Backing member for new and existing picture frames

Abstract

An apparatus for use with a picture frame. The apparatus comprises a backing member for such picture frame, such backing member made of a first predetermined material and a plurality of apertures formed through the backing member for preventing moisture build up in such picture frame.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is closely related to and claims benefit from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/708,503 filed Aug. 17, 2005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to a picture frame backing, and, more particularly, the present invention relates to a clear plastic picture frame that has apertures formed therein to release trapped moisture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The backing and stand for many standard picture frames are most often a flimsy board, made of cardboard or paperboard, that frequently warps or bends just after a few months of use. In many cases this prevents the frame from standing upright, and, all too frequently often bends or ripples the photograph inside the frame. Consumers must then prop the frame by another manner or simply toss the entire frame away and another frame that may pose the same problem. Another problem often found with many, if not all, of the backing on frames presently available is the possibility of moisture build up inside the frame which can damage the photograph.

Thus, it would be advantageous for one purchasing a picture frame if there were a frame with a hard backing and stand that would not warp or bend and one which could prevent the build up of moisture inside the frame.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect the present invention provides an apparatus for use with a picture frame. The apparatus comprises a backing member for such picture frame, such backing member having each of a predetermined thickness, length and width and made of a first predetermined material and a plurality of apertures formed completely through the backing member for preventing moisture build up in such picture frame.

In a second aspect the present invention provides in combination with a picture frame having a predetermined size and formed of a first predetermined material, the improvement comprises a backing member for such picture frame, such backing member having each of a predetermined thickness, length and width and made of a second predetermined material and a plurality of apertures formed completely through the backing member for preventing moisture build up in such picture frame.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide a picture frame backing that will not retain moisture.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a picture frame backing that has vent holes formed therein.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a picture frame backing that can be made in various sizes.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a picture frame backing that is made of hard clear plastic.

It is another object of the invention that such picture frame backing has a stand member disposed on an outer surface for permitting such picture frame to stand.

It is still another object of the present invention that such stand permit the frame to stand in either a vertical direction or a horizontal direction.

These and various other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent after a full reading of the following detailed description, particularly, when read in conjunction with the attached drawings as described below and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention showing the backing for the frame.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 as it would be mounted in a picture frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED AND ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Prior to proceeding with the more detailed description of the present invention it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity, identical components which have identical functions have been designated by identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawings.

In a first aspect the present invention provides an apparatus, generally designated 10, for use with a picture frame 2. The apparatus 10 comprises a backing member 4 for such picture frame, such backing member 4 having each of a predetermined thickness, length and width and made of a first predetermined material and a plurality of apertures 6 formed completely through the backing member 4 for preventing moisture build up in such picture frame 2.

Such apparatus 10 further includes a stand member 8 disposed on an outer surface of and hingedly connected to the backing member 4 for permitting such picture frame 2 to stand one of in a substantially vertical direction and a substantially horizontal direction. Such stand member is made of a second predetermined material.

It is presently preferred that such first predetermined material used for the backing member 4 is plastic and it is also preferred that such plastic be relatively hard. Further, such plastic can be one of colored or clear, it is preferred that it be clear.

Such plastic is selected from one of polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride, with polypropylene being the preferred plastic. It is also preferred that such first predetermined material and such second predetermined material are substantially identical.

Such backing member 4 further includes at least one attachment means, generally designated 20, for permitting the picture frame to be hung on a wall. It is preferred that there are two attachment means 20 on such backing member 4.

One of the two attachment means 20 is disposed at substantially a midpoint on one side closely adjacent an upper end thereof while another of the two attachment means 20 is disposed at substantially a midpoint on an adjacent side closely adjacent an upper end thereof.

Such attachment means 20 can includes at least one of a sawtooth bracket, a ring, a half moon ring and a loop for engagement with a projection from a wall surface. Drawing FIG. 1 shows the backing member 4 with the half moon ring 12 disposed on the back. However, the other listed attachment means 20 could also be used.

In a second aspect the present invention provides in combination with a picture frame 2 having a predetermined size and formed of a first predetermined material, the improvement comprises a backing member 4 for such picture frame 2. Such backing member 4 having each of a predetermined thickness, length and width and made of a second predetermined material and a plurality of apertures 6 formed completely through the backing member for preventing moisture build up in such picture frame 2.

The combination further includes a stand member disposed on an outer surface of and hingedly connected to such backing member for permitting such picture frame to stand one of in a substantially vertical direction and a substantially horizontal direction. The stand member is made of a second predetermined material.

As stated previously it is preferred that such second predetermined material is plastic. It is also preferred that such first predetermined material and such second predetermined material are different. This is because the frame can be made of any type of material and it can be made of wood, metal, plastic or even glass.

Such backing member 4 further includes at least one attachment means 20 for permitting the picture frame 2 to be hung on a wall. And it is preferred that such backing member 4 includes two attachment means 20, one of the two attachment means 20 is disposed at substantially a midpoint on one side closely adjacent an upper end thereof while another of the two attachment means 20 is disposed at substantially a midpoint on an adjacent side closely adjacent an upper end thereof. This permits the picture frame 2 to be hung in a substantially vertical direction or in a substantially horizontal direction depending on the picture.

While a presently preferred embodiment and alternate embodiments of the present invention has been described in detail above, it should be understood that various other adaptations and/or modifications of the invention can be made by those persons who are particularly skilled in the art without departing from either the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for use with a picture frame, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a backing member for such picture frame, said backing member having each of a predetermined thickness, length and width and made of a first predetermined material; and

(b) a plurality of apertures formed completely through said backing member for preventing moisture build up in such picture frame.

2. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus further includes a stand member disposed on an outer surface of and hingedly connected to said backing member for permitting such picture frame to stand one of in a substantially vertical direction and a substantially horizontal direction, said stand member is made of a second predetermined material.

3. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said first predetermined material is plastic.

4. The apparatus, according to claim 3, wherein said plastic is relatively hard.

5. The apparatus, according to claim 3, wherein said plastic is one of colored and clear.

6. The apparatus, according to claim 5, wherein said plastic is clear.

7. The apparatus, according to claim 3, wherein said plasticis selected from one of polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride.

8. The apparatus, according to claim 5, wherein said plastic is polypropylene.

9. The apparatus, according to claim 8, wherein said second predetermined material is substantially identical to said first predetermined material.

10. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said backing member further includes at least one attachment means for permitting said picture frame to be hung on a wall.

11. The apparatus, according to claim 10, wherein said apparatus include two attachment means.

12. The apparatus, according to claim 11, wherein one of said two attachment means is disposed at substantially a midpoint on one side closely adjacent an upper end thereof while another of said two attachment means is disposed at substantially a midpoint on an adjacent side closely adjacent an upper end thereof.

13. The apparatus, according to claim 10, wherein said at least one attachment means includes at least one of a sawtooth bracket, a ring, a half moon ring and a loop for engagement with a projection from a wall surface.

15. In combination with a picture frame having a predetermined size and formed of a first predetermined material, the improvement comprising:

(a) a backing member for said picture frame, said backing member having each of a predetermined thickness, length and width and made of a second predetermined material; and

(b) a plurality of apertures formed completely through said backing member for preventing moisture build up in said picture frame.

16. The combination, according to claim 15, wherein said apparatus further includes a stand member disposed on an outer surface of and hingedly connected to said backing member for permitting such picture frame to stand one of in a substantially vertical direction and a substantially horizontal direction, said stand member is made of a second predetermined material.

17. The combination, according to claim 15, wherein said second predetermined material is plastic.

18. The combination, according to claim 15, wherein said first predetermined material and said second predetermined material are different.

19. The combination, according to claim 15, wherein said backing member further includes at least one attachment means for permitting said picture frame to be hung on a wall.

20. The combination, according to claim 19, wherein said backing member includes two attachment means, one of said two attachment means is disposed at substantially a midpoint on one side closely adjacent an upper end thereof while another of said two attachment means is disposed at substantially a midpoint on an adjacent side closely adjacent an upper end thereof.