Framing mat for display articles

Abstract

A single unit framing mat used to display collectible items, comprised of a top flexible, EVA layer with cut-outs, and a rigid, uncut supporting bottom layer. The top EVA layer has a high co-efficient of friction enabling it to self-seal against a transparent panel when compressed. The self-sealing mat thereby encapsulates and protects display articles from environmental elements. When pressure is released the top EVA mat layer retains its functional integrity and can be reused to encapsulate new display articles. The top EVA layer has a closed-cell structure that is impreviable to moisture and thereby resists wraping. The framing mat may be used to frame display articles of varying thicknesses. The mat may be used in a variety of commercially available picture framing devices that include pressure exerting back hardware.

1 . A single unit, framing mat comprised of a flexible, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) top layer and a rigid bottom layer having top layer cut-outs to receive display material.  
   
   
       2 . The framing mat of  claim 1 , wherein the top EVA layer with its' high co-efficient of friction, when pressed against a transparent panel, will self-seal without the use of bonding agents.  
   
   
       3 . The framing mat of  claim 1 , wherein the top EVA layer with its' high co-efficient of friction, when pressed against a transparent panel, forms a removable seal that retains its' functional integrity when pressure is released and reapplied.  
   
   
       4 . The framing mat of  claim 1 , wherein the top EVA layer with its' high co-efficient of friction, when pressed against a transparent panel, forms a seal that prevents display articles from slipping out of position.  
   
   
       5 . The framing mat of  claim 1 , wherein the top EVA layer with its' high co-efficient of friction, when pressed against a transparent panel, forms a seal that prevents the movement of the framing mat within the framing device.  
   
   
       6 . The framing mat of  claim 1 , wherein the top EVA layer with its' high co-efficient of friction, when pressed against a transparent panel, forms a seal that prevents environment elements from entering the encapsulating pocket.  
   
   
       7 . The framing mat of  claim 1 , wherein the top EVA layer is comprised of a closed-cell structure that prevents moisture penetration thereby eliminating mat warping.  
   
   
       8 . The framing mat of  claim 1 , wherein its single unit construction enables full view of display articles.  
   
   
       9 . The framing mat of  claim 1 , wherein its' design characteristics allow for lightweight flat objects and heavier 3-dimensional objects to be framed within the same mat.  
   
   
       10 . The framing mat of  claim 1 , wherein the back layer when comprised of a transparent material allows for full, back viewing of display articles.