Multi-layer graphic illustrations

The present invention relates to art and painting. More particularly, the invention relates to multi-layer graphic illustrations that produce a three-dimensional effect.

Historically, paintings have been two-dimensional. These types of paintings date back as early as cave paintings and are continually produced in many different types of artwork today. Over time, artists have employed a plurality of different methods and techniques of applying paint or other media to a surface (e.g. canvas, board, wood, etc.) to form these two-dimensional paintings. Artists have even endeavored to employ techniques for producing three-dimensional effects such as raised paint textures. Nevertheless, these images or paintings are still physically two-dimensional and lack the depth required to produce a three-dimensional effect. Accordingly, such single layer artwork has physical limitations that cannot be overcome to produce true three-dimensional effects. Moreover, wall sculptures, although placed on a wall in the same manner as a two-dimensional image or painting, is still considered a three-dimensional sculpture. Thus, the prior art fails to disclose graphic illustrations capable of producing a three-dimensional effect within the traditional two-dimensional picture plane.

There exists, therefore, a significant need for a multi-layer graphic illustration capable of producing a three-dimensional effect within a traditional two-dimensional plane. Such a multi-layer graphic illustration should include multiple complementary semi-transparent or fully transparent two-dimensional images spaced apart from one another, should include a common background image complementary to the semi-transparent or fully transparent two-dimensional images, should allow for more than two layers of images, and should be compatible with a plurality of different artistic materials. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further related advantages.

The present invention for a multi-layer graphic illustration includes a first frame associated with a second frame. A background image is mechanically or adhesively fastened to the first frame and a foreground image is coupled to the second frame and offset from the background image to produce a three-dimensional image effect. In one embodiment, the first frame is an outer frame and the second frame is a relatively smaller inner frame. Here, the inner frame couples to the inside of the outer frame by friction fit or snap-tight fit. Accordingly, the foreground image is wedged between the outer frame and the inner frame. In an alternative embodiment, the first frame and the second frame are offset by a plurality of spacers, such as dowels. The offset nature of the first frame relative to the second frame produces a gap therebetween. An artist may complement the background image or the foreground image by applying additional lighting or other image effects through the gap between the first frame and the second frame.

Preferably, the foreground image is complementary to and substantially planar with the background image. Moreover, an additional supplemental image coupled to the first frame may be complementary to and offset from the background image and the foreground image to enhance the three-dimensional effect in accordance with the present invention. The background image, the foreground image, or the supplemental image preferably comprises a painting or a photograph. Moreover, a portion of the background image, the foreground image, and the supplemental image may be substantially transparent to enable adequate viewing of at least a portion of the designs thereon. The multi-layer graphic illustration may also include a substantially transparent protective cover. In one embodiment, the protective cover mounts to the outside of the first frame when the second frame is disposed within its interior. In an alternative embodiment, the protective cover mounts to the outside of the second frame when the second frame is offset from the first frame by the spacers. The protective cover preferably comprises glass or plastic and provides protection for the multi-layer graphic illustration.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a multi-layer graphic illustration in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an assembled multi-layer graphic illustration;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-layer graphic illustration, taken about the line 3-3 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a corner of the multi-layer graphic illustration, taken about the circle 4 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative multi-layer graphic illustration in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the alternative multi-layer graphic illustration of FIG. 5, fully assembled;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled alternative multi-layer graphic illustration, taken about the line 7-7 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a corner of the alternative multi-layer graphic illustration, taken about the circle 8 in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a multi-layer graphic illustration having offset frames;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fully assembled multi-layer graphic illustration having offset frames;

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