[0001] This invention relates to display devices such as those that can be used to display
a photograph, or the like, simply, quickly and inexpensively.
[0002] Photographs are often displayed from within frames. Conventional frames often comprise
a number of components including a frame, a piece of glass or plastic, a backing board
or retention device, several clips or pins that hold the whole unit together and a
stand. Placing a photograph in a conventional frame, or changing the photograph that
is displayed in one can be a difficult and/or time consuming process. In an attempt
to overcome the problems of these conventional type frames other types of frames have
been created, one style uses the forces of magnetic attraction to eliminate the need
for clips or pins in the construction of a frame. Often these magnetic frames consist
of two or more, separate parts including that of a body member (front section), from
which the picture is viewed and that of a retaining member (rear section) which is
used to hold the photo in place. Magnetic forces eliminate the need for clips or pins
by drawing the front and rear sections together, the photograph or picture being sandwiched
between these two parts. This style of magnetic frame is not without its drawbacks.
Firstly, it can be a frustrating process to accurately position a photo in the frame
before the magnetic forces close the frame. Secondly, once the frame is closed the
photograph can be subjected to unnecessary pressures on its surfaces particularly
its edges where the photo is gripped by the frame. This unnecessary pressure can damage
a photograph, especially on the sensitive picture side. Upon removal from such frames
it has been found that the top surface of a photograph can become de-laminated, part
of its surface remaining stuck to the front section where it was subject to unnecessary
pressures from the framing unit. There is therefore a need for a photo frame that
will allow a person to simply and quickly mount a photograph without complication
and that once mounted does not put any unnecessary pressure on the photograph.
[0003] In addition to these problems is the emerging trend of placing photographs in all
manner of locations, such places include the kitchen and the office. In these locations
horizontal surfaces (such as the office desk) are regularly in use and so photographs
are necessarily being placed on vertical surfaces. Unfortunately traditional frames
are not well suited to being mounted on vertical surfaces such as the draws of filing
cabinets and the like. In these locations photos are often mounted by having a piece
of adhesive tape stuck onto the photo and the vertical surface that the photo is being
attached to. When replacing or moving a photo that has been mounted by a piece of
tape the old piece of tape is often removed and this process itself can cause damage
to the surface of the photograph. Pins are sometimes used to attach a photo to a vertical
surface but these can also damage the photo by leaving holes and marks on the photo's
surface. Magnets are sometimes used to hold the photo in place on a metallic surface
but these can also leave a mark when they have been used to hold a photo in place.
Without a cover a photo is relatively unprotected and it remains exposed to the elements
and conditions of the environment in which it is located. When a photo is left exposed
like this it may curl up due to its exposure to the elements, and as a result it may
be more easily dislodged or damaged by a passer-by. A photo is more likely to be dislodged
from a vertical surface if it is not securely attached or has curled up and is no
longer lying flat against the surface. Traditional photo frames, because of their
many parts (frame, retention unit and stand) and their relative bulk (they are not
thin) are not well suited to framing or displaying a photo from a vertical surface
in a busy environment such as an office.
[0004] A final problem is that of cost, often a photo frame consists of two or more separate
parts, each individual component in a photo frame adds to its costs as does each step
in manufacturing the separate components of a photo frame. A reduction in the number
of components that make up a frame and/or the number of manufacturing steps that are
required to produce a frame will result in a reduction in the cost of producing a
frame. In a situation where a photo is to be framed on a vertical surface the surface
itself can be utilised and so eliminate the need to have the additional expense of
a retention device with the frame.
[0005] There is therefore the need for a photo frame that can simply and quickly mount a
photo on a vertical surface, and once mounted can protect the photo, and when required
provide for the simple removal or repositioning of the photo and frame without placing
unnecessary pressure on the photograph or without causing damage to the photo.
[0006] FR 2 645 421 discloses a display device according to the preamble of claim 1.
[0007] It is the object of the present invention to overcome, or substantially ameliorate,
the above mentioned disadvantages by the provision of a display device that can quickly,
simply and inexpensively frame a photograph, or the like, on a vertical surface, such
as filing cabinet where traditional frames are not well suited for use. In addition
it is the object of the present invention to use the surface, that the frame is being
attached to, to do away with the need or cost of having a backing or retention device.
It is also the objective of this invention to eliminate the need to place any unnecessary
pressure on, or damage the delicate surface, of the photograph that is on display.
[0008] The present invention provides a display device according to claim 1. Preferred features
of the display device are set out in the dependent claims.
[0009] To assist with understanding the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying
drawings. Illustration will be by way of example only with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0010] FIG 6 is a front perspective of a version of the display device.
[0011] FIG 7 is a cross section view of a version of the device.
[0012] FIG 8 is an enlarged and detailed cross section of the device as shown in FIG 7.
[0013] FIG 9 is a rear view of a version of the device.
[0014] FIG 6 shows a version of the display device (99) with a masking or framing layer
(5) printed on the surface of the body member (1), this can be effective in masking
from view, when viewed from the front, the strips, such a masking or framing layer
can dramatically enhance the look and appeal of the display device when used for displaying
photographs and the like.
[0015] FIG 7 shows a version of the device (99) where a first strip (2.1) has an inwardly
sloping edge, running the length of element, which as FIG 8 shows can be used to support
a photograph (4).
[0016] FIG 9 shows the device (99) with the four separate strips (3.2) and (2.2) on the
rear surface of the body member (1). As these four strips are of the same magnetic
material, such as magnet impregnated plastic strips, they can simultaneously perform
the functions of supporting a photograph (4) or the like, and attaching and supporting
the display device (99) and a photo. In this particular embodiment, FIG 9, the lower
strip (2.2) performs simultaneously the both functions. The other three strips (3.2)
perform the second function only.
[0017] The above mentioned illustrations only outline, by way of example, a few of the possible
embodiments of such an invention, many different versions are possible within the
scope of this invention.
[0018] In the display device of this invention the body member (1) may be made of different
transparent sheet materials. These may include rigid, semi-rigid, resilient or flexible
materials. In one form of the invention the body member would be made of a transparent
sheet material such as glass or plastic. Preferably the body member would be made
of clear plastic being approximately 2mm to 3mm in thickness.
[0019] The body member (1) is provided with a peripheral band to create a framing or masking
effect. A framing effect may be created by having a layer or layers of paint or ink
or the like printed and/or painted on the front and/or rear surface (5) of the body
member around the visually transparent central area of the body member. Alternatively
a separate framing or masking peripheral band may be attached to the front and/or
rear of the body member, such a framing or masking band may be attached to the body
member by a variety of means including an adhesive. Any such framing or masking leaves
at least, a central viewing portion that is visually transparent between the front
and rear surface of the body member.
[0020] The first strip functions effectively with a sloping ledge.
[0021] The first strip consists of a single strip running along a significant length of
the body member.
[0022] The first strip is constructed of magnetic material such that it is capable of supporting
the photograph or the like that it has resting upon or within it.
[0023] A second strip is constructed from magnetic material such that it is capable of attaching
the display device to a suitable flat surface and such that it is capable of supporting
the display device and any photograph or the like that it is displaying. For attachment
to metallic surfaces the magnetic material is used.
[0024] A second strip may be constructed in any convenient shape such that it provides sufficient
contact area to enable it to attach itself to any suitable surface that the display
device is being placed upon and that the resulting bond is of sufficient strength
to support the display device and any photograph, or the like, that it may display.
The second strip is constructed of a magnetic material that allows the device to be
removably attached, to any suitable flat magnetisable surface such as that of a filing
cabinet door or the like, without damage to the photo, display device or surface.
Additionally the second strip may be constructed of foamed plastic, of approximately
0.6mm to 0.8mm in thickness, having one face adhered to the rear surface of the body
member and the other face coated with a pressure sensitive, repositionable contact
adhesive protected by a release sheet, having such a material will allow the device
to be attached to any suitably flat surface such as a wall or door.
[0025] The first strip and the second strips can be constructed to be any thickness such
that they can at least preform their specified functions. Preferably the first strip
and second strips would have the same thickness and in excess of the thickness of
photograph or the like that is being displayed from the display device.
[0026] In the display device of the invention one of the strips simultaneously will support
and attach the display device to a suitable surface and provide a ledge for a photograph
to rest upon.
[0027] In use the display device of the invention may be employed as a picture frame device
to frame photographs. Additionally or alternatively the device may be used to display
office safety instructions, recipes, point of sale information, postcards or the like.
1. A display device for displaying a photograph or the like on a vertical metal surface,
the device comprising a generally flat body member (1) of a transparent sheet material
carrying four strips of magnetic material (2.2, 3.2) on a rear surface of the body
member (1) surrounding a central area, the strips of magnetic material enabling the
device to be attached to the metal surface by magnetic attraction, with the photograph
(4) or the like being disposed in a space defined between the rear surface of the
body member and the metal surface and being supported on one of the strips, such that
it can be viewed through said central area, characterised in that
a) the body member (1) is provided with a peripheral band (5) to create a framing
or masking effect over a peripheral masking area, leaving said central area of the
body member (1) visually transparent,
(b) the four strips lying in the masking area so as not to project into the central
area, and
(c) at least one of the four strips (2.2, 3.2) has an inwardly sloping ledge running
along the length of the strip.
2. A display according to claim 1, wherein the transparent sheet material is resilient.
3. A display device according to claim 1, wherein the transparent sheet material is flexible.
4. A display device according to either of the of the preceding claims, wherein the peripheral
band is printed and/ or painted onto a surface of the body member.
5. A display device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the magnetic material
is magnet impregnated plastics.
6. A display device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the body member
is made from clear plastic of approximately 2 to 3mm thickness.
7. A display device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the magnetic strips
are of approximately 0.6 to 0.8mm thickness.
8. A display device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein one of the magnetic
strips is adjacent to the central area surrounded by the peripheral band.
1. Darstellvorrichtung zum Zeigen einer Fotografie oder dergleichen auf einer vertikalen
Metallfläche, wobei die Vorrichtung ein allgemein flaches Körperglied (1) aus einem
durchsichtigen Folienmaterial umfaßt, das vier Streifen aus Magnetwerkstoff (2.2,
3.2) auf einer hinteren Fläche des Körperglieds (1) trägt, die einen Mittelbereich
umgeben, wobei die Streifen aus Magnetwerkstoff es gestatten, die Vorrichtung durch
magnetische Anziehung an der Metallfläche zu befestigen, wobei die Fotografie (4)
oder dergleichen in einem zwischen der hinteren Fläche des Körperglieds und der Metallfläche
definierten Raum angeordnet ist und auf einem der Streifen gestützt wird, so daß sie
durch den Mittelbereich betrachtet werden kann, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß
a) das Körperglied (1) mit einem Umfangsband (5) versehen ist, um eine Einrahm- oder
Abdeckwirkung über einen Umfangsabdeckbereich zu erzeugen, wobei der Mittelbereich
des Körperglieds (1) optisch durchsichtig bleibt;
b) die vier Streifen so im Abdeckbereich liegen, daß sie nicht in den Mittelbereich
ragen, und
c) mindestens einer der vier Streifen (2.2, 3.2) einen nach innen geneigten Rand aufweist,
der entlang der Länge des Streifens läuft.
2. Darstellvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, bei der das durchsichtige Folienmaterial elastisch
ist.
3. Darstellvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, bei der das durchsichtige Folienmaterial flexibel
ist.
4. Darstellvorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei der das Umfangsband
auf eine Fläche des Körperglieds gedruckt und/oder gemalt ist.
5. Darstellvorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei dem der Magnetwerkstoff
mit einem Magnet imprägnierter Kunststoff ist.
6. Darstellvorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei der das Körperglied
aus durchsichtigem Kunststoff mit einer Dicke von ca. 2 bis 3 mm hergestellt ist.
7. Darstellvorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei der die Magnetstreifen
eine Dicke von ca. 0,6 bis 0,8 mm aufweisen.
8. Darstellvorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei der einer der Magnetstreifen
neben dem vom Umfangsbands umgebenen Mittelbereich liegt.
1. Dispositif d'affichage pour afficher une photographie ou similaire sur une surface
métallique verticale, le dispositif comprenant un élément de corps généralement plat
(1) en matériau en feuille transparente portant quatre bandes de matériau magnétique
(2.2, 3.2) sur une surface arrière de l'élément de corps (1) entourant une zone centrale,
les bandes de matériau magnétique permettant au dispositif d'être attaché à la surface
métallique par attraction magnétique, la photographie (4) ou similaire étant disposée
dans un espace défini entre la surface arrière de l'élément de corps et la surface
métallique et étant supportée sur l'une des bandes, de sorte qu'elle puisse être vue
à travers ladite zone centrale, caractérisé en ce que
a) l'élément de corps (1) est pourvu d'une bordure périphérique (5) pour créer un
effet de cadre ou de masquage sur une zone de masquage périphérique, en laissant ladite
zone centrale de l'élément de corps (1) transparente et visible,
b) les quatre bandes se trouvent dans la zone de masquage de manière à ne pas dépasser
dans la zone centrale, et
c) au moins l'une des quatre bandes (2.2, 3.2) a un rebord incliné vers l'intérieur,
s'étendant sur toute la longueur de la bande.
2. Dispositif d'affichage selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le matériau en feuille
transparente est élastique.
3. Dispositif d'affichage selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le matériau en feuille
transparente est flexible.
4. Dispositif d'affichage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans
lequel la bordure périphérique est imprimée et/ou peinte sur une surface de l'élément
de corps.
5. Dispositif d'affichage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans
lequel le matériau magnétique est du plastique imprégné d'un aimant.
6. Dispositif d'affichage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans
lequel l'élément de corps est fabriqué en plastique transparent d'environ 2 à 3 mm
d'épaisseur.
7. Dispositif d'affichage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans
lequel les bandes magnétiques ont une épaisseur d'environ 0,6 à 0,8 mm.
8. Dispositif d'affichage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans
lequel l'une des bandes magnétiques est adjacente à la zone centrale entourée par
la bordure périphérique.