Technical Field

The present invention relates to composite image assemblies and sheet preparation assemblies for making such image assemblies. Background

It is known to create a large-sized image (e.g., a wall or floor mounted graphic installation) by preparing a plurality of smaller constituent split image sections on separate sheets (e .g., paper or other imageable medium) and positioning the separate constituent sheets in desired aggregate fashion (i.e., a composite image assembly) to form a large composite image. Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2008- 114586A, for example, discloses a method for splitting a large-sized poster image into a plurality of image sections, and printing the image sections on individual sheets. Several or all of the sheets are perforated sheets provided with perforation lines along the sides. Unavoidable margins on each printed sheet are removed by cutting away the sheet piece along the perforation lines. The individual sheets are assembled into a poster by removing the perforated sections from the several sheets and aligning the images on adjacent sheets along the perforation lines.

In general, when a large composite image assembly is formed using a plurality of sheets having a constituent portion of a larger image thereon and disposed in predetermined positions to yield the desired larger image, edges of adjacent sheets are disposed so as to overlap to keep the image from being misaligned or fragmented. In this case, when a composite image assembly is formed by, for example, four sheets having the same shape and of which two sheets are disposed in a row direction and two sheets are disposed in a column direction, all four sheets overlap at a center section of the composite image assembly. The section where the four sheets thus overlap is relatively thick compared to other sections. As a result, when the sheets are adhered to a floor or the like, for example, a foot may come into contact with the section where the four sheets overlap, causing one or more individual sheets to peel, thereby impairing the desired image or stability on the surface.

Summary of Invention

An object of the present invention is to provide a composite image assembly in which the overlapping portions of constituent sheets has a smaller thickness.

In some embodiments, a composite image assembly of the present invention includes sheets that have the same shape and are disposed in a matrix of at least two sheets in a row direction and at least two sheets in a column direction. The sheets adjacent in the row direction and the sheets adjacent in the column direction have edge portions overlapped by respective predetermined overlapping widths. The sheets each have a planar shape that is point

symmetrical to a center of the sheet serving as a center point and substantially rectangular with cutouts provided in at least a pair of diagonal corner portions of the rectangle. The cutouts each fit within a region extending from an edge of the sheet by the overlapping width. The sheets adjacent on one diagonal are disposed so as to come into contact with or be separated from each other in a planar view, and the sheets adjacent on the other diagonal are disposed so as to come into contact with each other in the planar view.

In some embodiments, a composite image assembly of the present invention includes sheets that have the same shape and are disposed in a matrix of at least two sheets in a row direction and at least two sheets in a column direction. The sheets adjacent in the row direction and the sheets adjacent in the column direction have edge portions overlapped by respective predetermined overlapping widths. The sheets each have a planar shape that is point

symmetrical to a center of the sheet serving as a center point and substantially rectangular with cutouts provided in at least a pair of diagonal corner portions of the rectangle. The cutouts each fit within a region extending from an edge of the sheet by the overlapping width. The sheets adjacent on one diagonal are disposed so as to come into contact with or be separated from each other in a planar view, and the sheets adjacent on the other diagonal are disposed so as to overlap in the planar view.

In such a composite image assembly, the sheets adjacent on the one diagonal are disposed so as to come into contact with or be separated from each other in the planar view. As a result, the sheets adjacent on the one diagonal never overlap. Further, the sheets adjacent on the other diagonal are disposed so as to come into contact with each other in the planar view. As a result, the sheets adjacent on the other diagonal also never overlap. Thus, an overlap of the sheets at the center section of the composite image assembly is formed by two sheets. Further, when the sheets adjacent on the other diagonal are disposed so as to overlap in the planar view, the overlap of the sheets at the center section of the composite image assembly is formed by three sheets. Consequently, a thickness of the overlapped section of the sheets is relatively small compared to a case where four sheets overlap. Further, the cutouts of the sheets each fit within the region extending from the edge of the sheet by the overlapping width. As a result, at the center section of the composite image assembly, at least the cutouts are disposed so as to come into contact with or overlap each other. This prevents an opening from forming in the center section of the composite image assembly.

In the composite image assembly according to another aspect, the cutouts may include first cutouts formed in the one pair of diagonal corner portions, and second cutouts formed in the other pair of diagonal corner portions.

In the composite image assembly according to yet another aspect, the cutouts may be each formed into an inclined shape extending from an edge that extends in the row direction to an edge that extends in the column direction. In the composite image assembly according to yet another aspect, the cutouts may be each formed at an angle of about 45° with respect to both the edge that extends in the row direction and to the edge that extends in the column direction.

In the composite image assembly according to yet another aspect, the cutouts may be each formed into a rectangular shape.

In the composite image assembly according to yet another aspect, the cutouts may include first cutouts formed in the one pair of diagonal corner portions, and second cutouts formed in the other pair of diagonal corner portions. The first cutouts may be each formed into a square shape, and the second cutouts may be each formed into a rectangular shape having a length in the row direction or the column direction that is half of that of the first cutouts.

In the composite image assembly according to yet another aspect, the cutouts may be each formed into a curved shape.

In the composite image assembly according to yet another aspect, the overlapping width may be from about 2 mm to about 10 mm.

Further, a sheet preparation assembly according to an aspect of the present invention includes a sheet suitable for use in a composite image assembly as described above, typically with an adhesive layer formed on the rear face of the sheet opposite the face on which an image appears or will be applied, and a liner peelably adhered to the adhesive layer. The sheet has an image or is capable of receiving an image (e.g., via printing, application of drawing, etc.) on its front face opposite the adhesive-coated face.

Further, a sheet preparation assembly according to an aspect of the present invention includes a sheet suitable for use in a composite image assembly as described above, and a frame portion that retains the sheet along an outer periphery of the sheet having a planar shape. The sheet and the frame portion are splittable along perforations or other weakened lines of separation.

Further, a sheet preparation assembly according to an aspect of the present invention includes a constituent sheet suitable for use in a composite image assembly as described above, and, typically, a removable liner covering an adhesive coated face of the sheet.

As described herein, composite image assemblies of the present invention provide desired image integrity benefits of the overlapping section achieved with relatively smaller thickness.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIGS. 1A and IB illustrate an illustrative sheet preparation assembly, FIG. 1A being a planar view illustrating the sheet preparation assembly and FIG. IB being a cross-sectional view illustrating the sheet preparation assembly;

FIGS. 2 A and 2B illustrate a first embodiment, FIG. 2 A being a planar view illustrating constituent sheets and FIG. 2B being a planar view illustrating the constituent sheet arranged in a composite image assembly; FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a second embodiment, FIG. 3A being a planar view illustrating constituent sheets and FIG. 3B being a planar view illustrating the constituent sheet arranged in a composite image assembly;

FIGS. 4 A and 4B illustrate a third embodiment, FIG. 4 A being a planar view illustrating constituent sheets and FIG. 4B being a planar view illustrating the constituent sheet arranged in a composite image assembly;

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a fourth embodiment, FIG. 5A being a planar view illustrating constituent sheets and FIG. 5B being a planar view illustrating the constituent sheet arranged in a composite image assembly;

FIGS. 6 A and 6B illustrate a fifth embodiment, FIG. 6 A being a planar view illustrating constituent sheets and FIG. 6B being a planar view illustrating the constituent sheet arranged in a composite image assembly;

FIGS. 7 A and 7B illustrate a sixth embodiment, FIG. 7A being a planar view illustrating constituent sheets and FIG. 7B being a planar view illustrating the constituent sheet arranged in a composite image assembly;

FIGS. 8 A and 8B illustrate a seventh embodiment, FIG. 8 A being a planar view illustrating constituent sheets and FIG. 8B being a planar view illustrating the constituent sheet arranged in a composite image assembly;

FIGS. 9 A and 9B illustrate an eighth embodiment, FIG. 9A being a planar view illustrating constituent sheets and FIG. 9B being a planar view illustrating the constituent sheet arranged in a composite image assembly;

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a ninth embodiment, FIG. 10A being a planar view illustrating constituent sheets and FIG. 10B being a planar view illustrating the constituent sheet arranged in a composite image assembly;

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate a tenth embodiment, FIG. 11A being a planar view illustrating constituent sheets and FIG. 11B being a planar view illustrating the constituent sheet arranged in a composite image assembly; and

FIG. 12 is a planar view illustrating a sheet preparation assembly according to a modified example.

Description of Illustrative Embodiments

Embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. For convenience, identical or similar parts are labeled with the same symbol, and descriptions thereof will be omitted. Note that, in each of the drawings, features may be exaggerated for purposes of illustration of components, and thus the dimensional ratio of each part on the drawings does not necessarily correspond to its actual size relative to other components in an actually embodiment. First Embodiment

FIG. 1A is a planar view illustrating a sheet preparation assembly that retains a sheet, and FIG. IB is a cross-sectional view illustrating the sheet preparation assembly. As illustrated in FIGS . 1A and I B, sheet preparation assembly 1 includes sheet member 2 and liner 7. Sheet member 2 includes constituent sheet 10 having a predetermined shape, and outer frame 3 that surrounds an outer periphery of sheet 10. Sheet member 2 is formed by a piece of paper or a film, for example . According to the present embodiment, sheet preparation assembly 1 has, for example, a rectangular shape having a 210-mm short side and a 297-mm long side, namely A4 size . Further, outer frame 3 may have a width (a distance from an edge of sheet 10 to an edge of sheet member 2) of from about 5 mm to about 10 mm, for example . Adhesive layer 5 made of an adhesive is formed on a rear face of sheet member 2. Examples of the adhesive used include an acrylic-based adhesive, a synthetic rubber-based adhesive, and a silicone-based adhesive . Liner 7 having the same shape as that of sheet member 2 in a planar view is releasably adhered to adhesive layer 5. Liner 7 is formed by a piece of paper or a film, for example .

Sheet preparation assembly 1 allows a printer or the like to apply printing or other imaging media to a front face of sheet member 2 as desired, which allows sheet preparation assembly 1 to be used as a printing sheet. Composite image assembly 10A (refer to FIG. 2B) such as a large-sized poster (printed article) can be made by a plurality of sheets 10 peeled from a plurality of sheet retention bodies 1 , sheets 10 having overlapped and adhered to each other. For example, when four sheets are to be disposed in two columns vertically and two rows horizontally, a poster or the like can be formed by overlapping and adhering the sheets having printed thereon images obtained by splitting an image for printing in accordance with the number of rows and number of columns in the disposition.

The specific shape of sheet 10 as well as composite image assembly 10A formed by a plurality of sheets 10 will be described below. Note that, according to the present embodiment, a direction along the long side and a direction along the short side of sheet 10 that forms a rectangle are referred to as a column direction and a row direction, respectively, for convenience . That is, the long side of sheet 10 is the edge that extends in the column direction of sheet 10, and the short side of sheet 10 is the edge that extends in the row direction of sheet 10. Further, the column direction may be described as an up and down direction, and the row direction may be described as a left and right direction.

FIG. 2A illustrates four constituent sheets separated from each other. FIG. 2B illustrates the four sheets arranged into overlapping position by a predetermined overlapping width to yield the desired composite image assembly. Sheet 10 is substantially rectangular with cutouts provided in at least one pair of diagonal corner portions of the rectangle . In the illustrated example, cutouts 12 similar to each other are formed in one pair of diagonal corner portions 1 1a and the other pair of diagonal corner portions l ib . That is, sheet 10 includes cutouts 12 in all four corners of the rectangle . Cutouts 12 are each formed into an inclined shape extending from a predetermined position on the long side to a predetermined position on the short side of sheet 10. Further, cutouts 12 are each formed at an angle of 135 ° with respect to both the long side and the short side . In other words, the cutouts are formed at an angle of 45 ° with respect to both the long side and the short side of the rectangle . That is, when imaginary lines extending the long side and the short side to the corner portion are drawn, an isosceles right triangle is formed. Thus, a length of width Wl of cutout 12 is the same in the row direction and the column direction. Width W l is, for example, about from about 2 mm to about 10 mm, about 5 mm a preferred dimension in some embodiments . According to such a configuration, sheet 10 is symmetrical to a center of sheet 10 serving as center point C, in the planar view.

Such a sheet 10 forms composite image assembly 1 OA of a substantially rectangular shape in the planar view by being disposed in a matrix of at least two sheets in the row direction and at least two sheets in the column direction. In the present embodiment, four constituent sheets 10 are disposed so that two are in the row direction and two are in the column direction. Note that, in FIG. 2B, constituent sheets 10 are overlapped in the order of upper left sheet 10UL, upper right sheet 10UR, lower left sheet 10LL, and lower right sheet 10LR. Sheets 10 adjacent in the row direction and the column direction have their edge portions overlapping each other by a predetermined overlapping width W2. Overlapping width W2 in the present embodiment is the same as width Wl by which cutout 12 is formed in both the row direction and the column direction. That is, overlapping width W2 is from about 2 mm to about 10 mm, about 5 mm a preferred dimension in some embodiments . In this case, cutout 12 never extends into a region of the sheet 10 out of a region corresponding to overlapping width W2. That is, cutouts 12 are each disposed within a region that extends from the edge of sheet 10 by overlapping width W2.

As illustrated in FIG. 2B, in the state of composite image assembly 10A, constituent sheets 10 adjacent in the row direction and the column direction are disposed so as to overlap by the overlapping width W2 described above . Further, sheets 10UL, 10LR adjacent on the one diagonal, and sheets 10UR, 10LL adjacent on the other diagonal are disposed so that cutouts 12 come into contact with each other in the planar view. Note that, in the present embodiment, sheets 10 are overlapped in the order of sheet 10UL, sheet 10UR, sheet 10LL, and sheet 10LR, and therefore cutouts 12 of sheets 10UR, 10LL are disposed so as to be physically in contact with each other. On the other hand, cutouts 12 of sheets 10UL, 10LR sandwich sheets 10UR, 10LL, and therefore are not physically in contact with each other. In the present specification, cutouts 12, even when not in physical contact as described above, but disposed in the same position in the planar view, may be expressed as being disposed so that cutouts 12 come into contact with each other. Further, in composite image assembly 10A, cutouts 12 are positioned in the four corners of the outer periphery and in the overlapped section of sheets 10. Therefore, composite image assembly 10A is not a rectangle in a strict sense . Nevertheless, in the present embodiment, cutouts 12 are extremely small with respect to the size of sheet 10 (the width of cutout 12 is less than 5 % the length of the short side of sheet 10, for example), and therefore substantially unproblematic in terms of practical use . Next, the action and effect of the composite image assembly according to the present invention will be described.

In the present embodiment, sheet 10 includes cutouts 12 (first cutouts) formed in the one pair of diagonal corner portions, and cutouts 12 (second cutouts) formed in the other pair of diagonal corner portions . Then, in composite image assembly 10A, sheets 10UL, 10LR adjacent on the one diagonal sandwich sheets 10UR, 10LL and are disposed so that cutouts 12 come into contact with each other in the planar view. Further, sheets 10UR, 10LL adjacent on the other diagonal are also disposed so that cutouts 12 come into contact with each other in the planar view. As a result, sheets 10 diagonally adj acent never overlap. The four sheets 10 are thus disposed so that cutouts 12 of two sheets 10UL, 10LR come into contact with each other, cutouts 12 of the remaining two sheets 10UR, 10LL also come into contact with each other, and therefore the overlap of sheets 10 at the center section of composite image assembly 10A is formed by two sheets . Consequently, a thickness of the overlapped section of the sheets is small compared to a case where four sheets overlap . Further, cutouts 12 of sheets 10 each fit within the region extending from the edge of sheet 10 by overlapping width W2. This prevents an opening from forming in the center section of the composite image assembly.

Further, cutout 12 is formed into an inclined shape extending from an edge that extends in the row direction to an edge that extends in the column direction, and is formed at an angle of 45° with respect to both the edge extending in the row direction and the edge extending in the column direction. This allows the overlapping width in the row direction and the overlapping width in the column direction to be the same .

Further, printing is possible on one face of sheet 10, and therefore printing can be applied to sheet preparation assembly 1 using a home printer, for example . A printed article such as a poster can be easily created by printing, on each of sheet retention bodies 1 , an image for printing split in accordance with the number of rows and the number of columns . In this case, the planar shape of sheet 10 is point symmetrical, allowing the print job to be performed without concern over a direction of insertion of sheet preparation assembly 1 into the printer.

Second Embodiment

In composite image assembly 20A according to the present embodiment, a planar shape of constituent sheet 20 that forms the composite image assembly 20A differs from the planar shape of constituent sheet 10 of the first embodiment. In the following, the main differences of sheet 20 and composite image assembly 20A from those of the first embodiment will be described; identical parts and members are labeled with the same symbol; and detailed

descriptions thereof will be omitted. Note that, while the shape of outer frame 3 also differs in accordance with the shape of sheet 20, a description of this difference will be omitted (the same for each embodiment hereinafter) .

As illustrated in FIG. 3 A, constituent sheet 20 includes cutouts 12 on the one diagonal only, and does not include cutouts 12 on the other diagonal . That is, corner portions 21b on the other diagonal each form a right angle by the short side and the long side . This is the only difference in the shape of constituent sheet 20 from that of the first embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 3B, in composite image assembly 20A, four constituent sheets 20 are disposed so that two are in the row direction and two are in the column direction in the same manner as the first embodiment. Overlapping width W2 of sheet 20, similar to the first embodiment, is the same as the width W l by which cutouts 12 are formed in both the row direction and the column direction. In the state of composite image assembly 10A, sheets 20 adjacent in the row direction and the column direction are disposed so as to overlap by

overlapping width W2 described above . Further, sheets 20UL, 20LR, adj acent on the diagonal where the cutouts 12 are formed, sandwich sheets 20UR, 20LL, and are disposed so that cutouts 12 come into contact with each other in the planar view. On the one hand, sheets 20UR, 20LL, adjacent on the diagonal where cutouts 12 are not formed, are disposed so that corner portions 21b overlap. The four constituent sheets 20 are thus disposed so that two sheets 10UL, 20LR come into contact with each other, the remaining two sheets 20UR, 20LL overlap, and therefore the overlap of sheets 20 at the center section of composite image assembly 20A is formed by three sheets . Consequently, a thickness of the overlapped section of the sheets is small compared to a case where four sheets overlap.

Further, cutouts 12 are not formed on the other diagonal of sheet 10, thereby making the planar shape of composite image assembly 20A more like a rectangle than that of the first embodiment. That is, cutouts 12 appear only on the one diagonal of composite image assembly 20A, and a rectangular silhouette is formed on the other diagonal and in the overlapped section of sheets 20.

Third Embodiment

In the composite image assembly according to the present embodiment, only the disposition of the constituent sheets that form the composite image assembly differs from the composite image assembly of the second embodiment. That is, in the second embodiment and the third embodiment, the shapes of the used sheets are the same . In the following, the main differences of the sheet and the composite image assembly from those of the second embodiment will be described; identical parts and members are labeled with the same symbol; and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

As illustrated in FIG. 4A, sheet 30 that forms composite image assembly 30A in the present embodiment has the same shape as that of constituent sheet 20 in the second embodiment, and includes cutouts 12 on one diagonal only. In composite image assembly 30A, four constituent sheets 30 are disposed so that two are in the row direction and two are in the column direction in the same manner as the second embodiment. Overlapping width W3 of sheet 30, unlike overlapping width W2 of the second embodiment, is half of width W l by which cutouts 12 are formed in both the row direction and the column direction. Thus, in the state of composite image assembly 30A, constituent sheets 30 adjacent in the row direction and the column direction are disposed so as to overlap by overlapping width W3 described above .

Further, sheets 30UL, 30LR, adjacent on the diagonal where cutouts 12 are formed, sandwich sheets 3 OUR, 30LL, and are disposed so that cutouts 12 are separated from each other in the planar view. On the other hand, sheets 3 OUR, 30LL, adj acent on the diagonal where cutouts 12 are not formed, are disposed so that corner portions 21b overlap by overlapping width W3. In this state, overlapping width W3 is equivalent to half of width W l of cutout 12 in both the row direction and the column direction, and the overlapped section of corner portions 21b fits within a gap between cutouts 12. Thus, the overlap of sheets 30 at the center section of composite image assembly 30A is formed by two sheets. Consequently, a thickness of the overlapped section of the sheets is small compared to a case where four sheets overlap .

Further, cutouts 12 are not formed on the other diagonal of sheet 30, thereby making the planar shape of composite image assembly 3 OA more like a rectangle than that of the first embodiment. That is, cutouts 12 appear only on the one diagonal of composite image assembly 3 OA, and a rectangular silhouette is formed on the other diagonal . Further, in the overlapped sections of sheets 30, cutouts 12 are not easily recognized.

Fourth Embodiment

In the composite image assembly according to the present embodiment, only the shape of the constituent sheet that forms the composite image assembly differs from the composite image assembly of the third embodiment. That is, in the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment, the overlapping widths of the sheets are the same . In the following, the main differences of the sheet and the composite image assembly from those of the third embodiment will be described; identical parts and members are labeled with the same symbol; and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

As illustrated in FIG. 5A, cutouts 42, 43 of different sizes are formed in one pair of diagonal corner portions and the other pair of diagonal corner portions of sheet 40. Cutouts 42, 43 are each formed into an inclined shape extending from a predetermined position on the long side to a predetermined position on the short side of sheet 40. Further, cutouts 42, 43 are formed at an angle of 135 ° with respect to both the long side and the short side . Cutout 42 is, for example, the same size as that of cutout 12 of the first embodiment and the like . On the other hand, cutout 43 has width W4 in the row direction and the column direction that is half of the width W l of cutout 42.

As illustrated in FIG. 5B, in composite image assembly 40A, four sheets 40 are disposed so that two are in the row direction and two are in the column direction. The overlapping width W3 of constituent sheet 40 is the same as the overlapping width of the third embodiment, and is half of width W l by which cutouts 42 are formed in both the row direction and the column direction (that is, the same as width W4 by which cutout 43 is formed) . Thus, in the state of composite image assembly 40A, sheets 40 adj acent in the row direction and the column direction are disposed so as to overlap by the overlapping width W3 described above . Further, sheets 40UL, 40LR, adjacent on the diagonal where cutouts 42 are formed, sandwich sheets 40UR, 40LL, and are disposed so that cutouts 42 are separated from each other in the planar view. On the other hand, sheets 40UR, 40LL, adj acent on the diagonal where cutouts 43 are formed, are disposed so that cutouts 43 come into contact with each other in the planar view. Thus, in composite image assembly 40A, only sheets 40 adj acent in the row direction and the column direction overlap, and there is no overlap of the sheets 40 at the center section. Consequently, a thickness of the overlapped section of the sheets is small compared to a case where four sheets overlap. Fifth Embodiment

In the composite image assembly according to the present embodiment, the angle of the cutout formed in the constituent sheet differs from that in the first embodiment and, due to this difference, the overlapping width differs from that of the first embodiment as well . In the following, the main differences of the sheet and the composite image assembly from those of the first embodiment will be described; identical parts and members are labeled with the same symbol, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

As illustrated in FIGS . 6A and 6B, sheet 50 includes cutouts 52 in all four corners of the rectangle . Cutouts 52 are each formed into an inclined shape extending from a predetermined position on the long side to a predetermined position on the short side of sheet 10. Further, cutouts 52 are each formed at an angle of 150° with respect to the long side, and 120° with respect to the short side . In other words, cutouts 52 are each formed at an angle of 30° with respect to the long side, and 60° with respect to the short side . That is, when imaginary lines extending the long side and the short side to a corner portion 5 1 are drawn, a right triangle is formed. Thus, in the present embodiment, cutouts 53 formed in the 50 have different widths W5 , W6 in the row direction and the column direction, respectively.

In composite image assembly 50A, four sheets 50 are disposed so that two are in the row direction and two are in the column direction. The overlapping widths of sheets 50 differ in the row direction and the column direction. Overlapping width W7 in the row direction is the same as width W5 of cutout 52 in the row direction, and an overlapping width W8 in the column direction is the same as width W6 of cutout 52 in the column direction. Thus, in composite image assembly 50A, sheets 50 adjacent in the row direction and the column direction are disposed so as to overlap by overlapping widths W7, W8 described above . Further, sheets 50UL, 50LR, adjacent on one diagonal, sandwich sheets 50UR, 50LL, and are disposed so that cutouts 52 come into contact with each other in the planar view. Further, sheets 50UR, 50LL adj acent on the other diagonal are also disposed so that cutouts 52 come into contact with each other in the planar view. As a result, sheets 50 diagonally adj acent never overlap . Consequently, a thickness of the overlapped section of the sheets is small compared to a case where four sheets overlap. Sixth Embodiment

The present embodiment is common to the second embodiment in that the cutouts are formed only in the corner portions of one diagonal of the rectangle, but differs from the second embodiment in the shape of the cutout. In the following, the main differences of the constituent sheet and the composite image assembly from those of the second embodiment will be described; identical parts and members are labeled with the same symbol; and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

As illustrated in FIG. 7A, sheet 60 includes cutouts 62 on one diagonal only, and does not include cutouts 62 on the other diagonal. That is, the corner portions on the other diagonal each form a right angle by the short side and the long side . Cutouts 62 have rectangular shapes formed at an angle of 90° with respect to the long side and the short side of sheet 60. In the illustrated example, when imaginary lines extending the long side and the short side are drawn, a square is formed.

As illustrated in FIG. 7B, in composite image assembly 60A, four sheets 60 are disposed so that two are in the row direction and two are in the column direction. Overlapping width W 10 of sheets 60 is the same as width W9 by which cutouts 62 are formed in both the row direction and the column direction. In the state of the composite image assembly 60A, sheets 60 adj acent in the row direction and the column direction are disposed so as to overlap by overlapping width W 10 described above . Further, sheets 60UL, 60LR, adjacent on the diagonal where cutouts 62 are formed, sandwich sheets 60UR, 60LL, and are disposed so that end portions of cutouts 62 come into contact with each other in the planar view. In this state, a space S having a square shape is formed by two cutouts 62. On the other hand, sheets 60UR, 60LL, adj acent on the diagonal where cutouts 62 are not formed, are disposed so that corner portions 61 overlap in the planar view. The section where these corner portions 61 overlap forms a square, and fits within the space S formed by two cutouts 62. Thus, the overlap of sheets 60 at the center section of composite image assembly 60A is formed by two sheets. Consequently, a thickness of the overlapped section of the sheets is small compared to a case where four sheets overlap .

Further, with cutouts 62 not being formed on the other diagonal of sheet 60, cutouts 62 appear only on the one diagonal of composite image assembly 60A, and a rectangular silhouette is formed on the other diagonal and in the overlapped section of sheets 60.

Seventh Embodiment

The present embodiment differs from the sixth embodiment in that cutouts are further provided in the corner portions on the other diagonal. In the following, the main differences of the constituent sheet and the composite image assembly from those of the sixth embodiment will be described; identical parts and members are labeled with the same symbol; and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

As illustrated in FIG. 8A, constituent sheet 70 includes cutouts 62 (first cutouts) in the corner portions on one diagonal of the rectangle, and cutouts 73 (second cutouts) in the corner portions on the other diagonal. Cutouts 73 each has a rectangular shape formed at an angle of 90° with respect to the long side and the short side of sheet 70. In this cutout 72, width W9 in the row direction is the same as the width of cutout 62, and width Wl l in the column direction is half of width W9. Thus, when imaginary lines extending the long side and the short side are drawn, a rectangle having a side-to-side ratio of 1 :2 is formed.

As illustrated in FIG. 8B, in a composite image assembly 70A, four sheets 70 are disposed so that two are in the row direction and two are in the column direction. Overlapping width W10 of sheet 70 is the same as width W9 by which cutouts 62 are formed in both the row direction and the column direction. In composite image assembly 70A, sheets 70 adjacent in the row direction and the column direction are disposed so as to overlap by overlapping width W10 described above. Further, sheets 70UL, 70LR, adjacent on the diagonal where cutouts 62 are formed, sandwich sheets 70UR, 70LL, and are disposed so that the end portions of cutouts 62 come into contact with each other in the planar view. In this state, space S having a square shape is formed by two cutout 62. On the other hand, sheets 70UR, 70LL, adjacent on the diagonal where cutouts 73 are formed, are disposed so that cutouts 73 come into contact with each other in the planar view. Thus, in composite image assembly 70A, only sheets 70 adjacent in the row direction and the column direction overlap, and there is no overlap of sheets 70 at the center section. Consequently, a thickness of the overlapped section of the constituent sheets is small compared to a case where four sheets overlap.

Eighth Embodiment

The present embodiment differs from the seventh embodiment only in the shape of the cutouts formed in the corner portions on the other diagonal. In the following, the main differences of the constituent sheet and the composite image assembly from those of the seventh embodiment will be described; identical parts and members are labeled with the same symbol; and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

As illustrated in FIG. 9A, constituent sheet 80 includes cutouts 62 in the corner portions on one diagonal of the rectangle, and cutouts 83 in the corner portions on the other diagonal. Cutouts 83 each has a rectangular shape formed at an angle of 90° with respect to the long side and the short side of sheet 80. In this cutout 83, width W9 in the column direction is the same as the width of cutout 62, and width Wl l in the row direction is half of that of cutout 62.

As illustrated in FIG. 9B, in composite image assembly 80A, similar to the seventh embodiment, only sheets 80 adjacent in the row direction and the column direction overlap by overlapping width W10. Further, sheets 80UL, 80LR, adjacent on the diagonal where cutouts 62 are formed, sandwich sheets 8 OUR, 80LL, and are disposed so that the end portions of cutouts 62 come into contact with each other in the planar view. Further, sheets 8 OUR, 80LL, adjacent on the diagonal where cutouts 83 are formed, are disposed so that cutouts 83 come into contact with each other in the planar view. Thus, there is no overlap of sheets 80 at the center section. Consequently, a thickness of the overlapped section of the sheets is small compared to a case where four sheets 80 overlap.

Ninth Embodiment

The present embodiment is common to the first embodiment in that similar cutouts are formed in both the corner portions on one diagonal and the corner portions on the other diagonal of the rectangle, but differs from the first embodiment in the shape of the cutout. In the following, the main differences of the constituent sheet and the composite image assembly from those of the first embodiment will be described; identical parts and members are labeled with the same symbol; and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

As illustrated in FIG. 10A, sheet 90 includes cutouts 92 in all four corners of the rectangle. Cutouts 92 are each formed into a curved shape extending from a predetermined position on the long side to a predetermined position on the short side of sheet 90. Cutouts 92 in the illustrated example are each formed into a quarter-arc shape that has a predetermined radius and is convex toward an outer side of sheet 90.

As illustrated in FIG. 10B, in composite image assembly 90A, four sheets 90 are disposed so that two are in the row direction and two are in the column direction. Overlapping width W12 of sheets 90 is set so that cutouts 92 of diagonally adjacent sheets 90UL, 90LR, and cutouts 92 of diagonally adjacent sheets 90UR, 90LL are disposed so that each pair of cutouts 92 come into contact with each other in the planar view. In this case, sheets 90UL, 90LR sandwich sheets 90UR, 90LL, and are disposed so as to come into contact with each other in the planar view. Thus, in composite image assembly 90A, sheets 90 adjacent in the row direction and the column direction are disposed so as to overlap by overlapping width W12 described above. Further, sheets 90 diagonally adjacent never overlap. Consequently, a thickness of the overlapped section of the sheets is small compared to a case where four sheets overlap.

Tenth Embodiment

The present embodiment is common to the ninth embodiment in that cutouts having a curved shape are formed in the four corners of the rectangle, but differs from the ninth embodiment in the shape of the cutout. In the following, the main differences of the constituent sheet and the composite image assembly from those of the ninth embodiment will be described; identical parts and members are labeled with the same symbol, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

As illustrated in FIG. 11A, sheet 100 includes cutouts 102 in all four corners of the rectangle. Cutouts 102 are each formed into a curved shape extending from a predetermined position on the long side to a predetermined position on the short side of sheet 100. Cutouts 102 in the illustrated example each has a substantially S shape. The S shape is formed by a quarter- arc shape that is convex toward the outer side of sheet 100 and a quarter-arc shape that is convex toward the inner side of sheet 100 connected with each other. These cutouts 102 are formed so that the planar shape of sheet 100 is point symmetrical with respect to a center of sheet 10 serving as the center point.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 I B, in a composite image assembly 100A, four sheets 100 are disposed so that two are in the row direction and two are in the column direction. Overlapping width W 14 of sheets 100 is the same as width W 13 by which cutouts 102 are formed in both the row direction and the column direction. In composite image assembly 100A, sheets 100 adjacent in the row direction and the column direction are disposed so as to overlap by overlapping width W 14 described above . Further, sheets 100UL, 100LR, adj acent on one diagonal, sandwich sheets 100UR, 100LL, and are disposed so that cutouts 102 come into contact with each other in the planar view. Further, sheets 100UR, 100LL, adjacent on the other diagonal, are disposed so that cutouts 102 come into contact with each other in the planar view. Thus, in composite image assembly 100A, only sheets 100 adjacent in the row direction and the column direction overlap, sheets 100 that are diagonally adjacent never overlap. Consequently, a thickness of the overlapped section of the sheets is small compared to a case where four sheets overlap .

While the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the embodiments described above . For example, the specific shapes of the cutouts of the embodiments described above are merely examples, and are not limited thereto .

Further, while, in the above description, the sheet preparation assembly has an adhesive layer formed on a rear face thereof and is adherable after being peeled from a liner, the present invention is not limited thereto . For example, a sheet preparation assembly may be employed in which a hot melt adhesive has been applied to a rear face of the sheet and the sheet has been peelably pseudo-adhered to a peelable sheet. Note that the hot melt adhesive is merely an example, and the adhesion method may be a method in which a different adhesive that does not allow re-adhesion after the sheet is peeled is used.

Further, the sheet preparation assembly is not limited to a configuration in which a sheet is adhered to a liner. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the sheet preparation assembly may be sheet preparation assembly IB that includes frame portion 3B that retains sheet 10B along an outer periphery of planar-shaped sheet 10B . Sheet 10B is a sheet body having a planar shape similar to that of sheet 10 in the first embodiment. In the illustrated example, the outer periphery of sheet 10B, that is, the boundaries of sheet 10B and frame portion 3B, are perforated. This makes sheet 10B splittable from frame portion 3B .

Further, while the examples have been given of four sheets being overlapped in the order of the upper left sheet, the upper right sheet, the lower left sheet, and the lower right sheet, the order of the overlap is not particularly limited. For example, adhesion may be started from any one of the upper left sheet, the upper right sheet, the lower left sheet, and the lower right sheet, and the subsequent order of adhesion may also be as desired. Reference Signs List

1 , I B Sheet preparation assembly

2 Sheet member

3 Outer frame

3B Frame portion

5 Adhesive layer

7 Liner

10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 Sheet

10A, 20A, 30A, 40A, 50A, 60A, 70A,

Composite image assembly 80A, 90A, 100A

12, 42, 43 , 52, 62, 73, 83, 92, 102 Cutout

C Center point

W2, W3, W7, W8, WI O, W 12, W 14 Overlapping width