US20010025443A1

US20010025443A1 - Magnetic picture frame made from a planar blank for a mailable postcard picture frame

Info

Publication number: US20010025443A1
Application number: US09/751,344
Authority: US
Inventors: John Martin
Original assignee: Crane Productions Inc
Current assignee: Crane Productions Inc
Priority date: 1999-12-28
Filing date: 2000-12-28
Publication date: 2001-10-04

Abstract

A magnetic mailable postcard picture frame made from a planar blank. A center piece is attached to the planar blank's interior by a plurality of ties, and at least one magnet is attached to the planar blank's backside. The center piece may be at least partially detached by breaking the plurality of ties, thereby forming a window. A photograph may be positioned against the blank back, allowing the photograph to be displayed through the window. Attachment of the frame to a metallic object sandwiches the photograph between the postcard back and the metallic object, further holding the photograph in place.

Description

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/173,377, filed Dec. 28, 1999.[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(a) Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a magnetic picture frame made from a planar blank for a mailable postcard picture frame. A detachable center piece, or at least a partially detachable center piece, is located in the interior of the planar blank and is attached to the planar blank by a plurality of ties. The detachable center piece is detached by breaking a plurality of ties between the surrounding frame of the planar blank and the detachable center piece. A window is formed in the planar blank when ties are broken and the center piece removed. A flap is then folded along a score line toward the backside of the planar blank. A photograph can then be positioned on the ledge created by the fold between the flap top edge and the planar blank along the score line. The window permits the photograph or other item to be displayed as if in a picture frame. At least one side of the planar blank may be lined with a laminate sheet to add strength and durability and to enhance the aesthetic qualities of the picture frame. The postcard back contains a magnet so that the picture frame can be removably attached to a metal surface. When the postcard picture frame is attached to a metallic object using the magnet, the photograph is sandwiched between the postcard back and the metallic object, further holding the photograph in place. Alternatively, a second magnet may be employed in place of the flap, where at least one of the magnets is used to secure the photograph in place against a metallic object.

(b) Description of the Prior Art

Applicant is aware of no prior art where a postcard mailer can be converted into a picture frame by breaking ties connecting a center piece and employing a flap to support a photograph.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a planar blank for a postcard picture frame and a picture frame made therefrom. The planar blank may be unlined, or at least one side of the blank may be lined with a laminate sheet to add strength, durability and enhance the aesthetic quality of the resulting picture frame. The laminate may be applied to either the front face, the back face or both the front and back faces of the planar blank.

Formation of a picture frame from the planar blank requires only two steps. A detachable center piece, or at least partially detachable center piece, is located in the interior of the planar blank and is attached to the planar blank by a plurality of ties. Removal or partial detachment of the center piece is easy, as the consumer only has to break a plurality of ties between the surrounding frame of the planar blank and the center piece.

The dimensions of the center piece are preferably approximately 3 inches tall by 5 inches wide, but the size and shape may be varied to accommodate various items to be displayed. A window is formed in the planar blank when the consumer breaks the ties and folds back the center piece or detaches the detachable center piece and folds a flap along a score line toward the backside of the planar blank. A photograph or other item of interest can then be positioned on the ledge created by the fold between the folded back center piece or the flap top edge and the planar blank along the score line. The window permits the photograph or other item to be displayed as if in a picture frame.

The postcard back contains a magnet so that the picture frame can be removably attached to a metal surface, such as a refrigerator. When the postcard picture frame is attached to a metallic object using the magnet, the photograph is sandwiched between the postcard back and the metallic object, further holding the photograph in place. Alternatively, a second magnet may be employed on the frame back in place of the flap, where at least one of the magnets is used to secure the photograph in place against a metallic object.

Information, such as business card type information, other advertising information or coupons, can be pre-printed on the front side of the detachable center for advertising or mailing purposes. The center piece may also contain one or more lines of perforation in any arrangement, thereby allowing the consumer to easily separate the center piece into two or more pieces, which for example, may be used as coupons. In addition, magnetic material can also be placed on the back of the detachable center piece to create a magnetic business card, for example.

More particularly, the preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a windowed postcard for magnetic attachment to a metallic surface, including: a frame having two faces, the two faces being a front and a back, the frame having an outer top edge, an inner top edge, an outer bottom edge, an inner bottom edge, an outer right edge, an inner right edge, an outer left edge, and an inner left edge; a detachable center piece, having a top edge, a bottom edge, a right edge, and a left edge; a flap having a front, a back, a top edge, a bottom edge, a right edge, and a left edge; a magnet affixed to the back face near the top edge of the frame; the top edge of the detachable center piece being connected to the inner top edge of the frame by a first tie and a second tie; the right edge of the detachable center piece being connected to the inner right edge of the frame by a third tie and a fourth tie; the bottom edge of the detachable center piece being connected to the top edge of the flap by a fifth tie and a sixth tie; the left edge of the detachable center piece being connected to the inner left edge of the frame by a seventh tie and an eighth tie; the first tie and the second tie having a first cut line therebetween; the second tie and the third tie having a second cut line therebetween; the third tie and the fourth tie having a third cut line therebetween; the fourth tie and the fifth tie having a fourth cut line therebetween; the fifth tie and the sixth tie having a fifth cut line therebetween; the sixth tie and the seventh tie having a sixth cut line therebetween; the seventh tie and the eighth tie having a seventh cut line therebetween; the eighth tie and the first tie having an eighth cut line therebetween; the right edge of the flap being separated from the inner right edge of the frame by a ninth cut line; the left edge of the flap being separated from the inner left edge of the frame by a tenth cut line; and the flap bottom edge being connected to the inner bottom edge of the frame, the flap bottom edge having a score line there along on said frame front. Additionally, a laminate sheet may be affixed to one or both faces of the frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A better understanding of the present invention will be had upon reference to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: [0012]
FIG. 1 is a plan front view of a postcard planar blank of the preferred embodiment of the present invention as it would be placed in the mail; [0013]
FIG. 2 is a front view of the postcard planar blank of FIG. 1, showing the center piece removed, the flap folded along the score line away from the frame front, and the front of the flap supporting a photograph; [0014]
FIG. 3 is a back view of the postcard planar blank of FIG. 1, showing the center piece removed, the flap folded along the score line toward the frame back, a photograph resting on and supported by the flap, and a magnetic strip attached near the top of the frame back; [0015]
FIG. 4 is a right side view of the postcard, showing a photograph resting on the folded out flap and a magnetic strip attached to the frame back; [0016]
FIG. 5 is a cross section view of the postcard along the lines [0017] 5-5 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 6 is a right side view of an alternate embodiment of the postcard having the center piece removed, showing a photograph resting on the folded out flap and a magnetic strip attached to the frame back, where the front face of the postcard frame has a laminate sheet applied thereon; [0018]
FIG. 7 is a cross section view of the postcard of FIG. 6 along the lines [0019] 5-5 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 8 is a right side view of an alternate embodiment of the postcard having the center piece removed, showing a photograph resting on the folded out flap and a magnetic strip attached to the frame back, where both the front face and the back face of the postcard frame have a laminate sheet applied thereon; [0020]
FIG. 9 is a cross section view of the postcard of FIG. 8 along the lines [0021] 5-5 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 10 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the planar blank having a center flap portion detachable from the blank on three sides; and, [0022]
FIG. 11 is a front view of the blank of FIG. 10, modified to include at least one line of perforations on the center flap portion to create at least one detachable portion. [0023]
FIG. 12 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the planar blank which has a detachable center piece detachable from the frame portion of the blank on all four sides, a magnetic strip attached near the top of the frame back, and a magnetic strip attached near the bottom of the frame back.[0024]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference to the figures, FIG. 1 shows the postcard planar blank [0025] 10 combined with magnet 100 to make the postcard picture frame 18, 118, 218 depicted in FIGS. 2-9 and the process of making the postcard picture frame 18, 118, 218. The embodiments of FIGS. 1-9 and 12 teach a completely detachable center portion 30, while the embodiments of FIGS. 10-11 teach center portions 130, 230 which may not be completely removed.
It is envisioned that the planar blank [0026] 10 will be 9 point card stock in thickness, although heavier card stock can be used, as well as other materials such as plastic. Additionally, as seen in later embodiments, at least one laminate layer can also be employed.
The postcard planar blank [0027] 10 is unitary and preferably has all of the cuts shown in FIG. 1 made simultaneously. The planar blank 10 of FIG. 1 has two faces, a frame front 11 and a frame back 80. Frame front 11 has an outer top edge 12, an inner top edge 40, an outer bottom edge 14, an inner bottom edge 44, an outer right edge 13, an inner right edge 42, an outer left edge 15, and an inner left edge 46.
A [0028] detachable center piece 30 has a top edge 32, a bottom edge 36, a right edge 34, and a left edge 38. A flap 70 has a front 76, a back 78, a top edge 72, a bottom edge 73, a right edge 74, and a left edge 75.
The [0029] frame 18, 118, 218 and detachable center piece 30 are connected by a plurality of ties 50, 52, 54, 56, 62, 64 at their respective top edges 40, 32, their respective left edges 46, 38 and their respective right edges 42, 34. Two ties are shown connecting each of the respective top edges, left edges, and right edges, although one or more ties may be employed. The top edge 32 of the detachable center piece 30 is connected to the inner top edge 40 of the frame 18, 118, 218 by a first tie 50 and a second tie 52. The right edge 34 of the detachable center piece 30 is connected to the inner right edge 42 of the frame 18, 118, 218 by a third tie 54 and a fourth tie 56. The left edge 38 of the detachable center piece 30 is connected to the inner left edge 38 of the frame 18, 118, 218 by a seventh tie 62 and an eighth tie 64.
The [0030] flap 70 is connected to the detachable center piece 30 and the frame 18, 118, 218, wherein the bottom edge 36 of the detachable center piece 30 is connected to the top edge 72 of the flap 70 by a fifth tie 58 and a sixth tie 60, and the flap bottom edge 73 is connected to the inner bottom edge 44 of the frame 18, 118, 218. A score line 79 runs along the flap bottom edge 73 on the front 11. The score line 79 is a cut line that does not extend fully through the thickness of the card stock used for the planar blank 10. This partial cut enables the flap 70 to be easily folded at the score line 79 by the consumer.
There is a [0031] first cut line 20 between the first tie 50 and the second tie 52. A second cut line 21 exists between the second tie 52 and the third tie 54. There is a third cut line 22 between the third tie 54 and the fourth tie 56. The fourth tie 56 and the fifth tie 58 have a fourth cut line 23 therebetween. There is a fifth cut line 24 between the fifth tie 58 and the sixth tie 60. A sixth cut line 25 lies between the sixth tie 60 and the seventh tie 62. There is a seventh cut line 26 between the seventh tie 62 and the eighth tie 64. The eighth tie 64 and the first tie 50 have an eighth cut line 27 therebetween. A ninth cut line 28 separates the flap right edge 74 from the inner right edge 42 of the frame 18, 118, 218. A tenth cut line 29 separates the flap left edge 75 from the inner left edge 46 of the frame 18, 118, 218.
Preferably cuts [0032] 20 and 24 are substantially parallel to each other as are cuts 22 and 26. Preferably cuts 21, 23, 25 and 27 contain substantially ninety degree angles, with all cuts 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 forming substantially a rectangle around the detachable center piece 30 with dimensions that are preferably approximately 3 inches tall by 5 inches wide. However, the cuts 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 may be formed or aligned so as to create other shapes or rectangle sizes, such as approximately 4 inches tall by 6 inches wide, for the detachable center piece 30. Furthermore, the number of cuts 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 may be greater or lesser, depending upon the number of ties 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64 utilized. Cut 28 adjoins cut 23 to form a T shaped cut. Cut 28 is in the same plane as cut 22. Cut 29 adjoins cut 25 to form a T shaped cut. Cut 29 is in the same plane as cut 64.
With the addition of a [0033] magnet 100 as depicted in FIGS. 2-9, placement of an address label on the detachable center piece 30 and postage, the planar blank 10 of FIG. 1 for the postcard picture frame 18, 118, 218 of FIGS. 2-9 may be mailed. Alternative means of addressing and postage may be employed, such as printing directly on the frame 18, 118, 218.
As depicted in FIGS. [0034] 2-3,5,7, and 9, the score line 79 serves as a fold line. The consumer detaches the center piece 30 by breaking the ties 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64 to create a window 90, and then folds the flap 70 backwards at the score line 79 to create an angled ledge 77 which will support a photograph 1 or other item of interest behind the window 90, resting against the frame back 80.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the planar blank [0035] 10 of FIG. 1, wherein a postcard picture frame 18 has been formed by removal of the center piece 30 creating a window 90, and creation of an angled ledge 77 by folding the flap 70 toward the frame back 80 at the score line 79. The frame 18 displays a photograph 1 which is resting against the frame back 80 behind the window 90 and is supported by the angled ledge 77 created by the folded flap 70.
A [0036] magnet 100 is affixed to the frame back 80 above the window 90 near the top edge 82 of the frame back 80. The magnet 100 is preferably a known thin sheet of flexible magnetic material, such as a vinyl material having magnetic material dispersed therethrough. Such a sheet of flexible magnetic material can be obtained under the trademark “UltraMag” from Flex-Mag Industrial, Inc., of Marietta, Ohio. Alternatively, a slurry of magnetic material can be affixed to at least a portion of the blank 10. In the preferred embodiment, the postcard is approximately 6 inches high and 9 inches wide. Magnetic strip 100 is preferably about 1 inch high and 5 inches wide. However, depending on the magnetic capabilities of the magnetic material and the weight of the item to be magnetically affixed, magnet size can be varied. Also, a plurality of magnetic strips could be used; for example, magnetic strips could be placed in the four corners of the frame, or a top magnetic strip and a bottom magnetic strip could be employed. Even further, the frame back surface could be completely covered with magnetic material. The detachable center piece could be covered with magnetic material if, for example, a magnetic business card was desired, or the center piece could not include magnetic material. If completely covered, address information and postage could be directly or indirectly (through a label or postage meter strip) applied to the magnetic material.
FIG. 3 is a back view of the [0037] postcard picture frame 18 depicted in FIG. 2, which has a frame back 80, containing a top edge 82, a bottom edge 86, a right edge 84, and a left edge 88. The postcard picture frame 18 displays a photograph 1 which is resting behind the window 90 against the frame back 80 and supported by the angled ledge 77 of the flap 70. A magnet 100 is affixed to the frame back 80 above the window 90 near the top edge 82 of the frame back 80.
FIG. 4 is a right side view of the [0038] postcard picture frame 18 depicted in FIGS. 2-3. FIG. 5 is a cross section view of the postcard picture frame 18 depicted in FIGS. 2-3 and as identified by the lines 5-5 in FIG. 2.
FIG. 6 is a right side view of a [0039] postcard picture frame 118. The only difference from frame 18 depicted in FIGS. 2-3 is the additional application of a first laminate sheet 94 to the front face 11 of the postcard frame 118. FIG. 7 is a cross section view of the postcard picture frame 118 of FIG. 6 taken along the same cross section as that of frame 18 in FIG. 5.
Instead of placing the laminate on the [0040] front face 11, if only a single sheet is to be used, it could be placed on the back 80, if desired. Alternatively, if desired, laminate could be placed on both the front 11 and back 80, as seen in the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9.
FIG. 8 is a right side view of a [0041] postcard picture frame 218. The only difference from frame 18 depicted in FIGS. 2-3 is the additional application of a first laminate sheet 94 to the front face 11 of the postcard frame 218 and a second laminate sheet 96 to the back face 80 of the postcard frame 218. FIG. 9 is a cross section view of the postcard picture frame 218 of FIG. 8 taken along the same cross section as that of frame 18 in FIG. 5.
Therefore, as seen in the examples of FIGS. [0042] 6-9, one or more laminate sheets 94, 96 may be applied to one or more faces 11, 80 of the frame to enhance the strength, durability and aesthetic qualities of the frame. A laminate sheet 94, 96 may be applied to either the front face 11, the back face 80, or both faces 11, 80 of the planar blank 10, before formation of the frame 118, 218. Each laminate sheet 94, 96 is unitary and preferably the same size as and has all of the cuts shown on the planar blank 10 depicted in FIG. 1. However, where there is laminate 94, 96 affixed to the front face 11, the score line 79 will preferably pass through the laminate 94, 96 and into the planar blank 10. The size of the laminate sheets 94, 96 may vary with the size of the planar blank 10.
The planar blank [0043] 10 of FIG. 1 is easily convertible to the postcard picture frame 18, 118, 218 of FIGS. 2-9. A consumer can detach the center piece 30 by securely holding the frame 18, 118, 218 while exerting pressure on the detachable center 30 or on the plurality of ties 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, thereby breaking the ties 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64. The consumer then folds the flap 70 at the score line 79 toward the frame back 80 thereby forming an angled ledge 77. The consumer then places a photograph 1 or other like item on the angled ledge 77 and places the frame back 80 against a substantially metallic surface, such as a refrigerator. The postcard picture frame 18, 118, 218 is held in position against the metallic surface by the magnet 100, thereby securing the photograph 1 between the frame back 80 and the metallic surface. This leaves the frame front 11 and the photograph 1 as seen in FIG. 2 viewable. The postcard picture frame 18, 118, 218 can then be repeatedly reused by the consumer as a frame to show off photos or items of interest.
FIGS. [0044] 10 shows an alternate embodiment of the planar blank 210 where the center portion may not be removed. FIG. 10 shows the front view of a blank 210 having center portion 130. The front 111 of blank 210 has the center piece 130 which is connected to three sides of the frame by a plurality of ties, namely 62 and 64 on left, 50 and 52 on the top, and 54 and 56 on the right. Score line 79 passes along the bottom of piece 130. Cuts 20, 21, 22, 26, and 27 are as previously described. Cuts 123 and 125 at the bottom right and left of the piece 130 are straight cuts, there being no cut intersecting them as in blank 10. As in the embodiment of blank 10, all of the cuts are preferably made simultaneously. In use, a user can break ties 50, 52, 54, 56, 62, and 64, severing the center piece 130 from the planar blank 210 on three sides. Then, the user can fold the center piece 130 backwards along score line 79, thereby creating a flap for a photograph using the entire center piece 130. Piece 130 will engage some of the back of the photograph. A magnetic strip 100 can be employed as in the earlier embodiment.
FIG. 11 shows the front view of a blank [0045] 310 having center portion 230. The front 211 of blank 310 has the center piece 230 which is connected to three sides of the frame by a plurality of ties, namely 62 and 64 on left, 50 and 52 on the top, and 54 and 56 on the right. Score line 79 passes along the bottom of piece 230. Cuts 20, 21, 22, 26, and 27 are as previously described. Cuts 123 and 125 at the bottom right and left of the piece 230 are straight cuts, there being no cut intersecting them as in blank 10. As in the embodiment of blank 10, all of the cuts are preferably made simultaneously. In use, a user can break ties 50, 52, 54, 56, 62, and 64, severing the center piece 230 from the planar blank 310 on three sides. Then, the user can fold the center piece 230 backwards along score line 79, thereby creating a flap for a photograph using the entire center piece 230. Piece 230 will engage some of the back of the photograph. A magnetic strip 100 can be employed as in the earlier embodiment. This blank 310 includes at least one perforation line on center piece 230 to create a portion which can be removed by the user if desired. As shown, piece 230 includes a first perforation line 97, parallel to score line 79. As shown, the upper portion of piece 230 can be removed by tearing along the perforation line 97. However, a portion is left between score line 79 and perforation line 97, this portion being the same as flap 70 of blank 10. If desired, a plurality of detachable pieces can be made by using additional perforation lines. As shown in FIG. 11, a center perforation line 98, transverse to perforation line 97 creates two detachable sections. As an example, the front 211 outside center portion 230 could include advertising information, such as a business name and phone number. The detachable sections of center piece 230 created by perforation lines 97 and 98 could be printed to be redeemable coupons. The user could use the frame to display a photograph on their refrigerator, but know that the coupons were behind the photograph. When desired, the user could tear off a coupon and use it without impacting on the display of the photograph.
FIG. 12 shows an alternative embodiment of the planar blank [0046] 410 having no flap and a detachable center piece 330 which is attached to the frame portion 318 of the blank 410 on all four sides by fourteen ties 150, 51, 152, 53, 154, 156, 57, 158, 59, 160, 61, 162, 164, 66 with fourteen cut lines 87, 220, 88, 89, 221, 222, 223, 91, 224, 92, 93, 225, 226, 227 therebetween. Five ties 66, 150, 51, 152, 53 are shown connecting the respective top edges 132, 140, although one or more ties may be employed. Five ties 57, 158, 59, 160, 61 are shown connecting the respective bottom edges 136, 144, although one or more ties may be employed. Two ties 154, 156 are shown connecting the respective right edges 134, 142, although one or more ties may be employed. Two ties 162, 164 are shown connecting the respective left edges 138, 146, although one or more ties may be employed.
There is a [0047] first cut line 87 between the first tie 66 and the second tie 150. A second cut line 220 exists between the second tie 150 and the third tie 51. There is a third cut line 88 between the third tie 51 and the fourth tie 152. The fourth tie 152 and the fifth tie 53 have a fourth cut line 89 therebetween. There is a fifth cut line 221 between the fifth tie 53 and the sixth tie 154. A sixth cut line 222 lies between the sixth tie 154 and the seventh tie 156. There is a seventh cut line 223 between the seventh tie 156 and the eighth tie 57. The eighth tie 57 and the ninth tie 158 have an eighth cut line 91 therebetween. There is a ninth cut line 224 between the ninth tie 158 and the tenth tie 59. A tenth cut line 92 lies between the tenth tie 59 and the eleventh tie 160. There is an eleventh cut line 93 between the eleventh tie 160 and the twelfth tie 61. The twelfth tie 61 and the thirteenth tie 162 have a twelfth cut line 225 therebetween. A thirteenth cut line 226 lies between the thirteenth tie 162 and the fourteenth tie 164. There is an fourteenth cut line 227 between the fourteenth tie 164 and the first tie 66.
Preferably cuts [0048] 87, 220, 88, and 89 are substantially parallel to cuts 93, 92, 224, and 91, and cut 222 is substantially parallel to cut 226. Preferably cuts 221, 223, 225 and 227 contain substantially ninety degree angles, with all cut lines 87, 220, 88, 89, 221, 222, 223, 91, 224, 92, 93, 225, 226, 227 forming substantially a rectangle around the detachable center piece 330 with dimensions that are preferably approximately 2 inches tall by 4 inches wide. However, the cuts 87, 220, 88, 89, 221, 222, 223, 91, 224, 92, 93, 225, 226, 227 may be formed or aligned so as to create other shapes or rectangle sizes, such as approximately 3 inches tall by 5 inches wide, for the detachable center piece 330. Furthermore, the number of cuts 87, 220, 88, 89, 221, 222, 223, 91, 224, 92, 93, 225, 226, 227 may be greater or lesser, depending upon the number of ties 150, 51, 152, 53, 154, 156, 57, 158, 59, 160, 61, 162, 164, 66 utilized. As in the embodiment of blank 10, all of the cuts are preferably made simultaneously. A user can break ties 150, 51, 152, 53, 154, 156, 57, 158, 59, 160, 61, 162, 164, 66, severing the center piece 330 from the planar blank 410. The user may then position a picture or other item to be displayed against the frame back 180.
FIG. 12 shows a view of the postcard picture frame planar blank [0049] 410 as it would be placed in the mail. Two magnets 200, 202 are affixed to the frame back 180. A first magnet 200 is affixed above the center piece 330 near the inner top edge 140 of the frame back 180. A second magnet 202 is affixed below the center piece 330 near the inner bottom edge 144 of the frame back 180. The magnets 200, 202 are preferably known thin sheets of flexible magnetic material, such as a vinyl material having magnetic material dispersed therethrough. Such a sheet of flexible magnetic material can be obtained under the trademark “UltraMag” from Flex-Mag Industrial, Inc., of Marietta, Ohio. Alternatively, a slurry of magnetic material can be affixed to at least two portions of the blank 410. Preferably, the magnetic material 200, 202 used has a magnetic charge sufficient to hold a picture or other item to be displayed vertically against a metal object but weak enough to avoid adversely magnetically affecting the automated mailing equipment used by the United States Postal Service. The postcard is preferably approximately 4.25 inches high and 6.25 inches wide. The magnets 200, 220 are preferably {fraction (7/8)} inches high and five inches wide and extend substantially across the length of the frame back 180. The magnets 200, 200 are sized, both in height, width, and thickness to minimize protrusion of the magnets 200, 202 from the frame back 180, thereby minimizing problems during automatic mail sorting of the postcard during the mailing process. However, depending upon the magnetic capabilities of the magnetic material and the weight of the item to be magnetically affixed, magnet size can be varied. Also, only one or a plurality of magnetic strips could be used; for example, magnetic strips could be placed in the four corners of the frame. Even further, the frame back surface could be completely covered with magnetic material. The back of the detachable center piece 330 could be covered with magnetic material if, for example, a magnetic business card was desired.
Advertising or other desired information may be printed on the [0050] front face 311 of both the blank 410 and the detachable center piece 330. The center piece 330 may be used as a business card, or as one or more coupons. For instance, one or more perforation lines may be added to the center piece 330, as shown in FIG. 11, to create additional detachable sections which could be printed to be used as redeemable coupons. Address information may be printed directly on the back of the detachable center piece 330 or an address label 3 may be adhered thereto. Alternative means of addressing and postage 5 may be employed, such as printing directly on the frame 18, 118, 218. With the addition of postage 5 and address information, the planar blank 410 of FIG. 12 for the postcard picture frame 318 may be mailed. With removal of center piece 330 a window is formed. Planar blank 440 without center piece 330 therefore creates a frame 318. One or more magnets 200, 202 can help hold a picture in place so that the desired image is seen through the window.
The foregoing detailed description is given primarily for clearness of understanding and no unnecessary limitations are to be understood therefrom, for modifications can be made by those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure and may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. [0051]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A postcard, comprising:

a. a planar blank having a front face, a back face, a top edge and a bottom edge, a right edge and left edge;

b. an at least partially detachable center piece having a front face and a back face; and

c. at least one magnet affixed to said planar blank back face.

2. The postcard of

claim 1

, where said at least one magnet comprises a first magnet and a second magnet.

3. The postcard of

claim 1

, where said at least one magnet extends from a location near said right edge towards said left edge.

4. The postcard of

claim 1

, further comprising a plurality of ties connecting said center piece to said planar blank, said centerpiece detachable from said planar blank by breaking said plurality of ties.

5. The postcard of

claim 4

, further comprising at least one cut line extending between each of said plurality of ties.

6. The postcard of

claim 1

, further comprising a scoreline and a flap, said flap having a top edge, a bottom edge, a right edge, and a left edge, said flap bottom edge attached to said planar blank along said scoreline.

7. The postcard of

claim 6

, where said scoreline is located on said planar blank front face and said flap is bendable toward said planar blank back face along said scoreline after at least partial detachment of said center piece from said planar blank.

8. The postcard of

claim 7

, further comprising a plurality of ties connecting said center piece to said planar blank and said flap top edge, said centerpiece completely detachable from said planar blank and said flap by breaking said plurality of ties.

9. The postcard of

claim 8

10. The postcard of

claim 1

, further comprising at least one laminate sheet affixed to at least one face of said planar blank.

11. The postcard of

claim 1

, further comprising at least one magnet affixed to said back face of said at least partially detachable center piece.

12. The postcard of

claim 1

, further comprising at least one perforation line on said centerpiece which divides said centerpiece into at least two portions.

13. A windowed postcard for magnetic attachment to a metallic surface, comprising:

a. a frame having a front face, a back face, a top edge, a bottom edge, a right edge, a left edge, an inner bottom edge, an inner top edge, an inner right edge, an inner left edge, a scoreline along said inner bottom edge, and a flap, said flap having a front, a back, a top edge, a bottom edge, a right edge, and a left edge, said flap bottom edge attached to said inner bottom edge along said scoreline on said frame front face;

b. an at least partially detachable center piece, said center piece having a bottom edge, a top edge, a right edge, and a left edge;

c. a plurality of ties connecting said center piece to said inner right edge, said inner top edge, said inner left edge, and said flap top edge;

d. at least one cut line extending between each of said plurality of ties;

e. said centerpiece detachable from said frame by breaking said plurality of ties; and

f. at least one magnet affixed to said frame back face.

14. The postcard of

claim 13

, where said at least one magnet is affixed to said frame back face towards said frame top edge and said at least one magnet extends from a location near said frame right edge towards said frame left edge.

15. The postcard of

claim 13

, where said plurality of ties comprises eight ties, said center piece top edge attached to said inner top edge by a first tie and a second tie, said center piece right edge attached to said inner right edge by a third tie and a fourth tie, said center piece bottom edge attached to said flap top edge by a fifth tie and a sixth tie, and said center piece left edge attached to said inner left edge by a seventh tie and an eighth tie.

16. The postcard of

claim 15

, where said at least one cut line comprises eight cut lines, said first tie and said second tie having a first cut line therebetween, said second tie and said third tie having a second cut line therebetween, said third tie and said fourth tie having a third cut line therebetween, said fourth tie and said fifth tie having a fourth cut line therebetween, said fifth tie and said sixth tie having a fifth cut line therebetween, said sixth tie and said seventh tie having a sixth cut line therebetween, said seventh tie and said eighth tie having a seventh cut line therebetween, said eighth tie and said first tie having an eighth cut line therebetween.

17. The postcard of

claim 16

, where said flap right edge is separated from said inner right edge by a ninth cut line therebetween, and said flap left edge is separated from said inner left edge by a tenth cut line therebetween.

18. The postcard of

claim 14

, further comprising at least one laminate sheet affixed to at least one face of said frame.