LIGHT WEIGHT PAPER FRAME AND METHOD FOR FABRICATING SAME

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION - Field of the Invention

[Para 1 ] This invention relates generally to the field of frames for photographs and, more particularly, to a light weight frame with paper structural components and a method for fabricating the frame. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION - Description of the Related Art

[Para 2] Frames provide a means for display and protection of photographs. Conventional frames are typically relatively bulky and costly to produce. Most conventional frames also require complex operations to disassemble, mount the photograph and reassemble the frame which can be time consuming and frustrating for the user. Light weight paper sleeves and mailers have been developed to provide mailing or shipping capability for photos and in some cases have limited ability to act as a display means for the photograph. However, these products tend to be of low quality and do not provide an attractive presentation format.

[Para 3] It is therefore desirable to provide a display means for photographs that is less costly to manufacture, light weight and yet attractive for presentation. It is further desirable that the means for display allow simple insertion of the photograph without disassembly of the frame. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[Para 4] The present invention provides a frame for insertion of a photograph having a folded structural element with a first portion incorporating a backing and a second portion connected to the first portion having two spaced lateral elements folded onto and rising from the backing. The first portion and second portion cooperatively form an aperture perpendicular to the spaced lateral elements for receiving a photograph to be held between the spaced lateral elements. A face structural element overlays the two spaced lateral elements and is spaced from the backing thereby to engage and support the photograph opposite the backing.

[Para 5] In a first embodiment, the face structural element comprises a third portion of the folded structural element extending from the first portion opposite the two spaced lateral elements of the second portion. The third portion is folded onto the second portion opposite the backing. A fold line between the first portion and third portion incorporates a slot substantially similar in length to the spacing of the lateral elements to form a portion of the aperture to receive the photograph. The third portion has a rectangular opening for viewing the photograph. A rectangular border element is affixed to the third portion with an aperture over the rectangular opening of the third portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[Para 6] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[Para 7] FIG. 1 is a bottom plan view of the folding support or structural element of a first embodiment of a frame according to the present invention;

[Para 8] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 with the second portion of the structural element operatively folded on to the first portion;

[Para 9] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the structural element with the second portion and face structural portion of the first embodiment in their operational positions;

[Para 1 0] FIG. 4a is an isometric bottom view of the first embodiment with a border element installed with paper thickness exaggerated and fold lines separated;

[Para 1 1 ] FIG. 4b is an isometric top view of the first embodiment with a border element installed with paper thickness exaggerated and fold lines separated;

[Para 1 2] FIG. 5 is a left end section view along line 5-5 of FIG. 3 of the first embodiment with all elements in the operational position with paper thicknesses exaggerated and fold lines separated showing the relative orientation of the elements;

[Para 1 3] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the folding support or structural element of a second embodiment of a frame according to the present invention;

[Para 1 4] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 6 with the second portion of the structural element operatively folded onto the first portion;

[Para 1 5] FIG. 8a is an isometric bottom view of the second embodiment with combined face structural portion and border element installed; and,

[Para 1 6] FIG. 8b is an isometric top view of the second embodiment with combined face structural portion and border element installed;

[Para 1 7] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a third embodiment; and,

[Para 1 8] FIG. 10 is an isometric bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 9 with the second portion of the structural element operatively folded onto the first portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[Para 1 9] Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows in plan form the structural elements of a first embodiment of a frame according to the present invention. A folding structural element 10 incorporates a first portion 12 providing a backing 14 to support a photograph. A second portion 16 is attached to the first portion, extending from a first fold line 18 in the first embodiment, providing two spaced lateral elements 20a and 20b and an interconnecting web 21. As shown in FIG. 2, the spaced lateral elements and web of the second portion are folded onto the first portion along the first fold line. The spaced lateral elements then provide a volume to receive a photograph and to constrain two opposing sides of the photograph for positioning while the web acts as a stop for one end of the photograph, as will be described in greater detail subsequently.

[Para 20] For the first embodiment, a face structural portion 22 is attached to the first portion at a second fold line 24 opposite the second portion. A slot 26 having a length substantially equal to the spacing of the lateral elements in the second portion is present in the second fold line. A rectangular relief 28 extends the slot into the backing of the first portion to assist in insertion of a photograph. The relief not only provides additional ability to manipulate one edge of the photograph but increases the flexibility of the

backing out of plane to reduce friction on the photograph during insertion by allowing flexing of the backing.

[Para 21 ] The face structural portion is folded over the lateral elements resting on the backing as shown in FIG. 3. A rectangular opening 30 in the face structural portion allows the photograph to be viewed and acts in certain embodiments as a matte for outlining the photograph. The transverse dimension 32 of the opening is less than the spacing of the lateral elements to restrain an inserted photograph between the face structural portion and the backing while the lateral elements engage opposing sides of the photograph to align the photograph and position it within the opening of the face structural portion. Comparable dimensioning of the web and rectangular relief to provide a total transverse dimension substantially equal to the transverse dimension of the photograph allows easy centering of the photograph within the opening. [Para 22] As shown in FIGs. 4a and 4b for the first embodiment with exaggerated thickness of the paper elements and fold lines scored substantially through the paper thickness, a rectangular border element 34 is adhesively attached to the face structural portion with an aperture 36 at approximately the size of the rectangular opening in the face structural portion. The relative size of the aperture and rectangular opening determine any matte effect or appearance of the face structural portion. For certain embodiments, the face structural portion is not visible through the rectangular border element aperture. For exemplary embodiments, the border element is also formed from paper or corrugated press board having greater weight or thickness than the material of the structural elements. In alternative embodiments, a wood, plastic or metal construction for the border elements is employed

[Para 23] The left end view of FIG. 5 shows, again with exaggerated thickness of the paper elements and fold lines scored substantially through the thickness of the paper, the slot 26 in the second fold line and associated relief with the face structural portion 22

separated from the backing 14 of the first portion by the spaced lateral elements 20a, 20b of the second portion.

[Para 24] For the first embodiment, an adjustment aperture 38, as seen in FIG. 1, is provided in the backing to assist in manipulation of the photograph during insertion through the slot. The aperture also increases the flexibility of the backing and provides purchase for flexing the backing during insertion of the photo.

[Para 25] To allow the frame to be self supporting on a desk or other display surface, the backing of the first portion of the structural element includes scored supports 40a and 40b. The supports in the embodiments shown are substantially quadrilateral with a first support on a first quadrant of the backing scored for separation from the backing on three sides and folding from the backing on a forth side substantially along a midline of the backing. The second support is located on a second quadrant of the backing scored for separation from the backing on three sides and folding from the backing on a forth side substantially along a line perpendicular to the first midline of the backing. These supports can be extracted along their respective score lines from the backing and folded along lines 42a or 42b respectively to form a perpendicularly projecting support from the backing with the frame sitting on a first or second edge. Support 40a allows the frame to be viewed in a portrait orientation while support 40b allows a landscape orientation. Supplemental scored semicircles 44a and 44b engage and fix supports 40a and 40b respectively.

[Para 26] A second embodiment of a frame according to the present invention is shown in FIGs. 6-8. This simplified embodiment reduces the raw material required. As in the prior embodiment, the first portion of the structural element incorporates a backing 14. As shown in FIG. 6, the spaced lateral elements 50a and 50b of the second portion are positioned transversely on the first portion with fold lines 52a and 52b respectively. When folded as shown in FIG. 7, the lateral elements then provide a volume to receive a photograph and to constrain two opposing sides of the photograph for positioning. A

web 54 is provided attached to the first portion along a fold line 56 and, when folded, assists in constraining an inserted photograph as previously described. A face structural portion 58 is mounted to the spaced lateral elements with an aperture 60 for viewing the photograph. A rectangular relief 62 in the backing enhances flexibility of the backing and cooperates with the web for positioning of the photograph as previously described. The relief in the embodiment shown in the drawings extends between the folded lateral elements. A relief for the full extent of the side between the first and second fold lines is employed in alternative embodiments.

[Para 27] For the second embodiment, a positioning aperture 38 and scored supports 40a and 40b are provided to function as described with respect to the first embodiment. [Para 28] FIGs. 9 and 10 demonstrate a third embodiment of the invention. As in the prior embodiments, the first portion of the structural element incorporates a backing 14. As shown in FIG. 9, the spaced lateral elements 64a and 64b of the second portion are positioned transversely on the first portion with fold lines 66a and 66b respectively. When folded as shown in FIG. 10, the lateral elements then provide a volume to receive a photograph and to constrain two opposing sides of the photograph for positioning. As with the prior embodiments, the thickness of the structural elements is exaggerated to more clearly show the effective relationship in their folded operating positions. Tabs 68a and 68b extend from an end of each the spaced lateral elements and, when the lateral elements are folded, assist in constraining an inserted photograph. A face structural portion is mounted to the spaced lateral elements with an aperture for viewing the photograph as previously shown for the second embodiment. A rectangular relief 70 in the backing enhances flexibility of the backing and cooperates with the web for positioning of the photograph as previously described. As with the prior embodiment, the relief as shown in the drawings for the third embodiment extends between the folded lateral elements. The third embodiment, however, shows the relief and aperture on the

minor dimension of the rectangular frame. A relief for the full extent of the side between the first and second fold lines is employed in alternative embodiments. [Para 29] For the third embodiment, a positioning aperture 38 and scored supports 40a and 40b are provided in the backing to function as described with respect to the first embodiment. Further, the embodiment shown in FIGs 9 and 10 also includes a restraining element 72 which is scored in the backing and folds outward along fold line 74. When folded, the photograph is constrained between the restraining element and the tabs on the spaced lateral elements.

[Para 30] For each of the embodiments disclosed, the positioning aperture 38 additionally is shaped and sized for attachment to a support disc for wall mounting in a frame system such as that disclosed in co-pending patent application serial no. 10/819,971 entitled Picture Frame Assembly having a common assignee with the present invention, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. [Para 31 ] Fabrication of a frame according to the present invention is significantly simplified for either hand or automated line assembly. An extended rectangular paper sheet is provided having first central backing portion, a second portion extending from a first fold line and a third portion extending from a second fold line. A first rectangle is cut from the second portion, extending from an edge of the second portion opposing the first fold line proximate the first fold line. When removed, the rectangle leaves the two laterally spaced rectangular elements and the web. A slot is cut in the second fold line substantially the length of the lateral spacing of the two laterally spaced rectangular elements with a rectangular extension of the slot into the first backing portion. A rectangle is then cut from the third portion substantially centrally located therein and having a lateral extent less than the lateral spacing of the spaced rectangular elements in the second portion forming the face structural portion. A central aperture is then cut in the first central backing portion and a first quadrilateral located on a first quadrant of the backing is scored for separation from the backing on three sides and folding from the

backing on a forth side substantially along a first midline of the backing and a second quadrilateral located on a second quadrant of the backing is scored for separation from the backing on three sides and folding from the backing on a forth side substantially along a line perpendicular to the first midline of the backing.

[Para 32] For the first embodiment, assembly is then accomplished by placing parallel lines of adhesive along the two laterally spaced rectangular elements and the third portion. The two laterally spaced rectangular elements and web are folded onto the first central backing portion along the first fold line. The third portion is then folded over the two laterally spaced rectangular elements onto the first central backing portion along the second fold line.

[Para 33] The rectangular border element for the first embodiment is then adhesively attached to the third portion with the rectangular opening of the face structural portion substantially centered in the aperture in the border element. [Para 34] The second embodiment is substantially similar in assembly with the rectangular paper sheet scored or marked with three fold lines surrounding the first backing portion; one at the top for the first lateral element, a second at the bottom for the second lateral element and a third at a first side for the web. A rectangular relief is then cut into the first backing portion on the edge opposite the third fold line. In alternative embodiments, the relief extends for the full length between the first and second fold lines or for a lateral extent of the side between the first and second lateral elements when folded. The face structural element has the aperture cutout made and is then adhesively bonded to the first and second lateral elements.

[Para 35] The third embodiment is also substantially similar in assembly however the rectangular paper sheet is scored or marked with two fold lines laterally spaced on the first backing portion; one at the top for the first lateral element, a second at the bottom for the second lateral element. The tabs extending from the first and second lateral elements providing a partial web for constraining the photograph. A rectangular relief is then cut

into the first backing portion on the edge opposite the tabs. In alternative embodiments, the relief extends for the full length between the first and second fold lines or for a lateral extent of the side between the first and second lateral elements when folded. The restraining member is then scored into the first backing portion. The face structural element has the aperture cutout made and is then adhesively bonded to the first and second lateral elements.

[Para 36] Having now described the invention in detail as required by the patent statutes, those skilled in the art will recognize modifications and substitutions to the specific embodiments disclosed herein. Such modifications are within the scope and intent of the present invention as defined in the following claims.