Modular Picture Frame System

Abstract

A modular picture frame system is disclosed and includes at least one base frame and a plurality of secondary frames. The base frame and each secondary frame include permanent magnets disposed on the frames to allow releasable attachment of the secondary frames to the base frame, or to other secondary frames which are attached to the base frame. The base frame is affixed to a wall or other surface upon which the frames are to be displayed. However, the secondary frames are not affixed to the wall but are only attached by way of the magnets directly or indirectly to the base frame. Accordingly, the secondary frames may be arranged or rearranged in any configuration with respect to the base frame.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/523,041, filed Jun. 21, 2017, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to picture frames for photographs, works of art, documents and other items, and more particularly to a system of individual picture frames which are releasably attachable to one another, such as by magnets, to permit quick and easy rearrangement thereof.

BACKGROUND

Picture frames are commonly used to mount, display and protect photographs, artworks, documents or other items. Most picture frames are comprised of an outside margin that borders the photograph, artwork, document or other item, a transparent pane or sheet that fits within the outside margin and which serves to protect the photograph, artwork, document or other item, and a back plate. The photograph, artwork, document or other item may be mounted by the removal of the back plate, the insertion of the photograph, artwork, document or other item behind the transparent pane or sheet, the placement of the back plate over the back side of the photograph, artwork, document or other item and the securing of the back plate in place. The transparent pane or sheet, the photograph, artwork, document or other item, and the back plate typically will fit into a recess in the outside margin. The assembly of the transparent pane or sheet, the photograph, artwork, document or other item, and the back plate is typically secured by wedging the assembly against the recess in the outside margin with a fastener. The picture frame may then be displayed on wall or other surface by attaching a length of wire to the back plate, and stringing the wire over a nail or other protrusion on a wall. Other means of hanging a picture frames are well known such as the use of hooks and/or holes.

There are many known picture frames which allow for formation of a collage of photographs, artworks, documents or other items. Typically, these frames include a mat with multiple apertures for displaying a specific number of photographs, artworks, documents or other items. These frames are generally inflexible because they have a predetermined number and arrangement. In addition, the particular arrangement generally cannot be altered without a great deal of difficulty.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,432,152 and 4,912,863 relates to a modular frame which may be connected to other frames. However, these modular frames require a connecting bar that runs along behind the connected frames.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,588,240 relates to a picture frame system in which multiple picture frames can be mechanically interlocked with one another.

U.S. 2009/0100732 relates to other display devices.

U.S. 2010/0229439 relates to a magnetic system for picture frames.

U.S. 2012/0285060 relates to picture frames that can be coupled together in a variety of configurations.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one aspect, one embodiment of the invention, a modular frame system includes at least one base frame and a plurality of secondary frames. Each base frame includes a plurality of sides, and each side includes a plurality of permanent magnets disposed thereon. The base frame also includes means for attaching the base frame to a surface upon which the frames are to be displayed. Each of the secondary frames includes a plurality of sides. A plurality of permanent magnets is disposed on each side of each secondary frame, and each side of each secondary frame is magnetically attachable to a side of another secondary frame or a side of a base frame. Only the base frame is attachable to the surface upon which the frames are to be displayed

In an embodiment of this aspect, the base frame and all of the secondary frames reside in substantially a same plane when attached to one another and displayed on a surface.

In other embodiments of this aspect of the invention, each magnet on any one side of the base frame has the same polarity as other magnets disposed on that one side of the frame, and all the magnets on any one side of each secondary frame have the same polarity. Furthermore, in another embodiment, the number of sides of each secondary frame is the same as the number of sides of the base frame and of all other secondary frames. In yet another embodiment, each secondary frame is free of means for attachment to a surface upon which the base frame and the secondary frames are to be displayed.

In another aspect of the invention, a modular frame system includes two base frames and a plurality of secondary frames. The two base frames are positioned closely adjacent to one another and are substantially aligned with one another when attached to a surface upon which the frames are to be displayed. Each of the base frames comprises a plurality of sides, and a plurality of permanent magnets disposed in each side. Each magnet on any one side of the base frame has the same polarity as the other magnets on that side of the base frame. Both base frames include means for attaching the base frame to a surface upon which the frames are to be displayed. There are two sets of secondary frames, a first set being associated with and coupled directly or indirectly to a first base frame and a second set being associated with and coupled directly or indirectly to a second base frame. Each of the secondary frames includes a plurality of sides. Each side of each secondary frame includes a plurality of permanent magnets in which all the magnets on any one side of each secondary frame have the same polarity. Each side of each secondary frame is magnetically attachable to a side of another secondary frame in the same set of frames or to a side of an associated base frame. Each secondary frame is attached only to its associated base frame or to other secondary frames in the same set of secondary frames, and not to the surface upon which the frames are to be displayed.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a modular frame system includes one base frame, a plurality of secondary frames and means for attaching only the base frame to a surface upon which the frames are to be displayed. The secondary frames are each releasably attached to another secondary frame or to the base frame in a manner that allows the secondary frames to remain attached to another secondary frame or to the base frame while mounted on the surface but which permits the secondary frames to be pulled apart manually from the other secondary frames or the base frame to which it is attached without use of a tool.

In an embodiment of this aspect, the secondary frames are releasably attached to another secondary frame or to the base frame with magnets. In another embodiment of this aspect, the base frame and all the secondary frames lie in substantially the same plane when attached to the surface upon which the frames are to be displayed, the plane being generally parallel to the surface upon which the frames are to be displayed.

Yet another aspect of the invention comprises a method for displaying frames on a surface. This method includes providing at least one base frame having a plurality of sides, and having a plurality of permanent magnets disposed on each side thereof. The method also includes attaching the base frame to the surface upon which the frames are to be displayed and providing a plurality secondary frames having a plurality of sides, each side of the secondary frames having a plurality of permanent magnets disposed thereon. The method further includes releasably attaching all of the secondary frames either directly or indirectly to the base frame using only the permanent magnets disposed on the sides of the base and secondary frames and not attaching any of the secondary frames directly to the surface upon which the base and secondary frames are to be displayed.

In an embodiment of the this aspect, the method includes changing a location of at least one of the secondary frames with respect to the location of the base frame after the base frame is attached to the surface upon which the frames are to be displayed, without changing the location of the base frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

The accompanying figures are not intended to be to scale. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every figure. Various embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of a modular picture frame system of the invention mounted on a wall or other surface;

FIG. 2 is a front view of another embodiment of a modular picture frame system of the invention mounted on a wall or other surface;

FIG. 3 is a front view of another embodiment of a modular picture frame system of the invention mounted on a wall or other surface;

FIG. 4 is a front view of another embodiment of a modular picture frame system of the invention mounted on a wall or other surface;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary frame of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a right side view of the base plate of the frame of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a front view of another exemplary embodiment of a frame of the invention; and

FIG. 8 is a left side view of the frame of FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The illustrative embodiments described herein are not necessarily intended to show all aspects of the invention. Aspects of the invention are not intended to be construed narrowly in view of the illustrative embodiments. It should be appreciated that the various concepts and embodiments introduced above and those discussed in detail below may be implemented in any numerous ways, as the disclosed concepts and embodiments are not limited to any particular manner of implementation. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the invention may be used alone or in any suitable combination with other aspects of the invention.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a modular picture frame system in which the frames are releasably attachable to one another and can be rearranged in almost any desired configuration. In another aspect of the invention, the frames of the system are attached to each other by means of magnets embedded in the outer frame members. In a further aspect of the invention, a single base frame is provided to which all the other frames may be attached either directly or indirectly. In yet another aspect of the invention, two base frames are provided, and the remaining frames are attached to one or the other or both of the two base frames, either directly or indirectly. In another further aspect of the invention, typically the base frames are connected directly to a wall or other surface on which the frames are to be displayed, while the remaining frames are only attached to adjacent frames and are unattached to the wall or other surface. In yet another further aspect of the invention, all of the base and secondary frames lie in substantially the same plane which is generally parallel to the wall or other surface on which the frames are to be displayed.

In many existing picture frame systems, if one were to build a collage, the individual photographs, works of art, documents or other items either alone or within frames, must be attached to a wall, or to a single background which is then hung from a wall or other surface. If it is desired to rearrange the configuration of the collage, this can prove difficult, as each individual picture or picture frame must be detached from its location, moved and then reattached. Such reattachment can prove cumbersome and time consuming, and the resulting arrangements require careful planning.

These problems are overcome by the present modular picture frame system, in which only a base or master frame is connected to a wall or other surface upon which the frames containing photographs, works of art, document or other items are to be displayed. The rest of the frames in the assembly or system of frames are attached either directly to the base frame, or are attached to another frame which itself is attached to a base frame so that the frames are all attached either directly or indirectly to a base frame. These frames are releasably attachable to one another and to the base frame, so that the frames may be rearranged, separated or reattached at a different location easily and quickly, to allow a user to try various configurations before a final configuration is settled upon. In one embodiment, the frames are releasably attachable to one another through the use of magnets embedded in the frames.

Turning now to the drawing figures, embodiments of the invention will be described in further detail.

FIG. 1. Illustrates one embodiment of one aspect of the modular picture frame system 10 of this invention. System 10 includes a master or base frame 12 and a plurality of slave or secondary frames, such as frames 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22. Base frame 12 may be mounted to a wall 30 or other surface upon which the frames are to be displayed. The remaining secondary frames 14-22, in one embodiment, are not affixed in any way to wall 30 or other surface on which the frames are to be displayed. Rather, each of frames 14-22 is releasably attached to base frame 12, or to another frame which itself is releasably attached directly or through another frame to base frame 12. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, frame 16 is attached along a left side to a right side of frame 14 and to a top side of frame 12. Frame 18 is attached along a left side to a right side of frame 16. Frame 20 is attached along a left side only to a right side of frame 18. Frame 22 is attached to a bottom side of frame 14, and to a left side of base frame 12. Typically, each of the frames may be directly attached to another frame without any intervening connecting piece. All directions of left, right, top and bottom are shown with reference to FIG. 1. All of frames 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22 of system 10, in one embodiment, lie in substantially the same plane, which is generally parallel to wall 30.

Another embodiment of the modular picture frame system of this invention is illustrated in FIG. 2. System 40 includes frames 42, 44, 46, 48, 50 and 52. In the embodiment as illustrated, frame 48 is the base frame. However, it is to be understood, that frame 46 could also be the base frame, instead of frame 48. In this embodiment, frame 44 is attached along a right side to a left side of frame 46. Frame 42 is attached along a right side to a left side of frame 44, but is not attached to frame 46. Frame 46 is attached along a bottom side to a top side of frame 48. Frame 50 is attached along a left side to a right side of frame 48 but is not attached to frame 46. Frame 52 is attached along the top side only to a bottom side of frame 50. Typically, each of the frames may be directly attached to another frame without any intervening connecting piece. All directions of left, right, top and bottom are shown with reference to FIG. 2. In one embodiment, all of frames 42, 44, 46, 48, 50 and 52 of system 40 lie in substantially the same plane, which is generally parallel to wall 30.

Another embodiment of the modular picture frame system of this invention is illustrated in FIG. 3. System 54 includes frames 56, 58, 60 and 62. In this embodiment, either frame 58 or frame 60 could be the base frame which is mounted directly to wall 30 or other surface upon which the frames are to be displayed. In this embodiment, frame 56 is attached along a right side to a left side of frame 58, and partially along a bottom side to a top side of frame 60. In addition, frame 58 is attached along a bottom side to the top side of frame 60 and along a right side to a left side of frame 62. Frame 62 is attached along a left side to a right side of frame 58 and to a right side of frame 60. Typically, each of the frames may be directly attached to another frame without any intervening connecting piece. All directions of left, right, top and bottom are shown with reference to FIG. 3. In one embodiment, all of frames 56, 58, 60 and 62 of system 54 lie in substantially the same plane, which is generally parallel to wall 30.

Another aspect of the modular picture frame system of this invention is illustrated in FIG. 4 in which two base frames may be used. System 66 includes base frames, 68 and 70, and respective associated secondary frames 69 and 72. Typically, although not necessarily, base frames 68 and 70 are mounted next to one another and in direct contact with one another along one side. However, it is to be understood, that frames 68 and 70 also could be spaced from one another and/or could be offset either up or down with respect to one another so that they are not perfectly aligned. In this embodiment, each secondary frame 69 may be attached either directly to base frame 68, or may be attached to other secondary frames 69 which are themselves are attached either directly to base frame 68, or are attached to base frame 68 through other frames 69, as discussed above with respect for FIGS. 1-3. Similarly, secondary frames 72 may be attached either directly to base frame 70, or may be attached to other secondary frames 72 which are themselves attached either directly to base frame 70 or are attached to base frame 70 through other frames 72, as discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1-3. Typically each of the secondary frames 69 and 72 may be attached to an associated base frame 68 and 70 or another secondary frame directly without any intervening connecting piece. In one embodiment, all of frames 68, 69, 70 and 72 of system 66 lie in substantially the same plane, which is generally parallel to wall 30.

In each of the embodiments of FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, there are shown five secondary frames which are associated with one base frame and which are attached either directly or indirectly to that base frame. It is to be understood, however, that a greater or lesser number of secondary frames may be used in conjunction with any single base frame. The actual number of secondary frames to be used depends upon the strength of the bonding between the frames, the size of the frames and aesthetic factors which are to be evaluated by the user. Similarly, in FIG. 3, three secondary frames are illustrated as being used in conjunction with one base frame. However, it is to be understood that more or fewer secondary frames may be used depending upon, again, the aesthetics as well as upon the strength of the bonding between the frames and the size of the frames. The invention is not intended to be limited to the number of secondary frames that are associated with one base frame.

Each of the frames illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 may be used to hold a photograph, a document, a work of art, a cloth item, a medal or any other item to be displayed. This invention is not intended to be limited to just the display of photographs. In addition, any types of photograph may be used in conjunction with this invention. The nature of the photograph will determine the size of the frame, as the photograph should typically conform to the size of the frame, and extend to the borders of the frame. For example, the photographs may be 4 inches by 6 inches. Another example is a Fuji Instax photograph. A further example is a Polaroid photograph. It is to be understood that other photographs and other sizes of photographs may be employed depending upon the size of the frame and the desired aesthetic effect to be produced.

In the embodiments illustrated above, all of the frames have either a rectangular or square shape with four sides. It is to be understood, however, that triangular-shaped frames, octagonal-shaped frames or frames with other configurations may be used depending upon the nature of the item to be displayed and the desired aesthetic effect.

One embodiment of a frame of this invention will now be described with respect to FIG. 5. Frame 80 may serve as either a base frame or a secondary frame. Frame 80 may include a base plate 92 and an outer frame piece 90. Base plate 92 typically includes sides 82, 84, 86 and 88. Side 84 may be spaced from and generally parallel to side 88 and may be referred to as a top side, while side 88 may be referred to as a bottom side. Sides 82 and 84 may be referred to as lateral sides, and may be spaced from and parallel to one another. Base plate 92 may include a recessed portion 102. Recessed portion 102 is bounded by a raised shoulder 104 which may extend along and generally parallel to sides 82, 84, 86 and 88. The inner surface 98 of shoulder 104 may be generally perpendicular to the surface of recessed portion 102 and may be parallel to the outer surfaces of sides 82, 84, 86 and 88. Base plate 92, in one embodiment, is formed as a unitary structure which includes sides 82, 84, 86 and 88, recessed portion 102, shoulder 104 and inner surface 98. In one embodiment, base plate 92 is molded from a plastic material. Base plate 92 may also be formed of wood, a non-magnetic metal or any other solid, non-magnetic material. Outer frame piece 90 is removable from base plate 92 to allow insertion and placement of a photograph, document, work of art or the like 83 between outer frame piece 90 and base plate 92. Typically, in one embodiment, outer frame piece 90 includes a lip 100 extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane of base plate 92 and parallel to inner surface 98 of shoulder 104. Lip 100, when pressed against base plate 92, may form a friction fit with the inner surface 98 of shoulder 104 to hold outer frame piece 90 in place on base plate 92. Typically, this friction fit occurs along all of sides 82, 84, 86 and 88. In other embodiments, the friction fit may only be produced along two sides, such as sides 82 and 86 or sides 84 and 88. This friction fit allows easy removal of frame piece 90 for replacement or rearrangement of the item 83 displayed therein. In another embodiment, instead of or in addition to a friction fit, lip 100 or portions of lip 100 may be formed of a magnetic material and held in place by a magnet disposed in base plate 92, or in one or more of sides 82, 84, 86, and 88.

If frame 80 is a base frame, base plate 92 includes means for attachment of base plate 92 or another portion of frame 80 to a wall 30 or other surface upon which the modular picture frame system is to be displayed. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the attachment means include one or more screws 88 which allow removable attachment of base plate 92 to the wall 30 or other surface. Preferably, two screws 88 are provided to stabilize the position of base plate 92 on wall 30 and to prevent movement thereof. Screws may be aligned parallel to one of slides 82, 84, 86 or 88 and be spaced from one other. As shown in FIG. 5, in one embodiment, screws 88 are inserted through holes (not shown) in base plate 92, and screwed into wall 30. In one embodiment, a cutout 106 in recess 102 is provided to accommodate the heads 90 of screws 88 so that heads 90 do not extend above the surface of recess 102 and interfere with an item disposed within recess 102. In other embodiments, other well-known attachment means may be employed to affix base plate 92 or other portions of frame 80 to a wall 30 such as glue, hook and loop fasteners, magnets, picture wire used with a hook, or other commonly used attachment means. In other embodiments, such as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, screws 88 or 47 may not be aligned parallel to a frame side, but may be located at other locations on base plate 92, such as at the corners of recessed portion 102, along a diagonal extending between corners of base plate 92, or at any other locations on base plate 92.

If frame 80 is a secondary frame, frame 80 would have no attachment means associated with it, or would be free of any attachment means, or at least would not be attached or attachable to wall 30. A secondary frame 80 may or may not be provided with a cutout 106.

In one embodiment, a level indicator 94 may be provided in shoulder 104 of base plate 92, typically along upper side 84. Level indicator 94 is conventional and may include a gas bubble in a fluid that provides an indication of when side 84 is level. The use of level indicator 94 allows placement of frame 80 in a desired orientation. If frame 80 is a secondary frame, it may not be provided with level indicator 94.

As noted above, all of the secondary frames are releasably attached to the base frame or other secondary frames. In one embodiment, the secondary frames are magnetically attached to one another and/or to a base frame to allow quick and easy detachment and rearrangement of the secondary frames, while at the same time providing a sufficiently strong bond to prevent the secondary frames from accidentally separating or falling from wall 30. In other embodiments the secondary frames may be releasably attached to one another and to a base frame using other attachment means, such as hook and loop fasteners, adhesives that provide a tight release, hooks, or other suitable devices that provide a releasable attachment. One example of another suitable attachment device is a click system, such as a LEGO® click system, such as that described in Column 2, lines 8-12 of U.S. Pat. No. 7,625,261 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,005,282 at column 1, line 68—column 3, line 33. Both U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,625, 261 and 3,005,282 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Any such devices which provide a releasable attachment, should, in one embodiment permit a user to manually separate one frame from another without the use of a tool while still holding the frames together when mounted on a wall or other surface under normal use.

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of the manner in which the secondary frames are magnetically attached to a base frame and to one another. In this embodiment, each side of the frame is provided with one or more pole or bar magnets. FIG. 5 illustrates this concept with respect to both a secondary frame and a base frame. Frame 80, which can be either a base frame or a secondary frame, includes three magnets 95 in side 82, three magnets 93 in side 86 (see FIG. 6), three magnets 97 in side 88 and three magnets 99 in side 84. Magnets 95 may all display the same polarity and are shown in FIG. 5 as having a south pole facing outwardly from side 82. Similarly, magnets 93 may all display the same polarity and are shown in FIG. 6 as having a north pole facing outwardly from side 86. Magnets 97 may all display the same polarity and are shown in FIG. 5 as having a south pole facing outwardly from side 88. Finally magnets 99 may also display the same polarity and are shown in FIG. 5 as having a north pole facing outwardly from side 84.

Another embodiment of a secondary frame of this invention is illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8. Frame 120 may be comprised of four sides, 122, 124, 126 and 128. Frame 120 may be comprised of four sides, 122, 124, 126 and 128. FIG. 8 illustrates side 124 of frame 120. As can be seen, in one embodiment, three magnets 130 are disposed in side 122, three magnets 132 are disposed in side 124, three magnets 134 are disposed in side 126 and three magnets 136 are disposed in side 128. Each of magnets 130 may display the same polarity on side 122 facing outwardly away from frame 120. The same is also true for magnets 132, 134 and 136. As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, each of magnets 132 in side 124 may display a south pole facing outwardly away from frame side 124; each of magnets 136 in side 128 may display a north pole facing outwardly away from frame side 128; each of magnets 134 in side 126 may display a north pole facing outwardly away from frame side 126; and each of magnets 130 in side 122 may display a south pole facing outwardly away from frame side 122.

However, it is to be understood, that each of these sets of magnets could display the opposite outwardly facing polarity. While three magnets on each side 130, 132, 134 and 136 are shown in these embodiments, one of skill in the art would understand that as few as one magnet could be used on each side, or many more than three magnets could be used for each side, depending on the size and weight of the frames and the number of frames that are to be ultimately attached to a base frame. In one embodiment, each of magnets 93, 95, 97, 99, 130, 132, 134 and 136 is flush with the outer surfaces of respective sides 86, 82, 88, 84, 122, 124, 126 and 128. However, these magnets could also be slightly recessed with respect to the outer surface of their respective sides or they could also protrude slightly from the outer surface of their respective sides. If the magnets were to protrude from the outer surface of the sides of the fames, a slight spacing between adjacent frames would result, which may not always be desirable. Regardless of the number of magnets, the spacing of the magnets, or the positioning of the magnets with respect to a frame, in one embodiment, each base frame and each secondary frame would have the same number of magnets on each side, and each side of each frame would have the same spacing between the magnets.

One of skill in the art would understand that for the secondary frames to be attachable to a base frame and to one another, the sides of two frames to be attached to one another must have magnets with opposite polarities facing outwardly. In other words, if side 82 had magnets displaying a south polarity facing outwardly, a frame side to be attached to side 82 would have to display the north polarity facing outwardly. Also, to allow frames to be attached to one another in any desired arrangement, opposite sides of each frame may have opposite polarity magnets facing outwardly. For example, if side 82 of frame 80 includes magnets with a south polarity facing outwardly. side 86 would include magnets having a north polarity facing outwardly. Similarly, if side 88 included magnets with a south polarity facing outwardly, side 84 would have magnets with a north polarity facing outwardly. In this way, once the base frame is in place, the secondary frames can simply be rotated into a position that allows sides of opposite polarity to face one another.

In other embodiments, it is to be understood that all magnets along any one side of a base frame or a secondary frame need not have the same outwardly facing polarity. In such an embodiment, typically only two magnets are disposed along each side of each base frame, and the two magnets may have opposite outward facing polarities. In such an embodiment, the secondary frames which are to be attached to the base frame also would have only two magnets, but the position of the polarities of the magnets would be reversed with respect to the base frame. In other words, if the base frame had a north polarity magnet at the bottom of the frame facing outwardly, a corresponding secondary frame to be attached thereto would have a north outwardly facing polarity disposed at the top of the frame, and a south outwardly facing polarity disposed at the bottom of the frame. In such an embodiment, there would be limits on the locations to which a secondary frame could be moved with respect to the base frame, or with respect to other secondary frames.

In FIG. 5, if the outer frame piece 90 is held in place magnetically, lip 100 may be formed, or at least include portions formed, of iron, steel or some other magnetic material. In this embodiment, magnets 93, 95, 97 and 99 may be sufficient to hold the outer frame piece 90 in place magnetically either in addition to, or in place of a fiction fit between lip 100 and inner surface 98.

Other embodiments of the invention will now be described with respect to FIG. 7. Each frame, including a secondary frame and a base frame, may include small indentations 150, typically along sides 122 and 126 into which the edges of a photograph, document, work of art or other item or object may be inserted to retain it in place. It is to be understood, that indentations (not shown) along sides 124 and 128 could also be provided in addition to or in place of indentations 150 along sides 122 and 126. In addition, to facilitate removal of any such photograph, document, work of art or other item, one or more holes 140 may be provided that pass through base plate 142 of frame 120. Such a hole or holes may be used both with a secondary frame and with a base frame. An object, such as a pin, a screwdriver or other pointed or small object may be inserted through hole 140 from the back side of base plate 142 to push the photograph, drawing, artwork, document or other item away from base plate 142 to facilitate its withdrawal from indentations 150 and removal from the frame.

Both base frames and secondary frames may be made of any material that is suitable for use in this invention. Examples would include wood or molded plastic. In embodiments in which the frames are held together magnetically, the frames should be made of some material that is not magnetic. It is understood, however, that the outer frame piece 90 and lip 100 thereof could be made either partially or entirely of a magnetic material to allow it to be held in place by magnets in the base plate.

It is also to be understood, that the particular arrangement of secondary frames around a base frame is limited only by the number of frames to be used, the strength of the means holding the frames together, and by the imagination of the user. There are many possible arrangements that are within the scope of the invention, and the particular arrangements illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 are exemplary only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

In another aspect, a method of the present invention will now be described with particular reference to FIG. 1. It is to be understood, however, that the method of this invention would apply equally to the configurations disclosed in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4. In a method for displaying frames on a surface, at least one base frame 12 is provided. Frame 12 has a plurality of sides, and each side includes a plurality of permanent magnets. This base frame 12 could be the same as base frame 12 described with respect to FIG. 1 or it could be one of frames 48, 58, 60, 68 or 70 as described in other portions of the application. Frame 12 is attached to wall 30 or another surface upon which the frames are to be displayed. The method also includes providing a plurality of secondary frames, such as frames 14-22, shown in FIG. 1, each of which has a plurality of sides. Each side of each secondary frame includes a plurality of permanent magnet disposed thereon, or mounted therein as described above with respect to secondary frames 14-22. All of secondary frames 14-22 are releasably attached or attachable either directly or indirectly to base frame 12 using only the permanent magnets disposed on the sides of base frame 12 and secondary frames 14-22. None of the secondary frames is attached to wall 30 or any other surface upon which the frames are to be displayed. Base frame 12 may be attached to wall 30 in the same manner as described with respect to FIG. 1 in this application, or in any other conventional way. Secondary frames 14-22 may be free of any attachment means which would allow attachment of the secondary frames 14-22 to wall 30 or other surfaces upon which the frames are to be displayed. However, in other embodiments, secondary frames 14-22 may have means for attachment to wall 30 or other surfaces upon which they may be displayed, but such attachment means are not employed. As a result, the location of one or more of the secondary frames 14-22 may be changed or rearranged with respect to the location of base frame 12 at any time after base frame 12 is attached to wall 30 or any surface upon which the frames are to be displayed. This rearranging of the frames may be accomplished simply by pulling any one of secondary frames 14-22 away from base frame 12 or another secondary frame 14-22 to which it is releasably attached to release the magnetic attachment of one frame to the other. The secondary frame 14-22 is then moved to another location by placing the secondary frame in close proximity to another secondary frame 14-22 or base frame 12 to allow the magnets in the frames to attract one another and hold the moved secondary frame 14-22 in position. This movement may be accomplished without changing the location of base frame 12 on wall 30.

While the present teachings have been described in conjunction with various embodiments and examples, it is not intended that the present teachings be limited to such embodiments or examples. On the contrary, the present teachings encompass various alternatives, modifications and equivalents, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art. Accordingly, the foregoing descriptions and figures are by way of example only.

Claims

1. A modular frame system comprising:

at least one base frame comprising: a plurality of sides; a plurality of permanent magnets disposed on each side thereof; and means for attaching the base frame to a surface upon which the frames are to be displayed;

a plurality of secondary frames, each secondary frame comprising: a plurality of sides; and a plurality of permanent magnets disposed on each side of each secondary frame, each side of each secondary frame being magnetically attachable to a side of another secondary frame or a side of a base frame; wherein only the base frame includes means for attaching to the surface upon which the frames are to be displayed

2. The modular frame system of claim 1, wherein the base frame, and all of the secondary frames reside in substantially a same plane when attached to one another and displayed on a surface.

3. The modular frame system of claim 1, wherein each magnet disposed on a one side of the base frame has a same polarity as other magnets disposed on the same one side of the base frame.

4. The modular frame system of claim 3, wherein each magnet disposed on the one side of each secondary frame has a same outwardly facing polarity as other magnets disposed on the same one side.

5. The modular frame system of claim 1, wherein each secondary frame has a same number of sides as a number of sides of the base frame and all other secondary frames.

6. The modular frame system of claim 1, wherein each secondary frame is free of any means for attaching the secondary frame to a surface upon which the base frame and the secondary frames are to be displayed.

7. A modular frame system comprising:

only two base frames disposed closely adjacent to one another and substantially aligned with one another, each base frame comprising: a plurality of sides; a plurality of permanent magnets disposed in each side thereof, all of the magnets on any one side of the base frame having the same polarity as other magnets on that one side of the base frame; and means for attaching each base frame to a surface upon which the frames are to be displayed;

two sets of secondary frames, a first set of secondary frames being associated with and coupled to a first base frame, either directly or indirectly, and a second set of secondary frames being associated with and coupled to a second base frame, either directly or indirectly, each secondary frame comprising: a plurality of sides; a plurality of permanent magnets disposed in each side of each secondary frame, all of the magnets on any one side of each secondary frame having the same polarity as other magnets on that one side, each side of each secondary frame being magnetically attachable to a side of another secondary frame in that same set of frames, or to a side of an associated base frame; and each secondary frame being attached only to its associated base frame, or to other secondary frames in the same set of secondary frames, and not to the surface upon which the frames are to be displayed.

8. A modular frame system comprising:

only one base frame;

a plurality of secondary frames; and

means for attaching only the base frame to a surface upon which the frames are to be displayed;

each secondary frame being releasably attached to another secondary frame or to the base frame in a manner that allows the secondary frames to remain attached to another secondary frame or to a base frame while mounted on the surface, but which permits the secondary frames to be pulled apart manually from the other secondary frames or the base frame to which it is attached without use of a tool.

9. The modular frame system of claim 8, wherein the secondary frames are attached to the base frame or another secondary frame with permanent magnets.

10. The modular frame system of claim 8, wherein the base frame and all the secondary frames lie in substantially a plane when attached to the surface upon which the frames are to be displayed, the plane being generally parallel to the surface.

11. A method for displaying frames on a surface, comprising:

providing at least one base frame having a plurality of sides and a plurality of permanent magnets disposed on each side thereof;

attaching the base frame to the surface upon which the frames are to be displayed;

providing a plurality of secondary frames having a plurality of sides, each side of each secondary frame having a plurality of permanent magnets disposed thereon; and

releasably attaching the secondary frames either directly or indirectly to the base frame using only the permanent magnets disposed on the sides of the base frame and the secondary frames, and not attaching any of the secondary frames directly to the surface upon which the base frame and the secondary frames are to be displayed.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising changing a location of at least one of the secondary frames with respect to the location of the base frame after the base frame is attached to the surface upon which the frames are to be displayed without changing the location of the base frame