CA2370060A1 - Ornamental photograph holder - Google Patents

Abstract

Display device (10) for displaying items such as photographs, poems, messages and other substantially two-dimensional memorabilia. The display device comprises a first outside panel (16) connected to a first inside panel (20a), a second inside panel (20b) connected to the first inside panel (20a), a second outside panel (18) connected to the second inside panel (20b), and fastening elements (25) to hold together the panels. The first and second outside panels (16, 18) include openings (22a, 22b), while the first and second inside panels (20a, 20b) include openings (22c, 22d) and receive the items for display. In a preferred embodiment photographs are fastened to the inside panels, the outside panels are folded to lie against the inside panels so that each photograph is visible through the respective openings, and the panels then are fastened together to retain a folded or partially folded configuration. The display device may have any kind of ornamental or other design and may be hung or set upon a flat surface.

Description

" ORNAMENTAL PHOTOGRAPH HOLDER "
Cross reference to Related Application This application claims the filing date of Provisional Application No. 60/130,736 filed April 20, 1999.
Technical Field The present invention relates to decorative articles such as holiday ornaments that display photographs, and an apparatus and method for displaying multiple photographs simultaneously.
B ackground Art Decorative articles are known and particularly popular during personal occasions such as birthdays, weddings, graduations, and seasonal holidays such as Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, Easter, Thanksgiving for decorating tables, mantels, shrines and hanging on trees. Some decorative articles are designed to receive and display objects of sentimentality such as photographs. For example, it is known to display a single photograph within a frame and rest the frame on a surface. Also, it is known to display a multitude of photographs by connecting them together and hanging them from a surface. Further, it is known to display photographs by attaching them to seasonal cards or ornaments and setting the cards or ornaments out in plain view.
U.S. Patent 5,116,648 discloses a Christmas tree ornament made of heavy paper or other sheet material which incl>~des an opening, a foldable crease, and slots for receiving a photograph. In practice, the photograph is inserted into the slots, then the ornament is folded over so that the opening surrounds the photograph. The ornament is secured in the folded configuration and may then be displayed by hanging from a Christmas tree.
U.S. Patent 4,224,364 discloses an ornamental display container comprising a pair of hollow housing sections which join together to define a closed container. In a preferred embodiment, an inner rib defines an annular seat to releasably support the marginal edges of two dimensional objects such as photographs. The pictures are mounted back-to-back on opposite sides of the rib and secured by adhesive or by a frictional fit.
U.S. Patent 5,458,930 discloses a decorative article having a housing such that a photograph disposed in the housing does not become undesirably dislodged, and which has a shield for protecting the photograph such that the shield does not become undesirably misaligned with the photograph.
Primarily, the prior art devices display only a single photograph at a time, provide housings which include many pieces, provide housing which are fragile, and provide housing which are not versatile in that, by themselves, cannot be both hung or placed on a flat spot and remain there. Thus, there is a need in the art for a display device that can display multiple photographs, is constructed of one piece, is economical to produce, is easy to assembly, is durable, and is versatile in that it can be hung to display photographs or placed on a flat surface to display photographs.
Summary of the Invention The present invention provides a display device that can display multiple photographs, poems, messages and other substantially two-dimensional memorabilia, is constructed of one piece, economical to produce, easy to assembly, compact, durable, ornamental, and is versatile in that it can be hung to display photographs or placed on a flat surface to display photographs.
In accordance with the present invention, this objective is accomplished by providing an ornamental device for displaying photographs, comprising: a first outside panel connected to a first inside panel; a second inside panel connected to the first inside panel; a second outside panel connected to the second inside panel; and a clasp or coupling. The first and second outside panels include openings, while the first and second inside panels include fasteners. In one embodiment, the inside panels also include openings.
In one embodiment photographs are fastened to the inside panels, the outside panels are folded to lie against the inside panels so that each photograph is visible through a respective opening, and then all the panels are clasped together to retain the folded or partially folded configuration.
In one embodiment, the display device includes a front panel and a back panel which are the same so that the display appears identical from either side. The front and back panels each include a window opening. A pair of inside panels, each including a window opening, are positioned between the front and back panels. The window opening of the front panel and the window of the adjacent inside panel combine to provide a single opening in the front of the display device when the display device is in a folded position. Likewise, the window opening of the back panel and the window opening of the adjacent inside panel combine to provide a single opening in the back of the display device when the display device is in the folded position.
When the display device is in the partially folded position such as when it is resting on a table or shelf, the inside panels are partially spaced apart from one another so that the display device will remain upright without further assistance. While in the partially folded position, the window openings of the outside panels are and remain substantially aligned with the window openings of the adjacent central body panels.
The inside panels are connected to one another at a portion of their edges to define a fold line or crease. Also, an edge portion of the front panel is connected to an edge portion of the adjacent inside panel to define a fold line or crease and an edge portion of the back panel is connected to an edge portion of the adjacent inside panel to define a fold line or crease.
The creases of the front and back panels provide a flat surface for contacting the surface of the table or shelf The flat surfaces of the creases enable the display device to remain upright while in the partially folded position.
In one embodiment, the front panel includes a tongue extending from an edge portion opposite the crease. The back panel includes an opening configured for receiving the tongue. To secure the display device together, the tongue is folded over the crease formed by the inside panels and inserted into the back panel to hold the front and back panels together.

In one embodiment, each of the inside panels include four slits. Each slit is configured for receiving and retaining a corner of a photograph. Alternatively, fewer or more slits, staples, tape, common adhesive or any other type of fastener may be utilized for suitably securing each of the photographs to one of the inside body panels. Preferably, the photographs are secured to the inside panels by placing the photographs between the two inside panels with the front of each photograph adjacent to the surface of the respective inside panel.
Preferably, the display device of the present invention is contoured to a silhouette of a conventional three-dimensional Christmas tree ornament, Hanukkah gift box, wreath or the like.
Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a perspective view of a photograph holder according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, shown in a fully folded configuration, hanging from a support.
Figure 2 is a perspective view which illustrates the embodiment of Fig. 1 in a partially folded configuration, set upon a support.
Figure 3 is a perspective view which illustrates the embodiment of Fig. 1 being folded or unfolded.
Figure 4 is a rear quarter perspective view of the embodiment as shown in Fig. 3.
Figure 5 is a plan view which illustrates a decorated side of the embodiment of Fig. 1 before folding.
Figure 6 is a plan view which illustrated an undecorated side of the embodiment of Fig. 1 before folding.
Figure 7 is a perspective view which illustrates a second preferred embodiment being folded or unfolded.
Figure 8 is a perspective view which illustrates a third preferred embodiment being folded or unfolded.
Figure 9 is a perspective view which illustrates a fourth preferred embodiment being folded or unfolded.
Detailed Description Referring now in more detail to the drawings, Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate a photograph holder generally designated by the reference number 10 employing the present invention. The photograph holder 10 may be hung from a Christmas tree branch 12 with a hook or string 13 as shown in Fig. 1, or placed on a surface such as a table or shelf 14 as shown in Fig. 2. The photograph holder 10 shown in Fig. 1 is in a folded position, and that photograph holder as shown in Fig. 2 is in a partially folded position. Figs. 3 and 4 illustrate the front and back views of the 5 photograph holder 10 in an expanded position.
As best shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the photograph holder 10 includes a front panel 16 and a back panel 18. Preferably, the front panel 16 and back panel 18 are the same so that the photograph holder 10 appears identical from either side. A pair of central body panels 20a and 20b are positioned between the front and back panels 16, 18. The front panel 16 includes a window opening 22a therethrough, the back panel includes a window opening 22b therethrough, the central body panel 20a includes a window opening 22c therethrough, and the other central body panel 20b includes a window opening 22d therethrough. The window 22a of front panel 16 and the window opening 22c of the adjacent central body panel 20a combine to provide a single opening in the front of the photograph holder when the photograph holder is in the folded position.
Also, the window opening 22b of the back panel 18 and the window opening 22d of the adjacent central body panel 20b combine to provide a single opening in the back of the photograph holder when the photograph holder is in the folded position.
Preferably, each of the window openings 22a-22d have similar diameters so that the window openings 22a-22d are substantially aligned with one another when the photograph holder 10 is in the folded position as best shown in Figs. 3 and 4. However, when the photograph holder 10 in the partially folded position is placed on a table or shelf 14 as shown in Figs. 2, the central body panels 20a, 20b of the photograph holder 10 are partially spaced apart from one another so that the photograph holder 10 will remain upright on the table or shelf 14. While in the partially folded position, the window opening 22a and the corresponding window opening 22c are still substantially aligned with one another. Also, while in the partially folded position, the window opening 22b and the corresponding window opening 22d are still substantially aligned with one another.
Figs. 5 and 6 show front and back views, respectively, of the photograph holder 10 in an expanded position. As best shown in Figs. 5 and 6, each of the central body panels 20a and 20b is interconnected to one another at a portion of their edges to define a transverse fold line or crease 24. The crease 24, incorporating a double-score type feature, permits the central body panels to lie alongside each other when the crease 24 is folded. Also, an edge portion of the front panel 16 is connected to an edge portion of the central body panel 20a to define a transverse fold line or crease 26 and an edge portion of the back panel 18 is connected to an edge portion of the other central body panel 20b to define a transverse fold line or crease 28. The crease 26 permits the front panel 16 to lie alongside the central body panel 20a when the crease 26 is folded and the crease 28 permits the back panel to lie alongside the other central body panel 20b when the crease 28 is folded. The creases 26 and 28 also provide a flat surface for contacting the surface of the table or shelf as shown in Fig. 2. The flat surfaces of the creases 26, 28 are at the bottom of the folded photograph holder 10 and enable the photograph holder to remain upright while in the partially folded position, as shown in Fig. 2.
The front panel 16 also includes a tongue 25, best shown ~in Fig. 3, extending from an edge portion of the front panel 16 opposite the crease 26. To secure the photograph holder 10 together, the tongue 25 is folded over the crease 24 to contact the back panel 18 and lock the front and back panels 16 and 18 together. The back panel 18 also includes an opening 29 configured for receiving the tongue 25. The opening 29 is preferably defined by an edge portion of the back panel 18 protruding out from the periphery of the remainder of the back panel 18. The opening 29 may be as narrow as a slit for locking the tongue 25 into the opening 29. Alternatively, the back panel 18 may instead include the tongue 25 and the front panel 16 may instead include the opening 29.
Each of the central body panels 20a and 20b further includes four slits 30. Each slit 30 is configured for receiving and retaining a corner of a photograph 32a or 32b. Alternatively, fewer or more slits, or staples, tape, common adhesive or any other type of fastener may be utilized for suitably securing each of the photographs to one of the central body panels 20a, 20b. Figs. 3 and 4 best illustrate the slots 30 receiving and retaining the comers of photographs 32a, 32b for securing the photographs to the central body panels 20a, 20b of the photograph holder 10. Preferably, the photographs 32a, 32b are secured to the central body panels 20a, 20b by placing the photographs 32a, 32b between the two central body panels 20a, 20b with the front of each photograph adjacent to the surface of the respective central body panel 20a, 20b. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the corners of photograph 32a pass through the central body panel 20a towards the front panel 16 and the corners of photograph 32b pass through the other central body panel 20b towards the back panel 18.
Preferably, the photograph holder of the present invention is contoured to a silhouette of a conventional three-dimensional Christmas tree ornament, Hanukkah gift box, or the like. In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1-6, a photograph holder 10 is contoured to a silhouette of a Christmas tree. By way of example and not limitation, Figs. 7-9 illustrate alternative silhouettes. Fig. 7 illustrates a photograph holder 34 contoured to a silhouette of a wreath, Fig. 8 illustrates a photograph holder 36 contoured to a silhouette of a gift box, and Fig. 9 illustrates a photograph holder 38 contoured to a silhouette of a conventional glass ball Christmas tree ornament. Notwithstanding the differing contours of the various embodiments, like numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views.
As is readily apparent to one skilled in the art, the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings may be altered while remaining within the scope of the claims listed below. For example, the device may be made from foldable sheet products such as paper, plastic, cardboard and various types of laminates. Alternatively, the panels may be made of rigid material such as metal or wood and each panel may be mechanically attached to another with some kind of hinge.
It is obvious that the hinge may be any kind of flexible material such as but not limited to cloth and leather. As is also readily apparent to one skilled in the art, the interlocking tongue and receiver described above to hold the device in a folder or partially folder configuration may be substituted with a mechanical clasp or fastener.

Claims (14)

Claims

1. A display device, comprising:
a first outside panel foldably connected to a first inside panel;
a second inside panel foldably connected to said first inside panel; and a second outside panel foldably connected to said second inside panel.

2. The display device of Claim 1, wherein said first and said second inside panels include means for retaining a sheet material, and said first outside panel includes a first opening and said second outside panel includes a second opening.

3. The display device of Claim 2, wherein said first outside panel is foldable to lie against said first inside panel such that said sheet material, when present, is visible through said first opening.

4. The display device of Claim 2, wherein said second outside panel is foldable to lie against said second inside panel such that said sheet material, when present, is visible through said second opening.

5. The display device of Claim 2 wherein said first inside panel includes a third opening and said second inside panel includes a fourth opening such that, when folded, said first opening aligns with said third opening and said second opening aligns with said fourth opening.

6. The display device of Claim 2, wherein said sheet material is a photograph.

7. The display device of Claim 1, wherein said panels are foldable to form a flat edge configured to contact said support.

8. The display device of Claim 1 wherein said first outside panel and said second outside panel together include means for coupling together said panels when folded along side of each other.

9. The display device of Claim 8, wherein said means for coupling is a foldable protrusion positioned on said first outside panel and a receiver positioned on said second outside panel.

10. The display device of Claim 9, wherein said protrusion is lockably inserted into said receiver to retain said panels in a folded configuration.

11. The display device of Claim 1, wherein at least one of said panels includes a receiving means for hanging.

12. The display device of Claim 1, wherein said panels are flexible and formed as a unit from a single sheet product.

13. A display device, comprising:
a first outside panel, which includes a first opening, foldably connected to a first inside panel;
a second inside panel which includes means for retaining a first sheet of material, foldably connected to said first inside panel which includes means for retaining a second sheet of material;
a second outside panel, which includes a second opening, foldably connected to said second inside panel; and means for coupling said first outside panel and second outside panel to secure all of said panels when folded into a configuration such that said first opening lies within said means for retaining of said first inside panel and said second opening lies within said means for retaining of said second inside panel.

14. A method for displaying a plurality of sheet material comprising the steps of:
providing a foldable assembly that includes a first opening within a first section, a first means for fastening within a second section, a second means for fastening within a third section, and a second opening within a fourth section;
attaching a first sheet of material to said first means for fastening, and attaching a second sheet of material to said second means for fastening;
folding said first section to lie against said second section such that said first sheet of material is visible through said first opening, and folding said fourth section to lie against said third section so that said second sheet of material is visible through said second opening; and, coupling said first section to said fourth section to secure all of said panels in a folded configuration.