Picture frame system with gooseneck support

Abstract

A picture frame system comprises a base, a flexible gooseneck extending from the base, a mount and a trim panel disposed at an end of the gooseneck away from the base. The gooseneck is a jointed, articulated tube with a resiliency sufficient to support a load defined by the mount, trim panel, and a picture. Optionally, a plurality of flexible goosenecks can extend from the base and each can have a different axial length. Also optionally, the mount and trim plate can be configured so that the trim panel is magnetically seatable on the mount for retaining the picture between the mount and the trim panel.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to picture frame systems and, more particularly, picture frames that are arbitrarily and sculpturally positionable relative to a supporting base.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A variety of decorative picture frames are known in the art yet there remains room for improvements.

[0003] One embodiment of a prior art picture frame comprises a base and at least one stem supported by the base. The stem is typically formed from a solid rod of soft material such as brass or nickel. A spring clamp similar to a paper clip is disposed at the end of the stem opposite from the base. To display a picture, the user inserts the picture into the clamp. This action has at least three deleterious effects. First, the picture develops a curvature due to the clamp exerting pressure on the picture. Second, after extended periods the clamp causes depressions in the picture's surface; these depressions remain after removal from the picture frame and forever mar the picture. Thirdly, the clamp necessarily blocks a portion of the picture, thereby detracting from the viewing pleasure of the user.

[0004] Should a user of this prior art picture frame desire to reposition a picture they may bend the stem to a new location. The stem may subsequently be bent to a new position or returned to a position approximating its original position. However, a problem in the prior art is that the stem inherently has a degree of plasticity and is not capable of being repositioned without retaining a degree of deformity. Therefore, after multiple repositioning, the appearance of the stem degrades. Additionally, the deformed areas weaken the stem and can lead to failure--i.e., snapping of the stem.

[0005] In particular, there is a need for an aesthetic picture frame that can retain pictures without marring them and that can be freely positioned by a user, without kinking or otherwise deforming, to suit the user's aesthetic desires. The present invention satisfies this and other needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a picture frame system comprises a base providing support for a flexible gooseneck extending from the base. The flexible gooseneck is a resilient, jointed, articulated tube. At an end of the flexible gooseneck away from the base is disposed a mount and a trim panel. The trim panel is positionable relative to the mount and capable of retaining a picture between the panel and mount. The flexible gooseneck has a resiliency sufficient to support a load defined by the mount, trim panel, and picture at a plurality of positions.

[0007] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a picture frame system comprises a base providing support for a plurality of flexible goosenecks. Each one of the goosenecks comprises a resilient, jointed, articulated tube. At an end of each gooseneck away from the base is disposed a mount and a trim panel. The trim panel is positionable relative to the mount and is configured to retain a picture between the panel and mount. The flexible gooseneck has a resiliency sufficient to support a load defined by the mount, trim panel, and picture at a plurality of positions.

[0008] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a picture frame system comprises a base providing support for a plurality of flexible goosenecks, each gooseneck each being comprised of a resilient, jointed, articulated tube, as described above. Further, each flexible gooseneck has an axial length, as measured between the base and the mount, which may be different from at least one of the other flexible goosenecks.

[0009] In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, a picture frame system comprises a base providing support for at least one flexible gooseneck. At an end of the flexible gooseneck away from the base is disposed a mount and a trim panel. According to this aspect of the invention, the mount is made of either a magnetic or a ferromagnetic material. The trim panel is magnetically seatable on the mount for retaining the picture between the mount and the trim panel. These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention can be understood further with regard to the Drawings and Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a picture frame system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0011] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a picture frame system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0012] FIG. 3a is an enlarged exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the invention taken at detail 3 of FIG. 1;

[0013] FIG. 3b is an enlarged exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the invention taken at detail 3 of FIG. 1; and

[0014] FIG. 4 is a enlarged exploded perspective view of a flexible gooseneck of a picture frame system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] By way of overview and introduction, a picture frame system in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The picture frame system comprises a base 20, a flexible gooseneck 30, a mount 40 and a trim panel 50. These components cooperate to support a picture 60 in a plurality of positions relative to the base 20.

[0016] The base 20 preferably has a mass which is sufficient to overcome any turning moments created when the picture 60 is cantilevered out beyond an edge E of the base 20, as illustrated in FIG. 1, and thus prevent the base 20 from tipping. Optionally, a pad 21 is affixed to an underside of the base 20 to protect a surface upon which the base 20 may be seated. For example, the pad 21 can be a woven fabric, a non-woven fabric, cork, rubber, a polymer, or non-abrasive material.

[0017] In the illustrated embodiment, the base 20 further includes a stem 22, that extends from the base and which is sized to receive a portion of the gooseneck 30. FIG. 1 illustrates a second stem 122 that supports a second gooseneck 130; however, the invention is not so limited. Rather, a single gooseneck 30 or multiple goosenecks 30, 130, etc. can be provided within the scope of the present invention.

[0018] The flexible gooseneck 30 permits users to position their pictures 60 anywhere over a wide range of positions relative to the base 20. Thus, users may express their individual artistic ability by presenting their picture in a position which is aesthetically pleasing to themselves, as well as other viewers. Embodiments comprised of multiple flexible goosenecks 30, 130 offer the user even more self-artistic expression by enabling the user to create a three dimensional montage of their pictures. This embodiment permits users to juxtapose their pictures to create an artistic composition which presents the images in a manner most pleasing to the user.

[0019] Instead of a stem 22, the base 20 can be provided with an aperture 24 (e.g., in an upper surface thereof), with the aperture 24 sized to receive the gooseneck 30.

[0020] The flexible gooseneck 30 comprises a jointed, articulatable tube that extends along an axial length between first and second ends. An exemplary gooseneck, as illustrated in FIG. 4, is formed from two coaxially positioned, loosely-wound springs. Each spring having a pitch defining a spacing between consecutive windings. Outer spring 32 has a rectangular cross section and its pitch approximates or equals the cross section of inner spring 34. The inner spring has a circular cross section and its pitch approximates or equals the cross section of the outer spring. The inner diameter of outer spring 32 and the outer diameter of inner spring 34 are sized such that inner spring 34 fits snugly within, and pressably against, outer spring 32. The two springs are positioned together in a manner which allows inner spring 34 to be viewed through the pitch of outer spring 34. the inner spring is typically, and preferably, stiffer than the outer spring. Other cross sections or constructions of goosenecks are possible.

[0021] One end portion of the gooseneck is connected to the base 20, e.g., by seating in a stem 22, FIG. 3a, or an aperture 24, FIG. 3b. Other known bonding methods (e.g., rivets, welding, soldering, adhesives, etc.) can be used to connect the gooseneck to the base. With reference to FIG. 1, a second end portion of the gooseneck, opposite the first portion, is connected to a mount 40. The picture 60 is seated on the mount 40. The articulatable tube of the flexible gooseneck 30 has a resiliency which is sufficient to support a load imposed by the mount 40, the trim panel 50, and the picture 60. In particular, the flexible gooseneck 30 demonstrates its resiliency by having the characteristic capability of recovering its shape after deformation. With this resiliency, a user can freely position a mounted picture 60 relative to the base 20. More particularly, a load defined by the mount 40, trim panel 50, and picture 60 together is insufficient to cause the flexible gooseneck 30 to sag or otherwise change its position from that selected by the user.

[0022] With further reference to FIG. 1, a series of arrows have been drawn to illustrate a few of the arbitrary bends that can be imparted to the gooseneck 30. Some of the bends, such as indicated by arrows A, B, and C can be imparted directly to the gooseneck 30 by the user grasping the gooseneck and bending it in his or her hand. Other ways of bending the gooseneck and positioning the picture include grasping the mount 40 and rotating the mount as indicated by arrows D and F, which causes bending of the gooseneck due to the coupling between the mount and gooseneck in the preferred embodiment.

[0023] Referring now to FIG. 2, a preferred mount for the picture 60 comprises a planer surface 42 (upon which the picture 60 is seated) and a planer trim panel 50 which has a surface 52 that is brought into contact or proximity with the mount 40. The mount further comprises a countersunk hole in planar surface 42 and a screw with a countersunk head for joining the planar surface with the second end portion of the gooseneck. Conventional adhesives or other known bonding methods (e.g., rivets, welding, soldering, etc.) can be used to connect the planar surface to the second end portion of the gooseneck.

[0024] Preferably, the mount is made of a material that is either magnetic or ferromagnetic, that is, a material that is attracted to a magnetic material. More preferably, the mount is made of a ferromagnetic material and the trim panel 50 includes a magnet 54 that engages the mount 40 when the trim panel is seated on the mount. Multiple magnets 54 can be provided around the periphery of the trim panel, 50 or the entire trim panel 50 can include a magnetic portion or be made of a magnetic material. When the trim panel 50 is engaged to the mount 40, the picture 60 is retained therebetween.

[0025] While the preferred embodiment has been described in connection with a magnetic seat, other mechanisms for seating the picture 60 on the mount 40 are within the scope of the present invention, including conventional mechanical engagements of the trim panel 50 and the mount 40.

[0026] With further reference to FIG. 2, the mount 40 further includes a stem 44 that is sized to receive the second end portion of the gooseneck 30. As described above in connection with the base 20, the gooseneck 30 can be secured at its second end portion via the stem 44, an aperture in the mount 40 (not shown), or by other mechanical means such as a clip.

[0027] As noted above, plural goosenecks 30, 130, etc. can be provided and supported from a common base 20. When plural goosenecks are provided, each gooseneck can have a different axial length than another. The variations in axial lengths can add to the aesthetic appeal of the picture frame system 10.

[0028] While the invention has been described in connection with certain preferred embodiments thereof it is not limited to such embodiments but rather is defined by the scope of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

We claim:

1. A picture frame system, comprising: a base; a flexible gooseneck comprising a jointed, articulatable tube having a first portion extending from the base; a mount disposed at a second portion of the flexible gooseneck remote from the first portion; and a trim panel positionable relative to the mount for retaining a picture between the trim panel and the mount, wherein the mount, trim panel and picture define a load and wherein the jointed, articulatable tube of the flexible gooseneck has a resiliency sufficient to support the load in a plurality of articulated positions.

2. The picture frame system of claim 1, wherein the mount is made of one of a magnetic and a ferromagnetic material and wherein the trim panel is magnetically seatable on the mount to retain the picture.

3. The picture frame system of claim 1, wherein the mount is made of a ferromagnetic material and wherein the trim panel includes a magnetic portion permitting the trim panel to be magnetically seated on the mount to retain the picture.

4. The picture frame system of claim 3, wherein the magnetic portion of the trim panel comprises at least one magnet affixed to the trim panel.

5. The picture frame system of claim 4, wherein the magnetic portion of the trim panel comprises two or more magnets affixed to the trim panel.

6. The picture frame system of claim 1, further comprising a stem extending from the base and sized to receive the first portion of the flexible gooseneck.

7. The picture frame system of claim 1, further comprising a pad attached to the base for protecting a surface upon which the base may be seated.

8. The picture frame system of claim 7, wherein the pad comprises one of a woven fabric, a non-woven fabric, a cork, a rubber, and a polymer.

9. A picture frame system, comprising: a base; a first flexible gooseneck comprising a jointed, articulatable tube having a first portion extending from the base; a second flexible gooseneck comprising a jointed, articulatable tube having a first portion extending from the base; a mount disposed at a second portion of each respective flexible gooseneck remote from a respective first portion; and a trim panel positionable relative to each mount for retaining a picture between the trim panel and the mount, wherein the mount, trim panel and picture define respective loads for the first and second flexible goosenecks and wherein the jointed, articulatable tube of each gooseneck has a resiliency sufficient to support a respective one of the loads in respective, plurality articulated positions.

10. The picture frame system of claim 9, wherein the first and second flexible goosenecks each have a respective axial length as measured between the base and the mount and wherein the axial lengths of the first and second flexible goosenecks differ from one another.

11. The picture frame system of claim 9, wherein each mount is made of one of a magnetic and a ferromagnetic material and wherein each trim panel is magnetically seatable on a respective mount to retain the picture.

12. The picture frame system of claim 9, wherein each mount is made of a ferromagnetic material and wherein each trim panel includes a magnetic portion permitting the trim panel to be magnetically seated on a respective mount to retain the picture.

13. The picture frame system of claim 12, wherein the magnetic portion of each trim panel comprises at least one magnet.

14. The picture frame system of claim 12, wherein the magnetic portion of each trim panel comprises two or more magnets.

15. The picture frame system of claim 9, further comprising first and second stems extending from the base and sized to receive a respective first portion of the first and second flexible goosenecks.

16. The picture frame system of claim 9, further comprising a pad attached to the base for protecting a surface upon which the base may be seated.

17. The picture frame system of claim 16, wherein the pad comprises one of a woven fabric, a non-woven fabric, a cork, a rubber, and a polymer.

18. A picture frame system, comprising: a base; a flexible gooseneck having a first portion extending from the base; a mount disposed at a second portion of the flexible gooseneck remote from the first portion, the mount being made of one of a magnetic and a ferromagnetic material; and a trim panel magnetically seatable on the mount for retaining a picture between the trim panel and the mount.

19. The picture frame system of claim 18, further comprising: a second flexible gooseneck having a first portion extending from the base; a second mount disposed at a second portion of the second flexible gooseneck remote from the first portion thereof, the mount being made of one of a magnetic and a ferromagnetic material; and a second trim panel magnetically seatable on the second mount for retaining the picture between the second trim panel and the second mount.

20. The picture frame system of claim 19, wherein the flexible gooseneck has a first axial length as measured between the base and the mount and the second flexible gooseneck has a second axial length as measured between the base and the second mount, and wherein the first and second axial lengths differ from one another.