GB2328153A

GB2328153A - Display box

Info

Publication number: GB2328153A
Application number: GB9716512A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Andrew Lockwood
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1997-08-06
Filing date: 1997-08-06
Publication date: 1999-02-17
Anticipated expiration: 2017-08-06
Also published as: GB2328153B; GB9716512D0

Abstract

A spacer framework (7, 8) comprising an upper stepped region (9,14) adapted to engage a picture frame (2), or the like, and a lower stepped region (12, 16) adapted to receive a backing panel (18), or another spacer framework, the arrangement being such that, in use, the framework provides means by which the picture frame, or the like, is held spaced from the backing panel or a second spacer framework.

Description

DISPLAY BOX The present invention relates to display boxes and methods of manufacturing display boxes and is concerned particularly, although not exclusively, with display boxes and 3D decoupage displays constructed using picture frames, or the like.

At present display boxes and 3D decoupage frames are constructed using deep sided sections comprising a portion of picture-frame appearance and an integral side panel extending perpendicularly therefrom.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a spacer framework comprising an upper stepped region adapted to engage a picture frame, or the like, and a lower stepped region adapted to receive a backing panel, or a second spacer framework, the arrangement being such that, in use, the framework provides means by which the picture frame, or the like, is held spaced from the backing panel or a second spacer framework.

The upper stepped region preferably comprises an inner step portion substantially extending around the innermost circumference of the spacer framework and an outer shoulder portion disposed outwardly of and below the inner step portion and extending around the outermost circumference of the spacer framework (the terms 'inner' and 'outer' being used in relation to the central axis of the spacer framework), the arrangement being such that, in use, the outer shoulder region abuts the picture frame, or the like, and the inner step portion is received by the picture frame, or the like.

Preferably the lower stepped region comprises an outer step portion substantially extending around the outermost circumference of the spacer framework; and an inner recess substantially extends around the innermost circumference of the spacer framework adjacent the outer step portion, the arrangement being such that, in use, the backing panel is located within the inner recess.

Each of the sections is preferably formed such that they comprise a rotational axes of symmetry extending through the length thereof and about which the section has rotational symmetry every 180 degrees.

The spacer framework preferably comprises four substantially straight sections arranged such that they form a rectangular shape. The respective sections are formed with mitred ends and are preferably joined together at the corners of the spacer framework.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of constructing a display box comprising fixing a spacer framework, as defined by the first aspect of the invention, to the back of a picture frame, or the like.

Preferably a backing panel is then fixed to the prefabricated spacer framework.

Preferably the method also comprises firstly placing a transparent pane in a picture frame, or the like, then fixing a prefabricated spacer framework onto the back of a picture frame, or the like, and fixing a back mounting panel to the prefabricated spacer -amework.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a display box comprising a picture frame, or the like, and a spacer framework as defined by the first aspect of the invention.

It is preferable to provide a plurality of spacer frameworks adapted to be arranged in a stacked manner to provide a range of boxes of different depths. The box preferably comprises a plurality of spacer frameworks each having different respective distances between their respective stepped regions, being such that the frameworks are formed with different depths.

The spacer frameworks preferably comprise snap engaging means.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying Figures in which: Fieure 1 is a plan view of a display box; Figure 2 is a cross-section of the display box on the line A-A of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a plan view of a spacer framework; Figure 4 is a vertical side view of a stepped section; Figure 5 is a plan view of the stepped section of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a vertical view of the stepped section in the direction B of Figure 5; and Figure 7 is a vertical view of a further embodiment of the stepped section comprising a snap engaging means.

Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 3 a display box 1 comprises a square picture frame 2 and a spacer framework assembly 3. The picture frame 2 comprises a substantially L shape cross-section. Received within the frame 2 is a flat square pane of glass 5 and a square mount 6 which provides an inner border and is located below the glass 5.

The picture frame can be of any moulding style including, but not limited to, a bead and bevel moulding, a spoon moulding or a cockbead and bevel moulding. Any other decorative or plain frame could be used if desired instead of a conventional picture frame.

The spacer frame assembly 3 comprises two square spacer frameworks 7, 8 arranged in a stacked manner. The frameworks 7,8 each comprises four stepped sections A, B, C, D. The frameworks are shaped from lengths of wood. Alternatively, the frameworks can be of plastics material. It will be appreciated that the framework could be made of any material which is formable into a shape similar to those illustrated in the Figures. The spacer frame assembly 3 comprises a central axis 4 which is perpendicular to the plane of Figure 3. The terms "inner" and "outer" are hereinafter used in relation to the central axis 4.

The spacer framework 7 comprises an upper stepped region 9 formed with an inner step portion 10 to, bt received by the picture frame 2 and a shoulder portion 11 that abuts the lowermost surface of the picture frame 2.

The inner stepped portion 10 extends around the uppermost inner circumference of the framework 7. The spacer framework 7 also comprises a lower stepped region 12 formed with an outer step portion 13 extending around the outer circumference of the lowermost end of the framework 7.

The innermost face of the step portion 13 defines a recess disposed inwardly thereof.

The spacer framework 8 comprises an upper stepped region 14 formed with an inner step portion 28 and a shoulder portion 30 that abuts the lowermost surface of the stepped portion 13. The inner stepped portion 28 is adapted to be received by the recess defined by the stepped portion 13. The spacer framework 8 also comprises a lower stepped region 16 formed with an outer step portion 32 extending around the outer circumference of the lowermost end of the framework 8. The innermost surface of the step portion 32 defines a recess 34 disposed inwardly thereof. The recess 34 is formed to receive a square backing panel 18.

Referring to Figure 3 the four stepped sections A, B, C, D of the framework 8 are formed with mitred ends 20 that are secured by four W shaped plate staples 22 commonly termed 'corner wedges'. The staples 22 are pneumatically driven into the uppermost surface of the framework 8. The framework 7 has similar fixings to secure its four sections together.

Alternatively or in addition, each respective pair of ends forming the corner of the framework can be glued together or shaped to provide interlocking means such as a dovetail joint. When the framework is glued the picture frame will provide additional support while the glue is setting.

Figures 4 to 6 show a single framework stepped section A of the framework 8 and the section A is identical to the sections B, C, D. Section A forms one side of the framework 8 and the same reference numerals have been used in respect of the equivalent features of the framework.

The upper region 14 of section A is formed with an inner stepped portion 28 extending along the length of the section and an outer shoulder portion 30 extending along the length of the section. The lower stepped region 16 of section A is formed with an outer step portion 32 extending in the opposite direction from the inner step portion 28 and a lower inner recess 34 defined by the step portion 32. The mitred ends 36 of the section are cut at a 45 degree angle as shown in Figure 5. It will be appreciated that, prior to the ends of the sections being mitred, section A has a rotational axes of symmetry XX, as shown in Figure 5, extending through the length thereof.

The stacked frameworks 7,8 are secured together by adhesive.

Alternatively, the frameworks are secured together by fastenings such as, but not limited to, pins, tacks and staples.

Figure 7 shows a further alternative for securing the respective frameworks together. The outwardly facing surface 40 of the inner stepped portion 28 is formed with a first outwardly sloped region 42 and a second outwardly sloped region 47 extending along the length of the stepped portion 28. It will be appreciated that the outwardly facing surface 40 could comprise one or a plurality of sloped regions spaced along the length of the stepped portion 28. The sloped region 42 is such that the width of the stepped portion 28 increases from the uppermost face 44, towards the shoulder portion 30 up until the step 46. The second sloped region 47 extends from the step 46 to the shoulder portion 30. The second sloped region 47 is substantially parallel to the first sloped region 42.

The outer stepped portion 32 comprises a similar sloped region 48 to that of the stepped portion 28. The sloped region 48 faces in the opposite direction to the sloped region 40. The arrangement of the sloped regions is such that the sloped regions of respective spacer frameworks first come into sliding contact with each other when one spacer framework is placed on a second spacer framework and the frameworks are urged together.

As the frameworks are urged together the stepped portions resiliently deform to accommodate their increasing respective widths. The stepped portions reach their maximum deformation when the respective steps approach each other. As the steps align and then cross each other, the respective stepped portions snap together and substantially reform to their original shape. The steps then abut one another so providing an interlocking means that holds the frameworks together. A framework made from plastics material lends itself to this particular embodiment.

The depth of each framework will depend on the requirements of the articles to be displayed; the depth of the framework being the distance between the upper stepped region and the lower stepped region. The framework assembly 3 can comprise a single framework or a plurality of frameworks and also any combination of frameworks having different depths. The frameworks can be manufactured in a number of different standard unit depths and the required depth of the display box is achieved by using a combination of one or more of the said standard unit depth frameworks.

The spacer framework assembly 3 provides means to increase the depth of the display box 1 by spacing the frame 3 from the backing panel 18 so defining the volume 21 in which articles can be displayed. The increase of the depth of the box 1 and hence the volume 21 will of course depend upon the number of the frameworks and the depths thereof.

It will also be appreciated that a significant advantage of the invention is that the spacer framework can be readily constructed by using the same apparatus and similar techniques to those used by a picture frame maker in assembling conventional picture frames.

The framework sections can be sold in lengths for cutting by the framer, or kits may be provided which comprise pre-cut and pre-mitred framework section lengths.

Claims

1. A spacer framework comprising an upper stepped region adapted to engage a picture frame, or the like, and a lower stepped region adapted to receive a backing panel, or a second spacer framework, the arrangement being such that, in use, the framework provides means by which the picture frame, or the like, is held spaced from the backing panel or a second spacer framework.

2. A spacer framework as claimed in claim 1 in which the upper stepped region comprises an inner step portion substantially extending around the innermost circumference of the spacer framework and an outer shoulder portion disposed outwardly of and below the inner step portion and extending around the outermost circumference of the spacer framework (the terms 'inner' and 'outer' being used in relation to the central axis of the spacer framework), the arrangement being such that, in use, the outer shoulder region abuts the picture frame, or the like, and the inner step portion is received by the picture frame, or the like.

3. A spacer framework as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 in which the lower stepped region comprises an outer step portion substantially extending around the outermost circumference of the spacer framework; and an inner recess substantially extends around the innermost circumference of the spacer framework adjacent the outer step portion, the arrangement being such that, in use, the backing panel is located within the inrter recess.

4. A spacer framework as claimed in any preceding claim comprising four substantially straight sections arranged such that they form a rectangular shape.

5. A spacer framework as claimed in claim 4 the respective sections are formed with mitred ends.

6. A spacer framework as claimed in claim 4 or 5 in which the respective sections are joined together at the corners of the spacer framework.

7. A spacer framework as claimed in any of claims 4, 5 or 6 in which each of the sections is formed such that they comprise a rotational axis of symmetry extending through the length thereof and about which the section has rotational symmetry every 180 degrees.

8. A method of constructing a display box comprising fixing a spacer framework, as claimed in any preceding claim, to the back of a picture frame, or the like.

9. A method as claimed in claim 8 in which a backing panel is then fixed to the prefabricated spacer framework.

10. A method of constructing a display box comprising first placing a transparent pane in a picture frame, or the like, then fixing a prefabricated spacer framework onto the back of a picture frame, or the like, and fixing a back mounting panel to the prefabricated spacer framework.

11. A display box comprising a picture frame, or the like, and a spacer framework as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7.

12. A display box as claimed in claim 11 comprising a plurality of spacer frameworks each having different respective distances between their respective stepped regions, being such that the frameworks are formed with different depths.

13. A display box as claimed in either claim 11 or 12 in which the spacer frameworks comprise snap engaging means.

14. A spacer framework substantially as herein described and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

15. A display box substantially as herein described and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

16. A method of constructing a display box substantially as herein described and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows CLAIMS 1. A spacer framework comprising an upper stepped region adapted to engage a picture frame, or the like, and a lower stepped region adapted to receive a backing panel, or a second spacer framework, the spacer framework comprising a plurality of sections each having a rotational axis of symmetry extending through the length thereof and about which the section has rotational symmetry every 180 degrees, the arrangement being such that, in use, the spacer framework provides means by which the picture frame, or the like, is held spaced from the backing panel or a second spacer framework.

3. A spacer framework as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 in which the lower stepped region comprises an outer step portion substantially extending around the outermost circumference of the spacer framework; and an inner recess substantially extends around the innermost circumference of the spacer framework adjacent the outer step portion, the arrangement being such that, in use, the backing panel is located within the inner recess.

5. A spacer framework as claimed in claim 4 in which the respective sections are formed with mitred ends.

6. A spacer framework as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5 in which the respective sections are joined together at the corners of the spacer framework.

7. A method of constructing a display box comprising fixing a spacer framework, as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, to the back of a picture frame, or the like.

8. A method as claimed in claim 8 in which a backing panel is then fixed to the prefabricated spacer framework.

9. A method of constructing a display box comprising first placing a transparent pane in a picture frame, or the like, then fixing a prefabricated spacer framework onto the back of a picture frame, or the like, and fixing a back mounting panel to the prefabricated spacer framework.

10. A display box comprising a picture frame, or the like, and a spacer framework as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6.

11. A display box as claimed in claim 10 in which the display box comprises a plurality of spacer frameworks each having different respective distances between their respective stepped regions, being such that the frameworks are formed with different depths.

12. A display box as claimed in either claim 10 or 11 in which the spacer frameworks comprise snap engaging means.

13. A display box comprising a first spacer framework including an upper stepped region adapted to engage a picture frame or the like and a lower stepped region adapted to receive a second spacer framework, the arrangement being such that there is snap engaging means between the first framework and the second framework.

14. A display box as claimed in claim 13 wherein the snap engaging means is provided by a first sloped portion forming part of the lower stepped region of the first spacer framework and a second sloped portion forming part of the upper stepped region of the second spacer framework.

15. A display box as claimed in claim 14 wherein the respective sloped portions are each formed with a step, the arrangement being such that the respective steps interlock.

16. A section member for a spacer framework as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the section member comprises a rotational axis of symmetry extending through the length of the member and about which the section has rotational symmetry every 180 degrees.

17. A section member for a display box as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15 wherein the member comprises an upper stepped region and a lower stepped region, at least one of the stepped regions being formed with snap engaging means.

18. A spacer framework substantially as herein described and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

19. A display box substantially as herein described and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

20. A method of constructing a display box substantially as herein described and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

21. A section member substantially as herein described and as shown in the accompanying drawings.