Abstract
I disclose a frameless display apparatus for flat or essentially flat artwork. The apparatus comprises a transparent envelope with flaps to fold around the edges of the flat artwork. Four perpendicular pairs of rods meet at a hub to create a T-shaped cross brace. Clips on the terminal ends of each pair of rods couple to the edges of the enclosed artwork to stabilize the artwork from twisting in place. The artwork and cross brace rest directly in a wall mount, or spaced forward of the wall with one or more interlocking forward extension elements.
Claims
1. An apparatus for mounting and displaying flat artwork without a frame, comprising: a. a rectangular envelope with four edges, a right side, a wrong side, and a first set of four fold lines, wherein the first set of four fold lines define: i. a first rectangular area within the first set of four fold lines, and ii. four flaps outside of the first set of four fold lines, wherein the flat artwork fills and covers the wrong side of the first rectangular area and the four flaps fold to the wrong side along the first set of four fold lines to enclose the flat artwork there between; b. a brace, comprising a hub and four pairs of spaced-apart parallel rods, each pair of spaced-apart parallel rods radiating from the hub and perpendicular to and coplanar with each other, each such pair of parallel rods having a hub end and clip end; c. a clip affixed to the clip end of each of the four pairs of spaced-apart parallel rods, each clip further comprising: i. a front, ii. a back, iii. a space between the front and the back iv. a top bar joining the front of the clip to the back of the clip, v. a bottom bar also joining the front of the clip to the back of the clip, and vi. a plug depending from the back of the clip, wherein the space between the front and the back of each such clip retains a midpoint of a corresponding flap of the rectangular envelope; and d. a wall mount with a pair of spaced-apart slots dimensioned to retain any one of the four pairs of spaced-apart parallel rods, and a groove located between each slot.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein both the hub and the back of the clip further comprise a pair of spaced-apart rod retainer elements dimensioned to retain by snap fit a pair of spaced-apart parallel rods.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the spaced-apart rod retainer elements of both the hub and the clip further comprise a stop, wherein the stop is dimensioned to prevent both the hub and the clip from sliding along the pair of spaced-apart parallel rods.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein each of the four flaps has a retention slot cut thereinto perpendicular to the edge of the rectangular envelope, toward a geometric center of the rectangular envelope, stopping short of the fold line, creating a tab.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a forward extension bracket with two male elements and two female elements, each such male element dimensioned to insert into the groove of the wall mount, into the hub, and into each female element, and wherein the each female element is dimensioned to accept a male element of another forward extension bracket.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a second set of four fold lines within the first rectangular area, wherein the second set of four fold lines define: i. a second rectangular area within the second set of four fold lines, and ii. four flaps outside of the second set of four fold lines, wherein the flat artwork fills and covers the wrong side of the second rectangular area and the four flaps fold to the wrong side along the first and the second set of four fold lines to enclose the flat artwork there between.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a frameless flat artwork mounting and display apparatus, being mounted on a wall
[0022] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the frameless flat artwork mounting and display apparatus
[0023] FIG. 3 is a close-up perspective view of the frameless flat artwork mounting and display apparatus
[0024] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an envelope in an open configuration
[0025] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a front of the envelope in the folded configuration
[0026] FIG. 4C is a perspective view of a back of the envelope in the folded configuration
[0027] FIG. 4D is a perspective view of a front of the envelope in the folded configuration, and with artwork enclosed within
[0028] FIG. 5A is a rear view of a hub
[0029] FIG. 5B is a side view of the hub
[0030] FIG. 5C is a front view of the hub
[0031] FIG. 6 is a close-up perspective view of the frameless flat artwork and display apparatus
[0032] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a clip
[0033] FIG. 7B is a front view of the clip
[0034] FIG. 7C is a bottom view of the clip
[0035] FIG. 7D is a side view of the clip
[0036] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a wall mount
[0037] FIG. 8B is a front view of the wall mount
[0038] FIG. 8C is a bottom view of the wall mount
[0039] FIG. 8D is a side view of the wall mount
[0040] FIG. 9 is a close-up perspective view of the frameless flat artwork and display apparatus as coupled to the wall mount with three extension brackets
[0041] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of one such extension bracket
[0042] FIG. 10B is a top view of the extension bracket
[0043] FIG. 10C is a front view of the extension bracket
[0044] FIG. 10D is a side view of the extension bracket
REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0045] 1 Frameless flat artwork mounting and display apparatus [0046] 10 Envelope [0047] 11 Fold lines [0048] 12 Flaps [0049] 13 Retention slot [0050] 14 Tab [0051] 20 Brace [0052] 21 Hub [0053] 22 Central square [0054] 23 Extensions [0055] 24 C-shaped retainer elements, hub [0056] 25 Stops [0057] 26 Pair of parallel rods [0058] 27 Hub end of rod [0059] 28 Clip end of rod [0060] 30 Clip [0061] 31 Front of clip [0062] 32 Back of clip [0063] 33 Top bar [0064] 34 Bottom bar [0065] 35 C-shaped retainer elements, clip [0066] 36 Stopper end [0067] 37 Plug [0068] 40 Wall mount [0069] 41 Front-facing side [0070] 42 Fastener positioning holes [0071] 43 Slots [0072] 44 Groove [0073] 45 Back-facing side [0074] 50 Forward extension bracket [0075] 51 Male element [0076] 52 Female element
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0077] FIG. 1 shows an overview of one embodiment of a frameless flat artwork mounting and display apparatus 1. An envelope 10 wraps around and partially encloses a piece of flat artwork (right side not shown in this view). A brace 20 stabilizes the artwork within the envelope 10. A wall mount 40 is permanently affixed to a wall. The brace 20 is set into the wall mount and displays the right side of the artwork to a viewer.
[0078] The envelope 10 is preferably transparent and colorless. Preferably, the envelope is made of polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), because this material is thin, heat resistant to 150 F, malleable, rollable and holds a crease without cracking. The PETG can have a glossy or a matte finish. Preferably, the PETG envelope is 0.010 inch thick, although other thicknesses having the above properties are also within the scope of this invention. FIG. 4A shows additional details about the envelope.
[0079] FIG. 4A-4D shows the envelope 10 in more detail. Envelope 10 has an open configuration and a folded configuration, a front, and a back. FIG. 4A shows the back of envelope 10 in the open configuration. In FIG. 4A, envelope 10 is a rectangle of unequal sides, although a square could also be used. The dimensions of the rectangular or square envelope can be varied by those of ordinary skill in the art to accommodate flat artwork of a particular length and width. The envelope 10 in the open configuration has four edges and an isosceles right triangle cut off of each corner. Fold lines 11 are scored into the truncated rectangle equidistant to each edge of the rectangle. The area between the edge of the rectangle and a corresponding fold line 11 defines a flap 12. Note four such flaps 12 identified in FIG. 4A. In the embodiment illustrated, one set of four fold lines 11 is shown. The artwork rests atop and fills an area within and defined by the one set of fold lines. The dimensions of this area can also be varied by those of ordinary skill in the art to fit a particular size of artwork.
[0080] One such set of fold lines can enclose and accommodate a sheet of artwork, such as a drawing, photograph or a poster. In an alternative embodiment, not shown, a second set of fold lines can be scored into the envelope equidistant and perpendicular to and within the area defined by the first one set of fold lines. The second set of fold lines defines a flap that can fold twice. Such a bi-fold flap can neatly enclose and securely display within the apparatus relatively thicker pieces of artwork, such as comic books and trade paperback books. A slot 13 is cut at the midpoint of each flap perpendicular to and from the edge of the rectangle, toward but not all the way to the fold line 11. Tab 14 is a segment of envelope remaining between and end of the slot and the fold line 11.
[0081] FIG. 4B shows the front of an empty envelope 10 in the folded configuration. Phantom lines show how the four flaps 12 have been folded back at the fold lines 11 to meet perfectly mitered at the back of the envelope. FIG. 4C shows the back of an envelope in the folded configuration. FIG. 4D shows the front of the envelope in the folded configuration enclosing a rectangular piece of artwork. The edges of the artwork are congruent with the fold lines, thus fill the envelope in the folded configuration. The flaps fold behind the artwork and cannot be seen.
[0082] FIG. 2 shows brace 20 in more detail. Artwork is not shown here, for clarity and simplicity. A back view of the brace 20 is shown here holding an envelope 10 in the folded configuration. Brace 20 comprises a hub 21 and four pairs of parallel rods 26 radiating therefrom 90 degrees from each other. Each pair of parallel rods 26 snaps into the hub at one end and, at an opposing end, snaps into to a clip 30. Each clip 30 in turn retains a midpoint of one flap of the envelope 10. In this way, the artwork is held taut, notably not by tension, but rather by the envelope fitting perfectly into the brace. Preferably, the hub 21 and clips 30 are injection molded from 10% glass-filled polypropylene (GFPP). This blend is stronger than pure polypropylene, but flexible enough to allow the hub and into the clip to bend slightly while the pair of parallel rods is snapped thereinto, without the hub and clip breaking. Other compounds can be used to make the hub 21 and clips 30 as long as they are both strong and flexible.
[0083] In the embodiment shown, the hub is 2.6 inches across in its largest dimension, but other dimensions can be created without undue experimentation by those of ordinary skill in the art, without deviating from the scope of this invention. In the embodiment shown, the clip is 1.743 inches wide, 1.48 inches tall and 0.400 deep, but again, these dimensions can be varied by someone of ordinary skill in the art.
[0084] Each rod in the pair of parallel rods 26 is made preferably from 30% GFPP, although a nylon plastic blend can also be used. The advantage of GFPP is that it is stronger than pure plastic, and has a matte texture which increases static cling friction with the wrong side of the flat artwork. Preferably, each rod in the pair of parallel rods has a diameter of 0.232 inch, but other dimensions can be used and still be within the scope of this invention. The length of the rods can be varied and customized to accommodate the length and width of a particular artwork.
[0085] FIG. 3 shows the brace in more detail, in particular, how each pair of spaced-apart parallel rods snaps into both the hub 21 and, at an opposing end, into a clip 30. On the back of both the hub 21 and clip 30 can be found a pair of C-shaped rod retainer elements 24 and 35, respectively. A hub end of each rod is snapped into the C-shaped rod retainer elements 24 on the hub. A clip end of each rod is snapped tightly into the C-shaped rod retainer elements 35 on the front of the clip. These C-shaped rod retainer elements prevent the rod from shifting outside the retainer. The C shapes have an interior diameter equal to the diameter of the rod, so that the retainer element securely holds the rod when it is snapped in. Each pair of rod retainer elements 24, 35 on both the hub and on the front of the clip, respectively, are spaced apart the same distance on both the hub 21 and the front of the clip 30 so that when a pair of rods is snapped therein, the rods are tightly held parallel to each other. The space between the rods can be varied by one of ordinary skill in the art. In the embodiment shown, the distance is approximately 1 inch. An advantage of bracing the artwork with pairs of spaced-apart parallel rods, is that it prevents the artwork from twisting in place. Prior art braces have only single rods or spokes, and are prone to twisting. Note also stops 25 integrated into the hub and stops 36 integrated into the clip. These stops prevent the hub and clip, respectively, from sliding up and down the rods.
[0086] Details of the hub 21 are shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C. In a preferred embodiment, shown here, the hub is shaped like a plus sign, comprising a central square 22 and a coplanar extension 23 radiating from each side of the square. However, other hub shapes are entirely possible and within the scope of this invention. FIG. 5A presents a view of the back. Seen more clearly in FIG. 5A are the stops 25 that prevent the hub from sliding along the pair of spaced-apart parallel rods. A rod is snapped into a C-shaped rod retainer element 24 such that the hub end 27 of the rod abuts a corresponding stop 25. This is repeated for all eight rods in this embodiment.
[0087] FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D show the clip in more detail. Notably, the clip has a planar front 31, which is parallel to the plane of a back 32. The front and the back of the clip are joined by a top bar 33 and a bottom bar 34, creating a space therebetween. The top bar 33 and the bottom bar 34 each have a width. Extending forward from the back of the clip and into this space are two sets of rod retainer elements 35. In the embodiment shown, each set rod of retainer element has a three C-shaped projections. Other similar means of securely but releasably coupling the rods to the clip are possible and within the scope of this invention. Note particularly in FIG. 7D stop 36. There are a pair of stops 36 on each clip, which prevents the clip from sliding along the pair of spaced-apart parallel rods. Top bar 33 and bottom bar 34 each have two purposes. They join the front and the back of the clip and prevent twisting. Top bar 33 also positions the envelope flap 12 upon the clip. The width of top bar 33 is the same as slot 13 so that the tab 14 of envelope flap 12 rests thereupon. In this position, the envelope flap 12 stays in one position. Note also that the bottom bar 34 rests upon wall mount 40, further preventing the apparatus from shifting in place. Please see FIG. 6. Lastly, projecting downward from the back of the clip in roughly the same plane is a plug 37. The plug fits into both the wall mount and also into a female element of a forward extension bracket, to be discussed in more detail later.
[0088] In FIG. 6, one can see in detail how the envelope is attached to the clip. Slot 13 is slid over top bar 33 so that tab 14 (not shown) rests thereupon. Flap 12 rests in the space between the front and the back of the clip. The area of the envelope within the four fold lines sits in front of the front of the clip. In other words, the clip is sandwiched between the front of the envelope and each flap. If opaque artwork is enclosed within the envelope, the clips would be hidden behind the artwork.
[0089] FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D show the wall mount 40 in greater detail. Wall mount 40 has a front-facing side 41 and a back-facing side 45. From the front-facing side is cut a pair of spaced-apart slots 43. These slots are where the pair of spaced-apart rods lay. Thus, the wall mount supports the brace in part by the pair of parallel rods. Preferably, the wall mount is molded from 30% GFPP, although other materials which perform similarly may also be used.
[0090] In the embodiment shown, the slots are spaced 1 inch apart, but this can be varied by someone of ordinary skill of the art without departing from the spirit of this invention. The portion of the front-facing side between the slots projects frontward in space and supports the bottom bar 34 of the clip. The wall mount therefore supports and stabilizes the apparatus in two waysby the bottom bar resting atop the projection and by the plug fitting into the groove. Fastener positioning holes 42 run through the entire wall mount 40 and permanently secure the wall mount to a wall. One can use nails, screws or anchors, or any other permanent fastener known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Alternatively, one can secure the wall mount to the wall without fastener, such as with permanent or temporary adhesive.
[0091] FIG. 9 depicts an alternative embodiment of this invention, where the brace 20 is not laid directly into the wall mount 40, but rather is coupled indirectly to the wall mount with at least one forward extension bracket 50 there between. In the embodiment shown, three forward extension brackets are used. These brackets push the brace 20 further forward from the wall. As shown in more detail in FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D, each forward extension bracket has two male elements and two female elements 52. Preferably the wall mount is injection molded from a 30% GFPP blend although other materials which perform similarly may also be used.
[0092] To connect the brace 20 to the wall mount, a first male element 51 slides into groove 44. The second male element 51 slides into and supports either a first female element 52 of another forward extension bracket, as shown in FIG. 9, or in front of plug 37. Plug 37 is congruent with male element 51 such that both the plug and the male element can interlock with the female element at any given time. In the embodiment shown, the forward extension bracket 50 is shaped like a letter N, but other shapes and configurations enabling the male elements to interlock completely within its own female elements and also the groove are also within the scope of this invention.
