Magnetic image display blocks

Abstract

A magnetic image display block includes a first outer frame with a center opening and a first image substrate viewable through the center opening of the first outer frame. The block also has a second outer frame with a center opening. The block also includes a second image substrate viewable through the center opening of the second outer frame. A lid having a first surface on which the first image substrate is placed is provided and the first outer frame is coupled to the lid with the first image substrate being captured therebetween. The block also includes a bucket having a plurality of tubular housings that contain magnetic balls that can freely rotate within the tubular housings. The bucket has a second surface on which the second image substrate is placed. The second outer frame is coupled to the bucket with the second image substrate being captured therebetween.

Description

[0001] MAGNETIC IMAGE DISPLAY BLOCKS

[0002] Cross Reference to Related

[0003] The present application claims the benefit and priority to US patent application No. 63 / 623,566, filed January 22, 2024, which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0004] Technical Field

[0005] The present disclosure is directed to an image display and more particularly, to a magnetic image display block that is particularly suited for displaying a photo.

[0006] Frames have been used for many years to hold and display an object, such as artwork, a photo, etc. Traditionally, frames were formed of wood pieces that are attached together at the corners of the frame to form a wooden stretcher frame. This type of construction and assembly was time consuming and costly. There is therefore a need for an alternative frame that is easy to assembly and provides additional features that improve the quality of the framed article and the framing experience.

[0007] In addition, photo cubes are also known and are configured to provide a cube structure that allows photo display on each face of the cube structure.

[0008] A magnetic image display block includes a first outer frame with a center opening and a first image substrate viewable through the center opening of the first outer frame. The block also has a second outer frame with a center opening. The block also includes a second image substrate viewable through the center opening of the second outer frame. A lid having a first surface on which the first image substrate is placed is provided and the first outer frame is coupled to the lid with the first image substrate being captured therebetween. The block also includes a bucket having a plurality of tubular housings that contain magnetic balls that can freely rotate within the tubular housings. The bucket has a second surface on which the second image substrate is placed. The second outer frame is coupled to the bucket with the second image substrate being captured therebetween.

[0009] The magnetic balls permit one magnetic image display block to be detachably coupled to another magnetic image display block to allow the user to combine multiple magnetic image display blocks. This would allow a block of photos to be displayed together. In addition, since each magnetic image display block has two display surfaces on opposite sides (faces), one or more of the magnetic image display blocks can be flipped over to change the appearance of what is being displayed in the combined blocks.

[0010] Brief Description of the Drawing Figures

[0011] Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a magnetic image display block according to a first embodiment;

[0012] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an outer frame thereof;

[0013] Fig. 3 is a top perspective view of a lid thereof;

[0014] Fig. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the lid;

[0015] Fig. 5 is a bottom plan view of the lid;

[0016] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a bucket thereof;

[0017] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the lid and bucket joined to one another;

[0018] Fig. 8 is another perspective view of the joined lid and bucket;

[0019] Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a magnetic image display block according to a second embodiment;

[0020] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a bucket thereof;

[0021] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a lid and the bucket joined to one another;

[0022] Fig. 12 is a perspective view, in partial cross-section showing the capture of a ball between the lid and bucket;

[0023] Fig. 13 is another perspective view, in partial cross-section showing the capture of a ball between the lid and bucket;

[0024] Fig. 14 is a bottom perspective view of a lid;

[0025] Fig. 15 is a top perspective view of the lid; and

[0026] Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the lid and bucket joined to one another.

[0027] Detailed Description of Certain Embodiments

[0028] Figs. 1-8 illustrate a magnetic image display block 100 in accordance with one embodiment and provides a produce that can display one or more images on opposing sides thereof and has magnetic properties that allows one magnetic image display block 100 to be magnetically coupled to another one. The magnetic image display block 100 includes several parts that are joined together to form the assembled product. For example, the magnetic image display block 100 can be formed of the following parts: a first outer frame 110, a first image substrate 10, a cover or lid 200, a base or bucket 300, magnetic balls 5, a second image substrate 20, and a second outer frame 120.

[0029] The magnetic image display block 100 can come in any number of different sizes based, at least in part, on the size of the first and second image substrates 10, 20. For example, as is known, photographs come in standard sizes, such as 4x6, 5x7, 8x10, etc. (all in inches). The magnetic image display block 100 is scaled to accommodate such sized photographs. Of course, the first and second image substrates 10, 20 can have other shapes. As described herein, Figs. 1-8 illustrate a first frame and Figs. 9-16 illustrate a second frame.

[0030] First and Second Outer Frames 110, 120

[0031] The first outer frame 110 comprises an outermost frame element that has a center opening 112 formed therethrough. The first outer frame 110 can have a rectilinear shape and as shown, can have a square shape defines by four side walls 114. Each side wall 114 has an inner face (surface) 115 and there is an inner flange 116 formed at one end of each side wall

[0032] 114. The inner flange 116 extends inwardly into the center opening 112. The inner flange 116 defines an inner landing against which an object, such as the first image substrate 10, can seat. The inner flanges 116 are formed perpendicular to the side walls 114. In the corners of the first outer frame 110, there can be L-shaped recessed areas 119 along the inner flanges

[0033] 116 to assist in aligning the first image substrate 10 relative to the first outer frame 110.

[0034] Along the inner face 115 of each side wall 114 there a plurality of protrusions 130. For example, each side wall 114 can include two protrusions 130 formed along the inner face

[0035] 115. The two protrusions 130 are spaced apart from one another and can be located closer to the ends of each side wall 114 than the center of the side wall 114. Each protrusion 130 can have angled (beveled) faces.

[0036] The center opening 112 of the first outer frame 110 is for displaying the first image substrate 10 in that the first image substrate 10 is disposed adjacent thereto.

[0037] The second outer frame 120 can have an identical construction to the first outer frame 110 and therefore, like elements are numbered alike.

[0038] Similarly, the center opening 112 of the second outer frame 120 is for displaying the second image substrate 20 in that the second image substrate 20 is disposed adjacent thereto.

[0039] Image substrate 10, 20

[0040] The image substrate 10, 20 comprises a substrate on which an image can be formed and in particular is configured for receiving an image that is imparted thereon using conventional techniques. The image can thus be formed from ink, paint or other pigment that forms an image on the image substrate 10, 20. The image substrate 10, 20 is also formed of a material that can be formed to have a particular shape. The image substrate 10, 20 can be formed from a number of different materials, including but not limited to, a textile or photo receptive material that includes at least one surface is a print-receptive surface. In one embodiment, the image substrate 10, 20 comprises a photo formed on suitable photo paper.

[0041] Lid 200

[0042] The lid 200 serves several functions in that it provides a cover for the bucket 300 and also provides a support surface for the first image substrate 10. The lid 200 has a center wall 202 and a plurality of side walls 204 that are joined to the periphery of the center wall 202. The center wall 202 has an outer face 201 and an opposite inner face 203. The outer face 201 comprises a surface on which the first image substrate 10 can be placed. The outer face 201 can include (L-shaped) raised aligning ribs 225 formed in the corners of the outer face 201. The outer face 201 can otherwise be flat but has the raised features in the corners. The raised aligning ribs 225 assist the user in placement of the first image substrate 10 on the outer face 201. For example, the corners of the first image substrate 10 are placed inside of the raised aligning ribs 225. Since the raised aligning ribs 225 are elevated relative to the first image substrate 10, the first image substrate 10 is prevented from undesired movement on the outer face 201.

[0043] The raised aligning ribs 225 are also complementary to the L-shaped recessed areas 119 and therefore, when the lid 200 is coupled to the first outer frame 110, the raised aligning ribs 225 are received within the L-shaped recessed areas 119 to align and couple the lid 200 to the first outer frame 110.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, each side wall 204 has a plurality of notches 205 formed therein and has raised and lowered portions; however, other shapes are possible. Each side wall 204 also includes a plurality of openings 209 that are configured to receive the protrusions 130 to establish a snap-fit between the lid 200 and the first outer frame 110 with the first image substrate 10 being captured therebetween.

[0045] Along the inner face of the sides walls 204 are a plurality of reinforcement ribs 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the reinforcement ribs 210 have triangular shapes and are spaced apart along the inner face. The reinforcement ribs 210 can be formed along an inner face of the center extension of the side wall. Each side wall 206 can have one reinforcement rib 210. The side walls 206 also have a plurality of side protrusions 220 formed therealong (e.g., each side wall 206 can have two side protrusions 220). Each side protrusion 220 can be in the form of a rail that is joined to the side wall so as to have a T-shape. In the illustrated embodiment, each side wall 206 has four side protrusions 220; however, this number can be less or more depending on the size of the magnetic image display block 100. The side protrusions 220 are interspersed with the reinforcement ribs 210.

[0046] As shown, one T-shaped protrusion 220 is located between two notches 205.

[0047] Along the inner face 203, there is a raised center protrusion 229 that is formed as a continuous structure. In the illustrated embodiment, the raised center protrusion 229 has a square shape with rounded corners and is located centrally with the inner face 203. The raised center protrusion 229 can have a rail appearance as shown. As described herein, this raised center protrusion 229 provides an interface surface that can be used to secure and join the lid 200 to the bucket 300 as described below. In one embodiment, the raised center protrusion 229 defines a sonic welding surface for joining the lid 200 to the bucket 300 by a sonic welding process. However, it will be appreciated that other techniques can be used to attach the lid 200 to the bucket 300, such as a mechanical fit (e.g., snap-fit), etc.

[0048] Bucket 300

[0049] The bucket 300 serves several functions in that it holds the magnetic balls 5 and is joined to the lid 200 and further, provides a support surface for the second image substrate 20.

[0050] The bucket 300 has an inner face 301 and an opposite outer face 303. The bucket 300 further includes a center wall 302 along with side walls 304 joined to the center wall 302 along the outer periphery thereof. The side walls 304 are formed perpendicular to the center wall 302. As shown in the figures, the center wall 302 can be formed as part of stepped construction in that the outer face 303 of the bucket 300 comprises a center platform 301 of reduced dimensions compared to side wall 304. These reduced dimensions create a shoulder that extends around the center platform 301. The center platform 301 is defined by sides 303 each of which has openings 307 formed therein. The openings 307 provide a means to join (snap-fit) the outer frame 120 to the bucket 300. In the corners of the center platform 301 there can be raised aligning ribs 225 (which have been previously described).

[0051] Along the inner face 301, the bucket 300 has an inner wall 320. The inner wall 320 is a continuous wall structure that, as shown, can have a square shape with rounded corners. The inner wall 320 is connected to the side walls 304 by means of reinforcement ribs 321. As shown best in the cross-sectional views in Figs. 12 and 13, the inner wall 320 interfaces with the raised center protrusion 229 when the lid 200 is coupled to the bucket 300. For example, these two structures 320, 229 allow a secondary attachment between the two structures that supplements and strengthens the snap-fit. The two structures 320, 229 can be sonically welded together to securely attach the lid 200 to the bucket 300 since these two structures contact one another as shown.

[0052] Along the inner walls of the side walls 304, there are alignment guides 313 in the form of elongated ribs. For example, each alignment guide 313 can be in the form of an elongated rail with one alignment guide 313 per each side wall 304. These alignment guides 313 serve to align the lid 200 with the bucket 300 when the two are coupled together.

[0053] Along the inner walls of the side walls 304, there are a plurality of tubular housings 330 that are configured to receive and hold the magnetic balls 5. In the illustrated embodiment, there are two tubular housing 330 formed along each side wall 304. Each tubular housing 330 is generally cylindrical in shape to accommodate the round magnetic ball 5. The tubular housing 330 has a side wall 331 that is generally U-shaped and within the tubular housing 330, the inner face of the side wall 304 has a concave section 333. The concave section 333 in combination with the U-shaped side wall 331 thus defines the generally cylindrical space for receiving the magnetic balls 5. The bottom of the tubular housing 330 has a floor in the form of a rib 335 that sufficiently closes off one end of the tubular housing 330. The rib 335 can be centrally located at the end of the tubular housing 330 and therefore, there is open space on either side thereof.

[0054] Each tubular housing 330 receives one magnetic ball 5. The height of the tubular housing 330 is greater than the diameter of the magnetic ball 5.

[0055] The magnetic ball 5 can freely rotate within the tubular housing 330 and therefore, the polarity of the magnetic ball 5 can change as the ball 5 rotates within the tubular housing 330. As described herein, the magnetic balls 5 are the means for magnetically coupling one magnetic image display block 100 to another magnetic image display block 100. As will be understood for one magnetic ball 5 to be magnetically attracted to the other magnetic ball 5, the poles of the magnets must be opposite. The free spinning of the magnetic balls 5 allows the magnets to properly align with one another to cause a magnetic attraction. The present construction thus allows for stacking of magnetic image display blocks 100, as well as the side-by-side coupling of the blocks.

[0056] While the magnetic balls 5 can freely rotate within the tubular housings 330, their axial movement is restricted due to the reception of the side protrusions 220 within the open ends of the tubular housings 330. These side protrusions 220 enter into the open ends of the tubular housing 330 and are positioned proximate the magnetic balls 5, thereby restricting axial movement of the magnetic balls 5 since the side protrusions 220 act as blocking elements. While there is very limited axial movement of the magnetic ball 5 in the tubular housing 330, the magnetic ball 5 can freely rotate therein.

[0057] As shown, the lid 200 mates with the bucket 300, the side walls of the lid 200 are received internally within the side walls of the bucket 300. In particular, as shown in the cross-sectional views in Figs. 12 and 13, the side wall of the lid 200 abuts the inner faces of the side walls of the bucket 300. The notches 205 receive the side wall of the tubular housing 330, while the protrusion 220 enters into the open end of the tubular housing 330. In this way, the side walls of the lid 200 can be received within the interior of the bucket 300 and the coupling means, in the form of a snap-fit connection and optional sonic welding, is realized. The extended side wall portions of the lid 200 are received within the bucket 300 between the tubular housings 330.

[0058] As shown, there are least two magnetic balls 5 along each side wall of the magnetic image display block 100 and this permits each side wall to have magnetic characteristics that allow one side wall of one magnetic image display block 100 to be magnetically coupled to one side wall of another magnetic image display block 100. This allows multiple magnetic image display blocks 100 to be joined together in a variety of different orientations. For example, two magnetic image display blocks 100 can be attached in a side-by-side manner, two magnetic image display blocks 100 can be attached in a top-to-bottom manner, two magnetic image display blocks 100 can be coupled with one partially overhanging the other, etc. In this way, the two magnetic image display blocks 100 can act like magnetic building blocks that can be joined together to form an assembled frame structure. This permits the user to display photos in multiple different configurations.

[0059] To assemble the magnetic image display block 100, the magnetic balls 5 can be added to the bucket 300 and then the lid 200 and bucket 300 can be joined together as described herein. Then the first image substrate 10 is laid over the support surface of the lid 200 and the first outer frame 110 is attached to the lid 200 with the first image substrate 10 being captured between the first outer frame 110 and the lid 200. The block 100 is the turned over and then the second image substrate 20 is laid over the support surface of the bucket 300 and the second outer frame 120 is attached to the bucket 300 with the second image substrate 20 being captured between the second outer frame 120 and the bucket 300.

[0060] As mentioned previously, the magnetic image display block 100 can come in different sizes and the figures illustrates several different sized blocks 100. More specifically, Figs. 1- 8 illustrate a first size and Figs. 9-16 illustrate a second size. Each magnetic image display block 100 has the same overall construction and utilizes the same components; however, the size of the components are larger and certain structural differences can be provided. For example, in a larger sized product, there can be four magnetic balls 5 located along each side of the bucket 300, while in a smaller product, only two magnetic balls 5 are located along each side of the bucket 300.

[0061] It will be appreciated that the magnetic image display block 100 offers a construction that is easy to assembly yet provides a robust construction and provides a means for holding magnetic balls such that they can freely rotate allows magnetic balls of two adjacent magnetic image display blocks 100 to naturally align resulting in magnetic attraction between the two blocks 100.

[0062] Other features, such as alignment guides, etc., permit the image substrate, such as a photo, to be easily placed within the block. In the illustrated blocks, there are two opposing faces on which an image substrate is displayed. The user can thus not only attach multiple magnetic image display blocks 100 to one another but also can turn around the blocks 100 to change the content (image) that is displayed.

[0063] Various embodiments of systems, devices, and methods have been described herein. These embodiments are given only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed inventions. It should be appreciated, moreover, that the various features of the embodiments that have been described may be combined in various ways to produce numerous additional embodiments. Moreover, while various materials, dimensions, shapes, configurations and locations, etc. have been described for use with disclosed embodiments, others besides those disclosed may be utilized without exceeding the scope of the claimed inventions.

[0064] Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that the subject matter hereof may comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individual embodiment described above. The embodiments described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features of the subject matter hereof may be combined. Accordingly, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the various embodiments can comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments, as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, elements described with respect to one embodiment can be implemented in other embodiments even when not described in such embodiments unless otherwise noted. Although a dependent claim may refer in the claims to a specific combination with one or more other claims, other embodiments can also include a combination of the dependent claim with the subject matter of each other dependent claim or a combination of one or more features with other dependent or independent claims. Such combinations are proposed herein unless it is stated that a specific combination is not intended.

[0065] Any incorporation by reference of documents above is limited such that no subject matter is incorporated that is contrary to the explicit disclosure herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is further limited such that no claims included in the documents are incorporated by reference herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is yet further limited such that any definitions provided in the documents are not incorporated by reference herein unless expressly included herein.

[0066] For purposes of interpreting the claims, it is expressly intended that the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are not to be invoked unless the specific terms “means for” or “step for” are recited in a claim.

Claims

What it claims is:

1. A magnetic image display block comprising: a first outer frame with a center opening; a first image substrate viewable through the center opening of the first outer frame; a second outer frame with a center opening; a second image substrate viewable through the center opening of the second outer frame; a lid having a first surface on which the first image substrate is placed, the first outer frame being coupled to the lid with the first image substrate being captured therebetween; a bucket that is coupled to the lid and has a plurality of tubular housings that contain magnetic balls that can freely rotate within the tubular housings, the bucket having a second surface on which the second image substrate is placed, the second outer frame being coupled to the bucket with the second image substrate being captured therebetween.

2. The magnetic image display block of claim 1, wherein the first outer frame has first coupling features and the lid has second coupling features, wherein one of the first coupling features and the second coupling features comprises male features and the other one of the first coupling features and the second coupling features comprises female features.

3. The magnetic image display block of claim 2, wherein the first coupling features comprise locking tabs and the second coupling features comprise locking openings that receive the locking tabs resulting in a snap-fit between the first outer frame and the lid.

4. The magnetic image display block of claim 1 , wherein the first surface of the lid includes raised aligning ribs in corners thereof for aligning the first image substrate which is located internally within the raised aligning ribs.

5. The magnetic image display block of claim 4, wherein each raised aligning rib has an L-shape that is elevated relative to the first surface.

6. The magnetic image display block of claim 1, wherein side walls of the lid are disposed internal to side walls of the bucket.

7. The magnetic image display block of claim 1, wherein the lid has an opposite second surface that faces the bucket and includes a plurality of protrusions that depend fromside walls of the lid and are received into open ends of the plurality of tubular housings to restrict axial movement of the magnetic balls within the tubular housings.

8. The magnetic image display block of claim 7, wherein the plurality of protrusions comprise elongated rails formed along the side walls of the lid that are received within the open ends of the plurality of tubular housings, each tubular housing has a closed end opposite the open end, wherein an end of the elongated rail is positioned in close proximity to one respective magnetic ball.

9. The magnetic image display block of claim 1, wherein the bucket includes a continuous inner wall with the plurality of tubular housing being disposed between the inner wall and side walls of the bucket.

10. The magnetic image display block of claim 9, wherein the lid has an opposite second surface that faces the bucket and includes a raised continuous center protrusion, wherein when the lid is coupled to the bucket, the raised continuous center protrusion contacts the continuous inner wall, thereby allowing bonding therebetween.

11. The magnetic image display block of claim 10, wherein the bonding comprises an ultrasonic weld between the lid and bucket.

12. The magnetic image display block of claim 1, wherein side walls of the lid include notches that receive a side wall of one respective tubular housing.

13. The magnetic image display block of claim 1, wherein each tubular housing has a U- shape and a side wall of the bucket has a concave section within the tubular housing.

14. The magnetic image display block of claim 1, wherein each tubular housing includes only one magnetic ball.

15. A magnetic image display block comprising: a first outer frame with a center opening; a first image substrate viewable through the center opening of the first outer frame; a second outer frame with a center opening; a second image substrate viewable through the center opening of the second outer frame; a lid having a first surface on which the first image substrate is placed, the first outer frame being coupled to the lid with the first image substrate being captured therebetween; a bucket that is coupled to the lid and has an outer peripheral wall and a plurality of tubular housings that are located along an inner face of the outer peripheral wall, the plurality of tubular housings containing magnetic balls that can freely rotate withinthe tubular housings, the bucket having a second surface on which the second image substrate is placed, the second outer frame being coupled to the bucket with the second image substrate being captured therebetween.

16. The magnetic image display block of claim 15, wherein the first outer frame is received within the outer peripheral wall of the bucket, while the second outer frame is disposed external to the outer peripheral wall.

17. The magnetic image display block of claim 15, wherein an outer face of the second outer frame is flush with an outer face of the bucket and wherein when the lid is coupled to the bucket, an upper region of the lid is exposed, wherein the first outer frame is coupled to the upper region of the lid.

18. The magnetic image display block of claim 15, wherein the plurality of tubular housings are open only at first ends that define one face of the bucket that is opposite the second surface.

19. The magnetic image display block of claim 15, wherein the first outer frame is attached to the lid by a snap-fit, the second outer frame is attached to the bucket by a snap-fit and the lid is attached to the bucket by an attachment other than a snap-fit.

20. The magnetic image display block of claim 15, wherein the bucket has a hollow center and the plurality of tubular housings surround the hollow center in a spaced manner.

Images