Instant wall decorating system

Abstract

The disclosure generally relates to a wall decorating system, and more particularly to an instant wall decorating system including a plurality of picture frames and a plurality of decorative ledges.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. provisional patent application Ser No. 60/475,394, filed Jun. 3, 2003, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, is claimed.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure is generally related to a wall decorating system, and more particularly to an instant wall decorating system including a plurality of picture frames and a plurality of decorative ledges.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Consumers frequently desire to decorate or otherwise display many individual pieces of wall decor, such as picture frames and decorative ledges, on the same wall or in an otherwise discrete area (e.g., a living room). Moreover, consumers generally prefer to decorate an individual wall or an otherwise discrete area with matching pieces of such wall decor. However, in order to decorate an entire wall or an otherwise discrete area with matching pieces of wall decor, consumers typically have had to expend a great deal of time and energy by identifying and procuring individual pieces of wall decor that match other (previously obtained or identified) pieces of wall decor. Thus, existing solutions for decorating an entire wall are generally unsatisfactory in that they frustrate the consumers' preference to display many individual pieces of matching wall decor on the same wall or in an otherwise discrete area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary aspects and features of an instant wall decorating system in accordance with the disclosure are described and explained in greater detail below with the aid of the drawing figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wall decorated with an exemplary instant wall decorating system according to the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of an exemplary decorative ledge according to the disclosure; and,

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary backing for a picture frame according to the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

One embodiment of the disclosure provides instant wall decorating systems for sale by a merchant retailer. Generally, an instant wall decorating system in accordance with the disclosure includes a plurality of picture frames and a plurality of decorative ledges. By providing such a variety of wall decor items, the instant wall decorating systems allow consumers to quickly decorate an entire wall or an otherwise discrete area (such as a room) in an attractive fashion, without requiring that the consumer expend a great deal of time and energy identifying and procuring individual pieces of such wall decor.

Accordingly, another embodiment, of the disclosure provides methods for decorating a wall or an otherwise discrete area. Typically, a method for decorating a discrete area according to the disclosure comprises providing an instant wall decorating system comprising a plurality of picture frames and a plurality of decorative ledges, and displaying both the plurality of picture frames and the plurality of decorative ledges. The disclosed methods advantageously facilitate the decoration of a wall or an otherwise discrete area (such as a room) in an attractive fashion, without requiring that the consumer expend a great deal of time and energy identifying and procuring individual pieces of such wall decor.

In one embodiment, the instant wall decorating system includes a plurality of single opening picture frames comprising a first single opening picture frame and a second single opening picture frame. The plurality of single opening picture frames may optionally further include at least a third single opening picture frame. In one aspect of this embodiment, at least one of the single opening picture frames is an 11 inches by 14 inches single opening picture frame that is matted (i.e., the frame includes an interior border defining one or more apertures sized to display a photograph) to display an 8 inches by 10 inches photograph. In another aspect, at least one of the single opening picture frames is a 10 inches by 10 inches single opening picture frame that is matted to display a 5 inches by 7 inches photograph. In yet an additional aspect, at least one of the single opening picture frames (when included in the instant wall decorating system) is an 8 inches by 10 inches single opening picture frame that is matted to display a 5 inches by 7 inches photograph.

In another embodiment, the instant wall decorating system includes a plurality of collection picture frames comprising a first collection picture frame and a second collection picture frame. The plurality of collection picture frames may optionally further include at least a third collection picture frame. The collection picture frames according to the disclosure typically are matted to provide or otherwise define one or more apertures sized to display a photograph. In one aspect of this embodiment, at least one of the collection picture frames includes multiple apertures, and is matted to display at least two 2 inches by 3 inches photographs. In another aspect, at least one of the collection frames includes multiple apertures, and is matted to display at least two 4 inches by 6 inches photographs.

In an additional embodiment, the instant wall decorating system comprises a plurality of decorative ledges comprising a first decorative ledge and a second decorative ledge. The plurality of decorative ledges may further include at least a third decorative ledge. In one aspect of this embodiment, at least one decorative ledge is a 24 inch (length) decorative ledge. In another aspect, at least one decorative ledge is a 20 inch (length) decorative ledge.

It should be understood that the size measurements provided above with respect to the plurality of single opening picture frames, the plurality of collection picture frames, and the plurality of decorative ledges are merely exemplary. Thus, the single opening picture frames, the collection picture frames, and the decorative ledges may be of any size. Further, the openings of the single opening picture frames and the openings of the collection picture frames may also be of any size.

FIG. 1 shows a wall 10 which has been decorated with an exemplary instant wall decorating system, generally designated 20, according to the disclosure. Instant wall decorating system 20, as exemplified, includes a first single opening picture frame 30 that is matted to display a first single photograph, a second single opening picture frame 40 that is matted to display a second single photograph, a third single opening picture frame 50 that is matted to display a third single photograph, a first collection picture frame 60 that is matted to display three photographs, a second collection picture frame 70 that is matted to display four photographs, a first decorative ledge 80, and a second decorative ledge 90.

The picture frames according to the disclosure generally comprise a top frame edge 92, a bottom frame edge 94, and two side frame edges 96, which interconnect and form an aperture 98 that provides a viewing surface 99 for the displayed photographs (not shown). The viewing surface 99 may be matted to display a plurality of photographs. The frame edges may generally be manufactured from any material including metal, wood, plastic, glass, composites, laminates, and combinations thereof. Although picture frames 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70 are matted (i.e., they include an interior border defining one or more apertures sized to display a photograph), single opening picture frames according to the disclosure need not be matted or include an interior border. Additionally, although decorative ledges 80 and 90 are shown as supporting elements for single opening picture frame 40 and collection picture frame 60, decorative ledges 80 and 90 may also be used to display other decorative items such as plates, pottery, figurines and the like. Moreover, although single opening picture frame 40 and collection picture frame 60 are shown as being supported by decorative ledges 80 and 90, respectively, which are themselves directly mounted to wall 10 (as explained below with reference to FIG. 2), single opening picture frame 40 and collection picture frame 60 may alternatively be directly mounted to wall 10 (as explained below with reference to FIG. 3).

Decorative ledges 80, 90 generally include a front presentation surface 100 and two side edge presentation surfaces 110, which can generally be viewed by an observer/consumer after decorative ledge 80 has been mounted to wall 10. Decorative ledges 80, 90 also include a display surface 120 for positioning objects (such as picture frames according to the disclosure) for display. In one embodiment, front presentation surface 100 and side edge presentation surfaces 110 comprise a crown molding to provide an additional decorative effect. In another embodiment, decorative ledges according to the disclosure include retention means, e.g., a raised rim 130 extending from and along front presentation surface 100 and side edge presentation surfaces 110 to provide a retention surface 140. Raised rim 130 permits the positioning and arrangement of objects such as picture frames on display surfaces 120 in that it facilitates their retention. In an alternative embodiment, display surface 120 includes retention means comprising grooves (not shown) disposed in display surface, tabs (not shown) disposed on display surface, or other structure (not shown) that is capable of providing an interference engagement with an object, e.g., a picture frame supported by display surface (the object optionally also resting against wall 10), in order to retain the object on display surface 120.

With reference to FIG. 2, decorative ledge 80 also includes a rear wall engaging surface 150. Rear wall engaging surface 150 generally engages and abuts wall 10, and includes apertures 160 sized to receive a screw head, a nail head, or other alternative mounting structure (e.g., a portion of a bracket), and slots 170 sized to receive a stem portion of the screw head, nail head, or other alternative mounting structure. Thus, decorative ledge 80 can be mounted to a wall 10 with minimum effort. The number of apertures 160 can be varied depending on the length of decorative ledge 80, but a minimum of two such apertures 160 are typically provided. Advantageously, decorative ledge 80 can also include hollowed areas 180 in order to minimize material usage and facilitate shipping and display by retailers.

Referring now to FIG. 3, picture frames according to the disclosure generally include a backing 190 for encasing a photograph or other object (e.g., a newspaper clipping, a collage, a sport jersey, etc.) to be displayed. Backing 190 generally provides at least one hanging member 200, at least one retention clip 210, and stand 220. As shown in FIG. 3, backing 190 advantageously includes three hanging members 200, which collectively allow a consumer to mount the picture frame to a wall 10 along both planes defined by the edges of the picture frame. The hanging members 200 can directly interact with a screw head, a nail head, or other alternative mounting structure. Alternatively, a wire can be threaded through any two hanging members to engage a screw head, a nail head, or other alternative mounting structure. Retention clips 210 engage an interior slot (not shown) defined by the picture frame, thereby encasing a photograph or other object within the picture frame. Although hanging members 200 and retention clips 210 as shown are disposed on backing 190, both hanging members 200 and retention clips 210 may be disposed on an exterior rear surface (not shown) of the picture frames.

Single Opening Picture Frames

The instant wall decorating systems of the disclosure typically include at least one single opening picture frames. The instant wall decorating systems can include a plurality of single opening picture frames. Any sized single opening picture frame is suitable for use in the instant wall decorating systems. Exemplary single opening picture frames are 8 inches by 10 inches, 11 inches by 14 inches, 16 inches by 20 inches, etc.

Preferably, the single opening picture frames are matted to display photographs of standard size (e.g., 2 inches by 4 inches, 3 inches by 5 inches, 4 inches by 6 inches, 8 inches by 10 inches, 11 inches by 14 inches, 16 inches by 20 inches, etc.). However, the single opening picture frames may also be matted to display non-standard sized photographs.

In one embodiment, the instant wall decorating system includes a plurality of single opening picture frames comprising a 11 inches by 14 inches single opening picture frame that is matted to display a 8 inches by 10 inches photograph, a 10 inches by 10 inches single opening picture frame that is matted to display a 5 inches by 7 inches photograph, and a 8 inches by 10 inches single opening picture frame that is matted to display a 5 inches by 7 inches photograph.

Collection Picture Frames

The instant wall decorating systems of the disclosure may further include at least one collection picture frame in addition to the at least one single opening picture frame. The instant wall decorating systems can include a plurality of collection picture frames. Any sized collection picture frame is suitable for use in the instant wall decorating systems. Exemplary collection picture frames are 8 inches by 10 inches, 11 inches by 14 inches, 16 inches by 20 inches, etc.

Preferably, the collection picture frames are matted to provide or otherwise define one or more apertures sized to display to display photographs of standard size (e.g., 2 inches by 4 inches, 3 inches by 5 inches, 4 inches by 6 inches, etc.). However, the collection picture frames may also be formatted to display non-standard sized photographs.

In one embodiment, the instant wall decorating system includes a plurality of single opening picture frames comprising a first collection picture frame that is matted to display at least two 2 inches by 3 inches photographs and a second collection picture frame that is matted to display at least two 4 inches by 6 inches photographs.

Decorative Ledges

The instant wall decorating systems generally include at least one decorative ledge. The instant wall decorating systems can include a plurality of decorative ledges. Any sized decorative ledge is suitable for use in the instant wall decorating systems. Exemplary decorative ledges provide support surfaces having lengths of about 16 inches, 20 inches, 24 inches, and 28 inches. Typically, the support surfaces are between about 2.5 inches and 4.5 inches wide. When included, the raised rim typically projects between at least 1 inch and 2 inches from the display surface.

In a preferred embodiment, the instant wall decorating system includes a plurality of decorative ledges comprising a 24 inch decorative ledge and a 20 inch decorative ledge.

Although the foregoing text is a detailed description of numerous different embodiments of an instant wall decorating system, the detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment of an instant wall decorating system in accordance with the disclosure.

Claims

1. An instant decorating system, comprising:

a plurality of single opening picture frames;

a plurality of collection picture frames; and

a plurality of decorative ledges.

2. The instant decorating system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of single opening picture frames is matted.

3. The instant decorating system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of single opening picture frames is matted to display a photograph selected from the group consisting of 2 inches by 4 inches, 3 inches by 5 inches, 4 inches by 6 inches, 8 inches by 10 inches, 11 inches by 14 inches, and 16 inches by 20 inches.

4. The instant decorating system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of single opening picture frames includes a first single opening picture frame matted to display a 8 inches by 10 inches photograph, a second single opening picture frame matted to display a 5 inches by 7 inches photograph, and a third single opening picture frame matted to display a 5 inches by 7 inches photograph.

5. The instant decorating system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of collection picture frames is matted.

6. The instant decorating system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of collection picture frames is matted to display a plurality of photographs selected from the group consisting of 2 inches by 4 inches, 3 inches by 5 inches, 4 inches by 6 inches, 8 inches by 10 inches, 11 inches by 14 inches, and 16 inches by 20 inches.

7. The instant decorating system of claim 6, wherein the at least one of the plurality of collection picture frames is matted to display photographs of the same size.

8. The instant decorating system of claim 6, wherein the at least one of the plurality of collection picture frames is matted to display photographs of different sizes.

9. The instant wall decorating system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of collection frames includes a first collection picture frame matted to display three 2 inches by 3 inches photographs and a second collection picture frame matted to display four 4 inches by 6 inches photographs.

10. The instant wall decorating system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of decorative ledges include retention means.

11. The instant wall decorating system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of single opening picture frames includes a first single opening picture frame, a second single opening picture frame, and a third single opening picture frame, the plurality of collection picture frames includes a first collection picture frame and a second collection picture frame, and the plurality of decorative ledges includes a first decorative ledge and a second decorative ledge.

12. The instant wall decorating system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of single opening picture frames have matching finishes, the plurality of collection picture frames have matching finishes, and the plurality of decorative ledges have matching finishes.

13. The instant wall decorating system of claim 12, wherein the matching finishes are the same.

14. A method for decorating a discrete area, comprising:

providing an instant wall decorating system comprising a plurality of single opening picture frames, a plurality of collection picture frames, and a plurality of decorative ledges, and

displaying the plurality of single opening picture frames, the plurality of collection picture frames, and the plurality of decorative ledges in the discrete area.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the discrete area is a room or a wall.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the plurality of single opening picture frames includes a first single opening picture frame, a second single opening picture frame, and a third single opening picture frame, the plurality of collection picture frames includes a first collection picture frame and a second collection picture frame, and the plurality of decorative ledges includes a first decorative ledge and a second decorative ledge.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the plurality of single opening picture frames have matching finishes, the plurality of collection picture frames have matching finishes, and the plurality of decorative ledges have matching finishes.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the matching finishes are the same.