Shadow box assembly

Abstract

A shadow box assembly adapted for quick and easy insertion and removal of artistic works that includes a frame member, a shadow box insert member, and a frame backing member wherein the shadow box insert member may be of a substantially pliable and selectively adjustable material to accommodate a closer view, and more secure fit, of the shadow box work therein. The shadow box assembly may further comprise an insertion slot or access mechanism wherein shadow box work can be quickly and efficiently inserted and extracted. A locking mechanism may further complement the insertion slot or access mechanism for sealing of the same and securement of the shadow box work therein. The shadow box assembly may be displayed by hanging it on a wall, propping it up against a wall or other vertical structure, or standing it in an upright position on a flat surface or shelf.

Claims

1. A shadow box assembly comprising: a substantially rigid frame member with a front surface, a rear surface opposing the front surface of the frame member, an outer continuous perimeter edge, and an inner continuous perimeter edge, opposing the outer continuous perimeter edge, enclosing and defining an enclosed inner frame aperture defining a viewing area, the frame member defining an insertion slot thereon, having a slot width spanning at least 80% of a length separating opposing sides of the frame member and spatially coupled to the enclosed inner frame aperture, and having a substantially rigid frame backing member coupled thereto and having a length and a width; and a shadow box insert member defining a shadow box length opposing two sides thereon, with an outer face, a continuous sidewall surrounding, and disposed in an upright orientation and configuration with respect to, the outer face, disposed proximal to the inner continuous perimeter edge of the substantially rigid frame member, and protruding in a direction outwardly away from the front surface of the substantially rigid frame member, and with a flange coupled to and surrounding the continuous sidewall and terminating at a terminal edge and having a flange width separating terminal edges on opposing sides of the shadow box insert member to define a shadow box insert width, the slot width less than the flange width, the outer face and the continuous sidewall of the shadow box insert member define a shadow box cavity of a box area defined by inner diameter length and an inner diameter width separating the continuous sidewall of the shadow box insert member, the box area corresponding in shape and less than the viewing area, wherein the shadow box insert length and shadow box insert width are proportional to the length and width, respectively, of the frame backing member.

2. The shadowbox assembly according to claim 1, wherein: the frame member is substantially planar and with a maximum thickness of approximately 2 inches.

3. The shadowbox assembly according to claim 1, wherein the shadow box insert member further comprises: the flange disposed at a flange angle of approximately 90 degrees with respect to the continuous sidewall.

4. The shadowbox assembly according to claim 3, wherein: the flange is of a substantially rigid material.

5. The shadowbox assembly according to claim 4, wherein: the outer face and the continuous sidewall are of a pliable material.

6. The shadowbox assembly according to claim 1, wherein: the insertion slot is defined by the substantially rigid frame member and substantially rigid frame backing member.

7. The shadowbox assembly according to claim 1, wherein: the frame backing member is substantially planar and of a shape and size corresponding to the viewing area.

8. The shadowbox assembly according to claim 1, wherein: the continuous sidewall of the shadow box insert member is disposed in a substantially perpendicular orientation with respect to the outer face.

9. A shadow box assembly comprising: a substantially rigid frame member with a front surface, a rear surface opposing the front surface of the frame member, an outer continuous perimeter edge, an inner continuous perimeter edge, opposing the outer continuous perimeter edge, enclosing and defining an enclosed inner frame aperture defining a viewing area, the frame member having a substantially rigid frame backing member coupled thereto and having a length and a width, and an insertion slot defined by the substantially rigid frame member and of a slot width lesser than a frame member width and spanning at least 80% of a length separating opposing sides of the frame member and spatially coupled to the enclosed inner frame aperture; and a shadow box insert member defining a shadow box length opposing two sides thereon, with an outer face, a continuous sidewall surrounding, and disposed in an upright orientation and configuration with respect to, the outer face, disposed proximal to the inner continuous perimeter edge of the substantially rigid frame member, and protruding in a direction outwardly away from the front surface of the substantially rigid frame member, and with a flange coupled to and surrounding the continuous sidewall and terminating at a terminal edge and having a flange width separating terminal edges on opposing sides of the shadow box insert member to define a shadow box insert width, the slot width less than the flange width, the outer face and the continuous sidewall of the shadow box insert member define a shadow box cavity of a box area defined by inner diameter length and an inner diameter width separating the continuous sidewall of the shadow box insert member, the box area corresponding in shape and less than the viewing area, wherein the shadow box insert length and shadow box insert width are proportional to the length and width, respectively, of the frame backing member.

10. The shadowbox assembly according to claim 9, wherein the shadow box insert member further comprises: a flange coupled to the continuous sidewall and disposed at a flange angle of approximately 90 degrees with respect to the continuous sidewall, wherein the flange surrounds the continuous sidewall and is of a substantially rigid material.

11. The shadowbox assembly according to claim 10, wherein: the outer face and the continuous sidewall are of a pliable material.

12. The shadowbox assembly according to claim 11, further comprising: an insertion slot defined by the substantially rigid frame member and of a slot width lesser than a flange width separating opposing sides of the shadow box insert member.

13. The shadowbox assembly according to claim 12, wherein: the insertion slot is defined by the substantially rigid frame member and substantially rigid frame backing member.

14. The shadowbox assembly according to claim 9, wherein: the frame backing member is substantially planar and of a shape and size corresponding to the viewing area.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.

(2) FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a shadow box assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the shadow box assembly in FIG. 1 with a shadow box work for utilization therein;

(4) FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of a shadow box insert member in FIG. 1. with the shadow box work utilized therein;

(5) FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a shadow box assembly with a shadow box work utilized therein in accordance;

(6) FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of the shadow box insert member in FIG. 1;

(7) FIG. 6 is a fragmentary elevational front view of the shadow box insert member in FIG. 5;

(8) FIG. 7 is a fragmentary elevational front side view of the shadow box insert member in FIG. 5; and

(9) FIG. 8 is a close-up side view of the shadow box insert member in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(10) While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms.

(11) The present invention provides a novel and efficient assembly for the display of creative works of art and memorabilia. Embodiments of the invention provide for a shadow box assembly comprised of three components, any combination of which may, in various embodiments of the present invention, be combined together or be divisible into distinct components. In addition, embodiments of the invention provide for the quick and easy insertion of shadow box work into the shadow box assembly, through either an insertion slit at the top of the shadow box assembly or through disassembly of at least one of the component parts, placement of the shadow box work therein, and re-assembly of the component parts.

(12) It should be understood that terms such as, front, rear, side, top, bottom, and the like are indicated from the reference point of a viewer viewing the shadow box assembly 100 from a front surface 108 when the assembly 100 is disposed on a wall 404 (see FIG. 4).

(13) As used herein, the term wall is intended broadly to encompass continuous structures, as well as, separate structures that are coupled together so as to form a substantially continuous external surface.

(14) Referring now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the present invention is shown in an exploded view. FIG. 1 shows several advantageous features of the present invention, but, as will be described below, the invention can be provided in several shapes, sizes, combinations of features and components, and varying numbers and functions of the components. The first example of a shadow box assembly 100, as shown in FIG. 1, includes a substantially rigid frame member 102 with the front surface 108 and a rear surface 110 opposing the front surface 108 of the frame member 102.

(15) The substantially rigid frame member 102 may be of a variety of materials such as wood, metals, e.g. silver, bronze, aluminum, and stiff plastics such as polystyrene. Any one of these material compositions may be used to achieve the function of the substantially rigid frame member 102, which is to provide a consistent shape, form, and structure to the shadow box assembly 100. The size and structure of the substantially rigid frame member 102 may further aid in the desired display and visibility of a shadow box work 208, which may itself vary in size and structure. The substantially rigid frame member 102 may also serve a creative or artistic function insofar as it features an element, design, or quality intended to be aesthetically pleasing to the viewer.

(16) The substantially rigid frame member 102 further comprises an outer continuous perimeter edge 112 and an inner continuous perimeter edge 114, opposing the outer continuous perimeter edge 112. The inner continuous perimeter edge 114 encloses and defines an enclosed inner frame aperture 116, defining a viewing area 200. As used herein, area refers to a two-dimensional measurement of space, i.e. length multiplied by width. As best seen in FIG. 2, the viewing area 200 is defined by, and may be measured by multiplying, an inner frame length 204 by an inner frame width 206.

(17) In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the substantially rigid frame member 102 has a substantially rigid frame backing member (herein referred to as the frame backing member) 106 coupled thereto. In an embodiment of the present invention, the frame backing member 106 is substantially planar and of a shape and size corresponding to the viewing area 200. A function of the frame backing member 106 is to provide structural support to the shadow box assembly 100 in such a way that the shadow box work 208 remains securely within the shadow box assembly 100, particularly during transportation or use. In one embodiment, the shape and size of the frame backing member 106 is proportionate to the viewing area 200 so that the frame backing member 106 is the same shape as the viewing area 200 and has the same, or larger, length and width as the viewing area 200. In other embodiments, however, the size and shape of the frame backing member 106 may not correspond to the viewing area 200 but may nevertheless provide sufficient support to the shadow box work 208, serving its intended function. This may be accomplished where the frame backing member 106 is of a substantially rigid material, such as wood, metals, e.g. silver, bronze, aluminum, or stiff plastics such as polystyrene. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the frame backing member 106 is substantially planar, wherein planar is defined as a flat or two-dimensional surface. This feature facilitates the convenient and unobstructed hanging of the shadow box assembly 100 onto the wall 404, if the user desires to display the shadow box assembly 100 in this manner.

(18) A further feature of the present invention, such as a hook or clasp, may be disposed on the frame backing member 106, giving a user the option to attach the shadow box work 208 directly onto the frame backing member 106 in such a way that the free movement of the shadow box work 208 is substantially restricted and the shadow box work 208 remains in a substantially stable and singular position when disposed within the shadow box assembly 100.

(19) In accordance with a further feature of the shadow box assembly 100, the present invention also comprises a shadow box insert member 104 with an outer face 118 and a continuous sidewall 120 surrounding, and disposed in an upright orientation and configuration with respect to, the outer face 118, disposed proximal to the inner continuous perimeter edge 114 of the substantially rigid frame member 102. The outer face 118 protrudes in a direction outwardly away from the front surface 108 of the substantially rigid frame member 102. The outer face 118 is designed to fit in, and in some embodiments through, the inner frame aperture 116 defined by the frame member 102.

(20) As best seen in FIG. 5 and FIG. 7, the outer face 118 and the continuous sidewall 120 of the shadow box insert member 104 define a shadow box cavity 700 of a box area 500 defined by an inner diameter length 502 and an inner diameter width 504 separating the continuous sidewall 120 of the shadow box insert member 104, the box area 500 corresponding in shape to and less than the viewing area 200.

(21) In one embodiment of the present invention, the shadow box insert member 104 is of a substantially rigid material, such as a stiff plastic like polystyrene. In this embodiment, the box area 500 is readily discernible by multiplying the inner diameter length 502 by the inner diameter width 504. The box area 500 is typically less than that of the viewing area 200. In accordance with a further feature of this embodiment, the continuous sidewall 120 of the shadow box insert member 104 is disposed in a substantially perpendicular orientation with respect to the outer face 118, as seen in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8-8.

(22) In another embodiment, the shadow box insert member 104 may be of a substantially pliable material, such as a malleable soft polymeric composition, i.e. a flexible plastic. In that embodiment, discerning the precise measurement for the box area 500 may be more difficult but it should nevertheless be less than that of the viewing area 200. Due to the pliability of the shadow box insert member 104 in this embodiment, the outer face 118 and the continuous sidewall 120 may blend into one component or element, as opposed to two distinct elements that are readily discernible. A further feature of this embodiment is the ability of the user to selectively manipulate the shape, form, and size of the shadow box cavity 700. A user may manipulate the shadow box insert member 104 to create a closer or tighter fit between the shadow box work 208 and the outer face 118, thereby accommodating a closer view of the shadow box work 208 within the shadow box assembly 100 and facilitating a more secure hold on the shadow box work 208. This may be done for aesthetic, functional, or convenience purposes, depending on the individual needs of the user.

(23) In one embodiment of the shadow box assembly 100, the frame member 102 may be substantially planar and with a maximum thickness of approximately 2 inches. The frame member 102 may reflect the structure of typical picture frames in that it is substantially planar, wherein planar is defined as a flat or two-dimensional surface. Typically, existing picture frames feature protective or decorative edging and molding that makes displaying the work safer and more aesthetically pleasing. The frame member 102 may comprise such decorative molding that aesthetically integrates the shadow box work 208 with the frame member 102. In alternate embodiments, the aesthetic features of the frame member 102 may comprise substantially three dimensional aesthetic or functional features, rather than substantially planar or two-dimensional features. The thickness of the frame member 102 may, therefore, vary depending on the shape and form of the molding on the frame member 102. Preferred embodiments comprise a maximum thickness of approximately 2 inches to accommodate the unobstructed viewing of the shadow box work 208 and to accommodate a sustainable weight of the shadow box assembly 100 that can be consistently supported by a screw, nail, or other device when the assembly 100 is hung on the wall 404.

(24) In accordance with a further feature, the shadow box insert member 104 further comprises a flange 122 coupled to the continuous sidewall 120 and disposed at a flange angle of approximately 90 degrees with respect to the continuous sidewall 120. As best seen in FIG. 5, the flange 122 is a projecting and substantially planar, or flat, rim running along the length of an inner continuous perimeter edge 506 of the continuous sidewall 120. In embodiments where the flange 122 is of a substantially rigid material, such as a stiff plastic like polystyrene, the flange 122 may be disposed at a flange angle of approximately 90 degrees with respect to the continuous sidewall 120. The flange angle, as seen in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8-8, measures 93 degrees in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In embodiments where the shadow box insert member 104 is of a substantially pliable material, the flexibility of the material may blend the flange 122 and the continuous sidewall 120 into one continuous element wherein the flange 122 and the continuous sidewall 120 are not readily discernible from one another.

(25) Particularly in embodiments where the shadow box insert member 104 is of a substantially rigid material, the flange 122 may serve a supportive function with respect to the attachment and securement of the shadow box insert member 104 to the substantially rigid frame backing member 106 or the frame member 102. The shape and structure of the flange 122 facilitates the convenient attachment of the flange 122 to the substantially rigid frame backing member 106 through a variety of means, including through use of an adhesive, hinge, clasp, screw, nail, or other locking or fastening apparatus. Attachment ensures the shadow box work 208 remains within the shadow box cavity 700 and does not fall out, particularly during use or transportation.

(26) As seen in FIG. 5 and FIG. 7, the shadow box cavity 700 is defined by the inner diameter length 502, the inner diameter width 504, and the inner diameter depth 702. In a preferred embodiment, depicted in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the inner diameter length 502 is approximately 17.9 inches in length, the inner diameter width 504 is approximately 13.9 inches in length, and the inner diameter depth 702 is approximately 1.57 inches in length. In embodiments where the shadow box insert member 104 is comprised of a substantially rigid material, the shadow box cavity 700 comprises a volume equal to the product of the inner diameter length 502, the inner diameter width 504, and the inner diameter depth 702. The volume and dimensions of the shadow box cavity 700 may vary depending on the depth effect the user desires to produce. While exemplary dimensions are provided in FIGS. 6-8, other dimensions may be utilized to carry out the present invention.

(27) In embodiments where the shadow box insert member 104 is comprised of a substantially pliable material, the volume of the shadow box cavity 700 may be more difficult to measure and discern. In this embodiment, the volume and shadow box cavity 700 may be selectively adjustable by a user to accommodate a closer view of the shadow box work 208 through the outer face 118 or to accommodate the size of the generally three dimensional shadow box work 208 disposed within the shadow box cavity 700. Generally, a tighter fit between the shadow box insert member 104, or the outer face 118, and the shadow box work 208 will leave less free space in between the two components and facilitate a more secure fit of the shadow box work 208.

(28) Referring now to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, one embodiment of the shadow box assembly 100 features an insertion slot 400 defined by the substantially rigid frame member 102 and of a slot width 402 lesser than a flange width 300 separating opposing sides of the shadow box insert member 104. The insertion slot 400 comprises a defined aperture for the insertion and extraction of the shadow box work 208. In one embodiment, the insertion slot 400 may be of a solid and pre-configured shape and form, facilitating the insertion of only that shadow box work 208 that is dimensionally smaller than the insertion slot 400 and that is capable of fitting through the insertion slot 400. In another embodiment, the insertion slot 400 may be selectively adjustable to accommodate various-sized shadow box work 208 wherein the volume of the shadow box work 208 does not exceed the volume of the shadow box cavity 700. The insertion slot 400 may be disposed on the frame member 102 or on the shadow box insert member 104. In preferred embodiments, the insertion slot 400 is disposed on an upper end 406 of the frame member 102, though the insertion slot 400 may be disposed on any other end or section of the frame member 102 or of the shadow box insert member 104 in alternate embodiments of the present invention.

(29) In another embodiment, the insertion slot 400 is defined by the substantially rigid frame member 102 and the substantially rigid frame backing member 106. The frame member 102 and the frame backing member 106 are operably configured to define the insertion slot 400 when the frame member 102 and the frame backing member 106 are coupled or affixed together through a variety of means, including through use of an adhesive, hinge, clasp, screw, nail, or other locking or fastening apparatus. In this embodiment, the complete shape or outline of the insertion slot 400 is defined only when the frame member 102 and the frame backing member 106 are coupled together or positioned in close proximity to one another.

(30) In yet another embodiment, the insertion slot 400 is defined only by the substantially rigid frame member 102 and is of a slot width 402 lesser than a frame member width 202. The slot width 402 cannot exceed the frame member width 202, but the slot width 402 may be lesser than or equal to the frame member width 202. In certain embodiments, the insertion slot 400 may be selectively adjustable in width or depth to accommodate various-sized shadow box work 208. Selective adjustment of the slot width 402 or slot depth may be accomplished through various aperture control mechanisms known in the art. In one embodiment, the insertion slot 400 is approximately one inch in depth/width and may uniformly span the entire (or at least 80%) of the top portion of the assembly 100 as depicted in FIG. 4.

(31) A further feature of the present invention comprises a locking mechanism disposed on the shadow box assembly 100 and operably configured to selectively seal the insertion slot 400. In accordance with this feature, the locking mechanism facilitates the securement of the shadow box insert member 104 into place, particularly where the shadow box insert member 104 is of a substantially pliable material such as a polymeric bag. The shadow box work 208 is stored inside the shadow box cavity 700 until a user manipulates the locking mechanism to unseal the insertion slot 400 and allow extraction of the shadow box work 208 from therein. Various embodiments may feature variously configured locking mechanisms, or none at all, including locking mechanisms featuring a fastener, hinge, clamp, tongue and groove, or cooperating coupling structures.

(32) The shadow box assembly 100 may lack an insertion slot 400 altogether and instead comprise an access mechanism whereby a user can access the shadow box cavity 700 for insertion or extraction of the shadow box work 208. In one embodiment, this may be done through the de-coupling of at least one of the frame member 102, the shadow box insert member 104, or the frame backing member 106.

(33) At least one of the frame member 102, the shadow box insert member 104, and the frame backing member 106 may be selectively couplable to one another through the use of an adhesive, hinge, clasp, screw, nail, or other locking or fastening apparatus. In one embodiment, the dimensions of the frame member 102, the shadow box insert member 104, and the frame backing member 106 are proportionate to one another and vary marginally, such that a tight fit between them is created when coupled together, creating a secure fit between the frame member 102, the shadow box insert member 104, and the frame backing member 106 without the use of an additional locking or fastening apparatus.

(34) Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, while the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this disclosure also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the above described features.