System for picture packaging and framing

Abstract

A system and method for packaging and framing a picture comprises a partially assembled frame; wherein the partially assembled frame comprises one of: one fixed frame member is fixedly attached to a backing board adapted for holding the picture; two opposite fixed frame members are fixedly attached to the picture; or two opposite fixed frame members are fixedly attached to a backing board adapted for holding the picture. The system further comprises completion frame members adapted for joining to the fixed frame members to complete a frame for the picture and the partial assembly is adapted for rolling or folding up for packaging the picture.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention relates to a system and method for framing a picture and particularly for a picture packaging or storage system that may be assembled into a picture frame.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]It is common to send pictures by post or courier and in some cases it would be desirable to send a picture such that it is already framed which would allow the recipient to immediately display the received picture in a presentable form. However, since postage of a framed picture makes inefficient use of expensive postage weight / volume it is therefore more common to send the picture unframed.[0003]Pictures are obtained in many different ways: They are purchased such as at concerts, exhibitions, conferences and in museums, art galleries, and poster shops to name a few. Diplomas or certificates are handed or mailed to graduates; Pictures may be purchased online; And printing of photographs and canvases has also become popular. In all these cases the recipient ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a picture packaging system that combines a picture with a frame for easy mailing, transport, and storage. The frame is made up of partially assembled frimming members that eliminate bowing, and efficient use of packing volume is made. The frame is aesthetically pleasing and functional, with materials and finishes known for frames in the art. The backing assembly of the frame includes a backing board and fixedly attached backing frame members that form a partially assembled frame. The picture is easily inserted by raising the fixed frames, and the backing or picture is properly pre-tensioned to ensure correct positioning and proportions. The partially assembled frame can be folded or rolled up for easy packaging.

Problems solved by technology

However, since postage of a framed picture makes inefficient use of expensive postage weight / volume it is therefore more common to send the picture unframed.

In all these cases the recipient must seek out and purchase a suitably sized and aesthetically appropriate frame, and then insert the received / purchased picture since it is not practical to provide a fully assembled frame with the purchase / delivery.

Framing kits are available but these are notoriously difficult to use since the frame pieces often do not align correctly resulting in a misshapen frame.

Also, during assembly, the pressure from attachment of one frame piece may cause others to break apart and with no rigid component to steady the assembled frame, the frame will tend to bow making insertion of the picture very difficult.

Further, the recipient may not have the technical skills to assemble a received frame.

Still further, some kits do not include all the required parts for framing such as backing boards and the user needs to source these separately which is an inconvenience.

Finally, if the assembly of the frame is too complex then the recipient may simply discard it.

Larger pictures must have support in order to be properly displayed, but a frame surrounding the picture may not be enough, since a picture that not properly tensioned will tend to sag or bulge where not supported.

Larger frames must also include properly tensioned backing material or sufficiently rigid backing material, otherwise the backing material too will tend to bulge or sag.

These issues are not resolved by framing kits that do not provide a means to properly tension the picture or backing and that generally don't include rigid backing in order to lighten the frame.

Here too, volume is often a limiting factor and there is currently no convenient way to store or transport the picture along with a suitable frame.

A further issue with picture mailing, transport and storage is the potential for damage to the picture.

In most cases pictures cannot be folded as this would result in irreparable creases.

Pictures that are sent in a flat, laid out arrangement are prone to damage and require significant structural support and padding.

Finally, when pictures are packaged, with or without frames, they typically require a great deal of packing material for protection (and effort to pack) and this material is typically thrown away and wasted once the picture is opened.

However, the proposed system requires joining of four separate frame members which is very difficult in practice for several reasons as listed above: the frame pieces may not align correctly resulting in a misshapen frame; during assembly, the pressure from attachment of one frame piece may cause others to break apart; and with no rigid component to steady it, the frame will tend to bow making insertion of the picture very difficult.

Further Weiner appears to propose that the transparency accompanying the package is folded which in practice will result in a transparency that, once unfolded, will be too creased and will be impossible to flatten enough for aesthetic usage.

Finally, Weiner suggests the use of screws for connecting the frame pieces which adds unnecessary difficulty to the recipient's task since the recipient may not have the appropriate skills or tools.

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