US20050039367A1 - Image display with configurable lettering - Google Patents

Abstract

A display having configurable lettering includes a base, a plurality of tiles, and a tile carrier. The base includes at least one display window disposed inside a perimeter of the base and at least one recess portion, and the plurality of tiles have an upper side and a lower side. A top portion of the tile carrier retains the upper side of the plurality of tiles, and a lower portion of the tile carrier retains the lowers side of the plurality of tiles. The tile carrier is configured to be retentively engaged by the at least one recessed portion when the tile carrier is disposed therein.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA
• The present application is a non-provisional application based on, and claiming the priority benefit of, co-pending U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/448,548, which was filed on Feb. 20, 2003, and is expressly incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
• The present disclosure generally relates to the display of graphic material, such as images and photographs having an associated configurable alpha-numeric information display area.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
• Image displays, such as photograph frames, photograph albums, etc. are known in the art. Configurable lettering systems are also known in the art, and have recently been combined with various types of image displays. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,398 discloses a Custom Display System for displaying a photograph in a frame having configurable lettering. The Custom Display System includes various letters having a self-adhesive backing that are adhered to a backing having a grid pattern for aligning the letters. A portion of the backing, including the letters, is then cut away from the backing, and is adhered to the rear of a mat having a first window, such that the letters can be seen through the first window of the mat. A photograph is then positioned to the rear of the mat covering a second window in the mat, such that the photograph can be seen through the second window of the mat. As such, the mat is mounted in a frame with the letters and the photograph being visible through the first and second window of the mat, respectively.
• Another example is U.S. Pat. No. 6,460,279, which discloses a Custom Display and Storage System for displaying a photograph and configurable lettering on a storage system, or the like. The Custom Display and Storage System includes a cover/lid having a pocket to a rear of the cover/lid for receiving a display sheet. The cover/lid includes a first window for displaying a photograph, and a second window for displaying the lettering. The photograph is placed on the display sheet with adhesive and is aligned on the display sheet using an image located grid. Similarly, the letters are placed on the display sheet with adhesive located on a rear of the letters and are aligned on the display sheet using printed character locations. The display sheet is inserted into the pocket, such that the photograph and letters are viewable through the first and second window, respectively.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
• In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, a display having configurable lettering is disclosed. The display includes a base, at least one recessed portion, a plurality of tiles, and a tile carrier that is configured to be retentively engaged by the at least one recessed portion when the tile carrier is disposed therein. The base includes an inner surface and at least one display window disposed inside a perimeter of the base, and the at least one recessed portion is disposed on the inner surface of the base adjacent to the at least one display window. The plurality of tiles is retained in the tile carrier by engagement of an upper side and a lower side of the plurality of tiles with a top and bottom portion of the tile carrier.
• In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a display having configurable lettering is disclosed. The display includes a base, a plurality of tiles, and a tile carrier. The base includes at least one display window disposed inside a perimeter of the base, and the plurality of tiles include an upper side and a lower side. The upper side of the tiles slidingly engages an upper channel of the tile carrier, and the lower side of the tiles slidingly engages a lower channel of the tile carrier. The tile carrier is configured to be retentively engaged at the at least one display window.
• In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a method of displaying an image is disclosed. The method includes providing a plurality of tiles having an upper side and a lower side, and a base having a first display window and a second display adapted to receive the image. The method further includes sliding the upper side and a lower side of the plurality of tiles into an upper channel and a lower channel disposed on the tile carrier. The method further includes placing the tile carrier into a recess portion disposed adjacent the first display window, such that a front surface of the plurality of tiles is visible through first display window, and aligning the first display window with a first aperture in an overlay and aligning the second display window with a second aperture in the overlay.
• In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, photograph frame having configurable lettering, is disclosed. The display includes a base, at least one recessed portion, a plurality of tiles, a tile carrier, and an overlay. The base includes a plurality of display windows disposed inside a perimeter of the base, and the at least one recessed portion disposed on the base adjacent to a first of the plurality of display windows. The tile carrier includes an upper channel, a lower channel, an upper edge that engages with the at least one recessed portion, and a lower edge that engages with the at least one recessed portion. The upper side of the tiles slidingly engages an upper channel of the tile carrier, and the lower side of the tiles slidingly engages a lower channel of the tile carrier, and the overlay includes a first aperture that aligns with the first of the plurality of display windows.
• In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an image display having configurable lettering including a base, at least one recess portion, a plurality of tiles, and a tile carrier, is disclosed. The base includes an inner surface and at least one display window disposed inside a perimeter of the base. The at least one recessed portion is disposed on the inner surface of the base adjacent to the at least one display window, and the plurality of tiles include an upper side and a lower side. At least one of the upper and lower sides of the tiles includes one of a notch and a tab. The tile carrier is configured to be retentively engaged by the at least one recessed portion when the tile carrier is disposed therein, and includes a top portion and a lower portion, wherein at least one of the top and bottom portions includes the other of the notch and tab. The tiles and the tile carrier engage with the notch and the tab in a puzzle-like fashion.
• In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an image display having configurable lettering is disclosed. The display includes a base having a inner surface and at least one display window disposed inside a perimeter of the base, and at least one recessed portion disposed on the inner surface of the base adjacent to the at least one display window. The at least one recess portion includes one of a notched section and a tabbed section. A plurality of tiles includes an upper side and a lower side, and at least one of the upper and lower sides includes the other of the notched section and the tabbed section. The tiles and the base engage with the notched section and the tabbed section in a puzzle-like fashion.
• In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an image display having configurable lettering is disclosed. The display includes a base having an inner surface and at least one display window disposed inside a perimeter of the base, and a plurality of tiles. The display further includes a pouch having an opening for receiving the plurality of tiles, that is configured to attach to the inner surface of the base, such that the tiles are viewable through the at least one display window.
• In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an image display with configurable lettering is disclosed. The image display includes a base having an outer surface, and a frame having a viewing window and a rear surface. The rear surface of the frame engages the outer surface of the base. The image display further includes a plurality of tiles having an upper side and a lower side that retentively engage the frame when the tiles are visible through the viewing window.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a front partially exploded isometric view of an image display with configurable lettering constructed in accordance with one example of the teachings of the present disclosure;
• FIG. 2 is a rear isometric view of the image display with configurable lettering ofFIG. 1;
• FIG. 3 is a sectional side view of a base of the image display with configurable lettering along lines3-3 ofFIG. 1;
• FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a carrier of the image display with configurable lettering ofFIG. 1;
• FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a tile of the image display with configurable lettering ofFIG. 1;
• FIG. 6 is a rear isometric exploded view of the image display with configurable lettering ofFIG. 1, with an overlay and a backing;
• FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an image display with configurable lettering with a sealing mechanism;
• FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an image display with configurable lettering having a fold out portion;
• FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an image display with configurable lettering having a fold out portion;
• FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an image display with configurable lettering ofFIG. 1, wherein the image display is a photo album;
• FIG. 11 is a perspective exploded view of an image display with configurable lettering ofFIG. 1, wherein the image display is a photo frame;
• FIG. 12 is a perspective exploded view of another an image display with configurable lettering ofFIG. 1, wherein the image display is a photo frame;
• FIG. 13 is a perspective view another embodiment of an image display with pockets;
• FIG. 14 is a perspective view another embodiment of an image display with a puzzle-like interface;
• FIG. 15 is a perspective view another embodiment of an image display with front attachable configurable lettering; and
• FIG. 16 is a perspective view another embodiment of an image display with separate display frames.
• While the method and device described herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrative embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• Referring now to the drawings and with specific reference toFIG. 1, an image display with configurable lettering is generally depicted byreference numeral20. As shown therein, theimage display20 in this one exemplary embodiment includes abase22, acarrier24, and a plurality oftiles26. A user may place thetiles26, havingvarious indicia27, such as for example the letters J, A, N, and E as seen inFIG. 1, into thecarrier24 for spelling, naming, showing, and/or describing thetiles26 and/or animage28. Thecarrier24 including thetiles26, as seen inFIG. 2, may be placed into acarrier recess portion30 of acarrier window32, such that at least a portion of thetiles26 are viewable through thecarrier window32. More specifically, walls and/or surfaces of therecess portion30 may engage and retain thecarrier24 such that thetiles26 andindicia27 are viewable. Similarly, theimage28 may be placed the into animage recess portion34 of animage window36, such that at least a portion of theimage28 is viewable through theimage window36.
• Thebase22, as seen inFIG. 3, includes therecess portions30,34, thewindows32,36, afront surface38, and arear surface40. Thecarrier recess portion30 may be disposed on therear surface40 of thebase22, and is adapted to receive thecarrier24. Alternatively, thecarrier recess portion30 may be disposed in thefront surface38 of thebase22. More specifically, thecarrier recess portion30 may be disposed adjacent one or more sides of thecarrier window32. For example, as seen inFIG. 3, thecarrier recess portion30 may be disposed adjacent anupper edge42 and alower edge44 of thecarrier window32. Thecarrier recess portion30 may, however, be disposed adjacent afirst side edge46 and/or asecond side edge48 of the carrier window32 (FIG. 2). Alternatively, thecarrier recess portion30 may be disposed adjacent any one or more of theedges42,44,46, and48, among others. More specifically, in this exemplary embodiment, the general shape of thecarrier window32 is rectangular. The shape of thecarrier window32 may, however, be square, triangular, round, oval, odd shaped, or a combination thereof, and as such, thecarrier recess portion30 may be adjacent one or more of the edges corresponding to those shapes.
• A depth, size, and shape of thecarrier recess portion30 may be determined by the depth, size, shape, and/or the desired positioning of thecarrier24. For example, in this exemplary embodiment, thecarrier24 has a generally rectangular shape, and thecarrier24 may overlap the upper andlower edges42,44 of thecarrier window32, be flush with the first and second side edges46,48 of thecarrier window32, and be flush with therear surface40 of the base22 when disposed within therecess portion30. As such, thecarrier recess portion30 may have a similar depth to thecarrier24, such that thecarrier24 may be fully recessed in thecarrier recess portion30. Similarly, thecarrier recess portion30 may only be present adjacent the upper andlower edges42,44 of thecarrier window32, such that thecarrier24 may overlap the upper andlower edges42,44 of thecarrier window32 and be flush with the first and second side edges46,48 of thecarrier window32. The overall shape of thecarrier recess portion30, as in this exemplary embodiment, may be rectangular, but may be any shape corresponding to thecarrier24. Additionally, the size of thecarrier recess portion30 may be such that thecarrier24 may retentively engaged, via press-fit, friction-fit, or the like, when disposed within thecarrier recess portion30. Thecarrier recess portion30 and/or thecarrier24 may include a retention mechanism (not shown), such as knobs, bumps, and/or wedges disposed on the contact surfaces between thecarrier recess portion30 and/or thecarrier24, to aid in the retaining of thecarrier24 in thecarrier recess portion30. Alternatively, thecarrier recess portion30 may not exist at all, and thecarrier24 would, under such circumstances, be disposed in thecarrier window32. Theimage28 may, however, be larger than theimage window36, in which case theimage28 may be attached to therear surface40 of thebase22.
• Theimage recess portion34 may also be disposed on therear surface40 of thebase22, and is adapted to receive theimage28. Alternatively, theimage recess portion34 may be disposed in thefront surface38 of thebase22. More specifically, theimage recess portion34 may be disposed adjacent one or more sides of theimage window36. For example, as seen inFIGS. 2 and 3, theimage recess portion34 may be disposed adjacent anupper edge50, alower edge52, afirst side edge54, and asecond side56 of theimage window36. Alternatively, theimage recess portion34 may be disposed adjacent any one or more of theedges50,52,54, and56, among others. More specifically, in this exemplary embodiment, the general shape of theimage window36 is rectangular. The shape of theimage window36 may, however, be square, triangular, round, oval, odd shaped, or a combination thereof, and as such,image recess portion34 may be adjacent one or more of the edges corresponding to those shapes.
• A depth, size, and shape of theimage recess portion34 may be determined by the depth, size, shape, and/or the desired positioning of theimage28. For example, in this exemplary embodiment, theimage28 has a generally rectangular shape, and the image's28 may to overlap theupper edge50, thelower edge52, thefirst side edge54, and thesecond side edge56 of theimage window36. As such, as seen inFIGS. 2 and 3, theimage recess portion34 may have a similar depth to theimage28 or thecarrier24, such that theimage28 may be fully recessed in theimage recess portion34 and/or such that theimage recess portion34 and thecarrier recess portion30 have a substantially similar depth. Additionally, the size of theimage recess portion34 may be such that theimage28 fit snugly, via press-fit, or the like, into theimage recess portion34. Alternatively, theimage recess portion34 may not exist at all, and theimage window36 would, under such circumstances, be disposed in theimage window36.
• Thecarrier24, as seen inFIGS. 2 and 4, is adapted to receive thetiles26, and is adapted to engage the base22 at thecarrier recess portion30. Thecarrier24 includes arear portion58 having anupper edge60, alower edge62, afirst side edge64, and asecond side edge66, and one or more retaining members68. In this exemplary embodiment, the retaining members68 include afirst channel68adisposed near theupper edge60 of thecarrier24, and asecond channel68bdisposed near thelower edge62 of thecarrier24. Thechannels68a,68binclude afirst wall70 extending in a general outwardly direction from the upper andlower edges60,62 of thecarrier24, and asecond wall72 extending in a general inwardly direction, toward each other, from thefirst wall70. As such, a receivingarea74 is created between therear portion58, thefirst channel68a, and thesecond channel68b, for receiving, holding, and/or retaining thetiles26.
• The plurality oftiles26, an example of which is seen inFIG. 5, may be adapted to engage thecarrier24, and in this exemplary embodiment, is adapted to slidingly engage thecarrier24. More specifically, anupper portion76 of thetiles26 may be adapted to engage with thefirst channel68a, and alower portion78 of thetiles26 may be adapted to engage thesecond channel68b. For example, as seen inFIG. 1, thetiles26 may slide into and be retained by thecarrier24. More specifically, theupper portion76 of thetiles26 may slide into thefirst channel68a, such that afront surface80 of thetiles26 abuts thesecond wall72 of thefirst channel68a, atop surface82 of thetiles26 abuts thefirst wall70 of thefirst channel68aand/or arear surface84 abuts therear portion58 of thecarrier24. Similarly, thelower portion78 of thetiles26 may slide into thesecond channel68b, such that afront surface80 of thetiles26 abuts thesecond wall72 of thefirst channel68b, and/or abottom surface86 of thetiles26 abut thefirst wall70 of thefirst channel68b. As such, thetiles26 may be secured and/or retained in thecarrier24, by friction and/or other contact.
• The material from which thebase22, thecarrier24, and thetiles26 are constructed may vary greatly. For example, thebase22 may be fabricated from paper, plastic, cardboard, wood, metal, chipboard/mat board, ceramic, poly-resin, magnetic material, etc. or any combination thereof. Similarly, thecarrier24 and thetiles26 may be fabricated from paper, cardboard, wood, metal, chipboard/mat board, ceramic, leather, glass, poly-resin, magnetic material, etc., or any combination thereof. The manufacturing process or processes and materials can be selected based on feasibility, cost, tooling concerns, as well as other factors for a given application.
• In one exemplary embodiment, as seen inFIG. 6, theimage display system20 may include anoverlay90 and/or abacking92. Theoverlay90 includes afront surface94, arear surface96, afirst aperture98, and asecond aperture100, and may be sized and shaped to abut thefront surface38 of thebase22. More specifically, therear surface96 of theoverlay90 may abut thefront surface38 of thebase22 and the overall size and shape of theoverlay90 may be substantially equal to thebase22, such that a perimeter of thebase22, and a perimeter of theoverlay90 substantially coincide. Similarly, thefirst aperture98 and thesecond aperture100 may correspond to thecarrier window32 and theimage window36 of thebase22, respectively. In this exemplary embodiment, thefirst aperture98 may be slightly larger than thecarrier window32, such that aborder area102 may be created between a perimeter of thecarrier window32 and a perimeter of thefirst aperture98. Similarly, thesecond aperture100 may be slightly larger than theimage window36, such that aborder area104 may be created between a perimeter of theimage window36 and a perimeter of thesecond aperture100. Alternatively, thefirst aperture98 may be smaller than thecarrier window32, such that theoverlay90 overlaps thecarrier24 and/ortiles26. Similarly, thesecond aperture100 may be smaller than theimage window36, such that theoverlay90 overlaps theimage28.
• Again referring toFIG. 6, thebacking92 may include afront surface106 and arear surface108, and in this exemplary embodiment, may further include afirst opening110 and asecond opening112. Thebacking92 may be sized and shaped to abut therear surface40 of thebase22. More specifically, thefront surface106 of thebacking92 may abut therear surface40 of thebase22, and the overall size and shape of thebacking92 may be substantially equal to thebase22, such that a perimeter of thebase22 and a perimeter of thebacking92 may substantially coincide. Similarly, thefirst opening110 and thesecond opening112 may correspond to thecarrier window32 and theimage window36 of thebase22, respectively. In this exemplary embodiment, thefirst opening110 may include a carrier door or cover114 disposed therein, and/or thesecond opening112 may include an image door or cover116 disposed therein. Thedoors114,116 may each be pivotally attached to at least one edge of the first andsecond openings110,112, respectively, and may be adapted to allow access to thecarrier window32 and/or theimage window36 through thebacking92.
• FIG. 7 illustrates one configuration of how thecarrier door114 and/or theimage door116 may be held in place. Asealing mechanism118, such as for example, anadhesive strip118 may be disposed in one of therecess portions30,34 corresponding to thecarrier door114 and/or theimage door116. More specifically, theadhesive strip118 may be provided along two parallel or adjacent edges, or even one edge of therecess portions30,34. The thickness of theadhesive strip118 may be the same as the thickness of thecarrier24, such that when thecarrier door114 and/or theimage carrier door116 is closed, it is held in a closed position by the adhesive on the top of theadhesive strip118. Note, however, that thecarrier door114 and/or theimage carrier door116 may be held in place by friction, clasp, or any other mechanism that would be know by one of ordinary skill in the art.
• The above exemplary embodiment may include many variations thereof to achieve and/or create additional or alternative features. For example, thetiles26 may come in various sizes, and in particular, in various widths, such as in ½ width and ¼width tiles26, and may includeblank titles26, without lettering and/or numbering. Thetiles26 may also includespacer tiles26 that fill out the length of thecarrier24, so that thetiles26 move very little once thecarrier24 is positioned in thecarrier window32.
• Thebase22, theoverlay90, thebacking92, and/or a combination thereof, may also be integral to each other. For example, thebase22 and theoverlay90 may be a single piece, just as thebacking92 and theoverlay90 may be a single piece. Therefore, any and/or all pieced of thedisplay system20 may be integral to each other, or at least attached to one another.
• One or more spacer (not shown) may also be provided having a similar shape to theimage window36 and/or thecarrier window32, so that the thickness of theimage28 combined with the spacer and/or the thickness of thecarrier24 combined with the spacer, is as thick as the depth of theimage window36 and/or thecarrier window32, thereby preventing theimage28 and/or thecarrier24 from moving.
• Additionally and/or alternatively, theoverlay90 or thebacking92 may be attached to thebase22, pivotally or otherwise. More specifically, as seen inFIG. 8, one edge of theoverlay90 may be attached to one edge of thebase22, such that theoverlay90 and the base22 may pivot relative to each other. As such, therear surface108 of theoverlay90 and thefront surface38 of the base22 may be brought together, such that thecarrier window32 and thefirst opening110, and/or theimage window36 and thesecond opening112 are aligned. As seen inFIG. 9, one edge of thebacking92 may be attached to one edge of thebase22, such that thebacking92 and the base22 may pivot relative to each other. As such, thefront surface94 of thebacking92 and therear surface40 of the base22 may be brought together.
• Theimage display20, as described previously and hereafter, may be part and may be integral to a number ofvarious objects119, such as, a photo album, a picture frame, or any other type of sturdy or rigid object on which configurable lettering is desired and/or which may be personalized. For example, as seen inFIG. 10, theimage display20 may be part of aphoto album119a, for displaying thetiles26 and/or theimage28. In this exemplary embodiment, theoverlay90, thebase22, and/or thebacking92 may be part of a front cover of thephoto album119a. Similarly, as seen inFIG. 11, theimage display20 may be part of a picture frame119b, for displaying thetiles26 and/or theimage28. In this exemplary embodiment, theoverlay90, thebase22, and/or thebacking92 may be disposed inside anouter frame121, and thebacking92 may include astand123.
• In another exemplary embodiment, as seen inFIG. 12, theimage display20 may be part of anotherpicture frame119c. In this exemplary embodiment, theoverlay90 and theouter frame121 may be integral, such that thebase22, and/or thebacking92 may be disposed behind theoverlay90 and theouter frame121.
• In another exemplary embodiment, as seen inFIG. 13, thecarrier24 and/or theimage28 may be held in place using other mechanisms, such as pockets or pouches formed in or on thebase22. Theimage display system20, for example, may include acarrier pocket120 that assists in holding thecarrier24 in place, and an image pocket122 that may be used to hold theimage28 in place. Once thecarrier24 andimage28 are in place, they may be viewed from afront surface38 of thebase22.
• In another exemplary embodiment, as seen inFIG. 14, theimage display system20 may includetiles26 havingtabs124 on the upper and/orlower portions76,78 of thetiles26. Thetabs124 may be configured to fit withinnotches125 of thecarrier24 in a similar manner as two pieces of a jigsaw puzzle might fit together in order to provide proper alignment. Such a tab/notch configuration may be used on thetiles26 and or thecarrier24 interchangeable, such that thenotches125 ortabs124 may be disposed on thecarrier24 ortiles26. Alternatively, thenotches125 and/ortabs124 of thetiles26 may engage with thenotches125 and/ortabs124 disposed in therecess portion30, thereby eliminating the need for aseparate carrier24. Thetiles26 may, in such an instant, be retained in therecess30 by thedoor114, or other cover.
• In another exemplary embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 15, theimage display system20 may be utilized having acarrier24 attached to the outside of thebase22. This embodiment may utilize thecarrier24 and/or thetiles26, which may be placed inside atile display frame126 attached to a front portion of anobject119, such as a photo album, book, etc.
• According to an embodiment shown inFIG. 16, theimage28 may attach to animage frame128, which may have an open area or may be solid. The combination of theimage frame128 andimage28 may then be placed in theimage window36 so that theimage28 is viewable from outside of afront surface38 of the base22 or a front portion of anobject119. An adhesive may be used to attach theimage28 to theimage frame128 and/or to attach thetiles26 to acarrier frame130. These may be affixed to the back or front of theimage frame128 orcarrier frame130, respectively. Theimage frame128 and thecarrier frame130 may utilize a friction fit to mount into theimage window36, and/or thecarrier window32.
• In operation, thetiles26 of theimage display system20, as seen inFIGS. 1-4, may be slid into thecarrier24. More specifically, theupper portion76 of thetiles26 may slidingly engage thefirst channel68aof thecarrier24, and thelower portion78 of thetiles26 may slidingly engage thesecond channel68bof thecarrier24. Thetiles26, having one or more widths, may be slid into thechannels68a,68buntil thecarrier24 is filled and/or until thetiles26 are no-longer free to move within thecarrier24 once thecarrier24 engages thecarrier window32. Thecarrier24 may be snapped flush into thecarrier window32, and/or thecarrier recess portion30. More specifically, the upper andlower edges60,62 of thecarrier24, may engage or snap into therecess portion30 located near the top andbottom edges42,44 of thecarrier window32. A backing may be pulled off theadhesive strips118, located in or near therecess portion30,34, and thedoors114,116 may then be closed with pressure applied to adhere thestrips118 to thedoors114,116. Adhesives or other mechanisms permitting a temporary hold so that thedoors114,116 can be removed and allow theimage window36 and/or thecarrier window32 content replacement, are also contemplated by the invention. The spacer (not shown) may be provided having a similar shape to theimage window36 so that the thickness of theimage28 being placed in theimage window36 combined with the spacer is as thick as the depth of theimage window36, thereby preventing the picture from moving.
• Theimage display system20 may be sold as a kit and/or provided in component pieces, in any combination. The component pieces that may be provided are any of those described above and include: base(s)22, an album and/or album cover, acarrier24,tiles26, frame(s), etc. Directions of use may also be supplied.
• While the above has been described with reference to specific examples which are intended to be illustrative only and not to be limiting of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that changes, additions or deletions may be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (26)

1. A display having configurable lettering, comprising:

a base having an inner surface and at least one display window disposed inside a perimeter of the base;

at least one recessed portion disposed on the inner surface of the base adjacent to the at least one display window;

a plurality of tiles having an upper side and a lower side; and

a tile carrier having a top portion and a lower portion, wherein the tiles are retained in the tile carrier by engagement of the upper and lower sides of the plurality of tiles with the top and bottom portions of the tile carrier, and wherein the tile carrier is configures to be retentively engaged by the at least one recessed portion when the tile carrier is disposed therein.

2. The display having configurable lettering ofclaim 1, wherein the top portion of the tile carrier and the lower portion of the carrier each include a channel.

3. The display having configurable lettering ofclaim 2, wherein the plurality of tiles slidingly engage the channels.

4. The display having configurable lettering ofclaim 1, further including a second display window disposed inside a perimeter of the base adapted to receive an image.

5. The display having configurable lettering ofclaim 4, wherein the second display window includes a second recessed portion disposed on the inner surface of the base adjacent to the second display window.

6. The display having configurable lettering ofclaim 1, wherein the base is integral to a photo album.

7. The display having configurable lettering ofclaim 1, wherein the base is integral to a photo frame.

8. The display having configurable lettering ofclaim 1, further including an overlay having a rear surface adjacent an outer surface of the base.

9. The display having configurable lettering ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one recessed portion is disposed adjacent an upper edge and a lower edge of the at least one display window.

10. The display having configurable lettering ofclaim 1, further including a backing pivotally attached to the base, wherein the backing engages the inner surface of the base in a closed position.

11. The display having configurable lettering ofclaim 1, further including an overlay pivotally attached to the base, wherein the overlay engages the an outer surface of the base in a closed position.

12. A display having configurable lettering, comprising:

a base having at least one display window disposed inside a perimeter of the base;

a plurality of tiles having an upper side, and a lower side; and

a tile carrier configured to be retentively engaged at the at least one display window, the tile carrier having an upper channel and a lower channel, wherein the upper side of the tiles slidingly engage the upper channel and the lower side of the tiles slidingly engage the lower channel.

13. The display having configurable lettering ofclaim 12, further including a second display window disposed inside a perimeter of the base adapted to receive an image.

14. The display having configurable lettering ofclaim 12, wherein the at least one display window includes a recessed portion disposed on an inner surface of the base.

15. The display having configurable lettering ofclaim 14, wherein the recessed portion is disposed adjacent an upper edge and a lower edge of the at least one display window.

16. The display having configurable lettering ofclaim 13, wherein the second display window includes a second recessed portion disposed on the inner surface of the base adjacent to the second display window.

17. The display having configurable lettering ofclaim 12, wherein the base is integral to a photo album.

18. The display having configurable lettering ofclaim 12, wherein the base is integral to a photo frame.

19. The display having configurable lettering ofclaim 12, further including a overlay having a rear surface adjacent a front surface of the base.

20. A method of display an image, comprising:

providing a plurality of tiles having an upper side and a lower side, and a base having a first and a second display window, wherein the second window is adapted to receive the image;

sliding the upper and lower sides of the plurality of tiles into an upper and lower channel disposed on a tile carrier;

placing the tile carrier into a recess portion disposed adjacent the first display window, such that a front surface of the plurality of tiles is visible through first display window;

aligning the first display window with a first aperture in an overlay; and

aligning the second display window with a second aperture in the overlay.

21. A photograph frame having configurable lettering, comprising:

a base having a plurality of display windows disposed inside a perimeter of the base;

at least one recessed portion disposed on the base adjacent to a first of the plurality of display windows;

a tile carrier having an upper channel, a lower channel, an upper edge, and a lower edge, wherein the upper edge and a lower edge engage with the at least one recessed portion;

a plurality of tiles having an upper side and a lower side; wherein the upper side of the tiles slidingly engage the upper channel of the tile carrier and the lower side of the tiles slidingly engage the lower channel of the tile carrier; and

an overlay having a plurality of aperture, wherein a first of the plurality of apertures aligns with the first of the plurality of display windows, such that the plurality of tiles are visible trough the first of the plurality of apertures.

22. The photograph frame having configurable lettering ofclaim 21, further including a second of the plurality of display windows located above the first of the plurality of display windows.

23. An image display having configurable lettering, comprising:

a base having an inner surface and at least one display window disposed inside a perimeter of the base;

at least one recessed portion disposed on the inner surface of the base adjacent to the at least one display window;

a plurality of tiles having an upper side and a lower side, wherein at least one of the upper and lower sides includes one of a notch and a tab;

a tile carrier having a top portion and a lower portion, wherein at least one of the top and bottom portions includes the other of the notch and tab, the tiles engaging the tile carrier by engagement of the notch and tab in a puzzle-like fashion, and wherein the tile carrier is configured to be retentively engaged by the at least one recessed portion when the tile carrier is disposed therein.

24. An image display having configurable lettering, comprising:

a base having an inner surface and at least one display window disposed inside a perimeter of the base;

at least one recessed portion disposed on the inner surface of the base adjacent to the at least one display window including one of a notched section and a tabbed section; and

a plurality of tiles having an upper side and a lower side, wherein at least one of the upper and lower sides includes the other of the notched section and the tabbed section, wherein the tiles engaging the base by engagement of the notched and tabbed section of the recess portion and the tiles in a puzzle-like fashion.

25. An image display having configurable lettering, comprising:

a base having an inner surface and at least one display window disposed inside a perimeter of the base;

a plurality of tiles; and

a pouch having an opening for receiving the plurality of tiles, wherein the pouch is configured to attach to the inner surface of the base, such that the tiles are viewable through the at least one display window.

26. An image display having configurable lettering, comprising:

a base having an outer surface;

a frame having a viewing window and a rear surface, wherein the rear surface of the frame engages the outer surface of the base; and

a plurality of tiles having an upper side and a lower side, wherein the upper and lower sides of the tiles retentively engage the frame when the tiles are visible through the viewing window.

Images