For the most part the invention is described hereinafter with reference to its use in connection with jigsaws.

Jigsaws, especially those with large numbers of pieces, can take a considerably long time to complete- maybe days, or even weeks-and since they tend to be done on tables usually required for other purposes it is inconvenient to have them lying around in the way for such a long time. Much thought has therefore been expended on devising ways of storing a partially completed jigsaw (and any remaining pieces) so that the whole can easily and quickly be moved out of the way, without being damaged or broken up, and subsequently replaced so that its assembly can be continued. One of two presently-known methods utilises a flexible sheet (of felt or a felt-like material) that can be positioned on a table top and on which the pieces can be laid and the jigsaw constructed, the whole then being rolled up around a rigid tubular (card) former (of a diameter large enough not to cause any substantial bending of the pieces) and tied up and moved away with the pieces safely held therein rather like the jam in a swiss roll. A quite different solution is provided by a large but thin case, rather like an artist's folder, that is made of two sheets of a stiff, relatively inflexible material (stiff card, say) lined with a soft foam into which the pieces can be pushed to retain them in place, so that when the case is shut the pieces are safely secured between the facing foam layers. The flexible felt roll-up sheet is excellent for storage, taking up little room, but does not allow for any sort of presentation of the finished jigsaw. The folder system is again excellent for storage, but is rather bulky, and also does not really permit any display of the completed jigsaw. What is required, it is suggested, is a new type of storage system that is rather like a blend of these two previous sorts-that is flexible, so that it can be rolled up into a relatively small bundle that nevertheless holds the jigsaw pieces safely and securely, and yet that is also stiff enough to provide some sort of"rigid"backing 'and support for the jigsaw (when completed) such that the jigsaw can be stored thereon in a manner so as to be displayed much like a picture in its frame. And the invention provides such a system by making two simple but novel and surprising modifications to the variety of jigsaw storer using a flexible sheet and a rigid tubular former. Thus, it suggests utilising, firstly, not an opaque flexible (felt) sheet but instead a transparent flexible sheet through which the jigsaw can be seen, this sheet being at least twice as large as the completed jigsaw. And secondly, it proposes this sheet being coupled in use with not a rigid pre-formed tube but instead a tube constructed as required from two sheets of a material (such as corrugated board) that is flexible in one direction only-that is uni-directionally flexible- and then using these two sheets either disposed so that their directions of flexibility are the same, so that when placed one on the other they can be rolled up together, or disposed so that their flexibility directions are orthogonal, so that when placed together each prevents the other being rolled up. If, then, the jigsaw is assembled on the transparent sheet (optionally, the sheet is then folded over on top of the jigsaw so as to sandwich it between the two layers), and then the two uni-directionally flexible sheets are orientated with their flexibility direction the same, and rolled up into a tubular former, the jigsaw/transparent sheet combination can be rolled up therearound with the jigsaw pieces safely sandwiched therein for storage purposes.

However, if the transparent sheet is so folded over the jigsaw, and then the two uni-directionally-flexible sheets are so placed behind the transparent sheet that their flexibility directions are orthogonal one to the other, then the combination of the three sheets with the jigsaw pieces on top is stiff and supportive, and can be -used for display purposes, the jigsaw being viewable through the transparent sheet. In the case of the rolled-up tube form, various associated components of the system can be stored inside the tube (as discussed further hereinafter), and end caps can be used to seal the tube ends tight, while in the case of the flat display form the edges of the sheets can be clamped by some form of frame.

The proposed jigsaw storage and display system may also be used, as mentioned hereinbefore, for the storage and display of pictures or posters and the like.

In one aspect, therefore, the invention provides a storage and/or display system for an object or objects such as a picture or poster or the pieces of a partly-or fully-completed jigsaw, which system comprises the combination of: a flexible transparent sheet, on which the one or more object to be stored and/or displayed may be laid, which transparent sheet is of a size at least twice that of all the objects to be displayed; and two sheets of a material that is uni-directionally flexible, these two sheets being disposable one over the other either so that their directions of flexibility are the same, and they can be rolled up together, or so that their directions of flexibility are orthogonal, and each prevents the other being rolled up; such that in use the or each object is positioned on the transparent sheet, and then, if the two uni-directionally flexible sheets are orientated with their flexibility direction the same, and rolled up into a tubular former, the combination of the former and the transparent sheet bearing the object (s) can be rolled up around them for storage purposes, whereas if the two uni-directionally-flexible sheets are placed underneath with their flexibility directions orthogonal, then the combination is stiff, flat and supportive for display purposes.

The invention's storage and display system is useful especially for the storage (in the rolled-up form) of a partly-completed jigsaw and for the display (in the stiff, flat picture form) of a fully-completed jigsaw.

It may also, as intimated, be used for the storage and display of a large flat thin object such as a poster or a picture. In the context of the invention, then, the term "object"used herein may either apply to a large article -a completed, fully-assembled jigsaw, or a poster or picture-or it may apply to a small object (or rather, lots of small objects) such as the individual pieces of a jigsaw. The specific context will usually make it clear what sort of object is intended in each case.

The system of the invention requires a flexible transparent sheet (on which the object is laid-the jigsaw pieces laid during the assembly of the jigsaw- and behind which the completed jigsaw, or a poster or the like, may be protected when displayed). The material for this sheet can be any suitable one that is indeed both flexible and transparent. It may, for example, be a flexible polyvinyl chloride, or it may be a flexible polyester such as that sold under the Trademarks MYLAR or MELINEX.

The flexible transparent sheet is of a size at least twice that of all the or all the objects (the assembled jigsaw, or the poster, etc), so that when the object (s) is on one half the other half may be folded over on top, so as completely to cover, retain and protect the object (s). Thus, with both the object, as is normally the case with a jigsaw or poster, and the sheet being rectangular (as is most usual), one side of the sheet will be at least equal in length to one side of the object, and the other side of the sheet will be at least equal in length to twice the orthogonal side of the object. Preferably each sheet side is somewhat bigger than its corresponding object side, so that in use the sheet overlaps the object all round.

The system of the invention includes two sheets of a material that is uni-directionally flexible. A typical such material is corrugated card of the sort that has the corrugations exposed on one side. Such card can easily be folded along a line parallel to the corrugations, but (because of the corrugations) resists being folded along a line orthogonal to the corrugations. Another possible material is the sort of stitched-together assembly of parallel strips of bamboo or the like that is commonly found in window blinds and beach mats.

In use, these two sheets are disposable one on the other either so that their directions of flexibility are the same, and they can be rolled up together, or so that their directions of flexibility are orthogonal, and each prevents the other being rolled up.

With the object, as in the case of a jigsaw or poster, being rectangular, each uni-directionally- flexible sheet is most preferably of the same general size (and shape) thereas. If, then, in their orthogonal disposition they are to operate as a stiff backing for a framed display, it is convenient if their flexibility directions and their overall shapes (and particularly their aspect ratio) are such that they match that of the object when in the"orthogonal"arrangement. It follows that in their"parallel"arrangement one sheet's disposition will match that of the object while the other's is a mismatch, being short where the object is long, and vice versa.

The two uni-directionally-flexible sheets can be quite loose, and not in any way attached to the flexible sheet. However, in a preferred form of the invention one half of the flexible sheet-that half that in use will carry the object and have the other half folded over on top of it-can be provided with a cover portion, also of transparent flexible material, matching it in shape and size so as to form in that half a double layer. If this cover portion is attached (by glueing, say, or welding) to the underlying half around all but one of its edges then it forms a pocket, and into this pocket can be placed one of the two uni-directionally-flexible sheets.

If the other such sheet is then permanently affixed to the underside of the same half, in the matching physical orientation, then the two sheets will be secured in their orthogonal disposition in which they form a stiff backing. So, if the first such sheet is not placed in the pocket, but is arranged on the flexible sheet in its "mismatch"orientation, the combination can be rolled up for storage and transport, while if it is placed in the pocket in its"matched"orientation the whole become stiff, and is ready for use in display mode.

While clearly a storage system of the invention intended for a large object-a large jigsaw or a large poster, say-would itself be of a correspondingly large size, it could nevertheless be used with a smaller, even much smaller, object (jigsaw or poster). On the whole, though, it is preferred that the size of the system be chosen to match the size of the object-large with large, small with small, and medium with medium. Of course, if the sheets are markedly bigger than the object it is perfectly possible to cut the sheets down to a more suitable size.

The system of the invention may be used in a number of ways, and for both storage and display. For a jigsaw, it may be used first during the assembly of the jigsaw and then in connection with the completed jigsaw's display, as is now explained. In normal use, when the jigsaw is to be assembled on a table top or the like, first the jigsaw is fitted together on but at one end of the transparent sheet (the other end of the sheet is then optionally folded over on top of the jigsaw, so protecting the jigsaw between two transparent layers).

Then, if the jigsaw is unfinished, and is to be stored, the two uni-directionally-flexible sheets are disposed in their parallel state (with their flexibility direction the same), rolled up into a tubular former, or mandrel, which is placed on top of the transparent sheet, and the combination is rolled up (with the jigsaw pieces safely trapped between the various layers) and secured. In the rolled-up storage state it is preferred that the combination be secured with tapes tied (or otherwise affixed) around the roll, and that it have end caps which can be fitted over the ends of the roll both to help secure the roll and also to prevent the roll's contents (see below), or any loose jigsaw pieces, sliding out.

As explained in more detail hereinafter, the system . of the invention preferably includes a number of additional components-particularly some elongate framing sections and some clamping strips-that are useful when taking advantage of the system's display role. When for a jigsaw, and while the jigsaw is as yet unfinished, these additional parts may most conveniently be stored inside the tubular former made from the two rolled-up sheets (these parts will generally be dimensioned small enough to fit wholly therewithin).

When used with a jigsaw, in the event that there is no available rigid support such as a table top, then the two uni-directionally-flexible sheets can themselves be used, in orthogonal mode, to provide a rigid under- surface supporting the transparent sheet. Then, when the time has come for the partially-completed jigsaw to be stored away until the next session, the second half of the transparent sheet can be folded down on top of the jigsaw, and the edges temporarily clamped (conveniently with elongate plastic strips of the springy type used to "bind"a multiplicity of sheets of paper into book form) both together and to the underlying uni-directionally- flexible sheets to form a rigid storable combination in which the jigsaw is reasonably well protected from most accidental damage.

If, however, the jigsaw is actually finished, and is to be displayed like a picture, then again the option to fold the transparent sheet is taken, again the two uni-directionally-flexible sheets are placed underneath with their flexibility directions orthogonal (and preferably with their corrugations facing inwardly, so that they present a smooth back), making a combination which is stiff and supportive, and again the whole is clamped, but this time edge frame sections are-put on, and fixed into place, underneath the clamping strips. In this flat display state it is advantageous to have elongate frame sections-like the pieces of a conventional picture frame-which can be placed over the edges (one piece per edge is sufficient, but there can be two pieces to each edge, one on the obverse face, the other on the reverse face). These frame sections conveniently have mitred ends, so as to fit together, and have associated triangular end caps which clip over each corner of the thus-formed frame so as to hold it all together. All these additional parts can be of whatever material, and of whatever size, is thought appropriate.

A poster, or a"real"picture (as distinct from one made by the assembled jigsaw) can be displayed similarly utilising the invention's storage and display system.

If, as is likely to be the case, it is required to have a jigsaw, or poster, in its displayable state actually positioned on a wall, like a real picture, then there may be included means suitably to mount the displayed-state jigsaw/sheets combination. For example, a pair of the triangular frame end caps can have a cord stretched between them, by which the combination can be hung from a wall hook. Alternatively, one or other of the uni-directionally-flexible sheets-that one to be positioned at the rear-can itself carry some sort of means-an apertured flap, say-by which it, and thus the whole combination, can be hung on a wall hook.

Naturally, the various components of the system of the invention-and specifically the three sheets-can carry markings, or even Text ("Fold here", or"Cut here", for instance), facilitating their use for either storage or display purposes.

It is, it will be understood, one of the substantial avantages of the system of the invention that it can be used-together with the aforementioned frame sections and clamping strips-to provide a very satisfactory and pleasing display of a completed jigsaw, just like a real picture. Moreover, it also provides a convenient way to mount, frame and then display what is already a real picture-a poster or something similar.

Embodiments of the invention re now described, though by way of illustration only, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic Drawings in which: Figures lA-C show the various components of a jigsaw display and storage system of the invention, and their use to allow assembly and storage of the jigsaw.

Figures 2A-C show the components of the system of Figure 1 and their use to allow the display of an assembled jigsaw.

Figures 3A-C show the components of an alternative system, like that of Figure 1 but not the same thereas, and their use.

As can be seen from the Figures, the main components . of the jigsaw storage and display system of the invention are a large sheet (11) of flexible, transparent material and two half-sized-jigsaw-sized-sheets (12,13) of material that is uni-directionally flexible-flexible in one direction only. Each sheet 12,13 of flexible material is in this particular embodiment a sheet of corrugated card, with its corrugations shown by the lines thereon. The corrugations cause the sheet to be foldable along a line parallel to the corrugations, and to be relatively unfoldable along any other line (and particularly a line orthogonal to the corrugations). The two sheets 12,13 are each much the same size and shape as that of an intended jigsaw; in Figure 1A they are shown to be oblong, and disposed with their corrugations parallel but with their long sides orthogonal, whereas in Figure 2B they are shown disposed with their corrugations orthogonal but with their long sides parallel.

When a jigsaw (14) is being assembled, as in Figure 1, it is likely that it may need to be stored away, uncompleted, during the assembly process. Thus, with the jigsaw itself taking shape on one half (lla) of the transparent sheet 11, and the unused pieces (as 15) of the jigsaw disposed on the other half (llb) of the sheet (Figure 1B), the two uni-directionally-flexible sheets 12,13 are disposed (as shown in Figure 1A) one on top of the other with their corrugations parallel (so the combination may be folded or rolled parallel to the corrugations), and then rolled up into a tubular "former", or"mandrel" (16, Figure 1B). This mandrel 16 is then placed on the edge of that half lla of the transparent sheet 11 on which the jigsaw is being assembled, and the combination is then carefully rolled up (to the right as viewed), trapping the jigsaw-both the partially-assembled portion 14 and the loose pieces 15-within the roll. Once the roll-up is complete, the roll is secured with a strip of tape (17) and two end caps (as 18), to give a unit (Figure 1C) that is safe for storage.

Figure 2 shows how the system of the invention is used to display a completed jigsaw. First, with the completed jigsaw on one half lla of the transparent sheet 11 (Figure 2A), a series of mitre-ended frame pieces (as 21: see Figure 2B) are positioned over each edge of the jigsaw/sheet combination, and the other half llb of the sheet is folded down over the jigsaw.

Next, the two uni-directionally-flexible sheets 12,13 are disposed to match spatially-that is, with their long sides parallel but their corrugations orthogonal (Figure 2B). The combination is thus relatively inflexible, and when positioned under the transparent- sheet-enfolded jigsaw (not shown separately) is stiff enough to provide support for the jigsaw. Then, a series of mitre-ended clamping strips (as 22: Figure 2B) are positioned over each edge of the jigsaw/sheets combination, and clamped into place with corner pieces (as 23). The result, shown in Figure 2C, is the finished jigsaw in a display format, trapped between and protected by the transparent sheet 11, made stiff by the two orthogonally-disposed sheets 12,13, and neatly framed by the frame and strip and corner clamp pieces 21,22,23.

In Figure 3 is shown an alternative form of the storage and display system of the invention. In this embodiment the flexible transparent sheet 11 has a second layer llc of like material laid on top of the left-hand half (as viewed) sheet lla and affixed thereto all round its edges except along the extreme left edge (thus, along . edges X, Y and Z). It thus forms a pocket with an opening at its left side, and through this opening and into the pocket can be slid one-13-of the two uni- directionally-flexible sheets. In this embodiment the other-12-of the two uni-directionally-flexible sheets is permanently affixed (by its flat, non-corrugated surface) to the outside (bottom, as viewed) surface of the left half-lla-of the flexible transparent sheet 11, and in a matched disposition. Once the free uni-directionally-flexible sheet 13 is slid into place in the pocket, that half of the combination becomes relatively stiff, and is thus suitable as the backing for the invention's system when in display mode. However, if placed in the mismatched orientation the uni- directionally-flexible sheet 13 can, as shown at the right-hand side of Figure 3B, be rolled up into a former around which the flexible transparent sheet 11, and the other uni-directionally-flexible sheet 13, can be rolled up (as in Figure 3C).