Picture frame assembly

Abstract

A picture frame assembly, including a central picture frame and a plurality of picture frames. Each picture frame in the plurality of picture frames is fastened to the central picture frame or to another picture frame in the plurality of picture frames. In some aspects, each picture frame is fastened to the central picture frame, each picture frame is fastened to another picture frame in the plurality of picture frames, or each picture frame is fastened to the central picture frame and to another picture frame in the plurality of picture frames. In some aspects, the plurality of picture frames encircles or is continuously disposed about the central picture frame, the plurality of picture frames is intermittently disposed about the central picture frame, or the assembly includes a peripheral picture frame connected to at least one picture frame in the plurality of picture frames and disjoint from the central frame.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to an assembly of interconnected picture frames.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known to create a presentation of multiple individual picture frames by hanging each frame separately. Unfortunately, this requires providing respective hanging means for each frame, for example, drilling respective holes for wall hanging each frame. It also is known to minimize the space required for displaying multiple picture frames by individually mounting each frame as close to the remaining frames as possible. Unfortunately, not only does this require providing multiple hanging means, but a great deal of precision is required in order to mount the frames as close as possible to each other and in relative alignment with each other. Further, since the frames are all separate, it is difficult to maintain relative alignment.

Thus, there is a long-felt need for a means of easily providing a compact, coordinated, and aligned display of multiple picture frames.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention broadly comprises a picture frame assembly, including a central picture frame and a plurality of picture frames. Each picture frame in the plurality of picture frames is fastened to the central picture frame or another picture frame in the plurality of picture frames. In some aspects, each picture frame is fastened to the central picture frame, each picture frame is fastened to another picture frame in the plurality of picture frames, or each picture frame is fastened to the central picture frame and to another picture frame in the plurality of picture frames.

In some aspects, each picture frame in the plurality of picture frames is fastened to the central picture frame or another picture frame in the plurality of picture frames with at least one threaded fastener. In some aspects, the plurality of picture frames encircles the central picture frame, the plurality of picture frames is continuously disposed about the central picture frame, or the plurality of picture frames is intermittently disposed about the central picture frame.

In some aspects, the plurality of picture frames and the central picture frame comprise respective parallel front surfaces. In some aspects, the respective parallel front surfaces are co-planar. In some aspects, the picture frame assembly includes a peripheral picture frame connected to at least one picture frame in the plurality of picture frames and disjoint from the central frame. In some aspects, the peripheral picture frame is connected to the at least one picture frame in the plurality of picture frames with at least one threaded fastener.

The invention also broadly comprises a picture frame assembly, including a base picture frame and a plurality of picture frames. Each picture frame in the plurality of picture frames is in contact with the central picture frame, at least one picture frame from the plurality of picture frames is fastened to the base picture frame, and the base picture frame and the plurality of picture frames form an interconnected unit.

The invention further broadly comprises a picture frame assembly, including a central picture frame and a plurality of picture frames. Each picture frame in the plurality of picture frames is arranged to be fastened to the central picture frame or another picture frame in the plurality of picture frames. In some aspects, each picture frame is arranged to be fastened to the central picture frame, each picture frame is arranged to be fastened to another picture frame in the plurality of picture frames, or each picture frame is arranged to be fastened to the central picture frame and to another picture frame in the plurality of picture frames.

In some aspects, the picture frame assembly includes a plurality of threaded fasteners arranged to fasten each picture frame in the plurality of picture frames to the central picture frame or to another picture frame in the plurality of picture frames. In some aspects, the picture frame assembly includes a peripheral picture frame arranged to be connected to a picture frame in the plurality of picture frames and to be disjoint from the central frame.

It is a general object of the present invention to provide a compact, coordinated, and aligned display of multiple picture frames.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciable from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention and from the accompanying drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The nature and mode of operation of the present invention will now be more fully described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying drawing figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front prospective view of a present invention picture frame assembly;

FIG. 2 is a back prospective view of the present invention picture frame assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the present invention picture frame assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a back view of the present invention picture frame assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a front exploded view of the present invention picture frame assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a back exploded view of the present invention picture frame assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a cross-section view of the present invention picture frame assembly shown in FIG. 1 generally along line 7-7 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a cross-section view of the present invention picture frame assembly shown in FIG. 1 generally along line 8-8 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is a cross-section view of the present invention picture frame assembly shown in FIG. 1 generally along line 9-9 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 10 is a front prospective view of a present invention picture frame assembly;

FIG. 11 is a back prospective view of the present invention picture frame assembly shown in FIG. 10; and,

FIG. 12 is a back exploded view of the present invention picture frame assembly shown in FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements of the invention. While the present invention is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred aspects, it is to be understood that the invention as claimed is not limited to the disclosed aspects.

Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the appended claims.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are now described.

FIG. 1 is a front prospective view of present invention picture frame assembly 100.

FIG. 2 is a back prospective view of picture frame assembly 100 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of picture frame assembly 100 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a back view of picture frame assembly 100 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a front exploded view of picture frame assembly 100 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a back exploded view of picture frame assembly 100 shown in FIG. 1. The following should be viewed in light of FIGS. 1 through 6. Assembly 100 includes central, base, or main picture frame 102 and plurality of picture frames 104 including picture frames 106 through 115. Each picture frame in plurality of picture frames 104 is fastened to the central picture frame or to another picture frame in plurality of picture frames 104. For example, in FIG. 6, frames 112 through 114 are shown fastened, or connected, to frame 102 and frame 109 is shown connected to frame 110. In some aspects, every frame in plurality of picture frames 104 is fastened to frame 102. In some aspects, every frame in plurality of picture frames 104 is connected to another frame in the plurality. In some aspects, every frame in plurality of picture frames 104 is fastened to frame 102 and to another frame in the plurality. Advantageously, connecting every frame in plurality of picture frames 104 to frame 102 and to another frame in the plurality increases the strength and rigidity of assembly 100.

To clarify the presentation, only some of the connections possible are shown in FIG. 6, however, it should be understood that other and more connections are possible in assembly 100. Thus, frame 102 and plurality of picture frames 104 form an interconnected, or composite, structure, that is, the frame and the plurality form a single structure that is maintained by the connection of the central frame and the plurality as described supra. For example, assembly 100 can be hung on a wall (not shown) from hanging devices (described infra) attached to one or more of the frames forming assembly 100 and assembly 100 maintains the configuration shown in the figure without the benefit of addition, outside support means.

In some aspects then, plurality of picture frames 104 at least partially encircles frame 102 and in some aspects, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 6, the plurality completely encircles frame 102. For example, the frames in plurality of picture frames 104 form an unbroken string of frames about the central frame. Alternately stated, in some aspects, plurality of picture frames 104 is at least intermittently disposed about frame 102 and in some aspects, plurality of picture frames 104 is continuously disposed about the central frame.

The frames in plurality of picture frames 104 can be connected to frame 102 and to each other by any means known in the art. In some aspects, threaded fasteners, such as screws are used. Other fastening methods, including, but not limited to smooth fasteners, brackets, braces, rivets, surface modifications, such as tongue and groove, and adhesives can be used. It should be understood that more than one type of fastening or connection method can be used at one time in assembly 100. For example, frames in plurality of picture frames 104 could be connected to frame 102 using threaded fasteners and the frames in the plurality could be fastened one to the other using a different fastening method. Also more than one type of fastening means can be used to fasten a same frame to another frame. In FIG. 6, threaded fasteners 120 for fastening frame 102 to plurality of picture frames 104 are shown. Any threaded fastening method or process known in the art can be used. For example, frame 102 includes countersunk holes 122 and plurality of picture frames 104 includes holes 124. Holes 122 are sized to allow fasteners 120 to pass through with nominal engagement, while holes 124 are sized to enable full engagement with threaded portions of the fasteners. Assembly 100 is not limited to any particular number, size, or configuration of threaded fasteners.

Frame 102 includes sides 126, 128, 130, and 132 to which the frames in plurality of picture frames 104 are attached as described supra. It should be understood that assembly 100 is not limited to frames having four sides and that other numbers of sides for the frames are included in the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. It also should be understood that assembly 100 is not limited to frames having straight sides and that other shapes of sides for the frames, such as arcuate, are included in the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. It also should be understood that a frame in assembly 100 also can include various sides having different shapes, for example one or more straight sides and one of more arcuate sides. Thus, other shapes, configurations, and sizes for frame 102 and plurality of picture frames 104 are included in the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. Plurality of picture frames 104 is not limited to the number of frames shown in the figures. Thus, other numbers of frames for plurality of picture frames 104 are included in the spirit and scope of the claimed invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-section view of assembly 100 shown in FIG. 1 generally along line 7-7 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is a cross-section view of assembly 100 shown in FIG. 1 generally along line 8-8 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 9 is a cross-section view of assembly 100 shown in FIG. 1 generally along line 9-9 in FIG. 3. The following should be viewed in light of FIGS. 1 through 9. In some aspects, the interconnection of frame 102 and plurality of picture frames 104 results in a parallel alignment of the front faces of the frame and plurality. For example, front face 134 of frame 102 is parallel to the front faces 136, 138, 140, and 142 of frames 106, 113, 107, and 112, respectively. This parallel arrangement advantageously provides a homogeneous and pleasing presentation of assembly 100. For example, the various front faces, and hence frames, are not askew to each other. In some aspects, the various front faces are parallel, but are not co-planar. For example, in FIGS. 1 through 9, each of the frames in plurality of picture frames 104 is set back with respect to face 134. Advantageously, this arrangement provides pleasing contrasts and changes in perspective. In some aspects (not shown), front face 134 is co-planar with all the front faces for the frames in plurality of picture frames 104.

In some aspects, some or all of the back surfaces for frame 102 and plurality 104 are co-planar, for example, back surfaces 144, 146, and 148 for frames 102, 108, and 111, respectively, are co-planar. This arrangement provides a uniform back surface 150 for assembly 100, which provides stability for the assembly when the assembly is wall-hung.

In some aspects, frame 102 is larger than any one frame in plurality of picture frames 104. For example, frame 102 includes an outer circumferential extent defined by the sum of the lengths 152, 154, 156, and 158 of sides 126, 128, 130, and 132, respectively and the outer circumferential extent of each picture frame in the plurality of picture frames, for example the sum of lengths 160, 162, 164, and 166 of frame 108 is less than the above sum for frame 102.

Frame 102 and the frames in plurality of picture frames 104 are not limited to the shapes, configurations, or sizes shown in the figures. For example, frame 102 is not limited to particular lengths 152, 154, 156, or 158 and a frame in plurality of picture frames 104 is not limited to particular lengths for the sides of the frames. For example, frame 108 is not limited to particular lengths 160, 162, 164, or 166. In like manner, frame 102 and the frames in plurality of picture frames 104 are not limited to particular respective thickness. For example, frame 102 is not limited to a particular thickness 168 and frame 112 is not limited to a particular thickness 170.

In some aspects, a respective portion of a frame from plurality of picture frames 104 is in continuous contact with frame 102. For example, side 172 of frame 110 is in continuous contact with frame 102. In some aspects (not shown), there are one or more gaps in the portion of the frame from plurality of picture frames 104 in contact with the central frame. For example, side 172 could be scalloped so that the scalloped portions do not touch frame 102. Such variations in the frame contact areas can be made for aesthetic purposes and also for functional purposes, such as reducing the mass of assembly 100.

In some aspects, ancillary components for mounting and presenting media, such as photographs or artwork, are included with some or all of the frames in assembly 100, for example, glazing 174, mat 176 and backing 178 for frame 102. To clarify the presentation, glazing 174 is depicted as opaque. It should be understood that any ancillary components known in the art can be included with assembly 100 and that assembly 100 is not limited to any particular combination or configuration of ancillary components. For example, frame 102 and frames in plurality of picture frames 104 can have different types, combinations, and configurations of ancillary components.

In some aspects, assembly 100 is equipped with hangers 180. Any hangers known in the art can be use with assembly 100. In some aspects, the hangers are flush inset types to increase the strength of the connection of the hangers with assembly 100. Assembly 100 is not limited to any particular type, number, configuration, or placement of hangers.

In some aspects (not shown), plurality of picture frames 104 is intermittently disposed about the central picture frame. For example, if one frame from the plurality shown in FIG. 1, for example, frame 106, is missing, the plurality is no longer continuous about frame 102, that is, there is a gap in the plurality with respect to frame 102. In some aspects (not shown), assembly 100 includes a peripheral picture frame connected to at least one picture frame in plurality of picture frames 104 and disjoint from the central frame. That is, the peripheral frame is connected to one or more of the frames in plurality of picture frames 104, but is not connected to or in contact with the central frame.

FIG. 10 is a front prospective view of present invention picture frame assembly 200.

FIG. 11 is a back prospective view of picture frame assembly 200 shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a back exploded view of picture frame assembly 200 shown in FIG. 10. The following should be viewed in light of FIGS. 10 through 12. Assembly 200 includes central, base, or main picture frame 202 and plurality of picture frames 204 of picture frames including picture frames 206 through 211. Each picture frame in plurality of picture frames 204 is fastened, or connected, to the central picture frame or to another picture frame in plurality of picture frames 204. For example, in FIG. 12, frames 206 and 207 are shown connected to frame 202 and frame 206 is shown connected to frame 211. In some aspects, every frame in plurality of picture frames 204 is fastened to frame 202. In some aspects, every frame in plurality of picture frames 204 is connected to another adjacent frame in the plurality with which the frame is in contact. For example, frames 206 and 211 are fastened and in contrast, frame 209, which is not in contact with another frame in plurality of picture frames 204 is not fastened to another frame in the plurality. In some aspects, every frame in plurality of picture frames 204 is fastened to frame 202 and to another frame in the plurality with which it is in contact. Advantageously, maximizing the connections between the frames in plurality of picture frames 204 and frame 202 increases the strength and rigidity of assembly 200.

To clarify the presentation, only some of the connections possible for assembly 200 are shown in FIG. 12, however, it should be understood that other connection configurations are possible in assembly 200. Thus, frame 202 and plurality of picture frames 204 form an interconnected, or composite, structure, that is, the frame and the plurality form a single structure that is maintained by the connection of the central frame and the plurality as described supra. For example, assembly 200 can be hung on a wall (not shown) from hanging devices attached (described infra) to one or more of the frames forming assembly 200 and assembly 200 maintains the configuration shown in the figure without the benefit of addition, outside support means.

Plurality of picture frames 204 partially encircles frame 202. For example, the frames in plurality of picture frames 204 form an incomplete string of frames about the central frame. Alternately stated, plurality of picture frames 204 is intermittently disposed about frame 202.

The frames in plurality of picture frames 204 can be connected to frame 202 and to each other by any means known in the art. In some aspects, threaded fasteners, such as screws are used. Other fastening methods, including, but not limited to smooth fasteners, brackets, braces, rivets, surface modifications, such as tongue and groove, and adhesives can be used. It should be understood that more than one type of fastening or connection method can be used at one time in assembly 200. For example, frames in plurality of picture frames 204 could be connected to frame 202 using threaded fasteners and the frames in the plurality could be fastened one to the other using a different fastening method. Also more than one type of fastening means can be used to fasten a same frame to another frame. In FIG. 12, threaded fasteners 212 for fastening frame 202 to plurality of picture frames 204 are shown. Any threaded fastening method or process known in the art can be used. For example, frame 202 includes countersunk holes 214 and plurality of picture frames 204 includes holes 216. Holes 214 are sized to allow fasteners 212 to pass through with nominal engagement, while holes 216 are sized to enable full engagement with threaded portions of the fasteners. Assembly 200 is not limited to any particular number, size, or configuration of threaded fasteners.

Frame 202 includes sides 218, 220, 222, and 224 to which the frames in plurality 204 are attached as described supra. It should be understood that assembly 200 is not limited to frames having four sides and that other numbers of sides for the frames are included in the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. It also should be understood that assembly 200 is not limited to frames having straight sides and that other shapes of sides for the frames, such as arcuate, are included in the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. It also should be understood that a frame in assembly 200 also can include various sides having different shapes, for example one or more straight sides and one of more arcuate sides. Thus, other shapes, configurations, and sizes for frame 202 and plurality of picture frames 204 are included in the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. Plurality of picture frames 204 is not limited to the number of frames shown in the figures. Thus, other numbers of frames for plurality of picture frames 204 are included in the spirit and scope of the claimed invention.

In some aspects, the interconnection of frame 202 and plurality of picture frames 204 results in a parallel alignment of the front faces of the frame and plurality. For example, front face 226 of frame 202 is parallel to the front faces 228, 230, 232, and 234 of frames 206, 207, 208, and 209, respectively. This parallel arrangement advantageously provides a homogeneous, and pleasing presentation of assembly 200. For example, the various front faces, and hence frames, are not askew to each other. In some aspects, the various front faces are parallel, but are not co-planar. For example, in FIGS. 10 through 12, each of the frames in plurality of picture frames 204 is set back with respect to face 226. Advantageously, this arrangement provides pleasing contrasts and changes in perspective. In some aspects (not shown), front face 226 is co-planar with all the front faces for the frames in plurality of picture frames 204.

In some aspects, some or all of the back surfaces for frame 202 and plurality of picture frames 204 are co-planar, for example, back surfaces 236, 238, and 240 for frames 202, 208, and 211, respectively, are co-planar. This arrangement provides a uniform back surface 242 for assembly 200, which provides stability for the assembly when the assembly is wall-hung.

In some aspects, frame 202 is larger than any one frame in plurality of picture frames 204. For example, frame 202 includes an outer circumferential extent defined by the sum of the lengths 244, 246, 248, and 250 of sides 218, 220, 222, and 224, respectively and the outer circumferential extent of each picture frame in the plurality of picture frames, for example the sum of lengths 252, 254, 256, and 258 of frame 211 is less than the above sum for frame 202.

Frame 202 and the frames in plurality of picture frames 204 are not limited to the shapes, configurations, or sizes shown in the figures. For example, frame 202 is not limited to particular lengths 244, 246, 248, or 250 and a frame in plurality of picture frames 204 is not limited to particular lengths for the sides of the frames. For example, frame 211 is not limited to particular lengths 252, 254, 256, and 258. In like manner, frame 202 and the frames in plurality of picture frames 204 are not limited to particular respective thickness. For example, frame 202 is not limited to a particular thickness 260 and frame 211 is not limited to a particular thickness 262.

In some aspects, a respective portion of a frame from plurality of picture frames 204 is in continuous contact with frame 202. For example, side 264 of frame 210 is in continuous contact with frame 202. In some aspects (not shown), there are one or more gaps in the portion of the frame from plurality of picture frames 204 in contact with the central frame. For example, side 264 could be scalloped so that the scalloped portions does not touch frame 202. Such variations in the frame contact areas can be made for aesthetic purposes and also for functional purposes, such as reducing the mass of assembly 200.

In some aspects, ancillary components for mounting and presenting media, such as photographs or artwork, are included with some or all of the frames in assembly 200, for example, glazing 266 for frame 202, and mats and backings (not shown). To clarify the presentation, the glazing, such as glazing 266, is depicted as opaque. It should be understood that any ancillary components known in the art can be included with assembly 200 and that assembly 200 is not limited to any particular combination or configuration of ancillary components. For example, frame 202 and frames in plurality of picture frames 204 can have different types, combinations, and configurations of ancillary components.

In some aspects, assembly 200 is equipped with hangers 268. Any hangers known in the art can be use with assembly 200. In some aspects, the hangers are flush inset types to increase the strength of the connection of the hangers with assembly 200. Assembly 200 is not limited to any particular type, number, configuration, or placement of hangers.

In some aspects, assembly 200 includes peripheral picture frame 270 connected to at least one picture frame in plurality of picture frames 204 and disjoint from the central frame. That is, the peripheral frame is connected to one or more of the frames in plurality of picture frames 204, but is not connected to or in contact with the central frame. For example, frame 270 is connected to frames 206 and 207, but is not connected to frame 202. It should be understood that assembly 200 is not limited to any particular number, size, configuration, or placement of peripheral frames.

The following should be viewed in light of FIGS. 1 through 12. The frames for the frames in a present invention assembly can be made of any material or combination of materials known in the art. A present invention assembly, such as assemblies 100 and 200, provides a presentation of multiple individual picture frames in a single, composite unit, eliminating problems noted supra, such as the necessity of hanging each frame separately. A present invention assembly, such as assemblies 100 and 200, also creates a compact and coordinated display of multiple frames, minimizing the space required for such a display while eliminated the problems noted supra regarding precision and alignment.

Assemblies 100 and 200 have been shown and described in an assembled form. That is, the various frames forming the respective assemblies have already been connected/fastened together to form respective composite units. In some aspects (not shown), a present invention picture frame assembly is disassembled is thus arranged to be assembled to form the respective composite units shown in the figures and described supra. For example, the same component parts shown and described for assemblies 100 and 200 can be packaged in a respective kit to be assembled by an end user or others. In general, the descriptions for assemblies 100 and 200 are applicable to “kit” versions of the assemblies.

Thus, it is seen that the objects of the invention are efficiently obtained, although changes and modifications to the invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as claimed. Although the invention is described by reference to a specific preferred embodiment, it is clear that variations can be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as claimed.

Claims

1. A picture frame assembly, comprising:

a central picture frame; and,

a plurality of picture frames, wherein each picture frame in said plurality of picture frames is fastened to at least one of said central picture frame and another picture frame in said plurality of picture frames.

2. The picture frame assembly of claim 1 wherein said each picture frame is fastened to said central picture frame.

3. The picture frame assembly of claim 1 wherein said each picture frame is fastened to said another picture frame in said plurality of picture frames.

4. The picture frame assembly of claim 1 wherein said each picture frame is fastened to said central picture frame and to another picture frame in said plurality of picture frames.

5. The picture frame assembly of claim 1 wherein said each picture frame in said plurality of picture frames is fastened to said at least one of said central picture frame and said another picture frame in said plurality of picture frames with at least one threaded fastener.

6. The picture frame assembly of claim 1 wherein said plurality of picture frames encircles said central picture frame.

7. The picture frame assembly of claim 1 wherein said plurality of picture frames is continuously disposed about said central picture frame.

8. The picture frame assembly of claim 1 wherein said plurality of picture frames is intermittently disposed about said central picture frame.

9. The picture frame assembly of claim 1 wherein said plurality of picture frames and said central picture frame comprise respective parallel front surfaces.

10. The picture frame assembly of claim 9 wherein said respective parallel front surfaces are co-planar.

11. The picture frame assembly of claim 1 further comprising a peripheral picture frame connected to at least one picture frame in said plurality of picture frames and disjoint from said central frame.

12. The picture frame assembly of claim 11 wherein said peripheral picture frame is connected to said at least one picture frame in said plurality of picture frames with at least one threaded fastener.

13. A picture frame assembly, comprising:

a base picture frame; and,

a plurality of picture frames, wherein each picture frame in said plurality of picture frames is in contact with said base picture frame, at least one picture frame from said plurality of picture frames is fastened to said base picture frame, and said base picture frame and said plurality of picture frames form an interconnected unit.

14. A picture frame assembly, comprising:

a central picture frame; and,

a plurality of picture frames, wherein each picture frame in said plurality of picture frames is arranged to be fastened to at least one of said central picture frame and another picture frame in said plurality of picture frames.

15. The picture frame assembly of claim 14 wherein said each picture frame is arranged to be fastened to said central picture frame.

16. The picture frame assembly of claim 14 wherein said each picture frame is arranged to be fastened to said another picture frame in said plurality of picture frames.

17. The picture frame assembly of claim 14 wherein said each picture frame is arranged to be fastened to said central picture frame and to another picture frame in said plurality of picture frames.

18. The picture frame assembly of claim 14 further comprising a plurality of threaded fasteners arranged to fasten said each picture frame in said plurality of picture frames to said at least one of said central picture frame and said another picture frame in said plurality of picture frames.

19. The picture frame assembly of claim 14 further comprising a peripheral picture frame arranged to be connected to at least one picture frame in said plurality of picture frames and to be disjoint from said central frame.