Display holder

[0001] This invention relates generally to display holders, specifically to a display holder comprising two clear plastic panels slidably attached, which facilitates the quick and easy changing of the contents of the holder. Alternatively, the holder can provide the capability of displaying signs or notices on both sides of the holder simultaneously.

[0002] Sign holders that provide a casing to hold and display messages are known. Certain sign holders have an open end at the top, or open sides to enable the insertion of printed material (e.g., see U.S. Pat. No. 6,151,822), but such holders offer only limited protection of the contents of the holder, and do not provide a quick or easy way to access the printed material that is inserted into the holder. The challenge of protecting an advertisement, while still providing quick and easy access to the printed material that has been inserted, is the objective of some advertisement holders (e.g., see U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/794,670), but articles of manufacture such as these fail to offer elements that can thwart unauthorized access, alteration, or removal of the printed material held in the holder. These sign holders have sacrificed security of the image for accessibility.

[0003] Others have sought to overcome the shortcomings of past sign holders by requiring specialized tools to access printed material that has been inserted into the holder (e.g., see U.S. Pat. No. 4,413,434). This holder addressed security concerns, but the drawback was that by requiring a specialized tool sign accessibility had been complicated rather than made easier. Ironically, the time needed to change a sign in such a holder was increased. Furthermore, besides not offering greater accessibility with surer security in a single sign holder, prior sign holders also have failed to provide the versatility of enabling printed material to be displayed on either side of the holder along with the other aforementioned features.

[0004] Therefore, there is a long felt need for a sign holder that can provide protection from environmental factors, and unauthorized access of the object held in the holder, while still maintaining quick and easy accessibility. Moreover, current holders are lacking the capability of accomplishing the objectives above, whilst still enabling the display of printed material on both sides of the holder simultaneously.

[0005] The present invention is, therefore, intended to provide a display holder with a first and a second panel slidably attached with a space defined therebetween. At least a portion of the first or second panels are transparent. In some aspects, the slidable attachment comprises respective tongue and groove elements disposed on longitudinal edges. In other aspects a guide, a stopping means, and a raised portion are disposed on the first or second panels, and a smooth recess is disposed adjacent to the raised portion. Alternatively, an opaque border is disposed around the perimeter of the first and second panels. Furthermore, a locking mechanism is disposed on the first or second panel. In some aspects, the holder can have at least one hanging component which can be an adhesive pad, a suction device, or similar device.

[0006] It is a general object of the invention to provide a display holder which can be slid open to ease the insertion or removal of objects inserted in the holder.

[0007] It is another object of the invention to provide a display holder with the capability of displaying material on either side of the holder, or on both sides simultaneously.

[0008] It is another object of the invention to provide a display holder that enables quick and simple insertion and removal of objects.

[0009] It is yet another object of the invention to provide a display holder that can be hung on vertical surfaces such as walls for viewing from one side of the holder, or windows for viewing from both sides, or that can be displayed on horizontal surfaces, such as tables, shelves, or display racks.

[0010] These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the invention in view of the several drawings of the invention.

[0011] The nature and mode of operation of the present invention will now be more fully described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying drawing figures, in which:

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display holder in the closed position containing an object;

[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the display holder in the open position containing an object;

[0014] FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the interior surface of a panel of the display holder;

[0015] FIG. 4 is a bottom elevational view of the panel shown in FIG. 3;

[0016] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the upper right corner of the display holder shown in FIG. 1;

[0017] FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the upper right corner of the display holder with one panel slid apart from another panel;

[0018] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a horizontal cross section of the display holder taken generally at line 7-7 in FIG. 1;

[0019] FIG. 8 is an enlarged vertical cross section of the display holder taken generally at line 8-8 in FIG. 1;

[0020] FIG. 9 is an enlarged vertical cross section of the display holder taken generally at line 9-9 in FIG. 1;

[0021] FIG. 10 is an enlarged vertical cross section of the display holder taken generally at line 10-10 in FIG. 1;

[0022] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an enlarged section of the lower left corner of the interior surface of a panel of the display holder; and,

[0023] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an enlarged portion of the lower left corner of the interior surface of the panel shown in FIG. 3.

[0024] At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical structural elements of the invention. While the present invention is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred embodiments, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. In the description below, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “front”, “back”, “left”, “right”, and their derivatives, should be interpreted from the perspective of one viewing the display holder shown in FIG. 1.

[0025] Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0026] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are now described.

[0027] FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views, respectively, of display holder 10 in a closed position and open position. Display holder 10 can hold objects 18, such as printed material, signs, photographs, certificates, or similar items, in a way that can mislead the casual observer to perceive that object 18 is permanently enclosed within the holder. In some aspects, holder 10 includes panel 12 and panel 14 that are slidably connected at their respective perimeters by tongue and groove elements that enable panel 12 to slide parallel with panel 14. This arrangement enables holder 10 to be opened. Panel 12 and panel 14 are operatively arranged to hide the connection point between the two panels, which accentuates the perception that holder 10 is not capable of being opened, dissuading unauthorized access of the contents of holder 10. Holder 10 appears seamless when viewing the holder from the side due to the joint or seam between panels 12 and 14 being placed on the back or edge of holder 10. The upper portion of holder 10 has a substantially imperceptible seam between panel 12 and panel 14 as well. The virtually seamless frame assembly conceals how holder 10 is opened to the casual observer, thereby increasing the protection of the object 18 inserted in the holder, and also improving the aesthetics of the holder. Preferably, panels 12 and 14 are constructed of a polymer that is rigid enough to hold and display objects. In some aspects, holder 10 is constructed of a material that is light enough to be easily handled and manipulated. However, in other aspects it is not desirable to construct holder 10 of a light material. Holder 10 can be constructed of a heavier substance since it does not need to be handled once it has been installed. The slidable access created by the slidable connection between panels 12 and 14 facilitates the quick and easy access of the contents inserted into holder 10 whether it is mounted to wall, resting on a table, or held in the hand. Panels 12 and 14 can also be made from stamped or fabricated sheet metal, composite pressed wood or a wood-like substance, clay, ceramic, cast resin, or any similar substance that would be known to one skilled in the art.

[0028] In some aspects, panel 12 includes lens 16 fixedly attached to the panel frame, although lens 16 can also be detachably linked to panel 12. In some aspects, at least a portion of lens 16 is transparent, but the embodiment shown depicts lens 16 as transparent excluding the frame of panel 12. As shown, panel 12 has an opaque border 48 that surrounds lens 16. In some aspects, opaque border 48 can be integral to panel 12, i.e., the frame is constructed of an opaque material. In other aspects, an opaque border can be applied to the perimeter of first panel 12 on the interior or exterior of the panel, i.e., an opaque paint, stripping, etc. can be applied at the perimeter of the frame of first panel 12 to form opaque border 48. Opaque border 48 is not limited to a uniform border, but can be irregular shaped as well.

[0029] It is advantageous to construct lens 16 of clear plastic sheets, but in the alternative colored or patterned plastic sheets can be substituted. Another option is to construct lens 16 from glass with similar characteristics as the above described plastic version. Lens 16 is fixedly attached to the frame of panel 12 by an adhesive, spot welding, or any other means known to one skilled in the art. The frame of panel 12, which holds lens 16, is preferably constructed of plastic or another polymer that is capable of being formed as one unit in the molding process, or united in another manner known to one of ordinary skill in the art. In some aspects, holder 10 is a stiff structure which is capable of retaining the functional elements of panel 12 that are later described.

[0030] Panel 14 can be extended from panel 12 in a parallel fashion as shown in FIG. 2. When holder 10 is in the extended or open position, object 18, which in this case is a sheet of paper with information printed on the surface, can be removed and replaced simply and rapidly. In the embodiment shown, a second optional lens 20, which is part of panel 14, is visible. In some aspects, at least a portion of lens 20 is transparent, but the embodiment shown depicts a lens 20 that is transparent excluding the frame of panel 14. Panel 14 can form a frame around the perimeter of lens 20 that is opaque or colored, but it can also be a clear frame. It is advantageous to construct lens 20 of clear plastic sheets, but in the alternative, colored or patterned plastic sheets can be substituted. Another option is to construct lens 20 from glass with similar characteristics as the above described plastic version. Panel 14 has a similar opaque border 48 that has the same characteristics of the opaque border of panel 12 as described above. Lens 20 is fixedly attached to the frame of panel 14 by an adhesive or similar attachment means that would be known to one skilled in the art. In this dual lens configuration, where lenses 16 and 20 are held parallel with each other on holder 10, it is possible to display two objects 18 facing opposite directions simultaneously in holder 10. In the configuration shown in FIG. 2, a user has the flexibility of using the holder to display one object through lens 16 and a different object through lens 20, or the same object can be displayed to observers approaching holder 10 from either direction.

[0031] Groove 34, shown partially in FIG. 2, runs the length of both sides of second panel 14. The sliding action between panel 12 and panel 14 is accomplished due to tongue 38, found on panel 12, riding within groove 34. Opaque border 48 hides tongue 38 and groove 34 when holder 10 is closed, and tongue 38 and groove 34 are virtually undetectable when holder 10 is open. In this way opaque border 48 contributes to the perception that holder 10 is a sealed unit, which deters unauthorized persons from tampering with the object contained in holder 10. It should be appreciated that in some aspects tongue 38 is disposed on only a portion of both sides of panel 14, and groove 34 is disposed on only a portion of both sides of panel 12.

[0032] FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the interior surface of panel 14 showing the functional elements of panel 14 that are hidden when holder 10 is in the assembly form. From this perspective it is possible to see two boss elements 22 positioned on both sides of scalloped area 24. Preferably two boss elements 22 are placed at the upper portion of panel 14, however, holder 10 is not limited to this arrangement. Boss elements 22 serve as a means to prevent the object that has been inserted into holder 10 from clinging to either panel 12 or 14. Boss elements 22 are positioned on either side of scalloped area 24, which is a smooth indentation large enough to accept the tip of at least one finger. Scalloped area 24 works in conjunction with boss elements 22 to assist in the grasping and removal of objects placed in holder 10. By raising object 18 away from the interior surfaces of panels 12 and 14 with boss elements 22, the problems caused by static cling, which are so prevalent with sign holders constructed of material that generates static electricity, are greatly reduced.

[0033] It is advantageous to include snaps 26 that prevent the inadvertent sliding of panels 12 or 14. As shown, snaps 26 are located on the upper corners of panel 14 near the perimeter of the side that faces the interior of holder 10 when the two panels are slidably connected. Snaps 26 interact with knobs 44, and are located on the upper corners of panel 12 near the perimeter of the interior surface of panel 12. Snaps 26 interact with knobs 44 with enough resistance to hinder panels 12 and 14 from sliding unless assisted by a user. The weight of either panel is insufficient to overcome the resistance generated by the snap 26 and knob 44 interactions. It is advantageous that the resistance produced by snaps 26 and knobs 44 is surmountable by a slight pulling motion by a user on either panel. Although it is preferable to include snaps 26 on the upper corners of panel 14 other configurations are possible and are within the spirit and scope of the invention. For instance, snaps 26 could be disposed on panel 12 with knobs 44 disposed on panel 14.

[0034] In some aspects, panel 14 is includes keyhole 28 near the middle on both sides of the perimeter of the frame of panel 14, however, the positioning of keyhole 28 is not limited to this arrangement and other positions are within the spirit and scope of the invention. Nails, screws, or another similar fastening means (not shown) can be inserted into the round aperture of keyhole 28 and then slid through the narrow channel until the head of the chosen fastening means is wedged within keyhole 28. It may be advantageous to replace keyhole 28 with another hanging component (not shown), such as a hook, suction cup or an adhesive pad. Replacing keyhole 28 with an adhesive pad or a suction cup enables holder 10 to be displayed on a transparent surface to permit viewing of objects placed in holder 10 from either side of the holder. Replacing keyhole 28 with suction cups, or a similar component, facilitates the temporary display of holder 10.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1, holder 10 has a low profile, i.e., it is thin, which leaves open the option of presenting objects, such as advertisements, via a bracket (not shown) that clamps on the side of holder 10. The bracket can then be attached to clothing racks or other product displays. Implementing a table top stand that attaches to holder 10 can be another optional presentation method. However, variations on the embodiment shown can comprise a much thicker profile, which is capable of holding thick objects or multiple thin objects. For example, holder 10 could be adapted to function as a shadow box to display sports memorabilia is so desired.

[0036] In some aspects, holder 10 is rectangular shaped with rounded corners, but it should be appreciated that holder 10 can be circular, oval, square or any other shape. Holder 10 can also be assembled from multiple pieces to form a frame with a mitered or beveled appearance.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a bottom elevational view of panel 14 illustrating the location and positioning of groove 34 and stopping means 32. From this perspective the low profile of panel 14 is evident, which enables holder 10 to be more versatile. However, the dimensions of holder 10 are variable, and this includes the thickness of the holder. Demonstrating that holder 10 can be thick or thin, with a deep or shallow space between panels 16 and 20, is done to highlight the variability and versatility of panels 12 and 14, and ultimately holder 10.

[0038] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the upper right corner of holder 10 demonstrating the virtually seamless interaction of panels 12 and 14 when in the closed position. The seam lying between panel 12 and 14 is positioned on the upper portion of holder 10 to produce the appearance that the holder in comprised of a single piece. Object 18, which in the embodiment shown is a sheet of paper with data printed on its surface, is shown with the edge of the object obscured by opaque border 48. The dotted line in this instance designates the edge of object 18 that is normally hidden by the opaque border 48 of panel 12. The opaque border 48 around the perimeter of panel 12 acts as a visual frame for the inserted object.

[0039] FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the upper right corner of holder 10 with panel 14 partially slid apart from panel 12 to reveal functional elements of the holder. Scalloped area 24 is placed between two boss elements 22 relative to object 18 placed within display holder 10. Once again object 18 is represented by a dotted line (i.e., object 18 is transparent) to enable the viewing of boss elements 22 and scalloped area 24 relative to object 18 when it is in its intended position. Rendering object 18 transparent also enables the perception of object 18, in its full inserted positioned, relative to lens 20.

[0040] FIG. 6 illustrates the interaction of groove 34 and tongue 38, which are obscured by opaque border 48 when the holder is in the closed position. As shown, tongue 38 is generally a V-shaped ridge disposed on the entire length of the interior edge of the frame of panel 12. It should be understood that although tongue 38 is depicted as generally V-shaped, tongue 38 can be formed in numerous other shapes which can include U-shape, T-shape, L-shape or any other forms that can accomplish the purpose intended for tongue 38. The counterpart to tongue 38, which resides on panel 14, is groove 34. Disposed along the entire length of the exterior edge of the frame of panel 14 is V-shaped groove 34, which accepts tongue 38. Groove 34 is shaped complementarily with tongue 38 to create a tight joint between 34 and 38 that has little or no looseness. The positioning of tongue 38 within groove 34 also stabilizes the union of panel 12 with panel 14 to form display holder 10. The tongue 38 and groove 34 joint is also the primary means for attaching panel 12 to panel 14. Other possible arrangements are possible. For example, groove 34 can be disposed on panel 12 and tongue 38 can be disposed on panel 14.

[0041] FIG. 7 is a horizontal cross section of the display holder 10 at line 7-7 showing one side of the frames of panels 12 and 14, and part of lenses 16 and 20. Further illustrated in FIG. 7 is the interaction between tongue 38 and groove 34. This view illustrates an alternative shape for elements 34 and 38, which demonstrates the adaptability and variation in shape that elements 34 and 38 can assume without compromising the integrity of holder or the slidability of panels 12 and 14.

[0042] In some aspects, guide 30 is a ridge or wall disposed along the entire longitudinal edge of the interior surface of the frame of panel 14. The longitudinal edge is defined in this case as the two longest sides of the perimeter of panel 14. Thus, there are two longitudinal edges on panel 14. Likewise, there are two longitudinal edges on panel 12. The purpose of guide 30 is to guide objects inserted into holder 10, to prevent the jamming of the inserted object, and to make insertion of material into holder 10 simpler and quicker. As shown, guide 30 is a rectangular shaped ridge that protrudes from panel 14, and resides within channel 40 when panels 12 and 14 are joined. Channel 40 runs the length longitudinal edge of the frame of panel 12 and is shaped complementary to guide 30. Guide 30 guides objects inserted into holder 10 into the space between panels 12 and 14 when they are joined. Guides 30 are located longitudinally on both sides of the interior of panel 14. Alternatively, guide 30 could be located on panel 12 and channel 40 could be disposed on panel 14. Moreover, other structures could accomplish the same objectives intended by the interaction of guides 30 and channel 40. For instance it is not necessary that guides 30 reside within channel 40. Guide 30 could merely run flush against the frame of panel 12 and still adeptly guide objects into the proper location on holder 10. In other aspects, channel 40 and guide 30 are disposed on less than the entire length of both sides of panels 12 and 14.

[0043] FIG. 8 is a vertical cross section of holder 10 taken generally at line 8-8 in FIG. 1. In some aspects, boss elements 22 are positioned on both sides of scalloped area 24 at the upper portion of the frame of panel 14 to ease the removal of objects, such as sheets of paper, from holder 10. Boss elements 22 are raised areas that protrude from the frame of panel 14, and can be integral to the holder or be fixedly attached with epoxy or adhesive. Alternatively, boss elements 22 can be disposed at the upper portion of the frame of panel 12. Scalloped area 24 can be disposed at the upper portion of panel 12 as well. As shown, scalloped area 24 resides underneath boss elements 22, leaving a hollow area under a portion of 22. However, this is not the sole configuration. Scalloped area 24 could also be limited to a recess that resides only between two boss elements 22.

[0044] FIG. 9 is a vertical cross section of display holder 10 taken generally at line 9-9 in FIG. 1 showing the lower portion of holder 10. As shown, the dual layer construction of holder 10 is clearly evident with panel 12 aligned parallel with panel 14. This dual layer construction strategically joins panels 12 and 14 to leave a cavity or space between lenses 16 and 20. The cavity enables objects 18, such as sheets of paper, signs, photographs, posters, certificates or advertisements to be inserted into holder 10 for display. In a preferred embodiment, lenses 16 and 20 are both transparent which enables objects 18 to be displayed on either side of holder 10 or on both sides simultaneously.

[0045] Positioned near the lower portion of panel 14 is a stopping means 32 that prevents objects inserted into holder 10 from sliding out of the holder. The lower portion of panel 14 is any point below the midpoint of holder 10. If stopping means 32 is disposed on panel 12, then the lower portion of panel 12 is similarly defined. If a gap is left between stopping means 32 and the opposing panel there is a risk that objects inserted into holder 10 will become jammed at the lower portion of holder 10, or objects may slide completely out of the lower portion of holder 10. For this reason it is advantageous that the stopping means 32 either abut the opposing panel or travel within a channel or recess on the opposing panel. Preferably, stopping means 32 travels within channel 46. In the embodiment shown, the opposing panel is panel 12. Stopping means 32 can also be disposed on panel 12, and the opposing panel would be panel 14. As shown, stopping means 32 is preferably rectangular shaped with a flat surface to catch objects 18. While it is advantageous that the catching surface that stops objects 18 inserted into holder 10 is flat, stopping means 32 is not limited to a particular shape.

[0046] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross section of holder 10 at line 10-10, which gives further insight into the structure and positioning of snap 26 and knob 44. Snap 26 is positioned with edge 52 within snap bracket 42, which holds the arm of snap 26 above the frame of panel 14, enabling snap 26 to flex toward the panel 14. This flexing permits the nodule 50 on snap 26 to clear knob 44 when panel 14 is slid free from the fully closed position. FIG. 10 shows snap 26 after clearing knob 44 subsequent to applying a sufficient pulling force on panel 14. This enlarged view of snap 26 has panels 12 and 14 slid apart, having overcome the resistance that snap 26 and knob 44 provide. In this embodiment, snap 26 is shown disposed on panel 14 and knob 44 is shown disposed on panel 12. Alternatively, snap 26 could be placed on panel 12 and knob 44 could be placed on panel 14. However, in some aspects snap 26 and knob 44 are positioned in proximity with the upper portion of holder 10 where snap 26 and knob 44 are operatively arranged to interact and generate resistance only when panels 12 and 14 are in a closed position. While the embodiment shown depicts snap 26 with a rounded nodule at the end of a flexible arm held by bracket 42, which interacts with knob 44, a rounded protrusion on snap 26. It should be appreciated, that snap 26 and knob 44 are not limited to the embodiments shown and described. In some aspects, knob 44 can be replaced by a detent (not shown) opposite snap 26, which catches a nodule or protrusion on snap 26. In that instance, snap 26 could be less flexible and be positioned closer to the panel on which it resides, enabling holder 10 to be more compact.

[0047] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an enlarged section of the lower right corner of the interior section of panel 12. In a preferred embodiment, channel 46 is wider than channel 40.

[0048] Channel 46 has a greater width than channel 40 to accommodate stopping means 32 which travels within channel 46 when panels 12 and 14 are joined. Channel 46 intentionally extends only a fraction of the length of panel. 14 to restrain the extent that panel 14 can slide clear of panel 12. As stopping means 32 travels within channel 40, as panels 12 and 14 are slid apart, eventually 32 comes in contact with the top of channel 40 preventing the panels from sliding any further. Channel 46 is long enough to enable panel 14 to slide a sufficient distance from panel 12 to enable the insertion of objects 18 into holder 10. It should be understood that although stopping means 32 serves this secondary function of preventing excessive sliding of panel 14 20 from panel 12, this secondary feature is optional. In other embodiments of holder 10 (not shown), channels 46 is eliminated, in which case stopping means 32 abuts the opposing panel instead of traveling within channel 46.

[0049] In some aspects, channel 40 is disposed on the frame of panel 12 along the entire longitudinal edge of the frame. As was previously explained, guide 30 travels within channel 40. Primarily, channel 40 is intended to assist in the insertion of objects 18 into holder 10, but this arrangement also serves to stabilize holder 10 by providing a secondary support to buttress the tongue 38 and groove 34 interaction that holds panels 12 and 14 together.

[0050] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an enlarged portion of the lower left corner of the interior section of the panel 14. The preferred embodiment shows guide 30 connected to stopping means 32 to form one unit. The L-shaped unit that guide 30 and stopping means 32 form fits complementarily into channel 40 and 46 on the opposing panel, in this case panel 12. In this view object 18 obstructs the view of lens 20 which is visible in alternative views (e.g., FIG. 3) of panel 14.

[0051] Thus, it is seen that the objects of the present invention are efficiently obtained, although modifications and changes to the invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, and these modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.