a contour which substantially follows the contour of the cover sheet. The support member lies behind the cover sheet to provide structural support and may be formed with ribs for additional structural support. In a preferred embodiment, the cover sheet and the support are clamped between a frame and a backing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Alexander M. Sud
  • Publication number: 20030196365
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a display frame and base which provides for easily alternating the orientation of the display frame with respect to the base between a horizontal display format and a vertical display format, and which frame suggests the illusion of depth of a displayed image. The base, additionally, provides a substantially upright broad front face suitable for presentation of graphic or textual information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventors: Steven D. Bracker, Steve R. Duhamel, Lyle F. Addicks, Yechiel Lee Zutler
  • Patent number: 6625913
    Abstract: A display body or picture frame wherein an image or a retainer panel supporting the image is received between two retainer sections formed at a rear bracket and pre-tensioned against a rear support, so that the image is clamped in a concave configuration towards the viewer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventor: Ernstfried Prade
  • Patent number: 6594934
    Abstract: A display apparatus is suitable for displaying a photograph (4) in such a way as to confer a 3-D effect. The apparatus optionally using a transparent carrier (7) locates the photographs (4) as a concavely curved image using edgewise compressing channels (5). The 3-D effect is enhanced by the convex framing (2) of the photograph (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Wing Hang Wong
  • Patent number: 6536146
    Abstract: An assembly for displaying pictures, photographs, painting, drawings and similar articles which includes a frame supporting the article so as to be concavely oriented along a central vertical axis toward a front of the frame housing and wherein a compound lens system is mounted forwardly of the article having a first picture glass surface having a plurality of non-uniform distortions provided therein which function as a plurality of miniature lenses and wherein an opposite surface of the compound lens system includes a magnification lens oriented on a line extending transversely to the central vertical axis such that images viewed through the frame are given the illusion of movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Steven Ericson
  • Patent number: 6449891
    Abstract: A presentation apparatus for artwork comprising a one-piece, die-cut folder construction of cardboard or other suitable material. The apparatus comprises a back section containing artwork and one or more side panels which suitably fold over the back section. The one or more side panels contain die-cut windows covered with acetate sheets or cels for viewing the artwork on the back section and may also contain artwork or images providing a three-dimensional effect for the images or artwork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: Ian Miska
  • Publication number: 20020124451
    Abstract: A photographic display box is formed as an enclosure with a plurality of display faces and opposing ends. A plurality of photographs are located within the enclosure and between the ends and behind the display faces of the box. Retainers within the box hold the photographs with their longitudinal edges parallel to each other and with their transverse, upper and lower edges flexed in a concave disposition facing outwardly toward the display faces of the box. The photographs are located between transverse upper and lower transparent or translucent panels. Electrical illumination fixtures located in illumination cavities between these panels and the ends of the display box shine upon the concave faces of the photographs through the nonopaque panels with direct illumination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventor: Bon S. Ong
  • Patent number: 6421942
    Abstract: A picture frame in which the visual impact differs depending on the angle the view has with the frame. The frame is structured to lie in a primary plane and outside of the primary plane. The secondary portion, lying outside of the primary plane, is optionally curved to give an even different impression to the viewer. In one embodiment of the invention, the frame lies in two intersecting planes; in another, three planes; in yet another, four planes. Throughout the differing embodiments, a single envelope is formed which holds the picture within the different sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventor: Patrick Galello
  • Publication number: 20020000058
    Abstract: A frame calendar system. It comprises a frame assembly having a frame window. A portion of this frame window is covered by a transparent plate. A stack of calendar sheets each having a calendar date table and a calendar picture can be loaded into this frame assembly. The calendar picture is shielded and displayed behind the transparent plate while the calendar date table is exposed to facilitate memorandum writing and page turning without opening the frame assembly. A custom picture can also be loaded and displayed in lieu of the calendar picture. A spring clamp and magnets are disclosed for allowing a calendar sheet having only the calendar date table to be mounted on and removed from the frame without opening the frame assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventor: Cherng Chang
  • Patent number: 6293038
    Abstract: A frame system for holding a normally flat picture and bending it into a concavo-convex shape for adding a three dimensional effect and/or eye movement effect to its display. This concavo-convex shape can be created by either urging the picture toward a pre-curved transparent plate or placing the picture in a pre-curved holder. In this frame system an arch-shaped void space is provided for housing a complementary three dimensional article and/or reinforced picture supported by magnetic means. A top edge glass and bottom edge glass are placed in the present frame system perpendicular to the pre-curved transparent plate. A top edge picture sheet and bottom edge picture sheet can be displayed through said top edge glass and bottom edge glass, respectively, for complementing the main picture on display, and for creating a 3D feeling toward the main picture in the mind of the viewer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Cherng Chang
  • Patent number: 6276084
    Abstract: A sign holder has upper and lower elongate curved abutment members each with an elongate concave rear side, and backing sheet retainers extending rearwardly from the concave side at opposite ends of the concave side, the backing sheet retainers having a predetermined spacing from one another. A backing sheet has first opposite marginal edge portions facing and abutting the concave rear sides of the abutment members, the latter being rearwardly open behind the edge portions to allow the backing sheet to be displaced to and fro, and second opposite marginal edge portions retained by the backing sheet retainers. The first opposite marginal edge portions have a length greater than the predetermined spacing of the backing sheet retainers and the backing sheet is sprung into abutment against the rear sides of the abutment members with the second opposite marginal edge portions retained by the backing sheet retainers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventor: Addison Lanier
  • Patent number: 6052932
    Abstract: A presentation unit which includes a frontwardly facing, substantially transparent side wall with multiple surfaces adapted for the display of information thereon, and two pull out display panels storable within the interior of the unit and extendible outwardly therefrom, which display panels are usable for displaying information. Additional display panels are provided within the interior of the presentation unit adjacent the transparent side wall and are viewable therethrough. These display panels are readily removable from the unit and thus information can be placed thereon prior to the presentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph Reddig, Clarkson S. Thorp
  • Patent number: 5903992
    Abstract: A curved frame structure comprising a cylindrical segment having transparent concave and convex surfaces containing a slot area therebetween and capable of retaining a photograph in the slot. A top edge and a base edge parallel to the top edge define a height, and a first side edge and a second side edge parallel to the first side edge define a length. The length is at least two times as great as the height. The cylindrical segment has a radius of curvature and capable of photographic display on the concave and convex surfaces. An attaching means on at least one of the edges may attach the cylindrical segment to another cylindrical segment. A method for assembling an integrated structure is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Inventor: Adam G. Eisenberg
  • Patent number: 5619816
    Abstract: A free-standing frame for a photo, a printed painting or any other sheet having decorative or informative data to be displayed. The frame is formed by a pair of superposed flexible plastic panels, at least the face panel being transparent, the sheet to be displayed being sandwiched therebetween. Threaded through holes in the panels is a cord which in the flat state of the frame has overlying the face panel a pair of parallel vertical cord sections on either side of the sandwiched sheet, and a pair of parallel horizontal cord sections behind the rear panel joining the ends of the vertical cord sections to define an endless cord rectangle which serves to loosely hold the panels together. When the rear cord sections are hooked together at their centers and converge to create a holding node, the resultant flexing of the panels which are then under tension acts to compress the sheet therebetween to maintain its frame position and to more effectively display the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: Hillary Ellison
  • Patent number: 5617663
    Abstract: To create a three-dimensional impression from a normal two-dimensional planar photograph or picture, the photograph stand of the present invention maintains the photograph part-cylindrical, part-spherical or otherwise curved condition. It can be achieved by interposing the photograph between two curved shape retaining panels, or, alternatively, bringing the two side edges of the photograph or a resilient shape retaining panel on which the photograph is mounted closer together. The latter mode can be achieved by using suitable engagement portions or receiving the photograph in a transparent tube whose circumferential length is shorter than twice the lateral width of the photograph. By providing mirror surfaces on either side of the curved photograph, preferably with the mirror surfaces fanning out toward the front at an appropriate angle, the photograph stand can add not only a depth to the photograph but also an increased width to the photograph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: Miki Pulley Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Miki, Harukazu Miki
  • Patent number: RE45475
    Abstract: A picture frame assembly includes a backing plate having a front surface, a rear surface, and a plurality of parallel grooves in one of the surfaces. The material and thickness of the backing plate are chosen so that the backing plate can be plastically deformed about a bending axis parallel to the grooves. At least one frame element, which can be formed integrally with the backing plate, is for provided for retaining a planar picture element against the front surface of the backing plate. A fastener extends from the rear surface for mounting the assembly to any of various objects, such as a tree, flower stem, a candle, a vase, a basket, a gift wrapping device, a container, a column, and furniture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Margarete Schymura