IMAGE DISPLAY

AND METHOD FOR MAKING SAME

Cross Reference to Related Application

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Serial No. 63/058,443 filed July 29, 2020 and U.S. provisional patent application Serial No. 63/137,693 filed January 14, 2021, the entire content of each of which is incorporated herein by this reference.

Scope of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to an image display, and more particularly to a printed image display mounted on a support structure resembling a wooden stretcher frame.

Background

[0003] Wooden stretcher bar frames for mounting painted or printed images have heretofore been provided. The image substrate is typically stretched over the wooden stretcher bar frame, secured to the backside of the frame with staples or other hardware, and externally folded at the corners of the frame. Other support structures resembling a wooden stretcher bar frame but not constructed from wood, instead for example fiberboard, have additionally been provided.

[0004] There is a need for new support structures that resemble wooden stretcher bar frames but are less expensive than currently-available support structures.

Brief Description of Figures

[0005] The figures herein are all schematic and not drawn to scale.

[0006] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a disassembled back support portion of an image display of the present invention.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the disassembled back support portion of FIG. 1.

[0008] FIGS. 3A-3E illustrate sequential steps in the assembly of the back support portion of FIG. 1.

[0009] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the assembled back support portion of FIG. 1.

[0010] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the assembled back support portion of FIG. 4 taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 4. [0011] FIGS. 6A-6F illustrate sequential steps in the assembly of a side portion of another embodiment of a back support portion of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 7 illustrates a step in the assembly of the another embodiment of the back support portion utilizing four assembled side portions of FIG. 6.

[0013] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the assembled back support portion of FIG. 7.

[0014] FIG. 9 is a plan view of a disassembled side portion of another embodiment of the back support portion of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a disassembled side portion of a further embodiment of the back support portion of the present invention.

[0016] FIGS. 11 A-l IF illustrate sequential steps in the assembly of the side portion of FIG.

10

[0017] FIG. 12 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a disassembled front support portion of an image display of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 13 a plan view of the disassembled front support portion of FIG. 12.

[0019] FIG. 14 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a disassembled front support portion of an image display of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 15 a plan view of the disassembled front support portion of FIG. 14.

[0021] FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a roll of image substrate with an image printed thereon.

[0022] FIG. 17 is an isometric view of an image substrate with an image printed thereon cut from the roll of image substate of FIG. 16 for use with an image display of the present invention. [0023] FIG. 18 is an isometric view of a step of the joining an image substrate with an image printed thereon to a front support portion of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 19 is an isometric view of another step of the joining an image substrate with an image printed thereon to a front support portion of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 20 is an isometric view of a step of the joining a front support portion of the present invention with an image substrate secured thereto to a back support portion of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 21 is an isometric view of a further step of the joining a front support portion of the present invention with an image substrate secured thereto to a back support portion of the present invention.

[0027] FIGS. 22A-22D are enlarged isometric views of a step of folding a front support portion of the present invention with an image substrate secured thereto relative to a back support portion of the present invention when joining the front support portion to the back support portion.

[0028] FIGS. 23A-23D are enlarged isometric views of a further step of folding a front support portion of the present invention with an image substrate secured thereto relative to a back support portion of the present invention when joining the front support portion to the back support portion.

[0029] FIGS. 24A-24D are enlarged isometric views of yet a further step of folding a front support portion of the present invention with an image substrate secured thereto relative to a back support portion of the present invention when joining the front support portion to the back support portion.

[0030] FIG. 25 is an isometric view of the step of FIG. 24 when joining the front support portion to the back support portion.

[0031] FIG. 26 is a rear isometric view of a front support portion of the present invention with an image substrate secured thereto joined to a back support portion of the present invention to form an image display of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 27 is a is a cross sectional view, similar to FIG. 5, of an assembled back support portion of the invention.

[0033] FIG. 28 a plan view of another embodiment of a disassembled front support portion of an image display of the present invention.

[0034] FIGS. 29A-29D illustrate sequential steps in the assembly of a support structure of the invention.

[0035] FIG. 30 is an isometric view, similar to FIG. 14, of another embodiment of a disassembled front support portion of an image display of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 31 a plan view, similar to FIG. 15, of the disassembled front support portion of FIG. 30.

[0037] FIG. 32 is an isometric view, similar to FIG. 17, of an image substrate of the present invention with an image printed thereon for use with an image display of the present invention. [0038] FIG. 33 is an isometric view, similar to FIG. 18, of a step of the joining an image substrate of the present invention to a front support portion of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 34 is an isometric view, similar to FIG. 19, of another step of the joining an image substrate with an image printed thereon to a front support portion of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 35 is an isometric view, similar to FIG. 20, of a step of the joining a front support portion of the present invention with an image substrate secured thereto to a back support portion of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 36 is an isometric view, similar to FIG. 21, of a further step of the joining a front support portion of the present invention with an image substrate secured thereto to a back support portion of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 37 is an isometric view of a step of folding a front support portion of the present invention with an image substrate secured thereto relative to a back support portion of the present invention when joining the front support portion to the back support portion.

[0043] FIG. 38 is an enlarged isometric view of a portion of a further step of folding a front support portion of the present invention with an image substrate secured thereto relative to a back support portion of the present invention when joining the front support portion to the back support portion.

[0044] FIG. 39 is an enlarged isometric view of a portion of yet a further step of folding a front support portion of the present invention with an image substrate secured thereto relative to a back support portion of the present invention when joining the front support portion to the back support portion.

[0045] FIG. 40 is an enlarged isometric view of a portion of another step of folding a front support portion of the present invention with an image substrate secured thereto relative to a back support portion of the present invention when joining the front support portion to the back support portion.

[0046] FIG. 41 is an isometric view of a further step of folding a front support portion of the present invention with an image substrate secured thereto relative to a back support portion of the present invention when joining the front support portion to the back support portion.

[0047] FIG. 42 is a rear isometric view, similar to FIG. 26, of a front support portion of the present invention with an image substrate secured thereto joined to a back support portion of the present invention to form an image display of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 43 is a cross sectional view of the assembled front support portion and back support portion of FIG. 42 taken along the line 43-43 of FIG. 42.

[0049] FIG. 44 is an isometric view, similar to FIG. 30, of another embodiment of a disassembled front support portion of an image display of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 45 is an isometric view, similar to FIG. 33, of a step of the joining an image substrate with an image printed thereon to a front support portion of the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 46 is an isometric view, similar to FIG. 36, of a further step of the joining a front support portion of the present invention with an image substrate secured thereto to a back support portion of the present invention.

[0052] FIG. 47 is an isometric view of a step of folding a front support portion of the present invention with an image substrate secured thereto relative to a back support portion of the present invention when joining the front support portion to the back support portion.

[0053] FIG. 48 is a cross sectional view, similar to FIG. 33, of an assembled back support portion of the present invention with an image substrate of the present invention to form an image display of the present invention.

[0054] FIG. 49 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of another embodiment of a disassembled front support portion, similar to the front support portion of FIG. 30, of an image display of the present invention.

[0055] FIG. 50 is an enlarged plan view, similar to FIG. 49, of a portion of another embodiment of a disassembled front support portion of an image display of the present invention.

[0056] FIG. 51 is an enlarged plan view, similar to FIG. 49, of a portion of another embodiment of a disassembled front support portion of an image display of the present invention.

[0057] FIG. 52 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a disassembled front support portion of an image display taken along the line 52-52 of FIG. 51.

[0058] FIG. 53 is a plan view of an embodiment of a disassembled back support portion of an image display of the present invention.

[0059] FIGS. 54A-54D illustrate sequential steps in the assembly of the back support portion of FIG. 53.

[0060] FIG. 55 is an isometric view of an image substrate of the present invention, similar to FIG. 32, with an image printed thereon for use with an image display of the present invention. [0061] FIG. 56 is an isometric view of a step of the joining an image substrate of the present invention, similar to FIG. 33, to a front support portion of the present invention. [0062] FIG. 57 is an isometric view of a step of the joining a front support portion of the present invention, similar to FIG. 35, with an image substrate secured thereto to a back support portion of the present invention.

[0063] FIG. 58 is an isometric view of a step of folding a front support portion of the present invention with an image substrate secured thereto relative to a back support portion of the present invention, similar to FIG. 37, when joining the front support portion to the back support portion.

[0064] FIG. 59 is an enlarged isometric view of a portion of a further step of folding a front support portion of the present invention with an image substrate secured thereto relative to a back support portion of the present invention, similar to FIG. 38, when joining the front support portion to the back support portion.

[0065] FIG. 60 is an enlarged isometric view of a portion of yet a further step of folding a front support portion of the present invention with an image substrate secured thereto relative to a back support portion of the present invention, similar to FIG. 39, when joining the front support portion to the back support portion.

[0066] FIG. 61 is an enlarged isometric view of a portion of another step of folding a front support portion of the present invention with an image substrate secured thereto relative to a back support portion of the present invention, similar to FIG. 40, when joining the front support portion to the back support portion.

[0067] FIG. 62 is an isometric view of a further step of folding a front support portion of the present invention with an image substrate secured thereto relative to a back support portion of the present invention, similar to FIG. 41, when joining the front support portion to the back support portion.

[0068] FIG. 63 is a rear isometric view, similar to FIG. 42, of a front support portion of the present invention with an image substrate secured thereto joined to a back support portion of the present invention to form an image display of the present invention.

[0069] FIG. 64 is a cross sectional view of the assembled front support portion and back support portion of FIG. 63 taken along the line 64-64 of FIG. 63.

[0070] FIG. 65 is a plan view of an embodiment of a disassembled back support portion of an image display of the present invention.

[0071] FIGS. 66A-66E illustrate sequential steps in the assembly of the back support portion of FIG. 65.

[0072] FIG. 67 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 66E taken along the line 67-67 in FIG. 66E.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0073] The present disclosure relates to printed image displays mounted on support structures resembling wooden stretcher bar frames. The images may be printed on any suitable image substrate, including an image substrate resembling artist’s canvas.

[0074] Image display of the present invention includes a support structure of any suitable type onto which an image substrate is mounted or secured. The support structure can optionally have a size and shape resembling a wooden stretcher bar frame.

[0075] Image substrate 41 can be of any suitable type, for example any of the image substrates disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,959,812, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by this reference. For example, the image substrate can optionally be any suitable textile such as a suitable woven textile. The textile can optionally be woven from cotton, any other natural fiber, polyester, any other synthetic fiber, a combination of natural and synthetic fiber, a linen or any combination of the foregoing. The woven textile can optionally be a coarse woven textile, such as canvas, an open weave textile, a fine or tightly woven textile, a loosely woven textile or any combination of the foregoing. The image substrate 41 can optionally be any suitable artist’s canvas. Image substrate 41 can optionally be any suitable nonwoven material or a fibrous material such as paper. Image substrate 41 can optionally be of plastic, molded plastic, metal or any combination of the foregoing. The image substrate 41 can optionally be a clear or colorless material, for example a clear or colorless plastic material. Image substrate 41 can optionally be of any material onto which an image may be digitally printed. Image substrate 41 can optionally be any suitable flexible material, bendable material, formable material and any combination of the foregoing.

[0076] Image substrate 41 can have an outer surface 42 and an opposite inner surface 43, and a central portion 46 and a peripheral portion 47 extending around at least a portion or all of the central portion. Peripheral portion 47a can include a plurality of peripheral portions of any number, for example a first peripheral portion 47a, a second peripheral portion 47b, a third peripheral portion 47c and a fourth peripheral portion 47d. The image substrate 41 can optionally include a flap portion 48 peripheral of the central portion 46, for example between adjacent peripheral portions of the image substrate. A flap portion 48 can optionally be provided between each adjacent peripheral portion 47 of the image substrate.

[0077] An image 49 can be provided on at least the central portion 46 of the image substrate 41, for example on the outer surface 42 of the image substrate. Image 49 can optionally be provided on the inner surface 43 of the image substrate 41, for example when the image substrate is a clear or colorless material. The image can optionally, additionally be provided on one or more of the peripheral portions 47 of the image substrate. The image 49 can be provided or formed in any suitable manner on the image substrate 41, including by printing, digitally printing, painting, screening, molding or any combination of the foregoing.

[0078] Support structure 51 can formed from any suitable material, including paper, cardboard, paperboard, corrugated board, fiberboard, wood, metal, plastic, foam or any combination of the foregoing. The support structure can be a unitary structure, for example made from a single piece or block of material, or formed from a plurality of parts. As used herein, the term corrugated board means a material, for example a paperboard, having permanent corrugations or flutes. Such a corrugated sheet can optionally have an adherent board, which can be called a liner board and for example can be made of paperboard, on one or both sides. The corrugated portion or fluted layer or portion of corrugated board can optionally be referred to as the medium of the board. Suitable corrugated board can include single wall board, single face board and double wall board. Suitable single face board and suitable single wall board can each include F flutes, E flutes, B flutes, C flutes or any other suitable flute configuration. Suitable double wall board can include F/E flutes, E/B flutes, E/C flutes, B/C flutes or any other suitable flute configuration. Corrugated board used in the support structure of the invention, including any part thereof, can optionally include single wall board of F or E flute or any specialty flute that is thinner than F or E flute. The paper in a suitable corrugated board used in the support structure of the invention can be of any suitable weight. Corrugated board used in the support structure of the invention, including any part thereof, can optionally include single wall board having front and back liner boards and a fluted layer therebetween made from paper or board, each of the three layers having paper weights between 15 and 42 pounds per thousand square feet. Corrugated board used in the support structure of the invention, including any part thereof, can optionally include single wall board having front and back liner boards of 32 pounds per thousand square feet and a fluted layer therebetween made from paper or board of 23 pounds per thousand square feet. Corrugated board used in the support structure of the invention, including any part thereof, can optionally include single wall board having front and back liner boards of 42 pounds per thousand square feet and a fluted layer therebetween made from paper or board of 40 pounds per thousand square feet. Where the support structure is partially or entirely formed from corrugated board, the corrugated board can optionally be creased, perforated, slotted, slit, skived or otherwise weakened along any or all fold lines to facilitate folding of elements of the support structure along a fold line.

[0079] The portion of the support structure 51 behind the portion of the image substrate 41 having image 49 thereon can optionally be white, silver or any other suitable or desired color that contributes to the color of the image 49 provided on the image substrate 41. For example at least the surface of the support structure 51 behind the image substrate 41, such as for example the front and side surfaces of the support structure, can optionally be white, silver or any such other color. The entirety of the support structure 51 underlying the visible image 49 on the image substrate 41 can optionally be white, silver or any such other color. The entirety of the front and sides of the support structure 51, for example front 131 and sides 132 of the front support portion 53, can optionally be white, silver or any such other color. The entire visible portion of the support structure 51, for example the portions of the support structure underlying all visible portions of the image substrate on display, can optionally be white, silver or any such other color. Such a white, silver or other such color surface underlying image 49 of the image substrate can permit the image substrate 41 to be made from materials that are lightweight, thin, translucent, clear, colorless or any combination of the foregoing as the white, silver or other such color of the support structure, instead of or in addition to the material of the image substrate, can contribute color, shade or both to the image 49. For example, a white surface of the support structure can contribute some or all of the white in the image 49 printed on the image substrate 41, including the front or back of the image substrate, thus for example minimizing or eliminating the need for the color white in the image substrate 41. Any such colored surface of the support structure 51 can optionally be permanent. Such an image substrate 41 can be less expensive than image substates made from heavy or more opaque materials.

[0080] Support structure 51 can optionally include a first or back support portion or structure 52. The support structure can optionally include a second or front support portion or structure 53. The back support portion 52, which can be referred to as a support structure, can optionally be a rigid structure for supporting the front support portion 53. The back support portion can optionally provide rigid support for the front support portion, and thus serve as the rigid structure or support of support structure 51. The structural rigidity of the back support portion 52 can optionally be a function of the structural rigidity of the front support portion 53. For example, a more rigid front support portion may permit a less rigid back support portion. The back support portion can optionally serve to form and maintain the shape of the support structure 51. The back support portion can optionally serve to inhibit bending and deformation of the support structure. The back support portion can be solid or hollow, for example having an internal cavity. The back support portion can optionally be made from any suitable material, including paper, cardboard, paperboard, corrugated board, fiberboard, wood, metal, plastic, foam or any combination of the foregoing. Examples of solid back support portions include solid blocks of foam, plastic or wood. Examples of hollow back support portions include blocks of foam, plastic or wood with one or more cavities or openings therein, as well as frameworks made of a plurality of support elements and folded structures formed from any suitable foldable material. The back support portion can optionally have a size and shape approximating the size and shape of the front support portion, or optionally have a size and shape less than the size and shape of the front support portion.

[0081] Back support portion 52 can optionally include a back 56 and a plurality of sides 57 extending forwardly of the back 56 when in an assembled position. Back 56 optionally has a periphery, and the plurality of sides 57 optionally extend from the periphery of the back 56. The plurality of sides 57 can optionally extend end-to-end to form a plurality of corners of the back support portion 52. Back 56 and sides 57 can be formed separately, and joined together, or formed from a single sheet or item of material. Separate sides 57 can optionally be formed from the same material as back 56 or another material different than the material of the back 56. Any of separate sides 57 can optionally be formed from a material different than the material of any or all of the other sides 57. Each of the plurality of sides 57 can optionally be formed from a single sheet or item of material or from separate segments. Each of the sides 57 can be referred to as a first side.

[0082] The back support portion 52, including back 56 and sides 57 thereof, can optionally be formed from a solid material, for example a solid piece or block of foam or wood. A solid material forming back support portion 52 can optionally be hollow, for example with an internal cavity.

[0083] The back support portion 52 can optionally be a framework, for example a rigid framework. The framework can optionally have a skeletal appearance formed from a plurality of frame elements. The framework can optionally be called a hollow framework, for example formed with at least one internal cavity. As such, back 56, sides 57 or both of the back support portion 52 can each optionally be formed from a plurality of frame elements. The frame elements can be solid elements, for example formed from plastic, wood, metal, laminated materials or any combination of the foregoing. For example, the frame elements may be formed from laminated strips of cardboard, paperboard, fiberboard, corrugated board or any other suitable material, formed as such or cut from sheets, bars, cylinders or similar structures thereof. The frame elements can be tubular elements, cylindrical elements or a combination of the foregoing, for example formed from plastic, metal, cardboard, paperboard, fiberboard or corrugated board. The frame elements can optionally form the shape of the back support portion 52, for example form each of the edges of the back support portion. The frame elements can optionally be covered by an outer layer of any suitable material, for example on back 56, sides 57 or both, or optionally be free of any such out layer. The back support portion 52 can optionally be a stretcher bar frame, for example a wooden or fiberboard stretcher bar frame. [0084] The sides or first sides 57 of the back support portion 52 can each optionally be a cylindrical element or structure of any suitable type, including a hollow cylindrical element or structure of any suitable type. For example, each side 57, which can be referred to as a side structure, can have a plurality of planar surfaces or walls, for example each extending the length of the side. A side structure 57 of the invention can optionally be referred to as a multi-walled structure. A side structure 57 of the invention can optionally be referred to as a box beam. A side structure of the invention can optionally have a rectangular cross section, a triangular cross section or any combination of the foregoing. In this regard, for example, each side 57 can be formed from a foldable or bendable material, such as paper, cardboard, fiberboard, corrugated board, metal or plastic, that forms the plurality of planar surfaces, from hollow or solid rigid members, from extruded members or any combination of the foregoing. Each such side structure of back support portion 52 can be secured or joined to an optional back 56, for example by an adhesive or any other suitable fastener or by being formed from the same material as back 56. The ends of adjacent side structures can optionally abut, and can optionally be secured together by any suitable means. Such a back support portion 52 can optionally be called a hollow structure, for example formed with at least one cavity formed by back 56 and sides 57.

[0085] The sides or first sides 57 of the back support portion 52 can each optionally be a laminated strip, laminated structure, elongate element or laminated elongate element formed from cardboard, paperboard, fiberboard, corrugated board or any other suitable material. Any such laminated structure can optionally be formed or cut from sheets, bars, cylinders or similar structures of laminated material. Any such laminated structure can optionally not be hollow or tubular, except of any open or hollow nature of the laminated material forming the structure. [0086] Back support portion 52, shown in FIGS. 1-5, is a foldable structure that includes back 56 and a plurality of four sides 57. It is appreciated that back support portion 52 can have any number of sides. The back support portion can optionally be formed from a single sheet 66 of any suitable bendable or foldable material, for example any of the materials disclosed herein. When in a disassembled state, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the back support portion can be planar. Sheet 66 can have a central portion 67 and a plurality edges or sides 68 extending around the perimeter of the central portion. As illustrated, central portion 67 is rectangular in plan and edges or sides 68 extend perpendicular to each other and meet at a corner 69 of the central portion 67. A plurality of side strips 76 are formed from sheet 66 adjacent each side 68. Each side strip 76 can optionally be formed from a plurality of segments extending adjacent to each other and extending the length of the strip 76, and optionally be referred to as a side structure, a cylindrical structure, a hollow structure, a multi-walled structure, a four-walled structure, a three- walled structure, a box beam or any combination of the foregoing. Adjacent segments are optionally bendable or foldable along an imaginary longitudinal line relative to each other. Such segments of a side strip 76 can be of any number. Each side strip can optionally be formed with a first segment 81 foldably joined to a side 68 of central portion 67, a second segment 82 foldably joined to the first segment 81, a third segment 83 foldably joined to the second segment 82 and a fourth segment 84 foldably joined to the third segment 83. Each of the segments can be of any suitable shape. First segment 81, third segment 83 and fourth segment 84 can optionally be rectangular in shape, that is with opposite ends extending perpendicular to adjacent sides. Segments 81, 83 and 84 can optionally be the same length, or any other suitable length. Second segment 82 can optionally have the shape of a truncated triangle, with opposite ends inclined inwardly, for example at a 45° angle, from first segment 81 to third segment 83.

[0087] Back support portion 52 can be formed from sheet 66 in any suitable manner. For example, each of the sides or side structures 57 of the back support portion can be formed by folding the segments 81-84 of the side strip 76 in any suitable order until each segment extends perpendicularly of the adjacent segment to form a four-sided cylindrical side structure 57 in cross-section, as shown in FIG. 5. The fourth segment 84 of the side structure overlies the periphery of sheet central portion 67, adjacent the respective side 68 of the sheet central portion 67. The fourth segment 84 and can be secured to the periphery of the sheet central portion 67 in any suitable manner such as an adhesive. The side structure or side 57 extends forwardly of the sheet central portion, adjacent side 68. Each side structure 57 optionally extends end-to-end, and at a right angle, to the two adjacent side structures 57 to form a corner of the back support portion 52. The opposite ends of any or all of segment 81-83 optionally abut the respective ends of the two adjacent segments 81-83.

[0088] An optional folding sequence of side strips 76 for forming side structures 57 is illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3E, where each fourth segment 84 is folded, simultaneously or in any other suitable order, to a right angle with the adjacent third segment 83 (see FIG. 3B). Each third segment 83 is then folded, simultaneously or in any other suitable order, to a right angle with the adjacent second segment 82 (see FIG. 3C). Each second segment 82 is then folded, simultaneously or in any other suitable order, to a right angle with the adjacent first segment 81 (see FIG. 3D). Each first segment 81 is then folded, simultaneously or in any other suitable order, to a right angle with sheet central portion 67 so that the fourth segment 84 overlies and sits on the periphery of the sheet central portion (see FIG. 3E). The abutting ends of adjacent side segments, meeting for example at a right angle, can optionally be secured together in any suitable manner, for example by means of an adhesive or any suitable fastener. Sides 57 can optionally be joined end-to-end to form a continuous strip around central portion 67 of the sheet 66. The outer surface of each first segment 81 forms an outer side surface 86 of the assembled back support portion 52. The back support portion 52 includes at least one cavity 87 formed by back 56 and sides 57, and can optionally be called a hollow support portion or support structure. [0089] The sides of the back support portion of the invention can optionally be formed from a combination of side strips, each with a plurality of segments, and a rigid element, which can optionally be solid or hollow. For example, back support portion 52 can be formed from sheet 66 having central portion 67, sides 68 and side strips 76 wherein each of the side strips 76 includes a first segment 81 and optionally a second segment 82, but optionally not third segment 83 or fourth segment 84 (see FIG. 27). Sheet 66 can be formed from any suitable material, as discussed above, and the first and second segments 81, 82 can optionally be foldable relative to the central portion 67 and each other. Each of sides 57 can optionally include a rigid element 191 made from any suitable material, for example wood, plastic, extruded plastic, metal, fiberboard, corrugated board, any other rigid or nonbendable material or any combination of the foregoing. The rigid element can be referred to as an elongate element or an elongate rigid element. As shown in FIG. 27, rigid element 191 can optionally be a solid element or member, that is not hollow. A solid element or member can include a solid plastic bar strip, a solid metal bar or strip, a solid wood bar or strip, a strip or laminated corrugated board, cardboard or fiberboard or any combination of the foregoing. When the rigid element 191 can optionally be a hollow element or member, it can optionally be referred to as a cylindrical element or structure, a hollow cylindrical element or structure or a tubular element or structure. A hollow element or member can include a tubular plastic element, a tubular extruded element, a tubular metal element, a box beam or any combination of the foregoing. A rigid element can optionally extend the length of the respective side 57. Adjacent rigid elements can optionally extend end-to-end with each other. Each rigid element 191 can optionally be secured to the backside of central portion 67, the respective side strip 76, either or both of first segment 81 and second segment 82 of the side strip or any combination of the foregoing. For example, and as shown in FIG. 27, each rigid element 191 can optionally extend between the respective second segment 82 and central portion 67 and can optionally be secured to both thereof. Each rigid element 191, for example as shown in FIG. 27, can optionally be spaced from the respective first segment 81 by any suitable distance.

[0090] Sides 57 having tubular or cylindrical sides structures inhibit bending and deformation of the sides of the assembled back support portion 52. The abutting of adjacent sides structures at the corners of the back support portion 52 inhibit bending or warping of the back support portion. The four side structures 57 illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5 and 27 form a substantially rigid box-like structure. Such assembled back support portion 52 can optionally have the size and shape of a conventional stretcher bar frame.

[0091] As stated above, the first sides or sides 57 of back support portion 52 can optionally be formed or manufactured separately, for example optionally separately from back 56, optionally separately from each other or both. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, each side 57 can be formed separately from a respective sheet of material, for example any suitable bendable or foldable material including any of the materials disclosed herein. One or more of sides can optionally be formed from a material different than the material of any of the other sides. The sheet of material can optionally be referred to as a side strip 91. When in a disassembled state, as shown in FIG. 6A, the side strip 91 can be planar. Side strip 91 can optionally be substantially similar to side strip 76 and formed from a plurality of segments extending adjacent to each other and extending the length of the strip 91. Side 57 formed from strip 91 can optionally be referred to as a side structure, a cylindrical structure, a hollow structure, a multi-walled structure, a four- walled structure, a box beam or any combination of the foregoing or any combination of the foregoing. Adjacent segments are optionally bendable or foldable along an imaginary longitudinal line relative to each other. Such segments of side strip 91 can be of any number. Each side strip 91 can optionally include a first segment 81, a second segment 82, a third segment 83 and a fourth segment 84 substantially identical of segments 81-84 of side strip 76. Side strip 91 can optionally include a fifth segment 92 foldably joined to fourth segment 84. The fifth segment can be of any suitable shape, and optionally be rectangular in shape, that is with opposite ends extending perpendicular to adjacent sides. The fifth segment 92 can optionally have the same length as the fourth segment 84.

[0092] A side structure 57 can be formed from side strip 91 in any suitable manner, for example in a similar manner to the formation of a side structure from a side strip 76. In this regard, a side or side structure 57 of the back support portion can be formed by folding the segments 81-84 and 92 of the side strip 91 in any suitable order until each segment extends perpendicularly of the adjacent segment to form a four-sided cylindrical side structure 57 in cross-section. An optional folding sequence of a side strip 91 for forming s side structure 57 is illustrated in FIG. 6, where the fifth segment 92 is folded to a right angle with the fourth segment 84 (see FIG. 6B). The fourth segment 84 is then folded to a right angle with the third segment 83 (see FIG. 6C). The third segment 83 is then folded to a right angle with the second segment 82 (see FIG. 6D). The second segment 82 is then folded to a right angle with the first segment 81 (see FIG. 6E). The fifth segment 92 of the side structure overlies or underlies the first segment 81, as illustrated in FIGS. 6E. The fifth segment 92 can optionally be secured to the first segment 81 in any suitable manner, for example by an adhesive. In FIG. 6F, the side structure 57 has been rotated 90° so that the fourth segment 84 is the bottom of the side structure.

[0093] Each side structure 57 can optionally be joined to a central sheet, for example sheet 93 shown in FIG. 7. Such sheet can serve as the back 56 of the back support portion 52 and can be made from any suitable material, for example any of the materials disclosed herein. A plurality edges or sides 94 extend around the perimeter of the sheet 93. Sheet 93 can optionally be rectangular in plan and edges or sides 94 can extend perpendicular to each other and meet at a corner 96 of the sheet 93. A separate side structure 57, for example formed from a side strip 91, can optionally be joined to the periphery of sheet 93, for example adjacent a side 94 of the sheet, by any suitable manner such as an adhesive. For example, the fourth segment 84 of the separate side structure 57 can overlie the periphery of sheet 93, or sit on the periphery of the sheet 93, adjacent a side 94 of the sheet and be optionally adhered to the periphery of the sheet. First segment 81 can optionally be flush with side 94 or optionally be positioned outwardly from the side 94, so that the separate side structure 57 is respectively flush with or overhangs the periphery of sheet 93. Each side structure 57 can optionally be secured to the periphery of sheet 93 at a position inset from the respective edge or side 94 of sheet 93. The amount of inset can vary, for example not greater than the width of the side structure 57. The amount of inset optionally does not significantly affect the peripheral strength of the back support portion 52. [0094] Each side structure or side 57 extends forwardly of the sheet 93, adjacent side 94. Each side structure 57 optionally extends end-to-end, and for example at a right angle, to the two adjacent side structures 57. The opposite ends of any or all of segment 81-83 optionally abut the respective ends of the two adjacent segments 81-83, and can optionally be secured together by any suitable means. Side structures 57 can optionally be joined end-to-end to form a continuous strip around sheet 93. The outer surface of each first segment 81 forms an outer side surface 86 of the assembled back support portion 52.

[0095] The tubular or cylindrical sides structures 57 formed with side strip 91 inhibit bending and deformation of the sides of the assembled back support portion 52. The abutting of adjacent sides structures at the comers of the back support portion 52 inhibit bending or warping of the back support portion. The four side structures 57 illustrated in FIG. 8 form a substantially rigid box-like structure. Such assembled back support portion 52 can optionally have the size and shape of a conventional stretcher bar frame. The double layer construction on one or more segments of tubular side structures enhances the strength and rigidity of the side structures. For example, double segment layers 81 and 92, which can optionally be laminated together, strengthen the outside wall of the side structures. Similarly, fourth segment 84 overlying the periphery of sheet 93, which can optionally be laminated to the sheet, enhances the strength of the periphery of the sheet 93. Sides or side structures 57 formed separately, including separately from back 56 of the back support portion 52, can enable use of different materials for the sides or side structures 57 compared to the material of back 56 or any of the other sides or side structures 57. Separate sides or side structures 57 may lead to lower overall cost of support structure 51 since expense can be allocated more closely to where a greater expense provides structural benefit, structural strength, simplified construction or any combination of the foregoing.

[0096] Another embodiment of a side structure 57 of the invention, which can optionally be a separate side structure, is illustrated in FIG. 9. The side structure 57 of FIG. 9 can be formed separately from a respective sheet of material, for example any suitable bendable or foldable material including any of the materials disclosed herein. One or more of sides can optionally be formed from a material different than the material of any of the other sides. The sheet of material can optionally be referred to as a side strip 101. When in a disassembled state, as shown in FIG. 9, the side strip 101 can be planar. Side strip 101 can optionally be substantially similar to side strips 76 and 91 and formed from a plurality of segments extending adjacent to each other and extending the length of the strip 101. Side 57 formed from strip 101 can optionally be referred to as a side structure, a cylindrical structure, a hollow structure, a multi-walled structure, a four- walled structure, a box beam or any combination of the foregoing. Adjacent segments are optionally bendable or foldable along an imaginary longitudinal line relative to each other. Such segments of side strip 101 can be of any number. Each side strip 101 can include a first segment 81, a second segment 82 and a third segment 83 substantially similar to segments 81-83 of side strips 76 and 91. The side strip 101 can additionally include a fourth segment 102 foldably joined to third segment 83 and a fifth segment 103 foldably joined to fourth segment 102. Fourth segment 102 can optionally have the shape of a truncated triangle, with opposite ends inclined outwardly, for example at a 45° angle, from the third segment 83 to the fifth segment 103.

Second segment 82 and fourth segment 102 can optionally be mirror images of each other. The fifth segment 103 can be of any suitable shape, and optionally be rectangular in shape, that is with opposite ends extending perpendicular to adjacent sides. Fifth segment 103 can optionally be of the same length as first segment 81.

[0097] A side structure 57 can be formed from side strip 101 in any suitable manner, for example in a similar manner to the formation of a side structure from a side strip 91. In this regard, a side or side structure 57 of the back support portion can be formed by folding the segments 81-83 and 102-103 of the side strip 101 in any suitable order until each segment extends perpendicularly of the adjacent segment to form a four-sided cylindrical side structure 57 in cross-section. An optional folding sequence is similar to the folding sequence discussed and illustrated above with respect to side strip 91. The fifth segment 103 of the side structure overlies or underlies the first segment 81, and can optionally be secured to the first segment 81 in any suitable manner, for example by an adhesive so as to form a laminated outer wall of the side structure 57. Second segment 82 and fourth segment 102 form opposite walls of the side structure, and can each optionally serve as either the bottom or top wall of the side structure 57. [0098] Each side structure 57 formed from side strip 101 can optionally be joined to a central sheet, not shown, for example in the manner discussed above with respect to sheet 93. Such sheet can serve as the back 56 of the back support portion 52 and can be made from any suitable material, for example any of the materials disclosed herein. A separate side structure 57, for example formed from a side strip 101, can be joined to the periphery of the sheet, for example adjacent a side of the sheet, in any suitable manner for example as discussed above with respect to side structure 57 formed from side strip 91. For example, the second segment 82 or the fourth segment 102 of the separate side structure 57 can overlie the periphery of sheet, or sit on the periphery of the sheet, adjacent or near a side of the sheet and be optionally adhered to the periphery of the sheet. Each side structure 57 optionally extends end-to-end, and for example at a right angle, to the two adjacent side structures 57. The opposite ends of any or all of segments 81-83 and 102-103 optionally abut the respective ends of the two adjacent segments 81-83 and 102-103, and can optionally be secured together by any suitable means. Side structures 57 can optionally be joined end-to-end to form a continuous strip around the central sheet. The outer surface of each first segment 81 forms an outer side surface 86 of the assembled back support portion 52.

[0099] The tubular or cylindrical sides structures 57 formed with side strip 101 inhibit bending and deformation of the sides of the assembled back support portion 52. The abutting of adjacent sides structures at the comers of the back support portion 52 inhibit bending or warping of the back support portion. The angled ends of second segment 82 and fourth segment 102 permit such abutting of adjacent segments 82 and 102 as well as adjacent fifth segments 193 and thus enhance the strength and rigidity of the back support portion 52 formed with side strip 101. The abutting four side structures 57 form a substantially rigid box-like structure. Such assembled back support portion 52 can optionally have the size and shape of a conventional stretcher bar frame. The double layer construction on one or more segments of tubular side structures enhances the strength and rigidity of the side structures, for example as discussed above with respect to side structures 57 formed from side strip 91.

[00100] Another embodiment of a side structure 57 of the invention, which can optionally be a separate side structure, is illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. The side structure 57 of FIGS. 10 and

I I can be formed separately from a respective sheet of material, for example any suitable bendable or foldable material including any of the materials disclosed herein. One or more of sides can optionally be formed from a material different than the material of any of the other sides. The sheet of material can optionally be referred to as a side strip 111. When in a disassembled state, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 A, the side strip 111 can be planar. Side strip

III can optionally be formed from a plurality of segments extending adjacent to each other and extending the length of the strip 111, and optionally be referred to as a side structure, a cylindrical structure, a hollow structure, a multi-walled structure, a three-walled structure, a triangle beam or any combination of the foregoing or any combination of the foregoing.

Adjacent segments are optionally bendable or foldable along an imaginary longitudinal line relative to each other. Such segments of a side strip 111 can be of any number. Each side strip can optionally be formed with a first segment 116, a second segment 117 foldably joined to the first segment 116, a third segment 118 foldably joined to the second segment 117 and a fourth segment 119 foldably joined to the third segment 118. Each of the segments can be of any suitable shape. First segment 116 and fourth segment 119 can optionally be rectangular in shape, that is with opposite ends extending perpendicular to adjacent sides. Segments 116 and 119 can optionally be the same length, or any other suitable length. Second segment 117 can optionally have the shape of a truncated triangle, with opposite ends inclined inwardly, for example at a 45° angle, from first segment 116 to third segment 118. Third segment 118 can optionally have the shape of a truncated triangle, with opposite ends inclined outwardly, for example at a 45° angle, from second segment 117 to fourth segment 119. Second segment 117 and third segment 118 can optionally be mirror images of each other.

[00101] A side structure 57 can be formed from side strip 111 in any suitable manner, for example in a similar manner to the formation of a side structure from side strips 91 and 101. In this regard, a side or side structure 57 of the back support portion can be formed by folding the segments 116-119 of the side strip 111 in any suitable order until each segment extends at a right angle or an acute angle of the adjacent segment to form a three-sided cylindrical side structure 57 in cross-section. An optional folding sequence of a side strip 111 for forming s side structure 57 is illustrated in FIG. 11. Strip 111 is shown disassembled and in a planar configuration in FIG.

11 A. Fourth segment 119 is folded to a right angle with the third segment 118 (see FIG. 1 IB). The third segment 118 is then folded to a desired angle, for example an intermediate angle, with the second segment 117 (see FIG. 11C). The second segment 117 is then folded to a desired acute angle, for example 60°, with the first segment 82 (see FIG. 1 ID). The fourth segment 119 is then folded onto the first segment 116, so as to overlie the first segment 116, and simultaneously cause the third segment 118 to fold to a desired acute angle, for example 30°, with the second segment 117 (see FIG. 1 IE). It is appreciated that the fourth segment 119 can overlie or underlie the first segment 116. The fourth segment 119 can optionally be secured to the first segment 116 in any suitable manner, for example by an adhesive. In FIG. 1 IF, the side structure 57 has been rotated 90° so that the third segment 118 is the bottom of the side structure. [00102] Each side structure 57 formed from side strip 111 can optionally be joined to a central sheet, not shown, for example in the manner discussed above with respect to sheet 93. Such sheet can serve as the back 56 of the back support portion 52 and can be made from any suitable material, for example any of the materials disclosed herein. A separate side structure 57, for example formed from a side strip 111, can be joined to the periphery of the sheet, for example adjacent a side of the sheet, in any suitable manner for example as discussed above with respect to side structure 57 formed from side strip 91. For example, the third segment 118 of the separate side structure 57 can overlie the periphery of sheet, or sit on the periphery of the sheet, adjacent or near a side of the sheet and be optionally adhered to the periphery of the sheet. Each side structure 57 optionally extends end-to-end, for example at a right angle, to the two adjacent side structures 57. The opposite ends of any or all of segment 116-119 optionally abut the respective ends of the two adjacent segments 116-119, and can optionally be secured together by any suitable means. Side structures 57 can optionally be joined end-to-end to form a continuous strip around the central sheet. The outer surface of each first segment 116 forms an outer side surface 86 of the assembled back support portion 52.

[00103] The tubular or cylindrical sides structures 57 formed with side strip 111 inhibit bending and deformation of the sides of the assembled back support portion 52. The abutting of adjacent sides structures at the comers of the back support portion 52 inhibit bending or warping of the back support portion. The angled ends of second segment 117 and third segment 118 permit abutting of adjacent segments 117 and 118 and thus enhance the strength and rigidity of the back support portion 52 formed with side strip 111. The abutting four side structures 57 form a substantially rigid box-like structure. Such assembled back support portion 52 can optionally have the size and shape of a conventional stretcher bar frame. The double layer construction on one or more segments of tubular side structures enhances the strength and rigidity of the side structures, for example as discussed above with respect to side structures 57 formed from side strips 91 and 101. The advantage or disadvantage of one or more of sides structures 57 being formed from side strip 91, side strip 101 or side strip 11, or being formed of a different construction than any or all of the other side structures 57, may focus on a variety of factors that can include cost, structural benefit, structural strength, simplified construction or any combination of the foregoing.

[00104] It is appreciated that sides or structures 57 of the back support portion 52 need not all have the same construction. For example, one or more sides for structures 57 may optionally have a construction different than any or all of the other sides or side structures 57.

[00105] The front support portion 53, which can be referred to as a support structure, can optionally be a rigid or semi-rigid structure for receiving the image substrate 41. Support portion 53 can optionally be referred to as an image substrate stretching portion, element, or member.

The front support portion can enhance the rigidity of support structure 51, and can optionally serve to form and maintain the shape of the support structure 51. The front support portion 53 can optionally have a size and shape resembling a wooden stretcher bar frame. The front support portion 53 can optionally be hollow, for example having an internal cavity. The front support portion can optionally receive the back support portion 52 in an internal cavity. The front support portion can optionally extend over and around the back support portion 52, for example the front and sides of the back support portion. The front support portion can optionally extend over the sides of the back support portion 52. The front support portion can include a plurality of sides, which can optionally be secured to a front. The plurality of sides can optionally be formed from the same piece or sheet of material as the front.

[00106] Front support portion 53 can optionally include a front 131 and a plurality of sides 132 extending rearwardly of the front 131 when in an assembled state. The outer surface of the front

131, the outer surface of the plurality of sides 132 or both can optionally be white or silver for the reasons discussed above. The front support portion can optionally include a plurality of sides

132, but no front 131. The plurality of sides 132 can optionally extend end-to-end to form a plurality of corners of the front support portion 53. Front 131 and sides 132 can be formed separately, and joined together, or formed from a single sheet or item of material. Each of the sides 132 can be referred to as a first side. The front 131 and plurality of sides 132 can optionally form a cavity 133. The front portion can be made from any suitable material, including paper, cardboard, paperboard, corrugated board, fiberboard, wood, metal, plastic or any combination of the foregoing.

[00107] The back support portion of the invention optionally seats within the front support portion of the invention. For example, back support portion 52 optionally seats within cavity 133 of front support portion 53. Back 56 of the back support portion optionally forms a cover for cavity 133, and optionally forms the back of support structure 51. The interior dimensions of the front support portion 53, for example the interior width and length of the front support portion, are optionally slightly larger than the respective exterior dimensions of the back support portion 52, for example the exterior width and length of the back support portion. The interior depth of cavity 133 of the front support portion may be optionally slightly smaller, the same or slightly larger than the exterior depth of the back support portion 52, dictating whether the side strips of the front support portion of the invention are shorter than, equal to or longer than the sides of the back support portion of the invention.

[00108] Front support portion 53, shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, is optionally a foldable structure that includes front 131 and a plurality of four sides 132. It is appreciated that front support portion 53 can have any number of sides. The front support portion can optionally be formed from a single sheet 136, or a plurality of sheets, of any suitable bendable or foldable material, for example any of the materials disclosed herein. When in a disassembled state, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the front support portion can be planar. Sheet 136 can have a central portion 137 and a plurality edges or sides 138 extending around the perimeter of the central portion. As illustrated, central portion 137 is rectangular in plan and edges or sides 138 extend perpendicular to each other and meet at a corner 139 of the central portion 137. A plurality of side strips 141 are formed from sheet 136 adjacent each side 138 and foldable at each side relative to sheet 136, for example to a right angle relative to the sheet, for forming the plurality of sides 132 of the front support portion 53. Side strips 141 can optionally be joined end-to-end to form a continuous strip around central portion 137 of the sheet 136. Each sides strip 141 has a first end 141a and an opposite second end 141b. Front support portion 53 can optionally referred to as hollow, for example having at least one cavity. Cavity 133 of the front support portion 53 is formed by sheet 136, for example central portion 137 and the plurality of side strips 141 of the sheet 136. Each side strip 141 can optionally be referred to as a strip, an elongate strip, a segment, an elongate segment, a side, an elongate side or any combination of the foregoing. [00109] Some or all of front 131, side strips 141 and any other elements of the front support portion 53 can optionally be formed separately, or formed from a plurality of sheets or items of material, and joined together. The one or more materials of the front support portion 53 can be any of the materials disclosed herein, including plastic, metal, cardboard, paperboard, fiberboard or corrugated board.

[00110] The abutting ends of adjacent side strips 141 can optionally have cooperating elements for facilitating folding of a corner in the image substrate 41 during assembly of the image display of the invention (see FIGS. 12 and 13). For example, second end 141b of one side strip can have a foldable extension 151 of any suitable type and the abutting or adjacent first end 141a of the adjacent side strip can have a cutout 152 of any suitable type for receiving the foldable extension 151. Cutout 152 can optionally be referred to as a recess. The extension 151, which can be referred to as a foldable tab, can optionally fold relative to the remainder of the side strip 141 along a fold line 153 provided in the side strip. The fold line can optionally extend perpendicularly of the length of the side strip. Foldable extension 151 and cutout or recess 152 can each be of any suitable size and shape. For example, foldable extension 151 can narrow in width as it extends from fold line 153. For example, the foldable extension can extend forwardly from fold line 153 with first and second sides 156, for example linear sides 156. First and second sides 156 can optionally meet at the end of the foldable extension. Foldable extension 151 can optionally have a three-sided shape. The foldable extension can optionally be triangular in shape. Sides 156 can optionally each be inclined, for example at an acute angle, relative to fold line 153. Sides 156 can optionally be of equal length. One of sides 156 can optionally extend orthogonally or at a right angle from fold line 153, thus forming a foldable extension having the shape of a right triangle. Cutout 152 can optionally be of sufficient size and shape to fully receive the foldable extension 151. The cutout or recess can optionally be larger in size than the foldable extension.

[00111] A foldable extension 161 of the invention can optionally be provided at the end of a side strip 141. The foldable extension can have an end portion 161a and a spacer section 161b extending between the end portion 161a and the respective fold line 153 of the side strip (see FIGS. 14 and 15). The end portion 161a, which can be referred to as a foldable tab, can be of any suitable size and shape, for example any of the sizes and shapes discussed above with respect to foldable extension 151. The end portion 161a can extend forwardly from fold line 153 with first and second inclined sides 156, for example linear sides 156. The spacer section 161b can be of any suitable size and shape, for example rectangular in shape and having a width equal to the width of the side strip 141. Spacer section 161b serves to space the end portion 161a of the extension 161 from the respective fold line 153. A cutout 162 for use with foldable extension 161 can be provided in the adjacent side strip 141 and be of any suitable size and shape, for example any of the sizes and shapes discussed above with respect to cutout 152. Cutout 162 can optionally be referred to as a recess. Cutout 162 can optionally be of sufficient size and shape to fully receive the end portion 161a. The cutout or recess can optionally be larger in size than the end portion 161a. A side strip 141 having a cutout 162 in the end thereof can optionally have a length less than the length of the respective side 138 of sheet 136, for example by a distance 163, so that the end of the side strip 141 and the cutout or recess 162 are spaced from the respective corner 139 of the sheet 136 by distance 163. The distance 163 can optionally be equal to the length of the spacer section 161b of the cooperating foldable extension 161 adjacent cutout 162 so that folding of the extension 161 along fold line 153 permits end portion 161a of the extension 161 to be received by the cutout or recess 162.

[00112] A foldable extension 201 of the invention can optionally be provided at the end of a side strip 141 (see FIG. 28). The foldable extension 201, which can be referred to as a foldable tab, can be of any suitable size and shape, for example any of the sizes and shapes discussed above with respect to foldable extensions 151, 161. The foldable extension 201 can extend forwardly from fold line 153 with first and second inclined sides 156, for example linear sides 156. One of sides 156 can optionally extend orthogonally or at a right angle from fold line 153, thus providing foldable extension 201 with the shape of a right triangle. The other side 156 can optionally be inclined relative to fold line 153 at any suitable angle, including 45°. The orthogonal side 156 can optionally extend linearly from the outside of the side strip 141, and thus the end of the foldable extension 201 can be at the respective end of the outside of the side strip. A cutout 202 for use with foldable extension 201 can be provided in the adjacent side strip 141 and be of any suitable size and shape, for example any of the sizes and shapes discussed above with respect to cutouts 152, 162. Cutout 202 can optionally be referred to as a recess. Cutout 202 can optionally be of sufficient size and shape to fully receive the foldable extension 201.

The cutout or recess can optionally be larger in size than the foldable extension.

[00113] Side strip 141 can optionally have a foldable extension 151, 161, 201 on each of its first and second ends 141a, 141b. Similarly, a side strip 141 can optionally have a cutout or recess 152, 162, 202 on each of its first and second ends 141a, 141b. Alternatively, a side strip can have a foldable extension 151. 161, 201 on one end and a cutout 152, 162, 202 on its other end.

In a four-sided front support portion 53 of the invention, two opposite side strips 141 can have a foldable extension 151, 161, 201 one each end and the other two opposite side strips 141 can have a cutout or recess 152, 162, 202 on each end.

[00114] A variety of methods for forming the image display of the invention can be provided. The image substrate 41 with image 49 thereon can be formed in any suitable manner. For example, a plurality of images 49 can optionally be formed on a roll 171 of the image substrate material (see FIG. 16). Images 49 can be formed on the roll 171 in a suitable manner, for example digitally or otherwise printed on the roll. An individual image substrate 41 can be formed in a desired size and shape from the roll 171 of the image substrate material in any suitable manner, for example die cut to the desired size and shape from the roll 171. An image 49 can optionally be formed on a sheet of the image substrate 41. For example, a single image 49 can be provided on a single sheet of the image substrate 41. A plurality of optional creases or folds 172 can be provided in the image substrate 41 or facilitating the creation of the image display. For example, a crease or fold 172 can be provided between central portion 46 and each peripheral portion 47a-d of the image substrate 41. One or more optional creases or folds can be provided for providing flap portion 48 of the image substrate 41.

[00115] Each peripheral portion 47 of the image substrate 41 can optionally be formed with a plurality of elongate segments (see FIG. 17). For example, a first segment 176 can extend along the side of the central portion 46 of the image substrate and a second segment 177 can extend adjacent or along the length of the first segment. Each of the segments can be of any suitable size and shape. For example, the first segment 176 can optionally be rectangular in shape, that is with opposite ends extending perpendicular to adjacent sides, and extend along the entire side of the central portion. Each first segment 176 can optionally have the same size, shape and dimensions of outer surface 86 of the respective side 57 of back support portion 52 over which the first segment will overlie. One or more of second segments 177 can optionally be rectangular in shape and have the same length of the adjacent first segment 176. One or more of second segments 177 can optionally have the shape of a truncated triangle, with opposite ends inclined outward, for example at a 45° angle, from the first segment 176. Second segments 177 of second peripheral portion 47b and fourth peripheral portion 47d can optionally be rectangular in shape. Second segments 177 of first peripheral portion 47a and third peripheral portion 47c can optionally have the shape of a truncated triangle. A flap portion 48 can optionally extend between each first segment 176 of adjacent peripheral portions. Each flap portion 48 can optionally be triangular in shape and be formed with a side 178, for example a linear side 178, extending between the outer corners of the first segments of the adjacent peripheral portions 47 of the image substrate 41. A crease or fold 172 can optionally be provided between each segment of a peripheral portion 47, and between each flap portion 48 and adjoining peripheral portions 47. Each flap portion 48 can optionally be divided, for example in half into a first portion or first flap portion and a second portion or second flap portion, by a crease or fold 179, for example extending at a right angle from side 178 of the flap portion to the respective corner of central portion 46 of the image substrate 41 (see FIG. 19).

[00116] A variety of methods can be provided for forming the image display of the invention, for example for forming the image display from support structure 51. A variety of methods can be provided for forming image display from back support portion 52 and front support portion 53 and the support structure 51.

[00117] In an optional step, image substrate 41 can overlie the front 131 and the plurality of second sides 132 of the front support portion 53. The front of the disassembled, and planar, front support portion 53 can optionally be positioned above or opposite inner surface 43 of the disassembled, and planar, image substrate 41. The front support portion 53 and the image substrate 41 can be brought together, for example with the front of sheet central portion 137 mated or registered with the inner surface 43 of image substrate central portion 46, and the outer surface of each side strip 141 of the front support portion 53 mated or registered with a first segment 176 of a peripheral portion 47 of the image substrate 41. Any cutout 142 provided at the end of a side strip 141 of the front support portion 53 can optionally extend to the end of the respective first segment 176 of the image substrate 41, so that the end of the cutout 142 abuts an inner side of the respective flap portion 48 in the image substrate. Any foldable extension 151 provided at the end of a side strip 141 can optionally extend over half of the respective flap portion 48, for example over a first portion of the flap 48, with one inclined side 156 of the foldable extension optionally extending flush with the side 178 of the flap portion and the other inclined side 156 of the foldable extension optionally extending along the crease or fold 179 of the flap portion. The second segment 177 of each peripheral portion 47 of the image substrate 41 optionally extends outwardly, for example entirely outwardly, from the side strip 141 of the front support portion 53.

[00118] A portion of the front support portion 53 can optionally be secured to the inner surface 43 of the image substrate 41, although it is appreciated that an image display of the invention can be provided in which none of the image substrate 41 is secured to the front support portion.

Each side strip 141 of the font support portion 52 can optionally be secured to the inside of the first segment 176 of the respective peripheral portion 47 by any suitable means such as an adhesive. Each foldable extension 151 can optionally be secured to the respective flap portion 48, for example half of the respective flap portion 48, by any suitable means such as an adhesive. The half or second portion of the flap portion 48 to which the foldable extension is not secured can be referred to as the free portion 180 of the flap portion 48 (see FIGS. 22C and 23 C).

[00119] In an optional step, the image substrate 41 can extend over the back support portion 52. Back support portion 52 can optionally be aligned or registered with a front support portion 53 and brought together therewith. For example, the front of an assembled back support portion, with cavity 87 exposed, can be positioned over and brought into engagement with an unassembled support portion 53 (see FIGS. 20-21). The back support portion 52 can optionally be registered and engaged with the back of central portion 137 of sheet 136 of the front support portion, for example between side strips 141 of the front support portion.

[00120] In an optional step, the plurality of side strips 141 of the front support portion 53 can be folded over the plurality of sides 57 of the back support portion 52. The side strips 141 of front support portion 53 can optionally be folded rearwardly of central portion 137 of the sheet 136 of the front support portion in any suitable order. For example, each of the side strips 141 can be folded up against an outer side surface 86 of the back support portion 52. Each of the side strips 141 can optionally be secured to an outer side surface 86 in a suitable manner, for example by adhesive. The folding of the side strips 141 relative to sheet central portion 137 can optionally serve to stretch central portion 46 of the image substrate 41 over the front 56 of front support portion 53. In one order for the folding of side strips 141 relative to sheet central portion 137, opposite side strips 141 with first peripheral portion 47a and third peripheral portion 47c of the image substrate 41 secured thereto are first folded up against respective outer side surfaces 86 of the front support portion 53. Opposite side surfaces 41 with second peripheral portion 47b and fourth peripheral portion 47d secured thereto can then be folded up against respective outer side surfaces 86 of the back support portion 52. A fold line 153 of a side strip 141 can optionally be aligned with a corner of back support portion 52 for permitting the respective foldable extension 151 to fold around the corner when the side strip is folded up against or abutting an outer side surface 86 the back support portion.

[00121] In an optional step, a foldable extension 151 at the end of a side strip 141 folded against an outer side surface 86 of the back support portion 52 is optionally folded around the corner of the back support portion before an end of an adjacent side strip 141 having a cutout 152 and is folded up against the adjacent outer side surface 86 the back support portion 52 at or nearby the corner. The foldable extension 151 can be folded around the comer of the back support portion 52 before or after the adjacent side strip 141 have a cooperating cutout 152 is folded up against the outer side surface 86 of the back support portion.

[00122] An optional sequence for folding side strips 141 of front support portion 53 is illustrated in FIGS. 22-24, where the four comers of a back support portion 52 are shown respectively in FIGS. 22A-24A, FIGS. 22B-24B, FIGS. 22C-24D and FIGS. 22D-24D. In an optional step, one or more side strips 141 having a foldable extension 151 provided on one or more ends thereof, and a peripheral portion 47 of image substrate 41 secured thereto, can be folded relative to sheet central portion 137, for example to a right angle with respect to the central portion 137. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 22, a side strip 141 having a peripheral portion 47a secured thereto and an opposite side strip 141 having peripheral portion 47c secured thereto can be folded to a right angle relative to central portion 137 of the front support portion 53.

[00123] In an optional step, each foldable extension 151 of such a folded side strip 141 can be folded around the respective corner of back support portion 52, for example inwardly of the folded side strip 141. For example, as illustrated in FIG 23, the foldable extensions 151 provided on each end of the side strip 141 having peripheral portion 47a secured thereto and on each end of the side strip 141 having peripheral portion 47c secured thereto can be folded at fold line 153 of the side strip to a right angle relative to the central or main portion of the side strip.

[00124] In an optional step, one or more side strips 141 having a cutout 152 provided on one or more ends thereof, and a peripheral portion 47 of image substrate 41 secured thereto, can be folded relative to sheet central portion 137, for example to a right angle with respect to the central portion 137. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 24, a side strip 141 having a peripheral portion 47b secured thereto and an opposite side strip 141 having peripheral portion 47d secured thereto can be folded to a right angle relative to central portion 137 of the front support portion 53 into a right angle relative to the adjacent side strips 141 having foldable extension 151 at the ends thereof. In such folding step, each cutout of a side strip 141 is optionally 152 folded over the respective foldable extension 151 at the end of the adjacent side strip 141 so that the foldable extension is fully disposed in the cutout and flush with such adjacent side strip. The outer fold line 153 of the foldable extension forms a corner of the support portion 53 and thus a corner of support structure 51.

[00125] The folding of the foldable extension 151 around a corner of the back support portion 52 and the subsequent folding of the end of the adjacent side strip 141 having a cutout 152 therein up against the other side surface 86 of the back support portion 52 can optionally form a fold, for example a decorative or aesthetic fold, in the image substrate 41 at the comer of the front support portion 53 formed by the foldable extension. For example, and as shown in FIGS. 22-24, the folding of the foldable extension of a side strip 141 around a comer of the back support portion 52 serves to fold the portion of the flap portion 48 secured to the foldable extension around the corner so as to extend at a right angle to the central or main portion of the side strip 141. The free portion 180 of the flap portion 48 extends from the crease or fold 179 in the flap portion to the end of the first segment 176 of the adjacent unfolded peripheral portion 47 (see FIGS. 23A and 23C). The subsequent folding of the end of the adjacent side strip 141 having the cutout 152 therein against the respective outer side surface 86 of the back support portion 52 serves to fold the free portion 180 of the flap portion 48 over onto the portion of the flap portion, for example the half of the flap portion 48, secured to the foldable extension 151 and beneath the end of the first segment 176 of the adjacent peripheral portion overlying the cutout 152 in the end of the adjacent peripheral portion. The entire flap portion 48 is hidden behind the end of the first segment 176 of the adjacent peripheral portion, for example tucked in behind the end of such first segment 176, and forms a decorative or aesthetic fold 181 in the image substrate 41 at the comer (see FIG. 24D).

[00126] In an optional step, peripheral portions 47 of the image substrate 41 can be secured to the back 56 of the back support portion 52. Each second segment 177 of the peripheral portions 47 of the image substrate 41 can optionally be folded relative to the respective first segment 176 of the peripheral portion 47. The second segments 177 are folded onto the back 56 of the back support portion 52, for example the periphery of the back 56, and can be secured to the back 56 by any suitable means such as an adhesive. The second segments 177 can serve to secure image substrate 41, and front support portion 53, to the back support portion 52 with or without sides strips 141 secured to outer side surfaces 86 of the back support portion 52.

[00127] Second segments 177 can be folded in any desired order. Folding of the second segments 177 onto back 56 of the back support portion 52 serves to form a clean and attractive back of the image display of the invention. The rectangular-shaped second segments 177 of second peripheral portion 47b and fourth peripheral portion 47d can optionally be folded onto back 56 before the truncated cone-shaped second segments 177 of first peripheral portion 47a and third peripheral portion 47c so that the angled ends of the second segments of peripheral portions 47a, 47c overlying the ends of the second segments of peripheral portions 47b, 47d form decorative mitered back corners of the assembled image display 182 of the invention. It is appreciated that the truncated cone-shaped second segments 177 of first peripheral portion 47a and third peripheral portion 47c can optionally be folded onto back 56 before the rectangular shaped second segments 177 of second peripheral portion 47b and fourth peripheral portion 47d, for example as discussed and illustrated below. The back of image display 182 of the invention is shown in FIG. 26. Image 49 printed or otherwise formed on outer surface 42, or inner surface 43, of the image substrate 41 of image display 182 appears to be mounted on a wooden stretcher bar frame. [00128] The formation of an image display of the invention with side strips 141 having foldable extensions 161, 201 and cooperating cutouts 162, 202 provided on one or more ends of the side strips can be any in any suitable manner, including according to the assembly or formation method discussed above with respect to foldable extensions 151 and cooperating cutouts 152. Fold lines 153 in the foldable extensions 161, 201 and cooperating cutouts 162, 202 form the respective comers in the front support portion 53 and thus the respective corners in support structure 51. With respect to foldable extensions 161 and cutouts 162, the comers are spaced from the end of the side strip 141 having the cutout 162 therein a distance 163 by reason of spacer section 161b of the foldable extension 161.

[00129] As discussed above, the support structure of the invention can optionally include a front support portion having a plurality of sides but no front. For example, front support portion 53 can have a plurality of sides 132, but no front 131. See for example FIGS. 12-15 but with no front 131 or central portion 137. The plurality of sides 132 can optionally extend end-to-end to form a plurality of comers of the front support portion 53. The plurality of sides 132 can be formed separately. Each of the sides 132 can be referred to as a first side. The plurality of sides 132 can optionally form cavity 133 of the front support portion 53. Each of the plurality of sides 132 can be made from any suitable material, including paper, cardboard, paperboard, corrugated board, fiberboard, wood, metal, plastic or any combination of the foregoing. Each of the plurality of sides need not be made from the same material.

[00130] A method of the invention utilizing a front support portion 53 having a plurality of sides 132 but no front 131 can be of any suitable type. For example, a method of the invention can be provided that is substantially similar to the method described above with front support portion 53 having front 131 and plurality of sides. In this regard, for example, the front of the disassembled, and planar, front support portion 53 can optionally be positioned above or opposite inner surface 43 of the disassembled, and planar, image substrate 41. The front support portion 53 and the image substrate 41 can be brought together, for example with outer surface of each side strip 141 of the front support portion 53 mated or registered with a first segment 176 of a peripheral portion 47 of the image substrate 41. Any cutout 142 provided at the end of a side strip 141 of the front support portion 53 can optionally extend to the end of the respective first segment 176 of the image substrate 41, so that the end of the cutout 142 abuts an inner side of the respective flap portion 48 in the image substrate. Any foldable extension 151,161 provided at the end of a side strip 141 can optionally extend over half of the respective flap portion 48, for example over a first portion of the flap 48, with one inclined side 156 of the foldable extension optionally extending flush with the side 178 of the flap portion and the other inclined side 156 of the foldable extension optionally extending along the crease or fold 179 of the flap portion. The second segment 177 of each peripheral portion 47 of the image substrate 41 optionally extends outwardly, for example entirely outwardly, from the side strip 141 of the front support portion 53.

[00131] A least a portion of the front support portion 53 can optionally be secured to the inner surface 43 of the image substrate 41. For example, each side strip 141 can be secured to the inside of the first segment 176 of the respective peripheral portion 47 in any suitable manner, for example as discussed above, and each foldable extension 151,161 can optionally be secured to the respective flap portion 48 in any suitable manner, for example as discussed above.

[00132] In an optional step, the image substrate 41 can extend over any suitable back support portion of the invention, including back support portion 52. The back support portion 52 can optionally be a solid object, for example made from foam, a traditional wooden stretcher bar frame or any of the other back support portions 52 discussed herein. Back support portion 52 can optionally be aligned or registered with a front support portion 53 and brought together therewith. For example, the front of an assembled back support portion, with cavity 87 exposed, can be positioned over and brought into engagement with an unassembled front support portion 53. The back support portion 52 can optionally be registered between side strips 141 of the front support portion 53.

[00133] In an optional step, the plurality of side strips 141 of the front support portion 53 can be folded over the plurality of sides 57 of the back support portion 52. For example, each of the side strips 141 of front support portion 53 can optionally be folded rearwardly to a position against a respective outer side surface 86 of the back support portion 52. Each of the side strips 141 can optionally be secured to an outer side surface 86 in a suitable manner, for example by adhesive. The folding of the side strips 141 about the back support portion 52 can optionally serve to stretch central portion 46 of the image substrate 41 over the front of the back support portion. Any suitable order for folding the side strips 141 can be provided, for example as discussed above. In an optional step, a foldable extension 151, 161 at the end of a side strip 141 and a cutout 152, 162 at the end of an adjacent side strip 141 can be utilized to form a fold, for example a decorative or aesthetic fold, in the image substrate 41 at the corner of the front support portion 53, for example in the manner discussed above. In an optional step, peripheral portions 47 of the image substrate 41 can be secured to the back 56 of the back support portion 52 in any suitable manner, for example as discussed above.

[00134] The support structure of the invention can optionally include a front support portion having no front and a plurality of sides, each side formed from a plurality of strip strips. For example, front support portion 53 can have a plurality of sides 132, each side 132 formed from a plurality of side strips 231 of any suitable number and type extending alongside each other over at least a portion of the side 132 (see FIG. 29). For example, a first or inner side strip 231a and a second or outer side strip 23 lb can optionally be provided. Each side strip 231 can be of any suitable type, including any suitable size and shape, for example any of the types discussed above with respect to side strip 141. The inner side strip 231a and the outer side strip 23 lb can optionally be separate, as shown in FIG. 29, or foldably joined together. The inner side strip can optionally be shorter in length than the outer side strip so as to facilitate the formation of the corner of the front support portion 53. At least one of the side strips can formed with a foldable extension or cutout of any suitable type, including foldable extensions 151, 161, 201 and respective cutouts 152, 162, 202 disclosed herein, on one or both ends thereof. Each side strip 231 can be made from any suitable material, including paper, cardboard, paperboard, corrugated board, fiberboard, wood, metal, plastic or any combination of the foregoing. Inner side strip 231a can be formed from the same material or a different material from outer side strip 23 lb.

The plurality of sides 132 can optionally extend end-to-end to form a plurality of comers of the front support portion 53. The plurality of sides 132 can be formed separately. Each of the sides 132 can be referred to as a first side. The plurality of sides 132 can optionally form cavity 133 of the front support portion 53. Each of the plurality of sides need not be made from the same material.

[00135] Front support portion 53 formed with side strips 231 can be used with any suitable image substrate, including any image substrate disclosed herein. For example, such front support portion can be used with image substrate 41 having central portion 46, a plurality of peripheral portions 47 of any suitable type and an optional flap portion 48 of any suitable type. First segment 176 and second segment 177 of each peripheral portion 47 can each be of any suitable size and shape. For example, the first segment 176 can optionally be rectangular in shape, that is with opposite ends extending perpendicular to adjacent sides, and extend along the entire side of the central portion 46. Each first segment 176 can optionally have the same size, shape and dimensions of outer surface 86 of the respective side 57 of back support portion 52 over which the first segment will overlie. One or more of second segments 177 can optionally be rectangular in shape and have the same length of the adjacent first segment 176. One or more of second segments 177 can optionally have the shape of a truncated triangle, with opposite ends inclined outward, for example at a 45° angle, from the first segment 176. Second segments 177 of second peripheral portion 47b and fourth peripheral portion 47d can optionally be rectangular in shape. Second segments 177 of first peripheral portion 47a and third peripheral portion 47c can optionally have the shape of a truncated triangle. Each flap portion 48 can optionally have any of the sizes and shapes disclosed herein.

[00136] A method of the invention utilizing a front support portion 53 having a plurality of sides 132 formed from side strips 231 can be of any suitable type. For example, a method of the invention can be provided that is substantially similar to the methods described above with front support portion 53. As illustrated in FIG. 29A, for example, in one optional step the front of the disassembled, and planar, front support portion 53 can optionally be positioned opposite and brought together with inner surface 43 of the disassembled, and planar, image substrate 41. In this regard, for example, the outer surfaces of each inner side strip 231a and outer side strip 23 lb of the front support portion 53 are respectively mated or registered with first segment 176 and second segment 177 of the respective peripheral portion 47 of the image substrate 41.

[00137] In an optionally step, each inner side strip 231a can optionally be secured to the respective first segment 176, each outer side strip 231b can optionally be secured to respective second segment 177, or both, in each case by any suitable means such as an adhesive. Alternatively, each inner side strip 231 and outer side strip 231b can optionally not be secured to the respective segment 176, 177 of the image substrate 41 and be within the scope of the invention.

[00138] In an optional step, each outer side strip 231b and second segment 177 can be folded over, for example through an angle of approximately 180°, onto the respective inner side strip 231a (see FIG. 29B). The outer side strip 23 lb can optionally be positioned face-to-face with the inner side strip 231, for example so that the combined side structure 232 of the two side strips has a thickness at least equal to the thickness of the outer side strip 23 lb and the thickness of the inner side strip 231a. The two side strips 231 can optionally be secured together by any suitable means, for example with an adhesive. The image substrate 41 can optionally include a third segment 233, which can be referred to as a width segment, between each first segment 176 and second segment 177 for accommodating the width of the side structure 232. The third segment 233 can optionally have a width approximately equal to the combined thickness of the inner side strip 231a and the outer side strip 23 lb.

[00139] Front support portion 53 formed with side strips 231 can be used with any suitable back support portion of the invention, for example back support portion 52 (see FIG. 29C). In an optional step, central portion 46 of image substrate 41 is positioned over a face of the back support portion 52 and each side structure 232 of the front support portion 53 is folded , for example through an angle of approximately 90° relative to the central portion 46, over or onto the respective outer side surface 86 of the back support portion (see FIG. 29D). Second segment 177 of the image substrate 41 is optionally sandwiched between the side structure 232 and the outer side surface 86, and can optionally be secured to the outer side surface by any suitable means such as an adhesive. In one optional step, at least one of the side structures 232 and the outer periphery of the image substrate 41 is secured to the back support portion 52 by any suitable means for securing front support portion 53 and image substrate 41 to back support portion 52 to form image display 182.

[00140] In one optional step, a decorative or aesthetic fold is formed from image substrate 41 at each corner of the image display 182 by any suitable means or manner, for example as discussed above with respect to flap portion 48, foldable extensions 151, 161, 201 and cutouts 152, 162, 202

[00141] A front support portion 53 can optionally be provided wherein each side 132 of the front support portion 53 includes at least one back strip extending alongside each side strip 141 of the side 132. As discussed above, each side strip 141 has a first end 141a and an opposite second end 141b. The front support portion 53 can optionally include a first back strip 241 extending alongside each side strip 141 and can optionally include a second back strip 242 extending alongside each first back strip 241 (see FIGS. 30-31). Each first back strip 241 has a first end 241a and an opposite second end 241b, and each second back strip 242 has a first end 242a and an opposite second end 242b. The first back strip 241 can optionally be foldable relative to the respective side strip 141, for example through an angle of approximately 90° relative to the side strip 141 so as to extend at a right angle to the side strip. The second back strip 242 can optionally be foldable relative to the respective first back strip 241, for example through an angle of approximately 180° relative to the first back strip 241 so as to abut face-to- face with the first side back 241. A third back strip 243, which can be referred to as an end strip, can optionally be provided between each first back strip 241 and the respective second back strip 242 to facilitate the folding of the second back strip 242 through an angle of approximately 180° relative to the respective first back strip 241. For example, the optional third back strip 243 can be foldable relative to the respective first back strip 241, for example through an angle of approximately 90° relative to the first back strip 241, and the second back strip 242 can be foldable relative to the respective third back strip 243, for example through an angle of approximately 90° relative to the third back strip 243. A gusset 246, which can be referred to as a corner piece, comer connector, a foldable gusset, a foldable comer piece or a flap, can optionally be provided between the adjacent ends of each adjacent pair of side strips 141. Each corner piece 246 can optionally be secured to the ends of adjacent side segments or strips 141, for example foldably secured to the ends of the segments 141. It is appreciated that front support portion 53 can be of any suitable shape and thus have any number of side strips 141 and back strips 241, 242, 243. Each back strip 241, 242, 243 can optionally be referred to as a strip, an elongate strip, a segment, an elongate segment or any combination of the foregoing.

[00142] Each side strip and back strip can be of any suitable shape. For example, each side strip 141 and each optional third back strip 243 can optionally be rectangular in shape, with opposite ends extending perpendicular to adjacent sides. Each first back strip 241 can optionally have the shape of a truncated triangle, with opposite ends inclined inwardly, for example at a 45° angle, from the respective side strip 141. Each second back strip 242 can optionally have the shape of a truncated triangle, with opposite ends inclined outwardly, for example at a 45° angle, from the first back strip 241 or optional third back strip 243. Each second back strip 242 can optionally be a mirror image of the respective first back strip 241. Each third back strip 243 can optionally have a length equal to the adjacent sides of the respective first back strip 241 and second back strip 242. The corner piece 246 can optionally have the shape of a right triangle and be provided with a fold line 247, for example extending at a right angle to the hypotenuse 248 of the corner piece 246 so that one half of the corner piece can fold on to the other half of the comer piece.

The hypotenuse 248 optionally extends between the ends of the outer sides of the adjacent side strips 141, with another side of the comer piece 246 extending across each of the ends of the adjacent side strips 141 at a fold line 249.

[00143] Some or all of front 131, side strips 141, first back strips 241, second back strips 242, third back strips 243 and corner pieces 246 can optionally be formed separately, or formed from a plurality of sheets or items of material, and joined together, or can optionally be formed from a single sheet or item of material. The one or more materials of the front support portion 53 can be any of the materials disclosed herein, including plastic, metal, cardboard, paperboard, fiberboard or corrugated board.

[00144] The front support portion can optionally be formed from a single sheet 136 of any suitable bendable or foldable material, for example any of the materials disclosed herein. When in a disassembled state, as shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, the front support portion can be planar. Sheet 136 can have a central portion 137 and a plurality edges or sides 138 extending around or forming the perimeter of the central portion. As illustrated, central portion 137 is rectangular in plan and edges or sides 138 extend perpendicular to each other and meet at a comer 139 of the central portion 137. The plurality of side strips 141 are formed from sheet 136 adjacent each side 138 and foldable at each side relative to sheet 136, for example to a right angle relative to the sheet. A comer piece 246 is optionally formed from the sheet 136 at the end of each adjacent set of side strips 141 and foldable relative to the end of each side strip 141. The plurality of first back strips 241 can optionally be formed from sheet 136, adjacent the plurality of side strips 141, and each be foldable relative to the respective side strip 141, for example as discussed above.

The plurality of second back strips 242 can optionally be formed from sheet 136, adjacent the plurality of first back strips 241, and each be foldable relative to the respective first back strip 241, for example as discussed above. The plurality of third back strips 243 can optionally be formed from sheet 136 between the respective first back strips 241 and second back strips 242, and be foldable relative to each first back strip 241 and second back strip 242. Front support portion 53 can optionally referred to as hollow, for example having at least one cavity. Cavity 133 of the front support portion 53 is formed by sheet 136, for example central portion 137 and the plurality of side strips 141 of the sheet 136.

[00145] Front support portion 53 formed with side strips 141, first back strips 241, second back strips 242 and optional third back strips 243 and corner pieces 246 can be used with any suitable image substrate, including any image substrate disclosed herein. Such image substrate can optionally have a size, shape and configuration substantially similar to or the same as such front support portion 53 (see FIG. 33). In this regard, for example, such front support portion can optionally be used with image substrate 41 having central portion 46, a plurality of peripheral portions 47 of any suitable type and an optional flap portion 48 of any suitable type. First segment 176 and second segment 177 of each peripheral portion 47 can each be of any suitable size and shape, for example as discussed herein. Each first segment 176 can optionally have the same size, shape and dimensions of outer surface 86 of the respective side 57 of back support portion 52 over which the first segment will overlie. One or more of second segments 177 can optionally be rectangular in shape and have the same length of the adjacent first segment 176. One or more of second segments 177 can optionally have the shape of a truncated triangle, with opposite ends inclined outward, for example at a 45° angle, from the first segment 176. Second segments 177 of second peripheral portion 47b and fourth peripheral portion 47d can optionally be rectangular in shape. Second segments 177 of first peripheral portion 47a and third peripheral portion 47c can optionally have the shape of a truncated triangle. Each first segment 176 and each second segment 177 can optionally have the same size and shape of the respective side strip 141 and first back strip 241 of the front support portion 53. Each flap portion 48 can optionally have any of the sizes and shapes disclosed herein, and an optionally have the same size and shape of the respective comer 246 of the front support portion 53.

[00146] Image substrate 41 can optionally include a third segment 256 extending alongside each second segment 177 (see FIG. 32). The third segment 256 can optionally be foldable relative to the respective second segment 177, for example through an angle of approximately 180° relative to the second segment 177 so as to extend parallel to the second segment 177. A fourth segment 257, which can be referred to as an end segment, can optionally be provided between each second segment 177 and the respective third segment 256 to facilitate the folding of the third segment 256 through an angle of approximately 180° relative to the respective second segment. Each third segment 256 can optionally have the shape of a truncated triangle, with opposite ends inclined outwardly, for example at a 45° angle, from the second segment 177 or optional fourth segment 257. Each third segment 256 can optionally be a mirror image of the respective second segment. Each fourth segment 257 can optionally be rectangular in shape, with opposite ends extending perpendicular to adjacent sides. Each fourth segment can optionally have a length equal to the adjacent sides of the respective second segment 177 and third segment 256. Each third segment 256 and each fourth segment 257 can optionally have the same size and shape of the respective second back strip 242 and fourth back strip 243 of the front support portion 53. [00147] A method of the invention utilizing a front support portion 53 having a plurality of sides 132 that include side strips 141, first back strips 241, second back strips 242 and optional third back strips 243 can be of any suitable type. For example, a method of the invention can be provided that is substantially similar to the methods described above. In this regard, for example, the front of the disassembled, and planar, front support portion 53 can optionally be positioned above or opposite inner surface 43 of the disassembled, and planar, image substrate 41 (see FIG. 33). The front support portion 53 and the image substrate 41 can be brought together, for example with the outer surface of the central portion 137 of the front support portion 53 optionally mated or registered with the inner surface of the central portion 46 of the image substrate 41, the outer surface of each side strip 141 of the front support portion 53 optionally mated or registered with the inner surface of the respective first segment 176 of a peripheral portion 47 of the image substrate 41, the outer surface of each first back strip 241 of the front support portion 53 optionally mated or registered with the inner surface of the respective second segment 177 of the image substrate, the outer surface of each second back strip 242 of the of the front support portion 53 optionally mated or registered with the inner surface of the respective third segment 256 of the image substrate 41 and the outer surface of each optional third back strip 243 of the front support portion 53 optionally mated or registered with the inner surface of the respective optional fourth segment 257 of the image substrate 41 (see FIG. 34).

The outer surface of each corner piece 246 of the front support portion 53 is optionally mated for registered with the inner surface of the respective flap portion 48 of the image substrate, for example with the fold line 247 of each corner piece optionally aligned or registered with the crease or fold 179 of the respective flap portion and the hypotenuse 248 of the comer piece optionally aligned or registered with the side 178 of the respective flap portion.

[00148] At least a portion of the front support portion 53 can optionally be partially or entirely secured to the inner surface 43 of the image substrate 41. For example, the central portion 137 of the front support portion 53 can optionally be partially or entirely secured to the inner surface 43 central portion 46 of the image substrate 41 in any suitable manner, each side strip 141 can optionally be partially or entirely secured to the inside of the respective first segment 176 in any suitable manner, each first back strip 241 can optionally be partially or entirely secured to the inside of the respective second segment 177 in any suitable manner, each second back strip 242 can optionally be partially or entirely secured to the inside of the respective third segment 256 in any suitable manner, each optional third back strip 243 can optionally be partially or entirely secured to the inside of the respective optional fourth segment 257 in any suitable manner, each corner piece 246 can optionally be partially or entirely secured to the inside of the respective flap portion 48 in any suitable manner, or any combination of the foregoing. The image substrate 41 can optionally be secured only to the outermost segment or strip of the peripheral portion of the front support portion 53. In this regard, for example, the peripheral portions 47 of the image substrate can be optionally secured only to second back strips 242 of the front support portion, optionally secured only to first back strips 241 if no second back strips 242 are included in the front support portion or optionally secured only to side strips 141 if no first back strips 241 or second back strips 242 are included in the front support portion. Each such securing step can include any of the manners discussed herein.

[00149] In an optional step, the image substrate 41 can extend over any suitable back support portion of the invention, including back support portion 52 (see FIG. 35). The back support portion 52 can optionally be a solid object, for example made from foam, a traditional wooden stretcher bar frame or any of the other back support portions 52 discussed herein. Back support portion 52 can optionally be aligned or registered with a front support portion 53 and brought together therewith (see FIG. 36). For example, the front of an assembled back support portion, with cavity 87 exposed, can be positioned over and brought into engagement with an unassembled front support portion 53. The back support portion 52 can optionally be registered between side strips 141 of the front support portion 53.

[00150] In an optional step, the second back strip 242 of each side 132 of the front support portion 53 can be pivoted or folded, relative to the respective first back strip 241, through an angle of 180° onto the respective first back strip (see FIG. 37). The first and second back strips can optionally be referred to as being side-by-side or in juxtaposition with each other. The second back strips 242 can be pivoted or folded sequentially, in unison or in any combination of the foregoing. The third segments 256 of the image substrate 41 overlie the second back strip 242, and as discussed above can optionally be partially or entirely secured to the second back strip 242 in any suitable manner. The face of the second back strip 242 can optionally be partially or entirely secured to the engaged face of the first back strip 241 in any suitable manner. [00151] In an optional step, each of the opposed second back strips 242 and first back strips 241 can be pivoted or folded in unison relative to the respective side strips 141 of the front support portion 53 towards the back support portion 52, for example towards the respective outer side surface 86 of the back support portion (see FIG. 38). The second back strips 242 and first back strips 241 can be pivoted or folded sequentially, in unison or in any combination of the foregoing.

[00152] In an optional step, each of the side strips 141 of the front support portion 53 can be pivoted or folded relative to the central portion 137 of the front support portion, for example towards the respective outer side surface 86 of the back support portion 52 (see FIG. 39). The side strips 141 can be pivoted or folded sequentially, in unison or in any combination of the foregoing. Such folding of the side strips 141 causes each of the corner pieces 246 to commence folding along the fold line 247 of the corner piece towards the back support portion 52. For example, the two halves of a corner piece fold along line 247 relative to each other, causing each fold line 247 to pivot towards the back support portion at the respective corner 139 of the central portion 137 of the front support portion. Each half of a corner piece 246 simultaneously pivots or folds relative to the end of the respective side strip 141. Each half of the flap portion 48 of the image substrate 41, optionally partially or entirely secured to the respective corner piece 246, follows the movement of the respective half of the corner piece. Each half of the flap portions 48 of the image substrate 41 pivots inwardly, following the halves of the respective corner piece 246, relative to the ends of the respective adjacent side strips 141 (see FIG. 40).

[00153] In an optional step, the plurality of side strips 141 of the front support portion 53 can be folded over or onto the plurality of sides 57 of the back support portion 52 (see FIG. 41). For example, each of the side strips 141 of front support portion 53 can optionally be folded rearwardly to a position against a respective outer side surface 86 of the back support portion 52. The side strips 141 can be pivoted or folded sequentially, in unison or in any combination of the foregoing. Each of the side strips 141 can optionally be secured to an outer side surface 86 in a suitable manner, for example by adhesive. The folding of the side strips 141 about the back support portion 52 can optionally serve to stretch central portion 46 of the image substrate 41 over the front of the back support portion. The folding of the side strips 141 up against the outer side surfaces 86 of the back support portion 52 causes the two halves of each of the corner pieces 256 to fold against each other relative to the ends of the respective adjacent side strips 141. The two halves of each of the flap portions 48 of the image substrate are sandwiched between the two halves of the respective corner piece and extend inwardly between the two ends of the respective side strips 141 to form a decorative or aesthetic fold at each comer of the image substrate overlying the support structure 51. The two halves of each flap portion 48 and underlying corner piece 246 can optionally be pushed alongside one outer side surface 86 of the back support portion 52. The back support portion 52 can optionally have an opening, for example at each corner of its side, for receiving the respective two halves of each flap portion 48 and underlying corner piece 246.

[00154] In an optional step, each of the juxtaposed second back strips 242 and first back strips 241 can be further pivoted or folded in unison relative to the respective side 68 of the back support portion 52 onto the back of the back support portion 52, for example onto the periphery of the back 56 of the back support portion 52 (see FIGS. 42-43). Each second back strip 242 is optionally beneath the respective first back strip 241, that is between the first back strip 241 and back 56 of the back support portion 52. The second back strips 242 and first back strips 241 can be pivoted or folded sequentially, in unison or in any combination of the foregoing. For example, the second back strips 242 and first back strips 241 overlaid with the truncated cone- shaped second segments 177 of first peripheral portion 47a and third peripheral portion 47c of the image substrate can optionally be folded onto back 56 before the second back strips 242 and first back strips 241 overlaid with the rectangular-shaped second segments 177 of second peripheral portion 47b and fourth peripheral portion 47d of the image substrate 41 so rectangular ends of the second segments 177 of peripheral portions 47b, 47d overlie, and thus hide, the ends of second segments 177 and back strips 241, 242 of peripheral portions 47a, 47c. It is appreciated that the rectangular-shaped second segments 177 of second peripheral portion 47b and fourth peripheral portion 47d can optionally be folded onto back 56 before with the truncated cone-shaped second segments 177 of first peripheral portion 47a and third peripheral portion 47c, for example as discussed and illustrated above.

[00155] The second back strips 242 and first back strips 241 folded onto the back 56 of the back support portion 52 and can be secured to the back 56 by any suitable means such as an adhesive. In this regard, the outer surface 42 of the third segments 256 of the image substrate, overlying the outer surface of the second back strips 242 of the front support portion 53, and be secured to back 56 of the back support portion. The second back strips 242 and first back strips 241, for example with third segments 256, can serve to secure image substrate 41, and front support portion 53, to the back support portion 52 with or without sides strips 141 secured to outer side surfaces 86 of the back support portion 52.

[00156] Folding of the second back strips 242 and first back strips 241, and optional third back strips 243, onto back 56 of the back support portion 52 serves to form a clean and attractive back of the image display 182. The combined second back strips 242 and first back strips 241, along with optional third back strips 243, provide a finished rim around the periphery of the back 56 (see FIGS. 42-43). The finished rim can optionally be referred to as a finished edge. A front support portion 53 having only first back strips 241, and not second back strips 242, can optionally be provided and, along with the peripheral portion 47 of the image substrate overlying and folded around the first back strips, present a finished rim around the periphery of the back 56 of the back support portion 52. Second segments 177, and optional third segments 256, of the image substrate overlying first back strip 241, and optional second back strip 242, further enhance the aesthetic appearance of the decorative rim, for example by providing a fold in the image substrate 41 that extends around the first back strip 241, and optional second back strip 242, to abut back 56 of the back support portion 52. Image 49 printed or otherwise formed on outer surface 42, or inner surface 43, of the image substrate 41 of image display 182 appears to be mounted on a wooden stretcher bar frame.

[00157] The peripheral portion 47 of the image substrate 41 can optionally not fold around first back strip 241, and optional second back strip 242, but instead overlie some or all of the width of the first back strip 241 and terminate at an exposed or raw edge of the image substrate. Such an exposed edge of the peripheral portion of the image substrate can optionally extend across the entire width of the first back strip 241 so as to generally hide the first back strip 241 and any optional second back strip 242. Such an exposed edge of the peripheral portion of the image substrate can optionally extend inwardly of the first back strip 241, for example beyond the first back strip and directly overlying the back 56 of the back support portion 52, so as to generally hide the first back strip 241 and the optional second back strip 242.

[00158] It is appreciated that a front support portion 53 can be provided wherein some or all of the second back strips 242 are partially or entirely secured, for example adhered, face-to-face with the respective first back strips 241, instead of being foldably connected to the first back strips 241 or the optional third back strips 243. Such second back strips 242 can optionally be formed separate from the respective first back strips 241. Such a front support portion 53 would likely not include the optional step, disclosed above, of folding the second back strips 242 over onto the first back strips 241, but could optionally include the step of folding each of the third segments 256 of the image substrate 41 relative to the respective second segments 177 over onto the second exposed face of the respective second back strip 242. Such a front support portion 53 would likely not include the optional third back strips 243.

[00159] A front support portion 53 can optionally be provided wherein each side 132 of the front support portion 53 can optionally additionally include a fourth back strip 271 extending alongside each second back strip 242 (see FIG. 44). Each fourth back strip 271 has a first end 271a and an opposite second end 271b. The fourth back strip 271 can optionally be foldable with the second back strip 242, for example through an angle of approximately 180° relative to the first back strip 241, so as to abut face-to-face with the side strip 141 when the second back strip 242 abuts face-to-face with the first back strip 241. Each fourth back strip 271 can be of any suitable shape. For example, each fourth back strip 271 can optionally be rectangular in shape, with opposite ends extending perpendicular to adjacent sides. Each fourth back strip 271 can optionally have a length equal to the adjacent side of the respective second back strip 242. [00160] Some or all of front 131, side strips 141, first back strips 241, second back strips 242, third back strips 243, fourth back strips 271 and comer pieces 246 can optionally be formed separately, or formed from a plurality of sheets or items of material, and joined together, or can optionally be formed from a single sheet or item of material. The one or more materials of the front support portion 53 can be any of the materials disclosed herein, including plastic, metal, cardboard, paperboard, fiberboard or corrugated board.

[00161] As discussed above, the front support portion can optionally be formed from a single sheet 136 of any suitable bendable or foldable material, for example any of the materials disclosed herein. When in a disassembled state, as shown in FIG. 44, the front support portion can be planar. Sheet 136 can be of any suitable construction and configuration, for example as discussed above. The sheet 136 can optionally include a plurality of fourth back strips 271, adjacent the plurality of second back strips 242, and each be foldable relative to the respective second back strip 242.

[00162] Front support portion 53 formed with side strips 141, first back strips 241, second back strips 242, fourth back strips 271, optional third back strips 243 and corner pieces 246 can be used with any suitable image substrate, including any image substrate disclosed herein. Such image substrate can optionally have a size, shape and configuration substantially similar to or the same as such front support portion 53. For example, such front support portion 53 can be used with image substrate 41 having central portion 46, a plurality of peripheral portions 47 of any suitable type and an optional flap portion 48 of any suitable type. For example, each peripheral portion can optionally include a first segment 176, a second segment 177, a third segment 256 and an optional fourth segment 257 of the type disclosed above. The image substrate 41 can optionally include a segment for overlying fourth back strip 271 of the front support portion 53, but as shown does not include such a segment.

[00163] A method of the invention utilizing a front support portion 53 having a plurality of sides 132 that include side strips 141, first back strips 241, second back strips 242, fourth back strips 271 and optional third back strips 243 can be of any suitable type. For example, a method of the invention can be provided that is substantially similar to the methods described above. In this regard, for example, the front of the disassembled, and planar, front support portion 53 can optionally be positioned above or opposite inner surface 43 of the disassembled, and planar, image substrate 41 (see FIG. 45). A least a portion of the front support portion 53 can optionally be partially or entirely secured to the inner surface 43 of the image substrate 41, for example as discussed above.

[00164] As discussed above, the image substrate 41 can extend over any suitable back support portion of the invention, including back support portion 52. The back support portion 52 can optionally be a solid object, for example made from foam, a traditional wooden stretcher bar frame or any of the other back support portions 52 discussed herein. Back support portion 52 can optionally be aligned or registered with a front support portion 53 and brought together therewith, for example as discussed above (see FIG. 46).

[00165] In an optional step, the second back strip 242 and fourth back strip 271 of each side 132 of the front support portion 53 can be pivoted or folded, relative to the respective first back strip 241, through an angle of 180° so that the second back strip 242 engages the respective first back strip and the fourth back strip 271 engages the respective side strip 141 (see FIG. 47). The second back strips 242 and fourth back strips 271 can be pivoted or folded sequentially, in unison or in any combination of the foregoing. The third segments 256 of the image substrate overlie the second back strip 242, and as discussed above can optionally be partially or entirely secured to the second back strip 242 in any suitable manner. The face of the second back strip 242 can optionally be partially or entirely secured to the engaged face of the first back strip 241 and the face of the fourth back strip 271 can optionally be partially or entirely secured to the engaged face of the side strip 141, each in any suitable manner.

[00166] In an optional step, each of the opposed second back strips 241 and first back strips 241 and opposed fourth back strips 271 and side strips 141 can be pivoted or folded in unison relative to the central portion 137 of the front support portion, for example towards the respective outer side surface 86 of the back support portion 52. The second back strips 242, first back strips 241, fourth back strips 271 and side strips 141 can be pivoted or folded sequentially, in unison or in any combination of the foregoing. As discussed above, such folding of the side strips 141 causes each of the corner pieces 246 to commence folding along the fold line 247 of the corner piece towards the back support portion 52. Each half of the flap portion 48 of the image substrate 41, optionally partially or entirely secured to the respective comer piece 246, follows the movement of the respective half of the corner piece 256, resulting in each half of the flap portions 48 of the image substrate 41 pivoting inwardly, following the halves of the respective corner piece 246, relative to the ends of the respective adjacent side strips 141.

[00167] In an optional step, the plurality of fourth back strips 271 overlying the plurality of side strips 141 of the front support portion 53 can be folded over or onto the plurality of sides 57 of the back support portion 52. For example, each of the fourth back strips 271 of front support portion 53 can optionally be folded upwardly to a position against a respective outer side surface 86 of the back support portion 52 (see FIG. 48). The fourth back strips 271 and side strips 141 can be pivoted or folded sequentially, in unison or in any combination of the foregoing. The first back strips 241 and second back strips 242 follow along with the folding of the fourth back strips and side strips. Each of the fourth back strips 271 can optionally be secured partially or entirely to an outer side surface 86 in a suitable manner, for example by adhesive. The folding of the side strips 141 about the back support portion 52 can optionally serve to stretch central portion 46 of the image substrate 41 over the front of the back support portion. As discussed above, the folding of the side strips 141 up against the outer side surfaces 86 of the back support portion 52 causes the two halves of each of the comer pieces 256 to fold against each other relative to the ends of the respective adjacent side strips 141 and causes the two halves of each of the flap portions 48 to extend inwardly between the two ends of the respective side strips 141 to form a decorative or aesthetic fold at each corner of the image substrate overlying the support structure 51.

[00168] In an optional step, and as discussed above, each of the opposed second back strips 242 and first back strips 241 can be further pivoted or folded in unison relative to the respective side 68 of the back support portion 52 onto the back of the back support portion 52, for example the periphery of the back support portion (see FIG. 48). The second back strips 242 and first back strips 241 folded onto the back 56 of the back support portion 52 and can be secured to the back 56 by any suitable means such as an adhesive. In this regard, the outer surface 42 of the third segments 256 of the image substrate, overlying the outer surface of the second back strips 242 of the front support portion 53, and be secured partially or entirely to back 56 of the back support portion. The second back strips 242 and first back strips 241, for example with third segments 256, can serve to secure image substrate 41, and front support portion 53, to the back support portion 52 with or without fourth back strips 271 secured to outer side surfaces 86 of the back support portion 52.

[00169] As discussed above, the folding of the second back strips 242 and first back strips 241, and optional third back strips 243, onto back 56 of the back support portion 52 can serve to form a clean and attractive back of the image display 182. The inclusion of the fourth back strips 271 in front support portion 53 can enhance the rigidity and strength of the front support portion and support structure 51, for example the rigidity and strength of the periphery of the support structure 51. The inclusion of fourth back strips 271 in the support structure may permit less rigid or costly sides 57 in back support portion 52 of the support structure 51.

[00170] It is appreciated that a front support portion 53 can be provided wherein some or all of the second back strips 242 are partially or entirely secured, for example adhered, face-to-face with the respective first back strips 241 instead of being foldably connected to the first back strips 241 or the optional third back strips 243, and some or all of the fourth back strips 271 are partially or entirely secured, for example adhered, face-to-face with the respective side strips 141 instead of being foldably connected to the second back strips 242. Such second back strips 242 and fourth back strips 271 can optionally be formed separate from the respective first back strips 241 and side strips 141. Such second back strips 242 and respective fourth back strips 271 can optionally be formed separate from each other or be optionally foldably connected to each other. Such a front support portion 53 would likely not include the optional step, disclosed above, of folding the second back strips 242 over onto the first back strips 241 and the fourth back strips 271 onto the side strips 141, but could optionally include the step of folding each of the third segments 256 of the image substrate 41 relative to the respective second segments 177 over onto the second exposed face of the respective second back strip 242. Such a front support portion 53 would likely not include the optional third back strips 243.

[00171] It is appreciated that parts or all of support structure 51 may optionally be perforated, cut or provided with openings therein, for example at nonstructural locations, to reduce weight. [00172] Support structure 51 can optionally be creased, perforated, slotted, slit, skived or otherwise weakened along any or all fold lines to facilitate folding of elements of the support structure along a fold line. The removal of material along the crease line, for example by such perforations, slots, slits or skives, facilitates folding of the support structure along the fold lines. For example with respect to front support portion 53, any or all of fold lines 247 and 249 of each corner piece 246, the fold line between central portion 137 of the sheet 136 and each side strip 141, the fold line between each side strip 141 and the respective first back strip 241, the fold line between each first back strip 241 and the respective second back strip 242 or third back strip 243 and the fold line between each second back strip 242 and the respective third back strip 243 can optionally be creased, perforated, slotted, slit, skived or otherwise weakened to facilitate folding of the sheet 136 along such fold lines. For example, the fold lines 247 and 249 of the comer piece 246 of the front support portion 53 shown in FIG. 49 can optionally be creased. For example, the fold lines 249 between the corner piece 246 and the respective side strips 141 of the front support portion 53, as shown in FIG. 50, can each optionally be provided with a slot 281, which can be referred to as a slit, extending along at least a portion of the length thereof. The slot 281 can optionally extend along any portion of the fold line, for example along a majority of the length of the fold line or along at least 80% of the length of the fold line. The slot 281 can optionally be centered on the fold line, can optionally not extend to the end of the fold line or both. For example, the fold lines 249 between the corner piece 246 and the respective side strips 141 of the front support portion 53, as shown in FIG. 51-52, can each optionally be provided with a groove 282 or be grooved, which groove can optionally be referred to as a skive. The skive 282 can optionally extend along a majority of the length of the fold line, can optionally extend along at least 80% of the length of the fold line or can optionally extend along the entire length of the fold line. The skive 282 can optionally be centered on the fold line. FIG. 52 illustrates a skive 282 formed in a sheet formed of corrugated board.

[00173] A slot 291, which can be referred to as a slit, can optionally be provided between each first back strip 241 and the respective second back strip 242 of the front support portion 53 for accommodating any decrease in length or shrinkage of the image substrate 41 resulting from the folding thereof about support the front support portion 53 (see FIGS. 49-51). A small connector piece 292, for example formed from sheet 136, can connect the ends of the adjoining first and second back strips at the two ends of the slot 291, which optionally separates the respective first and second back strips. Additionally connectors 292 (not shown) can optionally be provided along the length of the adjoining first and second back strips 241,242, for certain larger lengths of the side strips 231, to better hold the first and second back strips together. Slot 291 can optionally be centered on the fold line between the second and third back strips. The slot 291 can optionally extend longitudinally along any portion of the length of the adjoining sides of the first and second back strips, for example along a majority of the length of the adjoining sides or along at least 90% of the length of the adjoining sides. The slot 291 can optionally be centered on the adjoining sides, can optionally not extend to the end of the adjoining sides or both. The slot 291 can serve to release some of the tension put into the image substrate 41 as the image substrate is folded. The slot 291 can be of any suitable width. Such width of the slot can be adjusted to counteract the tension created in the image substrate 41 resulting from the folding thereof. For example, the width of the slot 291 can be a function of the number of folds in the image substrate 41, for example increasing in width with the number of such folds.

[00174] The back support portion of the invention can optionally be provided with open corners, for example for receiving any foldable comer pieces or similar inward folding structure of the front support portion of the invention. The back support portion can be of any suitable type, for example any of the back support portions disclosed herein, and can be made of any suitable material, for example any of the materials disclosed herein for the back support portions of the invention. For example, the back support portion can optionally be solid, hollow, provided with cavities or spaces therein or any combination of the foregoing. The back support portion can optionally include a plurality side structures of any suitable type, for example any of the sides or sides structures of the back support portions disclosed herein. The open corners can be of any suitable type for receiving inwardly folding corner pieces, for example of the front support portion of the invention. For example, the open corner can optionally be a cavity, space, opening or recess in the back support portion of any suitable size. The open corner can optionally include a space provided at the end of the respective sides or side structures of the back support portion. The open corner can optionally be a space provided by the cross-sectional shape of the side or side structure of the back support portion. The open corner can optionally be provided by the sides or side structures of the back support portion being inset from the peripheral edge of the back of the back portion, for example as discussed above. In such embodiments, the sides or side structures of the back support portion can optionally extend end- to-end, optionally parallel to the peripheral edge of the back of the back support portion or both. A back support portion with open corners can optionally be referred to as any back support portion that has room for receiving foldable comer pieces of the front support portion. The open corner is optionally at least as large as the inwardly folding comer piece and the portion of the image substrate secured thereto.

[00175] A back support portion of the invention with open corners can be similar to any of the back support portions disclosed herein. Such back support portion can optionally be back support portion 52, which includes a back 56 and a plurality of sides 57 extending forwardly of the back 56 when in an assembled position. Back 56 and sides 57 can be formed separately, and joined together, or formed from a single sheet or item of material. For example, a back support portion with open corners can be formed from a single sheet of any suitable bendable or foldable material. An optional embodiment of a back support portion 52 with open corners is shown in FIGS. 53-54, and is a foldable structure that includes a back 56 and a plurality of four sides 57 formed from sheet 301. When in a disassembled state, as shown in FIGS. 53 and 54A, the back support portion 52 can be planar. Sheet 301 can have a central portion 302 and a plurality edges or sides, for example linear edges for sides. As illustrated, central portion 302 is substantially rectangular in plan and the four edges or sides 303 extend perpendicular to each other. The central portion includes four comers 304, each optionally including a corner section or edge 306 adjoining adjacent sides 303 of the central portion 302. Each comer section 306 can optionally be inclined, for example at an obtuse angle, to each adjacent side 303. The obtuse angle can optionally be 135°. Each comer section 306 can be of any suitable length, and can optionally be a function of the width of any inwardly folding corner piece of the front support portion of the invention, and the image substrate secured to the comer piece.

[00176] Each side 57 of the back support portion 52 can optionally be formed for a side strip 311 formed from sheet 301 adjacent each side 303 of the sheet. Each side strip 311 can optionally be formed from a plurality of segments extending adjacent to each other and extending the length of the strip 311, and optionally be referred to as a side structure, a cylindrical structure, a hollow structure, a multi-walled structure, a four-walled structure, a square or square-shaped structure, a three-walled structure, a box beam, a triangular or triangular-shaped structure or any combination of the foregoing. Adjacent segments are optionally bendable or foldable along an imaginary longitudinal line relative to each other. Such segments of a side strip 311 can be of any number. Each side strip can optionally be formed with a first segment 312 foldably joined to a side 303 of central portion 302, a second segment 313 foldably joined to the first segment 312 and a third segment 314 foldably joined to the second segment 313. Each of the segments can be of any suitable shape. First segment 312 can optionally have the shape of a truncated triangle, with opposite ends inclined outwardly, for example at a 45° angle, from the central portion 302. Each end of the first segment 312 can optionally be colinear with the adjoining corner section 306 of the central portion. Second segment 313 and third segment 314 can optionally be rectangular in shape, that is with opposite ends extending perpendicular to adjacent sides. Segments 313 and 314 can optionally be the same length, or any other suitable length. For example, each of the segments 313 and 314 can optionally be the same length as the outer side of the first segment 312.

[00177] Back support portion 52 can be formed from sheet 301 in any suitable manner. For example, each of the sides or side structures 57 of the back support portion can optionally be formed by folding the segments 312-314 of the side strip 311 in any suitable order, for example until each segment optionally extends at an acute angle, for example 60°, of the adjacent segment to form a three-sided cylindrical side structure 57 in cross-section, as shown in FIG. 64. The side structure 57 formed from segments 312-314 can optionally have a triangular-shaped cross section. The first segment 312 and second segment 313 extend outwardly from the periphery of the sheet central portion 302 and join together at edge 316 of the side structure 567 (see FIG. 54D). The third segment 314 of the side structure overlies the periphery of sheet central portion 302, adjacent the respective side 303 of the sheet central portion 302. The third segment 314 and can be secured to the periphery of the sheet central portion 302 in any suitable manner such as by an adhesive.

[00178] Each of the sides or side structures 57 of the back support portion can optionally be formed by folding the segments 312-314 of the side strip 311 in any suitable other manner, for example so that first segment 312 and second segment 313 optionally extend at an acute angle, for example 60°, relative to each other. Each third segment 314 of the side structure can optionally be folded relative to the respective second segment 312 so as to overlie the sheet central portion 302 and extend towards the center of sheet central portion 302 (not shown) inwardly of the first and second segments 312, 313. The third segment 314 and can be secured to the sheet central portion 302 in any suitable manner such as by an adhesive. When the third segment is secured to the sheet central portion 302, the first segment 312 and second segment 313 extend outwardly from the periphery of the sheet central portion, forming edge 316 of the side structure 57, and together with the portion of the sheet central portion underlying the first and second segments 312, 313 form a three-sided cylindrical side structure 57 in cross-section, similar to side 57 shown in FIG. 64. The side structure 57 formed from segments 312-313 and the peripheral portion of sheet central portion 302 can optionally have a triangular-shaped cross section.

[00179] The side structure or side 57 extends forwardly of the sheet central portion, adjacent side 303. Each side structure 57 is optionally spaced from an adjacent side structure 57 to form an opening, cavity, space or recess 321 in each comer 322 of the back support portion 52. Each side structure 57 is optionally spaced from an adjacent side structure a distance at least equal to the length of the respective corner section 306 of the sheet central portion 302. The opening 321 in each comer 322 of the back support portion optionally has a width at least equal to the length of the respective corner section 306 of the sheet central portion 302. In a rectangular back support portion 32, each side structure is optionally orthogonal to the adjacent side structures. [00180] An optional folding sequence of side strips 311 for forming side structures 57 is illustrated in FIGS. 54A-54D, where each third segment 314 is folded, simultaneously or in any other suitable order, to an acute angle such as 60° with the adjacent second segment 313 (see FIG. 54B). Each second segment 313 is then folded, simultaneously or in any other suitable order, to an acute angle such as 60° with the adjacent first segment 312 (see FIG. 54C). Each first segment 312 is then folded, simultaneously or in any other suitable order, to an acute angle such as 60° with sheet central portion 302 so that the third segment 314 overlies and sits on the periphery of the sheet central portion 302 (see FIG. 54D). For a rectangular back support portion, the ends of adjacent side strips 311 extend at a right angle to each other. The outer surface of each first segment 312 forms an outer surface of the assembled back support portion 52. The back support portion 52 includes at least one cavity 87 formed by back 56 and sides 57, and can optionally be called a hollow support portion or support structure.

[00181] The front support portion of the invention for use with the back support portion of the invention with open comers can be of any suitable type, for example any front support portion disclosed herein. For example, such front support portion can include front support portion 53 disclosed herein wherein each side 132 includes a side strip 141, a first back strip 241, a second back strip 242 and a comer piece 246 between the end of each adjacent side strips 141 (see FIGS. 30-31). The fold lines of each corner piece 246 can optionally be weakened in any suitable manner, such as disclosed herein, to facilitate the folding of the corner piece at such fold lines. A slot 291 can optionally be provided between each first back strip 241 and respective second back strip 242.

[00182] The image substrate for use with the back support portion of the invention with open corners can be of any suitable type, for example any image substrate disclosed herein. Such image substrate can optionally have a size, shape and configuration substantially similar to or the same as the front support portion 53 (see FIGS. 55-56). In this regard, for example, such back support portion can optionally be used with image substrate 41 having central portion 46, a plurality of peripheral portions 47 of any suitable type and an optional flap portion 48 of any suitable type. Each peripheral portion 47 can optionally have the same approximate size, shape and dimensions of the respective side 132 of the front support portion 53 over which the peripheral portion will overlie. Each segment 176, 177, 256 and 257 of each peripheral portion 47 can each be of any suitable size and shape, for example as discussed herein. For example, each first segment 176 can optionally be rectangular in shape and have the same length as the adjacent side 138 of sheet central portion 137. Each first segment 176 can optionally have the same size and shape of side strip 141 of front support portion 53. Each second segment 177 can optionally have the shape of a truncated triangle, with opposite ends inclined outward, for example at a 45° angle, from the first segment 176. Each second segment 177 can optionally have the same size and shape of first back strip 241 of front support portion 53. Each flap portion 48 can optionally have any of the sizes and shapes disclosed herein, and an optionally have the same size and shape of the respective corner piece 246 of the front support portion 53. Each third segment 256 can optionally have the shape of a truncated triangle, with opposite ends inclined outwardly, for example at a 45° angle, from the second segment 177 or optional fourth segment 257. Each third segment 256 can optionally be a mirror image of the respective second segment, can optionally have the same size and shape of second back strip 242 of the front support portion 53 or both. Each fourth segment 257 can optionally be rectangular in shape, with opposite ends extending perpendicular to adjacent sides. Each fourth segment can optionally have a length equal to the adjacent sides of the respective second segment 177 and third segment 256.

[00183] A method of the invention utilizing a front support portion 53 having a plurality of sides 132 that include side strips 141, first back strips 241, second back strips 242 and optional slot 291 can be of any suitable type. For example, a method of the invention can be provided that is substantially similar to the methods described above. In this regard, for example, the front of the disassembled, and planar, front support portion 53 can optionally be positioned above or opposite inner surface 43 of the disassembled, and planar, image substrate 41 (see FIG. 56). The front support portion 53 and the image substrate 41 can be brought together in any suitable manner, for example as discussed above. See for example the discussion above with respect to FIGS. 33-34. In this regard, slot 291 and the outer surface of each connector piece 292 of each side 132 of the front support portion 53 can optionally registered with the inner surface of the respective optional fourth segment 257 of the image substrate 41. At least a portion of the front support portion 53 can optionally be partially or entirely secured to the inner surface 43 of the image substrate 41, for example as discussed above.

[00184] In an optional step, the image substrate 41 can extend over any suitable back support portion of the invention (see FIG. 57). The back support portion 52 can optionally be a solid object, for example made from foam, a traditional wooden stretcher bar frame or any of the other back support portions 52 discussed herein, including back support portion 52 shown in FIGS. 53- 54. Back support portion 52 can optionally be aligned or registered with a front support portion 53 and brought together therewith (see FIG. 58). For example, the front of an assembled back support portion, with cavity 87 exposed, can be positioned over and brought into engagement with an unassembled front support portion 53 in any suitable manner, for example as discussed above. The back support portion 52 can optionally be registered between side strips 141 of the front support portion 53.

[00185] In an optional step, the second back strip 242 of each side 132 of the front support portion 53 can be pivoted or folded, relative to the respective first back strip 241, through an angle of 180° onto the respective first back strip, for example as discussed above and shown in FIG. 58). In an optional step, for example as discussed above, each of the opposed second back strips 242 and first back strips 241 can be pivoted or folded in unison relative to the respective side strips 141 of the front support portion 53 towards the back support portion 52, for example towards the respective side 57 of the back support portion (see FIG. 59).

[00186] In an optional step, for example as discussed above, each of the side strips 141 of the front support portion 53 can be pivoted or folded relative to the central portion 137 of the front support portion, for example towards the respective side 57 of the back support portion 52 (see FIGS. 60-61). As discussed above, such folding of the side strips 141 causes each of the corner pieces 246 to commence folding along the fold line 247 of the corner piece towards the back support portion 52. For example, the two halves of a comer piece fold along line 247 relative to each other, causing each fold line 247 to pivot towards and into opening 321 of the back support portion at the respective comer 304 of the central portion 302 of the front support portion. Each half of a corner piece 246 simultaneously pivots or folds relative to the end of the respective side strip 141, for example along the respective fold line 249. Each half of the flap portion 48 of the image substrate 41, optionally partially or entirely secured to the respective corner piece 246, follows the movement of the respective half of the corner piece. Each half of the flap portions 48 of the image substrate 41 pivots inwardly into opening 321 of the back support portion 52, following the halves of the respective corner piece 246, relative to the ends of the respective adjacent side strips 141 (see FIG. 61). The opening 321 in the back support portion receives and accommodates the corner piece 246 and flap 48 secured thereto.

[00187] In an optional step, the plurality of side strips 141 of the front support portion 53 can be folded towards and onto the plurality of sides 57 of the back support portion 52 in any suitable manner, for example as discussed above. For example, and as shown in FIG. 62, each of the side strips 141 of front support portion 53 can optionally be folded rearwardly to a position against a respective side 57 of the back support portion 52. Each of the side strips 141 can optionally be secured to an outer side surface 86 in a suitable manner, for example by adhesive. The folding of the side strips 141 about the back support portion 52 can optionally serve to stretch central portion 46 of the image substrate 41 over the front of the back support portion. The folding of the side strips 141 up against the outer side surfaces 86 of the back support portion 52 causes the two halves of each of the comer pieces 256 to fold against each other relative to the ends of the respective adjacent side strips 141. The two halves of each of the flap portions 48 of the image substrate are sandwiched between the two halves of the respective corner piece and extend inwardly between the two ends of the respective side strips 141 and into opening 321 of the back support portion 52 to form a decorative or aesthetic fold at each comer of the image substrate overlying the support structure 51. The aesthetic corner in the image substrate is free of edges of the image substrate, which can optionally be referred to as raw edges, cut edges or free edges. [00188] In an optional step, for example as discussed above, each of the juxtaposed second back strips 242 and first back strips 241 can be further pivoted or folded in unison relative to the respective side 303 of the back support portion 52 onto the back of the back support portion 52, for example onto the periphery of the back support portion (see FIGS. 63-64). Each second back strip 242 is optionally beneath the respective first back strip 241, that is between the first back strip 241 and back 56 of the back support portion 52. Optional slot 291 provided between the first back strip 241 and second back strip 242 of each side 132 of the front support portion 53 serves as a relief for tension developed in the image substrate from the multiple folds formed therein during assembly of the image display 182 (see FIG. 64). The second back strips 242 and first back strips 241 folded onto the back 56 of the back support portion 52 and can be secured to the back 56 by any suitable means, for example as discussed above.

[00189] Folding of the second back strips 242 and first back strips 241 of the front support portion, and overlying second segment 177 and third segment 256 of the image substrate, onto back 56 of the back support portion 52 serve to form a clean and attractive back of the image display 182. The combined second back strips 242 and first back strips 241 provide a finished rim 324, which can be referred to as a decorative or aesthetic rim, around the periphery of the back 56 (see FIGS. 63-64). It is appreciated that a finished rim 324 can include each peripheral portion 47 of the image substrate overlying only a single back strip in the side 132 of the front support portion 53, or a fold in the peripheral portion 47 with no back strip or other portion of the front support portion 53 underlying the fold. The inclined, or angled, ends of the first back strips 241 and second back strips 242 of the front support portion 53, and the inclined, or angled, ends of the respective second segments 177 and third segments 256 of the image substrate 41 overlying such support strips 241, 242, provide mitered corners in the image substrate on the the image substrate 41 of image display 182 appears to be mounted on a wooden stretcher bar frame.

[00190] The inclusion of multiple back strips around the rear perimeter of the image display 182, for example first and second back strips 241, 242, provides a perimeter at the rear of the image display 182 that is thicker than the center portion of the back 56 of the back support portion 52. This additional thickness, and additional mass of corrugated or other material that makes the perimeter thicker, results in creating a further impression that there are bars around the perimeter of the finished image display 182. The additional mass of material around this perimeter can further significantly increase the “anti-compression strength” of the product, which means it is more difficult to “squeeze” the perimeter of the image display 182 relative to squeezing any other area of the image display, which further advantageously creates the impression of “perimeter bars” in the image display 182.

[00191] A triangular side structure 57 in back support portion 52 can advantageously position edge 316 of the side structure inwardly of edge 303 of the back support portion and thus under finished rim 324. Edge 316 can serve as a support truss for the finished rim 324, as shown for example in FIG. 64. Users grasping the image display 182 on the finished rim 324, or otherwise near the outer periphery of the image display 182, experience increased rigidity in the image display 182, thus adding to the feel and quality of the image display 182.

[00192] It is appreciated that additional side structures (not shown), for example bars, can placed inwardly of one or more of the side structures 57 of the back support portion 52, for example extending parallel to the respective side structure 57 and secured to back 56 of the back support structure by any suitable means such as an adhesive, to provide additional support to the finished rim 324. Such additional side structures can be of any suitable type, for example solid or hollow, and of any suitable cross section, and include any of the type and cross sections of the side structures 57 disclosed herein.

[00193] Another optional embodiment of a back support portion 52 with open comers is shown in FIGS. 65-67, and is a foldable structure that includes a back 56 and a plurality of four sides 57 formed from sheet 341. When in a disassembled state, as shown in FIGS. 65 and 6A, the back support portion 52 can be planar. Sheet 341 can have a central portion 342 and a plurality edges or sides, for example linear edges for sides. As illustrated, central portion 342 is substantially rectangular in plan and the four edges or sides 343 extend perpendicular to each other. The central portion includes four comers 344, each optionally including a corner section or edge 346 adjoining adjacent sides 343 of the central portion 342. Each comer section 346 can optionally be inclined, for example at an obtuse angle, to each adjacent side 343. The obtuse angle can optionally be 135°. Each comer section 346 can be of any suitable length, and can optionally be a function of the width of any inwardly folding corner piece of the front support portion of the invention, and the image substrate secured to the comer piece.

[00194] Each side 57 of the back support portion 52 can optionally be formed for a side strip 351 formed from sheet 341 adjacent each side 343 of the sheet. Each side strip 351 can optionally be formed from a plurality of segments extending adjacent to each other and extending the length of the strip 351, and optionally be referred to as a side structure, a cylindrical structure, a hollow structure, a multi-walled structure, a four-walled structure, a three- walled structure, a box beam or any combination of the foregoing. Adjacent segments are optionally bendable or foldable along an imaginary longitudinal line relative to each other. Such segments of a side strip 351 can be of any number. Each side strip can optionally be formed with a first segment 352 foldably joined to a side 343 of central portion 342, a second segment 353 foldably joined to the first segment 352, a third segment 354 foldably joined to the second segment 353 and a fourth segment 355 foldably joined to the third segment. Each of the segments can be of any suitable shape. First segment 352 can optionally have the shape of a truncated triangle, with opposite ends inclined outwardly, for example at a 45° angle, from the central portion 342. Each end of the first segment 352 can optionally be colinear with the adjoining comer section 346 of the central portion. Second segment 353, third segment 354 and fourth segment 355 can optionally be rectangular in shape, that is with opposite ends extending perpendicular to adjacent sides. Segments 353-355 can optionally be the same length, or any other suitable length. For example, each of the segments 353-355 can optionally be the same length as the outer side of the first segment 352.

[00195] Back support portion 52 can be formed from sheet 341 in any suitable manner. For example, each of the sides or side structures 57 of the back support portion can be formed by folding the segments 352-355 of the side strip 351 in any suitable order until each segment extends at an acute angle, for example 90°, of the adjacent segment to form a four-sided cylindrical side structure 57 in cross-section, as shown in FIG. 67. The side structure 57 formed from segments 352-355 can optionally have a rectangular-shaped cross section. The fourth segment 355 of the side structure overlies the periphery of sheet central portion 342, adjacent the respective side 343 of the sheet central portion 342. The fourth segment 355 and can be secured to the periphery of the sheet central portion 342 in any suitable manner such as by an adhesive. The side structure or side 57 extends forwardly of the sheet central portion, adjacent side 343. Each side structure 57 is optionally spaced from an adjacent side structure 57 to form an opening, cavity, space or recess 361 in each corner 362 of the back support portion 52. Each side structure 57 is optionally spaced from an adjacent side structure a distance at least equal to the length of the respective corner section 346 of the sheet central portion 342. The opening 361 in each comer 362 of the back support portion optionally has a width at least equal to the length of the respective corner section 346 of the sheet central portion 342. In a rectangular back support portion 32, each side structure 57 is optionally orthogonal to the adjacent side structures 57.

[00196] An optional folding sequence of side strips 351 for forming side structures 57 is illustrated in FIGS. 66A-66E, where each fourth segment 355 is folded, simultaneously or in any other suitable order, to a suitable angle such as 90° with the adjacent third segment 354 (see FIG. 66B). Each third segment 354 is then folded, simultaneously or in any other suitable order, to a suitable angle such as 90° with the adjacent second segment 353 (see FIG. 66C). Each second segment 353 is then folded, simultaneously or in any other suitable order, to a suitable angle such as 90° with the adjacent first segment 352 (see FIG. 66D). Each first segment 352 is then folded, simultaneously or in any other suitable order, to a suitable angle such as 90° with sheet central portion 342 so that the fourth segment 355 overlies and sits on the periphery of the sheet central portion 352 (see FIG. 66E). For a rectangular back support portion, the ends of adjacent side strips 341 extend at a right angle to each other. The outer surface of each first segment 352 forms an outer surface of the assembled back support portion 52. The back support portion 52 includes at least one cavity 87 formed by back 56 and sides 57, and can optionally be called a hollow support portion or support structure.

[00197] The front support portion and image substrate of the invention for use with back support portion of the invention with open comers can be of any suitable type, for example any front support portion and any image substrate disclosed herein. For example, back support portion 52 of FIGS. 65-67 can optionally be used with front support portion 53 of FIG. 56 and can optionally be used with image substrate 41 of FIGS. 55-56 in any suitable manner, for example any manner disclosed herein. In the manner disclosed above, openings 361 in each corner 362 of the back support portion 52 accommodate or receive the respective comer pieces 246 and flaps 48 secured thereto to facilitate the formation of aesthetic comers in the image substrate 41 of image display 182.

[00198] One or more optional hanging holes can be provided on the back of the image display 182, for example in back 56 of back support portion 52 near a side of the image display, for enabling the image display to be hung without additional hanging hardware. Such a hanging hole can optionally be provided along each back side of the image display for permitting the image display to be hung along any of its side.

[00199] It is appreciated that the back support portion of the invention can optionally be one or more structural supports, elements or members disposed inside the front support portion of the invention for adding rigidity, strength or both to the front support portion. For example, the back support portion of the invention can optionally be one or more structural supports, elements or members disposed in cavity 133 of front support portion 53. Such structural supports, elements or members can include corner brackets, corner blocks, peripheral frames, any of the back support portions disclosed herein or any combination of the foregoing. As discussed above, a more rigid front support portion may allow for a less rigid back support portion or a back support portion of fewer structural supports, elements or members.

[00200] A support structure of the invention utilizing a front support portion with sides strips can provide an inexpensive image display that, like a traditional image display formed from a wooden stretcher bar frame, has a taut image substrate with no backing.

[00201] The image display of the invention can optionally include a support structure having at least first and second sides extending from a corner. The at least first and second sides can optionally be secured to a front of the support structure. For example, image display 182 can optionally include support structure 51 having at least first and second sides 132 extending to a corner. The first and second sides 132 can optionally be secured to front 131. The image display of the invention can optionally include an image substrate having a central portion and an outer surface and an inner surface and an image printed on the central portion of the outer surface or inner surface of the image substrate. For example, image display 182 can optionally include image substrate 41 having central portion 46 and outer surface 42 and an inner surface 43 and image 49 printed on at least the central portion of outer surface 42, or inner surface 43, of the image substrate 41. The image substrate of the invention can optionally have a first peripheral portion folded over the first side and a second peripheral portion folded over the second side and a flap portion extending between the first peripheral portion and the second peripheral portion. For example, image substrate 41 can optionally having first peripheral portion 47a folded over first side 132 and second peripheral portion 47b folded over second side 132 and flap portion 48 extending between the first peripheral portion 47a and the second peripheral portion 47b. The image display of the invention can optionally include a first support secured to the inner surface of the first peripheral portion adjacent the comer and having a foldable extension extending around the corner. For example, one end of a side strip 141 can be referred to as a first support secured to inner surface 43 of first peripheral portion 47a adjacent the corner and can optionally have a foldable extension 151, 161 extending around the corner. A portion of the flap portion of the image substrate of the invention can optionally be secured to the foldable extension. For example, a portion of flap portion 48 can optionally be secured to the foldable extension 151,

161. The image display of the invention can optionally include a second support secured to the inner surface of the second peripheral portion adjacent the corner and provided with a cutout for receiving the foldable extension. For example, one end of a strip 141 can be referred to as a second support secured to inner surface 43 of second peripheral portion 47b adjacent the corner and provided with a cutout 152,162 for receiving the foldable extension 151,161. The second peripheral portion of the image display of the invention can optionally be folded over the foldable extension and the portion of the flap portion secured to the foldable extension for forming a decorative fold in the image substrate at the comer. For example, second peripheral portion 47b can optionally be folded over foldable extension 151,161 and the portion of flap portion 48 secured to the foldable extension for forming a decorative fold in image substrate 41 at the corner.

[00202] An image display can optionally be provided that comprises a support structure including a back support portion and a front support portion, the back support portion including a back and a plurality of first sides extending forwardly of the back, the front support portion having the shape of a wooden stretcher bar frame and including a front and a plurality of second sides extending rearwardly of the front and forming a cavity, an image substrate having a central portion and a peripheral portion and an outer surface and an opposite inner surface, an image on at least the central portion of the image substrate, the image substrate overlying the front and plurality of second sides of the front support portion, the back support portion disposed in the cavity of the front support portion and the peripheral portion of the image substrate secured to at least the back of the back support portion.

[00203] The back support portion can optionally be made of a material selected from the group consisting of cardboard, paperboard, corrugated board, fiberboard, wood, metal and plastic. The front support portion can optionally be made of a material selected from the group consisting of paper, cardboard, paperboard, corrugated board, fiberboard, wood, metal and plastic. The back of the back support portion can optionally be a sheet extending between the plurality of first sides. Each of the first sides can optionally be a strip joined to the back of the back support portion. The first sides and the back can optionally be formed from a single sheet of material. Each of the first sides can optionally be formed from a side structure joined to the back of the back support portion. The side structure can optionally be formed from a folded sheet selected from the group consisting of paper, cardboard, paperboard, corrugated board, fiberboard, metal and plastic. The side structure can optionally have a cross-sectional shape selected from the group consisting of a rectangle and a triangle. The back can optionally have a peripheral edge and each of the first sides is inset from the peripheral edge of the back. The first sides can optionally extend end-to-end to form a plurality of corners of the back support portion. Each of the first sides can optionally have an end with an opening for forming a plurality of open comers in the back support portion. The front of the front support portion can optionally be a sheet extending between the plurality of second sides. Each of the second sides can optionally include a strip joined to the front of the front support portion. The second sides can optionally extend end-to-end to form a plurality of corners of the front support portion. Each of the second sides can optionally have opposite ends that adjoin for providing a plurality of comers in the front support portion and the front support portion includes a foldable gusset secured to the ends of each adjacent second sides, the image substrate secured to each gusset and the gusset facilitating the formation of an aesthetic fold in the image substrate at the respective corner. Each of the second sides of the front support portion can optionally have a first elongate segment and a second elongate segment foldable relative to the first elongate segment on to the back of the back support portion. Each of the second sides of the front support portion can optionally have a third elongate segment foldable beneath the second elongate segment so as to extend between the second elongate segment and the back of the back support portion. The back support portion can optionally provide a rigid support for the front support portion. The back support portion can optionally be a framework formed from a plurality of frame elements. The plurality of frame elements can optionally form the shape of the back support portion. Each of the first sides can optionally be selected from the group consisting of a hollow cylindrical element and a tubular element. The back and first sides of the back support portion can optionally be formed from a solid material. The solid material can optionally be a sheet of foam. The back and first sides of the back support portion can optionally be formed from a wooden stretcher bar frame. The image substrate can optionally be a material selected from the group consisting of paper, canvas, artist’s canvas, plastic, molded plastic and metal. The image can optionally be printed on the image substrate. The image can optionally be digitally printed on the image substrate. The peripheral portion of the image substrate can optionally be secured to the back of the back support portion is folded over onto itself. The image can optionally be on a surface of the image substrate selected from the group consisting of the outer surface of the image substrate and the inner surface of the image substrate.

[00204] A method for forming an image display can optionally be provided and comprise providing a back support portion having a plurality of first sides extending end to end, providing an image substrate having a central portion and a peripheral portion and an outer surface and an opposite inner surface, an image on at least the central portion of the image substrate, providing a front support portion have a plurality of second sides secured to the inner surface of the image substrate, extending the image substrate over the back support portion and folding the plurality of second sides over the plurality of first sides of the back support portion so that the printed image on the image substrate appears to be mounted on a wooden stretcher bar frame.

[00205] The front support portion can optionally include a front and the plurality of second sides extending around the front. The front and the plurality of second sides can optionally be formed from a single sheet of material. The single sheet of material can optionally be a sheet of corrugated board and the back support portion is made from corrugated board. The front support portion can optionally have a front portion, the plurality of second sides extending around the front portion.

[00206] An image display can optionally be provided and comprise a support structure including a sheet having a central portion with adjacent first and second sides and first and second side strips extending alongside the respective first and second sides of the central portion, the first and second side strips foldable relative to the central portion and each having opposite first and second ends, the first end of the first side strip provided with a foldable extension and the second end of the second side strip provided with a cutout, wherein the cutout of the second side strip can receive the foldable extension of the first side strip when the first side strip and the second side strip are folded relative to the central portion, the foldable extension forming a corner between the first side strip and the second side strip, an image substrate having an image, the image substrate overlying the support structure and secured to the support structure.

[00207] The foldable extension and adjacent cutout can each optionally have the same size and shape. The foldable extension and adjacent cutout can each optionally be triangular. The image substrate can optionally have a first portion secured to the foldable extension and a second portion that extends over the cutout, the first portion of the image substrate secured to the foldable extension optionally extending behind the second portion of the image substrate extending over the cutout so as to form a fold in the image substrate at the comer.

[00208] A method for forming a fold in an image substrate at a corner of an image display can optionally be provided and comprise providing a structure having a central portion with first and second sides and first and second side strips foldable from the central portion at the first and second sides, the first side strip having an end provided with a foldable extension and the second side strip having an end provided with a cutout that can receive the foldable extension to form a corner, providing an image substrate having a central portion and a flap with first and second portions peripheral of the central portion, an image on at least the central portion of the image substrate, securing the first portion of the flap to the foldable extension of the first side strip and extending the second portion of the flap over the cutout of the second side strip, folding the first side strip relative to the central portion, folding the tab with the first portion of the flap secured thereto inwardly of the end of the first side strip, and folding the second side strip relative to the central portion so that the cutout at the end of the second side strip receives the foldable extension of the first side strip and forms a fold from the flap of the image substrate at the corner. [00209] The structure can optionally be made from a sheet of material selected from the group consisting of paper, cardboard, paperboard, corrugated board, fiberboard, metal and plastic. [00210] An image display can optionally be provided and comprise a support structure having at least first and second sides extending from a corner, an image substrate having a central portion and an outer surface and an inner surface, an image on the central portion of the image substrate, the image substrate having a first peripheral portion folded over the first side and a second peripheral portion folded over the second side and a flap portion extending between the first peripheral portion and the second peripheral portion, a first support secured to the inner surface of the first peripheral portion adjacent the comer and having a foldable extension extending around the corner, a portion of the flap portion of the image substrate secured to the foldable extension, a second support secured to the inner surface of the second peripheral portion adjacent the corner and provided with a cutout for receiving the foldable extension, the second peripheral portion folded over the foldable extension and the portion of the flap portion secured to the foldable extension for forming a decorative fold in the image substrate at the corner.

[00211] The foldable extension and the cutout can each optionally have the same size and shape. The foldable extension and the cutout can each optionally be triangular. The first support and the second support can optionally be part of a sheet of material selected from the group consisting of cardboard, paperboard, corrugated board, fiberboard, metal and plastic. The first support can optionally be an end of a first side strip and the second support is an end of a second side strip.

[00212] A method for forming a fold in an image substrate at a corner of an image display can optionally be provided and comprise providing a support structure having a front and at least first and second sides extending from a corner, providing an image substrate having a central portion and first and second peripheral portions and a flap portion extending between the first and second peripheral portions, securing a first support to the inner surface of the first peripheral portion, the first support having a foldable extension, securing the foldable extension to the inner surface of the flap portion adjacent the first peripheral portion, securing a second support to the inner surface of the second peripheral portion, the second support provided with a cutout for receiving the foldable extension, folding the first peripheral portion onto the first side of the support structure, folding the foldable extension around the corner onto the second side of the support structure, folding the second peripheral portion onto the second side of the support structure so that the cutout at the end of the second support receives the foldable extension and forms a decorative fold from the flap portion of the image substrate at the corner.

[00213] The first support can optionally be part of a first side strip for overlying the first side of the support structure and the second support can optionally be part of a second side strip for overlying the second side of the support structure. The first side strip and the second side strip can optionally be part of a sheet of material selected from the group consisting of cardboard, paperboard, corrugated board, fiberboard, metal and plastic. The foldable extension and the cutout can each optionally have the same size and shape.

[00214] An image display can optionally be provided and comprise a support structure including a front and a back and a plurality of sides extending rearwardly of the front, an image substrate having a central portion and a peripheral portion and an outer surface and an opposite inner surface, an image on at least the central portion of the image substrate, the image substrate overlying the front and the plurality of sides, the peripheral portion of the image substrate extending to the back of the support structure, the peripheral portion having an end portion provided with a fold to form a finished edge to the end portion.

[00215] The end portion of the image substrate can optionally be secured to the back of the support structure. The back of the support structure can optionally include a back sheet and the end portion of the image substrate can optionally overly the back sheet and optionally be secured to the back sheet. The back sheet can optionally have a periphery and the end portion can optionally extend around periphery of the back sheet. The image display can optionally further comprise at least one strip, the end portion of the image substrate optionally being folded over the at least one strip at the finished edge. The at least one strip can optionally include a strip extending on the back of the support structure alongside each of the plurality of sides of the support structure, the end portion optionally folded over each strip at the finished edge. The end portion can optionally fold over each of the plurality of sides of the support structure to provide the finished edge at the back of the support structure.

[00216] An image display can optionally be provided and comprise a support structure including a front support portion and a back support portion, the front support portion having the shape of a wooden stretcher bar frame and including a front and a plurality of side segments extending rearwardly of the front and forming a cavity and a plurality of back segments extending alongside the respective plurality of side segments, the back support portion disposed in the cavity and having a back with a periphery, the plurality of back segments overlying the periphery of the back of the back support portion, an image substrate having a central portion and a peripheral portion and an outer surface and an opposite inner surface, an image on at least the central portion of the image substrate, the central portion of the image substrate overlying the front of the front support portion and the peripheral portion of the image substrate overlying the plurality of side segments and the plurality of back segments of the front support portion.

[00217] The peripheral portion of the image substrate can optionally extend inwardly of the plurality of back segments of the front support portion so as to overlie the back of the back support portion. The peripheral portion of the image substrate can optionally be folded around each of the plurality of back segments to provide a finished edge of the image substrate on the back of the back support portion. The front support portion can optionally include a plurality of additional back segments extending alongside the respective plurality of back segments, the plurality of additional back segments can optionally be folded beneath the respective plurality of back segments so as to be juxtaposed with the plurality of back segments. The peripheral portion of the image substrate can optionally be folded around each of the plurality of back segments and the plurality of additional back segments to provide a finished edge of the image substrate on the back of the back support portion.

[00218] An image display can optionally be provided and comprise a support structure including a front support portion and a back support portion, the front support portion having the shape of a wooden stretcher bar frame and including a front and a plurality of side segments extending rearwardly of the front and forming a cavity, each of the plurality of side segments having opposite ends, the ends of adjacent side segments providing a plurality of comers in the front support portion, a plurality of foldable gussets respectively secured to the ends of adjacent side segments, an image substrate having a central portion and a peripheral portion and an outer surface and an opposite inner surface, an image on at least the central portion of the image substrate, the image substrate overlying the front and the plurality of side segments of the front support portion and secured to the plurality of foldable gussets for facilitating the formation of aesthetic folds in the image substrate at the respective plurality of comers of the front support portion, the back support portion disposed in the cavity and having a plurality of open corners for receiving the respective plurality of foldable gussets.

[00219] The back support portion can optionally have a plurality of side structures extending alongside the respective plurality of side segments of the front support portion. The back support portion can optionally have a back, each of the plurality of side structures can optionally have a triangular cross section and a side secured to the back of the back support portion. Each of the plurality of side structures can optionally have opposite ends, each end optionally being provided with an opening, the openings in the ends of adjacent side structures optionally receiving one of the plurality of foldable gussets.

[00220] An image display can optionally be provided and comprise a support structure including a front and a plurality of sides extending rearwardly of the front, the support structure formed from a sheet of corrugated board, the sheet being provided with a weakening line between each of the plurality of sides and the front for facilitating folding of each of the plurality of sides relative to the front, an image substrate having a central portion and a peripheral portion and an outer surface and an opposite inner surface, an image on at least the central portion of the image substrate, the image substrate overlying the front and the plurality of sides and secured to the support structure so as to appear mounted on a wooden stretcher bar frame.

[00221] The weakening line can optionally be selected from the group consisting of a fold, a groove, a slot, a slit, a skive, a perforation and any combination of the foregoing. The corrugated board can optionally be selected from the group consisting of single wall board, double wall board and single face board. The corrugated board can optionally be single wall board selected from the group consisting of F flute, E flute and a flute thinner than F and E flute. The corrugated board can optionally be single wall board selected from the group consisting of 32,

23, 32 weight board, 42, 40, 42 weight board and 15 to 42 pounds per thousand square feet for each of the three layers.

[00222] The image displays described herein are inexpensive alternatives to currently-available image displays, particularly currently-available image displays utilizing stretcher bar frames. Despite the innovative and economical support structures of the image displays herein, several of such image displays have the appearance of canvas stretched over a stretcher bar frame or other more expensive support structure. The support structures of the image displays herein use less expensive materials, utilize unique configurations of support elements and are formed in processes capable of automation, thus providing a more economical yet professional looking image display. The image displays herein can simulate a stretched and taut canvas or other image substrate, thus being capable of providing a planar image. Additionally, the image displays herein can be easily scaled to accommodate both small and large images.

[00223] The image substrates herein can extend across greater or lesser portions of the support structures than as described or illustrated herein. For example, the image substrates need not extend to the rear of the support structures, need not extend to the sides of the support structures and need not extend over all of the front of the support structure. The image formed on the outer surface of the image substrates herein can extend across all or any portion of such outer surface, regardless of the position of the image substrate on the respective support structure.

[00224] Each of the image substrates herein can be used with each of the support structures herein or any other support structure, including any conventional support structure such as a conventional stretcher bar frame and any support structure having the appearance of a stretcher bar frame. Each of the support structures herein can be used with any image substrate, including any conventional image substrate and any image substrate resembling artist canvas.

[00225] As used herein, the terms “front,” “back,” and/or other terms indicative of direction are used herein for convenience and to depict relational positions and/or directions between the parts of the embodiments. It will be appreciated that certain embodiments, or portions thereof, can also be oriented in other positions.

[00226] In addition, the term “about” should generally be understood to refer to both the corresponding number and a range of numbers. In addition, all numerical ranges herein should be understood to include each whole integer or fraction thereof within the range. While an illustrative embodiment of the invention has been disclosed herein, it will be appreciated that numerous modifications and other embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art. Therefore, it will be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and embodiments that come within the spirit and scope of the present invention.