Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a display, in particular a display for displaying printed items, such as photographs; more particularly but not exclusively the invention relates to a display that can be rolled up when not in use.

Background

It is common for items such as photographs to be displayed on a surface such as a wall. Increasing numbers of people use digital photography, this has led to a great many photographs and a greater choice when it comes to printing physical photographs.

Many people still enjoy physical photographs, as an easy way to display their photography. Photographs, images and text may also often be printed for occasions of public display, which may be temporary, such as for events.

Traditionally rigid photograph frames or pin boards are used to display one or more image. However in view of the large number of images that are often taken or gathered by people it is desirable to have a simple and effective means of displaying many photographs, images or text, temporarily and ideally in a way that allows easy interchangeability of the items.

With traditional frames it can be timely to arrange multiple photographs as it is often a requirement for each to be separately fixed in place within a frame.

The present invention provides a means for easily displaying multiple images. Prior Art

US 9 517 655 (MANACH) discloses a frame and high tension strings combined to create a useful, distinct and novel display frame. WO 200 663 209 (EINARSON) discloses an artwork mounting member adapted to removably receive a piece of artwork, said artwork mounting member comprising: a mat having a front surface, a rear surface, and a viewing window; and a pocket coupled to said mat.

US 4 608 770 (GRAY) discloses a plurality of picture frames that are interconnected with connecting segments to form a collage.

US 20120285060 (GROSS) discloses picture frames with flexible boarders that can be coupled together.

KR 20140062301 (KIM) discloses a picture frame with a main body made of soft material.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a flexible display comprising: a main frame which is formed from a flexible material and which is divided into a plurality of flexible frames for retaining and displaying items, the flexible frames each have a flexible back portion, defined by at least one flexible strut extending from a perimeter edge of the frame with apertures defined between the at least one flexible strut and the perimeter edge, and each flexible frame has at least one retainer which defines a slot that retains at least a portion of an edge of the item; and an attachment means for the flexible display.

In this way a plurality of items, such as photographs can be easily arranged and displayed on the flexible display.

In preferred embodiments the display is provided as a single part formed of the same material. For example the display may be formed in a single mould of synthetic plastics, such as silicone, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polyurethane (PU) or similar material.

In embodiments of the display formed as a single part the struts are formed integrally with the perimeter edge. In another embodiment the display may comprise a plurality of interconnected frames. In this way the frames may be interconnected by frame members.

The perimeter edge surrounds each item. In some embodiments the perimeter edge may be adapted to receive an item, for example including a channel in which an edge of a photograph is received.

The struts extend from a perimeter edge, across at least part of the back of each frame in order to prevent an item passing through the frame and to maintain orientation and position of the item when it is located within the frame.

The struts also provide structural strength to the display and in particular to each frame, ensuring that the perimeter edge and the main frame are maintained in a suitable orientation that will retain the items. It is appreciated that this orientation may not always be flat, for example it may be curved or folded.

The strut or struts may be provided in various shapes and configurations such that the back of frame is at least partially covered to prevent items passing through and so that each frame back has a particular appearance. By not having the entire back of each frame fully enclosed by the strut(s) the display is lighter weight and more flexible.

In some embodiments the apertures defined between the struts and the perimeter edge of the frame, or between struts or parts of struts are substantially triangular.

In some embodiments the struts may be arranged to define at least one cross- shaped brace. For example in some embodiments two flexible struts extend from opposite corners of a rectangular flexible frame in a diagonal form and are joined at their centres. Ideally two shorter flexible struts extend from each of four segmented flexible struts and each shorter strut connects to the perimeter edge of the flexible frame.

In yet further embodiments the struts may be arranged to provide a mesh behind the item. The struts may be shaped to include lettering, numerals, or to depict an image. For example each frame may have struts that spell out the days of a week or dates of a month to encourage a user to select an item that represents each day.

Preferably the struts are flattened to provide a flat surface against which all or part of an item contacts in use.

Typically the struts are substantially wider than they are in thickness, reaching across at least part of the flexible frame from a perimeter edge and having a considerable smaller thickness so as to sit behind the item.

In some embodiments the ratio of the width of the struts to the thickness of the struts is in excess of 5: 1 , preferably in excess of 10:1.

The display has a plurality of frames so that multiple items are displayed. In order to accommodate items of different shapes and sizes, frames of different shapes and sizes may be provided on one display.

For example the display may have one of more of the flexible frames in a portrait orientation and one or more of the flexible frames in a landscape orientation.

In preferred embodiments the frames may be arranged in a grid format, either having frames of the same size and orientation, or including frames of different sizes and orientations.

In other embodiments the frames may be arranged diagonally or may include arcuate shapes, or curved forms to accommodate items of different shapes and sizes.

In yet further embodiments the frames may be configured so that together they form a shape, for example the frames may be arranged to form a flower, or be in the shape of a house or an animal. Where two or more frame shapes or orientations are provided, the flexible frames may be arranged in a repeating pattern.

Each frame has at least one retainer for securing an item. The retainer defines a slot into which part of an edge of the item is received in order to more securely hold the item within the frame.

It is appreciated that flexure of the frame may enable the retainers to be arranged to more easily receive an item.

For square or rectangular frames, preferably at least one retainer is provided in a corner of the frame.

The retainer may include a flat portion that defines part of the slot. The flat portion is intended to extend over part of a front face of the item in order to keep it in place.

Preferably the retainers are flexible, typically formed of the same material as the frames, although in some embodiments the retainers may be less flexible than the perimeter edge so as to securely hold items. For example the retainers may be of greater thickness than that of a perimeter edge in order to reduce flexibility, or may include a less flexible portion, such as a having a less flexible core or including a less flexible layer. This arrangement will help support items and reduce the likelihood of items disengaging with the retainers as the frames are flexed.

Advantageously the retainers may be flexible in order to enable easy addition and removal of items from a frame.

In some embodiments a retainer may include a displaceable portion, or displaceable portions to assist with insertion of an item.

In some embodiments the retainers may be displaceable in use, for example comprising pivoting or hinged parts, such as living hinges to enable the retainer to be displaced so that it is easier to insert an item to the frame, before the retainer is returned to its in use position.

In some embodiments the retainers are rigid or include rigid portions. This arrangement will also help support items and reduce the likelihood of items disengaging with the retainers as the frames are flexed.

Preferably the retainers are integrated with the frames as tabs or extended edge portions or flaps.

Typically the display is to be hung on, or attached to, a wall. As the display is flexible it can readily accommodate non-planar surfaces such as curved or irregular walls or is capable of being wrapped around a corner.

In some embodiments the display may be suspended, for example by hanging it from a ceiling.

Preferably the display is provided with an attachment means to enable the display to be connected to a surface. The attachment means may be temporary or semi- permanent, or permanent.

The attachment means may comprise separate parts such as hooks, nails, adhesive pads or screws.

In some embodiments the attachment means may comprise a bipartite mechanism, such as hook and loop material such as Velcro (RTM). Additionally or alternatively the parts of the attachment means may comprise rigid parts which may for example serve as bases for hook and loop material.

Additionally the parts of the attachment means may be located to provide structure and shape to the display. For example rigid parts of the attachment means may include a skeleton, such that the frames are held in fixed places or so as to form a particular shape. For example the skeleton may comprise arched bars to which the display is attached so that the display presents a curved display surface and the arched bars may include means for connecting to a wall, such as screw holes for receiving a screw fitting.

The skeleton may be provided in different forms in order to change the shape of the display surface. For example the skeleton may be a cylinder, or in the shape of a wave or a zig-zag which is adapted to receive and support the display.

Preferably any rigid attachment means are removable to make it easier to transport and store the display. For example the display may be provided as a kit of parts having a selection of attachment means to enable the display to be arranged and displayed in different configurations.

Optionally there is provided a display that includes at least one flexible part that defines a structure which in use is connected to a rigid part that provides a plurality of displaceable mechanisms, such as a wire stand that supports an item or items. In this way the display may be adapted to support a variety of items, including, but not limited to, planar items such as photographs.

In some embodiments it may be possible to join one display to another display. The displays may be joined together by connectors such as plates or three- dimensionally curved parts. Such plates or three-dimensionally curved parts enable the displays to be assembled in a variety of forms or configurations so as to create different combined displays that are appropriate for displaying different items and/or in different locations.

In preferred embodiments the display is substantially square or rectangular.

Ideally the display has a main frame and a perimeter edge of between 3 mm and 6 mm thick. In this way the perimeter edge provides sufficient support for an item, whilst also being capable of being rolled or folded when not on display, such as when being stored or transported, or for the purposes of being displayed, such as when being wrapped around a curved surface.

Preferably the main frame and perimeter edge is between 4 mm and 5 mm thick and most preferably the main frame and perimeter edge is 4.5 mm. It is appreciated that in some embodiments the main frame may be of a different thickness to the perimeter edge.

The display may be provided in a range of sizes, for example small, medium, large and extra-large.

By way of example a small display may be at least 300 mm by 400 mm, a medium display may be at least 600 mm by 900 mm and a large display may be 650 mm by 1200 mm.

The display may be provided in a plurality of different colours, combination of colours or patterns.

For example in some embodiments at least two of the frames may be coloured differently from one another, or the main frame may be coloured differently to the flexible frames.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a plan view of an embodiment of the display according to the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a reverse plan view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 ; Figure 5 shows an isometric detail view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 Figure 6A shows a plan view of a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 6B shows a side view of the second embodiment;

Figure 7 shows a third embodiment of the invention;

Figure 8 shows a fourth embodiment of the invention;

Figure 9 shows an isometric view of the fourth embodiment; and Figure 10 shows small, medium and large examples of the invention.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to figures 1 to 5 there is generally shown a flexible display 99 with a main frame 30 and a plurality of frames 10 arranged within the perimeter of the main frame 30. The frames 10 are resiliently deformable and are primarily intended to display flat items such as photographs.

Each frame 10 is defined by a perimeter edge 15. It is appreciated that for frames 10 at the edge for the display, the main frame 30 may serve as part of the perimeter edge.

The display has a plurality of retainers 1 , 4 to hold the items in the frames 10. The retainers 1 , 4 extend from the perimeter edge 15, so that part of the retainer overlaps a front face of item.

An area below each retainer is cutaway providing an opening 6 so that the edge of the item being held is visible from a rear face of the display (See Figure 5). In this way an opening 6 is defined below the retainer.

The back region of each frame has at least one strut 20. The, or each, strut 20 extends from the perimeter edge 15 so as to form a back that prevents the item passing through the frame 10. In Figures 1 to 5 the strut is a cross brace with a plurality of apertures 3. Therefore the back of the frame is not solid, enabling it to be easily flexed and reducing weight of the display.

Most of the apertures 3 in Figures 1 to 7, 9 and 10 are substantially triangular.

Each display has an attachment means or support (not shown) for attachment of the display 99 to a surface such as a wall or ceiling.

The display is formed as a single-part of flexible material that allows for easy storage, and also allows the user to roll up the display when not in use or to arrange the display on a non-flat surface.

The display has a unique grid structural pattern of frames, with frames in a mixture of portrait and landscape orientations. All the frames are of the same size.

Referring to Figures 1 to 6, Figure 8 and Figure 9 each frame 10 has two side- mounted small tab retainers 4 extending inwards towards a midpoint of the length of the perimeter edge 15, and four corner retainers 1 , which comprise inward extending tabs to either side of the corners forming an L-shaped retainer. This arrangement of retainers 1 , 4 allows the user to easily change the photograph in the frame by either flexing the photograph, the frame or the retainers 1 , 4 or any combination thereof.

In this way due to the flexible nature of the frame 10 and/or retainers 1 , 4 the retainers can flex, allowing the photographs to be easily removed and changed as desired, both whilst the display is arranged on a surface or when removed from the surface.

The display 99 is rectangular with a main frame 30 arranged around an outer edge of the display. The frames 10 are all also rectangular and all of the same size. The display 99 has a combination of portrait and landscape frame orientations. The attachment means (not shown) may comprise apertures for simple receipt of wall hanging fixings, such as nails, hooks or screws.

The display can also be attached to a wall surface using self-adhesive double- sided picture hanging strips.

Figure 6 shows a second embodiment 299 of the display with like parts shown with like references.

In contrast to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 5, the second embodiments 299 has a different strut 20 arrangement on the frames 10 that are associated with the main frame 30. On each side edge of the frame that is adjacent the main frame 30 the strut is solid 20A with no apertures, thus providing an outer region about the display that is less flexible. This configuration assists in maintaining the structure of the display during use.

The overall display frame shown in the second embodiments 299 has dimensions of 528 mm by 946 mm and a thickness of 4.5 mm.

Figure 7 shows a third embodiment 399 of the display with like parts shown with like references. The main frame 30 is more prominent, having a width of 2 mm.

The overall display frame shown in the third embodiment 399 has dimensions of 528 mm by 946 mm.

Figure 8 shows a fourth embodiment 499 of the display with like parts shown with like references.

The overall display 499 include four smaller frames 10, two of the frames 10C, 10D have a photograph 200 in position and two of the frames 10A, 10B are empty.

The struts of the frames 10 are not the same in each frame 10, the arrangement in 10A being different to the arrangement in 10B. Both frames 10A, 10B still have struts 20 that form a cross brace across the back of the frame and additional struts 20 so as to define a plurality of apertures 3.

Figure 10 show an example set of three different sized displays 99A (large), 99B (medium), and 99C (small). Each display has a plurality of identical sized frames 10, the frames 10 being arranged in portrait and landscape orientations so as to form a rectangular display. The number of frames 10 increases as the size of the display increases. Each display has the same strut configuration. The displays may be envisaged to be arranged in groups to create larger displays according to preference of the user, whereby smaller embodiments may also be envisaged, with interconnection means.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims.