GB2304930A - Automatic picture changing frame assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

An electronic picture system which consists of a casing 10 including a continuous belt 36 having provided thereon a series of photos or posters 49. An electronic system 20 is provided which operates a motor to sequentially move individual photos or posters into a viewing area defined by the casing. A timer may periodically rotate the belt to expose a different picture in the viewing area. A sensing mechanism 54 may stop the movement of the belt after a picture is located in position within the viewing area. On-off switch 22, manual switch 24 and batteries 50 are shown. The system may be arranged to move the pictures vertically instead of horizontally.

Description

AUTOMATIC DISPLAY CHANGING FRAME ASSEMBLY This invention relates to a frame assembly for sequentially displaying a plurality of photographs or posters. It can be arranged as a personal (or household/desktop) photo frame. Such frames typically have a size less than 300mm high by 250mm wide by lOOrtim deep. It can also be arranged for posters for personal or commercial use.

Photo frame arrangements have been long known and are traditionally used to provide a static display of photos of members of one's family, friends, or acquaintances or particularly attractive scenic views. They generally consist of picture frames of various sizes and shapes in which a single or a plurality of photos remain constantly on display. Static poster displays are similarly known.

This traditional way of displaying photographs and posters has long been used and functions in a satisfactory manner.

In an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a frame assembly that contains a plurality of photos or posters and is programmed to change the photo or poster on display periodically by an automatic timing arrangement or by a manually operated switch if desired.

An embodiment of the invention provides a series of photos in a single framing device, which photos will be periodically changed automatically, to provide one with an opportunity to have a multiple photo display unit within a relatively small compact unit. With such an arrangement, a plurality of photos can be on display without having to replace the pictures periodically. In addition, an arrangement is provided to change the photos quickly.

In embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an electrically operated photo frame system which is generally the size of a typical frame assembly capable of displaying various sized pictures such as the conventional 5 x 7 inch (127mm x 178mm) or 4 x 6 inch (102mm x 152mm) photos. The photos are separately mounted on a continuous belt arrangement that consists of a plurality of spaced pockets or sleeves in which individual photos are placed. An electronicallycontrolled, motor-operated roller system to which the belt is connected is used to move the pictures into position to be shown and periodically change them. In the illustrated embodiment, the roller system consists of two pairs of three rollers by which the photo assemblage is relocated within the frame assembly.The six-roller assemblage is operated so that the belt will periodically and sequentially display six spaced pictures in the photo frame display opening. Needless to say, if it was desired to have the frame assembly contain a larger or smaller number of pictures, the roller assembly could be modified accordingly.

The plurality of rollers making up the drive system for the continuous belt containing the plurality of photos consists of one of the rollers being a drive roller having sprockets that engage a series of holes in the continuous belt at their upper and lower portions to drive the continuous belt containing the individual pictures. A motor-operated gear assemblage interconnects the motor and drive roller so that activation of the motor turns the drive roller to move the belt to place the next picture in position to be viewed through the frame display opening. To insure proper location of each individual picture within the frame display opening, the continuous photo assemblage includes in the middle of each pocket containing an individual picture an indicia that is located adjacent the edge of the belt, preferably between two adjacent sprocket holes.The indicia is positioned to pass through a sensing mechanism, at which time the motor is stopped. In addition, the electronic system includes a timing device that is set to turn on the motor periodically, to change the picture in the frame viewing area. The automatic operation can be set as desired as, for example, to change the picture every twenty four hours. Thus, when the motor is turned on, the drive roller is operated to move the belt and, after one picture has been replaced with another in the frame viewing area, the indicia on a corresponding picture is positioned in the sensing mechanism, with the result that the sensing mechanism acts to turn off the motor. When the time interval of twenty four hours is again expired, the motor is again restarted and the sequence of events repeats itself.It can be appreciated that in this way the motor will be turned on and off every twenty four hours and that a new picture will be on display for each sequential twenty four hour period.

In addition to the automatic timing arrangement, a manual button is provided as part of the electronic control system to energize the motor to change the picture in the viewing area whenever desired.

As aforementioned, the frame system illustrated is sufficiently diversified so that it can accommodate either 4 x 6 inch (102mm x 157mm) or 5 x 7 inch (127mm x 178mm) photographs merely by inserting a supplemental frame member within the existing frame. The existing frame is set up to receive a 5 x 7 inch (127mm x 178mm) picture and the auxiliary frame reduces the viewing area to 4 x 6 inch (102mm x 157mm). Here again, these are merely exemplary of the sizes that can be employed since larger or smaller pictures can be accommodated. The frame system can be arranged, for example, to be used with posters.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the following drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an automatic photo frame assembly illustrating the continuous photo arrangement; Fig. 2 is a section taken along line 2-2 of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a broken away, exploded view of the casing illustrating in perspective various components of the photo frame assembly; Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 1 but illustrating additional details thereof; Fig. 5 is a view taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 4 disclosing the sensor mechanism; and Fig. 6 is a view illustrating a bearing support for the individual rollers.

Referring first to Fig. 1, there is illustrated the photo frame assembly comprising a casing 10 having a top cover 12. The cover is secured to the main body of the casing 10 by fasteners (not shown) that extend through fastener holes 14 (Fig. 3).

In the upper portion of casing 10, there is located the electronic control plate 20 to which are connected suitable control mechanisms for timing the operation of the motor, the sensing mechanism that functions to turn off the motor in response to a particular location of a picture, the on/off switch mechanism 22 for facilitating operation of the frame assembly, and a manual control switch 24 for changing the picture whenever desired.

Also located in the upper part of the casing 10 are a support 26 and a plate 27 that support the axles of the gear assembly 28 that interconnects the motor 29 with the driver roller 30. The plate 27, in conjunction with the lower support plate 31, as shown in Fig. 3, is provided with openings 32, 33, respectively, for supporting the ends of the rollers in the casing 10. The particular roller mechanism provided consists of two sets of three rollers located on opposite sides of the frame assembly.

The drive roller 30 includes a rubber roller bearing 34 in the opening 32 as shown in Fig. 6.

Specifically, all of the rollers include such a roller bearing, which facilitates rotation of the rollers within the openings 32, 33 provided in the plates 27, 31, respectively.

Referring now to Fig. 2, it can be seen that the continuous belt 36 is disposed about the rollers 30, 38, 40, 42, 44, and 46, and the sections between pairs of rollers 30/38, 38/40, 40/42, 42/44, 44/46 and 46/30 essentially define the six viewing areas in which individual pictures are placed. An individual picture 49 is placed against the continuous belt 36 and located thereover is an adhered clear plastic overlay 48 that protects each picture from being scratched as it is rotated through the assembly. Separate pictures are placed on each of the six sections referred to above, with the result that there are now six pictures contained in the electronic frame device. The six pictures are sequentially rotated as determined by the timing mechanism provided when the motor powered by batteries 50 in battery casing 53 is actuated by the timing device (not shown) or manual switch 24.Specifically, when the motor is turned on by the timing device, the gears 28 are driven to rotate the roller 30. Located on the roller 30 are sprockets 51 that engage sprocket holes 52 in the belt 36.

As previously mentioned, there is a sensing mechanism 54 as disclosed in Fig. 5 that acts to disengage the motor 29 after one picture has been rotated out of position with respect to the front of the frame and a second picture is placed in position. The sensing mechanism 54 includes a signal response member 56 connected to the electronic control mechanism that is actuated when the marked response indicia 58 enters the sensing device 54.

These indicia 58 are placed in the middle of each picture and thus when the belt 36 is moved to place a new picture in position, an indicia 58 is located within the sensing device 54 as shown in Fig. 2, and the motor 29 is disengaged. The timer, after a certain period of time, i.e., assuming the timer is set to reactivate the motor every twenty four hours, will re-engage the motor, and the belt 36 will be moved by rotation of the sprocketed roller 30 to move the belt 36 until the next response indicia 58 finds its way into the sensing device 54, at which time the motor will be shut off.

It remains to note that the front of the frame device includes a front frame member 62 and a glass 64. The front frame 62 includes side brackets 66 that fit into bracket receiving openings 68 of the casing 10 as shown in Fig. 3.

There is additionally provided a frame reduction member 68 which when placed in position as shown in Fig. 1 reduces the exposed area of a picture in the frame viewing area to 4 x 6 inch (102mm x 157mm). When frame 68 is removed, the size of the opening accommodates a 5 x 7 inch (127mm x 178mm) picture.

The frame assembly may be retained in a standing position by means of a hinged casing support (not shown) located on the back of the casing 10.

The frame assembly may be scaled to accommodate posters, for example for personal or commercial use (e.g.

advertising purposes). Accordingly, the word "picture" in the appended claims encompasses both photographs and posters.

The roller mechanism may be arranged to move the photographs or posters sequentially in a vertical direction instead of a horizontal direction.

The system may be arranged to operate from an AC and/or DC (e.g. battery) power supply.

Claims (17)

1. An automatic picture frame assembly comprising a housing defining a display area, a continuous array of picture holders, a support assembly in said housing for said continuous array, a drive assembly for sequentially displaying a picture positioned in said array in said display area, an electronically operated control mechanism for operating said drive assembly, said control mechanism including a motor for operating said drive assembly, and an electronic system for operating said motor to periodically locate a different picture positioned in said array in said display area.

2. A picture frame assembly as set forth in claim 1, in which the continuous array of picture holders consists of elements for individually encasing pictures and the drive assembly consists of a plurality of rollers about which said continuous array is disposed.

3. A picture frame assembly in accordance with claim 1 or claim 2 in which adjacent each of said picture holders there is provided a sensing material and the electronic system includes a timing device that coordinates with the sensing material to periodically change the picture located in the display area.

4. A picture frame assembly as set forth in claim 3 whereby a manual switch is included in said electronic system which when actuated will operate said motor to change the picture in said display area.

5. A picture frame assembly as set forth in any preceding claim, in which the housing display area is provided with an insert whereby the display area can be reduced to accommodate a smaller size picture.

6. A picture frame assembly as set forth in claim 2 or any of claims 3 to 5 when dependent on claim 2, in which the continuous array of picture holders is disposed about a belt that includes a continuous row of sprocket holes and the drive assembly includes a gear train connecting the motor to one of said rollers, which roller includes a circumferential row of sprockets which interengage said holes to move said array when the motor is activated.

7. A picture frame assembly as set forth in claim 6, in which the housing is rectangular in shape, the electronic system and gear train are located in a single compartment of the housing and the housing display area is covered with glass.

8. A picture frame assembly as set forth in claim 9, in which located behind the glass is an insert whereby the display area is reduced to accommodate a smaller size picture.

9. A picture frame assembly as set forth in any of claims 6 to 8, in which the roller assembly consists of three rollers on opposite sides of the housing one of which is driven by the motor and the continuous array is disposed about said rollers to provide for the handling of six separate pictures encased in its own envelope with each envelope located between two spaced rollers.

10. A picture frame assembly as set forth in claim 9, in which each envelope contains a sensing material which cooperates with said electronic system to disengage the motor when the envelope reaches a predetermined position with respect to said display area.

11. A picture frame assembly as set forth in any preceding claim in which the housing includes batteries that provide the electric power for said system.

12. A picture frame assembly comprising means for storing a plurality of pictures, electrically operated means for transporting a selected one of the pictures to a display area, the others being concealed, and means for causing the transport means to change-over the pictures in the display area.

13. The frame of claim 12, wherein the storing means is a continuous belt formed with picture receiving pockets and provided with position indicia for respective pockets, the transport means being arranged to register the pictures sequentially in the display area in response to the indicia.

14. A frame according to any preceding claim, having a size less than 300mm by 250mm by 100mm.

15. A frame according to any preceding claim, adapted to display photographs of size 4 x 6 inches (102mm x 157mm) or 5 x 7 inches (127mm x 178mm).

16. A frame according to any of claims 1 to 13, adapted to display posters.

17. A frame substantially as described herein with reference to, or as shown in, the accompanying drawings.