Print/picture frame

Abstract

A frame for mounting a print or picture on a vertical surface includes a transparent sheet of plastic. In one form, opposing side tabs extend from the sheet so as to lie generally parallel with a rear surface of the sheet to form slots configured to receive and retain the print. An end tab may be directed inwardly so as to form another slot for vertical and horizontal hanging. In another form, blocks are attached to the rear surface of the sheet of plastic at upper and lower edges thereof, and a second sheet of plastic is attached to the blocks so as to form a slot between the first and second sheets for retaining the print. In another form, the sheet has tabs extending rearwardly with blocks attached to each of the tabs so as to form a slot between the sheet and the blocks for retaining the print.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from provisional application Ser. No. 60/227,756 filed Aug. 24, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention is concerned with print or picture frames. More particularly, the present invention is concerned with a print/picture frame constructed entirely of transparent plastic to form the print/picture frame.

[0003] Many picture frames in use are created by joining four pieces of sub-frame at joints which are then glued. Yet other frames are formed by extruding plastic or forming metal to create the frame. Some of these methods can be quite expensive. Nearly all of these frames create an open face through which the print or picture is viewed. Typically, glass is inserted within the frame and in front of the print to protect the print. This can be problematic, however, as the glass can slip out of the picture frame and break during placement of the print within the frame. As well as presenting a safety hazard, the glass must be found and purchased in the appropriate size. Many prints or pictures are UV sensitive and the glass may not provide the UV screening protection necessary to protect the picture or print.

[0004] Also, mounting prints and pictures within a frame often requires the assistance of trained professionals. This is due to the need for tools, the complexity of positioning the glass, prints and either tacking the print to the frame or clipping the print or a rear cover to the frame to prevent the print from becoming dislodged from the frame during use. Aside from the possibility of breaking the glass, the person installing the print may be pricked by the tacks used in securing the print to the frame. To change the print or picture within the frame requires the reversal and repetition of these steps. The process of framing the print can be burdensome and expensive.

[0005] Large prints or pictures necessarily require larger picture frames which can be quite expensive. Also, at times the picture frame itself can be of a color or ornamentation that it draws attention away, or otherwise detracts, from the print or picture. A great deal of time can be spent matching a picture frame with either the print or picture or the location that the frame is to be hung.

[0006] Frames which are placed on a horizontal surface are relatively easy to place in a stable manner due to the addition of a rear leg which serves as an easel, joining various picture frames to one another in an accord in an fashion, etc. However, hanging the picture frame from a vertical surface can be problematic. Some picture frames are only intended to be hung either horizontally or vertically. Others require the purchase and installation of fasteners, clips or the like to hang the picture frame in the other orientation. Also, picture frames may not be able to be hung directly on either a glass or marble surface, instead often hung from wires extending from the ceiling.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for a print/picture frame which is relatively inexpensive and easy to use. Such a picture frame should be capable of being manufactured in various sizes to frame large prints and pictures without a burdensome expense. Such a picture frame should also be capable of being mounted either horizontally or vertically and on various surfaces, including marble or glass. Further, such a picture frame would be shatter resistant and provide UV protection to the print or picture therewithin. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides other related advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention resides in a print/picture frame comprised of transparent plastic which is impact and shatter resistant. The frame is versatile and can be used in many applications, including marble, glass, mirrored or other similar surfaces. The frame does not distract the eye of the viewer from the printer/picture as the frame is nearly invisible and thus can be used in houses, businesses, warehouses, etc.

[0009] In a first embodiment, the frame is comprised of a single quadrilateral and transparent sheet of plastic. Opposing side tabs extend from a flat body of the sheet of plastic and are directed inwardly so as to lie generally parallel with the flat body opposite a rear surface thereof. Cooperatively with the flat body, the side tabs form slots which are configured to receive and retain a print or picture inserted therein through an open end of the frame. In a particularly preferred embodiment, an end tab extends from the flat body and is directed inwardly in a similar manner as the side tabs so as to form a slot which, in conjunction with the side tab slots, receives and retains the print or picture. Means for retaining the frame on the vertical surface are provided and can include key holes cut into the tabs for receipt of posts or screws extending from the vertical surface, suction cups attached to the frame for direct attachment to glass or marble or the like, or screws extending through the frame and into the vertical surface.

[0010] In another embodiment, the transparent sheet of plastic has tabs extending from opposite edges of the plastic sheet and bent inward so that the tabs lie generally transverse to the plastic sheet. Upper and lower elongated blocks extend downwardly from each of the tabs so as to form a slot between the plastic sheet and the blocks. The slot is configured to accept or retain a print or sheet of artwork therein. A notch may be formed in the upper block for receipt of a wire extending from the vertical surface, or ceiling. Alternatively, a block is attached to the vertical surface on which the frame is to be hung and is configured to hold the upper block of the frame thereon. Of course, the frame can include screws extending through apertures of the plastic sheet and block into the vertical surface, suction cups, or key holes as described above.

[0011] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, upper and lower elongated blocks are attached to a rear surface of the sheet of plastic at upper and lower edges thereof. A second quadrilateral and transparent sheet of plastic is attached to the upper and lower elongated blocks so as to form a slot between the first and second plastic sheets. This slot is configured to accept and retain a print or sheet of artwork therein. Means for hanging the frame on a vertical surface are provided, as described above.

[0012] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a frame embodying the present invention having an insert, shown in phantom, held thereby;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a fragmented cross-sectional view taken generally along 2-2 of FIG. 1, illustrating a slot formed by a side tab which receives and retains the insert;

[0016] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of another frame embodying the present invention, illustrating opposing side tabs and an end tab forming slots for receiving the insert, and key holes and suction cups for mounting the frame on a vertical surface;

[0017] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of another frame embodying the present invention and having an insert, illustrated in phantom, retained thereby;

[0018] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the frame of FIG. 4, with the insert exploded therefrom;

[0019] FIG. 6 is cross-sectional view taken generally along line 6-6 of FIG. 4, illustrating a notch used to hang the frame on a wire or the like;

[0020] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of another frame embodying the present invention, having an insert, illustrated in phantom, retained therein;

[0021] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the frame of FIG. 7, with the insert exploded therefrom;

[0022] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 9-9 of FIG. 7, illustrating the frame being hung from a block attached to a vertical wall;

[0023] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of yet another frame embodying the present invention, and having an insert, illustrated in phantom, retained therein;

[0024] FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the frame of FIG. 10, with the insert exploded therefrom; and

[0025] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 12-12, illustrating opposing plastic sheets separated by an elongated block to form a slot therebetween.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, the present invention is concerned with a print/picture frame generally illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 and referred to by the reference number 10, in FIG. 3 by the reference number 12, in FIGS. 4-6 by the reference number 14, in FIGS. 7-9 by the reference number 16, and in FIGS. 10-12 by the reference number 18. In each of the illustrated embodiments of the frame 10-18, functionally equivalent components and structure are given the same reference number.

[0027] With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a first frame 10 embodying the present invention is illustrated. The frame 10 is comprised of a single sheet of transparent plastic, such as plexiglass or acrylic or any other suitable kind of plastic, which is sufficiently durable, impact and shatter resistant and relatively light weight. The single sheet of plastic includes a flat body 20 having opposing side tabs 22 and 24 extending from the flat body 20 and directed rearwardly and inwardly so as to lie generally parallel with a rear surface of the flat body 20 so as to form slots 26 and 28. Typically, a single sheet of plastic is provided which is either longer or wider than necessary to hold the insert 30, in the form of a print, picture, sheet of artwork or the like. The opposing edges are bent, such as by heat, in order to create a fold in the plastic sheet in order to form the tabs 22 and 24 and slots 26 and 28.

[0028] The slots 26 and 28 are just wide enough so as to support the relatively thin insert 30. Such inserts can include photographs, certificates, water color drawings, prints, paintings, posters, original artwork on paper, magazine cover pages, or any other such artwork or the like which intended to be hung on a vertical surface. In the event that the insert 30 is fairly flimsy, a chip board or other supporting backing may also be inserted into the aligned slots 26 and 28 in order to hold the print or picture therein. Such supporting sheet can also serve to protect the rear surface of the print or artwork from any scratches or damage. A notch 32 can be formed in one of the open edges of the frame 10 to facilitate removal of the inserted print or picture from the frame 10.

[0029] Referring now to FIG. 3, a rear view of another frame 12 embodying the present invention, which is similar to the frame illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, is shown. In addition to the elongated side tabs 22 and 24 forming slots 26 and 28, this embodiment includes an end tab 34 extending from the flat body 20 in a similar manner as the side tabs 22 and 24 to create a slot between the end tab 34 and rear surface of the flat body sheet of plastic 20. This particular frame 12 allows the display or artwork or the like in either the horizontal or vertical direction as the artwork will be held by end tab 34 in the vertical orientation.

[0030] Key holes 38 are formed in the side tabs 22 and 24 so that the frame 12 can be hung either horizontally or vertically from posts or the like extending from the vertical surface, typically a wall. The key holes 38 can be either punched out with a special dye, or drilled into the tabs 22, 24 or 34 and spaced from one another so that the frame 10 or 12 can be hung either horizontally or vertically. This allows the mounting of the frame 10 or 12 to be less time consuming for the user as the user can either display the frame 10 or 12 vertically or horizontally without the addition of nails, tacks, or the need for tools as the frame 10 or 12 can be secured to any screws or anchor bolts extending from the vertical wall.

[0031] In the event that the wall comprises a smooth surface, such as glass or marble, suction cups 40 can be attached to the frame 12, typically on either the side tabs 22 and 24 or end tab 34, for attachment directly to the smooth surface. The use of suction cups 40 allows the frame 10 or 12 to be hung from any smooth and flat surface, such as marble, glass, mirrors, plastic, or the like which would comprise windows, doors or walls in a home or office without damaging the wall, door or window in any manner. In the event that the wall comprises a transparent and smooth material, such as glass, the suction cups 40 may also be attached to the front surface of the flat body sheet 20 so that the artwork can be seen through the transparent wall and frame 10 or 12. Such key holes 38 and suction cups 40 can be implemented in any of the illustrated and described embodiments of this application.

[0032] As the frames 10 and 12 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 are comprised of a single piece of plastic, without any joints or attached parts forming the frame 10 and 12, the frame 10 and 12 is very cost effective compared to a traditional frame which includes mounting glass, hardware and the associated labor of constructing such frames. Once properly installed onto a vertical surface, there is created enough tension between the flat body 20 and the insert 30 to keep the insert from slipping without the frame 10 or 12. As described above, in the event that the insert 30 is extremely flimsy, a chip board or other thin sheet may be used to hold the insert 30 therein.

[0033] With reference now to FIGS. 4-6, another frame 14 embodying the present invention is shown. This frame 14 is comprised of a sheet of plastic forming the flat body 20, and opposing edges, typically upper and lower edges 42 and 44 extending rearwardly of the flat sheet 20 so as to lie generally transverse with the generally planar plastic sheet 20. Upper and lower elongated blocks 46 and 48 are attached to each of the tab edges 42 and 44 so as to create a narrow slot 50 and 52 at the upper and lower ends of the frame 14. The blocks 46 and 48 may be adhered to the tabbed edges 42 and 44, or extend therefrom as a single piece. Although this frame 14 may be hung from a vertical surface using the key holes 38 or suction cups 40 as described above, in a particularly preferred form, the upper elongated block 46 includes an open-faced groove 54 along the length of the lower edge thereof for receipt of a wire or the like. It is not uncommon to have wires or the like extending from the ceiling above the vertical surface so that the vertical surface is not scratched, marred, or otherwise damaged. The frame 14 could be hung from such a wire by inserting the wire into the groove 54 and allowing the frame 14 to hang therefrom.

[0034] The art work insert 30 could be installed and removed without having to rehang the frame 14. In fact, in all of the illustrated embodiments, this has been found to be the case as once the frame 10-18 is properly secured or otherwise hung from the vertical surface, there is little or no need to remove the frame 10-18 in order to remove the print or picture 30. As can be appreciated by the reader, this can present a tremendous amount of savings in labor when such inserts 30 are frequently changed.

[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 7-9, yet another frame 16 embodying the present invention is shown. This frame 16 is very similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 4-6, in that it includes the flat body plastic sheet 20, rearwardly directed tabs 42 and 44, and elongated blocks 46 and 48. The insert 30 is retained within slots 50 and 52, as described above. However, with particular reference to FIG. 9, the upper elongated block 46 has a lower edge thereof configured to mate with a block 56 which has been previously attached to the vertical surface 58. As can be appreciated by the reader, this allows the frame 16 to be easily mounted and removed from the vertical surface as the user must merely raise the upper block 46 over the fixed block 56 and rest the frame 16 thereon. The contacting edges of the blocks 46 and 56 can be configured such that movement is prevented in all but the upward direction. This would render the mounting of the frame 16 very stable during earthquakes and the like.

[0036] With reference now to FIGS. 10-12, yet another frame 18 embodying the present invention is shown. This frame 18 includes opposing front and back plastic flat body sheets 20 and 60 associated and separated from one another by blocks 62 and 64. Typically, the upper and lower edges of each flat body plastic sheet 20 and 60 is adhered to opposing outer edges of the blocks 62 and 64. In this manner, a central slot 66 is formed between the sheets of plastic 20 and 60. The slot 66, similar to those described above, is sized such so as to accept and retain a print or sheet of artwork therein, with the provision of a chip board or the like if necessary. Preferably, such slots are only of a sufficient width so as to hold the edges of the print or sheet of artwork therein and prevent the print or artwork from sagging due to gravity. However, it is to be understood by the reader that the print or sheet of artwork is not necessarily pressed into place by the tabs or blocks forming the slots. The frame 18 illustrated in FIGS. 10-12 can be mounted to the vertical surface in a variety of methods, including those discussed above, but is preferably connected to the vertical surface by use of screws inserted through apertures 68 extending through the opposing plastic sheets 20 and 60, as well as the upper elongated block 62. Likewise, a frame 18 can be hung upon protrusions, such as anchor bolts or the like previously inserted into the vertical surface.

[0037] Each of the flat bodies 20 of the above-described frames, 10-18 is preferably comprised of a transparent sheet of plastic so as not to distract from the print or artwork placed therein. However, it should be understood by the reader that a tint or coloring can be applied to the plastic in order to give it an enhanced effect. Also, in some cases it may be necessary to create a border in order to focus upon a central portion of the artwork, or eliminate a border surrounding the artwork or print itself. In this case, the flat body 20 can be provided with a surrounding border as is well known in the art.

[0038] The frames 10-18 of the present invention are simple in design and can be used in traditional, modern, conservative, classical, and/or industrial manner as an alternative to glass. The frame 10-18 is almost invisible to the eye due to its shape and transparency. No tools or other hardware is necessary to properly install the frames 10-18 onto a vertical surface. The frames 10-18 are generally more safe than prior frames as they will remain mounted on the wall indefinitely once properly installed. The sheet of plastic provides a glare-free, abrasion/chemical resistant, long lasting, UV filtering and outstanding optical quality viewing surface.

[0039] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications of each may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A frame for mounting a print or picture on a vertical surface, comprising:

a single quadrilateral and transparent sheet of plastic, including:

a flat body;

opposing side tabs extending from the flat body and directed inwardly so as to lie generally parallel with the flat body opposite a rear surface thereof, the side tabs cooperatively with the flat body forming slots configured to receive and retain a print or picture inserted therein through an open end of the frame; and

means for retaining the frame on a vertical surface.

2. The frame of claim 1, including an end tab extending from the flat body and directed inwardly so as to lie generally parallel with the flat body opposite a rear surface thereof, the end tab cooperatively with the flat body forming a slot which, in conjunction with the side tab slots, receives and retains a print or picture inserted therein.

3. The frame of claim 1, wherein the retaining means comprises keyholes cut into the tabs.

4. The frame of claim 1, wherein the retaining means comprises suction cups attached to the sheet of plastic.

5. The frame of claim 1, wherein the retaining means comprises screws extending through apertures of the sheet of plastic and into the vertical surface.

6. A frame for mounting a print or picture on a vertical surface, comprising:

a quadrilateral and transparent sheet of plastic having tabs extending from opposing edges of the plastic sheet and bent inward so that the tabs lie generally transverse with the plastic sheet;

upper and lower elongated blocks attached to each of the tabs so as to form a slot between the plastic sheet and the blocks, the slot being configured to accept and retain a print or sheet of artwork therein; and

means for hanging the frame on a vertical surface.

7. The frame of claim 6, wherein the hanging means includes screws inserted through apertures of the plastic sheet and block and into the vertical surface.

8. The frame of claim 6, wherein the hanging means includes a notch formed in the upper block for receipt of a wire extending from the vertical surface.

9. The frame of claim 6, wherein the hanging means includes a block attached to the vertical surface and configured to hold the upper block thereon.

10. A frame for mounting a print or picture on a vertical surface, comprising:

a first quadrilateral and transparent sheet of plastic;

upper and lower elongated blocks attached to a rear surface of the sheet of plastic at upper and lower edges thereof;

a second quadrilateral and transparent sheet of plastic attached to the upper and lower elongated blocks so as to form a slot between the first and second plastic sheets, the slot being configured to accept and retain a print or sheet of artwork therein; and

apertures extending through the first and second sheets of plastic and upper elongated block for the insertion of screws into the vertical surface.