Prints Charming

Abstract

Prints Charming is comprised of a novelty charm and device for attaching the novelty charm to a picture frame, glass overlay to the picture frame or picture itself. Application of the charm to the frame or like will vary depending on the type of attaching device. The sticky-backed magnet or conventional magnet allows the charm to be placed anywhere on the frame that is metal. The suction cups allow the charm to adhere to the glass portion of the frame, as well as to any frame surface that is appropriately wide and flat. The plastic hanger allows the user to customize the attaching device to permit the charm to be attached to almost any frame.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Non-Provisional Patent Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/646,368 entitled “Prints Charming” filed Jan. 24, 2005.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosures made herein relate generally to novelty charms. The invention discussed herein is in the general classification of framing accessories.

BACKGROUND

Almost every homeowner displays family photographs. These photographs are sometimes hung on walls in standard frames or in collage style frames that allow display of numerous family snapshots, photographs, and portraits. Photographs may also be displayed in frames that are placed on bookshelves, end tables, sofa tables, entertainment centers and window ledges.

People choose frames for their photographs based on a variety of different criteria. Some people insure that all of their pictures are in frames made of the same material or finished in the same paint or stain color to maintain a uniform appearance. Others choose frames because of their whimsical or unique appearance or to personalize the photos they contain. For example, a person may choose a frame engraved with a special poem celebrating the birth of a child or a frame decorated with hearts for a wedding picture. Many frames come engraved with words and phrases like “My Mom” or “Our Family.” Obviously, locating a frame with the exact words or design for a picture or photograph can be a difficult and time-consuming process. Often, the selection of frames is limited, and an individual cannot locate a frame that precisely matches the picture being framed.

Hence, there is a need in the art for an inexpensive and easy way to personalize picture frames or the like by attaching decals or charms to the frame or glass overlay or picture itself.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Prints Charming consists of various novelty charms and an attaching device for use with a picture frame. It works by utilizing one of several attaching devices to adhere the charms to the picture frame, glass overlay of the frame, or picture itself.

The principal object of this invention is to provide a charm and charm-attaching device to easily allow a user to customize picture frames.

Another object of this invention is to provide an inexpensive charm and charm-attaching device to allow a user to personalize a picture frame.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide an assortment of charms for use with picture frames.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the attaching device for the charm.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of the attaching device for the charm.

FIG. 3 depicts one embodiment of a charm.

FIG. 4 depicts another embodiment of a charm.

FIG. 5 depicts another embodiment of a charm.

FIG. 6 depicts one embodiment of the attaching device connected to a frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Prints Charming is comprised of at least some of the following: a charm and a device for attaching the charm to a picture frame, glass overlay to the picture frame or picture itself.

In the preferred embodiment of the attaching device, shown in FIG. 1, a plastic hanger 1 consists of a long, thin, rectangular section 2 with scores 3 at even intervals along the rectangular section 2. The rectangular section 2 also has holes 4 at even intervals along its length. At one end of the rectangular section 2, a magnet 5 is attached. A charm (not shown) can be attached to the magnet 5.

The charms are made of metal, such as sterling silver, copper, stainless steel, and gold and can be enhanced by decorative beads, crystals, and the like.

In FIG. 2, another embodiment of the attaching device for the charm is shown. In this embodiment, a suction cup 20 with a mount 21 on the front can connect to the back of a charm.

Another embodiment of the attaching device may consist of a sticky-backed magnet (not shown) or conventional magnet (not shown) attached to the charm.

In FIG. 3, one embodiment of the charm is depicted. In this embodiment, a sailboat design 30 is shown. This charm is made of metal and has an aperture (not shown) on the back that is designed to correspond with the mount of the suction cup.

In FIG. 4, another embodiment of the charm is shown. In this embodiment, a dragonfly design 40 is depicted. This charm is made of metal and has an aperture (not shown) on the back that is designed to correspond with the mount of the suction cup.

In FIG. 5, yet another embodiment of the charm is shown. In this embodiment, a crown design 50 is depicted. Again, this charm is made of metal and has an aperture (not shown) on the back that is designed to correspond with the mount of the suction cup.

The novelty charms come in a variety of different designs and styles. For example, but not by way of limitation, possible charm styles include: astrological signs, sports team logos, seasonal or holiday charms, licensed characters, floral designs and religious symbols. The dimensions of the charms will also vary widely.

Application of the charm to the frame will vary depending on the type of attaching device. The sticky-backed magnet or conventional magnet allows the charm to be placed anywhere on the frame that is metal. The suction cups allow the charm to adhere to the glass portion of the frame, as well as to any frame surface that is appropriately wide and flat. The suction cup can even be attached directly to the picture itself.

The plastic hanger 1 allows the charm to be attached to almost any frame as shown in FIG. 6. A user can break off sections of the plastic hanger 1 at the desired length. The plastic hanger 1 can then be softened in boiling water, after which it is molded around the edge of the frame 61. The hanger 1 will be removed from the frame 61 and the charm is attached to the end of the hanger 1 on the magnet 5. The hanger 1 is then reattached to the frame 61 and a small screw 60 can be attached to the back of the frame 61 for additional support if desired.

The novelty charms are packaged in jewelry boxes. Larger charms will obviously be packaged in larger jewelry boxes. The jewelry boxes may contain a single charm or an assortment of charms.

The components of Prints Charming may vary widely but will likely utilize metal and plastic components. The production process related to the use of these metals insures that the metal is non-corrosive, durable and strong. The selected metal should be capable of accepting and retaining coloring materials for an extended length of time.

The plastic used in the production will ideally be selected for durability and longevity. Thermoplastics are commonly used in the manufacturing of components similar to those used in this invention. Polyethylene, polypropylene, and other similar thermoplastic materials would be among those with the necessary traits. Members of this family are recognized universally as being versatile and of high quality.

The plastic components of Prints Charming can also be formed with the use of plastic molding techniques, such as injection molding or blow molding. Injection molding requires melted plastic to be forcefully injected into relatively cool molds. As the plastic begins to harden, it takes on the shape of the mold cavity. This technique is ideal for the mass production of products. Alternatively, blow molding, a form of extrusion, could be utilized. Blow molding involves a molten tube being pushed into a mold. Compressed air then forces the molten tube against the cold walls of the mold.

It should be obvious that the charms or decals can be attached directly to the frame, picture, or the glass overlay of the frame. Consequently, when the phrase “picture frame” is used it describes not only the picture frame itself, but also the picture or glass overlay to the picture frame. It should also be obvious that though the term “glass” is used, any type of overlay could be accessorized with the charms of the present invention. It should further be obvious that although the present invention is ordinarily used with picture frames, it could be used to customize or personalize any appropriate style item. Hence, the phrase “picture frame” should be construed to include any item that has similar dimensions.

It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that changes or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the broad inventive concepts of the invention. It should therefore be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described herein, but is intended to include all changes and modifications that are within the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A picture frame accessorizing set comprising:

(a) a charm; and

(b) a device for attaching the charm to a picture frame.

2. The picture frame accessorizing set of claim 1 wherein the device for attaching the charm to the picture frame is a hanger.

3. The picture frame accessorizing set of claim 2 wherein the hanger is plastic and has a set of scores at even intervals.

4. The picture frame accessorizing set of claim 3 wherein the plastic hanger has a set of holes at even intervals.

5. The picture frame accessorizing set of claim 2 wherein the hanger has a magnet attached to one end.

6. The picture frame accessorizing set of claim 4 further comprising

a screw dimensioned to correspond with the set of holes and permit attachment to the picture frame.

7. The picture frame accessorizing set of claim 1 wherein the charms are made of metal.

8. The picture frame accessorizing set of claim 7 wherein the metal is sterling silver.

9. The picture frame accessorizing set of claim 7 wherein the metal is copper.

10. The picture frame accessorizing set of claim 7 wherein the metal is stainless steel.

11. The picture frame accessorizing set of claim 7 wherein the metal is gold.

12. The picture frame accessorizing set of claim 1 further comprising

a set of beads decorating the charm.

13. The picture frame accessorizing set of claim 1 further comprising

a set of crystals decorating the charm.

14. The picture frame accessorizing set of claim 1 wherein the device for attaching the charm to the picture frame is a suction cup with a mount on the front that corresponds with an aperture on the back of the charm.

15. The picture frame accessorizing set of claim 1 wherein the device for attaching the charm to the picture frame is a magnet.

16. A novelty charm set comprising:

(a) a charm;

(b) a device for attaching the charm to a picture frame; and

(c) a jewelry box for holding the charm.

17. A picture frame accessorizing set comprising:

(a) a sterling silver metal charm;

(b) a plastic hanger for attaching the sterling silver metal charm to a picture frame wherein the plastic hanger has a set of scores and a set of holes along its length and a magnet attached to one end.