Dual-purpose picture card show stage and picture frame

Abstract

 A dual-purpose card show stage and picture frame (1) includes a box-shaped main body(3), in which picture cards (10) are contained, having a front panel (11), a rear panel (13) and a window (21, 23) formed in the front panel and in the rear panel; a transparent screen (27) that covers the front panel window (21); a picture card insertion and removal opening (3a) formed in at least one of left and right sides of the main body; a pair of leg members (5) that support the main body; a backing member (7) that can be detachably fitted into the main body for maintaining at least one picture card at a position toward the screen; and a structure (37) for hanging the main body.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a dual-purpose picture card show stage and picture frame that is functionally equipped to be used as a stage for picture card shows and as a picture frame.

[0002] A stage for picture card shows generally comprises a box shaped main body for housing a set of picture cards that can be readily removed from and inserted therein, and leg members or the like for supporting the main body in an upright position. A window is formed in the front and back walls of the main body and the main body also has a side opening via which picture cards are inserted and removed. Some picture card show stages are simple types fabricated of cardboard, but other picture card show stages that are intended to be used over an extended period of time are fabricated mainly of wood, or of wood and synthetic resin.

[0003] Picture card shows produced in Japan have long been used to tell folk tales, fairy tales and many other such stories. In recent years the excellent educational value of these stories have generated strong hopes and expectations for a revival of picture card shows, and there are vigorous campaigns under way to use picture card shows to introduce Japanese folk tales and fairy stories to other countries.

[0004] However, because of its above-described conventional structure the picture card show stage cannot be used for anything other than its original function. Moreover, the picture cards used are B4 cards (260 mm by 360 mm), which makes the picture card show stage quite large and heavy. Once it is put away, therefore, the effort needed to set it up again is such that it tends to stay put away and unused. The conventional picture card show stage, moreover, can only show the front-most picture card, and it is not possible to overlay another picture card or filter or the like for viewing, so the stage lacks flexibility and three-dimensionality, making it difficult to produce theatrical effects.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a picture card show stage that can also be used as a picture frame without detracting from its original function.

[0006] The present invention provides characterised in that it comprises a box-shaped main body, in which picture cards are contained, having a front panel, a rear panel and a window formed in the front panel and in the rear panel; a transparent screen that covers the front panel window; a picture card insertion and removal opening formed in at least one of left and right sides of the main body; a pair of leg members that support the main body; a backing member that can be detachably fitted into the main body for maintaining at least one picture card at a position toward the screen; and a structure for hanging the main body.

[0007] The dual-purpose picture card show stage and picture frame thus constituted can be used as a stage for picture card shows by moving the leg members to the position in which they function as support legs to stand the main body substantially upright. In addition, when a picture card or other such picture is inserted in the main body, it can be used as a picture frame by using a backing member behind the picture card to stably maintain the picture card in close contact with the transparent screen.

[0008] When the dual-purpose picture card show stage and picture frame is to be used as a picture frame, when it has been placed in a flat place the leg members can be used to stand the main body upright, or the leg members can be retracted and the hanging structure used to hang the picture frame on a wall. The transparent screen provided at the front serves to protect the picture card in the main body, so that when used as a picture frame it is in no way inferior to a normal picture frame.

[0009] The above functions can be achieved by using two rings to constitute each of the leg members and using attaching means that enable them to be rotatably attached to the main body. In accordance with this invention side covers can be taken off and attached to the bottom of the main body to function as the leg members used to maintain the main body upright. Since side covers are not needed when a picture card show is being performed and leg members are not needed when the main body is used as a picture frame, there are no problems of functional interference. Since in the case of the present invention no special parts are required for the leg members, costs can be reduced. Moreover, a major advantage is that whether it is being used as a picture card show stage or as a picture frame, there are no extra parts, so it is easy to handle and to package. The side cover may be formed in any number of parts as long as the parts are large enough to function as leg members.

[0010] The backing member used in the dual-purpose picture card show stage and picture frame of this invention is characterized in that it can be removably fitted inside the main body. Consequently, the picture card show stage can be used as a picture frame simply by inserting a desired picture card into the space between the backing member and the screen, making it easy to change picture cards. The backing member can be made transparent, which would make it possible for the invention to be used as a picture card show stage without having to remove the backing member. It would also then be possible to impart special effects to a picture card by, for example, inserting a color filter or the like into the space between the backing member and the screen.

[0011] It is also possible to use a screen to cover the rear window of the main body, which would enable the back as well as the front to be used as a display face. In this case, a different picture could be shown by turning the main body around, or depending on the location where it is set up, it could be used to show pictures in both directions. Also, if the backing member were to be formed as a resiliently deformable member, it would make it possible to keep the picture card pressed against the transparent screen at an appropriate pressure. The ability of such a backing member to freely deform in the thickness direction according to the front-to-back width of the space behind the picture would make it possible for the main body to hold a number of picture cards without loss of the backing member function.

[0012] Further features of the invention, its nature and various advantages will be more apparent from the accompanying drawings and following detailed description of the invention, in which:.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a dual-purpose picture card show stage and picture frame according to a first embodiment of the present invention, shown being used as a picture card show stage,

Figure 2 is an oblique downward perspective view of the rear of the picture card stage of Figure 1,

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the backing member used in the picture card stage of Figure 1,

Figure 4 is a front view of the picture card stage of Figure 1, shown being used as a picture frame,

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along line V-V of Figure 4,

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along line VI-VI of Figure 1,

Figure 7 is a perspective view of principle parts of a modified version of the leg members used in the picture card stage of Figure 1,

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the dual-purpose picture card show stage and picture frame according to a second embodiment of the invention,

Figure 9 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the picture card stage of Figure 8, shown being used as a picture frame,

Figure 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a dual-purpose picture card show stage and picture frame according to a third embodiment of the invention,

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the backing member used in the picture card stage of Figure 10,

Figure 12 is an enlarged perspective view of the leg structure used in the picture card stage of Figure 10,

Figure 13 is an enlarged perspective view of another example of a leg structure applied to the dual-purpose picture card show stage and picture frame of this invention,

Figure 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of the leg structure shown in Figure 13,

Figure 15 is a perspective view of a dual-purpose picture card show stage and picture frame according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, shown being used as a picture card show stage,

Figure 16 is a perspective view of the picture card stage of Figure 15, shown being used as a picture frame,

Figure 17 is an exploded perspective view of the picture card stage shown in Figure 15,

Figure 18 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of principle parts along line XVIII-XVIII of Figure 16,

Figure 19 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of principle parts along line XIX-XIX of Figure 15,

Figure 20 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of principle parts along line XX-XX of Figure 16.

[0013] Figures 1 to 7 show a dual-purpose picture card show stage and picture frame 1 that is a first embodiment of the present invention. The picture card stage and picture frame 1 is comprised of a main body 3, a pair of leg members 5 attached to the main body 3, and a backing member 7 removably provided in the main body 3. A side cover 9 is integrally attached to the backing member 7 for keeping closed a card access opening 3a of the main body 3. Reference numeral 10 denotes picture cards that are made for telling a story, one story normally comprising around ten cards. The side of a card that has the picture does not have any text printed thereon such as dialogue of characters.

[0014] The main body 3 is formed in the shape of a box comprised of rectangular front and back panels 11 and 13 joined at the top by a top panel 15, at the bottom by a bottom panel 17, and at a first side by a side panel 19, with these parts being joined by known carpentry joints and adhesive and the like. The other side of the main body 3 forms the card access opening 3a. Formed in the front panel 11 is a window 21 and formed in the back panel 13 is a window 23; each of these windows is slightly smaller than the panels themselves. The main body 3 is large enough to hold the picture cards 10 with a little extra space around the top and sides of the cards. The front-to-back dimension of the main body 3 is more than twice the thickness of a set of stacked picture cards 10.

[0015] The front panel 11 is comprised of a main frame 11a and an auxiliary frame 11b of the same size that are aligned together, with the auxiliary frame 11b being inboard of the main frame 11a. The window 21b of the main frame 11b is the same size as the window 23 in the back panel 13. Window 21a of the main frame 11a is slightly larger than window 21b. The window 21a is provided with indentations along the inner surface that make it look like the front outer portion of a picture frame. A shallow channel 25 is formed around the periphery of the window 21b.

[0016] Reference numeral 27 denotes a transparent screen formed of transparent glass sheet. The screen 27 is positioned between the main frame 11a and auxiliary frame 11b, in the channel 25. Thus, the window 21 is covered by the screen 27. The screen 27 may also be formed of a transparent synthetic resin sheet such as acrylic. In this embodiment the leg members 5 are each formed of a pair of rings 29 and a fixing bracket 31. The brackets 31 are attached to the bottom surface of the bottom panel 17 at a position off towards the sides. The rings 29 are rotatably supported by the brackets 31 with one end of the rings oriented horizontally. Thus the two rings 29 are associated to form a hinge.

[0017] Thus, when the pairs of rings 29 are opened out to function as legs, as shown in Figures 2 and 6, they are substantially parallel with the bottom panel 17 and the ends of the rings project out beyond the front panel 11 and back panel 13. In this state, on a flat surface the rings 29 are able to support the main body 3 in an upright position. Figure 4 shows the rings 29 folded perpendicular to the bottom panel 17, the position in which they can be used to hang the main body 3 by passing cord through the rings.

[0018] The backing member 7 (Figure 3 and Figure 5) is comprised of a relatively thin backing sheet 33 and sponge 35 attached by adhesive around an edge on one face of the backing sheet 33. The backing sheet 33 is a flat rectangular sheet that is more or less the same size as the vertical cross-section of the interior space of the main body 3 and is formed of plywood or particle board or the like. The sponge 35 has a relatively high resilient force. The thickness of the backing member 7 when the sponge 35 is in an uncompressed state is some half of the front-to-back width of the horizontal cross-section of the interior space of the main body 3.

[0019] The side cover 9 is formed integrally of wood as a flat board shaped main portion 9a that is the same size as the right side of the main body 3 and a portion 9b that projects from one side of the main portion 9a. The projecting portion 9b is the same height as the interior space of the main body 3 and has a front-to-back width that is slightly less than that of the interior space. The projecting portion 9b is bonded to an edge of the sponge 35 and backing sheet 33 on the side opposite to that of the main portion 9a. Two cord brackets 37 (Figures 2, 5, 6) are affixed to the back surface of the back panel 13, one at the top and one at the bottom. A cutaway 13a is formed in the right edge of the back panel 13.

[0020] How the dual-purpose picture card show stage and picture frame is used will now be explained, with reference to Figures 1 and 4. When it is to be used as a picture card show stage, without inserting the backing member 7 the rings 29 are unfolded to act as legs, the main body 3 is stood upright and the required picture cards 10 are inserted into the main body 3. To use as a picture frame, the main body 3 is turned upside down. Thus, the picture cards 10 are also reversed so they end up oriented the right way up.

[0021] If the main body 3 is placed face down so the picture cards 10 move to the front, the backing member 7 is inserted behind the picture cards 10. At this time, the sponge 35 is deformed according to the extent of the space behind the picture cards 10, thereby causing the picture cards 10 to be urged to the front by an appropriate force. This keeps the picture cards 10 set in place in the main body 3. When the backing member 7 is inserted into the main body 3, the projecting portion 9b fits into the card access opening 3a and the main portion 9a closes the card access opening 3a. In this state, the main body 3 presents an appearance of a picture frame that, except for the rear surface, can stand comparison with a normal picture frame used to display canvases. Depthwise with respect to the main body 3, the projecting portion 9b settles into a position that depends on the thickness of the set of picture cards 10, and fits snugly enough into the card access opening 3a to prevent it rattling.

[0022] When the picture card stage and picture frame 1 is set up as a picture frame, it can be hung on a wall by folding the rings 29 into the frame hanging position and threading a suitable cord through the rings 29. This means that it is not necessary to attach cord brackets each time. Moreover, the rings 29 are functional without detracting from the appearance in terms of a picture frame. The rings 29 can be used to hang the main body 3 from wall-hooks to thereby use the picture card stage and picture frame 1 as decor in its picture frame state. Since there is no writing on the picture cards 10, in the picture frame configuration the picture frame can be used to display a picture card 10 without the picture card 10 seeming out of place. The pictures that can be displayed with the picture card stage and picture frame 1 are not limited to picture cards for picture card shows, but can include any picture that is of a size that allows it to be readily inserted into the main body 3 without forcing it. If the picture is taller than it is wide, the picture frame can be hung using the cord brackets 37.

[0023] Figure 7 shows a modified version of the leg members 5 used in the above picture card stage and picture frame 1. In this arrangement a depression 39 is formed in the lower surface of the bottom panel 17. The bracket 31 is accommodated in this depression 39. Also, small cutaways 41 are formed in the lower edges of the front panel 11 and back panel 13; the long sides of the rings 29 can fit into detachable engagement with these cutaways 41. The rings 29 can thus be maintained in a horizontal state by engagement with the cutaways 41, facilitating handling.

[0024] Figures 8 and 9 show a picture card stage and picture frame 1A according to a second embodiment of the invention. The only differences between the picture card stage and picture frame 1 and the picture card stage and picture frame 1A are the backing member and side cover. Therefore, other parts that are identical to those of the picture card stage and picture frame 1 have been given the same reference numerals, and further explanation thereof is omitted. Reference numerals are also used in the same way and with the same meaning in the other embodiments and leg structures described hereinbelow.

[0025] Formed in the lower surface of the top panel 15 is a narrow groove 43 that runs the length of the top panel 15 from one side to the other. A similar groove 45 is formed on the inside surface of the side panel 19, and at the top connects with the groove 43. There are also vertical grooves 47 and 47' formed in the front panel 11 and in the back panel 13 in the vicinity of the card access opening 3a. A cover insertion opening 49 is formed at an end of the top panel 15 at a location corresponding to the position of the grooves 47 and 47'.

[0026] Reference numeral 51 denotes a backing board formed as a thin, flat sheet. This backing board 51 is inserted into the main body 3 along the groove 43 in the top panel 15 until it locates at the far end in the groove 45 in the side panel 19. Reference numeral 53 denotes a side cover used to close the card access opening 3a. The side cover 53 is formed as a flat, rectangular board on one side of which is formed a groove 53a that runs the length of side cover 53. The side cover 53 is inserted via the opening 49 with its edges engaged in the grooves 47 and 47', closing the card access opening 3a. The side cover 53 is inserted into position via the opening 49 after the backing board 51 has been inserted into the main body 3, which is done by aligning the edge of the backing board 51 so the board 51 enters into engagement with the groove 53a. In this way, the position of the upper and side edges of the backing board 51 is prescribed.

[0027] Figures 10 to 12 show a picture card stage and picture frame 1B according to a third embodiment of the invention. The main differences between the picture card stage and picture frame 1B and the picture card stage and picture frame 1 are the provision of a screen on the back window and in the structure of the legs. Reference numeral 11' denotes the back panel of the main body 3. As in the case of the front panel 11, the back panel 11' is comprised of a main frame 11'a and an auxiliary frame 11'b of the same size that are aligned together, with the auxiliary frame 11'b positioned inboard of the main frame 11'a. There is a narrow space 25' formed between the frames 11'a and 11'b. A screen 27' is accommodated in this space 25'. The screen 27' can be inserted and removed at any time as desired via an opening (not shown) located at the right-side end of the space 25'. Then a picture card show is being performed, the back screen 27' can be removed if it is difficult to read the characters' lines through the screen.

[0028] Thus, the front and back windows 21 and 23 of the main body 3 are both provided with screens 27 and 27', so when the picture card stage 1B is used as a picture frame, the front or the back can be used as the display side. In the case of Figure 10, the set of picture cards 10 used is divided into two halves, one half disposed at the front with the picture side against the front screen 27 and the other half at the back with the picture side against the back screen 27'. A backing member 7' is inserted between the two halves. The backing member 7' is comprised of two backing sheets 33 between which is arranged sponge 35 adhered to the backing sheets 33 by adhesive. A side cover 9 is integrally affixed to one end of the backing member 7'. By providing the backing member 7' between the two groups of picture cards 10, each group is stably urged against the respective front and back screens 27 and 27'.

[0029] Leg members 55 each comprise a nut 57 set into the bottom panel 17 from below, a bolt 59 that screws into the nut 57, a retainer plate 61 clamped to the bottom panel 17 by the bolt 59, and a pair of rings 29. The retainer plate 61 has a bolt through-hole 61a through the center thereof, and ring retaining portions 61b on either side of the through-hole 61a, these ring retaining portions 61b being bent into parallel extensions, forming a channel-like shape. The bolt 59 is passed through the through-hole 61a and screwed into the nut 57 to affix the retainer plate 61 to the bottom panel 17 with one end of the rings 29 being clamped by the retaining portions 61b.

[0030] This allows the rings 29 to be selectively pivoted about the end held by the retaining portions 61b between the leg position, indicated by a solid line in Figure 10, and the picture frame hanging position, indicated in the drawing by a double-dot broken line. Moreover, the bolt 59 can be loosened, allowing the leg member to be rotated. Therefore, when the rings 29 are not being used as legs or as picture frame hangers they can be moved into the retracted position indicated in Figure 12 by the double-dot broken line, that is, with the rings 29 extended to the right and left. In this configuration the rings 29 are not projecting from the main body 3, making it easier and more convenient to pack the main body 3 in a box or the like. The bolt 59 can be tightened to enable the rings 29 to be clamped by the retaining portions 61b in any required position.

[0031] Figures 13 and 14 illustrate an example of another leg member. In this example a round base hole 83 is formed in the bottom panel 17 in communication with a shaft hole 85 formed in the bottom panel 17. The bottom panel 17 also has a stop hole 87 formed in communication with the shaft hole 85. The inner surface of the base hole 85 is equipped with a ball plunger 84. Reference numeral 89 denotes a round, rotating base. A pair of indents 91 and 93 are formed in the outside surface of the rotating base 89. The center of the rotating base 89 is provided with a shaft 95. The rotating base 89 fits in the base hole 83 with the shaft 95 in the shaft hole 85 with the end of the shaft 95 projecting into the stop hole 87. A stop 97 is attached to the end of the shaft 95, preventing the shaft being withdrawn. The rotating base 89 can turn about the shaft 95.

[0032] In this configuration of the leg member 81, the rings 29 are maintained perpendicularly to the main body 3 to function as legs, with the rings extending toward the front and back of the main body 3, as indicated in the drawing by a solid line. The legs can be put into a retracted position (indicated by the double-dot broken line) at right-angles to the leg function position by rotating the base 89 by 90 degrees counterclockwise, as viewed from the bottom panel 17. When the leg members 29 come to the leg function position the spring of the ball plunger 84 urges the ball into engagement with the indent 91. Similarly, when the leg members are brought to the retracted position the ball of the ball plunger 84 engages with the indent 93. Thus, with the leg members 29 at the leg function position or the retracted position the rotating base 89 does not rotate unless more than a certain force is applied. This means the leg members 29 are prevented from being inadvertently moved from either position. The rings 29 can be folded up against each other into the picture frame hanging position perpendicular to the bottom panel 17, and a cord passed through the rings 29 to enable the main body 3 to be hung.

[0033] Figures 15 to 20 show a picture card stage and picture frame 1C according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. Differences between the picture card stage and picture frame 1C and the picture card stage and picture frame 1 include that cover members used to close the card access opening are also employed as the leg members used to support the main body, and the structure of the backing member.

[0034] In this configuration the front panel 11 is a frame-shaped member formed from a single thick plate, and the window 21 has a shallow cutaway 101 (Figures 18 to 20) formed around the rim at the back side thereof. The rim portion of the transparent screen 27 fits into this cutaway 101, with the screen 27 being kept firmly pressed in position by the top panel 15, bottom panel 17 and side panel 19. The vertical sides of the card access opening 3a are formed as a dovetail groove 105. That is, when viewed from above the right end of the top panel 15, a trapezoidal cut 103 is formed that extends to the front panel 11 and back panel 13. With this end as the top end, the back surface of the front panel 11 and the front surface of the back panel 13 are shaped to together form a dovetail groove 105. A grip indent 107 (Figures 17 and 18) is formed midway up the rear edge of the dovetail groove 105.

[0035] Two small ridges 109 are provided on the underside of the top panel 15, extending to each side, and two ridges 111 are also provided along the top surface of the bottom panel 17. These ridges 109 and 111 are provided so as not to project into the cut 103, with the front ones adjacent to the screen 27 and the rear ones adjacent to the back panel 13. An insertion space 113 is formed by the ridges 109 and 111 and the screen 27, and another insertion space 115 is formed by the ridges 109 and 111 and the back panel 13.

[0036] Reference numeral 117 denotes detachable screens used as backing members. Each detachable screen 117 is a flat rectangle formed of a sheet of strong transparent material such as acrylic. The detachable screens 117 have a vertical dimension that allows them to be smoothly inserted into the spaces 113 and 115. The horizontal length of each detachable screen 117 is about the same as that of the ridges 109 and 111. One of screens 117 is used by being removably inserted in the space 113 and the other in the space 115.

[0037] The space 115 has a front-to-back width that ensures the detachable screen 117 fits snugly therein, while the insertion space 113 is formed to have a front-to-back width that is slightly greater than the thickness of the detachable screen 117. A detachable screen 117 can be removed by, for example, using the pad of the thumb to draw it out slightly while inserting the tip of the index finger into the grip indent 107 to thereby grip the detachable screen 117. The detachable screen 117 inserted in the rear insertion space 115 functions as a rear screen that closes the window 23 in the back panel 13. The detachable screen 117 inserted in the front space 113 is positioned behind the screen 27 supported by the front panel 11, leaving a little gap at the rear side. One or two picture cards 10 or the like can be inserted into this gap.

[0038] Reference numeral 119 denotes two side covers of the same size that also double as leg members used to hold the main body 3 upright. The length of each side cover 119 is half the height of the dovetail groove 105. Viewed end on, the side covers 119 are each triangular in shape, with the triangle being the same size as that of the cut 103. A large cutaway 119a is formed on one side in the thickness direction (the side corresponding to the base of the triangle). The length of this cutaway 119a is the same as the front-to-back width of the main body 3.

[0039] When the picture card stage and picture frame 1C is to be used as a picture card show stage, the side covers 119 are positioned a suitable distance apart with the cutaways 119a facing upward, and the bottom of the main body 3 is inserted into the cutaways 119a, as shown in Figure 18. In this way, the side covers 119 function as leg members that support the main body 3 in a stable, upright position. The detachable screen 117 at the rear is removed if it interferes with the reading of the lines. The front detachable screen 117 can also be removed if it reflects sun, making it difficult to see the pictures on the cards.

[0040] To use the picture card stage and picture frame 1C as a picture frame, the detachable screens 117 are inserted into the spaces 113 and 115, and a picture card 10 or other such picture is inserted into the space between the front detachable screen 117 and screen 27 with the picture facing the front (Figure 19). The picture card 10 or the like is stably maintained pressed up against the screen 27. The side covers 119 are inserted down into the dovetail groove 105, as shown in Figure 15. This has to be done with the cutaways 119a facing inward. Inserting the side covers 119 closes the card access opening 3a, giving the right side of the main body 3 a smooth, clean look. The picture card stage and picture frame 1C can be hung on a wall using cord threaded through the cord brackets 37 affixed to the back of the main body 3.

[0041] When the main body 3 is used to put on a picture card show, with the front detachable screen 117 left in the space 113 transparent color filters and / or picture cards can be swapped in and out of the space between the detachable screen 117 and the screen 27 to create a three-dimensional feeling and bring out various effects.

[0042] There are no special limitations on the picture cards that can be used with the picture card stage and picture frame. However, to disseminate Japanese folk and fairy tales abroad, in addition to cards printed in Japanese, foreign-language versions can be prepared in which at least the story lines are printed in the various foreign languages, thereby creating a total picture card show system that offers a wide selection.

[0043] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, examples and versions described in the foregoing, and that the invention encompasses modifications to the design and implementation thereof to the extent that such modifications or changes do not depart from the gist of the invention set out in the claims. Similarly, although the above embodiments have been described with reference to leg members implemented in the form of rings and / or flat plates and the like, the invention is not limited thereto. Instead, for example, leg members may be used configured as plate or board shaped members in which holes are formed and threaded with cord that is used to tie the leg members in place.

[0044] In the same way, the cutaway portions can be formed on the main body instead of on the side covers and the side covers inserted into the cutaways to support the main body. It is also not necessary to form the above cutaways in the side covers to provide a support base into which the main body is inserted. Instead, for example, raised portions may be formed on the side covers that fit into recesses formed in the bottom of the main body.

[0045] Also, in the foregoing embodiments a backing member (or members) are used that can be removably inserted into the main body. Again, however, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a backing member can be used that is attached to the main body. In such a case, the backing member could be affixed in a space provided between transparent screens over windows at the front or back. Picture cards inserted into this space would be maintained against the screen. It is to be understood that backing members could be affixed to be used at both the front and back. Moreover, instead of making the side covers detachable by means of a dovetail groove joint, a vertical groove could be formed on the side of the main body and a raised portion formed on the side cover for insertion into the groove. Or, conversely, the groove could be formed on the side cover and the raised portion on the main body.

[0046] As described in the foregoing, in the picture card stage and picture frame according to the invention, the leg members can be moved to a leg support position in which they can support the picture card show stage upright. And, with picture cards or other pictures accommodated inside the main body, a backing member can be used to keep the picture card at the front pressed stably against the transparent screen, enabling it to be used as a picture frame. The provision of a screen over the front window of the main body also serves to protect the picture cards inside, so that when it is used as a picture frame it does not suffer from any comparison with a normal picture frame.

[0047] When the leg members are not required they can be set into a recess, giving the main body a neat appearance with no projection parts. This also makes it easier to store in a box, and improves the appearance when used as a picture frame. The leg members can also be moved to a picture frame hanging position and used as hanger fittings to which hanging cord is tied. Thus, it can be used as a picture frame without having to provide special hanger fittings. Specifically, the leg members can be oriented upward and cord threaded therethrough to allow the main body to be hung on the wall as a picture frame.

[0048] With the leg members moved to the leg support position, the main body can be used as a compact picture card stage, and as a picture frame, it is neat and attractive and can be compactly packed. Also, by moving the leg members to the picture frame hanging position, the main body can be used as a wall-hanging type picture frame without having to use any special hanging means. Moreover, when the side covers are also used as leg members, it reduces costs since it eliminates the need to use special support structures, while other advantages are that since there are no unnecessary parts, it is easy to handle and pack.

[0049] Use of the dual-purpose picture card show stage and picture frame of this invention makes it possible to readily disseminate to foreign countries the picture card show culture in which Japan's fairy tales and folk stories are expressed. Since, moreover, it can also be used as a picture frame when not being used as a picture card show stage, the picture cards can be always displayed in the home, helping to promote the spread of Japan's picture card culture.

Claims

1. A dual-purpose card show stage and picture frame(1), characterised in that it comprises a box-shaped main body(3),in which picture cards (10) are contained, having a front panel (11), a rear panel (13) and a window (21, 23) formed in the front panel and in the rear panel; a transparent screen (27) that covers the front panel window (21); a picture card insertion and removal opening (3a) formed in at least one of left and right sides of the main body; a pair of leg members (5) that support the main body; a backing member (7) that can be detachably fitted into the main body for maintaining at least one picture card at a position toward the screen; and a structure (37) for hanging the main body.

2. A picture card show stage and picture frame according to claim 1, characterised in that the leg members (5) are each comprised of two rings (29) and a fixing structure (31).

3. A picture card show stage and picture frame according to claim 2, characterised in that the fixing structure (31) is a structure that attaches the rings rotatably to the main body.

4. A picture card show stage and picture frame according to claim 1, characterised in that the leg members (5) can be moved between a leg support position in which the leg members are extended in a front-to-back direction to support the main body in an upright position, and a retracted position in which the leg members are extended laterally and do not project from the main body.

5. A picture card show stage and picture frame according to claim 1, characterised in that the leg members (5) can be moved between a position in which the leg members are horizontally opened to support the main body in an upright position, and a picture frame hanging position in which the leg members are closed substantially perpendicularly to hang the main body.

6. A picture card show stage and picture frame according to claim 1, characterised in that the leg members (5) can be moved between a leg support position in which the leg members are extended in a front-to-back direction to support the main body in an upright position, and a retracted position in which the leg members are extended laterally and do not project from the main body, and can function at a picture frame hanging position in which the leg members are closed substantially perpendicularly to hang the main body.

7. A picture card show stage and picture frame according to claim 1, characterised in that the card insertion and removal opening (3a) is provided with a side cover (53) to close the card insertion and removal opening.

8. A picture card show stage and picture frame according to claim 7, characterised in that the side cover (53) is a structure integrally associated with the backing member.

9. A picture card show stage and picture frame according to claim 7, characterised in that the side cover (53) is attached to the main body outside of the card insertion and removal opening and also functions as leg members to support the main body in an upright position.

10. A picture card show stage and picture frame according to claim 1, characterised in that the back panel window (23) is coverd with a screen (27').

11. A picture card show stage and picture frame according to claim 1, characterised in that the backing member (7) is formed of a resiliently deformable material.

Drawing