US20040128896A1

US20040128896A1 - Matboard for artwork having luminescent designs

Info

Publication number: US20040128896A1
Application number: US10/335,693
Authority: US
Inventors: James Baldwin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-01-02
Filing date: 2003-01-02
Publication date: 2004-07-08

Abstract

A matboard with a plurality of luminescent designs is disclosed. The luminescent designs may be in any shape and design and glow in the dark. The matboard may be utilized as a background or perimeter board for any type of artwork or mirror suitable for display. The luminescent designs may provide a unique appearance enhancing the aesthetic beauty of the artwork.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field of the Invention

This invention relates to artwork, and more particularly, to a matboard having a plurality of luminescent designs for use with artwork.

2. Description of Related Art

Picture frames have been in use for centuries to accentuate the aesthetic beauty of a displayed picture. The frame surrounds the border of the picture. The picture may be a photograph, artistic rendering of some kind, or any representation of any artwork. The frame may be used for enhancing the beauty of the picture or assisting in affixing the picture to a wall or positioning upon a horizontal surface. Within recent years, matboards have also been utilized in the picture framing industry. The matboard, sometimes know as a mat, matting, mount or mat board, is also utilized to enhance the beauty of the picture and its frame.

Typically, a matboard includes a single layer or multiple layers of cotton or paper laminated together to form a desired board thickness. Conventionally, the thickness of the matboard is approximately 0.060 inches. The middle layers of the matboard are known as cores. The surfaces and cores are often colored through various processes. For example, a surface paper is coated or laminated with a color-impregnated coating to the top of the matboard. Printing colors or designs on the surface of the core without laminating a surface layer is often used. In still another example, multiple layers of colored paper or cotton are laminated together to form a colored core.

Typically, a hole in a sheet of matboard is cut to form a surrounding border of color around a piece of artwork, photograph, etc. Matboards often are used as components to enhance artwork or photograph in other ways, such as background mounting or decorative cutouts.

Although the use of matboards enhances the aesthetics of a picture and its frame, little use of designs have been applied to the matboards. Additionally, the use of designs having luminescent properties is unknown. Luminescent materials are often referred to as “glow in the dark” material, which illuminate in the dark.

Although there are no known prior art teachings of a device such as that disclosed herein, prior art references that discuss subject matter that bears some relation to matters discussed herein are U.S. Pat. No. 4,310,976 to Wilten (Wilten), U.S. Pat. No. 5,149,568 to Beck (Beck), U.S. Pat. No. 5,197,213 to Borden (Borden), and U.S. Pat. No. 5,251,391 to Lan (Lan).

Wilten discloses a picture display device having a pair of transparent panes interconnected in an aligned and overlying relation for mounting variously sized pictures between the panels without a separate mat. However, Wilten does not teach or suggest the use of glow in the dark designs on the matboard or the frame.

Beck discloses a glow in the dark artwork which includes a luminescent layer formed of a luminescent material such as fluorescent or phosphorescent paint. The luminescent layer is secured so that its luminescent surface is adjacent to an image means. The image means provides an image formed on its surface via a plurality of image defined opaque and translucent areas. Opaque areas of the image means prevent photons emitted from the excited atoms of the luminescent material from passing through the opaque areas of the image means as light. Translucent areas of the image means allow photons emitted from the excited atoms of the luminescent material to pass through the translucent areas of the image means as light. In this way, a glow in the dark image may be produced. However, Beck does not teach or suggest utilizing the glow in the dark artwork on the matboard or frame.

Borden discloses a decorative framing border or enclosure device having transparent polymer or copolymer outer framing members positioned along the peripheral edges of a base framing member. The border or enclosure device is constructed as to permit the changing of a picture or mat which surrounds the picture without simultaneously affecting the appearance-altering material disposed within the outer framer members. However, Borden does not teach or suggest utilizing glow in the dark designs on a matboard or frame.

Lan discloses an illuminating photo frame having a transparent frame body with elongated lines and cross lines respectively having a back side created with a plurality of prisms, a recess arranged at the back side of the naturally met elongated and cross lines in cross opposition to the other for installing a small bulb, and a photo-resistance in control of an electricity supply to small bulbs. At night, the pattern of the frame is visible from reflected light emitted automatically at night when the small light bulbs are energized. However, Lan does not teach or suggest a frame utilizing glow in the dark material to create designs on the frame or its matboard.

Review of the foregoing references reveals no disclosure or suggestion of a matboard or frame which incorporates designs having luminescent designs. It is an object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention is a matboard for artwork having a luminescent design. The matboard includes an artwork utilized as a display and a matboard having a centralized opening. The opening is sized and shaped to serve as a perimeter border around the artwork. The matboard has at least one luminescent design which glows in darkness.

In another aspect, the present invention is a framed artwork having a luminescent design. The framed artwork includes an artwork utilized as a display and a transparent layer overlaying the artwork. The transparent layer has at least one luminescent design located on the transparent layer. In addition, the framed artwork includes a frame positioned about the picture and matboard. The luminescent design glows in darkness.

In still another aspect, the present invention is a method of displaying luminescent designs on a framed artwork. The method begins by selecting an artwork for display. Next, a luminescent design is applied to a matboard. The matboard has an opening sized and shaped to accommodate the artwork. The matboard is then positioned over the artwork and a frame is positioned around the artwork and matboard. A light is then emitted in darkness by the luminescent design.

In another aspect, the present invention is a framed artwork having a luminescent design. The framed artwork includes an artwork being utilized as a display and a matboard having a centralized opening sized and shaped to serve as a perimeter border around the artwork. In addition, the framed artwork includes a frame positioned about the artwork and matboard. The frame has at least one luminescent design which glows in darkness.

In another aspect, the present invention is a matboard having a luminescent design. The matboard includes at least one luminescent design which glows in the darkness. The matboard may be utilized as a background or perimeter border for a displayed artwork.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood and its numerous objects and advantages will become more apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the following drawings, in conjunction with the accompanying specification, in which: [0019]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a framed picture illustrating its components separated from each other in the preferred embodiment of the present invention; [0020]
FIG. 2 is a side view of the framed picture of FIG. 1; and [0021]
FIG. 3 is a flow chart outlining the steps for displaying a picture frame having a plurality of luminescent designs according to the teachings of the present invention.[0022]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

A matboard having a plurality of luminescent designs is disclosed. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a framed [0023] picture 10 illustrating its components separated from each other in the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The framed picture includes a picture 12, a matboard 14, a transparent layer 16, and a frame 18.
The [0024] picture 12 may be any design, photograph, artwork, mirror, or artistic rendering suitable for display. The matboard includes an opening 20 sized and shaped to serve a perimeter border for the picture. Upon the matboard is located one or more luminescent designs 22. The transparent layer 16 may be constructed of any material, such as glass or plastic. In alternate embodiments, the framed picture 10 may not include the transparent layer. The frame is positioned upon the mat board 14 and is sized and shaped to provided a perimeter border for the picture 12.
FIG. 1 illustrates the separated components of the framed [0025] picture 10. Typically, the various layers are overlaid in the order illustrated to create the single framed picture 10. The framed picture is commonly affixed to a wall or may include a propping device to prop the picture in an upright position upon a horizontal surface.
FIG. 2 is a side view of the framed [0026] picture 10 of FIG. 1. The framed picture may also optionally include a mount board 30 and a backboard 32. The mount board and backboard are preferably used as backing for the picture 12.
The use of luminescent material in conjunction with a [0027] matboard 14 provides an enhancement to the artwork or picture. The luminescent designs 22 may be used in ready-made or custom picture frames. The result of utilizing these designs is a picture frame matboard that glows in the dark. Additionally, the luminescent material manifested as designs 22 may be applied to a matboard which does not include any displayed artwork. For example, the matboard may be sold in sheets for various uses by the consumer which do not include a specific picture or artwork. The matboard may be sold in precut specified sections or full sheets having one or more luminescent designs 22. The luminescent designs may be applied to the matboard in a variety of different ways. For example, the luminescent material may be printed, painting with luminescent material, or by impregnating the luminescent material into the composition of the matboard or any of its layers. In addition, a plurality of appliques or stickers may be applied to the matboard. The designs may be in any size and shape. In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the luminescent designs may be applied directly to the transparent layer 16 or the frame 18. It should be understood that any method may be employed which enables luminescent designs 22 to be applied to the matboard.
Any luminescent material may be utilized for the luminescent designs [0028] 22. One common category of luminescent materials is chemical luminescent products. These luminescent materials are seen in products such as “glowsticks” or “glow necklaces.” With chemical luminescent materials, a chemical reaction takes place where one or more chemical reacts with another chemical. The reaction results in the electrons of the newly combined chemical composition being excited and emitting a light. Another category is photo luminescent products. These products have chemicals in them with electrons that get excited by light waves. No chemical reaction occurs. Rather, when removed from a light source near the material, the electrons fall back into their normal orbit and emit light in the process, resulting in a glow of the material. Typically, these products (zinc sulfide) glow for approximately 10 to 20 minutes after the light source is removed. Another material which may be used is strontium aluminate, which may glow for up to forty hours. However, any material having luminescent qualities may be utilized.
FIG. 3 is a flow chart outlining the steps for displaying luminescent designs on a framed picture according to the teachings of the present invention. With reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and [0029] 3, the steps of the method will now be explained. The method begins with step 60 where a picture is selected for applying the luminescent designs. Next, in step 62 at least one luminescent design is applied to a matboard. The matboard may be any material which provides a border or background for the picture 12. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the matboard is a material having a center section removed. The opening 20 created in the removal of the center section is sized and shaped to allow the picture to fit within the opening. Preferably, the matboard serves as a border around the picture.
The luminescent designs may be applied to the matboard in several different ways. For example, the luminescent material utilized in creating the designs may be applied by printing, painting with luminescent material, impregnating the luminescent material into the composition of the matboard or any of its layers. In addition, a plurality of appliques or stickers may be applied to the matboard. The designs may be in any size and shape. In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the luminescent designs may be directly applied to the [0030] transparent layer 16 or the frame 18. The method moves to step 64 where the matboard is overlaid upon the picture 12. Next, in step 66, the transparent layer 16 is optionally overlaid upon the picture and the matboard. In step 68, the frame is positioned around the picture, matboard and transparent layer. In step 70, the luminescent designs emit light visible in darkness.
In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the matboard with its applied [0031] luminescent designs 22 may be utilized without a picture or artwork. The matboard may be purchased by a consumer in one or more sheets for use by the consumer. The consumer may utilize the matboard without creating an opening to accommodate a picture.
The present invention provides many benefits. The luminescent designs enhance the beauty of the framed [0032] picture 10. The luminescent designs may be shaped and sized in various configurations to provide a unique appearance to the framed picture. Additionally, the present invention is especially useful for children frightened of the dark. With light removed from the area around the framed picture, the luminescent designs are seen for a period of time, which provides interest, and in some instances, a sense of security to the child.
It is thus believed that the operation and construction of the present invention will be apparent from the foregoing description. While the apparatus and method shown and described has been characterized as being preferred, it will be readily apparent that various changes and modifications could be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. [0033]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A matboard for artwork having a luminescent design, said matboard comprising:

an artwork utilized as a display; and

a matboard having a centralized opening, the opening sized and shaped to serve as a perimeter border around said artwork, said matboard having at least one luminescent design;

whereby the luminescent design glows in darkness.

2. The matboard for artwork having a luminescent design of claim 1 wherein the luminescent design is an applique applied to said matboard.

3. The matboard for artwork having a luminescent design of claim 1 wherein the luminescent design is applied by coating said matboard with a luminescent paint.

4. The matboard for artwork having a luminescent design of claim 1 wherein the luminescent design is applied to said matboard by printing a luminescent design onto said matboard.

5. The matboard for artwork having a luminescent design of claim 1 wherein a luminescent material is impregnated into a composition of the matboard to provide a luminescent design.

6. The matboard for artwork having a luminescent design of claim 1 further comprising a transparent layer positioned over said artwork and said matboard.

7. The matboard for artwork having a luminescent design of claim 1 further comprising a frame positioned around the picture and matboard.

8. The matboard for artwork having a luminescent design of claim 7 wherein said frame includes at least one luminescent design which glows in the dark.

9. The matboard for artwork having a luminescent design of claim 1 wherein the artwork is a mirror.

10. A framed artwork having a luminescent design, said framed artwork comprising:

an artwork utilized as a display;

a transparent layer overlaying said artwork, said transparent layer having at least one luminescent design positioned on said transparent layer; and

a frame positioned about the artwork and matboard;

whereby the luminescent design glows in darkness.

11. The framed artwork having a luminescent design of claim 10 further comprising a matboard having a centralized opening, the opening sized and shaped to serve as a perimeter border around said artwork, said matboard having a plurality of luminescent designs, each luminescent design glowing in darkness.

12. A method of displaying luminescent designs on a framed artwork, said method comprising the steps of:

selecting an artwork for display;

applying a luminescent design to a matboard, the matboard having an opening sized and shaped to accommodate the artwork;

positioning the matboard over the artwork;

positioning a frame around the artwork and matboard; and

emitting a light in darkness by the luminescent design.

13. The method of displaying luminescent designs of claim 12 further comprising, after the step of positioning the matboard over the artwork, the step of positioning a transparent layer over the artwork and matboard.

14. The method of displaying luminescent designs of claim 12 wherein the step of applying a luminescent design to a matboard includes applying an applique to the matboard, the applique being constructed of a luminescent material.

15. The method of displaying luminescent designs of claim 12 wherein the step of applying a luminescent design to a matboard includes coating the matboard with a luminescent paint.

16. The method of displaying luminescent designs of claim 12 wherein the step of applying a luminescent design to a matboard includes printing a luminescent design onto the matboard.

17. The method of displaying luminescent designs of claim 12 wherein the step of applying a luminescent design to a matboard includes impregnating a luminescent material into a composition of the matboard.

18. A framed artwork having a luminescent design, said framed artwork comprising:

an artwork utilized as a display;

a matboard having a centralized opening, the opening sized and shaped to serve as a perimeter border around said artwork; and

a frame positioned about the artwork and matboard, said frame having at least one luminescent design;

whereby the luminescent design glows in darkness.

19. The framed artwork having a luminescent design of claim 18 further comprising a transparent layer positioned over said artwork.

20. A matboard having a luminescent design, said matboard comprising:

a matboard having at least one luminescent design;

whereby the luminescent design glows in darkness.

21. The matboard having a luminescent design of claim 20 wherein the matboard is utilized as a background for an artwork.

22. The matboard having a luminescent design of claim 20 wherein the matboard is utilized as a perimeter board for an artwork.