PICTURE FRAME DEVICE WITH INTERCHANGEABLE TRIM AND BASE SECTION

Abstract

A picture frame device includes generally sturdy and rigid base section having a plurality of connectors disposed thereon. A frame unit having central aperture and a plurality of complementary connectors is secured to the base section in a removable manner. A picture is removably positioned within the central aperture.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 61/932,204, filed on Mar. 27, 2014, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to picture frames, and more particularly to a picture frame having an interchangeable base and trim unit for supporting and presenting photos, pictures and other such items.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

Picture frames are widely available in an assortment of shapes, styles and colors to display photographs and other such items. In this regard, picture frames typically include a rectangular shaped frame body, or border, that is constructed from wood, plastic or metal, for example. A transparent glass or plastic panel functions to protect an inserted photograph without impeding the visibility of the same, and a lightweight backing is secured along the back side of the frame utilizing any number of different fasteners. Finally, a stand for balancing the picture frame on a support surface and/or a mechanism for hanging the frame on a vertical surface is often provided along the back surface of the backing.

As will be known to those of skill in the art, picture frames are commonly used to retain a photograph in the following manner. Specifically, the front surface of the transparent glass plate is typically mounted onto the frame body in such a manner so that the glass plate covers a central opening defined by the frame body. The front surface of the photograph to be displayed is then disposed against the bottom surface of the transparent glass plate. As such, the photograph is positioned within the central opening in the frame body and is clearly visible through the transparent glass plate. With the glass plate and photograph mounted onto the frame body, the backing is disposed against the rear surface of the photograph and is retained in place by the fasteners.

Owing to the design and operation of these conventional picture frames, users must perform several steps when they wish to replace one photograph for another in an existing frame. Moreover, owing to the delicate construction of the backing and/or fasteners, many users complain that this process results in the frame becoming damaged and/or unusable. In addition to the above, there is no way for a user to easily change the shape, color or other such design elements of an existing frame to suit a particular occasion or season.

Accordingly, it would be beneficial to provide a picture frame having interchangeable frame and trim elements that does not suffer from the drawbacks of the above noted devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a picture frame device. One embodiment of the present invention can include generally sturdy and rigid base section having a plurality of connectors disposed thereon. The invention can also include a frame unit having central aperture and a plurality of complementary connectors. The connectors can function to secure the frame unit and base section together in a removable manner, so as to receive and display a photograph within the aperture.

Another embodiment of the present invention can include a pivotal stand, and a hanging hook along the back facing surface of the base section, and a transparent member that is located along the aperture of the frame unit.

This summary is provided merely to introduce certain concepts and not to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Presently preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the picture frame device that is useful for understanding the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of the base section of the picture frame device, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of the base section of the picture frame device, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of the frame unit of the picture frame device, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3B is a rear perspective view of the frame unit of the picture frame device, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded parts view of the picture frame device, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the picture frame device, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the picture frame device, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the description in conjunction with the drawings. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the inventive arrangements in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.

Identical reference numerals are used for like elements of the invention or elements of like function. For the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals are shown in the individual figures which are necessary for the description of the respective figure. For purposes of this description, the terms “upper,” “bottom,” “right,” “left,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1.

Definitions.

As described herein, the term “removably secured,” and derivatives thereof shall be used to describe a situation wherein two or more objects are joined together in a non-permanent manner so as to allow the same objects to be repeatedly joined and separated.

As described herein, the terms “connectors,” “complementary connectors” and derivatives thereof can include any number of different elements capable of removably securing two items together in a nonpermanent manner. Several nonlimiting examples include opposing strips of hook and loop material (i.e. Velcro®), magnetic elements, tethers such as straps and ties, adhesives such as double sided tape, and compression fittings such as hooks, snaps and buttons, for example. Each illustrated connector can be permanently secured to the illustrated portion of the device via a permanent sealer such as glue, adhesive tape, or stitching, for example.

As described herein, the term “indicia” can include any type of decorative elements such as colors, markings, words, shapes, symbols, logos, designs, lights, types of materials, texturing of materials, patterns, images, lithographs, photographs and/or jewels, for example. The indicia can be secured onto and/or into the below described components in accordance with known techniques so as to be flush with the surface thereof, or can be raised/protruding outward from the surface so as to give a three dimensional effect.

Although described and illustrated for use with photographs, the invention is not to be construed as limiting in this regard. As such, the picture frame can be utilized to receive any type of generally flat material that is typically displayed to others. Several non-limiting examples include portraits, paintings, drawings, artwork, documents and the like.

FIGS. 1-6 illustrate one embodiment of a picture frame device 10 that is useful for understanding the inventive concepts disclosed herein. As shown, the device can include a base section 20 and a trim unit 30 which function to receive and display a photograph 5 or other such document.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate one embodiment of the base section 20 which functions to provide a sturdy support for receiving the below described trim unit 30. In one embodiment, the base section 20 can comprise a generally rectangular shape that is constructed from a sturdy and rigid non-ferromagnetic material (e.g., ½ inch solid wood), having a front facing surface 21a, a back facing surface 21b, a top end 21c, a bottom end 21d and a pair of opposing side ends 21e and 21f.

A plurality of connectors 25 can be disposed along the base section 20 and can function to engage complementary connectors 35 located on the below described trim unit 30. In one embodiment, the connectors 25 can include lightweight magnets that are embedded within the base section so as to be flush with the front facing surface 21a. Of course, other embodiments are contemplated wherein any number of different connectors are provided and arranged at other locations along the base section.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the back facing surface 21b of the base section 20 can include any number of different components for positioning the assembled frame 10 on either a flat surface or onto a vertical surface. In this regard, the base section can include one or both of a pivotal stand 22 and one or more hooks 23. The construction, installation and operation of picture frame stands and hook are well known in the art.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate one embodiment of the trim unit 30 which can be removably secured onto the base section 20. In one embodiment, the trim unit 30 can comprise a generally rectangular shape that is also constructed from a non-ferromagnetic material, having a front facing surface 31a, a back facing surface 31b, a top end 31c, a bottom end 31d, a pair of opposing side ends 31e and 31f, and a centrally located aperture 32.

A plurality of complementary connectors 35 can be disposed along the trim unit 30 and can function to engage the connectors 25 located on the base section 20. In one embodiment, the complementary connectors 35 can also include lightweight magnets that are embedded within the trim unit so as to be flush with the rear facing surface 31b, and oriented so as to be attracted to the magnets 25.

Of course, other embodiments are contemplated wherein any number of different connectors are provided and arranged at other locations along the trim unit. In each of these instances, the connectors 25 and complementary connectors 35 will be arranged in an identical or nearly identical pattern, so as to allow the connectors 25 and 35 to align when connecting the trim unit 30 to the base section 20.

In another embodiment, a transparent or generally transparent member 33 such as glass or plastic, for example, can be positioned across the aperture 32. The transparent member can be permanently secured to the frame unit via an adhesive material, or other such manner, and can function to protect a photograph 5 or other such item.

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of the picture frame device 10 in operation. As shown, a photograph 5 can be interposed between the base section 20 and the trim unit 30 at a location that corresponds to the aperture 32. Next, the connectors 25 and complementary connectors 35 can be aligned (see arrows a), and engaged, so as to secure the base section and trim unit together. When so positioned, the trim unit and the base section will be in direct contact, thereby preventing the photograph from becoming unintentionally dislodged from the frame. Of course, whenever it is desirable for a user to change the photograph, the user can simply and easily separate the trim and base via a pulling motion, replace the photograph, and reconnect.

Although described above as including a particular and similar shape (i.e., rectangular) and/or construction material, this is for illustrative purposes only. In this regard, each of the base section 20 and the trim unit 30 can be constructed from any number of different materials such as wood, plastic, composites and/or various metals, for example. Moreover, both the base section and the trim unit can be constructed to include any number of different shapes, sizes, designs and/or indicia 50, so as to suit the interests of a variety of individuals and occasions. As such, FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate other embodiments of the frame 10 wherein the base section 20 and trim unit 30 include dissimilar shapes and sizes.

By providing a base section and trim unit with connectors that are complementary to one another, it becomes possible to utilize multiple trim units with a single base section, and vice versa. Such a feature can advantageously function to allow a user to permanently install the base section onto a wall, for example, and to change the trim and/or photographs to coincide with any number of different events such as birthdays, holidays, and the like. Accordingly, the above described picture frame device provides a unique and novel solution to the problems associated with traditional photo frames.

As described herein, one or more elements of the picture frame device 10 can be secured together utilizing any number of known attachment means such as, for example, screws, glue, compression fittings and welds, among others. Moreover, although the above embodiments have been described as including separate individual elements, the inventive concepts disclosed herein are not so limiting. To this end, one of skill in the art will recognize that one or more individual elements such as the frame unit 30 and the transparent member 33, for example, may be formed together as one continuous and/or transparent element, either through manufacturing processes, such as welding, casting, or molding, or through the use of a singular piece of material milled or machined with the aforementioned components forming identifiable sections thereof.

As to a further description of the manner and use of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

1. A picture frame device, comprising:

a base section having a front facing surface, a back facing surface and a plurality of sides;

a plurality of connectors that are disposed along the front facing surface of the base section;

a trim unit having a front facing surface, a back facing surface, a plurality of sides, and a generally centrally located aperture; and

a plurality of complementary connectors that are disposed along the back facing surface of the trim unit,

said connectors and complementary connectors being disposed onto the base section and trim unit, respectively in a substantially identical pattern, and functioning to removably secure the base section and trim unit together.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the connectors and the complementary connectors include magnetic elements, and each of the base section and the trim unit are constructed from a non-ferromagnetic material.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the base section and the trim unit include a similar shape.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the base section and the trim unit include dissimilar shapes.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the base section includes a dimension that is greater than a dimension of the trim unit.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the base section includes a dimension that is less than a dimension of the trim unit.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the base section and trim units are constructed from identical materials.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the base section and trim units are constructed from different materials.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the connectors and the complementary connectors are flush mounted to the base section and trim unit, respectively.

10. The device of claim 1, further comprising a transparent member that is disposed along the aperture.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the base section is constructed from a sturdy and rigid piece of material, and further includes a pivotal stand along the back facing surface.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the base section is constructed from a sturdy and rigid piece of material, and further includes one or more hooks that are disposed along the back facing surface.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein the connectors and the complementary connectors are constructed from at least one of opposing strips of hook and loop material, double sided tape, and compression fittings.

14. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

a plurality of indicia that is disposed along each of the base section and the trim unit.